October 2015 - Over The Top Mommy

Month: October 2015

Calling All Team Moms, Room Moms, and Super Moms! You’re Going to LOVE HP Social Media Snapshots! #StickaPic

October 30, 2015 / Uncategorized

This is a sponsored campaign with HP and MomSelect. I was compensated and provided with products in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% my own.

When I was invited to participate in a fun promotion with HP, I jumped at the chance. HP Social Media Snapshots is one of their newer product which allow you to print your social snapshots out directly from your social media channels! They look like 4X5 inch sheets of photo paper but are actually STICKABLE photo paper! After printing out a picture, you can stick it somewhere and then have the option of removing it later, without leaving any damage. Also, you can re-stick it again. It’s such a cool product and is currently available exclusively at Staples.

HP Social Snapshots was tailored JUST for the HP Social Media Snapshots app! The app is free to download and really easy to use. After you download it, you can choose photos from Instagram, Facebook, Flickr or even pictures from your camera roll.

I upload so many pictures on my channels but never actually print them out. My intentions are good and I always meant to, but it’s such a hassle to first send them to my laptop, then pull them up on my laptop, to finally print them. It’s just too many steps and I’m a busy mom. Well, luckily for all of us, the HP Social Media Snapshots app sends the photos directly from your smartphone (or Tablet) to the HP Envy printer to print! The printer functions wirelessly, so you just need to set it up on a network and you can print out the pictures from your phone.

HP generously sent me all the supplies I needed to have an printing party in an instant. I received one HP Envy printer, ink, and plenty of the special Snapshots paper. I was able to grab some of my cheer mom friends and their daughters to spend some time playing around with the app and printing out some fun pictures. As long as their phones were on the same wireless network as the printer, they, too, could print out whatever they wanted What ended up happening was that the girls took over our phones and starting snapping selfies. I guess that’s just what pre-tweens spend a lot of time doing these days?

The girls were so busy playing around with our phones, that they had no idea we took a couple pictures of them while they were snapping selfies. Well, they didn’t know until I posted both of the pictures on my Instagram! A picture of a selfie!

After I shared the pictures on my Instagram, I went into the HP Social Snapshots app on my phone and printed out both of the pictures from my Instagram. I like printing Instagram pictures from the Social Snapshots app because they already have the captions and emojis on them, but the app also allows you to add your own caption to any picture and change the frame, the look of the Instagram ones just happens to be my most favorite one.

After you send to print, you just wait and they print out right then and there! It’s really easy, as long as your wireless network is all set up for the printer and the smartphones to run on.

The girls are actually putting together a little album over the year with the HP Social Media Snapshots they printed out and will continue to add to it throughout the cheer season. It’s literally one of the best inventions ever, especially for moms like me who often make the promise of printing pictures out but never really get around to it!

Take advantage of this special offer through October 31st. HP Social Media Snapshots are BOGO when you go here and click “redeem now”.

So, are YOU ready to print out some of your snapshots from your smartphone or Tablet?

American Girl Store Will Join The Shops at Mission Viejo For the Holidays! Grand Opening Celebration 11/15!

October 29, 2015 / Uncategorized

Calling all American Girl fans! Something very merry is happening this holiday—an American Girl store is coming to The Shops at Mission Viejo! They’ll be celebrating with a grand-opening weekend party, and they’re inviting you, your girl, and your most-fun friends to join in on all of the fun!

The store will feature a curated assortment of the popular American Girl dolls, books, and accessories, along with the signature Doll Hair Salon! The temporary store will be open for shopping until early 2016 to celebrate the wonderful holiday season! In addition, during the Grand Opening celebration, girls will receive a free gift and craft while supplies last, and can enter to win a Grace doll and paperback book.

So who’s ready for the holiday season to begin already? I know I am! I cannot wait for this Grand Opening Celebration on November 15! Will YOU be there too?

Connect with American Girl on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. All images property of American Girl & Simon Malls.

Walt Disney Studios Introduces Full Voice Cast of #Zootopia!

October 27, 2015 / Disney Movies, Entertainment, Movies

Exciting news about Disney’s upcoming film “Zootopia”! Set to release in theaters next Spring, on March 4, 2016, this Big Screen adventure is going to be another family favorite!

