The latest location of The Pizza Press recently opened in Rancho Santa Margarita and as soon as I saw the sign, I was excited to try it. I’d heard great things about this eatery, as they’d already opened 8 other locations in Southern California and have several more on the way.
The Pizza Press offers a variety of delicious new creations and old classics. Guests also have the choice to create their very own pizza, which is prepared right in front of you, using the day’s freshest ingredients! The Pizza Press is revolutionizing America’s favorite food.the chance to “publish” their pizza to their liking.
Guests at The Pizza Press get to start building their custom pizza with “a blank slate”, a.k.a. their dough. They then get to select their choice of sauce, then cheese, and finally the toppings from the day’s freshest ingredients. 
Once this is all done, their pizza is “published” as it goes into the 475 degree pizza oven for about 4 minutes. What comes out is a delicious pie!
The Pizza Press also offers fresh salads. You can start with greens and add your choice of toppings to customize your salad. Caesar and Bow Tie Pasta salads available.
We opted to add some Garlic Cheesy Bread to our meal which is made with extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, mozzarella, aged parmesan, Italian herbs and comes with a side of red sauce. Yum!
The theme and decor inside The Pizza Press is modern twist on the Roaring Twenties, complete with quirky newspapers from yesteryear. It’s such a fun atmosphere and the food is outstanding. You’ll want to visit Pizza Press soon so you can “publish” your own meal!
To learn more about The Pizza Press and see their full menu, go here.
You’re Invited to the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival 3/10-4/16
The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will jumpstart Spring with hundreds of culinary experiences and delicious flavors from across the Golden State beginning March 10. (through April 16) . Guests will want to visit on multiple days to take advantage of all the tantalizing food and beverage offerings during the Festival, which runs March 10- April 16, 2017, at Disney California Adventure Park.
With celebrity chefs, winemaker dinners, beer tasting seminars and irresistible cuisine, this year’s Food & Wine Festival is going to be better than ever, with experiences for guests of all ages! There’ll be more than a dozen marketplaces open every day for guests to enjoy, as well as an entire menu of daily culinary demonstrations and tastings, including beer, wine and spirits seminars (for those 21 of years and older.)
The festival will feature music everywhere, delicious food, and fun crafts created specifically with younger guests in mind. The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will have experiences for the entire family to enjoy. More than a dozen Festival Marketplaces will offer delectable fare, an ideal complement to the Festival-inspired menus at the theme park’s restaurants and eateries.
Dozens of food and beverage professionals will share their expertise during the Festival. Each day during the festival, guests will be invited to learn cooking techniques from master chefs, participate in wine,beer and spirit seminars, and discover some of the best California cuisine in dishes served throughout Disney California Adventure. Celebrity chefs scheduled to appear during the Festival include:
- Guy Fieri
- Robert Irvine
- Cat Cora
- Duff Goldman
- Emily Ellyn
- Keegan Gerhard
In addition to culinary demonstrations and seminars, guests will enjoy an exciting musical program with eclectic bands that add an authentic “California vibe” to the Festival. Children ages 3 to 11 may join in the fun with the popular, complimentary Junior Chef experience (led by Chef Goofy (available on a first-come, first-seated basis), and the Jammin’ Chefs, who serve up tasty rhythms with pots and pans that really get cooking with the help of sous chefs Chip ‘n Dale. 
Many of the Festival events are included with admission to Disney California Adventure. Guests who want to add the Signature Events may purchase separate tickets at an additional fee for the following events:
- “In the Kitchen with …” – Each Celebrity Chef will lead a 60-minute culinary
demonstration and Q&A followed by an autograph session. The experience includes a tasting of some of the prepared dishes. (offered on Saturdays from 6 to 7 p.m.) - Sweet Sundays – A 90-minute culinary demonstration focuses on the sweet side of the culinary arts. Following a light breakfast and a sparkling toast, the Guest Chef for that day will demonstrate up to three recipes. Guests will enjoy samples from the chefs. (offered on select Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to noon.)
- Winemaker Dinners and Brewmaster Dinners – A four-course dinner features wines and winemakers or beers and brewmasters. Wine or beer selections will be paired with courses created by the Disney Executive Chef Team and each winemaker or brewmaster will speak on the libation and the pairing. (offered on Thursdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.)
