Over The Top Mommy

Sanrio and O’Neill Collaborate for O’Neill ♥ Hello Kitty Summer Collection

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

Are you ready for the cutest collaboration of the summer? Well it’s about to happen! Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand best known for beloved Hello Kitty pop icon, has partnered with iconic surf and lifestyle brand O’Neill to create a playful offering of girl’s swimwear and related apparel & accessories sizes 2T – 6, beginning with Summer 2018.sanrio-and-oneill-logo

The Summer collection will launch April 11th, followed by a Fall capsule that will makes its debut in mid-May. sanrio-and-oneill-summer-collectionInspired by vintage aloha, the O’Neill ♥ Hello Kitty collection includes girl’s swimwear, cover-ups, graphic t-shirts and tank tops and beach accessories, all embellished with adorable Hello Kitty details. Highlights from the initial collection include a one-shoulder maillot with ruffles and an all-over Hello Kitty print, a woven cover-up with pom-pom trim and embroidered cutout design and a tote bag that morphs into a beach towel. The suggested retail prices for the collection range from $18 to $54.

 O’Neill ♥ Hello Kitty will be available at Oneill.comSanrio.com, select Sanrio stores and independent specialty retailers starting on April 11th. The Summer collection will also be available on Nordstrom.com and at select Nordstrom stores starting in early May.

Images and logos are property of Sanrio and O’Neill and used with permission. 

Sherlock Gnomes Inspired Easter Basket + Free Printable Tic-Tac-Toe Game

I received promotional items in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.

Sherlock Gnomes is coming to theaters THIS Friday, March 23rd and we couldn’t be more excited because we loved the first one and absolutely adore Gnomeo and Juliet! Who wouldn’t? gnomeo-and-juliet-first-posterThe beloved garden gnomes from Gnomeo and Juliet are back for a whole new adventure in London. When Gnomeo and Juliet first arrive in the city with their friends and family, their biggest concern is getting their new garden ready for spring. However, they soon discover that someone is kidnapping garden gnomes all over London. When Gnomeo and Juliet return home to find that everyone in their garden is missing – there’s only one gnome to call… Sherlock Gnomes. The famous detective and sworn protector of London’s garden gnomes arrives with his sidekick Watson to investigate the case. The mystery will lead our gnomes on a rollicking adventure where they will meet all new ornaments and explore an undiscovered side of the city.

JULIET (Emily Blunt) and GNOMEO (James McAvoy) in "Sherlock Gnomes" from Paramount Pictures and MGM.
JULIET (Emily Blunt) and GNOMEO (James McAvoy) in “Sherlock Gnomes” from Paramount Pictures and MGM.

This action-packed sequel features the voices of returning cast, James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Stephen Merchant and Ozzy Osbourne, plus Johnny Depp as Sherlock Gnomes, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Watson and Mary J. Blige as Irene.
gnomeo-and-juliet-posters

If you haven’t already watched the trailer, here it is:

I was inspired to make a Gnomeo and Juliet garden-themed Easter basket this year since the release of “Sherlock Gnomes” is so close to Easter. It was super easy to put together since there seemed to be a bunch of “untraditional” colors of baskets and plastic eggs at the store plus I felt like the red and blue accents went with the gnomes’ colors. sherlock-gnomes-easter-basketI also made a fun “Gnomeo and Juliet” Tic-Tac-Toe Game to go in the Easter basket because honestly, I’m obsessed those little gnomes so much. sherlock-gnomes-tic-tac-toe-game-2All you need to do is print out your own copy here and grab 2 different colors of manipulatives, candy or any other small items and play with your favorite little partner. It’s also perfect for using in a classroom or with homeschool curriculum.gnomeo-and-juliet-tic-tac-toe-boardDo you have plans to go see Sherlock Gnomes when it hits theaters March 23rd? For updates on this film, follow along on the official website, as well as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Also, you can join in on the conversation on social media by using #SherlockGnomes! To purchase your tickets in advance for this film, please go here.

Some images are property of Paramount Pictures and MGM Studios and used with permission. 

 

Tickets on Sale for Peppa Pig LIVE! at City National Grove of Anaheim + Enter to Win

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

Raise your hand if you love Peppa Pig! (*raises hand) We do! We couldn’t be more excited about Peppa Pig LIVE! coming to Southern California at the City National Grove of Anaheim on 4/5/18! peppa-pig-livePeppa Pig is hitting the road for her all new theatrical tour, Peppa Pig’s Surprise! The brand new production features Peppa, George, and all their friends in an all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and surprises! Tickets are still available for Peppa Pig LIVE! at City National Grove of Anaheim on 4/5/18 at 6:00. Click here to purchase yours. peppa-pig-live-1

giveawayI’m hosting a giveaway! Enter to win a family 4-pack of tickets to see Peppa Pig LIVE! at City National Grove of Anaheim on 4/5/18 at 6 p.m.! To enter, just fill out the Raffecopter below! Good luck! Thanks for reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Images are property of Peppa Pig LIVE! and used with permission. 

Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is Happening Now + $30 Boysenberry Tasting Card

I was invited to a media tasting in order to write this post. All opinions are my own. 

There are SO many things I love about this time of year at Knott’s but most of all, the start of the Boysenberry Festival! The festival runs from March 16 through April 8 and this year’s festival is better than ever!knotts-boysenberry-festival-facadeIf you’ve never experienced it before, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is a must-do! This annual food-inspired event celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all…the boysenberry. knotts-boysenberry-festival-boysenberry-funnel-cakeThis year’s festival will feature over 75 new and returning boysenberry-inspired creations crafted by Knott’s amazing culinary team.knotts-boysenberry-festival-boysenberry-boba-teaPark guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a tantalizing lineup of treats ranging from savory foods with a boysenberry twist to refreshingly sweet and tangy. There are many one-of-a-kind specialty desserts that can only be found at Knott’s Berry Farm during this time of the year, which is why I seriously recommend heading to the festival at least once before April 8.knotts-boysenberry-festival-berry-place-and-ghost-townDid you know that the boysenberry is a cross between a loganberry, red raspberry and blackberry and is named after its originator Rudolf Boysen. The Knott family was the first to successfully harvest and sell the boysenberry on the land that is now known as Knott’s Berry Farm.knotts-boysenberry-festival-crateGuests at Knott’s Boysenberry Festival will find boysenberry specialty food and drinks throughout the park and can navigate their taste buds using the Event Guide. knotts-boysenberry-festival-guideA great option for guests to indulge in a variety of new and returning food items during the festival is the tasting card.
knotts-boysenberry-festival-tasting-card-1Priced at just $30, the tasting card is a great value and offers 8 of the new food options per card and! Here’s another cool part about it, if there’s something on the tasting card you might not care to try, you can use the tasting card vouchers for a different item on it. I may have used mine to get not 1 but TWO of the boysenberry coconut macaroons on my visit! Mmm! Please note: Signature boysenberry items not offered on the tasting card are available for purchase a la carte.knotts-boysenberry-festival-culinary-teamLet’s take a closer look at each of the 8 offerings on this year’s festival tasting card!

Slow Cooked Boysenberry Short Rib – Slow cooked to perfection, this juicy meat is smothered in boysenberry hoisin sauce served over butter basmati rice and complete with chopped green onions will leave guests asking for more.knotts-boysenberry-festival-boysenberry-short-ribBoysenberry Pierogies – These are new for this year and are like little pillows filled with cheddar cheese and topped with onions, bacon and boysenberry sour cream. The pierogies are a bursting a combination of sweet and savory flavors.knotts-boysenberry-festival-boysenberry-pierogiesBoysenberry Chicken Wings – The guest favorite and finger-lickin’ boysenberry chicken wings will be available during the festival; the irresistible wings are smothered in the delicious and popular boysenberry BBQ sauce which is made exclusively at the Farm.knotts-boysenberry-festival-wingsBoysenberry Coconut Marcaroon –  Sweets and desserts are a key part of the festival and this year the culinary team is introducing the scrumptious, perfectly bite-sized boysenberry coconut macaroons, dipped in a decadent chocolate ganache, which are great to enjoy while strolling through the park. knotts-boysenberry-festival-boysenberry-coconut-macaroonBoysenberry Elote – The boysenberry elote is one of the satisfying treats guests will be able to find in the streets of Ghost Town. The lightly grilled corn is smothered in fresh boysenberry butter, mayo and perfectly topped off with cotija cheese.

knotts-boysenberry-festival-boysenberry-eloteBoysenberry Hummus with Grilled Pita Bread – a new vegetarian/vegan option like the highly enjoyable boysenberry hummus served with pita bread and prepared with garden-fresh boysenberries.knotts-boysenberry-festival-boysenberry-hummusBoysenberry Cheese Quesadilla – Another new item for this year is the first ever boysenberry quesadilla!  Made with a boysenberry-infused flour tortilla, prepared with boysenberry salsa, boysenberry sour cream, sprinkled with cotija and mozzarella cheese, it’s so delicious!knotts-boysenberry-festival-boysenberry-quesadillaBoysenberry Sausage on a Bun – This is a popular item for meat lovers! This very filling boysenberry grilled sausage on a bun prepared with a freshly farm-baked roll and topped with boysenberry ketchup, relish and mustard.knotts-boysenberry-festival-boysenberry-grilled-sausageTasting cards for the Boysenberry Festival are available for purchase online at Knotts.com or else inside the Park.

