A Simple Solution

A Simple Solution

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of SanDisk, a Western Digital brand.  The opinions and text are all mine.

I have to admit; we are a tech geek family, and I totally love it!

I remember before we left on our first vacation last year I wasn't able to get all of my work done before we left for our road trip. So, Chad totally tricked out our car as our mobile office, which allowed us to manage our entire business and our family while we traveled. And now, I will never go back!

Technology and a little plan that we have created have really saved us from unnecessary stress while traveling with our family and you are going to love it!

I was pretty impressed. My laptop was set up on a lapboard so I could write posts, schedule our social media and answer emails. I had my tablet for portable travel lists, e-books and e-magazines, my maps, photos, and videos. And of course, we had our phones and a wireless router to make it all work no matter where we were!

I love being connected and love all of the apps and options available! We use our tablet and iPad everywhere. I love having my research right at my fingertips; whether it is web-based, e-books or e-magazines. I keep my tablet on a cookbook-stand in the kitchen as I cook. And it's super handy for making notes as I cook. I rarely use a notebook anymore. The family uses are endless.

As  my daughter has gotten older we have found a fondness for education apps. We generally limit screen time and focus on more fun activities, but road trips and airplanes are my favorite time to bring out the iPad.

But at some point over the last few years, it became apparent that some developers prefer Apple for their apps, and we were going to need an Apple device for our business.  So, we decided to add an iPad to the mix of technology in our office and at home. Not to mention it takes stellar food photos! I mean look at that ice cream. {{slurp}}



Not long after we started using our iPad, we hit our memory max, and we realized that we were going to need a memory solution. We were thrilled to have found SanDisk iXpand™ Flash Drive to help solve our memory dilemma and at just the right time. Thanks to SanDisk for sending us this drive that automatically backs up my camera roll filled with those yummy photos!

Traveling with kids can be challenging. So, when my daughter was about 1-year-old we created a travel plan that incorporated a travel surprise for her every hour to keep her engaged in the trip and busy. I even pack a timer for her to hold on to, that helps keep it fun for her.

Every hour she gets something that she can play with, do or eat. It is always something that she has not seen before or something that we don't have at home.

I try to hold off on the screen time until I have no other choice. And of course, I am always ready to change the plan if it isn't working.

For example, we leave for California at 9 am (it is about a 6-hour trip). As we pull out of the driveway, I present her with her first surprise. It can be a new hat, sunglasses, a water bottle or whatever I want to start the trip with. We stop for a light breakfast on the way out of town.

• 1st hour, I will give her something creative to do: a new coloring book and crayons, a drawing pad or a craft.

• 2nd hour I will give her a snack that we do not keep in our house, so it is new and exciting.

• 3rd hour we will give her something to play with. That could be a little doll, a travel game or a new dress for her favorite dolly.

• 4th hour we stop for lunch. She gets the iPad when we get back in the car. It is loaded with educational kid apps that she loves!

•  5th hour she gets to watch a new movie. 

One of my favorite features of the SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive is that I can load my daughter's movies on the compact flash drive and pop them in when I want to, that way she can play with her educational apps and I can hold off giving her a movie until I am ready.

Heading out of town the anticipation is still driving her, so I can hold off longer on the iPad, but coming home she will usually have it by hour 3. Which could have a lot to do with Mommy being too tired from the trip. Either way, we make it there and back in one piece and that is the most important thing.

With love from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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We partnered with SanDisk to get you this awesome coupon to get your own iXpand!

From now through August 31, 2016, you can get a $50 coupon to purchase a SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive for your iPad or iPhone!

Copyright ©2016 – All rights reserved.

SanDisk is a trademark of Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates, registered in the U.S. and other countries. iXpand is a trademark of Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and Lightning are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries. Other brand names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademark(s) of their respective holder(s).

Western Digital Technologies, Inc. is the seller of record and licensee in the Americas of SanDisk® products.

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Lunar New Year Celebration at the Disneyland Resort

Lunar New Year Celebration at the Disneyland Resort

With marketplaces, live entertainment, characters, cavalcade and event merchandise the Disneyland Lunar New Year Celebration pulls out all the stops.