Have you watched the trailer yet?

Here’s a synopsis of the film:
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”), and produced by Clark Spencer (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “Lilo & Stitch”) opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.

Walt Disney Studios officially introduced the Voice Cast for Zootopia and it looks to be an amazing and talented cast. ‘Zootopia’ features such a large and diverse range of characters—one of the biggest casts ever for a Disney Animation film.

Joining Ginnifer Goodwin, who provides the voice of Zootopia’s first bunny officer Judy Hopps; Jason Bateman, who lends his voice to con-artist fox Nick Wilde; and Shakira, who voices international superstar Gazelle, are the following members of the “Zootopia” voice cast:

Idris Elba (Netflix’s “Beasts of No Nation,” BBC’s “Luther”) provides the voice of CHIEF BOGO, head of the Zootopia Police Department. A tough cape buffalo with 2,000 lbs of attitude, Bogo is reluctant to add Judy Hopps, Zootopia’s first bunny cop, to his squad of hardened rhinos, elephants and hippos. J.K. Simmons (“Juno,” Oscar® winner for “Whiplash”) lends his voice to MAYOR LEODORE LIONHEART, the noble leader of Zootopia, who coined the city’s mantra that Judy Hopps lives by: “In Zootopia, anyone can be anything.” Nate Torrence (HBO’s “Hello Ladies,” Fox’s “Weird Loners”) lends his voice to the Zootopia Police Department’s most charming cheetah, BENJAMIN CLAWHAUSER. Clawhauser loves two things: pop star Gazelle and donuts. From his reception desk, he greets everyone with a warm smile and a helpful paw—covered in sprinkles. Jenny Slate (“Obvious Child,” “Marcel the Shell”) provides the voice of ASSISTANT MAYOR BELLWETHER, a sweet sheep with a little voice and a lot of wool, who constantly finds herself under foot of the larger-than-life Mayor Lionheart. Tommy Chong (“Up in Smoke,” “That ’70s Show”) lends his iconic voice to YAX THE YAK, the most enlightened, laid-back bovine in Zootopia. When Judy Hopps is on a case, Yax is full of revealing insights. Octavia Spencer (“Insurgent,” Oscar® winner for “The Help”) voices MRS. OTTERTON, a desperate otter who turns to Officer Judy Hopps for help in solving her husband’s mysterious disappearance.

Bonnie Hunt (“Return to Me,” “Jerry Maguire”) provides the voice of BONNIE HOPPS, mother of Judy—and her 275 brothers and sisters. Mrs. Hopps loves and supports her daughter, but is a hare nervous about Judy moving to Zootopia to become a big-city police officer. Don Lake (“Dumb and Dumber To,” “The Bonnie Hunt Show”) voices Judy’s father, STU HOPPS, a carrot farmer from Bunnyburrow. Along with Mrs. Hopps, he is worried about Judy moving to Zootopia and the untrustworthy big-city mammals who live there—especially foxes.

Alan Tudyk (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Trumbo”) returns to Disney Animation’s recording studio for his fourth feature in a row as the voice of DUKE WEASELTON, a small-time weasel crook with a big-time weasel mouth, who tries to give Judy the slip during a police chase. Tommy “Tiny” Lister (“Friday,” “The Fifth Element”) voices FINNICK, a fennec fox with a big chip on his adorable shoulder. Raymond Persi (“Wreck-It Ralph,” WDAS story artist) voices FLASH, the fastest sloth working at the DMV—the Department of Mammal Vehicles. Katie Lowes (ABC’s “Scandal,” “Big Hero 6”) lends her voice to DR. MADGE HONEY BADGER, who heads up all of City Hall’s most pressing medical cases.

Jesse Corti (“Frozen,” “Beauty and the Beast”) is the voice of the jaguar MANCHAS, a highly regarded chauffeur who works for the biggest—and shadiest—limo company in town.

John DiMaggio (Fox’s “Futurama,” Cartoon Network’s “Adventure Time”) voices JERRY 2 JUMBEAUX JR., the easily annoyed owner of Jumbeaux’s Café, his elephant ice cream parlor.

