We just got word that children will not be returning to school this fall. I have to say, my son and I were a little disappointed about the situation, and are trying our best to keep busy. To bring a little cheer this morning, we decided to cook together. We made the delicious #SUNNYD Tropical Berry Grilled French Toast!
Preheat grill to medium-low (300°F)In a large glass baking dish whisk together coconut milk, eggs, vanilla and sugarDip bread in egg mixture, turning to coat both sides; let soak 10 minutes
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl whisk together SUNNYD and marmalade. Add strawberries; toss to coat
Cut 1 large rectangle of heavy-duty foil. Place strawberries in center of foil. Bring edges of foil together; fold to seal
Place foil packet on grill. Grill 10 minutes. Remove packet; set aside and keep closed
Lightly oil grill rack; place soaked bread slices on grill. Grill 5 to 7 minutes per side or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F.
Place 1 grilled bread slice on each of 6 plates; top with half of the berries and another bread slice
Top with remaining berries and (if desired) whipped topping and toasted coconut
Ta-da! This French Toast recipe was scrumptious! The marmalade and #SUNNYD syrup was our favorite part. We added edible flowers and topped it off with coconut flakes. Yum!
The last couple of months has been difficult for many people worldwide. The pandemic, constant breaking news, financial uncertainties and stress has induced mental health and addiction issues. As a community, we need to have honest and open conversations about addiction and mental health. When we vocalize concern, we can build a supportive community. I was recently introduced to SOBA recovery center, and I have realized that when it comes to mental health, our minds deserve the same attention as our bodies.
Disclosure: Thank you SOBA Recovery for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.
Many years ago, a loved family member was addicted to heroin. I can’t even begin to tell you how difficult it was to see this person loose control of their life. As a concerned relative, I first hand understand the need for support and professional help. For this reason, I was inclined to learn more about this incredible facility.
SOBA truly understands the daily crisis families are facing when it comes to addiction. Their comprehensive treatment plans include: detox, residential inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare services with their highly trained professional staff. Their expert team utilizes proven methods and develop a customized program for you or your loved one to ensure that you get the best care possible.
As a residential treatment center, SOBA Life and Soba Texas customizes each patients treatment plan specific to their needs in a luxury setting and safe environment. Amenities include: elegant living spaces, designer kitchens, fitness center, 10-acre ranch, outdoor pool, and a Zen Meditation Garden. The facility also provides an in-house chef and cleaning service. The cleaning service attends to the facilities multiple times a day, 7 days a week helping to ease the minds of those concerned with the public health crisis which may prevent individuals from seeking vital treatment.
After years of heart wrenching addiction, including jail, many rehab facilities and heartache, a childhood family friend and alumni of SOBA Daniel Baldwin, introduced us to the idea that maybe our son should look into SOBA recovery center. We looked at the website and knowing it was on the opposite coast were very skeptical about being able to afford it and send him out of state . We really had exhausted all options and after many talks with Daniel and our son we decided to give it a go. Daniel had come to the house and realized that my daughter probably needed to go as well.
In January 2015, the two of them boarded a plane and off they went. Our son would call us and tell us how he had never experienced such a loving caring environment where they were made to feel like they were worthy of help. He would say it was different, they believe in us and trust us. That trust enabled both of our kids to want to get help and not want to disappoint the people who grew to become family. The friends they made have become lifelong. They would do anything for each other and would network to help others. They went to meetings and socialized together in sober events. Our son would secure a job that he loved and become a manager.. He was also a house manager for one of the recovery houses at SOBA.
Greg Hannley knew each and every one of the clients and would often have them to his home for cook outs or boat rides. He was an integral part of this family and was loved by his clients. He would go to the alumni meetings and keep an eye on the comings and goings of his “kids”. His door was always open and our son would become a trusted friend. Greg was talking about opening up a film studio and our son asked if he could help set it up. Greg didn’t realize that our son wanted to do this because he was so grateful for all that Greg had done for our family. Malibu film studios was born and our son was extremely proud of the work he did to help complete it.
Our daughter also realized her potential at SOBA and became a sponsor to many people. She speaks at meetings and continues to be of service which is what keeps her sober and level headed.This was a turning point for our family and the many times we visited and met the staff and the people who they worked with we immediately knew they were exactly where they needed to be. Had it not been for SOBA recovery, life may have looked very different.
