The Harlem Globetrotter are coming to the greater LA area, and I’m giving away tickets!
The Harlem Globetrotters “Pushing The Limits” 2020 World Tour premiers February 15-22 at three venues. Pure fun best shared with family and friends, the memory of a lifetime experience also features a “Fifth Quarter” free interactive post-game autograph sessions where fans will have the opportunity to meet the Globetrotter stars up close and personal.
Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win 4 tickets to the Harlem Globetrotter show. ($40 value per ticket)
Disclosure. Thank you Harlem Globetrotters for partnering with queenbeelatina.com for this giveaway.
Pechanga Arena San Diego February 14 at 7pm & February 23 at 2pm Toyota Arena in Ontario February 15th at 2pm & 5pm Staples Center in Los Angeles February 16th 2pm Honda Center Anaheim February 22 at 2pm & 7pm
Every year, a week before Christmas my familia gets together to make one hundred pounds of tamales. My mom’s recipe is a staple dish at our Navidad celebration. El Gallo Giro has always been our go to for our masa and other authentic Mexican food.
Thank you El Gallo Giro for partnering for this post. All opinions are my own.
My son and his papi love tamales. It’s a special dish we look forward to during the holidays. We love El Gallo Giro, because we can also find other delicious dishes such as posole, tortas, tacos, atole, Mexican bread, fresh juices, and much more!
The kitchen has always the heart of our home, and our favorite meeting place.
It is a place we we enjoy traditional Mexican food, laughs, and even sorrows. At our annual “tamalada”(tamale-making party) we prepare a multigenerational assembly line with the tios (aunts and uncles), primos (cousins), and grandkids. It’s a very special occasion for us, and we look forward to it every year.
Every year we picked up our masa, hojas (corn husks), and champurrado (tasty drink made with masa) from El Gallo Giro in Santa Ana. The masa is prepared fresh everyday, and grandma Cuca approves the quality and taste for our annual tamales, so with no doubt we know they will be delicious.
It’s so convenient to know we can easily go pick it all up locally at El Gallo Giro.
My parents now passed down these special recipes to us, so that we can continue this tradition with our children.
Familia is very important to us, and we can’t wait to create more memories with our kids. Gracias El Gallo Giro!
Are you looking for something fun to do with your kids this winter break?
The California Science Center loves our furry friends as much as you do, therefore they are celebrating dogs at their museum, in Los Angeles!
Dogs! A Science Tail exhibit is in it’s final weeks (ends Jan. 5th), and you don’t want to miss it. Have you ever wondered about your dog’s natural instincts and how he sees the world? This educational experience is loads of fun, and great for the entire family!
My youngest has been begging visit this exhibit, therefore we will head on over during his holiday break. He’s been working really hard this school semester, so he certainly deserves this little treat.
Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a family 4 Pack to this fun exhibit!
Thank you California Science Center for partnering with Queen Bee Latina for this giveaway!
About Exhibit
Sniff out the science behind our puppy love! Let curiosity be your guide and discover life from a dog’s point of view in Dogs! A Science Tail. Experience the extraordinary way a dog sees, hears, and smells the world through fun and unique hands-on exhibits in this 9,000 sq. ft. exhibition for humans. From lovable companions to loyal protectors, dogs evolved from ancient wolves into the cuddly canines that live and work alongside us today. Unearth the science beneath our enduring bond and dig deeper into these incredible animals. You will never look at dogs the same way again!
This fun interactive exhibit is great for the entire family!
Enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a family 4 pack to Dogs! A Science Tail
Please note: Humans only! Service dogs that have been individually trained to work or perform tasks for a guest with a disability are welcome, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Pets, comfort animals, emotional support animals, or therapy animals are not allowed, for the safety of the exhibit animals in the Science Center’s World of Life and Ecosystems exhibitions.
Address: 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Do your kids like paper DIY projects? If so, I have the perfect book for your kiddos!
