Over The Top Mommy

Year: 2017

Celebrate July 4th at Dana Point Harbor

This is not a sponsored post. 

OC Parks invites the community to spend July 4th at Dana Point Harbor. Enjoy waterfront dining, ocean activities, boating, sailing, and experience south Orange County’s best aerial fireworks display, the July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza.Dana Point Independence DAyThe 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.dana-point-harborSpend 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.dana-point-harbor-whale-watchingVisitors 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.dana-point-harbor-trolleyThe 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.dana-point-harbor-baby-beachCelebrate Independence Day at Dana Point Harbor and experience the spectacular July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza. For more information visit http://www.DanaPointHarbor.com.doheny-state-beachPlease 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.

Some images are property of OC Parks. 

 

Top 10 Phoenix Summer Getaway Deals

This is not a sponsored post. 

Summer is here and it’s the perfect time to travel, especially when you can find a great deal. Right now, there are some amazing summer getaway deals you can grab in the Greater Phoenix area, & save 75 percent or more at landmark properties.
arizona-state-signCheck out these top 10 Phoenix Summer Getaway Deals: 

Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – Summer Inclusive Package
Save up to 75 percent at the famous Arizona Biltmore now through Sep 10, 2017. This package, starting at $215 per night, includes a luxurious guestroom, 20 percent off a la carte Spa Biltmore services, complimentary self parking and resort charge and entertainment such as family-friendly movies by the pool on every Friday and Saturday night.

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort – Lather on the SPF: Squaw Peak Fun!
Avoid a boring summer and lather on the SPF with this package, which starts at just $124 per suite, per night, now through Sept. 9, 2017. This 60 percent savings over peak season rates lets guests enjoy the hotel’s four-acre water park for less, including sports pool, tennis courts, miniature golf and lazy river. Free kid’s programming and activities abound at Hole-in-the-Wall’s River Ranch including Saturday Dive-in movies.

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa – Come to Life this Summer Golf & Spa Packages 
Come to life now through Sep 30, 2017 with two great packages where you can save over 100 percent. The Come To Life Golf Package starts at $179 per night and includes: $50 Resort Credit daily, unlimited golf (tee time restrictions apply), free kids meals (12 and under with a paying adult), 20 percent discount off spa treatments at Revive Spa and free resort fee included. The Come To Life Spa Package starts at $199 per night and includes a 50 resort credit daily, one 50-minute Revive Massage, free kids meals (12 and under with a paying adult), 10 percent discount off purchases in retail shops, free resort fee and a 25 percent discount off additional spa services.

Sheraton Wild Horse – “You Stay, We Pay” Package
Starting at $149 per night, this package includes a $50 daily resort credit, representing nearly 75 percent savings now through Sept 5, 2017. Families can retreat from the heat with the new River Boat Adventures, which include options to pedal boat, water bike, kayak or stand up paddle board down their winding river. The resort’s summer holiday waterpark weekends feature large-scale slip and slides, multiple inflatable water slides for kids of all ages, a dunk tank, family-friendly concession stands and much more. Guests can enjoy live poolside music and outdoor lawn games such as bocce, life-sized Jenga and cornhole. Adventurers can enjoy other unique experiences including the Native American culturally themed courses such as; jewelry and dream catcher making courses, gourd painting, canvas & cocktails and much more. Parents can get pampered at the Four-Star Aji Spa or on the links at nearby Troon-managed Whirlwind golf club while the kids take part in the Adventure Club Camp.

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa –The Big Chill Package
Now through Sept. 4, 2017 save up to 60 percent off high-season rates at the Westin with rates starting at $149 per room per night. The package offers a choice between a $50 per room, per night dining credit or two free sessions on the Kierland FlowRider wave simulator (a $70 value). All summer, the Resort’s FUN Team leads chill-seeking adventurers in activities created to beat the heat, suh as Freezin’ Fridays, the Adventure Pool, Lazy River, 110-foot waterslide and more. Kierland FlowRider will stay open until 10 p.m. with a poolside Glow Party with musical entertainment, glow sticks, S’mores, and party games to round out the fun. On Saturdays, guests enjoy wintery poolside games and activities all day including the Polar Plunge (hundreds of pounds of ice are dropped into the pool) and delicious Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ. All weekend long, guests can enjoy cool treats delivered by the Kierland ice cream truck as its makes its way around the Resort. Plus, the Resort’s one-of-a-kind, 3-D PaintScaping Show will be offered every evening through July 4.

