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Read MoreThe Dark Arts of Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios
Recently we were guests of Universal Studios Hollywood to watch the new show. Our entire family is major fans of Harry Potter, and visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the all-time favorite places to spend the day. When our family learned about The Dark Arts of Hogwarts Castle, we couldn’t wait to make plans to visit Universal Studios Hollywood. The minute that we stepped foot in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we were immersed in the magical world. Our first stop was to get a taste of the famous Butterbeer. Our family sipped on the refreshing drink while walking around the magical world. Then, we took a thrilling ride on the Flight of the Hippogriff. The magical creature took our family on an unforgettable flight high above Universal Studios Hollywood. Just when we thought we had experienced all the fun, we went into the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where we went on a thrilling adventure on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the entertainment and using our wand to bring different parts of the world to life. Finally, the time had come. The sun began to set, and we were about to experience the magic of The Dark Arts of Hogwarts Castle! The Dark Arts of Hogwarts Castle is a mix of lights, music and special effects show that projects on and around the Hogwarts Castle. The show happens in the evening and will be repeated several times to allow a large number of guests to experience the magic. The story of the show revolves around the Dementors, Death Eaters and other unspeakable creatures from Aragog and Mountain Trolls that cloak the castle with sinister images from the darker side of magic. At one point even Lord Voldemort himself makes an appearance. Eventually, the Patronus spell will save the castle. The music, the special effects, and even the projections are so imaginative and done well one gets easily transported back into the story of Harry Potter. The show lasts 8 minutes and is well worth the wait. There is a viewing area near Hogwarts castle that is roped off and provides an excellent viewing experience. The Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle will be a different tone than “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” and “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” as the tone will be darker with more intense...
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Read MoreBest Restaurants in Orange County to Celebrate Mother’s Day
It’s time to treat mom like no other by spoiling her at one of the many special options Orange County’s leading hotels have created for this most exceptional lady. At the beach she can be wined and dined at Montage Laguna Beach’s annual Masterpiece Celebration Brunch, at Studio or The Loft. If she doesn’t want to get up too early, she can celebrate with afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge. If Newport Beach is more her style, then Fashion Island Hotel is the place to go with two delicious dining options: a garden party or brunch at Oak Grill. And for moms who want to be in the center of it all, Hotel Irvine is hosting Mother’s Day in The Backyard with fun for the entire family. Montage Laguna Beach 30801 Coast Highway Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 715-6420 www.montagehotels.com/lagunabeach Mother’s Day 2019 Masterpiece Celebration Sunday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The elaborate annual Masterpiece Celebration Brunch at Montage Laguna Beach has become a dining highlight of the year for many families and is always very special for newcomers. Brunch comes with a house Champagne toast, family photos, live entertainment and a special gift for mothers. Breakfast-centric stations offer eggs benedict, made-to-order omelets, lemon ricotta pancakes, French toast, smoked Santa Barbara salmon and more. There are antipasto selections, seasonal fruit and salads such as Wild Rice and asparagus salad with spinach and lemon-turmeric vinaigrette. The Sushi station has all the favorites. Seafood choices include poached prawns, cocktail crab claws and local rockfish ceviche. Plank-Roasted Salmon with a honey-cilantro-lime glaze and Prime Rib with Au Jus will be carved. In addition, hearty appetites are pleased with Grilled Swordfish, Roasted Mary’s Chicken, Saffron-Spring Pea Risotto and Seasonal Vegetable Medley. For the kids: cheese quesadillas, corn dogs, PB&J and other choices. Executive Pastry Chef Lee Smith always wows with his Dessert display. $175 per guest; $55 per child ages four to 12, includes service charge and tax. Reservations available by calling (949) 715-6420. Studio’s Mother’s Day Four-Course Brunch Sunday, May 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Montage Laguna Beach’s signature restaurant Studio is a SoCal dining showcase perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The first of four courses of Chef Benjamin Martinek’s Mother’s Day Brunch Tasting Menu is a choice of Hamachi Crudo with Asian pear, serrano chile, finger lime and myoga; Marinated Baby Tomato Salad with burrata, puffed wild rice, aged balsamic and lemon basil;...
