What To Do At The Coronado Island Film Festival Without A Pass

January 11, 2016 by

Invited by CIFF

Coronado Island Film Festival - The Village Theatre

The Coronado Island Film Festival kicks off its debut this weekend and this is one event you don’t want to miss! With a list of celebrities a mile long, amazing movie screenings, and great Q&A opportunities before and after each screening, there is so much to do in this action packed weekend! But what if you didn’t score an elusive pass for all of the festivities? Don’t worry… there are things for you to do too!

There are four main pass options at the CIFF this weekend and if you’re like me and only have a Nado pass, you might want to hear about the other events you can attend while at the festival without one of the most elite passes.

What To Do At The Coronado Island Film Festival Without A Pass - Some Like It Hot Screening

What To Do At CIFF Without A Pass

Movie on the Del Beach

You can come see Some Like it Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis, on the very beach it was filmed at; the Hotel del Coronado. The movie will start at 5 pm but you’ll want to get there early and snag a spot on the sand for you and your guests! Feel free to make a picnic out of it and bring blankets and chairs, dinner and (non-alcoholic) drinks along with you for a fun night out.

The film will be introduced by Jack Lemmon’s son, actor, author, and musician Chris Lemmon, who will share some insider tidbits about the making of the film. Chris and his family will be guests of CIFF for the entire weekend.

Meet The Jury

Everyone is welcome to come Meet The Jury  on Saturday, January 16th at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort Lobby Terrace from 4:30-5:30 PM.

The lineup of talented judges is amazing and this is an event you won’t want to miss if you’re planning on attending CIFF. The jury consists of Leonard Maltin, Honorary Jury President, Lisa Bruce, Head Juror, Ira Wohl, and Jim Gallagher. Jim Gallagher is the Head of Theatrical Marketing at DreamWorks Animation SKG.

What To Do At The Coronado Island Film Festival Without A Pass - Filmed In Coronado Exhibit

Filmed In Coronado Exhibit

During CIFF, visit the Filmed In Coronado exhibit featured in the Coronado Public Library. You can find amazing tidbits of information regarding the actors who have lived in Coronado and films shot here. From vintage and recent movie posters to rare memorabilia and more, there’s a wealth of information all on display right now. Filmed In Coronado tells the story of how Coronado has been a significant location for movie-making since the silent-film era. 

Make sure to stop by the library again on Saturday at 1 PM and again on Sunday at 4 PM to watch A Twist of Lemmon presented by Jack Lemmon’s son, Chris Lemmon, in the Winn Room.  Chris’s “A Twist of Lemmon” tribute, both written and live performance, is heartfelt: “This was a loved man,” he writes. “A man who made the world a little brighter for all around him, and a man who is sorely missed, but remembered with great joy.”

Food Truck Reception

During the Awards Night Reception on Sunday from 6-8pm, Hollywood-style food trucks will roll into the high school quad at Coronado High, offering a selection of delicious “small plate” cuisine. Two of the trucks you’ll find are Harvest Kitchen serving up healthy, organic choices including Vegan and Paleo, and God Save the Cuisine, specializing in British-influenced Gourmet cuisine.

What To Do At The Coronado Island Film Festival Without A Pass - food trucks

Free Trolleyfelicity-trolley-ciff

Wondering how you’re going to get around from event to event? Coronado is a famously pedestrian-friendly village, and most Coronado Island Film Festival venues will be within easy walking distance from one another. But a trolley named “Felicity,” free to festival pass holders, will be making its village loop, just in case.

Generously provided by a grant from the Coronado Tourism Improvement District (CTID).

Pop Up Movie Scenes

The students of Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) will surprise and amaze you by re-enacting classic movie scenes on Saturday, January 16th. All scenes will take place along Orange Avenue.

Put yourself in the scene by taking a selfie with the actors, then post it onto the CIFF Facebook page (and everywhere else). All Facebook postings will be shown on the big screen during the Awards Night program.

