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Gift Idea for Golf and Travel Enthusiasts: U.S. Open Tickets

/ Lifestyle, Travel

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of USGA. All opinions are my own. 

The holidays are such a wonderful time of year to gather together with great friends and family and celebrate the season. This year, I’ve been working hard to pick out gifts to give that are less about “things” and more about experiences. In my opinion, experiences can provide the opportunity to create new, priceless memories that’ll last a lifetime, which is better than any tangible gift.With a few golf (and travel) enthusiasts in my own life, I found the perfect “experience” type holiday gift: Tickets to the U.S. Open! The 2019 U.S. Open Championship will take place at Pebble Beach Golf Links® in Pebble Beach, California, from June 10-16. and this year will mark the 119th U.S. Open Championship and the 6th time iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links has hosted the U.S. Open Championship. The world’s best golfers will converge and vie to win the coveted U.S. Open Trophy and tickets start at just $60.If you’ve never been to Pebble Beach, it’s part of a resort community on the Monterey Peninsula and is one of our family’s favorite places to visit, along with Carmel. The area is must-see location for golfers and travelers alike.Special U.S. Open Ticket Offer
Right now, all ticket orders placed through January 2nd include free shipping and a non-personalized bag tag. Orders placed by December 9th will include free shipping and a personalized bag tag. Please note: This offer is valid through January 2, 2019 or while supplies last.

U.S. Open tickets make the perfect gift this holiday season. Why not give friends and family something that will make them smile now and cheer about later in June? For more information about the 2019 U.S. Open Championships and to purchase tickets, please visit usga.org/tickets. 

Stuff Their Stockings With CircusTrix OC Gift Cards + Enter to Win

/ Lifestyle, SoCal Fun

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 

During the holiday season, we’re always seem to be on the hunt for the perfect gift idea for the children in our lives. Whether it’s for our own children or for our nieces, nephews, cousins or even close family friends, we have a lot to buy for. Why not consider gifting something besides another toy that will end up in the toy box? How about giving a gift of CircusTrix this holiday season?This year, you can pick up a merry & bright CircusTrix OC holiday stocking stuffers for everyone on your holiday list. They’re available for purchase in $25, $50, $75 and $100 denominations and include a gift card and a FREE pair of grip socks. They also come in gift packaging so they’re ready for gift giving. Grab yours HERE. CircusTrix OC is one of my daughter’s favorite places to go with her friends to tumble and play around on all of their equipment. Have you been before? Their Open Jump times are packed with options to “defy gravity inside their 60,000 sq. ft facility. The space features over 60 world-class trampolines including the famous angled wall trampolines, launching decks and a few surprises up in the ceiling.
For jumpers who are 6 and under, they also offer special Kid Jump times.Other fun activities you’ll find at CircusTrix OC include:

  • Ninja Obstacle Course
  • AirDunk
  • SlackLine
  • Trapeze
  • Aerial Silks
  • Foam Pits

CircusTrix OC also hosts Family Night, College Night, Theme Nights, Fitness Night, and more.

CircusTrix OC is located at
25222 El Paseo Road, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.
Visit their site at https://www.circustrixoc.com/ for more information about the facility.

For info about purchasing CircusTrix OC holiday stocking stuffers, please go here.

In the spirit of the holiday season, CircusTrix OC has provided me with 3 (three) $100 gift cards to give away to 3 of my readers! To enter my giveaway, fill out the form on the Rafflecopter below. Good luck, everyone! Thanks for reading!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Some images are property of CircusTrix OC and used with permission. 

Family Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

/ Travel

I’d been dreaming about attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for the past few years, ever since I learned it even existed, I actually put it on my Disney Bucket List a few years ago. Our family lives very close to the Disneyland Resort, so we don’t have a specially ticketed party event for the holidays, just one for Halloween Time. I can’t think of any better way to kick off Thanksgiving week than with a trip to Walt Disney World and ours started off with our first night being THE most magical night at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. It was like a Disney dream coming true! If you aren’t familiar with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, it’s a specially ticketed event, that’s held on select nights during November and December at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World. There are several exclusive offerings for Guests in attendance at the party that are not to be missed, including Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade & other exclusive entertainment, “Holiday Wishes” fireworks, complimentary treat stops throughout the Park, rare character experiences and more. I want to share all about our Magical time at the Party with you because there is still plenty of time for you to grab a ticket for one of the remaining 2018 Party dates.  

