I was a huge fan of the first two “Despicable Me” films, so you can imagine my excitement when I first watched the official trailer for “Despicable Me 3”! If you haven’t watched it yet, here it is:
(Please see the bottom part of this post for my spoiler-free review.of the film)
A couple of weeks ago, I received an invitation to fun “Despicable Me 3” event at The Tuck Room in L.A. It was sort of a “pre-party” for the film. We were treated to a special breakfast, sponsored by Bounty, Kellogg’s & Yummy Spoonfuls, and special guest, Food Network Star Duff Goldman was in attendance.
While we sipped on smoothies and feasted on banana pancakes, cereal, & yogurt parfaits, Duff spoke about his partnership with Bounty and “Despicable Me 3”. 
As a result of this partnership, you can find the most adorable line of Despicable Me 3 paper towels and napkins in stores now. (Hurry while supplies last though.)
Duff made a fabulous “Despicable Me 3” themed cake for the event, with frosting that resembled the new print of the paper towels. I wanted to touch the cake, but I held myself back. It was such a cool cake!
Kids in attendance at the event had the opportunity to create their own “Minion” cupcake toppers with Duff’s help. He guided them step-by-step to work with fondant to put together their own creations. 
I think the best part was when Duff passed out Minion cupcakes FOR BREAKFAST! Yep, he gave us all special permission to eat them that early in the morning! Duff is really a lot of fun to hang out with! (As you can see)
Following the breakfast, we proceeded upstairs to the iPic Theaters. (It’s attached to The Tuck Room.) We snuggled into luxurious leather recliners and wrapped ourselves in super soft blankets. 
It was such a perfect way to watch a movie and “Despicable Me 3” did not disappoint. I’m not a big fan of posting spoilers so I will just lightly touch on some of the things you already see in the trailer.
I swear I’ve fallen in love with Gru over the past 2 films, as he’s transitioned into (kind of) a good guy and meeting his long-lost twin brother, Dru, in this one, just adds to the fun. They are hilarious together. I also adore Gru’s girls, Margo, Edith, and Agnes, but especially Agnes and her obsession with ‘fluffy unicorns”. I won’t give away anything but I was a fan of how Gru’s wife,Lucy evolved, especially her placement within the family structure. 
Both adults and children will appreciate the 80’s style villain, “Balthazar Bratt” in this film. Personally, I couldn’t get enough of the music that would come on in his every scene and I couldn’t stop laughing at all of his dance moves. It was a definite nod to the 80’s.
Finally, you really can never grow tired of Minions and there are some cute Minion-involving scenes in this film, although you won’t see all of the ones from the first film. Overall, I really enjoyed watching “Despicable Me 3” with my family and I would definitely recommend it for other families with children of all ages. It’s just a light-hearted feel good film.
Have you seen “Despicable Me 3” yet? Let me know your thoughts.
There’s something to be said about getting to experience new magic with your family, during your visit, and creating new memories together. I know it’s a favorite in our family. 
The thrilling new attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! opened at the end of May and according to wait times shown on
It’s the only Disney attraction in the universe where guests step into a Guardians of the Galaxy story, as they help Rocket rescue this cosmic gang of misfits. With multiple ride profiles, guests never know which adventure they’ll encounter.
More exciting news for Disneyland Park as some of the classic attractions are scheduled to reopen n July. On Monday, July 17, which will also be the 62nd anniversary of the 1955 grand opening of Disneyland, a newly enhanced “Fantasmic!, will premiere. This popular nighttime spectacular. tells the story of Mickey Mouse and his vivid imagination. “Fantasmic!:will return to the Rivers of America in Frontierland with its classic theme song and engaging storyline, which guests have treasured for 25 years.
Its portrayal of Mickey’s exploration now features new scenes with characters from “Aladdin,” “Tangled,” “The Lion King” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
One dazzling sequence finds Aladdin and Jasmine discovering “A Whole New World” as they float on their flying carpet over a bed of fog on the Rivers of America. Those sensational “Fantasmic!” adventures come alive with new mist screens and innovative, state-of-the-art projection technology to create visuals that are brighter and more vibrant than ever before.
Exciting news for train lovers of all ages is the re-opening of the Disneyland Railroad, beginning July 29. Park guests aboard the Disneyland Railroad will, once again, be taken on a Grand Circle Tour of Walt Disney’s “original Magic Kingdom”.