 

You can find more information on the event website. Follow along and join in on the fun by using #CIFF and #CoronadoFilmFest when sharing on social media. 

To purchase tickets, you can head here. If you’re worried about getting into a screening, Rush Line tickets are $12 cash for individual films based on capacity. However, admission isn’t guaranteed.

The festival Box Office will be located in the Lecture Hall of the Coronado Visitor Center at 1100 Orange Avenue in Coronado, behind Tent City restaurant. The Box Office will be open starting the afternoon ofThursday, January 14th, as follows:
Thursday, January 14th – 1:00-5:00
Friday, January 15th – 9:00-5:00
Saturday, January 16th – 10:00-5:00
Sunday, January 17th – 10:00-5:00
Monday, January 18th – 9:00-5:00
 
Check out a run down of what not to miss on Mamarazzi Knows Best and a highlight of the animation panels on Highlights Along The Way.

See You At The Movies! 

Filed Under: Events, San Diego, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Vanilla Mint Sugar Scrub

January 7, 2016 by

Vanilla Mint Sugar Scrub

One thing I miss about our old house is the soaking tub we installed in the guest bathroom shortly after our son was born. I knew I wanted a great tub for bathtime and a deeper one would hold in all of the water for splashing. Plus I love to take baths so it’d be a great way for me to relax as well.

Our current bathrooms have shallow bathtubs that don’t allow much room for soaking. So I have to do all of my relaxing in the shower. Luckily I’ve made a few sugar scrubs to help make the shower just as relaxing as my old soaks in the tub. This vanilla mint sugar scrub would also be a great gift for St. Patrick’s Day. Or you could make  a salt scrub and pair the two together for Valentine’s Day.

Vanilla Mint Sugar Scrub - a great way to relax

Vanilla Mint Sugar Scrub

In a medium mixing bowl, add the sugar and sea salt.
Add the remaining ingredients and mix with a fork until well incorporated.
Transfer to an airtight container.
Enjoy in the shower or while soaking in the tub. You can store this Vanilla Mint Sugar Scrub up to 6 months but more than likely, it will be used before then…the smell is so soothing and calming!

How do you relax at the end of the day?

Filed Under: Crafts/DIY, gifts, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes

January 6, 2016 by

Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Last month was a month for celebrations. Not only because of the holidays, but because my sweet girl turned 5 at the beginning of the month. In an effort to lessen what I had on my plate for her party I decided to have a friend make the cake. So instead of making her cake this year like I have in the past, I opted to make these amazingly delicious cupcakes. She chose the flavors and I delivered!

If you’re looking for a chocolatey cupcake that’s equally balanced with sweetness then this is for you. The chocolate flavor is enhanced by the coffee (and my favorite coffee syrup) and the cream cheese frosting adds a bit of sweetness. Don’t like overly sweet desserts? Skip the frosting!
Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes - amazingly delicious chocolate cupcakes

Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes

Makes 12 cupcakes

For the Cupcakes:

  • 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • ½ cup hot coffee
  • ½ cup Dave’s Mocha coffee syrup
  • ¾ cup bread flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 8 ounce package cream cheese
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a standard-size muffin pan with liners. Place the chopped chocolate and cocoa powder in a medium bowl. Pour the hot coffee over the mixture and whisk until smooth. Refrigerate mixture for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl; set aside.

Whisk the oil, eggs, vinegar and vanilla extract into the cooled chocolate mixture until smooth. Add the flour mixture and whisk until smooth.

Divide the batter evenly between the muffin pan cups. Bake until the cupcakes are set and just firm to the touch, 18 minutes. Cool the cupcakes in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove the cupcakes from the pan and place on the wire rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.

Make the Frosting: In a stand mixer, whip the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth, about 30 seconds, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the sifted sugar 1/4-1/2 cup at a time until incorporated. Frost the cupcakes as desired. The frosted cupcakes can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

What are your favorite cupcake flavors?

