Over The Top Mommy

Fitness

Celebrate Lunar New Year and the “Year of the Pig” at Universal Studios Hollywood Starting February 2

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. 

 

Fall Into Fitness with These 4 Workout Essentials

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com. All opinions are my own. 

Raise your hand if you had an amazing Summer, filled with relaxation and lots of good food? (*raises hand) Yes, Summer was good to me but now that we’re heading towards Fall, I’m realizing that I need to get myself back into a regular fitness routine. Like in a big way. I honestly feel so much better when I have one in place too. 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 HERE.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 here. I already purchased a second pair for my daughter because she kept trying to take mine. Please note: Promotional discount ends 11/1/18. 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.

  • All Day Insoles – This isn’t an ordinary comfort insole, this is a super one because it delivers 18+ hours of comfort for long-lasting support.
  • Work Insoles – This type of a work insole is what everyone in the work force needs. It provides anti-fatigue support for concrete and hard surfaces. This is amazing news for those who are literally standing on their feet all day at their jobs
  • Athletic Insoles – Whether you’re doing your daily workout or playing a sport, this athletic insole provides long-lasting support with max shock absorption for high impact activities.

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 HERE. Note: This offer is valid until 12/31/18. 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 HERE. I kid you not, CELSIUS is like your Ultimate Fitness Partner®!

How’s your fall fitness routine coming along? Do any of these great products look like something you’d be interested in adding to your fitness routine? Share with me in the comments!

 

 

Living My Best Comfy Life in The Perfect Pant™

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

Mom confession: I could live all day, every day in comfys! Can you relate?
When I’m at work in my “professional attire”, I’m secretly counting down the hours until I get home and change out of them. When I’m out and about in some dress that pretty much requires me to wear a binding undergarment to make me look thinner, I cannot wait to get out of it.all-day-every-day“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.the-perfect-pant-sittingladies-i-found-the-perfect-pantWell, lean in! I’ve got something to share with you! I found The Perfect Pant™! Like literally! If you’re like me and love to be comfortable a majority of the time, you’re going to love these!the-perfect-pant-stretchingThe 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.nobody-wants-to-dry-cleanThey are easy and hassle–free to care for. You simply wash, dry, and wear them! No need to even think about dry cleaning!the-perfect-pant-1here-comes-my-favorite-partHere 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.the-perfect-pant-walkingWell, 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 here.

You can connect with The Perfect Pant on Instagram and Pinterest. Join in on the conversation on social and follow #theperfectpant.

5 Things You’ll Love Most About Working Out at Curves®

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

A little over a month ago, had the opportunity to join the Curves® community in my city. I had driven past it so many times and was always curious to see what it was like.curves-workout-3

curves-laguna-niguelfacCurves® is a one-stop-shop for every woman’s fitness needs offering a 30 minute, total-body workout with No Makeup, No Men, and No Mirrors. When you enroll in the Curves Fitness® Program, you’re able to participate in circuit classes, utilizing strength training machines, which are designed to burn fat, increase strength, and kick start weight loss.curves-workout-1Curves® recently celebrated its 25th birthday. Wow, 25 years of empowering women to take control of their health and fitness levels! curves-birthday-2I was excited to participate in their birthday celebration on one of the days I went to work out.curves-birthday-1I want to share about my experience with you and share 5 Things (I think) you’ll love most about working out at Curves.curves-list

  • The Curves Community – The moment you walk into a Curves location, you can feel the sense of community. You’ll feel so supported by all of the ladies there. People are friendly, they know your name, they say “hi”. Every time you come in to workout again, you’re greeted by name at the front desk and by the instructors on the floor and the other women there start to remember you. To have someone genuinely ask about how you’re doing and support you, is something really special. The support of other women can really help strengthen your spirit.  Get ready to embrace new friendships
  • One-on-one training and guidance with Curves coaches – Unlike other fitness clubs, your membership at Curves comes with 5 training sessions with a Coach. It not only gives you peace of mind to be walked through the circuit and be properly taught on how to use the strength resistance machines, but it will also help you build confidence to come back and do it all on your own.curves-stretch-area
  • Increased Strength.- After you’ve worked out at Curves for a couple of weeks, you’ll begin to feel increased strength. A strong body helps make everything you do easier and can help prevent common health problems like joint pain and osteoporosis.curves-workout-2
  • Better balance in your life – Having a regular routine scheduled, which includes a workout at Curves a few times (or more) per week, can really help you gain better balance in your life. At just 30 minutes per workout, you can take that time to clear your mind and just relax and refresh.
  • Your new look – After you’ve established a regular workout routine, many things seem to follow. As I mentioned, you’ll have increased strength, as well as a lot more energy. You’ll feel that sense of balance in your life too. I think overall, you’re going to have a new outlook on life and, in turn, it’ll give you a new look. Whether you’ve set and achieved fitness goals or you’ve achieved other goals such as maintaining a regular workout schedule, it’s likely that you’ll have a new look about you, one that others will notice. Several people have already asked me what I’m doing and have commented about how great I look!curves-love-your-new-look

