Interview: Celebrity Chef Carla Hall Dishes On Quaker Partnership and New Max Series ‘Chasing Flavor’  

Carla Hall may not have won season five of Bravo’s Top Chef, but she’s been winning ever since. In fact, the effervescent Nashville native’s star has continued to rise. Her culinary talents have taken her to unimaginable heights. 

From sought-after caterer and restaurateur to author and network TV personality, Hall has been cooking up a variety of ways to whet the appetites of those who crave her delectable dishes, southern charm and on-screen charisma.

Now, she’s teaming up with Quaker to donate $250,000 to GenYouth, a nationally recognized youth health and wellness nonprofit, to help tackle food insecurity among children. She’s also working with the brand to bring an unparalleled culinary, sports, entertainment and philanthropic experience at Taste of the NFL, presented by Frito-Lay, Quaker, and the PepsiCo Foundation, which takes center stage during Super Bowl LVIII Weekend.  

In addition to manifesting a relationship with her dream brand, she’s also gearing up to take audiences on an entertaining and enlightening culinary journey with her new show, Chasing Flavor, which premieres today on Max.

I recently caught up with Carla to learn all about her partnership with Quaker, her favorite game day snack, who she’s rooting for in the Big Game, and more. 

Check out our Q&A below: 

BGG: Tell me about your partnership with Quaker. 

Carla Hall: Well, my Quaker partnership is two-fold. My friends know I was the unofficial Quaker Oats girl. I had Quaker on my vision board to work with them. So, it’s one of the organizations that I wanted to work with. I was already a founding board member since GenYouth’s inception. 

So, this campaign came out of that relationship because Quaker was going to give GenYouth $250,000 to further their work for childhood hunger and food insecurity. So, it’s like my worlds came together and it is so authentically me and who I am and the things that I’m already doing. So, I am here to basically use my platform to say the other things that Quaker is doing and that they are passionate about with GenYouth. So, everything’s coming together. 

BGG: Tell me about your upcoming participation with the Taste of the NFL.

CH: So, the Taste of the NFL has been going on for about 30 years. They’re working to make it special. They’re bringing in other chefs and local chefs, as well as Andrew Zimmern, Tim Love, Mark Bucher, Lasheeda Perry, and me. 

We are the chefs who work with GenYouth in addition to all these other chefs. It is a fun event. It’s like any other food taste event, but with a twist and giving back (proceeds will be donated to GenYouth). I’m excited to see some of the football players. I won’t know their names, but I’ll be standing alongside Eli Manning when I present this big check from Quaker to GenYouth. So, that’ll be fun. 

BGG: What dish will you be making at the Taste of the NFL?

CH: I am making a croquette dish made with Doritos, ham and cheese — so that’ll be super fun. Again, I’m just excited to taste and to meet the local chefs. I’m looking forward to tasting the culture of Nevada and how that food is indigenous and what that culture tastes like — especially on the heels of my new show Chasing Flavor. So, I’m excited to see how they’re going to express themselves.

BGG: Speaking of your upcoming show, Chasing Flavor, which premieres February 1 on Max, what was your inspiration behind it?

CH: So, I was talking to someone at a dinner party and told them that when I have car service and the driver is from another country, instead of asking, “how are you?” I ask, “what foods do you miss from home?” And I just watch their faces light up. 

The person who was at the dinner party told a friend of his who was the president of a production company. Then, I get a call saying, ‘Hey, I think that’s a show.’ It literally happened like that. It’s about celebrating our differences and honoring all the cultures who had a hand in a dish. And as a Black woman, I know a lot of our contributions have been lost and not told. 

BGG: What do you want viewers to take from “Chasing Flavor?”

CH: After watching the show, I want people to want the thing. I want them to want the ice cream, shrimp and grits, al pastor or chicken pot pie. I want them to want that thing because the cinematography is so great. But also, I want them to realize that they can’t separate the culture from the dish. You can’t say, ‘oh, I like Mexican food, but I don’t like Mexicans.’ It all comes together. You have to realize that food comes with culture and people. 

BGG: How did you come up with the locations that you wanted to visit?

CH: We started with the dish. We were looking for dishes that had a deep and varied story where we could sort of dig in and get into the juicy story — but we also shot it during the pandemic. So, we were limited in terms of where we went, especially abroad because of quarantine protocols. So, there were a lot of places that we couldn’t go. For instance, when we were talking about barbecue, we wanted to go to Korea, but we couldn’t go. 

