Over The Top Mommy

Save $10 on Mountain High Lift Tickets Through December 18 During Holiday Toy and Food Drive

December 12, 2015 / Uncategorized

Mountain High, in association with The Society of Saint Vincent De Paul, is hosting its annual holiday toy and food drive to support Southern California families in need. From December 12 through December 18, any guest who brings an unwrapped new toy or three non-perishable food items to Mountain High will receive $10 off one adult, 8-hour lift ticket rate or $5 off one adult night ticket rate.

Mountain High season pass holders who make a donation will also receive a food voucher from the Big Pines Lodge. Ticket(s) must be purchased at the time of donation. This promotion may not be used in conjunction with any other discount or offer. Donation(s) may not be redeemed for cash.

The Society of Saint Vincent De Paul helps to alleviate suffering for families and individuals in need regardless of religion, race, age, gender or orientation. More than 10,000 people were served by the group in its most recent fiscal year. The Catholic organization operates solely on donations of food, clothing and money from its parishioners, community members and local businesses.

Blessed Junipero Serra in Phelan, Calif. and Our Lady of the Snows in Wrightwood serve the tri-community area of Wrightwood, Phelan and Pinion Hills, Calif. Locally, both parishes operate a food pantry on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month that is open to anyone in need. Help also comes in the way of financial assistance with propane and other household utilities as funds permit.

If you’re interested in donating to Mountain High’s holiday food and toy drive, please visit the resort during regular operating hours or call 888-754-7878.

Connect with Mountain High on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

2015 Holiday Snow Days + Winter Nights at LEGOLAND California Through January 3

December 10, 2015 / Family Fun, LEGOLAND, Lifestyle, San Diego

One of the advantages to living in Southern California is the getting to celebrate the holidays at LEGOLAND® California while getting a tan! Their annual winter celebration, Holiday Snow Days + Winter Nights is so much fun and having snow to play in while visiting the Park makes the day even “cooler”! Now through Jan.3, 2016, LEGOLAND® guests can enjoy seasonal treats and food offerings, holiday entertainment, festive decor, and family fun snow play activities. The Holiday Snow Days + Winter Nights activities are included in the price of your regular admission ticket! This year’s event promises more snow play areas than ever before, too. In addition to snow play, our LEGO^® Christmas Tree, and holiday treats.. Guests can also enjoy Holiday Fireworks at 7pm on December 26-30th nightly fireworks from Dec. 26 through Dec. 31, 2015. As you enter the Park’s Fun Town area, you’ll see that it’s been transformed into a winter wonderland with beautiful decor throughout, as well as giant LEGO^® Christmas Tree in the center of it all. The LEGO Christmas tree stands more than 30-feet-tall, is made of more than 245,000 forest green DUPLO bricks and is adorned with more than 400 LEGO ornaments including special movie clapper ornaments in honor of “The LEGO® Movie 4D A New Adventure” premiering Feb. 6 at LEGOLAND California, The tree is surrounded by packages and LEGO characters the whole family can enjoy. Next to the tree you’ll find a life-sized LEGO Brick Santa and reindeer. You can take a photo with Santa and find many other fun holiday photo opportunities all around. Fun Town is also where you’ll find two snow play areas piled high with real snow! In the snowy play areas, families can:

throw snowballs at LEGO® themed targets

build snowmen using LEGO accessories
have fun sledding down a slope.

Important: For your own safety, closed toe shoes are required to enter the snow play area. I recommend wearing tennis shoes or boots with good traction on the bottom. Guests are also invited to join in the Holiday Village Build at the LEGO Clubhouse in Fun Town. It’s sometimes fun to take a break, go inside, and have some “down time” while building with LEGO bricks! This year’s live holiday entertainment schedule is packed with holiday fun that’s bound to get you in the holiday spirit. You’ll want to check out:

performances by Jingle Jammers
a Holiday Character Dance Party featuring the LEGOLAND elves, Jingle Joe and Tinsel Toe
a holiday show from the LEGO Friends

*Be sure to check the days and times for these first thing in the morning, so you can be sure to fit them all into your day! SEA LIFE® Aquarium is getting in on the fun with a holiday-themed Daily Dive Show, crafting events and “green” holiday tips. Visit both places for some holiday fun with a Park Hopper ticket!

LEGOLAND California Resort has extended Park hours for the winter holidays on the following dates: Nov. 27 and 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19 – 23 and 26 – 31. LEGOLAND California Resort is also offering a gift for holiday guests. Receive a FREE ticket to return when you visit LEGOLAND between December 26 – January 3, 2016. Present any paid admission ticket at the Our Gift To You kiosk inside the Park, and receive a ticket to return to LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Aquarium between January 4 – February 29, 2016.*
* You must request your free return ticket on the day of your paid visit. Free tickets valid only between January 4 – February 29, 2016. Additional restrictions may apply. For more Holiday Snow Days information about Holiday Snow Days, click here or call (760) 918-LEGO (5346).

Disclosure: We were invited to a Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights media day. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own

Celebrate the Magical Holiday Season at the Disneyland Resort!

December 9, 2015 / Disney, SoCal Fun

If you haven’t visited the Disneyland Resort during the holiday season yet, it’s something I highly recommend because it’s even more magical than ever and there is so much happening this time of year. A visit to the Disneyland Resort during the holiday season, especially during Disney’s Diamond Celebration, will make you feel like a kid in a candy store. You’re bound to make a ton of new family memories together on your visit, which you’ll cherish forever!I’m excited to share a few of my personal favorites and must-dos with you, in hopes that it will help make the most of your day at “The Merriest Place on Earth“! There’s actually a ton to see and do and if possible, I suggest a 2-day visit at minimum so you can fit it all in.

Take a Family Tree Photo

Whether you choose to visit Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park first, prepare to be in constant awe….not only by the glamorous decorations adorning both of the parks, but also the larger-than-life Christmas tree that stands in each one. There’s also a tree standing tall in Downtown Disney and inside each of the hotels. A Disney Christmas Tree is the perfect holiday backdrop for photos and you’ll find the friendly Disney PhotoPass Photographers standing by to snap your pictures, using their professional equipment. PhotoPass pictures are easily accessed online afterwards and available for purchase.

*Tip: Take advantage of Disney PhotoPass services available in both parks. The high quality photographs would look beautiful on your holiday cards and in your family’s memory album.
Check out the Festive Attractions

During the holiday season, a few attractions get extra special holiday makeovers and are all dressed up for the holidays. You’ll definitely want to make it onto all of these out during your trip to the parks.

Haunted Mansion Holiday – the Haunted Mansion is transformed during the holidays with jack o’ lanterns and wreaths, terrifying toys and kooky characters from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
“it’s a small world” Holiday – Take an enchanting cruise around the world and experience how the holidays are celebrated internationally! Both the inside and outside of this attraction are adorned with some of the most beautiful decorations you’ll see and there are colorful twinkle lights around! Be prepared to sing along in all of the different languages.
Jingle Cruise – Take an extra jolly cruise through the jungle with The Jungle Cruise skippers and see how they, along with the native tribes, celebrate this time of year.

*Tip: Try grabbing your first Fast Pass for one of these popular festive attractions, first thing in the day.

Indulge in some extra special holiday treats During the holiday season at Disneyland Resort, you’ll find some extra special treats in both parks. I can never get enough popcorn or Mickey pretzels, but this time of year, there are also many other treats to sample during holiday time. Mickey apples are a popular choice as are chocolate and peppermint-covered Tigger Tails. Why not try a few different treats? They’re even perfect for sharing.

*Tip: If you have someone in your party with special dietary needs, be sure to stop by City Hall and request a list of eateries that offer choices for special dietary needs.

Holiday Entertainment Schedule

Disneyland Resort has an extensive year-round schedule of entertainment which includes some special holiday additions to the schedule that you won’t want to miss.

“A Christmas Fantasy” parade (Disneyland Park) – Guests can catch Mickey, Minnie, and an entire parade of all their favorite Disney characters, dancing and singing and celebrating the season, from the top of Main Street, U.S.A. to ‘It’s a Small World”. Don’t forget to wave to Santa and tell him what you’re wishing for this year.
Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party (Disney California Adventure Park) – This vibrant street celebration will give you a taste of some Latino holiday traditions and features festive music, dancing, and storytelling. Donald and his friends Panchito and Jose sing and dance up on their float while Folklorico dancers, mariachi and samba musicians and get the party going on the street. There are also 12-feet tall mojiganga puppets, including 2 of Santa and Mrs. Claus that join in the celebration too! Be prepared to sing and dance along as you join in on some of the Latino holiday celebrations of la Navidad!
Disneyland Forever Fireworks (Disneyland Park) – Fireworks are a favorite of park guests of all ages. There are several great viewing spots throughout Disneyland Park but the fireworks can actually be seen across the Resort.

*Tip: Plan out which entertainment you’d like to fit into your day’s schedule right when you arrive at the Resort. There are sometimes advanced dining and dessert packages available for some features. Stop by Guest Services to obtain more information.

Get Festive with Holiday Merchandise

Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs to commemorate your trip or need to grab some holiday gifts to put under the tree, there’s so much festive holiday merchandise available throughout the parks. Some of the most popular items this year include:

Character Plush – You’ll find plush characters of all sizes, wearing their special holiday attire. It’s often difficult to choose just one, which is why we end up purchasing several.
Holiday Balloons – A Disney holiday balloon is guaranteed to bring a smile to any child’s face.
Holiday “Ears” and hats – There are special holiday hats and festive pairs of EARS to purchase in shops and carts throughout the Resort.
Holiday Glow Necklaces – These are so much fun to wear, especially at night!

Keep Your Eye Out For Santa!

There are multiple opportunities at the Resort to see Santa. He’s easy to spot in “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade. You can also find him in the parks to take photos with. It’s hard to think about the holidays without thinking about “The Big Guy”, isn’t it?

Consider Purchasing a Disney Annual Pass for Yourself or Someone Else

One of the most Magical gifts anyone could receive is a Disney Annual Passport. Visits to the parks, discounts on food and merchandise and other benefits are just some of the reasons to purchase one. During your visit to the Resort, you’ll have the opportunity to apply the cost of your Park ticket towards the purchase of an Annual Passport. Click here for more information about Disney Annual Passports. Have YOU had the opportunity to visit Disneyland Resort during the holidays? If so, what’s your favorite thing to see or do? Leave a comment below and share with me! Happy Holidays!

Disclosure: My family and I were invited to Holiday Family Media day at Disneyland Resort and were provided with park tickets. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Easy To Make Star Wars™ Mini Donuts

December 8, 2015 / Food, Recipes

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #AwakenYourTastebuds #CollectiveBias

Easy-to-make-Star-Wars-Mini-Donuts-Cover

I don’t think there’s a dad out there who isn’t excited for the Star Wars: The Force Awakens to hit theaters on December 17th! I know my own husband and daughter can’t wait. I love that they spend time talking about their mutual enthusiasm for Star Wars™ and that it isn’t a gender specific topic. The trilogy was a big part of my own childhood and it’s very exciting that my daughter’s generation will also have the thrill of Star Wars™ as it continues.

The other day, when I was grocery shopping at Walmart, I spotted Star Wars™Cereal on the cereal aisle! I also found the coordinating Star Wars™ Go-Gurt in the dairy section! I tossed both items into my basket and headed home to make a batch of special Star Wars™ mini donuts for my husband and my daughter to enjoy with their breakfast. How fun is that?

My daughter loves to sort out her cereals when they contain more than one kind of cereal in the box. In this case, she likes to separate the “regular cereal” from the little marshmallows. I’ll admit, I immediately reached into the box and ate a few of the marshmallows, myself. They are so yummy I decided to use some of the little marshmallows as toppers on my mini donuts for this recipe. It’s hard to resist a donut, especially when it has marshmallows on top!

I was really excited about how my mini donuts turned out. I hope my husband and daughter have a fun little Star Wars™breakfast together!

For the donut batter:

2 cups packaged cookie mix, dry
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon vinegar

For the icing:

1 Cup Powdered Sugar
1/4 teaspoon milk
your choice of toppings (I’m using marshmallows from the Star Wars™Darth Vader Cereal.)

I’m putting these time savers and tips before the recipe instructions because I know I sometimes jump into recipes without reading to the bottom. These tips are honestly valuable and I learned some of them from doing the wrong way the first time around on this recipe.

I used a package of store bought dry cookie mix in this recipe. I don’t call it “cheating”, I just call it being a smart mom who likes to save time. I chose a package of sugar cookie mix, but you could probably use any flavor or variety.
Most donut batter recipes call for buttermilk. Since I didn’t want to buy a whole container of buttermilk and waste the leftovers, I just whipped up a buttermilk substitute with milk and vinegar. (see recipe instructions).
When your batter is ready to put into the mini donut pan, it is SO much easier to stick it into a ziploc bag and cut the tip off, before pouring it in. (a baker’s bag with a tip would also work). It’s also important that you DON’T overfill each one because your donuts won’t look like donuts.
Before frosting your mini donuts, allow them to cool down completely. Oh and I give you permission to eat the ones that aren’t “usable”, meaning the ones that didn’t hold the perfect donut shape. I wouldn’t want them to go to waste.

Donut Batter Preparation

Preheat your oven to 475 degrees
Spray mini donut pan with vegetable oil and set aside.
Mix milk and vinegar in a bowl and set aside for a minimum of 5 minutes to allow curdling.
In a separate bowl, combine cookie mix and baking soda. Add in the egg, butter, and vegetable oil and mix well.
Place donut batter into pastry bag or sealable plastic bag and cut a tiny hole in the end. (you could also use a tip for this.)
Fill each section of the mini donut baking pan. I recommend only filling each one half way or less. DO NOT OVERFILL.
Place pan in oven and bake 4-6 minutes or until golden. You’ll want to keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn.
Remove donuts from oven and place on rack to completely cool down before frosting them.

Frosting Preparation

Place wax paper underneath cooling rack where you’ll place donuts after frosting. This will catch the dripping frosting.
Have your toppings nearby and ready to go.
Combine powdered sugar and milk in a bowl. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk. The frosting will thicken quickly, so continue stirring after every few donuts.
Dip the top of each donut into the bowl and move in a circular motion until it’s frosted to your liking.
Place back onto the cooling rack and apply toppings to each donut immediately before the frosting hardens.
Keep donuts in an airtight container, so they’ll stay fresh, if you’re not serving them immediately.

Well, I hope the recipe was easy for you to follow and simple to make. Is your family as excited about the big release weekend as ours is? Leave a comment and tell me how you show your love for the greatest movie series in the galaxy in your home!

Hallmark Holiday Savings

December 7, 2015 / Uncategorized

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SendHallmark #CollectiveBias

Happy Holidays! Make sure that you send love and joy this season by using Hallmark Greeting Cards to tell your friends and family how much you care! Click here to save $1.00 off of a two Hallmark Greeting Card purchase at Walmart, minimum $1.00 purchase required. Take advantage of the savings and #SendHallmark this holiday season!

Offer:

Save $1.00 off 2 Hallmark cards at Walmart (minimum $1 purchase required)

Legal:

Consumer: Coupon valid at participating retailers in the U.S.A. on any purchase of two Hallmark (including Sunrise) and Connections from Hallmark greeting cards totaling $1.00 or more from participating Walmart stores. Not valid for online purchases. Limit one $1.00 savings per coupon and one coupon per customer. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase. May not be combined with other offers, including coupons and promotional merchandise. Excludes gift enclosures and packaged and boxed cards. Not valid on gift card purchases or past purchases. See store for any additional exclusions. No cash value. Tax not included. Offer may be cancelled or modified at any time. This offer is exclusive for you; coupon may not be redistributed. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. No photocopied, photographed, scanned mechanically or digitally reproduced or altered coupon accepted. Coupon fraud is punishable by law. DO NOT DOUBLE.

Mail to: Hallmark Cards, PO Box 880224, El Paso, TX, 88588-0224

Cheesecake Factory’s “Slice of Joy” Gift Card Promotion + Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Returns

December 6, 2015 / Food, Let's Eat!

The Cheesecake Factory’s Peppermint Bark Cheesecake is a sweet holiday tradition that only comes around once a year. A white chocolate cheesecake swirled with chunks of chocolate peppermint bark, topped with white chocolate mousse and sprinkled with chopped peppermint, this festive dessert is an ideal complement to any holiday gathering. Individual slices and whole cheesecakes are available at all Cheesecake Factory restaurant locations nationwide.

With more than 250 menu selections , all handmade in house with fresh ingredients, and more than 50 legendary cheesecakes and specialty desserts, a gift card from The Cheesecake Factory is the perfect gift for anyone on your holiday gift list. For every $25 in gift cards purchased through the end of the year, guests will be rewarded with a “Slice of Joy” card redeemable for a complimentary slice of cheesecake January 1 through March 31, 2016. The “Slice of Joy” gift card offer is available exclusively at The Cheesecake Factory restaurants and online at http://www.TheCheesecakeFactory.com.

Find The Cheesecake Factory on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Photos and logos property of The Cheesecake Factory.

YOTEL New York Presents 12 Days of Travel Surprises With YOBOT

December 4, 2015 / Travel

YOTEL New York, together with Flight 001 and JetBlue is celebrating the season by offering guests the opportunity to win travel-themed gifts throughout the month of December with 12 Days of Travel Surprises!

The initiative is made possible by YOBOT, YOTEL’s beloved luggage storing robot that will personally deliver the gifts to guests in Ground Control. The enormous, friendly and efficient luggage-storing robot holds guests’ luggage in any of the 150 bins situated behind a transparent glass wall. The interactive and playful experience allows guests to use a touchscreen to transport their luggage to the storage bin via a giant robotic arm. The luggage can then be easily retrieved with the simple scan of a custom barcode.

This holiday season, YOTEL will make the experience even more exciting by stocking select bins with special travel-oriented gifts for those staying at the hotel. While guests use YOBOT to store their luggage, they will have the unique opportunity to win JetBlue travel certificates, hotel stays and fun travel essentials from Flight 001. If one of the stocked vaults is selected, YOBOT will bring the gift to the guest before proceeding to store their baggage.

JetBlue will contribute round-trip travel certificates, while YOTEL will offer two night stays at its New York location in a Premium View Cabin. Gifts from Flight 001 will range from rolling luggage and travel essentials, to beauty accessories and more.

Eligible participants may also play online at yotel.com/sweepstakes. Visitors to the site will be prompted to log in and select a virtual YOBOT bin each day for a chance to win a range of travel surprises. Participants are encouraged to share their excitement on social media with #YOBOTSANTA!

For inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Connect with YOTEL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images property of YOTEL New York.

Goodness to Greatness: It’s What Happens When Friends Encourage Each Other + Free Printables

December 3, 2015 / Food, Let's Eat!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TryALittleGoodness #CollectiveBias

One of the most challenging things for me in life is realizing the importance of making myself a priority and taking time for me. As a busy, working mom, I usually do just the opposite. There are always clothes to wash, sports practices to get my daughter to, and meetings to attend at work. It’s always something. Still, I try to sneak in a little “me time” each day, even if it’s just for 5 minutes at a time.

One of my new, favorite things to enjoy in the afternoon at work are goodnessknows® snack squares. Have you tried them yet? They’re the perfect size to keep around as a snack and are available in three flavors:

Cranberry, Almond, Dark Chocolate
Apple, Almond & Peanut, Dark Chocolate
Peach & Cherry, Almond, Dark Chocolate

They’re all great flavors but my favorite flavor is the Cranberry, Almond, Dark Chocolate. Sam’s Club sells the Cranberry, Almond, Dark Chocolate in an 18 count. I have a girlfriend at work, who’s also a mom, that recently had to make some drastic lifestyle changes and start paying more attention to her own needs. After facing a series of scary health challenges, she reworked her daily routine and made it one that was beneficial for her total well-being, which includes being active, meal planning and prep of her weekly meals at home, and making an effort to steal some “down time” for herself each day. I’m really proud of my friend because I know that none of her big lifestyle changes have come easily. I also know she’s struggled not only with the “‘mom guilt” of making herself a priority, but also staying on the right track. I’ve tried my best to lend her support by being there to listen and praising her with positive and encouraging words. Last week, I made some encouraging notes, printed them out, and set one on her desk at work each day, along with some goodnessknows® snack squares. Doing something nice to support someone else, like a friend in need, can go a long way, even if it’s just something small. A kind word, a sweet note, a supportive text, because when friends support each other, you can go from goodness to greatness. Let’s be honest, isn’t that what friends are for? How do you show support for your friends? Be sure to check out more great ways goodnessknows® helps achieve goodness to greatness. I’d love to hear about your favorite goodnessknows® snack square flavor! Also, stop by your local Sam’s Club on December 5th and December 12th for some sample demos, too.To print out your own free copy of these encouraging notes, click here. (I recommend printing on cardstock.)

{Giveaway} Rancho Wildlife Foundation Presents 6th Annual “Christmas in the Cages”

December 2, 2015 / Uncategorized

Rancho Wildlife Foundation will host its 6th annual “Christmas in the Cages” event for southern California’s families on Sunday, December 13th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Rancho Las Lomas, Resort and Zoological Garden. Bring the entire family and enjoy a festive day at the Rancho Wildlife Foundation. There will be a visit from Santa, bounce houses, crafts, live holiday musical performances, and more! You can even watch the resident exotic animals open their Christmas presents, including a Bengal tiger, zebras, African servals and other beautiful animals. Lunch is included with purchase of entrance tickets. Pre-sale general tickets are $15, 3-12 years $10, 2 and under
free. Click here to purchase your pre-sale tickets online. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. General tickets are $20, 3-12 years $15, 2 and under free. All proceeds will help fund the medical expenses, upkeep and educational programs related to the animals.

Rancho Las Lomas, Resort and Zoological Garden is located at:
19191 Lawrence Canyon Silverado, CA 92676 phone: 949-589-7900
Valet parking is required and is $6.00 per car.

[email protected] || http://www.ranchowildlife.org

Enter to win a Family Four Pack to Christmas in the Cages (value of $50) by leaving a comment on this post telling me what your favorite part about the holidays is. Giveaway will close at 11:59 p.m. on December 9. I will pick one winner on December 10th. Winner will be notified by email.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images property of Rancho Wildlife Foundation.