The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch – Summer at The Scottsdale
Cool off with weekend rates starting as low as $99 — over 60 percent savings over the high-season rate — now through Sept. 4, 2017. The package at this resort, which recently completed a $10 million renovation which transformed the indoor and outdoor spaces, also includes free entertainment, dive-in movies, games (horse shoes, ping-pong, corn hole, life-size beer pong), adult and kid snow cones and daily drink specials. Guests can have a rockin’ good time by the pool with live music by the Mark Long Band and rock ‘n’ roll-themed movies like ‘The Buddy Holly Story’ and ‘Walk The Line’ after the sun sets on select Friday and Saturday nights.

The Wigwam – SummerScapes Package Escape to The Wigwam
Now through Sept. 7, 2017 and get a fantastic weekday rate of $139 and weekend rate of $159 (25 percent savings), including a free summer camp for kids and a $50 resort credit per night per room that’s good for food, beverage, spa, golf, or tennis. The Wigwam currently spans more than 440 acres on an estate-like setting and features 331 casita-style guest rooms, including 72 suites, crafted from distinctive adobe architecture. The resort offers 54 holes of championship golf, The Red Door Salon & Spa, three pools with two twisting water slides, and five restaurants and bars. The hotel also offers Camp Wigwam, a complimentary summer program that focuses on activities for children up to age 12.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa – Splash Into Summer
Save 25 percent on the first room and 50 percent on the second room with this package, which starts at $149 per night and runs through Sept. 9, 2017. The package includes a $50 resort credit and complimentary self parking. Guests can enjoy the resort’s 2.5 acre water playground, beachside fun zone with games, dive-in movies every weekend, nightly entertainment, sandcastle competitions, a welcome summer “sipper” on check-in and much more.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – Summer Splash Birthday Bash Package
The package starts from $169 per night — up to 75 percent off the high-season rate — plus a $50 daily resort credit now through Sept. 4, 2017. The $30 resort fee includes complimentary half-day admission to the Trailblazers Kids Club for up to three children ages 5-12. In addition to the substantial savings at this luxury resort, guests can take advantage of the action-packed summer schedule of activities, such as fireworks every Saturday all summer long, concerts on the Lagoon Lawn and Float Fit paddleboard yoga at the rooftop pool. Guests can also enjoy Techno Glo pool parties with fog, lasers, LED hula hoops and DJ Splash, and the new interactive Techno-Bot siblings, Beta and Blast. Trailblazers Kids Club and Recreation Center will offer a new BEAM interactive floor playground and virtual reality adventures. Guests can ride on a roller coaster or glide above the clouds in an immersive, virtual reality 3D simulator, which are complimentary at the Kids Club. Classic games, billiards, ping-pong, shuffle board and arts and crafts are also available in this family-friendly fun zone on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North – Summer Rates
Make this a summer to remember with savings up to 25 percent now through August 31, 2017, with weekday rates beginning at $189 per night. The luxury resort offers easy access to sunrise hikes to adjacent Pinnacle Peak Park, dining al fresco under a blanket of stars and poolside pampering at the sparkling, two-tiered pool complex. The entire family can head to the pool for complimentary “Dive-In” movies, running every Saturday night throughout the summer.

To book the above packages or find even more summer deals, check out Visit Phoenix’s packages page here.visit-phoenix-summer

Some images are property of Visit Phoenix.

5 Reasons Why Parents Need the Screen Time App This Summer

This post is in partnership with The Motherhood and Screen Time, but all opinions are 100% my own.

