This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
Universal Studios Hollywood will usher in the “Year of the Pig” and celebrate Lunar New Year beginning February 2 and continuing through February 17. Uniquely-themed programs will feature Hello Kitty, DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda masters Po and Tigress and a Mandarin-speaking Transformer’s MEGATRON. This spectacularly-themed Lunar New Year tradition will take place within Universal Plaza, located at the heart of the theme park. Under a curtain of customary red Chinese lanterns and stunning plum blossom Wishing Trees, the festivities will come to life as guests discover the 12 zodiac animal signs accompanied by their symbolic attributes.
The centerpiece of the Lunar New Year festivities will feature DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda Jade Palace Performance Stage and the exciting Dragon Warrior Training Show based on the beloved Kung Fu Panda franchise. The energetic experience is designed to engage guests of all ages in an interactive martial art demonstration performed by Master Po and friends. The immersive event will also feature seasoned animators teaching guests techniques to draw Po and the Furious Five as keepsake mementos.
Some of the Lunar New Year festivities this year will include:
- DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda’s famous Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop is back by popular demand to serve up delicious culturally-themed food such as Po’s Dumplings, Dragon Warrior Bao, Oogway Eggrolls and Secret Ingredient Stir Fry Noodles. Mr. Ping himself will be on hand to interact with guests and take memorable souvenir photos.
- Beloved global pop icon Hello Kitty, created by the global lifestyle brand Sanrio, will further complement this year’s Lunar New Year celebration when she steps out in style wearing her signature red bow and specially-designed Lunar New Year attire. Hello Kitty will be available to meet guests at the Hello Kitty Shop located within the new Animation Studio Store.
- Keeping with Universal Studios Hollywood’s Lunar New Year tradition, a Mandarin-speaking Transformer’s MEGATRON will greet guests at the entry of the festivities. The imposing 12-foot-tall robot leader of the DECEPTICONS will interact with guests, engaging them both in Mandarin and in real time conversation reflective of his persona. A resident of Universal Studios Hollywood, MEGATRON is one of the stars of Universal Studios Hollywood’s thrill ride, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D.”
- Illumination Entertainment’s Minions from the theme parks’ popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride will also join the festivities, stepping out in style and dressed up in brightly colored traditional Lunar New Year attire.
Uniquely themed experiences offered in Mandarin include the theme park’s signature Studio Tour and the exclusive VIP Experience, both of which provide two distinctive and revealing looks at an authentic movie and television studio. Featuring expertly-trained Mandarin-speaking tour guides both opportunities provide insight into the world of movie-making magic as guests enjoy a front row seat and behind-the-scenes access to one of the largest production studios in the world. In-language park maps are also available for guests.
Guests can continue their Lunar New Year celebration at Universal CityWalk’s Dongpo Kitchen restaurant featuring upscale and modern Sichuan cuisine. Inspired by China’s premier restaurant Meizhou Dongpo, Dongpo Kitchen offers the comforts of a casual dining environment with both indoor and al fresco seating and caters to an eclectic palate with a variety of signature dishes.
Universal CityWalk’s newest restaurant, Vivo Italian Kitchen, serving freshly prepared authentic Italian fare in a newly designed modern setting, also invites guests to toast the “Year of the Pig” offering its haute cuisine menu in several languages, including Mandarin.
With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, why not consider grabbing the all-new 2019 Season Pass, which invites guests to experience the fun all year long for just $139 when purchased online. More details about it can be found at http://www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com
Images and video are property of Universal Studios Hollywood and used with permission.
When BabbleBoxx reached out and asked if I was interested in partnering with them to try out one of their fitness-themed boxes to share about on my blog, the answer was a big “Yes!“. The box was filled with 4 must-try fitness and health essentials that’ll help you stay in your workout routine. You’re going to love these so let’s take a look!
First off, Tiger Balm is a brand name I’ve grown up knowing and loving. This Tiger Balm Active Muscle Spray is definitely a must-have for someone who works out and has muscle ache and soreness from their workouts.
The spray application is easy-to-apply, especially for those hard to reach areas. You can toss it into your gym bag too, so if you’re on the go and showering at the gym after your workout, you can spray it on afterwards. It works wonders, especially for someone like me who is just jumping back into working out. You can read more about Tiger Balm: Active Muscle Spray
How many pairs of headphones do you go through in a year? 3? 4? more than 4? Whether they get lost, “borrowed” by your teen, or break, headphones are something I feel like I’m constantly replacing. It’s nice to have a reliable pair for things like listening to audiobooks or working out. My BabbleBoxx had a pair of AfterShokz: Trekz Air in it. These are like the headphones you never knew you needed but somehow once you try this open-ear design, you’ll never be able to be without them again. I love that they aren’t headphones and don’t even go in your ear. They’re made using bone conducting technology and are so light. They’re constructed with used titanium everywhere possible to ensure a better fit and sound. When you put them on you realize how light they are.
Right now, you can grab your own pair of AfterShokz headphones for $55 off the regular price by using discount code BABBLE at checkout. To purchase your own pair, go
Goodness, it’s like BabbleBoxx knew I needed these! They sent me 3 pairs of GO Comfort Insoles: All Day Insoles, Work Insoles, and Athletic Insoles. If you’re wondering how they differ, let’s look a little closer.
I didn’t realize that were different and specific types of insoles but now that I’ve tried each of these GO Comfort Insoles, I can feel how they each provide that extra support I was lacking during different activities. I would definitely recommend using a pair in your own shoes on a daily basis. Whether you prefer a comfort insole, a work insole or an athletic insole, GO Comfort Insoles help relieve arch, heel and lower back pain, which is something we could all do without. Your feet will thank you! To get 20% off + Free Shipping on GO Comfort Insoles, use Code GOcomfortBB20 at checkout. You can purchase your own
I have tried so many pre-workout drinks before, each promising something different, and have yet to find one I actually liked. Well that is, up until now! I didn’t know how I’d feel about this strawberry kiwi guava flavor but it was so good! Did you know that according to CELSIUS, drinking one of their drinks and then engaging in physical activity increases the rate at which you burn calories even more? Count me in! If you’re curious to read more about how it works, go
“Comfys” don’t necessarily have to be pajamas, they’re just clothes you can throw on that are less restricting than others. I can think of several different places I wear mine, aside from just lounging around the house. I wear them shopping, to hang out by the pool, for being active outdoors, and whenever I travel, whether it be by car or plane.
Well, lean in! I’ve got something to share with you! I found
The Perfect Pant is made of 91% polyester, and 9% spandex and they were designed with the woman–on–the–go in mind. (That’s me!) They’re available in regular long length and a cropped-length. So versatile and easy to pair with different pieces for several different occasions. You’ll love their great fit and their great fabric! Stock a few of each of these versatile pieces in your closet and you’ll be good to go.
They are easy and hassle–free to care for. You simply wash, dry, and wear them! No need to even think about dry cleaning!
Here comes my favorite part about The Perfect Pant: They’re made in the USA! Not only does the brand care about comfort and style, but they’ve also made it a priority to keep jobs here in America. For me, that’s huge because I worry about the people in our country and our economy. Anything that a brand can do to help out in that way, matters to me.
Well, it’s clear that not all comfys are created equal and I’m so glad to have come across The Perfect Pant. Are you living your best comfy pants life? I know I am now. For more information about The Perfect Pant please visit their site 
facCurves® is a one-stop-shop for every woman’s fitness needs offering a 30 minute, total-body workout with
Curves® recently celebrated its 25th birthday. Wow, 25 years of empowering women to take control of their health and fitness levels!
I was excited to participate in their birthday celebration on one of the days I went to work out.
I want to share about my experience with you and share 5 Things (I think) you’ll love most about working out at Curves.



I added more fresh fruit (I love citrus), trail mix, and Weight Watchers Light Mozzarella String Cheese to my snacks and carry them in my lunchbox to work as snack options.
Since I was a kid, I’ve always loved string cheese. It’s so fun to to peel it as you eat it. I was surprised (in a good way) to find out how full of flavor and fun to pull apart, this
It’s definitely a satisfying choice when you need a snack on the go. I shop for mine at Walmart, in the cheese section and they come in a package, individually wrapped, to help with portion control.
Each serving is only 1 SmartPoints. I feel good eating that kind of a snack and knowing it’s made from real milk.
Right now, until January 31, 2017, Walmart has a digital savings offer for shoppers to save $1.00 on 2 Weight Watchers Cheese items at Walmart. To grab your own digital coupon, click
Since starting my new meal planning and meal prep, I feel a lot better and have more energy. My pants are also a little looser-fitting, which is a good thing! How are your New Year goals going?

