Quantcast
Channel: Mundo Das Séries
Viewing all 1862 articles
Browse latest View live

The World’s First "Modern Family" - The Croods | #TheCroods

0
0

The Croods are coming to the big screen on March 22nd. Find out a little more about the movie before you catch it in theatres.  


A few weeks ago I was at the Dreamworks Animations studios getting exclusive information about their upcoming film, The Croods. Of course, the juicy stuff all came after we saw the movie - which has the most relatable story line that I have seen this year.

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 Croods is a story that we can all relate too. You'll see yourself in there (if you're a parent). Are you a teenager? I'm sure you'll relate with Eep. In fact, when the story was being written, the focus was on family. It was all about the evolution of family and how it inherently remains the same. The Croods is about the evolution of every family - and you'll see your family in the movie. Maybe even get you noticing how it has evolved as well.


One of the best parts of the trip was hearing from the storyboard artists and producers first-hand on where The Croods started (five years ago), and how it finally ended. Steve Macleod, who was very involved in the storyboard process, walked us through a few scenes in the movie, including raw drawings and referenced the final piece. It felt very much as though he was giving us a story pitch and asking for notes.


Steve talked to us about the opening scene. The one that features the USC Marching Band. In this scene, we are introduced to the ruggedness and strength that the family has as they go through the mountains and rough terrain. They're chasing this egg and everyone, including the grandma, is being tripped, having to climb mountains, tackling animals, etc. It's a full-on contact sport just to get breakfast! It also happens to be the best opening scene that I've sat through - and it'll make you happy knowing that you spent the extra dollars to watch it in 3D. It's that good.

I can't wait to tell you more about the trip and more on The Croods. I hope that it gets you pumped up to watch the film and that you take the whole family with you on opening day, March 22nd. While it does have some heavy tear-jerking scenes, the rest of the film is hilarious, colorful and very imaginative. The sheer colors will have you mesmerized and you'll find yourself wondering how it is that parenthood and families haven't changed. That teenager at home? As primitive as Eep (Emma Stone's character) when you get down to it.

You also won't see a villain in this movie. The only "bad" guys in the movie are the enormous animals and predators that just happen to live during this time period. But those are just inherent in a prehistoric time period movie.

Oh, and if you're wondering exactly which time period The Croods are from, they're from the "Croodaceous Period"... a made-up time period after the Jurassic era.

Stay updated with The Croods

Visit the official The Croods website
"Like" The Croods on Facebook
Follow @DWAnimation on Twitter
Follow #TheCroods on Twitter

The Croods hits theaters March 22nd.


This is not a sponsored post. I was invited to the The Croods Parent Summit as a member of the press. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

Must-have Beautifully Disney products | #BeautifullyDisney

0
0

The much anticipated new product-line, Beautifully Disney, has launched. 

Composed of lip glosses, eyeshadow palettes, nail polishes and accessories, Beautifully Disney is the new exclusive product line available only at Disney Vault 28 at Downtown Disney, Anaheim, and Tren-D at Downtown Disney, Orlando. A portion of the products will also be available for purchase online, Disney Parks, cruise lines and resorts. Purchase via WDW Mail Order by calling 877.560.6477.

Downtown Disney Disney Vault 28 Beautifully Disney products
Beautifully Disney - "Wickedly Beautiful" Line

With products starting at $8.95, you can get your daily dose of Disney with every sweep of eyeshadow, lip gloss and nail polish. Accessories like the double-mirror compact, cosmetic pouches and cases help you tout around all the new goodies.

Beautifully Disney was created with the intention of being a permanent collection. This every day, hard working product line is meant for every day use. The initial line, "Wickedly Beautiful" features the go-to princesses and villains - Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Ariel, and their villain counterparts.

Upcoming collections, "Unlock the Spell" Spring/Summer 2013 and "Fiery Spirit" Fall/Winter 2013, will feature the remainder of the Disney favorites such as Pocahontas, Mulan, Merida, Tiana, Rapunzel, Belle and Jasmine.

The collections are intended to be released every three months so that every season you will have new nail, lip and eye colors to add to your collection. The best thing is, that you can use all of the colors together!

Beautifully Disney logo

I had the opportunity to try out the Wickedly Beautiful collection during their product launch at Disney Vault 28. After checking out the entire collection, I settled in for a mini-makeover by Georgina, a Disney make-up artist that works with the Disney cast. She used both eyeshadow palettes on me to give me a natural every day look that stayed on the remainder of the day. What I noticed most about the eyeshadow was the fact that they are not highly pigmented, allowing for more control over the color. Such a mix would allow you to keep it light during the day, and layer on more for nighttime. It also means that the colors will work on a wide range of skin tones (bonus points with this Latina)!

The lip glosses are something else. I looked at the entire line and there was one color in particular that kind of scared me, "Enchanted Slumber." It scared me because it's gold. You look at it and you think, "I'm too old for this." Trust me when I tell you that "Enchanted Slumber" is the lip gloss that you NEED. Yes, you need it like you need a good moisturizer. Come to find out, all of the lip glosses are sheer! They are not heavy, nor are they sticky. Because of this, the gold lip gloss mentioned before can be brushed on over any lipstick or lip gloss and it gives you a subtle shimmer. Because the shimmer is finely ground in the lip gloss, when you put it on it gives illusion of a plumper lip. You can't go wrong with that, right?

Lastly, I tried on the nail polish. It was very hard to choose a color though. I couldn't decide between the glitter, gloss or cream. After much deliberation, I went with the pink cream nail polish titled "Enchanted Kiss."At only $8.95, I can honestly say that the nail polish is comparable to O.P.I. and even Chanel! The cream nail polishes have great coverage and you could probably stop at one coat. I asked for two though, because I want it to last a while (though looking at my nails, I am long overdue for a manicure). The glitter polishes are pure glitter which can be added as a top coat to any color, or maybe just by itself!