2018 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates are as follows: 

  • November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, & 30
  • December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20 & 21

Party Hours
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party officially starts at 7 pm and goes until 12 am. If you have a party ticket, you can actually enter Magic Kingdom Park starting at 4 p.m. I highly recommend getting there by 3:30 p.m. to get through the security bag check line and into the park right by 4 pm, so you can take advantage of those extra hours. It’s a great time to take some pictures in the daylight and also to grab a bite to eat, because you won’t want to take time out of the Party to stop for dinner.

Wristbands and Party Guides
As you enter the Main Gate, you’ll see signs directing you to the party wristbands. The Cast Members are dressed in special costumes and will put a special wristband on you which will later on indicate you are there for the party, when the regular Magic Kingdom hours end at 6 pm. This is also where you can grab an official Party Guide.

“Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”
One of the biggest highlights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is getting to watch “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”.The parade features a merry procession of everyone’s favorite Disney characters, gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers and even Santa. During the party, guests can watch the parade at either 8:30 or 11 p.m. Insider tip: The 2nd parade is far-less crowded than the first one, if you plan to stay late at the Party. Holiday Treat Stop Locations
One of our family’s favorite parts about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party were the treat  locations that are included in the price of your ticket! Yep! There are complimentary treats available during the party wherever you see the giant, inflatable candy cane sticks and all of the locations stay open until 12 am. Here are the 2018 offerings:

Adventureland

  • Snowman Soft Pretzel & Sno-Cone – Tortuga Tavern

Liberty Square

  • Ginger Molasses Cookie & Eggnog –  Liberty Square Ticket Office

Fantasyland

  •  A variety of holiday favorites – Pinocchio Village Haus
  •  Chilled Apple Cider & DOVE Chocolate – The Friar’s Nook
  •  Peppermint Crunch Cookie –  Storybook Circus Snacks

Tomorrowland 

  • Snickerdoodle Cookie & Hot Chocolate – Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie & Sno-Cone – Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

Allergy-friendly and alternative healthy options are available at the Party upon request. Menus and offerings are subject to change and availability. 

Seasonal Specialty Foods
In addition to all of the special holiday treats at the treat locations, there are also many jolly, holly dishes created exclusively for the season, available for purchase throughout the Park including the Sugar Rush Jumbo Cupcake & the Mickey Ornament Gingerbread Cookie (both available at Main Street Bakery) and the Vanellope Eclair (Gaston’s Tavern).

“Holiday Wishes” Fireworks
If you haven’t had the chance to watch “Holiday Wishes” light up the sky in Magic Kingdom, it’s a must-do. The entire sky lights up high above Cinderella Castle with this holiday fireworks spectacular. It’s absolutely beautiful and our family is hoping to go back and watch them again one day.Other Entertainment Options & Times During the Party

  • Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration (Castle Forecourt Stage) – 7:40, 9:25, 10:30 & 11:55
  • A Frozen Holiday Wish (Castle Forecourt Stage) – 8:15
  • A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas (Rockettower Plaza Stage) – 7:45, 8:35, 9:25, 10:45 & 11:35.
  • The Edge Effect (Rockettower Plaza Stage) – 8:10, 9:00, 10:20 & 11;10

Dance Parties 

  • Club Tinsel (Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe) – 7:00 – 12 am
  • Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jingle Jam (Storybook Circus) – 7:00 pm – 12:00 am

Special Character Experiences
Each year at the Party, there are several exclusive character experiences to find throughout the Park, some include rare characters that aren’t spotted very often. Lines can have a significant wait time but if you plan ahead you can fit many of these character experiences into your night. To locate the special character experiences, look for the Mickey heads on the Party Guide map or check for more details on the My Disney Experience mobile app.

There are usually PhotoPass photographers on hand to take your photos at these locations, which is so convenient for downloading off the app and sharing on your social media channels. You’re also allowed to use your own cell phones and cameras for photos but as a courtesy to other Guests waiting in line behind you, have your equipment ready.

