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Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World Book Review

If you know me, you know I LOVE anything Disney! Anything that’s Disney PRINCESS is even better! When I was asked if I’d like to receive a copy of “Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World Book to review, I answered with a squealing “Yes!” I remember loving pop up books as a kid. There’s just something special about having the pages fold out into something that seems so real. Disney-Princess-Magical-Pop-up-World-coverThis book cover is beautiful and has so much gold detail that it sparkles in the light. The book, itself, is like a piece of art and I was excited to share it with my daughter. Disney-Princess-Magical-Pop-Up-World-SceneAs you flip through each page, you get to experience the intricately designed pop-ups that span through eleven classic films, where you’ll find all of your favorite princesses, as well as some other characters and surprises from stories that Disney fans have enjoyed over the past decades. arielEach of the 27 pop-up scenes folds out into a transformative scene with brilliant colors and classic Disney renderings. On the bottom corner of each page, there’s also a pull-tab flap that you pull down to read the accompanying text for these classic stories. Disney-Priness-Magical-Pop-Up-World-Fun-FactsWhat a special way to experience interactive reading together as a family! My daughter also enjoys reading it to our kitty! disney-princess-a-magical-pop-up-world-read-to-a-kittyHere’s a video showing some of the stories in this book:


Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World” is a special one-of-a-kind keepsake that my daughter will be able to treasure for a lifetime and pass onto her own children. Paper Engineer Matthew Reinhart, has truly captured the magic inside this book! princessesRight now, Insight Editions is offering a Friends & Family discount of 35% off all Insight Editions titles, including this book, to my loyal readers! Just visit their website here and simply use the code IEFRIENDS at check out. disney-princess-a-magical-pop-up-world-book-coverThey have also provided me with one copy of “Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World” to give away to one lucky reader. Enter below on the Rafflecopter. Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is not a sponsored post. I was provided with a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% my own. Some images and video are property of Disney and Insight Editions. 

Meet Lea Clark™, American Girl’s 2016 Girl of the Year™!

She’s here and children all around the world, including my own daughter, are celebrating her arrival today! Meet Lea Clark™, American Girl’s 2016 Girl of the Year™!Lea-American-Girls-2016-American-Girl-of-the-YearLea is a talented photographer with an adventurous spirit. In her story, Lea discovers a wide world of possibilities when she embarks on a faraway adventure to Brazil. The 18” Lea doll has warm hazel eyes, medium skin, and long wavy hair. She’s beautiful!Lea-American-Girls-2016-American-Girl-of-the-Year-CloseupLea arrives in a colorful dress with braided trim, underwear, and sandals with crisscrossed laces. Also included are her colorful canvas messenger bag, a pretend compass necklace, and the Lea Dives In paperback book by award-winning author, Lisa Yee.
Lea-American-Girls-2016-American-Girl-of-the-Year-Lea-Dives-InIn Lea Dives In:

Lea is ready for adventure on a family trip to Brazil, where her big brother Zac is studying the rainforest. She can’t wait to see the ocean—but quickly realizes she’d rather take photos of it than swim in it. Disappointed in herself, Lea longs to show Zac that she’s as bold and brave as he is. She finds inspiration in a new friend, who encourages her to embrace the excitement and beauty that Brazil offers. But when the fun turns to danger during a hike, Lea must prove to Zac—and herself—that she has what it takes to face adventure head-on.