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Read MoreMarvel’s Avengers: Endgame Teen Review
One of the most anticipated movies of this year, even of this century is Avengers: Endgame. Ever since Infinity War had come out a year ago, the whole world has been waiting for this movie. I have been counting down the days until I could see the film since the first trailer dropped. The Marvel Universe is something that I have grown up with. Avengers: Endgame is something that we have all been waiting for. Lucky for me my mom had a plus one and decided to take me on her screener day. I know that seeing the movie three days before it comes out might not seem like anything, but to me it was everything. Three days before the movie came out as practically seeing it with the stars. Now I can’t spoil anything for you because you need to go and experience it for yourself, but I can tell you how amazing it is and how much you ABSOLUTELY need to see this film. Everybody is lined up to see this film. I will tell you that it is definitely worth it. Even if you are not a Marvel fan, this movie will seriously change your life. It is so moving and conveys so many kind messages that you don’t have to be a Marvel fan to enjoy it and have big takeaways. I, for one, and am HUGE Marvel fan if I were going to see the movie as a person who has never watched Marvel before then I would still have so many things to take away. Another fantastic thing about this film was the score. Not only did the intensity of the film have me on my seat the entire time, but the music. The music of the film matched the mood perfectly. There were even some throwback songs from past movies that made me want to get out of my seat and dance. The score was intense, light, happy, and sad at all the same times. Avengers: Endgame is out in only two days! Twenty-four hours before your life will change forever. The Marvel Universe will forever be different. Don’t forget to get your tickets now if you don’t already have them. I know that I have 10pm tickets to see it again tonight. Do you? Like AVENGERS on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/avengers Follow AVENGERS on Twitter Follow AVENGERS on Instagram Ella is the OC Mom Blog teen blogger. She is an integrated arts student...
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Read MorePop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration at Downtown Disney
We visited Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration as a guest of Disney The all-new Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration is an Instagrammers dream come true. The Disneyland Resort recognizes how much Disney lovers enjoy capturing memorable photos, and they created the ultimate Disney photo Pop-Up at Downtown Disney District. Creative photography is one of my favorite hobbies, and I was thrilled to attend a sneak peek of Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration at Downtown Disney. The minute that I arrived at the Downtown Disney District, I couldn’t wait to experience the Pop-Up. I brought one of my dearest friends along with me who also shares a love for photography, and we started our visit at the Downtown Disney District by sipping on a refreshing ice tea from Starbucks. We caught up on what we had missed since the last time we have gotten together while waiting for our time to experience the Pop-Up. Finally, it was time for our scheduled time to experience Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration. We checked in at the front desk and were guided into a plush waiting room. In the waiting room, there are comfortable couches, interactive stations to keep the kids busy and some fun photo opportunities. When it was time for our group to begin the experience a friendly guide brought us to the first room. In the first room, it is all about love. There is an adorable Minnie Mouse bow couch to capture a photo, a wall where you can blow a kiss, and fun giant yellow ears to pretend are on your head. My favorite was the love wall that is all about the love that Mickey and Minnie share for one another. Then, in the second room, you’ll become immersed into the world of Steamboat Willie. The black and white room has a photo opportunity featuring the boat the Mickey loves to take out to sea, a giant wall of mini Mickey Mouse plush, and you’ll be able to fly high in the sky with Mickey in his plane. (Take a moment to look at the plush wall and see if you can spot the one Minnie Mouse plush!) After a black and white Disney dream, we again entered into a world full of Disney love. The next room featured a beautiful wall where all your favorite Disney friends are holding hands, Pluto’s dog house and a Daisy Duck topiary with a love mural in the background. For...
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Read MoreReservations to Visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge invites guests on a journey to a galaxy far, far away, where families can live their own Star Wars adventures. This epic new land will immerse guests in iconic stories like never before, pushing boundaries and transporting guests to a place where beloved Star Wars stories come to life. When Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opens It all begins May 31st at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, and today they announced that no-cost reservations to visit the land will be available May 2nd.* Guests looking to confirm a reservation today can book a stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel between May 31 and June 23, 2019.* Opening Day Details On opening day for phase one, guests will become part of the story at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge as they sample galactic food and beverages, explore an intriguing collection of merchant shops and take the controls on the most famous ship in the galaxy aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Guests will engage in missions, games and in-queue experiences while visiting Black Spire Outpost and using the Play Disney Parks mobile app. These interactions throughout the land will make Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge one of the most engaging and captivating guest experiences in Disney Parks history. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reservations For guests planning to be among the first to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, details about making reservations are available on the Disney Parks Blog. There is no additional cost to make a reservation, but reservations are subject to availability. When to Register Specific details on how to make reservations will be available on the Disney Parks Blog and Disneyland.com on May 2nd at 8 a.m. PT. You must have a Disney Account to register for a reservation so be sure to create one before registration opens at 10 a.m. PT. Disneyland Resort Hotel Reservations Guests looking to guarantee a reservation to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge today can get one by staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel between May 31 and June 23, 2019. Click here to book your stay or call (714) 520-5060 now! *Guests staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel between May 31 and June 23, 2019 will receive a designated reservation to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay. One reservation per registered Guest. Each Guest is required to have valid theme park admission. If the hotel reservation is cancelled, the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation will be cancelled. Access to certain experiences...
