The Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature Premiere
We attended as a guest of the studio We attended a meet and greet with the cast of The Nut Job 2 to talk about the film and to get some insight on what it is like to work on an animated film. Will Arnett, Maya Rudolph, Gabriel Iglesias and Bobby Moynihan were on hand to answer questions and to tell us about their experience making this fabulous animated film. Will Arnett explained that making an animated film is definitely a painstaking process for everyone else except the actor! Will explained that the actors have it easy just doing the voices but for the creative folks who put this amazing film together, work for a long, long time to make the magic happen and when he finally sees the completed film, he is always amazed. Maya Rudolph said that she...
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Ultimate Country Music Fun at the Shipkicker Country Music Festival
We were invited as a guest of the venue. The Queen Mary hosted its 3rd Annual Shipkicker Music Festival, and it was the place to be for Southern California country music fans. Not only did you have a full day of music, but there were also food and beverage vendors, merchandise vendors and the Shipkicker Saloon with line dancing and amazing performances on three different stages. Jake Parr is an amazing up and coming singer, songwriter, and musician who opened things up on the main stage. This talented young man is an OC native growing up in Tarzana, CA and after just a few seconds into his set, he had the crowd on their feet and dancing to his music. After his set, Jake took to the crowd to shake hands and mingle with his fans. It is one...
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3rd Annual Shipkicker Country Music Festival
Throw on your favorite pair of cowboy boots and head on down to the 3rd Annual Shipkicker Country Music Festival this Saturday, July 1st. This is a full day of live country music. Headliners include Lee Brice, Jerrod Riemann, Swon Brothers, Redneck Rodeo, and more. There are 3 different stages and Shipkicker Music Festival also offers concert-goers with line dancing lessons, food vendors, a beer garden, cocktails, mechanical bull rides and yard-games. Not to mentions some amazing vendors, such as City Roots in Boots, Calico Hat Company and many more. The Parking lot party starts at 11:00 am and runs through 1:00pm. The main festival gates open at 1:00 pm. This event is open to all country fans of all ages. General Admission $49 (online in advance)/$59 (day of event) – Includes general admission to ShipKicker with access to the World Famous...
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Amazon Prime’s Just Add Magic
We were invited as a guest for a private screening of Amazon’s Just Add Magic. When my daughter found out we were going to attend a private screening and Q & A with the stars of Just Add Magic, she was giddy with excitement. Not only were we going to get to see a private screening of episode 1 of season 2 but also were treated to tasty treats, a DIY station for decorating aprons, and a chance to talk to the cast. Amazon’s Just Add Magic series is a favorite in our house. Being a child of the 70’s, my parents didn’t have to search for a “family friendly” show for us to watch. There was pretty much one on every channel, (all seven channels), at any time throughout the day and evening. Fast forward 40 years...
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Holiday Fun at The Aquarium of the Pacific
We were invited as a guest of the venue. This year, our family got into the holiday spirit at The Aquarium of the Pacific! During the month of December through December 23rd, the Aquarium of the Pacific is celebrating Aquarium Holidays with tons of animal fun for families to enjoy. With so many exciting things to visit and see, the Aquarium of the Pacific offers many treats. There is a Santa Diver that appears daily in the Honda Blue Cavern. Along with a photo of Santa with the fish, families are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to visit with Santa in front of the beautiful Honda Blue Cavern, as well as with Holiday Aquarium characters. On weekends, be sure to catch the Penguin Walk on the 2nd floor at the Northern Pacific Gallery. There is a gingerbread house...
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Showdown at Sherwood Country Club
Sponsored As you make your way up the winding road to Sherwood Country Club, you have no idea of the beauty that awaits you past the iron gates. Sherwood Country Club is located in the hills of Thousand Oaks, and it is surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains and trees, trees and more trees. Jack Nicklaus said,”This was one of the most magnificent pieces of land I’ve had the opportunity on which to design a golf course. It is rare to see a piece of property that is so private, with so much natural beauty. There isn’t another golf course in the World that has a more beautiful tree complex than Sherwood.” Sherwood Country Club is the site of the PGA Tour Champions PowerShares QQQ Championship. The top 72 PGA Tour Champions met here over the weekend for a...
