Treating Your Dogs to Good Health this Season | @VetIQPets #ad

This is a sponsored post.  All thoughts are my own.

Since the holidays have officially begun, it is time to start thinking about gifts.  No, not for your family and friends but your dogs.  Haven't they given you unconditional love and understanding?  With Halloween coming up this week, our dogs want treats too.

VetIQ has provided me with treats that my dogs can't get enough of.  The best part?  They are good for the dogs!  Do your dogs have breath that peels paint?  Yeah, me too!  

Minties are a great way to make your dogs feel loved and get a little relief from bad breath.

Minties are made in the US and have only the best US ingredients.

• Soy Free
• Gluten Free
• Corn Free
• Wheat Free
• No artificial ingredients/colors
• No animal by products 
• Helps reduce plaque and tarter with its unique shape
• 5 Natural breath fresheners

These fun bone shaped treats were a hit in my house and I would be surprised if they weren't in yours.

Do you have an older dog that you worry about?  Is it getting harder for them to get up and move around?  

My Brittany isn't very old at 4 but trying to keep up with 1 year old Ozzy is starting to take its toll.  I feel her pain as I hurt most mornings and take awhile to warm up.

Vet IQ has a great tasting(or so my dogs have said) hip and joint formula that not only helps older dogs feel their oats but helps build the foundation for younger dogs to ease into old/er age.

Hip and Joint uses all USA products and have these features:

• Triple acting formula that targets cartelidge, joints and muscles
• Wheat free
• Chicken flavored
• 500 mg of Glucosamine per chew
• Omega 3's DHA and EPA help lubricate the joints
• MSM promotes joint flexibility
• Contains Creatine to help build muscle

I am excited that VetIQ has made a product that my dogs love and will keep them healthier longer.  I don't know about you but my "children" include my four-legged ones and I want whats best for all of them.

For more information, go to www.vetiq.com

DISCLAIMER:  This is a sponsored post.  All thoughts and ideas are my own.  Do not use any photos without permission.

JT Schmid's Home of the 6 Pound Burger! | #Tustin #GigaSavvy

On our quest to find the best food in Southern California, our next stop had us invited to JT Schmid's.  Not only was this a great restaurant with many choices of delicious food but it is also a brewery!

Only thing better than a great meal with friends is a great drink to go with it.  

I was invited to review JT Schmid's with a group of friends from Giga Savvy Social Club.

The first that caught my eye was a HUGE 6 pound(yes I said pound) burger that is meant to be eaten family style.  Bring your family or closest friends and chow down!  One of these "Bigger Badder Asser Burgers" fed about 8 of us generously.  

We sampled a few appetizers such as Avocado Chicken Eggrolls, Jalapeno Mac N Cheese, Peanut Thai Salad and wings.  It was hard to choose between them so I took a bit of all of them.   Although I am a "wing girl" my favorite was the Thai Peanut Salad.  

As we ordered our drinks, many of us couldn't choose between all of the wonderful Fall Harvest Brews, we chose the Brew Sampler.  The sampler included a Blonde, Amber, IPL, Stout, Hefeweisen, and a Fall Harvest.  My favorite was this Hefeweisen which was light and not hoppy at all. 

Since our tables were eating Family Style, we were able to sample much more than a normal dinner.  More appetizers were brought in.  This "Not Your Mother's Deviled Eggs" were a mixture of: 

• Egg yolks
• Jalapenos
• Bacon
• Sriacha aioli
• Fried in egg whites

It was a unique bite size treat with a little heat and lots of flavor.

This Chilean Sea Bass on a bed of spinach and white rice was my favorite dish of the night!  I might be a little partial because I love Sea Bass but the fish literally melted in my mouth.  It was light and I would come back just for this great simple dish.

Want a little stronger flavor?  There is this salmon atop a bed of greens topped with a sweet teriyaki dressing.  I am not a fan of Salmon but my table-mates dug in!

If you are looking for a little red meat, try this Prime Flat Iron in a white wine demi glaze with Brussel Sprouts over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes.  Even those that don't like brussel sprouts were enjoying them.

I waddled out of the restaurant stuffed.  This night was a great night of food and friends.  I would recommend stopping in the next time you are in Tustin. 

JT Schmid's

2415 Park Ave, Tustin, CA 92782

(714) 258-0333 

DISCLOSURE:  I was invited by Gigasavvy and JT Schmid's to review their fall menu.  All thoughts, ideas and photos are my own.  Do not use any photos without permission.

Come Rock the Boat on the Boo Cruise with Harbor Breezes this Halloween! | @HarborBreezeC

You know that Harbor Breeze Cruises has the best Whale Watching fleet but did you know that they like to celebrate the holidays in style?  

Come out with them on Halloween this year(adults 21+) and rock the boat on the BOO CRUISE!  The 3 hour long harbor cruise is a great way to have a few drinks and not worry about driving... the boat! LOL

While cruising the BOOtiful Long Beach Harbor, enjoy some FREE sinful appetizers, a wicked cash bar and dance the haunted night away while our devilish DJ spins today's latest hits!

BOO CRUISE

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Boarding @ 8:00 pm

Cruise approximately 3 hours

100 Aquarium Way, Dock #2 

@ Rainbow Harbor Marina

Long Beach, CA 90802, 

(Adjacent to the Long Beach Aquarium)

$40 tickets are available now! 

WIN TICKETS to Thomas the Train 2015 in Perris, CA | @OrangEmpireRail #GIVEAWAY

Win Tickets to see Thomas and Friends in Perris, CA!

My kids have grown up with Thomas and I am sure your little train lovers will love to see him too!

All aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends are once again chugging into the Orange Empire Railway Museum for five days in November.

Tickets are on sale through September 1 for boarding times on the 7th, 8th, 11th, 14th and 15th of November. Train departure times fill up fast. So get your tickets now at www.thomasperrisca.oerm.org Save on service charges by calling the museum directly. (951) 943-3020.

Day Out With Thomas 2015 offers aspiring engineers and their families the opportunity to take a 25-minute ride with the famous engine and a 15-minute ride with his railway friend Percy. Children can also meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Superintendent of the Railroad from the Island of Sodor.

Enjoy a wide range of fun activities perfect for children. There will be games, a petting zoo, bounce houses, coloring, live children's music, sing-alongs and storytelling. There will also be Thomas & Friends temporary tattoos, Thomas & Friends train tables and building activities, videos and a Thomas gift store.

There will be street car and trolley rides and an entire museum to explore. A visit to the Orange Empire Railway Museum is a trip back in time to when trains, conductors, whistles, bells and steam were a part of the way we traveled.

A Day Out With Thomas will keep adults who love trains, and children who love Thomas, happily chugging along the tracks. Families should arrive no later than one hour prior to scheduled departure. Tickets start at $19 for ages two and older.

For more information, call the Orange Empire Railway Museum office at 951-943-3020 or visit www.thomasperrisca.oerm.org

The Orange Empire Railway Museum is an all-volunteer organization that has been preserving Southern California's railway history since 1956. The museum's mission is to educate the public on the technology, history, and impact of the rail transportation industry in the West. Over 200 rail cars and locomotives, ranging from Los Angeles street cars to modern diesel locomotives, are preserved at the museum's 90-acre site in Perris, California, which is open 363 days of the year.

WIN TICKETS BELOW!

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Frightfully FREE Fishy Fun for Kids in Costume at Scarium of the Pacific WIN TICKETS! | @AquariumPacific #Giveaway

Since Halloween is a family affair, why not have some family fun at the Scarium of the Pacific!  You can win tickets to the Aquarium for their annual Halloween Festival THIS weekend, October 24th and 25th.

BONUS!  Kids get in FREE when they arrive in costume with a paid adult.  Print out the coupon below and be sure to enter the ticket giveaway.

Discover creepy creatures and enjoy magic shows, costume contests, and face painting at the Aquarium, where there’s more fun than fright

WHAT: Swim into the dark depths of the Aquarium, where there’s more fun than fright! Discover the eerie creatures lurking in the depths at the Scarium of the Pacific on Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Kids of all ages can hunt for creepy-looking animals while enjoying special Halloween activities and learning about the ocean.


The event will feature various Halloween programs, including the annual children’s costume contest, face painting, magic shows, underwater pumpkin carving, spooky storytelling, kooky crafts, the creepy coloring contest, other-wordly animals in the Great Hall, and much more.

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

COST: Included with admission—$28.95 adult (12+), $25.95 senior (62+), $14.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age three and Aquarium members.

INFO: (562) 590-3100 or http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/scarium_of_the_pacific/
WHERE: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COUPON FOR FREE KIDS IN COSTUME
(Print or Show the Mobile Coupon)

Click Here to Print

Check out this mobile version of the coupon here.

WIN TICKETS BELOW!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AQUARIUM: The Aquarium of the Pacific, a nonprofit institution, celebrates the Pacific Ocean and is dedicated to conserving nature and its resources by building interactions among people. Home to over 11,000 animals, the Aquarium features hands-on discovery labs, the Molina Animal Care Center, the Lorikeet Forest aviary, its interactive Shark Lagoon, the Ocean Science Center, the Wonders of the Deep gallery, the June Keyes Penguin Habitat, and new Jellies exhibits. Beyond its exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages from hands-on activities to lectures by leading scientists. It is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and a place where important topics facing our planet and our ocean are explored by scientists, policy-makers, and stakeholders in the search for sustainable solutions. 

25th Anniversary of Home Alone! Win a 5 Movie Boxed Gift-Set Plus Bonus Activity Sheets | @FHEInsiders #Giveaway

It has been 25 years since I saw the HOME ALONE movies and now I am about to introduce my kids to them!  Do I dare?  I worry about the movies giving my children ideas that I might not like... Just kidding... maybe.  LOL 

My son happens to be the same age as Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) when he saved his family home from burglars Harry(Joe Pesci) and Mary(Daniel Stem).   I know how much I enjoyed it as a kid and 
looking back, there wasn't one instance where I pulled any of his stunts. 

Did you know that in Fox Home Entertainment just released the 25th Anniversary edition?  This ULTIMATE COLLECTORS EDITION is unique because it not only includes the original movie but it also includes the whole 5 movie set plus bonuses.

The Ultimate Collector's Edition includes all five movies on DVD in a collectible paint can as well as a Blu-ray of HOME ALONE and HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK! Gift set also includes:

• HOME ALONE Blu-ray and DVD
• HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK Blu-ray and DVD
• HOME ALONE 3 DVD
• HOME ALONE TAKING BACK THE HOUSE DVD
• HOME ALONE THE HOLIDAY HEIST DVD
• A McCallister Christmas ornament, 
• Kevin’s Battle Plan for the Wet Bandits, 
• His tarantula, 
• A Wanted Poster of the thieves – Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) and more!

This set would make a great Christmas present!

BONUS PRINTABLES- Click and print copies of these fun HOME ALONE activities.

  

                                   Click Here To Print                               Click Here To Print

  

                                   Click Here To Print                              Click Here To Print

WIN A 25th ANNIVERSARY HOME ALONE COLLECTORS SET!

ENTER BELOW!

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Not So Scary Halloween Fun for Families at Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND California | @LEGOLAND_CA #BrickorTreat

Last week, my family was invited to Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND® California Resort.  We were excited because we hadn't been to Carlsbad in too long and we were anxious to see what was new!  Brick or Treat occurs five fun nights in October.  October 3, 10, 17, 24 and 30th.  Get there early and enjoy the whole day or arrive in time for the 5PM opening of 

Believe it or not, it was our first Brick or Treat.  One of my favorite things about LEGOLAND® California Resort is that they understand that families need a place to bring their children to a safe and "not so scary" trick or treating.

LEGOLAND® California, mixes their fun rides, shows and attractions with good old fashioned family fun.  The park wasn't too crowded because the daytime park hours end before Brick or Treat begins.  Only those with a Brick or Treat ticket will be allowed to stay, therefore cutting down on crowds and maximizing the fun.

What was on the agenda for the night?  

We started off with Candy Quest.  This adventure has you searching for hidden keys through caves.  Find a key, get a sweet treat!  The fun characters kept us laughing and full of sugar.  At the end, the kids were given CHIMA LEGO sets!   We were told they would give them out while supplies lasted.

Next on our agenda was an introduction to the "Not So Scary Storytelling".  The story changes with each audience as the audience decides the plot!  Ad-libbing at its best.  It was here that we were given the news, we and some of your favorite local bloggers were chosen to be LEGOLAND® California Ambassadors!  

What does this mean?  It means that we will be giving you the scoop on All Things Legoland and their surrounding parks.  For instance, did you know that there will be a Ninjagoland coming next year to Legoland California?

As we took in Brick or Treat, we caught one of the shows.  Witchettes cracked me up!  Check out how they get the whole audience dancing the Nae Nae(Watch Me) dance!

One of the lines that wrapped around part of the park was the Enchanted Walk.  This area was set aside for extra special light decor and lots of Trick or Treat stations!  The Goblin King was one to watch though.  He had a tendency of making jokes and poking good fun at the adults in line.

