My Minions Love Despicable Me 2

We are so excited for the dvd release of Despicable Me 2!  Waiting felt like forever and now we can watch it fifty times a day if we want to!  There was a little bit of a party here when the review copy and goodies came in... I had two of the happiest littles in the whole wide World!  Not only are we huge fans of the movie but the 3 Minion mini-movies were a big treat.  "Puppy" is our favorite but who am I kidding... "Panic In The Mailroom" and "Training Wheels" are also our favorites - they are just so cute!  Without giving away the whole movie, Despicable Me 2 is about Gru adjusting to life as a dad, the girls growing up and Gru's adventures now being the good guy.  We absolutely loved the Mexican villain El Macho.  I would tell you more but you should watch it - out on dvd on December 10th!              

We are giving away a Despicable Me 2 Prize Pack to one lucky winner!  You will receive (1) Despicable Me 2 DVD (1) Minion Plush (1) Minion Beanie (it's reversible!) and (1) Minion Pen

I'm sharing my Despicable Me 2 folder with recipe cards and activity sheets, you can check it out here.


"Despicable Me 2 is the top box-office comedy of the year and is poised for spectacular success on home entertainment this holiday season,” said Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. “This adored franchise, with its iconic lovable Minions, stands apart from all others and is sure to be at the top of everyone’s wish list this December.”
Gru, his adorable girls, and the mischievous Minions are back with a cast of unforgettable new characters in the blockbuster sequel to the worldwide phenomenon.  Just as Gru has given up being super-bad to be a super-dad, the Anti-Villain League recruits him to track down a new criminal mastermind and save the world.   Partnered with secret agent Lucy Wilde, Gru, along with the wildly unpredictable Minions, must figure out how to keep his cover while also keeping up with his duties as a father.  Assemble the Minions for laugh-out-loud comedy in “one of the funniest, most enjoyable movies ever!” (MovieGuide®)

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gifts For The Person That Has Everything At Long Beach Antique Market

I headed to the Long Beach Antique Market last Sunday to see what gifts I could find for the person that has everything!  Do you know someone that is so hard to shop for?  I got you covered with these fun finds!  You still have time - You can catch the next antique market on Sunday, December 15th!    Don't live in Southern California?  Shop your local antique / flea market!  Support small business! Read my antique / flea market tips here.

For the fashionistas --- 

Fur - it's definitely in for the Winter.  I can't hate on vintage fur.  What's done is done and well, isn't it better to buy pieces from a generation that didn't know better?  I hate to see these just get burned or thrown away.  Some pieces I drooled over were from the 50s and 60s but looked immaculate.  

Louis Vuitton - So you want to buy your girl a bag but you don't have all that money to throw down. Save yourself some cheddar and buy an authentic vintage bag.  I took a good look at these and I'm willing to bet money that they are real. I'm no pro, do your own research!

Dresses, cardigans and coats - I did a quick walk-through in two vendor tents and noticed the average going rate for a vintage dress is only $10.  What a steal.  I've been to vintage boutiques that charge double and triple that.

Piles of stuff - it might look like blankets in this picture but there were all kinds of good things in the little hills.  It might be worth digging through!

Real fox stole - My husband pointed this out and I was just about to pick it up when he scolded me not to.  I have no idea what I was thinking but yeah, ew.

For kids or the kid at heart ---

I personally love vintage toys because they weren't mass produced like they are now.  I'm always looking for characters that stand out or remind me of my childhood.  We picked up a very cool monochrome Astro Boy figure from Japan for $30!  

For the home ---

Mid Century Furniture - There were so many pieces in fantastic condition.  I'm just not ready to plunk down the cold hard cash, maybe in a few years.  Seriously drool worthy pieces that I can't believe have lasted over 50 years.

Tupperware and Pyrex - So many good memories of my Nana's house.

Original prints - I should've really bought something from this vendor but he didn't have quite what I was looking for.  These are original prints printed from actual negatives and signed by the photographer - the 8 x 10 I was eyeballing was $10.  I tried to get him to go lower but he wasn't going for it and now I regret not buying one!