Technology is a wonderful thing. It’s brought our world up to light speed and has made many things so much easier and efficient. With that being said, I also feel that technology is a double-edged sword, especially when it comes to kids.screen-time-app-kids-on-technologySince 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.screen-time-app-technology-2As 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).screen-time-app-dashboardEspecially 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 Screen Time app (You can click here to sign up now – there’s a free basic version, but the premium is worth the $3.99/month and includes a free 14-day trial).

Here are some of the advantages of the premium version of the Screen Time app:
Time limits – As a parent, I feel it’s important to set time limits on my child’s use of technology. It’s vital when she has things like homework and bedtime, and in the summer, I try to encourage outdoor play and discovery that doesn’t always involve a screen.

App blocking – With that being said, I also recognize that certain apps are necessary (and even required), especially for homework during the school year. Screen Time allows me to free up those apps she needs for homework, or apps we can use together to enhance quality family time, while making the others unavailable until later.

Remote management – I also recognize that technology time limits should be altered for weekends, vacation times and summer, and there are plenty of apps out there that can enhance playtime and outdoor/offline discovery (see a great list of them below). It’s so convenient that I can set the limits of my child’s usage of her iPad from my phone or any browser by just logging in.screen-time-app-2

Pause & Play – We all know how kids can become entranced by their devices – just one more video, one more game. Screen Time can help break that cycle by allowing you to pause onscreen activity without endless nagging or bargaining, so you can sit down to dinner as a family, take a walk through the neighborhood, enjoy your summer together. On the flip side, play, you can also add bonus screen time without changing any settings.

Daily web and app use reports – I’ve had a couple of months to test out this wonderful app in my own home, with the use of my iPhone and my daughter’s iPad. Since she spends time on her iPad on a daily basis, I’d always tried my best to monitor and supervise what she was doing – but when I was introduced to Screen Time, these daily reports enabled me to better keep track of her activity and set reasonable limits.

Screen Time is already running on over 1 million devices, and it’s obvious just how that came to be. It’s a great app that households everywhere should be using to keep control over their own children’s usage on devices. To try it now, visit screentimelabs.com.

Grand Opening Celebration on 6/24 for New “Tapestry Walk” Townhomes in Anaheim

Olson Homes will host its Model Grand Opening of Tapestry Walk on Saturday, June 24. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Interested home shoppers may tour new model homes and learn more about exciting amenities to come in this brand-new neighborhood that offers easy townhome living and a desirable South Anaheim address.tapestry-walk-anaheimGuests 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 HERE.

Tapestry Walk is a collection of new, three-story townhomes that offers a small, close-knit community in a bustling location in the heart of Orange County. Homeowners will enjoy the benefits of residential design by Olson Homes, known for:

  • welcoming contemporary and traditional architecture
  • an impressive selection of floor plans to accommodate a number of lifestyles
  • green building features
  • a location within walking distance to a number of dining and entertainment destinations.

tapestry-rendering-2Eleven 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-renderingTapestry 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.

Tapestry Walk is located at
2337 South Manchester Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802

To learn more about Tapestry Walk and to sign up for the Interest List, visit http://www.tapestrywalk.com/contact-us/.

Images are property of Olsen Homes. 

 

Old Fashioned Family Fun at Knott’s Ghost Town ALIVE! Now Through Sept. 4

I was invited by Knott’s to a special media day in the park. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Knott’s Berry Farm holds fond childhood memories for me. The whole park has so much real-life history in it, dating back to when the Knott Family actually lived on the property with a farm, a chicken dinner restaurant, and an old-fashioned Western ghost town. It was from there that they built the theme park around it known as Knott’s Berry Farm, America’s 1st Theme Park.knotts-ghost-town-signLast summer in celebration of Ghost Town’s 75th Anniversary, Knott’s introduced a fun, interactive experience for guests called Ghost Town ALIVE  The concept of a working ghost town for guests to interact with was brought to fruition and I had so much fun experiencing it. You literally feel as if you’ve stepped back in time when you’re there in Calico, in the Wild West. There are townsfolk, cowboys, bandits, judges, all kinds of interesting people who live there in the beloved town of Calico.knotts-ghost-town-alive-town-hallknotts-75th-ghost-town-celebration-saloonI 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.knotts-ghost-town-alive-us-in-jailIn 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!knotts-ghost-town-75th-anniversary-photographersHere are just some of the things you can do in Calico during Ghost Town Alive!:

  • Grab a copy of the Calico Gazette, hot off the press
  • Participate in the town election and vote for the Mayor
  • Witness a wedding in Town Hall
  • Go to school in a one-room schoolhouse
  • Go to the Barbershop for a “shave” and a mustache
  • Help deliver a package from the Post Office
  • Visit the animals in the Livery Stableknotts-ghost-town-alive-schoolhouseknotts-ghost-town-75th-celebration-jail

Every evening, the town’s “story” culminates with a town-wide celebration in Calico Square at the town’s Hoedown. It’s so much fun for guests to dance and mingle with the townsfolk of Calico.
In addition to all of the fun action happening in the town of Calico, Knott’s also has an extensive lineup of entertainment this summer. The live entertainment continues with:

  • The explosive Wild West Stunt Show (Ghost Town)
  • The high kickin’ Calico Saloon Show (Ghost Town)
  • Get “krazy “when Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies mount their toe tappin’, knee-slappin’, gut-bustin’ country comedy show that will have audiences clamoring for more! In the evening a group of krazy talented performers will have guests kicking up their heels with vine dancing, a down home jug band and dueling fiddlers and banjos! (Wagon Camp Stage)
  • The renowned “Traveling Circus” also returns to Knott’s for another season of exhilarating performances. Set on the Calico Mine stage in Ghost Town, come witness a spectacle; see awe-inspiring stunts, and death defying acrobatics in “Circus of Wonders.” The astonishing 30 minute spectacular will be action packed with all-time favorite circus attractions such as the Trapeze, Tightrope, Aerial Acrobatics, Trampoline, and of course, clowns, incorporating lighting and pyrotechnics, making this nighttime show a totally unique event! Select dates, June 10 – August 20.
  • While you’re in the park, be sure to catch the all-new show, Snoopy’s Magnificent Magical Revue, starring the World’s Most Famous Beagle, Snoopy! This family-friendly show features Magician Extraordinaire Greg Wilson as he teams up with Snoopy and the entire Peanuts Gang to perform a jaw-dropping magic show and lavish musical production. Guests may even find themselves part of the act! Watch Snoopy’s Magnificent Magical Revue on select dates through August 20 .The show is dark Wednesdays. (in the Charles M. Schulz Theatre.)knotts-ghost-town-alive-snoopy

If you haven’t experienced Knott’s Ghost Town Alive! yet, you’ll want to head to Knott’s Berry Farm this summer, before September 4, to be part of this authentic western adventure. It’s definitely an action-packed experience and fun for the entire family and is included in the price of a Knott’s ticket (or Season Pass.) This summer is the perfect time to grab a Knott’s Regular Season Pass, which offers unlimited visits in 2017. Knott’s Gold Pass also includes admission to Knott’s Soak City Waterpark, whcih we enjoyed visiting recently. knotts-soak-city-sungearFor more information about Knott’s Season Passes, go here. To read more about Knott’s Ghost Town Alive!, go here.

Great Gifts For Dads and Grads at Brea Mall

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. 

June is a busy time of year, especially when it comes to celebrating Dads and Grads! Brea Mall is the perfect place to shop for great gifts for all of them. With 5 major department stores, including Nordstrom, Macy’s, Macy’s Men’s, Children’s & Home, JCPenney, and Sears, plus more than 175 specialty shops, you’re sure to find something for every dad and grad in your life! brea-mall-directoryWe 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.

dad-shops-brea-mallthe-art-of-shaving-1the-art-of-shaving-2tommy-bahama-clothingtommy-bahama-2apple-store-macbose-headphonesFor 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. grad-shops-brea-mallurban-outfitters-giftsapple-store-mactypo-journalsdaisy-shoppe-grad-giftsBrea 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.cpk-menucpk-lunch-pizza-and-saladHave 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 here.brea-mall-sign

 

 

 

“An American Girl Story: Summer Camp, Friends for Life” Now Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own.

Viewers can now stream the Amazon Original SpecialAn American Girl Story: Summer Camp, Friends for Life” on Amazon Prime Video in the US, UK, Germany and Austria.This is the 4th special from Amazon Kids and you and your family are going to love watching this one together.

american-girl-summer-campWe 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!american-girl-story-friends“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.) 

_DSC0265.nefThings 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).

_DSC0689.nefThis special, directed by Alison McDonald (An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win).

Here’s a preview of the special:

“Summer Camp, Friends for Life combines the relatable themes of friendship and collaboration in a fun and engaging S.T.E.A.M. camp environment. Our customers will be inspired by Z, Paz and Drew as they work together toward solving the mystery presented to them.” – ,” Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming at Amazon Studios.

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 http://www.amazon.com/originals, at no additional cost to their membership. Customers who are not already a Prime member can sign up for a free trial at http://www.amazon.com/prime.american-girl-story-summer-camp-2Even 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.

Images and clip are property of Amazon Studios and American Girl. 

Disney·Pixar’s “CARS 3” Road to the Races Rolls Into Los Angeles June 14-18

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

Ka-Chow! Road to the Races is rolling into Los Angeles from June 14-18! This nationwide tour invites fans of #95 to gear up for the upcoming big-screen release of Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 3.”, The roster of cities has already included Miami, Dallas, Chicago, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Denver.. Fans who come out for the free, fun event will get to see life-size, character look-alikes of five-time Piston-Cup champion Lightning McQueen and tech-savvy Cruz Ramirez, and take part in a host of activities. They’ll also get a sneak peek of the “Cars 3” movie which hits theaters June 16. cars-3-carsThe Los Angeles stop on the tour will be hosted at Autry Museum of the American West, (located at 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA 90027)
The event schedule for Los Angeles is as follows:

  • Wednesday, June 14th- 2pm-5pm
  • Thursday, June 15th- 11:30am-5pm
  • Friday, June 16th- 11:30am-5pm
  • Saturday, June 17th- 10am-4pm
  • Sunday, June 18th- 12pm-4pm

cars-3-road-to-the-racesSome of the fun activities fans will be able to experience at the event include:

  • Alamo Rent A CarSM is hosting a street art booth and will bring “Cars 3” to life with a giant coloring mural featuring Lightning McQueen and friends, along with a color pencil pack souvenir. Owned and operated by Enterprise Holdings, Alamo Rent A Car offers low rental rates and a hassle-free customer experience at the most popular travel destinations around the world.
  • Coppertone® is creating a racer pit crew that encourages visitors to take part in a tire-changing activity and photo-sharing opportunity. A leader in the sun care industry, Coppertone is made by Bayer HealthCare, LLC.
  • Crest® and Oral-B® celebrate the Road to the Races tour, providing fans with an opportunity to create a digital postcard with Lightning McQueen and get “Cars”-themed oral care products. Crest and Oral-B are the first step to enjoying a lifetime of healthy smiles.
  • Dole®, the leader in fresh, quality produce, invites visitors to fuel up and recharge their batteries, sample high-octane fruit and vegetable smoothies, collect “Cars 3”-inspired recipes and discover how Dole and Disney are working together to make healthy living fun and easy for families. To see more of Dole’s exciting promotions around summer family fun, visit http://www.dole.com/Cars3.
  • Mattel presents an interactive play area, which sends Lightning McQueen and other racers down the gravity drop and launches them into action in new play sets that feature locations from the movie. Also on display will be a collection of die cast racers from past and present. Mattel is the leading global childhood development and play company.
  • Fans will also be able to catch a sneak peek of the movie in the Cinetransformer Mobile Movie Theater.
  • Visitors will also be able to take photos with the life-size character cars.