knotts-boysenberry-festival-merchandise-1In addition to the tasty treats, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers a wide selection of daily entertainment, live music and fun activities for guests of all ages to enjoy. Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is just another great reason to consider grabbing a Knott’s Season Pass for everyone in your family. With no blackout dates, you can go back and visit the Boysenberry Festival several times before it goes away after April 8!knotts-boysenberry-festival-boysenberry-plantFor more information about Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, please go here. Connect with Knott’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and join in the conversation on social media by using and following #BoysenberryFestival!

 

SEA LIFE® Aquarium at LEGOLAND® California Resort Opens Two New Exhibits

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own
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Guests of SEA LIFE® Aquarium at LEGOLAND® California Resort can now take a splash in the ocean without ever getting wet and become a shark explorer! SEA LIFE® Aquarium has 2 new exhibits: Sea at Night and Shark Mission! Open just in time for spring break, both exhibits allow guests to learn about marine life in a fun and interactive way.sea-life-aquarium-new-exhibit-1Sea at Night invites guests to jump, leap and “splash” into simulated bioluminescent waves that react to their footsteps. The reaction created by the guests’ movements demonstrates the effect of a glowing tide similar to ones often seen along the Pacific coastline.

Shark Mission allows kids to come face to fin with six different species of sharks and rays on three giant touch screens. Young explorers can learn about anatomy, conservation and other cool facts through interactive activities and games. Guests can also hold a shark’s tooth, learn about shark skin and eggs, plus step into a shark cage.

SeaLife Aquarium exhibits.(Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Legoland)

sea-life-aquarium-3Sea at Night and Shark Mission are open now for guests to explore at SEA LIFE aquarium. For more information, visit LEGOLAND.com/California.

Images and video are property of  LEGOLAND® California Resort and used with permission. 

D.E. Night’s Novel “The Crowns of Croswald” + Enter to Win a Magical Walt Disney World Vacation

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

There’s nothing quite so magical as entering into the world of reading. As a mom and a teacher, the love of reading is something I’ve strived to instill in both my daughter and my students. For me, reading is a great escape from reality and a way to “unplug” from the outside world.t’s also a way to open up and expand your imagination.

the-crowns-of-croswald-1I find myself always on the lookout for new young adult titles for my tween to get into. She loves books from all genres but most recently she’s chosen to read several fantasy novels. I’m just happy she’s developed such a love for literature and I want to keep fostering it. Her most recent book was “The Crowns of Croswald” by author D.E.Night, which was something we sat down and read together.crowns-of-croswald-in-croswaldHere’s a sneak peek you can find on the back cover of the book:
For sixteen years Ivy Lovely has been hidden behind an enchanted boundary that separates the mundane from the magical. When Ivy crosses the border, her powers awaken.
Curiosity leads her crashing through a series of adventures at the Halls of Ivy, a school where students learn to master their magical blood and the power of Croswald’s mysterious gems.
When Ivy’s magic – and her life – is threatened by the Dark Queen, she scrambles to unearth her history and save Croswald before the truth is swept away forever.

You can also read an excerpt from the prologue here:
crowns-of-croswald-prologue
Both my daughter and I loved “Crowns of Croswald” because of the magic and the fantasy of the story. It’s a great read and something we enjoyed taking the time to read and discuss. For me, it’s important to have things like this that we can still do together as she gets older.enter-to-win-d-e-nights-magical-reader-giveawayHere comes some more magic….D.E. Night is having a “Magical Reader Giveaway” on her Instagram for one lucky reader to win a vacation to Walt Disney World in Florida! That’s right!

Here’s what the prize includes:

  • Round-trip coach class air transportation for the winner and one guest!
  • Two nights’ standard accommodation at one of Disney’s onsite hotels!
  • Transportation to and from the airport and hotel in Orlando.
  • Two 2-day “Park Hopper” tickets which can be used for Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney Hollywood Studios. and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
  • a $250 credit towards food

Here’s how you can enter:

  • Go visit D.E. Night’s Instagram and follow her.
  • On your own Instagram, post a photo of yourself and your copy of “Crowns of Croswald”, using the hashtag #jointhecrosworld in your post.
  • Tag 3 friends in the comments below your Instagram post or below D.E. Night’s Instagram post.
  • Be sure to include these giveaway rules below your photo.
  • Have fun with your photo and be creative to stand out! Winner will be selected by D.E. Night based on creativity! Link to official rules: http://blog.denight.com

All entries must be posted by 11:59pm ET April 30, 2018. Open to US residents only. You can click on the image below to go right to the giveaway!

View this post on Instagram

✨💫⭐️GIVEAWAY⭐️💫✨ I can barely contain my own excitement about this giveaway! When you guys share yours it sends me over the top! It's the most magical giveaway I could dream up and love that it's sparking something in you, too! Just in case you need a refresh: Here’s how you can enter! a. Post a photo of yourself and your copy of #thecrownsofcroswald with the hashtag #jointhecrosworld! b. Tag 3 friends in the comments below or below your photo! c. Must be following @author.denight d. Be sure to include these giveaway rules below your photo! Have fun with your photo and be #creative to stand out! I'll be selecting a #winner based on #creativity! I'll repost some of my favorite photos, too! Prize will consist of: ✈️ 1) Round-trip coach class air transportation for the winner and one guest! 2) Two nights’ standard accommodation at one of Disney's onsite hotels! 3) Transportation to and from the airport and hotel in Orlando. 4) Two 2-day “Park Hopper” tickets (includes Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney Hollywood Studios. and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park)! 5) $250 credit towards food! All entries must be posted by 11:59pm ET April 30, 2018. Open to US residents only! Ask for #crownsofcroswald at your local #bookstore or pick up a copy online at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Have fun! 💫✨😀 Link to official rules: http://blog.denight.com

A post shared by D.E. Night (@author.denight) on

Do you make the time to read on a daily (or weekly) basis? If you’re looking for a great title to pick up, I do recommend getting your own copy of “Crowns of Croswald”. You’re going to love it!

Ask for “Crowns of Croswald” at your local bookstore or order a copy online at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Connect with D.E. Night on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

Irvine Park Railroad’s Easter Eggstravaganza Starts March 10 + Ticket Giveaway

I was invited to attend a media event in exchange for coverage of this event. All opinions are my own. 

I LOVE that Easter seems earlier than usual this year. What it means is the Easter Bunny is arriving very soon over at Irvine Park Railroad for their annual Easter Eggstravaganza and we can’t wait to go and visit him! irvine-park-railroad-easter-eggstravaganza-hay-rideThis year, you can meet the Easter Bunny at Irvine Park Railroad beginning Saturday, March 10. He’ll be around for photo opportunities through Saturday, March 31. For the cost of $12.00, children can meet and have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny. The cost includes a complimentary photo that will be taken by Irvine Park Railroad staff. Each additional print of the same photo is $6.00. Photos will be printed in a few, short minutes at the Easter Bunny booth. It’s a great keepsake to commemorate this fun occasion and save for your child’s babybook or scrapbook.irvine-park-railroad-easter-eggstravaganza-easter-bunny-photo-2017Easter egg hunts – hunts begin daily at 10:00 AM and are grouped by ages. Tickets may be purchased and exchanged for a wristband to participate in an egg hunt at a specific time. Please bring an Easter basket for each child that will be participating in the Easter egg hunt.irvine-park-railroad-easter-eggstravaganza-egg-hunt-basket Irvine Park Railroad will also offer Easter baskets for sale. Easter egg Tickets must be purchased on the day of the event to receive a wristband for the Easter egg hunt.irvine-park-railroad-easter-eggstravaganza-easter-basket-2irvine-park-railroad-easter-eggstravaganza-egg-hunt-signTrain rides – The cost for train tickets is $5.00 per person. (Children 12 months and younger ride free.)irvine-park-railroad-easter-eggstravaganza-trainOther activities to enjoy during the Easter Eggstravaganza include:

  • hay rides
  • a moon bounce
  • Easter cookie decorating
  • carnival games
  • face painting
  • picture stands

irvine-park-railroad-easter-eggstravaganza-picture-stand

irvine-park-railroad-easter-eggstravaganza-cookieWhile you’re at Irvine Regional Park, why not make an entire day of it and and visit the park’s other activities including Wheel Fun Rentals® at Irvine Park bike and paddle boat rentals, pony rides and the OC Zoo.irvine-park-railroad-easter-eggstravaganza-train-2Irvine Park Railroad opens daily at 10:00 AM. Irvine Park Railroad is located at 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869. Please note: The park entrance fee, charged by the County of Orange, is $3.00 per vehicle on weekdays and $5.00 per vehicle on weekends.
For more information about Irvine Park Railroad’s Easter Eggstravaganza, including details on the Easter egg hunts including times and costs, please visit hereGiveaway-timeYou can enter to win some tickets over on my Facebook page here
irvine-park-railroad-easter-eggstravaganza-signs
Connect with Irvine Park Railroad on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram too!

 

Disney Store + Marvel Universe Unites #HeroActs

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

Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk and the rest of the Avengers return to battle their most powerful enemy yet — the evil Thanos! Beginning March 3, Disney store and shopDisney will help fans prepare for the mission by offering an assortment of Marvel Avengers: Infinity War toys, figures, apparel and accessories, including:

Thanos Infinity Gauntlet Mug
As Thanos tightens his grip on the universe, you’ll get a better grip on your mornings as you sip from this sculpted infinity stone gauntlet mug featuring jeweled details.marvel-avengers-mug

Avengers: Infinity War Reflective Bomber Jacket for Kids
Kids will feel unstoppable in this cozy, lightweight bomber jacket featuring their favorite characters from Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War. A reflective exterior shimmers like an Infinity Stone, while the galaxy’s heroes have their back.avengers-bomber-jacket

Iron Man Repulsor Gloves
Power-up your palms in this pair of Iron Man light and sound repulsor gloves, direct from Stark Labs. With multiple play features like missile-firing action, lighted repulsor, and authentic sound effects, you’ll be amply armored for battle.iron-man-repulsor-gloves

Star-Lord Element Blasters
They’ll be in their element like Star-Lord when they’re saving the galaxy while dual-wielding these element blasters from Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War. The blasters feature cool lights, sound effects, and fire darts up to 13 feet.star-lord-blastersCalling All Heroes! The Universe Unites with #HeroActs
Join in on an epic charity campaign: 10% of the sales of Marvel products purchased at a Disney store in the U.S. and shopDisney.com on March 3 and 4, 2018, will be donated to Make-A-Wish®, up to a maximum of $50,000. Stars from Marvel Avengers: Infinity War are assembling for a series of #HeroActs and social media challenges to provide funds and raise awareness for charities that support children and families impacted by serious illness.Won’t you join in?

For more information or to see this entire collection please visit shopDisney.com.

Images and logos are property of shopDisney and used with permission. 

Clement Palo Alto Luxury Hotel Offers All-Inclusive ‘Two To Tango’ Guest Package

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

The Clement Palo Alto All-Inclusive Luxury Hotel is celebrating its second anniversary at the end of March with a very special “Two to Tango” package. With a booked stay at The Clement on FridaySaturday, or Sunday, guests will receive one complimentary guest ($150.00 value), This special offer will be available in March and April, in honor of The Clement’s 2nd anniversary.clement-palo-alto-1The Clement Palo Alto offers a unique, one-of-a-kind 6-star experience in the heart of Silicon Valley with unparalleled personal service. It opened its doors March 2016, offering all-inclusive services and amenities and 23 spacious and richly appointed one-bedroom suites, clement-palo-alto-2This property is know as one of the most innovative, personalized and unique luxury hotels in the country. ans has set a new standard for personalized luxury accommodations in a contemporary residential-style atmosphere.clement-palo-alto-3The Clement Palo Alto takes its impeccable service to another level with an all-inclusive concept, including personalized concierge services, breakfast, lunch and dinner in an on-premise location of the guest’s choice. All wine, beer and cocktails, in-room mini-refrigerator (stocked with the guest’s favorites), and fully-stocked Guest Pantry available around the clock, are just a few of the amenities included in this all-inclusive experience.clement-palo-alto-4clement-palo-alto-5The Clement Palo Alto’s all-inclusive services and amenities include:

  • All-inclusive breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
  • All-inclusive wine, beer and cocktails (charges apply for premium brands)
  • All-inclusive in-room dining
  • All-inclusive mini-bar
  • All-inclusive fully-stocked Guest Pantry available around the clock
  • All-inclusive Business Center
  • All-inclusive valet parking
  • All-inclusive twice-daily housekeeping services
  • All-inclusive overnight shoe shine services
  • All-inclusive high-speed Internet
  • All-inclusive personal concierges
  • All-inclusive gratuities

clement-palo-alto-6The Clement Palo Alto is ideally located across from Stanford University and next to downtown Palo Alto, with its award-winning restaurants, world-class shopping and upscale spas. It is just 45 minutes south of San Francisco and only 30 minutes north of San Jose, not only making it convenient, but easily accessible to the world-famous sights and myriad activities of both cities.clement-palo-alto-7

The Clement Palo Alto Hotel is located at

711 El Camino Real

Palo, Alto, California, 94301

For more information about this property please visit here. To book your special package, please call 650.322.7111 and request the “Two to Tango Package”.

Connect with the Clement Palo Alto Hotel on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Images are property of Clement Palo Alto and used with permission.