Paradise Gardens is the Perennial festival center for seasonal events that take place in Disney's California Adventure Park.  Located on the banks of the bay, adjacent to Pixar Pier, Paradise Gardens offers food and entertainment with seasonal changes.

For the 2019 Lunar New Year, Disney celebrates the year of the pig. We have also included photos from Year of the Rooster 2017 during another celebration.

With marketplaces, live entertainment, characters, cavalcade and event merchandise the Lunar New Year Celebration pulls out all the stops.



Disney's California Adventure park is the place to be from January 25 - February 17 to celebrate the Lunar New Year.  Chinese tradition has long been a tentpole of the original Disney's California Adventure philosophy.

It is one of the cultures that helped shape California from its early days until now.  The celebration of Chinese culture at California adventure continues with the annual Lunar New Year celebration.  This is the year of the pig.  So, you can expect to meet some very old Disney friends when you come to the celebration.

Celebration Food

Several food marketplaces have opened up in the Paradise Gardens Area of Disney's California Adventure park. As you make your way around Grizzly Peak, you will come to a San Francisco inspired area.  Paradise Gardens is just across the road from Pacific Wharf and Pixar Pier.  This is where most of the Lunar New Year festivities take place including some extraordinary dishes at these locations:



Lucky 8 Lantern

Note the pig inspired dish at Lucky 8 Lantern.  The Crispy Shrimp Fried Rice with garlic, bacon and edamame is definitely something to try.  If you would rather spare the pig, try the Stir Fried Vegetables and Pineapple with soy protein, steamed rice and crunchy chow mein noodles.  For desert this marketplace offers a Mandarin Orange Green Tea Tart.

Prosperity Bar and Buns

The Char Siu Pork Bao is Chinese BBQ pork folded into a bar bun with pickled onion and jalapeño.  For the less adventurous eater there is a much more instagram worthy treat called the Mickey Chinese Hotdog Bun, which is actually a sesame bun in the shape of Mickey's head with little hot dog slices baked into it.  Prosperity Bao and Buns is also a great place to stay for a Mango-Pineapple Pastry and a $13 Winter Plum Blossom Gin Mule.



Longevity Noodle Co.

You won't find any little piggies at this marketplace.  Just checked meatballs and a very nutty Vegetable Egg Roll dish that includes chilled sesame garlic noodles, cilantro cashew sauce, and roasted peanuts.  You can also order a Hong Kong style Egg Tart here with a refreshing Orchid Spritz.

Red Dragon Spice Traders

Serving up some heat, Red Dragon's spicy dishes include Firecracker Three Cup Chicken and Steamed Short Rib Shumai with Spicy Korean Sauce, sriracha mayonnaise and cucumber salad.



Paradise Gardens Grill

At Paradise Gardens Grill the seasonal menu has been changed to reflect the Lunar New Year Celebration.  This is a full quick service restaurant with a Kids' Meal (Uncrustables) and beverage options.  The small but satisfying list of entrees include a Whole Fried Fish, Korean Grilled Chicken, Vegan Orange Tempeh, and Banh Mi-- a crispy baguette with grilled marinated pork belly.  This location also sells the collectible Mickey Birthday Sipper.

Entertainment

One of the great pieces of Paradise Gardens is the lineup of various acts that grace the shaded outdoor stage where guests can eat, drink and enjoy the live music.  Melody of China, a trio of instrumentalists from San Francisco, are taking the stage for the celebration.  Their synthesis of folk, classical, and contemporary instrumentals use the dulcimer, lute and fiddle to bridge generational gaps through unique musical fusion.

Mulan's Lunar New Year Procession is one of the highlights of this celebration and that coupled with the character meet and greet makes it well worth the stop! It is the only time of year you can see Mulan and Mushu.

Meet and Greets

Mulan and Mushu are available for photo ops as usual.  Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto are also there, and wearing their festive Lunar New Year attire.  The bamboo and peach blossom pavilion makes for a gorgeous picture with golden flowers and Chinese banners adding to the backdrop for your photo.  The best way to stay on top of character schedules is to download the Disneyland Mobile app.

Munchkin absolutely loves their Lunar New Year outfits and stood in line to meet all the characters.

