January is always such an exciting time of year! I love the beginning of a new year because I feel like it’s a chance for me to start fresh. For the new year, I’ve been working on maintaining some healthy new habits and beauty routines because it’s important to take care of yourself. It’s also important to treat yourself from time to time.
It looks like Sephora had the same idea as I did: to start the new year right. They put together a Sephora Favorites Refresh, Set, Glow Kit, that’s perfect for the work hard, play hard girl on the go. The kit features on-the-go glam solutions that will revive your hair, complexion, and makeup and is the perfect way to kick off the new year. 
Refresh, Set, Glow Kit is exclusive to Sephora Inside JCPenney. They’re literally two of my favorite brands to shop, so having them both in the same place is a win-win for me!
Before I even opened the kit, I was in love! It comes in this adorable, light aqua zippered, cosmetic bag and has the Sephora signature logo on the handle. Inside are a ton of fun things to try. 
There are 11 portable picks in all, each set to either revive your hair, your skin, or your makeup. Here’s what you’ll find inside this kit:
Mini Foreo: Play by Foreo – This genius invention allows you to clean while you’re on-the-go. They’re perfect for the gym or even traveling.
Blur by Clinique – This blurring product is perfect for adding finishing touches to your face and especially help with improving your selfies.
Coconut Sheet Mask by Farmacy – You’ll love this deeply moisturizing calming and soothing mask.
GinZing Moisturizer by Origins – Your skin will get an extra “zing” from this energy-boosting moisturizer.
Defense Refresh Mist (15mL) by Supergoop – This mist is perfect to spray on after makeup has been applied, as well as allowing you to apply sunscreen after makeup. It also reapplies several times during the day.
Truth Wipes by Ole – These wipes have the ability to brighten, hydrate, and cleanse your skin, all in one. This fit perfectly in your purse or gym bag.
Ties from Sephora Collection – These are great for pulling back your hair while you wash your face or even just for down time at home.
Sugar Lip Treatment (Rose) by Fresh – You’ll fall in love with this super moisturizing lip treatment with SPF, that leaves your lips beyond soft.
Blow Dry by Bumble and bumble – We could all use a little help repairing what we’ve done to our hair via the blowdryer.
“Better Than Sex” Mascara by Too Faced – I think the name of this product speaks for itself! It’s an amazing mascara. That’s for sure!
Rain Skin Rollerball by CLEAN – This light fragrance smells amazing and is so easy to stick into your cosmetic bag in your purse.
The Refresh, Set, Glow Kit is a beautiful collection of sought after products that make you feel beautiful. It’s perfect to take on a trip and would make a great gift for every girl on your shopping list! Have you shopped at Sephora Inside JCPenney before? What are some of your favorite products? Share with me in the comments. For more information about Sephora Inside JCPenney, go here.
About Sephora inside JCPenney
At Sephora Inside JCPenney, you can find fashion and beauty all in one place with it’s unique, open-sell environment. JCPenney began opening Sephora inside JCPenney stores in October 2006. That original launch turned into a phenomenon and today there are Sephora locations in JCPenney stores nationwide.
Lifestyle
Best Tips For Managing Stress
I wear a LOT of different hats, like many other people I know. There’s just so much to do every day! Sometimes all of it starts to get to me and the stress sets in. Can you relate? 
I recently discovered (the hard way) that I can’t possibly keep up at that pace without having some kind of backlash. Although stress is inevitable, trying to do too much all the time, will only result in your body screaming at you to slow down. In my case, I ended up with the flu. According to the doctor, that was my body telling me to slow down!
One of the benefits of being a Kaiser Permanente member is having access to the wide range of services available. Not only can members schedule a medical appointment with their doctor when they need to but they are also able to discuss things like stress management, that can also affect your health.
