Knott's Merry Farm Review

180 Feet Above Knotts



I have not been to Knotts Berry Farm in years.  Knotts has been transformed into Knotts Merry Farm for the holidays.  My family and I went this past Sunday.  We arrived at 10:30 am.  This was the perfect time of day to go.  There were was not a wait and no lines.  We simply walked up to the rides and were able to get on.  The day was perfect, there had been a slight rain, but it put us in the holiday spirit.  As the day went on, the park began to have a bit of a crowd, but we were able to get on all of the rides we were interested in and see a couple of shows.

We went to the Calico Saloon Show.  We able to be seated in front of the bar, the best seats in the house. When it began the audience was put into the holiday spirit with Christmas songs and laughter.  The show wrapped with sing-a-longs, of Jingle Bells and We Wish You A Merry Christmas.  The show was 15 minutes of fun. 

We did go see It's Christmas Snoopy in Ice.  I was impressed with the size of the Charles M. Schulz Theater.  I can remember going to shows as I child, but I do not remember it being this big.  The show lasted an hour.  As Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the gang glided around on stage they told the story of Christmas.

By the time evening hit, Christmas lights were lighting up the park and Christmas songs were playing throughout the park as well.  We had intentions of leaving right at nightfall, but we could not resist riding a few more rides.  It was like the lights and the music gave us a burst of energy. 

On the last ride we sang along with the music, all I could say was, "It is beginning to feel a lot like Christsmas." 

To top things off we had to get funnel cake.  You cannot go to Knotts and not have funnel cake.  It was just as we hoped it would be, DELICIOUS...... 

Our experience at Knotts Merry Farm was very fun.  I have never been to an amusement park, were I was put into a relaxed state of mind.  My family and are still talking about our day at Knotts Berry Farm.  This was a memorable day.  We recommend you go see for yourself. Here is a coupon for you and your family. Happy Holidays.

Rise of The Guardians Review-Peter Ramsey

It is not often that you see a film that brings your inner child to life.  Rise of The Guardians was that film for me.  I went with intentions of seeing another family film, but left there reminising on my own childhood heros like the Tooth Fairy, The Sand Man, Santa and the Easter Bunny.

Rise of the Guardians tells the story of a group of heroes – each with amazing abilities. When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the Guardians decide to join together to protect the imagination and hopes of children all over the world.

The characters in this film embark on an amazing adventure “North” a.k.a. Santa Claus (voiced by Alec Baldwin); “Bunny,” the Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman); and “Tooth,” the Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher) Jack Frost (Chris Pine) “Pitch,” the Boogeyman (Jude Law).  This is a heartwarming adventure that you do not want to miss.

I did not grow up with Jack Frost as one of my hero's but now he is added to my list of favorites. Although, we do not get snow in our city, this time of year there is a lot of frost.  Now my son is speaking of Jack Frost thanks to Rise of The Guardians.

Without giving too much of the story away all I can say is this is a great film.  It was very clean and is for children of all ages, young and old.  This film definitely keeps your inner child alive.



Director Peter Ramsey
 

Rise of the Guardians was directed by Peter Ramsey.  The modest, director is the first African-American filmmaker to direct a major, big budget CG-animated motion picture.

I was honored my son and I were among invited guest to attend the private screening and reception where Ramsey was honored by the African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) and the City of Los Angeles in L.A.,  As he spoke to our audience Ramsey expressed his crowning achievement is due to his focus and  dedication.

Ramsey's work in the film industry dates back to 1989, when he started out as a storyboard artist for the live action film, A Nightmare on Elm Street. As a kid, he grew up in the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles. He spent two years in college at UCLA before dropping out to pursue his interests in the movie business.  As he told of his path, he encouraged the children in the room to stay in school. 

Ramsey worked his way up the art department ladder, working with top directors like Steven Spielberg, John Singleton ,Ang Lee and David Fincher.  He is a true testiment that hard work does pay off and is an inspiration for many people.

 









Rise of the Guardians is a film you do not want to miss.  I believe it will be a classic.

What Daddy Did Today Review

We often read stories about mothers and their children, but Walter Wally author of What Daddy Did Today A Father's Bedtime Story, sheds some light on father's and their children.

My son and I received the book in the mail today and read it as soon as we received it.  He has asked he may share it with his class.  He wanted to review it immediately to share it with all of our readers.

I can understand his excitement.  What Daddy Did Today takes you on an adventure from the jungle, outer space and back home.  While reading this book, my son and laughed.  It was an easy read.  This is a book that will remain on our book shelf and apart of our bedtime story routine. 

After completing the book, my son kept saying, "Thank you mom."   Well, thank you Walter Wally for making my son think I am the greatest mom right now.

What Daddy Did Today can be purchased at http://www.walterwally.com/  .

Energizer “Power the Creativity” event with Crayola! Review

Energizer and Crayola did an awesome job teaming up for the Energizer “Power the Creativity” event with Crayola!

For many years Energizer has been known to last long and has been very reliable. I had no idea that Energizer had created Energizer Flamless Wax Candles . At the event these candels were at each table. Some were scented and some were not. They were nice looking and to the touch they felt like a regular wax candle. When I returned home from the event I could not wait to put my scented candle in my living room. I have it set to stay on for 8 hours. It is a vanilla scent and is very soft and offers the room an extra warm feel.

Candles at the event

With Christmas around the corner. I need to buy batteries. After this event and seeing how my candle does so well. I have purchased the Energizer Max Batteries with Power Seal that hold their power up to 10 years on shelf life. So far the ones I have purchased I have put in my television remotes, but I did buy some for the toys I am purchasing for Christmas. This will be the first year I will be prepared.

I grew up with Crayola and have purchased Crayola products for both my 18 year old and 7 year old children. Over the years Crayola continues to stay creative and keep up with what's entertaining for children of many eras and generations. I know my son enjoyed the items at the event. He and the other children were well entertained, while the mothers networked and were educated on what Energizer and Crayola had to offer. Statements could be heard like, 'Wow", 'This is Cool" or "I like this, mom can I have one?"

The partnering of Energizer and Crayola on this event was a huge hit for us. If you would like to be prepared for the holidays and are looking for great deals here is a link for Energizer/Crayoloa Promotion .

If you would like more information on Energizer, you can also go to the Energizer facebook page .

"I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Energizer. I attended an event and received a promotional item to thank me for my participation."
http://www.momcentralconsulting.com

My For Your Eyes Only R/C Cars Review-Skyfall 007 Aston Martin Review

Who wouldn't want an Aston Martin.  Well my son received his first one compliments of Toy State .  This  007 James Bond licensed remote control cars has made it's debut along side the movie Skyfall that premiered on November 9, 2012. 

The cars are available for purchase exclusively on Amazon and include iconic cars from the James Bond movie franchise, including radio control and lights & sounds cars, from Goldfinger’s Aston Martin DB5 to the Mustang Mach 1 from Diamonds Are Forever, to the new (but classic) Aston Martin from Skyfall.

 

All of the Toy State 007™ cars are available on Amazon and range in price from $12.99 for the 007™ lights & sounds cars to $54.99 for the For Your Eyes Only R/C cars, which replicates the iconic alleyway chase scene from Diamonds Are Forever and pops back and side wheelies.

 

Now all we have to do is go see Skyfall.

 

 

Family Fun at Boomers

This weekend US Family Guide Bloggers had the opporunity to go to one of 11 Boomers locations in Southern California. Yes, my family did not want to miss this event. We had a blast with four hours of unlimited fun!

We enjoyed go cart racing, rock climbing, minature golf, arcade games, lazer tag, and many other attractions. This is one place both my 18 year old and seven year old enjoyed. I have to admit, I even had to join in the fun. I had no idea Boomers had so much to offer. The four hours flew by so fast, but it was really all we needed. Today, we were exhausted!

My seven year old continues to talk about his experience and asking to look at the pictures we took yesterday. It feels good listening to him talk about the fun he had. These special moments only make me want to return. I enjoyed the laughter and fun we experienced.

Stefanie Scott of Wreck-Ralph Round Table Discussion

Stefanie Scott the voice of Moppet Girl in the new Disney film Wreck-It Ralph was gracious enough to sit in a round table with my family and several other blogger families.  My son has been insisting that he is a blogger and had many questions for Scott. He watches her on the show A.N.T Farm as Lexi Reed.  He is just now understanding how voice overs works, so this was a fascinating experience.  With questions prepared and seated in a room with Stefanie Scott all of the questions went out of the window and he was completely silent.  When the round table was over he was not shy about taking a photo with her. 

Having had this experience was fun and exciting for us all.   Wreck-It Ralph was a great movie that we are still talking about in our home.  Although, my son shyed away from asking his questions, as you can see we had a great time and are looking forward to seeing Stefanie Scott in future projects.

Wreck It Ralph Review-Wreck It Ralph A Must See Film!



If you grew up in the era of, Pac Man, Miss Pac Man, Space Invaders, etc.  Wreck It Ralph will take you back to your childhood.  Wreck It Ralph opens in theaters, November 2nd I am stating it is a must see film.

After decades of being overshadowed by Fix It Felix, Ralph decides he is going to be a good guy.  He will take you on an arcade journey.  While he is on this journey he meets Vanellope von Schweetz.  Together the two will discover many things about themselves that will leave you with a heartwarming message. 

This is a film for the entire family.  I enjoyed it, my 18 year old once again, laughed and cried, so she really enjoyed it.  My seven year old he understood the message, but there were some things that were over his head and am glad they were, because they were a little risque. 

In my household we have come to a conclusion that Wreck It Ralph will be a box office hit.