Confession: I was really late to the game for “This Is Us”!
I’d seen a couple of the series previews and knew it was coming last fall, but I rarely sit down to watch much on television. So, I watched my first episode on an airplane. Well, kind of. I loved the first part but it got cut short as we began landing and they shut it off. I
t was still a couple of months before I found myself actually sitting down to really get into “This Is Us”. I binge watched it and WHOA! I was hooked!
If you are one of the handful of people left who haven’t watched it yet, don’t worry! This Is Us: The Complete First Season is already available on DVD so you can catch all of the episodes before the second season starts.
Did you know?
“This Is Us” was nominated for 10 Emmy Awards including Outstanding Drama Series? The show chronicles the Pearson family across the decades: from Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca (Mandy Moore) as young parents in the 1980s and 1990s to their now adult kids Kevin (Justin Hartley), Kate (Chrissy Metz) and Randall (Sterling K. Brown) searching for love, fulfillment and healing in the present day. This grounded, life-affirming dramedy reveals how the events in our lives – both big and small – impact who we become, and how the connections we share with each other can transcend time, distance and even death.
If you asked me to talk about my favorite character, favorite part, or favorite song from the show, I would have a hard time pinpointing those down. I am a fan of every single actor in this cast. They are all amazing in their own way and every storyline has me hooked. Did I mention how excited I am for the Season 2 premiere on Tuesday, September 26 at 9pm on NBC? 
It’s of the most addicting shows I’ve ever watched! When I was asked if I wanted to preview and share about the music for “This Is Us” I thought to myself, “HECK YEAH!”. 
This Is Us (Music From the Series) is a companion to the show everyone loves and will be available September 15 via UMe. With instantly recognizable hits and classics, an original song and a compelling score, the soundtrack features 20 songs curated by “This Is Us” Creator/Executive Producer Dan Fogelman and his team, music supervisor Jennifer Pyken and composer/musician Siddhartha Khosla. Each musical element is carefully woven throughout the series, with the songs clearly defining a moment or serving as a gentle guide through the complex emotional journey.
I love the songs so much. I don’t know if it’s because they remind me of different moments in the series or if it’s because many of the songs remind me of my own childhood? For me, music is a way to record memories and hearing certain songs take me back to certain moments and snapshots in time. The entire first season was really special to me and now having the opportunity to download and listen to all of those songs, brings an extra big smile to my face!
This Is Us (Music from the Series) includes:
- Death With Dignity – Sufjan Stevens
- You Can Call Me Al – Paul Simon
- Willin’ – Mandy Moore – Listen on YouTube here
- Can’t Find My Way Home – Blind Faith
- Uptight (Everything’s Alright) – Stevie Wonder
- The Calvary Cross – Richard Thompson & Linda Thompson
- Watch Me – Labi Siffre
- The Wind – Cat Stevens
- Come Talk To Me – Goldspot
- Blues Run The Game – Jackson C. Frank
- If Only – Maria Taylor (featuring Conor Oberst)
- Northern Sky – Nick Drake
- If I Ever Was A Child – Wilco
- Because Of You – Gene Clark
- Evergreen Cassette (Tape Mix) – Goldspot
- Without You – Badfinger
- The World’s Smiling Now – Jim James
- Photograph – Ringo Starr
- We Can Always Come Back To This – Brian Tyree Henry
- This Is Us Score Suite – Siddhartha Khosla
Great News! You can preorder This Is Us (Music from the Series) by visiting here! You can also join in the This Is Us Music – Facebook Listening Party on Sept. 15 at 10am PT/1pm ET on Facebook.
“This Is Us” Season 2 premieres Tuesday, September 26 at 9pm on NBC and I’ve been counting down the days! Will you be watching it too?
If you don’t know who Charles Phoenix is, lean in. He’s a showman, tour guide, food crafter, and author known for his crowd rousing retro slide show performances, fun field trips, mad cap test kitchen videos, and colorful table books. He’s described on
On TV, Charles appears this season as a judge on Food Network’s Cake Wars: Christmas. He’s also guested on Storage Wars, Conan, Queen Latifah, and Martha Stewart, and is often heard on National Public Radio. Los Angeles Times says, “Call him the King of Retro,” and LA Weekly anointed him the “Kodachrome King.”
If you’re in the Southern California area, you’re to his Book Launch party Sunday, October 8th! A ticket purchase for the event includes a signed copy of his book “Addicted to Americana”! For more information or to purchase your tickets, go 
This is exactly what I teach my own daughter and try to live by, placing other important things above vanity. With that being said, the clock isn’t slowing down and I’m here to talk about something I did for myself in attempt to reverse some of the aging on my face.
