Over The Top Mommy

Mountain High Hosts World’s Largest Lesson Day with Guinness Record Event on January 8, 2016

January 4, 2016 / Lifestyle, SoCal Fun

January’s arrival marks the start of Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month at Mountain High and the resort is participating in the World’s Largest Ski and Snowboard Lesson Day set for Friday, January 8 at 10:00 a.m! If you’re a beginner skier or snowboarder, this is especially for you! Attempting to set the World Record for the LARGEST multi-venue ski & snowboard lesson for the Guinness Book of World Records is going to be SNOW much fun! The current record for world’s largest ski lesson (both single and multiple venue) is 594 and 500 for world’s largest snowboard lesson (both single and multiple venue).

Ski and snowboard areas across the U.S. including Mountain High, will host a 10 a.m. beginner lesson for skiing or snowboarding as part of this event. You are invited to come learn to ski or snowboard on this exciting day as multiple winter resorts across the U.S., including Mountain High, will attempt to set industry and Guinness World Records for teaching people how to ski and snowboard. All participants receive an official Certificate Of Completion.

Lesson participants will:

Learn how to properly use equipment
Be introduced to basic skiing and snowboarding skills including safety
Learn about types of terrain
Demonstrate and be evaluated on what they learned during the 90 minute class

*All attendees will receive an official certificate of completion upon finishing the lesson. World’s Largest Ski and Snowboard Lesson Day results will be certified by appropriate Mountain High personnel and sent to industry and Guinness World Records for verification and approval. To register for the World’s Largest Ski and Snowboard Lesson Day at Mountain High and be a part of this fun, record-making event, click here or call 888-754-7878. Event registration ends Thursday, January 7, 2016.

Connect with Mountain High on Facebook and Twitter!

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logo are property of Mountain High.

Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World Book Review

January 3, 2016 / Lifestyle, The Teacher in Me

If you know me, you know I LOVE anything Disney! Anything that’s Disney PRINCESS is even better! When I was asked if I’d like to receive a copy of “Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World Book to review, I answered with a squealing “Yes!” I remember loving pop up books as a kid. There’s just something special about having the pages fold out into something that seems so real. This book cover is beautiful and has so much gold detail that it sparkles in the light. The book, itself, is like a piece of art and I was excited to share it with my daughter. As you flip through each page, you get to experience the intricately designed pop-ups that span through eleven classic films, where you’ll find all of your favorite princesses, as well as some other characters and surprises from stories that Disney fans have enjoyed over the past decades. Each of the 27 pop-up scenes folds out into a transformative scene with brilliant colors and classic Disney renderings. On the bottom corner of each page, there’s also a pull-tab flap that you pull down to read the accompanying text for these classic stories. What a special way to experience interactive reading together as a family! My daughter also enjoys reading it to our kitty! Here’s a video showing some of the stories in this book:

Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World” is a special one-of-a-kind keepsake that my daughter will be able to treasure for a lifetime and pass onto her own children. Paper Engineer Matthew Reinhart, has truly captured the magic inside this book! Right now, Insight Editions is offering a Friends & Family discount of 35% off all Insight Editions titles, including this book, to my loyal readers! Just visit their website here and simply use the code IEFRIENDS at check out. They have also provided me with one copy of “Disney Princess: A Magical Pop-Up World” to give away to one lucky reader. Enter below on the Rafflecopter. Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is not a sponsored post. I was provided with a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% my own. Some images and video are property of Disney and Insight Editions.

NFL Happy Hour Specials at Islands Restaurants + Enter to Win a $25 Gift Card

January 2, 2016 / Food, Let's Eat!, Restaurant Reviews

Have you dined at Islands Restaurants lately? It’s the perfect place to go with the whole family and always has something on the menu for everyone in our group! On a recent rainy day, our family ventured out to our local Islands to grab some lunch. I’m addicted to their Passion Fruit Iced Tea and it’s my “thing” to order some right away along with an order of their Chips & Salsa with Fresh Made Guacamole! I’m kind of a creature of habit, so I usually order their Yaki Tacos. The combination of the grilled chicken, teriyaki sauce, pineapple salsa, jack cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes is the best! They’re usually served with Ranchero Beans but I felt like substituting for some other their famous fries. I love sprinkling some of Islands’ “Secret Seasoning” on them and dipping each one in ranch dressing! My daughter usually orders the Jr. Tiki Tenders from their Gremmie Menu with applesauce and carrots and ranch. As a mom, I’m pleased that Islands also offers healthy choices for their sides.

