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Small Plates and Sips at MainPlace Mall’s CPK + Enter to Win a Gift Card

/ Food, Lifestyle

I was invited to dine at CPK as a guest of MainPlace Mall in exchange for my coverage. All opinions are my own. 

Let’s talk about food. It seems to be one of my favorite topics and if you follow me on my Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, you already know how much I love to share about food. So if someone invites me to dine out somewhere, you can 500% guarantee I’m going to be all over that! And that very thing happened a couple weeks ago.MainPlace Mall extended an invitation for us to come and dine at their CPK location.  I was excited to head over after work one day. Have you been over to MainPlace Mall recently? It’s located in Santa Ana and has been undergoing a bit of “facelift” lately, a sign of the times. As a teen, many of us enjoyed roaming around MainPlace Mall with our friends, and now the mall is basically growing up, right along with us. I like the idea of the transformation into more of a lifestyle center, offering shopping, dining and family entertainment too. It’s also centrally located in the city and is within close proximity to many of the city’s museums and other hot spots. CPK, otherwise known as California Pizza Kitchen. is just one of MainPlace’s dining options and is located in the “Patio Restaurants” area of the mall. Did I mention how convenient it was for me to pull up and park super close and just go right in? Other eateries in this section of the mall include:

  • Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ
  • Wokcano
  • Applebee’s
  • Panini Kabob Grill

What I love about eating at CPK is whether you are stopping by for lunch, dinner or even small plates and sips after work, the food is always consistently fabulous because they strive to create unique dishes, using the freshest ingredients. You can actually taste how much care they’ve put into creating your made-to-order meal.CPK offers teas, sodas and other non-alcoholic options, as well as a full bar and beer and wine. We started the meal with a Cucumber Reviver, which is made with freshly puréed pineapple & cucumber with Monin. torn mint and agave sour and then topped with sparkling water. We also ordered a Sparkling Cranberry Cooler which is made with cranberry juice, sparkling water and fresh lime. These non-alcoholic drink options feel like a celebration any time of year.We decided to go with a few of CPK’s Small Plates and Appetizers to share, in lieu of ordering traditional meals. Do you ever do that? Maybe add in a cup of soup or a salad too? It’s fun to change it up. We tried to order things off the menu we hadn’t tasted before. If you ask me to choose which of these was my most favorite menu item, I wouldn’t be able to decide as they were all fabulous. Here’s what we tried:

  • Mexican Street Corn – This spin on a traditional favorite is made with creamy, sweet corn that’s been removed from the cob and roasted with smoked paprika, Feta and Parmesan. It’s served with fresh cilantro, lime and house-made Ranchito Sauce.
  • Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower – At first I wondered how this would even be a menu item and then I tasted it! Oh my goodness, it’s so good! Made with fresh cauliflower florets that are battered and fried to a golden brown. Then it’s tossed in house-made Sriracha buffalo sauce and topped with a salad of celery, cilantro, scallions and Gorgonzola.
  • Crispy Mac N’ Cheese – This is a twist on a classic dish. This mac n’ cheese is lightly fried with Panko and served on creamy cheese sauce.
  • Spinach Artichoke Dip – This is generally one of my family’s favorite appetizers and we make it all the time at home but we’d never tried CPK’s. It did not disappoint. It’s served hot with house-made blue and white corn tortilla chips.

We thoroughly enjoyed each of these are were so full after finishing them. However, it just seems unjust not to finish off a great meal with dessert. So we ordered one Butter Cake and a Brownie with Vanilla Häagen-Dazs on top from the Kids Menu. There’s always room for dessert, right?After we finished our meal, we took on the rest of MainPlace Mall for some serious shopping. I love the history of this mall as it has remained an integral part of the Santa Ana landscape over the years. It’s such a comfortable and inviting place to gather with friends and family for shopping, dining and entertainment. You should stop by and check it out soon!

MainPlace Mall is located at
2800 N Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

I’m hosting a giveaway for one (1) of my readers to win a $25 gift card to CPK. To enter my giveaway, fill out the Rafflcopter below. Good luck everyone!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more information including the mall directory, dining options & hours, please visit HERE.