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Story Angels Bridges the Gap Between Generations
Sponsored The Story Angels project is part of the Fullerton School District’s iPersonalize curriculum in Narrative Writing and Listening. Fifth-grade teacher, Angela Platon, said that when she was young, her grandparents were the best storytellers and she thought that by pairing the younger generation with the seniors from Morningside Retirement Community, it would be a great vessel for the district’s iPersonalize curriculum. 90 fifth grade students from Fullerton School District would work in teams of 4 and be partnered with a senior from Morningside who would share a life-changing story from their past. The goal of the students would be threefold. First, the students would meet with their seniors and take notes on their stories. Then the students would work as a team to ask the appropriate “why’s and how’s” to make sure they knew all the details of the story....
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Mother and Daughter Film Review: Pete’s Dragon
We attended the screening as a guest of Disney Pete’s Dragon tells a story of a local wood carver, (brilliantly played by Robert Redford), who has long been telling stories of a dragon who lives deep in the woods. His daughter, (Bryce Dallas Howard), is a forest ranger who stumbles across a young orphaned boy, Pete (Oakes Fegley) who has been living in the forest for the past six years and claims to live in the woods with a giant dragon. Here is my daughters’s and my reaction to the film. Mom Opinion As a parent you want to expose your children to movies that have life lessons they can take with them. Pete’s Dragon is a beautiful story of the bond between a young child and his dragon and the magic that is found in friendship and family....
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Interview with the Cast of Pete’s Dragon
I attended the interview as a guest of Disney Earlier this month, I was given the amazing opportunity to participate in discussions with the stars in the film “Pete’s Dragon,” Bryce Dallas Howard (Grace), Oakes Fegley, (Pete), and Oona Laurence, (Natalie). The relationship between Pete and Natalie plays a big part in the film. Fegley said that he felt that when Pete sees another little person, someone like himself, he is very curious about her and needs to explore this relationship. Fegley continued to say, “In Pete’s mind, he is still five years old.” For both Fegley and Laurence having to act opposite of something that wasn’t there was challenging at times but very interesting. Laurence said that they had seen a drawing of Elliott, but they were basically looking at a tennis ball on a stick most of the time. When...
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Robert Redford on Developing His Character in Pete’s Dragon
I attended the interview as a guest of Disney In the upcoming Disney film, Pete’s Dragon, Robert Redford is a wood carver named Meachum who is the only one in the town who claims to have once seen a magical dragon in the woods. Earlier this month, I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to talk with Redford about his role in the upcoming movie. When it came to the part of Meachum, David Lowery (Director) was working on a project with Redford, and he decided to put the script in front of him. Initially, Redford liked the story; however, he did not relate to the Meachum character. Meachum was written as this crazy old guy, and that is not how Redford saw him, so Lowery let Redford develop the character further. Lowery said that because the kids...
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The Segerstrom is filled with The Sound of Music
We were invited as a guest of the venue. The Sound of Music has always been one of my all time favorite movies that I enjoyed sharing with my daughter so when I heard that the musical production was coming to the Segerstrom, I was filled with excitement to be able to have her see a live version! The visual aspect of the film is just amazing, and I wasn’t sure of how they would translate the beautiful scenery in the film to the stage, but this brand new production of The Sound of Music is directed by three-time Tony Award Winner Jack O’Brien, and it is absolutely remarkable. According to director Jack O’Brien, “The Sound of Music has been in our ears for decades, but it might be time to look once more, and more closely, at this...
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Inside Look into Disney’s Pete’s Dragon
We were invited as a guest of Disney to the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood for a meet and greet with the director and screenwriter of the upcoming film Pete’s Dragon, David Lowery and one of the movies main characters, Bryce Dallas Howard. I was so excited while on my way to the event at the El Capitan. The story Pete’s Dragon had always been one of my favorites as a child, and I was looking forward to hearing David’s take on this beloved classic from my childhood. The 1977 version of Pete’s Dragon centers on the adventure of an orphaned boy and his magical dragon. This reimagined version of Pete’s Dragon still centers on the friendship and adventures of an orphaned boy and his friend, Elliott, who is also a 20-foot dragon. David Lowery showed us five scenes...
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Under the Sea with The Little Mermaid Musical
We attend as a guest of the venue. My daughter and I went under the sea with Ariel for The Little Mermaid at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. The Little Mermaid is based on the beloved Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney Film. This musical is brought to life beautifully by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken’s music and an amazing cast. The Little Mermaid tells the story of Ariel, a young mermaid who longs to leave her life under the sea for life in the world above. This extraordinary cast brings your favorite characters to life, and the amazing set designs transport you under the sea in this magical fairy tale. The talented team of set designers has outdone themselves with sets that bring the sea and human world to life. From Ursula’s underwater lair to Prince Eric’s ship,...
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Magical Performance of Cinderella at The Segerstrom Center for the Arts
We were invited as a guest of the venue My daughter and I were so excited to be able to attend the opening of Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella at The Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The evening was magical from start to finish. There were several pre-show activities and crafts that all guests attending the performance were invited to participate. From a craft table where little girls could make their own magical wands to coloring pages and photo ops, it was a lovely start to our evening. The “It’s Possible” photo opportunity gave children and adults alike the chance to write a wish on a star and place it next to a life-size decal of Ella and Marie, and there was a scene from the ball where you could hold the glass slipper. The Segerstrom Center for the...
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Aquarium of the Pacific and Denny’s Day Out
We visited as a guest of the venue If you haven’t been to the Aquarium of the Pacific now is the perfect to go! From now through April 30th, participating Denny’s locations are offering a discount to the Aquarium of the Pacific. The coupon is valid for a FREE child’s admission (ages 3-11) with the purchase of a full-price adult admission. My daughter and I enjoyed heading to the Aquarium of the Pacific for a fun day of exploring the creatures of the sea after having lunch at our local Denny’s. While at Denny’s my daughter enjoyed the delicious kid offerings while I had my favorite sandwich in the relaxed family-friendly dining environment. The Aquarium of the Pacific has so many amazing exhibits for children to explore. The thing that is so nice is that there are several opportunities...
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A Visual Masterpiece: The Jungle Book
We were invited as a guest to view an advanced 3-D screening of Disney’s The Jungle Book. When I told my daughter that we were asked to view an advanced screening of The Jungle Book, her squeals of delight made me very popular. The animated version of The Jungle Book has always been one of our favorites and we were both excited to see how Disney brought these lovable characters to life on the big screen. From the moment the movie opens, you are drawn into a realistic jungle with colorful animals jumping off of the screen into your lap. The Jungle Book follows the story of Mowgli, a “man cub” and finding his place within the jungle. The film starts 10 years after Bagheera found Mowgli and had taken him to live with the wolf pack. Bagheera has...
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25th Anniversary of Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival
We attended as a guest of the venue The Sawdust Art & Craft Festival in Laguna Beach is celebrating its 25th anniversary of the Winter Festival Fantasy. The festival is dedicated to promoting the works of talented artists, both local and from around the world and educating the public on different forms of art. With over 175 artists displaying their work, you will have no problem finding one of a kind holiday gifts for your friends and family. John Eagle is one of the local artists that has a booth at the festival, and you can find him working on original works during the festival. John is a local painter and has spent the last 25 years selling and displaying his art at both the summer and winter festivals. It is what makes this festival so special. You and...
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Your Favorite Vampires are Back with Hotel Transylvania 2
We attended a private screening of Hotel Transylvania 2 and fans will not be disappointed. Everyone is back in Hotel Transylvania 2, with an all-new adventure that finds Drac and his friends living amongst the human world. Mavis has married Johnny, and they have an adorable little boy, Dennis, and Drac are up to his old antics and worrying that his grandson is acting more human than vampire. Selena Gomez brings new mother Mavis to light and wants nothing more than the best for her child – human OR vampire and Drac (Adam Sandler) has you loving “Vampa”. A new character, Vlad,(Mel Brooks), who is Drac’s “old school” Dad and although, he is grumpy there is a certain softness to him. When Dennis’ 5th birthday comes and goes without any “fangs” appearing, Drac is worried that his grandson is human. Mavis starts questioning...
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World Premiere of Sprout’s Nina’s World
We were invited to attend the world premiere of Sprout’s NINA’S WORLD. You might wonder what makes this show different from others out there, DIVERSITY. Having a child who is hearing impaired, you could imagine the joy on my daughter’s face when she saw that one of the characters in Nina’s World is hearing impaired and wears hearing aids. What a wonderful moment as a parent to see my daughters face light up and see someone who is just like her on the TV. Nina’s World has a multilingual approach as well as has many different ethnicities and characters with disabilities. Well done Sprout for portraying these characters so well. Nina’s World is a wonderful new animated show that follows an adventurous 6 year old, Nina and her best friend; a talking stuffed animal star, who only she can...
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Learning How the Hit Movie ‘HOME’ Came to Life
We attended as a guest of Dreamworks We were invited to celebrate National Parents Day and the release of DreamWorks Animation “HOME” with Director, Tim Johnson at Color Me Mine to learn how the hit movie “HOME” came to life. Jason Reisig, Head of Character Animation was also on hand to help us learn how to draw Oh, Tip and other characters from the hit movie. Director Tim Johnson explained that it took a crew of over 300 to get “HOME” made. It was a gradual process that starts in preproduction. It is where the director meets with the storyboard artists to develop the characters and the imaginary world that the film will take place. Mr. Johnson explained that his days while working on the film consisted of; going from a meeting with the storyboard artist, guiding the actors, and working...
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BattleKasters Takes Over Comic-Con
Sponsored BattleKasters was the highlight of Comic-Con San Diego this year as the new “it” game being introduced to guests visiting the Gaslamp area. While at Comic-Con this year, we had a unique opportunity to get an in-depth look at the game, and the book that inspired the creation of the game. The game is based on the popular teen book, The Red Sun, by Alane Adams. The Red Sun is the first of six books in the Legends of Orkney series. Alane Adams created the series when her 12-year-old son challenged her to write something he would enjoy reading. While in San Diego during Comic-Con we played with the new game, met Alane Adams, and talked with the creators of the game. The game is unlike any other in that it inspires young gamers to find a love...
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Kids Splash and Play Park at the Renaissance Club Sport Aliso Viejo
We attended as a guest of RCSAV A few weekends ago we were invited to come and check out the all new Kids Splash and Play Park at the Renaissance Club Sport in Aliso Viejo. The Splash and Play Park has a water jungle gym, kids only pool and a kids safe temperature jacuzzi. From the second you walk into the area, you are greeted by a lifeguard who sits right directly in front of the kids pool. The park has vibrate colors and plenty of exciting water features for your child to play with. The play structure boasts a side by side slide, 2 covered slides, a giant dumping water bucket, playful water rings your little one can run through and water guns! The “kid temp” jacuzzi and pool is something I have not experienced with water parks. My daughter...
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The Haute Room in Tustin will motivate you
We attended as a guest of The Haute Room What makes The Haute Room stand out from other fitness studios. . . .the workout! First, let me explain what Lagree fitness is. The Lagree fitness incorporates five basic elements: Cardio, Strength, Endurance, Body Composition, and Flexibility. From the Lagree fitness website: Put simply, LAGREE FITNESS™ is the only workout that EFFECTIVELY combines Strength, Endurance, Cardio, Balance, Core and Flexibility training not only in one session but in each and every move. The key term here is effective. Lagree Fitness™ is intense on the muscles, but low-impact and safe on the joints, spine, and connective tissues. In order for a training method to be effective, it is important to train at an Effective Intensity. The body needs to reach a certain threshold of exercise intensity to stimulate the body’s adaptive...
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Mother Daughter Training at MEEDO Taekwondo
We attended as a guest of the venue My daughter and I provided with a complimentary month membership at MEEDO Taekwondo. When I told my 6-year-old daughter that she was very excited and I was more than a little apprehensive. Being a mom in my 40’s, the old saying of “teaching an old dog, new tricks” kept bouncing in my head! Needless to say, now having been through it, I am very excited and thrilled with the outcome. I attended the Taebo classes during the day and found that this is a full body workout. “Tae” means leg and it relates to kicks and your lower body and “bo” refers to boxing so think punches and lots of upper body movements. Taebo will tone your arms, back, shoulders and legs but also your core. If you are like this mom, who hates...
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Full Psycle Indoor Cycle is changing the Way You Spin
We attended a class as a guest of Full Psycle Full Psycle is not just a basic spin class, it is a Full Body Cycling Studio, that emphasizes upper body strength training that tones not only your legs and core but also your arms, back and shoulders using free hand weights and pilates based core exercises. Gone are the days where you would have to arrive an hour prior to your scheduled spin classes to guarantee your reserved bike. I loved that I could pick the location of my bike and reserve it on-line. Class schedules are posted on a weekly basis and you can reserve your spot for the entire week! You can set up your schedule for the week and know that when you arrive to Full Psycle, your bike and a complementary towel are waiting for you. Inside...
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iTAN Spa Week
Experience unlimited spa services at iTAN during the week of October 20th – October 26th for only $5o.00 at all 30 locations. Yes, you read that correctly, UNLIMITED spa services!! What you may ask is included during spa week? Try out all 6 self serve spa treatments; full body toning systems, detoxifying body wraps, steampod therapy, teeth whitening, aqua message and photo facials. FIT BODYWRAPS are an hour long session that utilizes far infrared heat to promote weight management, pain management and detoxification. Each session is done in your own private setting! LUMIERE FACIAL is a skin rejuvenation facial system and is a 20 minute session that uses LED light emitting both red & near infrared light designed to rejuvenate and restore the delicate skin our your face. It is strongly recommended that a serum is worn for best results. Choose from...
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Transform Yourself at The Bari Studio
We attended as a guest of The Bari Studio When I asked to try out The Bari Studio in Newport Beach, I jumped at the chance. I had heard a little about this new workout but wanted to be sure that I knew exactly what I would be getting myself into so I checked out their website, www.thebaristudio.com. The Bari Studio website is easy to use and chock full of information. When I walked into the studio, I was immediately charged by the music coming from inside of the workout room. The instructor was full of energy and I could hear her talking to the students and you could just feel the energy behind the closed doors. As the doors opened and the students from the previous class were exiting, I suddenly had the urge to run. Thankfully, Michelle Pellizzon,...
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4th of July DIY Shirts
If you are looking for a fun DIY 4th of July craft to do with your kids, this is for you. My daughter and I took an hour out of our day and whipped up some 4th of July themed tank tops for her and her friends. All you need is some pipe cleaners, a couple of new pencils, (be sure the erasers are clean and flat); some fabric paint, paper plates and a piece of cardboard. Most importantly, don’t forget GLITTER! Once you pick your design, you will need to cut them out of Wax or Freezer Paper. Once your pattern is cut out, use double-sided tape to adhere it to your shirt. Slide your shirt onto the piece of cardboard; this will prevent the paint from seeping onto the backside of the shirt. I learned this the hard...
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Melinda Park in Mission Viejo
Melinda Park is one of the better neighborhood parks I have been to. It is located at the corner of Santa Margarita Parkway and Melinda Road in the city of Mission Viejo. This park is located on over 8 acres and features tons of benches and paved walkways throughout the park. Park hours are from 7:00am – 11:00pm daily and has ample lighting for when the sun goes down. Melinda Park also offers restrooms, which are located next to the basketball court. Be sure that if you have little ones, to visit the restrooms prior to making your way over to the playgrounds. PARK FEATURES: Softball Field Soccer/Football Field Basketball Court Playground (2-5 yrs) Playground (5-12 yrs) Swings (both toddler & kids) AMENITIES: 6 Picnic tables 2 BBQ’s Restrooms The park offers two play areas, one for children ranging...
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