Procession

For more Character fun, make sure you stake out a good spot along the parade route for Mulan's Lunar New Year Procession.  This is a bright colorful and festive cavalcade of characters that includes guests of honor: Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Pig.  The three pigs Tea la la their way along the procession to triumphant music from the movie Mulan.  In addition to the pigs in holiday costumes, the procession includes a dragon puppet, drummers, dancers and more!  The procession has four start times throughout the afternoon at 12:00, 1:15, 3:00, and 4:15.

Crafts

Paradise Gardens Park is the place to go for anything from relaxed entertainment to good seasonal food, but it's also great for the kids.  Kids' attractions such as Jumping' Jellyfish and Ariel's Undersea Adventure populate the area and near Paradise Gardens Grill, there is a fun little alcove where kids are invited to get crafty.  On Mondays and Tuesdays they can take home custom Chinese Calligraphy.  In addition to that They can also make paper lanterns and enjoy complimentary face painting near The Little Mermaid.


All guests at the celebration are also encouraged to contribute to the Wishing Wall.  The Wishing Wall is adorned with messages of good will, peace and prosperity for the new year and everyone can add their personal message to the display.

Merchandise

Of course no Disney event would be complete without fabulous commemorative merchandise.  This year shirts, pins and more are celebrating the Year of the Pig.  You can also purchase traditional lucky red envelopes for gifts of prosperity for the new year.

Festive Time

The festivities in this little corner of Disney's California Adventure are worth a visit to the park. You can spend hours enjoying all of the food, and special moments of the event from the entertainment to the crafts.  In addition to Paradise Gardens, be sure to visit Pixar Pier, for more food and fun as well as Cars Land for a chance to venture into the exciting animated world of Radiator Springs.

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Disneyland Character Dining: Mickey's Tales of Adventure

Disneyland Character Dining: Mickey's Tales of Adventure

Disneyland Grand Californian character dining, Mickey and friends meet with each table during the Mickey's Tales of Adventure Breakfast (or Brunch) Buffet.

 

When we decided to treat our daughter to a character dining experience we really looked all over the Disneyland parks to decide which one we thought was best. There are so many to choose from and we will be reviewing them all with you.

So be sure to follow our Disney travels and adventures on Instagram here.

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We really wanted to find a Mickey experience with as many characters as possible and Mickey's Tales of Adventure at Grand Californian really fit the bill. As soon as we booked our hotel we scheduled breakfast at Storytellers Cafe.

The Grand Californian

Of all the hotels at the Disneyland Resort, the Grand Californian is absolutely our favorite. Not only does it offer the best access to the parks, but it is homey and luxurious all at the same time. I could honestly give you 100 reasons why we love the Grand Californian. And we have also stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier Hotel and off site hotels.

Storyteller Cafe

A perfect example of Disney's blend of luxury and family focus is Storyteller Cafe.  This restaurant is a beautiful dining hall with craftsman style decor and Large framed art pieces showcasing Californian folklore.

The theme simultaneously pays homage to Disney's tradition of storytelling, while telling the story of California, all as a mere backdrop in a buffet style restaurant.

This restaurant is where kids can also experience character dining at the Grand Californian.

Character Dining at Grand Californian

Storyteller Cafe offers Character dining, but it is not exclusively a character restaurant as is the case with Goofy's Kitchen.  It is common for Disney restaurants, particularly buffets, to offer a character dining experience only at breakfast.  This is definitely the case at the Disneyland Resort, where all character dining experiences other than Goofy's Kitchen are breakfast only.

Storyteller Cafe Character Breakfast

Morning at The Grand Californian is lovely, whether you enjoy a cup of coffee on a park side balcony or head downstairs for a big breakfast.

The main dining at Grand Californian all have entrances in the same outdoor location surrounding the pool.  This is great because it forces all guests to experience the outdoors and the nature that inspires the dining areas within.  Inside more of that Arts and Crafts era design shines through.

Phrases like "Hearth and Home," and "By hammer and hand do all things stand" line the walls.  The buffet area stands centered behind the check-in counter and is flanked on both sides with deep dining halls lined with cozy booths and wooden tables.  Large lanterns hang from arched beams in the high ceiling.

