Saturday, February 27, 2016

Engchik for Hire: Live Social Media Coverage of Your Events and Promotions!

Need some help with promotion? Don't have time or energy for a full-on marketing campaign?


I offer Live Social Media Coverage of your events and promotions!
  • I strategically snap & share live photos, video and content of your event, food, guests, speakers, etc and share via your specific social media channels and mine during an event for DOUBLE the exposure!
  • A minimum of FIVE posts per event via all social media platforms agreed upon: Twitter, FaceBook, Pinterest, and Instagram!
  • I can capture and post photos and fresh content of attendees/guests, speakers, celebrities, new products, and more at your events!
  • Lives social media coverage creates a buzz around your event, raises awareness, and have your followers virtually experience the event!
  • Plus- trying to rebrand yourself? Show your social media audience the new look via social media!

(Contact me at engchik@gmail.com for a free consultation for your social media needs. Prices per event may vary.)


Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Sleep Overnight with the Fishies at Adventure Aquarium & Center for Aquatic Sciences' Shark in the Dark

Stingrays glide past me languidly. A large loggerhead sea turtle, Bob, eyes me up before swimming to the surface. A family of seahorses wrap their tails around each other and blink at me. It's just another Friday night. A night- at New Jersey's Adventure Aquarium- for the Shark in the Dark sleepover! The aquarium works with the Center for Aquatic Sciences at Adventure Aquarium to offer this event. 


The Shark in the Dark program brings in scout troops, schools groups and families to stay over at the aquarium, have the whole place to yourself for a few hours, then drift happily off to sleep with vision of sea life swimming in your heads! 

In the morning, you can wake to rested sea life, explore the aquarium and have breakfast. It's truly the most amazing experience. There just a few dates left in February and March so call now!


My group consisted of myself, my good friend Kristi and her awesome kids, Jack and Allison. We arrived in Camden an hour early and went across the stress to a brew pub for dinner. At 6pm, we checked into the aquarium and check in was a breeze. We dropped off our sleep gear in the cafe and off we went to explore- and we had the whole place to ourselves for an hour! All the sea creatures are just amazing, and they are building a new shark bridge to enhance attendees experiences.  We attended a dive show with the diver talking to us and answering questions with a special suit from INSIDE the tank- underwater!
Exploring the Aquarium! Photographs by K Lado. 

We then went to to behind the scenes tour and explored the touch tanks where some funky little shrimp enjoyed climbing on Allison - she is the Shrimp Whisperer! 

Jack enjoyed playing within the kid-friendly exhibits and seeing and touching all the cool sea creatures, especially the tiny sea life and observing the stingrays, frogs, and turtles.

A few other scout groups were there too and everyone was having a great time. After a snack, we explored some more within the shark tunnel, the new blue penguins, and the jellyfish. 


The children loved touching the stingrays and undersea life while getting a super-close view of the new exhibits and tiny fish. 


All too soon, it was time for bed. All attendees are asked to wear comfortable clothes to the event because those are the clothes we all slept in. It gets cold at night here, so I slept in leggings and a under amour shirt with wool socks and I was toasty all night long. 

I'm dreaming of seahorses!

Ready for bed!
Each group is assigned a sleeping area depending on the size of your group.
The four of us slept nestled under the largest tank, watching sharks, turtles, fish and stingrays glide above us bathed in blue-green water. Falling asleep, and waking up next to this amazing tank was awesome.

It's required to bring a sleeping bag and pillow, and I brought my air mattress and softest blanket. I slept so well! 

Per my usual routine, I awoke at 4:45am and just happily watched the sea life. At one point, Kristi awoke and we noticed one sea turtle (there's three- Bob ( a girl), Oreo (so tiny at one point- not anymore!), and Stitches) hovering just above our sleeping area.
Because the lights were turned off within the aquarium...we swore she was watching us!! So we happily waved back! She swam above us for a good 10 minutes before wandering off. 