Additional ticketed programs include:
- Culinary Demonstrations (presented daily throughout the Festival) – Guests will enjoy 30-minute culinary demonstrations presented by local, visiting and Disney chefs. Each demo will focus on a single recipe, ingredient or cooking style. Guests will receive a tasting sample of the dish prepared.
- Wine, Beer or Spirits Education and Tasting Seminars (presented daily throughout the Festival) – Beverage seminars presented by industry experts will enlighten guests who want to learn more about their favorite spirits. Each 30- to 45-minute seminar will focus on a specific beverage type, region or label, and guests will enjoy tasting samples of some of the beverages discussed.
Beginning March 10 through April 1, guests may make reservations for Signature and other ticketed events by visiting Disneyland.com/foodandwine. Reservations for events later in the month of April can be made beginning 60 days prior to the date of the individual event.
For more information about the Disney California Adventure the Disney California Food & Wine Festival, visit http://www.Disneyland.com.
Please note: Separate admission to Disney California Adventure Park is required and is not included with the cost of signature events. Space is limited for all ticketed events; advance reservations are recommended. Full payment may be due at time of booking, and cancellation fees may apply. No refunds, credit or date or time changes. Guests must be 21 years of age or over to consume alcohol; valid photo ID required. Events and demonstrations are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
8 Fun Facts About the Main Street Electrical Parade + Dining Packages with Reserved Parade Viewing
If you haven’t already heard the news, Main Street Electrical Parade has returned “home” to Disneyland after a 20 year hiatus. There’s nothing quite like taking in a performance of this oh-so-nostalgic parade in the place where it all started…Disneyland! The encore presentation of the parade at Disneyland is only for a limited time though and will run through Sunday, June 18.
I had the honor of attending the premiere night of the parade and just sitting there on the curb, watching all of the twinkling, lighted floats go by, really brought out the little kid in me . There’s just something about the sound of the synthesized “Baroque Hoedown” played throughout Main Street, U.S.A. that will bring happy tears to your eyes, especially if you remember it from way back when! By the looks of the crowd lined up to watch it on the night I was there, it must hold special meaning for a ton of others as well!
Here are 8 fun facts about the Main Street Electrical Parade:
- The Main Street Electrical Parade premiered in Disneyland back in 1972 and had its last performance in the park in November 1996. During its original, almost 25 year run, this parade was performed more than 3,600 times for more than 75 million guests. Although it did make a return appearance to Disneyland Resort inside Disney California Adventure Park from 2001 to 2010, it was a slightly different version.
- The original opening float of the Main Street Electrical Parade float was the whimsical train that pulls a giant drum. You’ll get all the feels when you see it roll down Main Street, U.S.A. again and lighting up to read, “Disneyland Presents…Main Street Electrical Parade” in bright lights!
- During the parade, guests can see some of their favorite Disney characters as their classic stories come to life along the parade route including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Cinderella, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell, Snow White, Pinocchio, and Alice in Wonderland.
- The parade floats in this dazzling and colorful after-dark parade are covered with approximately half a million twinkling lights!
- The Cinderella’s Ball” section of the parade is attended by elegant ballroom dancers who wear costumes covered in lights. The Clock Tower looming over Cinderella’s Ball is 18 1/2 feet tall. When you’re sitting along the curb on Main Street, U.S.A., watching the parade and you look up at it, it seems even taller than that, too!
- The iconic “Elliot” float, which is the smoke-breathing dragon, also wags his tails. He weighs more than 5,600 pounds and stands 16 feet tall, 10 feet wide, and 38 feet long. The float also magically disappears from time to time throughout the parade. It’s just like the movie!
- The popularity of the original Main Street Electrical Parade led to the creation of Electrical Parades at Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Walt Disney World Resort.
- The finale of Main Street Electrical Parade includes a 118-foot-long unit which is a red, white, and blue, patriotic tribute to America.
Did you know there are Main Street Electrical Parade Dining packages made available to park guests? The packages include a 3-course prix fixe meal (starter, entrée and dessert) at the Blue Bayou Restaurant, which is an epic experience in itself, plus include admission into a reserved viewing area to watch a designated performance of the Main Street Electrical Parade.You get to experience to amazing offerings at Disneyland Park in one day! Reservations for these dining packages can be made online or by phone up to 60 days in advance.. For more information or to reserve yours, go here.
Have you had the opportunity to watch the Main Street Electrical Parade yet? If not, be sure to plan your visit before June 18!
Disneyland Resort to Welcome “Summer of Heroes” May 27- Sept. 10
The Summer of 2017 is going to be one adventurous, exciting and heroic summer at Disney California Adventure Park! There are some exciting features coming to the Park as part of the “Summer of Heroes”, which will run from May 27 though September 10.
First of all, guests will (finally) encounter the thrilling Guardians of the Galaxy–Mission: BREAKOUT!, which I’ve been so excited about since its announcement! This new adventure blasts guests straight into the “Guardians of the Galaxy” story for the first time, alongside characters from the blockbuster films and comics. 
As guests join Rocket in his attempt to bust his pals out of the Collector’s Fortress, they’ll experience randomized ride experiences complete with all-new visual and audio effects and music inspired by the popular film soundtracks. We cannot wait!
Guests at will also be able to answer the call to join legendary Super Heroes in all-new experiences for Summer of Heroes, which will inaugurate an ever-expanding universe of Super Hero stories at Disney California Adventure.
Over in Hollywood Land inside Disney California Adventure Park, guests will be able to join some of their favorite Super Heroes for all-new, epic, limited time experiences including:
- Avengers Training Initiative – Black Widow and Hawkeye assemble young recruits for a series of tests to see if they have what it takes to join the ranks of the Avengers.
- Heroic Encounter: Black Widow – Black Widow will arrive on the scene several times throughout the day in an armored Avengers vehicle for her heroic encounter with park guests.
- Grab a Piece (or Bite) of the Action – Special themed merchandise and food will be available throughout Hollywood Land.
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off! – Star-Lord will fire up his old-school boom box to get a party started. Everyone is bound to get in the groove and show off their moves during this awesome rock ‘n’ roll bash!
- Super Hero Encounters – For the first time, citizens of Earth will come face-to-face with tree-of-few-words Groot, one of the Guardians of the Galaxy! They may also encounter the First Avenger, Captain America, and everyone’s favorite web slinger, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
This summer will also bring more excitement at Disneyland Park with the return of the Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America attractions, including the return of “Fantasmic!” nighttime spectacular. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for the return dates of these classic attractions will be announced soon.
If you haven’t had a chance to catch a performance of the Main Street Electrical Parade inside Disneyland, you’ll want to make sure you do before the end of its limited-time run on Sunday, June 18. It’s absolutely wonderful and so very nostalgic. 
For more information about all of the exciting things going on at Disneyland Resort, please visit their site here.
ROCK DOG in Theaters 2/24 + Enter to Win
ROCK DOG, the new Lionsgate animated film, follows Bodi the Tibetan Mastiff living on Snow Mountain as he journeys through a dream in a new city. He leaves his Tibetan village to pursue his dream of becoming a rock ‘n’ roll star. 
The all-star cast includes Lewis Black and Luke Wilson. ROCK DOG hits theaters February 24 and is sure to be a family favorite!
Check out the official trailer:
You can also enter to win my giveaway for a Rock Dog prize package which includes: a tambourine, kid’s beanie, temporary tattoos, and two (2) screening passes to see the film when it’s in theaters. To enter, leave a comment below telling me why you’re excited to see Rock Dog. I will close comments on 2/20/17 at 11:59 p.m. and choose one (1) winner via Random Number Generator. Winner will be emailed and mailed the package.
For more movie info, visit the official ROCK DOG site here. Follow Rock Dog on Facebook, and Twitter.
My Perfect Day Out at Burke Williams Spa + Enter to Win
When’s the last time you did something for yourself? I’m not talking about stopping for a latte or taking a power nap. I’m talking about actually scheduling yourself for some real pampering time? A facial, a massage, a mani/pedi perhaps? Well, I rarely do things like that for myself. I have a confession: It’s been so long for me, that I can’t remember the last time I did any of those things.
I was invited to spend a relaxing afternoon at Burke Williams Spa in Mission Viejo. From the moment I opened the front door, I felt hypnotized by the aromatherapy scents inside. It’s like a dream when you check in and are led back to the women’s spa. Guests are assigned a secure locker where they can store their personal belongings. Inside the locker you’ll find a super soft, comfy robe to borrow and some spa slippers to use. I didn’t hesitate to change into my bathing suit to take advantage of all the spa area has to offer, before my treatment appointment time. 
Inside of the women’s spa, complimentary amenities include a whirlpool, steam room, sauna, showers and fully appointed vanity area. After I spent some time enjoying the whirlpool and steam room, I relaxed in the beautiful lounge area. I loved sitting there and enjoying some fruit-infused iced water while I read magazines. When it was my appointment time, I was greeted by my masseuse and led back to the treatment room for a 50 minute Pure Relaxation Massage. It was so wonderful and I felt like all my worries melted away. (Per spa policies, I don’t have any photos of my own from inside the spa, as cell phone use isn’t allowed in this area) I felt like all of my worries melted away!
What I realized afterward my visit to Burke Williams Spa was that I need to do it more often! Did you know that you can also purchase a “Day Pass” for spa use without a booked service? It’s available for a $45 entrance fee, Monday through Thursday (excluding holidays) and reservations are required. which entitles you to visit and utilize all of the spa amenities when you aren’t visiting for a treatment. Reservations are required for spa use without service.
You can also enter my giveaway to win a 3-Day Spa Pass to Burke Williams by leaving a comment below telling me what the last nice thing you did for YOU was! The 3-Day Spa Pass is pass good for three complimentary visits to the spa nearest you to indulge in the whirlpool, sauna, steam room, cool misting room and vanity area, and it’s also good for 20% off services booked the same day. I will close the giveaway at 11:59 p.m. on 2/27/17 and draw a winner using Random Number Generator. Winner’s will be contacted via email.
About Burke Williams
Burke Williams created the original urban day spa in 1984, elevating the spa experience to a new art form. Drawing inspiration from world-class European day spas, we combine the finest traditions with nourishing innovations to transport you from the stress of every day life. Our dedicated, professional therapists will treat you to the ultimate in relaxation and renewal. We are a sanctuary, a place of wellness and beauty, inspiration and optimism.
To find a Burke Williams Spa nearest you, visit their site here. Connect with Burke Williams Spa on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
LEGOLAND® California Resort to Kick Off LEGO® Batman™ Movie Days with Human Bat-Signal on 2/17 + Chance for Free Park Tickets
Calling All Caped Crusaders! LEGOLAND® California Resort is inviting children and parents out on February 17 to help bring to life the famous bat-signal used to call the dark knight of Gotham City, Batman!
The human bat-signal will officially kickoff the Family Theme Park’s The LEGO® Batman Movie Days, February 18-19 and 25-26. Guests will get to meet the LEGO super hero during this celebration of the Warner Bros. Pictures’ feature film, which also includes photo opportunities with the scene-stealing star, a themed scavenger hunt and LEGO Batman-inspired LEGO build activities.
The first 500 people to attend the bat-signal event will receive a ticket to LEGOLAND California Resort. Attendees will also have a chance to win LEGO Batman product through LEGO Batman Movie trivia. The LEGO Batman Movie Days activities are included in the price of admission to LEGOLAND California Resort.
Participant registration will begin on February 17, 2017 at 7 a.m. at the Park entrance. The First 500 guests (3 and older) will receive a ticket to LEGOLAND California Resort! At 8 a.m. Human Bat-signal will be displayed in ticket Plaza at Park Entrance. All participants will have chance to win LEGO Batman product through LEGO Batman Movie Trivia.
During The LEGO® Batman Movie Days at LEGOLAND, you’ll find the following activities:
- LEGO® Batman Character Meet & Greets*
- Life Size LEGO® Character Build
- Build & Test Your Own Batmobile
- Mystery Mosaic LEGO® Build*
- Miniland Scavenger Hunt* – The Villians have escaped!
- WB Family GameSpace featuring LEGO Batman Games* – Play all your favorite action-adventure packed LEGO Batman video games with these amazing superheroes.
*Event times, length of activities and dates are subject to change without notice. While supplies last.
For more information about The LEGO® Batman Movie Days at LEGOLAND or to purchase tickets, go here.
Raising a Child With a Healthy Mind, Body & Spirit
As a parent, it’s my main priority (and responsibility) to raise a daughter who is well-rounded. I want my daughter to grow up having a healthy mind, body and spirit. Sometimes it’s easier said than done though. Parenting is definitely a lot of work, requires constant effort, and can often times be very challenging. I’m going to share some of the things I’m doing as a parent to raise a happy and healthy child.
One way I encourage my daughter to lead a healthy lifestyle is by modeling it for her. There are also some things our family does to stay active together and have fun doing so. We enjoy going on family walks together. We also love to enjoy other outdoor activities such as a hike in the foothills or a jog along the beach. Being active together a perfect opportunity to bond as a family.
We also allow my daughter to make choices of physical activities that she enjoys doing to maintain that active lifestyle. She is pretty athletic and has participated in a variety of activities ranging from dance & cheer to swimming & martial arts.
It’s also very important to teach children about the importance of making healthy food choices, whether they are eating at home with you or our somewhere on their own. Our family spends time together on Sundays doing meal planning and grocery shopping for the upcoming week. 
Since our work, school, homework, and extra-curricular activity schedule are somewhat busy ones, we try our best to prepare meals together in the kitchen about 4 times a week. Dinnertime is when we share about our day and talk about anything else we’re excited about.
It’s also important to teach your children to give back to the community. I believe that giving back is one of the most important things you can do for others. Also, by doing so, you are modeling the importance of thinking about others’ needs and serving others for your child(ren). We seek out different ways to give back including volunteering with the homeless and bringing necessary supplies to the animal shelter.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America has a great resource for families trying to live an overall healthy lifestyle called Triple Play. The program is the leading comprehensive health and wellness program and serves young people at Boys & Girls Clubs. Triple Play gives kids the tools and awareness necessary to put them on the path to a great future. This is exactly what we want for our children.
As part of this program, parents can download The Triple Play Parents Game Plan. It offers a holistic approach with three key areas of focus:
- Mind: Develops a knowledge base for young people to acquire healthy habits, such as making smart food choices, understanding appropriate portion sizes and creating fun and balanced meals.
- Body: Promotes young people becoming more physically active through fun daily fitness, including activities to get kids active and moving.
- Soul: Strengthens interpersonal skills, positive behavior and good character through social recreation programs and activities.
At the start of the new year, Boys & Girls Clubs of American established a key mantra, “I Feel Better When..”. As many people recommit to improving their health and wellness practices at the start of a new year, the BGCA is committed to implementing this phrase, which can lead to how small, daily behavioral changes can have a long-term, lasting impact. Triple Play is focused on healthy lifestyle changes at a young age.
In our own family, we do a few different things to promote a healthy lifestyle. I feel better when…we model an active lifestyle, make healthy food choices, and give back. What about you and your family? What can you do to support this mantra?
National support from the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation and Coca-Cola make it possible for Boys & Girls Clubs around the country to operate Triple Play.
For more information about wonderful programs like this one, visit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Triple Play Website here. Connect with Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and Twitter, too.
Celebrate International Frozen Yogurt Day on 2/6 With Free Froyo at Yogurtland
Calling all froyo lovers! Come join the global celebration of International Frozen Yogurt Day at Yogurtland on Monday, February 6, 2017! Yogurtland lovers are invited to visit their favorite location and enjoy free frozen yogurt and toppings, in limited time only cup, from 4pm – 7pm at all participating locations in the United States, Australia, Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, and Venezuela. 
Each guest will also receive a limited edition Hershey’s® collectible spoon for joining Yogurtland in its tasty mission to celebrate peace, love and frozen yogurt.
To help sweeten a delicious day, Yogurtland will feature a new Peanut Butter Cup frozen yogurt flavor made with Reese’s® and Hershey’s® ingredients, and the popular Chocolate Milkshake made with Hershey® flavor, also made with real, creamy California Milk. These two chocolatey flavors will continue to be served at Yogurtland locations throughout the month of February.
Be sure to stop by one of Yogurtland’s 320 locations across the U.S., Australia, Dubai, Singapore, Thailand and Venezuela on International Frozen Yogurt Day for your own cup of FREE Froyo! For more information, visit http://www.yogurt-land.com.