For Grand Californian character dining, Mickey and his friends meet with guests at every table during the Mickey's Tales of Adventure Breakfast (or Brunch) Buffet.

Mickey wears a special adventuring costume for this character meal, that is exclusive just to this event.  The theme is adventure, another tie in with California Adventure.

Though you can expect Mickey's usual companions to show up, the lineup of characters is not guaranteed and subject to change.

It is recommended that you make reservations up to 60 days in advance. You don't have to be a hotel guest to dine at Storytellers and you can even have 3 hours of complimentary parking with validation from the restaurant.  Otherwise, Parking is expensive, starting at $20 for just the first hour and $10 per hour thereafter! You can book here.

Storyteller Cafe Breakfast Menu

The breakfast buffet is a little bit overwhelming. There are so many delicious options to choose from.

There are plenty of breakfast meats and eggs.  The highlight is the custom omelette station. You get to choose your own fixin's. I love cheese, bacon, onion and jalapenos but you can expect to be offered mushrooms, and other veggies and meats as well.

With an entire bar of breakfast potatoes, sausage and piles and piles of Applewood-smoked bacon if you are looking for a hearty breakfast this is it! These breakfast potatoes are amazing!

My absolute favorite is the Chilaquiles with Fresh Eggs and Tomatillo Salsa . It is divine. I didn't get a photo this time but look for a copycat recipe coming up!

There is also a delightful array of sweet breakfast foods to choose from with everything from Mickey waffles, pancakes, french toast with an incredible specialty syrup (think bananas foster) and entire pastry bar, oatmeal, and cereal.  Bagels are also offered with lox.

The buffet also includes parfait, fresh fruit and a quiche of the day.  Beverages include specialty coffees and morning cocktails for an additional price.

Storyteller Cafe Brunch Menu

The Brunch menu is like the breakfast menu, only the extended offerings include French toast, pastries, muffins, pancakes and waffles.  Plus you can get dessert.  The downside of Brunch is that it is served from 11:30-2:00, which cuts into your day if you plan to visit one of the parks.  The Breakfast Buffet starts at 7:00AM and ends at 11:25AM.

Enjoy!

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California Adventure Restaurants - Cars Land Disneyland

California Adventure Restaurants - Cars Land Disneyland

California Adventure restaurants in Cars Land boasts food and dining options that will completely immerse you in the movie. Disneyland brings you right into the middle of Radiator Spring with many delicious menu items to make your racin' tires spin!

If you are wondering where to eat in Cars Land California Adventure at Disneyland Resort we have got you covered!

Cars Land is probably my favorite of all the Disneyland Resort lands. Probably the first time anyone entered a theme park land and felt transported to a specific movie was in 2012. This was when Cars Land opened at California Adventure. Cars Land drops you in the middle of Radiator Springs and brings that movie world to life.

Through Cars Land dining shops and attractions Disney captivates guests by transporting them into the Cars world. In Cars Land, you are in Radiator Springs. It's a real place, and you are there.

Check out our legend for Disneyland Dining:

Annual Passholder discounts available ask cashier

Mobile Ordering available on Disneyland mobile app check it out here

Cars Land Dining

The slight of hand with which they do this is pretty remarkable. The Cozy Cone Motel, for instance, is pretty impressive to look at, and it makes a nice photo location to meet Mater and Lightning McQueen.

Guests can't sleep in the cones, right? So, they realized guest don't need to sleep in the park, but they do need to eat. Suddenly, they had a themed dining location that perfectly utilizes the space.

Another area that was seamlessly recreated is Flo's V8 Cafe. In the movie, this place is a gas station made to look like a diner.

When Radiator Springs welcomed park guests to their town, they couldn't serve gasoline. They needed to accommodate them with real food. Thus Flo's gas station is seamlessly converted into the diner it was always meant to look like.

Cars Land is best experienced in full, Radiator Springs Racers is half of the experience, but the other half is in the flavors of cars land. Come back for dinner and see what the town looks like when lit.

Fillmore's Taste-In

The very first thing you see as you turn the corner into Cars Land is Fillmore's Taste-In. The perfect name for a fruit cart themed to a hippie Volkswagen Bus.

