TOP PICTURES FROM THE TOOTHSOME CHOCOLATE EMPORIUM & SAVORY FEAST KITCHEN™ IS ENCHANTING

THE TOOTHSOME CHOCOLATE EMPORIUM & SAVORY FEAST KITCHEN™ 

We loved Universal's CityWalk's Toothsome Chocolate Emporium that we had to return.  Unfortunately, my youngest wasn't feeling well and the service this time was less than stellar.  We waited over 40 minutes at a non-busy time to receive our appetizers and the $10+ french fries on the appetizer menu arrived cold and equated to a single serving of fries anywhere else.  I did return them without a problem but overall, it was disappointing from the first time we were there.

My youngest loved the hostesses dresses so I had to capture a picture.

I think the picture captures my youngest's thoughts on Jock. We thought he was adorable!

To read more about our experiences, click to visit tHE TOOTHSOME CHOCOLATE EMPORIUM & SAVORY FEAST KITCHEN™ IS ENCHANTING post.

Maleficent Birthday Party

When I started this post, I was in the process of moving yet again and my middle one is turning 12 in April.  She chose Maleficent as her party theme so I need to kick it in overdrive.  I normally use Pinterest and Word for my planning but this time, I decided to blog as I go to share what I'm doing.  I started with designing the invitation although I'm not completely sure I like this.  If I use this one, I will use my Cricut to cut out the scalloped outer circle and then my HP Printer for the glitter circled printed area.  I could have used the Silhouette but will opt to just print it and use the Cricut for the largest area.  

Invitations:

I tried another couple of examples by using a movie ticket type design and just a different background and she ended up choosing the movie ticket so here is the "current" final design followed up by the runner up's.  The envelope is actually black along with the circle and paper.

Banner:

I will also make the banner out of the same files for both the scalloped outer circle and the printer for the inner circle.  See below for an example middle section and the first letter "H" with a picture of the completed banner together.

Cupcake Picks:

The cupcake picks were also created the same way using the same shape to simplify the preparations.  I will hot glue a pick or toothpick to the back and if I don't want the back to be unsightly, I will just place another one on that side to cover it.

Book Prop:

I just ordered the book holder and will recreate the spell book with a real book to look like this.  I used old, online, manuscript paper and printed with the HP Printer after copying and pasting using the Maleficent font and clipart.

Potion Labels and Drink Bottle Labels:

Next step was putting together potion labels and drink bottle labels.  When I create the finished label, I will be using the Cricut again for the scalloped shape so the image on the bottle below is very crude but the finished image will not look like that.

Lotion/Nail Polish Bottles and Labels:

I've been playing with labels again and am probably going with these except I will print them on a light brown paper or on parchment to give it an old time feel.  I purchased the Purple 2 oz Plastic Jar Silver Lid 6 pk with Mini Jar and other bottles from Amazon.

Mini-Candy Bar Wrapper

The mini candy bar wrappers are just colored/patterned paper with purple jewels, lace and I used this horn template.

Wrapper Template

Money Coin Bank Favors:

I really like this idea but finding coin banks that are inexpensive proved to be harder than I thought.  So I'm going with these I found for $1.49 each at Church Supplier.

Wall Decorations:

I'm using this poster Maleficent - Movie Poster / Print (Regular Style 2) (Size: 24" x 36") (Poster & Poster Strip Set) and making a frame.  I also purchased these wings Hee Grand Halloween Sexy Adult Angel Feather Wings.  I'll cut out a template to make the picture outline to save money.  I found these inexpensive curtains too New 2 Pc Sexy Sheer Voile Window Curtain Panel Set Dark Purple.

I am borrowing ideas from Catch My Party.  I already purchased my glitter dust from Etsy seller A Heavenly Touch Cakes to create the cake pops in purple and green.  I will also make Rice Krispie Treats dipped half in chocolate and drizzled with colored white chocolate. 

The ornaments for the food picks were purchased from Etsy seller The Amateur Naturalist.  I also borrowed the idea from Catch My Party.  This is where a hot glue gun comes in handy for placing the ornaments on top and I'll use the HP Printer to print the flags.

I'll have my oldest make these cookies because she's good at hand drawing images and making cookies look and taste magnificent!

For some of the room decor for the set up, I just ordered this through Etsy although I could have made it with my Silhouette.

I'm still trying to decide which picture I will print from the one's I altered as well as making the candle that follows using the HP Printer and Silhouette this time.

We just had the actual party and because I moved recently, I wasn't able to do all that I wanted to do but here is the outcome.

Personalized Matching Watercolor Santa Wine Label and Wooden Gift Box

I always love looking for a unique personalized Christmas idea for my friends and family and really love this personalized matching Watercolor Santa Wine Label and Wooden Gift Box at Zazzle.  The best thing about Zazzle is you can find so many unique gift ideas and there is a guarantee or your money back. Plus with Christmas, there are some great coupon codes so don't forget to sign up when you go if you haven't already.

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Rogue One: A Star Wars Story World Premiere Live on 12/10

The red-carpet world premiere of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” will be live streamed from Hollywood’s historic Pantages Theater on Saturday, Dec. 10. Tune in to the live stream, presented by Verizon, starting at 8pm EST/5pm PST on Fios and go90.com to experience exclusive interviews with the stars and creators of #RogueOne! #ad

We are a Star Wars family and have been looking forward to the Rogue One ever since the announcement occurred that there would be all new Star Wars movies. It's our main motivator in returning to Disney every year to see what new Star Wars events they have planned as we've loved every one to date.

This new movie is sure to be just as great as the last movie and we cannot wait!

Join in the red-carpet event on Saturday, December 10th!

Amtrak & The Secret Life of Pets Kicks Off Nationwide 'Pets Ride Free' Promotion with Watson the Jack Russell Terrier, First Pet to Ride Free!

*Photo Credit: Chuck Gomez, Amtrak Photographer

Watson the Jack Russell Terrrier was the first pet to board an Amtrak train for free at Union Station in Washington, D.C., and was escorted by Jason Molfetas, Amtrak Executive Vice President, Chief Sales and Marketing, on December 6, 2016 in celebration of The Secret Life of Pets on Blu-ray and DVD out now. 

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and Amtrak recently announced the 'Pets Ride Free' promotion in celebration of The Secret Life of Pets on Blu-ray and DVD, and to kick off the launch of the promotion, Watson boarded Amtrak as the very first pet to ride free. The offer will be available to customers to book now through December 11, 2016 or while supplies last, and allows pets to travel at no additional cost on participating Amtrak routes from December 9, 2016 through March 31, 2017.

The Secret Life of Pets, starring Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Lake Bell, Jenny Slate, Louis C.K. and Ellie Kemper, is now available on Digital HD, 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray ™ 3D, Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand.  

I did purchase The Secret Life of Pets and I think my grandchildren loved it the most. They have watched it a few times already.

For pet owners, the Amtrak special looks like a hit!

To travel with a small dog or cat, tickets must be purchased at least three days prior to travel and are valid for up to March 31, 2017. Only one cat or one small dog are allowed in an enclosed carrier on trips up to seven hours in length. Both pet and carrier must be a combined weight of 20 pounds. To learn more about the Amtrak pet program visit Amtrak.com/pets. To make a pet inclusive reservation, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit a staffed station.

Enter to Win $20 Amazon eGift Card

As a year end thank you to my readers, here is an opportunity to win a $20 Amazon egift card.  Enter with each option as you choose.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Please note that all entries will be verified!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls are Perfect for Busy People

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyWayToVeg #CollectiveBias

The new year is forthcoming and there is also a renewed interest in a healthier lifestyle in my family. After visiting my 80 year old father, I realized it's time to make some healthier choices so I can enjoy living to 80 or beyond. I've been searching for alternatives to eating healthier without sacrificing taste nor taking a hit on my budget. The grocery stores are full of many choices but this time, I tried MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls as I've never tried a MorningStar product. There is a misconception that MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls are only for vegetarians rather they are for really for everyone. Much to my surprise, I also found that my children liked it too along with my husband. Working and trying to juggle homeschooling children can be tricky and trying to find time to cook can be a struggle. Having these MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls are the perfect choice given how busy we are and our desire to be healthier. Our path to move forward has been well thought out not only for my husband and younger children but also for my older daughter who has ovarian cancer and a son-in-law preparing for basic training. We decided to take a step by step process in getting healthier.

Step One:

Since these veggie cuisines are ideal for me given the convenience in helping me maintain the balance between family, work and life goals in a health-conscious way, this is the way we will go. After a trip to Florida and determining post my wedding pictures this past week, it's more than time to start taking steps in promoting healthier choices. My first step in this process was recognizing the need for changes. With MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls, I can easily substitute veggie for meat in a meal and because the bowls are complete as my "as-is" meal solution, I don't require adding sides which also equates to less time! There are many choices as well and they are easily found in my local Jewel grocery store.

Step Two:

I plan my meals on a weekly basis and given the Veggie Bowls are made with Chik’n Strips, Steak Strips and Veggie Sausage Crumbles™, I have variety for each day of the week if I choose to make MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls my nightly meals or even if I want to choose one or more each night to ease into our healthier lifestyle goal. I like the variations MorningStar Farms® offers given the amount of protein and the low caloric count:

• The lightly seasoned 100% vegan Chik’n Strips have 23g of protein and only 150 calories.
• The lightly seasoned 100% vegan Steak Strips also have 23g of protein and only 150 calories.

I chose the Italian Sausage Bake and loved the abundance of flavors. It was a perfect medley of tastes and seasonings and especially loved the sauce. It was very filling and the perfect size meal for one. 

With many choices to choose from, I also can have my family decide which Veggie Bowl they want:

• Chik’n Pot Pie
• Chik’n Tikka Masala
• Italian Sausage Bake
• Japanese Soba Noodles
• Moroccan Medley

Step Three:

Now that I know what I want our meal plan to include, I will consider easing my family into exercising since it has been something missing in our lives. With the ease of the Veggie Bowls, it will free up some time to at least incorporate 30 minutes of exercise whether it's night time walks or even playing interactive video games to get us moving while encouraging fun family time.

Incorporating MorningStar Farms® Veggie Bowls has already helped me plan a weekly menu that makes me feel better about my choices while giving me the convenience to spend more time with my family as well as time to exercise. It's important to teach my children good eating habits by example. I love cooking but to be able to have a healthier alternative that meets my goals is paramount to my happiness which ends up being for everyone's happiness as the old saying goes, "if mama ain't happy, ain't no one happy."

Don't forget to visit MorningStar's Facebook page, @MorningStrFarms on Twitter, @morningstarfarms on Instagram or Pinterest!

What is your biggest struggle for night time family menu planning?