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I’m a car junkie. Nothing beats the smell of a new car, or taking it out a new car on the road for the very first time. I’m not kidding when I say that it’s one of my favorite things in the world to do.

I love sleek vehicles, add dependability to a good looking vehicle, and I fall deeply in love. We are a Nissan Family. Last year I traded my gas guzzler, for a Nissan Rogue, and have never looked back. I’m having car envy again, and this time it’s because of the all new and redesigned Nissan Sentra. The new Sentra, not only looks good, it has everything you need, to make you insanely happy. Not only does the Sentra have amazing fuel efficiency , but it feels a step above, in comparison to other vehicles in its class, and here’s why.

The New Nissan Sentra’s class above features:

  • Carefully-designed driver’s area looks integrated
  • Affordable navigation with back-up camera
  • I-key with keyless entry and push-button start
  • iPod and MP3 interface
  • Bluetooth, XM, and Pandora Link
  • Tire pressure monitor with audible fill alert
  • Dual-zone A/C

To learn more about the stylish and good looking Nissan Sentra, and learn more about the Nissan SENTRA Facebook promotion. We will be sharing more about this promotion in an upcoming post. You don’t want to miss it!

This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Nissan. However, all opinions expressed are my own. 

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Snoopy is hard at work!

Snoopy is hard at work!

From funnel cakes to Boysenberry juice to being held up on the train to Camp Snoopy, all of us probably have favorite memories of the little gem in Buena Park, America’s First Theme Park, Knott’s Berry Farm.  Knott’s will soon unveil their huge new expansion in the Boardwalk section of the park. Crews are busy at work prepping the new area for it’s grand opening Memorial Day Weekend.  Here is what’s coming:

Coast Rider: This brand new roller coaster will have a 52 foot ascent and a fast drop along 1,339 feet of track filled with hairpin turns, twists and spins. It’s a wild mouse coaster taken to new “heights!”

Surfside Glider: Guests will ride to a height of 28 feet in two-man aircraft and zip through the air, all while being able to control the back and forth movement.  It’s a classic amusement park ride that will be a perfect fit down at The Farm.

Pacific Scrambler: You may recall last seeing this by Bigfoot Rapids at the Wilderness Scrambler. It’s now returning almost to it’s original spot when it was known as the Whirlpool.

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Boardwalk at Night

This area will look beautiful at night!

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Can you tell how excited Snoopy is for all of this new stuff? All of these new attractions are family friendly.

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The Coast Rider was assembled in about a week by a crew working at night, which allowed the day crew to continue preparing the concrete work for the other rides.

And just when you thought all the Boardwalk fabulous was enough, Knott’s is also updating the Timber Mountain Log Ride. This classic ride, which is the first ever fully themed log ride attraction, is getting some loving care. This includes replacing all of the human figures with new animated figures as well as many of the animals.

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  The picture above will soon be featured in the part of the ride seen below.

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There are many other surprises to be seen in the updated Timber Mountain Log Ride. Come see it, when it reopens on May 30th!

Knott’s Berry Farm has always been a great value for families looking for a day or even a season of fun. Consider picking up some season passes and for a few bucks more, get Knott’s Soak City included with it. This could be a summer the kids never forget!

2013 Season Passes are available for only $72.00 or 6 easy payments of $12.00 for a limited time. Knott’s Season passes have no blackout dates.·    

For more information on Knott’s Berry Farm visit www.knotts.com
Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. I just happen to be a Knott’s junkie!
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Did you know that this week, April 21-27, is National Volunteer Week? I’ve shared earlier in the week about Volunteer Day, on the 27th, but did you know there was an entire week, dedicated to serving others? I love the idea of being able to give of our time and help our community, especially those that need it most.

I’m beyond honored to be selected by Latina Mom Bloggers, to participate in the Big Brothers Big Sisters, Latino campaign. National Volunteer Week celebrates giving back to the community and Latino Bigs just does that!  Latino Bigs encourages Latinos from all walks of life to give back by being a mentor to an at-risk Latino youth.

A decade ago, I was working in a small office, and I had a wonderful coworker that was a single mom to a little boy. Her son did not have a strong male influence in her life, and she really wanted a strong mentor and influence in his life. The Big Brother, Big Sister organization, came in to his life and changed all that. I watched from afar as a little boy was transformed, grades were brought up, and a boy happier than I had ever seen him. Big Brothers Big Sisters, is a wonderful organization, that can truly change children’s lives.

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I’ve also seen the power of mentorship in my life. I had a fantastic elementary teacher, Mrs.Citron, that encouraged me like no one else had done before. She reminded me daily, that I could be the first college graduate in my family, and that I had many talents to share. I credit her powerful belief in me, and her love, for being able to graduate from college, and pursue a career in education. Her simple words and actions, changed my life.

More than ever, there is a big need for Latino “Bigs”. Many of the children served by Big Brothers, Big Sisters, come from immigrant families, and are adjusting to a new culture. As Latinos, we know these challenges very well, and could really help a “little”  navigate through these challenges.

So come on Amigos, Amigas, head over to visit  www.latinobigs.org or www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org for more information about volunteering as a ‘Big.’ You have the power to bless and change many lives! Let’s do this!

This is part of a supported campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Big Brothers Big Sisters.  However, all opinions expressed are my own.

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Growing up, I remember my mom telling us about el Dia De Los Ninos, or Children’s Day. El Dia Del Nino, takes place on April 30th, of each year, and children would anxiously await this fun filled day. It is a day filled with celebration, school is not in session, games are played, special food is eaten, and great memories are made. My mom and her siblings, would also receive a small gift, as the day ended. I remember thinking as a child, how fun it would be to celebrate, El Dia Del Nino.

If you have heard of el Dia del Nino, or are hearing about it for the first time, and would like for your kiddos to experience it, you have to check out the Dia Del Nino festival in Escondido. The festival is presented by the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum.

The event celebrates children providing healthy family development resources for children and families. On-site activities will include live music, games, hands-on activities for kids, and much much more. The celebration is free and promises to be very fun!

The Event will take place on Saturday, April 27th, from 11am to 4pm at Grape Day Park in Escondido. For additional information head here.

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Bricks Family Restaurant

Bricks Family Restaurant

We shared two weeks ago about our fantastic time at the LEGOLAND Hotel. We had a fantastic time, and we are counting down until we can head there again. Tonight I wanted to share about our dining experience at the Bricks Lego Family Restaurant. If you have a special event coming up, perhaps your kiddo’s birthday, or you are heading to LEGOLAND and you would like to take the kiddos to a fun place after hitting the park, you have to take your family to the Bricks Family Restaurant.

The theming is found in every corner of this super fun restaurant!

The theming is found in every corner of this super fun restaurant!

Don’t expect a stuffy atmosphere or someone giving you the eye when the kiddos get a little rowdy, anything goes in this fun family atmosphere! As you sit and color in your very own table cover, you are surrounded by giant LEGO kitchen equipment, enormous LEGO dishes of foods and even LEGO spinning plates.

The food was so yummie, and the kiddos ate every last bite! Win, Win!

The food was so yummie, and the kiddos ate every last bite! Win, Win!

Not only was it a very fun experience, the food was absolutely delish! The restaurant  and menu has been created with children in mind so there’s a wide range of buffet options to suit every taste and age group! My kiddos loved trying many of the options, including the different salads. We were extremely pleased!!

Meeting some of the fun LEGO characters!

Meeting some of the fun LEGO characters!

The food is yummie, the atmosphere is relaxed, and best of all, the kiddos can meet some of their favorite LEGO characters! We loved every bit of our dining experience and can’t wait to do it again! It was one of the best dining experiences we have ever had! If you would like to learn about the Bricks Family Restaurant, make sure to head here. You’re going to LOVE it!

 

Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. A complementary meal was provided for review purposes, however all opinions are my own and I absolutely LOVED our experience!

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Billboard Jessica Carillo

I’ve shared before, how much I enjoy Jenni Rivera. I was heartbroken to learn of her passing, back in December. To me she symbolizes someone that is strong, passionate, and sends out positive messages for women. I really enjoy her music, and am glad we have dozens of songs to listen to, even though she is no longer with us. She is nominated for the Latin Billboard Artis of the Year, and I really hope she wins.

I’m sure Jenni, like the other nominees, dreamt of being famous when she was little. I”m sure those great dreams, usually started with a great night of sleep, and maybe a warm glass of milk. I can always sleep a little better after a glass of warm milk. It definitely hits the spot!

I imagine it must be nerve wracking to be nominated for an award. I can imagine it must be tough to get a good night’s sleep before the award shows. The 2013 Billboard Awards are happening this week, and I’m sure many of the nominees, are going to have a tough time getting a good night’s rest. Maybe I need to tweet to them and remind them they may get a good night of sleep, by sipping a little warm milk, the night before. I think I’m going to have one for them, because I’m nervous, for them!

A little warm cup of milk, helps me get a good night's rest!

A little warm cup of milk, helps me get a good night’s rest!

You can cheer on your favorite nominee, by watching the Latin Billboard Awards this Thursday, April 25th at 4pm Pacific Time. You can follow the conversation by checking out #Positivismo or #BillboardLatino. Don’t forget to check out the El Maestro del Vaso Medio Lleno on Facebook

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.

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angelsbaseball

Baseball Season is here! This year I made a promise to myself, that we would take in  a few more baseball games than last year. If you are thinking along the same lines, or have been wanting to take the family to a game for the first time, make sure to take advantage of $6 to $8  Angel Tickets this week.

There are still tickets available for upper view tickets agains the Texas Rangers, for games on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. Tickets normally sell  in this section between  $17.50 to $53. It’s a great deal!

If you would like to purchase tickets for any of the three games, you can head over to the Angels  box office, or buy them by clicking here.

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ENC Newport Beach

ENC Newport Beach

One of my favorite places to visit in Newport Beach, is the Environmental Nature Center (ENC). The ENC’s mission is to provide quality education, through hands-on experiences with nature. It is a fantastic place to visit, especially during butterfly season.

Each year the center holds an open house for its butterfly house and a spring festival. We’ve attended a few times before, and my kiddos have loved it! The butterfly house at the ENC, is Orange County’s only butterfly home and is home to butterflies and plants, that are considered native to Orange County. The Spring Faire features crafts for the kiddos, face painting, henna tattoos, storytelling, nature walks, and so much more!

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My daughter, a few years back, enjoying the Spring Faire at the ENC.

The Spring Faire Butterfly Open House, will take place on Sunday, May 5th, from 10am to 3pm.  We’ve had a great time before, and so will you. Best of all it is Free, although donations are always welcomed! For additional information head here.

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Short.F5LA

I’ve shared a few times on the blog, how critical the first five years of a child’s life are in their development. Ninety percent of a child’s brain develops during this critical time, and unfortunately as I’m learning in my special ed program, is that door shuts after the age of five, and there really is not much we can do after that. If you are a stay at home parent, you probably make sure that your kiddos are being exposed to enriching activities. If you have to work outside of the home, choosing great childcare is extremely critical. But what about after?

As I’m learning in my special education specialist program, one of the most important things that a parent can do, is become involved in their child’s education. This means keeping the line of communication open with teachers and other education professionals. It also means volunteering in the classroom and making sure that your child is mastering the skills they are being exposed to.

It is imperative that children begging learning as early as possible. The earlier, the better! Study after study has proven that the earlier a child starts to learn, the better, they do down the road. I have witnessed with my own children, the importance of a great early childhood education. My son is in kindergarten and he happens to be doing better, than most of his peer. It isn’t because he is brighter than them, it just happens to be that a good chunk of my son’s classmates, did not attend preschool and that can lead to a child playing catch up for most of their elementary years.

To learn more about quality early childhood education, you can check out ReadySetGrowLA.org, and learn all about quality childcare/preschool and tips to help you make an educated decision.

It’s giveaway time! Enter to win an educational prize pack from First 5 LA. All you have to do is like them on Facebook, or follow on Twitter, and you are set to go! No comments, just easy as pie. Winner will be selected at random. Giveaway ends on Friday, April 26th at 11:59pm. Good luck!

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Disclosure: This is part of a compensated campaign with Smith New Media and ReadySetGrowLA.org. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

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We love supporting a good cause, especially when it involves a super fun visit to a theme park we love! The annual “Celebrate Carlsbad” day will take place on Saturday, April 27 starting at 1 p.m. Specially-priced $20 LEGOLAND tickets include admission with Park hours extended to 8 p.m. SEA LIFE® Aquarium tickets are also available at a discounted rate of $7 each. Parking is $15 at the gate.

LEGOLAND will donate a portion of the event proceeds to the Carlsbad Educational Foundation (CEF) to support district-wide science initiatives for students at all Carlsbad Unified School District (CUSD) Schools. LEGOLAND will also donate hundreds of free field trip admission tickets to Carlsbad students for hands-on science field trips.

These specially priced LEGOLAND tickets are available in advance only through the Carlsbad Educational Foundation and local ticket sales outlets including: all Carlsbad Unified schools, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce (5934 Priestly Drive), Carlsbad Visitors Bureau (400 Carlsbad Village Drive), US Bank (2520 El Camino Real and 7730 El Camino Real), Lola’s 7 Up Market & Deli (3292 Roosevelt St.), San Marcos Boys & Girls Club (1 Positive Place), Vista Boys & Girls Club (410 W. California Ave) and the Carlsbad Educational Foundation (5631 Palmer Way, Suite L).

For information or to purchase tickets and have them emailed directly to you, call the Carlsbad Educational Foundation at (760) 929-1555 or email info@CarlsbadEd.org.

For additional info head here. Have a day of fun and support a great cause!

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