Who’s Your Nanny? *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Sabrina. Congratulations!

Over the past two weeks, my husband and I have witnessed some pretty impressive 3 year old tantrums.  And without preschool as a buffer, my husband and I were wracking our brains in search of creative discipline.  We finally resorted to bribery with organic lollipops and all-natural Popsicles (I’m only half-joking).  It’s in moments like these where I wish I had a Nanny McPhee of my own to transform my children into little angels.

On August 20th, the family comedy Nanny McPhee Returns opens in theaters nationwide. I didn’t see the first one, but here is a brief synopsis from the site:

Oscar—winning actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson returns to the role of the magical nanny who appears when she’s needed the most and wanted the least in the next chapter of the hilarious and heartwarming fable that has enchanted children around the world. In the latest installment, Nanny McPhee appears at the door of a harried young mother, Mrs. Isabel Green (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who is trying to run the family farm while her husband is away at war. But once she’s arrived, Nanny McPhee discovers that Mrs. Green’s children are fighting a war of their own against two spoiled city cousins who have just moved in and refuse to leave. Relying on everything from a flying motorcycle and a statue that comes to life to a tree—climbing piglet and a baby elephant who turns up in the oddest places, Nanny McPhee uses her magic to teach her mischievous charges five new lessons.

Win It! I have four family four-packs to give away along with some other movie-themed items (shirts, notebooks, etc.).  If you’d like your chance at attending a special pre-release screening this Thursday in Irvine, just leave a comment below before Wednesday, August 18th at 11:59 PM PST.  Tickets will be available for pick-up from me at the venue. Here is the screening info:

Screening starts at 7pm

1. No Purchase Necessary

2. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis

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.

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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.  Screening passes and giveaway items were supplied by the company.

Summer Nights At The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa

It’s not often that a luxury resort opens it’s doors to the public…but that is exactly what the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa is doing this summer!  This past Friday, we attended their Sunset Splash Party for the second time this summer.  The oldies radio station, K-EARTH 101 has partnered with the resort to invite local and visiting families to dance, swim, and relax during their Sunset Splash concert series.  This free event is hosted by Samantha Stander from the K-EARTH 101 Morning Show and features live music by Stone Soul (Soul and Mowtown).

The next Sunset Splash Party will be held on August 20th at 8 pm at Mankota’s pool.  Come early and grab dinner with the family.  On Friday nights, you can enjoy the Friday Family Buffet at Pete’s Sunset Grille.  We had dinner at the restaurant over the weekend and it was delicious!  From Southwestern summer salads to traditional Carne Asada, there are a wide variety of tasty Southwestern and Mexican dishes.  On Saturdays, you can enjoy Blues & BBQ at Pete’s with a southern style menu.  As an FYI, both menus are very kid-friendly and you’ll enjoy live music on both nights.

Valet parking is only $7 when you mention K-EARTH 101 (and free if you dine at one of the participating restaurants).

Want to extend your stay with a staycation?  Mention KEARTH when booking, and you’ll receive the following on any Sunset Splash Weekend:

One Night Accomodation

Late Checkout

Breakfast for two

Valet Parking

Upgrade to a deluxe room

To book your room online, click here.

Here are a few pictures from our previous visit to the resort:

No compensation was received for this post.  We were invited to the resort for dinner and their Sunset Splash Party.

Around the OC: Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch

Every year we take my son to the pumpkin patch, and each year it’s someplace different.  I like pumpkin patches because it’s a fun way to celebrate fall and harvest time, without scary ghosts, monsters, and witches.  This year we decided to take our little boy to the Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch, hailed as the best around here (and I have to agree for the most part!).  There were just a few too many bees for my liking!

Entrance to the Pumpkin Patch is free, however there is an entrance fee of $3.00 on weekdays, $5.00 on weekends, and $7.00 on holidays, and many of the attractions require a ticket.  Of all the pumpkin patches we’ve visited, this one by far has the most activities for children. Here are some of the highlights:

Pick a pumpkin!  Big, small…there are thousands!

