Roaring Good Time at Monster Jam, Anaheim | @MonsterJam #MyMonsterJam

The Monster Jam series in Anaheim is well under way and my family was invited to check it out. We couldn't wait to see if our favorite trucks were racing.

Ever since our first Monster Jam last year, my kids have been begging us to go again. I admit, Hubby and I were just excited! We are now the proud owners of no less than 12 mini monster trucks, 1 Hot Wheels Firestorm that jumps and one R/C Grave Digger! It is safe to say, we are now big fans.

Who would win? Grave Digger? Monster Mutt? Hot Wheels? Mohawk Warrior? It could be anyone's race.

With their headphones on, my kids were ready to yell and cheer.

The races started out with the pre-show races that included Sprint Cars, Demolition Cars and even Mini-Tanks called Mud Tracks.

   

I must admit, we all LOVED those mini-tanks!  Their suspension is only a foot or so off the ground and to see them "jumping" was awesome!

The timed races were starting and we got a view of some of our favorites.  Here, N.E.A. and Captains Curse are neck to neck.

My daughter's and my personal favorite were up and we couldn't scream loud enough!  Monster Mutt Dalmation, was up against some of the toughest competition.  Candice Jolly, Monster Mutt's driver took the races almost to the end where an unfortunate roll over put an end to her night, leaving the door open for N.E.A. to take the win.

  

Our favorite event was up next, the FreeStyle.  In this race, drivers are judged by their extreme jumps, donuts and tricks.  The highest and lowest score of each were dropped and the scores added up to the win.  Check out some of their incredible moves!

  

The runs were spectacular and then Hot Wheels: Firestorm came onto the track.  With jumps higher than the rest, he looked for a spectacular finish and found one!  Despite the great runs by the others, Hot Wheels: Firestorm, was the clear winner with his high jumps and backflip!   

      

While there was only one winner, clearly, there really were no losers!  The drivers put on a show that will be remembered for years!  While there were quite a few flat tires, broken axles and other mechanical problems, the show was truly spectacular!

  

  

BUY TICKETS
Do you have Monster Jam Fever yet?  Come see Monster Jam for yourself!  February 7th, 2015 is their next race at Angel Stadium.  Make sure to buy the Pit Passes for the up-close look at the trucks.  Buy tickets  at their website, MonsterJam.com

MORE MONSTER JAM
Check out more Monster Jam fun here.

DISCLAIMER:  I received tickets for my family in exchange for sharing my experience.  All photos are copyrighted and may not be used without permission.  All thoughts and ideas are my own. 

Earth Explorers: Travel Through LEGOS at the Discovery Cube OC | @DiscoveryCubeOC @CubeExplorers

Have you been to the Discovery Cube Orange County lately?  This wonderful museum changes out its exhibits in order to keep it fresh and fun for our kids.

This month, the new exhibits feature, LEGO®  Travel Adventure and National Geographic Presents: Earth Explorers.  As a lover of science, I was invited to let my kids get a sneak peak in a media night.  The new exhibits bring fun to anyone that loves to learn and build like we do.

My kids made a bee-line to the LEGO® Travel Adventure area first.  We were treated to a variety of world traveling highlights that were depicted, using our favorite building blocks.  Ships, planes, safaris, race cars and more.

Build a building around you using large bricks like the kids did here.  Here you see them, now you don't.

The displays feature scenes that depict highlights in our own history like the Titanic, Transcontinental Railroad and First Flight.  Our favorite was the Race Car all made of LEGO bricks! 

While the kids built race cars in preparation for our Cubscout Pine-Wood Derby race next weekend, we discovered another hidden gem.  Costumes!  My son had a blast trying them on and taking a picture in the Indy 500 race!

  

The second exhibit show-cases National Geographic: Earth Explorers.  Travel to Antarctica, the Rainforest, or take a sub-marine into the depths of the ocean.  

  

Check out this Great White!  My son wasn't so sure it wasn't going to jump off the display, it was so life-like.

There were realistic living quarters for the Antarctic and the Amazon that taught us about survival and what creatures graced them such as polar bears and a TON of insects!  The interactive displays keep the children wanting to learn more.

  

Here, the kids asked if they use our dogs to go on a dog-sled run.

Tickets
Tickets can be purchased at Discovery Cube OC or online at www.discoverycube.org/oc/. General admissions prices are as follows: adult ($16.95), senior ($12.95), and children ages 3-14 ($12.95).

LEGO Travel Adventure is the second in a series of traveling exhibits to be produced by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in conjunction with LEGO Systems, Inc. The previous exhibit, LEGO® Castle Adventure debuted at The Children’s’ Museum of Indianapolis in 2009, and will travel to museums and science centers throughout the United States for a five year period. Additional LEGO exhibits are planned for the future.