Frames and art - There are hundreds of pieces.  Don't tease yourself and glance at what someone has in their arms or cart.  I was really bummed I missed out on an original wolf drawing that was $7.

What is the one vintage thing you are always looking for?

Read more »

1 Reward For Every 5 Cards Purchased #HallmarkCardRewards

Disclosure:  This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Hallmark and Latina Bloggers Connect.  All thoughts are my own.

I'm real old school.  I love snail mail.  The days of good ol' penmanship and stamp licking are long gone for some...  But for me, since our families live all over the World and we have friends spread out over the 50 states - you can still find me in the Hallmark aisle.  My mom definitely passed down the love of sending cards to me.  I remember being 11 years old and her carefully picking out cards for our family.  We'd get home and she'd settle in at the kitchen table with a good pen and her address book.  She would convince my little brother to lick envelopes and I got to put on the stamp.  I didn't think much of it then, it was just how it was but looking back now, it is such a time honored tradition for our families.  Greeting cards in general have come a long way - new wonderful designs, modern humor and even in Spanish - I can spend a good hour just taking them all in and ultimately deciding... Call it a guilty pleasure, I call it fun times!  I recently heard about the Hallmark Card Rewards program and it's perfect for me - for every 5 cards purchased, I'll earn 1 reward and you can too!

Rewards include gift cards and discounts from partners like Nike, Starbucks and Applebee's - tell me that doesn't rock!  It's even easier because you get rewarded from everywhere you can buy cards - in over 30,000 stores across the U.S.  And if that ain't easy enough, there's an app for that!  It's available on both Android and iPhone - just scan the barcode on the back of your purchased cards and register your rewards for your account.  

Do you still believe in snail mail?  Do you prefer sending or receiving?  

Rewards are only for individual cards and not boxed greetings.

3 Holiday Must-Haves For Your Home!

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post in partnership with Niche Parent Network.  I am a Kmart SC Johnson blogger, though all opinions are my own.

The Winter holidays are the busiest time of the year for just about everyone.  I wish my shopping was finished last month because our December is looking crazy with travel.  I want to get it out of the way this weekend!!!  I am usually the crazy woman running around checking out every single store for the best deal along with other frantic shoppers.  But what I'd really like to do is chill out at home with candles burning or baking.  This year Glade® Winter Collection features four limited edition fragrances, I went to my local Kmart to smell each and every one and my favorite is Frosted Berry Kiss.  It smells like red ripe berries and fresh green garlands, super fun and flirty - reminding me of kissing Santa under the mistletoe.  Not that Santa, my Santa!  The three other scents are Apple Cinnamon Cheer (smells like a mug of steaming cider, let the yummy apples and spice warm you from head to toe), Pure Vanilla Joy (smells like a fresh-baked batch of frosted sugar cookies, keeps you in the holiday spirit all year long) and Sparkling Spruce (smells like fresh cut pine) and they come in jar candles, PlugIns scented oils, WaxMelts and automatic sprays.      

Since I'm a fan of limited edition and holiday everything - I couldn't help but notice the Ziploc® Holiday Collection.  Hello, perfect for giving out fresh baked cookies and treats to friends and family!  I was wondering how I would be able to share my pumpkin tres leches cake...

At Kmart, SYWR Members get a $5 coupon to spend on groceries, health or beauty products with a $15 or more purchase of select Glade or Ziploc Holiday collection products.  And over $12 of additional savings can be found on Kmart.com for Glade and Ziploc holiday collection products!

When Life Gets Tough, I #RiseAboveIt

Disclosure:  This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Pine-Sol® and Latina Bloggers Connect.  All thoughts are my own.

When I got the layoff notice earlier this year I was completely devastated.  I was employed at Honda Center for what would have been my 18th year in November.  Having the same employer for almost 18 years was something I was very proud of.  I never thought I would be there that long but it's hard to walk away from a job you truly love.  My job itself was fun and I enjoyed my coworkers, our guests and the events in our arena.  It was my life for so long.  Since my husband was employed there too, he was laid off along with 400 of our coworkers.  It was the building's way of getting rid of our Union and starting fresh.  The NHL had a lockout from October 2012 to January 2013 and work was slow during that time so our happy little nest egg was now sad.  We were finally building our savings back up and now would be unemployed as of June 30, 2013.

I like change but I'm a fan of stability more.

Blogging was going good for me but I didn't know if it could carry us.  I had huge doubts.  What were we going to do to pay our bills?  As it turns out, getting laid off was the best thing to happen to me.  I went all in and doors started opening for me.  I would have never imagined doing something I love and being my own boss.

Started from the bottom...

Now we here.

I am thrilled to help introduce the "When Life Gets Tough, Women Rise Above It" campaign from the makers of Pine-Sol® Products. Launched with the help of actress and activist Rosie Perez, Pine-Sol® donated $25,000 to Women Empowered, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles that connects, educates and supports women of all ages and backgrounds, inspiring them to give back to their communities.

As part of this important campaign, I'm encouraging you to share your story of triumph to Pine-Sol's collection of moving stories by visiting www.WomenRiseAboveIt.com or www.LasMujeresNoSeRinden.com from November 1, 2013 to January 31, 2014. By sharing your story, you will be entered for a chance to win some amazing prizes including house cleaning services for a year and an all-inclusive trip to enjoy a peaceful spa experience at a deluxe hotel!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  Open to legal residents of the 50 United States & D.C. 18 years and older.  Ends 1/31/14 at 11:59 a.m. PT.  To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, and prize descriptions, visit www.womenriseaboveit.com. Void where prohibited.

SIN OBLIGACIÓN DE COMPRA. Abierto a residentes legales de los 50 estados de los Estados Unidos y D.C., mayores de 18 años. Termina el 1/31/14 a las 11:59 a.m. PT Para participar y consultar las Reglas oficiales, incluyendo las probabilidades y las descripciones de los premios, visite www.lasmujeresnoserinden.com. Nulo donde esté prohibido.

3 Diaper Bag Must-Haves For Amusement Park Trips #HuggiesLatino

Disclosure:  This is part of a compensated campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Huggies.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

My mama used to tell me to do everything in life right the first time so you don't have to waste time correcting it.  Who knew that years later it would make sense when it came to diapers...  If you choose the right diapers the first time you won't waste time washing soiled sheets and wet clothes.  I'm bringing this up because we were at Disney California Adventure Park a couple weeks ago and I overheard two different conversations about clothes that got peed on!  Ew!  The worst part of it all - the parents didn't think to bring an extra set of clothes!  Poor babies having to sit in soggy, smelly clothes! It's the holiday season, make your life easier with these amusement park tips so you can focus on what really matters! Time with your family!!!

Diaper Bag Must-Haves:

• Always bring more clothes!  In addition to changing for an "accident"... you might have to layer up for weather.  Having traveled through the years, weather is unpredictable.  Here in Southern California, it could be in the 80s on a November day and 50s at night.  
• Bring lots of baby wipes!  I don't want to sound like a clean freak but sometimes you'll be standing in line for hours and your kids are touching every single thing, wipes come in handy for keeping hands, noses and faces clean.  Easier than having to leave the line to run to the restroom to wash hands!  Which brings me to a funny story - I have been asked for wipes from random strangers because they saw I had a baby and knew I would have some.  Sharing is caring.    
• Pack a diaper for every hour!  Listen, you probably won't go through all those diapers but it's better to be safe than sorry.  Especially when you are out at an amusement park for the whole day.  Most important:  if you know you are going to be waiting for a ride or show, before you get in line, put on a fresh diaper.  This is a must and will save you from accidents!  Also sometimes parents forget and it doesn't hurt to share your good diapers!  Pay it forward!

I would love to hear your diaper bag must-haves - leave a comment with your tips!  

Grab a pack of Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers with New SureFit Design and Huggies Natural Care Wipes with New Triple Clean Layers and join Zuleyka as she puts Huggies to the test. Visit Huggies.com/tuprueba for more information on the new Huggies products.

Follow and join the conversation by sharing your own parenting challenges and tips:  @Huggies on Twitter #HuggiesLatino / Huggies Latino on Facebook / Huggies / Huggies Spanish

My Little Comedian Is #MotherFunny

NickMom's Kids Say of the Day is GOLD.  Totally reminds me of my own joker.  Duke is always saying something straight up funny or borderline smart-a**y.  It doesn't help that I egg him on by tweeting and facebooking everything he says or does.  When he gets older, he's gonna laugh about all the things I blogged about.  Right?  Here are some of Duke's golden moments and that one time he called me Snooki:

Duke: Wear a costume Dad! Get in the Halloween spirit
Chris: No, cause I'm a G
Duke: You mean gangster or gay?
(My husband totally wore a costume)

We're in a Target parking lot, walking towards the store and Duke sees a white SUV like the Kia we had in FL and says, "There's Whitey!" as two people pass by. Embarrassed, I tell him, you can't say that and he says but our blue Kia was Bluey!  Parenting moment for reals!

And then there was this:  That awkward moment when your child is watching Transformers cartoons and wondering why Optimus Prime keeps calling one of the Autobots "Ratchet". It's a tool Duke, a tool!  Too much rap music, perhaps?

He's a natural.  My little hypeman.  (Totally did not expect the blog shoutout!)

DO YOU HAVE A FUNNY KID?  SHARE A FUNNY STORY WITH ME!

And most importantly moms, stay gold and stay laughing.  Join us next Thursday, November 21st from 9-10pm ET for a #MotherFunny Twitter Party and laugh your way into winning $500 in gift cards!  

Stay social with @NickMom on Twitter / NickMom on Facebook and NickMom.com

Start New Family Traditions At Knott's Merry Farm

I'm officially ready for Christmas!  I know we're still in November and Thanksgiving hasn't happened yet but I'm itching to get my shopping done so we can focus on our annual visit to Knott's Merry Farm! I had an amazing time with my family - we didn't expect to love The Gift of the Magi show so much and can't wait to see it again this year.  Another unexpected surprise was the It's Christmas Snoopy! Ice Show.  We were blown away by the ice skating moves.  Blown away.  This year we plan on visiting Santa's Christmas Cabin where you can take photos with Santa, sample wine and craft beer and fill your tummy up with Santa's Sundae Bar.  There's also Snoopy's Tree Lighting, Snoopy's Magical Night of Lights, Calico Carolers, Lucy’s Wish List at the Camp Snoopy Theater and MORE!  New traditions made our family stronger - how do you celebrate the season?



I wanted to share this amazing deal - Knott's 2014 Season Passes with unlimited visits can be purchased online starting at $78.00 or with six easy installment payments of $13.00, for a limited time. Knott’s Season Pass program offers its members discounts, special Season Pass Holder events and more.

2014 Season Passes Include:

• Easy pay payment program (for a limited time)
• One FREE visit during the 2013 season
• Additional visits for just $9.99 each through December 31, 2013*
• Unlimited visits for the entire 2014 season with no blackout dates
• Access to Knott’s great seasonal offerings, including Knott’s Merry Farm, Knott’s Berry Bloom,
and Camp Spooky
• Discounts at select food and merchandise locations
• Discounts on Knott’s Scary Farm Tickets
• Early Ride Time on select rides during summer season
*Per Pass Holder/non-transferrable 
** Per Pass Holder /per day/ non-transferrable.

To purchase passes and find additional information on all Knott’s Berry Farm has to offer, visit www.knotts.com

Arroz Con Leche Toppings Bar

Disclosure:  This is part of a sponsored campaign with the California Milk Processor Board and Latina Mom Bloggers.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Confession:  I originally planned to make arroz con leche (rice pudding for my non-Spanish speaking friends) with fresh whipped cream but that didn't work out so well.  I have been dreaming of fresh whipped cream forever but never tried to make it and the one time I do try, it bombed!  Ah well, it happens!  Maybe I was impatient or maybe I didn't have the right tools but I plan on experimenting till I get it right!  So, I was sitting in my kitchen bummed and started to brainstorm how I could do justice to the arroz con leche recipe I got from tomaleche.com because it is one of my favorite desserts... and it hit me - I should do a toppings bar!  This is perfect for rice pudding fans that are adventurous!  Set one up for your next Holiday dinner or potluck!

Arroz Con Leche Ingredients - serves 8

• 1 cup Rice
• 1 cup Sugar
• 4 cups Milk
• 2 cups Water
• 1 Cinnamon Stick

Arroz Con Leche Directions

• Add rice and water to a pot on high heat for about 10 minutes
• When it's almost cooked, add milk, sugar and cinnamon stick
• Simmer on low heat until cooked through (depending on type of rice, can take 20-45 minutes)
• Cool for at least 30 minutes
• Add topping(s) and serve

Arroz Con Leche Toppings
Dried cranberries
Cajeta (caramel syrup)
Torani coconut syrup
Pumpkin pie spice
Raisins




Check out more milk-based holiday recipes at TomaLeche.com and get your $1.00 off coupon!  Everyone loves Facebook - Like Toma Leche on Facebook

You can click on the leche below for your $1.00 off coupon!

The Outlets At Orange #OrangeTweetUp

A couple weeks ago I attended the annual Fall Fashion event at one of my favorite malls in Southern California - The Outlets at Orange.  It is the only outlet mall in Orange County and only minutes from Disneyland.  Where else can you find my favorite stores Nordstrom Rack, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th and H & M in one place!

The opening reception was at Nordstrom Rack and I could not stop staring at the bags they have in for the Fall.  I haven't wanted a bag in forever but now a few are on my Christmas wish list!  Market Broiler catered the opening reception and I filled my tummy with yummy sushi.  The first TweetUp activity was to choose a pair of shoes I'd like for the Fall, easy.  I have been eyeing boots and closed toe wedges.  After that we headed to the main event area in front of DKNY and it was decked out with model platforms, a stage, eyebrow makeovers from Planet Beauty and tables with yummy goods from Sweets from Heaven, Market Broiler, Dave & Busters, Cinnabon and Corner Bakery Cafe.  The next TweetUp activity was a women's fashion show off where 2 teams of 2 bloggers/social media enthusiasts dressed up models.  Then we Twitter'd Fashion Finds and finally the men's fashion show off.

2013 Fall Trends from Neiman Marcus Last Call:

• Purple Reigns - We're plum crazy about this royal hue
• Red Alert - The season's hot and fiery favorite
• Black & White - Dramatic. Classic. Graphic.
• Rock Revival - Moto jackets, studs & lots more tough-girl chic
• Leather Looks - Put chic and supple leather on your radar
• Amazing Lace - Add romance with delicate, artistic lace
• Pointed Shoes - This flattering footwear makes a fabulous point
• Animal Magnetism - Wild ideas from head to toe
• Fur-ocious - Layer it on for instant glamour

Heirloom Tomato Tartare from Market Broiler was delish!  Garlic crostini topped with ricotta and balsamic caviar.

Women's Fashion Show Off

Models debut Fall fashion looks on these awesome platforms - her smize is everything

She's stunning!

The Men's Fashion Show off winners!  That's my girl Julie on the left!


The #OrangeTweetUp partnered with Working Wardrobes to bring awareness to their programs and collected donations of good professional clothes for men and women heading back to the workforce!

The Hobbit Menu at Denny's

Denny's is giving you a taste of Middle-earth with their limited time menu!  The Hobbit menu debuted on November 5th and this past Sunday, we got to feed our faces with a Hobbit-y good breakfast.  The bold new menu features seven authentic dishes inspired by the movies.  Get in there asap because you are going to want to go back and sample all of them or have your favorite again and again!  Visit Denny's for a whole new world of Hobbit fun - opens in theaters on 12/13/13!

My husband ordered the Hobbit Hole Breakfast.  He offered me one bite, it was good!  He loved it!

I got the Build Your Own Hobbit Slam with Honey Cake French Toast and YES.  YES.  YES.  Gimme some more!

My sides cause you know bacon, potatoes and sunny side up eggs are a few of my favorite things.  Those hobbits know good.

You made it this far.  Surprise giveaway!!!  Visit dennys.com and comment on this post with what you would love to try from The Hobbit menu and your email address.  The first three readers to comment will be entered to win.  Giveaway open in the US only, only open to readers over 18 years old and will close when the first three readers are verified or on 11/16/13 (whichever comes first).