I don’t know if life is more stressful nowadays or what exactly is going on but I felt like I was at a point where I dreaded looking at myself in the mirror. It honestly felt like every time I’d look in the mirror, all I would see was stress written all over my face…in the form of wrinkles! Do you ever feel that way? If the answer is “yes”, you aren’t alone.
I couldn’t stand my wrinkles! It was as if motherhood, marriage, my job, financial stuff, current politics, and age, all got together for a collaboration..on my face! Once I hit my late 30’s, it became a race to keep up and fight the aging process. It’s the worst! 
Luckily for me, I connected with an amazing female board-certified Orange County plastic surgeon Dr. Tenley Lawton. She’s a mom, too, so she gets it. She’s practiced cosmetic surgery for years now and I actually have a couple of friends who have gone to her for reconstructive surgery after battling Breast Cancer.
During my consultation, I felt like Dr. Lawton really listened to me explain my concerns and expectations for the visit. My biggest areas of concern included:
Dr. Lawton gave a thorough analysis about what she could (and couldn’t) do to counter the wrinkles and other areas on my face that were bothering me. 
She suggested non-surgical options, which was fine with me because I’m not even close to ready for a face lift. Using Botox injections is very effective for the problem areas I mentioned above.
Did you know that as you age, your face loses its fullness too? As if wrinkles weren’t bad enough, now my face was falling? There’s no way I’m willing to “age gracefully”! I fully intend to fight this process and not let it get the best of me! 
In addition to some of the areas on my face with Botox, Dr. Lawton also suggested using some Juvederm Voluma in my cheeks. in the areas formerly known as the “apples” of my cheeks. 
Know before you go
What does it feel like?
I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Tenley Lawton and that I had such a wonderful experience. She is passionate about her work and about her patients, regardless of what they’re in the office for. Her passion is even obvious on her social channels like 
LEGO® NINJAGO® Days are new for this year and guests will be able to join their favorite ninjas – Lloyd, Jay, Kai, Cole, Zane and Nya – to experience LEGO NINJAGO attractions, meet LEGO NINJAGO characters, and celebrate the September 22 opening of Warner Bros. Pictures’ all-new big-screen animated adventure THE LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE! With unique building activities, giveaways and more, you won’t want to miss out on the fun! Have you watched the trailer yet? Here it is:
Mystery Mosaic LEGO® Build -Work together to build a LEGO mosaic and check out the LEGOLAND Calfiornia Facebook page to see it completed! Please note: This activity will be available on a first come, first serve basis. 
All of the activities available during LEGO Ninjago Days are included with the price of a regular park ticket. For more information or to purchase your tickets ahead of time, please go 
Nowadays, students have such rigorous curriculum and the educational expectations are immense but necessary for this generation of 21st Century learners. Kids need an outlet for their energy and built up stress. They also need a place to play and interact with their peers. Having proper equipment and facilities on a school campus is crucial for this.
I am also a first-grade teacher in an extremely impoverished area and am all-too-familiar with the site of a playground that is lacking in every way. A couple of years ago, the playground at my school site had minimal “toys” (a.k.a. a tiny and very old play structure) for the students to play on and the free space to run around and play organized sports games was sad. Fortunately for the students at my school, we received a playground makeover and it was a true gift for them.
Sadly, there are still so many school campuses throughout Southern California, actually nationwide, that lack necessities. I’m here today to talk to you about Dr Pepper Snapple Group’s 
This past summer, Dr Pepper Snapple Group kicked off the “Let’s Play High School Makeover Challenge”, a video contest benefiting student-athletes at underfunded high schools across the U.S. The winning school will receive $100,000 in brand-new athletic equipment. The Let’s Play High School Makeover Challenge is the largest one-time donation Dr Pepper Snapple will make as part of the company’s Let’s Play initiative. How exciting is that?