Beautifully Disney Enchanted Kiss nail polish
Beautifully Disney - "Enchanted Kiss" nail polish ($8.95)

I am seriously crushing on the entire Beautifully Disney line and I can't wait for the other collections to be out so I can add more to mine. If you're in the Anaheim, CA or Orlando, FL area, I invite you to visit Downtown Disney and check out the collection yourself. And if you can do it soon, even better. This way you can take advantage of this deal:
For a limited time, you can purchase a Beautifully Disney Compact Mirror for $10.00 (regular $16.95) with any Beautifully Disney Cosmetic merchandise purchase of $40.00 or more!
The Beautifully Disney line was created with the female between 18 and 35 years old in mind. But Disney did a great job in creating an every day, wearable line that any female over 15 can wear it. And because it's not being sold through third-parties, you get the "exclusivity" feeling with every product. So now, tell me, which product would you want to have?




This is not a sponsored post. I attended the product launch event as a member of the press and received a gift bag with product. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

Wreck-It Ralph Home Viewing Party | @DisneyAnimation #WreckItRalph

0
0
wreck-it ralph party

We had an amazing weekend, and it all started on Friday when we sat down to watch Wreck-It Ralph. My older kid had seen it before, but I was still out in the cold because I hadn't had an opportunity to see it. However, the hubster said that it was one of his favorite Disney movies and that he couldn't wait to see it again. Unfortunately, the kids and I run pretty low on patience so we sat down to watch it along with some snacks and a few activities before he got home from work.

fix it felix app on icade

The boys started by playing Fix-It Felix on the iPad (atop the icade for a more realistic arcade feel). After a few rounds, we switched over to coloring while I put together a healthy snack for them to devour while watching Wreck-It Ralph.

wreck-it ralph coloring pages

wreck-it ralph snack

Snacks are super simple at my home, mainly because I lack imagination when it comes to recipes. I cut up some strawberries, set them next to blueberries and then filled in the rest of the bowl with low fat honey-flavored yogurt. A few cuties placed inside red cupcake holders made a great addition to the set-up. And because I like to snack on junkier foods while I watch kid movies, I set out some s'more-flavored Goldfish crackers. This way, we could get the junky feeling, without being overly junky.

wreck-it ralph stickers

I went the extra mile for the kids by printing out some Wreck-It Ralph stickers - but taped them to popsicle sticks and toothpicks instead. The remainder of the images, I set out on the table to add theme to the tablecloth.

We had a great time watching Wreck-It Ralph, and like most Disney movies, tears were shed, cheering was loud and snacks were devoured. I really liked the movie, especially the end and I loved seeing all the old-school gaming characters that come out. The story was well-thought out and I can definitely see us watching it over and over again. In fact, my kid is still reciting the beginning of the movie!

When you watch Wreck-It Ralph, I recommend that you have some healthy snacks around to munch on because you'll want to scarf down every bit of sweet goodies that you have at home. Like the movie commercials have shown you, you'll see visions of sugar and spice and everything nice - and that will get your sweet tooth going.

Wreck-It Ralph is available via HD Digital and HD Digital 3D Versions. Buy it on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, Blu-ray 3D™, DVD, SD Digital and On-Demand on March 5, 2013. Stay connected with the latest news and information about “Wreck It Ralph”:

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/WreckItRalph
On Twitter: @DisneyAnimation
Website and Mobile Site: www.Disney.com/WreckItRalph

wreck it ralph tshirt


This is not a sponsored post. I received the movie to enjoy at home with my family. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

The one thing you should do for your child this week | @ScholarShare529

0
0

In true transparency, I will not talk about a product that I don't already use, have used or want to use. Sometimes, these products are more serious in nature, like the ScholarShare College Savings Plan. 


As a mami, there are things that I found myself taking extra-serious once the idea of kids entered the picture. My number one thing that I very clearly expect from my kids is getting a higher education - beyond high school. As the first college graduate in my family (I'm talking first EVER), I battled ideas and stereotypes that my kids, thankfully, won't have to.

Few of you know that I married right out of high school. My dad, once he found out that I was going to college after high school, asked, "Why?" I had to explain to my dad that just because I was married didn't mean that I would stop going to school. And even though I don't hold a full-time job right now, my college education has come in handy.

However, even if I went and got married right after high school, I won't support my kids doing the same thing. Number one reason? It was really, really hard getting through college. Not because of the school work, but because I had to pay my entire college tuition out of pocket. As it turns out, being married didn't allow me to garner any financial aid (besides financial aid disguised as loans). I knew that I wasn't going to get any loans and my parents never set aside money for me to go to college so I ended up working full-time, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and then going to college full-time afterwards. So while other kids would hang out at the local college hangout, I was heading to work because I had to pay for the entire tuition without any government or parental support.

I'm happy to say that I made it through college in four years. I took a full coursework every semester, and even did some summer school as well. I saved money my first two years by going to community college. I saved even more money by buying used school books. In the end, going to college full-time while working a full-time job made me even prouder of my accomplishment, but even so, I do not want my kids to have to go through it. This is why the second the hubster and I found out that I was pregnant, we made an appointment with our financial advisor to set up a college savings plan.

Both of our kids have 529 plans (aka college savings plans). We set them up through our financial advisor because before last week, I thought that was the only way that they could be set up. What am I doing this week after learning about ScholarShare College Savings Plan? Transferring the kids' 529 plans to ScholarShare College Savings Plan to increase the amount of money that we have going into their account. You see, ScholarShare doesn't charge the extra fees that other 529 plans charge and so more of the money that is put into the kid's accounts every month will go into their savings account, instead of the company managing the account.