My son and I are creating a mini scrap book for our family travel adventures, and we will be using The Kid’s Book of Paper Love to create it. My youngest is grow so fast, and I feel this book is perfect to help us create and bond together. I enjoy his company because he always tells me about his day at school, and the friendships he is creating. This fun little book has glitter stickers, colorful paper, metallic paper, and cut outs, and hundreds of other paper goodies!
There are many wonderful reasons to create with your children. Above it all, it opens the lines of communication. (so important) For example, art activities create a sense of achievement inside kids, In addition, it helps them a boost to theirself esteem. Helping your child to create something tells them that they are in control and this helps build immense confidence in them!
Celebrate your budding artist! Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win The Kids’ Book of Paper Love and a $50 gift card to Michaels!
Disclosure: Thank you Workman Publishing for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.
Brimming from cover to cover with projects and other paper surprises, The Kids’ Book of Paper Love, from the bestselling editors of Flow magazine and books, is a bounty of a book that begs to be folded, cut up, collaged, doodled on, and shared.
“Dare to Dream” How cute is this banner? There is just so much fun on every page!
Loop paper strips into a paper chain. Snip out bookmarks. Fold a paper house. Make photo booth props—a silly mustache, a crown—to pose with friends. Bind up a DIY storybook and use it to sketch out adventures and dreams. Construct a paper flower bouquet, a paper terrarium, a fortune-teller with prompts like Lend someone a book and tell them why you recommend it.
Last month, we had a one-of-a-kind experience celebrating Crayola Glitter Dots at JMP Creative’s “The Magic Workshop” in Irvine, California! We spent a a magical day playing with Crayola Glitter Dots, and took a VIP tour of their insanely cool toy inventor’s workshop.
Check out our photo recap below!
Thank you Crayola Glitter Dots for inviting us to create with you at the JMP Creative Magic Workshop! All opinions are my own.
These sparkly, squishy dots create 3D effects on all kinds of surfaces. Check out our Glitter Craft Kits, Sparkly Supply Sets, and more items for fun ways to make glitter art and DIY glitter crafts. Squish and spread the Glitters Dots, and let the dazzling designs sparkle.
There were so many adorable photo ops. JMP Creative’s The Magic Workshop is an amazing wonderland for toy inventing and content creators!
Why creating is so important
Creating art may boost young children’s ability to analyze and problem-solve. Fostering creativity increases your child’s confidence. You’re also helping him develop mentally, socially, and emotionally.
Kids can increase their artistic skills while enhancing cognitive development when participating in art creation. They learn colors, values, shapes, and drawing while practicing critical thinking skills (this is so important). Let your kids find out what happens when they mix colors together. Not to mention, art is a lot of fun!
We had a blast playing, creating, and taking fun pictures with Crayola!
Thank you Crayola for a fun filled magical day! We can’t wait to create more!
This week my son and his friends headed to Knott’s Spooky Farm, to enjoy a spooktacular day at one of our favorite theme parks. Halloween can be a bit too scary for kids when it comes to theme parks. Frightening, bloody stuff is never fun for my little ghost. Luckily, Knotts Spooky Farm always has the perfect balance of traditional Halloween amusement, with just a touch of family-friendly spook.
My family and I are Halloween fanatics and love participating in all things Halloween. However, with my youngest son, we struggle to find age-appropriate things to do. Even after watching movies like Casper the Ghost, my little ghost still somehow ends up in my bed at night! (yes, it’s still just a little too scary.) With Knotts Spooky Farm, we never have this problem! It’s just one parade of fun!
Thank you Knott’s Berry Farm for Inviting my family to #KnottsSpookyFarm. All opinions are my own.
We hit some wonderful #spooktacular spots in the theme park that I want to share with you!
Knott’s Berry Farm offers a daytime non-scary event of cheer rather than fear with activities all geared for young kids ages 3-11. Both children and parents LOVE Knott’s Spooky Farm, and the admission is included when you purchase your Knott’s Berry Farm entry. Knott’s Spooky Farm runs September 28 – October 27 and Thursday, October 31, 2019.