I decided to get up and wander around a bit, then came back to bed to continue watching this majestic animals. It's really amazing to sleep next to these exhibits- there isn't a bad bed in the house- everyone sleeps near the exhibits with amazing views all night long. 

At 7:00am, we were awoken - Good Morning Aquatic Campers!- and we packed up and headed to breakfast. Again, I commend the staff here for being so professional and organized, which kept everyone else moving along smoothly.

We went looking for the outdoor penguins, but they weren't awake yet, visited the giant porcupine in the hippos area, and went back to say goodbye to our favorites- the sea turtles. We had the opportunity to move our car out of secured parking to the main lot and enjoy the day, but we had other things planned, so off we went!



Amazing night! Photographs by engchik.




The overnight also includes: 

    • Shark-themed Scavenger Hunt
    • Free exploration Time (including Touch Tanks)
    • Shark Talk
    • Behind the Scenes Tour
    • Sleeping throughout the Aquarium 
    • Gift shop and Penguin exhibit open in AM (weather dependent)
    • Morning visit to the African River Experience with the hippos
    • Light evening snack and Continental Breakfast 
    • Souvenir Patch




I urge anyone with kids (or go with your nephews, nieces, friends, or any other kids you can!) to this amazing Shark in the Dark. The opportunity to get up close with marine life, learn more about their habits and educate yourself our taking care of our oceans and earth is so exciting and so important. Save the oceans, educate yourself, and see this fantastic aquarium up close. 

Pre-registration is required. Please visit www.aquaticsciences.org, email overnights@aquaticsciences.org or call 856-361-1018 for available dates, more information or to register.
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:30 am
Cost: $65 per person (Friday Nights) $70 per person (Saturday Nights, starting January 2016)
Ages: 6 - 12


Thanks to the  Adventure Aquarium & Center for Aquatic Sciences staff!!

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Sinus Issues? Nature’s Rite Has Got a Solution

Deep in the throes of winter- you may be trying to escape the cold, or just trying to avoid getting a cold! Thank goodness for Nature’s Rite Sinus Relief- a collection of non- drug nasal sprays that bring relief for your ailments- dry? Fighting a sinus infection or more- these wonderful sprays are all natural and can help stop your sinuses from becoming inflamed or blocked.

My mother has been fighting a sinus infection and using the Congestion Relief™ spray and is finding relief. I have been using the Sinus Support™ spray which soothes and rinses my sinuses- it’s so dry in my office building. 

Plus, flushing out pollution and allergens is very important to staying healthy in a closed- circulated-air environment. These sprays are more than a saline spray and you can spray these all day long for relief to use year – round.

Preventative maintenance for your sinus is very important. These sinus sprays contain 40 ppm pure aqueous colloidal silver and aren’t too expensive- why use drugs or get surgery when a spray is something to try first for relief? Plus, these sprays are portable, safe, and are airline-carryon-safe. There's no side effects that we have experienced, which is good. 


Nature’s Rite aims to treat the problem with a safe and calming solution. Spraying Nature’s Rite All-Natural Sinus Relief into your nose will kill those germs before they even get started!

Natural Sinus Care - Nature’s Rite Sinus Relief

http://mynaturesrite.com/

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

AMC and Cinnabon Partner for Season Two of "Better Call Saul"- Snap a Selfie to WIN!

Fans can snap a selfie to enter for a chance to win a trip to a Better Call Saul event in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Everyone's favorite Cinnabon® bakery manager is back for the second season of the hit AMC drama, Better Call Saul. In the first episode of the new season, airing on Monday February 15 at 10:00 pm ET/PT, Saul (Bob Odenkirk) will return in his present undercover persona, Gene, working as a Cinnabon bakery manager in Omaha, Nebraska.

In celebration of the second season's opening cameo, guests can visit any participating Cinnabon location to enjoy a FREE cup of coffee on Monday, February 15th, 2016.  
The ALL DAY FREE COFFEE GIVE-AWAY ensures fans will be pepped up and ready for the Better Call Saul season premiere.    

In celebration of the season premiere of Better Call Saul, fans can enjoy a FREE cup of coffee at Cinnabon on Monday, February 15th, 2016!

In addition to the FREE coffee day kick-off on the 15th, from now until February 22, 2016, Cinnabon is calling upon Better Call Saulfans to snap their best #SaulSelfie! Simply strike a pose with the life-sized Saul standee located at select Cinnabon bakeries and post the selfie to Twitter using the hashtag #SaulSelfie. One lucky winner and a guest will receive the ultimate fan getaway – a trip to the show's hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they will attend an exclusive Better Call Saul event. For official rules visit http://www.amc.com/saulselfiesweepstakes.

"The positive feedback from our fans after our first appearance in the debut season of Better Call Saul was so tremendous that we're eager to kick off the second season with the same energy," said Joe Guith, president of Cinnabon. "Part of our constant innovation philosophy is bringing the Cinnabon experience to fans in new and unexpected ways. It's incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to surprise fans in relevant areas of pop culture, such as TV and film."

AMC's Theresa Beyer, SVP, Promotion, Activation & Partnerships adds, "We're thrilled to collaborate once again with the amazing team at Cinnabon to give something back to the dedicated and passionate fans of the show. We can't think of a 'sweeter' way to celebrate the return of Saul, Jimmy and Gene." 
For the latest updates from Cinnabon and more details on the #SaulSelfie Sweepstakes, follow the brand on Twitter and Instagramat @Cinnabon, or visit the brand on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/Cinnabon.

About Cinnabon®
Founded in Seattle in 1985 and now based in Atlanta, Cinnabon LLC, a Georgia Limited Liability Company is the market leader among cinnamon roll bakeries. The company serves fresh, aromatic, oven-hot cinnamon rolls, as well as a variety of other baked goods and specialty beverages. Cinnabon® currently operates over 1,200 franchised locations worldwide, primarily in high traffic venues such as shopping malls, airports, train stations, travel plazas, entertainment centers and military establishments. Cinnabon® is also a multi-channel licensor, partnering with other companies to provide brand licensed products at foodservice and retail venues. Visit www.Cinnabon.com for more information, follow on Twitter @Cinnabon or become a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/Cinnabon

About AMC
Whether commemorating favorite films from every genre and decade, or creating acclaimed original programming, AMC brings to its audience something deeper, something richer, Something More. The network reigns as the only cable network in history ever to win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row with "Mad Men," and six of the last eight with back-to-back honoree "Breaking Bad." The network boasts the most-watched drama series in basic cable history and the number one show on television among adults 18-49 for the last three years with "The Walking Dead." AMC's current original drama series include "The Walking Dead," "Better Call Saul," "Hell on Wheels," "TURN: Washington's Spies," "Halt and Catch Fire," "Humans," "Fear the Walking Dead," "Into the Badlands" and the forthcoming "The Night Manager," "Feed the Beast," "Preacher" and "The Son." AMC also explores authentic worlds and discussion with original shows like "Talking Dead," "The Making of The Mob," "Comic Book Men" and the upcoming "Ride with Norman Reedus" and "The American West." AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, SundanceTV, BBC America and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile. AMC: Something More.


CONTACT: Megan Hollett, 212-715-1667, megan.hollett@finnpartners.com
SOURCE: Cinnabon

Thanks to AMC and Cinnabon!
Thanks Megan!



Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Keep Up with Engchik!

Stay connected w me and see what I'm up too- where I'm videoing, writing, eating, visiting!

Plus, I'd love to connect with you too!


Twitter: https://twitter.com/engchik

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/engchik

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/engchik

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/EngchikWrites

Got a place or business to feature?? Email me and we'll talk!

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Are you Ready for Superbowl 50? How to Host the Big Game in Style!