I had the opportunity to have dinner with the folks from ScholarShare last week and learned a bit more about their new features. I'll give you a quick rundown:

  • The new ScholarShare plan significantly reduces fees, expands the investment lineup, and offers online and mobile tools to make California’s 529 plan more accessible and easier to manage.
  • The minimum initial contribution to open an account is now only $25, down from $50 a year ago.
  • Under the revamped plan, fees will be reduced by approximately 30 percent, making ScholarShare one of the lowest cost 529 plans in the country.
  • The annual asset based management fees now range from 0.18 percent to 0.62 percent, vs. 0.25 percent to 1.06 percent with old plan.
  • 4 additional investment portfolios (15 to 19), giving account holders more options, depending on their savings goals and risk tolerance.
  • You can also compare different college saving choices to make the wisest selections for you and your beneficiary.
  • The ScholarShare website will feature informational tools to help California families better prepare a college savings plan to meet their specific needs, including a new Risk Tolerance Questionnaire.
  • For the on-the-go customer, ScholarShare launched a series of mobile-friendly services, including a mobile site with full account management capabilities and a mobile app called College Savings Planner, that allows customers to keep track of their college savings goals and plan to help meet them.
Setting up a 529 plan is super easy with ScholarShare. You can do it online via their website, ScholareShare.com, or you can send in a form. All you need is $25 to start and then you can choose to have money automatically transferred to the plan every month.

If you're thinking of having a kid, already have one (or more), or even if all you have are nieces and nephews at this time, I highly recommend that you set up a 529 plan for them. Anyone can open up a college savings account. It's one of those things that you'll never regret doing.

Find out more about ScholarShare

ScholarShare Website: http://scholarshare.com
Follow ScholarShare on Twitter:  @ScholarShare529
Follow ScholarShare on Facebook:  http://facebook.com/ScholarShare529 (FYI: They routinely hold contests for money that is deposited into your ScholarShare 529 account)


This is a sponsored post from One2One Network and Scholarshare. All opinions stated are my own.

Selena Gomez conducts Harper's Bazaar interview at Hooter's

0
0
selena gomez shorts
Top, $1,890, and shorts, $690, Oscar de la Renta

Selena Gomez sits down with Harper's Bazaar at Hooter's and talks about Justin, her grown-up stardom and why it's hard to date non-celebs for April's issue. That part of the interview location is questionable, but for her it was more of a dad-daugther hangout place - so skipping over that part, let me tell you why I liked this interview.

In her interview, it says,
"But [Selena's] fan base, at least for now, is still largely made up of children and teenagers, and she takes her responsibility to them seriously." 
I missed the whole Selena Gomez craze when she was on The Wizards of Waverly Place, but I know enough about her thanks to my nieces. That's why the quote mentioned before is so important. My nieces look up to her and while she is featured in this adult-oriented magazine, she also shows up on all the kiddie magazines. Selena seems to be handling this in-between stage really well. She understand what it means to be a celebrity that the younger audience looks up to and I'm happy to see that she's not doing the whole Justin-flashing-his-butt-online thing.


Read more: Selena Gomez Interview - On Justin Bieber and Acting in Harper's BAZAAR

Easter events at Simon Malls in Orange County | #OrangeCounty #Easter

0
0

Orange County-area children and parents are encouraged to “hop” to it this Easter season as the holiday arrives early at your local Simon Mall. 

Bunny Photo Experience


At the Bunny Photo Experience, kids will have the chance to visit with the Bunny and take home a treasured snapshot of the fun occasion. The photo experience will take place:

Westminster Mall

March 8th - March 30th

Brea Mall

March 1st - March 30th

The Shops at Mission Viejo

March 7th - March 30th

Laguna Hills Mall

March 8th - March 30th

Caring Bunny 


Westminster Mall’s Caring Bunny™ event will offer families which have children with special needs a subdued environment to participate in the Bunny Photo Experience. On March 10th, many steps will be taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comforting environment for children’s cherished visit with the Bunny. The subdued environment will include:
  • 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.
For more information, and to RSVP, click here: https://www.facebook.com/events/406652162764527/

Simon Kidgits Club Events


The Simon Kidgits Club® will also host a special Easter event at three of the four malls where kids can participate in various craft-making activities and games and will receive take-home treats as well. These events will take place:

Westminster Mall

March 16th from 10-12pm

The Shops at Mission Viejo

March 16th from 8:30-10am

Laguna Hills Mall

March 23rd from 10-12pm

The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3-8.

For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club and the Orange County Malls’ Easter events, visit www.simon.com/kidgits or:
Westminster Mall: www.facebook.com/WestminsterMall
Breal Mall:www.facebook.com/BreaMall
Shops at Mission Viejo: www.facebook.com/ShopsAtMissionViejo
Laguna Hills Mall: www.facebook.com/LagunaHillsMall

This is not a sponsored post. All images courtesy of Simon Malls.

Overcoming my challenge made me 2x stronger | @AngelSoftLatino #AngelSoft

0
0
In 2009, I was given notice at work that my position, along with lots of others, was being eliminated. Unless I decided to move with the company of course. Well, there is practically nothing that would make me move from Orange County, so I opted to stay behind and lose my job. With a new mortgage, a one and a half year old baby and not much in savings, this challenge was issued to me and I tackled it head on. What did I do? I threw myself into being a full-time mom and I became a stay-at-home mami.

As a stay-at-home mom, my salary went by the wayside and we opted to give up our home so that I could stay home full-time. I picked up my blogging and it went from being a hobby, to being my life on display all day, every day.

My life as it is couldn't be better (I take it back - it could be better if we were owning again and I had medical insurance), but aside from that, it couldn't be better. It happened at a time in my life where I had the option of changing my life, and the hubster, though a bit hesitant, stood by me in my decision.