Disney Social Media Moms Celebration is a multi-day conference that began over 7 years ago at the Walt Disney World Resort. This annual event put on by the Walt Disney World Events Team, is by invitation only and is extended to a couple hundred social media moms (and dads) and their families each year. Attendees participate in a conference and also get to spend to time in the Parks with their families during their stay. Last year, I had several friends attend and have the opportunity to experience the very first “Land and Sea Celebration” where they sailed aboard the Disney Wonder! (Read about my friend Gayle’s experience 
The Walt Disney World Events Team took the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration out “On-The-Road” a few years ago, creating a half-day “mini” conference, making several stops across the country, and even in Canada. I was lucky enough to attend 
Whether you’re invited to the regular Disney Social Media Moms Celebration conference or one of the “On-The-Road” locations, you’ll have the chance to learn about the latest Disney news, including the happenings at the parks, with Disney Cruise Line, at Disney Aulani, with the Disney Parks Moms Panel Search, and with Disney Vacation Club. You’ll also receive social media tips and tools and gain valuable insight from speakers at the conferences
Disney Social Media Moms “On-The-Road” at Disneyland Resort was held this year in Disney California Park, inside Stage 17. It was a jam-packed morning and I want to share all about my experience with you. (To read what I did to get ready for this big day, go here.)
Upon arrival at the conference, we were each given a Disney pin so we could participate in some pin trading with the other attendees as we enjoyed a delicious buffet breakfast. 
Have you ever done pin trading in the Parks? It’s so much fun. I LOVE my new Minnie Mouse pin! She’s adorable! It was fun to pin trade and get to know some of the other Disney Moms in the room.
What followed was a lineup of wonderful speakers, each one sharing either exciting news about Disney or an inspirational story. Lisa Mendillo, Managing Editor at Walt Disney World Resort, grabbed our attention immediately as she began with one of the most magical giveaways you might know of right now: a raffle to win a pair of (highly sought after) Disney Rose Gold EARs! 
I don’t think I’ve ever heard a room get that quiet in such a short time! We were all crossing our fingers and hoping to be chosen! Although I wasn’t one of them, I was excited to know one of the winners,
Lisa also touched on some of the latest happenings at the Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and the Disney Parks Moms Panel Search.. Here are just a few of those updates:
It seems like there’s always something new and exciting coming soon at either one of the Disney Parks or with Disney, in general. 
Did you know that the Disney Parks Moms Panel search will begin this year on September 6? The application period for Round 1 of applicants is only open through September 13. If you aren’t familiar with the panel or are still on the fence about applying, here are
Since I am a huge fan of the Disney Parks Blog, I was really excited when we heard from Erin Glover who is the Editorial Content Director of Disney Parks Blog! She is so knowledgeable about all things Disney and shared some great tips with us about the best ways to share our content from our blogs to social channels.
Just as soon as Erin was finished speaking, a familiar tune started to play in the room. It was “Baroque Hoedown” and if the name still doesn’t ring a bell, that’s the theme song for Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade. We had our own personal performance at the conference that day as 2 royal couples danced in the front of the darkened room, wearing their beautifully lit-up costumes from the actual parade.
The Main Street Electrical Parade originated inside Disneyland Park in 1972 and just 
The conference attendees were delighted to be introduced to.Stacia Martin, a Disney Artist and Historian. Ms. Martin has been with the Company for 39 years and as she stood in front of the crowd, up on the stage, she talked to us about so many interesting topics and facts she knew and had come to learn all of these years, while she sketched away, making it look like it was effortless.
She first sketched Tink as she talked. Next, she called up my friend Caryn (from 
We then learned that Ms. Martin had also sketched a personalized rendering for each of us and that we’d be taking ours home that day! Here’s the one I got to take home. I will treasure it forever!
As soon as we were asked to turn off our cell phones and put away any device at the conference, I knew something good was coming next. Sure enough, we got to see a never-before-seen clip from “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” which is a 22 minute animated short from Disney Animation Studios. The short will be shown in theaters this holiday season when it precedes the full length animated feature “Coco”, due to release nationwide on November 22. I don’t want to spoil anything but I am happy that the original (voice) cast is returning for this holiday adventure. Here’s the official trailer: 
Leanne O’ Regan, Director of Content Relations for Disney Parks, introduced the surprise keynote speaker, Amy Robach of CBS’ Good Morning America. Amy is an amazing journalist and news anchor and sat down on stage with Leanne to share about her journey and her battle with breast cancer.
Amy featured a live mammogram on her show, Good Morning America, as a way to encourage viewers to get their own mammograms done. Shockingly, she received devastating results of her mammogram afterwards, as she was told she had breast cancer., Amy shared that it was one of the most eye-opening and shocking events of her lifetime!
Attitude is everything in situations like theirs. It seems like the more positive energy you exude, the more positive outcome you will get!
Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On-The-Road” included such a wonderful collection of presentations and speakers and Disney magic and was nothing short of a memorable experience for the attendees.
I got to connect with influencer friends, many of which I usually only “see” online. There’s really nothing like the community of Disney Moms and how much they support each other and to be in a room filled with many of them that day, was definitely My Happy Place. 
