Over The Top Mommy

Month: September 2015

California Water is a Precious Resource. Make Every Drop Count with Scotts® EveryDrop™!

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts® EveryDrop™.  All opinions are 100% my own. 

With the lack of rainfall to replenish our water supply , California is in a serious drought state of emergency. This is a sponsored post written by me for Scotts® EveryDrop™ to discuss how we can each help with the situation. All opinions are my own. 

make-every-drop-countThe reality of  the drought in California is now scarier than ever and it’s not getting any better.  Everywhere I look there are lawns and landscapes that have major portions browning. There are posted signs in the different communities, stating specifics for community water-conservation goals, as well as the strictly enforced watering days. After more than a few consecutive years of a drought here in California, we need so badly to take some major steps to conserve water and make what we’re using last longer.

After our own Governor Brown mandated a 25% cut in water usage in California, many residents have opted for plants that require very little water and some have even replaced lawns with artificial turfs. However, for those who have decided to keep their yards, they are having to maintain them with A LOT less water.  This is where an amazing product called Scotts® EveryDrop™ can help.  The California Department of Food and Agriculture actually approved the registration for Scotts® EveryDrop™ this past summer, as an innovative consumer product that helps residents conserve water.

Scotts-EveryDropScotts® EveryDrop™, developed by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, is a water maximizer for lawns and landscapes, designed to move more water into the soil, consistently and evenly, even in dry, hard-to-wet soils. EveryDrop™ is a unique formula of wetting agents, which help more water penetrate soil and get to the roots, where it is needed most. More water in the soil means less is wasted through surface runoff and pooling. One application lasts for four weeks, so no matter how you water; relying on rain, sprinklers, or hoses, EveryDrop™ helps maximize the water in your outdoor space long after the initial application and it’s so easy to use.

EveryDrop-helps-maximizeOften times in dry conditions, soils compact and cause available rain or irrigation water to bead on the surface and be wasted. EveryDrop® is a watering agent that uses an innovative surfactant technology to help available water penetrate the soil more easily and evenly so it can better reach the roots zone and hydrate the plants. EveryDrop™ helps homeowners use up to 25 percent less water on their lawns and landscapes.

EveryDrop-applicationAs a first grade teacher and a mom, I’ve always made it a point to teach both my students and my own daughter about the importance of water conservation. I’ve taught them that “Everyday is Earth Day” and I’ve tried to help them see that they, too, can make an impact on our Earth. There are so many little things we can all do at home on a daily basis, such as turn off the water when brushing our teeth, take shorter showers and avoid baths unless totally necessary, and minimize the water usage during the washing of your daily dishes. Sadly, these things I’ve taught the kids to do are just part of what is going to make an impact at this point.

California residents, up and down the state, have to really consider their use of water on their lawns and landscapes too now, IN A BIG WAY. Well-fed lawns and plants are more efficient at using available water. For optimal results, feed your lawn and plants with Scotts® and Miracle-Gro®. California water is a precious resource and we have to make every drop count!

 

For additional information about EveryDrop® and to find more water conservation tips, click here.

 

{Giveaway} “Dear Sofia – A Royal Collection” Now Available on Disney DVD! FREE Printable Activities, Too!

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Now out on Disney DVD! Join Sofia as she receives guidance from Disney Princesses and goes on a daring adventure with Mulan in the Kingdom of Wei Ling, soars through the skies with Jasmine on a magic carpet ride, and discovers important lessons about friendship and life’s true gifts from Belle and Tiana. Packed with endless fun, music and heart – plus two additional episodes – “Dear Sofia: A Royal Collection” is a not-to-be-missed celebration highlighting the qualities that make a true princess – honesty, loyalty, compassion and grace.

DearSofiaARoyalDollectionDVD.jpg_cmyk“Dear Sofia: A Royal Collection” includes 6 adventure-filled episodes, plus a FREE Sofia-themed stationary set for kids to write a hand-written letter to Sofia. Each child who submits a letter will receive a response back from Sofia in the mail. I also have a special activity for you! Just click on the image below, print out and have some fun!

