Queen Bee Archives - Page 25 of 31

Tango Buenos Aires November 18-19th & FREE Dance Lessons at Segerstrom Center OC

On November 17th and 18th, The Segerstrom Center for The Arts will present Tango Buenos Aires- The Spirit of Argentina. This sensational show is a MUST-SEE and you don’t want to miss it!

This romantic dance has always captivated me. I love the Latin music and the passionate synchronized movements of this elegant dance.

Disclosure: Thank you Segerstrom Center for the Arts for inviting me to see Tango Buenos Aires. All opinions are my own.

About Tango Buenos Aires- The Spirit of Argentina

Take a journey to this South American country through the passionate dance and music that embody The Spirit of Argentina. One of Argentina’s greatest cultural exports, Tango Buenos Aires is considered the most authentic tango ensemble performing today. The dancers dazzle with sensual moves and playful drama, while the musicians entice with melodies of romance and nostalgia. This program traces the evolution of tango through the classic musical compositions of Carlos Gardel, a central figure in the history of tango, and his collaborations with composer Astor Piazzolla.

The Spirit of Argentina showcases the breadth of styles and gamut of emotions that have made tango the cultural phenomenon that it is. “Crafted swirling, fast-paced tapestries of movement, laced with proud postures and sensual couplings” (The Washington Post)

These performances by Tango Buenos Aires are are part of Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA, a far-reaching and ambitious exploration of Latin American and Latino art in dialogue with Los Angeles, taking place from September 2017 through January 2018 at more than 70 cultural institutions across Southern California. Pacific Standard Time is an initiative of the Getty.

Get your dancin’ shoes on and learn how to Tango!

The Center is offering FREE Tango lessons on Tuesday, November 14th and Thursday, November 16 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. Award-winning Argentine tango champion Marcelo Rivero will teach the essential techniques and movements of ‘the tango’. All levels of experience are welcome – no experience necessary!

THEN – on Saturday, November 18, its time to dance at the Center’s free Tango Party on the Plaza from 5:30-7:30 p.m. just before the 8 p.m. performance by Tango Buenos Aires in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

Tango Lesson Dates:

Tuesday, Nov. 14 & Thursday, Nov. 16 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Tango Party on the Plaza – Saturday, Nov. 18 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

*Tickets start at $39.00

Ticket Services

(714) 556-2787

Performances of The Spirit of Argentina

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Julianne and George Argyros Plaza

600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Daddy’s Home 2 Now In Theaters Just In Time For The Holidays

The holidays can be stressful and a little family drama can create utter chaos…

Last week I screened Daddy’s Home 2 and I was taken on a fun comedy ride full of adventure, family dysfunction, and belly laughs. More daddies, more problems… The dads are back in this new sequel!

Thank you Paramount for inviting me to screen Daddy’s Home 2. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis

In the sequel to the 2015 global smash, father and stepfather, Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) and Brad (Will Ferrell) have joined forces to provide their kids with the perfect Christmas. Their newfound partnership is put to the test when Dusty’s old-school, macho Dad (Mel Gibson) and Brad’s ultra-affectionate and emotional Dad (John Lithgow) arrive just in time to throw the holiday into complete chaos.

C0-parenting can be difficult, and these dads and grandfather’s parenting styles are the complete opposite. When these blended families decide to go on a holiday getaway, things get cray cray and spin out of control.

Mel Gibson’s character is a ruthless stud, who plays the inappropriate grandfather. Dad (Gibson) and his son Dusty’s (Wahlberg) relationship is dry and disconnected. They show little or no emotion towards each other, and Dusty holds some deep grudges with his father.

On the other hand…

Brad (Will Ferrell) and his father (John Lithgow), are teary and overemotional. Brad regresses when his father is around. Just imagine a middle aged man and his pops talking like babies and hugging constantly. Weird right? Yes, but sooo funny!

Mel stirs up drama and causes conflict with the two co-dads. The tension escalates, and the family vacay turns to shit…

Family is everything, and in this film you can feel the love. These hilarious dads eventually learn to “co-dad” and make it work.