Exclusive Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Event Merchandise
During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Guests have the opportunity to purchase festive event keepsakes at select locations including apparel, ornaments, an event trading pin and a MagicBand. The event merchandise is only available to Party Guests with a valid wristband and is available while supplies last.

Attractions Open During the Party
A majority of the Park’s regular attractions are open during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Although there are no FastPasses available during the actual party, we found that the lines for attractions were significantly lower during the Party. Be sure to take a ride on the Jingle Cruise, which is exclusive to Magic Kingdom during the Holidays. For a complete list of the attractions operating during the Party, please check the official Party Guide and/or the app.

Here’s a short video recap of our night at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party:

Know Before You Go
I have a couple of “insider tips” for you after experiencing the party myself, although I will fully admit that I bet attending the party on more than one might would probably allow you to discover even more!

  • Definitely Arrive Early – One of my biggest recommendations is to play ahead and arrive early to the Party. Since guests are allowed to enter Magic Kingdom with their party ticket starting at 4 pm, why not get there and take advantage of those 3 extra hours? Plus, I find that it’s a great time to get some photos while there’s still some sunlight. It’s also a good time to grab some dinner so you don’t have to stop and do that during the official party hours, because that 5 hours goes by quickly!
  • Make sure you have the Disney Parks Mobile app downloaded and set to go  before you get there. The app is very handy during the party to do things like check attraction wait times, mobile order food and/or drinks, locate the special character meet & greets, find entertainment times and locations and more.
  • Tell a Cast Member at the treat stops  if you have any allergies or dietary sensitivities. Disney is so good about these kinds of situations and if any of the treat stops have something that might affect you and/or a family member in a negative way, Disney has alternative treats they can offer you. They really think of everything!
  • Read through the Party Guide as soon as you get one and make a plan for the night. It might seem silly but you’ll accomplish far more by mapping out your night at the party in advance.
  • Consider adding on the Holiday Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party during the Party- Although we didn’t do this, we have experienced a Fireworks Dessert Party during regular park house and it was magical. It also allows you to have a great view of the fireworks, without having to camp out early, giving up some of your time to do other things.
  • Watch the 2nd parade (if possible) – Many of the guests gather around to watch the first parade so if you are planning to stay at the party late, you’ll definitely have an easier time getting a great view to watch it.
  • Dress in layers – This is something I wish we had thought of before attending. I was honestly expecting it to be very warm on the night we attended, because it usually is, but it was the exact opposite. Luckily we just went and purchased heavier Disney sweatshirts, but having some extra layers with us that night would have come in handy. Just plan for the weather.
  • Wear comfy shoes – This is always a must for visiting any Disney park. There are still times I don’t even follow my own advice here and I always regret it.
  • Purchase event merchandise early before it sells out. This was another one that I didn’t do and most of the items were sold out by the time we went and looked.
  • Don’t forget a portable cell phone charger/battery pack – This is a must for me because I always take so many photos and videos wherever I go.
  • Do seek out the Disney PhotoPass photographers – Throughout the Park there are special, festive photo opportunities available, which include Magic Shots where characters can appear in your photos when you locate them through the mobile app. At some of the locations, photographers also offer holly jolly photo props you can use.
  • Don’t forget to stop and take it all in! – I think this is the most important tip of all. The Party will probably go by so fast so don’t forget to stop, from time to time, and just take it all in! It’s truly a magical experience and something that not all Disney fans have an opportunity to experience, so cherish every moment of it!

Our night out at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party was a truly magical one and I really hope to attend again next year! Have YOU been before? What was YOUR favorite part of the Party? Share with me in the comments.

For more information about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, including ticket purchases, please visit HERE.