At this cart you will find all the usual grab and go items including whole fruit and pickles for $3.99 each. For a cheap snack, you can pick up assorted chips at $3.49 per bag.

Additional snack options include a three pack of Cuties mandarin oranges for $4.49 and a six count of Mini Babybel Cheese. This is also a good place to pick up a bottled beverage from an assorted variety.

Filmore's is a great place to grab a quick bite before going straight into Radiator Springs Racers, the three-attraction land's E-ticket ride.

It's also the perfect grab-and-go option if you just need some fuel while you pass Cars Land on your way to Pixar Pier to ride the Incredicoaster. If you are hungry for some more substantial food, though, you should stop and stay awhile, because there are two really great options inside Cars Land.

You can check out the current Fillmore's Taste-In menu here.

Flo's V8 Cafe

Flo's is a gorgeous adaptation of the gas station in the movie Cars. My absolute favorite view is when it is dark out and the neon lights glow against the darkness of the sky just like it did on the movie screen.

When you get inside, the classic diner feel of the station takes over and transports you right into the movie.

Inside the decor tells the story of Flo's past in a touring singing group. The huge windows offer a panoramic view of Ornament Valley, the sight of Radiator Springs Racers. It's one of the best views in the park and the food is pretty good, too.

Flo's is a quick service restaurant with indoor seating and outdoor seating out front. They serve up traditional diner style food from a Ka-Cheeseburger to a Fin-Tastic Tuna Sandwich.

The menu includes a pot pie, a Cobb salad, fried chicken and a club sandwich with prices ranging from $10.99 to $17.99. There are always seasonal favorites like this roast beef sandwich too.

Although, these are full meals with sides, you can also order steak fries separately and don't forget the adult drinks. You can grab a variety of beer, wine and a fruity sangria at Flo's. For dessert you can get a classic milkshake with or without a souvenir glass.

They also have a great kids menu with a cheesy Mack's Mac and Cheese (which you know Munchkin eats everytime we go). She is a mac and cheese connoisseur of course. They also have a Micro Burger and the Chicken Fenders priced from $7.49 to $7.99! 

Make sure you check Flo's out for breakfast. The brioche french toast is so good it has a cult following. You can check out the current Flo's V8 Cafe menu here.

Cozy Cone Motel

The cozy cone is a series of snack windows that ingeniously serves food in cones. There are tables at the Cozy Cone Motel, but these food options are awesome to grab and go.

I like to eat while walking around or waiting in line. All Cozy Cones serve beverages and many seasonal offerings pop up throughout the year like this Birthday Hat Macaron available during the Get Your Ears On celebration.

Cozy Cone #1 serves the most adorable cone full of 2-bite churros. The churro menu changes from season to season. This summer they are serving the traditional churros with dipping sauce and a graham cracker sugar churro with strawberry sauce and cream cheese icing. Churros are $5.29.

Cozy Cone #2 is the soft serve palace. You can get a vanilla, chocolate or twist. They also offer toppings for an additional charge. $4.49. During the holidays they offered peppermint toppings. Isn't it perfectly festive?

Cozy Cone #3 is known for their bacon mac and cheese served in a bread cone. They also serve Chili Cone Queso and seasonal favorites. This summer they are serving Red's Hot Chicken Cone. $8.99-$9.49. Cone 3 is also the go-to for adult cocktails, with vodka lemonade options to quench your thirst for $9.75.

Cozy Cone #4 offers up bite size pretzels with cheese sauce, my favorite item at this cone. They also have savory and sweet twists. $4.29-$5.79. Another menu item, Red's Apple Freeze and Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade are thirst quenching drinks perfect for those hot summer days $5.49.

Cozy Cone #5 serves up an adorable Pop Cone filled with.... You guessed it, popcorn! But, it's not just any popcorn. There are so many flavor options, it will make your tires spin $5.59. Recently Cone #5 also added Cozy Corn (Mexican street corn) to it's menu $6.49.

Check out the current Cozy Cone Motel menu here.

Disclosures: Prices and menu items are subject to change. We recommend you check the current menu for each location for the most up to date information. 

Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, your price will remain the same, and will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

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