Show Review: Celtic Woman Home for Christmas – The Symphony Tour #SCFTA

This post is written by Lisa Chinn. All opinions are our own. 

My introduction to Celtic Woman was through my local PBS station almost 10 years ago. I chanced upon their performance while channel-surfing and was captivated by the entire concert. The beautiful music and performance was inspirational. When I heard that Celtic Woman was going to be at the Segerstrom Center on December 15th for a Christmas tour, I jumped at the chance to see them live.

Gift iTunes and Save $10 at Safeway! | #SWYiTunes10 #Giveaway #ad

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are our own.

Need a last minute gift idea? Today we thought we were officially done with our Christmas shopping, but then Grandma told us today that our cousin will be joining us with their kids on Christmas Eve. Now we're scrambling to get more gifts. Luckily, our go-to gift this year is iTunes gift cards. They also make great stocking stuffers for all ages. Everybody loves their mobile devices and will always want more music, movies, and apps. With iTunes gift cards, they can redeem them for either of those. It's the universal gift this year!

You can get iTunes gift cards in a range of denomination and can be used at iTunes Store, App Store, iBooks Store, and Mac App Store.

PROMOTIONAL OFFER!

Now through 12/27/14, save $10 instantly when you purchase $50 or more in iTunes gift cards at Safeway stores!

Highlights: Holiday Boat Cruise @HarborBreezeC Cruises | New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise

One of the very fun things we like to do during the holidays as a family in SoCal is watch a Holiday Boat Parade. There are several and if you look up their routes, you could find a great spot to watch it from land. This year, we saw a 2-in-1 on the water with Harbor Breeze Cruises. 

On Saturday, December 13th, we set out to observe decorated boats for the Parade of 1,000 Lights in Rainbow Harbor with backdrops of The Queen Mary, then we cruised over to Naples Holiday Boat Parade and saw the parade from our boat. It's so festive! We're cruising to holiday music and wishing others in passing a "Merry Christmas!" 

Coming Soon! Kinky Boots Musical at Segerstrom Center Dec 30th - Jan 11th! #KinkyBootsTour #SCFTA

The Broadway hit musical Kinky Boots is coming to Orange County at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts! Featuring original music and lyrics by 80's pop icon, Cyndi Lauper, this quirky, fun, and sentimental show tells the story of Charlie, a struggling shoe factory owner, who gains the unlikely help of a drag queen, Lola, to help save his family business. 

"It's about accepting people." - Cyndi Lauper

Segerstrom Center - KINKY BOOTS national tour - Photo by Matthew Murphy

Science of Gingerbread at Discovery Cube OC thru 1/4/15 | #GingerbreadOC

Happening now at Discovery Cube in OC, you can learn about the Science of Gingerbread, race your own candy car in the Gingerbread Derby, and be inspired while checking out the annual Gingerbread Competition. 

Order Holiday Cakes Online @BaskinRobbins! GC #Giveaway!

Baskin-Robbins is celebrating the holiday season offering festive ice cream cakes and featuring a "Flavor of the Month". December’s "Flavor of the Month" is York® Peppermint Pattie (mini York Peppermint Patties swirled in mint-flavored ice cream wrapped together with a rich dark chocolate mint-flavored ribbon.) Available now at participating locations nationwide, Baskin-Robbins’ holiday cakes include the Snowman Cake, Yule Log Roll Cake and Happy Chanukah Cake.

Medieval Times and the Royal Rose Court Celebrate Their Partnership

Most recently we attended a celebration honoring the partnership between Medieval Times and the Tournament of the Roses. Medieval Times have been equestrian participants for more than 25 years. The Royal Court, along with Rose Parade Officials, were invited to tour the Buena Park Castle, attend a reception, as well as stay and enjoy the dinner show.

Photo Courtesy of Medieval Times.

Our Q&A with Rose Parade Officials:

We met with Ellen Swagerty, Equestrian Chair for the Pasadena Tournament of the Roses, and learned that it was her first time at Medieval Times. She was excited and was most looking forward to seeing the beautiful costumes, horsemanship, and gorgeous horses.

"Medieval Times are crowd pleasers! This year we have them positioned right behind Queen of Court. They're wonderful partners, and they have been so generous with everything that they do that we can't say enough about them. They're absolutely wonderful!"

Show Review: Dixie’s Tupperware Party @SegerstromArts #SCFTA #GNO

Disclosure: This is written by Raquel Pineira. We received media tickets for reviewing purposes. All opinions are our own. 