There are three 2016 Girl of the Year books in all, written by Lisa Yee—Lea Dives In, Lea Leads the Way, and Lea and Camila, which introduce girls to a curious ten-year-old girl with an adventurous spirit. Lea-American-Girls-2016-Doll-of-the-Year-Exclusive-CollectionLea’s collection is only available for one year and includes the beautiful 18-inch Lea™ doll featuring long wavy hair and warm hazel eyes, plus several tropical-inspired outfits, accessories, and toys that reflect her Brazilian travels, including Lea’s Rainforest House includes over 30 pieces!
Lea-American-Girls-2016-Doll-of-the-Year-Rainforest-HouseAlso, an all-new, action-adventure film will debut on DVD from Universal Studios Home Entertainment in summer 2016! We love all of the American Girl movies and can’t wait for this one! Lea-American-Girls-2016-American-Girl-of-the-Year-BeachGiving Back with Lea
It’s so important to teach our children about the importance of giving back. To show girls that, together, they can make a difference in helping protect animals and their habitats, American Girl has created Wild at Art, a year-long fund-raising campaign in support of World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Starting January 1, American Girl is encouraging girls to use their artistic abilities to host an art sale and donate the proceeds to WWF. To launch the campaign, American Girl has made a $50,000 donation to WWF and also invites customers to contribute at American Girl retail stores and americangirl.com. To learn more and register for Wild at Art, plus get animal-themed craft ideas, and be entered into a sweepstakes for the chance to win one of 17 Lea prize packages, visit here.
In addition, from January 1 through December 31, 2016, for every purchase of one of the three plush animals in Lea’s collection—the margay, sea turtle, or sloth—American Girl will donate $1 (up to a maximum of $100,000) to WWF.
Lea™ Born for Adventure Paid App and Online Play:
Girls can join Lea in Brazil for an adventure of a lifetime with this paid app, featuring beautiful graphics, exclusive content, and endless play. The app retails for $1.99 and is available for download here. Girls can also visit the Lea-dedicated site for book excerpts, movie-related content, games and quizzes, wallpaper and e-cards, and much more. Optimized for iOS 7 or later. Compatible with iPad 2 or higher, iPhone 4S or higher, and iPod Touch 5th generation. Lea-American-Girls-2016-Girl-of-the-Year-craftLea In-Store Events
American Girl stores will be hosting Lea’s Debut Event on January 1 and continuing throughout the weekend! Girls will get a first look at her full product collection, plus enjoy in-store activities, colorful crafts, giveaways, and a fun photo opportunity. Girls can also take part in free and paid Lea-related events throughout the year. For more details on the in-store events, visit here.
Lea-American-Girls-2016-American-Girl-of-the-Year-Pajamas
The Lea collection is available through American Girl’s catalogue at americangirl.comat all American Girl retail locations nationwide, and at American Girl specialty boutiques at select Indigo™ and Chapters™ in Canada and El Palacio de Hierro locations in Mexico City. The Lea books can also be purchased through retail and online booksellers.  To learn more about Lea and the Girl of the Year™ line, visit American Girl on Facebook , Twitter, and InstagramTo request an American Girl catalogue, call 1-800-845-0005.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos are property of American Girl. 

Attend The Ultimate Star Wars New Year’s Eve Event in Hollywood!

Are you looking for something fun to do on New Year’s Eve this year? MouseMingle.com is throwing an ultimate Star Wars New Year’s Eve event in Hollywood and you’re invited! mousemingle-new-years-eveThe event will be hosted along with the El Capitan Theatre and Madame Tussauds Hollywood for Disney fans and Disney-loving singles. This “movie and mixer” is sure to be a blast and will feature the fun of a VIP screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as well as a countdown, food, drinks, dancing and more!
Star Wars at the World Famous El Capitan Theatre mousemingle-star-wars-movieBeginning at 8:30 p.m., attendees will arrive at the legendary El Capitan Theatre. Once inside, the party kicks off with a VIP movie experience that includes:

  • reserved seating for Star Wars:The Force Awakens
  • an all-new Star Wars Laser Lightsaber Curtain Show
  • souvenir tub of popcorn
  • soft drink.

Attendees will also be able to view exclusive props and costumes from the making of the movie.

After-party New Year’s Countdown
The fun doesn’t stop after the movie’s over. You’ll head across the street to Madame Tussauds to dance the night away with a silent disco dance party atop the museum’s breathtaking roof-top deck overlooking historic Hollywood Boulevard. Rooftop Silent Disco Dance Party, hosted by HUSH concerts

In addition, you’ll enjoy two free drinks per person* (must be 21 and over and able to show valid Photo ID to be served alcohol), appetizer and dessert buffets, themed photo opportunities, private viewing of Madame Tussauds Museum and a countdown at midnight cap off the fun! Also in attendance will be everyone’s favorite Disney Legend, Bob Gurr.

