Treating Your Dogs to Good Health this Season | @VetIQPets #ad

This is a sponsored post.  All thoughts are my own.

Since the holidays have officially begun, it is time to start thinking about gifts.  No, not for your family and friends but your dogs.  Haven't they given you unconditional love and understanding?  With Halloween coming up this week, our dogs want treats too.

VetIQ has provided me with treats that my dogs can't get enough of.  The best part?  They are good for the dogs!  Do your dogs have breath that peels paint?  Yeah, me too!  

Minties are a great way to make your dogs feel loved and get a little relief from bad breath.

Minties are made in the US and have only the best US ingredients.

• Soy Free
• Gluten Free
• Corn Free
• Wheat Free
• No artificial ingredients/colors
• No animal by products 
• Helps reduce plaque and tarter with its unique shape
• 5 Natural breath fresheners

These fun bone shaped treats were a hit in my house and I would be surprised if they weren't in yours.

Do you have an older dog that you worry about?  Is it getting harder for them to get up and move around?  

JT Schmid's Home of the 6 Pound Burger! | #Tustin #GigaSavvy

On our quest to find the best food in Southern California, our next stop had us invited to JT Schmid's.  Not only was this a great restaurant with many choices of delicious food but it is also a brewery!

Only thing better than a great meal with friends is a great drink to go with it.  

I was invited to review JT Schmid's with a group of friends from Giga Savvy Social Club.

The first that caught my eye was a HUGE 6 pound(yes I said pound) burger that is meant to be eaten family style.  Bring your family or closest friends and chow down!  One of these "Bigger Badder Asser Burgers" fed about 8 of us generously.  

Come Rock the Boat on the Boo Cruise with Harbor Breezes this Halloween! | @HarborBreezeC

You know that Harbor Breeze Cruises has the best Whale Watching fleet but did you know that they like to celebrate the holidays in style?  

Come out with them on Halloween this year(adults 21+) and rock the boat on the BOO CRUISE!  The 3 hour long harbor cruise is a great way to have a few drinks and not worry about driving... the boat! LOL

While cruising the BOOtiful Long Beach Harbor, enjoy some FREE sinful appetizers, a wicked cash bar and dance the haunted night away while our devilish DJ spins today's latest hits!

BOO CRUISE

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Boarding @ 8:00 pm

Cruise approximately 3 hours

100 Aquarium Way, Dock #2 

@ Rainbow Harbor Marina

Long Beach, CA 90802, 

(Adjacent to the Long Beach Aquarium)

$40 tickets are available now! 

WIN TICKETS to Thomas the Train 2015 in Perris, CA | @OrangEmpireRail #GIVEAWAY

Win Tickets to see Thomas and Friends in Perris, CA!

My kids have grown up with Thomas and I am sure your little train lovers will love to see him too!

All aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends are once again chugging into the Orange Empire Railway Museum for five days in November.

Tickets are on sale through September 1 for boarding times on the 7th, 8th, 11th, 14th and 15th of November. Train departure times fill up fast. So get your tickets now at www.thomasperrisca.oerm.org Save on service charges by calling the museum directly. (951) 943-3020.

Day Out With Thomas 2015 offers aspiring engineers and their families the opportunity to take a 25-minute ride with the famous engine and a 15-minute ride with his railway friend Percy. Children can also meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Superintendent of the Railroad from the Island of Sodor.

Enjoy a wide range of fun activities perfect for children. There will be games, a petting zoo, bounce houses, coloring, live children's music, sing-alongs and storytelling. There will also be Thomas & Friends temporary tattoos, Thomas & Friends train tables and building activities, videos and a Thomas gift store.

There will be street car and trolley rides and an entire museum to explore. A visit to the Orange Empire Railway Museum is a trip back in time to when trains, conductors, whistles, bells and steam were a part of the way we traveled.

A Day Out With Thomas will keep adults who love trains, and children who love Thomas, happily chugging along the tracks. Families should arrive no later than one hour prior to scheduled departure. Tickets start at $19 for ages two and older.