BGG: What was your favorite place to visit for the show? 

CH: My favorite place? It’s hard. It’s between the fried chicken or the hot chicken journey. It started in Nashville, and it took me to Accra, Ghana. 

I also love the al pastor journey because I don’t really have a connection to al Pastor and tacos. I grew up in Tennessee! My tacos were hard coming from a box (laughing). And so, understanding that story and talking to people, I saw the effects — like the butterfly effect. It started out a tragedy, but what we wanted to show was that out of this tragedy, something beautiful came out of it.

BGG: Going back to the Big Game, what’s your favorite thing to make for the snack-centric event?

CH: So, I think you must have your dips and everything. Everybody has dips. You have your cold dips, and you have hot dips. And generally, these dips should be from pantry items. I am a big fan of hummus, but it doesn’t have to be chickpeas. I make hummus out of black-eyed peas. You can also make hummus out of black beans. So, you just choose a bean, throw in some roasted garlic, tahini and olive oil, and you have a beautiful dip. 

Also, you can do any kind of dip with sour cream and a soup packet and then throw in some vegetables. 

BGG: Is there any other dish that you enjoy making for the game?

CH: I would also do some kind of chili. So, the Quaker Playbook, has 32 recipes inspired by the NFL teams. I made the Quaker baked oatmeal and it’s almost like a cupcake, but you can have that as bread. You can also have it at a dessert station. You can add chocolate sauce or fruit sauce. 

BGG: I know your home team, the Tennessee Titans, aren’t in the Big Game, but who will you be rooting for next Sunday? 

CH: I’m always rooting for the team with the ball (laughing). I’ve watched more football since I’ve been married than I have in my entire life. I love the joy that happens around the game. I love the food that happens. I love the Taste of the NFL. I love all the things that happen around the game. I love it! 

What’s your favorite Big Game snack?

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MasterChef Junior Live! Tour Cooks Up Family Fun at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn

Last week, I told you about the MasterChef Junior Live! Tour my family and I planned to attend. Well, it took place yesterday and it was awesome. Held at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, the two-hour event based on the popular FOX TV show was a recipe for an unforgettable good time. 

Interactive and entertaining, the show took attendees on a culinary journey chock-full of fun cooking demonstrations, engaging videos from past cast members and hilarious commentary. Hosted by Maclain Dassati, the high-energy New York City-based emcee/comedian kept the audience in stitches and focused on the fan-favorite contestants’ mouthwatering masterpieces. Wondering what cooks were in the kitchen?  Season 8 contestants: A’Dan, Molly, Liya, and Grayson participated in the live stage pressure cooker. 

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Since we had incredible seats (editor’s note: there are no bad seats at Kings Theatre), we could smell the dishes’ tantalizing aromas wafting throughout the venue. Although my family and I ate an early dinner prior to the event, the food invigorated my senses, in turn, reactivating my appetite. Thankfully, the concession stand was open and fully stocked with a variety of yummy bites to choose from including, caramel chocolate balls, candy bars, and the quintessential snack: buttered popcorn. While the treats satisfied my hunger, they still didn’t quell my craving for the dishes the MasterChef Junior chefs were whipping up right before my eyes. 

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The show started with the young home cooks preparing appetizers with scallops as the star, followed by a protein-rich second course, and culminating with a classic dessert. The latter put their cupcake decorating skills to the test, with the help of some eager crowd participants. 

From fried chicken and waffles to pork and spinach dumplings, the contestants created some wonderfully inventive dishes that looked and smelled delicious — my only wish is that I was able to be taste them! Overall my family and I had a fantastic time at MasterChef Junior Live! and would highly recommend checking out if it comes to a city near you.

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My children attending MasterChef Junior Live! at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn on October 9, 2022.

For tickets and more information, please click here.

What live stage performances have you enjoyed so far this year with your family?

How to Make a Candy Cake Tower for Birthdays or Special Events

My daughter, Ava, has been allergic to eggs all her life. I remember the first time she tasted scrambled eggs — I was so excited to feed her something new. Little did I know that she would break out in hives immediately following those first few bites. Fast forward 12 years later and my baby girl still can’t eat them. Not even in baked goods. Needless to say, she has never had her own birthday cake.  I know, I know… I could’ve given her a vegan option, but she was never interested. Well, this year I took matters into my own hands and made her a cake that I knew she’d love — one made out of candy!

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I got the idea of making a candy cake tower after seeing one online at Dylan’s Candy Bar. Being a crafty and creative person, I thought it would be a lot more fun to make my own. Plus, it would give me the opportunity to customize her cake with some of her favorite sweet treats. To say I had a blast shopping and putting her candy cake together would be an understatement!

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My hard work and passion paid off — Ava absolutely loved it! In fact, she and her brother MJ couldn’t believe that I made it. They were beyond impressed and in complete awe of the confectionery wonder.

It was such a big hit, I thought I’d share how I made it with you guys. Below, please find the simple step-by-step instructions and materials you’ll need to make your own candy cake tower!

Materials you’ll need: 

  • Candy (all your child’s favorites)
  • 3-piece round cake foams  (I purchased mine from Amazon)
  • Large piece of cardboard
  • Hot glue gun
  • 1 Paper towel roll
  • Scissors
  • Ribbon
  • “Happy Birthday” cake topper

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Instructions: 

Step 1: Plug in your hot glue gun.

Step 2: Sort your candy.

Step 3: Cut out a large circular piece of cardboard (Ideally 12-14 inches).

Step 4: Cut one paper towel roll in half (you’ll need two halves or you can use two toilet paper rolls).

Step 5: Glue the large cake foam onto the cardboard.

Step 6: Wrap decorative ribbon around the paper rolls; covering them entirely. Glue the remaining ribbon piece to keep in place.

Step 7:  Glue one of the paper rolls onto the largest cake foam.

Step 8: Place the medium size cake foam on top of the paper roll.

Step 9: Glue the other paper roll on top of the medium size cake foam.

Step 10: Place the small size cake foam on top of the paper roll.

Step 11: Start glueing your preferred pieces of candy to the cardboard because this will be used as the decorative base.

Step 12: Affix your candy onto the tower by working your way from bottom to top.

Step 13: Insert lollipops and cake topper into the top cake dummy for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Have you ever made a candy cake? If not, would you? 

 

10 Things to Do and See in San Francisco

When it comes to west coast destinations, San Francisco tops the list of must-see cities. The bustling metropolis is 400 miles north of warm and sunny Los Angeles, but is just as enticing as the City of Angels.

With countless dining options, cultural attractions, sprawling parks and outdoor spaces, San Francisco is more than a tech hub. Sure, it’s home to all our favorite app and digital companies like Facebook and Twitter, but the Bay Area has so much more to offer.

Whether you’re in the mood to shop, sightsee or indulge in a bit of rest and relaxation, San Fran has you covered.

Read on to learn more about my first trip and top picks for visiting the Golden Gate City.

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Walt Disney Family Museum
Ever since attending Disney’s Social Media Celebrations a few years ago, I’ve become obsessed with the House of Mouse. So, getting a peek inside the creative mastermind behind one of the world’s most prolific brands was nothing short of amazing. With priceless Disney artifacts, early sketches and tons of personal memorabilia, the 40,000-sq-ft museum is teeming with rich history. If you’re a true Disney fan, learning about the man responsible for bringing unprecedented magic to so many lives is a stop you can’t miss.

Located: 104 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94129

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Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD)
Who doesn’t enjoy museums? They’re always chock-full of exhibits with interesting relics and captivating nuggets that make you stop, think and reflect. The Museum of the African Diaspora is no different. As an avid lover of African-American history, this gem puts Black art on full display. With shows that speak to our culture in America and beyond, the museum is a true testament to our talent and unyielding perseverance. During my visit, I checked out famous paintings, intriguing sculptures and walked away with a wealth of newfound knowledge.

Located: 685 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105

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Onsen Bath & Restaurant
After a nearly 6-hour cross-country flight, I was ready to unwind upon my arrival. My first stop after settling into my hotel was taking a dip at Onsen, a hidden Japanese bathing house/restaurant. Unfamiliar with onsens? Don’t worry, I was too. Basically, the word describes hot springs in Japan, but also lends itself to bathing facilities. In this case, it’s essentially a communal hot tub, ideal for decompressing. This particular onsen also has a sauna and steam room, which was a pleasant surprise. Plus, it also offers relaxing treatments and soothing massages to melt your stress away. While I didn’t indulge in dining, the restaurant portion of the space serves a wide range of Japanese favorites.

Located: 466 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94109

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Union Square
Didn’t pack enough clothes for frolicking around San Fran? Don’t fret, Union Square is the answer to all your fashion needs. From Forever 21 to Fendi, this popular shopping district is the premiere place to find pieces to match your style and budget. Plus, there are tons of street performances to keep you entertained in between your shopping spree.

Located: Union Square park is between Geary and Post and Powell and Stockton.

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International Smoke
Steph Curry might be the king of the basketball court, but his wife Ayesha Curry is the queen of the kitchen. The 30-year-old entrepreneur is co-partner of one of San Francisco’s hottest restaurants, International Smoke. Serving up American fare infused with ahem, smoke, the hotspot is located in the heart of downtown. With dishes like cedar-smoked salmon and of course irresistible barbecue, patrons will come hungry and leave happy. Be sure to order the signature cornbread appetizer (thank me later).

Located: 301 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105

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Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s most quintessential sights. And, for good reason. The waterfront locale is replete with delicious street vendor bites, souvenir stores, and even a dazzling carousel. It’s the perfect place to eat, shop and see. Plus, history buffs can get a glimpse of the infamous Alcatraz Island, which formerly housed military and federal prisons.

Located: 100 Jefferson Street (if using GPS), San Francisco, CA 

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Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
When it comes to satisfying my sweet tooth, fortune cookies are my fave. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always enjoyed the crispy, wafer-like cookies after a Chinese meal (and without a Chinese meal). That’s why I had to make my way to the famous Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. Located in the city’s Chinatown area, the unassuming factory is tucked away in an alleyway that’s easy to pass up if you’re not paying attention. Once inside, you won’t need a fortune to predict the delight. Visitors can watch fresh cookies being made and even sample different flavors. And of course, you can purchase some for the road.

Located: 56 Ross Alley, San Francisco, CA 94113

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Alamo Square/The Painted Ladies
Everywhere you look, everywhere you look… (singing)
If you’re not familiar with “Full House,” then stop reading. Ok, keep reading, but if you’re not feeling nostalgic after singing that catchy theme song in your head, we can’t be friends. If you’re like most Americans and recall the popular ‘80s/‘90s sitcom, chances are you’ll recognize the Painted Ladies. While the name may not ring a bell, that’s what the pastel-colored, Victorian and Edwardian houses during the show’s opening credits are called. With a trek to Alamo Square, you can get an up-close-and-personal look at the park and pretty homes the Tanners gleefully picnicked in front of.

Located:  Steiner St &, Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94117

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Retro Trolley Rides
No trip to San Francisco is complete without a ride on the iconic trolleys. Skip traffic and hop on one of these old-fashioned cable cars to reach your destination in a practical, yet retro style. Invented nearly 150 years, this unique transit system makes commuting fun and harkens back to simpler, less hectic times. Plus, with fares under $8 bucks, it’s a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to ride.

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Golden Gate Bridge
Nothing says San Francisco quite like the Golden Gate Bridge. The reddish (which is actually orange) structure is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Spanning 4,200 feet, the famous bridge connects the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Be sure to grab your phone or camera to snap #obligatory selfies with the beloved landmark in the background. Trust me, after a trip to SF, no social media feed is complete without this timeless shot.

Have you ever visited San Francisco? If so, what are some of your favorite tourist attractions?

‘Pip’s Island’ Puts Your Child in the Center of a Unique Immersive Adventure + Q&A with Co-Creator Rania Ajami

Family entertainment is changing. Immersive experiences are taking hold and Pip’s Island is a prime example of where engaging, interactive fun for children is heading. Located steps from Times Square in New York City, the sprawling multi-level space is the perfect spot to embark on the incredibly unique journey.

The hour-long adventure is a one-of-a-kind hybrid performance that successfully blends powerful storytelling, digital gadgetry, animation, captivating space design and music into one unforgettable theatrical experience. From dance breaks to puppetry to problem-solving scenarios, the innovative production puts your child (ages 10 and under) in the center of it all.

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Tiny explorers are sent on a heroic quest to save the island from an evil villain, with obstacles at every turn. Led by an effervescent park ranger and Pip — the show’s central character — the mini explorers encounter a wondrous cast of personalities.

While kids are the main attractions, accompanying adults are far from left out. In fact, we’re referred to as the assistant explorers. With a little help from us here and there, the kids walk through several scenes with various activities that ladder up to five empowering pillars: activate, investigate, build, imagine and connect. Each of the experiences has a teachable moment that resonates with children. Throughout the mission, the mini explorers are called by name (thanks to the handy nametags) to assist with tasks. This is a nice touch that parents will appreciate because it creates a sense of belonging and personalization within a group setting.

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Photo by Paul Mariano

To say my kids (ages 5 and 9) loved the experience would be an understatement. My son, Marcus, was tasked with the job of carrying the treasured handbook throughout the experience. Let’s just say he took his responsibility very seriously! My daughter enjoyed steering the ship in one setup, as well as the enthralling storytelling and eye-catching details of each design space.

As a mom who’s always on the hunt for fun family activities to do in the city, Pip’s Island tops my list of recommendations. If you’re looking for a memorable, unique and entertaining way to unlock your child’s imagination, this is it!

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I recently caught up with Rania Ajami, one of the co-founders behind this fascinating venture. Read on to learn more about what sparked the creation of Pip’s Island and what visitors can expect.

BGG: What was your inspiration behind creating Pip’s Island?
Rania Ajami: Being a mother was my greatest inspiration. Plus, my background is in filmmaking and storytelling. It was just having my own kids and seeing that there’s really nothing out there that was enriching and unique for children. I was also frustrated by the fact that I’d have to book a lesson or schedule something. There weren’t many options outside of the usual offerings of the museum, etc.

BGG: What was your mindset when conceptualizing the brand?
RA: We wanted to create a children’s brand where any child would feel that it’s enriching. In fact, there are children that sometimes they show up and they’re timid or they’re scared, but when they go through the entirety of the journey, they come out feeling so happy about themselves. We’re really about making kids feel like heroes.

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Photo by Paul Mariano

BGG: What can visitors expect when exploring Pip’s Island?
RA:  It’s a true hero’s journey for children where they are part of the entire unfolding of the story. From the moment they enter our submersive world upstairs, they move through these very rich multi-sensorial environments. They are met by actors who are different characters from our world. And from the get-go they’re given a mission to save the island. In every room you have a task, the story unfolds, and you really become wrapped up in the world and journey. We’ve had children walk out and say that it felt like they had walked into a book.

BGG: We know that it’s an interactive, immersive experience for kids, but how do adults factor into the experience and what can they expect?
RA: The emphasis is really on the kids, but the design, music and the script are also done in a way that grownups enjoy it. There’s humor that grownups get that the kids don’t. We want it to feel entertaining, like a Pixar movie for everyone.

BGG: How would you describe Pip’s Island in three words?
RA: Wonder, empowerment, and magic.

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Photo by Paul Mariano

BGG: How did you come up with the name Pip’s Island? Is there any significance, background or history connected to that name?
RA: For us, Pip is the hero of the story. Ultimately, only he can defeat the bad guy. But the idea of Pip came many years ago when we were thinking of something that represented new life. So, that’s where we came up with this boy’s name being Pip. Sort of the beginning of this island, life and nature.

BGG: What surprised you the most when creating Pip’s Island? Was there anything that surprised you that you weren’t expecting?
RA:  The empowerment element was the most surprising. When we first started we didn’t realize that kids would come out feeling as if they found this inner power. When we saw that in our very first workshop, we thought, ‘Wow that’s the key to this!’ So, we began thinking about how to nurture that. How do we bring that about in children? How do we make them feel like they’re part of this expedition and that they’re working with other kids? Everything we’re doing serves this idea that children are the heroes, the stars of the show.

BGG: Why did you choose Times Square for the location?
RA: After I graduated from college, I moved to New York where I earned my master’s degree in film at NYU. After that, I started working as a filmmaker in the downtown theater scene. So, my community of collaborators are here in New York. Again, as a mom living in New York, I was privy to what the city offered for kids. As for the Time Square location, it was almost by chance. It just happened to be a property that was large enough. And the landlord believes in what we’re doing. It just kind of all magically came together.

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Photo by Paul Mariano

BGG: What’s the biggest takeaway you want visitors to have upon leaving Pip’s Island?
RA: We want kids to realize that they all have an inner star, unmatched power and amazing potential. We want them to know that they can come back again and again. It isn’t just a show that you just go and see once. The whole idea is that there are many adventures that will constantly change. We want people to know that we’re a children’s brand that offers so much more than just seeing a one-time show.

BGG: What’s next for Pip’s Island?
RA: One thing we’ve been developing alongside the experience is this very large mythological world. Right now we’re working on a comic book and other books. The idea is that kids will come back and there will be different adventures that they’ll go on during their visit to the island.

Pip’s Island is located 400 W. 42nd Street, New York, NY. Visit Pip’s Island for tickets and more information.

Have you ever visited Pip’s Island? How do you keep your kids engaged and entertained beyond a typical trip to the movies or museum?

Review: Our Night at the American Museum of Natural History Sleepover

In a city as large as New York, parents are never at a loss for finding fun stuff to do with their children. As a mom of two, I’ve definitely done my fair share of cool kid outings in the Big Apple. From Broadway shows to historic sites to sporting events, we’ve attended and visited countless interesting, entertaining and culturally-rich places the city has to offer. But nothing compares to our epic “Night at the Museum,” this past weekend.

To say it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience would be an understatement. Our excitement and anticipation of having a sleepover at the American Museum of Natural History, the largest natural history museum in the world, was palpable leading up to the big night.

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The adventure got underway as soon as we packed our slumber bags, hopped on the subway and made our way to the iconic museum for an unforgettable evening. In case you’re unfamiliar with the concept of sleeping in a nature-filled museum, the idea stems from the hit movie franchise, “Night at the Museum,” starring Ben Stiller. In the original movie, the animals and historical artifacts come to life at night. Thankfully, that didn’t happen during our visit.

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Upon our arrival, we participated in the informative orientation, which detailed the night’s order of events. I was pleasantly surprised that the itinerary wasn’t overwhelming and allotted for a lot of free exploration. As we walked through the halls to our sleeping quarters, my 9-year-old daughter was a bit apprehensive, but quickly got used to her surroundings. I mean, I can’t blame her. Being surrounded by stuffed lions, tigers and bears can be a bit frightening at first. Luckily, after the initial fear and shock wore off, she was fine.

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A whale of a time
As we proceeded to the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life (our home for the night), our enthusiasm hit the roof once we saw the massive, 94-foot-long, 21,000-pound blue whale model suspended from the ceiling. The majestic room was filled with ocean creatures like polar bears, walruses and beautiful coral reefs lining the walls. We unpacked our sleeping bags and made our space comfortable with the cots provided.  The realization that we’d be sleeping in one of the most revered rooms in the museum started to sink in, causing  our elation to escalate. After we happily unloaded, we were off to snack time where we were treated to cookies, chips, fresh fruit and drinks. Fueling up on healthy bites was a smart move because we needed sustenance to fully enjoy our fun-filled night.

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Lions, tigers and bears, oh my!
Next, we made our way to the live animal show. My son was super excited to see living creatures up close and personal. And the 45-minute show’s main attractions didn’t disappoint. Kids were able to learn fun and interesting facts about several animals including an owl, snake, eagle and a crocodile. At one point the eagle spread its wings to the audience’s amazement and delight. After feeding our live critter curiosity, we were off to explore some much older elements.

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Finding fossil facts
I didn’t tell my kids much about our sleepover prior to our visit, but I did tell them that we had to bring flashlights! For kids, there’s something about turning on a flashlight that instantly sparks joy and lights up excitement. They were so thrilled when we whipped out our flashlights in hopes of finding some hidden fossil facts. While not exactly a scavenger hunt, the kids were able to learn some pretty awesome tidbits about prehistoric creatures like which dinosaur groups have duckbills and more. Armed with flashlights and scurrying around in search of uncovering dino facts was a huge highlight of the night. My daughter was obsessed with answering all the questions on her fossil-finding quest.

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Movie magic
Following our prehistoric creature lesson, we were invited to watch the museum’s latest 3D feature film, Backyard Wilderness in the LeFrak Theater. Decked out in 3D glasses, we settled into our seats and enjoyed the super entertaining, awe-inspiring and highly-educational film about the beauty of nature and the importance of respecting it at all costs. I especially enjoyed the modern twist that was woven throughout the narrative via a social media lens. The 45-minute movie provided kids and adults alike with fascinating facts about the cycle of life and how we all play a role in our environment and ecosystem.

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A story for the books
After being fully engrossed in an exhilarating film that heightened our senses, it was time to wind down. Dressed in their pajamas, the kids convened on the lower level of the Milstein Hall to hear a bedtime story that inspired the entire event, “The Night at the Museum.” Since my kids had never seen the movie, they were intrigued and enjoyed every minute of the book. Plus, it was the perfect substitute for their nightly bedtime story that they have at home. It was a great way to mellow the kids out so they’d be ready to turn in at midnight.

An enchanted experience
After a surprisingly restful yet chilly night (be sure to pack warm blankets), we woke up to a healthy continental breakfast. Later, we finally made our way to the gift shop for a private shopping experience. My son was over-the-moon walking up and down the aisles on the hunt for a new stuffed toy to join his cherished animal kingdom.

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Even though we’d spent the night in the museum, there was still so much more to see. With more than 30 million specimen on display, we knew we hadn’t even scratched the surface. At any rate, we proceeded to venture into the Hall of the Universe where the kids learned about the solar system, volcanoes and other planet-centric stuff.

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Before the museum re-opened for the public at 10:00 a.m., we made our last rounds and took in everything we could before we headed home. We had a fantastic time that my kids, husband and I won’t soon forget. My expectations were high, but the experience exceeded them. If you ever get the opportunity to participate in the American Museum of Natural History sleepover program, do it. It’s an incredible, wild adventure!

Here are the remaining sleepover dates:

  • May 3, 2019
  • May 10, 2019
  • May 17, 2019
  • June 7, 2019
  • June 14, 2019
  • June 21, 2019

For tickets and more information, please click here.

**Disclosure: My family and I were comped four tickets to visit the museum for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Have you ever visited the American Museum of Natural History? If so, what’s your favorite hall and/or exhibit?

Beautycon NYC 2019: My First Experience

Two weeks ago, beauty lovers descended on the Javits Center in New York City for a fun-filled weekend at Beautycon. Not familiar with Beautycon? Well, it’s the beauty mecca for those who can’t get enough of makeup, cosmetics and the social media stars behind their favorite blogs and video channels.

As a beauty blogger with an endless stash of lipsticks and mascaras, I knew it would be an event I’d enjoy. I was right. Thanks to Dove, I was able to attend the 5th annual event as their guest for an incredible experience that I won’t soon forget.

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The legacy brand invited me as part of their inspiring new campaign, Project #ShowUs, designed to tackle beauty bias and representation. Before the two-day event got underway, I got a sneak peek at Dove’s booth and was able to explore their ingenious activation which celebrates beauty in all forms.

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The brand partnered with Getty Images and Girlgaze to launch the world’s largest stock photo library 100 percent created by women. Throughout the booth, some of the 5,000 photographs of 179 women from 39 countries were on full display for visitors to see.

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In addition to Dove’s interactive booth, they also offered Beautycon attendees free hand massages using their new Body Wash Mousse and Exfoliating Body Polish for smooth, soft skin.

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The two-day convention was comprised of countless innovative beauty activations, fun makeup tutorials, invigorating dance breaks, and inspiring panel discussions.

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All the panels featured industry leaders talking about subjects around race, beauty, inclusion, media and social justice. For example, Dove hosted the panel, “I Deserve to Be Seen: Beauty Bias & Representation,” moderated by former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Elaine Welteroth, with guests from publishing and journalism.

Another interesting panel, “Black Girl Magic On the Big Screen,” featured Marsai Martin, Issa Rae and Regina Hall from the new comedy, “Little,” which discussed beauty standards and what it’s like being a black woman in Hollywood.

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Oh, and did I mention the convention’s headlining guest? Yes, America’s favorite no-holds barred Bronx native, “okurr!” Yep, the one and only Cardi B was on hand to discuss managing finances and fame in the popular “Making Money Moves” session.

And it wasn’t just all makeup and panels. Hair is also a big part of what makes us feel beautiful. Thankfully, the event was chock-full of hair care brands. From SheaMoisture to the Mane Choice, the convention was teeming with well-known and up-and-coming brands to satisfy our hair care cravings.

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Beautycon is a must for those who enjoy all things beauty. For me, it was an honor and privilege to be a guest of a brand that I’ve admired and used for as long as I can remember. Attending Beautycon fortified my self-esteem and restored a bit of confidence that I’ve been lacking these past few months. Hearing uplifting stories and seeing gorgeous images that represent me, I was reminded to embrace and celebrate my own unique beauty!

Have you ever attended Beautycon? If so, how would you describe your experience?