The other evening I went to the hilarious Dixie’s Tupperware Party at Segerstrom Center.  Dixie Longate is one of the most successful Tupperware sellers in the world. She takes home parties to a whole new level as it is part show and part Tupperware party! The humor contains content that is suitable for adults, and will have you laughing out loud and may even bring you to tears as it did me.

You can't have a party without name tags (they make great icebreakers). I instantly felt like I was in for a fun evening as I made friends with other attendees before to the show.

Review: DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL | @SegerstromArts #GrinchMusical #SCFTA

This post is written by Lett. All opinions are our own. 

Segerstrom Center - Stefan Karl as The Grinch with Brooke Lynn Boyd as Cindy-Lou Who
Photo by PaparazziByAppointment.com

Last week, we watched a performance of DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. The set was pretty incredible and beautifully illustrated just like pages out of Dr. Seuss’ book. They did a great job with the costumes, because they were beautiful, very colorful, and detailed from hair to toes. The singing was wonderful - Stefan Karl (The Grinch) has an amazing voice. He was engaging and very entertaining. The children as well as adults were laughing at every act. We were impressed with Raleigh Shuck (Cindy Lou)'s performance. She is so talented at such a young age!  It was also snowing in the orchestra seats toward the end of the performance. Watching the children’s faces light up and trying to catch snowflakes was priceless.

Gift iTunes and Save 15% at Safeway Stores! | #swyitunes #giveaway #ad

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are our own. 

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? We sure hope so, but if you've been super busy like us and now stressing out about what to get everyone in every age group (family, friends, bosses, colleagues, white elephant, teachers, stocking-stuffers, and so on), the hardest part is deciding what to get someone that has everything.

Well, look no further. We found out the perfect universal gift this season is an iTunes gift card. Think about it, everyone loves their mobile devices and will always need music, movies, and apps. We spend hours on our devices, and we can't live without it. My kids especially want game apps and learning apps, my husband loves his music, we all love movies, and I'm always looking for the perfect organization apps! With Christmas less than two weeks away, what are you waiting for? Get everyone iTunes gift cards and be done with it!

You can get iTunes gift cards in a range of denomination and can be used at iTunes Store, App Store, iBooks Store, and Mac App Store.

PROMOTIONAL OFFER!

Now through 12/23/14, save 15% instantly when you purchase $30 or more in iTunes gift cards at Safeway stores!

Christmas Train Adventure to Santa at Irvine Park Railroad | #IrvineParkRailroad

This past weekend we had plans to hop on a Christmas Train to see Santa at Irvine Park Railroad in Orange, California. As we arrived at nightfall just before 5 pm, it was already dark outside, but we were greeted with a beautiful display of Christmas lights. We were instantly excited. With no time to waste, we headed over to board the Christmas Train which was decorated with garlands, bows, and lights. Destination North Pole, here we come! 

On our way there, we saw more lights in the park - reindeer, a windmill, snowmen, peacocks. It was so much fun! We arrived to a gorgeous setting of beautifully decorated Christmas Trees, and then we spotted Santa! Santa was super friendly and was all ears as the kids eagerly told him what they wanted. My kids were super excited, and they each got a candy cane from Santa. It was pretty cool.

Our Highlights of Mikhailovsky Ballet's "The Flames of Paris" @SegestromArts #SCFTA

This is a post written by Carolina Gonzalez. All opinions are our own. 

The 2014 - 2015 International Dance Series started out with a BANG as spectacular energy filled the stage of Segerstrom Hall on Friday, November 28th with a performance of The Flames of Paris by world-renowned Mikhailovsky Ballet from St. Petersburg, Russia. It was a night full of magic and incredible dance as Ivan Vasiliev defied gravity!!

As I have mentioned on previous posts, my mom and I LOVE ballet, and watching The Flames of Paris together over Thanksgiving weekend was such a treat for our mother-daughter time!

$100 Smart & Final Holiday Giveaway! | @SmartFinal #SmartFinal #Giveaway

This is a sponsored post written by me for Smart & Final. All opinions are our own. 

Photo Courtesy of Smart & Final.

'Tis the season to be jolly, giving, and to spending quality time with loved ones. With about two weeks left until Christmas, we are power-shopping and rushing around to get things done on time. Smart & Final offers a one-stop shopping destination with a wide range of products from fresh produce to household items, kitchen supplies, small appliances, and more! You'll find your favorite national brands as well as private labels with great low prices in both bulk or smaller sizes to help you get more value for your money! 

Ticket Giveaway: Join the Knott’s Family-Friendly 2015 NYE Celebration! | #KnottsNYE @Knotts

This is written by me for GigaSavvy. All opinions are my own. 