I have the opportunity to stay home with my kids, we were able to have another child and now I have lots of time with them. I no longer have to drop them off in the wee hours of the morning, pick them up late only to have to put them to bed as soon as I get home. It's not the life that I imagined, but it's one that I would never give up.


This post was inspired by Angel Soft 2x Stronger because this challenge has made me 2x stronger. I was able to overcome the challenge of being laid off from the best job that I had, for the best boss, and now I can honestly tell you that when one door closes, another one opens.

The new Angel Soft 2x Stronger paper can easily help you manage your household supplies, and I encourage you to try for yourself using the download coupon (http://angelsoft.com/#/coupon).

Angel Soft Giveaway

angel soft target giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Angel Soft. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

© 2013. Living Mi Vida Loca. All rights reserved.

Top 10 Deal Sites | #FrugalFriday #NotSpon

0
0

Guest post by Justine Burgess


If your family is like my family, going out and having fun has become exponentially more expensive than it used to be. A simple dinner can cost a days wages, and special things like a theme park trip, wine tasting, or trips to satisfy an adventurous spirit seem to practically break the bank. Lately, for my fun with the family or a weekend with the girls, I’ve begun to rely on deal sites that offer substantial discounts, usually fifty percent or more off regular prices. In recent weeks, I’ve gone rock climbing, Jazzercizing, and bounce-housing, and soon will be hydro-biking- all for less then the price of my weekly groceries. Sure, some things are still spendy- but not AS spendy.
Please keep in mind that you should carefully research ALL deal sites, the companies they are offering deals for, and usage/refund policies BEFORE PURCHASING in order to avoid any potential problems. The links below are NOT affiliated nor sponsored.
Spreebird (formerly Screamin’ Daily Deals). This gives a portion of its proceeds to local charities. Personally, I’ve never had a deal gone wrong from them. Best deal I got was for Froggs Bounce House- a 10-bounce punch card for $14 after a $5 gift credit.
Booking Buddy (travel deals). I have friends that have used and have not heard anything bad; however, I have not used this myself. It’s worth checking though.
Living Social. This site (and its special “escape” area) has entertainment and travel deals, both domestic and exotic.
Daily Candy Deals. Daily Candy has always been about the newest hip happenings, and its deals site is no exception. Recent deals included Nature box, Fandango, and kids clothing.
Travelzoo. Travel and entertainment deals everywhere, including Vegas. With all the money you save, you don’t have to feel guilty about those nickel slots or extra cocktails.
Totsy. Once just for kids clothing, they’ve recently been offering product deals, like ones for National Geographic kids and housewares.
Goldstar. I’ve used this service in the past once or twice for event tickets. You can get some great prices. Current deals include whale watching and hockey.
Plum District. A deal site for moms, run by moms. Most deals are fairly well thought out, in my opinion, and family-friendly.
Mamasource by Mamapedia. A deal site geared towards moms, families, and kids, with discounts on fun, usable products.
Eversave. One of the first deals sites I ever tried, and my own experience was great.

Bonus: Groupon. The granddaddy of the deals movement, and it still has fabulous offerings, but so many deal sites exist these days that it’s hard to keep track. To help keep deals on track, you can sign up for deals emails. Creating an account is a must, and you’ll often get a sign up credit or referral credits, and some even offer periodic gift credits.

So, there you have it. Ten deals sites to get you started. I make no guarantees about them, but I think they are all worth taking a look at. The one I choose to use the most these days is Spreebird- they’ve offered the deals that fit best with my lifestyle, plus they give back to the community. For me, that’s a win-win situation.

Rock climbing - Taking advantage of a deal site "deal"

This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions remain my own. Again, we make no guarantees regarding the quality of the deals- this is simply a list of deal sites that I receive emails from and a few that I have purchased from.

Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! Get the Sillies Out! Concert Recap | @YoGabbaGabba #SanDiego

0
0
yo gabba gabba tour

We had a great weekend - made possible in party by the Yo Gabba Gabba! Life! Get the Sillies Out! concert show. We partied with them, got the sillies out and thanks to the magic of Netflix, the party is still going on right now.

yo gabba gabba

This was our second time seeing Yo Gabba Gabba! live and it continues to be a great show. My older kid, 5 years old, was still into it, and the baby at 21 months, was just as happy to see his favorite characters on stage. It's literally like watching the Yo Gabba Gabba! TV show - live. It goes through the same routine - the intro, the singing, the Super Music Friends Show, "Biz's Beat of the Day" and then the good-bye song. If your kids are fans, I highly encourage you to check them out.

biz markie

Though a lot of the show is made for kids, it still has entertainment that adults can get into like Biz Markie and his "Biz's Beat of the Day." Mike Park, a Korean American musician, was the Super Music Friend Show guest - and I know there were a lot of fans there that were more excited than their kids to see this music superstar.

By the way, this is the type of show that as a parent, you leave all your inhibitions at the door. DJ Lance will have you on your feet, dancing next to your kid and your kid will love that you're getting down with him. It's A LOT of fun!!!

There are still a few shows left in the Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! Get the Sillies Out! tour. Stay updated here: http://www.yogabbagabbalive.com.

yo gabba gabba live concert dates and schedule

And if you want to get a sneak peak at this 80 minute show, watch the video that I put together for you:


Like Yo Gabba Gabba! on Facebook!
Follow @yogabbagabba on Twitter!
Follow Yo Gabba Gabba! on Instagram!
Follow Yo Gabba Gabba! on Pinterest!


This is not a sponsored post. I was provided with complimentary tickets for my family. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

Hispanicize 2013 - Fly Me to Miami | #Hispz13 @hispanicize

0
0
I can honestly say that Hispanicize 2012 was the major factor in me becoming a professional blogger. It catapulted me into the blogosphere that I am in now and I'm ready to go back to Hispanicize 2013 in Miami, Florida for more.