I had the pleasure of spending some time chatting with Dr. Michael Hanna of Kaiser Permanente Orange County about my own stress and kind of picked his brain for some advice on how to best manage it all. I told him about my tendency to try to “do it all”. His first suggestion was this:
There are certain situations that we really have little to no control over. Dr. Hanna highly recommended putting my energy into things I can do something about. As a father, himself, Dr. Hanna had some other great advice for busy parents who find themselves in the same boat and juggling a lot, about how to best manage & combat their stress. Here are some of his best tips for managing stress:
Nutrition
It seems like we should all know this already but hearing how important proper nutrition is for building your defense against stress was a great reminder. It’s crucial to start each day with a good breakfast. If you’re busy and on-the-go constantly, it’s extra important to pack food to take with you, so you can eat something nutritious every 3-4 hours. Ideal foods are high in fiber, such as toast, bread, beans and cheese, tortillas, and popcorn, and help you feel fuller for a longer time period. Eating 3 daily meals along with a couple of snacks is ideal.
Hydration
Keeping yourself hydrated is another important and beneficial step you can take. If you have a difficult time getting enough water, try adding cucumber or even sliced fruit to your water bottle to give your water slight flavor. Bring my water to work in a fun water bottle seems to motivate me to drink more. It’s also a good idea to limit your caffeine intake, as it can be dehydrating.
Exercise
There are many health benefits associated with exercise. Whether it’s yoga, cycling, running, or even going out for a walk, a minimum of 30 minutes 3-5 times per week is a general recommendation for everyone. Not only can regular exercise help with stress, it also helps you sleep better. 
Sleep
According to Dr. Hanna, the most natural way your body restores itself is through sleep and rest. Adults should sleep at least 7-8 hours a night. The ideal sleeping temperature that a room should be is in the mid 60’s. This seems pretty chilly but I actually sleep better when it’s cool like this in my room. You should refrain from TV and computer time for at least an hour before going to bed. One other important tip I got from Dr. Hanna is “Don’t go to bed with worries!” I try my best on this one but sometimes it’s hard.
Declutter and Organize
Believe it or not, the more organized your life is, which includes both your home and work space, the better. There’s just something to be said about not having a piles of paper everywhere or a bunch of stuff lying around. Organization is something I’ve been working on at home. I’ve eliminated a lot of extra “stuff” that I rarely use. By donating these unused items, it also helps out someone else.
How to Manage Stress When It’s Actually Happening to You
I asked Dr. Hanna for some strategies to try when I’m actually experiencing stress. An example would be stress at work. I teach first grade and there are some days that just get very hectic. He suggested I take some time out in the midst of chaos. Obviously I can’t just walk away from my students, but during recess or my lunch hour, I can certainly set aside 5, 10, or even 15 minutes to get into “a slow zone” and just relax and be away from that chaos. Another great recommendation is to take deep belly breaths to slow my breathing down, which will result in a calmer version of me.
At the end of our talk, Dr. Hanna said something that really stuck with me. He said, “Have hope! This too, shall pass!” Honestly, if you can just rally through the trying times, there’s going to be something good that will eventually show up for you. 
Kaiser Permanente strives to help all of its members and employees work towards total health and wellness. Members can take classes, covering a wide variety of topics relevant to health, that are a good fit for their own situation. Being able to successfully manage stress, or in simpler terms “life management”, can only have positive benefits for an individual. To learn more about Kaiser Permanente and the services health and well-being services available to its members, go here.
Connect with Kaiser Permanente Orange County on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.
{Giveaway} Irvine Park Railroad’s 21st Anniversary Celebration 2017
Irvine Park Railroad has become a favorite destination for families from across Southern California, takes passengers on a 12-minute ride through scenic Irvine Regional Park. The engineer narrates the ride pointing out all of the history inside of the park which is over 100 years old. It’s one of our family’s favorite places to visit.
Whether it’s a visit during their Pumpkin Patch, Santa Train, or Easter Eggstravanaza, our family enjoys all of the seasonal celebrations at Irvine Park Railroad. Another fun time to visit is during their anniversary. This year, Irvine Park Railroad will celebrate its 21st anniversary on Saturday, February 25th and Sunday, February 26th.
The Anniversary Celebration will also feature other $2.00 activities including:
- carnival games
- a bounce house
- panning for gold (requires 2 tickets)
- face painting (requires 2 tickets)
- and more! .
