Family Archives - Page 4 of 4

5 Reasons Parents Love and Support PBS SoCal KIDS Programs

Earlier this month, I met with the creators of PBS SoCal Kid’s “Ready Jet Go,” and learned how children’s educational programming is created. I was amazed to learn about the amount work that is involved to create this fantastic show.

PBS has always been a family favorite in our home. Public broadcasting is a wonderful treasure in our community that provides quality entertainment for families in Southern California.

About Ready Jet Go!

Earth science and astronomy take center stage in this animated series from PBS Kids. Two neighborhood kids – Sean and Sydney befriend the new kid on the block, Jet Propulsion, who just happens to be an alien from planet Bortron 7. Together they explore the solar system and how it affects the planet, while also learning about friendship and teamwork. The series features live-action interstitials with astronomer Dr. Amy Mainzer.

Thank you PBS SoCal KOCE for inviting me to learn more about your educational programming. All opinions are my own.

Here are 5 reasons parents LOVE and support PBS SoCal KIDS

1.PBS SoCal KIDS programs are educational.

PBS SoCal KIDS programs proves time and time again that it teaches children through a tested curriculum in literacy , STEM and social-emotional development. This valuable educational content is available to all Southern California children anytime.

As a mother, I appreciate the fact that my son is learning about Science and Astronomy when he watches “Ready Jet Go!” After watching an episode, he is ecstatic to share what he has learned about our Solar System with his older siblings.

2. PBS SoCal KIDS shows are healthy for a child’s development.

Ages 2-8 is a very crucial time for a child’s development. At this early age, they are forming cognitive capacities needed to succeed in grade school. Research shows that the quality of early education can have life-long benefits. In Southern California, over forty percent of children ages 3-5 are not enrolled in preschool. In this environment, PBS SoCal KIDS is extremely valuable, reaching children in more ways, and at a critical time in their development.

3. PBS SoCal KIDS shows are fun, interactive, colorful, and can be accessed anytime online!

Kids can access many of their favorite PBS kid shows online 24/7. My son loves to visit Ready Jet Go! online to watch his favorite episodes, play games, and get song sheets. These games give children the hands-on interactive experience that prepare them for academic success!

4. Kids learn from the experts.

In my meeting with the the creators of Ready Jet Go, I learned about the team collaboration that is involved to create this incredible program. One episode takes about 9 months to create a 11 minute episode. The team includes scientists, teachers, child development experts, cartoon artists, and musicians.

Every script is reviewed and revised by professionals, for the accuracy of the content that is being provided.

5. PBS Kid shows inspires kids to dream BIG!

PBS children programs inspire kids to think out of the box and dream big! Each episode takes children on an adventure that includes exploration. These shows give them the knowledge and confidence that inspires them to be leaders in their communities.

My son now dreams of one day visiting Mars and exploring the Moon one day!

Here is what some parents had to say about PBS SoCal KIDS Programs…

“I appreciate that the shows are entertaining and educational. My favorite show is Martha Speaks!” –Desiree Eaglin Blogger at The Funny Mom Blog, Parent, and PBS Supporter.

“These wonderful shows teach my children to be respectful to others, about being a great friend, and other life lessons. Another great aspect is that there are no commercials. I love the shows that PBS offers families. They have an educational spin. As a mom, I don’t feel guilty about letting them watch cartoons that are teaching my children.”- Jennifer Willey Blogger at Balancing The Chaos, Parent, Teacher, and PBS Supporter.

“I love how it opens up my kids mind to new possibilities and new information. It makes them think anything is possible. It reminds them to ask the questions and dream big. They love Ready Jet Go, Nature Cat, Nova, Wild Kratts, and Odd Squad.” –Sandee Vasquez Gutierrez, Parent, and PBS Supporter

“All the shows teach my kids something and there are no commercials trying to sell my kids stuff. We love love love The Wild Kratts! My kids love the way Odd Squad makes them think mathematically.”- Maria Vasquez-Villarreal, Parent, Teacher, and PBS Supporter

Support PBS SoCal KOCE!

Ahoy! Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Family Activity Sheets

Ahoy mates! Are you a Pirates Of The Caribbean fan?

“Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” hits its theaters May 26th, and my kids and I are counting down the days to see it!

In celebration of this new film, we are talking like pirates and playing fun games at home…

Gather yer mates an’ play a game o’ ” Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” activities and crafts.

I’ve provided some activity sheets in both English and Spanish filled with games, puzzles, mazes, etc. to share with you!

Movie Synopsis:

Johnny Depp returns to the big screen as the iconic, swashbuckling anti-hero Jack Sparrow in the all-new “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” The rip-roaring adventure finds down-on-his-luck Captain Jack feeling the winds of ill-fortune blowing strongly his way when deadly ghost sailors, led by the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil’s Triangle bent on killing every pirate at sea—notably Jack. Jack’s only hope of survival lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it he must forge an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and Henry (Brenton Thwaites), a headstrong young sailor in the Royal Navy. At the helm of the Dying Gull, his pitifully small and shabby ship, Captain Jack seeks not only to reverse his recent spate of ill fortune, but to save his very life from the most formidable and malicious foe he has ever faced.

Savvy? Great! Now get yer swaggger on an’ share some o’ yer favorite piratical ramblin’s with yer mates while you play these fun games!

Go see “Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” in theaters May 26th!

Print the Activity Pack attached below.

English

DeadMenTellNoTales_pdf_5908cc7059825

Spanish

DeadMenTellNoTales_pdf_5908cc4f09675

Real Life Powerpuff Girl’s Day: Classic Cartoon Now Streaming On Hulu

Post written by: Clarissa Elyse Camacho

“Sugar. Spice. And everything nice. These were the ingredients chosen to create the perfect little girls. But Professor Utonium accidentally added an extra ingredient to the concoction… Chemical X. Thus the Powerpuff Girls were born. Using their ultra-superpowers, Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup have dedicated their lives to fighting crime and the forces of evil.”

Hulu and Creators Media hosted a fun filled afternoon in Santa Monica, California. The celebration included interactive workshops, inspiring talks, and awesome activities all centered around the celebration of girl empowerment. My cousins and I were ecstatic because we got to be “Real Life Powerpuff Girls” for a day.. I know I am a bit older than the girls, but I didn’t want to miss out on the fun!

The workshops included a Science Station, Dance Instruction, and Art Class. I grew up watching the Powerpuff girls and I learned many life lessons. It taught me to feel empowered and aspire to be a leader in my community.

Thank you Hulu for inviting us to be “Real Life Powerpuff Girls for a day. All opinions are my own.

The Powerpuff Girls centers on three sugar-coated superheroes, whose missions in life alternate between going to school, fighting crime, winning at hopscotch and saving the world before bedtime. The girls are frequently called upon by the town’s childlike and naive mayor to help fight nearby criminals using their powers.

You can now stream The Powerpuff Girls anytime on Hulu!

My little cousins are so darn cute. They learned how to make miniature rocket ships. They were restless for knowledge and asked lots of questions. I could see the wheels in their brains spinning. Their eyes light up while working on the experiment.

The girls also became animators for a day and learned how to draw Bubbles. They were at ease and expressed themselves freely. Within a short time, the girls all become friends. They empowered and complimented each other.

The girls danced to empowering music. They laughed and sang along to the tunes. and “iconically whipped”(dance move). Was it a dance party or a laugh fest? Perhaps it was both.

The girls were introduced to “Real Life Superheroes.” They heard from three inspiring young girls. One was a vegan and animal rights activist, another an entrepreneur, and the third was a Jujitsu Master. They told their stories and talked about the hardships they faced.

Bubbles, Buttercup, and Blossom are truly iconic for young girls. They made a big impact in my life growing up. These three superheroes embody individuality, confidence, kind hearts, and power… I love this!

We had an awesome day at the Powerpuff Girls event. The girls were one in heart and mind. We all felt what it was like to be a real life superhero for a day, and it was amazing!

My aunt says that as soon as my little cousins got home, they watched a marathon of The Powerpuff Girls on Hulu. Sol was so excited she drew this!

Don’t forget to watch The Powerpuff Girls on Hulu!

DreamWorks: The Boss Baby Hits Theaters March 31st

The day my son was born, we knew we were in for some trouble… Not only is he the only boy our family, he’s the youngest. At times, this little man thinks he calls the shots. He often bosses his three older sisters around and gets away with being travieso (naughty). We can’t help it. He looks at us with his adorable puppy eyes, and then we are suckered into what he wants. I guess you can say he’s “The Boss Baby” in our home.

Last week my family screened and celebrated, “The Boss Baby” Movie at DreamWorks Animation Studios in Glendale, California. This adorable movie is hits theaters March 31st! This movie stars Alec Baldwin, Lisa Kudrow, and Tobey Maguire and more….

Thank you DreamWorks and Bloggin’ Mamas for inviting us to “The Boss Baby” screening and event. All opinions are my own.

This mini CEO insisted on bringing his grandfather’s brief case to The Boss Baby event. He said he wants to be a “Jefe”(Boss) just like his abuelo (grandpa) when he grows up.

About The Boss Baby Movie

DreamWorks Animation and the director of MADAGASCAR invite you to meet a most unusual baby. He wears a suit, speaks with the voice and wit of Alec Baldwin, and stars in the animated comedy, DreamWorks’ THE BOSS BABY.

THE BOSS BABY is a hilariously universal story about how a new baby’s arrival impacts a family, told from the point of view of a delightfully unreliable narrator, a wildly imaginative 7 year old named Tim.

With a sly, heart-filled message about the importance of family, DreamWorks‘ THE BOSS BABY is an authentic and broadly appealing original comedy for all ages.

These cute babies are toothless and ruthless!

“The Boss Baby” family fun celebration included a sweet tooth dessert station, animation drawing class, and puppy petting station.

Don’t let my son’s puppy eyes fool you… He tried to negotiate a deal and sell us into taking this cute pup home. These adorable Vanderpump Dogs are up for adoption and were a big hit at #TheBossBaby event.

I found myself laughing hysterically out loud during the screening. Alec Baldwin is sarcastic, rude, and hilarious. This film is awesome for the entire family!

Say hello to the little Boss…. #BossBaby opens in theaters March 31!

Follow on:

Twitter: twitter.com/DWAnimation
Instagram: instagram.com/DreamworksAnimation
Snapchat: snapchat.com/add/DWAnimation

The Cirque Magique Giveaway: Family 4 Pack

When I was a kid, I always looked forward to seeing the circus when it was in town. I remember my pops would purchase tickets for my entire family. It was a treat, and after all these years these special moments are embedded in my memory book.

I also look forward to creating memories with my family…With that being said, last week I took my family to see “The Cirque Magique” in Buena Park, California. It is not easy to find venues that my entire family can enjoy. So I was thrilled to take them to see this show.

Thank you Cirque Magique for inviting our family to see your show. All opinions are my own.

The Cirque Magique Giveaway: Family 4 Pack

The Cirque Magique is Pirate’s Town Dinner Theater Complex’s family-friendly dinner show. This magical and unique circus-themed show has brought much joy and laughter to those who have seen it!

The highly interactive show features circus performers from around the world including a magician, clowns, acrobats, and jugglers. During the show a meal is served, with ice-cream for dessert.

The show is ideal for families with children and performs 3 days a week; Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Showtimes are subject to change.

This small venue offers a full “Big Top” experience. The clowns are hilarious and the magic was mesmerizing! This kooky fun show is full of surprises.

The menu is super kid friendly. I tried the tasty Angus Burger and enjoyed it. Our friendly waitress was also part of the show.

The audience willingly participated and there was never a dull moment.

I could hardly peel my eyes off the stage. There were numerous jaw dropping moments.

“The Cirque Magique” was entertaining for my entire family. My teenagers and my youngest son were fully engaged. They could not stop smiling. I’m so glad that we got to see it together and I would definitely see it again!

Address:

7600 Beach Blvd

Buena Park, CA 90620

Enter to win 4 tickets before

Reservations: (714) 690-1497

Enter to win a family four pack before March 30th at midnight!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Knott’s Berry Farm For The Cure-Through March 5th

I’ve seen many loved ones battle Breast Cancer and it’s frighting. The thought of this dreadful illness seems unbearable to me. Watching family and friends go through this ordeal is precisely why I am so happy that Knott’s Berry Farm is partnering with Susan G. Komen to raise funds for breast cancer awareness, research, screenings, and treatment education.

Thanks Knott’s Berry Farm for supporting “For The Cure” benefiting Susan G. Komen. All opinions are my own.

FOR EVERY “PINK TICKET” PURCHASED, KNOTT’S WILL DONATE A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS TO CANCER RESEARCH, TREATMENT, AND SERVICES.

Knott’s Berry Farm For The Cure-Through March 5th

Over a half of Latinas detected with breast cancer are diagnosed in very late stages of the illness. Mammograms are crucial in the early detection of breast cancer. Early treatment can prevent the spread of this terrible disease. Many women are uninsured and not screened annually. In some cases women cannot afford the costs of screenings or treatment.

Get Your Your Tickets!

Now through March 5th, Knott’s Berry Farm and Susan G Komen are working together to raise money for breast cancer awareness, services and research by offering special “Pink Tickets” and commemorative Knott’s for the Cure t-shirts.

75% of the funds raised for Susan G. Komen are used to provide local services throughout Orange County:

Breast cancer detection and treatment education
Information and support for breast cancer survivors and families
Funding for free mammograms for uninsured and underserved women

25% of the funds raised for Susan G. Komen support national research to discover the cure for breast cancer.

Both the Calico Mine Ride and Supreme Scream will glow #KnottsPink now through March 5th.

The Peanuts gang proudly wears PINK to show their support and you should too!

The “Pink” Knott’s Berry Farm for the Cure commemorative t-shirt is available at select locations in the park with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen Orange County.

The Peanuts gang proudly wears PINK to show their support and you should too!

Show you support “For The Cure!” Join Knott’s Berry Farm in the fight against breast cancer…. Get your PINK tickets!

#KnottsPink

Share who you are fighting for on Instagram and Twitter using #KnottsPink

Easy Way To Repurpose Old T-Shirts- DIY

My girls love to update their wardrobes every season. Recently, they have been experimenting and upcycling old clothing. They discovered that a couple snips can turn an unwanted t-shirt into a great fashion piece.

Before you toss your old tops into the donation bin, you should watch this video.

My girls put this easy DIY video together to share with you!

You will need:

T-Shirt
Fabric Scissors
Tape

Whether you are going out on a romantic date, or going headed for a night out on the town with friends, this piece can be is a great excuse to put on a cute outfit!

Sony Pictures Animation Unveils Upcoming Slate

Movies can move us in many ways. They can inspire us, motivate us, and encourage us. The Sony Pictures Animation team continues to create films that have a long-lasting impact, quickly becoming family favorites.

As a family, we love to watch movies together. Movie time is our special family bonding activity. I am always looking for uplifting, feel-good movies that have a good message.

Earlier this month, I was invited to Sony Pictures Animation Studios to get the behind-the-scenes scoop on the studio’s upcoming film projects for 2017. Sony also announced its highly anticipated future feature film projects, including one from Pulitzer Prize-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda. Celebs Demi Lovato and Joe Manganiello made a special guest appearance.

According to Kristine Belson, President of Sony Pictures Animation, Sony is proud of the artist-driven titles coming up. “The abundance, variety and quality of the features are a testament to the wealth of creative talents who call Sony Pictures Animation their home,” she said.

Thank you Sony Animation Pictures for inviting me to your event!

Sony Pictures Animation Unveils Upcoming Slate

Check out the list of upcoming films we can look forward to from Sony Pictures Animation!

Smurfs: The Lost Village – April 7, 2017 release

In this fully animated, all-new take on the Smurfs, a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel does. Embarking on a rollercoaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history.

Actress Demi Lovato will star as Smurfette in this new film. Demi made an appearance at the Sony Studios Animation Pictures event. She is bright and bubbly just like her on screen character Smurfette. (love her!)

The cast for this movie is amazing! Michelle Rodriguez (SmurfStorm), Ellie Kemper (SmurfBlossom), Ariel Winter (SmurfLily) and Julia Roberts (SmurfWillow) are all residents of the title’s Lost Village. Special voice cameos to include: Gordon Ramsay (Baker), Gabriel Iglesias (Jokey), Tituss Burgess (Vanity), Jeff Dunham (Farmer), Jake Johnson (Grouchy), and director Kelly Asbury (Nosey).

I grew up watching the Smurfs, so this one brings on a bit of nostalgia for me. My kiddos and I can’t wait to see this film. It’s going to be Smurftacular!

The Emoji Movie – August 4, 2017 release

Ok, you know that Emojis rule the world, or at least your phone… In this new upcoming film, Emojis come to life.

The Emoji Movie unlocks the never-before-seen secret world inside your smartphone. Hidden within the messaging app is Textopolis, a bustling city where all your favorite emojis live, hoping to be selected by the phone’s user. In this world, each emoji has only one facial expression – except for Gene (voiced by funnyman T.J. Miller), an exuberant emoji who was born without a filter and is bursting with multiple expressions. Determined to become “normal” like the other emojis, Gene enlists the help of his handy best friend Hi-5 (James Corden) and the notorious code breaker emoji Jailbreak (Ilana Glazer). Together, they embark on an epic “app-venture” through the apps on the phone, each its own wild and fun world, to find the Code that will fix Gene. But when a greater danger threatens the phone, the fate of all emojis depends on these three unlikely friends who must save their world before it’s deleted forever.

Newly announced voice cast members include Jennifer Coolidge (Gene’s mother, Mary Meh), Maya Rudolph (Smiler), Jake T. Austin (Alex), and Sir Patrick Stewart (Poop).

The Star – November 10, 2017 release

The Star is poised to be the star of this holiday season, and I can’t wait to see this film with my entire family!

A small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day he finds the courage to break free, and finally goes on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a lovable sheep who has lost her flock and Dave, a dove with lofty aspirations. Along with three wisecracking camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told – the first Christmas.

The voice cast will be led by Steven Yeun (Bo the donkey), Kelly Clarkson (Leah the horse), Aidy Bryant (Ruth the sheep), Keegan-Michael Key (Dave the dove), Kristin Chenoweth (Mouse), Anthony Anderson (Zach the goat), Gabriel Iglesias (Rufus the dog), Ving Rhames (Thaddeus the dog), Delilah Rene (Elizabeth), Kris Kristofferson (Old Donkey), Gina Rodriguez (Mary), Zachary Levi (Joseph), with Oprah Winfrey (Deborah), Tyler Perry (Cyrus) and Tracy Morgan (Felix) as the three camels, and Christopher Plummer (King Herod).

Hotel Transylvania 3 – September 21, 2018 release

My son loves the Hotel Transylvania movies and is ecstatic about this new film… He enjoys the dark humor and adventures these monsters embark upon. (Listening to his giggles while watching are the best!)

In Hotel Transylvania 3, Mavis surprises Dracula with a family voyage on a luxury Monster Cruise Ship so he can take a vacation from providing everyone else’s vacation at the hotel. The rest of Drac’s Pack cannot resist going along and once they leave port, romance zings Drac when he meets the mysterious ship captain Ericka. Now it’s Mavis’ turn to play the overprotective parent, keeping her dad and Ericka apart. Little do they know that his “too good to be true” love interest is actually a descendent of Van Helsing, arch nemesis to Dracula and all monsters!

The voice ensemble of favorites returns, including Adam Sandler (Dracula), Selena Gomez (Mavis) and Andy Samberg (Johnny).

Untitled Animated Spider-man – December 21, 21, 2018 release

Are you a Spider-man fan? If so, start getting excited!

From Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the geniuses behind The Lego Movie, comes an animated Spider-man feature starring Miles Morales.

