Giveaway: Two Tickets to Knott’s Family Friendly 2015 NYE Celebration!

Disclosure: I was invited by Knott's Berry Farm to attend the #KnottsNYE event. All opinions are my own.

We love New Year's Eve and I am one of those crazy parents that let's my kids

last as long as they last and enjoy the night doing fun things as a family.
However, the night usually ends up looking a lot like this at about 11:30ish . . .

 This year we'll be ringing in the New Year with Knott's Berry Farm!
We had a blast at Knott's Berry Farm last year on New Year's Eve and I'm excited
to enjoy all the festivities again this year!

There are so many activities happening during the Knott's New Year's Eve festivities
and they are all included in your park admission!
You can't beat that bang for your New Year's Eve buck!
What's even more amazing is that the 2015 Season Pass includes one free admission
in 2014 and you can use it on New Year's Eve.
So, join us and get your Knott's Berry Farm Season Pass!

The party starts at 10am on New Year's Even and lasts until 1am.
There will be live entertainment all day long, extended hours, and special fireworks.
The Midnight Party on the Midway will include music, stilt walkers, party hats,
and noisemakers for everyone! I know my kids will love that for sure!


 {GIVEAWAY}

 And because Knott's Berry Farm is rad,

they've given me 2 tickets to give away to my readers so you can join me at
at the Knott's Berry Farm NYE festivities!

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below and good luck!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

Knott's Merry Farm 2014: Christmas at Knott's Berry Farm

Disclosure: The opinions in this article are my own. I do not work for, or with, any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have any official relationship with them. I have a relationship with GigaSavvy, for whom I create original editorial content.

 

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is coming to Knott's Berry Farm
November 22nd through January 4, 2015 when Christmas turns America's first
theme park into Knott's Merry Farm!
This Southern California holiday tradition since 1985 includes park-wide lavish
decorations, live entertainment, festive food, and a shopping wonderland!



I can't wait to see Snoopy and the gang perform in a brand new ice spectacular,
Merry Christmas Snoopy!
We loved the last ice show at the Charles M. Schulz Theatre and so I'm sure this
holiday show will be even more amazing!!!



Other live entertainment includes retellings of A Christmas Carol and A Gift of the Magi
in the intimate historic Bird Cage Theatre.
In Camp Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, and Lucy invite families to
dance and sing and join in on the fun at the Campy Snoopy Theatre.
And don't forget that when the sun sets the Calico Stage will light up with
Snoopy's Merriest Tree Lighting!!

You'll also want to pop over to Santa's Christmas Cabin to visit with Santa!
The Wilderness Dance Hall in Ghost Town is transformed into Santa's
Christmas Cabin during the Christmas season.
Not only can you visit with The Big Guy, but you can taste Santa's homemade cookies,
enjoy the hot fudge sundae bar, or drink up some delicious hot chocolate.



If you enjoy a fun Christmas train, then be sure to climb aboard Engine 41
and meet the every-changing  group of Ghost Town residents eager to
share their Christmas plans and songs.

Don't forget to peruse the Christmas Craft Village were Ghost Town is transformed

into a shopping wonderland fills with dozens for local artisans selling their

unique creations  - including a a chainsaw sculptor and a glass blower.

And we can't forget the Knott's Merry Farm food!!!

Not only will there be Santa's homemade cookies, a sundae bar, 

and hot chocolate, but there will also be made-to-order Maple Lollipops, churros,

cakes, cookies, and gingerbread men in the Farm Bakery.

It all sounds amazing!
That's why I'm making a Knott's Berry Farm 2015 Season Pass
part of my kids' Christmas gift this year!
Where else in Orange County can you get a year full of family memories
for such an amazing price!

For as low as 9 easy payments of $8.50, you can enjoy a year of

Knott's Berry Farm with your family too!
And don't forget to check into adding the All Season Dining Plan
to your season pass too.
For only 9 easy payments of $11 you can get 2 meals a day
during each and every visit in 2015.

Some of the perks of being a season pass holder include:

• Dining Discounts
• Merchandise Discounts
• No Blackout Dates
• Bring A Friend Discount Days
• Special invites to Passholder only events
• Exclusive Season Pass Holder Collector Pins

Queen Mary's Dark Harbor 2014: Evil Lurks Within

Disclosure: I was invited as media to preview Dark Harbor. All opinions are my own.

 Dark Harbor at the Queen Mary is back for 2014 and it is scarier than ever!

October 2nd through November 2nd the ghosts, ghouls and monsters

will be ready to frighten and entertain those who dare to embark on a bone-chilling journey.

I think what I love most about Dark Harbor is that it takes place on and around

the Queen Mary - which is actually haunted!!!

The Ringmaster is back this year as the Monster of Ceremonies forDark Harbor's Circus.

She's still one of my favorite Dark Harbor monsters and she and her circus of lost

souls will haunt your nightmares if you're brave enough to visit the Circus.

Beware The Captain if you choose to enter Deadrise.
The wreckage of Deadrise has again been enlisted by The Captain to
escort him and his ghosts into a battle to reclaim Dark Harbor!

This year, the mazes Deadrise, Submerged, and Circus
are joined by three new mazes - Soulmate, Voodoo Village, and B340 -
which are haunted with over 200 monsters.
We came face to face with one of the new monsters from Voodoo Village
and I was SO thankful that it was still daylight.

Jaime and I tried out Soulmate and I have to tell you that Gale
is graceful and ghoulish - Beware!
If you loathe waiting in line, be sure to check into VIP admission,
which will give you a Fast Fright Pass (cut-in-line!) and admission to the RIP Lounge.

Be sure to catch the live entertainment with bands, DJs,
costume contests, and much, much more!
You won't want to miss the rides, the Freak Show and
the food and entertainment in Monster Midway.
The Sinister Swings from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch are there too!

The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor

1126 Queens Highway

Long Beach, CA 90802

OCT. 16-19, 23-26, 29-Nov 2

7PM TO MIDNIGHT

  
  For more information on ticket prices (including buying online for a DISCOUNT!)
visit The Queen Mary's Dark Harbor website.
You can also keep up with Dark Harbor on FACEBOOK or TWITTER

Family Dinner at Sessions West Coast Deli: {Giveaway}

Disclosure: We were provided dinner for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Last week were squeezing every last bit out of our summer and I shared

with you about the fantastic dinner special Sessions West Coast Deli

was offering to help locals finish out their summer.

Since the waves were supposed to be HUGE down at "The Wedge" in

Newport beach, we packed up the family and headed down to check them out,

but first we stopped at Sessions to pick up the dinner they had prepared for us.

I think that everyone in Orange County had the same idea, 

so traffic down to the beach was CRAZY!

So, when we got to Sessions, we made a new game plan and

decided to dine al fresco outside Sessions.

It had such a cool, laid back vibe that we decided we wanted to enjoy

our delicious food instead of fighting the locals down to the beach.

The food was AMAZING!!!!!

JT had the Naked Dog and he dug right in.

He just went on and on about how delicious it was 

and he loved the poppyseed potato roll.
I liked this option because it meant he could have it his way - mustard and ketchup.

I think if I were to order a Sessions gourmet hot dog, I'd go with the Mad Dog,

because it's got guacamole.

Yum! 

Isabella went with the Pie Zano flatbread pizza.

It was like a flavor explosion in your mouth!

Isabella was so taken with the fresh potato chips that she 

couldn't even eat a quarter of the pizza,

but don't worry, daddy finished it off for her.

JJ and I went with one of Sessions gourmet sandwiches - the Sloppy Barney.

Totally delicious and I loved the So Cal Slaw and pickle.

Sessions is reasonably priced, provides a great SoCal atmosphere, inspired

by the local surf and skate culture, and offers amazing palate pleasing food.

Sessions West Coast deli features 20 hot and cold sandwiches, 

yummy housemade sauces and a variety of sides, salads, and soups prepared daily.

The bread is freshly baked and the veggies are locally grown - you can't beat it!

What's better than a cold Diet Coke and delicious pasta salad

on a warm California evening?

Not much.

So grab your beach blanket and the family and head to Sessions West Coast Deli

to squeeze out the last bit of summer that Southern California has left!

Sessions West Coast Deli

2823 Newport Blvd. in Newport Beach

and is open daily from 7AM to 10PM.

You can keep up with Sessions West Coast Deli on:

{FACEBOOK}

{TWITTER}

{INSTAGRAM}

GIVEAWAY!!!! The rad people at Sessions have given me a $25 gift certificate

to giveaway so you can enjoy their delicious menu for yourself!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sessions West Coast Deli Summer Sandwich Special

It's time to grab the family or friends and head to the Newport Beach Peninsula

because Sessions West Coast Deli has an end of summer deal for you!

They want to help you soak up those last few rays of summer and surf before

it's time to head back to school.

From August 25th through August 29th Sessions West Coast Deli 

is offering the "Last Week of Summer Sandwich Special".

For just $35 (a retail value of $75) you can pick up a beach picnic basket 

to serve four people.

The picnic basket will feature favorites including:

• Meddock Melee sandwich
• Summer Zephyr sandwich
• Greatfella sandwich
• Pirate Coast sandwich
• Cucumber Salad
• Potato Salad
• Pasta Salad
• Shaka Spuds
• Any four fountain drinks

Beach goers and surfers have made Sessions sandwiches a local favorite.

Sessions West Coast Deli combines unique flavors, high quality meats,

farm-fresh produce and preservative-free bread that is baked fresh and delivered daily.

Sessions is located at 2823 Newport Blvd. in Newport Beach

and is open daily from 7AM to 10PM.

You can keep up with Sessions West Coast Deli on:

{FACEBOOK}

{TWITTER}

{INSTAGRAM}

Pirate's Dinner Adventure: Buena Park

The Pirate's Dinner Adventure is a two-hour live performance that features

special-effects wizardry, aerial artistry, swashbuckling swordplay and duels!

Your meal includes a four-course feast fit which includes:

 pres-how appetizers, vegetable soup or fresh garden salad, roasted half chicken or BBQ beef kabobs, mashed potatoes or Caribbean rice and for dessert - fudge brownie a la mode. 

Vegetarian and kids meals are available. 

The meal also includes unlimited soft drinks and complimentary coffee.

During each show, more than 150 guests have the chance to play an actual role in the show.

Pirate's Dinner Adventure in Buena Park is conveniently located off the 5 and 91 freeways - just 10 minutes away from the Disneyland Resort and 15 minutes from John Wayne Airport.
Complimentary on-site bus, car and handicapped parking.

This fully-enclosed, air-conditioned venue offers two full bars, gift and photo souvenir shops.
Guests from all over the world are accommodated by a multilingual staff with exceptional customer service.

Come live the pirate's life at Pirate's Dinner Adventure California!

My readers can save $25 off Adult and $15 off Child admission!
Over the phone and mention code "USFAM" at time of purchase. Reservations required. 

Share this Pirate's Dinner Adventure coupon with your friends!

Summer 2014 at Pretend City and a COUPON!

This summer is full of exciting things at Pretend City.

First up is a $2 coupon off admission which is valid 6/21-9/1.

Be sure to print it off and take it with you the next time you visit Pretend City.

You won't want to miss the Pretend City Summer Kick-Off this Saturday, June 21st.

There will be live musical performances by surprise guests, limbo contests,

beach ball volleyball, sand castle building contest and a special guest in the morning

that will teach the kids about a summer career with a sweet side.

And great news - the Ultimate Recycling Machine has had its stay at

Pretend City extended through August!

This hands-on experience combines engineering, collaboration, and sustainability.

The challenge is to design and build a machine that transports a plastic bottle

into a recycling bin.

We had the opportunity to experience the Ultimate Recycling Machine first hand

and the kids had a blast working with their team and the Pretend City staff

to build their machine.

MONSTER JAM 2014: Angel Stadium This Weekend!

 

Disclosure: I received media tickets to attend Monster Jam at Angels Stadium. All opinions are my own.

This weekend Monster Jam is back at Angel Stadium!

If you want the chance to check out all the Monster Jam trucks in action,

it's time to grab your tickets and head over to Angel Stadium.

Monster Jam returns to Angel Stadium for three nights of high-energy,

dirt-flying racing and destruction on January 25th and February 8th!

Be sure to catch the Pit Party which is open from 3:00-5:30PM prior to each

Saturday evening show.

Tickets are available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster

retail outlets, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or in person at the Angel Stadium

box office.

For the die-hard Monster Jam fan in your life, you can purchase a Total Access Pass!

This will offer fans the ultimate live event experience, which includes:

 

*Best seats in the House in the Club Level section

*Early access to the Pit Party prior to the general public

*Free Ride Truck Pass

*Exclusive "Track Walk" on the dirt (weather permitting)

The Total Access Pass is available in limited quantities, so get yours while they last!

We can't wait for the show!

Don't forget your ear plugs, because it's going to get loud, loud, loud!

And while supplies last, get a $3 Off Adult Admission Discount Coupon 

from participating Jiffy Lube locations.

Here are the deets one more time in case you missed them . . .

Monster Jam
Angel Stadium
2000 Gene Autry Way

Anaheim, CA 92806

DATES
Saturday, January 25th 7:00 pm
Saturday, February 8th 7:00 pm

PIT PARTY
3:00 pm – 5:30 pm prior to each show
Pit Passes are required for entry and can be purchased for $10 at Ticketmaster.com or the Angels Box Office.

TICKETS

Visit Ticketmaster.com for all the details!

COUPON/DISCOUNT

While supplies last, get a $3 Off Adult Admission Discount Coupon 

from participating Jiffy Lube locations.

MONSTER JAM: Returns to Angel Stadium January 2014 #monsterjam

 

Disclosure: I received media tickets to attend Monster Jam at Angels Stadium. All opinions are my own.

Today JT and Isabella had the rare opportunity to see the SoCal Monster Jam debut 

of the New Earth Authority Authority Police Truck  - which is driven by real life

Oregon police officer Lieutenant Norm Miller.

The shiny chrome-plated monster truck is modeled after police riot gear helmet 

and it is ready restore peace and order to Monster Jam!

Oregon police officer Lieutenant Norm Miller and an officer from the Anaheim Police Department

met with kids from the Anaheim YMCA to receive a monster-sized surprise Friday after school.

They received a special visit from the new NEA Police Truck, had the opportunity to take pictures

with the truck, receive autographs from Lt. Miller and Officer Fernandez, and hear

all about how Lt. Miller is an officer by day and Monster Jam driver by night.

Both JT and Isabella enjoyed seeing a Monster Jam truck up close and personal

for the first time ever. JT told everyone at school about what he was doing today -

including the mom that drove carpool! I liked that Lt. Miller took time to talk with the kids,

answer their questions, and share how important safety is when riding in cars and riding bikes.

If you want the chance to check out all the Monster Jam trucks in action,

then you are in luck!

Monster Jam returns to Angel Stadium for three nights of high-energy,

dirt-flying racing and destruction on January 11th, 18th, and 25th!

Be sure to catch the Pit Party which is open from 3:00-5:30PM prior to each

Saturday evening show.

Tickets are available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster

retail outlets, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or in person at the Angel Stadium

box office.

For the die-hard Monster Jam fan in your life, you can purchase a Total Access Pass!

This will offer fans the ultimate live event experience, which includes:

 

*Best seats in the House in the Club Level section

*Early access to the Pit Party prior to the general public

*Free Ride Truck Pass

*Exclusive "Track Walk" on the dirt (weather permitting)

The Total Access Pass is available in limited quantities, so get yours while they last!

We can't wait for the show!

Don't forget your ear plugs, because it's going to get loud, loud, loud!

And while supplies last, get a $3 Off Adult Admission Discount Coupon 

from participating Jiffy Lube locations.