The Rose Parade with DOLE!


On Sunday, December 16th, Dole invited us out to Fiesta Floats in Irwindale to check out the beginning of their float, meet the designer Raul Rodriguez, have some food, and just relax and have fun while trying out some Dole products.

This year’s theme for Dole is “Dreaming of Paradise.”  And who’s better to talk about the theme of the float other than Dave Spare, head of marketing at Dole.

 

And check out these pictures:

The Dole Rose Parade Float

ParrotsFlowersMonkey

We got a sneak peek of a few other floats there too, and they were coming together nicely.

The Queen and her Royal court were also present, and of course, we had to grab a picture:

The Royal Court(Jen from Toddler Trails, Jill from Sandy Toes and Popsicles, Erin from Horsing Around In LA and Mary from Lets Play OC!)

And of course, a picture with the designer:

Raul RodriguezErin from Horsing Around in LA and me with Raul!

Decorating of the Dole float will resume this weekend and adding the roses is one of the very last things done on the float.  I can not wait to see the finish product, and will be heading up to Pasadena after the parade to check out the floats afterwards.

Dole Products

Dole Products

These were the fun products being showcased that day.  Dole Shakers where you can just add milk or juice and you have an instant smoothie.  Trio Granola bars filled with yummy fruits and nuts.  Pineapple Juice to add into the Shakers, and the Dole Dippers which are small bits of frozen bananas covered in dark chocolate! Also, the Dole Fruit Squish Ems which are fruit pouches.  Looks good, huh?

Are you headed to the Rose Parade this year?

Disclosure: I was invited out to the Dole Family Fun Day on behalf of Dole. 

Categories: Life | 4 Comments

Movie Review: Parental Guidance! #cbias


A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to see the screening of Parental Guidance.  I was pretty excited about seeing Bette Midler on the big screen again.  I was a huge fan of hers back in the day.

parental guidance

And boy, was this a cute movie.  Think family fun, full of love and laughter, and it’s just one of those feel good movies.

And for Christmas Day, a great day for this movie to come out on.  After a morning with the family eating wonderful food, opening up those great gifts, head to the movies with the family to laugh out loud at Parental Guidance.

But the true character that shined in this movie was “Billy Crystal” as grandpa.  As he was a sportscaster who recently was let go, and kind of in the moment of finding himself all over again.  What a time to head to his daughter’s to spend time with his grand kids.

Grand kids they rarely see, that is.  On the mission to not be “the other grandparents.”  Bette Midler and Billy Crystal team up to try to their best at being there for their grand kids.  Of course, because of different “raising children” beliefs between them and their daughter, there’s a lot of room for error.

And during these “error” moments, that is truly when all the laughter comes into play.

You will truly fall in love with Bette Midler, Billy Crystal and Marisa Tomei all over again.  Tom Everett Scott is also in this movie along with: Bailee Madison.

So, if you go out and see it let me know your thoughts.

Disclosure: I was provided with a free screening of “Parental  Guidance” on behalf of Fox Entertainment and Collective Bias.

 

Categories: Movie Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Last Minute Ideas for Photographers! #gifts


Last night, for fun, I browsed possible photography gifts.  I didn’t look at lenses, I didn’t look at new camera’s, but instead, I decided to look at the fun that goes with photography.  Great gift ideas for the photographers in your life.

Here’s what I found:

One of my favorite sites out there is http://photojojo.com and here are a few goodies from them.  Granted, if it was up to me, I’d share everything 😉

lensset

I first got these when they first came out, and it made cell phone photography even more fun especially that fish eye lens.  We took to the Getty and had loads of fun.

cameraornaments

I think I want to make it a goal to have a camera tree next year full of camera ornaments, and fun stuff for any camera lover.  These fun ornaments really caught my eye, and are something I’d love to fit on my tree.

camera-cookie-cutters-45ee_600.0000001323072972

You all know by now how much holiday baking I’ve been doing (just look at mngirlbaking.com) But, bringing my two loves together with camera cookie cutters? Yes please!

gorillapodsI’ve been obsessed with these gorilla pods tripods since I first saw them.  The ability to bend them every which way to get that ideal shot you’re looking for.  Perfect for outdoor adventures.

These are just some of the many fun items found at photojojo.com

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post.  I was just looking up the latest fun on their site, and wanted to share my favorites.  Are you a fan of Photo Jojo?

Other fun gift ideas:

City Photo Trip: Often times there are companies around your town that do photo walking tours.  They have professionals go with the group that will teach you along the way.

CanvasPop: I love photographs on Canvas, and last year I got a gift from Canvaspop, and the photo came out so NEAT.  So, grab a photograph of your beloved photographer’s and put it on canvas for them.

 

 

Categories: Fun Stuff, Photography | Tags: , , , , , | 10 Comments