The Disneyland Railroad, one of the park’s original attractions, returns with its iconic steam-powered locomotives for new adventures. The Disneyland Railroad will now travel across the rocks on a trestle that extends out into the Rivers of America, and for the first time ever it will make a left-hand turn on its tour of the park.
Along the way, guests will enjoy a view of Walt Disney’s legendary Dioramas of the Grand Canyon and Primeval World, which have been carefully restored to their original splendor with a bit of new magic added to both. Guests on board the Disneyland Railroad also will discover a breathtaking new view along the north bank of Rivers of America.
A gorgeous new Columbia Gorge section highlighted by five new picturesque waterfalls can be seen from the trains as well as from the Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes. This new adventure complements the scenes guests have come to know and cherish through the years. Landscapes inspired by four of America’s majestic rivers–the Mississippi, the Columbia, the Missouri and the Rio Grande–are carefully recreated, complete with indigenous rock formations, natural forests and wildlife, and the waterfalls.
Other Classic Rivers of America attractions are also set to relaunch July 29, including the Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes. They’ll be bringing new adventures and breathtaking new views for guests to enjoy. Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island reopened June 16.
In addition to the returning classics in Frontierland and New Orleans Square, the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade continues nightly performances in Disneyland through Aug.20, featuring such favorite scenes as Cinderella’s ball, the appearance (and disappearance) of Elliot, the smoke-breathing, tail-wagging “Pete’s Dragon,” and the glittering “To Honor America” finale.
There’s so much going on this summer at the Disneyland Resort. You’ll want to be sure to check out The Summer of Heroes festivities, which continue at Disney California Adventure Park through Sept. 10. For more information about all of the happenings going on at the Disneyland Resort, visit their site 
The July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza will light up Dana Point Harbor. Visitors can enjoy fantastic views from the harbor, Baby Beach, the Island, and the many waterfront eateries located within the harbor. The display begins at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 and early arrival is recommended. Visitors are encouraged to bring a personal FM radio to tune into KSBR 88.5FM and listen to the patriotic music accompanying the fireworks display.
Spend the week of Independence Day enjoying Dana Point Harbor’s many waterfront restaurants and ocean activities, or take a cruise in the harbor on July 4th to view the fireworks display. The Ocean Institute, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, and Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari are all offering 4th of July Fireworks cruises.
Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the free shuttle services on July 4th to avoid traffic jams. The shuttles will make round trips from Dana Hills High School to Dana Point Harbor from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Shuttle service will suspend at 9 p.m. until after the fireworks and will resume until 11 p.m.
The Dana Point Trolley will drop off and pick up at stop #6 on July 4th in the Harbor from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and the inter Harbor shuttle will pick up and drop off at the restaurants and retail area, Baby Beach, the Island, and Ocean Institute from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate Independence Day at Dana Point Harbor and experience the spectacular July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza. For more information visit 
Please note: Streets within Dana Point Harbor will have restricted left hand turn lanes and cars will be detoured to go right only (Dana Point Harbor Drive, Puerto Place & Island Way). Cove Road will be closed during the fireworks and re-opened after the fireworks.
Check out these top 10 Phoenix Summer Getaway Deals: 
Since our children are growing up in the digital age, many of them are using technology to open up their worlds. My own daughter uses her devices for a variety of things on an everyday basis, including communicating with friends, watching YouTube videos, playing games and using apps, doing homework, and going on social media.
As a parent, it’s one of my main responsibilities to protect my child and keep her safe from any physical and/or emotional danger – so I’ve always been cautious about her use of technology, especially when it comes to The Internet. Parents 10 years ago never had to consider the added responsibility that comes with having a child in the technology age because you also have to protect them from the dangers associated with being online – and the disadvantages that come from too much time in front of a screen (such as obesity, irregular sleep schedules, loss of social skills and less time for play).
Especially during the summer, there’s so much for kids to explore beyond their screens, which is why I’m sharing 5 reasons why parents need to download the 
Guests at the Model Grand Opening will enjoy summer BBQ and music and have the opportunity to win Anaheim-themed prizes in the We Love Anaheim giveaway, including Disneyland passes, Angel game tickets, and gift cards to local restaurants. RSVPs encouraged for this event and can be made
Eleven floor plans feature spacious, open designs with up to three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and range from 1,296 to 1,741 square feet. Tapestry Walk homes include large master suites with walk-in closets, impressive kitchens, and two-car garages. Second-floor decks in most floor plans provide lovely outdoor living opportunities, and a number of amenities will encourage connection and relaxation, including a private community pool, dog park, bocce ball court, and outdoor fireplace gathering area.