Photo Courtesy of Knott's Berry Farm.

If you're wondering where to take the family to ring in the New Year, consider Knott's Berry Farm. It is super family-friendly and festive! We went last year and while everyone else was out trying to find the perfect spot for fireworks, everyone at Knott's enjoyed Merry Farm with holiday decor, holiday shows, extended park hours, an ice skating spectacular with Snoopy, rides, funnel cake, Knott's boysenberry pie, fireworks, and more! We're not yet ready to let go of 2014, but we know we want to spend it with family in a safe environment.  It's going to be awesome!

Gift Card Giveaway! Long Beach and Whittier Gets a Dunkin' Donuts! #DunkinDonuts

Photo Courtesy of Dunkin' Donuts.

We are getting (2) NEW Dunkin' Donuts locations - Long Beach and Whittier! If you're the first person in the lobby and drive-thru lines, you will receive free coffee for one year, and the first 100 guests will score free Dunkin’ Donuts swag bags! Ribbon-cutting ceremony info below!

Harbor Breeze Cruises: See 2-in-1 Holiday Boat Parades on Dec 13th! | @HarborBreezeC

We will receive tickets to this event. All opinions are our own. 

TWO holiday boat parade viewings in one cruise!!

Photos courtesy of Harbor Breeze Cruises.

Harbor Breeze Cruises offers a 2-in-1 Holiday Boat Cruise from Long Beach on Saturday, December 13, 2014! We'll get to observe festively decorated boats for the Parade of 1000 Lights in Rainbow Harbor, and then we'll cruise over to view the Naples Holiday Boat Parade from the water!

Segerstrom Center: Dixie’s Tupperware Party 12/9-1/4/15 | @SegerstromArts #SCFTA #GNO

All opinions are our own. 

If you're a fan of  Tupperware, you're going to love this! The hilarious Dixie's Tupperware Party is coming to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts for a limited engagement from December 9, 2014 through January 4, 2015!

“Not your grandmother’s Tupperware party!” — NBC Today Show

Segerstrom Center - Dixie Longate in Dixie's Tupperware Party - Photo by Bradford Rogne

Coming Next Week: Disney on Ice! Get This Special Offer!

Disney on Ice - Let's Celebrate! is coming next week to Anaheim! Looking for a deal? You can get a Family Four Pack for $80. See offer below!

TOUR DATES!

(Click to enlarge flyer below.)

Ju-Ju-Be's Hello Kitty Be Prepared Diaper Bag | @jujube_intl #JuJuBeforHelloKitty #HelloKitty40th

This is a post written by me for Ju-Ju-Be. All opinions are our own. 

Photo Courtesy of Ju-Ju-Be.

Ju-Ju-Be, best known for their fashionable and functional diaper bags, offers a fun Hello Kitty line that is designed to impress. For example, check out the hardware and details on this bag! It's so pretty, and I love the bling. We chose this bag to review, because the perfect diaper bag is hard to find. We want it to not only be functional, but also stylish and not so obvious that its a diaper bag. Ju-Ju-Be's "Be Prepared" Diaper Bag offers just that and more!

Yes, That... is a Hello Kitty Bow hardware on the straps - LOVE IT! (They don't trust plastic, because they break.) All the details on this bag makes it feel even more special when we use it. Here's a look inside the bag. The main concern about having large bags is things tend to get lost, and then we have to dig around for it, but not this bag! The compartments make it easy to find the things we need.

DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL @SegerstromArts 12/10–12/14! #GrinchMusical

All opinions are our own. 

Segerstrom Center - GRINCH Company - Photo by PaparazziByAppointment.com

One of our all time holiday favorites, DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL, is coming to the stage at Segerstrom Center of the Arts for a limited engagement starting December 10th through December 14th! We can't wait to see the magical tale of the Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, and how he steals Christmas away from the lovable Whos. The Musical is narrated by Max the Dog and features hit songs "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas” (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss). Directed by Matt August, the 2014 production is choreographed by Bob Richard (based on the original choreography by John DeLuca and originally created by three-time Tony Award®-winning director Jack O’Brien).

Tips for Queen Mary CHILL 2014 | @TheQueenMary #QueenMaryCHILL

All opinions are our own. 

There are a few things we want to experience every year during the holidays in SoCal and The Queen Mary's CHILL is definitely on that list! It's hard not to feel the Christmas spirit while we're freezing at North Pole temperatures in the Ice Kingdom, ice tubing at Glacier Glide, ice skating in front of the Queen Mary, listening to festive holiday carolers, strolling down Blizzard Boulevard, a visit to Claus Cabin and a giant Gingerbread House and more! This year the tickets include activities like ice skating, ice tubing, and access to the Queen Mary.

