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Month: May 2019

Watch the Abominable Trailer in Theaters September 27

/ Entertainment, Movies

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
Universal Pictures debuted the trailer for their adorable upcoming animated film, Abominable and you’re going to love it!

Abominable is a co-production between DreamWorks Animation and Pearl Studio and takes audiences on an epic 2,000-mile adventure from the streets of Shanghai to the breathtaking Himalayan snowscapes.

Here’s a synopsis of this film:
When teenage Yi (Chloe Bennet, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) encounters a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building in Shanghai, she and her mischievous friends, Jin (Tenzing Norgay Trainor) and Peng (Albert Tsai), name him “Everest” and embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth.

But the trio of friends will have to stay one-step ahead of Burnish (Eddie Izzard), a wealthy man intent on capturing a Yeti, and zoologist Dr. Zara (Sarah Paulson) to help Everest get home.

This film is directed by Jill Culton (Open Season, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story 2) and produced by Suzanne Buirgy (Kung Fu Panda 2, Home), Abominable is executive produced by Tim Johnson (Over the Hedge, Home, ANTZ) and is co-directed by Todd Wilderman (Trolls, The Croods).

Abominable will be released by Universal Pictures on September 27, 2019. 

Images and trailer are property of Universal Pictures and used with permission. 

Watch the Final Toy Story 4 Trailer!

/ Disney Movies, Entertainment, Movies

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

I can’t even remember how long it’s been since I’ve been anticipating the arrival of “Toy Story 4”? I just know it’s been a long time coming. Personally, I have so many mixed feelings about this film. It feels like the end of an era and I just don’t know if I’m ready for that.Wasn’t it just yesterday that we were all introduced to Buzz, Woody, Jessie?  I literally can’t throw away any of my daughter’s toys since parts 2 & 3 came out.  I just don’t want the whole Toy Story series to be over and I’m going to be an emotional mess in the theater! With that being said, I absolutely adore “Sporky”! He’s the cutest addition to the cast and I can’t wait to see how his character plays out. Bo Peep, on the other hand, has me curious. She doesn’t seem like the nicest….I was excited to watch the “Toy Story 4” final trailer today. Have you watched it yet? Here it is:

“Toy Story 4” opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019. Are you as excited to see it as I am?

Images, logo and trailer are property of Disney-Pixar and used with permission.

Celebrate World Oceans Day at Rubio’s and Get a Free Insulated Bag

/ Uncategorized

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

Celebrate World Oceans Day at Rubio’s Coastal Grill on June 7 & 8 and get a free, reusable, insulated lunch bag with any purchase. Simply bring the coupon below (click on the image to print it out)  to any Rubio’s Coastal Grill location on two days this year, June 7 & 8, 2019, while supplies last.

With Rubio’s long-standing commitment to the ocean and sustainability, they’ve celebrated World Oceans Day for eight years, gifting more than 160,000 reusable bags. New this year, Rubio’s is giving out reusable lunch bag totes as a replacement to using paper or plastic bags.Rubio’s is also committed to good health, and encourages eating seafood twice a week, based on the American Heart Association’s recommendation. Seafood offers a high-protein, low-fat food, providing health-boosting benefits including omega-3s, essential nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties.

While the San Diego-based brand is best known for popularizing the Baja-inspired, Original Fish Taco®, Rubio’s Coastal Grill has 35 years of seafood mastery, offering healthy grilled seafood dishes without compromising flavor. Using responsibly sourced seafood, the menu features bold, unique flavors in dishes ranging from the Cilantro Lime Quinoa Bowl with Grilled Mahi Mahi to the Ancho Citrus Grilled Shrimp Burrito and Grilled Wild Alaska Salmon Tacos. Healthy options, including nutrient-rich brown rice and quinoa, fresh greens with lemon agave vinaigrette, and heart-healthy avocados are always available.

For more information about Rubio’s Coastal Grill and to view the menu, please visit https://www.rubios.com/.

