About a week and a half ago, I did some serious sweating cardiovascular fitness and strength training at Barry’s Bootcamp.  In my 30+ years, I’ve taken countless fitness classes…but none like this one.  Is there any exercise regime you’re doing right now that will result in burning as many as 1000 calories in an hour?

For the last fourteen years, Barry’s Bootcamp has been delivering “The Best Workout in the World.” Much like boot camp, characterized by discipline and structure, this one hour class combines interval cardiovascular routines on the treadmill with strength training using free weights.  What’s interesting about the workouts is that they actually change each day to help achieve optimal results.   If you were to attend a class each day, you’d work different parts of your body, which is something that is quite unique and sets the workout apart from others. The workouts can vary from two 30 minute segments to four 15 minute segments and this constant transition between cardiovascular and strength training is why it’s effective in helping to improve the cardiovascular system resulting in weight loss and muscle strength.

I took a one hour class, and to be honest, it was hard!  I’m not at my optimal fitness level, however, I do work out so I was a bit surprised at how intense the class was. But I LOVED the burn I felt in my abs the next day and I actually felt really good after the class…energized.  The class is meant to be challenging but not impossible, and much like any workout, you can and should tailor it to your fitness level. If you prefer to walk versus run, you should.  You can also opt for lighter weights if necessary.  The workout can definitely be adapted to your personal and current level of fitness and there is much room to advance and see results.

The class I attended just happened to be led by celebrity trainer Derek Degrazio, who’s helped people like Britney Spears achieve real results.  He was energetic, motivating, but serious about helping each of us achieve results…even in just one class.

At present, you’ll find classes in select cities across the globe including Los Angeles, Orange County (Irvine), San Diego, New York City, Nashville, London, and Bergen, Norway. For information regarding class times and prices, just visit Barry’s Bootcamp.

No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to sweat it out with Derek Degrazio at Barry’s Bootcamp.

It’s the third highest grossing film series of all time…a worldwide phenomenon…and now…the force is back! On display at Discovery Science Center. Who would have thought there was an actual science to this fictional universe with it’s humanoid robots, landspeeders, and X-Wing Fighters? Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination is the first exhibition to display costumes and props from all six Star Wars films with real-world technologies. And the verdict is? It’s out of this world!

Through April 15th, families can see the exhibit at Orange County’s leading venue for hands-on scientific discovery, education, and fun.  Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination explores the fantasy technologies depicted in the series, the science behind them, and current research that may one day lead to real-life versions of those technologies.

The exhibit is divided into two areas: Getting Around, which focuses on transportation in the film series as well as new and future modes of travel, and Robots and People, which explores the relationship between robots and humans both on screen and in the real world.

This is an exhibit that truly has an appeal for children and adults. Children will enjoy climbing into a hovercraft and levitating for a few moments, building and creating a levitating vehicle with magnets and LEGOs, designing facial expressions for a an emotional robot, and more.  Fans will particularly enjoy the authentic props and costumes on display.  And speaking of fans, Discovery Science Center will host a series of fun-filled, themed Fan Days. The first one will take place this Saturday, January 14th from 11 am to 3 pm and will feature the opportunity to meet the Clone Troopers from the Cartoon Network’s popular series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, spin the prize wheel, and pose in front of a Clone Wars green screen backdrop for a souvenir photo.  Bonus: Children between the ages of 3 and 14 will get into the museum for free if they wear a Star Wars costume on any Fan Day (with a paid adult admission).

For additional information on ticketing, upcoming Fan Days, and more, just visit Discovery Science Center.

No compensation was received for this post. Media tickets to the exhibit were provided which helped facilitate this review.

Photo Credit: Rockin’ Mama

 Shot with an iPhone, filtered with Instagram.

Unfiltered

What have you “captured” this week?  Share your photos below!

The new year is all about fresh starts…a chance to set new goals…an opportunity to transform habits…an endeavor to a new you.

Living in Southern California, it’s easy to keep up with the latest in beauty and fashion trends.  After all, many of those trends began right here in the city of angels.  Just in time for the holiday festivities, outings, and gatherings, I received a fantastic blowout at the infamous Drybar. I’m seriously hooked on the salon that specializes solely in hair style.  Blowouts are all the rage, popular amongst celebs and locals looking to achieve a sleek, stylish do that won’t break the bank.  And at just $35, it’s an indulgence I plan on treating myself to regularly in the new year.

The salon, which is gorgeous, chic, and exudes luxury, features twelve comfortable styling stations complete with built-in docks to charge your iPhone.  Guests can sip cocktails, snack on mini eats, and watch chick flicks during the service.

When you walk into the salon, you’re presented with a menu of services, each named after named after signature drinks like the Manhattan, the Cosmo, and the Mai Tai.  Each blowout is priced at just $35, regardless of how thick, long, or curly your hair is.  Your wash is included, and highly recommended since it’s absolutely divine.  Schedule an appointment or simply walk-in for a new do and a new you! And if you’re hooked like I am, you can buy one of two memberships that will help you save on services each month.

New to the salon’s menu of services are their updos including the Skinnygirl Ponytail which is set higher on the head than the average ponytail and has a slight curl at the end.  This style was inspired by Bethenny Frankel and the Skinnygirl Cocktails and guests who order this service will receive complimentary Skinnygirl White Cranberry Cosmos or Skinnygirl Margaritas.   Special occasion? Party? Prom? Uptini’s are just $70.

Drybar salons are located in select cities across the country including New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Scottsdale, San Diego, San Francisco, and of course, LA.

No compensation was received for this post. Complimentary services provided.

Plum District currently has a deal that will get you two  Fandango movie tickets and a $20 Starbucks gift card for just $28 (valued at $44)…perfect for your next date night!  Unlike most deals of this nature, you can actually purchase more than one and save them for subsequent date nights or gift them.  For the complete logistics on this deal (or to view other deals like it) just visit Plum District!

No compensation was received for this post.

In less than 2 weeks, we’ll be ringing in the new year!  In previous years, we have spent our New Year’s Eve quietly at home with our littles. But this year, the hubby and I are getting a babysitter so that we can actually enjoy a some time out together as a couple.

If you’re still undecided about your New Year’s Eve plans, the OC Fair is hosting it’s second annual New Year’s Eve Block Party.  Some of the highlights of this year’s event include dancing, carnival rides, fireworks, food trucks, a casino and more. No tuxedos or formal gowns necessary for the largest block party in the OC.

Here are the details:

When: December 31st from 7:30 pm to 1:30 am

Where: The OC Fair & Event Center

Cost: $40 plus parking ($10/$20 preferred)

There is also a 2012 OC FairSuper Pass with Block Party general admission for $55

What you can expect this year:

Live tribute band entertainment by the decade (from the ‘60s to the ‘90s)

DJs

Dancing

Gourmet Food Trucks (Chomp Chomp Nation, Crepes Bonaparte, Brats Berlin, Flying Pig Truck, Piaggio On Wheels, Chef Joe Youkhan’s Tasting Spoon and Calbi)

Casino with prizes

Rides

Midnight pyrotechnic show with fireworks

Win It! I have a pair of tickets to giveaway to one local reader (or a reader who will be visiting during this time since transportation is not included).  Simply leave me a comment with the activity you’re most looking forward to at this year’s New Year’s Eve Block Party. Comments will close on December 26th at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following (or something like it) “ I just entered a #giveaway to win a tickets to the NYE Block Party @ocfair @rockinmama http://tinyurl.com/87ovukg”

Rockin’ Mama Facebook fans automatically receive an extra entry

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments

No compensation was received for this post. Giveaway item provided by the OC Fair & Event Center.

Images courtesy of the OC Fair & Event Center.

Tomorrow, Buzz, Woody, Jesse, and the gang will skate into Orange County!  Disney On Ice Presents Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story 3 at the Honda Center for a very limited run.  Through Christmas, you can see the ice spectacular as moments from all three films are re-enacted in the rink.

Here are the dates for the remaining Southern California performances of Disney On Ice Toy Story 3:

• Honda Center in Anaheim from December 20th to December 25th
• Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario from December 28th to January 1st
• Long Beach Arena in Long Beach from January 4th to January 8th

Tickets start at just $16 with a special rate of $12 on opening night.  To purchase tickets, visit the box office, Ticketmaster, or call 800-745-3000. Be sure to mention the code “MOM” to receive $4 off the price of each ticket.

No compensation was received for this post. Media tickets provided.

‘Tis the season for sweets and treats!  Stores abound with baked goods this holiday season, however many are filled with preservatives, stabilizers, and ingredients only a scientist can read.  We’re nearing Christmas and if you simply don’t have the time to bake something fabulous for your holiday gathering, check out the incredibly decadent cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes.

The very first time I tried one of their cakes was at a salon event in Los Angeles earlier this year. They had an assortment of cake varieties and I didn’t try a single flavor that I didn’t like. The cakes are moist and flavorful, without being overwhelmingly sweet. They’re also made with fresh eggs, real butter, and real cream cheese.  The company offers a variety of flavors including Chocolate Chocolate Chip, White White Chocolate, Red Velvet, White Chocolate Raspberry, Carrot, Lemon, Marble, Cinnamon Swirl and Pecan Praline.  They also offer a flavor of the month, which is Pumpkin Spice for December.

Right now, Plum District has a fabulous deal where you can get one of their ten inch Bundt Cakes for just $19 (they’re regularly priced at $39) and you can buy two, if you’re thinking of gifting one.  If you use the code “local30″ you can save an additional 30% off local deals (not applicable on “everywhere” deals).

Plum District offers local and national daily deals, geared towards moms.  Their local offers are typically unique and reasonably priced.  For deals in your area, visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post. Gift certificate provided.

Knott’s Berry Farm recently underwent a “merry” transformation, complete with ice skating, holiday lights, music, Christmas story times, and more.  Knott’s Merry Farm will run through January 1st, 2012 and includes the following themed activities:

Knott’s Christmas Craft Fair (located throughout Ghost Town)

Here is where you’ll find handcrafted gift ideas from over 50 artisans including ceramics, embroidery, florals, apparel and more. The fair is free and open to the public Monday through Thursday.  Guests visiting the park on the weekends receive free admission to the fair with park admission Friday through Sunday.

A Peanuts’ Holiday Parade

Join the Peanuts gang and students from Orange County Song and Dance Company as they get ready to celebrate the holiday season.  Throughout the parade, you’ll see Snoopy and his friends making candy, trimming the tree, and building toys.

It’s Christmas, Snoopy

You won’t want to miss the ice spectacular, which performs in the Charles M. Schulz Theatre and features Snoopy and the gang.  Free with park admission.

Along with the above holiday-themed parade and shows, be sure to visit the Birdcage Theatre for readings of A Christmas Carol and The Gift of the Magi, Snoopy’s Christmas Light Spectacular which boasts thousands of twinkling lights and music, and the Winter Wonderland where Charlie Brown and the gang perform. All events are located in Camp Snoopy.

If you have smaller tots, I highly recommend starting your day at Camp Snoopy before the crowds.  Be sure to pick up an entertainment schedule to plan your day around the parade and shows.  Once you’ve enjoyed Camp Snoopy, you can then head towards Calico Square and Ghost Town to view their holiday happenings.  Because my children are on the younger side, we take plenty of breaks for snacks and meals so as not to tire them out too early.  If your children are a bit older and meet the height requirement, stop by Elf Mountain, which is located at The Timber Mountain Log Ride.  Visitors are offered a peak into the world of Santa’s Elves as they help Santa get ready for Christmas.

Because the park actually boasts a rich history as a farm, Knott’s is famous for their holiday foods.  Be sure to visit Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, a must when you’re visiting the park.  This weekend, you can enjoy an all-you-can eat breakfast buffet with Santa at the restaurant from 7:30 am to 10:30 am.  As this is likely a popular event, I highly recommend making reservations.

Remember that through the weekend, you can donate to Toys for Tots for complimentary admission. Please see my previous post for details.  And for more information regarding Knott’s Merry Farm and their wintery festivities, just visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post. We were invited to a media day at the park which helped facilitate this review.