Ice Skating

Here's my first tip: As soon as you get there, get a timed ticket for Ice Skating!  Since everyone will have access to ice skating this year, don't get there to find out there are no openings at the time you prefer. Each session is 60 minutes. They'll give you vouchers that look like this...

Guide to Knott's Merry Farm 2014 | #MerryFarm

All opinions are our own. 

On Saturday, November 22nd, we attended Media Day at Knott's Merry Farm. We love this time of year. Being from the Midwest, we're always looking for festive things to do during the holidays in SoCal. (We want it to feel like Christmas!)

It was a full day of holiday fun at Knott's from themed musicals, to an ice spectacular, to enjoying holiday treats after visiting Santa, to yummy BBQ, to admiring the festive decor, and to enjoying the various holiday shows. Christmas was in the air, and we were loving it!

If you're planning a visit to Merry Farm, make note of the different show times and where they're at so that you can see them all!

Note: Information accurate at time of publishing and may change without notice. 

Peter Pan Live! Musical on Thursday, Dec 4 at 8/7c on NBC | #PeterPanLive

Disclosure: NBC and Walmart have provided me with a gift card and party pack. 

All opinions are my own. 

From the producers of The Sound of Music LIVE!, a new holiday Broadway music event awaits us on Thursday, December 4th at 8/7c on NBC - Peter Pan LIVE! starring Allison Williams, Christopher Walken, Christian Borle, and Minnie Driver. (Last year The Sound of Music LIVE! drew over 18 million viewers! Amazing!)

It's a Family Movie Night!
We're getting ready for Family Movie Night. Check out our party pack below!

Themed Party Pack Components

How fun are these? Kid-friendly pirate hook hands, kid-friendly pirate swords, a crocodile puppet, Peter Pan hats complete with feathers, and let's not forget the fairy dust!

Ticket Giveaway: Discovery Cube LA is Now Open! | #LAgetsCubed @DiscoveryCubeLA

All opinions are our own. 

It's finally here! San Fernando Valley welcomes the new Discovery Cube Los Angeles (DCLA) where the former Children's Museum of Los Angeles was located.  Modeled after it's sister campus - Discovery Cube Orange County (DCOC) in Santa Ana, Discovery Cube LA offers 71,000 square feet of interactive, hands-on learning experiences for young science enthusiasts, and encourages early learning.

Road Trip to Central California, Carmel-by-the-Sea | @CarmelBTSea #CarmelBTSea #VisitCarmel

This is a post written by me for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Hofsas House. All opinions are my own.

One extended weekend in October we took a road trip to the Central Coast of California. It’s about a 5.5 hour drive from Orange County, and it has been on our bucket list for a long time. We love scenic drives, and driving up the central coast was like nothing we have seen before. There are miles and miles of beautiful rocky cliffs and gorgeous tide pools great for exploration, biking, and hiking.

Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Giveaway! | #KeepSakeIt #LoveHallmark

We received an ornament to review. All opinions are our own.

Collecting keepsake ornaments is a fun tradition for our family. (We still have a Hallmark keepsake ornament celebrating our first Christmas together back in 1994!) What I love about keepsake ornaments is that every year when we take them out to hang on our tree, it reminds us of the different milestones, and how long it has been. Every year when I pull out our children's first Christmas ornaments with their photos in them, I reminisce how tiny they used to be, and how much they've grown.

The fun ones are great too. For example, this year a new friend gave me a Starbucks ornament, and I love it. The Hello Kitty one was a limited edition celebrating their 40th Anniversary which I had to have when McDonald's offered them.

Review: Dylan's Candy Bar's Hello Kitty Paint Can | #HelloKittyCon #HelloKitty40th

Dylan's Candy Bar was at Hello Kitty Con 2014 offering sweet treats and limited edition items to celebrate Hello Kitty’s 40th Anniversary including candy bars, colorful lollipops, sugar cookies, confection-flavored lip balm, and fun accessories (see full list below). All items are available at Dylan’s Candy Bar stores, select Sanrio stores, and online at DylansCandyBar.com and Sanrio.com starting October 15th.

We were super excited when Dylan's Candy Bar sent us samples of their Hello Kitty Paint Can. It came with sweet and sour rainbow bites and pink sprinkled gummy berries. They were super fresh, and we were instantly addicted. My family and I finished the 1 lb. of candy within a few days!