About Discovery Science Foundation
The Discovery Science Foundation serves as the program-development, marketing and fundraising arm for hands-on science learning museums in Orange County and Los Angeles. Established in 1989, the original non-profit Taco Bell Discovery Science Center (DSC) in Santa Ana, now renamed Discovery Cube Orange County, presented by Taco Bell, continues to inspire and educate millions of young minds through engaging science based programs and exhibits. In 2012, the Center was named one of the ten “Most Trusted Brands” in Orange County and in 2013 was awarded the National Medal of Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

In November 2014, Discovery Cube Los Angeles, a second museum offering an exhibit and program mix unique to Los Angeles, opened in the Hansen Dam Recreational Area of the San Fernando Valley. For more information, call (866) 552-CUBE (2823) or visit www.discoverycube.org.

DISCLAIMER:  I received an invite to a media night to get a sneak peak for the purpose of sharing my experience.  All thoughts and ideas are my own.  Do not use any photos without permission.

Del Taco is Giving Away Jennie-O TurkeyTacos FREE | @DelTaco #EatWellWithDel #TurkeyTacos #Health

Being an on the go family, we find it hard to locate tasty and healthy food that has a drive-thru.  

Last year, I was introduced to Del Taco's new line of turkey tacos and tostadas.  We found them to be full of flavor and the kids didn't even notice that they were healthy!  

This year, Del Taco has brought them back with a name we can trust, Jennie-O.  The turkey we buy at home is now available on the go.  The new items include; The Turkey Taco, Turkey Combo Burrito and the Turkey Crunchtada Tostada.

Del Taco’s Turkey products feature lean, seasoned ground turkey that has 33 percent less fat than Del Taco’s seasoned beef yet offers the same craveable flavor.  While I liked last years new lean items, this year has a distinct flavor that last years was mild.  The turkey is combined with the lettuce, pico de gallo and cheese.

Did you know that the new tacos are only 150 calories?   That sound good to me since I am always looking to lose those extra pounds... 

Del Taco is the first Mexican quick service restaurant to offer lean seasoned ground turkey as a protein option. They are also committed to freshness, preparing their ingredients daily like grading their cheddar cheese from 40-pound blocks, slow-cooking the beans and hand made pico de gallo salsa.

FREE TACO:

Del Taco is offering one free turkey taco with any purchase! Note the coupon may not be combined with the free drink offer. Find out more about their promotion here: Del Taco.

Disclaimer: I received a gift-card to try out the new Turkey Menu for the purpose of this post.  All thoughts and ideas are my own.  No other compensation was received.

WIN! Fox Home Ent Book of Life DVD/ Blu-ray | @FHEInsiders #BOLInsiders #Giveaway

Coming out onto DVD/Blu-ray January 29th is Fox Home Entertainment's Book of Life!  As a Fox Home Entertainment Insider, I was given a copy of the movie for my family and another one to give away to my readers!  

THE BOOK OF LIFE is a breathtaking animated comedy with a dazzling visual style unlike anything you’ve seen before. Torn between the expectations of his family and the desires of his heart, a young man named Manolo sets off on an epic quest that spans three spectacular worlds in order to reunite with his one true love and defend his village. Not your ordinary fairy tale, THE BOOK OF LIFE is a wondrous fantasy-adventure filled with magic, music and fun!

THE BOOK OF LIFE Blu-ray™ brings culture and comedy into your home with unforgettable special features for parents and kids alike. Continue the fun with an all-new bonus short “The Adventures of Chuy”, highlighting the film’s lovable scene-stealing pet pig. Additionally, relive the musical hits from the film with the “Music Machine” featuring Latin-inspired versions of popular songs by Mumford & Sons, Radiohead, Elvis Presley, Rod Stewart and more!

BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES

• The Adventures of Chuy
• Closer Look At The Book of Life
• The Music of Life
• Digital Carpenters: The Art Direction of The Book of Life
• Music Machine
• “No Matter Where You Are” Music Video by Us The Duo
• Audio Commentary by Jorge R. Gutierrez
• Galleries
• Meet the Cast
• Visual Development – Color Keys
• Visual Development – Production Art
• Background Poster-Paintings
• The Final Look

THE BOOK OF LIFE DVD  SPECIAL FEATURES

• The Adventures of Chuy
• Music Machine
• Us The Duo Music Video "No Matter Where You Are"
• Audio Commentary by Jorge R. Gutierrez
• Galleries
• Meet the Cast
• Visual Development – Color Keys
• Visual Development – Production Art
• Background Poster-Paintings
• The Final Look

FREE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES & RECIPES!