Filed Under: Baking, Desserts, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

5 Easy Way to Be Healthier in the New Year

January 5, 2016 by

5 Easy Ways to Be Healthier In The New Year

Waking up on New Year’s Day is a great feeling! It’s a new year, a blank slate, a fresh start to make changes and set goals. Setting a new goal, or resolution, for the year that’s ahead of you gives you renewed strength and purpose to conquer your dreams. Having said that, did you know only 8% of people actually stick to their goals throughout the whole year? Sometimes, you want to eat healthier but you also want to enjoy pie while out to dinner with your friends. I’m here to tell you that it’s okay! Every now and then you are allowed to enjoy some desserts.

Going into 2016 you want to start leading a healthier lifestyle! This means so much more than just eating healthy or losing weight. In order to achieve your goals to be healthy in 2016, you have to have a healthy mindset and the right setup to make it work. Below we list the easiest 5 things you can do in order to be healthier in 2016. This doesn’t necessarily mean losing weight (although it could be that) but being healthy is more than just a number on a scale. Having a healthy mental state, a good routine, and the right tools is the best way to set yourself up for better health. This may not be easy but it’s worth a shot! If you fail, pick up the pieces and try again. Even if it takes you all year to figure out how to lead a healthier lifestyle. And always remember: Everyone’s path looks different!

So here are some simple ways to improve your health and wellness in 2016

5 Easy Way to Be Healthier in the New Year

1. Routine

Start your day off right! Every morning wake up and do a simple routine. Mine usually consists of washing my face, then I drink a glass of water infused with lemon oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon for immune and digestive support. Finally, I sit with my cup of bulletproof coffee and set a positive intention for the day. For me, this means meditating in my faith and going over my daily affirmation (I share these daily on Facebook). This was super easy when I didn’t have kids but now in order to do this, I must wake up a bit before them to get enough time to start my day off right. And you know what? Some days it just doesn’t happen with kids but I try to make certain it does 80% of the time. However, if your kids are overrunning you for a week straight, give yourself some grace! Being a mom is not an easy job.

2. Cut out chemicals

Try and research affordable alternatives to cleaning and household items you use in your home. Cutting out chemicals improves your health drastically and increases your longevity. Before we started using Thieves household cleaners we used homemade cleaners with vinegar, distilled water, baking soda, and tea tree oil. It was 1/100th the cost of buying cleaners at Target. But that doesn’t mean you have to make your own cleaners or purchase from an essential oil distributor. There’s also no problem with purchasing the ready made cleaners already on store shelves.

3. Cut out processed foods

For many this is difficult to do because many foods have become more like addictions. That may seem extreme but it’s very true. You may even consider changing your lifestyle like I did to reset your system to not crave refined sugars every day. It’s a hard transition, and some even come down with what’s called keto flu, but you feel amazing after! So amazing that you never want to go back to how you ate before. Cutting out refined foods, carbs, and sugars, is very simple and the easiest way to boost your metabolism and set yourself up for a healthy life.

Try not eating foods that come in a bag, can, or box. Anything with a long list of ingredients you cannot pronounce is good to avoid. Instead of cereal for breakfast, try eggs, sausage, and some spinach. If that is too much to make on the go try some bulletproof coffee. You’d be amazed at how full you are from one cup of coffee For lunches try a nice big salad with meat and a handful of nuts or a lettuce wrapped burger! For dinner stick to protein and veggies. For the kids you can serve a healthy carb like sweet potatoes, brown rice, or quinoa. It takes a little planning but in the end it will become your way of living.

I’ve even started ordering my food from Amazon Prime Now (yay Sprouts delivery!) and have a monthly fruit and vegggie delivery through Farm Fresh to You. Thinking of signing up? Use my referral code: DANI3568. And use promo code HEALTHY for $15 off! Not only does it help me stay on budget, but we’re forced to plan and eat everything that comes to the door. This means less wasted food and less wasted money.

