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My Advice For Anyone Who Has the Dream of Being Invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! #DisneySMMC

itll-happen-for-you-too

I was so honored to receive my first invitation this year to the 2015 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! Since I’m a first-timer, I have no idea of what exactly to expect, I just know that it’s going to be magical and I fully intend to take in everything about this once in a lifetime experience!

THE-emailMy love for Disney runs deep and I’m very active on social medias in the Disney community, but I wasn’t one of “the invited” last year. Although it was disappointing for me not to be invited last year, I knew that there probably just wasn’t enough pixie dust for everyone to be invited and thought perhaps it just wasn’t my time last year.

we-all-get-different-perks-frameI want to share a a little bit about my own experience for those are hoping to be invited to the event in the future. I’ve had several people actually ask me what they need to do or how to get invited. I’m only sharing from my own experience and I don’t have “the formula” or “the secret” for how to get invited, but if what I share can help someone else, then I hope it will. Some of the things I’m going to share are actually pretty basic.

chearingOne of the biggest, most important things to do is to support others online in a positive way. Be happy for them! Congratulate them! Comment on their photos, tweets, and Facebook statuses! I can’t tell you to be genuinely happy for others if you’re not, but this is something I do. Honestly, it’s not something you can fake. If you have it in your character than do it! Those are the kinds of people that Disney wants at their events anyway. I might also add that it is the way you conduct yourself when you DON’T get something you’re hoping for that will show your true character!

conduct-yourselfThey’re watching you right now. As much as those who are being pixie-dusted with invites are in the spotlight, so are those who are right there supporting them. Make a good impression online and they will remember it for the future. (By the way, I don’t know exactly who “they” are, I’m just referring to the people you want to notice you!)

pixie-dustI’ve learned  that pixie dust tends to fly in several different waves. What that means for you is that there is still a chance! I have seen initial rounds of invitations sent and then another wave of invitations go out later that night or the next morning. Then, I’ve seen even later rounds of invites go out. Remember, there will be people who will unable to attend, for whatever reason, and sadly will have to decline their invitation. Hold out hope. It can still happen for you. If it doesn’t this year, there’s always next year.

hold-out-hopeThere are a couple of things you can do to become more active, and hopefully noticed by the right people. Have you considered signing up with MomSelect? You can register as “a mom” or “a mom blogger” and there are often wonderful opportunities to do such things as throw a Disney Side at Home Celebration, which you may have seen happening online. There are also other fun opportunities too, but if you haven’t registered yourself yet, you’ll want to do so right now!

disney-side-at-home-celebrationsAnother suggestion would be to stay active on as many of the social media channels as possible! If you are only on Facebook, consider putting yourself out there more on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, etc. Personally, my most favorite social medias are Twitter and Instagram. There is also a great group to join on Facebook called Disney Social Media Moms: Alumni & Hopefuls. Request to join and get to know a bunch of the other Disney Moms (and Dads). I’ve made a ton of friends this way.

keep-calm-framedMy last suggestion is to do something I did last year. It’s the most fun thing, too! If you didn’t (or don’t) receive an invitation to this year’s Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, then you can actually register to be invited to one of this summer’s Disney Social Media Moms “On-the-Road” Celebrations! It’s a one-day conference where you get to connect with a ton of other Disney Moms, as well as the Disney Team! This is what I did last year and it was SO much fun! I’m actually hoping to go again this summer too.

?????As soon as the site opens up to register for the interest list, you’ll start seeing people post about it online. Then, you too can go register and then wait…and hopefully YOU’LL get an invite to join one of the locations! I attended the one in Phoenix, Arizona last year and it was a wonderful experience.  I even got to meet Grumpy Cat at the conference last year! It’s a very magical experience and something a Disney Social Media Mom (or Dad) should strive to attend.

dreams-framed

I hope my suggestions are helpful ones. I still can’t contain my excitement about attending the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration this year in Florida and can’t believe I’m going to Disney World! I hope you’ll follow along online! Look for the #DisneySMMC hashtag! ChEARs!

were-going-to-disney-world

 

 