$2 concessions, including hot dogs, sodas, ice creams, and popcorn, will be available for guests. FREE giveaways include Irvine Park Railroad balloons (one per child).
Please note: The $2 tickets are valid during the Anniversary Celebration weekend only. Coupons, discounts and/or any other promotions are not valid on the anniversary celebration dates.
In honor of their Anniversary Celebration, Irvine Park Railroad will host raffles on both Saturday and Sunday, every hour from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Winners will receive Irvine Park Railroad prizes ranging in value from $60.00 to $300.00. To add even more fun for visitors, a live band will play on both days from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
While you’re visiting Irvine Park Railroad inside Irvine Regional Park, be sure to visit the park’s other activities including Wheel Fun Rentals® at Irvine Park bike and paddle boat rentals, pony rides and the Orange County Zoo.
The Irvine Regional Park entrance fee is $5.00 per vehicle. Irvine Park Railroad opens daily at 10:00 AM.
Irvine Park Railroad is located inside of Irvine Regional Park at:
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869.
I’m also hosting a giveaway for my readers. Irvine Park Railroad is going to provide 8 activity tickets and 1 Wheel Fun Rentals Double Surrey Bike Rental at Irvine Park package for one of my lucky readers! Enter below on the Rafflecopter. Good luck everyone!
For more information, visit http://www.irvineparkrailroad.com. Connect with Irvine Park Railroad on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
.
5 Great Reasons to Drive the The Toyota Prius Four
I’m a busy mom who’s always on the go. Between driving carpools, teaching school, getting my daughter to and from all of her extracurricular activities, and keeping up with our own little family of 3, I feel like I never stop moving. I normally drive an SUV because I have so much stuff to carry with me all of the time. I also have a husband who’s over 6 feet tall, so it’s just always been easier for our family to go with an SUV as our “go-to” vehicle.
When I was asked if I’d like to spend a week driving around a Toyota Prius Four, I’ll admit, I was hesitant at first. Initially I wondered how I’d fit our entire family in it. I was also concerned that there wouldn’t be room inside for all of our junk, but I decided to give it a try…and boy was I surprised…in a good way!
I’m going to share 5 great reasons why I loved driving around the Toyota Prius Four, even though there are probably way more! 
The Prius Four is adorable. I see them out on the road all the time. I love the sleek design of the vehicle and it just seems so clean in shiny silver. From the stylish wheels to the body shape to the luxurious interior, I just love everything about the way this car looks and was so excited to get to drive one! 
Have you ever been next to a Prius Four when it started? It is so quiet. I wasn’t expecting that and there were actually a couple of times when I had to double check that it was on, even though I knew I’d pushed the power button to start the car.
I loved how quiet this car was to drive. I almost felt like, in a way, it kept me calmer. 
As someone who normally drives an SUV, I’m always envious of other drivers because I know that they’re not pouring (and wasting) a ton of money into their gas tanks, the way I am. Did you know that the Prius Four gets up to 58 mpg in the city and up to 53 mpg on the hightway? That’s amazing! (especially compared to what my regular vehicle gets!)
I don’t think I had to put any gas in it for the entire week I drove it! When you don’t have to spend a ton of money to fill up your “guzzler”, it translates to more money in your pocket. The Prius was definitely developed and designed with fuel economy in mind!
I also appreciated all of the design efforts to keep so much of what a driver needs, within reach and provide the least amount of distractions possible. There’s a great spot to set your cell phone where it can charge wirelessly. In addition, the bluetooth compatibility allows the driver to do everything hands-free!
Some of the features that you’ll find in one, convenient location, which allow for less distraction while driving include Blind Spot Monitoring and Cross Traffic Alert. 
Probably the most surprising thing about driving the Prius Four was the leg and headroom. I honestly thought I’d have to push my husband’s head down to get him into the car but I didn’t! He’s over 6 feet tall and had no issues getting into the car or riding around comfortably inside it.
There’s also plenty of room in the backseat. I expected that the space in the backseat would be compromised but my daughter and her friends had ample space to get comfortable. Their legs weren’t squished at all.