A slice of their Kona Pie for dessert, which has Mocha almond fudge ice cream & cookie crust topped w/chocolate fudge, whipped cream, roasted almonds & a cherry. didn’t last very long at our table. It was a delicious way to end our lunch! Right now, Islands Restaurants has NFL Happy Hour going on, that offers football fans ice cold beer, tropical drinks and tasty game day fare all season long. Monday and Thursday happy hour deals are extended from 4 p.m. to close in the bar, with specials available all day long on Sundays. Those looking for the full viewing experience can catch all the action with NFL Sunday Ticket and won’t miss a single touchdown or interception with NFL Redzone playing on big screen TVs at every Islands location.
Hungry fans can blitz brand new menu items including the Nalu Nalu Dog – garnished with a roasted garlic aioli and topped with sautéed onion, red and green bell peppers, deli pepper rings and melted Swiss cheese – and the Pipeline Dog covered with chili, onions and American cheese, which will be available in the bar area.
Additional Sunday NFL specials will run all day and night in the bar, and include the following:

Coors Light for $2.99
Featured IPA for $4.59
Bloody Marys for $3.99
Island Nachos for $7.95

Football lovers can stay hydrated and satisfied while cheering on their favorite team with these signature tropical drinks and food specials every game day:

the Mai Tai ($4.39)
the Hand Shaken Strawberry Daiquiri ($5.59)
Hawaiian Sliders ($5.99)
Quesadillas ($3.79)
Cheddar Fries ($4.85)

No matter the score, guests will celebrate Islands NFL Happy Hour with a touchdown victory dance and unique promotions at each store location. The game day experience will vary by location with bartender-call-it discounted drinks, giveaways and games.
For more information, please visit http://www.islandsrestaurants.com.

note: during playoffs, Islands will only be doing specials for NFL playoff games on Saturdays and Sundays, including the Super Bowl.

Now for the exciting part! Islands Restaurants will provide 1 of my lucky readers with a $25 Islands gift card. Enter to win on the Rafflecopter below. Good luck everyone! Happy New Year!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is not a sponsored post. We were invited to lunch at Islands Restaurant in order to write this post. All opinions are 100% my own. Some images property of Islands Restaurants

NEW Zootopia Trailer Featuring Shakira’s New Song “Try Everything”!

January 1, 2016 / Entertainment, Movies

Just as 2015 comes to an end, more exciting footage from Walt Disney Animation Studios has been released for the upcoming film “Zootopia”! This Big Screen adventure is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 55th animated feature and is set to release in theaters on March 4, 2016.

I’m extra excited about this newest trailer because it features the new song “Try Everything“, written by singer-songwriter Sia and songwriting duo Stargate, and performed by Grammy®-winning international superstar Shakira. The single will be available everywhere 1/8. Revered worldwide by herds of fans, Shakira voices Zootopia’s biggest pop star Gazelle who is a socially conscious celebrity with equal parts talent and heart. I LOVE her!

Watch the latest trailer: Here’s a synopsis of ZOOTOPIA:
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”), and produced by Clark Spencer (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “Lilo & Stitch”) opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.
Are you as excited for the release of this film as we are?
Connect with ZOOTOPIA on Facebook and Twitter!

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and footage are property of Walt Disney Studios.

Meet Lea Clark™, American Girl’s 2016 Girl of the Year™!