Sofia-the-first-activities

enter-to-win-your-very-own-copyI’m also giving away a copy of this DVD to one lucky reader. Enter below on the Rafflecopter! Good luck everyone!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was provided with a copy of this DVD in order to facilitate this post. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Spread the Love With SNICKERS® Teacher Emergency Kits! (With Free Printable) #EatASnickers

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.  All opinions are mine alone. #EatASnickers #CollectiveBias

spread-the-love-with-snickers

I absolutely LOVE teaching first grade! My students are so adorable and at that age, they’re like little sponges that soak up just about everything you teach them. Many times, their questions are super random and adorable, too!

i-heart-first-gradeIt takes A LOT of energy and enthusiasm to keep up with my first graders though, especially in the afternoon. I’m pretty powered up in the morning from my coffee, but in the afternoon, I sometimes wish I had a pick me up to get me through to the end of the day. We have a very long stretch from lunch to dismissal and I sometimes feel like I start to “lose my enthuse” when I start to get hungry!

SNICKERS-personality-barsHave you seen these adorable SNICKERS® bars at Walmart yet? They’re in the check out aisle and each one has a different “personality” on the wrapper.

SNICKERS-personality-bars-checkout-aisleSome of the labels are pretty funny. I couldn’t decide which one described me best when I get hungry so I bought them all! I’m pretty sure I’m a “Drama Mama” at all times though, not just when I”m hangry! I took them to my classrom to stock up my desk so when it’s hungry o’ clock, I can sneak bites when my students aren’t looking! Shhh, just don’t tell them. Every SNICKERS® is packed with roasted peanuts, nougat, caramel and milk chocolate and they hit the spot every time.

SNICKERS-Drama-MamaI also decided to spread the love to the other teachers on my grade level because there’s no way I’m the only one experiencing those mid-afternoon pangs of hunger and bouts of energy loss. I put together some “Teacher Emergency Jars” to bring to work and surprise them with.

SNICKERS-teacher-survival-kitHere’s what you’ll need to make your own “Teacher Emergency Jars“:

  • SNICKERS® bars (about 5-7 regular size bars fit in each Mason Jar)
  • 1 Mason jar for each kit you plan to make. I found a super cute one with a brightly colored lid.
  • Decorative ribbon, burlap, or even tulle of your choice. I went with some blue tulle for mine.
  • tape or washi tape
  • “Teacher Emergency Jar” printable (Download yours for FREE by clicking on the image below.) You could also use a handwritten label.teacher-emergency-jar-printable-trio (1)

These are very simple to put together. Here’s how to assemble yours:

  1. Remove the lid from Mason Jar and fill with the SNICKERS® bars.
  2. Print out my printable I printed mine out on cardstock because it’s a little sturdier. You can also make your own, or even hand write something to stick on the jar. Use either tape on the back of it or a couple pieces of washi tape to stick it on the front of the Mason Jar. Don’t worry about the washi tape not looking perfect. It’s supposed to look sporadically placed.
  3. Replace the lid and close up the jar.
  4. Tie some ribbon or tulle around the top of the jar.
  5. Give to those special teachers in your life.

assembling-teacher-emergency-jarI guarantee that any teacher who receives one of these will be appreciate of your thoughtfulness, especially because it includes SNICKERS®!

So who are YOU when you’re hungry? Take the super fun SNICKERS® quiz below to see who you are when you’re hungry. (I took it and got “Drama Mama”! No surprise, right? )

[playbuzz-item url=”https://www.playbuzz.com/joemurphy10/a-who-are-you-when-youre-hungry” info=”true” shares=”false” comments=”false” recommend=”false”]

 

{Giveaway} VeggieTales Live! Coming to the City National Grove of Anaheim on Friday, October 23!

Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber and all of their Veggie friends are coming to the City National Grove of Anaheim on Friday, October 23, in the all new fresh, funny, and unforgettable VeggieTales Live! Little Kids Do Big Things tour.

veggietales-at-anaheimVeggieTales Live! Little Kids Do Big Things is a must-see, fun filled celebration for families and VeggieTales fans of all ages. Join the VeggieTales crew in a musical review that celebrates that with help and faith, even little kids can do big things too! This all new production features live performances of Veggie silly song favorites like The Hairbrush Song and I Love My Lips as well as songs that inspire like Big Things Too. Children will be thrilled to see their favorite Veggie friends live on stage performing in a rollicking musical review of VeggieTales greatest hits. This high-energy show is sure to delight children and families of all ages.

veggie-talesVeggieTales is the best selling brand that delivers stories and songs kids love and values parents appreciate. It is the go to brand for families for wholesome quality entertainment that promotes values and lessons kids use for a lifetime such as telling the truth, sharing and forgiveness.

Tickets to VeggieTales Live! Little Kids Do Big Things tour can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or at The City National Grove of Anaheim theater box office. A limited number of VIP tickets are available, which include premium seating and a special meet and greet with your favorite VeggieTales characters!

For the most up to date tour itinerary & additional ticket and tour info, please click here.

veggietales-giveaway

I’m also hosting a giveaway. The City National Grove of Anaheim is providing one family 4-pack of tickets to the VeggieTales Live show on October 23, 2105 at 6:30 p.m for one of my lucky readers!  To enter my giveaway, just follow the directions on the Rafflecopter below. Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Connect with The City National Grove of Anaheim on Facebook and Twitter.

This is not a sponsored post. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own. VeggieTales images property of VeggieTales. 

NOW Is The Perfect Time to Grab Your 2016 Knott’s Season Pass!

The opinions in this article are my own. I do not work for, or with, any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have any official relationship with them.  I have a relationship with GigaSavvy, for whom I create original editorial content.

Now-is-the-perfect-timeI’m LOVING the arrival of Fall, even though it’s still boiling hot in SoCal! However, the “official” arrival of Fall means that all of the big holidays are just around the corner! Can you tell the holidays are my favorite time of year?

our-family-loves-knottsFor anyone who’s a lover of Knott’s Berry Farm (like me), the end of the year is the BEST time to grab Knott’s Season Passes for the upcoming year. Yep, you can buy Knott’s 2016 Season Passes right now at their lowest prices of the year!

with-snoopyYou can pay them off with Season Pass Easy Pay Payments. Yes! Knott’s will let you make payments. That makes it even more affordable.

2016-knotts-berry-farm-season-pass-regularBuy your 2016 Season Pass now and enjoy unlimited visits in 2016 with no blackout dates plus discounts on food and merchandise! Regular Season Passholders also receive a discount on tickets to Knott’s Scary Farm!

knotts-scary-farm-ticketsKnott’s is also offering a 2016 Gold Season Pass. You also have the option to make payments with Season Pass Easy Pay Payments.

knotts-berry-farm2016-gold-pass

With the Knott’s Gold Season Pass you get 2 parks in 1. If you opt to purchase a 2016 Gold Season Pass you’ll enjoy 2 Parks,  including all the thrilling rides at Knott’s Berry Farm and cool slides at Knott’s Soak City Waterpark. It pays for itself in less than 2 visits! Gold Season Passholders also receive a discount on Knott’s Scary Farm tickets.

pumpkins-at-knotts

So here’s another option. It’s one of my FAVORITE options to add onto Knott’s Season Passes, especially for families! I’m talking about the Knott’s Regular Season Pass WITH the Dining Plan! It can be expensive to spend a day out with your family and have to feed them meals. This is such an affordable option and allows you to save so much money on food for your family, when you’re at Knott’s. You also the option to make payments with Season Pass Easy Pay Payments.

kbf_2015regularpass-dining_storeWith a Season Pass Plus All-Season Dining, you get all the exclusive benefits of being a Season Passholder, plus one lunch and one dinner at participating locations throughout the park every day you visit Knott’s Berry Farm in 2016. Beverages are not included.

knotts-hatsNot only do Knott’s Season Passes make a great gift for friends and family, they are an incredible deal for any family, large or small! They’re affordable and allow you to create new memories together, throughout the year!

For more information and pricing for Knott’s Season Passes, click here.  Connect with Knott’s on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

I’m Loving the Non-Surgical Options at CosmetiCare Medspa! First Up: Botox!

Disclosure: I am part of CosmetiCare’s Mom Ambassador Program. I received medspa services in order to write my review. All opinions are 100% my own. youre-only-as-old-as-you-feelWhen you look in the mirror, do you like what you see?  We’re all going to age eventually and basically have 2 options: embrace it and just age gracefully or be pro-active about the whole thing. In my opinion, both of these are perfectly fine options and it’s a personal choice that every individual has to make. Personally, I’m going to do whatever I can to fight this aging process. I’m going down with a fight!

do-you-like-what-you-seeThank goodness for CosmetiCare, Orange County’s leading cosmetic surgery center and medspa! They help thousands of clients each year to love the way they look. With a motto like “Love The Way You Look“, I know they totally “get” me! 

love-the-way-you-lookCosmetiCare is located in beautiful Newport Beach, California. (Yes, it’s where some of The Real Housewives of Orange County had procedures done.) They offer a variety of both surgical and non-surgical procedures. As part of their CosmetiCare Mom Ambassador Program, I’m excited to try out some of the anti-aging treatments available in the medspa and share my thoughts and results with you, my readers! Some of my girlfriends are also participating in this program and we’ll all be sharing about their experiences on CosmetiCare’s site, right here.

Cosmeticare-medspaThe CosmetiCare medspa is an amazing place. Nowadays, it’s more common for women (and men) to be seek out non-invasive, non-surgical options, as opposed to cosmetic surgery, to keep them looking their best. On my first visit, I received a private, one on one consultation. All of the consultants at CosmetiCare are highly trained professionals that listen to the clients and figure out a custom treatment plan, according to what the client is hoping to achieve.

forehead-beforeI shared with my consultant that the wrinkles in my forehead area and between my eyes really bothered me. I also told her how much I disliked my crow’s feet. I shared how frustrating it was for me to take any pictures outside without my sunglasses on,  because I’d always photograph so wrinkly or look like I was frowning. She suggested I try some Botox. I was totally onboard for trying Botox. I’d heard friends talk about getting it done before and now it was my turn. 

crows-feet-beforeOk so let’s talk about Botox. I never realized how much of a difference Botox can actually make on your face. I thought my crows feet were a lost cause. I look back and think about all of that high school tanning and cringe now!

botoxIt’s a good idea before getting any injections, like Botox, to avoid alcohol and Ibuprofin during the days prior. This helps minimize bleeding and bruising. Your technician will most likely provide you with an ice pack to numb the area she’s going to inject, a little bit. The injections don’t “hurt”, they’re just a series of tiny pokes in each area. They feel weird but there’s honestly nothing to be afraid of. I brought a water bottle to squeeze while getting the injections.

between-brows-after

I received Botox in my forehead, in between my brows, on the outside area of my eyes, to target my crow’s feet, and even some above each eyebrow, to help lift the area some.  The procedure was over pretty quickly too. After you get Botox, you can usually see the results within 5-7 days afterwards. I can tell a huge difference in my face now and am so pleased with my results. If you look at the picture I posted above, it was taken outside, in the daylight and is unedited and has no filters on it. The area between my brows and my forehead used to wrinkle up if I was outside without sunglasses. The Botox has worked a miracle in that area. I was told that it should last about 6-9 months.

cosmeticare-succulentIf you’ve ever been curious about Botox or any other injectables, I would recommend you just make an appointment with one of the medspa consultants at CosmetiCare and go have all of your questions answered. Most likely, you’ll want to schedule and do it right away after you meet with them because that’s how it happened for me! They say you’re only as old as you feel! Thanks to CosmetiCare, I don’t feel as old anymore!

Connect with CosmetiCare on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

 

 

LEGOLAND® California Resort Spins Out A New Ninjago™ Land Featuring Ninjago™- The Ride, Opening 2016!!! It’s Going to Be the Year of the Ninja!