I’m Going to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! (We’ve Got a First-Timer Here!)

im-goingYesterday was the most “magical” Friday ever! I had absolutely no idea that invitations for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration were even going out yet.  I suppose if I hadn’t been at work, teaching 29 little busy bees all day and had been online, I may have seen the tweet that practically broke Twitter…in a good way, of course!

magical-fridayI’m kind of glad I didn’t see it though because I would’ve become an instant ball of nerves afterwards, checking my email obsessively! Instead, I finished up an exhausting day of teaching without knowing a thing, dismissed the students, and found THIS on my email front page!

omgoodnessI think my heart skipped a beat and I honestly stood there, wanting to take in the moment before daring to click it! Something from “Walt Disney World Special Events”? WHOA! So, that whole “moment” I was taking before clicking it lasted about as long as it took for me to snap this picture! I swear I heard a drumroll in my head as I clicked it and BAM!

THE-emailThere I was, jumping up and down in my classroom, all by myself! I didn’t want to post about it online until I could tell the rest of my family, but I also didn’t want any part of the Disney Team to think me ungrateful if I didn’t, especially since Twitter was going crazy with the new #DisneySMMC hashtag! However, my husband and daughter were unreachable at the moment…yep, they were on a trip with my daughter’s school and actually down in the mines, learning about The Gold Rush! What are the chances? I had to wait about 2 hours after reading my magical email to tell them! Talk about suspense! Everything worked out in the end but that sure seemed like the longest 2 hours of my life!

were-going-to-disney-worldI am so grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to see what’s in store for us in May!

Head Over to Knotts Berry Farm’s Boysenberry Festival From March 28-April 12! (I’m Giving Away Tickets to Knott’s, Too!) #KnottsSpring

This post was written by me for GigaSavvy. I do not work for or with any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have any official relationship with them. I am invited to attend a media event for the Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival for which I will receive complementary tickets. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Boysenberry-Festival-Logo-with-flowers-Header-650-pxCome celebrate the arrival of spring at Knotts Berry Farm’s Boysenberry Festival harvested in the theme park’s historic Ghost Town. The 16-day festival returns with an unforgettable lineup of exquisite Boysenberry Bites, dazzling daytime/nighttime entertainment, gourmet food and the Wine and Craft Brew Tasting Garden, plus the limited time return of the classic Bear-y Tales characters in a pie making kitchen, and more!

Walter-and-Cordelia-Knott-in-front-of-the-Berry-Stand-650px(1)In the 1930s Walter Knott harvested the boysenberry, a cross between a loganberry, red raspberry and blackberry, and named the new berry after its originator Rudolph Boysen. Today, all boysenberries in the world can trace their roots back to Knott’s Berry Farm!

Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect to find at Knott’s Boysenberry Festival:

 

food-offerings

Boysenberry Bites

The Park will make delicious history with the debut of its very own farm-made Berry Market™ Boysenberry BBQ
Sauce during the widely acclaimed Boysenberry Festival. During the food fest, the tangy, finger lickin’
good sauce will add the perfect flavor to ribs, BBQ chicken, chicken wings, and more.

Father-eating-a-turkey-leg 650px

Other must-try Boysenberry Bites include:

  • fried cheese curds paired with a spicy boysenberry dipping sauce
  • fish and chips sandwich with boysenberry tartar sauce
  • Boysenberry ICEE Floats
  • Boysenberry Frappuccino & Latte (served at the new Gourmet Coffee Hut which proudly serves Starbucks drinks)
  • more charbroiled treats cooked on open-air barbeques throughout the streets of the festival.
  • Wine and Craft Brew Garden*

As part of the festival, the Wine and Craft Brew Garden, located inside of Ghost Town’s Wilderness Dance Hall, features an assortment of wine and craft brew labels, in addition to a variety of boysenberry inspired gourmet food that’s just bursting with flavor! 

live-entertainment

The Boysenberry Festival also features an extensive lineup of live entertainment from sun up to sun down. At the heart of all of the excitement is Birdcage Square, located in front of the famous Birdcage Theatre. Here, a stage will be set for daily contests like pie eating, a pie walk, and Grandpa’s Boysenberry PJs Contest, where guests will race to stuff the over-sized long johns with balloons.

