SoCal Savvy Mom

Nov 28
2015

ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas Lineup 2015

ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas schedule is finally here. Things kick off on December 1 (naturally) and go all the way through December 25 (again, implied by the 25 Days of Christmas name). As part of the programming block, ABC Family will debut the network premiere of remastered versions of classic Jim Henson Christmas specials The Bells of Fraggle Rock and Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas. There’s also a Shadowhunters preview on tap and a Toy Story marathon.

In case you missed it, ABC Family is changing its name to Freeform in January 2016, so get ready for Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas next year. Check out the full lineup below:

Tuesday, Dec. 1
7 a.m. The Preacher’s Wife
11 a.m. Disney’s A Christmas Carol
1 p.m. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
2:30 p.m. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
3:30 p.m. Frosty’s Winter Wonderland
4 p.m. Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July
6 p.m. The Year Without a Santa Claus
7 p.m. The Polar Express
9 p.m. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (live action)
12 a.m. The Year Without a Santa Clause
1 a.m. Rudolph’s Shiny New Yea

Wednesday, Dec. 2
7 a.m The Christmas Shoes
9 a.m. Frosty’s Winter Wonderland
11 a.m. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
12:30 p.m. A Miser Brothers Christmas
1:30 p.m. Jack Frost (animated)
2:30 p.m. Rudolph’s Shiny New Year
3:30 p.m. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
6 p.m. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
8:45 p.m. The Santa Clause
12 a.m. Snow

Thursday, Dec. 3
7 a.m. Christmas in Boston
9 a.m. Mickey’s Christmas Carol
11 a.m. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
1:45 p.m. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
4 p.m. Jack Frost (live action)
6 p.m. The Santa Clause
8:15 p.m. Fred Claus
12 a.m. Snow 2: Brain Freeze

Friday, Dec. 4

7 a.m. Meet the Santas
9 a.m. The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow
11 a.m. Rudolph’s Shiny New Year
12 p.m. Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July
2 p.m. Jack Frost (live action)
4 p.m. I’ll Be Home for Christmas
6 p.m. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
7 p.m. Fred Claus
9:30 p.m. Elf
11:50 p.m. Prancer

Saturday, Dec. 5
7 a.m. Rudolph’s Shiny New Year
8 a.m. Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July
10 a.m. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
12:15 p.m. Prancer
3 p.m. The Year Without a Santa Claus
4 p.m. Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town
5 p.m. The Polar Express
7:15 p.m. Elf
9:30 p.m. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
12:30 a.m. The Nightmare Before Christmas (more…)

Nov 25
2015

Hot Star Wars toys for Christmas

by Nicole Connerley

This year Star Wars toys are going to be the item every kid will want. There are a lot from Uncle Milton that just came out and we wanted to make sure to highlight them. The first is the The Force Trainer Holagram Experience.

Now you can move holograms with just the power of your mind! Re-enact famous Jedi challenges as you advance through 10 different levels of Force Training. Develop your powers of concentration and see if you can reach the rank of Jedi Master.

FEATURES:

Bluetooth headset that reads and interprets your brainwaves
Holograms featuring different Jedi Challenges from the Star Wars galaxy
10 levels of Jedi Training
Music, sound effects, and personal instruction from Master Yoda
The Force™ Trainer II App with Episode 7 Update
Science learning poster included
Ages 8 and up

Tablet required for product use (not included). Works with most popular tablet devices including iPAD (iPad 2 – 2011 and newer) and Android devices (Samsung Galaxy Tablet 10.1 recommended).

This is no Jedi Mind Trick! Test your knowledge against the all-knowing Jedi Holocron™. Think of any Star Wars being, location, or technology. Answer its questions and be amazed as it guesses what you’re thinking in 20 questions or you win. Can you outsmart the Holocron?

FEATURES:

The Algorithm inside, with artificial intelligence, guesses what you’re thinking in 20 questions or you win!
Includes Star Wars information from Episodes 1-6 and TV shows
Lights-up for display
Science learning poster included
Ages 6 and up

Magically suspend and move objects in mid-air using an invisible, electrostatic force! Master the amazing force like a Jedi as you Force Push deflector targets using the Jedi Training Rod and Force Pull them using the energy from your hands!

