Champions of Magic Tour Comes to Los Angeles + #GIVEAWAY

The latest British sensation to hit the US is the Champions of Magic tour and it is coming to the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles November 23rd and 24th. The Champions of Magic is compromised of five world-class illusionists to create a mind-bending theatrical production and is coming to Los Angeles for the first time!

The Champions of Magic team presents incredible illusions with supercars, an impossible escape from Houdini's water torture cell, a mind-blowing prediction that has to be seen to be believed, levitation high above the stage and a finale beyond explanation. The show features original magic that you won't see anywhere else!

The Champions of Magic has been seen by tens of thousands across the UK and North America with sell out shows and rave reviews during a run in London's West End. The British Press hails it as a "spectacular family show" and "slick, clever, funny and amazing" and now is your chance to see it here in Southern California.

{TICKETS} 
LOS ANGELES 
Friday, November 23rd at 7:30PM
Saturday, November 24th at 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Microsoft Theater
777 Chick Hearn Ct.
Los Angeles, CA 

{GIVEAWAY}
Enter to win a family 4-pack of tickets to CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC on Friday, November 23rd at 7:30PM at the Microsoft Theater! 

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Tween Fun at Cross Roads Escape Games + #GIVEAWAY

Disclosure: We were invited to experience the Fun House at Cross Roads Escape Games. All opinions are my own.

I'm new to life as the mom of a tween. There are cell phones, and weird jokes, and prank calls, and the wanting to do things that are considered "cool". It's a whole new world, but it's fun to see JT with his friends and how they interact and to try and find things that they think are awesome. So, when Cross Roads Escape Games approached me about coming in to try out The Fun House - Kids escape room I knew that I would score major cool mom points with JT and his friends.

Cross Roads Escape Games opened in Anaheim, California in January 2016 and was just voted the #3 escape room in the nation in USA Today. They are open year round and currently feature two different escape games at their location. What makes Cross Roads unique is the fact that owners Madison and Luke Rhoades are escape room fanatics who have played over 150 escape rooms themselves. Their backgrounds in theater and haunting allowed them to create the next generation of escape games that are highly immersive and are sure to impress new players as well as escape game enthusiasts like themselves.

This was my first experience in an escape game and I was so excited to go. I was even more excited that they had a kids version of The Fun House so that I could experience it with JT and his tween friends. And let's be honest, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to escape and I was hoping the kids version would be just a little easier for my first experience (fingers crossed!).

We were asked to arrive at Cross Roads Escape Games at least 15 minutes before our scheduled start time to make sure everyone had signed a waiver and to get instructions before our game began. Everyone 13 and under has to have the waiver signed by a parent or guardian to be able to participate. You can find a link to the waiver on their website and you can print the waiver at home and have it signed beforehand if you are bringing kids that aren't your own. 

One big tip - especially if you are taking kids - is to make sure that everyone uses the restroom before your game starts! Because once you're locked in your game room, that's it, there's no restroom inside the game and if anyone leaves the game - it's over! The kids warmed up with a little puzzle in the waiting room. I thought this was such a great idea! The kids were motivated to unlock the jar to get the candy and it got them in the puzzle solving mode.

Once our waivers were signed, everyone used the restroom, and they had solved the mini-puzzle, we headed in for some game instruction. There are lockers for you to lock your phones and personal items up in during your game. As a smart phone addict that loves to take a million pictures of everything, I was sad to leave my phone behind at first. However, once we got into the room it was really freeing not to have to worry about pictures and just focus on solving the puzzles and getting OUT OF THE ROOM!

We had a blast in The Fun House! We solved all the puzzles and made it out with 6:16 left on the clock. Each game at Cross Roads is 60 minutes and you'll need it!! I was worried when the clock got down to about 10 minutes remaining we weren't going to make it out. The kids were less organized, started doing their own thing, and weren't communicating as well as they had been at the beginning. However, they rallied and with a little help from the game master were able to pull it together and make it out. 

They all loved it! JT said that he and his friends can't wait until they are 16 and can come back and do The Hex Room. Cross Roads is also currently has a 3rd room in the works called The Psych Ward. Be sure to like them on Facebook and their blog to get updates about when this new escape game will open. I love me some creepy, so I think it would be fun to come back for a GNO and do The Hex Room with friends sometime soon!

{{GIVEAWAY}}

I'm so excited to be giving away TWO TICKETS TO THE FUN HOUSE to one lucky winner! It's easy to enter. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter! Good luck! 

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Great Wolf Lodge SoCal || Guide to the Water Park #GWLSoCal

Now that I've given you the low down on all the fun things to do at The Great
Wolf Lodge Southern California BEYOND the water park, it's time to tell you
how fun the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park is!!!! We seriously had a fantastic
time at the resort and my kids especially loved the water park. They moaned and
groaned when we left at closing. They were like, just 5 more minutes?!

Luckily, if you're a guest at the Great Wolf Lodge then you get TWO days of 
fun at the water park with each night of your stay! Yep - two days! On the day
you check in, although check in at 4:00PM daily, you can pick up your
wrist bands and enjoy the water park as early as 1:00PM. And although
check out is at 11:00AM daily, you can stay and enjoy the water park 
until closing. Super awesome, huh?!

{FORT MACKENZIE}

This water-fort-tree house is fun for all ages! The multiple levels, interactive
water toys, and kid-activated splash features can entertain you for hours!
My kids loved the body slides and I appreciated that there was a slide for
each of their height requirements. Remember to listen for the bell, because
when it rings, the gigantic bucket on top is ready to tip!!!

{SLAP TAIL POND}

No water park is complete without the fun of a wave pool! Slap Tail Pond is a
zero-depth-entry pool with a five-foot deep end and the waves roll in every five
minutes. We all love the wave pool and I loved that the waves were little kid
friendly so that Grace could enjoy it too!

{CUB PAW POOL}

If you've got someone in the 48" and under set, then Cub Paw Pool will be the

perfect spot! It has lots of fun splash features and perfectly sized slides so that

even your littlest family member will have a blast all day.

{BIG FOOT PASS}

The pools for Big Foot Pass and Chinook Cove are connected to one another 

and are a lot of fun for the physically adept in your family. Chinook Cove is an 

activity pool where you can splash, swim, and play basketball or balance on 

the different floats. Big Foot Pass is pictured above and let's your wolf pups

test their dexterity and strength on the cargo nets and floating lily pads and 

wood slices. Isabella especially loved the challenge and I enjoyed watching 

her try to figure out how to get across successfully!

{WOLF RIDER WIPEOUT}

JT was the only one brave enough in our family to try out the thrill of 

Wolf Rider Wipeout. The staff were so helpful in helping him figure out

which of the three riding style options he was most comfortable with.

The line goes a little slower than most of the other attractions in the water park,

but you'll appreciate it when it's your turn to ride and you get ample time ot

get your flow ride on.

{THE WATER SLIDES}

Because I had Grace and I was the only adult in our group, I didn't get to ride
any of the big awesome water slides. JT went with some of our friends on the
slides and he assured me that they were "totally awesome!", so I will have to
take his word for it until our next visit when I've vowed to ride the
Howlin' Tornado at least a half a dozen times! I like that several of the slides
are "family slides" where 2+ riders can experience the fun together. That way
Isabella and JT could ride together or JT could go with a family friend.

Howlin' Tornado
Coyote Canyon
Wolf Tail
River Canyon Run
Alberta Falls
Mountain Edge Raceway

{CROOKED CREEK}

I don't know how I missed snapping a picture of us floating the day away in

the Great Wolf Lodge's version of the lazy river - Crooked Creek. I must have

been too relaxed and lazy :D But it's a lot of fun and very relaxing to let the 

gentle current carry you along.

{RACCOON LAGOON}

If the weather is nice and you want some California sun, then head outside to

Raccoon Lagoon! There are geysers, fountains, water basketball, and even a 

mini dumping bucket. There are also cabana rentals and plenty of poolside 

seating if you just want to catch some rays.

Can you believe all the fun contained under one roof? Be sure to check out what there is to do BEYOND THE WATER PARK and let me know what your favorite park of your stay is once you visit. You can check Groupon and create a MyGreatWolf account to find the best deals on your stay.

{Great Wolf Lodge Water Park FAQ's}

ARE TOWELS PROVIDED?
YES! But they are tiny. So they're perfect for your kids, but if you want it to wrap around more than just your thigh, then I'd bring a beach towel for yourself and any other adults in the group.

DO THEY HAVE LIFE VESTS AND ARE THEY REQUIRED?
YES! They have life vests for every size and age, but they are available on a first come, first served basis. I brought Grace's puddle jumper for her because it is US Coast Guard approved and she doesn't mind wearing it. But it's nice to know that if you forget yours or don't have one, that the Great Wolf Lodge has you covered!

ARE THERE CABANA RENTALS?
YES! There are indoor and outdoor cabana rentals available. I loved that some of the indoor cabana spots are near the Cub Paw Pool, so you have easy access to the play area for your little ones. Each cabana has seating for six, a 20" flat screen TV, a safe, and a mini refrigerator with an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages.

CAN I TAKE VIDEOS AND PHOTOS ON THE SLIDES?
YES! Bring your Go Pros, water proof cameras, and phones in water proof pouches to capture all the fun you're having at the water park!

CAN I BRING IN A COOLER/OUTSIDE FOOD?
You can bring coolers into the hotel and keep them in your room, but they are not allowed in the water park.

ARE THERE LOCKERS AVAILABLE TO RENT IN THE WATERPARK?
YES! You can rent lockers for your small incidentals that you'd like to keep with you during your water park fun. Your luggage will either need to stay in your room or your vehicle.

Family Movie Night at the Iconic Lido Theater

Tucked away in Newport Beach just off of Newport Blvd  - just after you've

crossed over PCH to get to Balboa island is the iconic Lido Theater. This 

theater is truly an Orange County gem that harkens back to the Golden Age of 

Hollywood. This beautiful single screen theater showcases the splendor of how

movies were made to be enjoyed.

We've driven right past the Lido Theater so many times over the years and didn't

even know this beautiful landmark was there. I immediately fell in love with its

gorgeous facade and the vintage neon lighting - it's my favorite! It has been

meticulously restored and features a state-of-the-art projection and sound system.

The lobby is beautiful and features a full service refreshment counter and elegant
chandeliers. The popcorn machine was my favorite! Just look at that gorgeous
vintage neon signage - so classic! It transported me back to in time to when the
theater first opened in 1938 with the Bette Davis movie "Jezebel".

We got the kids pack and it was the perfect sized treat to enjoy during our movie.

There are a lot of candy and other refreshment choices because a cold Diet Coke

and warm popcorn just scream - MOVIE TIME!

The interior of the theater is gorgeous! There is a magnificent waterfall red velvet

curtain on the stage and stunning ocean scene murals along the auditorium 

walls. The Lido Theater also has a balcony!!! You just don't find those in modern

theaters. We watched Wonder Woman and the picture and sound were just what

you'd expect in a modern movie going experience. However, the ambiance of the

Lido just makes your experience that much more enjoyable.

The kids love the Lido Theater and I was glad that we arrived just a little

bit early so that they could explore the theater before the show started.

My daughter was in love with the ladies room and it's lovely sitting parlor.

She came running out and was all - "Mom! You have to see the bathroom!"

Bette Davis is responsible for the parlor and the parlor stools are period pieces

that add such a fun touch to the entire setting.

If you haven't had an evening of family fun or a date night at the Lido Theater -

you must! There are numerous restaurants at the Via Lido Plaza that are perfect

dining options and perfectly round out your evening. 

It is home to the closing night movie and Gala for the Newport Beach Film 

Festival and is also available to rent for private events. I would love to have

my birthday party there and watch a great movie with my friends!

You can find out what movie is showing at the Lido Theater by visiting its 
website. These next two weeks are the perfect time for some family time because
this week Cars 3 (G) is showing and then Despicable Me 3 (PG) moves in on
June 29th.

Have you been to this iconic theater? What is your favorite feature?

5 Reasons Your Family Will Love Medieval Times + {{GIVEAWAY}}

Disclosure: We were guests of Medieval Times for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

If you've never been to Medieval Times - how have you let that happen? - and

even if you have, I have five reasons your family will love this fun dinner spot.

Medieval Times is located on Beach Blvd in Buena Park - just down the street

from Knott's Berry Farm. You can't miss it, because it looks like a giant castle

and has a beautiful medieval themed mural painted on the building.

We've been to Medieval Times a couple of times over the years and every time

we drive by the "castle" - as my kids call it - they ask when they can go again.

So, let's get started with the FIVE REASONS YOUR FAMILY WILL LOVE
MEDIEVAL TIMES.

{1} YOU GET REALLY COOL CROWNS!

Who doesn't like being treated like royalty and wearing a crown? We all love

finding out which knight we'll be cheering on for the show and getting to

wear crowns in our knight's color! The red knight is one of are favorites, so

they were really psyched when we got fitted with red crowns upon checking

in at the front desk.

{2} YOU GET TO EAT BABY DRAGON

Ok, so it's not really baby dragon - it's chicken - but your server will tell the kids

it is baby dragon and they all freak out like, "Is it really mom?!" And they want

to dive right in with their hands and tear their chicken apart because eating

dragon sounds so much cooler than chicken. The bill of fare is delicious! You

won't be disappointed in the menu and there is so much food, you just might 

take home leftovers to enjoy the next day!

{3} YOU GET TO EAT WITH YOUR HANDS

What? You didn't get any silverware? Nope, it's not a mistake! You're eating with

your hands. My first time at Medieval Times I searched for the spoon for my

tomato bisque soup for a full minute, before my husband said - "You pick it up

and drink it!" Oh!!!! You drink it!!! Your napkin is nice and sturdy and is great

for cleaning up your hands after you dig into your baby dragon. Plus, your

server will bring you a wet wipe at the end of the meal to get the rest of 

remnants of food so you leave feeling fresh!

{4} THE ROYAL FALCONER!

I don't think I need to even say more, because, THE ROYAL FALCONER! The 

royal falconer commands the falcon with just the simple tools of the trade. You 

will be amazed as the falcon swoops through the arena and then dives back to the

falconer on command. It really is amazing and I'd love if they added a little

more of the royal falconer to the show because the whole thing is amazing!

{5} EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY WILL BE CAPTIVATED

If you know Grace, and even if you don't, you've probably heard that she is a

high maintenance little bag of spunk. Once she decides she's done with 

something, it's over and nothing you say and no amount of chocolate are going 

to keep her in her seat because she is ready to move on. It's happened to us at 

the movies and I end walking the hallway with her so everyone else can enjoy 

the show. So, I was worried that I'd be hanging out in the lobby while the rest of 

the family enjoyed the show. Nope. She was captivated. She asked questions, 

wanted to know what the bad guy was going and cheered for the red knight with 

more vigor and vim that anyone in that arena. So, if you're worried about the 

show keeping everyone's attention, there's no need. You'll all be hooked until 

the very end!

{6} BONUS - THE SHOW ROCKS

This goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, the show at Medieval Times is

fantastic. It's not stop action, and I know from personal experience that those

weapons are no joke! They're 100% real and so are the sparks they send flying

when they clash. A king, a fair princess, a villianous stranger, and knights -

how can it not be amazing? You will love it!

{SPRING BREAK DISCOUNT ALERT}

If you're looking for something awesome to do during spring break, then you're

in luck because Medieval Times has a spring break discount!!!

Use the code SBEB17 to save $24 on adults and $7 on kids!

The discount is good for every show in March and April 2017.

So, get your spring break on medieval style!

{{GIVEAWAY}}

Ok, I know this is what you've all been waiting for! I'm giving away a family

4-pack to Medieval Times Buena Park! Enter below and may the luck of the

falcon be with you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Five Awesome Monster Jam Tips and Tricks #MonsterJam

We went to Monster Jam at Angel Stadium over the weekend and had a blast! We went about 3 years ago when I was pregnant with Grace and so it was so fun to have her be there this time. Monster Jam will be back at Angel Stadium on February 11th and 25th and I've got some great tips to help you enjoy the jam.

TIP #1 - GET PIT PARTY PASSES

They are only $10 and it is so much fun! We didn't go the last time we went because I was 8 months pregnant, but I'm sure glad we went this time! You can see the trucks up close and even meet the drivers! There's also the opportunity to ride inside a monster truck and lots of yummy food options for sale.

TIP #2 - GET TO THE PIT PARTY EARLY

This is a lesson we learned this time. If you want to see some of the most popular drivers (aka Grave Digger or MAX-D), you will want to get there early to get a pass to see them. The passes don't cost anything, but the Monster Jam Security Supervisor told me that  they only click out 200 tickets per MAX-D and Grave Digger. If you don't have a pass, then you can't even wait in line to meet the drivers. You can still take pictures with the truck, but you won't be able to meet the driver. There was a handful of people that were in a "stand-by" line just in case they had extra time before the Pit Party closed, but they weren't guaranteed the opportunity to see them.

Also, even if you don't care about seeing MAX-D or Grave Digger, at about 20 minutes to the end of the Pit Party, they close the lines to all the drivers. So if you've waited to get there the last hour (like we did), you might miss a driver you wanted to see if it's close to the Pit Party closing.

TIP #3 - GRAB FRIENDS AND TAILGATE

The Pit Party is 2:30-5:30, but the show doesn't start until 6:30. So, if you come early to meet your favorite drivers at the Pit Party there's a good chance you'll have at least an hour or two before Monster Jam starts to kill. We saw so many people tailgaiting and having a great time! We decided it was a great idea and that we should do it next time. We got to the Pit Party about 4:30 and so we still had an hour before Monster Jam. The kids were hungry because it was dinner time, so we had to walk about a mile to the restaurants nearby to get them some food. As we walked by all the tailgaters we sure were envious of their delicious smelling food!

TIP #4 - DITCH YOUR BAGS IF YOU CAN

The lines to get into the venue are LONG due to the extra security measures, which I totally appreciate, because I want to be safe. However, I noticed that the lines for those with "no bags" were significantly shorter and moved more quickly. I have a toddler, so being bag free isn't an option for me right now, but if you can leave yours in your car, then you'll save yourself a lot of time. 

I also noticed that closer to start time, the lines at Gates 3-5 were shorter than Gates 1-2. I think that's because the parking lots near gates 3-5 are where the early coming Pit Pass holders park. Closer to start you are most likely parking on the other side of the stadium. So, there are a lot of people trying to enter. When we walked back from dinner the lines for Gates 1 and 2 were OUTRAGEOUS! It was almost 6:30PM and I was sure we were going to miss the start. We kept walking and when we got to

GATE 3 we had like a 7-8 minute wait as opposed to 150 people in front of us.

TIP #5 - DON'T FORGET YOUR EAR PROTECTION

Monster Jam is LOUD! I was trying to be all cool and not wear any, but after awhile I was like, I need some ear plugs! Luckily my husband was smarter than I was and had me throw some little ear plugs in my purse before we left. So about 30 minutes into the show, I put mine in too. I'm pretty sure my husband got the kids' over the ear protection at Walmart for around $5-8 and I was glad they had them!

TIP #6 -HAVE A BLAST!

There really is nothing like the good, clean fun of Monster Jam. It something our whole family enjoys. My brother, 5 year old, and my Dad went to see it when it was in Utah earlier in January. No matter how old you are or if your a boy or girl, you'll find yourself picking a favorite, getting sucked into the excitement, and cheering when one of the trucks completes a BACK FLIP!!!

MONSTER JAM 2017

WHERE
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
2000 Gene Autry Way
Anaheim, CA

WHEN
February 11th and 25th

TICKETS
Prices start at just $25
Tickets are on sale now and all seats are reserved.
Purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800-745-3000

PIT PARTY
Open from 2:30-5:30PM prior to each Saturday event.
Exclusive VIP Early Access to Pit Party at 1:30PM for
Total Access Pass holders.
Pit Passes available to purchase for just $10 each.

HGTV's Santa HQ Arrives at Los Cerritos Center #SantaHQ

Disclosure: We were invited as media to cover the kick-off of Santa HQ. All opinions are our own.

If you've always wanted a peak inside of Santa's headquarters, then you're in luck

because HGTV has brought Santa HQ to Los Cerritos Center. From now until Christmas

Eve you can get a behind the scenes look at how things run at the North Pole, meet

the Big Guy and get a commemorative photo with him in his sleigh.

We went to Santa's welcome party this weekend at Los Cerritos Center and we helped

Mrs. Claus and the elves welcome Santa back for this holiday season. The kids got to

decorate (and eat) sugar cookies, get their faces painted as honorary elves, and take

home a fun holiday themed craft to make. Grace especially loved decorating her very

first Christmas cookie of the season. The squeeze bottles of frosting were genius and

perfect for her to use and decorate her cookie all by herself.

The Forever 21 Court at Los Cerritos Center is where Santa has decided to set up his

headquarters this season. If you haven't been to Los Cerritos Center in a while, you're 

going to be pleasantly surprised by its recent renovation. It was beautiful inside!

{Santa's Hours}

November 4-December 10

Monday-Thursday 11am-8pm

Friday-Saturday 10am-9pm

Sunday 11am-7pm

Closed for Thanksgiving November 24

December 12-23

Monday-Sunday 10am-9pm

December 24 {Christmas Eve}

8am-6pm

When you arrive at Santa HQ there is a line for those with Reservations and a line for

General Admission. You can make reservations online at www.santa-hq.com.

They aren't required, but if you show up and the General Admission line is LONG,

you'll be in luck with your reservation and your antsy toddler will thank you! 

Once you're all checked in, then it's time to enter your name into the Naughty or Nice

O'Meter to find out which list Santa has you on. You enter you name, and then the

machine scans you. Luckily, all three of my kids were on the Nice List. However, Grace

is on the border, so she'll have to keep being good to stay there - ha!

Then it's time try your hand in the Control Center. I'm not quite sure what they were
doing with Santa's control panel, but they were having a grand time trying to figure it out
and make everything work.

Next, you can use special tablets to view Santa's magical world using Elf-Ray Vision.
You can also download the app onto your phone or other device so that everyone
can have a chance to glimpse into the life of the elves.

There are a lot of cute photo opportunities, so be sure to snap some along the way
to capture the magic and excitement that happens at Santa HQ.


Then, it's your turn to see Santa, tell him what you'd like for Christmas, and get a
keepsake photo taken to remember your visit to Santa HQ. There are early bird photo
package pricing available thru December 8th and start at $34.99.

Even though I do love a crying-baby Santa photo, it's also a lot of fun when your
toddler is in love with Santa. She was so excited to show him she can make a thumbs
up and to tell him she wants "Shoppies" for Christmas. Isabella was still terrified of him
at age two, so it's fun to have an adoring fan in Grace.

While you're there help Los Cerritos Center hopes beat last year's ABC7 Spark-of-Love
Stuff-a-Bus Toy Drive record of nine commuter buses. Donate a new, unwrapped toy
or sports equipment to benefit kids in L.A. County. All toys will be donated to
Spark-of-Love on December 2nd, so don't delay if you want to donate.