Over The Top Mommy

Month: February 2016

LEGOLAND® Hotel Now Taking Reservations for LEGO Friends Rooms

Calling all LEGO Friends Heartlake City fans! Beginning on March 10, 2016, you can stay and play in your very own piece of Heartlake City at the LEGOLAND® Hotel! Complete with the Café, Stables and your very own LEGO® tree house, the hotel’s newest theme is truly a dream come true for any group of BFFs!legoland-california-hotel-lego-friends-roomThe colorful décor and LEGO models incorporate a level of detail that will have your imaginations running wild. Kids can even use clues to explore the tree house and join the LEGO Friends in a game of hide and seek with their LEGO pets! lego-frends-beds

LEGOLAND® Hotel rooms are designed to accommodate playful adventure as well as privacy and relaxation. The rooms include:

  • King bed in the adult sleeping area
  • Kids’ own sleeping area with bunk beds, pull-out trundle bed and entertainment unit (sleeps up to 3 kids)
  • Welcome treasure hunt with LEGO prize
  • LEGO bricks to build with during your stay
  • High-speed internet
  • 2 high-definition flat panel TVs with complimentary On-Demand content
  • Mini-fridge and coffee maker
  • Air conditioning
  • Cribs available upon request
  • Fully Themed rooms sleeps 5 (max 2 adults)
  • Suites sleep 7 (max 4 adults)
  • ADA accessible available

Availability of LEGO Friends rooms is limited, so be sure to book your stay in advance.To make a reservation, click here or call 877.534.6526.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos are property of LEGOLAND and LEGOLAND Hotel. 

El Mirasol Mexican Restaurant in Palm Springs

During a recent stay in Palm Springs at the Los Arboles Hotel, I discovered that the property was also home to one of the desert’s best Mexican eateries….El Mirasol! The restaurant is actually one of two family-run locations in Palm Springs and promises nothing short of delicious and authentic Mexican food. el-mirasol-mexican-restaurant-signNot only did we eat there on the first night of our stay, it was so delicious that we dined there again on the following night as well! Why did I think it was so great? I won’t say that it was a single determining factor. There were many reasons! el-mirasol-mexican-restaurant-entranceFirst of all, the casual atmosphere of the restaurant offers guests seating indoors, in the bar area,  or outdoors on a patio that’s outlined with colorful strands of lights. El Mirasol is the place to be on weekend nights which was apparent with the packed house on both nights! el-mirasol-mexican-restaurant-margaritaImagine my surprise when I glanced over the drink menu to find fresh, homemade margaritas being offered at very reasonable prices. This was surprising, especially considering that the restaurant is an on-property restaurant for the hotel. I ordered myself up a grande Cadillac margarita right away, after I spotted someone else’s. It was fun to watch the bartender make my drink as I sat nearby.  I watched him finish it off with squeezes of halved fresh limes on top. Yum! el-mirasol-mexican-restaurant-guacamoleThe order of guacamole that they served to our table as a starter, complimented the fresh chips and homemade salsa incredibly. It was a giant portion of guacamole, too, so we didn’t have to fight over one person dipping more than the others. el-mirasol-mexican-restaurant-taquitosI appreciated the offerings on the children’s menu which included typical kids’ Mexican favorites and even chicken nuggets for the kid who won’t eat much. (We can all relate to that situation). It seemed like taquitos were a hit with my daughter! She ordered both chicken and beef ones. (with more guacamole, of course) el-mirasol-mexican-restaurant-enchiladasThe adult menu was extensive and it was a bit difficult to narrow it down to just one entree. Luckily I ate there two nights in a row. The cheese enchiladas were delicious and made with a sauce that was so full of flavor. Everything we tried was so good and the entire staff went above and beyond. Even one of the owners came over to our table to see how our experience was. el-mirasol-mexican-restaurant-poolEl Mirasol is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They were also happy to put drinks into cups we could take by the pool during the day. It’s a great place to dine if you’re visiting Palm Springs. We can’t wait to go back again on our next trip!

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

Baker Ranch To Host Free Family Event on 2/20 Along With New Homes Release

Have you been over to check out Baker Ranch yet? It’s a brand-new master planned community located in Lake Forest, with homes created by renowned builders, Shea Homes and Toll Brothers.  baker-ranch-logo

From the start, Baker Ranch has been designed for active people who love outdoor recreation and scenic natural settings. Here you can enjoy all the amenities of an exceptional master planned community without the excessive taxation of Mello-Roos. Lake Forest provides small-town charm with California Distinguished schools and modern services. It’s all within easy reach of the major employment centers, shopping, entertainment and attractions that make sunny Central Orange County the perfect backyard. The Community of Baker Ranch celebrates the relationship between nature and living well. baker-ranch-grand-opening-celebrationOn Saturday, February 20th,  Baker Ranch will be throwing a Grand Opening event to celebrate the opening of their 3 newest communities! Everyone is invited to attend and from 11:00AM – 4:00PM, all attending guests will be able to tour these newest model homes by Shea Homes at Crestline and The Courts. baker-ranch-grand-opening-celebration-shea-homesAlso, guests can preview three of Toll Brothers’ newest communities, Summit, Terraces, and Highlands East in their Sales Centers. baker-ranch-grand-opening-celebration-toll-brosIn addition to the unveiling of the new neighborhoods, Baker Ranch will be debuting the spectacular Promenade Park, which will feature:

  • a new playground
  • climbing wall
  • Bocce Ball courts
  • walking path
  • barbecues
  • picnic areas

baker-ranch-grand-opening-celebration-parkAlong with touring these stunning new homes plus all of Baker Ranch’s other fabulous homes, you and your family can enjoy a day of awesome activities located throughout the community! Here are all the spots you need to hit during the event:

  • The Grove Clubhouse – This will be the hub for “FlashTag”, the ultimate Instagram scavenger hunt where you’ll be taking pictures at each event location using #BakerRanchLife. Once you’ve played, you’ll be entered into an amazing raffle to win a Pedego Electric Bike! Snacks and beverages will also be served here including chili tastings with toppings, lemonade, Paradise iced tea, and citrus infused water. There will be kid’s crafts as well as a master bubble maker!
  • Oaks Tennis Park – Opening soon and they can’t wait for guests to see it! After you’ve refreshed yourself with goodies, come and get some tennis tips! Then grab a racket or handball and play a few games. Make sure the kids get their faces painted and grab some citrus infused water! baker-ranch-oaks-tennis-park
  • Borrego Trail – Recently opened in December! When you’re done breaking a sweat on the court, hop on a Pedego Electric Bike for a test drive at “The Pedego Experience” along the trail!

Also….Get ready to get lost in Margaritaville with the Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band! How fun does that sound? It’s a perfect way to spend your Saturday afternoon! baker-ranch-grand-opening-celebration-poolComplimentary shuttles and golf carts will be available to take guests to each location and activity. For more information about the event or to RSVP, visit their Facebook page here

This is not a sponosred post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos are property of Baker Ranch. 

{Giveaway} 2016 OC Fair Super Pass Now on Sale at Early Presale Pricing Until 2/29!

Who’s ready for summer and the annual return of The OC Fair? I know we are and we’re really excited for this year’s theme “Get Your Fair Face On“! 2016-oc-fair-logoThis year’s fair will take place from July 17-August 16 (Wednesday-Sunday) with 23 days and nights of food, rides, shopping, exhibits, animals and headline performances in the Pacific Amphitheatre, nightly music in The Hangar and adrenaline-inducing events in the Action Sports Arena.

The Super Pass, the Fair’s annual season pass, is currently on sale at the lowest prices of the season through Feb. 29 online at http://www.ocfair.com/superpass. Early pre-sale prices are General (13-59) $25, Senior (60+) $18 and Child (6-12) $18.
Check out all of the Super Pass Perks:

  • Admission to the OC Fair for all 23 days
  • Express entry at all public gates during Fair hours
  • 2-for-1 discount for tickets to select Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena concerts and events. There is a 6 ticket limit. Tickets are subject to availability which may change without notice.
  • 20% off Fair apparel
  • 2016 OC Fair souvenir pin
  • Free Admission to the Orange County Market Place (valid through December 26, 2016)
  • Carnival value book (includes 2-for-1 ride on La Grande Wheel, 2-for-1 carnival games, a Free water bottle (with a $10 purchase of treats from carnival food vendor, and a Free refill with a souvenir cup purchase in the carnival)

I’m also having a giveaway! The OC Fair is providing a pair (2) of Super Passes for the 2016 OC Fair for one of my lucky readers to win! You can enter below on the Rafflecopter! Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos are property of the OC Fair. 

Disney’s “Snow White” at El Capitan Theatre For Just One Night on February 16!

In celebration of the launch of the in-home Walt Disney Signature Collection release of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre is thrilled to present a one night only special presentation of the Disney classic February 16, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Before the movie, El Capitan guests will be greeted by Snow White, live on stage. snow-white-at-el-capitan

We are thrilled to welcome ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ back to the El Capitan for one special night.  There is no better place than the El Capitan to revisit this legendary Disney masterpiece, filled with classic songs and unforgettable characters, or experience it for the very first time. -James Wood, operations and stage production for the El Capitan Theatre.

snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfsTo commemorate the release, Walt Disney Animation Studios has assembled a team of seven animators from different generations to create a modern look at the iconic dwarfs who shared the journey of the original Disney Princess. These original works of art will be on display for fans of all ages to enjoy as they relive the magic of the one that started it all. snow-white-and-princeTickets for this event are on sale now online at http://www.elcapitantickets.com  and also available at the El Capitan Theatre (6838 Hollywood Blvd.) or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6. Special group rates for parties of 20 or more are available by calling 1-818-845-3110. Showtimes are subject to change.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos are property of El Capitan Theatre and Disney Enterprises, Inc. 

{Giveaway} Knott’s For The Cure: Buy a “Pink Ticket” For a Good Cause

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, All opinions are 100% my own. Some images and logos are property of Knott’s Berry Farm. .

If you haven’t heard already, Knott’s Berry Farm and Susan G. Komen Orange County are partnering up again, for a third year, to raise money for breast cancer awareness during “Knott’s For The Cure”! knotts-for-the-cure-2016-logoThe partnership, which began in 2013, will once again align two prominent organizations in raising awareness and vital funds for local breast health and breast cancer services for women and men. In 2014 and 2015, the theme park helped raise $230k for Susan G. Komen Orange County!

75% of the funds raised for Susan G. Komen are used to provide local services throughout Orange County for:

  • Breast cancer detection and treatment education
  • Information and support for breast cancer survivors and families
  • Funding for free mammograms for uninsured and underserved women  via the Knott’s sponsored Alinea mobile mammography van.

25% of the funds raised for Susan G. Komen support national research to discover the cure for breast cancer.

I had the honor of being invited to attend the kickoff for their partnership last year and got to hear my dear friend, Jaime, speak about her own breast cancer story!knotts-pink-jaime I got to spend an inspirational morning with Jaime and a huge group of breast cancer survivors. I even got to participate in their victory ride on “Jaguar”. Breast cancer patients and survivors are some of the strongest people you’ll ever meet! knotts-pink-jaguar-by-westcoasternetFrom January 4 through March 18, Knott’s is offering a special “Pink Ticket”, a limited edition “Pink” t-shirt, and other special “Pink” merchandise for purchase, with proceeds going to Susan G. Komen Orange County. The 2016 campaign will focus on the promise that Komen founder Nancy G. Brinker made to her dying sister, Susan G. Komen: that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. knotts-pink-snoopy-woodstockSpecial rides and landmarks inside of the theme park will glow pink in honor of the promotion. Knott’s Berry Farm and Susan G. Komen Orange County invite guests to share their “for the cure” promises during the charitable promotion at knotts.com/promise and join in on the conversation on their social media platforms using #KnottsPink. knotts-pink-charactersKnott’s is committed to helping Susan G. Komen get one step closer to a world without breast cancer. Won’t you help too by joining in and showing your own support by purchasing a “Pink Ticket” and visiting the park during the promotion? Click here to purchase your ticket online for only $40! That’s a $32 discount for buying it in advance and online! What an amazing deal for an entire day of fun in the park! Come out to Knott’s Berry Farm For the Cure!

I’m also giving away a pair of tickets to Knott’s for one of my lucky readers! All you have to do is enter below in the Raffecopter! Be sure to read the instructions carefully! Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I Fell in Love With Nicholas Sparks’ “The Choice”

This post was sponsored by Lionsgate as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% my own. Some images property of Lionsgate and The Choice movie.

I’ve been counting down the days until February 5th, when Nicholas Sparks’ highly anticipated film “The Choice” will hit theaters! I have loved reading every one of his novels so far! Whenever he brings these beautiful stories to life on the big screen, I get about as giddy as a schoolgirl! The-ChoiceWhen I first watched the trailer for “The Choice”, I hadn’t read the book yet. It’s the story of feisty medical student Gabby Hollan [Teresa Palmer], who moves in next door to a ladies’ man Travis Shaw [Benjamin Walker]. They embark on a surprising romantic journey that neither one ever imagined possible. Travis has always believed a serious relationship would cramp his easygoing lifestyle, while Gabby is preparing to settle down with her long-term boyfriend, until an irresistible attraction between the unlikely couple completely disrupts both of their well-planned lives. Oh I just LOVE Nicholas Sparks’ stories!

The on-screen chemistry in the trailer between Travis and Gabby is intense! Seriously, watch it and tell me if it takes your breath away like it did mine! Oh, you also may want to grab a tissue because your eyes will well up with some tears. So, watch this:

As usual, Mr. Sparks has captured a beautiful and romantic storyline, cast beautiful actors to bring his characters to life on screen, and shot the entire thing in a breathtaking location. I am enamored by “The Choice”! the-choice-novelA group of my teacher friends at work (including myself) decided we’d all read “The Choice” and have a “Book Chat” during a few of our lunch hours after reading it! Initially we allowed a week to finish the book before we were set to discuss it. However, a majority of us finished it really quickly because we were so into it! Our initial chat about the book surrounded the theme, “How far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?” The specific of that specific conversation shall remain secret but let’s just say there were many who could relate but had buried their own personal stories long ago. the-choice-how-far-would-you-goOver a few different lunch hours, we did a lot of giggling and came up with the following observations in our “Book Chat” about “The Choice”:

  • We all LOVED it!
  • We were all dying over the chemistry between Travis and Gabby and knew they were destined to end up together. There’s just something about the way that they talked and had such a playfulness between them that clearly showed their instant attraction and gravitation towards each other!
  •  We love the way that we can get lost in a Nicholas Sparks book as we can visualize getting lost in one of his beautiful stories and wrapped up in one of his love stories, regardless of any of our current life situations.
  • We were all excited about the sneak peek pictures in the back of the book that were still shots from the film!
  • There were definitely tense, scary parts that kept us on the edge of our seats when we read the book and will hopefully be as intense in the theater.
  • None of us can wait to see it all play out on the Big Screen. the-choice-scenes-in-the-novel

At our last “Book Chat” lunch hour, we also decided to make a group girl date to go see the film on February 5 when it opens in theaters! I can’t wait to see it all unfold on the big screen! Will you be going to see “The Choice”? I’m guessing the answer is “heck yeah!”? Leave me a comment below and tell me what you thought of the book and/or the film!