Pattie Cordova at Hispanicize

Yes, the parties were fun, the people even more so (hey, I was even in the flash mob!), but what stood out at Hispanicize were the sessions.  Some of my favorite sessions last year included the one about vlogging, Latinos in tech and another on how to use StumbleUpon. I continue to use the resources that were given to me then, to expand my blog today.

This year, I look forward to attending all of the blogger sessions, but especially these three:
  • The Blog/Home Life Balance
  • How to Plan and Execute a Great Latino Blogger Event
  • The Further Adventures of Latino Travel Bloggers
I am writing this post with the hopes that it will bowl the Hispanicize over and sponsor my trip to Miami this coming April. I am ready to step it up even more, but I do need their help to get there. If you're willing to help a girl out, I would appreciate a RT below:

Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop Review | @GreenleafTweets #CostaMesa

0
0

Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop is a great option for family-friendly dining!

I'm all about trying out new places. Especially when it can potentially become a new family favorite. When I heard about Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop in Costa Mesa, I couldn't wait to get down there.


I strolled into Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop at night and thanks to the huge lit-up sign, I was able to find it even in darkness. I parked behind the restaurant and walked right into their shop.


The shop inside Greenleaf is full of local artisan products harvested, grown and created locally. It's also where you can stroll to the counter, grab your cup of delicious coffee and maybe grab a pastry out on the way to work. It makes for a quick lunch stop too! They have a menu by the front of the store where they list items such as juices, shakes, etc.

That night we were there to sample the newly renovated kid's menu. However, my kids eat whatever is on my plate, thanks to their vegetarian diet, so I was more on tasting their regular menu.

greenleaf gourmet chopshop
Wild Mushroom and Truffle "Pizza" ($9.95)

greenleaf gourmet chopshop
Grilled Veggie Panini ($7.95) - Image courtesy of Jill Parkin

greenleaf gourmet chopshop
Chicken Bites - served with baked sweet potato fries and ketchup ($6)

The Wild Mushroom and Truffle "Pizza" was super delicious. It has a delicate texture, but with a strong fresh taste of vegetables. It was light, so even though I practically ate the entire pie, I was not feeling that overtly-full feeling.

The Grilled Veggie Panini was my other favorite. It had a great spread on the inside of the bread so that the veggies stuck to it and didn't slip out. The bread was fresh and my kids would gobble these up - no question.

Lastly, I tried the sweet potato fries that are served with the chicken bites - off of the kids menu. I love that there are alternatives to regular fries offered on the kids menu, and these sweet potato fries really fit the kids menu bill. They were not greasy and I think I would get them as a side dish for the kids.

So while I couldn't get enough of the vegetarian menu, my friend, Jill of Sandy Toes & Popsicles, went through their meat offerings. Hop over to her Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop review and read what she thought of the kid's menu and other non-vegetarian items.

You can check out their full menu for more offerings, and please visit them at their Beverly Hills, Century City or Costa Mesa locations.

Greenleaft Gourmet Chopshop Team and Owner

Follow Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop

Twitter | @GreenleafTweets

Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop Giveaway

gift card giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway


This is not a sponsored post. I was invited by Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop to try out the new items to facilitate my review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

The DMV notice that I hoped would never come

0
0
I received a DMV notice in the mail. At first I thought it might just be an auto registration renewal. However, once I pulled it out of the envelope I saw that it was a driver license renewal notice. Okay. I can handle that. But then... I noticed that there was no online renewal code. Uh oh... that is NEVER a good thing. So then I keep reading and I come to this: "you must go into a DMV office to: 1) pay the $25 renewal fee 2) take a vision test 3) take a picture.

Yes, I have to go in and retake my driver license picture. I was hoping that this day would never come. I was hoping that by some pure chance I had been completely skipped the last few picture renewals and that I would never have to take another picture (or at least, not in the next 20 years). But no. I have to go in and have another picture taken! The DMV notice that I hoped would never come was finally here.

The last (and only) time I had my driver license picture taken was when I was 18. With my ponytail held high, I put on some lipgloss and called it a day. I look fresh, young and healthy. It was an effortless picture and one that I am proud of (and will happily whip out when needed).

pattie cordova
Current driver license

Now, I have to go in, two kids and a blogging life later, and actually attempt to do something to my hair, put on a full face of makeup and give it my best to look refreshed, well-rested and ready to take on the world. I'm not sure if I'm ready for a challenge. I know it's just a picture... but I'll have to show it to a lot of people during the course of the next 10 years and I want it to be good.

So there you have it. Now you know what i'll be doing in a couple of weeks. And of course, I'll let you know how it turns out. But for now, I feel the dark cloud looming over me.

p.s. I do realize that it may seem trivial to some, but I seriously wish I could pay $100 and keep my old picture. I mean, we pay more for personalized license plates, why can't we do the same for driver license pictures?

Are you happy with your driver license picture, or do you wish you could have a do-over on it?

Disney Classics App Sale - only $.99! | @disneydigibooks #apps

0
0

They are the stories that made us fall in love with Disney characters and faraway lands that will be in our imaginations forever. 


Take home some of the most memorable Disney Classics, now as apps, for only $.99 cents each! The sale runs until Monday, March 18th and includes the following apps:

Dumbo Disney Classics
Relive the timeless film, Dumbo, in this interactive storybook app featuring beautiful illustrations and animation, word-for-word narration, music, sound effects and interactive surprises.

Jungle Book Disney Classics
Follow the classic tale of a boy named Mowgli and his jungle friends as they face the dangerous tiger Shere Khan and the unknown world of the humans. Fun activities are found throughout the storybook.