The space in the trunk area is generous too. I could load up the back with my weekly groceries and still had room for other things. That was also a surprise to me. I expected a lot less space in the trunk than there was. It was impressive.
There are so many great reasons to get yourself into a Prius Four. Like I said before, it really surprised me how much I loved driving this car. I love good surprises like that! 
Storage
Green
Valentine’s Day Math Patterning + Free Printable Activity Sheets
My students know that Valentine’s Day is my most favorite holiday of the year. It’s so much fun to change up some of the Math activities in my classroom each month to go along with the holidays. Patterning is one of the Math activities we work on throughout the school year. At the primary level, patterning is everywhere and there are plenty of opportunities to integrate it into a lot of areas in the classroom. My students get extra giddy when they see the hearts come out because they know it’s that time of year! 
To create this fun Valentine’s Day patterning activity, I found the most adorable mini smile face heart erasers on the Oriental Trading Company site’s Valentine section and couldn’t resist. Their little faces are so cute, and look kinda like emoji faces. I also ordered some Valentine’s Day washi tape. To make the activity even more appealing, I utilized a big, red wooden heart that I had at home. This would be something I’d use if I left the activity at an independent center.
Students can also just practice the patterning at their desks. Each student gets 3 circles, each one with an “A”, a “B”, and a “C” in the center, to create their “key”. They place a different colored heart eraser in each circle after they decide which ones they want to be each letter in their patterns.
Then they place the rectangular pattern cards out on their desk. Each student receives about 50 heart erasers to work with and they create their own patterns. It keeps them pretty quiet for a short while, which is nice.
To switch it up, they can change around which color heart they place in the key and create new patterns. They LOVE doing this patterning activity!
As an extension activity, you can also have students draw and illustrate their patterns on a piece of paper.
To download the free printables from this activity, go here. As always, I recommend printing these out on white cardstock because it’s sturdier.
Meal Planning and Smarter Snack Choices
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! 
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 Weight Watchers Light Mozzarella String Cheese is. 
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 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.
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?
American Girl WellieWishers Foster Character Education Through Play
Have you met the WellieWishers yet? They are new lifestyle brand for American Girl, aimed at girls ages 5 to 7. (Although my own daughter is older than that and adores this collection.) The WellieWishers are an adorable group of girls who each have the same big, bright wish: to be a good friend.
The group of friends consists of Emerson, Camille, Kendall, Willa, and Ashlyn. 
They imagine and play in an enchanted neighborhood garden supervised by Aunt Miranda and through their heartwarming and humorous adventures, the WellieWishers help a girl to learn how to “stand in another person’s wellies” to discover the skills of empathy, kindness, and compassion that will help her be a good friend.
As a mom, and an educator, I feel the importance of providing children with the opportunity to play can help their social-emotional learning. Character education for children is more important than ever and just giving them time to play, allows them the chance to learn how to get along with others, be empathetic, show kindness and share responsibility for others’ well-being. The WellieWishers are a great tool to do this because their “story” involves all of that. When children explore the world of WellieWishers, they “step into their colorful garden boots” and get ready for stomping in mud puddles, putting on shows, and helping friendships grow.
My daughter was so excited when we received a “Willa” doll and her pet rabbit “Carrot” on our doorstep to review. They are so cute and all of my nieces ,who visited our home over the holidays, wanted to play with them.
The WellieWishers are a little bit smaller in size than the traditional American Girl dolls. I actually like this size and it’s easier for a littler girl to tote them around. Willa has beautiful hazel eyes, freckles, and 2 strawberry blonde ponytails. 
She comes dressed in a super cute outfit that consists of a hedgehog print floral skirt, a tee with a hedgehog face on it, and a coordinating headband that has bunny ears on it! However, my favorite part of her outfit are her ladybug wellies. They are so cute!
Willie has a pet bunny named “Carrot”. (It’s sold separately.) Carrot comes with an aqua-colored bunny hutch that opens up and has a ramp so Carrot can “walk the runaway”. The door has a cute little heart cutout window for Carrot to peek out of from the inside.
The accessories include a little name sign that you can fasten to the side of the hutch, a carrot-shaped water bottle for inside, a food dish and some pretend carrots. Carrot is so soft and cuddly.
As you can tell, we are slightly enamored by the WellieWishers. I love everything about them and what they stand for. To view the whole collection, go here. 
You can also see the WellieWishers’ adventures come to life in their all-new animated series on Amazon. Here’s a sneak peek:
You can join in on the conversation and share your own friendship moments by following #WellieWishers.
Disneyland Brings Back SoCal Resident Discounted Ticket Offer
Have you heard the great news? Disneyland Resort is kicking off the new year by bringing back their SoCal Resident discounted ticket offer! There couldn’t be a more perfect time to plan a visit to the Parks, since the holidays are over and things slow down a bit. 
The Southern California Resident ticket offer* provides flexible options for three days of magic and adventure at special prices. For a limited time, guests may select from these purchase options:
- 3-day ticket with choice of one park per day for $149 (less than $50 per day) – entitles Guests admission to either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park each day for 3 days. This ticket is not valid for visits to both theme parks on the same day.
- 3-day Park Hopper ticket for $189 – entitles Guests admission to both Disneyland Resort theme parks over 3 days, including visits to both theme parks on the same day.
The Southern California Resident tickets include one Magic Morning early entry to Disneyland Park, which provides an extra hour of play on select days before the park opens to the general public. Tickets must be purchased by May 22, 2017 and excludes the following blockout dates: April 9 through April 23, 2017. 
This is such a great offer and just in time to enjoy the upcoming Main Street Electrical Parade and thrilling Star Wars experiences at Disneyland Park, plus the Lunar New Year Celebration and the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure Park.
Here are some of the important details relating to the 3-Day SoCal Resident Promotional Ticket with Magic Morning offer:
- Valid only for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000-93599 and Northern Baja California residents within ZIP codes 21000-22999.
- Proof of residency is required for purchase and admission.
- 3-Day, 1-Park-Per-Day Ticket is valid for admission for three (3) days to either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure park, but not to both parks on the same day.
- 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket is valid for admission for three (3) days to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park on the same day.
- Each day of use constitutes one full day of use.
- Tickets expire May 25, 2017.
- Blockout days of April 9 through April 23, 2017 apply.
- May purchase up to 5 tickets per person per day with valid ID.
- Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use.
- Offer may not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions.
- Tickets not valid before January 9, 2017
- Subject to capacity, restrictions and change without notice.
For more information about this very special offer, including restrictions, go here.
Meet Gabriela McBride: American Girl’s 2017 Girl of the Year
American Girl is excited to celebrate the New Year with the debut of its 2017 Girl of the Year – Gabriela McBride!
Gabriela is a true talent who uses her passion for the arts, specifically spoken word poetry, to overcome personal obstacles and create positive change for her community. I love that these dolls have a “story” and that there’s a book to accompany them. Teresa Harris is the author of “Gabriela”.
Here’s a brief synopsis of the book:
Gabriela has grown up surrounded by the arts—dance, painting, music, and theater. But poetry is becoming her art form of choice, for good reason: she struggles with stuttering and poetry helps her words flow more freely. Although Gabriela is a bit quiet, when she does speak, she is sharp, honest, and funny. But can she learn to harness the power of her words and her creativity to help save her beloved community arts center from being torn down?
Now available for purchase is the beautiful 18-inch Gabriela doll, as well as several performance-inspired outfits, accessories, and toys. American Girl announced that unlike past Girl of the Year characters, Gabriela will be available throughout 2017 and beyond. This is wonderful news for doll collectors.
To connect students with Gabriela’s inspiring message, and to bring awareness to spoken word poetry, American Girl is partnering with Scholastic to create and distribute Express Yourself, a program for classrooms that empowers students to use the arts as a tool for self-expression. The program will be available in March 2017 and will be comprised of classroom resources that give teachers the tools to encourage students to find their creative voices. It’ll be just in time for National Poetry Month in April.
For more information about Gabriela McBride and her story, go here.