                                   Click here to print                                   Click here to print

  

                                 Click here to print                                       Click here to print

                 

ABOUT TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is the industry leading worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox produced, acquired and third party partner film and television programing. Each year TCFHE expands its award-winning global product portfolio with the introduction of new entertainment content through established and emerging formats including DVD, Blu-ray™ and Digital HD™. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is a subsidiary of 21st Century Fox.

Follow Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on Twitter @FoxHomeEnt

WIN BOOK OF LIFE BELOW!!!

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DISCLAIMER:  The prize will be given by the sponsor.  Not responsible for unclaimed prizes.  All thoughts and ideas are my own.

WIN 4 TICKETS: Fresh Beat Band at the Grove of Anaheim! | #TheFreshBeatBand #Giveaway

Last Summer, my family had the chance to see their favorite band, The Fresh Beat Band! Now, we have a chance to see them again and we have tickets to giveaway so you can join us too!

The Fresh Beat Band is coming to the City National Grove of Anaheim on February 16 and tickets are on sale now.  Tickets along with Fresh Beat Band VIP packages with meet and greets are available at www.freshbeatbandlive.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

The show features a new set list that includes fan favorites “Bananas,” “A Friend Like You,” and a remixed version of “Great Day,” plus the pop classic, “Walk Like An Egyptian,” and new songs like “Every Pirate Has to Dance.” Kids will have an opportunity to see and interact with their favorite rock star--Kiki, Marina, Twist and Shout--as the band travels to cities including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and more.

“We can’t wait for our Fresh Beat fans to go ‘bananas’ at our brand-new concert jam-packed with catchy tunes, over-the-top dance routines and silly surprises,” said The Fresh Beat Band. “We are pumped to perform our biggest hits plus new songs to create one unforgettable first concert experience for young kids.” 

The Fresh Beat Band Greatest Hits Live set list includes:

• The Fresh Beat Band Theme Song 
• DJ Get the Party Started 
• Walk Like an Egyptian 
• Music Keeps Me Movin’
• A Friend Like You 
• Every Pirate Has to Dance 
• Spin Around 
• The Fresh Beat Band of Spies Theme Song 
• Here We Go 
• We Got the Beat 
• I Can Do Anything 
• Reach for the Sky 
• Freeze Dance 
• Shine (Acoustic) 
• Here for You 
• Bananas 
• Rockstar 
• Great Day (Remix) 

WHAT'S NEW?

Nickelodeon is currently in production on Fresh Beat Band of Spies, a brand-new animated preschool series based on the hit live-action show, The Fresh Beat Band. In the new series, Kiki (Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer), Marina (Tara Perry), Twist (Jon Beavers) and Shout (Thomas Hobson) are bandmates and also undercover spies. The pop band uses their individual talents and the coolest transforming spy gadgets to outwit a goofy cast of bad guys and solve wild and wacky mysteries. The series, which teaches problem-solving to preschoolers, is created by Nadine van der Velde and Scott Kraft (The Fresh Beat Band). Fresh Beat Band of Spies will premiere in 2015.

The Fresh Beat Band soundtracks – The Fresh Beat Band: Music From The Hit TV Show and The Fresh Beat Band: More Music From The Hit TV Show Vol 2.0 – are currently available on iTunes and in stores everywhere. For more information, visit the tour website at http://www.freshbeatbandlive.com and for Fresh Beat activities and fun go to http://www.nickjr.com/the-fresh-beat-band/.

WIN TICKETS

2 CHANCES TO WIN!

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TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW

Tickets available at the City National Grove of Anaheim box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at (213) 480-3232 or (714) 740-2000. All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. A service charge is added to each ticket price.

DISCLAIMER:  I will receive tickets for my family to share my experience.  All thoughts and ideas are my own.  Do not use any photos without permission.  All prizes are through the sponsor.

Knotts Goes Pink for Early Breast Cancer Awareness | @Knotts #KnottsPink #KomenOC

Last weekend, I was blessed to spend the morning with some incredibly strong women at Knott's Berry Farm.  All of these women were Pink Warriors, survivors of breast cancer.  Many of them will fight every day for their lives and their strength and solidarity amazes me!

What you may not know is that Knott's Berry Farm is a HUGE supporter of early breast cancer detection!  Together with such organizations such as the Susan G. Komen foundation, they have helped over five-hundred thousand women get screened and over $2.5 BILLION raised for screening, education and research!

Did you know that 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer?  It is a sure bet that if you, yourself, do not have it, you know someone that has it.  There is no one that is not effected by breast cancer, mothers, sisters, daughters, even men!  Yes, even men get breast cancer.