Peter Pan Disney Classics
To Neverland! Readers will join Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and the whole gang on a swashbuckling and magical adventure. Coloring pages, interactive puzzles, and memory games are all included.

Bambi Disney Classics
Walt Disney’s beloved coming-of-age tale will thrill a new generation of fans in this stunning storybook app. Read along, interact, and explore as Bambi and his furry friends grow up and learn about life in the forest.

Aristocats Disney Classics
A modern twist on the timeless story, The Aristocats: Disney Classics combines delightful storytelling with unique interactive elements. Join the adventure with Duchess and her three kittens!

Free “Learn to Play” hockey classes | #OrangeCounty

0
0

Guest post by Justine Burgess

Looking for a fun way to keep your kid entertained and let them get some good old-fashioned exercise? Does your kiddo have basic knowledge of ice or inline skating? Well, here’s a fab (and FREE) idea for your little ones, recommended for ages 10 or younger. The only thing it requires is your time (and a fully refundable deposit). I’m talking about the Anaheim Ducks “Learn to Play” hockey program put on by the Rinks (and presented by Reebok, at the time of this writing).

learn to play presented by reebok

The “Learn to Play” class is a 4-week session (one day per week) offered at the Rinks, both for ice-skating and inline. Each child receives a jersey and is issued an equipment bag that includes all the necessary hockey equipment for the course (stick, pads, chest protector, helmet, etc.), along with free weekly skate rentals. The Rinks coaching staff instructs the kids on skating and hockey techniques. There is a deposit of $250 on the equipment, but you receive that back after the end of the 4 weeks - provided you return all of the equipment, of course - making this 4-week class free! Since you get to take the equipment home, your child can also practice in full gear between class sessions. What better deal could you get on such a fun activity?

My son loves to watch ice hockey, so when he asked to learn to ice skate at age 3, of course we said yes. He started lessons at The Rinks at age 4, and now that he’s 5, he’s taking on the challenge of the Learn to Play ice-hockey class. His first day was initially a little tough- he was nervous because of the number of older kids in the class, but once he found his groove he was even showing some of the bigger kids what he’d learned in a previous one-day hockey class. The class does break into smaller age-appropriate groups during the course of the lessons, building up confidence for the little guys, and there are numerous experienced instructors on hand, as well as teens with hockey experience that do a great job of helping. The class itself is about an hour, but putting all the equipment on is time-consuming, so expect to be in the rink for about 1-1/2 to 2 hours total. They’ll do several types of hockey drills, skating drills, and also practice making goals. After class is over they’ll high-five each other and, if your kid is like mine, they’ll be incredibly sweaty, eat like ravenous wolves, then sleep like they’ve gone into hibernation. My little guy is already excited about next week (and so am I!). Go team!


For complete information about the Learn to Play hockey program and a list of locations, please see the Ducks website at www.anaheimducks.com/learntoplay.

This is not a sponsored post. All thought and opinions remain my own. Photo credits go to my husband and are used with his permission.

Breaking tradition with a facial | @EpicSkinSalon #NewportBeach

0
0
As a modern Latina, there are many things that I have done that older Latina mamis have not. I waited five years after marriage to have kids, my kids had spaghetti before they had tamales, and now... I skipped over at-home skin care and I had my first facial. Ladies... I had MY FIRST facial thanks to Delaree of Epic Skin Salon in Newport Beach! 

epic skin salon

I was SO happy when they reached out to me because it was an experience that I had always wanted to try, but I never had the nerve to do it. You see, as I've said many times before, I have acne-prone skin. So anything that touches my skin has to be sensitive, non-abrasive, etc. I heard that facials were known to bring on breakouts and that was the last thing I needed.

So I walked into Epic Skin Salon and Delaree greeted me with a smile and walked me into a room that was setup as a massage room, except that it had all kinds of tools and utensils.

epic skin salon newport beach

I laid there for about an hour while she poked, prodded and vacuumed. Delaree also ran this steam machine the entire time which she said would keep my skin moisturized. She walked me through the entire process, but honestly, I lost track of what she said and what she did. All I know is that at some point this happened:

epic skin salon

While I was laying there on the bed, I mentioned that I was heading to the threading salon to get my eyebrows done after the facial. As it turned out - she does that there too! She used this wax that didn't smell like it had any harsh chemicals in it. She waxed off my stray eyebrows and then went back with the tweezers and scissors and cleaned them up. I loved that I was able to get both services done under one roof.

It was a super experience and I don't know that I could have gone to a better esthetician than Delaree Bau to break me into facials. And to emphasize my transparency in blogging, here's the "after." No makeup to hide under. You can see I'm a little nervous about taking the picture.

after facial

I highly encourage you to visit Delaree at Epic Skin Salon if you're in the Newport Beach area. She is fabulous, her studio is comforting and it's the type of service that you just need to do, at least once in your life (preferably once a month). When you do visit, bring along quarters or your debit/credit card. There is street parking available and it'll cost you about $2.00 for 2 hours.

Epic Skin Salon also offers a great line of skin care products. I've been using an Epicuren clarifying cream with Delaree's suggestion and it has worked great on my skin.

Epic Skin Salon Vlog


Epic Skin Salon Discounts

Epic Skin Salon is hosting a great discount right now, $20 off your first visit! They also have some great March specials too. Check them all out here: http://www.epicskin.com/Specials.

Epic Skin Salon
412 31st Street
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Tel: 949.280.1998

Follow Epic Skin Salon on Twitter: @EpicSkinSalon and on Facebook: Facebook.com/EpicSkinSalon. For services and prices, check out their website: http://www.epicskin.com/.

And now, my favorite part - I'm hosting an Epic Skin Salon facial giveaway! Enter to win a Epic Revitalizing Facial, just like the one I had! Buena suerte.


