Club Penguin – Coins for a Change

December 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Two of my favorite things, Disney and Baking have merged to make something pretty awesome.  A virtual bakesale!
Club Penguin players are changing the world through online play this holiday season as part of the sixth annual Coins for Change event. Running from December 20 to January 2, the Coins for Change program helps players celebrate the true meaning of the holidays by donating the virtual coins that they earn playing games online in Club Penguin to real-world causes that matter to them. For this year’s event, Club Penguin will host the biggest virtual bake sale ever, with players baking millions of in-game cookies and then buying cookies using their virtual coins to determine where Club Penguin will contribute its annual $1M USD donation.

Penguins can participate in the virtual bake sale by visiting the all new bakery and cooking up three different kinds of cookies to benefit Coins for Change. At the end of the event, players’ virtual donations from the bake sale will serve as votes to determine how Club Penguin will divide its $1M USD contribution among the pre-selected charitable projects. The votes determine the percentage of donations made in three areas: providing medical help, building safe places and protecting the earth.

To reward players for participating in Coins for Change, when they virtually buy the special bake sale cookies, they will be transformed into new holiday characters for a short period of time. All players can transform into toy cars, while members are rewarded by transforming into reindeer puffles and ‘frost bites,’ which allow them to temporarily freeze in-world items.

Through programs like Coins for Change, Club Penguin has given a total of $9M USD to charities all over the world, and will cross the $10M USD donation mark later this year, further raising social consciousness among the more than 175 million players who take part in the online community. In last year’s Coins for Change event, kids donated over 10 billion coins to help make the world a better place. As a result of these generous in-world contributions kids have made to Coins for Change, Club Penguin has already helped an excess of one million people in more than 42 countries by funding projects such as:

 

·        20 schools built for over 20,000 children

·        25 school libraries built for over 50,000 children

·        27 playgrounds for over 85,000 children

·        33 clean water projects for over 50,000 children & families

·        Youth engagement & education programs around the world for over 1,000,000 children & families

 

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Holidays and Giveaways at Children’s Place

December 6, 2012 By 17 Comments

I had the pleasure of attending a shopping event today at The Children’s Place.  I got to shop for Holiday clothes for the grands.  The “theme” this year throughout the store is sparkles sparkles and more sparkles.

I was mesmerized by choices for the kids.  I walked around the store for a half hour before I finally started texting Marisa to get her approval for each outfit.  And then a final splurge on the awesome-sauce shoes for Madilyn and finally I could breathe again.

I also joined their “frequent shopper” program.  For every $1,000 you spend you receive a $5 coupon.  It may seem like a lot to some of you but when you are buying clothes for 3 kids (even on sale) it can really add up and if you add in all the discounts on their web sites you come out even farther ahead.

When you shop in store this Holiday Season and spend $75 you receive a free stuffed penguin (I would have attached a picture of that but I left the press sheet with the web site for stock [hotos in the bag and gave the bag to Marisa, whoops!).  Trust me in that it is really cute and really soft and will be an adorabe addition to my personal Christmas Stocking.

The Children's Place has offered a Holiday gift to one of you, a $25 gift card!  Fill out the Rafflecopter form below the pictures to enter.  Winner will be announced on December 13.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Not Just Another New Year’s Eve

December 4, 2012 By 2 Comments


The grands and I have received an amazing invitation to put on our party hats and get ready to ring in the New Year at Knott’s family-friendly NYE event that offers something for everyone.

I hope to get to the park early and watch “Happy New Year Charlie Brown!” at the Camp Snoopy Theatre where Charlie Brown & the Peanuts Gang will ring in the New Year song!  And hopefully the kids will stand still long enough to grab a hug & memorable photo with one of the gang in stead of running away or being shy.  There is also a cool “It’s Christmas, Snoopy” skating show and the “Snoopy’s Magical Night of Lights” features thousands of beautiful lights and holiday music starting at dusk till 1am, which I doubt the twins will last until, hell, who am I kidding, I doubt I will last that long.

I can’t wait to show you the pictures and make some great memories with the grands.

Peanuts

Peanuts (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Knott’s Merry Farm

November 8, 2012 By 1 Comment

Recently I had the great pleasure of taking the grand twins to Knott’s Berry Farm to experience their fun Camp Spooky, I can’t wait to bring them to see Knott’s Merry Farm all decked out for the Holiday Season.

Knott’s Berry Farm will be filled with the magic of the season this year as it transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm and celebrates with live entertainment, crafts fair, spectacular decorations including a 65 foot tall Christmas tree, and a colorful Christmas parade starting Thanksgiving Day and running through January 6, 2013.

        Now a holiday tradition in Southern California, Knott’s Merry Farm is proud to present the holiday ice spectacular, “It’s Christmas, Snoopy!”  The show, performed in the 2,100-seat Charles M. Schulz Theatre, is hosted by the famous skating beagle and his PEANUTS friends as they look for the true meaning of Christmas.  The show features Knott’s ensemble skaters, dazzling sets, colorful costumes and plenty of surprises!   “It’s Christmas, Snoopy!” will be presented November 22-25; December 1-2, 8-9, 15-18, 20-24, 26 -31, January 1, 3-6, 2013.

        Children and adults alike will enjoy “A Peanuts’ Holiday Parade” which includes seven elaborately themed floats featuring the PEANUTS Gang.  Join CHARLIE BROWN, LUCY, LINUS, SALLY, SCHROEDER and of course SNOOPY, as they partake in all the holiday festivities including cookie making, tree trimming, and even toy building!   A delightful soundtrack, professional dancers and the appearance of Santa make this a must-see for everyone.  “A Peanuts’ Holiday Parade” will run from November 22-25; December 1-2, 8-9, 15 – 23, 26 -31, January 1-6, 2013.

Knott’s 1880s Ghost Town will again be transformed into Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, inviting mall-weary guests to explore one-of-a-kind treasures created by dozens of artisans in a Victorian holiday wonderland of strolling carolers, musical groups, community choirs and lavish holiday decorations. The Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village is free Monday through Thursdays and runs from November 22 through December 24.

Adding to the unique Village atmosphere are live performances of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and O. Henry’s “A Gift of the Magi” in the Bird Cage Theatre.

        Elf Mountain Christmas is also back.  The world famous Timber Mountain Log Ride has once again been transformed this holiday season giving guests an up-close-and-personal view into the world of Santa’s Elves.  Sneak a peek at Santa’s helpers as they get ready for Santa’s busiest day of the year.  Rich with lights, music and the merriest of times, this attraction will remain open until Jan. 6, 2013.

Guests can also experience the wonder of “Snoopy’s Magical Nights of Lights.” Hundreds of thousands of twinkling white and multicolored lights merrily light up the nighttime sky accompanied by a festive soundtrack that brings the Christmas spirit alive from dusk to Park closing.  I don’t know if the kids will last that long (hell, who am I kidding, I don’t know if I can last that long!).

A trip to Knott’s Merry Farm would not be complete without a visit with the man of the hour – Santa!  Stop by Santa’s Toy Barn for a little one-on-one with the big guy.  Here, in Santa’s cozy hideaway, kids can share their wish lists with St. Nick, and Mom and Dad can take home a picture of the occasion (photo requires additional fee).

Village guests can also indulge in the ultimate comfort foods with Knott’s world-famous holiday treats, including fresh-baked pies, cakes, cookies, muffins and gingerbread men, as well as daily specials and the legendary cooking at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.

Another holiday treat is “Snoopy’s Calico Christmas Tree Lighting” each evening in Calico Square.  Join SNOOPY, LUCY, LINUS, SALLY and CHARLIE BROWN as they host a song-and-dance show complete with carolers and a Christmas sing-along then light a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, November 22-December 24.

For more holiday cheer, the Peanuts gang and their pal JT are featured in their very own live musical show, “Winter Wonderland”shown daily in Camp Snoopy.

Merry Farm guests can combine their holiday treats with Knott’s blockbuster rides.  The legendary GhostRider®, the ultimate wooden sleigh ride; 30-story Supreme Scream®, the world’s tallest descending thrill ride; and Silver Bullet, the longest and tallest suspended coaster in the West will all be available for holiday enjoyment.

Knott’s Merry Farm admission covers all Christmas Crafts Village and in-park shows and activities, including the ice show, “It’s Christmas, Snoopy!” and all regular rides, shows and attractions.  A Knott’s 2013 Season Pass makes a wonderful Christmas present and is available for only $66.99, and can be purchased with our six easy payment plan now through 1/13/13.  Buy one now and receive one free visit in 2012 and additional visits through 2012 for just $9.99 per day!

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Christmas Eve Glee!

December 24, 2011 By 4 Comments

Recently I was invited to interview Jayma Mays and Dot Marie Jones of Glee.  In their busy Schedule I was only allotted two minutes.  If you would like to read the entire article about why I was there for the interview you can find it over at MomsLA.

Here is the video of the interview, my favorite part happens at the very end.

 

 

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Holiday Comforts

December 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment


This post is sponsored by Tempur-Pedic, the brand millions of owners trust to deliver their best night’s sleep every night. Enjoy our Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer now and give the gift of custom comfort to someone you love.

One of my earliest memories of my childhood is sitting around the Christmas tree singing carols with my family.

Singing has always been a big part of my family, we never differentiated from those who can and those who can’t.  Everyone was always encouraged to sing loud and proud.

Participation in the St. Gabriel’s church choir was a given.  Especially during the holiday season.  Mom even had a solo during the Hallelujiah Chorus one year.

There is no discrimination in our choral singing.  Even the athiests in our family enjoy the old fashioned religious tunes.  O Holy Night is a huge favorite amongst us all.  My sister Erika has a clock that sings a different carol on the hour every hour.  I do believe that clock stays up year round.  She even went so far as to record an entire cd of different artists and versions of O Holy Night.  It is one of my favorite cd’s this time of year.

But the best version is the one sung by Kathy and Mom, it brings me to tears every time I hear it.  If you click on the link you can hear it as well.

O Holy Night

When I was a school secretary I had all of my music loaded on my computer and I would start playing carols on November 1st.  it would drive my principal crazy, but she never told me to turn it off.  Christmas music has a way of soothing everyone’s tempers I think.

The part that is the hardest to remember is when mom was in the hospital, she wanted to hear Erika sing.  Although Erika was willing to stay 24 hours if that would help mom, we were able to play her Christmas cd (EZ Christmas) with all of mom’s favorite carols sung by Erika.  I replay those days over and over in my head especially this time of year.

There will be a million memories generated and associated with Christmas Carols throughout my lifetime, but nothing beats all of us gathered around the tree, some sitting on the floor, some on the footstool and all singing.  That one brings me the most comfort.

Comfort is the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday gift list, so be sure to take advantage of Tempur-Pedic’s Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective

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Holiday Dinner

December 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I missed out on making Thanksgiving Dinner for everyone, but got on the ball early and have everyone invited over for Christmas Dinner.  Bought a roast beast yesterday and put it in the freezer and will buy a ham soon thanks to a gift card from Smart & Final (it was a thank you for being an awesome blogger, not an incentive for this or any post.)

But for those of you in the Los Angeles area who are not inclined to while away the Holiday slaving over a hot stove, Simple Gourmet has a great deal for you.  If you order, tell them I sent you and that I need more another helping of the parmesan potatoes.

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War Horse Journey

December 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Let WAR HORSE send you on a journey home for the holidays! Now through Sunday, December 11th, tweet a holiday message to your loved ones with #WarHorseMovieAD for a chance to win and you could ring in the New Year with family and friends!

Not on Twitter? You can still enter! Send a holiday greeting to [email protected]along with your first and last name and a daytime telephone number.


For the official Journey Home Sweepstakes rules visit here https://www.facebook.com/WarHorseMovie?sk=app_128953167177144
WAR HORSE rides into theatres this Christmas!
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Jessica’s Gift Guide

December 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Since the fuckers stole my Wii, I have been entering every giveaway I can find for a new game system. Jessica is giving away an Xbox Kinect Bundle and I would LOVE to win it.  One of the entry requirements is to post her gift guide on my blog.  So here it is friends and family.  Enjoy!

 

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Not so Tiny Prints

November 21, 2011 By 1 Comment

It’s almost time to send out Holiday Greetings again.  I have never been big on mailing cards, but I do love receiving them.  Holiday cards however are like blog comments, mostly reciprocal.

It used to be so hard, picking out the right cards, signing all including a witty note, addressing and return addressing all the envelopes, licking all the stamps (yes stamps used to actually have to be licked), not to mention licking all the envelopes.  BLECCH!

Now it is so easy, no one should have an excuse.  Tiny prints not only makes beautiful cards using your photo but you can even take it a step further and upload you mailing list so they will either address (and return address) all your envelopes and ship them to you to add notes as needed. Or have them mailed directly from Tiny Prints!

Now if only I had some cute grand kid pictures to upload and make into adorable holiday cards.

I was supposed to be compensated for this post with a $25 Tiny Prints gift card, but instead I am offering it to one of YOU!  Just follow the directions below and you can get started sending out your holiday cards.  Just add me to your mailing list please!

 

Tiny Prints provides simple, modern, and unique stationery from Christmas cards, New Years cards, party invitations, andaddress labels to thank you cards. Once the holidays have come and gone, Tiny Prints will still be here to fill your stationary needs with their exclusive designs from the nation’s top designers.  All year round, you’ll fine business cards,birth announcements and even custom wedding invitations. Come try the easy card personalization, a powerful preview engine and top-notch customer service and paper quality for yourself. With Tiny Prints by your side commemorating every holiday and momentous occasion is a cinch!


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