The Juice On Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show

My Disney-crazed toddler will be happy to know that he’ll be getting a dose of Mickey this fall as Disney Live! presents Mickey’s Magic Show.  Mickey, as the master magician and Minnie join forces with professional illusionists for a magical on-stage production.  Featuring grand illusions and Disney favorites like Donald, Goofy, Cinderella, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, Jasmine, and Belle, the show will dazzle and captivate audiences.  Watch as Jasmine undergoes levitation, Cinderella is transformed from rags to riches, and the brooms from Fantasia dance a jig.

Mickey’s Magic Show is a new way for families to experience the wonder of Disney.  The Los Angeles run includes performances at the Fred Kavli Theatre in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and the Terrace Theater in Long Beach.  Here is the information about the showings:

THOUSAND OAKS
Fred Kavli Theatre at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza (2100 E. Thousand Oaks, 91362)
Friday, September 24 – 3:00pm & 6:00pm

LONG BEACH
Long Beach Terrace Theater (300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802-4825)
Saturday, September 25 – 3:30pm & 6:30pm
Sunday, September 26 – 12:30pm

Tickets are $20-$54 and can be ordered online or at Ticketmaster.  If you use the code “MOM” at checkout, you can get tickets as low as $17.

No compensation was received for this post.

KidTrips: Wild Rivers Water Park

One of the things I enjoy about living in California is that it’s Labor Day weekend and hot enough to swim (it’s been in the 80′s)!  Right before we boarded a plane to New York City, we headed to Wild Rivers in Irvine for a splash day.

The Orange County water park features over 40 water rides and attractions including several play areas specifically geared towards smaller children.  The park also features thrilling rides, my favorite being those that use an inner tube like The Abyss.  Once you’re ready to relax a bit, head on over to one of their wavepools or lounge areas.  While the park is definitely on the smaller side, there were plenty of rides we didn’t get on (due to time and tired kidlets).

I was quite impressed with the number of water activities that my 3 year old could enjoy.  From “big” slides geared towards kids under 54″ tall to a quarter mile lazy river, my son couldn’t get enough of the water.  The highlight of his day was Buccaneer Bay which features a 45 foot pirate ship, four water cannons, tipping buckets, and an eighteen foot water tower that pours out 300 gallons of water per minute.

Unfortunately, the park is only open May through September.  There are really only two full months (July and August) where the park is not closed.  Because California enjoys many months of sunshine and warm weather, I’d love to see the park extend it’s open days in May, June, and September.  Some Southern California water parks are actually open through October.

Ticket prices are as follows:

General: $32.98 (height 48 inches or taller) Senior Citizens 65 and over are free of charge

Junior: $19.98 (height less than 48 inches)

Evening Admission Price: $21.98

(After 4PM. Must purchase tickets at the Waterpark)

Evening Admission for Juniors Price: $16.98

(After 4PM. Must purchase tickets at the Waterpark. Height less than 48 inches)

Parking : $10.00

Save$5 off general admission to Wild Rivers! Use code: SUMMER4 on the website OR print your coupons at www.wildriversfun.com/summer4.

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

Tiny Tot Tuesday at the El Capitan

On September 21, Walt Disney Studios Entertainment will release Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue on Blu-Ray and DVD.  But, you don’t have to wait to see the film.

From September 3rd through the 19th, you can see the movie before it’s release at the El Capitan (which is the only place in the US to see the movie).  A special live appearance by Tinker Bell is featured at every performance and on select days, guests can enjoy breakfast with Tinker Bell at the Disney’s Soda Fountain & Studio Store before the 10 am showing.

For the first time, the El Capitan is hosting Tiny Tot Tuesday on September 7th at 10 am.  Parents and tots can view the movie with dimmed lights and reduced sound levels.  Tickets to this performance are only $9.

Here is a brief synopsis of the movie, from the site:

Witness the historic moment when Tinker Bell first meets a human being… and it’s not who you think. Years before meeting Wendy and the Lost Boys, Tinker Bell meets Lizzy, a little girl with a steadfast belief in the power of pixie dust and the magic land of fairies. During the fairies’ summer visit to the flowering meadows of England, two very different worlds unite for the first time and Tink develops a special bond with a curious child in need of a friend. As her fellow fairies launch a daring rescue, Tinker Bell takes a huge risk, putting her own safety and the future of all fairykind in jeopardy.

Daily show times are 10:00 am, 12:15 pm, 2:30pm, 4:45pm and 7:00pm. Tickets are on sale now, and available at the El Capitan Theatre, online at www.elcapitantickets.com, or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6.

No compensation was received for this post.

How Flowers Can Transform Your Cake (Part 1)

I always look at store-bought cakes with their intricate designs and wonder how much training and practice it takes to achieve such artistry.  Last month, we celebrated my son’s third birthday, and I set out to make and decorate his cake for the first time.  Given the fact that it was my first second attempt at cake decorating, and I had to ensure all of the ingredients were vegan, I was content with the final result.

One of easiest ways to transform a cake is to enhance it with flowers.  If you ever get a chance to take a Wilton Method Class, their Decorating Basics course will teach you a variety of flower-making techniques.  Some can easily be achieved with the appropriate Decorating Tip.

These Drop Flowers were easy once we practiced.  Once you get the hang of the Star Flower, you can turn your hand with a consistent squeeze on the decorating bag for a pretty Swirled Flower (my favorite of the two).

They say practice makes perfect…

Getting better…

Getting some tips on creating shells…Bag should actually be at 45 degrees

Once we got the basics down, we ventured onto more textured flowers including the Pompom Flowers and the Shaggy Mums.  Wilton offers Flower Nail Templates which makes it easy to create flowers that can then be transferred onto your cake.

My first attempt…

You can quickly decorate a cupcake by using a 1M tip…

I could have extended these shaggy petals just a bit more…but overall…success!

The finished product!

No compensation was received for this post.

Back to School With Marshalls & T.J. Maxx

I try very hard not to pay full price for most things.  I research and price compare, use coupons and shop off price retailers.

If you’re not familiar with off price retailers, let me fill you in!  At sister stores Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, and A. J. Wright, you’ll find much of the same merchandise you’d find in conventional retailers for a fraction of the price.  So how can off price retailers like Marshalls offer in-season, trending fashions at 50% off or more?  Buyers scan the globe in search of the best deals to bring back to the stores (you can read all about it here).  The only small downside to this is that you’re less likely to find the same items from store to store.

Armed with a $50 gift card, I headed to Marshalls to see what deals I could score on school-related products.  Here is a little video highlighting some of the best deals:

I’ve shopped at Marshalls more times than I can count, but I’m always surprised at what I find. One of the things that stood out was the fact that non-wearable items featured current designs and trends.  Toy Story 3 is all the rage and you can find branded merchandise all over the store.  The other thing that stood out was the sheer number of well-known designers represented at the store.  Most of the items I found at Marshalls were at least 50% off, if not more.

As we approach fall, T.J. Maxx offers some tips for transitioning from summer to fall.

Carry a grey leather ruffled handbag with a floral summer frock and sky high booties

Add pizzaz to a neutral-toned outfit with a fedora or beret featuring flowers, zippers or rhinestone embellishments

Change a look with layering pieces such as an infinity scarf or cardigan in faux fur, a printed pattern or cashmere

Don a jewel toned statement necklace or big, sparkly cocktail ring to dress up an outfit

Add edge to a basic sleeveless summer dress with an animal print handbag with faux fur trim

Pair a sleeveless tunic with a wide, dark colored belt, tights and knee high boots

Wear opaque tights with a summer dress or skirt

Pair a metallic purse with a sleeveless black shift dress and a berry colored cardigan

Mix ankle boots and a leather jacket with a summer skirt and tights

This month, T.J. Maxx released their new Totes for Change.  Over the years, T.J. Maxx has raised over $14.7 million to support Save the Children’s U.S. Programs which provide early education, literacy, physical activity and nutrition programs to children.  Proceed from bag sales will be donated to Save the Children’s US Programs.

You can also post a tote to your Facebook wall and the company will donate $1, for every bag shared.

No compensation was received for this post. A gift card was provided to facilitate this review.

The Juice On the OC Foodie Fest

My husband and I are total foodies.  Very often we’ll opt for ethnic cuisine when we go out because it’s not something we cook at home on a regular basis.

It seems a bit ironic to use “foodie” in the same sentence as “food truck.”  But this Saturday, the OC Foodie Fest is bringing 50 of the most popular, creative and unique food trucks to Southern California. Where else can you go to find garlic butter shrimp, Argentine empanadas, sushi, red velvet pancake bites, and ice cream sandwiches under one roof?

The OC Foodie Fest is where you’ll find local favorites featuring international and fusion cuisine and gourmet bites from well-known chefs like Chef Ludo Lefebvre who was featured on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters and the Food Network’s Iron Chef America.

Entertainment by local OC bands will include original music and dance performance.  Local vendors will offer accessories, clothing, handmade jewelry and more.  And Pretend City has partnered to bring a unique learning environment to the kid’s area.

A portion of sales will go back to local nonprofits Child S.H.A.R.E, and Pretend City Children’s Museum. Cart for a Cause will also be in attendance with a custom event menu, featuring a guest chef from a well-known local OC eatery.  Proceed will benefit St. Vincent Meals on Wheels.

OC Foodie Fest takes place at the Honda Center this Saturday, August 28th from 11 am to 7 pm.  Advance tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for children 12 & under, and free for children 3 and under.  A limited quantity of tickets will be available at the door for $15.  For more information, just visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post.

The Juice On Walking With Dinosaurs

Last week, my 3 year old son and I had a heart-to-heart…it went something like this.

Me: Do you remember when we went to the museum in New York City and saw the dinosaurs?

Toddler: Yeah…

Me:  Were you scared of the dinosaurs?

Toddler: Um…yeah…

I then proceed to show him this clip.

Toddler:  I’m not gonna be scared of the dinosaurs.

The Dinosaurs are coming…to Southern California! The original company of Walking With Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular will end it’s 3 year tour at the Honda Center in Anaheim (September 1-5) and the Staples Center (September 9-12).  The show is based on the award-winning BBC Television Series and has played for over 4.1 million people in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Walking With Dinosaurs features ten species from the entire 200 million year reign of the dinosaurs and includes the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Plateosaurus and Liliensternus from the Triassic period, the Stegosaurus and Allosaurus from the Jurassic period and Torosaurus and Utahraptor from the Cretaceous.  The largest of the dinosaurs, the Brachiosaurus, is 36 feet tall, and 56 feet from nose to tail (wow!).

The live show combines science, technology, scenery, puppetry and acting…How could it not be amazing?

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.  You can also find a limited number of discounted tickets on Goldstar.

No compensation was received for this post.

KidTrip: American Museum of Natural History

We’ve been back nearly a week and I have so much to write about our trip to New York.  I am such a city girl and coming home was bittersweet.  I absolutely loved being able to walk to Times Square from the apartment we rented.  But lugging the double stroller up and down the stairs to the Subway…not so much.

One of our “must see” activities was visiting the American Museum of Natural History.  Admittedly, both the hubby and I were intrigued by Ben Stiller’s adventures in Night at the Museum. The museum is “one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions and renowned for its exhibitions and scientific collections.”

Because the museum is HUGE (as in 500,000 square feet, 45 permanent exhibition halls in 25 buildings) and we only had one day there (you need at least a week…and I’m only half-joking), we decided to spend half the day exploring the museum on our own, and half the day on their special exhibitions.  If you have an iPhone or iPod touch, you might find their new mobile application, American Museum of Natural History Explorer, useful.  The app functions as an indoor GPS to help newbies like myself make the most of a day at the museum.  The app pinpoints your location and offers turn-by-turn directions to halls and visitor facilities, information about exhibits, customizable tours, and a fossil treasure hunt.  If you don’t have an iPhone or iPod touch, you can borrow one at the museum (something I wish I had known at the time).

The very first exhibit we ventured to was Lizards & Snakes:  Alive which features over 60 live lizards and snakes in re-created habitats. A majority of the exhibits in the museum are not alive, so it was quite fascinating to see Madagascan Geckos and Red Spitting Cobras.  If you can believe it, these scaled beings are as old as dinosaurs and live in diverse climates.

Lizards & Snakes:  Alive is on display until September 6th.

A visit to the museum is incomplete without an IMAX film. Now through January 10th, you can see Hubble, an “awe-inspiring” film narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio which features the Atlantis STS-125 crew.  I have yet to see images of space so striking including, of course, the infamous Hubble Space Telescope.

Home to one of the most impressive planetariums in the world, the museum features it’s latest space show entitled Journey to the Stars.  The film is narrated by Whoopi Goldberg and features impressive images from telescopes on the ground and in space and takes us through a journey into space to follow stars through their life cycle.  Journey to the Stars was created by the Museum’s astrophysicists, scientific visualization, and media production experts with the cooperation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and more than 40 leading scientists from the United States and abroad.

In November, the museum will house a new exhibit called Brain: The Inside Story.  Visitors will explore how the brain produces thoughts, senses, and feelings.

For exhibit information and ticket pricing, just visit their site.

We spent the last half of the day navigating the remaining halls.  Most of our time was spent in the mammal and fossil halls.  It was striking how true-to-life the animals appear.  The halls dedicated to mammals allow visitors the opportunity to travel across continents and through time to see North American, African, and Asian Mammals.

Unlike most 3 year old boys, my son is fascinated with dinosaurs.  The AMNH houses the world’s largest collection of vertebrate fossils (nearly one million specimens).  I have to admit that sometimes, I have a difficult time believing that such striking creatures once existed.  After vising the museum (and a chastise from my husband), I’m a believer.  Check out some of our photos:

If you’re visiting the museum with small children, I highly recommend checking out the museum’s website specifically targeted towards kids and families.

The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5:45 pm.  Ticket prices are as follows:

Adults: $16

Children (2-12): $9

Seniors/Students: $12

Photo Credit: {Rockin’ Mama – All Rights Reserved}

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

How to Save This School Season

As you can imagine, I get a lot of information flooding my inbox on a daily basis.  Part of managing this site is filtering through the information to find what is relevant, fresh, and exciting for you.  With the new school year up ahead, I thought it might be useful to share some tips I received for saving money this season (courtesy of World Vision):

• Become an avid coupon cutter – especially online. Mobile devices and the Internet make it easier than ever to locate discounts and coupons quickly.  If you own a smartphone, make use of applications that assist in finding coupons, discounts and information on local sales.

• Value the dollar. Stop by the local dollar store to take advantage of their selection of low-cost school supplies.

• Research local non-profit organizations. Local organizations like World Vision often host backpack distributions to provide supplies to families in need.

• Search your household. Take a supplies inventory or have a fun scavenger hunt of your home before hitting the stores. It may be surprising to find many left over pens, pencils and notebooks lying around.

• Stick to the list. Most teachers provide school supplies lists, and many students often come to the classroom with unnecessary materials.

What are you doing to cut costs this school season?

{Photo Credit: cienpies}

A Week In New York City

I’m back!  I’ve just spent the most memorable 10 days in the city that never sleeps.  Last year, around this time, BlogHer announced that they would hold it’s annual conference in New York City.  I couldn’t purchase my ticket fast enough.  And because we live all the way on the other side of the country, our vacation was decided in that moment.  For a year, my husband and I dreamed and planned our trip. Where would we stay?  How long should we plan to be there?  What would we do?

Two weeks seemed too long with two children under 3, and one week wouldn’t give us enough time to recover from jet lag and late night BlogHer events.  We decided on ten days…in an apartment…with the babysitter my parents.  I wanted to see a Broadway show and visit American Girl Place.  My husband wanted to tour the High Line and eat at Morimoto.  My son wanted to ride in a taxi…and take the subway.    We did most of that and so much more.

Every day this week, I’ll highlight the city, although I’m in no way an expert.  In fact, I highly encourage you to visit Carol or Nicole…local New Yorkers who are experts on navigating the city with kids.

If you had one week in the Big Apple….what would you see and do?

{Photos: All rights reserved}

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