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Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates a Night to Remember with EVE, Hollywood’s Biggest New Year’s Event  

December 17, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Universal Studios Hollywood rings in 2023 with EVE, Hollywood’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration.

Event Features Music, Dancing, Fireworks and Access to Select Rides and Attractions; Included with Theme Park Admission

Click Here to Purchase Tickets

 Universal Studios Hollywood rings in 2023 with EVE, Hollywood’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration featuring music entertainment, a brilliant fireworks display and access to select rides and attractions, on Saturday, December 31 with extended hours until 2:00 a.m.

Included in the price of theme park admission, EVE is the ultimate way to bid farewell to 2022 and usher in 2023 that begins with a full day of fun, enjoying popular and award-winning rides and attractions, before transitioning to the new year in a park-wide celebration and special midnight countdown.

Universal Studios Hollywood’s night to remember begins at 9:00 p.m. as an energetic party kicks off with multiple entertainment hubs featuring DJs spinning an eclectic array of music for guests to dance into the new year with their choice of pop, rock, hip-hop, EDM and Latin music. Iconic photo ops located around the theme park will also provide a memorable backdrop to capture and share moments from the big night.

A lively New Year’s countdown rounds out the event before a dazzling fireworks display punctuates the nighttime sky. A winter snowfall and confetti bursts also add to the festive evening within designated areas.

A selection of food and beverages, including desserts, champagne, beer, wine and cocktails, as well as memorabilia will be available for purchase. Guests must be 21+ and have a valid photo ID to purchase alcoholic beverages.

It’s a day and night filled with exciting entertainment and one-of-a-kind blockbuster attractions, including mega-attraction “Jurassic World—The Ride,” Illumination’s award-winning “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and the world-famous Studio Tour. Guests can visit Springfield, U.S.A. and “The Simpsons Ride™” and experience heart-pounding thrills on “Transformers™:  The Ride-3D” and “Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride.”

While reveling in the New Year, guests can enjoy the “Awesomest Celebration of the Season,” including holiday favorite, “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” featuring “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts TM Castle” which brings the iconic Hogwarts castle to life in a stunning spectacle. The Who-bilation continues at “Grinchmas” where joyful park-goers can delight in the wonderous Who-ville and meet its infamous villager, The Grinch and his faithful dog Max, plus the Whos.

Holiday festivities at Universal Studios Hollywood run daily now through Sunday, January 1, 2023.

To purchase tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood, which includes Holidays and EVE access, guests can click here.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood.

Filed Under: Featured Events

More Holiday Book Gift Suggestions

December 17, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Here are a few more suggestions for children this holiday season!

SEASON OF LIGHT: A CHRISTMAS PICTURE BOOK by Jess Redman; illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki (Farrar, Straus and Giroux BYR, ages 3-6): A luminous picture book about Christmas traditions that make the season a time of joy, love, faith, and light. This is a beautiful Christmas picture book! I loved the story and the illustrations are just beautiful!

THE CHRISTMAS BOOK FLOOD by Emily Kilgore; illustrated by Kitty Moss (Farrar Straus & Giroux (BYR)), Ages 4-8): This lovely and lyrical picture book, based on a real Icelandic tradition, brings all the sparkle and anticipation of Christmas—and of the joys of reading—to the page. This is such a fun book!

Hilarious Art Picture Book I CAN’T DRAW by Stephen W. Martin

I CAN’T DRAW is all about acceptance, creativity, and believing in yourself. But more importantly, it’s about not falling into the trap of comparing yourself to others, a trap that feels ever-present, especially with the rise of social media. Teaching kids this message at a young age seems more important now than ever.

I really liked the message in this book and recommend it for children ages 5+.

So many kids (and adults!) experience the frustration that learning a new art form can cause, especially drawing! This is a book that will have children and their parents cheering along for Max to find his artistic voice.

Author/Illustrator Bio:

Stephen W. Martin is a writer on Netflix’s Emmy-nominated Trash Truck along with Frederator’s Bravest Warriors. Stephen is also the author of several picture books, including Charlotte and the Rock, Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion, and I Can’t Draw. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and dog. Visit him at Stephen-W-Martin.com.

Brian Biggs is the author and illustrator of many books for kids, including the Tinyville Town books, the New York Times bestselling Frank Einstein series (written by Jon Scieszka), Everything Goes, and Bike & Trike by Elizabeth Verdick. Brian has worked as an art director, graphic designer, and animator for interactivity and multimedia projects. His illustrations have appeared in magazines, newspapers, advertising, posters, toys, and puzzles. He works in an old garage. Visit him at MrBiggs.com.

The Nightmare Bug by Hillary Daecher, illustrated by Angie Hohenadel

Tackle the emotions that bad dreams bring on with this new picture book!

Beware! The Nightmare Bug is creeping into dreams again . . . He’s been around sleep for many, many years, turning magical dreams into things we all fear. But not tonight!

Discover how one small child decides to take control of their nightmares and tackle the Nightmare Bug once and for all. With the help and comfort of the child’s mother, along with friends Blankie, Bear, and Rhino, the child drifts off to sleep feeling empowered and ready to show the Nightmare Bug there is nothing to be afraid of in the night. Skipping through dreams of oceans, giants, and the moon, the child, along with the stuffed friends, searches for the Nightmare Bug. When they finally encounter the Nightmare Bug and show the bug the power of what love can do, will the Nightmare Bug disappear forever? This really is a great book for young children!

Find out in this powerful message designed to identify and tackle the emotions that bad dreams evoke, and provide coping methods for children who suffer from nightmares on a regular basis. Perfect for SEL curriculums, the back matter includes conversation starters and expert tips for children upon waking from a bad dream, and tips for parents to help their child cope with the nightmare.

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books but only feature books that I recommend. Cover images were also provided.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Holiday Baby Gift Suggestions

December 17, 2022 By Leave a Comment
pediped Originals® Joy Toasted Almond

Looking for something cute and comfy for babies and toddlers? pediped has you covered! This bootie is ultra lux with an ultra fluffy faux fur upper lining. Plus, they are super adorable!

More info:

  • Sizes newborn – 24 months
  • Ultra fluffy faux fur upper lining
  •  Suede footbed
  • Boot style with hook and loop fastener
  • Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development.

You can find them online! They are on sale for $35.

To follow them on social: @pedipedfootwear for IG and FB.

GoSili® 8oz Silicone Kids Sili Travel Cup with Sippy Spout Lid

This next one is great for young kids and traveling for the holidays!

Silicone Kids Travel Mug – 8 oz

Meet the only silicone coffee cup on the market without a plastic lid — now in a smaller, kid-friendly size! I love that it is 100% plastic-free and cool to the touch with an embedded stainless steel ring that makes them strong enough to grip without collapsing. They are also dishwasher and microwave safe! You can find them at: https://www.gosili.com/products/8oz-to-go-cup

Look for them on social @gosiliproducts for FB and IG.

Celebrate Baby’s 1st Holiday Season with Sweet Keepsakes & Gifts!

My Baby’s First Years Memory Book

As your little one grows, there are so many precious firsts. Keep a journal of the first of everything in the Wonderland Memory Book. Journey from newborn to age 5 without missing any special moments. Gender neutral.

You can find it at https://keababies.com/products/baby-memory-book.

Sonogram Picture Frame

Love at first sight! Capture that feeling of overwhelming love in this unique Baby Sonogram Frame. The perfect gift and keepsake this holiday season, it can also be used as a gender reveal or pregnancy announcement. Fits standard 4″ by 3″ ultrasound photo with 3 unique and beautifully designed cutouts. This is so cool! It is sure to be a hit!

You can find it at https://keababies.com/products/baby-sonogram-picture-frame.

Looking for some comfy and stylish clothing for your little one this holiday?

Little Bipsy Classic + Cozy Collection

Keep your little warm on those crisp autumn mornings and feeling relaxed in Little Bipsy’s new classic zip hoodie and matching sweatpants! Wear the hoodie on its own or layer it under a denim jacket for a cool street style look! Their sweatpants are designed a little differently than their core joggers and are made with a thicker material to ensure your little love bug stays toasty on those chilly Fall days! Available in heather gray and black.

These are sooo cute and comfy! Find the adorable collection at https://littlebipsy.com/collections/launch-4-i-classic

New Safe and Healthy Sleepwear by Rockin’ Blinks

The new luxe line of sleepwear from Rockin’ Blinks includes footed pajamas, sleep bags, short sleeve pajama sets, and long sleeve pajama sets made of super soft, 100% Pima cotton. Your child will stay comfortable all night long in this carefully designed line for the perfect night’s sleep! https://rockinblinks.com/

Every piece of the Rockin’ Blinks collection includes specific sleep information for the stage your child is at currently. The Rockin’ Blinks team wants to help you establish healthy sleep habits for your child by helping you understand sleep at your child’s age.

The Rockin’ Blinks Sleepwear Collection is available in a variety of gorgeous prints and patterns for babies and children in sizes newborn through 8 years of age. 

Available at: https://rockinblinks.com/

These are baby essentials and would make a great gift for new parents and babies!

Cuddle Organic Bamboo Hooded Towels

Wrap your baby up in comfort after bath time with these sweet towels made from premium bamboo. Ultra-absorbent and made for sensitive skin, KeaBabies Organic Bamboo Hooded Towels keep baby snuggly and warm. Not just for bath time, the hooded towel can also be taken to the pool, beach, and more. Pair it with KeaBabies Premium Bamboo Washcloths for the sweetest bath experience for your little one. Available in Grizzly, Polar, Bear or Lamb. 

Organic Bamboo Washcloths

Incredibly soft, thick and absorbent, the Organic Bamboo Washcloths are excellent for baby’s delicate skin! Made for everyday use, bath time becomes a comforting, luxe experience for your little one. Available in 7 colors, each set comes with 6 washcloths. 

Organic Bandana Bibs

Extremely durable and made for big messes, Keababies Organic Bandana Bibs cover more than half of your baby or toddler’s chest and shoulders, allowing their clothes to stay dry and clean after messy feedings or heavy drooling. The Bandana Bibs are made with ultra-soft organic cotton backed with super absorbent fleece to ensure your little ones’ clothes stay dry and fresh all day. Made in a variety of cute patterns and prints! Machine washable. Suitable for ages 0-36 months. 

Organic Burp Cloths

Made with organic cotton for baby’s sensitive skin, KeaBabies Organic Burp Cloths are a must-have for feeding, spit-ups and messes! Sized generously and larger than most burp cloths on the market, they provide full shoulder coverage to protect clothing from being soiled from spit ups and messes. Available in 15 adorable prints and color patterns. Machine washable. 

You can find their complete collection at https://keababies.com/collections/shop-all

Calming Baby Lotion

 As the colder weather is upon us, keep baby’s skin cuddly and soft with lotion that’s been trusted by parents for over 75 years. Baby Magic offers a variety of options that will keep baby’s skin hydrated with wholesome ingredients in the nostalgic scents you know and love.

Calming Baby Lotion

Get baby bedtime ready with this post-bath essential! Baby Magic’s Calming Baby lotion will sooth dry skin while helping baby wind down with the calming scent of lavender and chamomile. I love this scent!

Gentle Baby Lotion

Gentle Baby Lotion

This nostalgic scent will bring back memories to parents while moisturizing baby’s skin. The quick absorbing formula contains good-for-you ingredients like antioxidant rich Vitamins and hydrating Aloe for healthy, baby-soft skin.

Would be great to add to a basket gift for a new Mom and Dad!

Creamy Baby Oil

Creamy Baby Oil

Great for on-the-go, this unique blend of gentle lotion and coconut oil will leave skin feeling silky-soft and cuddly, plus it’s flip top tube can easily be thrown in a diaper bag or stroller. Made with marshmallow root, known to moisturize and calm skin, and aloe, which soothes and replenishes dry skin’s moisture barrier.

Look for all three products at a store near you!

Happy Holiday season!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week