Superbowl 50 is this weekend (Sunday February 7) in the fine city of San Francisco and the Panthers and Broncos will battle to claim the Superbowl title.
So while you are watching the game, rooting for your team and awaiting the crazy and funny commercials, you must serve up game day nibbles in style.

Let’s start with the Great Plate. This ingenuous server does it, keeping dips and finger foods from running into each other plus holds your beverage- always keeping one hand free! Perfect for any entertaining and parties. 
It is dishwasher safe, microwave safe, stackable, storable, reusable and recyclable. AND- The Great Plate™ is proudly made right here in the USA.

A slow cooker is a must for dips and sandwiches! All-Clad's top-of-the-line cooker is perfect for making those essential Super Bowl dishes such as pulled pork, chili, wings and more. Its automatic functions will keep food warm from kickoff till game’s end and push-button controls and an easy-to-read digital display eliminates guesswork.  The 7-qt. nonstick aluminum removable insert easily goes from stovetop to slow cooker to table and is perfect for large parties.  Available exclusively at Williams-Sonoma $249.95



Grilling is a top priority, and with the All-Clad Electric Indoor Grill, your party will be a hit! 
With two separately controlled cooking surfaces, this All-Clad Electric Indoor Grill is perfect for cooking hot dogs and hamburgers.  An extra-large 20" x 13" nonstick grilling surface ensures you’ll have enough space and dial controls provide precise cooking temperatures. Available at Williams-Sonoma $299.95





Now it’s time for dessert! 
Matthews 1812 House, specializing in handmade specialty desserts, has a brand new line of mouthwatering bourbon infused treats, like Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Torte, Bourbon Blondie Bar, Caramel and Chocolate Bourbon Sauce and more. These tasty treats can be shipped!

Leftovers? Wrap everything up easily with use Bowl Huggers. Bowl Huggers are reusable silicone-edged bowl lids that fit on your everyday dishes. Serve, seal and store your food all in the same dish. All you have to do is pop the lid on your bowl and the Bowl Hugger will adjust itself just the right amount to create a secure seal. Just pull the tab to release the seal. This keeps your yummy food fresh and makes for an easier clean up too! 
Bowl Huggers are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Perfect for pot-lucks and bringing food to the party as well as a great gift for the one who is hosting. 
Set of 2 $15-17 http://foodhuggers.com/

And if the next day you are feeling just a little dehydrated, try DripDrop, a powder electrolyte solution that you add to water to treat dehydration. 
Invented by Dr. Eduardo Dolhun, a Mayo-clinic trained physician, as an alternative to sports drinks (i.e. Gatorade) and pediatric solutions (i.e. Pedialyte) It has been clinically proven to hydrate 150% better than plain water and 43% better than sports drinks and contains 3x the electrolytes and half the sugar of most sports drinks. 

DripDrop comes in powder packets that can be added to a water bottle and it's easy to carry in your purse, backpack, laptop bag, or pocket.









So what’s it gonna be, superfans? You ready to rock this Sunday! Who's gonna win?



Monday, February 1, 2016

Happy February 1st!

SEEYA JANUARY!



So glad we have ushered in February 2016. February is usually a hard month, but I feel Jan was rough! 

I was over budget, didn't pay down my debts, and way too many people passed away!


I did get to the gym a teensy bit more and I did eat a teensy bit better.


But, I have high hopes for this month of FEBRUARY! 
Many birthdays to celebrate, lots of awesome ppl to hang with, books to read and movies to see and new clients to work with!



  • Getting back to the gym has been difficult. So I am aiming for 2x a week. 
  • Less takeout and cooking 3x a week, and that includes leftovers for lunches.
  • Getting a cafe lunch 2x a week only.
  • Paying down the Target credit card. 
  • See more family.
  • Hug Stephen more. 
  • February Trip: Stephen and I are headed to the shore to celebrate Valentine's day and his birthday. 
  • Blog more often.
  • Stay positive and calm.


What are your goals?

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