 

Enjoy Cuisine With a Oaxacan Flare at KayNDaves Cantina

I was invited super excited to join a fun group of my friends for Sunday brunch at KayNDaves Cantina in Culver City! It’s of their 3 locations and is situated in a super fun little area of the city, right off Culver Blvd. kay-n-daves-culver-blvdAfter parking, I strolled through the hip downtown area until I reached the location and joined everyone on the outdoor patio. We were seated at a high, round table with a lit fire pit in the middle.Kay-n-Daves-sign Southern California already has amazing winter weather but it also felt nice to have that fire going as we dined outdoors and started off with Fresh Muddled Watermelon Shots! kay-n-daves-watermelon-shotKayndave’s head chef, Alejo Grijalva, was raised in Oaxaca on his great-grandmother’s farm. She too, loved to cook and taught Alejjo and his brothers a lot about life, food, and cooking. The recipes featured on the menu boast flavors and combinations of fresh ingredients that are straight from his great-grandmother’s recipes that he brought to the United States all the way from Mexico. kayndaves-mexican-cantina-alejoAlejo runs the kitchens at Kayndaves, along with his two brothers, Ruben and Roberto. If you ever meet them in person, you’ll most likely question whether they are triplets! They look so much alike! Together, they’re know as “Los Tres Hermanos” (The Three Brothers). The brunch that came out of that kitchen that day, was beyond amazing! kayndaves-cantina-tamarindo-margaritaThe miniature versions of the “Starters” were beautifully plated together and my mouth was watering the moment they were placed in front of me alongside a Tamarindo Margarita, made with Xicaru Mezcal and served in a chili-rimmed glass! The “starters” included:

Mini Pibil Sope – A Cochinita Pork Pibil Oven-Roasted in Banana and Agave Leaves kayndaves-cantina-pibil

Squash Blossom Relleno – Fresh Blossoms, Jack Cheese, Mexican Herbs, Crema, and Pico de Gallo. kayndaves-cantina-squash-relleno

Ceviche Tostada – Sole marinated in fresh lime juice. kayndaves-cantina-ceviche-tostada

Mini Chicken Mole Taco – Mole Negro made from scratch kayndaves-cantina-mole

Please don’t ask me which of the starters was my favorite because they were all amazing! If I didn’t have to save room for the rest of the meal, I would’ve had seconds of each of these! kayndaves-cantina-startersAfter our starters, we were served Blackberry Margaritas. They had muddled blackberries and mint in them which made them not only look beautiful but taste that way as well! kayndaves-cantina-blackberry-margaritaNext, our first entree arrived and it was Chiliquiles Verdes. This traditional Mexican breakfast/brunch dish was served in a skillet and topped with a spicy tomatillo salsa, Cotija cheese, and fresh herbs. I loved the presentation of the entire dish! kayndaves-cantina-chiliquiles-verdesNext, they placed a bubbling hot Molcajete Azteca down in front of me that smelled amazing! It had grilled steak, shrimp, and chicken in it that had been slow-cooked with a relleno in Guajillo sauce. kayndaves-cantina-molcajete

By this point in our meal, although I’d been pacing myself, I was starting to slow down. Everything was so delicious though that it was hard to do so. However, I knew there would be dessert too and I ALWAYS have room for dessert, don’t you? kayndaves-cantina-dessert-trioI had a huge smile on my face when they handed me an iced Mexican Mocha in a Mason Jar! 2 shots of espresso was just what I needed as an afternoon pick-me-up! Topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with some “Abuelita”, it tasted as good as it looked! It also paired well with the trio of desserts we were served: Tres Leche Cake, Banana Flautas, and Coconut Crusted Fried Ice Cream!

kayndaves-cantina-tres-leche-cake

kayndaves-cantina-coconut-fried-ice-cream

IMG_0984

I had such a wonderful afternoon out at KayNDaves for Sunday brunch with my friends! I don’t think I can ever get enough of authentic Mexican food made with such fresh ingredients like that and I hope to make it back there again to try their Happy Hour because I heard it’s all the rage!

Visit KayNDaves on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

 

Heart-Shaped Hand Pies Filled with Chocolate and M&M’s® Strawberry

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

heart-shaped-hand-pies-filled-with-cholate-and-mandms-strawberryValentine’s Day is my most favorite holiday of the year! Forget the roses, I get most excited about all of the sentimental things like giving Valentine cards! Also, I don’t know about you but I can never get enough of Valentine treats! This year, I found these M&M’s® Strawberry at Walmart, just in time for the Valentine season! They’re light pink, hot pink, and red! I love M&M’s® and get a little giddy whenever I get to try new flavors. hand-pies-pink-candiesI like to go all out on Valentine’s Day and what most excites me most about the day is getting to celebrate love and friendship with not only my family, but also with my students and coworkers at work! For our Valentine’s Day celebration at work, I try to bring something special for close friends who may not have “a special Valentine” at home to shower them with surprises. It’s nice to let them know that someone is thinking of them on a day that’s so heavily focused on love and friendship. heart-shaped-hand-pies-valentine-goodiesThere’s one particular friend at work that I wanted to buy something extra special for because she lives alone and has no one who buys gifts or cards for her anymore. So, I got her a DOVE® Milk Chocolate Truffle heart tin. On the Valentine’s aisle, I also found some American Greetings® Valentine’s cards that will be perfect to give to some of my other coworkers.walmart-valentine-cardswalmart-where-to-buyI love to create fun recipes for holidays and I decided to bake some heart-shaped Valentine hand pies, filled with chocolate and M&M’s® Strawberry! Just wait until you taste this M&M’s® flavor! They are delicious!heart-shaped-hand-pies-candy-bagI’m obsessed with anything cute and small that you can easily grab to snack on, so I was excited to make hand pies for Valentine’s Day treats to “hand out”  out to others. I had to make a batch to test out for myself first though. They were so delicious and pair well with coffee or milk! heart-shaped-hand-pies-yumThey were also so simple to make and another “plus” about hand pies is there are no utensils required! I can’t wait to bring them along to work with me for our Valentine’s celebration, along with my other goodies! My co-workers are sure lucky to have me, don’t you think? heart-shaped-hand-pies-wrapped

Follow this recipe to make a batch of your own: heart-shaped-hand-pies-recipeThese are the ingredients and supplies you’ll need: 

  • 1 box of store-bought pie crust (they usually come 2 in a box)
  • 1 jar of chocolate spread of your choice
  • 1 bag of M&M’s® Strawberry
  • 1 egg (just the egg white)
  • flour (to spread out on the cutting board or countertop)
  • 1 lollipop stick
  • parchment paper (for baking)

Instructions for preparing the hand pies:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Lightly flour the bread board or countertop where you’ll be working. Next, roll out the pie crust.
  3. Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out two hearts for each hand pie that you’re making. hand-pies-cut-pie-dough
  4. Cover your baking sheet with parchment paper and set the bottom heart pie piece on the baking sheet. Leave ample space between each one.
  5. Spoon a small amount of the chocolate spread into the center of each heart. Don’t use too much because it will squeeze and leak out when you bake them.hand-pies-fill-with-chocolate
  6. Place 2 or 3 M&M’s® strawberry candies on top of the chocolate spread inside of the pie. hand-pies-candies
  7. Place the top piece of heart-shaped pie crust dough on top and gently push edges together with your fingers.
  8. Use the end of a lollipop stick (or something similar) to seal the edges. Use the stick to push in all around the heart. heart-shaped-hand-pies-lollipop-stick
  9. Brush the top of each pie very lightly with egg whites.
  10. Place into oven and bake for 9-12 minutes. I suggest keeping a close eye on them so they don’t burn.
  11. When they look golden brown, remove them from the oven and place on a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

heart-shaped-hand-pies-done

How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Do you celebrate with your friends and/or coworkers, as well as your own family? Hopefully your Valentine’s celebration this year will include M&M’s® Strawberry, too!

Right now, you can save $1.00 on ANY TWO (2) M&M’s(R) Brand Chocolate Candies, 8oz or larger. Click here to grab the coupon.