Courage leads the way for Disney’s most adventurous heroes when Disney On Ice presents Dream Big skates into the Southland this holiday season playing Anaheim, Los Angeles, Ontario and Long Beach from December 8^th – January 2^nd.  Dream Big features favorite Disney friends such as Mickey, Minnie, Miguel, Moana, Elsa, Belle, Genie, and more highlighting all the magic and adventure of Disney’s tales through world-class figure skating. Audiences will be transported to exciting worlds where heroes of every kind seek to fulfill their dreams at a live experience families will never forget!

Join the fearless Moana and the greatest demigod that ever lived, Maui, on an action-packed voyage to restore the stolen heart of Te Fiti. Explore the Land of the Dead as Miguel from Disney Pixar’s Coco brings the festivities of Día de los Muertos to the ice. Get tangled up in Rapunzel’s hair-raising quest to see the floating lights. Travel to the kingdom of Arendelle with Anna, Elsa and Olaf in a dramatic retelling of the sisterly love that saved a kingdom. And discover the strength, bravery and kindness that inspired generation after generation with Jasmine, Ariel, Aurora, Belle and Cinderella. 

See my daughters Madison and Mia on Disney On Ice With Ariel and Friends

While delivering the same magical experiences guests expect from Disney On Ice, Feld Entertainment is continuing Guest Wellness Enhancements to help keep families safe at its live events. Feld Entertainment is working closely with venue partners to establish and follow COVID-19 health and safety standards in accordance with all federal, state and local guidelines.  Full details on Feld Entertainment Guest Wellness Enhancements can be found here.  Please monitor the venue websites at Honda Center Reopening Policies, 

STAPLES Center SAFE, Toyota Arena COVID Response and Long Beach Arena Reopening for health and safety policies, including face covering and entry requirements, which are subject to change.

Guests looking to purchase Disney On Ice souvenirs will find the process easier than ever thanks to a new contactless shopping experience with touch-free payment and digital purchasing options.  Guests can pre-order items prior to arriving at the venue.  Once ordered, guests can pick up their purchases at a convenient, contactless pickup station during the show.  Additional information can be found here. And don’t forget to get your Mom Discount Code below:

• Save 20% off select performances and price levels
  Use Code: MOM20

A N A H E I M

WHEN: Wednesday, December 8 – Sunday, December 12

• • Wednesday, December 8 7:00 PM
  • Thursday, December 97:00 PM
  • Friday, December 10 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, December 11 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
  • Sunday, December 12 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE: Honda Center – 2695 E. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806

TICKETS: Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or 

in-person at the venue Box Office.                                                                  

*prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

L O S   A N G E L E S

WHEN: Thursday, December 16 – Sunday, December 19

• • Thursday, December 16 7:30 PM
  • Friday, December 17 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, December 18 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
  • Sunday, December 19 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE: STAPLES Center – 1111 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015

TICKETS: Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased online at AXS.com, charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or in-person at the venue Box Office.             

*prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

O N T A R I O

WHEN: Wednesday, December 22 – Monday, December 27

• • Wednesday, December 22 7:00 PM
  • Thursday, December 23 7:00 PM
  • Friday, December 24 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM 
  • Saturday, December 25 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM
  • Sunday, December 26 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
  • Monday, December 27 7:00 PM

WHERE: Toyota Arena – 4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario, CA 91764

TICKETS: Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or 

in-person at the venue Box Office.                                                                  

*prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

L O N G   B E A C H

WHEN: Thursday, December 30 – Sunday, January 2, 2022

• • Thursday, December 30 7:00 PM
  • Friday, December 31 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM
  • Saturday, January 1 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM
  • Sunday, January 2 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE: Long Beach Arena – 300 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802

TICKETS: Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or 

in-person at the venue Box Office.                                                                  

*prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

The post Disney On Ice presents Dream Big! appeared first on Michelle Rivera Lifestyle.

