Over The Top Mommy

Los Arboles Hotel in Palm Springs: The Perfect Desert Retreat for a Relaxing Weekend!

March 26, 2015 / California, Travel

I am fortunate to live in Southern California for so many reasons, one of which is the beautiful weather. When the temperatures get down into the 50s and 60s, we also have the convenience of packing our stuff up in the car and heading out the to the beautiful Palm Springs area. Just east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs almost always promises its visitors warm desert weather.

I recently took a “Mommy & Me” girls weekend away with my daughter to Palm Springs. I found the most adorable bed and breakfast-style property online called Los Arboles Hotel. The site described the hotel as “rich in old California hospitality traditions and boasting a selection of amenities unmatched for a 21 room boutique hotel. Los Arboles is a desert retreat from the hectic pace of everyday life“, which is exactly what I was looking for. It’s located in the historical Palm Springs Movie Colony District and is within walking distance to Palm Canyon Drive, which offers a variety of shopping and dining.

I honestly fell in love with the property within minutes of parking in the lot. With the front office situated very close to the parking lot, it took practically no time for us to get checked in and shown to our room. Our room was actually a Junior Suite.

The landscaping around the property is kept very well-manicured and features many types of desert plants and cactus. I could smell the rosemary that was growing on the property, each time we stepped outside of our room. It was so fragrant!

The Los Arboles Hotel is a very quaint property with 21 guest rooms. Most of the rooms are situated either (outside a gate) around the perimeter of the pool area or very close to it.

Some of the rooms have their own hammock in the front patio. We had a swing and a hammock, which was where my daughter spent a lot of time relaxing.

The hammock outside of our room was one of her favorite places to hang out over our girls’ weekend!

Here’s a short video of her in the swing outside our room. I honestly didn’t think I’d ever get her out of it!

We were so pleased with our room, The El Mirasol Junior Suite! How adorable is our room key?

I loved the cool tile floors and the tiled detailing around the room. Our bed was made up so beautifully and there were so many great amenities in our room. We had an iron and ironing board, an armoire to hang up our clothes and store our things, a bench to sit on, a modern bathroom with a separate vanity and bathing area, and even an in-room sauna! The free Wi-Fi was also convenient.

Since we had the Junior Suite, our room also included a 2nd room attached with its own living room and a pull-out sofa and a separate bathroom with closet area. Both of the rooms in the suite had good-sized flat screen TVs too! We relaxed comfortably inside in the air conditioning!

The Los Arboles Hotel has an on-site restaurant called “El Mirasol at Los Arboles“, which is one of two Palm Springs locations. It promises artfully prepared Mexican regional cuisine and flavorful margaritas! It’s an especially popular place on Friday and Saturday nights and draws quite a crowd!

I enjoyed myself immensely during my visit to Los Arboles Hotel. In fact, I’m looking forward to returning to stay there again sometime in the near future. If you’re looking for a wonderful experience like I had, you’ll want to consider staying at Los Arboles Hotel in Palm Springs! When’s the last time YOU got away from the hectic hustle and bustle of everyday life?

Connect with Los Arboles on Facebook and Instagram!

I Treated Myself to a Massage and a Pedi! Amazing Deals Online With UnBOOKed Appointments!

March 25, 2015 / Beauty, Lifestyle

When’s the last time you took some time for you and got a massage, facial, or even a pedicure? I’m guessing you just muttered something under your breath about not having time because that’s pretty much my answer for everything these days! If it’s not the lack of time for “me”, it’s the fact that I really shouldn’t be spending that kind of money on myself, since I have a daughter who’s always in need of something! I sometimes come across coupons for services but honestly, who wants to actually cut out a coupon, bring it with you, and remember to use the coupon?

Enter UnBOOKed Appointments….

I had never heard of UnBOOKed Appointments until recently! It’s so convenient for a busy, working mom like me. Basically, it’s an online community that partners with local businesses to to create a marketplace for you to FIND and BOOK confirmed appointments for beauty, health and home services. If you have the flexibility to come in during their slow times, then they’ll offer their services at a great price without the hassle of redeemable coupons. offer services at discounted prices. It’s like an online happy hour!

UnBOOKed currently offers services from providers in Orange County, LA, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego. There are also some offered in Knoxville, Tennessee and Miami, Florida. Their goal is to grow nationally though.

You can choose from services in the following categories:

Beauty and Spas
Health and Fitness
Home and Garden
Auto
Things to do

When you visit the unBOOKed site, you can choose from a pull-down menu of categories to browse or put in a desired area. Then browse to find amazing deals at these local businesses. Booking your appointment is so easy. You browse the categories, select the times and pick out yours. You then book and pay for the service by credit card. (Gratuity is not included in the price and of course, always appreciated at the time of service).

So I did it! I booked myself an appointment and had some “me time“! I picked a location right by the beach, too! I had the most positive experience with unBOOKed and was so happy with my services too! I thought it was pretty useful to not only receive an email after I paid for my appointment on the site, but also to receive a reminder email and text on the day of my actual appointment! That’s especially helpful for times when I get “mommy brain”..you know, when you can’t remember what you even ate for breakfast? Reminders are good!

Here’s the good news…UnBOOKed has given me a few special codes to give away to five of my readers! Each is good for $20 towards your first appointment. How awesome is that? If you’d like one of these codes, just comment on this post about what your favorite way to pamper yourself is! Then, leave your email address so I can email you your code. Once you have your code, just create your account on UnBOOKed, book an appointment, and when it asks for your code, enter the one I send you! If you go, you’ll have to come back here and tell me how it was!

Connect with unBOOKed Appointments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

The Day My Daughter Taught Me the Word “HANGRY” (Because I Was Acting That Way!) SNICKERS® Saved the Day!

March 24, 2015 / Uncategorized

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

As a mom, I pride myself on being a very kind, loving, patient, and understanding mom. I love the relationship I have with my daughter and the fact that most of the time we see eye to eye. I’m usually sleep deprived because I try to do too much. I’m always on the go and I feel like I walk around with an invisible to-do list above my head at all times. That’s just called “being a mom”, right?

It’s part of my regular daily routine to pick up my daughter from school at 3 p.m. On most days, I rush her off to one of her sports practices immediately after school. I remember this one particular day recently when I had a total “supermom fail”! I was acting a little short with my daughter. I’d even say I was being snappy. I don’t know what it was but everything was just irritating me that day. She actually stopped, looked directly at me, and asked, “Mommy, are you HANGRY or something?”

I wasn’t sure what that even meant! When I asked her to explain she replied, “You already know what HANGRY is! It’s when you’re acting angry because you’re so hungry! I think Daddy gets it a lot!‘ I almost spit out my water and started laughing at that part! We both ended up giggling about it together. The funny thing is that 1) I was actually “HANGRY” because I had skipped lunch that day at work and 2) My 9 year old had just taught me a new word!

I would never want my daughter to mistake my being a little stressed out for me being upset with her! This is why for me, it was a total “mom fail”! My attitude was quickly turned around that day after we stopped by Walmart and found these amazing SNICKERS®! They had SNICKERS® Almond, SNICKERS® Extreme and SNICKERS® Peanut Butter Squares! I found them both in the candy area in the grocery section and on the checkout aisles!

It was hard to decide which one to try first, but we went for the SNICKERS® Almond as soon as we got to the car. Mmmm! After I had some in my belly, all was good. My daughter got a treat too since we shared it! SNICKERS® saved the day!

The very next day, I decided to write her my daughter a note and stick it in her lunchbox. Do you ever do that for your kids? I just wanted her to know I was sorry for being “HANGRY” because I still felt a little bad that she had to call me out on my grumpiness. I do feel like I’m not myself when I’m hungry. It’s an easy fix though, just take time to eat and make sure that you don’t get to a point where you’re starving.

So who are YOU when you’re hungry? Hopefully you’re not “hangry” like I was because hangry isn’t very pretty!

Go enter the SNICKERS® “Who are you when you’re hungry?” contest by uploading a personal photo or video from your Computer, Facebook, Instagram or use the SNICKERS® Meme Generator to create something new! Voting begins at Noon on 5/11/15 and ends at 11:59:59AM ET on 7/15/15.

See more great SNICKERS® recipes and fun stories on the SNICKERS® social hub!

My Advice For Anyone Who Has the Dream of Being Invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! #DisneySMMC

March 23, 2015 / Disney, Lifestyle, Social Media, Travel

I was so honored to receive my first invitation this year to the 2015 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! Since I’m a first-timer, I have no idea of what exactly to expect, I just know that it’s going to be magical and I fully intend to take in everything about this once in a lifetime experience!

My love for Disney runs deep and I’m very active on social medias in the Disney community, but I wasn’t one of “the invited” last year. Although it was disappointing for me not to be invited last year, I knew that there probably just wasn’t enough pixie dust for everyone to be invited and thought perhaps it just wasn’t my time last year.

I want to share a a little bit about my own experience for those are hoping to be invited to the event in the future. I’ve had several people actually ask me what they need to do or how to get invited. I’m only sharing from my own experience and I don’t have “the formula” or “the secret” for how to get invited, but if what I share can help someone else, then I hope it will. Some of the things I’m going to share are actually pretty basic.

One of the biggest, most important things to do is to support others online in a positive way. Be happy for them! Congratulate them! Comment on their photos, tweets, and Facebook statuses! I can’t tell you to be genuinely happy for others if you’re not, but this is something I do. Honestly, it’s not something you can fake. If you have it in your character than do it! Those are the kinds of people that Disney wants at their events anyway. I might also add that it is the way you conduct yourself when you DON’T get something you’re hoping for that will show your true character!

They’re watching you right now. As much as those who are being pixie-dusted with invites are in the spotlight, so are those who are right there supporting them. Make a good impression online and they will remember it for the future. (By the way, I don’t know exactly who “they” are, I’m just referring to the people you want to notice you!)

I’ve learned that pixie dust tends to fly in several different waves. What that means for you is that there is still a chance! I have seen initial rounds of invitations sent and then another wave of invitations go out later that night or the next morning. Then, I’ve seen even later rounds of invites go out. Remember, there will be people who will unable to attend, for whatever reason, and sadly will have to decline their invitation. Hold out hope. It can still happen for you. If it doesn’t this year, there’s always next year.

There are a couple of things you can do to become more active, and hopefully noticed by the right people. Have you considered signing up with MomSelect? You can register as “a mom” or “a mom blogger” and there are often wonderful opportunities to do such things as throw a Disney Side at Home Celebration, which you may have seen happening online. There are also other fun opportunities too, but if you haven’t registered yourself yet, you’ll want to do so right now!

Another suggestion would be to stay active on as many of the social media channels as possible! If you are only on Facebook, consider putting yourself out there more on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, etc. Personally, my most favorite social medias are Twitter and Instagram. There is also a great group to join on Facebook called Disney Social Media Moms: Alumni & Hopefuls. Request to join and get to know a bunch of the other Disney Moms (and Dads). I’ve made a ton of friends this way.

My last suggestion is to do something I did last year. It’s the most fun thing, too! If you didn’t (or don’t) receive an invitation to this year’s Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, then you can actually register to be invited to one of this summer’s Disney Social Media Moms “On-the-Road” Celebrations! It’s a one-day conference where you get to connect with a ton of other Disney Moms, as well as the Disney Team! This is what I did last year and it was SO much fun! I’m actually hoping to go again this summer too.

As soon as the site opens up to register for the interest list, you’ll start seeing people post about it online. Then, you too can go register and then wait…and hopefully YOU’LL get an invite to join one of the locations! I attended the one in Phoenix, Arizona last year and it was a wonderful experience. I even got to meet Grumpy Cat at the conference last year! It’s a very magical experience and something a Disney Social Media Mom (or Dad) should strive to attend.

I hope my suggestions are helpful ones. I still can’t contain my excitement about attending the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration this year in Florida and can’t believe I’m going to Disney World! I hope you’ll follow along online! Look for the #DisneySMMC hashtag! ChEARs!

I’m Going to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! (We’ve Got a First-Timer Here!)

March 21, 2015 / Disney, Lifestyle, Social Media, Travel

Yesterday was the most “magical” Friday ever! I had absolutely no idea that invitations for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration were even going out yet. I suppose if I hadn’t been at work, teaching 29 little busy bees all day and had been online, I may have seen the tweet that practically broke Twitter…in a good way, of course!

I’m kind of glad I didn’t see it though because I would’ve become an instant ball of nerves afterwards, checking my email obsessively! Instead, I finished up an exhausting day of teaching without knowing a thing, dismissed the students, and found THIS on my email front page!

I think my heart skipped a beat and I honestly stood there, wanting to take in the moment before daring to click it! Something from “Walt Disney World Special Events”? WHOA! So, that whole “moment” I was taking before clicking it lasted about as long as it took for me to snap this picture! I swear I heard a drumroll in my head as I clicked it and BAM!

There I was, jumping up and down in my classroom, all by myself! I didn’t want to post about it online until I could tell the rest of my family, but I also didn’t want any part of the Disney Team to think me ungrateful if I didn’t, especially since Twitter was going crazy with the new #DisneySMMC hashtag! However, my husband and daughter were unreachable at the moment…yep, they were on a trip with my daughter’s school and actually down in the mines, learning about The Gold Rush! What are the chances? I had to wait about 2 hours after reading my magical email to tell them! Talk about suspense! Everything worked out in the end but that sure seemed like the longest 2 hours of my life!

I am so grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to see what’s in store for us in May!

Discovery Cube LA Partners with the LA Kings to Open a New “Science of Hockey” Exhibit!

March 20, 2015 / Discovery Cube LA, Family Fun, Lifestyle, Los Angeles

Science and Hockey fans alike now have something new to be excited about….The LA Kings Science of Hockey exhibit is now open at Discovery Cube Los Angeles (DCLA). Guests will be immersed in one of the most technically advanced sports-themed exhibits featuring the Stanley-Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings. This permanent attraction offers interactive learning focused on the science, math, and skills behind the thrilling sport of hockey.

LA Kings’ Player Tyler Toffoli Helps Cut the Ribbon for the LA Kings Science of Hockey exhibit at DCLA

Designed and produced by BaAM Productions, the new, second-floor Science of Hockey exhibit is one of more than a dozen highly interactive, science-based attractions now featured on the 2.5-acre site of DCLA in the Hansen Dam Recreational Area. According to Kafi D. Blumenfield, DCLA Executive Director, the Science of Hockey provides guests with an up-close look at the sport of hockey and the team while discovering the fascinating science behind the game.

DCLA partnered with the Kings Care Foundation and BaAm Productions to ensure the exhibit was as interactive and realistic as possible. Visitors enter the exhibit through a replica of the iconic LA Kings Player Tunnel at STAPLES Center and find hands-on exhibits that provide exclusive access to the sport and the team.

Visitors will enjoy the following exhibits and displays:

You Be the Goalie / You Be the Shooter – Participants in this unique, in-the-game experience don a blocker and glove to try and stop pucks shot from virtual versions of LA Kings players Dustin Brown, Drew Doughty and Jeff Carter. If they choose to turn the tables, and take shots on LA Kings goalie Jonathan Quick in “You be the Shooter,” they are rewarded with instant speed and accuracy readings.
Penalty Box – Fans can help get an LA Kings player out of the penalty box and back on the ice by correctly answering a series of questions about the math and science surrounding the sport.
Zamboni Test Drive – Occupying the center of the Science of Hockey is a replica Zamboni offering guests the once-in-a-lifetime chance to climb aboard, turn the auger and get the feel of driving this iconic, ice-resurfacing machine. A scale replica of the STAPLES Center scoreboard overhead provides the perfect photo opportunity.
Suit Yourself – NHL hopefuls can use interactive touch screens to design their very own jerseys and then capture and add their own likeness before the highly personalized image is displayed on a large screen.
Equipment Lab – An interactive display allows guests to technically compare an old uniform and equipment to the modern, streamlined uniforms of today. Meanwhile, a display wall of equipment cut in cross-section and a series of videos demonstrate the equipment in action, force and power exchange dynamics, STOP program and safety tips.
Healthy Locker Room – Guests learn about training and nutrition by playing interactive games in this unique, technically advanced replica of the LA Kings locker room. Hands-on participatory consoles at each players’ locker provide memorable opportunities for individual and group play and discovery.
Skater Challenge – Intrepid skaters can follow Dustin Brown or LA Kings mascot Bailey around the ice to test their skating ability and speed. The faster the visitor skates, the faster the on-screen LA Kings player or mascot moves.
LA Kings Story – The culmination of the Science of Hockey experience is the LA Kings Story featuring great moments in LA Kings history, with storytelling supported by compelling, larger-than-life images, artifacts and video. A photo opportunity will allow fans to picture themselves holding the Stanley Cup.

The Science of Hockey is included in general admission to DCLA. Tickets to DCLA can be bought online at http://www.discoverycube.org/la/ or on campus. General admission prices are as follows: adult ($16.95), senior ($12.95), and children 3-14 ($12.95). Now through June 30th, there is special admission pricing of just $10 for everyone.

Connect with Discovery Cube LA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

The Bunny Has Arrived at OC Simon Malls! Caring Bunny™ and Simon Kidgits Club Easter Events Are Coming, Too!

March 12, 2015 / Brea Mall, Family Fun, Lifestyle, Orange County, The Shops at Mission Viejo, Westminster Mall

Spring has sprung! It’s my favorite time! One of the things that my daughtger and I enjoy doing together each spring is to go shopping for a special, new dress and then to visit the Bunny at The Shops at Mission Viejo for an annual photo! I love looking back at the photos from years past!

The Bunny Photo Experience begins this year at Brea Mall and The Shops at Mission Viejo on March 7 and on March 14 at the Westminster Mall. It runs through April 4 at all 3 Orange County Simon Mall locations. The Bunny Photo Experience gives children the chance to visit with the Bunny and take home a treasured snapshot of the fun occasion. The presenting sponsor for 2015 is Gymboree.

Hop on over for Bunny photos to the following locations:

Brea Mall: Begins Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and runs through Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the lower level near the JCPenney win. For a full list of dates and times, click here.
Westminster Mall: Begins Saturday, March 14 at 10 a.m. and runs through Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m. in Macy’s Court. For the full list of dates and times, click here.
The Shops at Mission Viejo: Begins March 7 and runs through April 4 on the lower level near Nordstrom. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For the full list of dates and times, click here.

Save time and avoid the line with Bunny by Appointment! Now you can reserve your magical moment with Bunny online at http://simon.noerrbunny.com.

In addition to regular mall hours for Bunny photos, Simon’s Caring Bunny™ event will offer families that have children with special needs a subdued environment to participate in the Bunny Photo Experience. Caring Bunny has been developed by Simon and is guided by AbilityPath.org, a national online resource hub and special needs community. Over 90 Simon properties will host the Caring Bunny this season. Promotional assistance for Caring Bunny has been provided by Autism Speaks.

The Caring Bunny program will be offered at Westminster Mall on Sunday, March 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Bunny Photo Experience. Many steps will be taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comforting environment for the children’s cherished visit with the Bunny. Reservations are required and can be made here for the Westminster Mall Caring Bunny event.

The subdued environment is likely to include (specific elements or aesthetics may vary):

Turning off in-mall music, stopping escalators located near the photo set, dimming the lights and shutting down fountains for the duration of the event.
Eliminating queue lines through the use of a numbering system whereby guests approach the set when their number is called.
Special activities geared toward the needs of the child during the ‘wait’ period to help the child understand what activities will occur during the visit.

Kidgits Club Easter Events

The Simon Kidgits Club® will also host special events, where kids can participate in various Easter activities and games. Participants will receive a special Easter keepsake to take home.

The egg-citing celebrations will take place at the following centers:

Brea Mall: Hosting Kidgits Easter Hop Into Spring event on March 14 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Bunny Photo Experience set, on the lower level near JCPenney.
Westminster Mall: Hosting Kidgits Eggcellent Easter Extravaganza event on March 28 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Target Court.
The Shops at Mission Viejo: Hosting Kidgits Easter Eggstravaganza event on March 21 from 10 a.m. to noon on the lower level near Old Navy and H & M, where kids can participate in various activities, and spring-themed crafts, including special entertainment by Nick The Music Man and Jen The Fairy Dancer at 10:45 a.m.

The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children agees 3-8. The Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused for over a decade with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards, and games.

For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club, visit http://www.simon.com/kidgits/.

*some images provided by Simon.

Stop Hiding Your Smile! You Can Have Whiter Teeth in Just 3 Days* With Colgate® Optic White® Express White!

March 11, 2015 / Beauty & Pampering, Lifestyle

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

I often get asked HOW I do it all? My typical day lasts from 4 or 5 a.m. until about 10 or 11 p.m. I do it with coffee! I drink tons and tons of coffee to keep me going everyday. I love coffee so much, I would marry it in a heartbeat! (if I could)

I can never get enough coffee, but there’s also a downside to that….it can take a real toll on the color of your teeth. There’s nothing worse than not feeling confident talking to people because you’re self-conscious about your smile.

I already mentioned how busy I am! I honestly don’t save a lot of time for pampering myself. When I heard about Colgate® Optic White® Express White hitting Walmart stores, I knew I could fit that into my schedule. The promise of whiter teeth in just 3 days*, simply by brushing your teeth and without doing anything more than you normally do? Yes please!

There’s nothing more real than seeing your teeth on camera, like in photos you’ve taken with your friends! I know you’re not supposed to criticize yourself but, yeah, I was definitely ready to try out my new toothpaste!

Brushing my teeth is my new favorite part of the morning, next to drinking coffee, of course. I especially like that the Colgate® Optic White® Express White doesn’t have a weird taste or bother my teeth. Unlike Optic White Sparkling Mint toothpaste, Colgate® Optic White® Express White Toothpaste contains 2 times more of the professionally recommended ingredient, hydrogen peroxide. I think that has to do with why I had such great results! I was so excited about my results!

I am kind of obsessed with my new tube of Colgate® Optic White® Express White so I’ve also started bringing it in my purse to work now. At lunchtime when my students are lined up holding their lunch tickets, I am lined up holding my toothbrush and Colgate® Optic White® Express White toothpaste!

The students actually ask me why I’m carrying a toothbrush and toothpaste out to lunch? I just tell them that their teacher is doing something for herself!

Don’t hide your smile!

So, I must ask you a question…are YOU ready to do something quick and easy to whiten up your teeth? I highly suggest you run out and grab some Colgate® Optic White® Express White for yourself! You won’t regret it!

I found mine at Walmart on the health and beauty aisle! It’s sold in 3 sizes: 3 oz, 4.5 oz & after March 14th the 1.45 oz travel size will be available too! Colgate® Optic White® Express White is literally my new BFF!

*For best results, use as directed for 4 weeks.

Discovery Cube Orange County Opens New Julianne Argyros Showcase Theater with Annual Spring Break Extravaganza: Bubblefest XIX

March 10, 2015 / Discovery Cube OC, Family Fun, Lifestyle, Orange County

Discovery Cube Orange County’s most POPular event, Bubblefest, returns to the Cube March 28 through April 12, 2015. The annual festival will include the fan favorite Mega Bubblefest Laser Show, featuring star performer Deni Yang.

There will also be a variety of fun bubble activities including:

Bubble Lagoon
Bubble Wall
Cube Jr. bubble play area
“Me in a Bubble” photo opportunity

The family event will feature some of the best food trucks in Orange County, too! Along with the featured Mega Bubblefest Laser Show, the outdoor festival will also offer hands-on exhibits and experiments to demonstrate science concepts on surface tension, elasticity, air pressure, friction and energy. These science concepts are brought to life through hands-on, soapy fun for children and parents of all ages. Guests will also enjoy a fun inflatable play zone with slides and obstacle courses.

Special to this year’s festival is the grand opening of the $1.5 million Julianne Argyros Showcase Theater, which was generously funded by the Argyros Family Foundation. The 10,000 square-foot flexible space is a first-of-its-kind in the museum world with the ability to transform from a world-class exhibit hall to a 500 seat theater. Inside the Julianne Argyros Showcase Theater, bubble fanatics will witness Bubble Scientist Deni Yang perform his signature bubble artistry and stunts with bubbles, smoke, lasers, and a few young volunteers from the audience. His repertoire of tricks include a bubble carousel, smoking bubbles, bubbles within bubbles, and many more. Yang has been demonstrating bubble art with his family since childhood. Through his career, he has earned international acclaim and the Guinness World Record for producing the largest bubble ever, measuring over 170 feet.

The Julianne Argyros Showcase Theater is a stunning climate-controlled venue, with innovative flex-space design. Designed by nationally renowned architects John Sergio Fisher & Associates, this exceptional visual and technical facility will feature digital surround-sound and state-of-the-art lighting. The Julianne Argyros Showcase Theater will serve nearly one million visitors annually and host special events, galas, lectures, science fairs and other fun community events throughout the year.

To top off a day bursting with fun, guests visiting Bubblefest will also get to experience LEGO Travel Adventure and National Geographic Presents Earth Explorers. These two exhibits bring to life travel and adventure across the globe through interactive set pieces and exhibits.

Bubblefest XIX, which includes the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show, Water Spheres, and all outdoor activities are an additional charge of $5 for members and $7 for non-members on top of general admission to Discovery Cube Orange County. Tickets can be bought online at http://www.discoverycube.org or on campus at Discovery Cube OC. General admission prices are as follows: adult ($16.95), senior ($12.95), and children 3-14 ($12.95). During Bubblefest, Discovery Cube OC will have extended hours from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Discovery Cube OC is located at 2500 North Main Street, Santa Ana, California 92705.