Tapestry Walk’s South Anaheim location presents abundant opportunities for work and play. The neighborhood’s convenient access to I-5 and multiple public transportation options, as well as its proximity to employment and business centers, make it appealing to commuters and busy professionals. Residents will enjoy an impressive variety entertainment opportunities, many within walking distance, including the Outlets at Orange, Angel Stadium, and Honda Center. The Disneyland Resort, numerous restaurants and shopping centers, and many Anaheim-famous attractions are only minutes away.
I was elated when I found out that Ghost Town Alive! was returning this summer! It is a must-do for families visiting the park! There are so many fun ways to participate in all of the town’s happenings. You can become an honorary citizen of Calico and help out in the quest to capture the Mayfield Gang, which recently escaped the custody of Sheriff Wheeler.
In our case, we were actually part of their gang, we were “bad guys”. I don’t think we were “bad”, just a bit “misunderstood” is all. Sheriff Wheeler saw right through us, just by looking at the color of our bandanas and took us right into custody, locking us in the town’s jail!
Here are just some of the things you can do in Calico during Ghost Town Alive!:
For more information about Knott’s Season Passes, go 
We spent a fun afternoon out at Brea Mall, looking for the best gift options for all of the dads in our life. With a dad, a couple of grandpas, a step-grandpa, and several uncles to shop for, I found something for everyone in each of the shops we stopped at. We found a ton of gifts for Dads at The Art of Shaving, Tommy Bahama, Apple Store, and Bose.
For the grads on our list, we browsed through stores of all different types for the graduates on our list. Some of our favorite ones included Urban Outfitters, Sephora, Apple Store, Crabtree & Evelyn, and Typo. 
Brea Mall also features several popular restaurants and a recently remodeled Food Court.Whether you’re looking to sit down and have a meal with table service or just grab a quick bite, you have plenty of options to choose from there. What a great place to go and “Dine With Dad” this Father’s Day or bring your family to enjoy a celebratory meal after a graduation. One of the places we enjoy dining at when we’re there is California Pizza Kitchen.
Have you finished all of your shopping for Father’s Day and Graduations? Brea Mall is a great center to stop by for a shopping and dining experience. For mall hours and a complete directory of shops and restaurants, go
We were so excited to get a sneak peek at the special. As fans of the American Girl brand, we love any and all things “American Girl”. I feel like this special sends a powerful message to all girls, which is what I love about all of the American Girl toy, books, and movies….they help to empower girls!
“An American Girl Story: Summer Camp, Friends for Life” is about friends Z (Zoe Manarel, The Nightingale) and Paz (Alison Fernandez, Logan) who arrive at S.T.E.A.M. camp excited for tech heaven. When the administrator(Camryn Manheim) surprises everyone by restricting their devices, they think their summer’s doomed. (No cell phone use is allowed.) 
Things take a mysterious turn when they meet Jordan (Monique Green, Marriage of Lies), an enchanting “counselor” who sends them on an adventure, opening them up to a world of possibilities, including befriending a third camper, Drew (Lauren Donzis, Liv and Maddie).
This special, directed by Alison McDonald (An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win).
One of the reasons I was really drawn to this special was the emphasis on S.T.E.A.M.(Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), as it related to girl. Females are often underrepresented in schools, in these subjects of study, and in the workplace, holding jobs in these fields, Teachers in elementary, middle and high schools currently encourage their female students to take interest in these areas of study and join in on S.T.E.A.M. focused activities and classes, in hopes of fostering their love for these areas and even motivating females to pursue further studies at the college level. I appreciated how the special even made mention of the first female civil engineer and the history of how S.T.E.A.M. came to be accessible to girls from all walks of life. S.T.E.A.M.is such an important topic!
An American Girl Story: Summer Camp, Friends for Life is available for Prime members to stream and enjoy using the Amazon Prime Video app for TVs, connected devices including Amazon Fire TV, and mobile devices, or online at 
Even more exciting news is that American Girl also announced plans to bring its newest contemporary character Z (short for Suzie) to life via a beautiful 18-inch doll, along with several outfits and accessories, like Z’s dog and scooter, as well as items that reflect her film making interests, including a camera, smartphone, and tripod. The Z doll will be available beginning today at the American Girl brand store at Amazon, through its award-winning American Girl catalogue andmericangirl.com, and at all American Girl retail locations nationwide.