Starting January 5th, buy a "Pink Ticket" and specially designed "pink" merchandise at Knotts and a proceed will go directly to helping women with early detection through Komen Orange County.(January 10 through March 27)


During the evenings, the Calico Mine will be “Pink” in to help raise awareness of the ongoing campaign.

One beautiful woman in particular stands out even in the Susan G. Komen crowd.   Jaime Jenkins of Polka Dots on Parade, is a personal friend and fellow blogger.  Additional to a friend, she is one of a kind!

I would describe Jaime as having the Golden Touch.  Everywhere Jaime goes, she leaves smiles and happiness.  To know her is to love her!  Did I mention she has the most beautiful smile ever?!  She inspired thousands if not more to get a mammogram!  I myself made my appointment after finding out how important it was!

You know you SHOULD get one, but it is one of those things that you put off because it could never happen to you.  Well, I have changed my mind, if it can happen to one of the most beautiful people I know, it can happen to anyone!  I challenge all of my readers to make that important phone call!  You never know, it could save your life!

I brought my daughter because I don't think it is ever too early to learn about something that will affect her in the future.  Hopefully with more awareness and research, we can find a cure and no one she knows will suffer at the hands of this horrible disease!

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, the parent organization of Knott’s Berry Farm, has raised nearly $1 million for Susan G. Komen in the last five years. This is the second year the partnership will directly impact awareness and services on a local level within Orange County.

“During the Knott’s Berry Farm for the Cure partnership, guests can honor loved ones,” said Raffi Kaprelyan, vice president and general manager of Knott’s Berry Farm. “The partnership between Knott’s Berry Farm and Susan G. Komen Orange County is an impactful one, as the two organizations come together to advance women’s health by raising money and awareness to fight breast cancer.”

About Knott’s Berry Farm and Cedar Fair Entertainment Company:
Knott’s Berry Farm is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FUN.” In addition to Knott’s Berry Farm, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, three water parks, one indoor water park, and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in California under a management contract. Visit knotts.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Komen Orange County:
The Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen Orange County was founded in 1991 by a group of individuals committed to the vision of a world without breast cancer. Celebrating its 23nd year, Komen Orange County has raised more than $35 million on behalf of the Komen promise. Seventy-five percent of funds raised are invested in local breast health needs and services. The remaining 25 percent is dedicated to the Komen Award and Research Grant Program to fund groundbreaking breast cancer research.

Thank you Knott's and Gigasavvy for inviting me to spend a day of honoring and supporting great women and a such a great cause!

Tail-Gating Grub at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour | @Farrellsisback #GridIronGrub

In most house-holds, there is a big event coming on February 1st. I am talking about the Super Bowl! Is your team playing? What have you done to prepare your inner football-fan spirit for the big game?

Why not start celebrating early? Farrell's Ice-Cream Parlour has the perfect tail-gating meal, complete with sundae.

As my son would say, this hamburger is a "Ratatouille" of flavors! When you think tail gating, you think burgers, chips, guacamole, salsa and maybe hot wings? Well, you got it in the new Grid Iron Grub choices!

What is inside? Just about everything!

Starting off with a hearty 1/2 lb cheeseburger, add a pile of Doritos®, guacamole, sour-cream, olives, nacho cheese, lettuce and more! Farrell’s is offering the Tailgate Burger in celebration of the biggest game of the year.

Admittedly, when I was invited to try the new burger, I really wasn't so sure. It had been a long time since I added chips into any sandwich but as an adult my inner child was screaming to try it. You know what? It was GOOD!

Where were the buffalo wings? The meal had another surprise, the waffle chips were generously sprinkled with bleu-cheese and drizzled with buffalo sauce. If you like hot wings? You will LOVE these!

As my husband and I sat at our lunch date, we were talking with the manager of the Buena Park restaurant and found out exactly what went into these creations. The chefs get together with different ideas and do a trial and error sampling. What works and what could be tweaked. Did you know you can customize your meals? Ask your server to add or subtract your favorite flavors.

You can't got to Farrells and not get a sundae and the 4th and Goal Sundae kept with the Super Bowl theme. The sundae is loaded with two scoops of Vanilla, a scoop of Chocolate Malted Crunch, and a scoop of Cookie Dough ice cream dripping with warm caramel and chocolate topping. To top it off, they’ve added a mound of dairy fresh whipped cream and a cherry on top.

To make the sundae even better they put it in its own football helmet bowl which is yours to keep.

Enter to win a fully catered party from Farrell's for the big day! Enter at their website at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour or fill out their Enter-To-Win card while you are enjoying your grub!

Disclaimer: We were invited in to sample the Gridiron Grub items at our local Farrell’s to share our experience for the purpose of a review. No other compensation was made.