The details are hush-hush, but here’s what we know:

The feature is directed by Bob Persichetti (head of story on Puss in Boots and The Little Prince) and Peter Ramsey (Rise of the Guardians). The film is written by Phil Lord. Avi Arad (Iron Man, Spider-Man), Amy Pascal (Spider-Man: Homecoming), Phil Lord & Christopher Miller (Untitled Han Solo Movie) are executive producing; Christina Steinberg (Trollhunters) is producing.

Vivo – December 18, 2020 release

If you love a good musical, you don’t want to miss Vivo!

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the award-winning (Emmy, Tony, Grammy, Olivier, Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient) creative force behind the groundbreaking Broadway musical Hamilton, writes new songs for this musical animated feature. Academy Award nominated director Kirk De Micco (The Croods) is set to helm a script by Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegría Hudes (In The Heights). Academy Award nominated producer Laurence Mark (Dreamgirls, Julie & Julia) serves as executive producer, and Lisa Stewart (Almost Famous)

We had a fun filled day getting the scoop at Sony Animation Pictures. Thank you Joe Manganiello for the photo bomb! I mean, not that we mind. 😉

My First Blog Post As Queen Bee Latina

I was four years old when I took on my first swimming lesson. My parents said I was an adventurous kid with no fear. I’d like to say that, deep down, I am still that courageous kid. I’ve decided to take the plunge once again, in a different way — by starting my first personal blog, “Queen Bee Latina.” It is a bit scary, but I figure I have nothing to loose.

My papa described the day I decided to “fly” off the the highest dive at the community pool. I remember that day starkly. I shivered as the cold water trickled down my legs. The other kids trembled in fear, but me…? I climbed up that cold metal ladder with a sense of purpose. This scrawny kid was going to take the dive and make my parents proud. I peeked over the diving board and looked down into the clear water below. It was high and intimidating, but I went for it…. Splat! The belly flop hurt a bit but I managed to dog paddle to safety.

Since that day, mi madre knew I would be ready to take on the world. That I –Angela Saldaña – had a “special purpose” in life (*chuckles to self*). At the time, I didn’t know what it meant exactly, and to this day I am still trying to figure out what that purpose is.

My purpose for this new blog?

Hopefully to inspire others to take the high dive and live their lives to the fullest too!

Photography, art, culture, and storytelling make my heart skip a beat.

I love food, travel, movies, fashion, adventure, and I drag my kiddos around with me everywhere to explore their passions as well.

I am a freelance writer, marketing specialist, mom, chauffeur, and momager to an aspiring actress. Yeah – I know it’s a lot of hats, but I enjoy wearing them!

You may have seen me on PBS, or in the OC Register giving mama advice, or on the red carpet as a correspondent for Momfluential.net at the Catalina Film Festival. I also co-directed/co-produced and appeared on the Listen To Your Mother Show. Or perhaps you have seen me on BuzzFeed giving my teenage daughter a makeover. For three years, I contributed a little flavor to Momfluential.net as Latinafluential.

I try my best to maintain balance in my life. I have an amazing support system. My faith, my beautiful familia, and amazing friends help me through it all. I love my chaotic life and wouldn’t change a thing…Ok, maybe I can do without the chauffeur gig.

I am a proud Latina, the youngest of six. My immigrant parents have taught me great work ethic and to be proud of my rich Mexican heritage. I intend to instill these same values in my children.

I have four children: Elisha (24), Victoria (20), Clarissa (16) and Andrew (9). These blessings are my life and heartbeat. Elisha, my eldest, was born with special needs and a life expectancy of age seven. She has taught our family about love, patience, and compassion. I encourage my children to follow their dreams. As a family we spend a lot of time in the arts. We paint on canvas, explore photography, and spend hours upon hours in museums and theaters. My life is anything but ordinary, and these kids keep me on my toes.

I am definitely stepping out of my comfort zone by doing this. But I’m doing so as a lead-by-example deal. I want my children to know that they have a voice and should never be afraid to use it. So here I go…

Shoes…. Where will you take me today?

I hope you will follow us buzzing around town!

Queen Bee Latina