There were many unexpected surprises and twists that kept the audience laughing hysterically. It was relatable, delightful, and heartwarming!

Don’t miss this family comedy of the holiday season. Daddy’s Home 2 hits theaters November 10th!

Parents Note* There is some adult humor and situations.

Rated PG13 Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes.

Experience Day Of The Dead At Santa Ana’s Noche De Altares November 4th

Don’t miss this year’s 15th annual “Noche De Altares” (Night Of Altars) this Saturday November 4th . This community based celebration commemorates the Day of the Dead. El Centro Cultural De Mexico will proudly host this annual celebration in the heart of Santa Ana- calle cuatro (fourth street) from 12pm-10pm.

This incredible event will offer live performances, music, traditional food, and street vendors.

About Dia De Los Muertos (Day Of The Dead)

“Dia De Los Muertos” is a traditional holiday celebrated in Mexico. It includes the creation of private altars called ofrendas. These decorated altars honor the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these gifts.

The city comes alive at Noche De Altares. My children are exposed to el flavors of Mexico. They also learn more about their splendid heritage and history. Attendees come from afar to share stories of their abuelos, familias, loved ones, and struggles.

Get ready to dance…This year’s headliner will be Amy y Su Sonora!

You don’t want to miss this fun filled magical event! This grand celebration is organized by community volunteers and the proceeds go to El Centro Cultural De Mexico.

About El Centro Cultural De Mexico

El Centro Cultural de Mexico is an alternative space in Santa Ana where the community can find cultural, educational, and artistic activities that strengthen their identities, develop their talents and develop a sense of leadership in their community.

Mathnasium Learning Center In Laguna Niguel

Does your child struggle in Math?

If so, there is a solution…

This school year my son started fourth grade, and he has been introduced to more complex and difficult math concepts. He began the school year with some struggles, and he was a bit discouraged. On test days I noticed a pattern. He would say, “Mom I don’t feel well. I don’t want to go to school today.” As a mom, it saddened me t0 see how this affected his confidence level.

Just when we started to look for a math tutor, Mathnasium in Laguna Niguel came to the rescue! We were thrilled to learn about this incredible math center in OC. It is staffed by college-educated, Mathnasium-certified instructors who work with each child individually.

The program began with an assessment to determine his current math level. This assessment is designed to pinpoint a child’s strengths and weaknesses. These results provide the foundation from which Mathnasium constructs the student’s customized learning plan.

My son learns math in a friendly, productive learning environment and are taught by caring and knowledgeable instructors well-versed in integrating Mathnasium’s techniques with the math curriculum used in local Orange County schools.

Compensation: Thank you Mathnasium for letting my son try your tutoring service for free. All opinions are my own.

My kiddo raves about his tutors and looks forward to going every week!

I love the fact that the program is tailored to my son’s individual needs, and he can also take in his homework to work on as well. The instructors spend the first half of the time working on his math gaps. During the second half of instruction, he is working on his homework given to him in class.

The Mathnasium Method™ uses a unique combination of mental, verbal, visual, tactile, and written techniques to help children really understand math and has been developed over more than 40 years of practical experience with thousands of students.

I love the time flexibility and the fact that my son can go on weekends…

After starting this wonderful program, I know my kiddo will get the tools he needs to be successful. But most importantly, he will be confident and be more enthused about school!

Mathnasium focuses solely on math and operates on the core belief that virtually any child can excel in the subject. The Mathnasium Method™, implemented at more than 700 Mathnasium centers in the U.S. and abroad, is a unique program that provides each child with a customized learning plan and personalized instruction in a way that makes sense to them.

Since 2010, Mathnasium of Laguna Niguel has provided quality math tutoring and homework help to students in Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills and Aliso Viejo. We’ve won many awards, including Best Instructional Team, Top Performing Franchisee, Best Multi-Center Performance, Best Innovation, and Best Communication.

Mathnasium of Laguna Niguel

The center is at the corner of La Paz and Oso Parkway / Pacific Park Drive in the Sprouts and Home Depot shopping center

27281 La Paz Rd, Ste. L, Laguna Niguel CA 92677

(949) 360-6284

[email protected]

5 Awesome Reasons To Ride OC Bus With Your Kids

Do you ride on the bus with your kids? If not you should!

When I was teenager, I often traveled in and around Orange County on the public bus with my friends. We would travel to South Coast Plaza for shopping, head to Newport Beach for a swim, go to Downtown Santa Ana for authentic Mexican food, or travel to Tewinkle Park to hang with our friends. We were carefree and loved to get around town to explore. Over the years, I have learned that our public transportation has great value, and is a great service worth teaching my children about.

I recently decided to take advantage of our awesome OC Bus transit, and go on an adventure with my kids. I spent a lovely stress free afternoon with my family, and let OC Bus do all the driving!

AD: Thank you OC Bus for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

It was so nice to immerse ourselves into our community, get fresh air, and save on gas.
We headed to The Shops at Mission Viejo to shop, and we enjoyed a tasty lunch at the food court. The drive up on the OCTA bus was smooth and convenient. My kids have learned to navigate, purchase tickets, and use their mobile devices for bus times and updates. OC Bus makes it super easy to navigate around town and get to our favorite destinations.

OC Bus has made many improvements on their buses. They are comfortable, clean, and easily accessible. They have also improved their service and frequency throughout Orange County!

Here are 5 awesome reasons to teach your kids to ride the public bus

1.Get To Know Your City

While on the bus my son peered through the bright lit window to see the town pass in front of his eyes. He said, “ Mom, when can I pull the chord to stop?” He waited eagerly since this was a highlight for him on our trip. He also spotted our public library, City Hall, and our favorite hiking trail. It’s important for kids to feel that they are part of their community.

Children will:

Become immersed into their community
Become exposed to different cultures and age groups
Learn how to use their local public transit
Learn where the bus stops and the train station is located
Get to see the city’s market places and city employees at work
Familiarize themselves with where museums and important city and government buildings are located

2. Public Transportation Helps The Environment

My family is very passionate about the environment, and we want to make a difference by using public transportation! The more people on buses means less congestion and pollution…

We not only enjoyed ourselves on the bus, but we know we are helping the environment by:

Improving air quality
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Facilitating compact development, conserving land and decreasing travel demand
Saving energy

3. Using Public Transportation Reduces Stress

Traffic can be extremely stressful. I often feel overwhelmed and agitated while driving my kiddos around town.

While on the bus, I had time to chat with my kids, text, and I even had time to read. These things are hard to do when your world is centralized around the traffic ahead of you. As overdramatic as it seems, this short period of time on the bus put me at ease.

Commuters can sleep, relax, read, and text on the bus. How awesome is that?

4. Kids Learn to be “Street Smart”

My girls often use OCTA buses for commuting to school. OC Bus has not only been reliant, but it has taught them:

How to navigate and commute around town
How to be independent
How to follow street signs and the rules of the road
How to be alert and be safe in the city

It’s never too early to teach good riding habits! When they’re old enough, brief your child on the basic transit etiquette…

5. Sight Seeing

OCTA offers transportation to a variety of unique destinations. Adventure is out there, whether it’s a visit to a local hang out spot, the marketplace, or the local Farmer’s Market.

Other great places to visit with kids:

Malls
Movies
Parks
Beaches
National monuments
Museums

The bus is a great alternative to cars and my kids truly enjoyed it. We can’t wait to ride again!

“You can’t understand a city without using its public transportation.” ~ Ozan

Want to try OC Bus for free? First-time riders will receive 2 free day passes! Visit ocbus.com to learn more!

You’re Invited: CosmetiCare’s BeautyLand Event October 26th

Have you considered having cosmetic surgery?

If so, you don’t want to miss CosmetiCare’s annual Beautyland event October 26th 5-8 pm. This free educational event will provide the answers to all your questions regarding aesthetic technology, lasers, body sculpting and other cosmetic procedures. This informative event offers an opportunity for guests to interact with CosmetiCare’s experts in a no-pressure, fun atmosphere overlooking the Balboa Harbor. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine will be served.

After having children, my body has changed drastically. I have always considered plastic surgery, but I have so many unanswered questions… I can’t wait to meet up with the professionals at CosmetiCare to get information about the latest procedures available…

Here’s a list of what to expect at the Beauty Land event:

****Bring a friend and receive 10 FREE units of Botox towards a treatment. Maximum is 20 free units per guest. Spread the word!

Attend and enter into winning one of these amazing raffles

– Vaginal Rejuvenation Treatment: $1,100 Value

– Coolsculpting Cycle: $750 Value

– TruSculpt Treatment: $750 Value

– Custom Lip Augmentation: $595 Value

– Customized Chemical Peel: $350 Value

– Rodan and Fields 2 Month Regiment: $200 Value

Beauty Land Stops

Skin Care Room

Learn about the most advanced facials available in aesthetic technology performed by our Master Aesthetician Angel. These customized treatments will rejuvenate your skin’s tone, texture and pigmentation. As your body’s largest organ daily maintenance is key in preventing the signs of aging which is why we love Rodan and Fields regiments.
• Tone & Texture • Wrinkles

Fat Melting Room

Considering fat reduction but don’t want the downtime of surgery? TruSculpt is 100% non-invasive, no downtime body contouring option to improve your shape and tighten skin.
• Fat Pockets

Laser Room

Light based treatments such as Vbeam, IPL and CO2 can address your winkles, loose and sagging skin, rosacea and more! Did we mention we offer painless laser hair removal.
• Sagging Skin • Tone & Texture • Wrinkles

Vaginal Rejuvenation Room

Intima is a CO2 laser treatment for vaginal rejuvenation of both the external vulva and internal area. It’s commonly used to treat urinary incontinence, dryness, itching, pain, skin pigmentation, and signs of childbirth or aging. Treatment restores vaginal tone, flexibility, and shape. It typically requires three initial treatments and one annual maintenance treatment.

CoolSculpting Station

If you can pinch it, we can freeze it! In just 35 minutes you can achieve a 20% reduction in fat loss. CoolSculpting is not intended for significant weight loss, but for treating stubborn areas of fat resistant to diet and exercise.
• Fat Pockets

Nip Tuck Room

Interested in surgical procedures? Come meet with our Surgical Consultant Cheri and 4 Board Certified Plastic Surgeons.
• Fat Pockets • Tone & Texture • Volume Loss • Sagging Skin • Wrinkles

Weight Loss Room

A swallowable pill that can help your drop the pounds is the newest in aesthetic weight loss technology! This simple procedure can jump start your weight loss goals and is implemented in less than 15 minutes. Obalon is intended for adults with a BMI of 30 to 40, who are willing to follow a diet and exercise program, and who have not had any weight loss surgeries before.

Freeze & Fill Room

Freeze those frown lines and prevent further signs of aging! Smooth aging lines, add volume to the cheek area and say goodbye to wrinkles.
• Volume Loss • Wrinkles

Join us for a girls night out to talk about beauty, health, and rejuvenation. Hope to see you there!

RSVP here

Phone: 949.386.2773

Address: 1101 Bayside Drive #200 Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

Celebrate National Pasta Month At Brio Tuscan Grille at Irvine Spectrum

brio-pasta — Photo credit to Brio Tuscan Grille

Ciao pasta lovers!

It’s National Pasta month, and in celebration I headed to Brio Tuscan Grille at Irvine Spectrum to get my pasta fix.

Hosted: Thank you Brio Tuscan Grille for inviting me to celebrate National Pasta Month at your restaurant. All opinions are my own.

Brio is located at the Irvine Spectrum so its perfect if you’re looking to kill time before getting seated, or if you want to dine after shopping. The restaurant is chic, elegant and ideal for a romantic dinner date…

We started off with this Sliced Steak Bruschetta. It had Gorgonzola, arugula, and charred tomato. It was a great starter before our entrée.

Our friendly waitress walked me though the menu options. She was knowledgeable and very helpful.

The Pasta Alla Vodka has Ricotta-filled pasta, spicy tomato cream, and pancetta. It was very rich and flavorful. It was definitely a palate pleaser!

Brio has a gluten free, vegetarian and a light calorie menu. They also have a kids menu for those bringing the kiddos out to dine.

The restaurant is family friendly and great for large parties. Patio seating is also available. The portions were generous and I had enough leftovers to take home to enjoy.

National Pasta Month Menu

It’s #NationalPastaMonth at BRIO Tuscan Grille where two-course pasta combos are available Now through–Oct. 29. Select pasta dishes, paired with a choice of soup or salad, start at $14.95 for lunch and $17.95 for dinner.

Guests can choose one of the following pasta dishes:

Lobster and Shrimp Ravioli with spicy black pepper cream, spinach, and grape tomatoes ($15.95 at lunch and $22.95 at dinner)
Pasta Fra Diavolo, with a choice of chicken or shrimp, featuring spicy tomato cream sauce, and campanelle pasta ($14.95 at lunch and $18.95 at dinner) (can be made gluten free upon request)
Pasta Pesto with Chicken (light item) featuring angel hair, grilled chicken, caramelized onions, spinach, tomatoes, red peppers, Feta, and light pesto ($14.95 at lunch and $17.95 at dinner) (can be made gluten free upon request)

Guests’ choice of one soup or salad includes:

Soup of the Day
Lobster Bisque (Add $1)
BRIO Chopped Salad
Caesar Salad
Wedge Salad

Also starting October 10, in the spirit of the fall season, BRIO will offer two seasonal cocktails:

Apple Crisp Cooler –Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, apple juice, Apple Pucker liqueur, apple butter, apple wedge, cinnamon sugar rim ($8.50)

Caramel Apple Cider Appletini Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, apple cider, lemon juice, simple syrup, apple slice, caramel and cinnamon sugar rim $7.95)

You gotta have dessert! The creme brulee and the classic tiramisu are both classically prepared without being overly sweet. Paired with a cup of hot coffee or espresso and you have the ending to a perfect meal!

The staff was very friendly and the service was exceptional. I will definitely be back with my family…

Address:

Irvine Spectrum

774 Spectrum Ctr Dr
Irvine, CA 92618

(949) 341-0380

Easy 30 Minute Workout At Curves In Laguna Niguel

My life is hectic. Between being a mom of four, working, and being the family chauffeur I rarely have time to workout. I often feel tired and overwhelmed from my hectic schedule. I recently found an easy solution to get in a workout I can actual fit into my day. Curves offers an easy 30 minute workout routine, that is so doable and fun!

Thank You Curves in Laguna Niguel for inviting me to work out at your location. All opinions are my own.

It’s so nice to get in a little “me” time at the gym.

The Coaches

The personal coaches at Curves are enthusiastic, upbeat, and knowledgeable. In the past, I have worked out with trainers that were intimidating and a little over the top.

This gym is for real women who want to improve their lives, health, and endurance.

At Curves, you’re never alone. Our supportive coaches are always there to help you get a safe, effective workout. She’ll help you with your form and push you to your personal best. When you have a workout coach, they become deeply vested in your success as well. You’re in this together–it’s a partnership.

The Easy 30 Minute Workout

This easy workout was so easy to do!

The Curves 30-minute workout combines strength training and bodyweight-based exercises to help you tone your muscle and burn up to 500 calories per workout. The Curves circuit is full of specially-designed strength machines designed to give you a total body workout. All it takes is 30 minutes, 3-4 times per a week, to help you reach your strength potential.

There is an awesome vibe at the Curves in Laguna Niguel. The staff is friendly and know each member by their first name. The members are also positive and motivate each other. I love this!

The Classes

Curves has classes unlike any other gym or workout facility. Thier specialty fitness classes can help you:

Improve balance, stability and core strength
Get stronger arms, core and legs
Stretch and strengthen you muscles
Get a total body workout

CARDIO Target your whole body and increase your cardiovascular endurance both on the Curves Circuit and in-between each machine.

BOXING CLASSBoxing is a higher-intensity class that combines cardio, strength, coordination and balance.

BODY BASICS: ARMS CORE LEGS CLASSTarget your arms, core and legs through moves performed both on the Curves Circuit and in-between each machine.

BALANCE CLASSImprove your balance, stability and core strength.

Ever since I started working out at Curves, I have more energy and I sleep better…

If you are an extremely busy and don’t have a lot of time for fitness, this easy workout is for you!

Curves address:

27781 La Paz Road

Laguna Niguel, Ca 92677

Bad To The Bone BBQ in San Juan Capistrano

Friday night is family night and I generally stay out of the kitchen. By the end of the week, we are exhausted and ready for some fun. My family loves to eat out and catch up, and we recently heard about Bad To The Bone in San Juan Capistrano. This girl LOVES a juicy steak, and I was thrilled to check this place out!

Hosted:Thank you Bad To The Bone BBQ for inviting my family to dine at your restaurant. All opinions are my own.

There was a long line in front of the restaurant, so I knew this place had to be good since it appeared popular among the locals. As we walked in, the music was playing and the atmosphere had a great vibe. The decor was rustic and western. I couldn’t keep my eyes off the large plates that were being served to the guests. The menu had a large selection to choose from, and the attentive staff walked me through the options.

We started off with these delish street tacos. You can choose from smoked carnitas, pulled smoked chicken, brisket or fish…

We decided to split a four meat combo plate, which comes with two sides. We got chicken, brisket, tri tip, pulled pork, and baby back ribs, along with ranch beans and cole slaw. While waiting, we stocked up on the four BBQ sauces they offer – original, special, vinegar, and hot.

I also ordered a Mesquite Grilled Steak. This tender juicy Sirloin is severed with two sides.

Everything came out quickly and the food smelled heavenly. The portions were generous and the plates were easy to share.

My son ordered a hamburger and devoured it. The kids menu starts at $8.95.

There is also a great selection of sides such as cole slaw, ranch beans, garlic mashed potatoes, salads, and much more…The baked beans are just MMM!

The corn bread was fluffy and warm. It was so good, I ordered more to take home!

You cannot leave without eating dessert and trying the Chocolate Pecan Pie!

If you are looking for delicious food with plentiful portions, this is the spot! We love to support local businesses and we will definitely be back … I suggest making a reservation to avoid waiting in line. Go give it a try!

Bad To The Bone was homestyle BBQ address:

31738 Rancho Viejo Rd

San Juan Capistrano, Ca 92675

Phone: 949-218-0227

Goodbye Christopher Robin Hits Select Theaters October 13th

In a time of England’s post war, the country was filled sadness and loss. Then a glimpse of hope came to light. The magical tales of Winnie-the-Pooh, hit book shelves all around the world.

I grew up reading the adventurous tales of Christopher Robins, and never knew the true story behind these beloved books. Recently, I screened the Goodbye Christopher Robins, and got a glimpse into the life of writer A. A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin.

Thank you Fox Searchlight for letting me screen this film. All opinions are my own.

This movie tells the tale of a happy boy, who through his creative play he inspires his father to write a book. But this sweet boy’s life takes a drastic turn, and takes him into a life of unwanted stardom.

Synopsis

Goodbye Christopher Robin gives moviegoers a rare glimpse into the relationship between beloved children’s author A. A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) and his son Christopher Robin (Will Tilston), whose toys inspired the magical world of Winnie-the-Pooh. Along with his mother Daphne (Margot Robbie), and his nanny Olive (Kelly Macdonald), Christopher Robin and his family are swept up in the international success of the books; the enchanting tales bringing hope and comfort to England after the First World War. But with the eyes of the world on Christopher Robin, what will the cost be to the family?

This story was both heartwarming and tragic at the same time. There were many tender moments between a father and son, that brought tears to my eyes. It is emotionally layered and about the failures in parenting. This movie also gave me a glimpse of the author’s creative journey, that helped bring this captivating book to life.

This bitter sweet film was memorable, and I would definitely recommend it to moviegoers.

Go see Christopher Robins in select theaters October 13th!