Knott’s Berry Farm will kick off its 2020 Seasons of Fun with the return of the Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration. Guests can step inside the pages of a Charles M. Schulz comic book strip as the PEANUTS Gang take over Knott’s with a celebration that includes new character experiences, themed décor ,animated photo opportunities, deliciously themed food items and playful shows. Weekends starting January 25through March 1, 2020, plus select dates.
PEANUTS Gang inspired decor can be seen throughout the park, and provides the perfect animated backdrop for your fun social media pics. Make sure to use the #KnottsPeanutsCelebration hashtag when you’re at the park!
The Harlem Globetrotter are coming to the greater LA area, and I’m giving away tickets!
The Harlem Globetrotters “Pushing The Limits” 2020 World Tour premiers February 15-22 at three venues. Pure fun best shared with family and friends, the memory of a lifetime experience also features a “Fifth Quarter” free interactive post-game autograph sessions where fans will have the opportunity to meet the Globetrotter stars up close and personal.
Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win 4 tickets to the Harlem Globetrotter show. ($40 value per ticket)
Disclosure. Thank you Harlem Globetrotters for partnering with queenbeelatina.com for this giveaway.
Pechanga Arena San Diego February 14 at 7pm & February 23 at 2pm Toyota Arena in Ontario February 15th at 2pm & 5pm Staples Center in Los Angeles February 16th 2pm Honda Center Anaheim February 22 at 2pm & 7pm
In the world of male dominating film making, it’s always refreshing to see a woman in charge. I headed to the lot of Universal Studios with Dolittle, the new movie on my mind. Producer Susan Downey sat down with Queenbeelatina.com at Universal Studios to give an insight on producing, “Team Downey,” her leading man, and all things Dolittle.
Thank you Universal Pictures for inviting me to interview Susan Downey and Robert Downey Jr. All opinions on my own.
Susan’s first question, addressed what everyone was wondering. How does she manage to keep her inspiration flowing, with men seemingly in charge of everything?
Susan explained how she grew up in front of the camera as a hobby, but her interest was actually with what the people around her were doing. She attended the prestigious University of Southern California for film.
When she attended, there were 50 students in her class, only 3 other of which were women. In her junior year, her school eventually opened up 50 more spots, totaling 100 students… but yet, only totaling 8 women. However, Susan continues to keep tabs. When recently speaking to the Dean of USC; Dean Daly (SP) she confirmed times are changing, and the students are now graduating with classes that have a 50-50 gender ratio. It was music to the ears of all the women who sat at the roundtable.
Susan Downey, “So part of my theory is you put your nose down and you do the work. That said, I also personally think women are very well-equipped to do this job. I think that taking on more things only makes us better and stronger and more efficient and I think that the multitasking that’s required to be a producer is certainly for me perfectly suited, but most women and working mothers I know would be very good at it. And then I think the key is ultimately your dealing with personalities and people. And I think you have to remember that.”
Dr. John Dolittle lives in solitude behind the high walls of his lush manor in 19th-century England. His only companionship comes from an array of exotic animals that he speaks to on a daily basis. But when young Queen Victoria becomes gravely ill, the eccentric doctor and his furry friends embark on an epic adventure to a mythical island to find the cure.
In regards to Dolittle, Susan Downey really created a world of her own with the film. She wanted to create striking visualizations, while still staying true to the Hugh Lofting books themselves.
This project really differs from her other work, as the visuals required in this film, took an extensive amount of work; it’s almost like shooting two films. The layers that went into the film, we’re imagined as time went, in Susans words, “It [was] not a paint by numbers.” All the animals in the film are CGI, with the exception of horses. In the middle of a conversation of how realistic the parrot was, in came Robert Downey Jr.
The relationship between the two became immediately electric, it is no wonder they worked so well together. Their work relationship was built on respect, but there are no definitive roles. We can only expect more spectacular work coming from what is now known as “Team Downey”, and trust, there will be no disappointments.
Susan Downey, “The biggest challenge on this film was probably from a technical aspect, to be honest. I think that it always had the heart and the emotion that you would want in the story and there was this desire to have this incredible spectacle, whether it was the worlds we were creating, you know, when they went on this adventure or the animals. And even though both Robert and I have dealt with visual effects heavy movies in the past whether it was Sherlock or the Marvel movies, this was a whole other level because you are essentially shooting a live action movie and then you’re in postproduction creating an animated movie.”
To my surprise, Robert Downey Jr. showed up to chime and sit to chat! (totally unexpected, because I was only scheduled to interview Susan.)
Question: I have to say the movie is hilarious. There’s a lot of comedy with the characters. Everybody has a really defined, clear character. Was any of the improvised? You know, did you guys go strictly by the script or did you actually–
Robert Downey Jr.: “Craig can do whatever he wants because he can do no wrong. The rest of us would have our moments, but–and we like working on things where we really are redrafting things. If you have a chance to take another shot at something or you what we need is this and will go back and grab it. It’s controlled chaos.“
(from left) Lord Thomas Badgley (Jim Broadbent), Dr. Blair Müdfly (Michael Sheen), Tommy Stubbins (Harry Collett), Dr. John Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.), dog Jip (back to camera, Tom Holland) and Lady Rose (Carmel Laniado) in “Dolittle,” directed by Stephen Gaghan.
“Team Downey,” also talked about their upcoming projects.
About Team Downey
Team Downey is an entertainment company founded by Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey that produces film, television and digital properties.
Team Downey is currently in post-production on Universal’s “Dolittle,” which is set to release on January, 17, 2020. “Dolittle” features an all-star cast with Downey Jr. in the title role. Team Downey is in various stages of development on several other anticipated feature projects including “A Head Full of Ghosts” with Osgood Perkins attached to write and direct. Additionally, they have partnered with Annapurna Pictures on an untitled feature based on Gimlet Media’s “Reply All” podcast episode “Man of the People,” with Richard Linklater writing and directing. On the television side, Team Downey is producing HBO’s “Perry Mason” starring Matthew Rhys, with episodes directed by Tim Van Patten and Denize Gamze Ergüven, and written by Rolin Jones and Ron Fitzgerald. Team Downey is also in post-production on the pilot “Sweet Tooth” for Warner Bros TV, as well as an eight-episode docuseries entitled “Age of AI” for YouTube Originals.
Don’t miss #Dolittle in theaters Friday January 17th!
Every year, a week before Christmas my familia gets together to make one hundred pounds of tamales. My mom’s recipe is a staple dish at our Navidad celebration. El Gallo Giro has always been our go to for our masa and other authentic Mexican food.
Thank you El Gallo Giro for partnering for this post. All opinions are my own.
My son and his papi love tamales. It’s a special dish we look forward to during the holidays. We love El Gallo Giro, because we can also find other delicious dishes such as posole, tortas, tacos, atole, Mexican bread, fresh juices, and much more!
The kitchen has always the heart of our home, and our favorite meeting place.
It is a place we we enjoy traditional Mexican food, laughs, and even sorrows. At our annual “tamalada”(tamale-making party) we prepare a multigenerational assembly line with the tios (aunts and uncles), primos (cousins), and grandkids. It’s a very special occasion for us, and we look forward to it every year.
Every year we picked up our masa, hojas (corn husks), and champurrado (tasty drink made with masa) from El Gallo Giro in Santa Ana. The masa is prepared fresh everyday, and grandma Cuca approves the quality and taste for our annual tamales, so with no doubt we know they will be delicious.
It’s so convenient to know we can easily go pick it all up locally at El Gallo Giro.
My parents now passed down these special recipes to us, so that we can continue this tradition with our children.
Familia is very important to us, and we can’t wait to create more memories with our kids. Gracias El Gallo Giro!
Are you looking for something fun to do with your kids this winter break?
The California Science Center loves our furry friends as much as you do, therefore they are celebrating dogs at their museum, in Los Angeles!
Dogs! A Science Tail exhibit is in it’s final weeks (ends Jan. 5th), and you don’t want to miss it. Have you ever wondered about your dog’s natural instincts and how he sees the world? This educational experience is loads of fun, and great for the entire family!
My youngest has been begging visit this exhibit, therefore we will head on over during his holiday break. He’s been working really hard this school semester, so he certainly deserves this little treat.
Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a family 4 Pack to this fun exhibit!
Thank you California Science Center for partnering with Queen Bee Latina for this giveaway!
About Exhibit
Sniff out the science behind our puppy love! Let curiosity be your guide and discover life from a dog’s point of view in Dogs! A Science Tail. Experience the extraordinary way a dog sees, hears, and smells the world through fun and unique hands-on exhibits in this 9,000 sq. ft. exhibition for humans. From lovable companions to loyal protectors, dogs evolved from ancient wolves into the cuddly canines that live and work alongside us today. Unearth the science beneath our enduring bond and dig deeper into these incredible animals. You will never look at dogs the same way again!