 

Winter Fest OC Returns December 20 – January 6 + Enter to Win

/ SoCal Fun

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
It’s almost time for Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s largest winter experience, to return to the Orange County Fair & Event Center December 20th through January 6th. Come get into the holiday spirit as Winter Fest features 40,000 square feet of new attractions and brings back popular activities including an outdoor ice-skating rink, ice tubing at Snowflake Summit, real Snow Play, and so much more.With a record-breaking attendance in 2017, Winter Fest OC will debut its fourth consecutive year with new entertainment and attractions including SoCal Dicken’s Village, Candy and Snowflake Wonderland, and an expanded Festival of Lights tunnel.Back by Popular Demand this Year:
Snowflake Summit – Visit Snowflake Summit for unlimited ice-tube racing down the 150 foot, eight lane slide. Fast Pass wristbands are available starting at only $10 to skip the general admission line.Flying Santa and his Reindeer – Don’t miss the magic of the North Pole as Santa and his reindeer fly over the fairgrounds December 20th – December 24th. This spectacle takes place during the nightly Christmas Tree Lighting celebration and features fireworks and snow flurries.Penny’s Snow Play – Fresh snow blown in daily to make SoCal’s largest snow play attraction with two snow arenas: one caters to toddlers and the other to kids (and kids at heart.)Also returning to Winter Fest OC are:

  • the world’s largest rocking horse
  • wintery-themed bounce houses for kids
  • a giant walk-through ornament
  • strolling carolers
  • petting zoo
  • character meet and greets
  • crafts
  • arcade games

and more than 30 carnival rides and games, and seasonal food and beverages.Families are also invited to celebrate El Dia de los Reyes or Three Kings’ Day on January 6th where Winter Fest will honor the tradition of the Three Kings with a parade and live camel.

Here’s what’s new to Winter Fest OC this year:

  • SoCal Dicken’s Village – Take a trip down memory lane through the 1800’s with holidays past, present, and future. Decorate Christmas cookies, listen to holiday storytelling, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus (through Christmas Eve), take a pony ride, and visit the new Victorian holiday shops.
  • Candy and Snowflake Wonderland – Step into an interactive wonderland full of candy and snowflakes with a new selfie experience that is sure to delight visitors and capture the picture-perfect Instagram moment.
  • Festival of Lights – Stroll through Winter Fest’s 100-foot-tunnel of two million lights to explore five lands with animated displays. For additional fun for the kids, make sure to ride through the Festival of Lights on the trackless train.
  • Orange Ball New Year’s Eve Celebration – Ring in the New Year not once, but twice, with a special countdown, Orange Ball drop, fireworks and an unforgettable balloon drop at both 6pm and midnight. Multiple live bands will be playing to commemorate the end of the year, and the start of a new one.
  • Club Winter Fest – Private, ice rink-side VIP cabanas are available nightly starting at only $69 per session, creating the ultimate destination for holiday office parties, family retreats or date nights. Enjoy the all-new lounge area with exquisite views of the nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony featuring fireworks, snow flurries and a free drink upon entry. Tickets are limited.

Discount Days at Winter Fest OC
Select discounts are offered for First Responders, Teachers, and Military/Veterans with proof of ID. First Responders are guaranteed free admission on Wednesday, December 26th and January 2nd, Teacher Appreciation Days are Friday, December 21st, 28th, and January 4th, and Military/Veterans are guaranteed free admission on Thursday, December 20th, 27th, and January 3rd.

Tickets and select value packages are available now starting at only $10. For more information, please visit Winter Fest OC HERE. 

I’m also hosting a giveaway for one (1) of my readers to win a Family 4–pack of admission tickets to get into Winter Fest OC AND a Family 4-pack of Ice Skating Passes. The tickets are valid for any night that Winter Fest OC is open with the exception of New Year’s Eve. Entries for the giveaway will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on 12/14/18. To enter the giveaway, go to the Rafflecopter below to enter. Good luck, Everyone!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

The 12 Blogs of Disney Christmas Giveaway

/ Lifestyle

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 

The 12 Blogs of Disney Christmas Gift Card Giveaway

On this wonderful Cyber Monday, while you’re online finding the best deals, 12 of us Disney-loving bloggers have partnered to help put a little $$$ back in your pocket! Sounds Magical, don’t you agree?  Keep reading for more details. Speaking of Magical, anyone who’s had the chance to visit a Disney Park during the holidays knows that Disney pixie dust and Christmas magic go hand-in-hand. Both invoke that warm, fuzzy, feel-good feeling and the desire to spread a little extra cheer whenever possible, which is where we come in. We’re excited about this giveaway and the opportunity for one of our readers to win in the name of Disney Magic.