Photo Credit to Knott’s Berry Farm
Trick-or-Treating and Costume contests!
My son and his crew got their candy fix in Ghost Town! Kids ages 3-11 can participate in Trick-or-Treating throughout Ghost Town, and interact with friendly, dressed-up Shopkeepers. While also enjoying the Camp Snoopy Theater Peanuts Costume Contest. After all that fun, the kids were able to join their favorite Peanuts characters at a fun Peanuts Dance Party!
Photo Credit to Knott’s Berry Farm
As we walked around, we stumbled upon Calico Park- where we found a Pumpkin patch! This location is for families and friends to have an opportunity to personalize miniature jack-o-lanterns and decorate scrumptious cookies along with Linus from the PEANUTS gang. My son and his friends couldn’t resist eating delicious cookies, while creating their jack-o-lantern masterpieces!
After our delicious treats at Calico Park, we headed back to Camp Snoopy, and hopped aboard the Grand Sierra Railroad! We experienced a one-of-kind adventure along Camp Spooky with the PEANUTS gang. We spotted 2D and 3D seasonal themed characters, along with some awesome ghostly effects!
I couldn’t resist visiting Fiesta Village, where the Dia de Los Muertos Celebration is in full swing! The themed area offers a walk through the village filled with photo ops, educational activities and face paintings (for a nominal fee). I love to see all the colorful calaveras (skulls) in the gift shop…
Our last stop was at the beloved Halloween Hootenanny! The Timber Mountain Log Ride transforms into a creepy, family-friendly delight! People of all ages (*cough* *cough* including me!) love this ride. We never leave Knotts Spooky farm without riding it!
My son and his friends had a killer time! I couldn’t have asked for a greater trip, and gosh, did I enjoy an empty bed to catch those zzz’s!
KNOTT’S BERRY FARM SEASON PASS BENEFITS
A Knott’s Berry Farm Season Pass pays for itself in less than 2 visits,* making it the best value in Southern California. At Knott’s Berry Farm, we make fun easy! 2019 Knott’s Berry Farm Season Passes include unlimited visits during the 2019 season with no blackout days and special discounts on food & merchandise, hotel stays, and Knott’s Scary Farm.
Boardwalk BBQ features savory smokehouse barbecue ribs, pulled pork, rotisserie chicken, tri-tip, and more paired with classic side dishes like roasted corn on the cob, baked beans, cornbread and others. Beer is available.
Purchase anAll Day Dining Plan & enjoy a select entrée & a side at any of the 16 participating locations throughout Knott’s Berry Farm. Plan can be used every 90 minutes. (Locations and combos subject to change.) Valid admission to the park(s) where the dining vouchers will be used is required.
Gracias Knott’s Berry Farm for such a wonderful day!
The children ran gleefully towards the gate of Legoland, California. The boys, were in in for a treat when we made our way to their favorite theme park.
The LEGO Movie World will be added to Legoland park and opening 2020. The new park will be inspired The Lego Movie, and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. It’s the largest park addition in Legoland history! My son Andrew cheered in awe, as we learned more about Bricksburg.
In 2020 families will be able to experience Unikittys Disco Drop, Benny’s Play Ship, Masters of Flight, and Emmets Super Suite Apartment!
I know this will be a dream come true for all Lego Movie fanatics. My adorable nephews talked about their excitement for Unikittys Disco. They love Unikitty, because she’s undeniably fearless, and bold. Andrew is excited to meet Emmet; his favorite character! Other familiar faces will be featured in this park, such as Sweet Mayhem. As the children spoke about the upcoming addition, they were clearly in a whimsical mind of their own.
We always have a great time at LEGOLAND. Our beloved park keeps getting better and better! I can’t wait to bring my son and nephews for the years to come. Oh, and yes… we sang “Everything is Awesome” on my way home.