I am SO excited for this film! I think my favorite portrayal of a character and character art is for Shakira’s character though. She’s an International Superstar, GAZELLE! How adorable and realistic is her character?

Connect with ZOOTOPIA on Facebook and Twitter!

This is not a sponsored post. ALL images property of Walt Disney Studios.

DIY Easy Halloween Treat Bags and Tic-Tac-Toe Game! FREE Printables, Too! (Perfect For Busy Moms!)

October 25, 2015 / Celebrations, Holiday Fun, Printables

Halloween is such a fun time of year, not only for kids but for moms and teachers, too! I like send something to school with my daughter on Halloween to pass out to her classmates. This year, I made cute little “Happy Halloween Tic-Tac-Toe” treat bags and I’ll be sharing my free printable with you.

There are a variety of different treats you can pair this with as the game pieces, including some non-food items. Some ideas might include small Halloween erasers, cubes, pennies and nickels, small candies, Goldfish crackers, pretzels, etc.

I think you get the idea. You just need to make sure to include 2 different types of treats in each kit so the kids can play Tic-Tac-Toe. I chose candy corn and candy pumpkins. They are 2 of my own favorite Halloween treats. The good thing about these treat bags is that they are very simple to put together, especially at the last minute. I’m all about the last minute!

Here’s what you’ll need to put together your own treat bags:

2 different types of small treats
small bags (even plastic sandwich bags would work)
tape or Halloween stickers (to seal the bags)
one “Happy Halloween Tic-Tac-Toe” game board per bag (it’s a free printable)

Assembling your treat bags:

Print out one game board per child. (Click here to print.) I prefer to print mine on white cardstock. Also, they’re set up to print out 2 per sheet. You can adjust to print out 4 per sheet. (check your own computer’s settings). You’ll need scissors or a paper cutter to cut that out.
Place one game board and at least 10 of each treat in each bag.
Seal treat bags with tape or a cute sticker.
If you want to be extra detailed, print out a Happy Halloween tag for each one, write your child’s name on, and attach to each bag. Print tags here and cut out each circle.

Well I hope you can use my printables! Don’t worry, we most likely don’t have children who attend the same school so I’m guessing you’ll be the only one who shows up with the cutest Halloween favor bags in the class! Oh, and feel free to share with others! Happy Halloween!

Join Me at the #CosmetiCareMoms VIP Party on 11/5 in Newport Beach Plus a Giveaway! AD

October 22, 2015 / Uncategorized

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.

Over the past few months, you may have noticed my posting about my exciting trips to the CosmetiCare medspa! I’m currently one of nine Mom Ambassadors working with CosmetiCare and have had the pleasure of getting to know the entire staff over there, as well as try out a few of the procedures they offer. I’m loving the results I’ve gotten from the Botox and Voluma!

CosmetiCare is hosting a VIP Event on Thursday, November 5, 2015 with all of the CosmetiCare Moms and YOU are invited to attend! The event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and it’s going to be so much fun! You’ll get to meet all of the CosmetiCare Mom Ambassadors, including me! (I love meeting readers in person!) Guests will sip on complimentary wine and champagne and be treated to delightful hor d’oeuvres. You’ll be able to get an insider’s look into CosmetiCare’s signature treatment rooms and learn more about non-invasive beauty treatments through demonstrations of techniques to correct wrinkles, loose and sagging skin, uneven tone and pigmentation, rosacea and more.

The Skin Care and Glow Room – Discover aesthetic technology with instant results and zero downtime
The Fat Melting Room – Marvel at TruSculpt, a 10% noninvasive body contouring option with no downtime.
The Laser Room – Consider painless laser hair removal, just in time for swimsuit season.
The Freeze & Fill Room – Freeze out frown lines with techniques presented by medspa specialists
The Nip/Tuck Room – Consult with CosmetiCare’s founder, Dr. Niccole, and his partner physicians.
The Care Credit Room – If you’re curious about costs after learning about all of the services and procedures, you can also request no-interest financing.

Many women have questions about aesthetic technology, lasers, body sculpting and other cosmetic procedures and this kind of a fun event is a no-pressure opportunity to get questions answered. Learn all about the options available to help you age gracefully and with confidence! Plus, CosmetiCare has an imaging tool that allows patients to “try on treatments”. It’s called NewLook Now® and is a complimentary service that allows patients to see what these technologies and procedures can do for their appearance.

Attendees at the CosmetiCare VIP Event will receive opportunity-drawing tickets to win:

Skin Medica TNS Essential Serum ($270.00 Value)
40 Units of Botox ($400.00 Value)
Melt the Fat 1 TruSculpt Treatment ($499.00)
Luscious Lips – 1 Syringe of Juvederm Ultra Plus ($595.00 Value)

To RSVP for this event, you can either call 949.273.2663 or email i[email protected]. I’m hoping some of my readers will be able to join me!

CosmetiCare is also hosting a great giveaway that you can enter to win $250 in CosmetiCare Spa Services. Just enter below on the Rafflecopter! Good luck everyone! I hope to see you at the VIP Party!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Connect with CosmetiCare on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Some images property of CosmetiCare and Reveille, Inc.

Kidgits Boo Bash on 10/24 and Trick or Treating on Halloween at The Shops at Mission Viejo! @ShopsMV

October 21, 2015 / Celebrations, Family Fun, Holiday Fun, Lifestyle, Orange County, The Shops at Mission Viejo

Spiders, bats, black cats and more… Let’s see what Halloween has in store! Your favorite little ghosts and goblins are invited to The Shops at Mission Viejo for a fun and safe event at the Boo Bash on Saturday, October 24. Children of all ages are encouraged to sport their best Halloween costume to haunt The Shops at Mission Viejo in search of Halloween fun.

The Shops at Mission Viejo Halloween event, presented by the Simon Kidgits Club, takes place from 10a.m. to noon on the Lower Level, near H&M and Old Navy. You can join in on Halloween themed crafts, giveaways, and more. Get ready for spells and potions at an entertaining magic show from magicIAN, which starts at 10:30 a.m.

Families are also invited to return to The Shops at Mission Viejo for trick-or-treating at participating retailers on Saturday, October 31 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., though hours vary by retailer. Here is a list of participating retailers:
Mall Trick or Treating is from 10am to 7pm, on October 31. Here is a list of participating Retailers:

APEX by SUNGLASS HUT—- Candy

BANDEX WATCHES—- Candy

BEAUTY POINT—- Hair Serum

BRIGHTON COLLECTABLES—- Candy

BUILD-A-BEAR—- Candy

CARLTON HAIR—- Candy

THE CHILDREN”S PLACE—- Tattoos and Stickers

DESTINATION MATERNITY—- Candy

FARRELL’S ICE CREAM PARLOUR—- Candy

FAST FIX JEWELRY AND WATCH REPAIR—- Candy

FASHION NAILS—- Candy

FIRST CUTS 4 KIDS—- Candy

FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS—- Candy

GYMBOREE—- Stickers

IRENE’S STORY—- Candy

JANIE & JACK—- Stickers

LONDON COIN GALLERIES—- Foreign Coins and Candy

LUCKY BRAND CLOTHING—- Candy

LULU BELLA BOUTIQUE—- Candy

MICROSOFT—- Candy

MUSCLE BEACH—- Candy

OPTIMUS TOYS—- Candy

OPTOMETRY AT THE SHOPS—- Candy

RUBY’S DINER—- Candy

POTTERY BARN KIDS—- Goodies

SEE’S CANDY—- Candy

SKETCHERS—- Candy

SKIN 63—- Candy

STARBUCKS—- Candy

SWEET FACTORY—- Candy

TEAVANA—- Tea if in Costume

TOMMY BAHAMA—- Candy

TRUFFLE CAKE CO. —- Candy

THE WALKING COMPANY—- Candy
Guests can stop by Guest Services to pick up a flyer with specific store participation and information on candy distribution times of retailers.

Note: Toy weapons and costumes should be worn only during event hours and masks are allowed only on children 12 years old and younger.

Connect with The Shops at Mission Viejo on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

About Simon Kidgits Club:

The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3-8. The Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused for over a decade with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards and games.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own.

{Giveaway} “Minions” Available on Digital HD 11/24 & DVD/Blu-ray and On Demand 12/8! Enter to Win A Copy! #Minions

October 20, 2015 / Entertainment, Movies

In case you missed them in theaters, the Minions have their own movie! Minions will be available on Digital HD November 24 and on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand on December 8 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. A much anticipated prequel to the unprecedented worldwide blockbusters Despicable Me and the beloved sequel Despicable Me 2, Minions is an extremely entertaining and hilarious film for all audiences!

Watch the trailer here:

Here’s a synopsis of the film:
Since the dawn of time, Minions have served (and accidentally eliminated) history’s most despicable villains. After their latest explosive mistake leaves them without an evil leader, the Minions fall into a deep depression. With the tribe on the brink of collapse, three unlikely heroes–Kevin, Stuart, and Bob—embark on a journey to find a new big boss. When their quest leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill (Academy Award® winner Sandra Bullock), our three heroes must face their biggest challenge yet: saving all of Minionkind…from annihilation!

The Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and Digital HD also come with three all-new mini-movies which means even more Minions! Everyone will want to watch again and again especially during the busy holiday season. Minions will be available on Blu-ray™ with DIGITAL HD and UltraViolet™ and the DVD

Blu-ray™ will unleash the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home and will feature 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
DVD offers the flexibility and convenience of playing movies in more places, both at home and away.
DIGITAL HD with UltraViolet™ lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.

BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVE TO BLU-RAY^TMAND DIGITAL HD:

THREE ALL NEW ORIGINAL MINI-MOVIES:
- Cro Minion
- Competition
- Binky Nelson Unpacified
DELETED SCENE – ME, MYSELF AND STUART
AROUND THE WORLD INTERACTIVE MAP – Explore the world of the Minions with this interactive map featuring a collection of games, trivia, featurettes, storyboards, and more all themed to movie locations.
BEHIND THE GOGGLES – THE ILLUMINATION STORY OF THE MINIONS – Get a “behind the googles” look at the history and evolution of everyone’s favorite yellow henchmen.
- WRITER – See how the Minions evolve throughout the different time periods. Writer, Brian Lynch discusses creating distinctive personalities for the three main Minions, his VillainCon idea, and the Minion family.
- BOSS’ OFFICE – Illumination Entertainment CEO and founder and Minions producer, Chris Meledandri discusses the origins of Illumination Entertainment and the genesis of both Despicable Me and the Minions.
- ART DEPARTMENT – See how the Minions came to life, from the original art concept of the henchmen to the final creation of the Minions and how to differentiate them between new time periods. Also, see how the idea of Herb and Scarlett Overkill’s characters came to be.
- GALLERY – CONCEPT ART (stills)
- GALLERY – COLOR SCRIPT (stills)
- COMPOSER – Listen to how composer Heitor Pereira creates the sound of the Minions and what it takes to create big music for small characters.
- ACTORS STUDIO – Listen to the actors’ experiences being part of the Minions movie, who their favorite Minionsare, and why they love them so much
- NOTICE BOARD (stills)
- SAFETY VIDEO

ILLUMINATION MACGUFF ANIMATION
- ANIMATION – Go behind the scenes and hear about the challenges and excitement behind the Minion characters and bringing them alive through animation in the movie

LIGHTING, LAYOUT AND EFFECTS – A look at the ways in which layout and lighting plays a big role in the emotion and motivation in the movie. Also see the ways in which they try to keep the 60’s vintage look and the challenges they face with very technical shots, where one shot can take weeks.

3D MODELS GALLERY (stills)
DIRECTORS – Directors Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda discuss the unique challenges of creating distinctive personalities for the Minions
PRODUCERS – Producers Chris Meledandri, Janet Healy and Executive Producer Chris Renaud discuss the three main characters – Kevin, Stuart, and Bob – little family in the movie and the goal of creating a special bond between them and the audience when they leave the theater.
EDITORIAL – Editor Claire Dodgson discusses the distinctive editing style of the Despicable Me franchise and the three-year process it takes to make these movies from the original storyboards to cutting scenes with Miniondialogue.
STORYBOARD ARTIST – Learn how the actions of the words of the script turn into visual drawings and how much work is put in from the rough sketches to the final cut of the movie.
GALLERY – STUART HOT TUB STORYBOARD (stills)