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Read MoreFive SoCal Family Weekend Road Trips
Sponsored by Alamo Travel is one of the best gifts a parent can give to their child. I try to travel as much as possible with my children. The only downside to traveling often is how expensive it can be, especially for larger families. The best way to travel on a budget is to travel by car. Living in Southern California, there are many great travel destinations nearby and conveniently located near a few major airports such as LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) and SAN (San Diego International Airport). These are our top five favorite places to take our families near SoCal. Lake Arrowhead Just a short drive to the San Bernardino Mountains, and you’ll find yourself in a wonderland. Lake Arrowhead is a short drive from the top ski resorts in the area, and the Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa offers family-friendly accommodations. If you plan to travel in Summer, Fall or Spring, you’ll get to experience hiking, water skiing, boat riding and more. There is so much for families to experience in Lake Arrowhead during all the seasons of the year. Las Vegas My favorite thing about taking our family to Las Vegas is the journey there. Take your family on the old route 66 to Las Vegas. You’ll be able to see Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, take a stop at Western American Railroad Museum, and get some jerky at Alien Jerky. Instead of staying on the strip where partying is happening, stay at Lake Las Vegas where your family can relax and bond together in the serene setting. Santa Barbara Just a short drive outside of Los Angeles is beautiful beaches and rolling hills. Your family can glamp at El Capitan or stay in one of the plush beachside resorts. You’ll find some of the best food in Santa Barbara, and lots of hiking trails to keep the kids active. If you want to keep the budget small on this trip, bring a tent and rent a campsite right on the beach! Palm Springs There is something for everyone to enjoy in Palm Springs. Your family can spend the day at the pool, go golfing or take the Aerial Tram up to play with some snow. Take one day of your trip to explore the Salton Sea. You’ll get to visit the Banana Museum, Salvation Mountain, and Slab City. Don’t forget your camera as your family goes back in time exploring the abandoned town. Joshua Tree...
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Read MoreBubblefest is Bigger and Better than Ever
We attended Bubblefest as a guest of Discovery Cube OC Each year Discovery Cube OC has a beautiful bubble exhibit and show called Bubblefest. This show runs now through April 21, 2019. This year’s ultimate laser and bubble show are done by the talented Deni Yang and his equally talented sister Melody. It was her second year doing bubble fest with Deni at the Discovery Cube OC, and I can tell you, it was amazing. I have seen this show many times before, and each time I love it more. There is so much visually to see during the laser and bubble show. My kids have all loved it each and every time we have gone too. While you are at Bubblefest, in the Mega Bubble Courtyard, you can go to different interactive spaces. My kids, husband and I had a blast here. Judging by the long line, the water spheres were the biggest hit amongst the guests at this event. I took my youngest two kiddos this year, so they were too small for the spheres, but they did play in all the other areas. My two year old even went through the blow-up obstacle course. In the Bubblefest Zone, you can learn cool bubble science topics like elasticity, air pressure, and even surface tension. During the show, you will also learn some cool facts. Did you know, that blowing soap bubbles works better on a cool cloudy day with a chance of rain than it does on a hot sunny day? I didn’t, but after the explanation of why, I got it and will probably always remember this fact. Who knows, maybe someday when I am on Jeopardy (big dreamer here), it will come in handy haha. I would say the laser and bubble show is something you have to see at least once. The smiles and giggles coming from everyone are always heartwarming. I feel like a little kid the second the show starts and the lights dim. When all the bubbles come flying about, enveloping the stage and flying all around you, there is just something so magical that brings me right back to my childhood. This show is truly for all ages. My husband is really into laser shows, and that part of the show was his favorite. It was a great mixture of both elements. The music, lights, and bubbles were all great. Melody did a fantastic job with the lasers. Deni always...
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Read MoreA Passage to Little India: Orange County Walking Food Tour
Yesterday, I embarked on an epicurean adventure in Artesia with Melissa’s Produce and Farhana Sahibzada. Indian cuisine is one of my all-time favorites, so when I was invited to attend this special walking food tour, I cleared my calendar to learn more about Indian cuisine in Southern California. Melissa’s Produce has spiced up my family cooking by introducing me to unique and delicious produce, and this event turned it up a notch. As an Orange County native, I have never been to Artesia (gasp!). I really didn’t even know where it was until I searched it on my GPS. I quickly realized that I drive right past it 2-3 times a week on my way to attend events in LA, and could of been experiencing the best Indian food in SoCal for all these years. I had only done walking food tours in Mexico until yesterday. I didn’t even knew they existed in our area. I pulled my car into the parking lot of the Pioneer Cash & Carry. I wasn’t quite sure what a cash & carry was, but our guide educated us on the fact that it is just a terminology that the culture refers to as a grocery store (they do take debit). Our tour began in front of Pioneer where we learned about the different regions of India, and how the cuisine differentiates. I also learned a lot about the difference between Pakistan and India before the countries became divided. Once the doors opened to the Pioneer Cash & Carry, we walked in. The owner walked us over to the bakery that is both egg and gelatin-free. With a son with a severe egg allergy, I was excited to find a new place to get him birthday cakes and specialty desserts. We sampled one of their Chinese puff pastries. Inside of a delicate crispy crust was noodles, vegetables and a Chinese sauce. Normally, the pastry is paired with a spicy sauce, but they were not aware of our spice tolerance, but I can’t wait to go back and experience the pastry with the sauce. Then, we walked around the store. It reminded me of a Whole Foods version of an International Market. Of course, I got the most excited when entering the produce area. There were so many vegetables that I had never seen before. I was so excited about the biter fruit, that a customer started talking to me all about it, and how...
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World Premiere of Disney’s Dumbo
We attended the premiere of Dumbo as a guest of Disney When I received the invitation to attend the world premiere of Disney’s Dumbo, I was ecstatic. Dumbo was one of my favorite movies as a child. Getting to see the remastered live-action version as an adult for the first time at the world premiere was a dream come true. I decided to take my daughter with me to see the film, and planned a special mother/daughter day getting ready for the premiere. We started the day off by getting coffee at Starbucks, and then went to get our lashes perfected. Next, we were off to Los Angeles where we would get our makeup and hair done before putting on our dresses for the premiere. Getting ready for the premiere with my teenage daughter was so special. As a mother of a teenage daughter, it is so easy to lose touch and not be as close with them as they were as toddlers. Days like this bring us closer together and is a chance for her to open up to me about the struggles she is facing as a teenage girl. After we were ready for the premiere, we made the short drive down Sunset Boulevard to attend the event. We met up with...
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Epic Family Staycation at The Pacific Edge Hotel
We stayed as a guest of the venue It has been a couple of years since we last had a family getaway to the Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach, and when I noticed the temperatures were getting warmer, I immediately jumped at the chance to stay near the beach for the weekend. The weather was perfect, the hotel was plush, the food was incredible, which made our weekend one of the best family staycations that we have had in a long time. We arrived on a Friday evening after the kids were done with school, and my husband was done with work. We checked into our room just in time to enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Pacific ocean. The kids squealed with delight while watching dolphins jumping in the waves while the sun slowly disappeared on the horizon. We took our shoes off and walked down to the beach for an evening walk before dinner. Our family bond became stronger than ever before as my husband, and I walked hand in hand while talking about our week with the kids splashing their toes in the water. Before returning to our room for the evening, we walked next door to Driftwood Kitchen for dinner. My husband sunk his taste buds into a juicy...
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Why It’s A Great Idea to Get Out the House and Travel with Your Little One Now and Then
Everyone knows that there is far more to traveling than seaside sunsets and delicious food, but what about traveling with your little one? With 64% of millennial families have been on at least one vacation in the last year, follow the trend and find out why it’s a great idea to step outside and go traveling with your little one. You’ll create some incredible memories together From the moment your little one was born, there will have been moments...
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Bell Pepper Pizza Recipe
Do you have a picky eater? I know that I sure do in my house. Getting my youngest to eat vegetables is always a challenge, and I have to be extra creative to get nutrition into his growing body. Melissa’s Produce provided me with some beautiful stripy peppers this week, and I decided to try making bell pepper pizzas out of them. Guess what? My picky eater ate every bite! What I love about this recipe is that it...