Tickets now available
Tickets for this MouseMeet are $100 per person for the general public – but, create a MouseMingle.com profile and you’ll get $25 off the ticket price! MouseMingle.com members can purchase tickets for $75 each by calling 800-DISNEY6 with your MouseMingle.com email address. mousemingle-tickets

This won’t be just another New Year’s Eve party; it will be the way to ring in 2016 for Star Wars and Disney fans looking to meet others with their shared passions. Although this event is hosted by MouseMingle, the most talked about dating site for Disney fans of 2015, it is not just for singles and will be a great night out for couples, as well. For more information about the event, click here. Connect with MouseMingle on Facebook and Twitter!

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logo property of MouseMingle and Disney.

A HydraFacial Will Leave Your Face Feeling Firmer, Plumper, and Younger-Looking

Disclosure: I am part of CosmetiCare’s Mom Ambassador Program. I received medspa services in order to write my review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Over the past few months I’ve gotten to share about my experiences at the CosmetiCare Medspa as a part of their CosmetiCare Moms Ambassador program. I loved trying Botox and Juvederm and am still enjoying the results. Anti-aging treatments are my favorite but preventative care is important too! cosmeticare-hydrafacial-pamphlet2Last week I got to try a HydraFacial and it was amazing! A HydraFacial is a non-invasive treatment, that only takes 30 minutes, and helps to protect the health of your skin. cosmeticare-hydrafacial-machine It’s a resurfacing procedure that uses a patented technology to detoxify, rejuvenate, and protect your skin. Not only do you see immediate results, but there’s no downtown or irritation. Think instant gratification and maximum results in minimum time!

If Only I Could Turn Back Time

Before I tell you more about my HydraFacial, let’s just take a short walk down memory lane of my skin. I can still hear adults advising me not to sun so much when I was a teenager. I remember thinking how unwise they were. Ha! If only I’d listened, right? Sun damage is one of the biggest factors that plays a role in advanced aging.

Another problem I’ve experienced with my skin is adult acne. I thought I outgrew acne after turning 30 but nope! About 7 years ago, I suddenly broke out so horribly, I didn’t know what was going on, nor did I want to go in public. After visiting the dermatologist, I learned that my hormones were the cause. After that experience, I’m always cautious about what I put on my skin because I don’t want to break out horribly.

A HydraFacial can really help women achieve beautiful skin, no matter what their challenges are. Sun damage, oily skin, dry skin, adult acne, rosacea, etc. We all have things we combat with our skin. What woman wouldn’t want to keep reverse the damage they’ve done to their skin looking while helping it rejuvenate to look as young and as healthy as possible?

What to Expect from a HydraFacial

Since a HydraFacial is a medical grade treatment, it’s done by a Medical Esthetician. I scheduled my treatment with Lisa, who is beyond thorough in her explanation about each part of the procedure and her attention to detail. cosmeticare-hydrafacial-before-picAfter Lisa took some “before” pictures of me on her iPad, I relaxed on the table while soft music played in the room and she explained how the HydraFacial process works. cosmeticare-hydrafacial-bedThe entire procedure utilizes 3 different nozzle tips and 4 different serums. Here’s what you can expect from a HydraFacial:

  • Cleanse and Exfoliate – The initial step in the procedure involves a gentle cleansing and exfoliation, using a special tip and Activ-4 serum. This helps remove build up of makeup and dirt and reveal new, healthier skin on the surface. Lisa explained the importance of exfoliation, pointing out that no matter how great of a moisturizer and other products you may use on your skin, without regular exfoliation, most of those products won’t even penetrate the surface of your skin.
  • Peel – I was a little nervous about this step because I’ve had acid peels before and they really stung. Using GlySal, Lisa did a gentle peel on me, which tingled a tiny bit, but wasn’t painful at all. The GlySal serum she used is a mixture of glycolic and salicyclic acids and delivers the benefits of a peel without post-peel scaling. I never peeled afterwards! That’s a plus!
  • Extraction – This part of a facial is never fun and be uncomfortable but it’s necessary to extract all of the things clogging our pores. During this step of the procedure, a patented, automated suction cleaned out my pores with the use of an exclusive Beta-HD serum and without pain! My pores looked way better and even smaller, after my HydraFacial.
  • Hydration – This step was like the grand finale. Lisa used an Antiox serum, a combination of Antioxidants, Peptides & Hyauluronic Acid, to nourish and protect my skin. It made my skin feel firmer and plumper and appear way brighter.

When my HydraFacial was over, my face felt so much better. It was shiny and soft and super hydrated. I felt like I walked around “glowing” the rest of the day. I swear I would get a daily HydraFacial if I could! What do you think about my “before” and “after” pics? I had several people ask me that day (and the days following) what I’d done to my skin. CosmetiCare-HydraFacial-before-and-after

The recommended frequency for a HydraFacial is once a month. You can purchase a single HydraFacial but the best price is to purchase them in a pack of 3. For more information about HydraFacial visit CosmetiCare’s site or call to make your own appointment.
CosmetiCare has 2 locations for your convenience:

Newport Beach Office
1101 Bayside Drive, Suite 100
Corona Del Mar, CA
949.537.2367

Long Beach Office
2664 Atlantic Avenue
Long Beach, CA
949.537.2367

‘The LEGO® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure’ All-New Story Opening Feb 6 at LEGOLAND® California Resort

The-LEGO-Movie-4d-A-New-AdventureSuch exciting news for LEGO fans of all ages!  For the first time ever, LEGOLAND® Parks are offering a first look at an exciting new theme park attraction that reunites the stars of “The LEGO® Movie™” in an all-new story appearing exclusively at LEGOLAND® theme parks and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centers in 2016. The 30-second clip gives fans the first glimpse of what happened after the blockbuster movie, when Emmet, Wyldstyle, Unikitty, MetalBeard and Benny reunite at the invitation of a shady new character, Risky Business, who plans to open a curious theme park bearing a suspicious resemblance to LEGOLAND®.

Returning to voice their iconic characters are the following actors:

  • Elizabeth Banks (Wyldstyle)
  • Nick Offerman (MetalBeard)
  • Charlie Day (Benny)
  • Alison Brie (Unikitty)
  • Actor, writer and comedian Patton Oswalt lends his voice to the scheming Risky Business, whose Evil Secret Plot requires the heroes to call on the Master Builder skills of a surprise ally to save the day.

The short 3D film will play several times a day at each LEGOLAND® site, with “4D” effects such as wind, water, fog and more bringing the action bursting off the screen and into the audience.

“The LEGO® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure” will premiere at both LEGOLAND® Florida Resort on Friday, January 28, followed by LEGOLAND® California Resort on Saturday, Feb. 6. The attraction will debut later at LEGOLAND® theme parks and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centers worldwide.

Los Angeles-based Pure Imagination Studios is creating “The LEGO® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure” with input from Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the talented writer-directors who brought “The LEGO® Movie™” to life, along with contributions from Rob Schrab, who is directing the movie’s eagerly awaited sequel, due in 2018. The-LEGO-Movie-4d

Stay tuned for more details as the opening dates approach!

For more information, visit LEGOLAND California Resort here and LEGOLAND Florida Resort here.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Video and images property of LEGOLAND.

 

2015 Holiday Snow Days + Winter Nights at LEGOLAND California Through January 3

One of the advantages to living in Southern California is the getting to celebrate the holidays at LEGOLAND® California while getting a tan! Their annual winter celebration, Holiday Snow Days + Winter Nights is so much fun and having snow to play in while visiting the Park makes the day even “cooler”! 2015-Holiday-Snow-Days-TicketNow through Jan.3, 2016,  LEGOLAND® guests can enjoy seasonal treats and food offerings, holiday entertainment, festive decor, and family fun snow play activities. The Holiday Snow Days + Winter Nights activities are included in the price of your regular admission ticket! 2015-Holiday-Snow-Days-LEGO-manThis year’s event promises more snow play areas than ever before, too. In addition to snow play, our LEGO® Christmas Tree, and holiday treats.. Guests can also enjoy Holiday Fireworks at 7pm on December 26-30th nightly fireworks from Dec. 26 through Dec. 31, 2015. 2015-Holiday-Snow-Days-Fun-Town-FacadeAs you enter the Park’s Fun Town area, you’ll see that it’s been transformed into a winter wonderland with beautiful decor throughout, as well as giant LEGO® Christmas Tree in the center of it all. 2015-Holiday-Snow-Days-LEGO-TreeThe LEGO Christmas tree stands more than 30-feet-tall, is made of more than 245,000 forest green DUPLO bricks and is adorned with more than 400 LEGO ornaments including special movie clapper ornaments in honor of “The LEGO® Movie 4D A New Adventure” premiering Feb. 6 at LEGOLAND California, The tree is surrounded by packages and LEGO characters the whole family can enjoy. 2015-Holiday-Snow-Days-SantaNext to the tree you’ll find a life-sized LEGO Brick Santa and reindeer. You can take a photo with Santa and find many other fun holiday photo opportunities all around. 2015-Holday-Snow-Days-2-play-areasFun Town is also where you’ll find two snow play areas piled high with real snow! In the snowy play areas, families can:

    • throw snowballs at LEGO® themed targets 2015-Holiday-Snow-Days-Make-A-Snowball

      • build snowmen using LEGO accessories 2015-Holiday-Snow-Days-LEGOS-in-the-Snow2015-Holiday-Snow-days-selfie-with-a-snowman-
      • have fun sledding down a slope.

2015-Holiday-Snow-Days-penguinsImportant: For your own safety, closed toe shoes are required to enter the snow play area. I recommend wearing tennis shoes or boots with good traction on the bottom. 2015-Holiday-Snow-Days-LEGO-Village-BuildGuests are also invited to join in the Holiday Village Build at the LEGO Clubhouse in Fun Town. It’s sometimes fun to take a break, go inside, and have some “down time” while building with LEGO bricks! 2015-Holiday-Snow-Days-LEGO-Friends-Show-TimesThis year’s live holiday entertainment schedule is packed with holiday fun that’s bound to get you in the holiday spirit. You’ll want to check out:

  • performances by Jingle Jammers
  • a Holiday Character Dance Party featuring the LEGOLAND elves, Jingle Joe and Tinsel Toe
  • a holiday show from the LEGO Friends 2015-Holiday-Snow-Days-LEGO-Friends-show

*Be sure to check the days and times for these first thing in the morning, so you can be sure to fit them all into your day! 2015-Holiday-Snow-Days-Tree-2SEA LIFE® Aquarium is getting in on the fun with a holiday-themed Daily Dive Show, crafting events and “green” holiday tips. Visit both places for some holiday fun with a Park Hopper ticket!

 

LEGOLAND California Resort has extended Park hours for the winter holidays on the following dates: Nov. 27 and 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19 – 23 and 26 – 312015-Holiday-Snow-days-gift-for-youLEGOLAND California Resort is also offering a gift for holiday guests. Receive a FREE ticket to return when you visit LEGOLAND between December 26 – January 3, 2016. Present any paid admission ticket at the Our Gift To You kiosk inside the Park, and receive a ticket to return to LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Aquarium between January 4 – February 29, 2016.*
 * You must request your free return ticket on the day of your paid visit. Free tickets valid only between January 4 – February 29, 2016. Additional restrictions may apply. 2015-Holiday-Snow-days-VisitFor more Holiday Snow Days information about Holiday Snow Days, click here or call (760) 918-LEGO (5346).

Disclosure: We were invited to a Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights media day. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own

The Outlets at San Clemente Are Now Open + Moonlight Madness Extravaganza on Thanksgiving Night

 

The-Outlets-at-San-Clemente-are-now-openThe Outlets at San Clemente are now open and I couldn’t be more excited! I think all South Orange County moms have been waiting patiently, some time now, for them to be completed. I have driven by the construction several times during it’s duration and to see the final product completed calls for a celebration! outlets-at-san-clemente-trees
outlets-at-san-clemente-ocean-facingThe Outlets at San Clemente is Orange County’s first and only ocean-facing outdoor outlet shopping and dining destination. It features a collection of leading designer and name-brand retailers such as Calvin Klein, Cole Haan, Columbia Sportswear, GUESS, H&M, Levi’s, Nike, PUMA, Tilly’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour and White House Black Market. Outlets-at-San-Clemente-dogs-welcomeVisitors can enjoy favorite fast-casual eateries, including Panera Bread, Ruby’s Diner and Starbucks. Additional stores and restaurants will open throughout 2016. The center welcomes tail-wagging visitors, as long as they’re on a leash.