Connect with MainPlace Mall on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Plan Your Fall Getaway to Big Bear Lake’s Oktoberfest

/ SoCal Fun, Travel

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

Have you visited Big Bear Lake before? Located in the mountains of Southern California, Big Bear Lake is just a couple of hours by car from Los Angeles and Orange County and about few hours away from San Diego or Las Vegas.Big Bear Lake is  a beautiful vacation destination for families, couples, and even large groups. The area offers a variety of seasonal activities to its visitors including:

  • fishing
  • water sports
  • hiking
  • mountain biking
  • horseback riding, tours
  • winter sports

and more!When planning your getaway to Big Bear, it’s important to have peace of mind you’ve secured a clean, reliable and affordable vacation rental. With more than 350 properties, ranging from single-room cabins to entire lodges, Big Bear Cool Cabins Vacation Rentals has the perfect lodging for your adventure.Did you know that each Fall, Big Bear has its very own Oktoberfest?  It’s a festival like no other that runs from September 8 through October 27. Guests in attendance are treated to “Knockwursts” direct from the German butcher, and enjoy the very same beers poured at Munich’s Oktoberfest for more than 150 years! If you haven’t been before, it’s the perfect time to visit Big Bear.Big Bear Cool Cabins is the Official Lodging Partner for the 48th annual Oktoberfest! They offer have multiple packages for visitors to choose from for 1, 2 and 3 night stays, as well as the ultimate way to Big Bear’s Oktoberfest: The Burgermeister Party Pack!  Keep reading and you’ll find a special discount code below that you can use when you book your own Oktoberfest package. First let’s take a look at what each package includes and the discount it’s offered at.

  • Oktoberfest 1-night stay package – This Exclusive Package includes a 5% discount on 1-night lodging, discounted Oktoberfest tickets, 2 free 2-hour bike or kayak rental from GetBoards and 10% discount on Scenic Sky Chair or Golf.
  • Oktoberfest 2-night stay package – This Exclusive Package includes a 10% discount on 2-night lodging, discounted Oktoberfest tickets, 2 free 2-hour bike or kayak rental from GetBoards and 10% discount on Scenic Sky Chair or Golf.
  • Oktoberfest 3-night stay package – This Exclusive Package includes a 15% discount on 3-night lodging, discounted Oktoberfest tickets, 2 free 2-hour bike or kayak rental from GetBoards and 10% discount on Scenic Sky Chair or Golf.
  • The Burgermeister Party Pack – Available for visitors 21 years and older, the Burgermeister Party Pack includes Oktoberfest admission both Saturday & Sunday, an annual commemorative 16 oz. beer stein, one beer ticket, one German meal ticket, and a set of party beads.

The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest offers a complimentary shuttle that runs from the downtown Big Bear Village to Oktoberfest on Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. If you have a little too much Oktoberfest fun, let O’Douls do the driving. The O’Doul’s Complimentary Shuttle begins running on Saturday evenings at 6 p.m. and provides door to door service anywhere you are staying within the Big Bear Valley throughout the night. I love that you don’t have to worry about driving and can fully enjoy Oktoberfest.

The special discount code for these packages is OKTOB1, which you should apply at checkout. To book your own Oktoberfest package with Big Bear Cool Cabins Vacation Rentals please go HERE. You can also call or text them directly at 909-219-9681. For visitors who speak Spanish, se habla español y se puede llamar a 909-217-3144.Connect with Big Bear Cool Cabins on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To see if they are offering any additional discounts right now, please go here.

Images and logos are property of Big Bear Cool Cabins and used with permission. 

Watch the New Trailer for Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch

/ Entertainment, Movies

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
I always get excited when the holiday season rolls around but this year I’m extra excited!  Illumination and Universal Pictures will present “The Grinch” this November, their eighth fully animated feature, based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday classic. The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Funny, heartwarming and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism. Watch the trailer:

Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpet with only his loyal dog, Max, for company. With a cave rigged with inventions and contraptions for his day-to-day needs, the Grinch only sees his neighbors in Who-ville when he runs out of food.

Each year at Christmas they disrupt his tranquil solitude with their increasingly bigger, brighter and louder celebrations. When the Whos declare they are going to make Christmas three times bigger this year, the Grinch realizes there is only one way for him to gain some peace and quiet: he must steal Christmas. To do so, he decides he will pose as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, even going so far as to trap a lackadaisical misfit reindeer to pull his sleigh.

Meanwhile, down in Who-ville, Cindy-Lou Who—a young girl overflowing with holiday cheer—plots with her gang of friends to trap Santa Claus as he makes his Christmas Eve rounds so that she can thank him for help for her overworked single mother. As Christmas approaches, however, her good-natured scheme threatens to collide with the Grinch’s more nefarious one. Will Cindy-Lou achieve her goal of finally meeting Santa Claus? Will the Grinch succeed in silencing the Whos’ holiday cheer once and for all?

So how great is Christmas season 2018 going to be now? The Grinch hits theaters November 9 and you can bet I’ll be there to watch it that day! For more information and to view the latest updates on this film please visit http://www.grinchmovie.com.

Fall Into Fitness with These 4 Workout Essentials

/ Fitness, Lifestyle

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

Raise your hand if you had an amazing Summer, filled with relaxation and lots of good food? (*raises hand) Yes, Summer was good to me but now that we’re heading towards Fall, I’m realizing that I need to get myself back into a regular fitness routine. Like in a big way. I honestly feel so much better when I have one in place too. When BabbleBoxx reached out and asked if I was interested in partnering with them to try out one of their fitness-themed boxes to share about on my blog, the answer was a big “Yes!“. The box was filled with 4 must-try fitness and health essentials that’ll help you stay in your workout routine. You’re going to love these so let’s take a look!First off, Tiger Balm is a brand name I’ve grown up knowing and loving. This Tiger Balm Active Muscle Spray is definitely a must-have for someone who works out and has muscle ache and soreness from their workouts.The spray application is easy-to-apply, especially for those hard to reach areas. You can toss it into your gym bag too, so if you’re on the go and showering at the gym after your workout, you can spray it on afterwards. It works wonders, especially for someone like me who is just jumping back into working out. You can read more about Tiger Balm: Active Muscle Spray HERE.How many pairs of headphones do you go through in a year? 3? 4? more than 4? Whether they get lost, “borrowed” by your teen, or break, headphones are something I feel like I’m constantly replacing. It’s nice to have a reliable pair for things like listening to audiobooks or working out. My BabbleBoxx had a pair of AfterShokz: Trekz Air in it. These are like the headphones you never knew you needed but somehow once you try this open-ear design, you’ll never be able to be without them again. I love that they aren’t headphones and don’t even go in your ear. They’re made using bone conducting technology and are so light.  They’re constructed with used titanium everywhere possible to ensure a better fit and sound. When you put them on you realize how light they are.
Right now, you can grab your own pair of AfterShokz headphones for $55 off the regular price by using discount code BABBLE at checkout. To purchase your own pair, go here. I already purchased a second pair for my daughter because she kept trying to take mine. Please note: Promotional discount ends 11/1/18. Goodness, it’s like BabbleBoxx knew I needed these! They sent me 3 pairs of GO Comfort Insoles: All Day Insoles, Work Insoles, and Athletic Insoles.  If you’re wondering how they differ, let’s look a little closer.

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

I didn’t realize that were different and specific types of insoles but now that I’ve tried each of these GO Comfort Insoles, I can feel how they each provide that extra support I was lacking during different activities. I would definitely recommend using a pair in your own shoes on a daily basis. Whether you prefer a comfort insole, a work insole or an athletic insole, GO Comfort Insoles help relieve arch, heel and lower back pain, which is something we could all do without. Your feet will thank you! To get 20% off + Free Shipping on GO Comfort Insoles, use Code GOcomfortBB20 at checkout. You can purchase your own HERE. Note: This offer is valid until 12/31/18. I have tried so many pre-workout drinks before, each promising something different, and have yet to find one I actually liked. Well that is, up until now! I didn’t know how I’d feel about this strawberry kiwi guava flavor but it was so good! Did you know that according to CELSIUS, drinking one of their drinks and then engaging in physical activity increases the rate at which you burn calories even more? Count me in! If you’re curious to read more about how it works, go HERE. I kid you not, CELSIUS is like your Ultimate Fitness Partner®!