JINGLE BELLS MINION STYLE – This holiday favorite is brought to life in a merry-Minion way. Now you get to sing along to the beloved video that was the most shared piece of content on Facebook in 2014.
THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS THEATRICAL TRAILER

DVD BONUS FEATURES

DELETED SCENE – ME, MYSELF AND STUART

JINGLE BELLS MINION STYLE – This holiday favorite is brought to life in a merry-Minion way. Now you get to sing along to the beloved video that was the most shared piece of content on Facebook in 2014.

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS THEATRICAL TRAILER

I’m also hosting a giveaway for one of my lucky readers to win their own copy of “Minions” on DVD! Ener below in the rafflecopter! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Find Minions on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. Some images property of Universal Pictures/Illumination Entertainment. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Adorable CHARM IT! Friendship Bracelets (and Necklaces) Allow Girls To Express Individuality!

October 19, 2015 / Uncategorized

Friendship is a complex thing, even for young girls. I’ve learned a lot about it over the years and what I’ve come to realize is that friends aren’t always exactly alike. In fact, friends can be quite the opposite, as far as their tastes and favorites, but what they share in common is spending time together having fun.

Sometimes it seems like kids place too much importance on trying to be like others, and not enough of themselves. It’s OK to have individual tastes and be different from your friends. I’ve worked hard to teach this to my daughter.

This is why I love CHARM IT! necklaces, bracelets, and charms! Have you seen them before? It’s a premier brand that’s available worldwide and sold exclusively at independent specialty retailers and premium department stores. When CHARM IT! recently sent me some gift packs of bracelets, I was excited for my daughter to give them to her little circle of friends!

CHARM IT has 100’s of different charms to choose from that you can purchase to attach to a chain necklace or bracelet. Here are just some of the categories girls can choose charms from:

With so many different charms to choose from, friends can build a necklace or bracelet that best fits their individual personalities, while still being able to attach some charms that are the same as their friends’ charms. Each of the charms has adorable details (some are even blingy), they’re sturdy and easily clasp on.

My daughter and her circle of friends each have a pink chain bracelet with 3 charms attached: a cupcake, a blinged out high top tennis shoe and a “friends” charm. There is still plenty of room for each of them to add additional charms that have to do with their own personalities.

I think these are some of the cutest things I’ve seen for girls and am excited for the girls to continue to build up their collection of charms on their own bracelets. What do YOU do to encourage your own daughter’s individuality?

To locate a store that sells CHARM IT!, click here. Connect with CHARM IT! on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. I received products in order to faciliate this post. All opinions are 100% my own. Some images and logos property of CHARM IT!

7 Reasons YOU Should Go To Brick-or-Treat Party Nights At LEGOLAND® California Resort

October 15, 2015 / Family Fun, LEGOLAND, Lifestyle, San Diego

LEGOLAND® California’s Brick-or-Treat Party Nights are well under way and we’ve already been two weekends in a row! Yep, we loved it so much the opening weekend that we returned last weekend for a 2nd time! The not-too-spooky Halloween party in the park welcomes guests of all ages to enjoy extra special time in the park, from 5 to 9 p.m. but guests who purchased wristbands, can actually enter the park starting at 4 p.m. LEGOLAND is only a hop, skip & a jump from Orange County and Los Angeles, so it’s not a bad drive at all!

Brick-or-Treat Party Nights tickets are offered at a great price!

For being the biggest kids’ Halloween celebration in San Diego , Brick-or-Treat Party Nights ticket is offered at a great price! If you just want to attend the event, itself, from 5 to 9 p.m., it’s $45 per person if you buy it that day at LEGOLAND. However, you can also buy tickets online and in advance for $35, which is highly recommended.

If you are already visiting the park for the day, you to add the event to your ticket, at Guest Services, for just $20. more ticket to yours for just
Passholders are also offered Brick-or-Treat ticktets at a discount. California Annual Pass and Merlin Annual Pass Standard Members can upgrade to purchase a Brick-or-Treat Party Nights event ticket at a discounted price, while event admission is free for Merlin Annual Pass Premium Members, Ambassador and Ambassador Resort Members.

Everyone is welcome to dress up AND there’s a COOL costume contest with prizes!

It’s fun to have the option of dressing up for the occasion with the entire family! I saw all kinds of costumes in the park, ranging from really intricate ones to simple costumes. I also saw people in regular clothes or just wearing a Halloween shirt. Overall, it’s a fun and casual environment and because it’s in Southern California & it’s beautiful weather regardless. (I recommend bringing a light jacket.)

The Costume Contest is open to children 12 and under. Guests must be present at the Miniland Stage at the scheduled time for your registered costume contest category. A new contest for each of the three category themes will be held each Brick-or-Treat Party Night in October 3,10, 17, 24, 30 from 5pm-9pm. Participants must sign up at the registration table in the Model Shop Alcove no later than 15 minutes before each contest starts.

There’s REALLY GOOD trick-or-treating and an all-new Candy Quest interactive adventure!

You can grab an empty bag at one of the candy stations and fill it up! There are stations located throughout the park, as well as 2 BONUS treat stations inside SEA LIFE® Aquarium, which is also part of this event. Look for the “Boo Crew” as they will be handing out treats to guests including: a Brick-or-Treat Commemorative Brick, a Brick-or-Treat Hat, a LEGO® Magazine, a LEGO® City Collector Magazine, Clif Kids, Clif Kid Z-Bar, and a Shutterfly^®promotional card.

You also won’t want to miss the all-new Candy Quest, which is located inside of Adventurers Club! It’s an interactive walk through where kids will meet characters and receive more treats for their trick or treat bags!

This year there are new roaming candy carts this year, where kids can gather treats and other surprises from trail partners: Shutterfly^®, LEGO®, Clif Kids™, Honest Kids^®, Red Vines^®, SMARTCANDY^® and and Airheads^®.

Trick or Treat Tip: We spent the last 20 minutes just going from station to station and filling up our bags because by that time, there weren’t many people in lines!

You can still access all of the regular attractions!

Guests can enjoy all of the regular attractions during Brick-or-Treat Party Nights because they’re all open. There’s even a special Halloween version of “Coast Cruise” as it’s transformed into “Ghost Cruise” just for the event. Note: Splash Battle, Pirate Reef and Soak ~N~ Sail will be close at 6:00 pm each evening. (Some rides subject to ride closure)

LEGO^®Friends Heartlake City has a special Fall Festival!

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit LEGOLAND California’s newest themed area, it’s called ” LEGO^®Friends Heartlake City” and it’s adorable! Young guests will find that some of their favorite LEGO sets have come to life!

For Brick-or-Treat Party Nights, Heartlake City is having a Fall Festival where you can enjoy a Bluegrass Band, LEGO Friends Meet and Greets, interactive, Not-So-Scary Storytelling at Village Theater, and a LEGO Pumpkin Patch Free Build inside Heartlake City Stables

There’s a TON of live entertainment and shows at Brick-or-Treat Party Nights!

Guests in the park can enjoy a special shows, hands on activities, and live entertainment during Brick-or-Treat Party Nights! There are two fun shows in the Courtyard Theater Stage on Castle Hill. “Mail Order Monsters” and “The Witchettes” have several shows each night. (see guide for times) Also enjoy “Monster Fighter Mash” and the Ultimate Dance Party over on Miniland Stage. Continue dancing the night away at Hubble Bubble’s Dance Party AND at Wanda’s Jellyfish Disco inside Sea Life Aquarium.

Throughout the park, there are roaming entertainers including stilt walkers, ball walkers, and even unicyclists.

It’s a chance to create more family memories together!

For me, the most important reason why I think you should attend Brick-or-Treat Party Nights this weekend is because it’s another chance for you to create more family memories together! I am all about making memories that will last a lifetime! Don’t forget to bring your camera because there are lots of photo opportunities in the park for your memory books!

There’s so much to see and do at LEGOLAND^® California Resort’s Brick-or-Treat Party Nights! Will YOU be attending this weekend? For more information and to purchase your tickets, click here.