A Mind-Blowing Leap into the Spider-Verse! Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse NOW In Theaters.
We screened the film before its release and spoke to talent, Shameik Moore & Hailee Steinfeld, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, and writers Chris Miller and Phil Lord.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is an absolute triumph that swings above its predecessor, delivering a breathtaking and mind-bending cinematic experience. This animated masterpiece takes everything that made the first film exceptional and amplifies it to a whole new level, leaving audiences awe-struck and begging for more.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this sequel is its dedication to pushing the boundaries of animation. The visual style is an explosion of vibrant colors, stunning artistry, and innovative techniques that seamlessly blend together. It’s truly remarkable.
Check out our exclusive interview here.
SYNOPSIS:
After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. However, when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders. He must soon redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.
Watch the official trailer here.
Each frame feels like a work of art, with an incredible attention to detail that immerses viewers in the rich and diverse Spider-Verse. From the pulsating energy of the cityscape to the dazzling action sequences, the animation is simply mesmerizing, setting a new standard for the genre.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a bold and unapologetic celebration of Spider-Man’s enduring legacy.
It honors the beloved character while introducing new and exciting elements that expand the Spider-Verse in thrilling ways. This film is a testament to the power of storytelling, pushing boundaries, and embracing the infinite possibilities of the medium.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is NOW open!
This unique restaurant and chocolate factory located in the Universal CityWalk shopping and entertainment district. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen offers a unique interactive dining experience with a mix of chocolate and a variety of dishes.
Last week, we hit this new eatery to get a closer look at this new cool restaurant concept.
Thank you Universal Studios for hosting Queen Bee Latina at your restaurant. All opinions are my own.
It features a Steampunk-inspired atmosphere, with industrial-style decor and a chocolate-making factory on display. It is unlike anything we have seen in a restaurant. I love cool themes, especially when you can fully immerse yourself in it.
The menu includes a variety of sweet and savory dishes, as well as a selection of unique chocolate desserts and drinks.
Some popular items on the menu include the “Chocolate x5” milkshake, the “Steampunk Sunday” brunch, and the “Chocolate Factory Plate” dessert sampler.
The restaurant also offers a variety of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Do you have a sweet tooth? The Jacques’ Specialty Milkshakes are a must!
This Pineapple Upside Down shake was simply delicious.
Vegan pineapple upside down cake, brown sugar, caramel, pineapples, oatmilk whipped topping
The cocktails are eccentric and fit the edgy theme of the restaurant.
This Cocoa Clouds cocktail was incredible.
It has 360 Double Chocolate Vodka, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, Bailey’s, and Kahlua.
What is the story behind Toothsome chocolate emporium?
Penelope Toothsome and her robot companion Jacques created Toothsome as the world’s best chocolate emporium in homage to her fellow adventurer parents. Penelope and Jacques walk around the restaurant, frequently posing for photos and interacting with guests.
I really enjoyed this interactive and edgy restaurant. The prices are reasonable. It’s family friendly, and the decor brought me back in time. I totally recommend it and will definitely be back with the entire family!
Celebrate the Holiday Season at Citrus City Grille
And just like that the holidays are here!
It’s time to enjoy the season with our loved ones. I love restaurants that are family owned and operated. Earlier this month, I dined at Citrus City Grille in Orange. Charlie Cosmas recently purchased the restaurant, and he was gracious enough to introduce himself. Cosmos is from Athens, Greece and we chatted about his bout beautiful home country, and how much we both love food and travel. I could tell he was very passionate about his dishes, and about his new restaurant.
Disclosure: Thank you Citrus City Grille for hosting us. All opinions are my own.
This eatery is located in the heart of old Orange. The colorful ambiance is warm and inviting, and it has been in operation for 27 years.
The staff is super friendly. and the menu has many traditional options with a touch of Mediterranean.
We truly enjoyed the high quality dishes. The ingredients are super fresh, and the food is very flavorable.
About Citrus City Grille
At Citrus City Grille, we believe dining should be an experience. Our inventive, contemporary dishes, extensive wine list and upscale atmosphere provide the ultimate in gastronomical pleasure.
At Citrus City Grille, we take family seriously. Not only is our business family owned and operated, but we consider our customers and community close as kin – and you’ll feel that moment you walk through our doors. From our upscale-but-friendly ambiance to our hand-selected, globally curated wine selection, outrageous cocktails, and expertly prepared cuisine, stepping into Citrus City Grille is like coming home – it just tastes even better.
Happy Happy hour every day….Be sure to try any of our innovative and outrageous martinis. Join us for lunch, dinner and Live Performances Thursday – Saturday evenings.
This song has been playing in my head non-stop ever since I saw,”Pretty Woman The Musical!”
We are all familiar with this tune, and it brings us back to this beloved film. This classic love story’s musical adaptation is showing at Segerstrom Center for the Arts now through July 17th.
Thank you Segerstrom Center for the Arts for partnering on this post. All opinions are my own.
In addition to attending the shows debut, we dressed up, wore red and attended a special cocktail hour hosted by Segerstrom Center for the Arts and Silver Trumpet.
There we sipped on a delicious, “Pretty Woman Spritzer” pre-show. It really set the tone to this spectacular night, and I feel grateful for this unique experience.
This sensational musical is full of romance, charm and comedy. The multicultural cast was engaging and the vocal talent was electrifying. The sights and sounds brought me to downtown Hollywood, where the streets come alive and where the vibe is like no other. This theater show is sexy, colorful, vivacious and spirited.
This show has strong adult content and is probably not suitable for children. It ideally would be for a date night or special girls night out.
PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, is now on tour! Starring Broadway superstar and Tony Award®-nominee Adam Pascal as Edward Lewis and rising star Olivia Valli as the charming and charismatic Vivian Ward, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde).
Cozy Brunch Spot With Mexican Artisan Cuisine: Corazon Modern Kitchen In Brea
Sundays are meant for good food, spicy micheladas, relaxing, and spending time with our loved ones…
I love to try new brunch spots in and around Orange County, and recently I visited Corazon Modern Kitchen with my sis Rosa. I had previously heard about this artisan foodie spot from friends, and I was excited to try it out and see what all the buzz is about. My sis and I love good food, especially comida Mexicana.
This colorful eclectic eatery is located in the heart of Brea. When we walked into the restaurant, my eyes were immediately drawn to the bright and vibrant Frida paintings that decorated this trendy hot spot.
Brunch is served Friday through Sunday 10am to 1:30pm Check out the full brunch menu here.
Thank you Corazon Modern Kitchen for hosting Queen Bee Latina. All opinions are my own.
Our first order of business, look over the drink menu.
Corazon Modern Kitchen has a splendid wine and beer selection. They have a variety of unique drinks. Check out the full drink menu here.
I ordered the Corazon Michelada. It has the Corazon michelada mix, topped with Corazon bottle lager beer. Paprika & kosher salt rim, lime wheel, jumbo shrimp, olive and chile toreado.
It was sooo good, and had just the right amount of spice.
About Corazon Modern Kitchen
Corazon (Taste of Mexico) a space that exudes modern vibes, a tribute to Michoacan cuisine. Their eclectic menu includes gastronomic traditions from Mexico, showcasing authentic and daring flavors.
My sister ordered the Strawberry Bottomless Mimosas. ..
Bottomless Beverages Available
Champagne Mimosa
Orange Mimosa
Orange Mimosa
Strawberry Mimosa
Agua Frescas
Cafe De Colombia
Iced Tea
For appetizer we ordered the Tableside Aguachiles. Their version is a lobster aguachiles ceviche. Our waitress poured a delicious green chile sauce over the fresh marisco.
I have to say I love little details like this that make a visit to a restaurant a special experience.
NOTE* Some of the items we ordered were on the lunch and dinner menu.
Our second appetizer was the Queso Fundido.
This tasty and savory dish has three-cheesed blend, chorizo mix pasilla peppers and potatoes, topped with guacamolito sauce and crema fresca. It was served in this rustic cast iron dish.
I am all about the sauce!
I love me some yummy Chilaquiles on Sunday mornings…
Not only are the dishes tasty, the presentation is so thoughtful and beautifully served. I loved all the rich flavors and the SAUCES! The flavors are definitely authentic, and I appreciate all the unexpected ingredients that are fused into these traditional dishes.
The chilaquiles had crispy sauteed wet tortillas with red and toasted tomatillo sauce, black beans, topped with crema fresca, one egg over easy, avocado, pico de gallo, queso cotijas and cilantro.
Add marinated shredded chicken OR add thin sliced ribeye steak ( I ordered the steak!)
Last but not least, my sister and I shared the Churro French Toast.
This AMAZING Churro flavored French toast, topped with whipped cream, caramel syrup, peaches, and cinnamon. Served with breakfast potatoes and one sunnyside egg.
Overall, the experience was wonderful and the food was off the chain good! Check it out friends, I know you will love it too!
“The Band’s Visit” at Segerstrom Center for the Arts Now Through April 3rd
I have missed going to the theater dearly…
This week, we experienced the 10-time Tony Award, Winning Best Musical, “The Band’s Visit,” at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. It was such a joy to be reconnected with one of my favorite loves in life, and this remarkable show was just what I needed to uplift my spirit.
This sensational show and is a MUST-SEE theater friends!
Thank you Segerstrom Center for the Arts for inviting Queen Bee Latina to see “The Bands Visit.” All opinions are my own.
THE BAND’S VISIT tells a joyful, offbeat story of a band of musicians who arrive in a town way off the beaten path. Under the spell of the desert sky, with beautiful music perfuming the air, the band brings the town to life in unexpected ways. With a Tony- and Grammy-winning score that seduces your soul and sweeps you off your feet, performed by thrillingly talented onstage musicians, THE BAND’S VISIT rejoices in the way music makes us laugh, makes us cry, and ultimately, brings us together.
Photo credit to Segerstrom Center for the Arts
This musical vignette moved me deeply and brought tears to my eyes…
Music unifies all cultures and can help with the realization that we all share similar stories of love, loss, and hardship.
The variation of Egyptian and Israeli music was brilliantly fused, and the musical score was unbelievable. The harmonizing in different languages gave me the chills, and my personal favorite was “Omar Sharif.”
Photo credit to Segerstrom Center for the Arts
The brilliant cast was memorable. Their musical performances were all very unique and different from one another.
Recommended for ages 10+
Note*
All ticketholders must wear a mask AND provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of performance or a negative Antigen test taken within 6 hours of performance. Ticketholders over the age of 18 must also bring photo ID.
The Band’s Visit March 22 to April 3, 2022
Segerstrom Center for the Arts Segerstrom Hall
Tickets start at $26.00
In person and PhoneThe Box Office 600 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 556-2787
Monday 10am – 2pm Tuesday through Friday Noon- 5pm Closed Saturday’s and Sundays Online – SCFTA.org Group Sales – (714) 755-0236
Get Your Seafood Fix At Santa Monica Seafood Market & Café In Costa Mesa
Earlier this week, we dined at Santa Monica Seafood Market and Café in Costa Mesa. This unique establishment is located in the heart of Costa Mesa off off 17th street.
As I walked into the market, I was completely drawn to the colorful seafood that was displayed for customers to purchase. Everything looked super fresh, and the seafood selection was endless. Santa Monica Seafood is both a Market and Café. Guests can conveniently shop, dine, and or pick up their favorite seafood or prepared dishes. SCORE! Why haven’t I been here before?
The staff was super friendly and were ready to serve and answer any questions about their array of seafood. The menu selection had sooo much to choose from, check out Costa Mesa’s full menu here.
Below is a recap of our lovely dinner. The café ambiance is casual, yet chic. And the creative and colorful dishes were flavorful and delicious.
Thank you Santa Monica Seafood Market and Café for hosting us. All opinions are my own.
🍤 Shrimp Cocktail-Poached jumbo white Shrimp with SMS Classic Cocktail Sauce and lemon
The Café
The café offers a wide selection of fresh seafood dishes for lunch and dinner. You can order for take away or sit down and or enjoy grilled fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, beer, wine and more. The oyster bar features the best fresh raw oysters, clams and crab.
Oysters– Served with lemon, Santa Monica Seafood Classic Cocktail Sauce, and Mignonette
The Market
The market features the largest selection of fresh fish, live shellfish, and frozen seafood in the Southwest. You’ll also find smoked seafood, caviar, seafood soups and salads, and imported specialty seafood items.
🫕 New England Clam Chowder-Our family recipe with Ocean Clams, onions, celery, potatoes, and cream (no bacon) SO DELISH!
🌶*SPECIAL and for a limited time only.*Scallop and Shrimp Stuffed Chile Poblano– Served over a bed of fluffy Pilaf rice, with guajillo chile sauce, and avocado salsa, finished with Mexican sour cream and cojita cheese
🐟 *SPECIAL and for a limited time only.* Grilled Mahi Mahi- with mango salsa and quinoa
As a young girl l remember letting my imagination run free and getting lost in my books. Agatha Christie’s novels was on my list of favorites because her unique stories took me to different places around the globe.
Christie is best known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, as well as the world’s longest-running play – The Mousetrap. Her books have sold over a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation.
Death On The Nile has been adapted to the BIG screen and will not disappoint Christie fans. We got an early look at the film in January, before it’s official release February 11th 2022.
Thank you 20th Century Studios for partnering on this post. All opinions are my own.
Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios
This film is rated PG 13, and is for a mature audience.
This new film adaptation takes viewers on a mysterious journey in Egypt. Linnet Ridgeway (Gal Gadot) finds herself in an unexpected love triangle. She is beautiful, rich and lives a glamorous life. Her high anxiety keeps her on edge because she cannot trust the people closest to her. That’s when she seeks the help of detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh).
This film takes its audience on a wild ride. One that includes love, passion, tragedy, and murder. The story has many unexpected plot twists and turns, and keep you asking more questions as the movie slowly unravels it’s complicated layers.
The cinematography is captivating and brilliantly draws you into the story. Experience it for yourself!
Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot’s vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple’s idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short. Set against an epic landscape of sweeping Egyptian desert vistas and the majestic Giza pyramids, this tale of unbridled passion and incapacitating jealousy features a cosmopolitan group of impeccably dressed travelers, and enough wicked twists and turns to leave audiences guessing until the final, shocking denouement.
CAST Tom Bateman, Annette Bening, Kenneth Branagh, Russell Brand, Ali Fazal, Dawn French, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Rose Leslie, Emma Mackey, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Saunders, Letitia Wright
As I begin to look for the perfect holiday gifts, I am searching for treasures that would be long lasting and great quality. When looking for the perfect gift, it’s important to take your time and put thought into what you are buying for the special people in your life. I refuse to purchase things or knickknacks that might be stored away or thrown out.
I have created a list of incredible gift ideas, that your loved ones will appreciate. Stay tuned as I will be adding to this list as continue my holiday shopping venture.
I have personally reviewed or purchased the items below, so I know you will love them too!
Disclosure: I have no affiliation with these companies. All opinions are my own.
This unique product from Denver, Colorado creates healthy skincare products for men. WHY because there’s a need, to expose more men to the effects of flowers. Because our state of balance comes from connecting to nature, not toxins. “After cleansing with Primo my skin felt really soft and nourished. The Bhang Serum was silky and my skin had a nice glow. I am new to CBD products, and I am really impressed with the results.” -Carlos Camacho
I will also be adding some shaving #hankskincare products to his stocking stuffer. Check it out this line guys! 🎅🏼🎁🌟⛄️❄️
My girls and I LOVE these shimmery eyeshadows! They are perfect for the holidays.
This brilliantly long-wearing, sparkle eye shadow combines the perfect mix of pearl and glitter to lavish eyes with incredible luster and shimmer. Applying eyeshadow is easy with its its uniquely lightweight, water-infused texture. It glides on effortlessly, then dries down smoothly, locking in maximum sparkle with minimal fallout, for eyes with a real wow factor!
Kastraelion is a family-owned and artisan-crafted vodka made in Greece. This gift box is chic and makes a wonderful holiday gift.🎁
About: 💙 Kástra Elión is the original Premium Sipping Vodka distilled from Greek olives—picked by hand – then blended with curated grains and natural spring water from crystalline rock to produce a vodka of unparalleled smoothness and timeless sophistication.
A 3inch wide brim fedora from [BLOCK no.8] with our most stiff finish, this Fedora is a flat brim beauty that has the body to back up the brim. With a full-bodied teardrop crown, this is not a hat for the meek. Price: $250 (online store available)
My family absolutely loves Goorin Bros. hats. Their classic styles are timeless and beautifully made.
Party sustainably everywhere you go with this stainless steel, vacuum insulated, stackable and easy to carry Pirani reusable insulated tumbler. Keeps the spirit of the occasion alive and your drinks hot or cold all while earning you some good environmental juju by helping eliminate the 500 billion single-use cups wasted around the world each year. Bring this Reusable Party Cup to your favorite game, coffee shop, tailgating outside a concert, into your college dorm, on your back deck or wherever you choose to adventure. In the middle of summer or dead winter, your drinks are guaranteed perfect.
I have purchased these Lux sets for teachers, agents, and managers. They are packaged beautifully and the prices all range from $20- $100s.
Gift a piece of Provence with L’OCCITANE’S exclusive selection of iconic collections, limited edition gifts and delightful petite treats for the perfect presents to spread joy and delight around you.
My father appreciates fine leather and durability. He does not carry a large wallet, so I picked up this lightweight Ferragamo card holder. Price: $295
Introducing our all-new ØriginalGrand Energy Oxfords—you’ll be shocked by the bouncy comfort, but never by impact. Crafted in rich leather, these handsome oxfords feature an engineered fusion of our rebound cushioning compound and our GRANDFØAM technology to create a breakthrough cushioning system that promotes shock attenuation, energy return, and all-day responsive cushioning. Price: $250
My husband has been wearing Cole Haan shoes for years, and he absolutely loves them. The comfort and styles are like no other. They periodically have amazing sales to look out for.
Treat the key signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles with our lifting and firming Age Defender routine featuring cleanser, moisturizer, and eye cream. Formulated specifically for Men’s Skin! Price: $94.00 ————NOW $70.50
With a Daytrip Lunch Cooler, you can eat like you’re in the great indoors, even when you’re far from it. These ultra-durable, fresh-for-hours lunch vessels are the upgrade you didn’t know you needed, designed to be the difference between a soggy lunch and one you’ll actually look forward to.
YETI coolers are high quality and last a lifetime. We have had ours for years, and use it all the time.! Different sizes are available.
I love to bake, experiment, and put my personal spin on new recipes. I was recently given the opportunity to review some Herbalife products. It is often difficult to find healthy recipes that my kids and I actually enjoy.
As a family we are always on the go, and to be honest, sometimes we don’t eat as healthy as I’d like us to. I was drawn to Herbalife products because I’ve heard several great things. Friends and family say they have lost several pounds by drinking their protein shake, and watching what eat.
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
I visited the Herbalife website to look at the wonderful variety of recipes. The site was super easy to navigate, and the suggested recipes looked delicious and delectable. For more baked goods recipes using Protein Baked Goods Mix, including pancakes and waffles, visit Herbalife.com/recipes.
The recipes online look really appetizing, and I am definitely going to try some of the other ones listed on the site.
I doubled the recipe above and instead of the bananas I added my son’s favorite berries.
When combined with any flavor of Formula 1, Protein Baked Goods Mix makes a nutrient-dense muffin that is gluten-free, low glycemic1 , suitable for vegetarians2 and people with diabetes,3 and contains:
24 grams of high-quality protein
21 vitamins and minerals
190 calories 5 grams of fiber
No artificial sweeteners*
If you have never cooked with a gluten free product, you have to know that it is very different than flour based ingredients. The batter I mixed up was thick and creamy. I used a spatula to spread over the waffle machine.
Sometimes my son can be a picky eater….
The taste of the waffle is simple, but with a little razzle dazzle, waffles, fruit and caramel, my son Drew didn’t even notice. Ha!
SCORE! I felt like great mom, for making something healthy and delicious.
About Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.
Herbalife Nutrition is a global company that has been changing people’s lives with great nutrition products and a proven business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers high-quality, science-backed products, sold in over 90 countries by entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Through the Company’s global campaign to eradicate hunger, Herbalife Nutrition is also committed to bringing nutrition and education to communities worldwide. For more information on nutrition, visit Herbalife.com