Boysenberry-pie-eating-contest-girlIn the evening, the Square will have guests kicking up their heels with vine dancing, a down home jug band and dueling fiddlers and banjos! At night, just inside of the Birdcage Theatre, things 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!

Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies Events BannerThe iconic Charleston Circle fountain transforms into a beautiful floral fountain, adorned with colorful flowers and boysenberries creating an iconic centerpiece for the celebration. Located in the Boardwalk area, the stunning monument will serve as a dramatic backdrop for two spectacular interactive shows.

Peanuts-in-the-park-with-kids-and-charlie-brown-650pxPeanuts Party in the Park celebrates spring in a big way with infectious music, vibrant set design, and an invitation for the audience to be a part of the show!

Jammin-in-the-dark-boysenberry-festival 650 pxAfter sundown, Jammin’ in the Dark will transform the blooming circle into an immersive dance party complete with illuminated boysenberries, vines and LED lighting effects affixed to the Charleston fountain; DJ HowLy will spin the hottest dance music for all ages!
boysenberry-festival-experiences

Transformation of Ghost Town

While strolling the bustling streets of Ghost Town, guests can capture the moment and the memories at boysenberry themed stand-in cutouts like wanted posters, a boysenberry farming family and more. Festivalgoers can also watch special demonstrations including chainsaw wood sculpting, glass blowing, and blacksmithing. While enjoying the festival, guests may meet Ghost Town’s Mayor and other charming townsfolk. From day to night, Ghost Town has never looked so deliciously fun.

Boysenberry-Festival-Train-Decorations-650pxBoysenberry Festival Plants and Merchandise
Explore a craft fair filled with unique boysenberry inspired merchandise throughout the winding streets of the Old West. You will find a recreation of Walter & Cordelia Knott’s Original Roadside Boysenberry Stand near the Gold Trails Hotel, from which guests can purchase authentic boysenberry plants. The Knott family sold plants and freshly picked boysenberries from the original stand, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Boysenberry-Festival-boysenberry-plants-stand-650pxInteractive Pie Making

New for 2015, right up the road from Birdcage Square, kids can join the classic Bear-y Tales characters in their very own pie making kitchen inside of Ghost Town’s Craft Barn. With the help of Razz Bear-y, Boysen Bear-y and the other Bear-y family members, each beautifully painted scene will follow the world famous boysenberry from field to blue ribbon winning pie! The pint sized chefs can also make their very own delightfully sweet boysenberry tarts complete with a crumble topping. Additional cost applies for tart making. 

Bearly-Tales-Family-World's-Best-Pies

more-spring-parkSpringtime fun has also taken root in Camp Snoopy, Fiesta Village and Boardwalk. During the limited-time event, the whole family can meet the Easter Beagle in his new home, blooming with colorful springtime décor, nestled inside of the recently rejuvenated Camp Snoopy area. The meet and greet location is the perfect place for shareable moments with the boisterous beagle and his friends –Charlie Brown, Lucy, Sally and Linus.

Easter-Beagle-with-two-girls 650pxIn Camp Snoopy Theatre, Lucy’s Really BIG Spring Show will showcase the Peanuts pals singing, dancing, and celebrating springtime. The theater will be filled with the sweet sound of little ones as they singing-along to the to the show’s cheerful tunes!

Lucys-Big-Show-Baseball-Bats-Boysenberry-FestivalGuests don’t have to be experts at the cha-cha-cha to enjoy Salsa Dancing in Fiesta Village, where everyone can to take to the floor to the rhythmic beat of popular Latin dance music.

Kids-Salsa-DancingKnott’s Boysenberry Festival is included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm, additional cost for food tasting experiences within the event, which also offers a full day of thrilling coasters and family fun rides, like the beautifully restored Calico Mine ride and the rejuvenated six-acre Camp Snoopy featuring three new rides.