January 1, 2016 / Lifestyle

She’s here and children all around the world, including my own daughter, are celebrating her arrival today! Meet Lea Clark™, American Girl’s 2016 Girl of the Year™!Lea is a talented photographer with an adventurous spirit. In her story, Lea discovers a wide world of possibilities when she embarks on a faraway adventure to Brazil. The 18” Lea doll has warm hazel eyes, medium skin, and long wavy hair. She’s beautiful!Lea arrives in a colorful dress with braided trim, underwear, and sandals with crisscrossed laces. Also included are her colorful canvas messenger bag, a pretend compass necklace, and the Lea Dives In paperback book by award-winning author, Lisa Yee.
In Lea Dives In:

Lea is ready for adventure on a family trip to Brazil, where her big brother Zac is studying the rainforest. She can’t wait to see the ocean—but quickly realizes she’d rather take photos of it than swim in it. Disappointed in herself, Lea longs to show Zac that she’s as bold and brave as he is. She finds inspiration in a new friend, who encourages her to embrace the excitement and beauty that Brazil offers. But when the fun turns to danger during a hike, Lea must prove to Zac—and herself—that she has what it takes to face adventure head-on.

There are three 2016 Girl of the Year books in all, written by Lisa Yee—Lea Dives In, Lea Leads the Way, and Lea and Camila, which introduce girls to a curious ten-year-old girl with an adventurous spirit. Lea’s collection is only available for one year and includes the beautiful 18-inch Lea™ doll featuring long wavy hair and warm hazel eyes, plus several tropical-inspired outfits, accessories, and toys that reflect her Brazilian travels, including Lea’s Rainforest House includes over 30 pieces!
Also, an all-new, action-adventure film will debut on DVD from Universal Studios Home Entertainment in summer 2016! We love all of the American Girl movies and can’t wait for this one! Giving Back with Lea
It’s so important to teach our children about the importance of giving back. To show girls that, together, they can make a difference in helping protect animals and their habitats, American Girl has created Wild at Art, a year-long fund-raising campaign in support of World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Starting January 1, American Girl is encouraging girls to use their artistic abilities to host an art sale and donate the proceeds to WWF. To launch the campaign, American Girl has made a $50,000 donation to WWF and also invites customers to contribute at American Girl retail stores and americangirl.com. To learn more and register for Wild at Art, plus get animal-themed craft ideas, and be entered into a sweepstakes for the chance to win one of 17 Lea prize packages, visit here.
In addition, from January 1 through December 31, 2016, for every purchase of one of the three plush animals in Lea’s collection—the margay, sea turtle, or sloth—American Girl will donate $1 (up to a maximum of $100,000) to WWF.
Lea™ Born for Adventure Paid App and Online Play:
Girls can join Lea in Brazil for an adventure of a lifetime with this paid app, featuring beautiful graphics, exclusive content, and endless play. The app retails for $1.99 and is available for download here. Girls can also visit the Lea-dedicated site for book excerpts, movie-related content, games and quizzes, wallpaper and e-cards, and much more. Optimized for iOS 7 or later. Compatible with iPad 2 or higher, iPhone 4S or higher, and iPod Touch 5th generation. Lea In-Store Events
American Girl stores will be hosting Lea’s Debut Event on January 1 and continuing throughout the weekend! Girls will get a first look at her full product collection, plus enjoy in-store activities, colorful crafts, giveaways, and a fun photo opportunity. Girls can also take part in free and paid Lea-related events throughout the year. For more details on the in-store events, visit here.

The Lea collection is available through American Girl’s catalogue at americangirl.com, at all American Girl retail locations nationwide, and at American Girl specialty boutiques at select Indigo™ and Chapters™ in Canada and El Palacio de Hierro locations in Mexico City. The Lea books can also be purchased through retail and online booksellers. To learn more about Lea and the Girl of the Year™ line, visit American Girl on Facebook , Twitter, and Instagram. To request an American Girl catalogue, call 1-800-845-0005.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos are property of American Girl.

Hotel Transylvania 2 on Blu-ray 3D™ Combo Pack, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack & DVD Jan. 12

December 31, 2015 / Entertainment, Movies

Sony Pictures Animation’s monster family box-office hit HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2, which grossed more than $430 million in theaters worldwide to date, debuted on Digital HD Dec. 22 and will be available on Blu-ray 3D™ Combo Pack, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD on Jan. 12 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

The Hotel Transylvania sequel reunites ‘Drac’s Pack’ of loveable characters, led by “Vampa” Drac (Adam Sandler, Grown-Ups) as they try to put Mavis (Selena Gomez, Spring Breakers) and Johnny’s (Andy Samberg, TV’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) son Dennis through a “monster-in-training” boot camp to bring out his vampire side. But little do they know that Drac’s grumpy and very old, old, old school dad Vlad (comedy legend Mel Brooks) is about to pay the family a visit to the hotel. And when Vlad finds out that his great-grandson is not a pure blood and humans are now welcome at Hotel Transylvania, it doesn’t take long for things to get batty!