The promenades and courtyards at the center are all beautifully decorated with holiday décor, including a live, fresh-cut Christmas tree from Mt. Shasta decorated with 3,000 twinkling lights.

the-outlets-at-san-clemente-visiting-santaIt’s the perfect setting to take annual Santa photos and create fond holiday memories together.  Southern California families are going to quickly adopt the brand new Outlets at San Clemente as their favorite destination.

the-outlets-at-san-clemente-visiting-santa2So, after a day of eating turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie, watching football and spending time together, you are invited to start their holiday shopping at their its inaugural Moonlight Madness all-night shopping extravaganza. Although the day after Thanksgiving has been considered traditionally as Black Friday, why not get a head start by taking advantage of door-buster offers and holiday savings?  Door will open at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26. Shops will remain open all night and throughout Black Friday on Nov. 27 until 10 p.m.

There will also be a special entertainment schedule during the Moonlight Madness Event as follows:

8 PM – 2 AM  |  DJ MissNinja

2 AM – 10 AM  |  DJ Cre-8

10 AM – 12 PM  |  Lil’ Dickens Carolers

12 PM – 1 PM  |  Koda Corvette (Pop Performer)

1 PM – 2 PM  |  Mary Desmond (Teen YouTube Sensation – pictured left)

3 PM – 4 PM  |  Mary Desmond (Teen YouTube Sensation – pictured left)

4 PM – 5 PM  |  Corey Angeli (Local Musician)

6 PM – 7 PM  |  Duende Flamenco

the-outlets-at-san-clemente-bagsThe Outlets at San Clemente are located at 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa in San Clemente.

For more information, visit outletsatsanclemente.com. Find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. I was invited to attend a media event in order to write this post. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Knott’s Merry Farm Will Warm Your Heart

Disclosure: My family & I were invited by GigaSavvy to attend a Media Day at Knott’s Merry Farm in order to write this review of our experience.  No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.
Knotts-Merry-Farm-FacadeEvery year, Knott’s Berry Farm is transformed into Knott’s Merry Farm for the entire holiday season and it makes my hear happy to be in the park and share all of the holiday fun with my family. This year, you can come to the park and enjoy all of the holiday offerings through January 3rd.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-funWe were invited to spend a media day in the park, experiencing all of the holiday offerings. Sunny SoCal weather allows you to enjoy it all while wearing tank tops and shorts but the decorations and make you feel like you’re in traditional Christmas town.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Camp-Snoopy-TheaterKids always love to spend time over in Camp Snoopy, riding attractions that are just their size, and it’s decorated really cute this time of year. In the Camp Snoopy Theater, you can catch a performance of “Christmas Time is Here, Charlie Brown!”, starring all of your favorite Peanuts characters.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Ferris-WheelOne of our favorite places to dine while we’re in the park is Grizzly Peak Lodge. They make a great cheeseburger and feature a condiment bar where you can build your burger just the way you like it!

IMG_7261After we finished our lunch, we headed straight over to the Charles M. Schulz Theatre to watch the “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” Ice Show. This show is beyond fabulous and a must-see on your visit to Knott’s Merry Farm and is something we look forward to each year.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Charles-M-Schulz-TheatreWatching the ice show always makes me tear up (in a happy sort of way) and this year was no different! The skaters in the show are extremely talented and perform each song so elegantly.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Pair2

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Pair1The set designs are even more beautiful this year as are the costumes and you can always count on classic Peanuts fun within the show and of course, Snoopy is the star!

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Snoopy1I probably could’ve just spent my entire day inside the theater, watching all 4 performances of the day, if the kids would’ve let me, but they wouldn’t. They were ready to head over to see Santa next! You can find him, along with a ton of yummy treats, in Santa’s Christmas Cabin, located in Calico Ghost Town.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Santas-Christmas-CabinSanta’s sitting up, on the stage, ready for kids to visit and share their holiday wish lists with him.

You can take photos with Santa, which are also available for purchase, and come in a keepsake Knott’s Merry Farm folder.

IMG_7478 I wasn’t exaggerating about the word “ton”  when I referred to the treats available for purchase inside Santa’s Christmas Cabin. Among the treats, you’ll find roasted nuts, pastries (including adorable cookies), Starbucks coffee, hot cocoa, beer and wine, and homemade Santa’s cookies with milk.  Luckily, there’s always room in my tummy for treats!

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Santas-Christmas-Cabin-Hot-Cocoa

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Snoopy-CupcakeFullSizeRender

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Gingerbread-CookieWhile you’re inside Santa’s Christmas Cabin, don’t forget to snap some fun photos at the digital photo booth. Afterwards, you can email the photos to yourself.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Photo-BoothYou can find special Christmas Carolers wandering around Ghost Town, singing favorite seasonal songs and playing handbell chimes. Their beautiful holiday attire and carols will put you in the holiday spirit.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-CarolersIt’s also fun to take a ride aboard the train to experience “Christmas on Engine 41”! As you cruise along, you’ll be serenaded by carolers and holiday folk.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Train-ChristmasAs nightfall approaches, guests start to gather around the Calico Square Stage to wait for Snoopy’s Merriest Tree Lighting to begin.

 

This fun stage show is filled with holiday music and dancers and stars Santa & Mrs. Claus and the Peanuts Gang. It’s a fun, family experience and afterwards, if you stick around Ghost Town, you can also experience “glow and snow” on the buildings and paths in Ghost Town’s Main Street and School House Road. Thousands of sparkling lights dance to the beat of “Let It Snow” while snow gently falls in this spectacular one-of-a-kind moment. and Glow.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Tree-Lighting

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Christmas-TreeKnott’s Merry Farm was so much fun! It’s something you won’t want to miss out on. Just all the more reason you’ll want to grab a 2016 Knott’s Season Pass. When you purchase a pass for the new year, you’ll also receive one free visit in 2015. It’d be perfect to use to visit during the Knott’s Merry Farm season. For more information about Season Passes, click here.

Find Knott’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

 

Pet Adoption Event, Christmas Tree Lighting, and Carolers at Kaleidoscope Center

kaleidoscope-center-logo

Kaleidoscope Center in Mission Viejo will celebrate the spirit of the season this Saturday, November 21 with Home for the Holidays Pet Rescue, a pet adoption event.

home-for-the-holidays-pet-rescueFrom 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, CARMA (Compassionate Animal Rescue for Medical Aid) and Mission Park Pet Hospital will be in the center courtyard of Kaleidoscope, where dogs will be available for adoption. The group will also be accepting donations of dog toys, treats, collars or leashes to donate to the shelter.

kaleidoscope-center-treeThe holiday festivities will continue on Friday, December 4 when A Storybook Nutcracker comes to life in Kaleidoscope’s center courtyard from 6 to 8 pm. As part of the center’s 5th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, nearly 100 dancers from South Coast Freestyle Dance Company will perform in the round, along with a special appearance by the SCF Dance Abilities Group. The St. Kilian Choir will entertain visitors with holiday classics and modern favorites.

At the end of the program, Kaleidoscope’s beautiful 22 ft. fresh noble fir will be lit by Santa Claus. Donna B’s Bakery will also be on hand selling fresh baked goodies and hot cocoa.

kaleidoscope-center-carolersAdding to the seasonal fun at Kaleidoscope, visitors will be entertained by Charles Dickens Carolers, a quartet strolling the center on Saturday, December 18 from 6 to 8 pm.
Kaleidoscope is located off the 5 Freeway at 27741 Crown Valley Parkway in Mission Viejo. The center has convenient self-parking, as well as a valet available.

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This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logo property of Kaleidscope.