4. Cut out sugary beverages

Soda, juice, lattes, milk, tea, Gatorade, diet sodas you name it. We stick to coffee, water, bubble water (La Croix), and sometimes 100% juice (for the kids). You’ll be amazed at how much this improves your energy throughout the day and helps you shed pounds fast! (side note: tea bags are okay here I’m talking about teas that come in a bottle from the store that have 45 grams of sugar in them). The biggest thing to do is look at labels. See what you’re consuming and how much sugar or carbs are in the drinks you’re enjoying. That doesn’t mean giving up lattes completely. Consider subbing almond milk or heavy whipping cream instead and asking for sugar free syrups. That weekly trip to Starbucks is now a treat for me once or twice a month. And diet soda – oh so bad for you! – is slowly starting to leave my life. 

5. Get an exercise routine down

Three times a week for at least 30 minutes get your heart rate elevated! You don’t have to sweat through 6 layers of clothes like some Crossfit junkie you know but go on a walk, bike ride, or play in the backyard with your kids. I like to do a home workout with my kids present. Walking around the neighborhood to explore with them and switching out different strength training exercises is fun for us to do together. Example: We walk around the neighborhood in one direction (I let the kids choose) for 15 minutes, then return back home. Once we’re home I do 20 squats holding the baby. Or lunges over the kids. My kids personal favorite is to have the baby crawl on my back while doing push-ups. Other days, we just go on a long walk or bike ride with the dog to get out some energy and burn some calories.

—

The most important part here is you need to be realistic with yourself. Perhaps you start doing this 80/20. 80% of the time you stick with organic and healthy and then 20% of the time you allow yourself some freedom (in moderation). Now that doesn’t include the diet. For me, if I allow myself a “cheat” day, it’s all over and all of my hard work is undone (or it’s two weeks later and I am kicking myself for hopping off the wagon). If unhealthy food is seriously an addiction for you I would highly suggest a food cleanse to help you move past those sugar and refined carbohydrate addictions. Once you get past that initial change, it’s all downhill from there! By making these changes a way of life you’re committing to your health and wellness in the new year and beyond!

What changes have you made in your life this year?

Filed Under: Health & Wellness, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

10 Ways to Cook Carrots {From Garden to Table}

January 4, 2016 by

10 Ways to Cook Carrots {From Garden to Table}

I know winter just arrived but I’m already thinking about my garden and what I am going to plant in it as soon as I find the time! Now that we’ve moved our chickens to another part of the yard, I can get my garden going again without the fear of them eating just about everything in there. One thing that the kids love to plant is carrots.

Not only are they super easy to grow, they’re also delicious in many different ways. From pulling them up and eating them right out of the ground (after a little washing) to cleaning and chopping them up into our favorite soups, to throwing them in the new Vitamix I got and juicing them!

There are quite a few ways to cook carrots but sometimes you just go with what you know. I find myself just roasting them up or steaming them but I could be doing so much more! Below are 10 ways to spruce up how you’re using carrots. And I’m pretty sure my kids wouldn’t  think twice if I put a few in their mac and cheese!

Ways to Cook Carrots clean after you pick them

10 Ways to Cook Carrots

  1. Maple Glazed Carrots with Bacon | Confessions of an Overworked Mom
  2. Shredded Potato, Beet and Carrot Latkes for Easter Brunch | Handmade in the Heartland
  3. Steamed Honey Glazed Carrot Medallions | It Happens in a Blink
  4. Carrot and White Bean Veggie Cutlets | Amuse Your Bouche
  5. Sneaky Carrot Mac and Cheese | White House Black Shutters
  6. Carrot and Bok Choy Slaw | Confessions of an Overworked Mom
  7. Carrot Orzo Risotto | Food Done Light
  8. Carrot and Sage Soup | Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen
  9. Cucumber, Carrot and Edamame Salad | Sarah’s Cucina Bella
  10. Fresh Carrots with Butter and Dill | A Family Feast

Ways to Cook Carrots - eat raw

What’s your favorite way to incorporate carrots into a meal?

Filed Under: Appetizers & Sides, Dinner, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Soups & Salads, Uncategorized, Vegetarian Tagged With: , , , , ,

Sweet Treats: Easy Chocolate Covered Caramel Candies

December 30, 2015 by

Chocolate Covered Caramel Candies - perfect for gifts

Giving handmade gifts over the holidays is a simple and inexpensive way to share a little something with those you love without breaking the bank. I love finding new things to bake or make to add to the tin of goodies we prepare every year. And candies pair very well with our normal mixture of cookies and baked goods.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, these simple and easy chocolate covered caramel candies would be the perfect treat to make as a gift or as a sweet treat. I made them over the Christmas break and loved how quickly they came together. Add a sprinkle of kosher salt on the top for a sweet and salty mix that any friend would love to receive.

Chocolate Covered Caramel Candies

Chocolate Covered Caramel Candies

  • 12 ounces of sweetened milk chocolate chips
  • 24 caramel squares
  • Parchment Paper
  • Candy Sticks or toothpicks
  • Chocolate Melting Pot (optional)

Prepare your chocolate in a melting pot, or if you don’t have a melting pot you can use the microwave or a double boiler over the stove.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and keep it near.

Prepare the caramel squares with candy sticks down the middle. Alternately, you can use toothpicks. Dip caramel squares into the melted chocolate, cover each square completely with chocolate.

Place chocolate dipped caramels on parchment paper to dry, pulling candy sticks out as you go.

As each caramel hardens, peel it away from parchment paper.

Enjoy immediately or keep in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

How would you dress up these easy chocolate covered caramel candies?

Filed Under: Christmas, Desserts, Holidays, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized, Valentine's Day Tagged With: , , , , , ,

San Diego Winter Break Activities

December 19, 2015 by

The whole family is home for two weeks and we’re looking for things to do around town. Not only by ourselves but with our extended family in town for the holidays. And that means hitting up a few of our favorite places to see their holiday lights and entertainment! Below are a few places we love to visit during our winter break that help us celebrate the holiday season up until the day the kids go back to school.

Places To Go In San Diego During Winter Break

Jungle-Bells-San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells

Come out and celebrate with the animals now through Jan. 3!  Twinkling lights, festive foods, and merry performances transform the Zoo into a wild, glowing wonderland. Ride the Twinkle Lights Trolley to tour an array of animal light sculptures, enjoy jingly, jazzy carols, acrobatic trampoline elves, and more. Jungle Bells holds holiday cheer for all!

Jungle Bells activities are included with your admission or membership unless otherwise noted.*

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration - Pets Rule Christmas show

 

Sea World Christmas Celebration –

Where can you find Shamu®, Santa, and more than one million glimmering lights this holiday season? SeaWorld, of course! It’s all part of SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration®, continuing through Jan. 3, 2016. Festivities are included with park admission. 

Enjoy festive holiday shows and attractions, share a holiday wish with Santa when you visit Santa’s Cottage, plus, bask in over a million glimmering lights and festive decorations filling the park! They’re sure to put everyone into the holiday spirit.

The best way to enjoy SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is with a Fun Card. Guests who purchase a 2016 SeaWorld Fun Card can enjoy all of SeaWorld’s Christmas festivities in 2015, plus come back again and again in 2016.

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum (SDCDM), the only children’s museum in San Diego County focusing on hands-on science, art, and world cultures, announces extended hours from December 20 through January 3.

The Museum will be open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, providing an extra two hours for families to be able to enjoy the Museum over the holidays. Regular Museum hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The Museum will also be closed on December 24, 25 and January 1 in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

In addition to providing extra hours for the community to visit the Museum, San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum is also offering Free Admission for all Active-Duty Military, Veterans, and their Families this holiday season from November 21, 2015 – January 31, 2016 thanks to the sponsorship support from The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians.

SDCDM is also running a “You Buy One, We Give One” promotion where SDCDM will be donating a Membership to a family in need through one of their donation programs for every Membership that is purchased through January 10.

Legoland CA Holiday Snow Days - sledding

Legoland Holiday Snow Days

Come to LEGOLAND® California Resort to experience Holiday Snow Days with more snow play than ever, prior to the Park opening to the public! The winter fun runs until January 3rd, 2016 and includes festive treats, holiday entertainment, cheerful decorations, family fun activities and nightly fireworks from December 26th through December 31st, 2015.

The Park’s Fun Town transforms into a winter wonderland with two snow play areas for families to throw snowballs at LEGO themed targets, do a little sledding, build snowmen using LEGO accessories, and join in the Holiday Village Build at the LEGO Clubhouse. Plus guests can enjoy a holiday show from the LEGO Friends, Jingle Jammers, and the Holiday Character Dance Party featuring the LEGOLAND elves, Jingle Joe, and Tinsel Toe. 

But that’s not it! There’s more fun to be had! Read all about it here in our post. 

How are you enjoying time with the kids during winter break?

Filed Under: Events, San Diego, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

Christmas Came Early: Star Wars The Force Awakens

December 17, 2015 by

Star Wars The Force Awakens

A Christmas gift delivered early, is what Star Wars The Force Awakens is and what a special treat it is! When this film was announced I felt a nervous excitement. Would it feel like Star Wars? Would the story be any good? Would the original cast be back? Well, that would be yes, yes, and yes. 

We start with the familiar Star Wars scroll to fill us in on with what has happened since Endor. Pieces of the Empire, now organized as the First Order, have carried on and continued to wage war with the Rebels, now called the Resistance. It is still good versus evil. And, of course, we have a Star Wars mystery on our hands. Luke has started a new Jedi Academy, but it has been disbanded when one of his students turns on him which drives Luke into hiding. We just don’t fully know the circumstances of this event yet and no one knows exactly where he is. The rest of movie revolves around both sides getting to Luke first. We meet two new young characters along the way who help with this quest. The first Rey, a scavenger on the planet Jakku and Finn a former stormtrooper. Rae has an interesting backstory that has yet to be revealed I think. Finn provides some heart and is a character that is battling the urge to run versus standing up for something more. Finally, we have our bad guys Kylo Ren and General Hux guided by a mysterious figure named supreme leader Snoke who give good chase throughout the movie.

Star Wars The Force Awakens - Storm Trooper

This movie really felt like the Star Wars universe of episodes 4­-6. It had a lot of creatures and droids that appeared to be very well done puppets and it had the signature “lived in feel” that Star Wars pioneered. The imagery on Jakku was amazing with the backdrop of the decaying war machine relics of a battle between the Empire and the Rebels. Throughout the movie, we are treated to mementos of the previous films. I was also pleasantly surprised by some of the humor mixed in.

I enjoyed seeing the original cast’s presence in the film. The roles they were given were a satisfying bridge between the old trilogy and this new one. The new characters were engaging enough and as a member of the audience felt vested them. The story is not overly complex and easy to understand as opposed to some of the prequels. For the most part, I was able to suspend my belief as the story unfolds. After a first viewing (I plan to see this one more time in the theater) I put this at 2nd or 3rd place in the series behind Empire Strikes Back, my personal favorite, and A New Hope.

Star Wars The Force Awakens - Dark Side

With the marketing machine going strong in the toy aisles across America your kids probably know about this movie. So should you take them to see it? The movie is rated PG­13 and it gets that from what I can tell is all the blaster fire and storm troopers dying. There was a scene or two with some blood. The language seemed to be okay with no swear words that I could recall. I would recommend 7 years and older.