You all know how much I LOVE Disney, so I’m so excited to tell you all about this very special show coming to SoCal, and I’m even more excited to share the discount code that will get you 20% off of your tickets for it. So get ready to create unforgettable memories and become part of the story when Disney On Ice presents ‘Mickey’s Search Party,’ coming to Southern California this holiday season!  This brand-new immersive ice skating experience brings the magic closer to fans than ever before through engaging elements that take place on the ice, in the air and in the seats, as performer athleticism mixes with acrobatic and aerial stunts to bring skating skills to new heights.  An exciting participatory adventure told through multi-leveled performances that immerse fans into the fantastic worlds of Disney-Pixar’s Coco, Frozen, Moana, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid, this all-new show will be skating into the Southland playing L.A, Anaheim, Long Beach and Ontario from December 12^th – January 5^th!

Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and his pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic.  Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney-Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. 

Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace.

Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice for onlookers seated above and below.  Board the Jolly Roger and laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates flip, tumble, and twist on air tracks, stilts and more in an effort to showcase their talents for Captain Hook.  Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka.   And make memories with your whole family during Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out magical celebration!

Join this magical search and help look for clues to unlock an epic journey when Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party delivers an unforgettable experience with your family!

So don’t miss out on this spectacular show. Go to www.DisneyOnIce.com to see the full schedule and to purchase your tickets and make sure to use the code MOM20 to get 20% off, which expires 1/6/20.

Also make sure to follow Disney On Ice on Social Media at

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce

Twitter: @DisneyOnIce #DisneyOnIce #MickeysSearchParty

YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce

Instagram: @DisneyOnIce

Photos Courtesy of Feld Entertainment.

The post Disney On Ice presents ‘Mickey’s Search Party!’ appeared first on Michelle Rivera Lifestyle.

Searching SoCal Podcast Is Here!!! Okay, I can’t fool all of you, because yes, it’s already been here since September, and I’ve just been too crazy busy to post about it. However, regardless of that, it is here and we couldn’t be more excited about it! Yes, I’m speaking for Lara too.

Every Tuesday, Searching SoCal brings you the hidden gems, local events, and favorite places of Southern California in a bite-sized podcast.

Searching SoCal was founded by K-Earth 101 Radio Host Lara Scott and Emmy Winning T.V. Host & Lifestyle Blogger Michelle Rivera (yep….me).

You can Download and Subscribe for FREE anywhere you like to get your Podcasts from. If you’re unsure though where to go then click on this LINK and it will directly take you there.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/searching-socal/id1480065697

So if you are looking for a great family outing, date night, or fun Girls Night Out in the Southern California area , then you MUST Tune-In to find out what fun events are currently going on in the community.

Also, if you think there is a Cool Spot we should feature on ‘Searching SoCal,’ then please email us at SearchingSoCalPodcast@Gmail.com.

Follow Searching SoCal!

Instagram: @SeasrchingSoCal

Facebook: @SearchingSoCal

The post Searching SoCal Podcast Is Here With Michelle Rivera and Lara Scott! appeared first on Michelle Rivera Lifestyle.

My family and I just visited Southern California’s Great Wolf Lodge Resort for Spring Break and we had a blast. If you’re not familiar with what Great Wolf Lodge is, well it’s a hotel and ultimate indoor waterpark, basically a family resort full of fun that takes place both inside and outside of the water. Beyond the indoor water park, guests can also enjoy spa treatments, shows, arts and crafts, restaurants/bars, a fun kids’ arcade, family bowling ally, and so much more. Also there is a really nice outdoor pool area full of fun fountains, kid play areas, and outdoor bar and restaurant too because let’s be real here we have great weather in California, so we love to soak in the sunshine too. However, for those cooler days or dare I even say it, rainy days here in Cali, Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor waterpark is always the perfect temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Also in addition to the waterpark, can we talk about all the great rooms to choose from at the hotel?! We stayed in one of the themed ‘Wolf Dens’ and the kids just loved it. They literally had their own themed ‘Wolf den” area, complete with bunkbeds, own personal TV, etc. It was just too cute. Anyhow, I took about a million videos of us on the slides and in the wave pool, as well as tons of photos and the best way I could think of putting them all together was to make the below compilation video of our amazing stay at Great Wolf Lodge. So go ahead, press play and watch all the fun!

If you’d like to book your own vacation at Great Wolf Lodge in Southern California go HERE.  And good news, there are other Great Wolf Lodge locations outside of California too! So visit https://www.greatwolf.com to find your nearest location.

See more fun family pics below, but to catch the water slide video action and all the fun photos, then watch the video above.

The post Great Wolf Lodge in So California! Our Spring Break! #GreatWolfLodge #GWLSOCAL appeared first on Michelle Rivera Lifestyle.

1. What made you want to write a children’s book?

It was something that I had always thought about doing, but it kind of fell by the wayside. I had forgotten about it until I was inspired by an incident with my daughter when she was four years old.

2. How long did it take you to write the story?

It took me about two days to write it, and around four years to have the illustrations completed. After that, I finished the interactive iBook version in a couple of days.

3. How did your daughter Elliot and the cat become the focal points of your story?

It was based on the first incident that takes place in the book! My wife and I walked into Elliot’s room one day, and there was some scribbling on the wall of her bedroom. The only two in the room were Elliot and our cat, Casey. She claimed she didn’t do it, which meant the only other culprit would have to have been our cat…

4. What is your favorite part of the story?

My favorite part of the story is the haircut, for no other reason than I was able to use and rhyme the phrase “opposable thumb.”

5. How does your daughter like being the main character in your story?

She didn’t go into specifics beyond saying that she likes it.

6. Does Elliot have a favorite part to the story?

Yes! She likes the bathtub part because the idea of blaming a cat for jumping into water, when cats hate water, is ridiculous. Also, she likes that there is a “hidden” rubber ducky in that scene.

7. What are your hopes for your new book?

I hope it sells well enough for me to release a second one!

8. Where can people buy your book?

They can buy the printed copy on Lulu.com, which I’m publishing it through. It can also be purchased though Amazon.com, and Barnes and Noble’s website (bn.com). There is also a very affordable interactive iBook version (for the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and Mac) through Apple’s iBook Store. My daughter narrates the interactive version which also includes sound effects.

9. Have you done any readings or will you be doing any readings of your book anywhere?

I have! I was invited to do a reading at my daughter’s school, through their PJs and Books event. It was attended by more than 50 kids, and there was a Q & A with them afterwards. I plan on finding other venues, like libraries or bookstores to do more of those.

10. Will there be more adventures with Elliot in future books? Do you see a possible book series in the future?

That is my plan. I have a great idea for a second book in the series that I’m very excited about. Yes, I plan on this being a series featuring several titles.

                                                                                  ####

The print version is available through Lulu.com, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

Click on each of the logos below to take you to their respective stores.

A special interactive version is available through Apple’s iBooks Store too! 

             

Stay Connected With Craig Here:

 

The post New Fun Children’s Book About Honesty, entitled ‘Did Elliot’s Cat Really Do That?’ Read Interview With Author Craig Kuehne! appeared first on Michelle Rivera Lifestyle.

Please see written instructions below, and the 1-minute instructional video here: httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERnHj7yrTo4

Supplies:

• Epsom salt
• Hot water
• Spoon
• Food coloring (optional)
• Glass cup or bowl

Instructions:

1. Pour ½ cup of Epsom Salt into glass bowl.
2. Heat ½ cup of water until nearly boiling.
3. Quickly pour boiling water into glass bowl. Stir Epsom salt and water for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add 1-2 drops of food coloring.
5. Stir it up!
6. Refrigerate overnight.
7. Check mixture to see if crystals have formed.
8. Display your crystal garden!

http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/crafts/kids-craft-crystal-garden/

The post Fun Kids Craft For The Summer: Crystal Garden appeared first on Michelle Rivera Lifestyle.

Teddy Canz are great for kids to share their emotions such as playing before bed or simply as a huggable friend who can and will always be there for the child. Teddy Canz are also a confidence booster; they can help the child communicate better, feel better and sleep better too!

For more information on Teddy Canz, please visit their website at www.TeddyCanz.com. 

Story Time Bear

Bear and The city

Spa Bear

The post Teddy Canz! A New Spin To An Old Favorite – the Teddy Bear appeared first on Michelle Rivera Lifestyle.

• More than half the children in the country will not hear a bedtime story tonight
• Some children begin kindergarten having been read to as few as 25 hours
• By age four, low-income children have heard an average 32 million fewer words than their peers
• If a child is not reading at grade level by the end of the first grade, then there is an 88% probability the child will not be reading at grade level by the end of the fourth grade

“Reading has the enduring power to shape and develop minds, both in the home and classroom,” says best-selling author (Teach Like a Champion and Reading Reconsidered) and educator Doug Lemov. “The urgency to make the teaching of reading as effective and enjoying as possible should always be reinforced at home. The goal must be to show every child the power that comes from the world reading can bring to light.”

 So, how can parents help achieve this?

Lemov has provided five tips below on how to read successfully to your child – a great tool to have as we are coming up on the end of school year and into the summer months, when reading to your child is especially important.

1. GET COMFORTABLE. Stories have been told and read for me immemorial because they are pleasurable and because sharing them draws people together. This is not necessarily obvious to children. At home, it’s good to mix reading with warmth and affection. I try to express that in the way I sit. We tuck in on the couch or in a comfy chair. I try to snuggle with my little one, and even with my older ones, ages 13 and 11. Or we lie on the living room floor, all of us, while I read aloud. Even if your child is behind in reading and there’s pressure to make progress, try to make reading time feel comfortable and caring.

2. READ SLOWLY. I like to stop for a couple of seconds about every half page or so when I’m reading, especially to my youngest. The words and the story are more complex than she is used to. I want to give her me to absorb it. Sometimes I stop and look at her and smile when we’re reading. Sometimes she doesn’t say anything to me when I smile, and that’s fine. Sometimes she smiles back. And sometimes she makes a little comment. “Mrs. Frisby is afraid, I think,” she’ll say. I don’t have to do much to show her she’s doing well when she does that. Sometimes I’ll just nod and smile or kiss the top of her head. And then I keep reading. I read slowly too. Nice and steady to let the words sink in. There’s no rush.

3. GIVE THEM A FEW WORDS TOO. My kids loves it when I say, “And the next chapter is called…” and they get to read the title of the chapter to me. Look for little moments when your child can help you read a more advanced book and see that it’s within his or her range someday. Even if it’s just reading the word ‘I’ or ‘and,’ it helps. “See, you’re on your way!” is a powerful message.

4. EXPRESS YOURSELF (as much as you can). The power of reading aloud for kids is in developing their ear for language, for what words sound like and how sentences work. Capturing that is key and it’s simpler than it might sound. You don’t have to act out the roles and make it theater, you just have to capture the sound of language and the cadence of words—which ones run together, which ones get a bit of emphasis.

5. DON’T FREAK OUT. Ok maybe you’re great at reading aloud. But maybe you’re not. Maybe you fear it. Is it ok if you’re not confident in your own reading? Yes. But more important than telling you it’s okay I want to suggest a way to make you feel more confident and therefore more likely to read to your kids: preview the section you are going to read. The night before you read to your child, take the book to bed and read the part you’ll read the next night. If you’ve read it through beforehand, you’ll remember even if you don’t realize it. Please know that I do this all the time, even though I am a former English teacher and principal. I like to know where the book is going and to be ready for tough spots or content that’s challenging. It just makes me feel confident to know where things are going. If you’re nervous about reading, it will help you as well. As will starting simply. I know—I said read challenging books. But you can always build up to them. Reading to your child is a marathon not a sprint so it’s fine if you need some me to build your own comfort and skill. Just please don’t let that fear stand between your child and what will help them most.

Doug Lemov (with co-authors Colleen Driggs and Erica Woolway) is the author of Reading Reconsidered: A Practical Guide to Rigorous Literacy. For more information, please visit, www.teachlikeachampion.com and connect with Doug on Twitter, @douglemov.

The post ‘Five Tips on How to Successfully Read to Your Child’ By Doug Lemov appeared first on Michelle Rivera Lifestyle.

