The Bible Experience Exhibit: New York City

Starting today, New Yorkers will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the Bible like never before!  Executive Producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey along with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment have announced, "The Bible Experience" - an exquisite gallery featuring rare biblical artifacts and an array of breathtaking photography from the series production of The Bible, in celebration of the epic miniseries.  

Previously at the Vatican, these one-of-a-kind rare artifacts will be on display exclusively for the first time ever, for just one week, in New York, March 20-27, 2013.

Mark Burnett & Roma Downey at Opening Night Gala
Photo by Mark Von Holden / Copyright Invision for Fox Home Entertainment

Guests will also take a unique and emotionally charged journey as they experience the imagery and striking beauty of photographs from the set of THE BIBLE and the greatest stories ever told. “The works of photographers Joe Albas and Casey Crafford are extraordinary,” said executive producer Roma Downey. “Their images are powerful and need no words to convey emotion. You can't help but be touched by the poignant expressions of these iconic figures. Mark and I are honored to take you on this visual journey with us, so that you might experience the wonder we felt in Morocco as our dream of making The Bible series came to life.”

Making their New York debut, a few notable rare relics including:

• Dead Sea Scroll Fragments: Daniel 10:18-20, and Jeremiah 23:6-9:  Three pieces will be on display in this exhibit, containing portions from the book of Daniel, Jonah, and Jeremiah
• Medieval Torah Scroll, 14th century: One of oldest surviving Torah Scrolls in the world
• Codex Climaci Rescriptus: Between the late 4^th and early 9^th centuries AD, it represents one of the earliest near complete Bibles in the world. With two layers of text some of which are written in Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ
• Bodmer Papyrus: From the 3^rd century AD, these leaves are from one of the oldest near-complete books of Psalms in Greek
• Gutenberg Leaf: Isaiah 44-5, Mainz, Germany, 1454: The first book printed in moveable typeset in the Western world
• Aitken Bible: First English language Bible printed in the United States and the ONLY Bible ever officially authorized by the Congress 
• Eliot Indian Bible:  First Bible Printed in America. It was translated into Algonquin to help convert the Native Americans
• King James "She" Bible, London, England, 1613:  Commissioned by King James the 1^st of England and the 6^th of Scotland.  It took a committee of 47 scholars seven years to finish the project. It is significant in that it contained a printing error in the Book of Ruth
• Pocket Bible, Italy, c. 1240-1250:  Produced in Italy between 1240 and 1250, it contains all of the books of the Bible in a single volume
• Rice Psalter, London, England, c. 1450:  This book of Psalms, is an exquisite example of English Gothic manuscript illumination
• Complutensian Polyglot, Vol. 1, Alcalá de Henares, Spain, 1514-1517:  The first printed polyglot of the entire Bible; it simultaneously displays the text of the Bible in as many as four different languages: Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, and Latin
• Cairo Geniza Manuscript Fragments, Cairo, Egypt, c. 1150 – c. 1250:  Dating from the twelfth to the thirteenth centuries, contains portions of prayer books from the Karaite Jewish tradition, including morning prayers, prayers for the Holiday of Booths, and prayers of the New Moon

Actress Kristin Chenoweth at Opening Night Gala
Photo by Mark Von Holden / Copyright Invision for Fox Home Entertainment

"The Bible Experience" is located at 450 West 14th Street between Washington and 10th Avenue and will run 10:00AM to 6:00PM daily from March 20, 2013 to March 27, 2013.  Admission is free.

Epic mini-series, THE BIBLE, premieres every Sunday on HISTORY® over the next two Sundays (3/24, 3/31) culminating on Easter. From Genesis to Revelation, the series illuminates the Bible, re-telling the stories as they unfold and revealing new insights into these iconic characters in context of the Bible.  

The series will feature some of the most famous stories ever written from Noah’s Ark and the Exodus to Daniel in the Lion’s Den to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. To date, over 50 million cumulative viewers have seen at least a portion of the series since it began on March 3* (includes 9 telecasts across History and Lifetime).

If you missed any of this series you can pre-order the The Bible: The Epic Miniseries on DVD or Blu-Ray which is being rush-released on April 2!!

If you get a chance to visit I'd love to hear about it!! I'm bummed I'm out of NYC right now and missing out on this incredible opportunity!

       

Age-Fighting Products for your Hair! Pantene Expert Collection GIVEAWAY

A couple of weeks ago I had the awesome privilege to attend a MomTrends beauty event, sponsored by Pantene!  This event was by far one of the most luxurious I've attended, starting with complimentary car service to and from the event!  As a busy mom in a busy city, I don't always have time to get pampered, and I have to say Nicole and the MomTrends team - fully understand this and always deliver an exceptionally great night out for us mamas!!

 

At this particular event, we learned about the signs of hair aging (guess what? It isn't just graying hair!) and how we can combat this through amazing new products in Pantene's Expert Collection.    Dr. Jeni Thomas, an expert in the field of hair aging, presented us with many stunning facts about hair thinning, dryness, breakage and even graying.  Did you know that as our hair ages it actually shrinks in diameter!?  Yeah - that got me worried considering I already have extra fine hair to begin with!

   

There was also plenty of time at the event for networking with other bloggers.  I got to visit with one of my favorite local ladies, Courtney of the Chirping Moms as well as meet some new friends too.  Also at  the event were the ladies of Echo Design Group, showcasing a colorful and beautiful collection of scarves - with tips on how to wear them.  The night was far from over though, after the presentation, we received complimentary hair makeovers with styling tips - we had a choice of beachy waves, loose bun or side ponytail.

 

I couldn't wait to see my hair with some beachy waves and learn how to perfect them.  I had no idea at the time, but my stylist was Wesley O'Meara, a celebrity hair stylist who's regular clientele include Sarah Jessica Parker, Chloe Sevigny and Uma Thurman!  I was floored to learn this fact, and felt honored that he was so freaking awesome at making me look beautiful and feel confident that I could achieve the same look at home.  

Pantene's new Expert Collection is truly amazing!  In order to find out what products were best suited for my hair, I took this fun little beauty quiz.  It told me my "Hair Age" which was, thankfully, only a year older than my real age.   The quiz suggested I use the Age Defy products, which I have been faithfully using for the past few weeks!  I have to say, I am truly impressed by the Age Defy Advanced Thickening Treatment, I saw results with the first use!!  According to Dr. Thomas, each time I use it, it is like I am gaining 6500 strands of hair - and I can tell.  My extra fine hair gets so much more lift and volume every time I use it.

The other big hit for me is the Keratin Repair.   I'm sure if you are big on caring for your mane you've heard the word Keratin before - and this collection, which includes the Split End Fuser, is fantastic at restoring smoothness and protecting your hair from further damage.  Every time you use this line it is like repairing two years of damage in just two minutes!!

How would you like to try the awesome new Pantene Expert Collection??  THREE lucky readers will have that opportunity, as I am giving away 3 Pantene Expert Collection Ageless Beauty Kits!  This kit is valued at $75 and includes the Age Defy Shampoo & Conditioner, Advanced Thickening Treatment, plus as a bonus, Olay Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment!  Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

       

Watch Worms Eat Garbage Family-Friendly Earth Day 2013 Events Page

What day is Earth Day? Do you even know what month it's in? The answer is April 22nd and it has been for 43 years. The modern environmental movement began in 1970 by activists encouraging others to gain consciousness of air and water pollution. After watching the outcome of the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, the U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson, gathered up Pete McCloskey (a Republican Congressman), Denis Hayes (current head of Bullitt Foundation) and 85 staff members across America to promote the first Earth Day events, Earthday (.org) reported.

Since then, awareness has spread, and this year more than one billion people from cultures across the globe are taking part in Earth Day. Let's face it, with the changes in the environment, a shrinking wildlife and dirty air pollution, every individual needs to get involved and do their part to reduce carbon footprint. Each little step helps.

So how do we emphasize to our kids the gravity of the situation? Take them on an Earth Day adventure by traveling to one of these Earth Day-friendly destinations (or get ideas for your own in town jaunt).

Los Angeles, CA

Parks across the city typically host a family day that includes storytelling, crafts and museum tours with hikes and ranger-led excursions on the natural trails on the 22nd. Also, look to the zoos in your area for events educating children on animals and how environmental protection helps them now, and how it can effect the future. In 2012, families turned to the LA County Art Museum where there was fun-filled educational events including nature sketching and films promoting bicycle riding, along with guided trail tours and other artist-led workshops, according to Calrecycle (.ca.gov).

Because the weather is so lovely in April, in most areas across the country, it's the perfect time to get out in nature and take your kids on a picnic, go camping and have a BBQ. Show them the root of this green earth and what they're fighting to protect.

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland has events year-round that celebrate sustainability and honoring the Earth. The city created their own Earth Day Coalition that does some valuable advocacy toward living in a healthy, greener environment. If you're interested in living a sustainable life every day, there are apartments for rent in Cleveland, along with volunteer opportunities that can enrich you and your family's living.

Want to get your artistic child involved? There's an art, poetry and essay contest that's open to students K-12. They're asked to express their emotions on "local, and sustainable food" through their own creations, whether it be photographs, essays, paintings, drawings, poetry or prose.

The winning entries are displayed at the Earth Day events. Earth Day Coalition's site allows you to view the creations from previous years.

Nashville, TN

The capital of Tennessee the home of country music Nashville always has some sort of celebration happening. It's a happy city and what better day to travel there than in celebration of our beautiful Earth. With the Blue Ridge Mountains bordering its state, the beauty is immaculate and the visual education opportunities are invaluable.

Nashville has hopes to be the greenest city in the Southeast, according to Nashville Earth Day (.org). Run, don't walk, okay, maybe skip to Centennial Park on Saturday, April 20th, 2013 for live music on not only a main stage, but a youth stage. If this year is anything like last look forward to reading circles, recycling games, a worm eating garbage display, building blocks, a camping experience, collaborative recycled art projects, tree planting and play time.

Contributed by:
Lisa Sampson

Lisa is a stay-at-home mom who writes for several family blogs (and she sells kitchen gadgets!).

Holiday Entertaining Inspiration @Momtrends #LuxHoliday

 

I had an incredible time at this year's MomTrends Holiday Entertaining Event, featuring dazzling party inspirations by the two lovelies behind Party Blu Print Blog.  While we mingled, delighted ourselves in festive party foods and a drink or two, these ladies gave us a few tips for planning our holiday decor.  My biggest take home tip was to always start with a holiday inspiration board with imagery and color swatches and things that inspire the look and feel you are going for.  So, here it is...my holiday inspiration board for this year...

via BaxtronLife on Polyvore

I originally was inspired by silver and winter white, from the first table setting that was modeled at the party, but opted to go for gold and white at home instead.  I loved decorating my home this year, especially since I will be out of town for the next three weeks and had no reason to do it.  And that may have been one of my secret motivations for throwing my first annual Ladies Christmas Social at my apartment.

A few other amazing brands were showcased at the MomTrends event, and I can't wait to tell you more about them in the coming months.  You can check out a few below!  I also had the honor of meeting the lovely Courtney of The Chirping Moms and Divina of The Dancing Hotdogs.

       

The New Traditionalists // Bensimon // Catimini // Sweet Loren's // TypeCrush

Thank you to MomTrends for the invitation!  And to the many lovely sponsors of the event!

There was no requirement of me to post about this event, I received some great swag while attending, learned great holiday entertaining tips and mingled with both brands and peers.  Truly enjoyed this event!

Laughter is the Best Cosmetic Bonding Over Beauty with Benefit

Benefit Cosmetics has opened shop in the SOHO area of New York City - and how did I not hear of this swanky boutique for all things beauty until now!!??  Zion and I recently had a Mother-Daughter date for Benefit's Bonding Over Beauty event, where we enjoyed pampering, sweet treats and spending special quality time together.

 

We started our day with a bit of hot coffee & hot chocolate - one of my most favorite things to do with my little lady.  Then we were off to the boutique - which is stunningly put together with pink accents, floral paper and fun vintage mannequins wearing bright and bold colors.

After oohing and ahhing over the gorgeous makeup and decor, it was time for a little pampering for the princess.

     

She loved getting a touch of satiny pink blush to her cheeks and frosty purple eyeshadow lightly dusted on her eyelids.  After she was all done - she was beaming - and glowing with joy!  I knew she'd love this event, as I catch her getting into my makeup at least once a week.

After Zion was done posing for pictures, we took some time to talk about what makes us really beautiful - its not about makeup or the clothes we wear, its about the condition of our hearts.  A joyful, thankful heart - one that is kind, compassionate and loving - is a beautiful thing.

   

We spent the rest of the time checking out all of the cosmetics displays, and mingling with other ladies at the event.  I think one of the best things about Benefit is that their products really aim to enhance and play off your natural beauty - nothing seemed heavy or over the top.  I love their free-spirited attitude and their signature quote, "Laughter is the best cosmetic, so grin and wear it."

At the end of the event I went home spoiled with some goodies that I am totally in love with and this little cutie pie...

Here are my absolute favorite products from Benefit:

Benefit Cosmetics by baxtronlife featuring a benefit mascara

1. Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW

2. Big Beautiful Eyes

3. PosieTint

4. They're Real Mascara

Have you used Benefit Cosmetics?  If so, do you have a favorite product?  How would you talk to your daughter about beauty?  Would you like to win Benefit products here on BaxtronLife?  Leave me a comment to let me know!

I was invited to attend this event by MamaDramaNY, and I received complimentary items as a thank-you for attending.  All opinions and recommendations are unsolicited and my own!