For updates on the upcoming 2020 experience, and future events, subscribe to LEGOLAND, California resort here.
Last night in celebration of the UglyDolls Movie release on Blu-ray and DVD, we enjoyed a special movie night with our familia and our new adopted stuffed friends. Tori and Clarissa were thrilled to introduce this story to their little brother for the first time.
When mis niñas (my little girls) were little, they would snuggle up with their silly UglyDolls, and read the Ugly Guide comic books until lights off. They simply loved the adventures and humor of these adorable dolls.
Thank you Universal Pictures Home Entertainment for sponsoring this post. All opinion are my own.
”This summer, you’re invited to a magical place where weird is celebrated. Strange is special. And beauty is more than meets the eye.” ~Narrator, UglyDolls ♥️
Unconventionality rules in UGLYDOLLS, STXfilms’ new animated musical adventure starring the acting and singing voices of Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton and Pitbull. The film is inspired by the unique and beloved global plush toy phenomenon launched in 2001.
In the adorably different town of Uglyville, weird is celebrated, strange is special and beauty is embraced as more than simply meets the eye. Here, the free-spirited Moxy and her UglyDoll friends live every day in a whirlwind of bliss, letting their freak flags fly in a celebration of life and its endless possibilities. The endearingly unique residents of Uglyville occasionally look to the sky above the town, where a new UglyDoll will appear and be embraced by the community.
Moxy (Kelly Clarkson) loves her square-peg life in this round-hole town, but her curiosity about all things leads her to wonder if there’s something – anything – on the other side of the mountain which nestles Uglyville. Moxy gathers a group of her closest friends and sets off to find what’s on the other side. They discover another world – Perfection – a town where more conventional dolls are trained in protocols before they graduate and are sent to the “real” world to find the love of a child.
This film has such a great message for kids!
BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAY, DVD AND DIGITAL
Sing-Along Edition
Sing Along Tease –A small taste of the big fun the Sing-Along Edition provides.
Fun with the Cast of UglyDolls –Watch the cast of UglyDollsplay fun games that showcase their unique talents.
Making UglyDolls–A closer look at the music behind the film and the talented voice cast that brings these rich characters to life.
Disclosure: Thank you Disney Book Group for sponsoring this post.
My son is taking the Percy Jackson summer reading challenge and he just finished reading the first book, “The Lightning Thief.” He is hooked on this adventurous series, and can’t wait to go on to the next book!
I’m challenging my son to finish the Percy Jackson series before summer’s end, and I encourage you to do the same with your kids!
Andrew has only been on summer break for a week, and I am trying my best to keep him occupied. We decided it would be fun to make our very own Percy Jackson and the Olympians board game together. I also thought that it would be a great idea to incorporate trivia questions to help him with comprehension.
Summer reading is critical for students to retain the skills learned in the previous school year. Children who don’t read are at risk of falling behind their classmates. Parents can avoid this by making sure kids take time to read. One great way to get your kids excited about reading is to create a game based on the books they’re planning to tackle this summer!
I have attached some printables and trivia questions to this post to help you and your child create a Percy Jackson & the Olympians game like ours!
Here is a list of things you will need to get started:
Blank board game or large poster board
Colored construction paper & glitter
Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
Stickers or computer image printouts
Glue stick
Dice and/or spinner
Instructions for making your game board:
Create a Percy Jackson & the Olympians “world.” Use your images, stickers, paint and glitter to make the board colorful and unique. Cut 1.5 x 1.5 inch squares, and create a path with a game beginning and end. There is no right or wrong when creating your own game board. The point is to be creative and have fun!
We found this blank board game containing game pieces, blank cards, blank spinner & dice online!
We took out paint and glitter, and printed images relating to the Percy Jackson series like lightning bolts and ocean waves. Feel free to use any of the printables I have attached here when making your own game.
Throughout our path of squares that lead from start to finish, we added directions like “Back 2 Spaces”, “Draw an adventure card,” or “Take a spin!”
Instructions for making your spinner:
If you land on “Take a spin!”, you spin the wheel to determine what to do. Divide your spinner into 4 – 6 sections, which you can differentiate by color.
Then we wrote in various game options like:
Go forward 1 space
Go back 2 spaces
Go to the “Underworld” and lose a turn
Take an adventure card!
Andrew also added a rock, paper, scissors option to our spinner!
If you don’t have a spinner, you can still play! Just fill in each of the white squares with directions similar to what would go on the spinner so that on every turn you land on something.
Instructions for making your “Adventure Cards”:
I used Quizlet Online to create my own flashcards of Percy Jackson & the Olympians trivia! Here are some trivia questions to get you started. Print themhere. Click here for quiz cards on the characters from Percy Jackson & the Olympians.
When it’s your turn, and the square or spinner tells you to take an adventure card, you must answer a trivia question in order to move forward in the game. (If you get it right on the first try, move forward 3 squares! If you get it right on the second try, move forward 1 square. If you miss the question after 3 tries, go back two squares.)
Print Instructions: Use the print option shown above.
GAME RULES: Here are the instructions to the game we created. Feel free to use them or modify as you like!
Up to 4 players (participants must be familiar with the book series to play)
1st player throws the dice. If the dice lands on an odd number, move forward 1 space. If it lands on an even number, move forward 2 spaces. Player must follow the instruction of the square they land on (i.e. “Take a Spin!” or “Back 2 Spaces”. If they “Take a Spin!” they must also follow the instruction of what the arrow lands on.
A family that reads together, stays together!
We had so much fun as a family playing our Percy Jackson & the Olympians board game.
Read the 5-book series that has been on the New York Times bestseller list for over 500 weeks!
Learn about Greek Mythology as the Percy Jackson series offers readers a fresh and exciting way to learn about the Olympians, the Titans, the Minotaur, and more while enjoying a fast-paced, highly entertaining adventure!
Last week after sun down, my hubby and our good friends Tavo and Patty, headed to enjoy the ultimate summer party at Knott’s Berry Farm!
We shared many laughs, musica en vivo (LIVE music), delicious food, and interactive games…
Thank you Knott’s Berry Farm for inviting us to #KnottsSummer Nights. All opinions are my own.
From time to time, my hubby and I like to get a break from the kids and enjoy a date night. #sorrynotsorry kids Lol
Don’t get me wrong, Knott’s Summer Nights is great for the kids too! But no doubt, I will return with them before August 11th to celebrate as well.
More shenanigans!
These two had a blast dancing the night away! We definitely shared MANY uncontrollable belly laughs. It was crazy fun!
Hey kids! Mom and Dad can be fun and cool too…
For $35 dollars you can enjoy 8 tastings, Check out the delicious summer options above!
The Knott’s Summer Nights Tasting card provides samplings of delicious one-of-a-kind summertime items at select locations throughout the midway for only $35. Most locations and items are available from 6:00 p.m. until park closing.
The Chili in a Corn Bread Bowl was my favorite. Just thinking about it, makes me salivate. And YES, this is on the tasting card!
These Esquites (corn cup) has mayo and a little bit of spice. It reminds me of the delicious street vendors in Mexico City. (another option on your tasting card)
Chicken Skewer shown above
It was so nice to get a break from the kids, and get some adult time. Oh! Did I mention the tasting card includes craft beer and wine? SCORE!
***Must be 21 and older for alcoholic beverages.
Knott’s LIVE entertainment features a variety of bands including Suburban Legends, Hiatus and Suffragettes among others that rotate during the event nightly. Rock out to a top 40’s band at the Calico Mine Stage and bop to beats of the Boardwalk DJ around Charleston Circle Fountain.
Oversized classic games and festoon lighting set the stage for guests to enjoy their summer nights at Knott’s, while the Knott’s Party Crew encourages good ol’ fashion fun with games and competitions that will bring out the competitor in everyone.