Over the Top Mommy has partnered with these 11 incredible bloggers to bring one (1) lucky reader a very magical inbox surprise: a $300 Disney gift card! Meet the other bloggers: 

An Open Suitcase

Redhead Baby Mama

Social Parenting

Motherhood & Beyond

The Farm Girl Gabs

Emille Enchanted

Always Moving Mommy

Jane’s World

Team MOM 365

Post 50 Rx

Fans Of Mickey Mouse’s House

Not only will you find the Disney Gift Card Giveaway on their blogs, but lots of great posts about Disney, family, the holidays, travel, recipes and more. Take a moment to check them out and you might find a reason, or two, to grab a cup and stay awhile. Thank you all for your support and from our families to yours, have a wonderful holiday season.

The Rules:

  • One winner will be awarded a $300.00 USD Disney Gift Card (e-gift card to be delivered via email)
  • Winner will be notified via email and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen
  • All winning entries will be verified
  • Must be 18 years of age or older to participate
  • Open to residents of the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom
  • Giveaway starts on November 26 and ends at midnight on December 9

Enter Here:

Now that you know a little more about the bloggers behind this awesome Disney giveaway, go get your entries, by entering on the Rafflecopter below.  Good luck, Everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Tickets on Sale for Disney on Ice Coming to Greater Los Angeles December 13 – January 6

/ Entertainment, SoCal Fun

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream which will be skating into the Greater Los Angeles area this holiday season!  From December 13th – January 6th, celebrate what’s possible as five daring Disney Princesses as they spark the courage inside us all.  The production features Disney’s Moana for the first time in a live production and hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse who will bring the Disney magic to life and take audiences on an expedition across raging seas and snow-covered mountains.  Tickets are already on sale for this action-packed extravaganza will include beloved characters from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Tangled and Cinderella.Dare to Dream is Moana’s Disney On Ice debut. See how far Moana will go in a high-seas adventure with demigod Maui, to save her island and discover her true identity You’ll also join Belle as she fearlessly befriends the enchanted castle staff and reveals the Beast’s gentleness, experience Anna’s devotion to her sister, Elsa, on her life-changing journey to stop an eternal winter, explore with Rapunzel, Flynn Ryder, Cinderella and friends from around the Disney Kingdom as they find the heart and determination to overcome obstacles and make their dreams come true.

Iconic sing-along songs such as “How Far I’ll Go,” “Be Our Guest” and “Let It Go” are paired with powerful skating choreography to instill confidence and embolden audiences to never stop dreaming. Uncover why no goal is too big when we find the strength to shape our own destiny at Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to celebrate family and tradition with a special sing-along with Miguel from Disney•Pixar’s Coco in a live fiesta Disney On Ice style prior to the show!Disney on Ice will make 4 stops in the Greater Los Angeles area including:

Los Angeles – Staples Center – Thursday, December 13 – Sunday, December 16

    • Thursday, December 13 7:30 PM
    • Friday, December 14 7:30 PM
    • Saturday, December 15 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
    • Sunday, December 16 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Staples Center Ticket prices start at $25, with a discount on Opening Night tickets, which are available for as low as $16 each on select seating (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating) Tickets available for purchase online at AXS.com, charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or in-person at the venue Box Office.

*prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

Anaheim – Honda Center – Wednesday, December 19 – Sunday, December 23

  • Wednesday, December 19 7:00 PM
  • Thursday, December 20 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
  • Friday, December 21 11:00 AM & 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, December 22 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
  • Sunday, December 23 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Honda Center ticket prices start at $25, with a discount available for Opening Night tickets priced as low as $16 each on select seating (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating) Tickets are available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or in-person at the venue Box Office.

*prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

Ontario – Citizens Bank Arena – Wednesday, December 26 – Sunday, December 30

  • Wednesday, December 26 7:00 PM
  • Thursday, December 27 7:00 PM
  • Friday, December 28 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, December 29 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
  • Sunday, December 30 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Citizens Business Bank Arena ticket prices start at $25, with a discount available for Opening Night tickets, which are priced as low as $16 each on select seating (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating) Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or in-person at the venue Box Office.

*prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

Long Beach – Long Beach Arena – Thursday, January 3 – Sunday, January 6

  • Thursday, January 3 7:00 PM
  • Friday, January 4 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, January 5 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
  • Sunday, January 6 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Long Beach Arena tickets prices start at $25, with a discount available for Opening Night tickets, which are priced as low as $16 each on select seating (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating) Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or in-person at the venue Box Office.

*prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

Right now, you can save 20% off tickets by using code: MOM20 at checkout. To learn more about Disney On Ice and find ticket and showtime info, please visit HERE.Images and clip are property of Feld Entertainment and used with permission.

You Are Cordially Invited to Orange County’s 5th Annual Festival of Trees

/ Lifestyle

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

Did you know that 1 out of 6 children in Orange County are at risk of hunger each day? That is a statistic that hurts my heart. This time of year is referred to by many as “the most wonderful time of year” and yet, there are many local families that will spend the holidays homeless and hungry. 

You can help raise awareness about homelessness in Orange County by attending the 5th Annual Festival of Trees and Tree Auction on November 30, 2018  at Park Place Irvine from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. The event is an annual effort by South County Outreach to raise funds to help the homeless in our community, The funds raised through Festival of Trees help South County Outreach housing programs continue to provide over 20,000 nights to shelter to working poor and homeless families in Orange County every year. Last year, South County Outreach was able to raise $85,000 from the Festival of Trees event. That’s amazing! They’re hoping to raise even more this year’s event with the help of the Festival of Trees’ guests and sponsors.  Guests in attendance at the Festival of Trees will come together on November 30, 2018, for this beautiful event which will be held outside among sparkling lights and a cascading staircase. Come expecting delicious provisions, carolers, and a lively auction in which the spectacularly sponsored and decorated trees will be bid on and won to support the cause. There will be Dicken’s children carolers performing, as well as a choir from JSerra High School. Guests in attendance will be able to capture memories from the evening in a photo booth with backdrops.
The Christmas trees for this wonderful event will be elaborately decorated by sponsoring individuals, organizations or businesses. In past years, many of the trees have also had “under-tree” gifts; such as tours of Pixar, trips to the Magic Castle, spa days, expensive wines, high tech goods, etc.“Stars of Hope” will also be auctioned off at the event at $1,000, $500, and $100. These are Swarovski crystal star ornaments and would make a beautiful gift option for anyone on your list. Each tree on display will be decorated with a unique theme and include some of the following:

  • Midnight Christmas
  • The Christmas Train
  • The Reason for the Season
  • Harry Potter Holiday
  • Santa’s Toy Shop
  • Christmas at the Beach
  • World Peace Wishes
  • Disney’s Very Merry Christmas
  • Marvel-ous Christmas
  • Wizard of Oz

These gorgeous trees will be on display at Park Place Irvine from November 17-30 and are open to the public for viewing. If you can’t make it to the Festival of Trees event, be sure to stop by Park Place beginning November 17, where the elaborately decorated trees will be on display. Cast your vote and let us know which tree is your favorite!Won’t you considering joining South County Outreach this year for the Festival of Trees? It’s a true event for hope. Tickets  for this year’s Festival of Trees are $125 per person, with a discounted price for groups of 10+. You can purchase yours HERE. For information about the event or to sponsor a tree, please visit HERE.

The Festival of Trees will be held at
Park Place Irvine
3347 Michelson, Irvine, CA

South County Outreach is a local non-profit and has been established for over 28 years and provides fresh food to nearly 3,000 residents every month, They’ve also housed 30 homeless families over this last year. Other efforts they make in the community include a Holiday Toy Drive, Support a Senior, Adopt a Family and more.

Images and logo are property of South County Outreach and used with permission. 

Help Boost Your Immune Health This Cold Season

/ Lifestyle

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

Fall is such a wonderful time of year. The leaves are so colorful, we can break out our cozy sweaters and the holiday season begins.  Unfortunately, Fall is also the start of cold & flu season, which is my least favorite part about it!

I’m a busy mom and a first grade teacher. Not only do I have worry about keeping myself healthy, I also have to make sure my family does too. My daughter carries a full academic load at school and also competes in sports after school. It seems like kids these days have a lot of stress and are faced with having to balance their schoolwork and their extra curricular activities. It’s a lot to juggle which can have an impact on their immune health.This year, I’m coming out the gate prepared for cold season! One of the the best ways to do so is to boost your immune health and I’m going to make sure both myself, my husband and my teen, have the proper nutrients we need. With the help of Rainbow Light® daily multivitamins  and Vitamin D & C gummies, I can rest assured that we’ll all be getting those nutrients we might not get from foods.Rainbow Light vitamins and gummies contain vital, immune-boosting nutrients needed by growing pre-teens and teens and since they also have formulas for women and men, our entire family can have that extra defense this cold and flu season.One of the things I appreciate about Rainbow Light® vitamins and gummies is they are free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives. As a mom, I want to feel confident about products I give my teen, knowing they don’t have a bunch of artificial ingredients in them.  I can also feel good about giving these vitamins and gummies to my daughter, because they don’t contain gluten, eggs, milk, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, or shellfish. She has several food allergies and this is always a huge worry of mine.It’s so easy to make Rainbow Light multivitamins a regular part of our morning routine. I just set them in a ramekin, right next to breakfast. There’s also a Rainbow Light Women’s One, which is a formula created just for women, so I take mine at the same time my daughter does These vitamins include a blend of fruits, vegetables and probiotics, so as you can see, they’re designed to help boost immune health.Make sure to add Rainbow Light multivitamins to your fall essentials this year including these varieties:

  • Active Health Teen Multivitamin
  • Gummy Vitamin C Slices
  • Sunny Gummies Vitamin D3
  • Women’s One
  • Men’s One

With the help of Rainbow Light daily vitamins, I know my family and I will be getting all the necessary nutrients we need and also be more energized and ready to face the cold season this year. Do you or your teens take multivitamins? Share with me in the comments down below.

 

Product image is property of Rainbow Light and used with permission. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disney’s Christopher Robin Now on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital

/ Disney DVDs, Disney Movies, Entertainment, Movies

I received promotional items in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own. 
Disney’s “Christopher Robin,” the wondrous, live-action film in which Winnie the Pooh and friends venture into mid-century London to help grown-up Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor), has arrived on Digital and Movies Anywhere and on Blu-ray™ and DVD with captivating, behind-the-scenes extras. The fun-filled tale features A.A. Milne’s timeless characters from the Hundred Acre Wood — Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl — making their first appearance as three-dimensional characters who remind Christopher Robin, and viewers of all ages, to appreciate the simple pleasures in life.I love that this film is an new take on the Winnie the Pooh stories I grew up knowing and loving. It takes me back to the imaginative, carefree days of my childhood and allows me to share my love of Pooh and friends with my own daughter now, but in a different way. 

“When you are able to make people laugh and cry in the same movie and you are able to tell the story with integrity and ground it in reality and have the magic realism on top of it, it lifts your spirits and connects you with the people you love.  We could all use a little bit of Pooh’s heart and wisdom right now.” – Marc Forster, director

If you didn’t get a chance to see the film in theaters, here’s the official trailer:

Bonus features provide a heartfelt look at the making of “Christopher Robin,” showcasing the magical artistry that brings the classic characters to life, the human actors’ techniques for interacting with stuffed animals, and the filmmakers’ passion for their project.

Bonus Features

BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD:

  • In Which … A Movie Is Made for Pooh – Filmmakers and cast share their passion for this story in a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie.
  • In Which … Pooh Finds His Voice – Discover what it’s like to voice Winne the Pooh, from voice actors Sterling Holloway to Jim Cummings.
  • In Which … Pooh and Walt Become Friends – How did Walt Disney and Pooh meet? Take a journey through time to explore the legacy of Walt’s first encounter with Pooh.
  • In Which … Pooh and Friends Come to Life – See how Winnie the Pooh and Friends were brought to life as walking and talking stuffed animals in this magical live-action world.

EXCLUSIVE DIGITAL BONUS FEATURE:

  • In Which … We Were Very Young – Meet the actual, original teddy bear who, along with his best friends, has inspired so much love worldwide for almost a century.

With the holidays just around the corner, why not grab a copy of Disney’s Christopher Robin for all of the people on your “Holiday Shopping List”? It’s the perfect gift to give this season!

Images and logos are property of Disney Studios and used with permission.