Boy-eating-a-funnel-cake 650pxKnott’s has extended their hours during the Festival (March 28 – April 12, 2015) from 10 am-10 pm,  allowing guests extra time to take advantage of all of the limited-time offerings. For affordable year-round fun for everyone and to explore the all the Festival fun, Season Passes can be purchased online at knotts.com starting at $84 or with six easy installment payments of $14 now until April 12, 2015.

giveawayI’m having a giveaway! Yep! You can win 2 tickets to Knott’s that can be used for park admission during Knott’s Boysenberry Festival! All you have to do is enter below on the Rafflecopter! Read the instructions carefully! Good luck everyone! Hope to see you at Knott’s soon! It’s going to be “berry” fun!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Handlery Hotel San Diego: A Family-Owned Premier Hotel

I received hotel accommodations in order to write this review. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own. handlery-hotel-marquisWe had such a wonderful experience staying at the Handlery Hotel San Diego this past weekend.  An early call time for a Sunday cheer competition made it necessary for us to stay overnight in “America’s Finest City” the night before. We wanted to stay somewhere centrally located to be able to take advantage of some of the fun things San Diego has to offer. Handlery Hotel’s location was just that! Located in Hotel Circle, t’s literally a hop, skip & a jump away from Fashion Valley Mall, Mission Bay, and San Diego State University. Since it’s located just off of the 8 freeway, it was so easy to get places without taking too much driving time.

lobbyThe lobby of Handlery Hotel is nice and bright thanks to the natural light from above! 

We were greeted by friendly faces at the front desk, upon our arrival. They quickly checked us into our room, located right next to the pool. The room was just perfect for us and had 2 beds, a clean, updated bathroom, and a big, flat screen TV to watch while we enjoyed our cheese platter and cookie tray.

handlery-hotel-san-diego-accomodationsAs you can see, Emily immediately claimed, and personalized, “her bed”!

emis-bed

handlery-hotel-bathroomA nice, clean bathroom is one of my own personal travel necessities! 

big-screen-tvThis cheese platter was amazing! The cookies were delicious too! 

I instantly fell in love with the Holcombe & Moore Aromatherapy toiletries that were in the bathroom. They smelled so good, with a scent that wasn’t too overpowering.  I could swear the same scent was being released into the hallways of the hotel and I actually asked about it at the front desk. Whenever I’d walk in the hallway or enter the lobby there was a wonderful smell in the air.

holcombe-and-moore-aromatherapy-products

toiletries

towelsHow cute are the towels? 

The Handlery Hotel has a large pool area, with both a pool and jacuzzi. They are heated for guests’ convenience. I got some really pretty pictures of the pool area because we arrived around dusk. What a pretty backdrop the sunset was and I felt like I was in paradise just looking at all of the palm trees.

poolWe didn’t get to actually swim in the pool on this visit because we were so busy with our cheer competition but the weather was sure perfect for it! Next time we’re definitely going into the pool! Southern California Winter weather is definitely something to be thankful for!

pool-fountainA poolside fountain

The hotel has a few different fountains throughout. I know for me, the sound of water is so soothing. The fountain by the pool was really pretty, as was the one by the hotel’s entryway.

fountain-in-the-frontEmi made a wish in this fountain that’s located near the hotel’s entryway.

Postcards Restaurant is located adjacent to the hotel’s lobby and serves breakfast and dinner and has a full bar with a TV to watch sports. It also provides the food for in-room dining. We had to hurry out early to our cheer competition so they packed us up a container of goodies and I took some coffee to go.

postcards-restaurant

muffins-to-go Freshly baked blueberry and banana nut muffins and a mini croissant to go! 

coffee-and-a-complimentary-paperYou can grab a complimentary daily paper in the hotel lobby! 

Our stay at the Handlery Hotel San Diego definitely wasn’t long enough. Once cheer season is over, we fully intend on returning for a longer, more relaxing stay, when we enjoy the accommodations a little more and take advantage of that pool area, including the poolside drinks and dining at the Reef Lounge Poolside Bar & Grill.

