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!
Last month, in celebration of the Spider-Man Far From Home release, I went on a EPIC field trip without the kids! It was nice to just drop them off at school, and get in a little me time. Here is a photo recap of our INCREDIBLE day with the creators of Spider-Man Far From Home film…
You can now watch it at home on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital!
Peter Parker’s relaxing European vacation takes an unexpected turn when Nick Fury shows up in his hotel room to recruit him for a mission. The world is in danger as four massive elemental creatures — each representing Earth, air, water and fire — emerge from a hole torn in the universe. Parker soon finds himself donning the Spider-Man suit to help Fury and fellow superhero Mysterio stop the evil entities from wreaking havoc across the continent.
My family thinks it is absolutely hilarious that they call him Night Monkey in the film. This film is great for the entire family!
We lined up like good little students, and boarded the bus.
Our tour guides were none other than Martin Star and J.B. Smoove! (Mr. Harrington and Mr. Dell in the film) How cool is that?
These guys kept us entertained from the minute we boarded the bus. I can’t remember when I laughed this hard.
Here the Spidey team talked about there collaborations, and the behind the scenes work to make this this phenomenal movie come to life. The Third Floor is responsible for several movies we see today including: Several Marvel films, Game of Thrones, Detective Pikachu, and much more!
A European excursion goes south as Peter Parker finds himself up against the elements in Spider-Man: Far From Home (Sony Pictures Entertainment). In a repeat collaboration with Director Jon Watts, THE THIRD FLOOR mapped out Spider-Man’s adventure across multiple action and story beats in a transcendent journey that leads us far back home into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
For me this was one of my personal highlights of the trip. I was totally geeking out when Jose Fernandez, talked about how he and his team create costumes for several studios. He is the driving force at Ironhead Studio, and has been the lead creative artist behind some of the most memorable work of the last two decades!
The details an artistry in these costumes were absolutely incredible. Some of them can take several months to create.
Last but not least we stopped at the Magic Cast for an incredible magic show by illusionist,Jason Latimer.
I have alway dreamt about going here, and this was another pinch me moment. The show was sensational. There were many jaw dropping and surprising moments.
Jason Latimer is a world champion magician, curator of the iconic Fleet Science Center, and co-host of the Science Channel series SciJinks. Latimer unites magic and science to inspire curiosity and demonstrate how the right question changes everything.
From bending light to shaping water, his illusions are featured globally on Television Specials, Series, Live Shows, STEM Labs, & science festivals. Latimer’s works has sparked millions of minds to embrace their ability to wonder.
The Spider-Man Far From Home themed treats we perfect for the occasion.
Thank you Sony Studios for the incredible day trip. This will go down in my memory book as of my most favorite press trips!
Last week, Queenbeelatina Media screened and celebrated the new Downton Abbey Film. We arrived at the Four Season hotel in Beverly Hills, where we were gifted delicious cupcakes and treats. After consuming what felt like a million delicious Magnolia cupcakes, we interviewed Elizabeth McGovern, Allen Leech and Hugh Boneville.
Thank you Focus Features Films for inviting us to screen the Downton Abbey Movie. All opinions are my own.
Four years after the spectacular ending of the Downton Abbey Series, Carnival Productions welcomes fans to the long awaited Downton Abbey film. Downton Excitement is high at Downton Abbey when the Crawley family learns that King George V and Queen Mary are coming to visit. But trouble soon arises when Mrs. Patmore, Daisy and the rest of the servants learn that the king and queen travel with their own chefs and attendants — setting the stage for an impromptu scheme and other shenanigans.
The Interview
After screening this beautiful film, we laughed and cried as we recounted the events of this story. Our hearts yearned for more of Violet Crawley; as one can never get enough of her wittiness. As fans, we so wanted to see more of Cora Crowley’s elaborate dresses, and her elegant classiness.
We asked the beloved Elizabeth McGovern what she thought about coming back to character, she left after the series finale. Her eyes smiled as she responded, “It’s a luxury in some ways, because the fact that you don’t have to think about all those things that you think about when you’re just creating the character to begin with, How do they talk? How do they walk? How do they sit? And since it’s so deeply in our bones, you can just play it.”
I looked over at Allen Leech he grinned, “..The minute you start reading the script and then when you start getting into your costume, your realize it’s actually muscle memory.”
For the audience, this film started where it left off. I’ve always loved watching the Crawley families highlights, because it reminds us to recognize ours.
Hugh Boneville put it beautifully, “[Downton Abbey] taught me something as a father, a father of a teenager. That we’ve actually all made our own mistakes.” (Which reminded me of my favorite quote from the show).
Carson: “Hard work and diligence weigh more than beauty in the real world.”
I constantly recite that to my sisters, because it truly does ring true. Downton Abbey never fails to educate audiences. The lessons, and the elegance that comes with the film is ageless.
It was memorable and beautiful day! I can’t wait to watch this movie for the years to come…
Last week, I headed to Huntington Park High School to meet with the incredible students and staff. The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and Ford Motor Company Fund donated $20k worth of musical instruments to Huntington Park High School! This wonderful program brings awareness and emphasizes the importance of music education in public schools.
Sadly, many public schools have begun to exclude music and the arts from their curriculums to make room for other subjects. The arts is an extremely important for children to learn and can lead to healthier brain development, increases in human connections, and even stress relief.
The talented culinary students, greeted us with incredible smiles and a delicious breakfast. The school had a wonderful vibe and great school spirit.
The educational panel was moderated by actress, entrepreneur, and singer Jackie Cruz. (Orange is the New Black)
Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY nominee Angela Aguilar shared her experience about the road to success with the Huntington Park students.
Angela spoke very passionately with students. She has been training since the early age of three, but expressed that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. She was all giggles when a Huntington Park High School student invited her to his prom.
The students were absolutely ecstatic when Angela Aguilar and her brother Leonardo performed for the Huntington Park students.
Since the beginning of the partnership in 2014, more than 6,000 students have benefited from the donation of more than $400,000 worth of musical instruments to schools in U.S. cities such as Aransas Pass, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami and New York; as well as internationally in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; and Arecibo, Bayamón, Humacao and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
It was a very memorable moment, and I was so happy to be part of it. Go Spartans!
ABOUT FORD MOTOR COMPANY FUND
As the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, Ford Fund’s mission is to strengthen communities and help make people’s lives better. Working with dealers and nonprofit partners in 63 countries, Ford Fund provides access to opportunities and resources that help people reach their full potential. Since 1949, Ford Fund has invested more than $2 billion in programs that support education, promote safe driving, enrich community life and encourage employee volunteering. For more information, visit www.fordfund.org or join us at @FordFund on Facebook and Instagram and @fordfund_ on Twitter.
Last weekend, my primas (cousins) and I embarked on an EPIC family adventure! We left the kiddos and hubby’s at home, and made our way to Harrah’s Resort SoCal in Funner, California for a mini girl’s staycation. We also booked tickets for the Café Tacuvba’s 30th Anniversary Concert!
Sometimes we need to disconnect and get a break from mom life. This was exactly what we needed to recharge and get some girl time.
Thank you Harrah’s Resort SoCal for hosting us at your gorgeous resort. All opinions are my own.
Photo Credit to Harrah’s Resort SoCal
The resort was an easy hour and a half drive out of Orange County. The drive up was lovely. The property is a hidden oasis, tucked away in the mountains.
The suites at Harrah’s SoCal were spacious and chic.
When we were kids, we loved to have sleepovers. My inner child was ecstatic about reconnecting and catching up with #LasPrimasLopez. (our weekend hashtag)
We talked and caught up on the family gossip, and reminisced about our childhood. We barely slept, because we had so much to share!
We worked up an appetite after the pool, so we looked for somewhere to eat.
There are several restaurants and quick eateries to choose from at the resort. We dined at The Buffet, that way everyone can eat what their palates desired. The food options were endless and delicious. It was so hard to choose!
How does my meal look?
They had a huge selection of things to try. It was seriously so hard to choose! We went back a few more times. Hehehe
Ohhhh and the desserts were OMG…
I have a weakness for sweets. The desserts at the buffet were incredible. I keep thinking about these mini Tiramisu cups. They were insane good!
Photo Credit to Harrah’s Resort SoCal
The spa was heavenly, and I decided to take advantage of the wonderful amenities.
I chose the Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial. Still a week later, my skin feels soft, rejuvenated, and even looks brighter. You can choose from a 50 or 80 minute treatment. It was sooo worth it.
About The Treatment Oxygen under pressure is applied directly to the skin’s surface, cooling and calming the skin while restoring its natural vitality and glow.
Some of my best childhood memories are with this crazy bunch. Harrah’s Resort SoCal was perfect for our mini adventure.
Photo Credit to Harrah’s Resort SoCal
We enjoyed cocktails by the pool, floated on this Lazy River, and shared great conversation.
This resort is kid friendly and great for families too!
Oh and of course just had to have matching t-shirts for the Café Tacuvba Concert.
My prima and I met with the band before the show. We were OHHH so excited!
Another pinch me moment!
The Café Tacuvba concert was sensational. Still after 30 years, these guys put on an unbelievable show. It brought us back to our youth. We shared how much we love their music, and how their tunes have followed us throughout our lives.
The resort and service was exceptional. We will definitely return with our families for another getaway.
The shenanigans, belly laughs, and music will go down in our memory book…
¡Gracias Harrah’s Resort SoCal!
#LasPrimasLopez
777 Harrah’s Rincon Way Funner, CA 92082Phone: (760) 751-3100
Disclosure: Thank you Disney Book Group for sponsoring this giveaway.
Last night we went to Andrew’s Back to School night, and his teacher reiterated the importance of reading at home. I am always looking for books that he will be interested in and enjoy. I want him to love reading as much as his older sisters do!
The Fire Keeper, is the exciting sequel to last year’s middle-grade bestseller, The Storm Runner, by J.C. Cervantes.
Here are some excellent reasons why it is so very important for your children to read:
Children who read often and widely get better at it
Reading exercises their brain
Reading improves concentration
Reading teaches children about the world around them
Reading improves vocabulary and language skills
Reading develops a child’s imagination
Reading helps children to develop empathy
Reading is a fun
GET FIRED UP!
Ease back into the school year with a good book! Enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win:
A contemporary adventure based on Maya mythology from Rick Riordan Presents! In Book 1, The Storm Runner, a lonely boy in New Mexico has a physical disability that makes middle school feel even more like everyone is watching him. But as he soon learns, his physical differences are merely the first clue to a family history that connects him to the Maya gods—and puts him in mortal danger.
About The Fire Keeper
Zane Obispo’s new life on a beautiful secluded tropical island, complete with his family and closest friends, should be perfect. But he can’t control his newfound fire skills yet (inherited from his father, the Maya god Hurakan); there’s a painful rift between him and his dog ever since she became a hell hound; and he doesn’t know what to do with his feelings for Brooks.
Earlier this month, we met with the talented cast of Netflix’s “Tall Girl. ” This movie is great for teens and the entire family, and you can now stream it on Netflix!
Miss Ava Michelle plays “Jodi”, a self-conscious teen who feels she doesn’t fit in because of her height, until she falls for a handsome foreign exchange student. Jodi becomes embroiled in a surprising love triangle and realizes she’s far more than her insecurities about her height have led her to believe.
This movie has a great message especially for teens, who are constantly feeling beat down for being different or unconventional.
Correspondent Victoria Camacho, got the behind the scenes scoop, and spoke to the cast of the new film. Check it out!
My family also had the opportunity to screen the film beforehand, and it brought up some much needed conversations in our home. My girls expressed they felt many relatable moments, and thought this film would be great for teens. Clarissa said, “This coming of age film empowers victims of bullying, and females of all ages. Whether you are bullied for your height, your age, your ethnicity, or your beliefs, this film encourages young individuals, to stand tall and live fearlessly. Bravo, Netflix!”
My son Andrew is 12, and he has seen it a few times since we screened it. He just loves it. Just fyi there may be some mature content in this film, so parents make sure to watch it beforehand to make sure it is appropriate for your preteens.
Oh what a sweet treat!
Last week, I decorated cakes at Duff’s Cakemix with Angela Kinsey (The Office), who stars as Helanie Kreyman in the new film. (love her) We talked about her new cooking channel “Baking with Josh and Ange” and about her role in Tall Girl. Her new cooking show if full of laughs, so be sure to check it out!
My son is back in school, and I can’t help but to feel a little nostalgic…
Fortunately, the sun is shinning gloriously in SoCal and we can still enjoy summer with friends and family. I simply love to entertain, and host the ones I love most.
In celebration of summer and back to school, I have created a White Peach Margarita Recipe to share with you! After playing around with different ingredients, I made the perfect summer drink using Tropical Passage Orange Juice. My mom and Tia Elvira are my biggest critics, so I had them try it and they approved! Phew… The recipe card is below. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! (The recipe below serves four)
I am so grateful for the wonderful people in my life, and I hope to share more memories with them. I love to see their reactions when I prepare a craft cocktail or special meal for them. It fills my heart with great joy to make others smile.
Hey guys! I am giving a Ninja Smart Screen Blender on Instagram. Visit my page, and enter for a chance to win! Available to U.S. residents only.
Sponsored: Thank you Tropical Passage Orange Juice for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.
White peaches are in season. Yipee! I love the crisp texture and sweet taste.
Growing up, the best memories I have are centered around my mom’s kitchen. We always had a full house with my siblings (6- I am the youngest), tias (aunts), primos (cousins) and friends who were always like our extended family.
My mom loved to experiment with recipes in the kitchen, and share her special concoctions with us. I hope to create the same amount of warmth and amor in my kitchen too!
Check out Tropical Passage Orange Juice on Instagram.
Tropical Passage has natural colors and flavors. There are three delicious flavors: Pineapple Banana, Mango Peach, and Citrus Orange. There are no preservatives added. And three delicious flavors that will blow you away. Want to know more? Click the here.
I added fresh lime juice in my recipe for a tangy kick.
I was so excited to take my new Ninja Smart Screen Blender out of the box. It’s so classy looking and high tech. Ooh la la! It was super easy to use. I used the frozen drink option to whip up my margarita creation, and wallah it was ready to serve.
These personal blenders that are perfect for single-serve smoothie making to kitchen systems that elevate your meal prep abilities, Ninja has a blender for whatever your kitchen calls for.
Prepare to dazzle your guests with this delicious recipe. It is so easy to make!
Keyword
cocktails, margaritas, white peach, white peach margarita
Prep Time10minutes
Servings4
Ingredients
6 WholeWhite Peaches (peel and pit)
1CupTropical Passage Juice of your choiceI used Mango Peach for this recipe
1/2CupLime Juice
1/2 CupTriple Sec
1CupTequila of your choiceI used Silver for this recipe
1Cup Ice
Instructions
First, peel and pit and slice your white peaches. Put in your blender, then add Tropical Passage juice, lime juice, Triple Sec, Tequila, and Ice. I used the frozen drink option on my Ninja Smart Screen blender. Blend ingredients until it creates a puree and slush consistency. Serve chilled.
I love to garnish my drinks with colorful edible flowers. It looks lovely, they impress, and my guests enjoy them.
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.