Have children that love bubbles(who doesn't)?   There was the Hubble Bubble Dance Party that started my kids on a bubble popping mission.  

One thing that I wished I had a chance to check out was the Ghost Cruise Scavenger Hunt.  Hunt for LEGO ghosts through Mini-land with your crew.  It seemed like a great way to see the Mini-land cities at night all lit up.

There was so much to do and so little time!  My kids pooped out before long and we had to pass on some of the events.  

Some of the other activities to check out:

• Spirits of Brick-Or-Treat Light show
• Wanda’s Jellyfish Disco at Sea Life Aquarium – Its a dance party!
• Bluegrass Band
• Boo Crew Show
• Mail Order Monsters Show
• Costume Contest 
• Much more!

Be sure to check out Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND® California Resort before it's all over.  

BRICK-OR-TREAT

@

LEGOLAND® California Resort

One LEGOLAND Drive

Carlsbad, CA 92008

http://california.legoland.com/

October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 30 at 5:00pm

Queen Mary's Dark Harbor Rises From the Deep for 2015 | @QMDarkHarbor #QMDarkHarbor

Disclosure: I was invited to a media preview.

You might have guessed that I LOVE Halloween time! I have loved being scared since I was a little girl. One event that I look forward to every year is the Queen Mary's Dark Harbor. This wold-famous ship is haunted year round and I highly recommend going on the "off" season to see the real spooks! They say that the ghosts from the 40's and 50's still roam the decks, especially the pool deck!

I was sad that my hubby had to work the night of the media event but I braved it out with good friends from Horsing Around in L.A. and Balancing the Chaos.

As we grabbed a drink to embolden our spirits, and ward off unwanted ones, I captured a glimpse of what was in store for me. The crown of the even was Michael Jackson's Swings which was especially creepy with Scary Mary and other some of the other 200 ghouls riding it.

The live stage show had a wide variety of acts that included flame throwing, dancing with a variety of spooks and haunts thrown in.

You might think that you are safe if you stay out in the open but beware! The ghouls lurks around every corner just waiting for their new victim!

We discovered a great hideaway bar in the middle of the Monster Midway at the Freak Show. This central party was great for having a drink and watching the show with all of the "special Sideshow Freaks". I loved the skull mugs that had LED lights built in, it made a great surprise for my kids back at home.

Onto the Mazes, we started off with Voodoo Village. This was absolutely my favorite maze! It was not as bloody and gory as the other mazes but it made you feel like you were in the heart of the swamp and you were about the be cursed into the after-life! It was also about a 15 minute long maze!

Have you heard of Scary Mary? 

The Scary Mary's Lullaby Maze tells the story of the not-so-innocent Little Scary Mary.

Apparently, she loves play with her friends... to death!

Don't let her fool you into staying, she has a hard time letting go of her play things...

Curse Of Anubis (Paintball)- Ever wanted to shoot the darkest of your nightmares? Anubis is the Greek Egyptian jackal-headed god of mummification and the afterlife and they need brave Mummy killers to save mankind.

Deadrise sits in the middle of Dark Harbor and honestly isn't the spookiest out of all the mazes but it left you running for your lives out of the exit. Check out this clip of some of the patrons!

Returning Mazes

• Did you favorite mazes make the cut from last year? 
• Circus Big Top Terror 
• Deadrise 
• Soulmate 
• B340 

The Queen Mary's Dark Harbor was thrilling and truly horrific. The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor haunted ship rises from the deep October 1 - November 1, 2015 in Long Beach. Ticket prices start at just $20 online, with Fast Fright, VIP Passes, and lodging packages available!

IPRR Pumpkin Patch Starting Off Fall 2015 | @IrvineParkRR #Halloween

Irvine Park Railroad has been our seasonal tradition since my daughter was an infant.  The first time we went was her first Halloween.  It seems SO long ago even though it was only 6 years.  Every Halloween, my kids dress up to to hunt for their pumpkins.

If you are new to Irvine Park Railroad, let me be the first to introduce you to it.  If you are veteran park goers, welcome back!  The first thing you might see when you enter the railroad area is the Tractor Ride.  This fun ride gives you a tour around the park so that you might get into the Fall spirit.

If you have children like mine, you will have them begging to ride on the train and ponies.  For the little ones, there are parent led ponies on a small track on one side and trotting ponies on the other that are led by workers.  For my little cowkids, the ponies are a must.

There are plenty of photo-ops throughout the park that are free but you must stop at the Yellow Shack or the Concession stand to by activity tickets.  Be sure to print out coupons and activity sheets here.  In fact, there is a coloring page that when turned in, the kids receive a special prize.

Carnival games are always a favorite because whether you win or lose, everyone comes out with a large prize!  I am not talking stickers but stuffed animals and blow-up toys. 

Have a need to burn a little energy?  Send the kids through the Hay Maze.  

Face Painting and Baloon Animals were next.  My son has outgrown the face-painting but loves the balloon swords complete with scabbard.

As you enter the back of the park, the Haunted House stands out.  While it isn't super scary, the dark intimidates the really young ones.  Mine went in it 4 times!  This is a fun and free activity.

My kids were getting a little big for the tractor rides but they have loved them in the past.  I guess all good things have to end.  :-(

Do you have little gold diggers in your family?  Have them try their hand at the Gold Panning area!  They get to keep all of the "gold" that they find.

We save the best for last because in all fairness, it is the messiest.  Cookie Decorating!  For one ticket, you receive an extra large sugar cookie and are given an array of frosting and sprinkles to decorate the cookie with.  Usually we take most of it home.

Another year has passed and we have enjoyed Irvine Park Railroad.  Thank you for inviting us back year after year!  I love looking at the pictures as my kids grow up on your farm.

Knott's Spooky Farm's 5 New Attractions for Families | @Knotts #KnottsSpookyFarm

With Knott's Scary Farm under way, I had two disappointed children wondering why they can't have fun with Mom and Dad at Knotts!  Little did they know that Knott's Berry Farm was surprising them with a trip of their own to Knott's not-so-scary Farm, Knott's Spooky Farm.

Knott's Spooky Farm(previously known as Camp Spooky) has expanded into the rest of the park with new activities and fun!  Trick or Treating?  Check!  Kid friendly shows? Check!  Creepy Crawlies?  Check!  Photo Ops?  Check!  Karaoke? Wait, what??? Yup! CHECK!

Of course we all know that Knott's has great fun and affordable entertainment, rides and food!  Did you know that there is no extra cost for Knott's Spooky Farm?  It is included in their everyday prices.  One thing you might be aware though, the park closes at 5:30 or 6:00PM to get ready for Knott's Scary Farm each night.  Please check hours before making your plans by checking them here.

Are costumes allowed?  Kind of.  Adults are not allowed but kids are encourage and even have their own costume contest!  My kids costumes and goody-bags in hand were eager to go.



As you enter the park, be sure to receive one of the special Spooky Farm maps that will point out the new features especially for our youngsters.

Unlike in years past, the only Camp Snoopy activity is the wonderful Camp Spooky show in the Camp Snoopy Theatre.  I love how they include the audience in their fun Halloween shows.  My kids always feel so special when they get a chance to go on stage with the cast!  We rode a few of the rides in Camp Snoopy and looked at what was next.

Just past Camp Snoopy, Spooky Hollow invaded the area next to Jaguar.  What is Spooky Hollow?  If you want your Halloween photo-ops, this is the place!  There are characters and jack-o-lanterns galore!  There was even a maze that included a turning tunnel!

Around the corner from Spooky Hollow near the Log Ride was the Masquerade Ball.  No this wasn't a dance hall but there were plenty of kids dancing!  Mask making and kids karaoke fill the room.  My kids loved listening to the music but weren't quite ready to join in.

It took about an hour and a half when my kids realized that they hadn't gone Trick or Treating.  I knew that was coming.  LOL

After checking the map, we headed over to Ghost Town.  My kids loved the skeletons and spooky decorations along the way.  It made them feel very grown up to see spooky things in the safe daylight.  It would be a very different story at night.

  

There were 6 stations of treats.  Ring the doorbell or knock and you might get more than you bargained for.  Each door was manned(and woman-ed) by ghosts and ghouls.  Sweets and small toys were loved by all.  There were adorable hand-made crafts and jewelry to make the day even more memorable.

As we were walking towards the Creepy Crawly Cabin, my kids dared each other to go into the old cemetery.  I don't care how old I am, I always stand on the grave to "feel" the heart-beat!

As the day was winding down, we located the Cabin, (it is next to the cemetery by the Barn).  Beware that it doesn't have a sign saying its name.  The kids were allowed to hold and look at live toads, snakes, spiders, lizards and more!

After a few more rides, it was time to head home.

Thank you Knott's Berry Farm for a wonderful family day at Knott's Spooky Farm!  We love the family atmosphere that caters to the whole family.