After 3 years of the best years of our son’s life and living on his own sadly he succumbed to the disease.
Even after being on his own for about two years he still would see his SOBA family. We knew that those 3 years had been the best years of his life and we were able to come away with knowing how loved and cherished he was more importantly he knew and felt that himself. Our daughter is still living in California working her program and still in contact with Greg and the people of SOBA. They will always be a huge part of our family and we will never forget what they did for us. The experiences they both gained are irreplaceable and they couldn’t have achieved the confidence, security and love without Greg and his family, Daniel Baldwin, the counselors, techs, and others who they met at SOBA.
Barbara and Patrick Raynor
For over 10 years, Soba has been helping those addicted with our innovative & evidence-based treatment services. If you or someone needs help with addiction, please reach out to SOBA to Recovery Center today.
As a mother, often times it can be difficult to talk about mental health with my children. Take my son for example. He could fall down a flight of stairs, get up, smile and say, “I’m okay!” Is he actually okay? Probably not, guessing by the gloss over his eyes. So as you can image, talking with him about emotions and feelings is hard. Perhaps the reason why is the expectations we have for males in our society, or I have not worked hard enough to open up a dialog with him. Whatever it is, I know it’s important to start the conversation about feelings and mental health.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I have partnered with “Promise to talk.” We are raffling a self care package as a way to bring joy and positivity – even in the midst of such uncertain times.
Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a self care package
Over the last few years, Mission Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, and St. Jude Medical Center have joined together, to launch Each Mind Matters, a campaign centralized on the importance of mental health, and getting rid of the stigma. Each Mind Matters, encourages families to acknowledge that our minds, are just as important as our bodies. As a community, we should build a foundation for mental wellness. The sooner we rid of the myths, and misinformation that surrounds mental illness, the sooner our community succeeds.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Ask someone close to you how they are handling stress during this difficult time and share how you are handling it too.
This month serves as a reminder, that mental health is vital to every persons overall wellbeing. I will continue to have periodic check-ins with my entire family, as I know that my friends and family could be struggling or possibly experiencing unpleasant emotions.
For help with conversations starters download the Promise to Talk App.
There are more services and community support systems than ever before, and they work. Resources are available right here in Orange County. Visit promisetotalk.org for more information and connect with someone that can help.
2020 All I can say (Well everyone for that matter) is WOW…
It’s frightening, and it is confusing because we do not know what to expect the next couple of months. Panicking is a common response to all this madness. This whole pandemic has got our world coming to a halt. We are glued to our phones and media devices, to have a continuous world update of COVID-19 when we shouldn’t be.
Trust me – I know. We all do it, but if there is something I have truly learned not only because of the sickness, but even before from my recent life experiences is that whatever is meant to be, will be. I can worry all about the future, but I need to be in the now. To be clear, though, I am not saying to go out and be careless running wild; I simply mean take a breathe and get ready to put in work since you have something we ALL say we don’t ever have – SPARE TIME.
I know that not everyone is all just free’d up with loads of time and it all varies depending on each situation but regardless, we have opportunities to get things done, accomplished, and completed!
It’s going to be a struggle, yes because we aren’t used to having to be confined more, but this is your time to HUSTLE.
Now, the first few days or even weeks for everyone are going to be getting used to the situation and adjusting to this shift.
Also everyone wants to binge watch shows and eat take-out, so if you’re still feeling the Netflix/ Disney/Hulu binge in your pj’s, that is just fine too, but it will eventually get old.
Here are some tips on what you can do during this quarantine that will keep you going:
Clean your sh*t out.
First thing I am proposing for everyone is that the best way to start through this quarantine is get up and clean. It truly, mentally makes you feel great being able to work in a clean space
Before quarantine, I was constantly letting my room become very messy. I’m sure we are all guilty of this, but this your chance to not only just clean, do the full spring cleaning. If you have a large household like mine, just get everyone to pitch in an hour or 2 a day to accomplish all the house projects you have had. Get rid of things. Sell/Trade it online. Depop and Offer Up are great online platforms to get rid of all those things you don’t need/want. Also, you can always look up your local Goodwill or other donation services to do a pickup of your things!
2. Set those goals-with deadlines.
Okay, now that you have a clear space, sit down and write down everything you have been wanting to accomplish that you know you can do, but make sure to set the deadline.
Another thing that I had an issue with (and many of you are too, I am sure of it) is setting a goal, but never actually getting to it. I mean, hey we are human and things happen. But like I will be saying over and over – we got time! Pull out the calendar, and just set the dates of when you will get certain things done by-even if it just the simple things. Planning is key. That is why I love planners. You can buy them anywhere or even make one with printable Pinterest daily schedules!
3. Workout and Stay Active
Hooray! We can all workout now! Yes, gyms are closed, but you can of course workout from home. Whether it’s yoga, cardio, or dancing, anyone has the option to go onto Youtube, download apps, and anything to do these at-home workouts. If you don’t have room indoors to do so, go outside somewhere away from people and just get that body moving. It will feel good to not just be the couch potato, we all know you have been the past couple days.
May I also add meditation – something I have been taking part in the past couple weeks. Nothing nicer than knowing how to breathe-easy and keep stress low in a time like this.
4. Use the internet for FUN, not panic attacks ; GET CREATIVE and DO GOOD.
I know everyone is dying to keep constantly checking for all the COVID News, but at this point, the more you constantly stay plugged to the news channels, the more you’re going to cause anxiety for yourself.
It’s ok to check, but how about use your devices to get the ideas running in your head, and get yourself out of your panic zone?
Cook that recipe.
Learn that make-up tutorial.
Watch and send funny videos to your loved ones for some laughter.
At the same time, you can even do some in-home charity work and see what you can to help your community. Many people, those with low-income or the elderly need help to get food needed for the social distancing! Go onto your local food bank’s website or call and see how you can help our fellow community members! See if your elderly neighbor needs groceries! Anything helps!
Most importantly: try and stay healthy BOTH physically and mentally loves!
I am and have been nervous too, but right now we cannot let the stress overtake us. Do what you can to get your hopes up.
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!
As a mother of a severely handicapped child, it can be extremely difficult for me to find resorts that accommodate to her disabilities.
Many resorts, hotels and restaurants don’t offer wheelchair accessible options. To my pleasant surprise, I learned Turks and Caicos Beaches Resort provides full wheelchair accessibility. As a matter of fact, they make it one of their commitments as a resort. I have spent countless hours schlepping my daughters wheelchair through sand and dirt, in hopes that she too could enjoy beautiful views, and exciting experiences with us. At Beaches Resorts, wheelchair users are accommodated with ramps and lifts situated throughout the grounds.
Disclosure: Thank you Beaches Resort for hosting my family. All opinions are my own.
Accommodations for guests with mobility restrictions include wider clearance on doorways, bathroom rails, lowered light switches & faucets, bathroom benches and more. These little luxuries make my world as a mother, so much easier. I regret now not taking my daughter with us, as I know she would’ve had the time of her life. It’s often risky to take my daughter anywhere we don’t know well, as we feel staff etc. can be very anxious in situations they aren’t too familiar with. The staff at Beaches Resorts however, are highly experienced and are always willing to let out a helping hand.
Sadly, my son ran a fever on the first day we arrived at the Turks and Caicos Beaches Resort. He couldn’t hold anything down, and laid sluggishly on his bed.
After being provided medicine by the resort clinic (yes, there is a physician on staff 24 hours), we constantly debated what to give him to eat. Mac and Cheese? Too heavy for his stomach. Steak and Mash? Even heavier! Our waitress approached us with the friendliest smile, offering us the daily (delicious) Indian food options. We told him about our son, and how we feared to give him anything. The cook came out to talk to us and listened empathetically, and assured us that he had the perfect meal for him. We waited a few minutes, as he approached us with most appetizing and healing fresh chicken soup.
My husband and I thanked the cook a million times, while trying to give him a tip for his selfless act. He simply said, “There is no need for tips, I hope your son feels better soon.” Let me repeat, the staff at Beaches Resorts are like no other. They truly make you feel at home, and always greet you with the warmest attitude. Which makes me believe whole- heartedly, my daughter can one day experience the delightful people of Turks and Caicos like we have. One last thing, did I mention my son was better seemingly overnight? That soup was magical; but so is Beaches resort.
Thank you Beaches Resort for your incredible hospitality! This trip will down in our family memory book forever… Book your stay at Beaches Turks and Caicos today!
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.
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.