Curves International, Inc. is one of the largest chains of fitness clubs for women. Aside from gaining better fitness, it also enabled me to navigate through my days with more confidence, resilience, and grace. It’s about feeling great every day and building a healthy future. a fitter, healthier, happier me!  Curves is truly a great place to go for more than just a workout, as you can see. There are over 4,000 locations worldwide. To find the closest to you, please go here.

Connect with Curves on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Meal Planning and Smarter Snack Choices

This post was sponsored by Weight Watchers as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% my own.

It’s a brand new year and I’m really excited about striving to reach some new goals I set for this year. As a busy mom, who works full time outside the home and stays occupied driving my daughter around to all of her activities, I started to feel a bit overwhelmed at the end of last year and and kind of let my self-care fall to the side. During the holidays, I was feeling pretty sluggish and just blah.

As soon as the new year started, I really wanted to get myself on a better eating plan. After feeling like I was having way too much drive thru, towards the end of the year, I knew I needed to change some things. I  added a healthy eating plan for myself (and my family), which includes weekly shopping and weekly meal prep. It’s important to plan healthy, meals that give you balanced nutrition from all of the food groups. It’s equally important to include healthy snacks in your day because you don’t want to leave gaps in between meals where you get hungry and reach for just any old unhealthy snack! meal-planning-and-smarter-snacking-choicesI 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.citrusstring-cheese-has-been-my-favoriteSince 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 Weight Watchers Light Mozzarella String Cheese is. individually-wrappedIt’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.ww-cheese-hanging WW-cheeseEach serving is only 1 SmartPoints. I feel good eating that kind of a snack and knowing it’s made from real milk.snack-choicesRight 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 here. (Please note that there is a limited quantity of coupons available.) Weight Watchers is providing a money back guarantee for shoppers who are concerned about the taste of the product. It’s a great way for them to say, “Love it or get your money back”! It’s “Great Taste GuaranCheesed”! For rebate details, including full terms and conditions visit http://www.TakeTheGreatTasteChallenge.com.trail-mixSince 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?

Loco Cycle Opening in Rancho Santa Margarita on February 27 with Workouts That “Feel Like a Party”!

rsm-welcomesloco-cycle

Exciting news for South Orange County! Plaza Antonio in Rancho Santa Margarita will welcome Loco Cycle, a new indoor cycling studio. The studio will open on Friday, February 27.  Join Loco Cycle and the Mayor of Rancho Santa Margarita, Brad McGirr  for the grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony which will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 28.

the-gray-familyLoco Cycle owners Monica & Chuck Gray of Coto de Caza enjoy fitness with their triplets.

The family-owned cycling studio is a state of the art facility with top of the line equipment and a modern atmosphere. It has fully equipped locker rooms with showers for both men and women. The hand-picked staff has been well educated and is ready to assist riders of all levels. You’ll experience an amazing 45-minute workout, led by the industry’s top instructors, that feels like a party!

Loco Cycle will offer free classes and feature grand opening specials throughout the weekend. Sign up for a free grand opening class by visiting http://www.LocoCycleRSM.com. A variety of specially-priced packages for the grand opening are listed on the website and include:

  • 10 rides for $160 (regularly $190)
  • 20 rides for $300 (regularly $360)
  • one year of unlimited rides for $1,999 (regularly $2,999.)

Loco Cycle is located at 22431 Antonio Parkway, Suite B-190, in Antonio Plaza. in Rancho Santa Margarita. For more information call the studio at (949) 713-1116 or visit http://www.lococyclersm.com.