For more information, call the Orange Empire Railway Museum office at 951-943-3020 or visit www.thomasperrisca.oerm.org

The Orange Empire Railway Museum is an all-volunteer organization that has been preserving Southern California's railway history since 1956. The museum's mission is to educate the public on the technology, history, and impact of the rail transportation industry in the West. Over 200 rail cars and locomotives, ranging from Los Angeles street cars to modern diesel locomotives, are preserved at the museum's 90-acre site in Perris, California, which is open 363 days of the year.

WIN TICKETS BELOW!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Frightfully FREE Fishy Fun for Kids in Costume at Scarium of the Pacific WIN TICKETS! | @AquariumPacific #Giveaway

Since Halloween is a family affair, why not have some family fun at the Scarium of the Pacific!  You can win tickets to the Aquarium for their annual Halloween Festival THIS weekend, October 24th and 25th.

BONUS!  Kids get in FREE when they arrive in costume with a paid adult.  Print out the coupon below and be sure to enter the ticket giveaway.

Discover creepy creatures and enjoy magic shows, costume contests, and face painting at the Aquarium, where there’s more fun than fright

WHAT: Swim into the dark depths of the Aquarium, where there’s more fun than fright! Discover the eerie creatures lurking in the depths at the Scarium of the Pacific on Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Kids of all ages can hunt for creepy-looking animals while enjoying special Halloween activities and learning about the ocean.

25th Anniversary of Home Alone! Win a 5 Movie Boxed Gift-Set Plus Bonus Activity Sheets | @FHEInsiders #Giveaway

It has been 25 years since I saw the HOME ALONE movies and now I am about to introduce my kids to them!  Do I dare?  I worry about the movies giving my children ideas that I might not like... Just kidding... maybe.  LOL 

My son happens to be the same age as Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) when he saved his family home from burglars Harry(Joe Pesci) and Mary(Daniel Stem).   I know how much I enjoyed it as a kid and 
looking back, there wasn't one instance where I pulled any of his stunts. 

Did you know that in Fox Home Entertainment just released the 25th Anniversary edition?  This ULTIMATE COLLECTORS EDITION is unique because it not only includes the original movie but it also includes the whole 5 movie set plus bonuses.

Not So Scary Halloween Fun for Families at Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND California | @LEGOLAND_CA #BrickorTreat

Last week, my family was invited to Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND® California Resort.  We were excited because we hadn't been to Carlsbad in too long and we were anxious to see what was new!  Brick or Treat occurs five fun nights in October.  October 3, 10, 17, 24 and 30th.  Get there early and enjoy the whole day or arrive in time for the 5PM opening of 

Believe it or not, it was our first Brick or Treat.  One of my favorite things about LEGOLAND® California Resort is that they understand that families need a place to bring their children to a safe and "not so scary" trick or treating.

LEGOLAND® California, mixes their fun rides, shows and attractions with good old fashioned family fun.  The park wasn't too crowded because the daytime park hours end before Brick or Treat begins.  Only those with a Brick or Treat ticket will be allowed to stay, therefore cutting down on crowds and maximizing the fun.

What was on the agenda for the night?  

We started off with Candy Quest.  This adventure has you searching for hidden keys through caves.  Find a key, get a sweet treat!  The fun characters kept us laughing and full of sugar.  At the end, the kids were given CHIMA LEGO sets!   We were told they would give them out while supplies lasted.

Next on our agenda was an introduction to the "Not So Scary Storytelling".  The story changes with each audience as the audience decides the plot!  Ad-libbing at its best.  It was here that we were given the news, we and some of your favorite local bloggers were chosen to be LEGOLAND® California Ambassadors!  

What does this mean?  It means that we will be giving you the scoop on All Things Legoland and their surrounding parks.  For instance, did you know that there will be a Ninjagoland coming next year to Legoland California?

As we took in Brick or Treat, we caught one of the shows.  Witchettes cracked me up!  Check out how they get the whole audience dancing the Nae Nae(Watch Me) dance!