Epic Skin Salon Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is not a sponsored post. I received a complimentary facial, eyebrow waxing, and product to facilitate my review. All thoughts and ideas remain my own.

Team Kids 7th Annual Imagine Celebration | #TKImagine @TeamKids

0
0
The first time I heard about Team Kids was during Z'Tejas 3-week Chili Fest Fundraiser. I admired the kids for giving up their time to devote their resources to the community. They knew what they were doing and they all had a great head on their shoulders.

I got the opportunity to re-connect with the founder of Team Kids, Julie Hudash, during another community event and well, one thing led to another and now I am so happy to say that I can help support Team Kids as a member of their board AND as a supporter of Team Kids 7th Annual Imagine Celebration going on Sunday, March 24, 2013.


Team Kids is a great non-profit organization that takes place at schools throughout Southern California, and soon, across the nation. It brings the students closer to the community by allowing them to be in charge of their fundraising efforts, choosing the organization where the raised monies will go to, and organizing events to raise funds. It truly focuses on embodying the spirit of philanthropy and entrepreneurship.


Recently, they reached out to Title 1 schools in low-income communities and they saw 100% involvement during the Team Kids Challenge. That stat makes me very proud because I used to go to a Title 1 school... you know, the ones in the "bad" and "poor" neighborhoods. Growing up in the not-so-nice part of Orange County, it was often our family on the receiving end of "help." Whether it was a box of food or school lunches, it often felt like we would take, more than give. I'm happy to see that kids now have the opportunity to give back to others instead of feeling like they're a big charity case all the time (much like I felt).

If you're in the Southern California area and would like to support Team Kids and their 7th Annual Imagine event where Colin Baden, CEO of Oakley World-Wide and Mike Mussallem, Chairman and CEO of Edwards Lifesciences will be honored, you can purchase tickets here: http://www.teamkids.org/imagine2013.

You can follow Team Kids here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teamkids?v=wall&ref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/teamkids
Instagram: http://instagram.com/teamkidsorg

Sponsorships and Program Ad Opportunities

If you're a company or organization looking to sponsor and add during the Team Kids Imagine event, please hop over to their Progam Ad page for more information. Interested in sponsoring the event? Click here.

This is a sponsored post. I received complimentary entrance into Team Kids Imagine event to facilitate event coverage and a gift card as payment. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

Reliving childhood dream at Legoland Hotel | @Legoland #LegolandHotel

0
0
Honestly, one of the best parts of having kids is being able to do kid-stuff all over again. But this time around, the parent gets to choose the activities!

legoland hotel at legoland california
Image courtesy of LEGOLAND Hotel

For example, I NEVER visited amusement and theme park hotels when we visited these parks. Part of it was because we lived within driving distance, and well part of it was because I don't think it ever crossed my parents' mind. Our kids though, are going to have a different experience with us at the helm. On my list: the Legoland Hotel at Legoland California in Carlsbad.

Brief tour of LEGOLAND Hotel at LEGOLAND California


Honestly, doesn't that hotel look like fun? I mean, being greeted by a dragon with real smoke and getting to do unlock a treasure chest? Awesomesauce.

I also love that the rooms hold a family of 5 AND that they are themed rooms. Having a choice between the Pirate, Adventure or Kingdom rooms, I think my kids would go for Kingdom. Although we wouldn't need the trundle bed, the bunk beds are completely up our alley since that's what my kids have right now. The room itself seems to be an adventure thanks to the games and movies that they have in their own sleeping area, along with the LEGO models in the room (at least eight of them!)

legoland hotel at legoland california
Image courtesy of LEGOLAND Hotel

Having a meal at Bricks Family Restaurant also looks like a blast. There are also plenty of photo ops and the kids could really just go crazy with the healthy buffet station that is designed for kids by making it low enough for them to reach.

And as though they wouldn't be exhausted after a day at Legoland, the hotel also has a Castle Play area that houses a pirate ship with a pirate blimp attached to it. My boys would love to raise the pirate flag on the pirate ship and hearing the loud canon blast when the flag reaches the top.

legoland hotel at legoland california
Image courtesy of LEGOLAND Hotel

The hubster and I could also take advantage of the Mini's Lounge next to the Castle Play area and just chill out and relax. And although they do offer a fitness center, I just don't see myself using it too much. We will, however, pack our bathing suits and take a dip in their family pool.

Fun Legoland Hotel facts:

  • There are approximately 3,422 LEGO models in the entire Hotel created out of more than three million LEGO bricks! 
  • Behind the reception desk in the lobby there is an entire wall created out of 6,000 LEGO Minifigures!
  • Seven of the large LEGO models throughout the Hotel are animated
  • A family of four LEGO dragons reside in the Hotel: One smoke-breathing dragon at the entrance, a playful young dragon in the lobby sits on top a handle and slowly spins it to make a LEGO river flow, a baby dragon peers over the ledge of the castle in the atrium play area and an interactive bubble-blowing dragon is taking a bath on the patio as she playfully sprays water and “speaks” to young guests
  • The Skyline Café features a LEGO skyline which includes 35 different scenes
  • Ever been in a Disco Elevator? As guests enter the elevator, lights pulsate in the ceiling to music, a mirror ball rotates and a different sound effect announces arrivals on each floor
  • The LEGO Event Room is located on the first floor and can occupy up to 110 people
  • All rooms will have Wifi
  • Six rooms have terraces and are located on the Pirate floor

If you're thinking of visiting Legoland on or after April 5, 2013, you can book your stay at the new Legoland Hotel via their website, LEGOLAND.com or call 877-LEGOLAND (877.534-6526). With your stay, you'll also get exclusive early morning access to the theme park.

So, tell me, is this the kind of place you, or your kids, would like to stay at?