The conference portion of the day ended at noon but the day was far from over because we were then hosted to play in both Parks until closing time. We were also lucky to be given a pre-loaded FASTPASS to experience the all-new Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and enjoyed the perks of having MaxPass on our Park Hopper tickets that day, which included PhotoPass.(The park photographers are amazing!) I highly recommend trying out MaxPass on your next visit! It is so convenient! 
It was such a wonderful day and I was so grateful to have been invited this year’s Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On-The-Road”. A special thank you to Leanne, Courtnee, Lisa, and the entire Walt Disney World Resort Events Team for including me. 
You can join in on the conversation by following the hashtag #DisneySMMC on Twitter and Instagram. I also recommend you follow @DisneyMoms on Twitter, too, so you can keep up with the latest announcements regarding the Disney Parks Moms Panel and other exciting events up and coming with Disney Parks.
I was so honored to be able to be there with my daughter and be a part of CHOC Walk in the Park. It was our 3rd time participating and this year was, by far, the best one yet! It’s such a thrill to be inside Disneyland Park in the wee hours of the morning, before the sun is even up. 
Each year, an ambassador is chosen for CHOC Walk. Each ambassador has a special and amazing story, relating to CHOC Children’s. This year’s ambassador was nine-year-old stood up on the stage in front of the entire crowd to talk a little bit about her story and helped kick off this year’s CHOC Walk!Jordin Jackson. 
Jordin was invited to the stage along with her family where she spoke to the crowd and shared a little bit about her own condition. She is an amazing little girl! You could feel the love there on Main Street, U.S.A., as thousands of CHOC Walkers watched and listened to her story.
Jordin has sickle cell disease, a disorder that means her red blood cells are misshapen, leading to reduced blood flow to parts of her body and frequent hospital stays for pain management. But with her control, it’s become an opportunity to raise awareness of sickle cell disease and fundraise for CHOC. Jordin’s history with CHOC Children’s Hospital runs deep and began when she was just 3 years old. Watch her story: 
One of the fun parts about participating in CHOC Walk is that you get to see a bunch of characters all along the route. 
Some of the characters might even be ones that aren’t normally out in the Parks during most days. You are welcome to stop and take photos all along the way if you choose. It’s just a wonderful experience,overall, and all for a great cause.
Here are some fun facts I learned about CHOC,during the walk, from signs that were posted along the route:
If you didn’t have the opportunity to participate in this year’s CHOC Walk in the Park, I highly encourage you to do so next year. It was a lot of fun and an experience that had me leaving the event with a full heart afterwards. 
Also, if you aren’t able to make the event at all, you always have the option of registering as a “Sleeping Bear”, which means that you are a registered walker but are virtually walking on the day of the event, from the comfort of your own bed.
Won’t YOU consider joining in and walking with us next year? I sure hope so! Every participant makes a difference for these kids! 
For more information about CHOC Walk in the Park, please visit 
Guests visiting this year during Halloween Time will be able to experience Halloween for the first time in Cars Land in Disney California Adventure, as it’s transformed with a special HaulO-Ween makeover.
The citizens of Radiator Springs will don Halloween costumes and decorate their respective homes for the season. Lightning McQueen, Mater, Cruz, Red and DJ will be all dressed up–as a super hero, a “van-pire,” a pirate, a clown and a punk rocker, ready to go “trunk-or-treating.”
Attractions will be transformed, too, with Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree turning spooky as the Graveyard JamBOOree, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters getting a seasonal twist to become Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. 
Scary the Scarecar will stand guard over the entrance to Route 66, a preview to the Haul-OWeen transformation awaiting guests in Cars Land. With Fillmore’s Jack-Oil Lanterns, the web spun over Flo’s by a Spider-Car, and the Cozy Cone dressed up in car-stumes, the townsfolk turn Radiator Springs into Radiator Screams.
Disney California Adventure also will be featured for the first time as part of the pre-party mix-in for Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separate-ticket event that features special entertainment, Disney characters in their Halloween attire, and trick or treating at locations throughout Disneyland. 
This year, a ticket to Mickey’s Halloween Party has even greater value as guests will be able to visit Disney California Adventure as well as Disneyland during the three hours prior to the beginning of the party in Disneyland.
Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party went on sale July 17 for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa Card holders and on July 24 for the general public so you should purchase yours before they sell out. For more information about Mickey’s Halloween Party, including dates, read the post I wrote about hit here. Party tickets may be purchased online and on mobile devices at 
What are you most excited about this year during Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort? Share with me in the comments!