Did you know that Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort begins on September 9? We can’t wait! As usual, there’ll be some new and exciting things this year in addition to the spooky favorites you see reappear from year after year. Family-friendly thrills, popular seasonal attractions and spooky decor make Halloween Time so magical. This year, the season runs from Friday, Sept. 9, through Monday, Oct. 31. with offerings such as the ever-so-popular Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy attractions, themed foods and merchandise, plus spirited decor that features a giant Mickey Mouse jack-‘o-lantern on Main Street, U.S.A. 
What’s New This Year for Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort?
This year, guests will have a special and unique opportunity to experience The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror, as “Late Check-Out”! What in the world is that? It’s something guests have never experienced before and a must-do before The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror approaches its final check-out date on January 2, 2017! Beginning Sept. 9, guests who arrive after twilight will enjoy “Late Check-Out” –a chance to venture beyond the fifth dimension into complete darkness! It entails free-falling in the attraction’s haunted elevator shaft with all the lights out! Do you dare?
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror celebration, which begins on September 9, also includes special musical performances, commemorative merchandise and specialty food and beverage items. Performing at the Hollywood Tower Hotel are the Silver Lake Sisters, characters from the story of this famous hotel who once performed at its rooftop lounge. The sisters make their return to the Hollywood Hotel during Halloween season.
Also new this year s the “Frightfully Fun Parade” at Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separate-ticket event on 17 nights during the Halloween season. The parade features some popular Disney villains and a procession of grim, grinning ghosts. Shortly afterward, the parade begins with greetings from Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Grim, grinning (and hitchhiking) ghosts follow along in the procession, joined by other spirits from the iconic Haunted Mansion attraction.
Inspired by Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” the creepy Dr. Facilier calls on mystical powers, summoning his Shadow Men from the bayou to loom large over his strange and twisted Voodoo parlor. Mischievous Disney villains appear out of the darkness, ready to stir up some trouble, and their wicked gathering includes the Evil Queen, Jafar and Cruella.
The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow also appears for the first time at Mickey’s Halloween Party. He brings a warning to guests, riding through the park on his ghostly black steed with a flickering jack-‘o-lantern.
Spooky Halloween Traditions at Disneyland Park
Throughout the Halloween season, guests will find special treats and thrilling traditions. Haunted Mansion Holiday returns to celebrate the collision between Halloween and Christmas, and a familiar guest moves into the Mansion: Jack Skellington from the Walt Disney Pictures classic “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Jack Skellington brings a unique spark to the season and, for the first time, his friend Sally joins him in the Mansion graveyard. The annual Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house is back with a new theme. This year’s version appears to have been stitched together from pieces of other gingerbread houses and treats. In fact, the ghoulish architect has stitched himself inside the house, and one green arm still may be spotted, sewing the walls together around him.
Another Halloween favorite is Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, which is a Halloween-themed reimagining of the popular thrill ride in Tomorrowland, at Disneyland. Guests on board the speeding Space Mountain vehicles are thrust into a ghostly galaxy where they are bombarded with eerie screams, sound effects and music. Spine-chilling spirits pop out of the darkness, appearing to reach out to menace the space travelers.
The traditional Mexican celebration,“Dia de los Muertos,” is observed with a skeleton display in Frontierland, near Rancho del Zocalo restaurant.
As a special, after-dark treat during the Halloween season, guests visiting Disneyland on select nights will enjoy the“Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks spectacular.
During the day, the dynamic“Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” marches down Main Street, U.S.A., throughout Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. 
Mickey’s Halloween Party
As I mentioned above, Mickey’s Halloween Party guests is a separate ticket event. Guests are invited to visit in costume and trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland for candy and healthy snacks. An extra special treat is the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, presented exclusively for guests of Mickey’s Halloween Party and hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington. For more information about the event, read my post here.
Have you visited the Parks before at Halloween Time? What was your favorite part?
As my daughter gets older, she seems to have gotten pickier about foods that she’ll eat. It seems like she’ll gobble down any vegetable on the planet (even Brussels sprouts) but fights me when it comes to fruit. It’s so strange. 
As a mother, I’m always concerned about my daughter’s eating, mostly concerned about her nutrition. I also feel like lack of nutrition affects learning and education is something we place a high priority on. 
Have you seen tried these with your kids yet? I found them when I was shopping at Target, near the pharmacy and healthcare section. They are definitely kid-friendly and she loves taking hers every morning before school. 
Nature Made® KIDS FIRST Multivitamin with Omega-3 Gummies provide 3 key nutrients, plus the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. I worry about artificial colors but their colors are actually derived from natural sources and don’t contain any synthetic dyes.
I feel confident that we’re starting the new school year on track with healthy habits. Choosing high-quality vitamins and supplements from Nature Made® makes it easier. It also doesn’t hurt that I remind my daughter each morning before school that you can learn something new every day if…you take your vitamins! 
This “On the Road” event was brought to the Disneyland Resort and held at Paradise Pier Hotel, which is one of the on-property hotels.
The day of the event, everything began bright and early. Upon check-in, I received the most adorable bag filled with tons of Disney’s 60th Diamond Celebration merchandise. The tables in the ballroom were also set with a pair of light up ears and a “Paintbrush” for each attendee. 
When I walked into the ballroom, I was wow-ed by the tables which were all glowing with EARs and “Paintbrushes” at every place setting! I couldn’t wait to use them in the Parks, especially during the “Paint The Night” parade. The centerpieces were adorable too, with the Disney Moms logo. Can you spot anything “hidden”? 
I enjoyed a delicious breakfast and had the chance to connect with a bunch of other social influencers. It was fun to make some new friends too. I just love to network!
After making the rounds to take photos with many of my lovely influencer mom friends, we sat at the tables, anxious to see which special guests we’d be hearing from.
Each of the Disney Parks has so many new things to see and do. Here are just some of the recent additions to Disney Parks:
Next, we heard from Erin Glover, Editorial Content Director for the Disneyland Resort. Erin is one of my most favorite people to follow on social media, specifically on the Disney Parks Blog channels. My most favorite video that she ever did was her interview with Harold the Abomindable Snowman inside Matterhorn. If you’ve never watched it, here it is! (It’s SO funny!) 
The next portion of the program was something top secret! You know they mean business when they bring in security and you’re told to turn off any and all electronic devices. I don’t know that I’ve ever been involved in something so important! What a treat! Amy Smeed was there to share some behind-the-scenes footage and facts about the upcoming feature film “MOANA” from Walt Disney Animation Studios!
Since everyone in attendance works in social media and/or PR, learning about video and making the most of video on your mobile device was super useful for us. Our next speaker was Victoria Lim, Managing Editor of Content at Walt Disney World. She is so much fun and I’d have to say that I love the fact she isn’t shy about being right up there on the screen while on-camera. 
Many social influencers already use a lot of video to share their content but there are also others who need help getting started. Victoria literally walked us step-by-step, through some of her favorite apps to make videos including Magisto and Videolicious. 
When I heard Leanne introduce the next guest as someone who had starred in both “Saved By the Bell” and “Beverly Hills 90210”, my teenage self got ready to “fangirl”. Out on the stage walked Tiffani Thiessen. She seemed just as excited to be at Disneyland as we all were and shared with us about how her daughter loves visiting the Parks a lot more now that she’s getting older.
Tiffani shared about her latest ventures which include her own cooking show, “Dinner at Tiffani’s” and publishing 
The final speaker of the morning, Ginger Zee, who is also a “working mom” trying to balance it all. Ginger is the 
What to expect as a new member
As a new member in a network, health care can sometimes seem hard to navigate, especially when it’s new-to-you health care. There are often different offices or labs to visit. Even having to drive to a pharmacy after an appointment can be another task. Did you know that most Kaiser Permanente Orange County locations include a pharmacy, a lab, X-ray services and more? During my visit, they literally walked me through everything and were so happy to answer any questions I had.
I was quickly checked in at the main desk but I also learned you can access all of it on their app as well. (continue reading to learn more about their app) After I was called into the office, I first sat to chat with the nurse while she took my vitals. They take the utmost precautions to preserve patient confidentiality. I like that you’re not just sitting out in the open, answering private questions about your healthy history, for all to hear.
Once I was placed in the room, my doctor came in promptly and introduced herself. As a new patient, this first visit is done with the doctor that’s going to be your primary care doctor. I loved how thorough my doctor she was and I never felt rushed during my visit.
Did you know that at Kaiser Permanente Orange County, you can actually choose your own doctor? I think sometimes people have the wrong perception and think that you must stay with the primary care doctor they’re assigned to initially, but that’s not true. You can go to KP.org and search the doctors according to their personality and experience to find the best fit for you.
Ontario Mills® is California’s largest outlet and value retail shopping destination. Set in an indoor climate-controlled mall, it provides the ultimate shopping experience for visitors and has the biggest names in men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, jewelry, sporting goods, footwear and more. There are over 200 stores to choose from there plus a variety of eateries. 
Here are just some of the stores you’ll find at Ontario Mills®:
Since I have a daughter who loves shopping, she kept me on my toes by wanting to stop and shop in all of her favorite places. I now know what they mean when they say “Shop ’til you drop”! 
You’re guaranteed to work up an appetite while you’re there. If you’re interested in full-service restaurants, you’ll find Market Broiler and Rainforest Cafe. There’s also a giant big food court area where you can grab something a little quicker and sit down to enjoy it.
With the way that styles and trends change so quickly, I’m grateful to have a center like Ontario Mills which offers fashion at great prices. Then it doesn’t seem so devastating when something goes out of style after only a few months, and you need to go buy new things. 