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

 

 

Best Ways to Foster Creativity in Children

/ Crafts & DIY, Lifestyle

This post is sponsored written by me in collaboration with Pentel, All opinions are my own

As a mom and an elementary school teacher, I know the importance of fostering creativity in children. I truly believe every child has artistic ability, and regardless of what artistic level they’re at, it’s important for parents and teachers to help foster that creativity.  Having time to be creative is just as important as having ample time to play, as both of these things help a child to develop as a whole. The best ways to foster creativity in children are by modeling your own creativity in front of them, encouraging a child to express him or herself through art and play and by providing the tools they’ll need, such as art supplies.We received a very special package in the mail from Pentel which contained different Pentel POP Pens and Pentel Mechanical Pencils . I took a double take when I saw the pens because I grew up loving some of these very same pens! It was like a flashback to the 90’s! Do you remember these pens from your own childhood? For over 70 years, Pentel has supplied the world with the highest quality products so my own parents probably also grew up with Pentel. It’s fun to see Pentel Pop Pens are back and they’re better than ever! You can choose from Sparkle, Solar and Milky ink or you can just grab them all! I am a big collector of art supplies, as is my daughter.She immediately put the Pentel POP Pens to use at home, colorizing and doodling on things like her monthly calendar, with the help of our cat, of course. The pens definitely make things POP and look extra colorfulPentel Mechanical Pencils also come in handy for things like homework. Now if only they could help with the actual Math equations! As a mom with a child who has a Latex allergy, I really appreciate the fact that all 3 of the types of Pentel Mechanical Pencils they sent us (Icy, Champ, and Sharp), feature a latex-free Comfort Zone™ grip for nonstop writing comfort and control. All of Pentel’s Mechanical Pencils are ideal for home, office and school.

Here are some of the cool features of these Pentel POP Pens:

  • Sparkle – The vibrant ink of these pens is ideal for cards, drawing and doodles, and also for writing on photo paper. You’ll be amazed by their sparkling, iridescent ink, which is almost magical because it appears to color change when you write on white or black paper. These “Sparkle” pens will help you dazzle your doodles every time!
  • Solar – These fun neon ink pens have a latex-free grip for comfortable writing and drawing. Their smooth gel ink makes it easy to doodle and decorate things with a bright POP of color!
  • Milky – I think these are my favorite of the 3 kinds because these are the actual blast to the past pens that make it easy and fun to write, draw and doodle with the smooth gel ink in milky pastel colors. It looks fabulous on white or black paper, with black paper being my most favorite place to use them.  I think that was my students’ favorite time to use them as well.

I  brought these beautiful pens to use in my classroom to use and allowed my students to use them to make bookmarks during “learning center time”. It’s extra motivating for them when they get to use these kinds of creativity tools for simple in-class projects like bookmarks or even for everyday schoolwork like spelling word practice. As an elementary school teacher, I sometimes feel hesitant about allowing my first graders to use pens in the classroom because it can end up being pretty messy. However, the gel ink from Pentel POP Pens dries so fast that even left-handers don’t have an issue with them. There are no smears, no smudges and no globs to worry about with these. My students had so much fun making personalized bookmarks with the Pentel POP Pens and black paper. Didn’t they come out cute? Did you know….Pentel guarantees your satisfaction? Every product of theirs is backed with a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. I appreciate brands that stand behind their products. Do you like to draw and doodle? It’s extra fun for me to do so now with my new collection of Pentel POP Pens! Connect with Pentel on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, too.

 

Plaza de la Familia Returns to Disney California Adventure With a Musical Celebration from “Coco”

/ California, Disney, Disney, Disneyland Resort, SoCal Fun, Travel

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Guests at the Disneyland Resort can, once again, enjoy special seasonal experiences this fall, inspired by Día de los Muertos, at both Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park. The festivities and displays, now available through November 4, are a celebration honoring loved ones who have passed and honoring familial bonds that last forever. At Disney California Adventure Plaza de la Familia returns for a limited-time festivity. The area, located at the Paradise Gardens area of the park, celebrates Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning film “Coco” and the everlasting bonds of family.
Guests visiting Plaza de la Familia will enjoy an immersive celebration that includes:

  • Live entertainment with storytelling
  • folklórico dancers and mariachi musicians
  • delicious Mexican fare

and interactive experiences such as the new craft where guests make colorful masks like
the ones seen in the “Coco” film.

  • A Musical Celebration of Coco – This festive show by the entertaining Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia celebrates the popular songs from the film “Coco”, including the Oscar®-winning Best Original Song “Remember Me”. As the lead storyteller Mateo recounts Miguel’s fantastical journey into the Land of the Dead, guests are immersed in the story of “Coco.” New this year, Miguel appears as a whimsical, hand-animated dimensional figure, joining a musical gathering that brings together a lively troupe of singers and Folklórico dancers dressed in beautiful costumes accompanied by the Grammy® Award-winning Mariachi Divas. A Musical Celebration is performed several times daily.
  • At the Paradise Gardens Bandstand, guests will enjoy an uplifting and moving family celebration featuring beloved Mariachi music and traditional songs that touch the hearts of all.
  • The World of Coco, an evocative art exhibit, allows guests to rediscover their favorite characters and settings from the film “Coco.” The immersive exhibition features framed imagery that showcases the depth of imagination that went into creating the Land of the Living and Land of the Dead.
  • Guests also will encounter a three-dimensional “ofrenda” inspired by the remembrance altar seen in “Coco.” In the film, Miguel, the 12-year-old lead character, builds an “ofrenda” in honor of his idol, the legendary late musician Ernesto de la Cruz. “Ofrendas” traditionally are created by friends and family members to honor relatives or loved ones who have passed away.
  • Guests are invited to take commemorative photos in front of the iconic Mexican “Árbol de la Vida”, or Tree of Life. The Tree of Life at Plaza de la Familia celebrates the everlasting bonds of family and friends. Guests will be able to add a remembrance note on the Memory Wall to honor the many loved ones who have been − and will forever be − part of their lives.
  • Guests visiting Plaza de la Familia can design their own paper “alebrije” (spirit guide) mask as part of a new craft activity.
  • Mexican Food Menu: The Mexican menu at Paradise Garden Grill features delicious offerings such as the traditional Día de los Muertos Pan de Muerto, Mole Verde con Pollo, a scrumptious Pan Dulce Conchita and a special “Coco” cake.

More Día de los Muertos in Cars Land
Guests who cruise into Cars Land will find that Ramone, one of the citizens of Cars Land, also pays tribute to Día de los Muertos at Ramone’s House of Body Art. Ramone celebrates this time when families gather to remember their loved ones with a traditional “ofrenda” display honoring the gone, but not forgotten, Doc Hudson.

At Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park continues to offer its traditional Día de los Muertos display at Zócalo Park in
Frontierland. This immersive setting features marigolds and papel picado, along with a traditional “ofrenda,” sugar skulls known as “cavaleras” and an iconic figure of La Catrina. Nearby Rancho del Zócalo Restaurante offers delicious Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner.

For more information about these special festivities and more, please visit Disneyland.com.

Some images and logos are property of the Disneyland Resort and used with permission. 

How to Prepare Your Teen for When They Start Driving

/ Lifestyle

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

It seems like just yesterday my daughter was still sitting in a carseat. Fast forward to today, she’s a teen, and before I know it, she’ll be learning how to drive. It all happens so fast! One day your child is a toddler, driving around in their motorized toy car and the next they’re practically an adult! It’s exciting to watch my daughter grow and mature, although I do wish with there was a way to slow down the time. Some of my daughter’s next big milestones will include “learning how to drive safely” and “getting her California driver’s license”. It’s a priority for me to prepare her for all of that. Above all, I want her to be a safe and confident driver. As a parent of a soon-to-be-driver, knowing my options for driver training programs is key. Have you heard  of DriversEd.com? It’s a great online resource available to parents to help prepare their teens for this exciting time in their lives. Founded in 1997, DriversEd.com offers high-quality, online Drivers Ed classes, practice for the permit test, and in-car-driving school (currently available in some states) The courses are all offered for drivers of all skill levels. You can also access current DMV information on their site.Online Drivers Ed with DriversEd.com
Having the option to take an online drivers ed course is something I wish I had when I was  getting my license. Their course lets you choose when and where you learn. You can log in anytime, and anyplace you have Internet access, and study at your own pace. Then, your progress is automatically saved, so you’ll always pick up right where you left off.
Online drivers education is the fun and effective way to learn and DriversEd.com utilizes videos, 3D animations and case studies in its courses. Students will feel prepared for a DMV knowledge test, as well as become better drivers. They’ll also be eligible to earn an insurance discount after completing the course. Another great feature of their online classes the the free customer support 7 days a week. In-Car Driving Lessons with DriversEd.com
Students (of all ages) can sign up to take behind-the-wheel driving lessons with DriversEd.com’s patient, friendly, professional instructors. Whether you’re just learning to drive or have been driving for years, they provide the training you’ll need to pass the DMV driving test and become a safe, confident driver! DriversEd.com’s driving school is the only one in the country that is both approved by the Road Safety Educators’ Association and accredited by the Driving School Association of the Americas.Just like with their online Driver’s Ed courses, DriversEd.com’s Behind-the-Wheel lessons can be conveniently done around your own schedule. The driving lessons are tailored to your learning style and you have the ability to request times online through your mobile device. There is free pickup and dropoff for the lessons which will be given in MINI Cooper or Countryman with top safety ratings.  Times have definitely changed from when I learned to drive, as well as the laws. What I love about DirversEd.com is the convenience of being able to learn online, from a laptop and on your schedule. I also appreciate that the behind-the-wheel driving lessons are able to be scheduled around your teen’s other activities and obligations. Teens have so much to balance already, with school and homework and extra curricular activities such as sports.In an ideal world, I would be able to keep my daughter little. Since I can’t do that, I’m content knowing I’m doing all I can to best prepare my daughter for the driving phase in her life. Do you have any soon-to-be teen driver’s in your home? If so, you should definitely check out DriversEd.com!

Connect with DriversEd.com on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, too.

Some images are property of DriversEd.com and used with permission. 

Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Hollywood Horror Nights” + Book the All-New R.I.P. Tour

/ Uncategorized

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

Have you been to Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Hollywood Horror Nights” before? It looks absolutely amazing and terrifying at the same time and just reading all of the details about this year’s event has me dying to attend! “Halloween Horror Nights” begins this year on Friday, September 14. That’s just around the corner! 

This year’s “Halloween Horror Nights” dates are:

  • September 14-16, 20-22, 26-30
  • October 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, 25-28, 31,
  • November 1-3, 2018.

The terrifying line-up at Hollywood Horror Nights this year includes:

  • “Stranger Things” gives fans a chance to brace the Upside Down in this new maze inspired by Netflix’s critically-acclaimed television series.
  • “Poltergeist” brings guests into the light based on the iconic supernatural horror film, directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg
  • “The First Purge,” based on Universal Picture’s blockbuster thriller, bears witness to the tradition that unleashed the anarchy
  • “Trick ‘r Treat” brings director Michael Dougherty’s cult Halloween classic to life daring guests to live the rules or suffer the consequences
  • “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” unmasks Haddonfield’s infamous serial killer based on the fourth installment in the classic slasher series created by John Carpenter
  • “The Horrors of Blumhous,” makes an encore performance at this year’s event, bringing leading producer of horror Jason Blum’s Truth or Dare and Unfriended blockbusters movies to life in an all new maze
  • “Universal Monsters” is inspired by Universal’s original cinematic Monsters and the studio that invented the horror film and featuring an original score produced and composed by celebrated GRAMMY® Award-winning musician, SLASH, long hailed as one of the 10-best electric guitar-players of all time
  • “The Walking Dead,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s permanent attraction inspired by AMC’s record-breaking television series, adds to the evening’s carnage
  • The Jabbawockeez award-winning hip hop dance crew returns by popular demand with an all-new, high-energy performance created exclusively for “Halloween Horror Nights”
  • The return of serial killer clown, Hollywood Harry takes a stab at the Terror Tram while guests amble about a portion of the world-famous backlot

New This Year
There’s an all-new R.I.P. Tour that guests can book, which is Universal Studios Hollywood’s first-class ticket to terror at Hollywood Horror Nights. The R.I.P. Tour is a must for guests who prefer to scare in style and is a premium experience that will sell out,

Each R.I.P. Tour accommodates groups of 12, making it ideal for large parties or smaller mix-in groups. Highlights include:

  • Exclusive “Stranger Things” experience featuring themed photo ops, props from the popular Netflix series and scare-actor make-up demonstrations
  • Unlimited line privileges via Universal Express access to all mazes, Terror Tram and available rides
  • Private VIP trolley transportation to backlot mazes and Terror Tram
  • Reserved VIP seating at the Jabbawockeez live show
  • Gourmet buffet dinner, featuring specially-themed “Stranger Things” foods, including appropriately named Upside Down Sliders at exclusive VIP Dining Room
  • Two complimentary drinks
  • Access to the two Lounges, including the “Stranger Things” themed lounge and lounge on the theme park’s lower lot
  • Commemorative R.I.P. Tour credentials
  • Complimentary valet parking
  • “Halloween Horror Nights” brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror inspired by TV and film’s most compelling horror properties.

Tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood’s Hollywood Horror Nights, as well as their all-new R.I.P. tour can be purchased here.

Images and logo are property of Universal Studios Hollywood and used with permission. 

 

10 Signs Telling You to Apply for The Disney Parks Moms Panel This Year

/ Disney, Lifestyle, SoCal Fun

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

It’s almost time again! The Disney Parks Moms Panel search will begin this year on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 and if you’re not sure whether to apply or not, you’re not alone. I’m having the same struggle and am still undecided, but it’s like that for me every year. Yes, I’ve applied more than one time before. So far, I’ve only made it to Round 2 in the selection process, which is probably all the more reason I should apply again this year, right?  If you’re not sure what exactly the Disney Parks Moms Panel is, let me fill you in a little bit. The Disney Parks Moms Panel search is an annual selection process, originating back in 2008, where Disney searches for new moms, dads, grandparents and other family members to join this group which serves as an online resource for Disney guests. The panel is hand-picked, diverse and knowledgeable and each member exudes a passion for Disney and has a love of helping others plan the ultimate Disney family vacation of their dreams with helpful tips and heartfelt advice about Disney.  Whether guests have a question about a theme park, restaurant, service, shop, hotel or activity, the Moms Panel is there to help with that planning.
Each of the chosen panelists specializes in one of these categories:

  • Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
  • Disneyland Resort in California
  • runDisney events
  • Disney Vacation Club
  • Disney Cruise Line

Applications for the 2019 Disney Parks Moms Panel search will open at noon EDT on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 and round one closes at noon EDT on Wednesday, September 12, 2018. To read the specific eligibility requirements for this year’s search, please go here.So now we’re back to the original question: Do we apply this year or not? I think the fact that you’re here reading this blog post is already a sign that you should. I’ve met a few of the past and present Disney Parks Moms Panelists and if you ask any of them, they will always tell you to go for it! I mean, what do you have to lose?In case you’re still not sure if you should, I put together a fun list of “10 Signs Telling You to Apply For the Disney Parks Moms Panel This Year”.If you can relate to any (or all) of these things, I think you need to apply this year! Here they are:

  • You love Disney.
  • You see “Hidden Mickeys” everywhere you go
  • When you’re out shopping you spot things, like outfits, that would “be perfect for your next Disney trip”
  • You have a pet with a Disney-inspired name
  • You prefer Mickey-shaped foods.
  • Your friends and family constantly ask you Disney questions and/or for Disney tips.
  • You have a “Disney Bucket List” somewhere.
  • You know what Club 33 is.
  • You own more than 3 pairs of EARs.
  • You’re named after a character in a Disney movie or story.

Personally, I can relate to all of those. How about you? Ok so we’re all going to apply this year, right?  Here’s where you can fill out your application. (starting September 5) Good luck, Everyone! Come back and comment after you apply so we can chEAR each other on!