GAYBY BABY is a gripping portrait of four Australian kids – Gus, Ebony, Matt and Graham – whose parents all happen to be gay. As they each wrestle with their own unique challenges, the outside world wrestles with the issue of marriage equality, and whether or not kids like them are at risk. GAYBY BABY is a rare feature documentary told from the perspective of kids in gay and lesbian families. The film is a microcosm of what children in same-sex marriages experience across the globe. 

See Trailer HERE: 

With GAYBY BABY, SUPERGRAVITY continues to blaze a trail with innovative feature film social marketing and distribution. The timing of the May 1st release coincides with International Family Equality Day. SUPERGRAVITY is also partnering with LGBT and family equality organizations worldwide including the Family Equality Council and COLAGE, to both host theatrical screenings and participate in a digital viewing party urging participants “PRESS PLAY for Family Equality on May 1.”  

After screening to packed audiences at the Sydney Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, Doc NYC and Hot Docs in Toronto, picking up awards and award nominations including the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Sydney Film Festival and for Best Documentary at AACTA (Australian Film Institute) and AFCA (Australian Film Critics Association), this award-winning film is coming to worldwide audiences this spring. 

The film created so much controversy that it was banned from screening in schools in New South Wales (Australia) by a right-wing conservative push against it which only increased its popularity. In fact, Newell was recently listed #1 on the Whicker’s World Foundation’s Top Women to Watch in Documentary on International Women’s Day, and the exponentially growing community of supporters of the film along with the families that are featured in it made headlines all over Australia and beyond, from The Guardian to Al Jazeera, during the 38th Annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. 

“We have a truly special film here,” said SUPERGRAVITY Pictures founder Marc Hustvedt. “SUPERGRAVITY is honored to bring this groundbreaking documentary to audiences across the globe and help amplify the conversation around family equality. We are taking a very hands-on approach in building a groundswell of support around the film’s release in theaters and on screens of all sizes.” 

Heard Well helped curate music for the film and recently announced its partnership with Sony Music’s RED Distribution. 

“This film is so powerful. It sheds a new light on same-sex parenting through a unique perspective and unlikely voice, children,” said Heard Well co-founder and YouTube star Connor Franta. “I am honored to be a part of this movement via Gayby Baby and help bring this important message to the masses through thoughtful soundtrack curation and marketing.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with SUPERGRAVITY on the marketing, music and release of Gayby Baby,” said Heard Well co-founder Andrew Graham. “Between SUPERGRAVITY’s innovative marketing and Heard Well’s deep relationships in the influencer community, we believe we can bring this film’s important message to market in an entirely new, impactful manner.”

Additional key supporters of GAYBY BABY include Victoria’s Secret model Josephine Skriver and LGBT rights activist Zach Wahls.  

“With two lesbian mothers, I grew up amongst the images of heterosexual families – on TV, in movies, in advertising and at school.” Said director Maya Newell. “We made Gayby Baby because even though families like mine are not featured on billboards, Gayby children have existed for generations and have a unique perspective on the world. We are the gayby-boomers, a growing international community and we have stories to tell.”

“The stories and issues relating to same-sex parented families transcend nationality, so I’m delighted to be releasing the film in time for International Day of Families.” Said producer Charlotte Mars. “I can’t wait for people to meet Gus, Ebony, Matt and Graham – they are incredibly funny, sensitive and witty young people who give me great hope for the future: yes, the kids are alright. Now we just need the rest of the world to catch up.”

GAYBY BABY was nominated for Best Documentary at the 2016 Australian Film Critics Association Awards, scored 1st runner up for Best Documentary at the 2015 Sydney Film Festival and was nominated for a 2016 AACTA Award for Best Feature Length Documentary by the Australian Film Institute. They raised more than $100,000 via crowdfunding, a record at the time for any Australian documentary.

The post ‘GAYBY BABY’: Documentary profiles kids in same-sex families and the challenges they face. appeared first on Michelle Rivera Lifestyle.

The post PBS’ Kids ‘ARTHUR’ CELEBRATES AUTISM AWARENESS, MILITARY CHILDREN, AND LAUNCH OF NEW GAME! appeared first on Michelle Rivera Lifestyle.