This fun interactive exhibit is great for the entire family!
Enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a family 4 pack to Dogs! A Science Tail
Please note: Humans only! Service dogs that have been individually trained to work or perform tasks for a guest with a disability are welcome, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Pets, comfort animals, emotional support animals, or therapy animals are not allowed, for the safety of the exhibit animals in the Science Center’s World of Life and Ecosystems exhibitions.
Address: 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Tori and I have been experimenting and tying new recipes for our upcoming holiday feast, and the Bobby at Home Cookbook arrived in the mail just in time. We were ecstatic about trying some of his famous dishes. The kids and I were salivating while we looked through the images in this new cookbook.
I asked Tori what she wanted to make, and she chose the Crispy Coconut-Scallion Rice. (page 105) We agreed that this flavorful side dish would be a great compliment to our international holiday feast that will include turkey, ham, and maybe even tamales. Yes, our holiday menu is not so traditional, but we love tasty food and hey why not?
This recipe is very easy to make, and I have included a recipe card to share with you!
Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a Bobby at Home Cookbook and a $50 dollar Kirkland’s gift card to help you get cozy this winter.
Disclosure: Clarkson Potter sent me a copy and is partnering with me for a giveaway!
If there is one single dish that is responsible for me winning on Beat Bobby Flay, it is this one. Not served on its own, obviously, but alongside braises and Asian-inspired dishes. If the judges were tied on their decision, this coconut rice, with its crispy bottom, was the deciding factor. It should come as no surprise that it is just as popular when I serve it at home. If you can make the rice the night before or use leftover rice from Chinese takeout, all the better. The rice really needs to be cool and separated to get really crispy—it will not work with warm rice
1/2cupThinly sliced scallions, plus more for garnish
1/4cupCanola oil
Instructions
Combine the coconut milk, 2 teaspoons salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the rice and bring back to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender, about 18 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Spread the rice in an even layer over a large baking sheet and let cool completely, about 30 minutes. The rice can be made up to 24 hours in advance; store it on the baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator.
Combine the rice and scallions in a large bowl. Heat the oil in a large cast-iron or nonstick pan over high heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the rice and, using a heavy-duty metal spatula, immediately press the rice down into the pan until the top is flat. Cook, without stirring, until the bottom becomes golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes (start checking at 4 minutes, making sure not to burn it). Turn the rice over and press down firmly on the top again. Cook until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes more. Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with more scallions, and serve
With 165+ recipes, Bobby Flay opens up his home and shares his bold, approachable style of cooking for family and friends, along with his no-nonsense, essential advice for home cooks.
Expect crowd-pleasing classics taken to the next level with exciting flavors, such as Spanish-style shrimp and grits, pumpkin pancakes with apple cider syrup, and sticky-savory-sweet Korean BBQ chicken. Riff on go-to dishes just as Bobby does with his master recipes for essentials, along with creative variations that take the base recipe in a range of directions to suit your mood, such as crispy bacon glazed with pomegranate molasses, deviled eggs topped with fried oysters, and mussels steamed in a heady green curry broth. With Bobby by your side, cooking at home just got a lot more exciting.
About the Author
Bobby Flayis one of the country’s most celebrated chefs, restaurateurs, media personalities, and authors. He is a James Beard Award winner, the author of 13 cookbooks, and has starred in 14 Food Network programs. In 2015, he became the first chef to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What’s on your holiday menu this year?
Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a Bobby at Home Cookbook and a $50 dollar Kirkland’s gift card to help you get cozy this winter.
As a mother of a severely handicapped child, it can be extremely difficult for me to find resorts that accommodate to her disabilities.
Many resorts, hotels and restaurants don’t offer wheelchair accessible options. To my pleasant surprise, I learned Turks and Caicos Beaches Resort provides full wheelchair accessibility. As a matter of fact, they make it one of their commitments as a resort. I have spent countless hours schlepping my daughters wheelchair through sand and dirt, in hopes that she too could enjoy beautiful views, and exciting experiences with us. At Beaches Resorts, wheelchair users are accommodated with ramps and lifts situated throughout the grounds.
Disclosure: Thank you Beaches Resort for hosting my family. All opinions are my own.
Accommodations for guests with mobility restrictions include wider clearance on doorways, bathroom rails, lowered light switches & faucets, bathroom benches and more. These little luxuries make my world as a mother, so much easier. I regret now not taking my daughter with us, as I know she would’ve had the time of her life. It’s often risky to take my daughter anywhere we don’t know well, as we feel staff etc. can be very anxious in situations they aren’t too familiar with. The staff at Beaches Resorts however, are highly experienced and are always willing to let out a helping hand.
Sadly, my son ran a fever on the first day we arrived at the Turks and Caicos Beaches Resort. He couldn’t hold anything down, and laid sluggishly on his bed.
After being provided medicine by the resort clinic (yes, there is a physician on staff 24 hours), we constantly debated what to give him to eat. Mac and Cheese? Too heavy for his stomach. Steak and Mash? Even heavier! Our waitress approached us with the friendliest smile, offering us the daily (delicious) Indian food options. We told him about our son, and how we feared to give him anything. The cook came out to talk to us and listened empathetically, and assured us that he had the perfect meal for him. We waited a few minutes, as he approached us with most appetizing and healing fresh chicken soup.
My husband and I thanked the cook a million times, while trying to give him a tip for his selfless act. He simply said, “There is no need for tips, I hope your son feels better soon.” Let me repeat, the staff at Beaches Resorts are like no other. They truly make you feel at home, and always greet you with the warmest attitude. Which makes me believe whole- heartedly, my daughter can one day experience the delightful people of Turks and Caicos like we have. One last thing, did I mention my son was better seemingly overnight? That soup was magical; but so is Beaches resort.
Thank you Beaches Resort for your incredible hospitality! This trip will down in our family memory book forever… Book your stay at Beaches Turks and Caicos today!
Picture with Susan Kelechi Watson stars as Andrea Vogel
Last weekend, Sony Pictures Entertainment invited a group of social influencers to screen the new Tom Hanks movie, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhoodin which Hanks plays the role of Fred Rogers, the beloved children’s television icon. Prior to viewing the movie, I did have some trepidation on whether Hanks would be able to pull off the role. Would I be able to sit through the entirety of the movie engrossed in the belief that it really was Mr. Rogers up on screen? The doubts dissipated within minutes of the movie starting. Hanks was able to capture Mr. Rogers in every sense of the way.
Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about kindness, love and forgiveness from America’s most beloved neighbor.
This movie is not a bio pic about the life of Mr. Rogers which is what I was hoping to see, but even so, this movie did not disappoint.
It’s a different take on the life of Mr. Rogers and through it we still managed to gain some insight into how he came to hold the views which made him so memorable and yet often times viewed with much cynicism.
Could a human being truly be as compassionate and genuinely nice as Mr. Rogers made himself out to be? Was there perhaps a hidden agenda that Mr. Rogers possessed or maybe some sleazy secret he was hiding from the rest of the world? I mean, Bill Cosby certainly fooled the world for years. And to helps answer these questions, in comes Lloyd Vogel, the protagonist of the movie played by Matthew Rhys.
Vogel is the magazine journalist tasked with having to interview Mr. Rogers for a small piece on heroes.
He is skeptical of Mr. Rogers and sneers at the idea of him being considered a hero. In the process, Vogel finds himself in a constant push/pull battle with Mr. Rogers’ optimistic views on humanity. His negative outlook stems from the childhood trauma of having a mother who died while he was still a teenager and an absentee father who abandoned the family to deal with the loss on their own.
It is with the help of Mr. Rogers that Vogel is finally able to deal with anger he’s been holding onto and mend his relationship with his father. And to answer the question I raised above, yes, it seems Mr. Rogers truly was a genuinely nice human being.
From time to time I want to feel pampered, and feel like the world is on pause for a few hours. I work 3 jobs, and am a mother of 4. Sorry dads, but being a mom is like 6 jobs in one. I’m basically a magician and professional juggler. My girlfriends knew I was in need of some serious rest and relaxation, and a massage.
Then, the heavens opened up for my birthday and my girls and I went to Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Temescal Valley, California.
Thank you Glen Ivy Hot Springs for hosting my visit. All opinions are my own.
Glen Ivy Hot Springs is a luxurious hidden paradise. The drive out of OC was an easy 45 minute drive. It was my first time at the spa, and at a glance it was breathtaking. Why haven’t I been here sooner?
The amenities at this sensational day spa has 19 pools, saunas, a fitness class, massages, facial and nail care service, along with Club Mud. (they recommend you book 4 weeks in advance to ensure you get a spot).
This hidden oasis is just what I needed to disconnect and breathe.
I have realized that taking time for myself, completely changes my mindset. It’s important recharge, so I can be the best version of me.
Oh and let me tell you about my marvelous massage…
The Spa Wave Table combines gentle sound waves, and specially designed music with a highly efficient vibration massage system. While the special sounds slow down the mental activity, the vibration massage acts specifically on the energy centers of the body. This innovative sound massage system combines the effects of deep relaxation techniques as well as meditation and mindfulness.
The Spa Wave offers an extraordinary relaxation and anti-stress experience. I felt so relaxed and mentally sound after this dreamy massage.
Ivy Kitchen
The Ivy Kitchen was conveniently located on the Spa grounds. The girls and I shared a lovely lunch filled with belly laughs and good conversation. We talked about the stress of our daily lives, and how we need to make time for ourselves to be better moms.
Their farm-to-table philosophy means they source organic and locally grown ingredients whenever possible. The avocados are harvested from trees growing on their property. If they are running low, the staff often rushes the orchards to pick more.
The Poke Salad was fresh, crisp, and tasty…
I can’t stress how important it is to take care of yourself. Being a mother and provider can be exhausting. “Researchers, who examined individuals’ emotional exhaustion, cynicism and professional effectiveness, discovered that women are more likely to suffer burnout.”-NAFE
After my INCREDIBLE massage, we made our way to Club Mud. We immersed ourselves in the spring water mud pool and slathered our wet skin with California red clay. It’s blended into a silky soft paste with mineral water. We baked in the sun and in the warm ‘Wafa’ cave. We washed off the dry mud when it became loose and flaky on the skin.
After I washed off , my skin was glowing, was smooth to the touch. I had been ignoring my skin’s dull appearance for weeks, because I really just don’t have the time.
Girl time at Glen Ivy Hot Springs is just what I needed to refresh, relax, and rejuvenate.
Ladies! Ignore your mental lists, order take out instead of cooking, go out on date nights, and take that weekend for yourself. YOU DESERVE IT!
As we move into to the school year and closer to the holidays, I find I have less time with the kids. I try my best to schedule little dates to chat and spend quality time with them.
My youngest son is growing so fast, and he has become quite the foodie. We recently had a brunch date at Mess Hall Market in Tustin. This chef-driven market food hall, offers a wide assortment of mouthwatering food and beverage options… We are loving this new spot!
Hosted: Thank you The Lost Bean and The Sandwich Society for hosting our brunch at Mess Hall Market. All opinions are my own.
First, we started our morning with this delicious Acai Bowl from The Lost Bean. They also serve fresh brewed coffee, and nommy smoothies.
Check out this flavorful fall inspired drink line up:
And yes, they are as delicious as they look!
Matcha Latte: Matcha, Soy, Simple Syrup 🍵🍃
Monkey Mocha Blended: Real Banana, Mocha Powder, Coffee🍌🐵(my son’s favorite)
(Seasonal) Brown Sugar Spice Latte: Brown Sugar, Spice Blend, Milk, Espresso☕️🥛
How cute are these? I think these would make a great holiday gift.
Next stop…The Sandwich Society. This offers a delicious variety of sandwiches, both hot and cold.
My son was all smiles when he ate this GINORMOUS burrito! The Society BF Burrito is for those that enjoy a breakfast of champs. It has bacon, potatoes, grilled onions, cheddar cheese, bell peppers, sausage, ham, and house salsa roja.
Check out this ” Tur-bacon Avocado” (cold) I could barely get my hands around it. It was so big and delicious!
The staff was so accommodating and friendly!
If you are looking for a quick brunch spot, I HIGHLY recommend these eateries. I absolutely love the outdoor patio with incredible view, and the food options at Mess Hall Market are fabulous. I like that I can take my entire family, and they can pick and choose what they like.
Start your day with gourmet coffee and an invigorating breakfast, and finish it with a drink (or fresh squeezed juice) and dinner from our full service bar and culinary shops. In between, make the most of your lunch break by stopping in for a quick bite or a working lunch with coworkers and friends in our one of a kind dining environment.