Yes…that’s the train.

All aboard!  Take an incredibly scenic train ride around the park (it’s 12 minutes long and children under 1 year of age are free)

What the Hay? Another beautiful (and bumpy) way to see the park.  The wagon is pulled by a real John Deere tractor.

Giddy up!  My son was too scared to ride the pony’s, but in a year he’ll love it!

A-Mazing!  Even I like a good challenge! Have fun navigating through the giant hay maze where bales of hay are stacked at different heights.  How will you ever get out?

And they’re off!  My son desperately wanted to race on the motorized John Deere Tractors.  Sadly, he’s just a bit too little.

Bouncy Bouncy!  There was a time when my son would not step foot in one of those giant bounce houses.  But with daddy, even bouncing is a blast!

But wait, that’s not all.  There is a not-so-scary haunted house, carnival games, face painting, costume day and much, much more!  If you live in the OC (or you’re close enough to get there) check out the Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch.  For more info (including pricing and special offers), just visit the site!

Disclosure:  My husband and I took our little boy to the Pumpkin Patch (and paid for all of the attractions ourselves).  I just wanted to share with you how much fun we had. And I can’t believe I have to write this disclosure.  : )

What’s Up With Rockin’ Mama

Whew!  It’s been a whirlwind of a week….or maybe a month!  I’ve had so many great opportunities arise and I can’t wait to share with you what’s on the horizon here at Rockin’ Mama.

If you live in Southern California, specifically Orange County, you’ll definitely want to check out OC Family Magazine.  It’s an incredible resource for everything from how to pick a school for your child to the latest happenings around the OC.  And…I’m now officially an OC Family Mom Blogger!  So you can find me over there twice a week!

Also, if you live in Southern California and you’d like information on the e.l.f. party I’m hosting on October 24, just send me an email as I have a few spots open.

I’ve just been asked to participate in a brand advocate program that I’m really excited about.  Watch for details soon!

Speaking of programs, I’ve recently joined Mama Buzz and Double Duty Divas.  I can’t wait to find out more so I can share with you!

Lastly, I will be traveling up to the Central Valley in November for an awesome get together with a company I’ve been working with for many months now.  Just as soon as I can share details I will!

Clowning Around

All joking aside, we’re headed to Zing Zang Zoom this evening!  While the Los Angeles tour is now finished, you still have time to catch Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Anaheim and Ontario!  I’ll be taking tons of pictures and shooting some video from the event tonight so stay tuned!

And don’t forget, you can purchase 4 tickets for $44 by using the code “MOM” when your order.  What a bargain!

And a huge thanks to Mom Central! It is an honor to be a Feld Family Activator.

Baskin Robbins BRight Choices Day is January 15

I love ice cream (who doesn’t?).  What I don’t love is the fat, calories, and cholesterol that make it so creamy and yummy.  And since this is the year I’m going to lose the baby weight (optimism is key right?), I’ve got to start making healthier food choices.  Baskin-Robbins is making it easier for all of us to stick to those New Year’s weight loss resolutions with the introduction of BRight Choices treats.  BRIght Choices allows you to indulge guilt-free with fat free, dairy free, no sugar added and light options.  I sooo want to try the Premium Churned Reduced-Fat, No Sugar Added Butter Almond Crunch Ice Cream and the Strawberry Sorbet.  BRight Choices flavors still have the taste and quality that you’re accustomed to so go ahead and indulge!  You can even enjoy your favorite treats like blasts, smoothies, cakes, and sundaes, and shakes with BRight Choices flavors.  

If you’d like to try a scoop of BRight Choices for FREE, be sure to visit your local, participating Baskin-Robbins store on January 15, 2009  to celebrate the bright choices customers make every day.   Any customer who shows proof of a gym membership will receive a free BRight Choices scoop.