Frugal Beauty - Oatmeal and Honey Facial Mask | #FrugalFriday #SkinCare

0
0

Guest post by Justine Burgess

Skin creams, cleansers, and lotions aimed at making skin even more beautiful can be fabulous, but spendy. If you are low on cash, but have some time and a few basic ingredients on hand, you can easily make a simple home skin refresher. 

For today’s frugal beauty tip, here is a facial mask I've made and used myself, with good results. *Just a reminder- if you are allergic to any of these items, do not use them on your skin and look for alternative methods. This worked for me, but may not work for everyone.


Oatmeal and honey are natural products, and for me seemed to work wonders on my skin. I have roseacea and the oatmeal with honey was very soothing. Oatmeal acts as a natural exfoliant, and also soothes itching related to conditions like eczema, skin rashes, hives and insect bites. The honey helps your skin retain moisture.

You may want to coarsely grind the oatmeal first. You can use it whole, but it’s more difficult to apply and remove. I did it with whole oatmeal at first, and I felt like I was scraping breakfast off my face. The first time I used this type of facial treatment, I felt a little silly, but honestly my skin has never felt so soft. Rinsing away the mask did take some doing, but it was worth it to me in the end.

Oatmeal and Honey Facial Mask


What you need
  • Regular or quick Oats
  • Honey

Optional
  • Mashed avocado
  • Organic plain yogurt *Adjust ingredients to your liking

Directions
Cook the oatmeal according to directions. Let it cool to just above or at room temp (although, it feels good warm as well). Add a few spoons of honey. Stir well. Consistency should be somewhat thick. Be certain it is cool enough for your skin and apply. You can use your fingers, or like me, use a 1-inch paintbrush. Gently swirl as you are applying. Keep on for about 15- 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water, using circular motions to exfoliate while doing so. Word of warning- it takes some time to rinse off, and you may need the help of a washcloth. Also, you may want to rinse over the kitchen sink, especially if you used whole oats.

For an especially nourishing mask, you can also add organic or natural plain yogurt, and/or mashed avocado to the mix, or use them alone. Yogurt is a very mild astringent and seems to have moisturizing effects, as do the oils in avocados. Be sure to mix all ingredients thoroughly into a spreadable paste and apply carefully, avoiding the eye area. If you have time to lay back and relax, grab a couple of cool cucumber slices to help depuff your eyes (and make sure to lock all the doors and turn off the ringers. I answered a call AND the door with my goopy mask on, and in the process got my phone sticky and scared the mailman). Better yet, take the whole day, grab a glass of wine, and relax with your mask and whatever other beauty treatments you deserve to treat yourself to. Cheers!

This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions remain my own. We make no guarantees about the effectiveness of natural beauty remedies, and can only say how well they worked for us personally.

Tips for potty training kids | @PullUpsBigKid #EveryFlush

0
0
This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Pull Ups. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

huggies pull ups logo

I've mentioned before how we're in the very beginning stages of potty training. In this stage, my baby has been waking up and going pee in the toilet every morning for months now with my guidance.

potty training boy

Unfortunately, besides morning time and going poop, this is the extent of him using his new Mickey Mouse potty seat and fun Pull-Ups wipes in the Cars container. Maybe he's not truly ready for potty training, or maybe I just don't know how to read the signs. Regardless, I had to turn to the experts and ask them the hard questions and accept all the tips that they had. In this case, the experts were Dr. Andres Cotton and Jeannette Kaplun.

Dr. Andres Cotton and Jeannette Kaplun
Dr. Andres Cotton and Jeannette Kaplun. Image courtesy of Pull-Ups

I had the opportunity to be on a conference call with Dr. Andres Cotton and Jeannette Kaplun and other mamis that are going through the potty training stage with their kids. My biggest take away was the importance of making potty training a family affair and how I can do this by sharing the potty training tips with other family members (dad, abuela, aunt, tio, los primos). I also learned how to share with others how we're trying to use more training pants, the process of asking him if he needs to go pee and the fun rituals that make sticking with the process easier, like blowing noise makers, doing a little dance, etc.

One concern of mine was teaching my kids how to properly wipe. I have a 5 year old who goes through a lot of wipes. Jeannette Kaplun mentioned that boys are a little easier although there is a certain structure that you have to maneuver and I can definitely vouch for that. Everything is foreign to me when it comes to potty training a boy.

She also mentioned that girls are harder to teach over boys so you have to have patience. She suggests using a lot of flushable wipes because the texture, at times, helps the child clean themselves better. For girls, moms should always remember to tech them to clean from front to back ever since you start the potty training.

Dr. Cotton spoke about toilet paper. He mentioned that it was just as important to teach kids to nicely fold the toilet paper because most children crumple up the paper and that brings in a lot of bacteria. I'm stashing that tip in my head because I never thought about bacteria in crumpled paper.

One major concern that I was glad they addressed was what to do when the kid is not truly verbal (as in, they understand direction and communicates with gestures and grunts, but doesn't actually speak). Dr. Cotton responded that if the child has a problem speaking, and he/she is 3-years-old and does not speak, but they can pull down their underwear and pee on their own, then they are ready. To be able to talk is not necessarily needed as long as they use some type of communication to show that they are ready. You also have to pay attention to your child because every child is unique; therefore, if you see that your child cannot speak yet they go to the restroom, then they are ready. So with this response, I'm somewhat ready to accept that maybe my kid isn't really ready to potty train. Light bulb moment, and it takes a lot of the stress away.

We were also directed to use resources and tools, such as the Pull-Ups Big Kid App, to help with potty training. I've been using the app and it's fun to use! Have you used it yet?

I invite you to visit facebook.com/pullups to learn more about Pull-Ups and check out the Pulls-Ups video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCS-fQU0Tcc.

This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Pull Ups. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Sunday Confession: Beauty Upkeep

Viewing all 1862 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images