Images are property of Rubio’s Coastal Grill and used with permission.

Top 10 Ways to Save Money at the 2019 OC Fair

/ Family Fun, OC Fair, Orange County, SoCal Fun

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
The 2019 OC Fair is just around the corner and we can’t wait! Going to the fair is something our family does every summer. This year’s theme celebrates the county’s agricultural roots and invites everyone to enjoy “Acres of Fun”. This year, the OC Fair will be open from July 12-Aug. 11.One of the best parts about the OC Fair is all of the ways fair goers can save money on admission and tickets. There are so many great opportunities to do so and if you plan ahead, you can maximize the savings.Here is a list of 10 tips to save you money at this year’s OC Fair:

  • Tip 1 – Get 30% more carnival tickets if you buy before May 31. Options include a 52-ticket ride pass for $20, a 130-ticket pass for $50 and a 260-ticket pass for $100. Rides require multiple tickets. Buy tickets online at ocfair.com/carnival.
  • Tip 2 – If you plan to come to the OC Fair more than once, you need a Super Pass. For one low price, fair goers can come to all 23 days of the Fair. Through May 31, general admission Super Passes are $35, seniors (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) passes are just $28. OC Fair general admission is $12 Wednesday through Friday and $14 on weekends. Senior and youth admission is $7 every day. Visit ocfair.com/superpass.
  • Tip 3 – Enter competitions and get free admission. If you are a table-setting virtuoso, an extraordinary avocado grower or a top-notch cake baker, this is the way to go. New this year, the OC Fair Exhibitor Renaissance Award will recognize an adult and a youth competitor with multiple skill sets. More information is at ocfair.com/competitions.
  • Tip 4 – Visit other fairs and get into the OC Fair for free. Save your San Diego County Fair, Riverside County Fair, San Bernardino County Fair, or Ventura County Fair ticket stub for one free admission to the OC Fair. Bonus tip: Save your 2019 OC Fair admission ticket for one free admission at the 2020 Riverside County Fair (Feb. 14-23).
  • Tip 5 – Concert and show tickets come with free admission. Shows are selling out, so make sure to get tickets now for Pacific Amphitheatre concerts, The Hangar shows and thrills in the Action Sports Arena. Don’t miss Brandi Carlile, the Queen Nation tribute band or the newest addition to the Action Sports Arena: lawn mower racing. Tickets are on sale now at ocfair.com/entertainment.
  • Tip 6 – OC Fair Express is only $4 round-trip and bus riders get $4 Fair admission. This amazing deal also helps cut traffic and eliminates a parking fee. Catch the OC Fair Express from one of nine OC locations every Saturday and Sunday. More info is at ocfairexpress.com. Bonus tip: Another option on weekends: fairgoers can park for free at Experian and grab a free shuttle to the OC Fair.
  • Tip 7 – Students get carnival rides for reading. The OC Fair Read & Ride gives three free rides to bookworms ages 5-11 who read two books. Forms can be downloaded online and redeemed for ride tickets. More information is at ocfair.com/deals.
  • Tip 8 – Donate items on a We Care Wednesday. Receive free admission on Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m. by donating school supplies, canned food, children’s books or kids clothing to local nonprofits. Visit ocfair.com/deals for a schedule.
  • Tip 9 – Kids Day is a great deal for families. Kids 12 and younger get in to the OC Fair free each Thursday. It’s also a terrific day to sample those only-at-the-Fair goodies at $3 Taste of the Fair from noon to 4 p.m. each Thursday.
  • Tip 10 – Work at the OC Fair. OC Fair & Event Center is hiring now to fill more than 1,300 seasonal, part-time positions. Not only do employees get free Fair admission, but they can purchase up to 20 tickets for friends and family for just $1 each. You can apply online at ocfair.com/jobs.

I hope these tips are helpful for you. If you’re a planner like me, then these are definitely going to come in handy as you plan for the summer!