In addition, the sports national youth program NASCAR Acceleration Nation will display the science behind NASCAR racing, and elements from the NASCAR Hall of Fame will allow attendees to get up close and personal with the history of NASCAR.cars-3-posterThe life-size character cars also roll onto the red carpet for the “Cars 3” world premiere on Saturday, June 10, 2017. The “Road to the Races” nationwide tour wraps up in California with a visit to NASCAR at the Sonoma Raceway June 24-25, 2017. For information, visit CARS3tour.com.

Images are property of Disney-Pixar. 

Reduce the Distracted Driver in You with Navdy’s Head-Up Display System

This is a sponsored post. I received promotional products in order to write this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

As a super busy mom, I find myself packing lunches, ironing school uniforms, driving carpools, making phone calls, returning texts, paying bills, and doing just about everything for my family, all throughout the day. On most days, it feels like I spend about 99% of my time in the car trying to do a lot of those things.
Overall, Americans are spending more time than ever in the car—45 billion hours a year to be exact—so I guess I’m not alone. In doing so, they’re accessing the power of their phones while driving because it’s become a necessity and that’s how most are connected to the world. According to a study, about 75% of American drivers admit they need a better way to integrate their mobile phones with their cars.navdy-mom-confession-im-distracted I’m sometimes distracted while driving. You’ll never find me putting mascara on while driving with my knee or brushing my teeth in the car, and I don’t text and drive. However, because I’m such a busy mom, I am forced to “multi-task” and do things while I’m on the road. Some of my distractions include: drinking my coffee, eating on-the-go, or making phone calls (using Bluetooth, of course). Regardless of the type of distractions, no distractions are the ideal situation when it comes to being safe while driving.navdy-no-distractionsHave you heard of Navdy yet? When the company reached out to me to try their portable head-up display (HUD) in my car, and explained that it was created to help you focus better with fewer distractions while you’re driving,navdy-installI was all over that opportunity. Navdy sits on your car’s dashboard, right in front of you, allowing you to stay connected to your network, your car, and the road, all at the same time. It’s the first device of its kind, projecting information into the distance so the road remains in focus.
Watch this video that demonstrates how Navdy works:

navdy-installing-itNavdy was very simple to set up and install in my car, with the HUD installed on the dashboard and the Navdy dial, your main tool for interacting with the device, easily accessible on your steering wheel. The system is compatible with both iPhone and Android, and you begin by downloading the Navdy app. Using the app, you walk through installation, in addition to looking through the illustrated installation guide.navdy-setup-guideNavdy-Head-Up-Display-SystemSince the system connects wirelessly with your phone, it allows you quick and direct access to your phone apps as well as your contacts. Once Navdy is set up and installed in your car, it enables simple, gesture-based access to the phone functions drivers need most and projects everything directly in your line of sight over the road ahead.Navdy-Dash-displayYou can customize the display to include info such as speed limit, MPG, fuel range, directions, RPM, compass, calendar alerts, and more. They system is a comprehensive eyes-forward solution allowing drivers to manage all their phone necessities while keeping their eyes on the road.

Some of the things drivers can do with Navdy include:

  • Receive calls and texts without touching your phone
  • Control your favorite music apps
  • Get directions and beat traffic with navigation powered by Google Maps

And much more…navdy-teen-driversNot only do I feel like Navdy is the best new solution for busy adults like myself, but it also seems like something I would insist my teenage driver utilize in the car. Don’t you agree? We want the safest possible scenario for our children, especially when they are new drivers and there are so many possible distractions that might take away from their eyes staying on the road.navdy-ensure-safetyNavdy is a truly effective way to minimize your distractions in the car and complies with all of the new hands-free driving laws. This award-winning technology system is currently offered at the great price of $499, or as low as $28/month for 18 months at 0% financing and includes free shipping to the U.S. and Canada. It’s a great price for something that’s helping to ensure the safety of you and your family in the car.
For more information about Navdy or to purchase, please visit their site at http://www.navdy.com.

Please note: Some images, logos, and video are property of Navdy and used with permission