I highly suggest you set aside an entire day when you visit Ontario Mills because you’ll probably want to spend an entire day there like we did. I wasn’t sure where to start so we just started on one end and worked our way through the stores. There’s also a Dave & Buster’s and a GameWorks inside, as well as the Improv Comedy Club & Dinner Theatre and an AMC 30 Theatres. See? I told you they have everything at Ontario Mills®!
Prior to the first day of school, I’ve usually spent several days of my summer break working on my classroom. I always want it to be perfect for my students. There are pencils to sharpen, name tags to personalize, bulletin boards to put up and so more.
Once the new school year gets under way, I still find myself spending extra hours after school each week, in my classroom. It just seems like there’s always something that needs to be done.
I’ve read a lot about self-care lately and am learning the importance of doing so. It’s important to take time out for yourself during the workday, even if it’s just 5 or 10 minutes at a time. My skipping lunch to work isn’t something I should be allowing to happen and I’m going to change it, in addition to some other things
I was so touched when I received a special teacher care package, filled with goodies, from Udderly Smooth®! It was so thoughtful of them to send it to me and several of my teacher friends. Have you heard of their products? They are beyond moisturizing and have the most adorable packaging! I love cows! Also, all of the products are made in the USA!
The first thing I reached for when I opened the package was the cow stress ball. Stress balls are like the world’s best invention. Kids love them too! It’s definitely something I will utilize in my classroom often!
These products couldn’t have come at a better time because keeping my hands moisturized at work is something else I am totally lagging on. I must wash my hands at least 100 times a day, as I’m always coming in contact with little ones. Ok, that might be a slight exaggeration but keeping my skin moisturized needs to be another priority at work.
I put together a list of the things I’m going to try to work on this year at school. I’m going to keep this list on my desk as a friendly reminder and daily check list. I’m there to teach, create, and inspire…but I also need to take care of me!
What are some of the things you need to do to take better care of yourself? Maybe you could make a declaration of those things like I did. 
Summer’s come to an end and it’s already time for Back to School. It’s sometimes hard to transition back into the busy hustle n’ bustle of the school year. I always try to do something special for the beginning of the school year. It’s sometimes hard to impress teens but I’m hoping I still have it in me. 
When I was out shopping at 
Such cute little Ghostbusters erasers, notebooks, and most importantly, hand sanitizer. Have you seen the film yet? It’s still playing in theaters and was a big hit with our family this summer. If you’ve already seen it, you probably understand my obsession with the movie. If you haven’t, you need to get to the movies! What a fun film! 
After my shopping trip, I was going to go home and put together a fun little first day of school Ghostbusters themed gift bag and make a cute printable to go with it. (see below to print your own out.) 
In addition to the fun school supplies, I found at Walmart, I also loaded my cart up with a bunch of my favorite chocolate candies that I found on the candy aisle. You can never be too stocked up! Here’s what I purchased:
I also stuffed a small Mason jar with some of the candies, tied it with a piece of bright green lace, and stuck a “School Survival Kit” printable on the front. This will be perfect in between classes when she needs a pick-me-up! 
To download any of the free printables I used in this post, go 
Do you do anything special for Back to School? Share with me what you do in the comments.
I don’t know if it was more difficult to get her back-to-school look right (since moms don’t seem to know what’s cool) or to grab a decent picture of her in the outfit? Luckily, we finally got her look and the picture! What do you think? Adorable, in my opinion! 
During the month of August, Northgate Markets are hosting in-store Hatch Chile Roasting events on the weekends. For a list of the locations hosting the events, along with dates and times, visit 
We stopped by the 
Lately, my daughter has been asking me if she could do more cooking in the kitchen. I’m happy that she has an interest in learning to cook, so of course, I want her to. She suggested we incorporate the Hatch Chiles into one of her favorite foods,
I think most adults love “Mac & Cheese”, too. I know I never turn down a simple comfort food! I love the flavor of Hatch Chiles, so I knew it would be a great combination.
I love using our cast-iron skillet so we used it to roast the chiles. I like the way they seem to “dance” while they sizzle. You need to allow both sides to roast really well. It’s Ok for the chiles to appear blackened on the outside. Depending on what you’re making, you either remove that part anyway, or incorporate the blackened part into your recipe, to give it a smoky taste. Mmm! 
After the chiles are roasted to your liking, you immediately stick them back into the produce bag (if they came in one) or else into a plastic bag and seal it, allowing them to “sweat”. After about 10 minutes, you’ll be able to easily remove the outer skin of your Hatch Chiles. It will literally just peel off . You’ll slice open down the center and remove the seeds with a spoon. (or by hand) 
For this recipe, my daughter diced up the Hatch Chiles and set them aside while we prepared the rest of the iingredients. 
Ingredients:
