Queen Bee Latina

Up Close and Personal With Gen Z Influencers Lily Kate and Annie Rose

Interview with Lily Kate

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

Lily – I am a 17 year old Texas girl. I’m a junior in high school. I have been homeschooled my whole life, and I absolutely love having the freedom homeschooling gives me. I have many passions that include public speaking, art, video editing, dance, and writing. My favorite foods are Lucky Charms and whipped cream. I started vlogging in 2017 because I was inspired by Annie Rose, my little sister. I watched her have fun, get wonderful feedback and work hard so I decided that I wanted to try!

What inspired you to start your vlog?

Lily – I started vlogging in 2017 because I was inspired by Annie Rose, my little sister. I watched her have fun, get wonderful feedback and work hard so I decided that I wanted to try!

Bullying is a huge issue with teens. What message do you have for young people struggling with bullying?

Lily- I have been lucky, since I am a Christian and have been homeschooled, I have not dealt with severe cases of bullying. I am very thankful for that. But something I would encourage is for you to find yourself and never let go of that. Find your own identity and build it up strong; to the point where nobody can break it down. I like to think of it like playing Capture the Flag, once you have your hands on the flag, you never let the flag go! That flag can be your sense of self – never to be let go or lost, and if it is, you exhaust every resource to get it back. Us being secure in ourselves is the most important factor to success in this life. So we must retrieve that flag and show it off proudly.

Plus, remember that:

You are beautiful

You are unique

You are allowed to be different

You are intelligent

You are so very, very loved

And you are not alone.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Lily – 10 years… that is a long time! In 10 years, I want to have published at least three books (currently writing them), I want to have at least 3 degrees, I want to be married and financially stable. I plan to keep doing YouTube as long as the platform exists, I love Instagram and want to continue building my audience there. I am about to begin selling products on Amazon. My goal is to create a lifestyle that I believe in, market it and help others achieve the golden life through aesthetics, books, videos and products. Sprinkled throughout all of this, I want to be a credible public speaker. I have been told that public speaking is my ‘spiritual gift’ (lol). I feel completely comfortable in front of big crowds and I want nothing more than to speak my truth and inspire people to take control of their lives and make them beautiful!

What’s your goal and overall message that would you like to share with your viewers?

Lily – That they are beautiful. That’s it.

So many times in my life I would look in the mirror at that roll of chub over my gut, at the metal braces in my mouth, how round and puffy my face was, or how huge my thighs were and I hated it. I hated myself. I saw myself as a burden to my parents, the least important friend, and I had no self worth. But eventually, with kicking, screaming and lots of sleepless nights, I found myself, my passions and I pulled myself together into a little heap and decided that I was going to be different from everyone else; I was going to be confident and love myself.

So many teens hate their image, personality, status or all of the above, and the sad truth is… that mindset is utterly normal. It is common to be depressed, tired and self-loathing. Teens say ‘want to die’ or ‘I hate myself’ and actually believe it. It is often covered as a joke but, behind every just kidding – there is some truth. This generation suffers so strongly from self hate that right now, the way to be different or to stand out is to fully love yourself and actually accept yourself. The new different is seeing yourself as beautiful, valuable and enough.

Please provide a link to your favorite YouTube video to share on my site.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyk-nKBPt0c&t=1s – this is a super fun video

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYW4P_H3AO-wjoAb9-lQA_Q

Interview with Annie Rose

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

Annie- I’m a 13 year old entrepreneur, youtuber, author, actor, singer, and fashion LOVER!! I started my first youtube channel 4 years ago simply to have fun (considering I was 9). Now I work everyday editing, filming, communicating with my followers, creating new ideas, and let me just say .. I LOVE IT!! Before age 9 I never had a ‘thing’ while my 3 older siblings Matthew, Lily, and Laura were enjoying their own activities and I felt left out. I’ve always been a chatterbox and a storyteller so finding youtube was such a perfect way for me to express myself. I also have discovered my love for writing and fashion along the way and have created my own poetry book and merch line! I’m so grateful for my almost 800k fans and hope I can inspire girls to live their life to the absolute fullest!

What inspired you to start your vlog?

Like I said, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to have a safe place to express myself.

Annie- Keep your head high. If you have a dream, chase it. Have you heard “Mean” by Taylor Swift? She sings, “Someday I’ll be living in a big city and all you’re ever gonna be is mean” Your time really is coming so don’t listen to bullies and haters. Remember that you are strong and beautiful.

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

Annie- English, literature, or writing .. can’t really pick one hehe. When I was eight I would spend all day writing stories and to this day I have loved grammar / writing / poetry. It’s all so beautiful to me. Writing is like an extension of talking, just quieter.

What makes you unique, and why do you think people should follow you?

Annie- Not many girls have the same outlook on life that I have. I see everything in a positive and happy way. I think I can help other girls realize life isn’t so bad and it’s worth living to the absolute fullest.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Annie- I have many dreams. My biggest goals in life are to create my own fashion, and a own my own physical store, publish more books, travel, build my own house, start a family, inspire others, and I hope that in ten years I still live my life to the absolute fullest because like Meghan Trainor says “No we ain’t promised tomorrow”

What advice would you give to young girls that want to start a vlog?

Annie- Don’t stop. If you love it, do it. Don’t stop if you get picked on or because someone tells you to. If I stopped because someone hated on me I wouldn’t be where i am today! If you enjoy doing youtube, that’s all that matters! Not the money, fame, or haters. Keep your head high. If you have a dream, chase it. Have you heard “Mean” by Taylor Swift? She sings, “Someday I’ll be living in a big city and all you’re ever gonna be is mean” Your time really is coming so don’t listen to bullies and haters. Remember that you are strong and beautiful.

Please provide a link to your favorite YouTube video.

Annie- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K3_2-vOwQk&t=1s

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHVSseA5eTTguk_o5InXu9w

LEGOLAND Opens Duplo Playtown

Written By: Clarissa Camacho

My adorable nephew whispered in my ear, “I’m so excited. ” Off we went to Legoland, California. Jack sang the lyrics to “Catchy song” from the LEGO movie 2, while his brother jammed out next to him in the car on our drive up. As we arrived, their little faces lit up. Almost immediately, they ran to Duplo Playground. The updated play area is bright, colorful , and the perfect place where toddlers can let their imaginations roam free.

DUPLO®Playtown includes more than ten whimsical playhouses that feature hands-on activities, slides and interactive elements that encourage kids to use their imagination and creativity while playing. Children can explore a barn, fire station, grocery store, hospital and maze complete with an interactive scarecrow.

The rides were meant for parents (or tias) to bond with their little loves, which made the experience even more memorable.

Kid Power Towers stands tall in the middle of DUPLO®Playtown – kids and parents alike can ride to the top of one of three towers to get an incredible view of the entire Park and enjoy a thrilling “free-fall” down to the bottom.

The boys and I pretended to be nurses, train conductors, gardeners, and artists. They lived in their own little worlds- and it was lovely. As I took pictures of them, I realized I would have to bring them to Legoland more often, because they offered so many toddler friendly stuff things to do! And the memories? Priceless–

The new area is a great option for families with toddlers and the perfect place to let younger children play and experience their first theme park ride on the LEGOLAND®Express Train Ride.

Your little ones will love the new and improved Duplo playground!

Giveaway: Percy Jackson & the Olympians is the Perfect Series for Summer! Enter for a Chance to Win 5-book Series

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

Summertime is around the corner, and we can’t wait to relax, unwind, and get our summer reading on…

“Hey mom the package is here!” my son yelled. Me, “Hold your horses Andrew, let me open it.” His face lit up when the Percy Jackson & the Olympians 5- book series by Rick Riordan arrived in the mail.

In the fall, my son will begin the 6th grade and I want to make sure he keeps up his reading, but also is prepared for the new challenging school year. Summer reading is critical for students to retain the skills learned in the previous school year. Children who don’t read are at risk of falling behind their classmates. Parents can avoid this by making sure kids take time to read. So, I’m challenging my son to finish the Percy Jackson series before summer’s end, and I encourage you to do the same with your kids!

Greek Mythology is one of my son’s favorite types of literature. As a parent, I love to see him read a book he actually enjoys, and to see him off his XBox. (My worst enemy). Moms, can you relate?

* Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win (1) boxed set of the, Percy Jackson & the Olympians 5-book series.

About the Series

Percy Jackson & the Olympians

By Rick Riordan

Read the 5-book series that has been on the New York Times bestseller list for over 500 weeks!

Learn about Greek Mythology as the Percy Jackson series offers readers a fresh and exciting way to learn about the Olympians, the Titans, the Minotaur, and more while enjoying a fast-paced, highly entertaining adventure!

Synopsis of Book 1: The Lightning Thief

Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school… again. And that’s the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy’s Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he’s angered a few of them. Zeus’s master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus’s stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.

My son is hooked on the first book. “ Mom, Percy discovers his powers and is on an adventure to save his mom.“ The look on his face was priceless.

A family that reads together, stays together!

Enter the Rafflecopter here before June 1st for a chance to win (1) boxed set of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians 5-book series before June 15, 2019.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to U.S. addresses only. Prizing provided by Disney Book Group.

Catch Your Favorite Pokémons In Detective Pikachu- Now in Theaters

Earlier this week, my family got a sneak peek of POKÉMON Detective Pikachu at the ArchLight Theater in Hollywood, California. Andrew sat at the edge of his seat, and he could barely contain his excitement while screening this new action packed film. He whispered in my in my ear, ” Mom that’s Bulbasour and Flying Charmander.” He wants me to share with ya’ll that Greninja is his favorite Pokémon of all time in this post. Lol

The surprising Torterra scene was incredible, and my son and I both agree that it was our favorite part. (no more spoilers) Clarissa, my teen daughter said she loved being introduced to Pikachu. “He’s so adorable mom!” Pikachu is impossibly cute and charming.

Watch the trailer!

About

Ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son, Tim, to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth Detective Pikachu. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to work together, as Tim is the only human who can talk with Pikachu, they join forces to unravel the tangled mystery.

This movie is full of action, adventure, and laughs. It is definitely worth seeing with the entire family. Watch Pokémon Detective Pikachu in theaters today!

Movie Review: AVENGERS ENDGAME

Written By: Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson

Whatever it takes.

Walt Disney Studios and Marvel Studios do whatever it takes to give movie and comic book
fans the proper ending to an 11-year arc of its treasured universe with AVENGERS: ENDGAME.

Sure to be one of the biggest grossing films in both studios’ history, ENDGAME directly picks up after super-villain Thanos’ (Josh Brolin) iconic snap in Avengers: Infinity War (2018). Released
nearly a year after Infinity War, Endgame doesn’t waste time getting to the heart of the most monumental questions: Where do we go, and what do we do after Thanos’ snap?

Earth is a now a completely new place for the Avengers team. The survivors, lead by Iron Man
(Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans), are faced with challenging
tasks–grieving and moving forward. Forward is a different direction for each of the surviving
Marvel characters. Ultimately, a plan is devised that puts everything on the line in true
superhero fashion.

Director-brothers Anthony and Joe Russo’s Endgame is a true gem. It is a nod to the truest
Marvel fans, and a wink to the fans of the standalone Avengers movieverse. It’s not necessary
to cram all 21 Marvel films into your Blu-Ray player in preparation, but it certainly gives you the
chance to be nostalgic for all the moments that are timeless in the Marvel universe. Believe me,
there are too many to count, and Endgame is the senior-year yearbook everyone is waiting for.
Stan Lee would be proud.

Audiences have pondered all sorts of endings to this Avengers series, and in the end it is
straightforward and complete. The journey of your favorite character may not be what you
anticipate, but that is where Endgame’s humanity lies. Everyone lost someone after Thanos’
snap. Everyone will do whatever it takes.

Endgame will have its moments where you will laugh at a clever inside joke (the film is loaded
with them) and in the next minute cry every tear you thought you had (there will be many times for that too).

It’s incredible to know that the end is near, as this arc ends with Spider-Man: Far From Home,
releasing July 5, 2019. Disney and Marvel have a wealth of opportunity for the future. After all,
the end is a new beginning.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME releases in U.S. theatres on Friday, April 26.

Vanessa Bañuelos-Dawson is a Disney-loving, nonprofit professional based in Southern California. She contributes to lifestyle blogs when not enjoying the sights, sounds, and shopping at Disneyland. A graduate (B.A. and M.A.) of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film, she’s an avid fan of movies.

Celebrate Earth Day by Watching Disneynature Penguins In Theaters!

Written By: Clarissa Elyse Camacho

On April 17, 2019 pack your bags, and get ready to travel to Antarctica to meet the amazing Steve in Disneynature’s Penguins!

Every ticket sold opening week April 17-23, 2019, Disneynature will make a donation to the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) to help protect penguins across the southern
hemisphere…

Thank you Disney for inviting us to screen Disneynature Penguins, and for the opportunity to interview director Roy Conli. All opinions are my own.

This hilarious film is narrated by Ed Helms; who tells the coming of age story of an Adèlie penguin, who follows his fellow males in the icy Antarctic spring on a quest to build a suitable nest, find a life partner and start a family. However, unlike the other penguins in his breed, nothing comes naturally to him. Steve battles the extreme conditions in the arctic, and an abundance of predators. Disney Nature has touched our hearts again, and made me fall in love with this beautiful story.

Did you know?

The Adélie penguin is classified as near threatened on the IUCN Red List of threatened species.

In my interview with Director Roy Conli, he explained how much character and personality the Adélie Penguins had. They were very animated with their movements, and practically wrote their own stories.

The cinematography and scenic landscapes in this film were breathtaking!

“Penguins” continues Disneynature’s conservation tradition: for every ticket sold
opening week (April 17-23, 2019), Disneynature will make a donation to the Wildlife
Conservation Network (WCN) to help protect penguins across the southern
hemisphere. Founded in 2002, WCN invests in a select network of on-the-ground
conservationists, including top experts in the field of penguins like the Global Penguin
Society (GPS). The worldwide leader in science-based penguin conservation, GPS
champions specific programs that align with Disneynature’s conservation mission.
Conservation is a key pillar of the label, and the films empower the audience to help
make a difference, with each film supporting wildlife featured in the films.

Support The Wildlife Conservation an watch Disneynature Penguins in Theaters!

Missing Link Movie: Interview with Chris Butler, Zoe Saldana, and Zack Galifianakis

Written By: Victoria Eliana Camacho

Spring is here and a lot is happening in the movie world, including the release of Missing Link April 12th!

Missing Link is an extraordinary film that has several wonderful messages. It talks about the the power of friendship, accepting others for who they are, and most importantly, putting others before yourself.

Last month, I screened this film and interviewed Director Chris Butler, Zoe Saldana, and Zach Galifianakis at the Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. Check out the excerpts from my interview below!

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with United Artists Releasing.

Watch the trailer!

The movie is funny, heart-warming, and full of adventure! It is based in America back in the late 1800’s.

Synopsis:

Link is 8 feet tall, 630 lbs, and covered in fur, but don’t let his appearance fool you… he is funny, sweet, and adorably literal, making him the world’s most lovable legend at the heart ofMissing Link, the globe-trotting family comedy adventure from LAIKA. Tired of living a solitary life in the Pacific Northwest, Mr. Link recruits fearless explorer Sir Lionel Frost to guide him on a journey to find his long-lost relatives in the fabled valley of Shangri-La. Along with adventurer Adelina Fortnight, our fearless trio of explorers encounter more than their fair share of peril as they travel to the far reaches of the world to help their new friend. Through it all, the three learn that sometimes you can find a family in the places you least expect.

I was most excited when the story led us to my hometown-Santa Ana, California. I mean, how awesome is that?!

I was curious about what inspired Director, Chris Butler, to choose my little city and put it in the film.

Victoria: —I actually had a question about one of the cities that you used, Santa Ana, California. I’m just curious, what made you choose that city? Only because I’m from there, so thank you for using that city. I feel like a lot of people forget about that part of Orange County.

Chris Butler: I think when you’re playing, or when you’re telling a story that takes place in the real world, even if it’s a different time period. You want to– people have certain expectations and they kind of hook what’s familiar– they hook into what’s familiar to them. So for example, if you’re gonna set part of the story in Victorian London, you need horse-drawn carts and chimney stacks, and so you have to check those boxes. And also, we’re traveling around the world pretty rapidly. So I don’t have much time to create a scene before we move on again. So I wanted things that look iconic, and you know, there’s not much that’s more iconic to the Victorian times than the old locomotive, and we all wanted a train station. And I saw some old photographs of Santa Ana train station in the 1880s and it’s just this glorious building, and so that’s what we based the design on.

Victoria: Yes, no, I thought it was awesome that you even added the water tower–

Chris Butler: –Yes–.

Victoria: –-Cause I pass by it every day so it–

Zoe Saldana: —Aw, that’s great.

I was very impressed with how Chris did his research, and how he included many little details that really made this film come to life. He even added the Santa Ana water tower!

This movie definitely one of my favorites. It’s a feel good movie that made me feel all warm and fuzzy after watching it. It is a MUST-SEE film for all ages!

#MissingLink hits theaters everywhere April 12. Get your tickets now!

PLOEY Movie: Activity Sheets

PLOEY starring John Stamos (“Full House”) and Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings) has flown exclusively to DIRECTV Cinema!

This movie will fill your heart with joy! It’s about courage, friendship, and family. It has a great message too.

Synopsis:

When he gets separated from his family, Ploey, a young flightless plover chick, must undertake a dangerous journey to a legendary valley in order to save his loved ones from falling prey to the evil falcon.

Last month we screened this adorable film and learned to fly too!

DOWNLOAD these activity sheets for some family fun!

PLOEY-Activity-Sheet-1 Download

PLOEY-Activity-Sheet-2 Download

PLOEY-Activity-Sheet-3 Download

PLOEY-Activity-Sheet-4 Download

Watch PLOEY on DIRECTV today!

Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival is Back

Are you a foodie? If so…

You need to head to the The Boysenberry Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm! This spring event is going on now through April 28th.

Last week, my family went on a foodieventure at Knott’s, to try as many Boysenberry food items that we could fit in our bellies. As we walked through the park, we could smell the sweet and savory scents of the barbecues grilling. This year there are over 75 Boysenberry food items, ranging from churros, wine, craft beer, cotton candy, and even boba tea. What?!

This year’s food lineup introduces several new food items!

Thank you Knott’s Berry Farm for inviting us to the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival. All opinions are my own.

During Knott’s Berry Farm’s Boysenberry Festival pick up a $35 Tasting Card… ( you get 8 choices of the 14 options) It’s so worth it.

Check out the delicious options you can choose from!

The Boysenberry Waffle with Maple Boysenberry Cream Cheese Syrup was soooo good!

The Boysenberry Glazed Salmon was Tori’s favorite.

A variety of signature boysenberry items will also be available for purchase a la
carte. Tasting cards are available at Knotts.com or at the theme park.

After our Boysenberry coma, we hit the park and got on our favorite rollercoaster rides!

Don’t forget to check to get your shopping done. Knott’s Berry Farm is filled with exclusive boysenberry merchandise items during Knott’s Boysenberry Festival. Special items include boysenberry chocolate varieties, jerky, soda, candy, coffee and even a complete bath and body line.

We picked up a bottle of the Boysenberry BBQ Sauce, because we can’t get enough. We just had to take some home!

During Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, watch the sensational shows and enjoy the activities!

Get Your Season Pass

The best way to savor every day of the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival and all of the other Seasons
of Fun is with a 2019 Season Pass. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2019
to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited
admission in 2019 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout
dates. Regular passes are just $98 or five easy payments of $15.50 after an initial payment and
Gold Passes are $118 or five easy payments of just $18.50 after an initial payment. These offers
end April 28, 2019. Applicable taxes and fees apply. Payment plans are only available at
knotts.com.

Giveaway: Disney Book Aladdin Far from Agrabah and $50 Fandango Gift Card

Disclosure: Disney Book Group is partnering with me for a giveaway!

My son can easily get lost in a book…

He is required to read 20 minutes a day for homework, but I want him to enjoy what he is reading. So I am thrilled to introduce him to Disney’s new book, Aladdin Far from Agrabah!

Synopsis

This stunning original novel will tell an all-new story set in the world of the new film, featuring Aladdin and Jasmine.

A magic carpet ride full of adventure, suspense, and wonder written by New York Times best-selling author Aisha Saeed, this story will be a must-read for any Aladdin fans who find themselves drawn into and enchanted by the magical world of Agrabah and beyond.

Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win:

From Agrabah to the silver screen! One (1) winner will receive

a copy of Aladdin: Far from Agrabah,
plus a $50 Fandango gift card to get excited for the upcoming movie release.

About the Author

Aisha Saeed is the author of Written in the Stars which was listed as a best book of 2015 by Bank Street Books, a 2016 YALSA Quick Pick For Reluctant Readers, and named one of the top ten books all Young Georgians Should Read in 2016. She is also the author of the middle grade novel Amal Unbound which has received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus and is a Global Read Aloud for 2018. Aisha is also a founding member of the nonprofit We Need Diverse Books™. She has been featured on MTV, the Huffington Post, NBC, and the BBC, and her writings have appeared in publications including the journal ALAN and the Orlando Sentinel.

ALADDIN: FAR FROM AGRABAH

By Aisha Saeed

Published by Disney Book Group

In Stores April 2, 2019

Recommended for ages 10-14

This book makes a great gift… Pick up your copy today!

Enter the Rafflecopter below before April 20, 2019 for a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway