Support Autism Awareness with Lucille's BBQ & Round It Up!! #LucillesBBQ

We Love Lucille's & Even More So We Love That Lucille's BBQ Supports Autism Awareness!

Thanks to Lucille's BBQ for helping spread the word and education on fundraising for Autism during the month of April!

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que teamed up with three autism organizations to raise awareness and funds during the month of April to support the autism community.

Donations will be accepted through Round It Up America contributions – in which guests “round up” their purchases to the nearest dollar – at all 24 Lucille’s locations throughout Arizona, California and Nevada. For donations of $5 or more Lucille’s will give guests a $10 bonus card good for a return visit between May 1 and June 30, 2019.

The Deets...

 

Southern California’s favorite family-owned award winning barbeque destination, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que restaurants are dishing up Southern-inspired plates for a cause. In honor of April’s Autism Awareness Month, Lucille's  teamed up with three autism organizations to raise awareness and funds during the month of April to support the autism community. The three organizations include Autism Speaks, the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center and the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation.

 

“For a fourth year, we are proud to support the autism community in their efforts to learn more about this condition that affects as many as 1 in 59 children nationwide,” said Brad Hofman, President, Hofman Hospitality Group, parent company of Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar B Que. “We have seen how Lucille’s family can make a difference when we come together for a common cause, and we look forward to continuing to support these organizations.”  

 

Lucille’s will donate to these three worthy causes through Round It Up America contributions – in which guests “round up” their purchases to the nearest dollar – at all 24 Lucille’s locations throughout Arizona, California and Nevada.

 

For donations of $5 or more made during the month of April, Lucille’s will give guests a $10 bonus card good for a return visit between May 1 and June 30, 2019 (one per table, please).

As another way to support these organizations, Lucille’s will be serving up a drink called the “Rhythm and Blues,” inspired by the color for autism awareness and is made from fresh blueberries and mint hand shaken with Tito's Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur and fresh lime juice. For each Rhythm and Blues sold in April, Lucille’s will donate an additional $1 towards the cause.

 

Lucille’s restaurants are reminiscent of a Southern roadhouse with a distinctive Southern décor that features reclaimed wood outline doors and windows for a rustic yet contemporary look. Lucille’s features blues-inspired art throughout the restaurant and the Flying Pig lounge. 

Lucille’s has been participating in Round It Up America, platform that encourages restaurant guests to donate change; over the past ten years, Round It Up America has collectively raised millions of dollars for charitable organizations and programs across the country.

 

Our Story & Autism...

 

Autism is in our home. It's in our daily lives but it does not control our lives.

 

We work very hard with a lot of supportive others and have come a long way with our son.

 

Diagnosed at age 2 we started early start and all programs we could for speech, communication, behavior and feeding.

 

Today my now 7 year old is thriving educationally and loving life in mainstream first grade and we continue to support and work on things.

Do we have challenges, yes... do we hit our goals and create harder challenging ones, yes... do we support others in their efforts to help their ASD family or friend, yes... teamwork makes the dream work.

New Miguel's Jr. Opening in Rialto!! Plus #Giveaway #MyMiguelsJr

Miguel's Jr. is Delish & New Locations are Popping Up All Over For Your Foodies Feast...

 

Miguel’s Jr. is pleased to announce a new location will open its doors in Rialto, California in April 2019.

 



 

Located in the Renaissance Marketplace, the iconic home-style California Mexican restaurant will feature the brand’s signature fresh food, a convenient drive-thru for guests on the go, as well as a full dining area featuring Miguel’s Jr.’s fresh hot sauce bar.

 

Paying tribute to the Rialto community, Miguel’s Jr. commissioned original murals by artist Dave Avanzino, to be permanently installed on the restaurant’s exterior.

 

Featuring three Rialto landmarks, the paintings will showcase the notable First Christian Church in Rialto, a historical vignette of downtown Rialto featuring the Rialto Bridge, and lastly, the oldest building that still stands today in Rialto.

“As a family business, we are humbled to introduce another restaurant in the Inland Empire, our home,” said Javier Vasquez, President of Miguel’s Restaurants. “We look forward to bringing our family tradition of serving fresh and authentic Mexican food to the vibrant and diverse Rialto community.”

 

 

The Rialto restaurant will offer all of the latest Miguel’s Jr. menu items, including six famous signature burritos, hand rolled in all-natural hand stretched flour tortillas.

 

The menu also includes homemade horchata and lemonade made with 100% all-natural pure cane sugar and fresh-squeezed lemons.

Miguel’s Jr. features home-style Mexican dishes using only premium ingredients including fresh Haas avocados, all natural & hormone free poultry, pasture raised, corn-fed beef, 100% stone ground tortillas and tortilla chips, as well as their famous freshly made hot sauce.

Hours of Operation

Sunday –Thursday: 10am - 10pm

Friday – Saturday : 10am - 10:30pm

1240 W. Renaissance Pkwy, Rialto CA 92376

 

Get social and keep up to date with all the tasty news....

 

Facebook: facebook.com/MiguelsJr
Instagram: @Miguels_Jr
Twitter: @WeAreMiguelsJr

 

Get Social with #MyMiguelsJr

Enter To Win.... 2 burrito cards...

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 

 

Happy Eating!!

Universal Studios Offering California Neighbor Pass! On Sale NOW... #UniversalStudios

Wow!! What a Fantastic Deal on Universal Passes....

There are a lot of new exciting things coming to Universal Studios in the next few months and year... perfect timing!

 

PC: Universal Studios Hollywood

 



Popular California Neighbor Pass Returns to Universal Studios Hollywood Offering Guests Over 175 Days of Fun for $149

 

 

Starting today, Universal Studios Hollywood’s popular California Neighbor Pass returns, inviting guests to enjoy over 175 select days of fun for $149.

The California Neighbor Pass is a must-have for anyone looking to enjoy limitless entertainment exclusive to Universal Studios Hollywood, including the all-new “Dark Arts at Hogwarts™ Castle” at “The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM” this April and the highly-anticipated “Jurassic World—The Ride” opening this summer, as well as the theme park’s many exciting thrill rides and attractions.

With lots of theme park neighborhoods to explore, the California Neighbor Pass allows guests to easily travel from Springfield and “The Simpsons Ride” to Gru’s house at the “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” ride, from Hogsmeade village within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” to the Universal backlot sets aboard the world-famous Studio Tour.

The California Neighbor Pass enables guests to choose any day for their first visit and return to enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood for more than 175 days over nine months, including select weekends, for $149 when purchased online.

 

Special discounts on general admission tickets for friends and family to the theme park along with the popular “Halloween Horror Nights” and special events are included in this season pass program. Additionally, pass members can enjoy sweepstakes opportunities and discounts at participating CityWalk locations.

More information about the California Neighbor Pass and other Annual Pass options, are available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/tickets

Blackout dates and restrictions apply.

Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter. 

Spring Break & Summer Must Do Fun at Newport Dunes #NewportDunes

Who is Ready for Spring Break ...and Summer Planning?

We are too!! My kids are asking daily... mom, when is spring break, are we off of school yet...? 

We are looking at a few options for mini outings and day play since our Spring Break is so late in the season it almost rolls into summer. 

 
 

Did you know that Newport Dunes is a 110 acre property with RV, Cabin cottages, Water Play, Water Sports and on site recreation?! 

 

 



Don't feel bad... I've lived here in OC for 39 years and I just found out how amazing this place is too!

The full season of fun opens Memorial day (open only weekends until then) and all water sports will be open daily through Labor Day.

Day Play or Stay and Play

With 10 Beach front cottages, 21 cottages total, and an RV agent on site for rentals, there's a few ways to enjoy an overnight stay or two or three or more!

 

There are bonfire pits throughout the beach to rent for public use too.
 



 
You can even rent a beach front one the sand canopy with tables and chairs.

Jurassic World- The Ride... Updates From Universal Studios Hollywood

First Look at the Highly Anticipated Jurassic World - The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood.

 

We are so excited to follow along with all the updates and newest additions to Universal Studios Hollywood!

 

My kids are asking more and more to visit and there is so much to see, do and experience, we all may have to make time to visit... it has been over 12 years for us! The kids have never been... I know!

 

 

Hot off the press....

 

Universal Studios Hollywood unveils a first look of its eagerly awaited mega attraction, “Jurassic World—The Ride,” as anticipation grows for its grand opening this summer.

 

 

PC Universal Studios Hollywood



 

Leaping from the silver screen to the theme park, “Jurassic World—The Ride” will immerse guests into newly themed environments and breathe new life into dimensional animatronic dinosaurs, including some all-new fan favorites featured in the Jurassic World films from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment.

 

This ambitious ride is being reimagined under the direction of the award-winning and inspired minds at Universal Creative, the Academy Award®-winning special-effects visionaries at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a division of Lucasfilm, Ltd., the brand stewards at Universal Pictures and acclaimed filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Colin Trevorrow and Frank Marshall.

 

The state-of-the-art attraction will debut an original storyline that takes place within the theme park as depicted in Jurassic World. It will feature additional new dinosaurs from the film, lush scenic design, and ground-breaking technology that has yet to be experienced within a theme park.

 

The aesthetics of “Jurassic World—The Ride” will be dramatically enhanced, welcoming guests to a reimagined space reflective of the Jurassic Worldfilms. A fresh, new entry statement, stonework landscaping and a contemporary redesign of the iconic pillars illuminated with billowing flames will support a prominent “Jurassic World” marquee logo.

 

Engaging queue-line videos featuring facts and information about the dinosaurs within the ride set the tone for the adventure ahead, as guests learn more about these imposing prehistoric inhabitants that first roamed the earth more than 65 million years ago.

 

And the daring expedition begins.

 

Once aboard specially designed rafts, guests will navigate the lush environs of dense vegetation, traversing new areas besieged with towering dinosaurs meandering just an arm’s length away from visitors. Encounters with such docile creatures as the Stegosaurus and Parasaurolophus will quickly turn awry as predatory Velociraptors and Dilophosaurus begin to wreak havoc, turning guests from spectators to prey. When the Tyrannosaurus rex begins to battle one of the attraction’s new behemoth dinosaurs, the rafts will spill down a treacherous 84-foot waterfall as the sole means of escape.

Located adjacent to the ride will be a new elaborately themed “Raptor Encounter” where Blue, the most beloved and deadly Velociraptor from the Jurassic World franchise, and her beta Raptors will engage guests in daring face-to-face encounters.

 

In addition, a new interactive “Dino Play” area will incorporate educational components within an inspired space where children of all ages can partake in excavations and investigate giant dinosaur fossils.

 

With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, the all-new 2019 Season Pass invites guests to experience the fun throughout the year for $149 when purchased online. Blackout dates and restrictions apply.

 

Visitwww.UniversalStudiosHollywood.comfor more details.

 

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

 

Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and

Twitter.

 

Have  you been to Universal lately.. what is your "must see" "don't miss" favorite?

Easter On Board the Queen Mary!! Tickets Available Now...

Hop aboard the Queen Mary’s famed decks to celebrate Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019.

 

The Queen Mary’s Easter Celebration will offer an eggcellent array of Easter-fun fit for the entire family, including a Royal Easter Sunday Brunch, a petting zoo, face painting, three egg hunts, a Bunny Bounce House atop her majesty's highest deck, and much more.

 



 

 

Easter Sunday would not be complete without Brunch. Guests can indulge in Royal Easter Sunday Brunch offerings with an exquisite selection of dishes and desserts in an all-you-can-eat adventure, hosted by the Easter Bunny from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

 

In addition to the worldwide culinary experience and 50 unique dishes from around the globe, Easter Brunch aboard will offer a special holiday selection including Pepper Crusted Prime Rib with a Cabernet demi sauce, House Smoked Brisket, Baked Ham with Brown Sugar & Mustard Glaze, Roasted Rosemary fingerling potatoes and much more.

 

Those looking to find non-chocolate bunnies can make their way to the Verandah Deck Petting Zoo to find baby chicks, rabbits, ducks, goats and more. Face painting, balloon art, air brush tattoos, and Easter-themed craft stations will be available throughout the ship.

 

Search for the Easter Bunny’s treats and toys scattered throughout Queen’s Salon at one of three Easter Egg Hunts aboard. The three Egg Hunts will be divided by age groups. Toddlers, ages 5 and under will begin their hunt at 1 p.m. followed by kids ages 6-9 at 1:45 p.m., and finally children ages 10-15 at 2:30 p.m.

 

Reservations for Sunday Brunch are available now starting at $69.00 and $79.00 with Sparkling Wine for adults and $24.00 for children ages 4 to 11.

 

To make reservations and for more information on pricing, events, and hotel packages visit queenmary.com.

A MUST Do - Free Kids Fishing Clinic & Fishing Trip Every Sunday with Dana Wharf - Review

Fish On!!! Dana Wharf Fishing Clinic for the Kids...

 

At Dana Wharf in Dana Point there are a lot of options you can choose from for a quality fishing experience.

 

Thank you for inviting us nit to experience one of those. All opinions are our own.

 

 



 

There are fishing options of half day, three quarter day and even all day fishing with Dana Wharf.

 

My husband and I have done one other sportfishing trip and it was not the greatest catch and left us wanting more time on the water.

 

 

 



 

When we learned about the Kids Fishing Clinic held free on Sunday's we totally got excited!

 

 



 

Our kids love to fish but, at ages 7 and 11, sometimes it gets challenging to know the right weights, bait and depth of water when fishing on our own.

 

The kids found out about the different types of fish in our local ocean and about sustainable fishing.

 

 



 

 

The clinic was bout 30 minutes and perfect to give the kids basic info on beginner fishing. They also held a raffle for all the kids on board.

Boysenberry Festival at Knott's Berry Farm Brings Over 75 Tasty Treats #BoysenberryFestival #KnottsBerryFarm

It's the Berriest Time of the Year at Knott's Berry Farm!

 

Are you ready for Boysenberry everything from delish eats to sweets treats and everything Berry in between?!

 

We are!! It is my favorite time of year at Knott's Berry Farm... reminds me of my mama.

 

 



 

We are big fans of the traditional Boysenberry pie but Knott's does an amazingly berrytastic job of incorporating the goodness of Boysenberry into like basically everything.

 

Thanks to Knott's for inviting us to be Official Taste Testers.. hehe.. so much food and so much goodness.

 



 

 
Before I dive in you can see my foodie roll call of a few of the over 75 items we previewed here.

 
  

Eats, Treats, Berriest of Sweets and more..
 

 There will be a tasting card and that is always, in my opinion, the best option for a variety of tastes.

 

Also returning this year there will be a variety of wine and beer pairings available. There is always something the hubs and I like from ale to the wine. Also something for everyone... our favorite the Boysenberry Boba!

 



 

Don't forget to check out the apparel and merchandise for a fun souvenir too.

 

Special items include boysenberry chocolate varieties, jerky, soda, candy, coffee and even a complete bath and body line.

 

New this year, to celebrate the Boysenberry Festival outside of the park, Yogurtland will be offering Boysenberry Pie Frozen Yogurt. We had a taste of this creamy dreamy treat and it's delish. Tip... you can even pick up a discount coupon to save up to $30 on Knott's tickets!

 

 



 

You can even purchase a boysenberry plant to take home and plant to grow your own boysenberries.

 

All of these items celebrate the amazing flavor of the boysenberry in unique ways.

 

 

The Deets...

 

The 31 day food festival features over 75 one-of-a-kind boysenberry inspired dishes, drinks and more, plus foot-stompin’ entertainment, the Wine and Craft Brew Tasting Garden, and family fun everyone will love!

 



 

From sun up to sun down, the festival offers good ol’ fashion food, fun and entertainment.

 

 



 

Pick up a tasting card to sample a few of the most popular boysenberry dishes in the park. New items this year and with over 75 to taste and try we do have our favorites. ELOTE!!

 

 

 

 

The amazingly popular with everyone in or family coconut macaroons area must try and picking one up wont break the bank.. and they are huge!

 

 

 





 

"For guests with a hankerin’ for some live entertainment, the options are endless with live music throughout the park." YES! 

 

The limited-time food festival is included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm.

 

The Knott's Boysenberry Festival runs March 29 - April 28, 2019. Don't forget you can pick up some of these tasty treats and foodie bites outside of Knott's in the Market Place too... everyone can enjoy the Boysenberry Festival!

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Wonder Park Movie Inspired Us to Use Our Crafty Side Plus... We Loved The Movie!! A Must See! #WonderPark

WONDER PARK hit theaters March 15, 2019

 

What will you create from inspiration and wonder!?

 

We were really excited to see the movie together. Imagination is key to so much in this world.. it can become reality!

 

The kids were so grateful to Wonder Park Movie for sending over the Amazon movie inspired box and all sorts of crafting supplies. Thank you!

 

 



 

It was an inspiring moment to see the kids work together (for the cat that my son does not like) to make a build and cut and glue.

 

They came up with this awesome Cat Condo. I know right.. don't rush to put your orders in yet... it's a work in progress.

 

So much fun... It was so nice to sit and help them with final touches. I will treasure moments like this since they are getting older fast and time does not listen to me when I ask it to SLOW down.

 

 



 

Have you seen the movie? We loved it! This past weekend we made a special trip out to the drive in with sweets in hand. It was so cool!!!

 

I mean we all said that we loved it but it was like each of us took something different away from it.

 

I don't want to give away or ruin too much of the plot.. but we all got emotional and loved every bit of Wonder Park Movie.

 

 

About the Movie and more...

 

WONDER PARK tells the story of a magnificent amusement park where the imagination of a wildly creative girl named June comes alive.

 

Get creative and show your fun with #wonderparkmovie and #WonderPark on social media too!

 

Let your imagination run wild....



Rubio's Delights with Sustainable Seafood! Just in Time for Lent too... Plus #Giveaway

Where are all my Rubio's fans at?!

From street tacos to fish tacos, burritos and bowls that fill you up, Rubio's has got something for everyone.

 

We are fish taco fans and I love that there is a variety to choose from at Rubio's. From mahi mahi with mango to wild caught salmon... delish.

 

Here are a few upcoming deals you just can't miss!! I mean free chips n guac!!!!

** Free chips & guac March 22 & 23 with coupon: https://www.rubios.com/coupons/2019-national-chip-dip-day

 



** $5 Burritos on National Burrito Day, April 4 with coupon: https://www.rubios.com/coupons/national-burrito-day-2019

 

 

** Rubio’s is encouraging eating seafood twice a week for great health benefits, based on recommendations from the American Heart Association.

 

 

They offer sustainable seafood too! Oh and great for Lent.. we are always looking for seafood or fish options!

Win win win.... thanks for the tasty eats and supporting sustainable fishing Rubio's!

 

 



 

 

Enter to win a $10 giftcard to Rubio's... see my Facebook to enter here.

 

Happy Eating!

 



Tickets on Sale Now for CHOC Follies To Support CHOC Foundation #CHOCWalk PLUS #GIVEAWAY

Tickets on Sale Now for CHOC Follies To Support CHOC Foundation In Prep for CHOC Walk 2019

 

 

Yes!!! I got a taste of what it takes to volunteer with the CHOC Children's Foundation CHOC Follies cast and crew.

 

 

Fundraising this year goes to the new Mental Health support at CHOC.

 

Thank you CHOC for going above and beyond to help our youth and their families get through many trials to see triumphs of all kinds.

 

CHOC is very special to us.. you can read more about our story here.

 

You can join the Follies next year and volunteer but this year please consider attending and supporting with a ticket purchase.  Website: https://www.chocfollies.org 

 

 

 

 

CHOC Follies is a spring musical put on by communitiy members who gather to sing and dance in support of CHOC Children’s mission to advance children’s health.

 

This year’s show will raise awareness for CHOC Children’s mental health initiative, a full continuum of care for children and families facing mental health challenges.

 

Proceeds from this event support the care, services, education, and research that CHOC Children’s provides in our community.

 

You can check out my song and dance moment here.


Wait... enter my #Giveaway too!
Enter to win 4 tickets to CHOC Follies.
Dates to select from - 3/28 8pm, 3/29 8pm, 3/30 2pm or 3/30 8pm.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oh and don't forget that CHOC Walk registration is now open... register your team here.

 

Follow along on social media too with #CHOCFollies #CHOCWalk and #CHOCFoundation .

Feeling Safe in the Mountains with our Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Test Drive #Jeep #TestDrive #OCJeep

First time Jeep Driver here! Test Drive Success.....

 

I love cars, trucks, suv's... but I had never driven a Jeep before and I fell head over heels or well snow boots for her!
 

 

Mountain Ready and Safety Confident

 



 

About 2 weeks ago we were set to hit the road and spend a few days momcationing in beautiful Idyllwild.

 

Basically packed and ready to go just days before our trip the road conditions, from the socal weather we've been having, gave in and left us with one route up and back.

 

This route is not only the longest but ita the most mountain driving of the 3 routes in. On top of that we were advised we may need chains and there may be snow in the roads where the plows have not gotten to.

 

 

Let's Do This...

 



 

Thanks to Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Orange County we were set up with two snow ready Jeep Rubicon beasts to take on the mountain saelfy and comfortably. All opinions are my own.

 



 

We Love Irvine Park Railroad's Easter Eggstravaganza!! Plus #Giveaway

Irvine Park Railroad's Easter Eggstravaganza 2019

 

On Saturday, March 30th through Saturday, April 20th, Irvine Park Railroad will hold its annual Easter Eggstravaganza. Event activities include meeting and having your photo taken with the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, train rides, and more.

 

Are you ready for Easter festivities.. we are!

 

It's tradition for us each year to visit Irvine Park Railroad and see the Easter Bunny!

 

 

 



 

Thanks to Irvine Park Railroad for inviting us back this year to share our fun. All opinions are my own.

 

 

The Run Down on the Easter Fun...

 

Easter egg hunts begin daily at 10:00 AM and tickets may be purchased and exchanged for a wristband to participate in an egg hunt at a specific time.

 

Please bring an Easter basket for each child that will be participating in the Easter egg hunt. Irvine Park Railroad will also offer Easter baskets for sale.

 

Tickets must be purchased on the day of the event to receive a wristband for the Easter egg hunt.

 

Please visit www.irvineparkrailroad.com for complete details on the Easter egg hunts including times and costs.

 

For the cost of $12.00, children can meet and have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny.

 

This cost includes a complimentary photo that will be taken by Irvine Park Railroad staff.

Each additional print of the same photo is $6.00. Photos will be printed in a few, short minutes at the Easter Bunny booth.

 

There will be other activities to enjoy during the Easter Eggstravaganza including hay rides, a moon bounce, Easter cookie decorating, carnival games, face painting, picture stands, and a lot more.

 

 



Momcation Getaway to Lindhaven 70's Cabin with Experience Idyllwild #ExperienceIdyllwild #CHMTravel

Have you ever been to Idyllwild California?

 

We love to visit and stay with Experience Idyllwild cabin rentals. Each cabin is unique and different to it's own yet perfect for a getaway in the southern California mountains.

 

Idyllwild... It's a sweet little gem of a spot under 2 hours away from Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego Counties and it's pretty much nestled in a quaint little spot in the San Bernardino mountains.

 

A town that hasn't changed over 40 years to me and one we've visited seasonally year round as a family.

 



 

This was our first moms trip up no kids and we loved Lindhaven, the 70s style cabin we stayed in!

 

Thanks to Experience Idyllwild for the cabin stay and ConnectHer Media Travel for the visit.. all opinions are my own.

 



 

 

Lindhaven 70's Cabin Retreat

 

Just about 1.5 miles to town center Lindhaven is beautiful!!

 

This sweet retro cabin sleeps 4 to 7 in my opinion maybe more. There's 3 rooms.