You need to head to the The Boysenberry Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm! This spring event is going on now through April 28th.
Last week, my family went on a foodieventure at Knott’s, to try as many Boysenberry food items that we could fit in our bellies. As we walked through the park, we could smell the sweet and savory scents of the barbecues grilling. This year there are over 75 Boysenberry food items, ranging from churros, wine, craft beer, cotton candy, and even boba tea. What?!
This year’s food lineup introduces several new food items!
Thank you Knott’s Berry Farm for inviting us to the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival. All opinions are my own.
During Knott’s Berry Farm’s Boysenberry Festival pick up a $35 Tasting Card… ( you get 8 choices of the 14 options) It’s so worth it.
Check out the delicious options you can choose from!
The Boysenberry Waffle with Maple Boysenberry Cream Cheese Syrup was soooo good!
The Boysenberry Glazed Salmon was Tori’s favorite.
A variety of signature boysenberry items will also be available for purchase a la carte. Tasting cards are available at Knotts.com or at the theme park.
After our Boysenberry coma, we hit the park and got on our favorite rollercoaster rides!
Don’t forget to check to get your shopping done. Knott’s Berry Farm is filled with exclusive boysenberry merchandise items during Knott’s Boysenberry Festival. Special items include boysenberry chocolate varieties, jerky, soda, candy, coffee and even a complete bath and body line.
We picked up a bottle of the Boysenberry BBQ Sauce, because we can’t get enough. We just had to take some home!
During Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, watch the sensational shows and enjoy the activities!
Get Your Season Pass
The best way to savor every day of the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival and all of the other Seasons of Fun is with a 2019 Season Pass. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2019 to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2019 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Regular passes are just $98 or five easy payments of $15.50 after an initial payment and Gold Passes are $118 or five easy payments of just $18.50 after an initial payment. These offers end April 28, 2019. Applicable taxes and fees apply. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.
My teenage daughter is ready to hit the road but as a mom, I’m concerned she doesn’t know how dangerous driving can be. Thanks to Mercury Insurance’s #DriveSafechallenge I think my daughter will be much more prepared when she gets her driver’s license.
Last week at the Honda Center of Anaheim, teens were put to the test in different driving scenarios. Mercury insurance created an obstacle course that put them in dangerous driving situations. While driving with instructors, they were distracted with phone calls, texts, and talking to friends. They also learned how to take control of the car while skidding, and learned how to make sharp turns in an emergency. These were all very valuable lessons, and parents learned too!
Sponsored: Thank you Mercury Insurance for sponsoring this post. All opinions and experiences are our own.
Here are some important facts teens and parents should know before your kid gets behind the wheel.
Teenagers raise their risk for an accident by every increment they go over the speed limit. So yes, the speed limit is extremely important. In order to prevent collisions, your teen should cautiously maintain the designated speed ALWAYS.
Statistics show 16-17 year olds are more at risk for a deadly collision with each additional passenger. Your child should definitely not be driving with minors in the car 6 months after they’re licensed (it is illegal, and just extremely dangerous!)
16 year olds have higher crash rates then any other other range. Now this is just natural – as teenagers are more inexperienced when it comes to driving. We should encourage our teens to drive distraction free, and have consequences for reckless driving.
44% of teens said they would definitely speak up if someone were driving in a way that scared them. Parents need to teach their kids to speak up, because an accident isn’t worth being nice.
Teen drivers with involved parents are twice as likely to wear seat belts. Teens need to be responsible even when their parents are not in the vehicle.
More than 40% of teen of deaths occur when driving between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Talking on a cell phone can double the likelihood of an accident as well as slow a young driver’s reaction time down to that of a 70-year-old elderly person. (Scary but true)
1 in 5 of 16-year-old new drivers has an accident within their first year of driving.
6% of teenagers rely on their parents to learn how to drive. So parents teach the well!
After this challenge, my daughter and I talked about all the possible obstacles and challenges she may face as a new driver.Drivingis a privilege, and it’s important to open the line of communication with your teen drivers and set the expectations upfront.
Miss Clarissa hit the red carpet for the new Wonder Park movie at the Regency Village in Los Angeles, to interview the cast of of the new film.
Growing up is difficult, and as we get older our creativity and imagination can be impaired. It so important to have fun, and never give up! Wonder Park will take audience on a magical ride full of adventure, fun, and laughs! This film is “a celebration of imagination” that “dreams big, and delivers bigger!”
Here is a photo recap from our day at the Wonder Park Movie Premiere!
Operation Wonder Park is a GO and NOW in theaters!
Thank you Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies for inviting us to the premiere of Wonder Park. All opinions are my own.
SYNOPSIS:
WONDER PARK tells the story of a magnificent amusement park where the imagination of a wildly creative girl named June comes alive.
STARRING: Jennifer Garner, Matthew Broderick, John Oliver, Mila Kunis, Kenan Thompson, Ken Jeong, Norbert Leo Butz, Brianna Denski and Ken Hudson Campbell
Brianna Denski is the voice of June!
This feature film is presented in state-of-the-art D-BOX theatres with RealD 3D technology
Mr. Oev Michael Urbas looked Daper on the carpet. He is the voice of Banky in Wonder Park.
Mila Kunis looked fab in pink on the red carpet. She stars as the voice Greta. We LOVE her!
Miss Sofia Mali is spunky and totally adorable. She stars as young June in the new film.
Jen Keong shared his thoughts on kids wanting to grow up too quickly. The Dr. stars as Cooper.
Sky Katz and Grace VanderWaal looked chic and sassy on the red carpet.
Watch the Trailer!
#WonderPark is “a magical adventure that’s impossible not to love!” 🎢Experience the wonder of Wonder Park in theatres!
Me, “who’s going to drive? Melodi , “Can I drive first?” Me, ” Ok…” (with a sigh and little hesitation) Deep down I wanted to drive the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon first! Lol This Jeep Wrangler was our transportation for our girl trip to Idyllwild, California thanks to Orange Coast Auto. I seriously could not wait to drive this car!
If you are an adventure seeker and outdoor explorer, this car is for you!
The All-New Wrangler Rubicon is off-road ready. With rugged 33-inch tires, an 84.1:1 crawl ratio( Disclosure28) and easily accessible switches for engaging 4×4 capabilities, the Rubicon is tailor-made for all kinds of boundary-breaking experiences.The 2-door model has late availability.
Thank you Orange Coast Auto for letting me review the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon on my weekend adventure. All opinions are my own.
We packed our cooler, bags, and we were off. Everything fit perfectly, and we had the option to put the back seat down, if we needed more room.
“Ok my turn!” Midway up, I happily took over the wheel. My legs are short, but it was super easy to adjust my seat. After I lifted my seat, I had a full panoramic view of the road and I LOVED it. On several occasions, we stopped to take pictures. The drive up to Idyllwild was lovely.
2.0L Direct-Injection Turbo Engine with 295 LB-FT of Torque
The available 2.0L Direct-Injection Turbo engine offers 35% improved city fuel efficiency ( Disclosure10) on two-door models and more torque. The powerplant blends performance-enhancing and fuel-saving technologies to optimize powertrain efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in the low rpm range.
This four door car was roomy, comfortable, and sleek. I can easily fit my family in this vehicle.
It was stylish, fun, and easy to drive. For the first time ever, I actually enjoyed driving! This vehicle was SO ME!
Sometimes you have to venture out to find what you want. And sometimes everything you could want—from the available 8.4-inch Uconnect® touchscreen to available leather-trimmed seating to ample cargo storage options—is right there in the 2019 Jeep® Wrangler.
This car is perfect for off-roading and exploring. I felt super confident and masterful in this vehicle.
The GINORMOUS snow tires made it so easy to maneuver in the snow, and we didn’t need chains on our tires.
This Jeep Wrangler Rubicon was seriously so much fun to drive! Our weekend adventure was EPIC, and this INCREDIBLE car made it more memorable. This is definitely something I would LOVE to purchase in the near future.
Orange Coast Auto Group is Southern California’s premier new and used car dealer for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram! If you are in the market to purchase a new vehicle I HIGHLY recommend them!
Lego Movie 2 Experience at Legoland, CA on Friday, February 15, 2019.(Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Legoland)
Calling all LEGO fans!
Everything is awesome- especially at Legoland California where a New Lego Movie 2 Experience has opened for a limited time! My nieces were ecstatic to see all their favorite movie characters in Apocalypseburg!
Disclosure: Thank you LEGOLAND California for inviting us to The Lego Movie 2 Experience! All opinions are our own.
The LEGO® Movie 2 Experience at the family theme park in Carlsbad! Guests can experience movie magic by stepping onto an actual LEGO® set as seen in “The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part,” that recently opened nationwide. Returning heroes Emmet, Lucy, and their LEGO co-stars can be spotted in their hometown of Apocalypseburg in miniature scale and Park guests can meet the characters in person as well.You’ll be amazed by the details that go into making this exciting new big-screen LEGO animated adventure!
EEvent highlights include:
THE LEGO® MOVIE™ 2 Character Meet & Greets Meet the stars of the movie!
THE LEGO® MOVIE™ 2 Dance Party Show off your dance moves as you party with Emmet and his friends!
Miniland Scavenger Hunt Emmet and his friends have lost their way – find them in Miniland U.S.A. to save the day and complete your entry form for a chance to win a The LEGO® MOVIE® prize pack!
THE LEGO® MOVIE™ 2 Mystery Mosaic Build First come, first serve. Work together to build a LEGO® mosaic and check out our FB page to see it completed!
WB Family GameSpace featuring THE LEGO® MOVIE™ Videogame Join Emmet and his friends in their quest to thwart Lord Business’ evil plans!
The LEGO® MOVIE™ 4D: A New Adventure Follow Emmet and his friends as they’re thrust into the middle of an evil secret plot!
The LEGO® MOVIE™ 2 Giveaway Pick up your own THE LEGO® MOVIE™ 2 poster, while supplies last.
Plus…experience movie magic making and go behind-the-scenes of a movie set at The LEGO® Movie 2 Experience, now open at LEGOLAND California!
Lego Movie 2 Experience at Legoland, CA on Friday, February 15, 2019.(Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Legoland)
It was incredible to see the REAL LEGO Movie 2 figures up close. You don’t want to miss this unique experience!
Don’t miss this incredible experience at LEGOLAND California! Get your tickets here...
Last week, I got a behind a scenes glimpse of the the new upcoming film and I met with the voice actors America Ferrera and Jay Baruchel at DreamWorks in Glendale California.
I screened this adorable new film the night before, and then headed to DreamWorks the following day. There we celebrated the new film with themed activities, photo and video ops, and more. It was memorable and so much fun!
Farewell How to Train Your Dragon…. It hurts to see Toothless and Hiccup go! The original movie that debuted on March 26, 2010 taught me about honor, the importance of conservation, and to be fearless. And now nine years later, the new film continues to inspire, teach, and also has a great message. This movie touched my heart in many ways, and I can’t wait to see it again with my little brother!
There were many hilarious parts in the film. I found myself laughing uncontrollably out loud.
Yes… That’s me flying high and exploring “The Hidden World”
From DreamWorks Animation comes a surprising tale about growing up, finding the courage to face the unknown…and how nothing can ever train you to let go. What began as an unlikely friendship between an adolescent Viking and a fearsome Night Fury dragon has become an epic adventure spanning their lives. Welcome to the most astonishing chapter of one of the most beloved animated franchises in film history: How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.
Now chief and ruler of Berk alongside Astrid, Hiccup has created a gloriously chaotic dragon utopia. When the sudden appearance of female Light Fury coincides with the darkest threat their village has ever faced, Hiccup and Toothless must leave the only home they’ve known and journey to a hidden world thought only to exist in myth. As their true destines are revealed, dragon and rider will fight together—to the very ends of the Earth—to protect everything they’ve grown to treasure.
Clarissa: “Did you guys intentionally give your characters the attributes of feminist and environmental activist because there’s a lot of dialog that is just really empowering.”
Jay Baruchel: “It’s more Dean I would think. It stems from our writer, director, who is a very hopeful, forward-thinking man with a big, wide-open heart and believes in the best in people in the world. Any of those messages that you felt, we paid homage to, that’s all from him. That’s all his belief system, which is ours as well.”
America Ferrera: “Yeah. And I will say like over the years, Dean and I have had conversations about how to evolve Astrid and how to keep her active in her own journey and feeling empowered and she has a full character that isn’t just about sort of being the girl to the guy. So, we’ve had a lot of conversations about that, and he has done her more than justice in really allowing her to develop into a full character that really has a role to play in the larger journey and what ends up happening with the series.”
I felt the characters were developed with the intention to empower. I could see traditional values develop into a new wave of progression; thanks to our beloved actors and directors and producers.
How cute are these dragons?
This film is action packed with dragons, Vikings, strong female characters and teaches about environmental conservation. I love this!
The September 11, 2011 attacks shook the entire world to its core. I clearly remember watching the footage on the television, and feeling devastated and confused. The entire world stood still as the the chaos and tragedy unfolded. This week, my daughter Clarissa and I attended the premiere of “Come From Away” at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa . This show is the longest Broadway running show in Canada, and it is no surprise because this unique musical is sensational!
Disclosure: Thank you Segerstrom Center for the Arts for inviting us to see “Come From Away.” All opinions are my own.
This incredible musical is based on a true story that took place Gander, a small town in Canada. This story gives audiences a glimpse in the week following the September 11th attacks, and what transpired when 38 planes were ordered to land unexpectedly in this remote town. The characters in the musical are based on (and in most cases share the names of) real Gander residents as well as some of the 7,000 stranded travelers they housed and fed. During “ Operation Yellow Ribbon, “cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships and surprising romances.
We laughed, we cried, and the music deeply moved us. This show was like a running carousel that had seamless song and scene transitions. There was no intermission. The story is told through storytelling catchy music.
The multitalented performers flawlessly changed voices, accents, and sang harmoniously in sync. We were blown away by their insane talent and versatility.
Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by this year’s Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley.
This The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part hits theaters February 8th…
Last week, I screened the Lego Movie 2: The Second Part and met with the cast, screenwriters, and directors in Los Angeles, California. There were tons of laughs and memorable moments in our roundtable interview. I can’t remember when I laughed this hard.
Check out my recap below!
Sponsored: Thank you Warner Bros Pictures for inviting me to interview the Cast, Producers, and directors of Te LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part. All opinions are my own.
Watch the trailer!
About
The much-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, global box office phenomenon that started it all, “The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part,” reunites the heroes of Bricksburg in an all new action-packed adventure to save their beloved city. It’s been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are now facing a huge new threat: LEGO DUPLO® invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than it can be rebuilt. The battle to defeat the invaders and restore harmony to the LEGO universe will take Emmet (Chris Pratt), Lucy (Elizabeth Banks), Batman (Will Arnett) and their friends to faraway, unexplored worlds, including a strange galaxy where everything is a musical. It will test their courage, creativity and Master Building skills, and reveal just how special they really are.
Tiffany Haddish is a BIG hit in the new film. She stars as Queen Watevra Wa’Nabin in the new LEGO film. Her character transforms and changes throughout the film . And YES! Tiffany is just as funny off-screen as on-screen!
Question: “How did they come about adding Tiffany Haddish?”
Director Mike Mitchell: “That was–well we knew we wanted a character who was going to shape-shift and change into different things and almost be like that genie from Aladdin.”
Director Trisha Gum: “Right. And we wanted somebody like funny and strong and confident, and she just–she embodies all those things that we wanted.”
Director Mike Mitchell: “Man, she exudes that energy. She never loses her energy. Trish and I would be exhausted at the end of recording her voice. She is unstoppable, right?”
Director Trisha Gum:“Yes. She’s fantastic. And Yes, she’s a very strong–like I said strong confident woman. She just embodied that character, so.”
Tiffany Haddish: “ I relate to my character in many ways, because all she really wants to do is bring joy and happiness. And like Maya Angelou always says, when someone tells you who they are in from the beginning, believe them, that’s who they are. And she constantly was tellingthem, I’m not evil, I just want to give you gifts, I just want to shower you with love.” (LOVE her)
Will Arnett returns as the voice of “Batman.”
Will Arnett:“It is a great environment that they create, and you know, and I had some of the most profound big–biggest laughs of my life being in a booth working with those guys.”
Screenwriter Phil Lord: “Well I think, oh the first movie, the first LEGO movie, we always said I want–we want to make a movie that makes you feel more creative on the way out than you felt on the way in. You know, and the premise was like we are all inherently creative beings, and we’ve been doing this for millennia and why wouldn’t we still be doing it? And then–and this movie, you know, was about can you feel more generous and empathetic on the way out than you did on the way in, you know.”
Screenwriter Chris Miller: “Right and because you know when you start growing up as a kid, you–there’s a moment when you realize that not everything is awesome and then you can choose to go two ways with it. You can choose or like I’m going to prove that I’m grown up by being cynical and angry and detached, and gritty. Or what we think is a more sophisticated and actually more mature thing is to choose to be kind, to choose to be positive, to choose to be”—
Question: “Did you have, you know, anything–was it spontaneous or had you thought about it?”
Elizabeth Banks: “We do a lot of different ways. Like everything is scripted, but then, there’s a lot of playing, right. So, there was a lot of, “Try this, try this. “And we were–they were refining jokes until like two weeks ago. [Unintelligible] was in the booth two weeks ago on this movie.”
This new LEGO film is seriously loads of fun. I laughed hysterically on several occasions during the screening. You must take your entire family to see this film, because there is BIG laughs in store for everyone!
Stephanie Beatriz voices Sweet Mayhem.
Stephanie Beatriz:“They created an environment that’s very free. They’re very, very giving and collaborative and they just want to see what you have and then build off of that. They’re open to everything which is why their work is go good. It’s so good. It’s so fresh. And it feels so alive. Because they’re allowing us to do the thing that we do best which is use our imaginations.”
Get tickets to #TheLEGOMovie2 in theaters February 8!
For a second consecutive year, Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration is back! Happening weekends now through March 10, 2019, plus President’s Day weekend February 11, 15 & 18. Admission is included with a regular park admission ticket or a 2019 Knott’s Season Pass.
Last weekend, my family headed to Knott’s Berry farm to celebrate with their favorite characters. It was opening weekend, and we could not wait to see what was in store! This special event celebrates the PEANUTS characters. Fans can step inside the pages of a Charles M. Schulz comic strips as the PEANUTS characters take over the entire park for the first time!
PEANUTS inspired decor can be see throughout the park, and provides the perfect animated backdrop for your fun social media pics. Make sure to use the #KnottsPeanutsCelebrationhashtag when you’re at the park!
New character experiences, activities, live entertainment, and deliciously themed-treats will tops off this unique celebration…
The new shows are a MUST at Knott’s!
Do you have a sweet tooth? Sharing is caring!
Drool Alert! During the Knott’s Peanuts Celebration try the delicious themed treats like the Peanut Butter Funnel Cake, Charlie Brown Marshmallows, Peanuts Sugar Cookies, and much more!
YUMMM… Knott’s has added jelly beans to their already delicious Funnel Cake. OMG
The photo ops throughout the park are just adorable! “Say Cheese!”
How adorable are these little pigs? My son asked if he could take one home. Lol
Don’t forget to stop by and check out the Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration themed gifts!
Don’t miss the Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration this season… Take your entire family!
One of my goals for 2019 is to get more organized. I embarrassed to share I suffer from an overloaded mom brain. Lol… I am unorganized and often use Post-it notes, the back of my my kids school flyers, and even scratch paper to write my list of to-dos. (Can you relate?) I am so thrilled that I have been recently introduced to Purple Trial online, and I came across this adorable planner. (shown above) I sooo need this in my life put my thoughts, schedule, and dates in order!
Purple Trail has adorable stationary, theme invites, baby announcements, customized labels, wedding planners, guest books and so much more!
Thank you Purple Trail for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.
Purple Trail is passionate about making custom stationery and printed items individually hand made just for their customers. They only use fine paper, high-quality materials and state-of-the art printing.
I LOVE all the little details that make these announcements and invitations so special!
The website is super easy to navigate through, and there is a HUGE selection to choose from.
I can choose the cover type, color, and even personalize my selection. How cool is that?
Are you looking for the perfect gift?
Purple trail has a GINORMOUS selection of gifts too! You can also choose from customized mugs, T-shirts, engagement gifts, graduation gifts, and even teacher gifts. There is sooo much to choose from, you’ll definitely find something you love!