Some of the other accommodations available at the hotel are:

  • Concierge staff
  • On-site parking
  • Complimentary wireless internet throughout the hotel
  • Business Center with computer, printer and complimentary boarding pass printing
  • Complimentary on-site fitness center
  • Same day laundry and dry cleaning service
  • Flexible meeting space
  • In-room dining
  • ATM
  • Express Checkout
  • Dog friendly

cookie-in-handThank you, Handlery Hotel! You had her at “cookie”! 

I’d like to send a HUGE thank you to the staff at the Handlery Hotel San Diego! It’s a great family-owned hotel, offering such warm service. We enjoyed ourselves immensely and hope to be back very soon!

thank-you-handlery-hotelVisit Handlery Hotel San Diego on Facebook & Twitter.

Knott’s is Teaming Up with Susan G. Komen Orange County and Going Pink For the Cure! #KnottsPink

I was invited to attend this wonderful media event at Knott’s and provided with a ticket for my admission. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

knotts-pink-logo

I was so honored to be invited to attend a press conference at Knott’s Berry Farm recently, to learn more about a very special partnership between Knott’s and Susan G. Komen Orange County. Susan G. Komen Orange County is a local breast health organization which helps to serve women and men who are in need of breast health care and services, but do not have access to them financially. This is the second year in a row they are teaming up in a wonderful collaborative effort to help raise money for a very important cause. In 2014, they raised nearly $100,000 for the cause. That’s an amazing number and they’re hoping to raise even more in 2015!

snoopy-and-woodstock-huggingFrom now through March 31, Knott’s Berry Farm is offering a special “Pink Ticket”, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen Orange County. Knott’s  limited edition, specially designed “pink merchandise” is also available for sale at select locations in the park. These proceeds help fund breast health services and research and also help promote breast health awareness.

knotts-pink-merchandise75% of the funds raised for Susan G. Komen are used to provide local services throughout Orange County:

  • Breast cancer detection and treatment education
  • Information and support for breast cancer survivors and families
  • Funding for free mammograms for uninsured and underserved women

25% of the funds raised for Susan G. Komen support national research to discover the cure for breast cancer.

FullSizeRender (19)I love this! It’s right at the entryway inside Knott’s. 

The press conference featured speakers that shared real statistics and real stories about breast cancer. 1 in 8 women will be affected by breast cancer! That is a very scary statistic! (Men can also affected by breast cancer) What was even scarier hearing a related statistic about Latina women. The reality is that there are a great number of Latina women who don’t have access to breast health care and services, so, because of this, they are being diagnosed with breast cancer at much later stages than white women. This partnership is helping to provide a mobile mammography unit to the surrounding Latino community and get these women the services they need.

pink-collageA big highlight of the event for me was getting to hear my beautiful friend Jaime Jenkins, speak about her own story. Jaime is also a blogger, which is how I met her. She is a wife and a mother of 2 young children. After she attended the Knott’s For the Pink event in 2014, Jaime felt her own lumps in her breasts, went in to have them checked, and was diagnosed 2 weeks later. Jaime is living with stage 4 cancer and she has had the most positive attitude about her entire experience, even though it’s been a very tough one. She’s leaned on her wonderful husband, children and her family, her friends and I know her faith has played a big part in what has kept her so strong and positive. Jaime constantly expresses gratitude for everything and truly lives life to the fullest, appreciating every little thing. I admire her in a HUGE way!

jaime-speakingShe definitely greets each day with joy! I love her! 

After the breakfast and presentations came to a close, everyone followed Snoopy and Lucy over to Fiesta Village to watch all of the incredible breast cancer warriors ride Jaguar together. When they asked if I’d ride it with them, to help fill up the back of the car, I didn’t hesitate.

jaguar-by-westcoasternetAll of the breast cancer warriors riding Jaguar! (photo credit: Westcoaster)

breast-cancer-warriorsAll of these women have overcome so much and to see pictures of them all together, brought a smile to my face. If you look at the smile on Jaime’s face as she rides in the front, you should know that she’s like that ALL THE TIME!

FullSizeRender (23)Jaime’s smile is infectious! (photo credit: OC Latina Moms)

If you ever get the chance to meet Jaime, you’ll be able to feel her positive vibes, the minute you say “hi” to her and there won’t be a handshake, it’ll be a BIG hug! She’s the best hugger ever! She’s truly an inspiration to everyone around her and so much fun to hang out with!

knotts-pink(photo credit: Knott’s)

I hope you’ll consider making a trip down to Knott’s for a fun-filled day sometime between now and March 27th and purchase your own “pink ticket” to support this great partnership between Knott’s and Susan G. Komen Orange County!

Knott’s Berry Farm Serves Starbucks! Did I Mention the Boysenberry Lattes?

The other day when I was at Knott’s,  I overheard a woman asking her friend if she’d tried a Boysenberry Latte yet? I couldn’t help but stick my nose into the conversation at that point, because anything boysenberry is pretty much my kryptonite!

boysenberry-is-my-kryptonite

Yep, I have a few weak spots and one of them is definitely boysenberry. The woman pointed me in the direction of the Boardwalk area and told me to look for the Gourmet Coffee Hut!

I made my way over there in quite a hurry. It was drizzling on and off so this was the perfect day for something hot. When I looked up at the menu board I then realized they were serving Starbucks! It was like a dream! This wasn’t just brewed Starbucks, there were actual lattes and cappuccinos and mochas on the menu!

gourmet-coffee-hut-menuI was beaming from ear to ear when I ordered my “venti, non-fat Boysenberry latte WITH whipped cream“! I know the lady who took my order probably thought I nuts, too! (especially when I asked her to leave the top off so I could take a picture of it before it got smashed with the lid!)

y-el-olor-mmmmmOh and it smelled SOOOOO good! 

As I walked away from the window with my boysenberry latte in hand, I turned and just gazed back at the Gourmet Coffee Hut as I took my first sip!

gourmet-coffee-hutIt was heavenly! I walked along the Boardwalk, slowly sipping on my boysenberry latte. I can’t tell you how many other park guests stopped me to ask where I’d found Starbucks in the park! I felt like it was necessary to let each and every one of those guests know about it being a BOYSENBERRY latte and watched their eyes lit up as big as mine had, when I found out those even existed!

boysenberry-latte-on-the-boardwalkThe Starbucks Boysenberry Lattes are just another thing I love about Knott’s Berry Farm! I suggest you get over there to try one soon! (like ASAP)

 

 

Have YOU Hung Out With Farley the Fiddler at Disneyland Yet?

Farley-the-fiddler-stickersHave you gotten to hang out with Farley yet at Disneyland? Although I don’t consider myself a total Disney expert, I do think that if you are a big lover of Disneyland, there are certain names that should ring a bell, like “Farley“!  If you haven’t heard of him, he’s also know as “Farley the Fiddler“! I’d seen Farley perform several times before on the porches over in Frontierland, near The Golden Horseshoe but had never talked to him. (He was always busy singing) However, I did get to hang out with him during Disney’s Rock Your Disney Side 24-hour event.

fiddlingAs I sat in a rocking chair relaxing inside of Miss Chris’ Cabin while Emi was coloring,  in walked Farley! That’s when I learned that his stomping grounds had been moved over there to the Big Thunder Ranch area.  He was so much fun! He sang, he fiddled, and he told jokes…LOTS of jokes! The kids LOVED him. (OK the moms did too) He even let Emi try to play his fiddle. She definitely needs some more lessons. It was a fun way to break up a long day in the parks and get away from the crowds.

knock-knockWe recently ran into Farley again on another Disneyland trip. This time Emi was with her friend Gabby. Farley seemed to have some new jokes this time! The girls were loving it! I swear the girls could’ve easily spent a couple hours hanging out with him that afternoon. (Hmm, maybe we should’ve left him in charge and gone shopping for a while?)

cheese-with-FarleyFarley shared a little bit of Disneyland history with us during our chat. When you get to hear things from actual cast members who have been part of the magic for so long, it’s really a priceless experience.

Hidden MickeyCan you spot the Hidden Mickey?

He had us step outside the cabin, pointed out the giant mound of old horseshoes out there, and encouraged us to look for the Hidden Mickey in the pile. I don’t own one of those Hidden Mickey books because I like to be surprised when I learn about a new Hidden Mickey. I feel like it’s more special that way. Now I’m just excited I know about ANOTHER Hidden Mickey!

selfie with FarleyFarley is really a fun guy to hang out with! The kids loved him, he was totally on board to take a selfie with me, and the guy tells great knock knock jokes! Oh, and don’t let me forget one more important part…he gives out stickers! No wonder he’s such a hit! I think he’s one of Disneyland’s hidden gems!

hanging-with-farleyHave YOU gotten to meet Farley the Fiddler yet? He has his own Facebook page, so go check him out!

 

 

 

Granny’s Apple Fries at LEGOLAND Are Delicious

If you know me, you know that my love for food is not something I’m shy about! If I see something posted on social media that looks yummy, it sometimes gets stuck in my head until I finally just have to try it. I recently saw someone tweeting about Granny’s Apple Fries from LEGOLAND California and I knew that I needed to try some for myself. The problem is that I don’t get to visit very often. So, when I had the opportunity to go to LEGOLAND for Holiday Snow Days, I was determined to try them!

excuse-me-but-where-are-the-apple-friesGranny’s Apple Fries is located on Castle Hill and we hit it up after coming off of The Dragon! (that’s a super fun roller coaster). My mouth was watering as we approached the window to order and I could see the apples!  Luckily there was a short line that day.

nom-nom-nomThey’re made with Granny Smith apples, lightly fried, dusted with cinnamon sugar, and served with vanilla cream dipping sauce! We shared one but I can’t tell you how badly I wanted to take the whole thing, run away, and eat them in a corner all by myself! That would make me a bad mom though, right?

we-got-emI miss LEGOLAND’s apple fries every single day (that’s not too big of an exaggeration either). I got really excited when my friend, Wendy (Yep, we have the same name!), posted her own copycat recipe for homemade apple fries a few weeks ago!  They look really easy to prepare and yummy too! I’m going to be making them soon!

So tell me…have YOU had the chance to try Granny’s Apple Fries at LEGOLAND? If not, you need to try them one day! Trust me, you’ll be hooked!

Spend a Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve This Year at Legoland California Resort!

If you are looking for a super fun way to spend New Year’s Eve with your kids this year, you need to see what’s going on at Legoland California! Our family hasn’t been there for New Year’s Eve before but we’re hoping to make it this year.  It looks like they throw a great party over there!

Ice Skating at Legoland's Holiday Snow DaysIf you DO make it that day, you can still enjoy all of the fun at their Holiday Snow Days. LEGOLAND is planning another very kid-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration this year, which includes an amazing lineup of performances by Recess Monkey, The Pop Ups, The Not Its, Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players, and Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band! It’s like a kids super concert!

Legoland New Year's Eve Entertainment 2014(photo credit: LEGOLAND California) 

There will also be a New York style “brick drop” at 6pm when LEGOLAND California re-creates the Times Square ball drop with a giant LEGO brick falling 22 feet in the air! A special celebrity will be leading the countdown. Guests are given festive hats for the occasion, as well as 3-D glasses for the spectacular fireworks display which follows the brick drop and illuminates the sky! What a great ending to an amazing year!

Here’s a clip from their celebration last year:
Seriously…how fun does that look? It’s literally San Diego’s largest Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party and you won’t want to miss it! For more information, to download the New Year’s Eve Entertainment Guide, and to purchase tickets, click here.

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I forgot to mention one more thing, one VERY important thing…. LEGOLAND’S gift to you this year is a free ticket offer to return in 2015. Receive a second-day return ticket to LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE Aquarium for FREE on the day of your visit when you present your one-day paid admission ticket at Guest Services or the Our Gift To You kiosk, inside the Park, any time between November 1, 2014 – January 4, 2015! You must request your second-day ticket on the day of your first visit. Your second-day ticket must be redeemed between January 5 – March 1, 2015. Other restrictions may apply. See the LEGOLAND website for details!

Well, doesn’t New Year’s Eve at LEGOLAND sound fun? Hope to see you there!