If you missed this hilarious family comedy, watch this trailer:

The Blu-ray combo pack and DVD are full of extras including:

Fifth Harmony’s “I’m in Love With a Monster” music video
a character sketch gallery
an inside look at how the filmmakers and animators created Hotel Transylvania 2
director commentary with Genndy Tartakovsky

Exclusive to the Blu-ray are interactive featurettes on:

how to throw the ultimate monster party and draw your favorite characters from the film
a special Monster Scary-oke – which gives viewers the chance to sing along with Dennisovitch to spooky versions of three classic songs
must-see deleted scenes and much more.

DVD Special Features (also on Blu-ray & Digital*) include:

Fifth Harmony Music Video: “I’m In Love With A Monster”
Character Sketch Gallery
Feature Commentary with Adam Sandler, Robert Smigel and Allen Covert
Feature Commentary with Director Genndy Tartakovsky

Blu-ray & Digital Exclusives* include All DVD Bonus Features Plus…

Sing Along with Monster Scary-Oke!
Deleted Scenes
Make the Scary, Silly Sounds of Hotel Transylvania 2
How to Throw The Ultimate Monster Party
How to Draw Your Favorite Characters
The New Guys: Meet Vlad, Dennis, Kakie and More!

* Digital Extras only available with iTunes Extras and Vudu Extras+

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 has a running time of 89 minutes and is rated PG for some scary images, action and rude humor.

I have the opportunity to give away 2 copies of the Hotel Transylvania 2 DVD to 2 of my lucky readers! Enter for a chance to win in the Rafflecopter below! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Connect with Hotel Transylvania 2 on Facebook and Twitter.

This is not a sponsored post. I received a copy of this DVD in order to facilitate my post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos are property of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

New Disney-Close Anaheim Hotel: Grand Legacy At The Park to Open in Early 2016

December 30, 2015 / California, Travel

I was recently invited to attend a hardhat tour and unveiling event for a new Disney-close Anaheim hotel: the Grand Legacy At The Park hotel. The dramatic expansion of this popular Anaheim hotel which is currently operating as the Ramada Maingate At the Park, is set to be finished by February 2016!

Beginning in Februrary 2016, the Grand Legacy At The Park hotel will become Anaheim’s latest independent hotel. The property, previously under the Ramada brand, has operated as the Ramada Maingate At The Park for the past 17 years. The $10 million development and renovation make this hotel the latest star in Anaheim’s evolving hotel inventory. The Garr family has maintained ownership of this popular lodging location (directly across the street from Disneyland Park®) since 1974, and will remain owners of the newly minted Grand Legacy At The Park hotel.

This latest development includes the following features:

a new four-story hotel wing with luxurious guest rooms
a spacious lobby
six retail outlets featuring a mini mart, tickets and tours store, and pizza eatery.
cozy eating areas
meeting space – The property will offer both indoor and outdoor meeting spaces on the new rooftop area for corporate groups, meetings, special events, and weddings.
a distinctive rooftop bar area (set to open March 2016) – the 5,000 square foot rooftop bar and lounge, which will accommodate about 400 people, and will be open during the day to the public. The massive space will appeal to families, young adults, tourists, and locals alike. This area will transform nightly into a spectacular rooftop bar and lounge featuring music, up close views of Disneyland’s unforgettable firework show and Anaheim’s skyline. This one-of-a-kind gathering place is destined to become one of SoCal’s hot spots.

Additionally, the existing hotel has undergone major renovations during the past three years substantially enhancing its guest rooms and pool area. The unique features of the hotel’s growth includes the addition of family suites.

We’ve been in Anaheim since 1974 and I’m very proud of my family’s hotel legacy here. I’ve grown up in Anaheim’s close-knit hospitality industry and look forward to this next step in our growth. We will continue to honor our family’s heritage built on hospitality and now offer our guests more reasons to enjoy our new hotel with enhanced guest rooms, amenities and public spaces. We welcome Anaheim’s visitors and our community to experience the area’s latest independent hotel with a new view, the Grand Legacy At The Park. – Brandon Garr, Grand Legacy At The Park hotel owner.

The Grand Legacy At The Park will offer complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi with a new guest loyalty program.

For more information, visit the Grand Legacy At The Park on Facebook and Twitter.

This is not a sponsored post. I was invited to a media tour of this property in order to share this information. All opinions are 100% my own. Some images and logos are property of the Grand Legacy At The Park.

Attend The Ultimate Star Wars New Year’s Eve Event in Hollywood!

December 29, 2015 / Disney, Los Angeles, SoCal Fun

Are you looking for something fun to do on New Year’s Eve this year? MouseMingle.com is throwing an ultimate Star Wars New Year’s Eve event in Hollywood and you’re invited! The event will be hosted along with the El Capitan Theatre and Madame Tussauds Hollywood for Disney fans and Disney-loving singles. This “movie and mixer” is sure to be a blast and will feature the fun of a VIP screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as well as a countdown, food, drinks, dancing and more!
Star Wars at the World Famous El Capitan Theatre Beginning at 8:30 p.m., attendees will arrive at the legendary El Capitan Theatre. Once inside, the party kicks off with a VIP movie experience that includes:

reserved seating for Star Wars:The Force Awakens
an all-new Star Wars Laser Lightsaber Curtain Show
souvenir tub of popcorn
soft drink.

Attendees will also be able to view exclusive props and costumes from the making of the movie.

After-party New Year’s Countdown
The fun doesn’t stop after the movie’s over. You’ll head across the street to Madame Tussauds to dance the night away with a silent disco dance party atop the museum’s breathtaking roof-top deck overlooking historic Hollywood Boulevard. Rooftop Silent Disco Dance Party, hosted by HUSH concerts

In addition, you’ll enjoy two free drinks per person* (must be 21 and over and able to show valid Photo ID to be served alcohol), appetizer and dessert buffets, themed photo opportunities, private viewing of Madame Tussauds Museum and a countdown at midnight cap off the fun! Also in attendance will be everyone’s favorite Disney Legend, Bob Gurr.

Tickets now available
Tickets for this MouseMeet are $100 per person for the general public – but, create a MouseMingle.com profile and you’ll get $25 off the ticket price! MouseMingle.com members can purchase tickets for $75 each by calling 800-DISNEY6 with your MouseMingle.com email address.

This won’t be just another New Year’s Eve party; it will be the way to ring in 2016 for Star Wars and Disney fans looking to meet others with their shared passions. Although this event is hosted by MouseMingle, the most talked about dating site for Disney fans of 2015, it is not just for singles and will be a great night out for couples, as well. For more information about the event, click here. Connect with MouseMingle on Facebook and Twitter!

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logo property of MouseMingle and Disney.

{Giveaway} Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates: The Great Never Sea Conquest Available on Disney DVD January 12!

December 26, 2015 / Entertainment, Movies

Join the Newly Promoted Captain Jake and His New “Never Land League of Pirate Captains” as They Battle the Evil Lord Fathom! “Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates:
The Great Never Sea Conquest will be available to own on Disney DVD January 12th!

Here’s a synopsis:

Join newly promoted Captain Jake as he unites Never Land’s all-time greatest pirates! When evil mer-witch Ezmeralda tries to take over the Never Sea by awakening the Strake, a legendary three-headed sea serpent, Jake and his crew try to intervene but encounter Lord Fathom and his sidekick Sinker. Jake forms a team of “Never Land League of Pirate Captains” to battle them all and in the process, outfitted with a magical new sword and a powerful new ship, (the Mighty Colossus), he becomes a Captain himself. Loaded with excitement, additional adventures and a powerful message about believing in yourself, this high-stakes, high-seas adventure is oceans of swashbuckling fun for everyone!

The Great Never Sea Conquest DVD includes these 6 additional episodes of the hit Disney Junior series: