Girl Scouts Cookie Season is Here! | @GirlScoutsOC #Giveaway

February 1, 2013, 8:00 am

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For many, THIS is their favorite time of the year - Girl Scout cookies time. I was a Girl Scout for many years and I can honestly tell you that it made an enormous impact in my life. It was the one time that I would stay at school and feel like a normal girl. I didn't think about my living conditions, my mom came to the meetings with me and interacted with the group and through our activities, I felt like any other girl in the nation. Girl Scout cookie time was my favorite time of the year because it allowed my entrepreneurial spirit to come through. So much so that I earned the "Most Cookies Sold" badge every year that I was in Girl Scouts! Sadly, my run with the Girl Scouts ended when I went to junior high because my junior high didn't have the program. It was a bummer, but at least I knew by then what I was capable of and I never looked back.

So now whenever I see a Girl Scout out in front of a store selling Girl Scout cookies, I think of all the new opportunities they have because of their troop and I see a brighter future because of them. So you can bet that when these little girls come knocking on my door for their Girl Scout cookies order that I will order from them.

If you don't have any Girl Scouts in your neighborhood, you can always visit them in front of local stores beginning February 15th through March 10th.

The Girl Scouts have a major announcement this year - they are unveiling a brand new cookie! The Mango Crème with Nutrifusion combines a delicious tropical treat that’s packed with great taste and vitamins. They come just in time as Girl Scout Cookies' first package redesign since 1999 is also out.

Stay connected on National Girl Scout Cookie Day

National Girl Scout Cookie Day will be celebrated on February 8 with booth sales outside of all Mimi’s, El Pollo Loco, Yogurtland and Red Robin locations throughout Orange County from 4-8 pm. 

• Download our new Girl Scout cookie iPhone or Android app to find cookie sales.

• Upgrade your cookie-buying skills by watching Girl Scouts give you advice or downloading our simple guide.

• Learn about the 5 Skills girls develop through the Girl Scout Cookie Program.

• Visit the Girl Scout Blog for up-to-the-minute updates.

• Check the route of the Girl Scout Cookie Truck as it makes its way through New York City.

• Look for our one-day-only Facebook contest on February 8. And tell us on Twitter, Pinterest, andInstagram why you'd recommend buying #onemorebox.

• Get your cookie memorabilia—especially our iconic cookie glasses!

Where to Buy

Purchase your Girl Scout Cookies using a free app available for iPhone or Android, or by visiting the Girl Scout Cookie Booth Locator after February 8 at www.cookiesoc.org.

Girl Scout Cookies Giveaway

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This is not a sponsored post. I received my favorite Girl Scout cookies to enjoy at home. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

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The Orphaned Earring launches "For the Love of Life!" | @OrphanedEarring #4LoveOfLife

February 2, 2013, 12:22 am

≫ Next: Sunnies are a must-have. Paul Frank makes them stylish.

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All over the world, there are wonderful people who are organizing efforts to bring awareness to different causes and organizations. Like others, I'm attracted to organizations that I have worked with before, either receiving help from them personally, or have come across them in other facets of my life. The Orphaned Earring is such an organization that I support.

The Orphaned Earring is a charity that collects orphaned earrings and unwanted fashion jewelry to make bracelets which are then sold at only $7 each. One-hundred percent of the funds are used to bring monthly arts and crafts as well as other festivities to children in four different orphanages in: Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico and Colombia; allowing these precious children to artistically express themselves, let their imagination run wild and just be kids.

As The Orphaned Earring helps these orphanages, they have found urgent needs in the surrounding communities. For that reason, they've created the “For the Love of Life” campaign that launches TODAY, February 1st, and it focuses on providing aid to families that are in desperate need of help.

The Situation:

“For the Love of Life” will benefit an indigenous community near the Guatemalan orphanage. Since the forcible eviction of 13 indigenous communities in 2011, many families are desperately looking for shelter, food and jobs at the local coffee farms. If they are lucky, the men get hired but only for the short period of three months, after the three months they must leave with their families and a new wave of people get hired.

Their daily payment is a ration of beans and tortillas but this ration is shared with his ENTIRE family and obviously this is NOT enough. Families are allowed to stay at the finca for the 3 months where they build shacks as homes, sleep on dirt floors, have no running water and build stone fire pits for heat.
 
The Orphaned Earring discovered that the children living in these conditions are the most affected and suffering of malnutrition and ultimately dying of starvation. This happens because of the way the food must be divided. The bigger portion of the food ration must go to the father who needs the energy to work the land, the mother eats second largest portion since most of the time she is breastfeeding and needs to give nutrients to her babies. This means that the rest of their children end up with little, to no food, suffering of malnutrition and ultimately dying of starvation.

The Solution:

After some research and interviewing a few locals, The Orphaned Earring learned that a bit of oatmeal can be the difference between life and death for children and breast-feeding moms.

The Orphaned Earring is committing to bringing oatmeal to each new wave of families that come through the coffee farms. Depending on how much money they can raise, every three months they would also like to provide powdered milk and sugar. But for the moment, we will focus on providing oatmeal and do it just FOR THE LOVE OF LIFE!

Child holding oatmeal and milk made possible by The Orphaned Earring

How You Can Help:

There are simple ways for you to join in on this new For the Love of Life initiative. Please take a second and:

• Follow @OrphanedEarring on Twitter
• Like The Orphaned Earring on Facebook
• Follow The Orphaned Earring blog and leave a comment
• Donate your orphaned earrings or unwanted jewelry. Send to:

The Orphaned Earring
P.O. Box 1565
Hawthorne, CA 90251

• Buy Orphaned Earring bracelets that can be ordered through the blog or place a Paypal donation

You can also help by entering the giveaway below. The bracelets are well made, the love pours through and it's really difficult to believe that you're actually helping someone when you're getting such a great bracelet yourself. Through awareness, we can help The Orphaned Earring make a difference in a child's life.

The Orphaned Earring Giveaway

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This is not a sponsored post. I received a bracelet as a thank you gift from The Orphaned Earring. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

Sunnies are a must-have. Paul Frank makes them stylish.

February 2, 2013, 6:52 pm

≫ Next: An interview with the authors of Beautiful Creatures | #MisHermosasCriaturas #BeautifulCreatures

≪ Previous: The Orphaned Earring launches "For the Love of Life!" | @OrphanedEarring #4LoveOfLife

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Sunnies are a must-have if you're in So. Cal. You wear them every single day (sometimes, even indoors)! Stylish sunglasses do a double-duty because they not only boost up your every day look, but they also allow you to skip eye make-up when you're really not feeling up to doing your eyes.

"My Excuse to Travel" by Paul Frank (MSRP $148.00)

I live by the high-low rule where I mix in high-end and low-end pieces. My high-end pieces are usually accessories (sunnies, shoes, handbags, jewelry) and so I'll usually go with the best that I can afford at that time. I definitely focus on brand name and even celebrity inspiration too. I've said before that I am influenced by celebrity style and so when I was online shopping for new sunglasses, I cross-referenced every choice I had with celebs who wore them. The way I shop fits into my high/low style because celeb style is usually high-end and so I can wear them with my Target dress and feel trendy. And that's how I came to choose my Paul Frank sunglasses, "My Excuse to Travel."

My Excuse to Travel sunnies come in eight different shades from Perfect Sunglasses USA. I chose Burnt Umber because it makes the gold accents on the top corners to stand out a bit more. I prefer my sunglasses in a brown shade because they go better with my hair and my skin color. Paul Frank sunnies come in a storage case that are not overwhelmingly big so they do not take up a lot of space in my handbag. The case has a great texture to it, so even before I put them on, I feel the quality and casual luxury.

As far the sunnies, they are plastic and lightweight. So much so that you'll forget that you're wearing them! My favorite part about the way that these fit is the space that it allows between my cheeks and the frames. Even when I smile, my skin doesn't hit the frames. The fit is perfect.

p.s. If you're wondering which celeb wears these sunglasses, it's "Twilight" actress, Ashley Greene.

This is not a sponsored post. I received these awesome sunglasses courtesy of a partnership with Giga Savvy. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

An interview with the authors of Beautiful Creatures | #MisHermosasCriaturas #BeautifulCreatures

February 3, 2013, 9:26 am

≫ Next: Curious George - Special episode about animal shelters | @PBSKids #CuriousGeorge

≪ Previous: Sunnies are a must-have. Paul Frank makes them stylish.

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I had the opportunity to interview the authors of Beautiful Creatures, Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, in a trendy hotel in Beverly Hills. They were very down-to-earth, fashionable and all-around moms as they talked about how they wrote the book on a dare from their kids, the writing process between the two women and how little they knew when they went into publishing.

More Beautiful Creatures Online

WEBSITE

BeautifulCreaturesMovie.com 

TRAILER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeQAHn-JTQA 

FACEBOOK

Facebook.com/BeautifulCreaturesMovie 

TWITTER

#MisHermosasCriaturas 

#BeautifulCreatures

Curious George - Special episode about animal shelters | @PBSKids #CuriousGeorge

February 4, 2013, 7:00 am

≫ Next: Mimi's Cafe and "Go Red for Women" | @Mimis_Cafe #MimisGoesRed

≪ Previous: An interview with the authors of Beautiful Creatures | #MisHermosasCriaturas #BeautifulCreatures

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My youngest LOVES Curious George. It's now in it's seventh season and there a lot of great episodes coming up. On February 4th, Curious George will star in a special episode about animal shelters on PBS KIDS (check local listings).

In "Where's the Firedog?" George's canine friend, Blaze, keeps running away from the firehouse. When Blaze winds up in the animal shelter, George and his firefighter friend Sam learn how to keep her safe by putting a tag on her collar, walking her on a leash, and making sure she's never lonely.

Preview "Where's the Firedog?" episode

Mimi's Cafe and "Go Red for Women" | @Mimis_Cafe #MimisGoesRed

February 4, 2013, 7:30 am

≫ Next: Grammy Nominated Mariachi Divas at Downtown Disney | @WDWDowntown #OrangeCounty

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Guest post by Justine Burgess

Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women? It causes one in three deaths each year, which is about one woman dying of heart disease every minute. That’s one too many mothers, grandmothers, daughters, and friends, in my opinion.

In partnership with the American Heart Association, Mimi’s Café is going red during the month of February. In its first year (2012) as a national supporter of Go Red for Women, Mimi's Cafe raised almost $182,000 from fundraising efforts. This year, they’d like to top that. To help promote the month-long fundraiser, Mimi’s Café in Irvine held a kick-off event to help get the word out (and took the opportunity to showcase some delicious new appetizers as well). Mark Mears, president of Mimis’ café, gave some information about the evening with a speech and video showing Mimis’ dedication to the cause, and a champagne toast was offered up with much clinking of glasses.

Attendees wore red of varying shades and styles, and the event Ambassadors put on a red dress fashion show right down the central aisle of the restaurant, to the surprise of many customers. It was a fun evening and it really brought home the importance of heart health for women.

Remember to wear your red to Mimi’s this month! To help remind you to support the cause, even the décor and lighting at Mimi’s will reflect the heart health theme, with red dress placards and hearts at every table, and lighting with a red nuance both inside and out. For a $1 donation you will receive Mimi’s savings, and for a $5 donation you’ll receive a beautiful limited-edition sparkly red dress lapel pin. On Tuesdays in February, those donating will also receive a free cup of soup. 100% of donations will benefit the Go Red for Women movement.

Learn more about Mimi's support of Go Red for Women or go to the Mimi’s café website at www.mimiscafe.com.

To learn more about how heart disease affects women, go to the American Heart Association site for the Go Red for Women movement.

About JustineJustine is a biological anthropologist, deal seeker, and stay-at-home parent to a rambunctious 5-year-old boy. She digs bones. And donuts. You can follow Justine for more frugal fun and other anthropology tidbits on Twitter: @JustineBurgess1.

This is not a sponsored post. Attendees received a goodie bag. All thoughts and opinions remain my own. And I believe this is an important topic so everyone should spread the word.

Grammy Nominated Mariachi Divas at Downtown Disney | @WDWDowntown #OrangeCounty

February 4, 2013, 8:29 pm

≫ Next: Monarch Butterfly Day at Mile Square Park | @OCParks #OrangeCounty

≪ Previous: Mimi's Cafe and "Go Red for Women" | @Mimis_Cafe #MimisGoesRed

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Are you in So. Cal. and a mariachi fan? Well then I invite you to join me tomorrow at Downtown Disney as the Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea present their Grammy nominated CD, "Oye".

WHAT

The Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea have been nominated for the 2013 GRAMMY Awards for their 8th album, Oye, in the category of Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano). The full ensemble will be sharing their history, their passion for music as well as answering questions about their experience and the evolution of a generally male-dominated mariachi music industry. They will delight the audience by ending with a small performance including a medley of songs from their GRAMMY nominated album as well as some favorites from their past albums.

WHEN

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Event begins: 1:00 p.m.

WHERE

Downtown Disney

1313 South Harbor Boulevard

Anaheim, CA 92802

Parking is free for the first 3 hours

Monarch Butterfly Day at Mile Square Park | @OCParks #OrangeCounty

February 4, 2013, 9:20 pm

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Guest post by Justine Burgess

Love spring? One of the best things about spring, to me, are the hordes of butterflies that visit my garden. We have milkweed plants growing in our garden, which attracts monarchs (and many other insects) by the dozens, but we rarely have a chance to see them up close. On February 2nd, we had that opportunity through OC Parks Mile Square Park, which presented Monarch Butterfly Day, a free and fun educational event for the whole family.

The event was held in Mile Square Parks Camp Sycamore (on the back side of the nature center), and featured live music, face painting, balloon animals, popcorn, crafts, nature walks, tree and flower planting, and of course monarch butterflies. There was an exhibit featuring the lifecycle of the butterfly, complete with eggs, caterpillars, a chrysalis, and adult butterfly. My 5-year old son had an amazing time, particularly in the butterfly house, a screen tent that fit about 15 people. Inside the tent, a dozen or so monarch butterflies and other butterfly varieties flitted around, occasionally landing on the walls or guests, and the kids (and some adults) got sticks with chunks of sweet watermelon that attracted the butterflies. After we left the tent, we took a short hike through the nature center, and then came back to plant a seed. Kids were given the choice of flowers or tree seeds. My son picked a redwood (of course)- I think we’re going to need a bigger yard. After doing a craft and coloring, we watched the event finale- the release of the adult monarchs, flying away to start a new generation in nature. Quite a satisfying day.

OC Parks has many educational and community programs throughout the year. For more information on upcoming events or visiting an OC Parks facility, please visit www.ocparks.com.

Mile Square Regional Park

16801 Euclid St.

Fountain Valley, CA 92708

(714)973-6600 or (714)973-3197

milesquare@ocparks.com

Fall - Winter Hours, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. PDT

Spring - Summer Hours, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. PST

Office Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts, opinions, and pictures remain my own.

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The Muppets... Again! / First Look Images! | @MuppetsStudio

February 5, 2013, 7:00 am

≫ Next: Italian Street Festival & a Grand Opening in Valencia | @valenciasocal #awesometown

≪ Previous: Monarch Butterfly Day at Mile Square Park | @OCParks #OrangeCounty

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The first look images for THE MUPPETS…AGAIN! are now available!

About The Muppets... Again!

Disney’s “The Muppets …Again!” takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theaters in some of Europe’s most exciting destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and London. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine—the World’s Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit—and his dastardly sidekick Dominic, aka Number Two, portrayed by Ricky Gervais. The film stars Tina Fey as Nadya, a feisty prison guard, and Ty Burrell as Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon.

Disney’s “The Muppets … Again!” is directed by James Bobin and produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman. Bobin co-wrote the screenplay with Nicholas Stoller, who is also executive producer with John Scotti. Featuring music from Academy Award-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie, “The Muppets … Again!” hits the big screen March 21, 2014.

Starring Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey, Disney’s “The Muppets … Again!” takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour where they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper.

“Like” The Muppets on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/Muppets

“Follow” The Muppets on Twitter

@MuppetsStudio

“Follow” Miss Piggy on Twitter

@RealMissPiggy

THE MUPPETS…AGAIN! releases in theaters on March 21, 2014!

Italian Street Festival & a Grand Opening in Valencia | @valenciasocal #awesometown

February 6, 2013, 7:00 am

≫ Next: Mimi's Cafe hosts a Tweet up & Instagram Contest | @Mimis_Cafe #MimisGoesRed

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Awesome. I love that word. It is my favorite word because it's what I use to describe something that is cool, fun and interesting. So when I was invited to be part of an "Awesome" grand opening, well... I jumped on it - and I'm inviting YOU!

Experience Awesome: Saturday, February 9

Valencia celebrates the grand opening of two neighborhoods

Valencia will be unveiling two AWESOME neighborhoods by Lennar, Mosaic in West Hills and Toscana in West Creek. The unveiling will include a fun Italian street festival from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and you'll also have the opportunity to tour the six new model homes.

This grand opening event is geared towards families to give you an idea of what life in Valencia is like. On Saturday, Feb. 9th, you'll have the opportunity to win some great giveaways, enjoy live Italian street music, see four hour-long in-home demonstrations by celebrity bloggers, and an Instagram gallery showcasing daily life in Valencia through photos shared by visitors and residents who tagged “#Awesomegram.” The street festival will also feature fun for the kids with Mini-Me Picasso art activities, face painters and balloon artists.

I'm really looking forward to enjoying the Italian cappuccino and biscotti bar, gelato and sorbetto. I'm pretty sure you're going to have to literally drag me away from that spot.

When: Saturday, February 9, 2013, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: West Hills Drive and West Creek Drive, Valencia, CA 91354

Twitter:@ValenciaSoCal and #AwesomeTown to join in on the conversation!
Instagram: #AwesomeGram

Driving directions to Toscana
5 North
Exit Valencia Blvd and make right
Make left on McBean Pkwy
Continue to end of McBean Pkwy
Make left on Copper Hill Dr.
Make left on West Creek Dr.
Make right on Vista Del Rio

Driving directions to Mosaic
5 North
Exit Valencia Blvd and make right
Make left on McBean Pkwy
Continue to end of McBean Pkwy
Make left on Copper Hill Dr.
Make right on West Hills Dr.

I would love to see some of you out there to experience a different part of the LA area. Coffee is on me!

For more information, please visit Valencia.com.

This is not a sponsored post. I received a gift card and gift bag for attending this event and sharing information online. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Mimi's Cafe hosts a Tweet up & Instagram Contest | @Mimis_Cafe #MimisGoesRed

February 6, 2013, 8:47 am

≫ Next: Shoe Obsession, The Museum at FIT | @alexandrebirman

≪ Previous: Italian Street Festival & a Grand Opening in Valencia | @valenciasocal #awesometown

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Mimi's Cafe is dedicated to standing up to heart disease and help create awareness for women everywhere. This month, they will be hosting a Tweet Up and an Instagram contest.

Mimi's Cafe Tweet Up

Mimi's Cafe will be hosting a special Tweet Up on Thursday, February 7th at 1 p.m. PST.

Thoracic surgeon Dr. Brian Palafox will be leading the dialogue during the chat and discussing a heart-healthy lifestyle and answering all of your questions. Representatives from Go Red For Women will also be tweeting!

And no tweet up would be complete without some prizes. Participate in the chat and you'll have an opportunity to win one of many fun prizes!

To participate, go to www.tweetchat.com and enter #MimisGoesRed to participate.

Mimi's Cafe Instagram Contest

If you use Instagram, here's a fun way to participate in the Mimi's Goes Red campaign.

Shoe Obsession, The Museum at FIT | @alexandrebirman

February 6, 2013, 1:07 pm

≫ Next: Fantasy Faire se estrena el 12 de Marzo en el Parque Disneyland | @Disneyland #FantasyFaire

≪ Previous: Mimi's Cafe hosts a Tweet up & Instagram Contest | @Mimis_Cafe #MimisGoesRed

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New York is such a great place to be at - especially for fashion! For example, did you know that the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) has a museum? I haven't been, but would love to. Especially with the iconic styles of Alexandre Birman being showcased there.

If you happen to be in the area, I recommend stopping by. It has FREE admission... shoe loves unite!

Shoe Obsession, The Museum at FIT

February 8th - April 13th, 2013 

Museum Hours

Tuesday-Friday, noon-8 pm

Saturday, 10 am-5 pm

Closed Sunday, Monday, and legal holidays

Admission is free

Fantasy Faire se estrena el 12 de Marzo en el Parque Disneyland | @Disneyland #FantasyFaire

February 6, 2013, 4:16 pm

≫ Next: You Don't Have to be Ridiculous to be Green | @GreenWorks #GreenHousewives

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Llendo al Parque Disneyland siempre ha sido un gran evento para mi, especialmente como niña. Me imagino que esto es cierto para muchos otros tambien! Y luego cuando tenemos la oportunidad de conocer a los personajes de Disney? Pues eso nos manda sobre el mundo.

El Parque Disneyland ha revelado recientemente que al partir del 12 de marzo de 2013, las Princesas de Disney recibirán a estos visitantes en el nuevo Fantasy Faire, un mundo de cuento de hadas que amplía Fantasyland y recrea sus relatos atemporales en formas divertidas y sorprendentes.

Fantasy Faire crea un entorno encantador y envolvente para los visitantes que adoran los cuentos de hadas. Diseñado en el antiguo estilo típico de Fantasyland, esta feria de aldea está ubicada al oeste del “Hub” o Plaza Central, expandiendo Fantasyland más allá de sus límites actuales y en un sitio (los antiguos Carnation Plaza Gardens) cercano al antepatio del Castillo de la Bella Durmiente.

Los visitantes recorrerán un pintoresco sendero hasta los corredores del Salón Real, donde las princesas los aguardan. En el trayecto, se maravillarán con varios elementos curiosos, incluyendo a Fígaro, el gato de Geppetto, dormitando (y ocasionalmente despertándose) en la ventana y “Clopin’s Music Box”, un juguete mecánico fascinante e interactivo que representa el Banquete de los Tontos del “Jorobado de Notre Dame”.

Los visitantes también pueden explorar una encantadora plaza pueblerina en la que se erige Tangled Tower, una escultura mágica inspirada en la historia de Rapunzel. Al anochecer, el pelo de Rapunzel se enrosca alrededor de la escultura y cobra vida con luces centelleantes.

¡Un lugar nuevo para saludar a las princesas de Disney!

Una de las atracciones principales de la experiencia de Fantasy Faire es el Teatro Real, donde los visitantes disfrutarán dos espectáculos diferentes: las historias de Rapunzel (“Tangled”) y Belle (“Beauty and the Beast”) presentados por Mr. Smythe y Mr. Jones, un dúo de narradores de cuentos al mejor estilo vodevil renacentista. La princesa heroína, Rapunzel o Belle, participará en la diversión y permanecerá con la audiencia al finalizar la obra a fin de saludar a los visitantes.

Fairytale Treasures, una tienda ubicada dentro de Fantasy Faire, ofrece toda clase de vestidos, accesorios y regalos para Princesas. Maurice, el padre inventor de Belle, ha convertido un antiguo carro gitano en el pintoresco puesto de comida Maurice’s Treats, que sirve bollitos de pan saborizado (ajo y queso cheddar o fresa con almendras) además de una bebida exclusiva, el Boysen Apple Freeze.

Nuevo ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ 


“Mickey and the Magical Map” presenta al Ratón Mickey en su clásico rol de aprendiz de hechicero. El mago Yen Sid asigna una labor misteriosa a sus cartógrafos y este elenco de artistas masculinos y femeninos pinta un mapa maravilloso que puede llevar a los soñadores a cualquier lugar imaginable. El mapa es tan grande que ocupa todo el escenario del Teatro Fantasyland.

Sofia the First y Doc McStuffins se incorporan a ‘Disney Junior – Live on Stage!’


Los seguidores de los programas televisivos “Sofia the First” y “Doc McStuffins” de Disney Junior disfrutarán interactuar con estos personajes en “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!”, donde acompañarán a la banda de “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” y “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” en un show que invita a los niños en edad preescolar a cantar, bailar y jugar con marionetas encantadoras, escenografía fantasiosa y música alegre.

La incorporación de Fantasy Faire será uno de los puntos culminantes de la experiencia de los visitantes para la primavera-verano 2013 en el Disneyland Resort. Estrenándose también en el verano, “Mickey and the Magical Map” es un nuevo espectáculo en vivo presentado en el Teatro Fantasyland. Y en el Parque Disney California Adventure, los nuevos personajes “Sofia the First” y “Doc McStuffins” se incorporan al show “Disney Junior - Live on Stage!” a partir del 22 de marzo.

Este no es un post pagado. Las fotos son cortesia de Disney.

You Don't Have to be Ridiculous to be Green | @GreenWorks #GreenHousewives

February 6, 2013, 11:58 pm

≫ Next: Words I live by - The Road Not Taken | #RobertFrost

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I was green before it was cool to be green. Although... we were green out of necessity so I'm not sure if that counts. We always bought used (clothes, toys, etc.), up-cycled and took public transportation as much as we could, when we weren't riding our bikes.

Nowadays, it's almost becoming a status symbol to be eco-friendly, green, earth lovers, blah, blah, blah. I concentrate on what I can do and yes, I am conscious in what I purchase but only because it is a way of life for us. However, everyone and their mom has an opinion on being green. For example, did you know that a survey of 600 women conducted by the makers of Green Works® products learned that women say it’s being green that causes more pressure than being skinny (39% vs. 29% respectively)? That is insane.

Green Works is clearly seeing this trend because they've gone the extra step to sensationalize it with their new Green Works’ You Don’t Have to Be Ridiculous to be Green campaign. It's super hilarious to watch the new Green Works videos. It showcases the extent that some women go to, to stay green. My favorite "housewife" in the show is Jamie, the eco-socialite, especially in the video where she talks about gluten-free muffins.

According to Green Works, most women say affordability makes green product purchases more accessible (63%) than any other factor. I agree with this survey finding. I definitely think that affordability is the biggest hurdle to being green nowadays. Sometimes it's really expensive to be mindful of Mother Earth. With products like Green Works, it doesn't make it a harder to be "good."

For more information about Green Works, visit www.greenworkscleaners.com.

Green Works Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway
This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Green Works. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Words I live by - The Road Not Taken | #RobertFrost

February 7, 2013, 8:00 am

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English class has always been my favorite. I adore reading (and really wish I had more time to do it), and writing is even better. I was the girl who loved memorizing prepositions, poems and writing papers. When I was in middle school, we were required to read Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken." The poem touched me to my very core because I felt as though it was written for me. I memorized it and often recite it to remind me that I don't need to be like everyone else. I enjoy doing things just a little bit different, taking a different approach to things and travel the road less taken.

Is there a poem, scripture or quote that you live by? What about it speaks to you?

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim

Because it was grassy and wanted wear,

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I marked the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

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Slugterra: Return of the Shane Gang | @ShoutFactory #Slugterra

February 7, 2013, 3:19 pm

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On February 12th, Shout! Factory Kids, in collaboration with Nerd Corps Entertainment, will release Slugterra: Return of the Shane Gang on DVD! Fans and collectors can now pre-order the DVD on Amazon.com for only $12.99!

About Slugterra

Slugterra is an epic sci-fi comedy/adventure set deep underground, where the ammo’s live (literally!) and only the quick survive! In this luminous, high-tech, underground world, every cavern holds a new adventure, a new battle and weird little slugs to be discovered!

Frugal Friday: Environmental Nature Center | #OrangeCounty #NewportBeach

February 8, 2013, 8:00 am

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Guest post by Justine Burgess

Have a little time but don’t have a lot of money? Want to take the kids (or yourself) to commune with nature, but you’re not ready for a full scale hike? The Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach (right on the edge of Costa Mesa) is the perfect solution, whether you have thirty minutes or three hours.

The Environmental Nature Center is a 3.5 acre natural space amidst a sea of concrete. It has 15 native plant communities, wildlife habitats, and walking trails. It also offers education programs. The 8500 square foot “green” building houses a museum celebrating California’s biodiversity, and has exhibits of native cultures. The kids nook offers fun for the little guys- books, coloring pages, and a wall with a live reptile “zoo”. There are also naturalists on site and the docents are very informative.

I took my son there a couple of weeks ago. From the minute we walked in the door we were learning. In the hall of the facility, we learned about how it was built with sustainable materials and makes its own energy. Entering the museum portion, we found many displays of animals and wall boards with descriptions of California ecology. There was a light-up board of the food chain that my son particularly enjoyed. We smelled different types of pine, made animal tracks, felt the fur of local mammals, identified small creatures, learned about ecosystems, and explored Native American crafting and food preparation. We even ground our own acorns into meal with a mortar and pestle. Afterwards, we went on what was originally supposed to be a short walk outside, but we became so engrossed with the many things to see (like the butterfly house, mini-wetlands, and other areas) that we spent about two hours hiking the entirety of the trail system (going on some trails two or three times). Once we had finished our exploration, we returned to the center to color a picture and leave a donation (several, actually- each time you drop a donation in the box, an owl sitting above hoots. My son left about $5 in small coins, just to hear it…again…and again…and again.). We then stopped in the gift shop, which has a wide variety of items, and sales go to help fund the center and its projects. The docent shared with us that there will also be a nature-based preschool coming soon.

The center also offers other paid and free programs throughout the year, such as periodic camps for kids, school field trips, Scout programs, community events, birthday parties, and volunteer opportunities, just to name a few. It’s a great little place to stop off and enjoy some wildlife before getting back into the rush of the big city. The center is free for regular visits (well, minus the coins and bills your kids decide to make the owl hoot with). Happy hooting!

Environmental Nature Center

Address

1601 16th St., Newport Beach, Ca., 92663

Phone

(949) 645-8489

Hours

M-F 8am to 5pm

Sat/Sun. 8am to 4pm

Website

www.encenter.org

This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

Getting the Inside Scoop on The Croods | #TheCroods

February 8, 2013, 8:08 pm

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My kid has been begging to plan a date to go see "The Croods" ever since he saw the commercial. He thinks the characters are hilarious! Have you seen the trailer?


Anyhow, I'll be able to tell him all about it before taking him in to see it because I get to attend The Croods Parent Blogger Summit on Monday and Tuesday! I'm super excited because the agenda is packed with activities at Dreamworks Studio such as the screening of the movie, Q&A with the filmmakers and more. And really, I am also going for YOU, because I want you to be on the inside too! So, I invite you to follow along on February 11-12 as I share what I see (well, most of it anyway) on Twitter using hashtag #TheCroods; I'll be tweeting from @PattieCordova.

About The Croods

THE CROODS is a 3D comedy adventure that follows the world's first modern family through the journey of a lifetime. When the cave that has always been their home is destroyed – with the rest of their world not far behind it – The Croods are forced to set off on the first family road (or path) trip. Rocked by generational clashes and seismic shifts, The Croods discover an incredible new world filled with fantastic creatures, and a future beyond any they imagined.

The Cast and Roles of The Croods

The Crood family dynamics, though unfolding a few million years ago, feel like they could come from your own household. Like most fathers, family patriarch Grug (Nicolas Cage) is fiercely protective of his wife and three kids. His hyper-vigilance has kept his cave-bound family safe, secure and....super- bored.  Grug’s strong and dutiful better half, Ugga (Catherine Keener), accepts her husband's "fear is good; change is bad" mentality, as does their son Thunk (Clark Duke), who’s content with the static status quo. Feisty mother-in-law Gran (Cloris Leachman) never tires of needling (or sometimes assaulting) Grug; and stone-tough toddler Sandy might be the fiercest Crood yet. 

But leave it to a rebellious teenager (is there any other kind?) to stand up to parental authority. Grug's sole focus is survival, but Eep (Emma Stone) wants to actually live, and her curiosity about the world outside their cave collides with her dad's primitive rules. (Ever the defiant outsider, Eep gets her own ledge to sleep on while the rest of the Croods pile on top of one another for some family shut-eye.)

A cataclysmic event forces the Croods to venture into parts unknown and rethink their way of living.  En route, they encounter Guy (Ryan Reynolds), whose dazzling new discoveries – like fire...and shoes – shake up the Croods in unexpected ways. Most of the family (especially Eep) is open to Guy’s vision of a new place called “tomorrow,” but Grug sees the biggest calamity yet: a charming teenage boy from which he must “protect” Eep. The Croods soon realize that if they don’t evolve…they’re history.

Keep or Return?: Kate Spade Candy Delight Belt

February 8, 2013, 9:01 pm

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I need your help. I scored this cute Kate Spade Candy Delight belt super cheap- $30! It retails for $98 and TJ Maxx totally pulled through again. Anyhow... I can't decide to keep it. On one hand, I say yes because the bow is cute, it was a great deal and Kate Spade is nothing short of fabulous. On the other hand, those $30 could buy me 8 other belts and the gold part is a little scratched from being on display. Besides, won't it be hard to match to it? So here is where you come in. Should I keep it, or return it?

Crush of the week: Mickey Mouse Sweatshirt by Marc Jacobs | @MarcJacobs

February 13, 2013, 8:26 pm

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In love with this Mickey Mouse Sweatshirt by the fabulous Marc Jacobs. It's a crop top style sweatshirt with black and white sequin embroidered Mickey Mouse logo and available at Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom & Saks. Get it in either black (my favorite) and ivory.

Mickey Mouse Sweatshirt (black) - Marc Jacobs (MSRP $995.00)

Mickey Mouse Sweatshirt (ivory) - Marc Jacobs (MSRP $995.00)

Get another look at the ivory version of this sweatshirt on MarcJacobs.com.