FEATURES:

Jedi Training Rod with real static electricity generator
Force Push and Force Pull deflectors in mid-air
Train with different shaped Force deflectors
8 Force deflectors inside
Science learning poster included
Ages 6 and up

New from Roxo is a full line of Star Wars Night Lights, tap once and it lights up, tap twice it changes color, the third tap it will talk to you! These lights are great for children of any age and are very reasonably priced at $24.95, you can collect all 6! There is Darth Vadar, Yoda, R2-D2, Boba Fett, Chebacca and a Storm Trooper.

To see our news segment on Fox 5 click here http://fox5sandiego.com/2015/11/25/top-toys-to-buy-while-holiday-shopping/

Nov 25
2015

As seen on TV… HoverDeck Special Offer!

by Nicole Connerley

We all know of the hover-board from Back to the Future movies and we have all been waiting since we were kids to finally be able to ride one. Let us introduce you to the Hoverdeck! The Hoverdeck is brought to us from a local SoCal company. The Hoverdeck comes in three different specifications and many colors, it can go anywhere from 6 to 12 miles per hour and can run up to 6 hours on one charge. The Lamborghini and Party Rocker come with LED lights so everyone can see you coming down the sidewalk. The Party Rocker also hosts bluetooth speakers to be paired with a smart phone.

Today was the first day for our family to try out the HoverBoard, and we were all excited. My son is a small 3rd grader and I wondered how he would do, but within 5 minutes he had it down. His favorite is what he calls donuts where he just spins in circles. This is the absolute best Christmas gift for any child in your life. As a special offer from now until cyber Monday they are offering HUGE savings! For SoCal Savvy Mom readers you can purchase a brand new Hover Deck for only $350! The normal retail for this product is between $599-799, so when I say huge savings I mean it. For more details on the HoverBoard see below and visit their website to purchase one from now until Monday at the special price of $350 using Promo Code: SAVE250

The Original $599 (limited time only $350)

6.5″ wheel
Samsung Battery, 4.4 AH, 36 V, Lithium-ION
LED lights
Charge time 1-2 Hrs
Run time 2-6 Hrs (depends on weight load and use)
Max Speed 6-8 MPH

The Lamborghini $699 (limited time only $350)

6.5″ wheel
Samsung Battery, 4.4 AH, 36 V, Lithium-ION
LED lights
Charge time 1-2 Hrs
Run time 2-6 Hrs (depends on weight load and use)
Max Speed 8-10 MPH
Comes with Wireless remote & Travel Bag

The Party Rocker $799 (now $699)

Larger frame with 8″ wheels
Samsung Battery, 4.4 AH, 36 V, Lithium-ION
LED Lights that FLASH and CHANGE COLOR
Charge time 1-2 Hrs
Run time 2-6 Hrs (depends on weight load and use)
Max Speed 10-12 MPH
Comes with Wireless remote & Travel Bag
Bluetooth 4.0 Speakers (Pair with Smartphone)

Nov 19
2015

Double Dip on Savings & Amazon Giveaway!

by Nicole Connerley

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and there are big savings to be had at Martin’s, Stop & Shop and Giant Food. This special offer is only valid through 12/3. All of us cooking Thanksgiving dinner will no doubt be making a trip to the grocery store next week. Take that opportunity to save and earn extra points, miles or cash back using rewards credit cards when you buy gift cards.

My husband and I love to go to the movies during Thanksgiving week. If you are like us and plan to go to the movies you can save now and purchase movie theater gift cards and receive a discount! All gift cards purchased can be used on Black Friday for double you can save you up to 12%! Now through 12/3, savvy shoppers (like us) can double dip on savings when we purchase gift cards. Here’s How: The offer is valid from 11/13 to 12/3 when you shop at Martin’s Food Markets, Giant Food Stores, Stop & Shop Grocery Stores.

We are also hosting a GIVEAWAY FOR $50 TO AMAZON! Just in time for Christmas, we want to make shopping a little easier on your wallet with a giveaway to Amazon for $50. For a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card head on over to our SoCal Savvy Mom Facebook page for a chance to win.

Now, here’s the math: $6 in fuel rewards on a 15 gallon tank ($.40 x 15) +$6 back if you earn 6% cash back on credit card grocery purchases =$12 in savings on a $100 gift card! Program Information: Visa, MasterCard & American Express Gift cards are NOT included. This offer is available at the fuel locations only. Non-fuel locations may have a different offer. See store for more detail. Some credit cards may have limits on the rewards you can earn at grocery.

This is a sponsored post, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Nov 18
2015

Santa is coming to Bates Nut Farm

by Nicole Connerley

Santa is coming to Bates Nut Farm on Thanksgiving weekend, along with their biggest arts and craft show of the year. The event will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no charge for this fun family event and parking as always is free. Bring your cameras so you can snap a picture with Santa. Santa is available for pictures until 3 p.m., you can also enjoy a free hayride with Santa.

The Lions club will host their pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast provided by the Valley Center Lions Club. $6 adults/$5 children. Enjoy pancakes, eggs, bacon, coffee and orange juice. Proceeds benefit local charities. Free admission.

ABOUT BATES NUT FARM

Bates Nut Farm started with walnuts, but now purchases nuts from all over the world. Pistachios, pecans, cashews, peanuts, pignolias, sunflower seeds and much more can be purchased on the farm. The nuts come raw, roasted, some spiced up and unsalted. To ensure quality and freshness we roast and package our nuts on the farm. The Bates family takes pride in providing a quality product at a fair price. It’s part of the tradition.

Nov 18
2015

Balboa Park December Nights 2015

by Nicole Connerley

December Nights at Balboa Park is a fun family event and it is free for the whole family to enjoy. There will be dancers, carolers, and other live entertainment throughout the event. Friday December 4th the event will run from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and on Saturday December 5th from noon to 11 p.m.

A wonderful part of the December Nights is participating Balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5-9 pm both evenings! Yes, the museums will be open for free for all to enter and explore on both nights. Some of the museums included are the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, San Diego Air & Space Museum, San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum, San Diego History Center, San Diego Museum of Man, The San Diego Museum of Art, theNAT: San Diego Natural History Museum, and more. This year more than 350,000 visitors are expected to experience the joy of San Diego’s largest free community festival. Those who attend will participate in a truly multicultural experience, enjoying food, music and entertainment from around the world.

Revelers can watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and diverse food choices and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer. Some of the more well-known traditions include food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages; the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California; unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village; and musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree, and more.

Getting there:

With more than 350,000 people attending December Nights and extremely limited parking at Balboa Park, it is encouraged to use the FREE off-site shuttles or take public transportation. Avoid the 163 southbound during the hours of 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., as this highway will be very congested. Use alternate routes to get to the Park and the shuttle stops. FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE – The December Nights Shuttles at PETCO Park and City College run on Friday from 3:00-midnight and on Saturday from 11:30 until midnight in all locations. The last shuttle leaves all sites at 8:00 pm so plan to arrive at shuttle location BEFORE 7pm! The last shuttle from the park is at 11:45pm.

City College Lots between 16th and “B and C” Streets: Parking is free and there are more than 1,500 parking spaces. Shuttle drops off at 6th & Laurel Streets. The Park is approximately 1/4 mile from City College, so walking is an option. To get to the City College lots use I-5 and exit at “B” Street.
Downtown San Diego on Ash St between 5^th and 6^th Ave. Numerous parking lots in this area at $5, or free street parking after 6pm. Shuttle drops off at 6th and Laurel.
***NOTE***There will be NO Shuttle from Petco Park this year!

New this year! Children’s Interactive Area including a dynamic Community Mural where families can creatively contribute to giant-sized coloring book page featuring Balboa Park. Following December Nights, the Community Mural will then be on display in the Park throughout the holiday season! The Children’s Interactive Area will also include hands-on crafts, games, and entertainment and will be located adjacent to the beautiful and historic Botanical Building.