On  Thursday, September 17, the media anxiously awaited in the theater atLEGOLAND® California Resort  for some exciting announcements revealing the latest details about the addition of a new NINJAGO™ land coming in 2016 and introducing, NINJAGO™- The Ride.

Ninjago-at-LEGOLANDTaiko drummers, ninja warriors and a Spinjitzu Master filled the theater with energy and got the crowd  as LEGOLAND® California Resort announced  After sharing the successes of 2015, General Manager Peter Ronchetti offered details of the exciting new land and unmasked the new ride which features technology guests have never experienced at any other theme park in the world.

Legoland-Ninjago-landGuests will enter the new NINJAGO land through a giant archway behind Imagination Zone leading them into a courtyard where they begin their ninja training. The new land features LEGO® building stations, a game to test reflexes, spinners to test balance, Asian cuisine and a new shopping venue. Interactive experiences will test guests’ physical skills, balance and agility before they can prep for their ultimate training session: NINJAGO – The Ride.

ninjagoNINJAGO – The Ride is manufactured by Triotech, world leader in media based interactive attractions, and features cutting-edge technology that enables guests to control the outcome of their adventure through the power of their hand gestures. Through 3D imagery, high-tech sensors and the use of hand movements in a striking motion, up to four riders per car, representing the four main NINJAGO characters, can blast animated fireballs, lightning, shockwaves and ice as they travel through dojos to master their skills before heading into battle. Riders collect points for their training and battle efforts throughout the ride and scores are displayed when their quest is completed. 4D effects such as heat, smoke and wind are also incorporated throughout the adventure, giving guests the ultimate interactive experience.

LEGOLAND-California-Resort-General-Manager-Peter-Ronchetti“I am proud and thrilled to say that this is our eleventh straight year of continuous attendance growth and we attribute much of this to our winning formula of providing our guests a family environment filled with fun, interactive experiences that create lasting memories. NINJAGO –The Ride will be the ultimate experience providing interactive fun for all,” said Ronchetti.

Based on the popular property LEGO® NINJAGO™, which is brought to life by The LEGO Group® through a line of construction toys and a TV series on Cartoon Network, guests will enjoy interactive elements and this new ride featuring key characters. For the first time, immersed into the NINJAGO universe, guests can train like a Spinjitzu Master, learn to harness the power of the four elements and use teamwork to battle the Great Devourer.

ninjago-collageLEGO NINJAGO tells the story of four young ninja heroes – Kai, Jay, Cole and Zane – who train under the watchful eye of Master Wu to master an ancient martial art – Spinjitzu. LEGO NINJAGO is one of the most successful LEGO properties. This year, brand new episodes of the popular series, NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu, aired on Cartoon Network and 22 new building sets loaded with features and functions were released.

sensaiNINJAGO – The Ride is being unveiled at both LEGOLAND® California Resort and LEGOLAND® Billund Resort in 2016. The new NINJAGO area will be included in the cost of admission to LEGOLAND California Resort. To find more information and tickets prices, click here.

Legoland-California-entranceConnect with LEGOLAND California Resort on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images property of LEGOLAND California Resort and LEGO®.

Yummy Mummy Dogs That Kids Will LOVE: Hotel Transylvania 2 Style! #HotelT2

hotel-transylvania-2We LOVED Hotel Transylvania and all of the fun characters and monsters in it and are so excited about the upcoming release of Hotel Transylvania 2 in theaters on September 25! If you haven’t seen the trailer yet, watch this:

“The Drac Pac” is made up of an all-star cast, including Adam Sandler (Dracula), Selena Gomez (Mavis), Steve Buscemi (Wayne), Kevin James (Frank), Andy Samberg (Johnny), and many more!  I just know it’s going to be a hilarious film the entire family will enjoy seeing together.

the-drac-packThe Drac pack is back for an all-new monster comedy adventure in Sony Pictures Animation’s Hotel Transylvania 2! Everything seems to be changing for the better at HotelTransylvania… Dracula’s rigid monster-only hotel policy has finally relaxed, opening up its doors to human guests. But behind closed coffins, Drac is worried that his adorable half-human, half-vampire grandson, Dennis, isn’t showing signs of being a vampire. 

babySo while Mavis is busy visiting her human in-laws with Johnny – and in for a major cultural shock of her own – “Vampa” Drac enlists his friends Frank, Murray, Wayne and Griffin to put Dennis through a “monster-in-training” boot camp. But little do they know that Drac’s grumpy and very old, old, old school dad Vlad is about to pay a family visit to the hotel. And when Vlad finds out that his great-grandson is not a pure blood – and humans are now welcome at Hotel Transylvania – things are going to get batty!

bootcamp

La sinopsis en Español:

¡Drácula y su grupo de amigos están de regreso para una nueva comedia de aventuras monstruosas en la película de Sony Pictures Animation Hotel Transylvania 2! Parece que todo está cambiando para mejor en el Hotel Transylvania… La estricta política de Drácula de admitir solo monstruos en el hotel finalmente se ha relajado y el hotel ahora abre sus puertas a huéspedes humanos. Pero detrás de los ataúdes cerrados, Drac está preocupado porque Dennis, su adorable nieto mitad humano, mitad vampiro, no demuestra ningún indicio de ser vampiro. Por esa razón, mientras Mavis está muy ocupada visitando a sus suegros humanos junto a Johnny –y enfrentando su propio gran shock cultural– el “abuelito vampiro” Drac recluta a sus amigos Frank, Murray, Wayne y Griffin para que Dennis asista a un “campamento de entrenamiento para monstruos”. Lo que no se imaginan es que Vlad, el gruñón y muy, muy, muy tradicional padre de Drac, está a punto de llegar al hotel para una visita familiar. Y cuando Vlad descubre que su bisnieto no es un vampiro de sangre pura y que, para colmo, ahora se aceptan humanos en el Hotel Transylvania, ¡las cosas se saldrán de control!

we-love-murrayIt’s hard to pick just one favorite character from the Drac Pac but we love Murray! He’s the mummy and we think he’s adorable. Murray was my inspiration the other day when I was trying to come up with a creative lunch. I’ll call this recipe “Murray Mummy Dogs”. It’s one of the easiest meals to throw together and is a guaranteed winner with kids every time! (I know this because I’ve made it twice this week!)

murray-mummy-dogs-recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make Murray Mummy Dogs: 

  • 1 pack of your favorite brand of hot dogs (I prefer to use all-beef)
  • 1 container of ready-made crescent dough (you can find this in the refrigerated section)
  • ketchup

Preparing the Murray Mummy Dogs: 

  1. Preheat your oven ahead of time (per the temperature recommended on the crescent package)
  2. Cover your baking sheet with a baking mat or parchment paper.
  3. Cut hot dogs into halves.
  4. Open crescent dough and slice into strips. step-one-and-step-two
  5. Take each halved hot dog and wrap pieces around and around to make it look like a mummy. I don’t make the layer too thick so it’ll bake all the way through.
  6. When all hot dogs are wrapped, stick into your oven and bake for about 7 minutes. (keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn.) ready-to-go-in-the-oven
  7. Remove Mummy Dogs from the oven and serve with ketchup! Depending on the age of your kids, you could even call the ketchup, “blood”. (We mostly stick to non-scary in our home.)

look-its-murray-the-mummy

yummy-mummiesIf you ending making these, come back and tell me how long they lasted on your dining table? My daughter ate them up in a flash!

So, are YOU excited to see Hotel Transylvania 2? Who’s YOUR favorite character in the Drac Back?

Find Hotel Transylvania 2 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Movie and promotional pictures featured in this post are property of Sony Pictures. 

Savannah Chop House: You Can Taste The Passion Behind The Cooking! #SavannahIsBack

The opinions in this article are my own. I do not work for, or with, any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have any official relationship with them.  I have a relationship with Gigasavvy, for whom I create original editorial content.Savannah-Chop-House-FacadeUp on a hilltop in Laguna Niguel, sits an eatery called Savannah Chop House. Offering breathtaking, ocen views and an menu that makes a foodie’s heart happy, Savannah Chop House is the perfect location for any occasion whether it’s a date night, a girls’ night out, or a special family dinner.

I was invited to a media tasting as a guest of Savannah Chop House and Giga Savvy, featuring an eclectic collection of dishes prepared by their Executive Chef, Chris Tzorin. Let me just tell you now, I could literally taste the passion behind his cooking every time I took a bite.

Savannah-Chop-House-Chris-TzorinChef Tzorin shared a little bit of his personal story with us and I already felt like we were getting a peek into his world where perhaps, many people aren’t invited. One of the first statements out of his mouth was “Food is my therapy“, about which he was referring to his craft of cooking! Chris has had a series of personal challenges that he’s managed to hurdle over and  move forward from. He also shared with us that the way he handles the reality of these things is to cook for others and make people happy with his amazing culinary creations! It’s obvious he’s been blessed with crazy cooking skills! (That means he’s an amazing chef)

Savannah-Chop-House-Executive-ChefLet’s take a look at some of the menu that our group got to enjoy. I apologize if the pictures and descriptions make you hungry. (Actually I don’t). However, you too, can visit Savannah Chop House and get some of your own!

Savannah-Chop-House-CocktailWe were treated to some tray passed appetizers upon arrival, which included Savannah’s Signature Recipe Bruschetta, Grilled Proscuitto Wrapped Shrimp, and Smoked Salmon on a Toasted Point. We nibbled on our appetizers as the sun continued to set over the ocean.

Savannah-Chop-House-bruschetta

Savannah-Chop-House-Smoked-SalmonThe first course was a delicious Tempura Stuffed Zuccini surrounded by Herb Goat Cheese & Sundried Tomatoes and served atop Baby Mixed Greens. The presentation was beautiful and I loved the flower garnish. If there weren’t other courses to follow, I would’ve asked for a few more of these.

Savannah-Chop-House-Tempura-Stuffed-ZucciniThe second course was a choice between 2 light, refreshing salads. The Caesar Salad is made with croutons, fried capers, Parmesan and topped with their House Caesar Dressing. The other salad, a Watermelon Beet Salad, is made with a mixed blend, candied pecans, and Goat Cheese and topped with an Herbal Vinaigrette.

Savannah-Chop-House-Caesar-Salad

Savannah-Chop-House-Watermelon-and-Beet-SaladThe third course, which was the main course, was Surf and Turf! When I looked down and saw a Filet Medallion with Shrimp Scampi with Mashed Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, and a Cabernet Reduction on my plate, my heart was happy!

Savannah-Chop-House-Surf-and-TurfRegardless of how full I think I am, I ALWAYS have room for dessert! Although we had a choice between 2 different desserts, I opted to try both the Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Berries & Chocolate Sauce and Strawberry Shortcake made with Vanilla Cake, Fresh Strawberries, and Whipped Cream!

Savannah-Chop-House-Flourless-Chocolate-Cake

Savannah-Chop-House-Strawberry-ShortcakeEvery dish that was placed in front of me was delicious and I’ve dreamt about returning for another meal since I left there that night! After dessert, when the guests started to leave, I stuck around for a special tour in the kitchen, led by the Executive Chef, Chris Tzorin. He showed us behind-the-scenes and talked about all of the preparation that went into the night’s menu. (I don’t think he sleeps!)

Chris’ father is also an amazing chef who is mostly retired now but came out to oversee what Chris was up to in the kitchen. I actually teared up when I took this picture. I see a man who is so passionate about his “craft” that it translates into every bite of the food he’s dishing up for his guests and I see another man who is an incredibly proud papa and looks content knowing that he’s raised an amazingly talented son! I love this picture!

I’d highly recommend you visit Savannah Chop House for an incredible dining experience of your own!

Savannah Chop House is located at:

32441 Golden Lantern

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

949-493-7107

Connect with Savannah Chop House on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.