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Caramelized Onion and Swiss Chard Pasta Recipe
One of my favorite things to do in the kitchen is to caramelize onions. It is so relaxing, and it makes my home smell amazing. While at Melissa’s Produce this week, they sent me home with some beautiful organic onions and fresh swiss chard. I couldn’t wait to cook something with the fresh produce when I got home. Swiss Chard Nutrition Swiss chard is a great leafy green to incorporate into your kid’s diet. It is packed full of...
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Official Teaser of Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
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Learn About Bugs and Butterflies at Riley Wilderness Park
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Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar in Santa Rosa
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Kaleido Kids Summer Events
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3rd Annual CASA Pinwheel Project
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Andrei’s New Seasonal Cocktails Make a Splash
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The Sandman Hotel: A Modern Boutique Hotel in The Heart of Wine Country
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The Queen Mary’s BBQ & Chili Waterfront Cook-Off
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2019 CASA Celebration of Children Black & White Ball
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The Queen Mary 2019 Summer Movie Series
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Memorial Day Fun at the Newport Dunes
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FREE Children’s Ticket to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
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Fourth Annual Heartbeat of Mexico Festival
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Celebrating The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part
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Bollywood Bar & Clay Oven in Santa Rosa
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The Jade Room Wine Bar & Oysterette
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Must-Have Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration Merchandise
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The Dark Arts of Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios
Recently we were guests of Universal Studios Hollywood to watch the new show. Our entire family is major fans of Harry Potter, and visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the all-time favorite places to spend the day. When our family learned about The Dark Arts of Hogwarts Castle, we couldn’t wait to make plans to visit Universal Studios Hollywood. The minute that we stepped foot in The Wizarding World of Harry...
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Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails New Spring Menu
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Best Restaurants in Orange County to Celebrate Mother’s Day
It’s time to treat mom like no other by spoiling her at one of the many special options Orange County’s leading hotels have created for this most exceptional lady. At the beach she can be wined and dined at Montage Laguna Beach’s annual Masterpiece Celebration Brunch, at Studio or The Loft. If she doesn’t want to get up too early, she can celebrate with afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge. If Newport Beach is more her style, then Fashion...
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Making Gluten-Free Weeknight Meals Easy with the Instant Pot
Have you ever used an Instant Pot before? I remember getting one for Christmas a year ago when everyone was talking about the Instant Pot. However, after seeing kitchen horror stories as a child come to life in my mother’s kitchen with her pressure cooker, I never seemed to take it out of the box. When our friends at Melissa’s Produce invited me to learn more about The Gluten-Free Instant Pot cookbook, I was curious to learn more. I...
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Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame Teen Review
One of the most anticipated movies of this year, even of this century is Avengers: Endgame. Ever since Infinity War had come out a year ago, the whole world has been waiting for this movie. I have been counting down the days until I could see the film since the first trailer dropped. The Marvel Universe is something that I have grown up with. Avengers: Endgame is something that we have all been waiting for. Lucky for me my...
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Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration at Downtown Disney
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Give Back with Chuck Jones Center for Creativity’s 9th Annual Red Dot Auction
Join the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity on Friday, May 17 for Orange County’s biggest charity art event of the year! This 9th annual fundraiser will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Chuck Jones Center at SOCO + The OC Mix and will feature a silent auction with art pieces up for bid from over 100 artists from around the world. This special evening serves to raise money for programs of the Chuck Jones Center,...
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Talking with the Cast of Avengers: Endgame
I attended the Avengers: Endgame Press Conference as a guest of Disney One of the most awaited for movies this year is Avengers: Endgame and I had the privilege of attending the press conference for it. My brothers and I have been following all of the anticipation since the latest Avengers film “Infinity War” came to the theaters. The press conference for this film was unlike anything I have ever seen before, and I can’t wait to share some...
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Reservations to Visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge invites guests on a journey to a galaxy far, far away, where families can live their own Star Wars adventures. This epic new land will immerse guests in iconic stories like never before, pushing boundaries and transporting guests to a place where beloved Star Wars stories come to life. When Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opens It all begins May 31st at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, and today they announced that no-cost reservations to visit...
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Bear Awareness Day at the OC Zoo
Join the County of Orange and OC Parks for Bear Awareness Day at the OC Zoo on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gather family and friends for a day of bear-themed activities, zookeeper chats and more. The OC Zoo’s annual Bear Awareness Day invites families to learn more about the black bear while enjoying various fun-filled activities including crafts for kids and special zookeeper chats about bears. Bear Awareness Day will also feature a learning...
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