Graphic is property of OC Fair and used with permission. 

Celebrate the 14th Annual Pirates Day on June 1 at Ventura Harbor Village

/ Family Fun, Los Angeles, SoCal Fun

Yo ho, yo ho all ye landlubbers and buccaneers! Ventura Harbor Village is ready to hoist the flag for the 14th annual Pirates Day on Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Ahoy Me Hearties! is this year’s theme for the Yo Ho! Pirates Day 2019, which will offer guests an unforgettable voyage around the Village featuring pirate characters, entertainment, activities, and photo opportunities around every corner.

Admission for Pirates Day is free. It’s best to arrive early to find free parking in the village, or jump on the complimentary shuttle service from the overflow lot on Harbor Blvd and Schooner Drive, running from 11am to 6pm!

For one day only, venture along the waterfront to find pirates in sword fights by professional Pirates for Hire, mermaids, treasure, exotic birds, live music, rum drinks, and pirate eats. Keep an eye out for Reece Ryan’s on-land Kids Pirate Ship, Captain Jack, Hook, Shmee, & Tink (look-a-likes), and strolling pirate musicians. Games are back and better than ever – take a ride on the bucking shark, jump on the inflatable kracken, kids can enjoy the new Rockin’ Pirate Ship, and more. Visit Port Royal Privateers’ historical encampment and shop at the vendor booths for pirate ware and nautical-themed loot. Hold tropical birds, snap a photo at themed selfie-stations, and stop for face painting or henna body art.

Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in their best pirate garb! Strut in the Pirates Day costume contests held throughout the day for different age brackets. Pirates up to 12 years old partake in the Kids Treasure Hunt ($5) leading to a magical treasure trove and free pirate craft activities provided by Macaroni Kid, Lakeshore Learning, and Ventura County Potters Guild Gallery.

For grog and grub, Village restaurants offer a variety of cuisine for hungry crews; including roasted turkey legs and rum specials. Live entertainment will range from Steel Drummers to the Sword Coast Medieval Fighters Club. Ventura Harbor Pirates Day gives you a chance to get in your best piratical gear and wander by the sea to interact with pirates and gypsies of all ages.

Ventura Harbor Village coastal shops, restaurants, and boutiques will provide a host of creative Pirate themed activities, eats, and drinks at the event. Here’s some of what you’ll find:

Shop:

  • Anja’s Boutique: Piratey-Costumed Customers 10% off with $50 Purchase + Free Scarf!
  • Barefoot Boutique: FREE Pirate Craft for Kids!*Piratey- Costumed Customers 10% off Everything + BOGO 50% on Graphic Tees
  • Casa de Regalos: Newly designed Pirate Tees
  • Lost in Socks: FREE Pirate Tattoo Station + Loot Davy Jones Locker Discount Jar with 2 Purchase Min.
  • Mermaid Gallery: FREE Kid’s Activity Table + Mermaid Coloring Sheets + FREE Starfish with $20 Purchase
  • VC Potters Guild: FREE Kid Pirate Medallion Necklaces to Paint*
  • Ventura Swimwear: FREE Pirate Bracelet with $25 Purchase*

Dine:

  • Boatyard Pub: Arrgghh! Famous Giant Smoked Turkey Legs + Roasted Corn*
  • Copa Cubana: Partake in a Lively Game of Pirate-Themed Corn Hole!
  • The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood: Pancake Breakfast with the Pirates! 9:30 -10:30 AM

Play:

  • Ultimate Escape Rooms: Themed Room Play Tickets $25 with Promo Code: PIRATE19
  • Village Carousel & Arcade: $2 Carousel Rides for Costumed Pirate Customers –

*While supplies last

For a complete list of shopping & dining specials and the entertainment schedule please visit VenturaHarborVillage.com or call (805) 477-0470.

Admission and parking for Pirates Day 2019 are free. Book your overnight stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort or Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ventura Harbor. Ventura Harbor Village is located 1583 Spinnaker Drive off of Harbor Blvd. Don’t miss out on this treasure-trove of excitement by the sea. Hope to see you there!

Images and logo are property of Ventura Harbor Village and used with permission.

Kaleidoscope Hosts a Summer Full of Fun with Free Kaleido Kids Events, Carnival to Benefit Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire

/ Family Fun, Lifestyle, Orange County, SoCal Fun

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
Local youngsters can enjoy a variety of free activities and entertainment at Kaleidoscope this summer, when the center’s annual Kaleido Kids Summer Events return on Tuesday, June 18. Held in Kaleidoscope’s event space inside Union Market Mission Viejo, the fun events are every Tuesday from 11:30am – 12:30pm, June 18 through July 23.

The summer events will culminate with the annual Kaleido Kids Carnival on Tuesday, July 30 from 11am to 2:30pm. Tickets are $10 per person, with all games and activities included, and all proceeds benefitting Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire. The Carnival has raised nearly $56,000 for the non-profit over the last seven years.The Kaleido Kids events are 11:30am – 12:30pm with the following schedule:

  • June 18: Toy Story, including a meet and greet, sing along and photos with costumed characters, themed crafts, and refreshments.
  • June 25: Unicorn Painting Party, where kids can paint a picture of a unicorn with special instructions by a local artist, take photos with a magical unicorn, and enjoy music and snacks.
  • July 2: Cooking with Kids, where youngsters will follow simple instructions to create then enjoy a kid-friendly healthy snack and dessert. Kids will receive paper chef hats and instructions to take home to recreate the treats.
  • July 9: Percussion Play Along, where kids will enjoy an interactive musical experience, playing along to African and international rhythms using over 20 exotic djembe drums and percussion instruments, with a themed costumed character and snacks.
  • July 16: Lego Playtime, where their imagination can soar by building with a variety of Lego blocks, along with enjoying music and snacks.
  • July 23: Hula Hoop Dance Party, with an expert leading the kids in Hula Hoop tricks, dancing along to music, and enjoying kid-friendly snacks.

On Tuesday, July 30, the Kaleido Kids Carnival will include games, activities, balloon art, face painting, costumed characters, photo opportunities, a DJ, and refreshments. Admission is $10 per person and benefits Make-A-Wish. Tickets must be purchased in advance through http://www.Kaleidokidscarnival.eventbrite.com.Guests who bring a new backpack or new toy (no guns please) to donate to Make-A-Wish will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win one Kaleidoscope family gift basket.

Also on Tuesdays, restaurants inside Union Market Mission Viejo at Kaleidoscope host Kids Eat Free, with a child receiving a free beverage or kids meal with the purchase of a regular (adult) beverage or entrée. Scent Avenue inside Union Market Mission Viejo also offers 20% off on Tuesdays.

Adding to the summer fun is the Edwards Kaleidoscope Stadium 10 Summer Movie Express at 10am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from June 18 to August 14, when popular family movies rated G or PG are shown for only $1 admission per person.

For more information on the Kaleido Kids events or Carnival, please call 949.542.4407 or visit http://www.gokaleidoscope.com. Kaleidoscope is located at 27741 Crown Valley Parkway, just off the 5 Fwy., in Mission Viejo.

Registration Now Open for This Year’s CHOC Walk in the Park at Disneyland Resort

/ SoCal Fun

I was invited to a media event in order to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.              

The countdown to the 2019 CHOC Walk in the Park has started! This very special annual event will take place this year on Sunday, August 11, 2019 at the Disneyland Resort. The CHOC Walk in the Park is the only walk of its kind which takes place inside of the Parks, allowing participants to experience Disney® as never before. Did you know this is the 19th year in a row that the Disneyland Resort has hosted this wonderful event as the presenting sponsor?

I was invited to a very special CHOC Walk in the Park kickoff event, held at Disney’s Grand California Hotel. The event was filled with information about this year’s walk and pre-walk FUNdraising events. At the kickoff event, we also got to learn about the 2019 CHOC Walk Ambassador, Ella Boyle. Ella’s mother, Lizzie, spoke to us all about her journey at CHOC Children’s.Ella and her family have a giant team that walked last year known as “Team Brave Boyle“. Watch this video narrating Ella’s story:

Last year, with the help of friends, families, and sponsors, the 2018 CHOC Walk raised $2.9 million dollars! All proceeds from this magical event benefit the health and well-being of Southern California’s kids. This year, they’re reaching for an even higher goal and you can help out!

My daughter and I have had the opportunity to participate in the CHOC Walk in the Park in prior years and it is definitely an experience that will touch your heart. I highly encourage you to get involved with this wonderful event this year.

There are a few different ways to get involved with the CHOC Walk in the Park:

Register to Walk – CHOC Walk Participants can create teams, earn prizes, and raise funds for CHOC. We encourage Walkers to fund raise for their participation or they can make a personal donation. Register now to create your own Personal and/or Team Fundraising Page.

Donate – If you aren’t to walk, you always have the option to donate to an individual’s page or even towards the CHOC Walk in general. For more information about donating, please go HERE.

Support pre-CHOC Walk fundraising efforts – In the months leading up to the CHOC Walk in the Park, there’ll be several great opportunities to support different fundraisers that directly benefit CHOC Children’s including Chick-Fil-A CHOC Walk Wednesdays and more. Keep your eye on CHOC Walk’s  Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more details.     

For more information about this year’s CHOC Walk in the Park, please visit their official site HERE. I hope to see you at the event!

Some images are property of CHOC Walk and used with permission. 

Legoland®California Resort Opens New Duplo®Playtown FEATURING a New LEGOLAND Express Train Ride!

/ Family Fun, LEGOLAND, Lifestyle, San Diego, SoCal Fun

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

Streamers soared through the air as kids and families cheered with excitement during the ribbon cutting ceremony, officially opening LEGOLAND® California Resort’s DUPLO®Playtown. The colorful LEGO® town, geared towards children five and under, features interactive playhouses for kids to climb, slide, and explore, and is home to the new LEGOLAND®Express Train Ride.More than 30 families from the Southern California and San Diego chapters of Ronald McDonald House Charities® joined the opening ceremony festivities and were treated to a fun-filled day at LEGOLAND® California Resort. Kids were outfitted in train conductor hats and received commemorative buttons as they boarded the LEGO® locomotive which for many was their first ever theme-park ride! As part of the opening event, LEGOLAND® California donated $80,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities, benefitting the San Diego and Southern California chapters.

“Here at LEGOLAND California Resort we like to be the first for everything. For many of our young guests, this will be their first time riding our train, climbing Kid Power Towers, and playing with all the interactive play houses here at the new DUPLO Playtown, It’s an honor to have families from the Ronald McDonald House enjoy the new area and spend the day creating memories.” – LEGOLAND® California Resort General Manager Peter Ronchetti

DUPLO®Playtown includes more than ten whimsical playhouses that feature hands-on activities, slides and interactive elements that encourage kids to use their imagination and creativity while playing. Children can explore a barn, fire station, grocery store, hospital and maze complete with an interactive scarecrow. The new area is a great option for families with toddlers and the perfect place to let younger children play and experience their first theme park ride on the LEGOLAND®Express Train Ride. For the older siblings, Kid Power Towers stands tall in the middle of DUPLO®Playtown – kids and parents alike can ride to the top of one of three towers to get an incredible view of the entire Park and enjoy a thrilling “free-fall” down to the bottom.

DUPLO®Playtown, LEGOLAND®Express Train, and Kid Power Towers are all included with Park admission.For more information, visit http://www.LEGOLAND.com or call 760.918.5346.

Images are property of LEGOLAND and used with permission.