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS arrives in theaters everywhere on December 18th!

Planning to wait in line to watch the movie? Print out this Star Wars Activity Packet to make the wait more fun!

Are you heading to the theaters this weekend to see The Force Awakens?

Filed Under: DIsney Movies, Entertainment, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

A Colorful Affair: Adult Coloring Party

December 15, 2015 by

Tracking Pixel

Sometimes you just need to sit down with your girlfriends, mimosa in hand, and color! And that’s just what I did last week at the adult coloring party I hosted with the help of our sponsor, Prismacolor Premier®. Read on to see how easy it is to host an adult coloring party with your friends!

A Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party

Over the past few months, the only thing I’ve heard a handful of my friends talk about is adult coloring. No, not adults coloring. But adult coloring books with beautiful intricate designs and themes for grown-ups to sit down and color with. With this craze comes a little bit of sanity for those who hop on board. It’s been confirmed that those who sit down to enjoy a few minutes of coloring each day have actually found that they’re less stressed!

A Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party coloring books and pensA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party coloring pens and pencils

Since so many of my girlfriends have expressed an interest in adult coloring books, I was pleased to host this adult coloring party for a few local blogger friends with the help of Prismacolor Premier® products last week. It was a wonderful morning filled with great conversation, good food, and relaxing coloring for all. I don’t remember the last time I sat down to color but I’ll be doing it a lot more frequently now that I’m hooked!

A Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party food spreadA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party with brunch foodA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party fruit and cheese tree

Tips for Hosting An Adult Coloring Party

1. Fun and Easy Food

Egg Bake + Cinnamon Pecan Pullapart Bread + Fruit and Cheese Tree

When I host get-togethers for the girls I always have one homemade item, and then the rest store bought. Not only does it make things easier on me as I get ready for things but it also allows me to focus more on the guests the day of because I’m not running around trying to finish up making this or that.

For this event, I chose to make a delicious egg bake with bacon, cheddar, and broccoli. I picked up a cinnamon pecan pull apart bread from the store and made a festive fruit and cheese tree with cubed cheese and grapes. The tree was very easy to make. I added two mandarin oranges to the top as a tree topper and the bottom as a tree stump and then added pretzel crisps to the last layer to use with the cheese for snacking.

The egg bake and pull apart bread were served on the main buffet spread and the fruit and cheese tree was set out on the dining room table so we could munch as we colored. Who doesn’t love to munch along as they color and visit?

A Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party mimosa barA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party with mimosasA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party mimosa bar name tagsA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party mimosas

2. Drink Options

Mimosa Bar

Mimosa bars are perfect for morning get-togethers! They pair perfectly with the breakfast foods I was serving and guests can choose to either pour a mimosa or just drink the juice. For this simple mimosa bar, I grabbed a few glass juice carafes and some champagne glasses.

I paired together orange juice and cranberry juice to bring more color to the spread. As for the champagne, I grabbed my favorite local almond champagne. And some non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice for the non-drinkers.

Grab a few gift tags and Prismacolor Premier markers to make name tags for the drinks!

Hot Cocoa Bar

Another great addition to any brunch or evening event during the winter months is a hot cocoa bar. It adds a little sweetness and some warmth to the event. Plus there are so many fun additions and toppings one can add to their hot cocoa to make it personalized to their taste. Grab a pot of coffee to add to the mix so guests can make mochas too!

I chose to use my single serve coffee machine and some hot cocoa cups I had, however, I’ve also made a delicious batch of slow cooker hot chocolate in the past with this recipe for a little adult fun.  I’ve also passed out these cute hot cocoa snowmen as gifts and favors at parties before.

A Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party hot cocoa barA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party hot cocoa bar toppingsA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party hot cocoa bar and coffee station

3. Adult Coloring Books + Colored Pencils

And, of course, for the star of the event, adult coloring books are a must! Each guest should have either a few adult coloring print-outs or a coloring book of their own to enjoy during the event. Pair with Prismacolor Premier coloring pencils and you have the perfect outlet for moms to relax, de-stress and re-energize during the often-stressful holiday season.

In the living room and the dining room table I put a few coloring books out with packs of Prismacolor Premier colored pencils. I also used a roll of butcher paper as table runners for both the coffee table and dining room table so guests could doodle and find out what colors they wanted to use.

Coloring together allows friends, families and co-workers an opportunity to take a moment together to reflect and reenergize, sparking creativity and inducing productivity. It’s a relaxing way to reconnect with each other. We enjoyed chatting around the table about work, life, and everything else in between.

A Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party coloring with prismacolor pencilsA Colorful Affair Adult Coloring Party coloring in the lines

What do you love to do when you get together with your girlfriends?

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Prismacolor Premier®.

Filed Under: Mom's Night Out, Party Ideas, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Knott’s Berry Farm New Years Eve Celebration

December 14, 2015 by

Disclaimer: This post featuring Knott’s New Year’s Eve is brought to you by GigaSaavy

The countdown to the New Year is on at Knott’s Berry Farm! Knott’s is the place to ring in 2016 with a night full of special family-friendly experiences, including live musical acts, exclusive stage shows, and Merry Farm entertainment, culminating in a fantastic fireworks show.

We’ve been invited to head out and enjoy the celebration with our family and the kids couldn’t be more excited! As the final moments of 2015 countdown, the Knott’s Sky Cabin will dramatically rise over 200 ft. to the top of the “K” tower as special lighting effects countdown to midnight. When the cabin reaches the top at the stroke of midnight the “K” tower, the skies above Knott’s will light up with a spectacular fireworks show!

Knott’s Berry Farm is open from 10:00 am – 1:00 am and the New Year’s Eve Celebration is included with regular daytime admission. It’s the perfect way to ring in the new year with fun for the whole family! From an entertainment line up that’s not to be missed to a sky full of fireworks in celebration, this is a must attend event.

A 2016 Knott’s Season Pass is a great way to visit on New Year’s Eve. 2016 passes offer a year of family fun and includes one free visit in 2015, including the New Year’s event. And for a limited time, Season Passes can be purchased online for just 6 easy low payments of $13.50 each, the best price of the year.

Knott's New Year's Eve Fireworks

New Year’s Eve at Knott’s Berry Farm

There’s live entertainment everywhere you turn. Adding to the lineup of can’t miss entertainment are:

  • Jumpin’ Joz Band and Memories Swing Dancers invite guests to jump and jive to the sounds of Jumpin’ Joz. Join them on the dance floor and boogie into the New Year. Guests have the opportunity to learn a few moves from expert swing dancers.
  • THE REFLEXX is the best 80’s new wave cover band around who cover songs from bands such as Depeche Mode, Simple Minds, Tears for Fears, New Order, A-Ha, The Cure, Duran Duran, Flock of Seagulls, Devo, and more.
  • DJ Howly’s eclectic mix of high energy music will transform Calico Square in the place to celebrate the new year and offers a great view of the Midnight Fireworks Spectacular
  • Family-friendly comedian, Taylor Hughes, brings his hilarious comedy, magic and fun audience interaction to Boardwalk Ballroom
  • Midnight Fireworks Spectacular – Ring in the New Year with a bang. Look to the western skies for an aerial fireworks display that will amaze. And don’t miss the spectacular countdown to midnight on the Sky Cabin tower.

A New Year’s Eve celebration is not complete without a delicious meal, and Knott’s has just what you need. The New Year’s Eve buffet in Spurs Restaurant will be served from 4pm-9pm; prices are $34.99+tax for adults and $18.99+ tax for kids (3-11).

Where will you be celebrating New Year’s Eve with the kids?

Filed Under: Holidays, New Years, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,


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