Queen Bee Latina

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and Ford Motor Co. Fund Donates $20k to Huntington Park H.S.

Last week, I headed to Huntington Park High School to meet with the incredible students and staff. The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and Ford Motor Company Fund donated $20k worth of musical instruments to Huntington Park High School! This wonderful program brings awareness and emphasizes the importance of music education in public schools.

Sadly, many public schools have begun to exclude music and the arts from their curriculums to make room for other subjects. The arts is an extremely important for children to learn and can lead to healthier brain development, increases in human connections, and even stress relief.

The talented culinary students, greeted us with incredible smiles and a delicious breakfast. The school had a wonderful vibe and great school spirit.

The educational panel was moderated by actress, entrepreneur, and singer Jackie Cruz. (Orange is the New Black)

Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY nominee Angela Aguilar shared her experience about the road to success with the Huntington Park students.

Angela spoke very passionately with students. She has been training since the early age of three, but expressed that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. She was all giggles when a Huntington Park High School student invited her to his prom.

The students were absolutely ecstatic when Angela Aguilar and her brother Leonardo performed for the Huntington Park students.

Since the beginning of the partnership in 2014, more than 6,000 students have benefited from the donation of more than $400,000 worth of musical instruments to schools in U.S. cities such as Aransas Pass, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami and New York; as well as internationally in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; and Arecibo, Bayamón, Humacao and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

It was a very memorable moment, and I was so happy to be part of it. Go Spartans!

ABOUT FORD MOTOR COMPANY FUND

As the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, Ford Fund’s mission is to strengthen communities and help make people’s lives better. Working with dealers and nonprofit partners in 63 countries, Ford Fund provides access to opportunities and resources that help people reach their full potential. Since 1949, Ford Fund has invested more than $2 billion in programs that support education, promote safe driving, enrich community life and encourage employee volunteering. For more information, visit www.fordfund.org or join us at @FordFund on Facebook and Instagram and @fordfund_ on Twitter.

Girl’s Getaway: Harrah’s Resort SoCal & Café Tacuvba Concert

Last weekend, my primas (cousins) and I embarked on an EPIC family adventure! We left the kiddos and hubby’s at home, and made our way to Harrah’s Resort SoCal in Funner, California for a mini girl’s staycation. We also booked tickets for the Café Tacuvba’s 30th Anniversary Concert!

Sometimes we need to disconnect and get a break from mom life. This was exactly what we needed to recharge and get some girl time.

Thank you Harrah’s Resort SoCal for hosting us at your gorgeous resort. All opinions are my own.

The resort was an easy hour and a half drive out of Orange County. The drive up was lovely. The property is a hidden oasis, tucked away in the mountains.

The suites at Harrah’s SoCal were spacious and chic.

When we were kids, we loved to have sleepovers. My inner child was ecstatic about reconnecting and catching up with #LasPrimasLopez. (our weekend hashtag)

We talked and caught up on the family gossip, and reminisced about our childhood. We barely slept, because we had so much to share!

We worked up an appetite after the pool, so we looked for somewhere to eat.

There are several restaurants and quick eateries to choose from at the resort. We dined at The Buffet, that way everyone can eat what their palates desired. The food options were endless and delicious. It was so hard to choose!

How does my meal look?

They had a huge selection of things to try. It was seriously so hard to choose! We went back a few more times. Hehehe

Ohhhh and the desserts were OMG…

I have a weakness for sweets. The desserts at the buffet were incredible. I keep thinking about these mini Tiramisu cups. They were insane good!

The spa was heavenly, and I decided to take advantage of the wonderful amenities.

11,000 square feet
15 treatment rooms (including a couples room)
Cedar lined saunas
Steam rooms
Saltwater baths
Relaxation lounges
Full-service salon
Barbershop

To book an appointment, call 760-751-7709.

I chose the Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial. Still a week later, my skin feels soft, rejuvenated, and even looks brighter. You can choose from a 50 or 80 minute treatment. It was sooo worth it.

About The Treatment
Oxygen under pressure is applied directly to the skin’s surface, cooling and calming the skin while restoring its natural vitality and glow.

Some of my best childhood memories are with this crazy bunch. Harrah’s Resort SoCal was perfect for our mini adventure.

We enjoyed cocktails by the pool, floated on this Lazy River, and shared great conversation.

This resort is kid friendly and great for families too!

Oh and of course just had to have matching t-shirts for the Café Tacuvba Concert.

My prima and I met with the band before the show. We were OHHH so excited!

Another pinch me moment!

The Café Tacuvba concert was sensational. Still after 30 years, these guys put on an unbelievable show. It brought us back to our youth. We shared how much we love their music, and how their tunes have followed us throughout our lives.

The resort and service was exceptional. We will definitely return with our families for another getaway.

The shenanigans, belly laughs, and music will go down in our memory book…

¡Gracias Harrah’s Resort SoCal!

#LasPrimasLopez

777 Harrah’s Rincon Way
Funner, CA 92082Phone: (760) 751-3100

Giveaway: The Fire Keeper Book and Visa Gift Card

Disclosure: Thank you Disney Book Group for sponsoring this giveaway.

Last night we went to Andrew’s Back to School night, and his teacher reiterated the importance of reading at home. I am always looking for books that he will be interested in and enjoy. I want him to love reading as much as his older sisters do!

The Fire Keeper, is the exciting sequel to last year’s middle-grade bestseller, The Storm Runner, by J.C. Cervantes.

Here are some excellent reasons why it is so very important for your children to read:

Children who read often and widely get better at it
Reading exercises their brain
Reading improves concentration
Reading teaches children about the world around them
Reading improves vocabulary and language skills
Reading develops a child’s imagination
Reading helps children to develop empathy
Reading is a fun

GET FIRED UP!

Ease back into the school year with a good book! Enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win:

a copy of The Fire Keeper
branded baseball cap & bumper sticker
plus a $50 Visa gift card to stock up on a fresh wardrobe

About The Series

A contemporary adventure based on Maya mythology from Rick Riordan Presents! In Book 1, The Storm Runner, a lonely boy in New Mexico has a physical disability that makes middle school feel even more like everyone is watching him. But as he soon learns, his physical differences are merely the first clue to a family history that connects him to the Maya gods—and puts him in mortal danger.

About The Fire Keeper

Zane Obispo’s new life on a beautiful secluded tropical island, complete with his family and closest friends, should be perfect. But he can’t control his newfound fire skills yet (inherited from his father, the Maya god Hurakan); there’s a painful rift between him and his dog ever since she became a hell hound; and he doesn’t know what to do with his feelings for Brooks.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Exclusive Interview with the Cast of Netflix Original Tall Girl

Earlier this month, we met with the talented cast of Netflix’s “Tall Girl. ” This movie is great for teens and the entire family, and you can now stream it on Netflix!

About Tall Girl

Miss Ava Michelle plays “Jodi”, a self-conscious teen who feels she doesn’t fit in because of her height, until she falls for a handsome foreign exchange student. Jodi becomes embroiled in a surprising love triangle and realizes she’s far more than her insecurities about her height have led her to believe.

This movie has a great message especially for teens, who are constantly feeling beat down for being different or unconventional.

Correspondent Victoria Camacho, got the behind the scenes scoop, and spoke to the cast of the new film. Check it out!

Tori spoke to Ava Michelle, Sabrina Carpenter, Griffin Gluck, and
Luke Eisner.

My family also had the opportunity to screen the film beforehand, and it brought up some much needed conversations in our home. My girls expressed they felt many relatable moments, and thought this film would be great for teens. Clarissa said, “This coming of age film empowers victims of bullying, and females of all ages. Whether you are bullied for your height, your age, your ethnicity, or your beliefs, this film encourages young individuals, to stand tall and live fearlessly. Bravo, Netflix!”

My son Andrew is 12, and he has seen it a few times since we screened it. He just loves it. Just fyi there may be some mature content in this film, so parents make sure to watch it beforehand to make sure it is appropriate for your preteens.

Oh what a sweet treat!

Last week, I decorated cakes at Duff’s Cakemix with Angela Kinsey (The Office), who stars as Helanie Kreyman in the new film. (love her) We talked about her new cooking channel “Baking with Josh and Ange” and about her role in Tall Girl. Her new cooking show if full of laughs, so be sure to check it out!

Check out the trailer and stream it NOW!

Cirque Mei Comes to Segerstrom Center for the Arts Sept 14-15 #SCFTA

Photo Credit to Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Cirque Mei

This weekend my family will embark on a colorful, theatrical, and acrobatic journey…

Cirque Mei is coming to Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa September 14-15! Join us and share many jaw dropping moments while we watching some of China’s most sensational acrobats LIVE on stage.

Renowned acrobatic troupe Cirque Mei comes to Segerstrom Center for the Arts for two performances September 14 and 15 in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. From the People’s Republic of China, Cirque Mei brings a colorful celebration of traditional and contemporary Chinese circus acts. The company travels with a community of more than 130 circus performers who tour throughout China and the world performing many of the most popular Chinese circus routines, including hoops diving, Lion Dance, collective bicycle skills, flying meteors, foot juggling with umbrellas, female contortion and a ladder balancing act.

About Cirque Mei

With a company of 40 elite circus artists and acrobats, these performances will include many of the most popular Chinese circus routines including Hoops Diving, Lion Dance, Collective Bicycle Skills, Flying Meteors, Foot Juggling with Umbrellas, Female Contortion, and Ladder Balancing Act.

Cirque Mei was founded in 1976 and supports a community of over 130 circus performers who tour throughout China and the world.

Single tickets start at $29 and are available now online at www.SCFTA.org,

CIRQUE MEI
Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

Hope to see you there!

Saturday, September 14 at 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 15 at 2:00 p.m.

In Person – The Box Office
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

Online – SCFTA.org

Phone – (714) 556-2787
Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

Group Sales – (714) 755-0236
Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday

Celebrate Summer With This White Peach Margarita Recipe

My son is back in school, and I can’t help but to feel a little nostalgic…

Fortunately, the sun is shinning gloriously in SoCal and we can still enjoy summer with friends and family. I simply love to entertain, and host the ones I love most.

In celebration of summer and back to school, I have created a White Peach Margarita Recipe to share with you! After playing around with different ingredients, I made the perfect summer drink using Tropical Passage Orange Juice. My mom and Tia Elvira are my biggest critics, so I had them try it and they approved! Phew… The recipe card is below. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! (The recipe below serves four)

I am so grateful for the wonderful people in my life, and I hope to share more memories with them. I love to see their reactions when I prepare a craft cocktail or special meal for them. It fills my heart with great joy to make others smile.

Hey guys! I am giving a Ninja Smart Screen Blender on Instagram. Visit my page, and enter for a chance to win! Available to U.S. residents only.

Sponsored: Thank you Tropical Passage Orange Juice for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

White peaches are in season. Yipee! I love the crisp texture and sweet taste.

Growing up, the best memories I have are centered around my mom’s kitchen. We always had a full house with my siblings (6- I am the youngest), tias (aunts), primos (cousins) and friends who were always like our extended family.

My mom loved to experiment with recipes in the kitchen, and share her special concoctions with us. I hope to create the same amount of warmth and amor in my kitchen too!

Check out Tropical Passage Orange Juice on Instagram.

About Tropical Passage Orange Juice

Real juice content
No added sugar
Low calories
Vitamins
And let’s not forget the Yumminess

Tropical Passage has natural colors and flavors. There are three delicious flavors: Pineapple Banana, Mango Peach, and Citrus Orange. There are no preservatives added. And three delicious flavors that will blow you away. Want to know more? Click the here.

I added fresh lime juice in my recipe for a tangy kick.

I was so excited to take my new Ninja Smart Screen Blender out of the box. It’s so classy looking and high tech. Ooh la la! It was super easy to use. I used the frozen drink option to whip up my margarita creation, and wallah it was ready to serve.

These personal blenders that are perfect for single-serve smoothie making to kitchen systems that elevate your meal prep abilities, Ninja has a blender for whatever your kitchen calls for.

Prepare to dazzle your guests with this delicious recipe. It is so easy to make!

White Peach Margarita Recipe

Keyword cocktails, margaritas, white peach, white peach margarita

Prep Time 10 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

6 Whole White Peaches (peel and pit)
1 Cup Tropical Passage Juice of your choice I used Mango Peach for this recipe
1/2 Cup Lime Juice
1/2 Cup Triple Sec
1 Cup Tequila of your choice I used Silver for this recipe
1 Cup Ice

Instructions

First, peel and pit and slice your white peaches. Put in your blender, then add Tropical Passage juice, lime juice, Triple Sec, Tequila, and Ice. I used the frozen drink option on my Ninja Smart Screen blender. Blend ingredients until it creates a puree and slush consistency. Serve chilled.

I love to garnish my drinks with colorful edible flowers. It looks lovely, they impress, and my guests enjoy them.

Cheers to a happy summer!

~Queen Bee Latina aka: Angela Saldaña Camacho

COMING to Legoland CA: The Lego Movie World!

The children ran gleefully towards the gate of Legoland, California. The boys, were in in for a treat when we made our way to their favorite theme park.

The LEGO Movie World will be added to Legoland park and opening 2020. The new park will be inspired The Lego Movie, and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. It’s the largest park addition in Legoland history! My son Andrew cheered in awe, as we learned more about Bricksburg.

Coming 2020 to LEGOLAND, California

In 2020 families will be able to experience Unikittys Disco Drop, Benny’s Play Ship, Masters of Flight, and Emmets Super Suite Apartment!

I know this will be a dream come true for all Lego Movie fanatics. My adorable nephews talked about their excitement for Unikittys Disco. They love Unikitty, because she’s undeniably fearless, and bold. Andrew is excited to meet Emmet; his favorite character! Other familiar faces will be featured in this park, such as Sweet Mayhem. As the children spoke about the upcoming addition, they were clearly in a whimsical mind of their own.

We always have a great time at LEGOLAND. Our beloved park keeps getting better and better! I can’t wait to bring my son and nephews for the years to come. Oh, and yes… we sang “Everything is Awesome” on my way home.

For updates on the upcoming 2020 experience, and future events, subscribe to LEGOLAND, California resort here.

Do you love Legoland, California?

Pick up your annual pass for as low as $15 dollars! *online only

Now available on LEGOLAND Gold and Platinum Passes to LEGOLAND Park, Water Park and SEA LIFE
Enjoy all the membership benefits including FREE parking, resort discounts and more!
Requires an initial payment as low as $27.99 and a 12-month commitment
For more click here.

HOURS: Open 10AM-5PM daily.

ADDRESS: 1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008

PHONE: (760) 444-5601

Exclusive Interview With Director Sergio Guerrero To Discuss Film “Intolerance No More”

Last month, we had an exclusive interview with director Sergio Guerrero to discuss his new film “Intolerance No More.” This film is striking up intense conversations, and is currently circulating internationally in film festivals and universities to support initiatives such as AB392, and also find distribution in order to keep the conversation open and together find solutions.

In our volatile political climate, “Intolerance No More” could have not come at a better time. The film touches the topics of racial profiling, police injustices, and media manipulation. This movie was brilliantly crafted to create noise and to raise awareness.

LIVE Instagram Interview July 3, 2019

About The Film

This film follows the story of a young African American woman who has an encounter with a white police officer that leaves him dead. The world watches a media circus real-time hunt for her and the truth. This movie truly opens the eyes of all individuals, as we follow an African American woman directly. The story from her eyes is rooted in tragedy, fear, and confusion. These are the stories that go too often untold.

Guerrero was very strategic with the creation of his film. He wanted to create discussion, by giving multiple point of views (including the proclaimed assailant). He explained, that the only point of view we typically see, are those told by media outlets.

His inspiration for the film, is rooted in a real life experience. One day while watching the news, he saw an African American woman being chased by police officers. To Guerrero’s surprise, the news anchors jumped to racially charged stereotypes and judgments. He wondered, how many other individuals were judged as quickly as this woman.

This movie is important, because it showcases a scenario that is all too familiar in our communities.

About Director Sergio Guerrero

A USC Cinematic Arts graduate and Emmy Award winner Sergio Guerrero produced and co-wrote the multi-awarded feature film, “A Day Without a Mexican”, a sleeper hit that later served as the banner for the immigration movement in the United States. Guerrero is the creator, director and producer for Fox “Dos Lunas” starring Barbara Mori and Leonardo Sbaraglia. In addition, he produced the first original scripted series for NBC Universo called “El Vato”. In between movies and TV shows Sergio has over 500 commercials under his belt as director / producer with his Indie Eye Productions. Sergio continues to create premium content for all platforms such as the TV series “Soccer & Drinks” and his indie film “Intolerance” to be release at the end of the year.

Intolerance No More Film Crew

Giveaway: Avengers Endgame Digital Download

What’s your number?

Ours is five… I’m referring to the number of times my family has seen the Avengers: Endgame in theaters. You can now buy it on Digital on on Blu-ray. Yippee!

In celebration of “Back to School” we are giving away a digital download of Avengers: Endgame!

Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win. One lucky winner will be selected.

Thank your Marvel Studios for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

Are your kids Marvel fans? My kiddo is ready to start the school year, with his cool new Avenger gear!

About Film:

The grave course of events set in motion by Thanos that wiped out half the universe and fractured the Avengers ranks compels the remaining Avengers to take one final stand in Marvel Studios’ grand conclusion to twenty-two films, “Avengers: Endgame.”

Pick up your digital on or Blu-ray copy of Avengers: Endgame today!

Now that the Avengers: Endgame is on digital, we are planning a movie night before the kids return to school.

Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a digital download of Avengers: Endgame!

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Film “Dancing at the Vatican” Brings Huntington’s Disease to Light

Films can move us, educate us, and touch our deepest human chords…

Last night, I screened “Dancing at the Vatican” and I felt all of the of the above. I learned about a rare vicious disease, that is now being brought to life in this film.

Huntington’s disease is a genetic, progressive and fatal disease that affects one person in every 10,000. Latin America holds a special place in the scientific history of HD. In 1993 an international effort first identified the mutations causing Huntington’s disease in the Maracaibo region of Venezuela. Unfortunately, despite the many years since the discovery of the gene, the quality of life of affected people in Venezuela and elsewhere has changed very little.

“Dancing at the Vatican” World Premiere (from left to right):
**Charles Sabine**,Emmy award-winning reporter, global advocate of the disease and co-founder of HDdennomore
**Dr. Ignacio Muñoz-Sanjuan**, a neuroscientist and Huntington’s expert, co-founder of Factor-H, a charity that helps HD sufferers in Latin America. Co-founder of HDdennomore
**Kate Miner –** Actress who emceed the event. Her family is a carrier of Huntington’s Disease
**Juan Pablo Yepez**, Venezuelan actor actively involved with Huntington disease

About Film:

“Dancing at the Vatican,” is an emotionally charged film about Huntington’s disease authored by former Emmy award winning TV reporter Charles Sabine. The film follows villagers from Latin America on a life changing journey to the Vatican and an audience with the Pope.

I could not hold back the tears while screening this film. As a mother of a severely disabled child, I could relate to the heartache and isolation that caregivers and families often feel. It showcases the obstacles and stigma associated with those most affected by this genetic disease. But there is a message of hope, when select families from Venezuela are given a platform at the Vatican in Rome to share their personal journeys.

Pope Benedict showed deep compassion and personally met with these families. It was a magical moment for them, and just beautiful to watch. And yes…. more tears.

To learn more about Huntington Disease, or to see how you can help click here.