Queen Mary's Dark Harbor Rises From the Deep for 2015 | @QMDarkHarbor #QMDarkHarbor

Disclosure: I was invited to a media preview.

You might have guessed that I LOVE Halloween time! I have loved being scared since I was a little girl. One event that I look forward to every year is the Queen Mary's Dark Harbor. This wold-famous ship is haunted year round and I highly recommend going on the "off" season to see the real spooks! They say that the ghosts from the 40's and 50's still roam the decks, especially the pool deck!

I was sad that my hubby had to work the night of the media event but I braved it out with good friends from Horsing Around in L.A. and Balancing the Chaos.

As we grabbed a drink to embolden our spirits, and ward off unwanted ones, I captured a glimpse of what was in store for me. The crown of the even was Michael Jackson's Swings which was especially creepy with Scary Mary and other some of the other 200 ghouls riding it.

The live stage show had a wide variety of acts that included flame throwing, dancing with a variety of spooks and haunts thrown in.

You might think that you are safe if you stay out in the open but beware! The ghouls lurks around every corner just waiting for their new victim!

We discovered a great hideaway bar in the middle of the Monster Midway at the Freak Show. This central party was great for having a drink and watching the show with all of the "special Sideshow Freaks". I loved the skull mugs that had LED lights built in, it made a great surprise for my kids back at home.

Onto the Mazes, we started off with Voodoo Village. This was absolutely my favorite maze! It was not as bloody and gory as the other mazes but it made you feel like you were in the heart of the swamp and you were about the be cursed into the after-life! It was also about a 15 minute long maze!

Have you heard of Scary Mary? 

The Scary Mary's Lullaby Maze tells the story of the not-so-innocent Little Scary Mary.

Apparently, she loves play with her friends... to death!

Don't let her fool you into staying, she has a hard time letting go of her play things...

Curse Of Anubis (Paintball)- Ever wanted to shoot the darkest of your nightmares? Anubis is the Greek Egyptian jackal-headed god of mummification and the afterlife and they need brave Mummy killers to save mankind.

Deadrise sits in the middle of Dark Harbor and honestly isn't the spookiest out of all the mazes but it left you running for your lives out of the exit. Check out this clip of some of the patrons!

Returning Mazes

• Did you favorite mazes make the cut from last year? 
• Circus Big Top Terror 
• Deadrise 
• Soulmate 
• B340 

The Queen Mary's Dark Harbor was thrilling and truly horrific. The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor haunted ship rises from the deep October 1 - November 1, 2015 in Long Beach. Ticket prices start at just $20 online, with Fast Fright, VIP Passes, and lodging packages available!

IPRR Pumpkin Patch Starting Off Fall 2015 | @IrvineParkRR #Halloween

Irvine Park Railroad has been our seasonal tradition since my daughter was an infant.  The first time we went was her first Halloween.  It seems SO long ago even though it was only 6 years.  Every Halloween, my kids dress up to to hunt for their pumpkins.

If you are new to Irvine Park Railroad, let me be the first to introduce you to it.  If you are veteran park goers, welcome back!  The first thing you might see when you enter the railroad area is the Tractor Ride.  This fun ride gives you a tour around the park so that you might get into the Fall spirit.

If you have children like mine, you will have them begging to ride on the train and ponies.  For the little ones, there are parent led ponies on a small track on one side and trotting ponies on the other that are led by workers.  For my little cowkids, the ponies are a must.

Knott's Spooky Farm's 5 New Attractions for Families | @Knotts #KnottsSpookyFarm

With Knott's Scary Farm under way, I had two disappointed children wondering why they can't have fun with Mom and Dad at Knotts!  Little did they know that Knott's Berry Farm was surprising them with a trip of their own to Knott's not-so-scary Farm, Knott's Spooky Farm.

Knott's Spooky Farm(previously known as Camp Spooky) has expanded into the rest of the park with new activities and fun!  Trick or Treating?  Check!  Kid friendly shows? Check!  Creepy Crawlies?  Check!  Photo Ops?  Check!  Karaoke? Wait, what??? Yup! CHECK!

Of course we all know that Knott's has great fun and affordable entertainment, rides and food!  Did you know that there is no extra cost for Knott's Spooky Farm?  It is included in their everyday prices.  One thing you might be aware though, the park closes at 5:30 or 6:00PM to get ready for Knott's Scary Farm each night.  Please check hours before making your plans by checking them here.

Are costumes allowed?  Kind of.  Adults are not allowed but kids are encourage and even have their own costume contest!  My kids costumes and goody-bags in hand were eager to go.

Re:Imagine Garden Grove Day and Night Family Fun!

The City of Garden Grove has been growing in leaps and bounds lately and this Saturday, they will be hosting their 2nd annual festival, Re: Imagine Garden Grove By Day and Night.  From 3:00 to 10:00 PM, come by for an afternoon and evening of family fun.  

Enjoy a car-free 3 mile stretch that will celebrate the community, diverse cultures and a healthy lifestyle.

The City has once again partnered with Los Angeles-based Community Arts Resources (CARS), the producers of L.A.’s famed CicLAvia open streets event, to produce the second annual festival.

In 2014,  “Re:Imagine Garden Grove – A Downtown Open Streets Event” showcased downtown Garden Grove like never before with nearly 10,000 pedestrians and bicyclists enjoying three miles of car-free streets activated with food, art, music, dance, workshops, action sports, games, and more. This year, guests can expect a block party atmosphere that will entertain all from day and into the night.

Top 6 Tips to Knott's Scary Farm 2015 | @knotts #scaryfarm #gigasavvy

With October under way, that means Knott's Scary Farm is back and I have my Top 6 Tips for you to make it the best year ever!

With new shows and mazes, you will want to know what to put on the top of your to-do list.  What was my favorite?

Photo Credit Knotts Berry Farm

Infected: Special Ops: Patient Zero!  Hands down.  This is a Zombie killing field that takes up all of Camp Snoopy.   This is not for the weak hearted.  You will run up and down stairs, over bridges, through caves and more all while killing all the live action zombies!  Don't worry, if you get injured, there are first-aid stations to reload your weapons.

24 Hour Results with The TB Blood Test | #TBBloodTest #ad #ic

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for the TB Blood Test.  I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation. 

Every other year, I put off becoming Volunteer at my children's school.  Why?  They require a TB test.  I am completely vaccinated against all of the possible communicable diseases but this disease does not have a vaccination.  Unlike every other test, until now, the TB test was done in one very inconvenient matter.

I would have to take time off work to run to the doctor(in my case a 20 minute drive) and have an injection under skin after a long wait in the waiting room.  While this isn't a huge deal, what is a big deal is that 2 days later, I have to go back.  That is 2 days taken away from my work and family.  Time that I could have already been helping out in the classroom!

I love helping out in my kids classes but I put it off every time resulting in less time in the classroom.

There is a break through test that will change all of it!  The TB Blood Test will allow us busy parents to go to a doctor once and have the results within 24 hours!  No returning back to the doctor to show your arm.  You have NO idea how much this makes me happy!

Facts About Tuberculosis:

• Every 3 seconds someone is infected
• Every 21 seconds, someone dies of TB
• 30% of the population is infected with TB

The stats scare me!  I always knew that we had to be tested but not the why.  With the new test, it will be SO much easier to keep my family and friends safe from this horrible disease.

Why should you get the blood test?

The TB Blood Test

• Efficient
• Accurate results
• Cutting edge
• Clear-cut results
• VERY fast results
• Only 3 mL of blood required

The TB Skin Test

• Time burden of multiple visits
• False positives
• Outdated
• Subjective results

Ask your doctor about the TB Blood Test today and stop putting off getting in the classroom!  Our teachers can use all the help they can get.

To find out more about the TB Blood Test, please visit their website at www.thetbbloodtest.com.

DISCLAIMER:  I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for the TB Blood Test.  I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.