With the new Disney Lion King movie making its debut, there is so much Disney excitement and I love it. We are waiting to see the live-action Lion King until my son returns home from a week away at summer camp. My children and I had the pleasure of hosting a #NowMoreThanEver Disney Play Date Party and it was just what we needed with summer break coming to an end. Having friends over with food, treats, and Disney fun is a great way to spread joy.

One of my all-time favorite things about Disney is they provide Disney magic and fun for the entire family. As a mom with four boys I so appreciate every Disney experience we have had, it is quite magical to watch my children's faces light up as well as feel like a kid again myself.

Now more than ever is a great time to visit Disney World and Disneyland. There are so many new experiences with the new Star Wars Lands, the renovation of the castle at Disneyland, and did you know Disneyland just celebrated its 64th Birthday! Now more than ever families can make memories even with young children (ages 3 to 5) at Walt Disney World Resort, with new experiences such as Mickey and Minnie's surprise Celebration (Magic Kingdom), Party with Pixar Pals (Disney's Hollywood Studios), Festival of the Lion King (Disney's Animal Kingdom) and more, families are sure to make memories that will last a lifetime! With so many new and limited-time experiences happening at Walt Disney World it is such a great time to visit, let's go! I would love to get our dance on at Disney World Animal Kingdom at the daily Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party, a family-friendly event featuring music, dance, games and some of your favorite Disney friends including Timon and Rafiki too! How fun is that!

While you are planning and dreaming up your Walt Disney family vacation it is always fun to have some Disney magic right wherever you are. I am sharing all the details on our #NowMoreThanEver Disney playdate party, I'm sure your little ones would love any of these Disney themed snacks and treats. You don't have to wait until a birthday to celebrate with friends you could host a Disney themed back to school party or end of summer party, or a Disney movie watch party, with the new Lion King and new Toy Story 4, you could watch the originals for a refresher. Putting together a Disney themed party to surprise the kiddos that they are going to Disney Parks would be such a fun way to tell them. If you have a Lion King and Disney Jr. Lion Guard fan I hope these treats and fun will help with your party.

Our Menu
Pizza, Chicken Nuggets and Salad (Thank you to our local Round Table Pizza)
Juice Boxes
Lion Veggie Tray
Fruit
Popped Passion Popcorn Cake (thank you Popped Passion Popcorn)
Zebra Cakes
Pudding Cups with Grubs of course
Mickey Mouse Cookies
Rita's Italian Ice (Thank you to our local Rita's Italian Ice)

Activities
Place the Guard Badge on Kion from Disney Jr.'s Lion Guard
Coloring and Crafts
Chalk Art
Dance Party
I was so excited to find Lion King coloring crayons at the Dollar Tree as well as stickers. They fit perfectly with our theme and were easy on the budget.

Dance Party
Kids love to dance and we moms sure do appreciate any opportunity to help them get their wiggles out. You can enjoy the music of Disney with over 30 official Disney Parks Playlists on Apple Music http://apple.co/disneyparks. New subscribers can try it for free for three months.

My mother-in-law graciously made me Mickey Mouse Cookies she makes the best cookies. My niece decorated these cookies by hand, she did a fabulous job, of course, Mickey wanted to join our Lion King Jungle Party.

Lion Veggie Tray I made a lion veggie tray with hummus dip. This was a simple and fun way to serve up something healthy.
What you need:
Red, Orange, and Yellow Bell Peppers
Baby Carrots
Hummus
I used Parmesan Cheese Whisps for the Eyes and bell peppers for the cheeks, nose and mouth.
Slice all the bell peppers and arrange along with the baby carrots in a circle around hummus dip. Use Cheese Whisps or Ritz Crackers for eyes. You can use olives and greenery for whiskers, I used stems from Cilantro I had in the refrigerator.

Dirt Pudding Cups with Grubs My children helped me assemble Dirt Pudding Cups with Gummy Worms as grubs. This treat fit our theme perfectly and my boys had a blast smashing up those Oreo cookies.
What you need:
Chocolate Pudding
Crushed Oreo's for the dirt
Gummy Worms to top
Layer the pudding in a cup first, top with the crushed Oreo's and top with grubs (gummy worms).

Popcorn Cake
The Popped Passion Popcorn Cake sent to us was so cute, it even had a Mickey shape made out of cookies.

What’s a Popcorn Cake? Freshly popped popcorn that slices like a cake with the yummy sensation of a marshmallow treat. You can customize a cake with your favorite candy, nuts or dried fruit and finish it off with sprinkles and your choice of milk chocolate, white chocolate or peanut butter drizzle. Every cake is beautifully packaged in clear wrap and topped with a matching bow. Customized popcorn cakes are perfect for gifts, birthdays, unique client gifts, tailgate parties and more! Popped Passion mini popcorn cakes make crowd-stopping party favors for your next event. Check out their website to see pictures of their most popular cakes, they make a beautiful table centerpiece.

Our Disney #NowMoreThanEver Play Date Party Kit included these items.

Disney party supplies, napkins, cups, plates a tablecloth and decorations (Lion Guard Themed)

Place the Guard Badge Disney Game, and Lion Guard party face masks

A large Disney doll and dress-up costume for a fun prize by #JakksPacific

A special gift from Pillow Pets (#PillowPetsDisney)

A yummy Mickey Themed Popcorn Cake from #PoppedPassionPopcorn

Food coupons from #MichaelAngelos

A huge thank you to Disney for our party theme inspiration. Disney provided the fun Lion Guard themed decor as well as some Disney gifts. We were grateful to be able to send home some great gifts with our guests like the Disney Rapunzel Doll and dress-up costume from Jakks Pacific Toys we also received the cutest Disney Pillow Pet from Pillow Pets. My kiddos love their collection of Pillow Pets. I loved the bright and colorful Pinata! If you have a birthday party or play date coming up, a Disney theme is a great way to go. You can often find Disney Party Supplies, as well as Disney, themed gifts like bubbles, puzzles, stickers, coloring books and more to send home with your guests at the Dollar Tree, Target Dollar Spot, as well as most retailers.

I want to give a HUGE thank you to our local Round Table Pizza who partnered with me for our play date and provided delicious pizza, chicken nuggets, and salad, we moms were grateful that you thought of us too. Did you know Round Table has Family Night every Tuesday?

Kids under 8 eat FREE at Round Table Pizza on Tuesday nights for the Family Night Buffet from 5 - 8 PM. Give your cook and kitchen the night off and enjoy their delicious all-you-can-eat pizza buffet, healthy and fully stocked salad bar and garlic parmesan twists. What's your favorite pizza? Just ask for your favorite and they will put it out on the buffet. Meet up with your friends or family at your neighborhood Round Table for Tuesday family night! Visit our local Round Table at 7909 Walerga Rd, Ste 107, Antelope, California, Phone (916) 723-8665. Follow them on Social Media for the latest deals here.

Thank you to our local Rita's Ice, who provided us with cold, refreshing Italian Ice to cool off, after our Disney dance party! My kiddos love Rita's Ice! Rita's Italian Ice is smooth and made with real fruit, it’s served daily within 36 hours of mixing. With dozens of refreshing flavors, you can have an Ice day, every day. At Rita's, you can also find Gelati, Frozen Custard, Milkshakes and more. If you are hosting a party they have Italian Ice Trays with more than one flavor, perfect for parties. Our local Rita's Ice is located at 7893 Walerga Rd, Antelope, CA 95843, Phone (916) 721-0125. Follow them on Facebook here and on Instagram here.

I hope you'll enjoy some Disney Magic real soon! I love seeing families make great memories that will last a lifetime. I've shared some Disney Vacation Planning Tips on the blog here and here. Stay up to date with what is debuting at Walt Disney World at http://disneyworld.com.

Disclosure: I received free products to host a #NowMoreThanEver play date party. Although I receive this benefit the opinions expressed here are my own.

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Monday, July 22, 2019
budget
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Now More Than Ever Disney Play Date Party | Lion King Style

Popcorn Cake
The Popped Passion Popcorn Cake sent to us was so cute, it even had a Mickey shape made out of cookies.

Our Disney #NowMoreThanEver Play Date Party Kit included these items.

Disney party supplies, napkins, cups, plates a tablecloth and decorations (Lion Guard Themed)

Place the Guard Badge Disney Game, and Lion Guard party face masks

A large Disney doll and dress-up costume for a fun prize by #JakksPacific

A special gift from Pillow Pets (#PillowPetsDisney)

A yummy Mickey Themed Popcorn Cake from #PoppedPassionPopcorn

Food coupons from #MichaelAngelos

I was invited to the Media Preview Day of the California State Fair and Food Festival last week and wow I was pleasantly surprised with the food options that are available this year. I know for many of us the food is one of the main reasons we love going to the Fair, there is food on a stick, deep-fried goodies, and always a unique take on some food item. Funnel Cakes and Corn Dogs are Fair Food classics and for our family, we always partake in the delicious fresh made cinnamon rolls, it's an annual tradition.

If you are looking to save money at the fair the food festival pass is the way to go. Keep in mind if you can visit the fair on a Monday you can get in FREE by bringing 3 non-perishable food items per person to the California State Fair before 3 p.m. If you have kiddos visit on Kid-Free Tuesdays, FREE admission for kids 12 and under and $2 rides for all ages.

The California State Fair held its inaugural Food Festival Competition on Saturday, July 13. With 30 food vendors participating in the competition, judges tasted more than 30 items and gave out awards in five categories: Side, Dessert, Fruity, Fried, and Entrée. There were two Best of Division winners, and one ultimate Best of Show winner.

The top prize went to Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls for their Bacon Pecan Cinnamon Roll. I am totally not surprised at this, they are absolutely the best. I love that you can watch the cinnamon rolls being made as well as take home some to bake in your own oven. I loved the classic Cinnamon Roll, after trying the new Bacon Pecan one, OMG, definitely a MUST when you are visiting the Fair this year! You can find a list of the winners at the end of this post.

I was wowed with the Hawaiian Chicken Pineapple Bowl by The Bacon Habit, what a beautiful presentation and not your typical food on a stick. The serving size was huge, I loved the pineapple chunks on the bottom of the scooped out pineapple, the chicken was moist and flavorful and the rice balanced it all out and made it quite filling.

I am not a Vegan but have many Vegan friends so I was so happy to see a Vegan Food option at the California State Fair. The owner of Frik' N Vegan shared his heart on why he became Vegan and shared his heart on wanting to make delicious food that his non-Vegan friends would love and appreciate, his passion and love came through in his food. You can find Frik' N Vegan inside Building B. Tell your Vegan friends, and even if you are not Vegan, this is a healthy food option, I'm not Vegan but loved his take on a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, seitan created with love on a toasted roll topped with cashew cheese and fresh bell peppers and onion as well as a choice of marinara sauce on the side or on. They also have vegan buttery popcorn, nachos, and strawberry ice cream bars. You can also ask about their secret menu and gluten-free options!

As a funnel cake fan, I had not tried the Mexican Churro Style funnel cake, WOW, absolutely delicious, thank you to Gringos Mexican Funnel Cakes. You have the right amount of crunch like a churro, and also the chewy goodness of a typical funnel cake, topped off with whipped cream and on mine caramel sauce drizzled on top, other toppings are available. I could not finish the entire funnel cake so I brought the rest home, and I am happy to report, my boys finished it off with joy. Because of the churro style, it was not soggy it held it's texture.

I tried the NEW chocolate covered bacon sprinkled with Tajin, YUM! All of my favorite foods in one, this was delicious thank you again to The Bacon Habit. I love Tajin on anything and chocolate covered bacon, the best of both worlds sweet and savory.

California State fairgoers appear to be hungry for more excitement, as this year’s brand new Fair Food Festival Pass sold so fast, that more were ordered even before the Fair opened its gates. The California State Fair & Food Festival officially opened last Friday with big crowds, eagerly awaiting to get in. “We’re so thrilled Opening Day was such a great success; it’s fun seeing so many people and families out having a good time, and of course, eating at our 100 food booths,” said Rick Pickering, Cal Expo General Manager, and CEO. “We’ve worked hard to make this year’s State Fair the best yet – a fair for all Californians up and down the state. The food festival and the new Food Festival Pass are just part of what we have in store for the next two and a half weeks.”

The Food Festival Passes have been so popular that more have already been ordered for visitors to the fair in the weeks to come. People who purchase the Food Festival Pass can select four items from more than 30 different food vendors – including appetizers, entrees desserts, and more – all for only $28, (a $40 value). Nearly 30 food vendors created new food items for this year’s State Fair. A list of what you can get can be found here.

The Food Festival Pass can be purchased at the State Fair Box Office, Guest Services or at select State Fair Souvenir Shops. Food Festival Passes purchased online are picked up at the State Fair Box Office, prior to entering the Fair. It can be used by anyone, any day of the State Fair. The California State Fair & Food Festival runs through July 28th at Cal Expo.

Fairgoers are also encouraged to visit the website at CaStateFair.org or download the CA State Fair app where they can map out all of their eating adventures.

Here are the Food Festival Winners:

Best of Show

Bacon Pecan Cinnamon Roll - Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls

This Photo Courtesy of CA State Fair

Best of Division - SAVORY
Elote Fries - Sharky’s

Best of Division - DESSERT
Bacon Pecan Cinnamon Roll - Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls

SIDE

Gold:
Roasted Chicken Taquitos - Pepe's Pollo Vaquero
Elote Fries - Sharky’s

Silver:
Italian “Alps” Nachos - Pignotti’s Gourmet Snacks
Loaded Tator Tots - Golden Bear Grill

Bronze:
Frik’n Vegan Nachos - Frik’n Vegan
Orange Chicken Fries - Pon's Chinese Food

DESSERT

Gold:
Cookie Dough Sundae - Pizza
Bacon Pecan Cinnamon Roll - Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls

Silver:
Chimney Cake Cone - Chimney Cake Cones
Cotton Candy Bunny - Sweet Art Cotton Candy
Oreo Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich - Monster Cookies

Bronze:
Oreo Sundae - Suck It Up
Spicy Chocolate Covered Bacon - The Bacon Habit
Unicorn Kettle Corn - German Kettle Popcorn

FRUITY

Gold:
Mangonada Shaved Ice - Shaved Ice

Silver:
Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake Sundae - California Ice Cream Company
Ice Cream in a Pineapple - Ice Cream in a Fruit

Bronze:
Green Monster Smoothie - Country Fair Cinnamon Roll
Passionate Pineapple Smoothie - Ice Cream in a Fruit
Pina Colada Smoothie - Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls

FRIED

Gold:
Deep Fried Caramel Apple Pie - J & L Sweeties

Silver:
Deep Fried Chicken Skins - Eat at Joe’s
Milo’s Monster Corndog - Milo’s

Bronze:
Deep Fried Banana Hot Dog - Hot Doggin'
Deep Fried Fanta - Sweet Cheeks Fried Treats
Pizza Funnel Cake - Pennsylvania Dutch Funnel Cakes
Jalapeno Corndog - Rainbow’s End/Candytown

ENTREE

Gold:
Burnt Tri Tip Ends Sandwich - Eat at Joe’s

Silver:
Beef Taco Salad - The Original State Fair Soft Taco
Chicken or Carne Asada Taco Plate - Fiesta’s Mexican

Bronze:
Vegan Philly Cheesesteak - Frik’n Vegan
Grizzly Mac Attack Mac & Cheese - Montana Q BBQ
Hot Cheeto Chicken Burrito - Chili Peppers
Cap’n Crunch Chicken Sliders - Boss Burger

About the California State Fair
The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs worldwide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State's future. We invite you to join us for the 166th California State Fair, July 12-28, 2019.

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Monday, July 15, 2019
budget
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Food Festival Pass a Big Hit for the CA State Fair | Sacramento, CA

Here are the Food Festival Winners:

Best of Show

Bacon Pecan Cinnamon Roll - Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls

This Photo Courtesy of CA State Fair

Best of Division - SAVORY
Elote Fries - Sharky’s

Best of Division - DESSERT
Bacon Pecan Cinnamon Roll - Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls

SIDE

Gold:
Roasted Chicken Taquitos - Pepe's Pollo Vaquero
Elote Fries - Sharky’s

Silver:
Italian “Alps” Nachos - Pignotti’s Gourmet Snacks
Loaded Tator Tots - Golden Bear Grill

Bronze:
Frik’n Vegan Nachos - Frik’n Vegan
Orange Chicken Fries - Pon's Chinese Food

DESSERT

Gold:
Cookie Dough Sundae - Pizza
Bacon Pecan Cinnamon Roll - Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls

Silver:
Chimney Cake Cone - Chimney Cake Cones
Cotton Candy Bunny - Sweet Art Cotton Candy
Oreo Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich - Monster Cookies

Bronze:
Oreo Sundae - Suck It Up
Spicy Chocolate Covered Bacon - The Bacon Habit
Unicorn Kettle Corn - German Kettle Popcorn

FRUITY

Gold:
Mangonada Shaved Ice - Shaved Ice

Silver:
Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake Sundae - California Ice Cream Company
Ice Cream in a Pineapple - Ice Cream in a Fruit

Bronze:
Green Monster Smoothie - Country Fair Cinnamon Roll
Passionate Pineapple Smoothie - Ice Cream in a Fruit
Pina Colada Smoothie - Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls

FRIED

Gold:
Deep Fried Caramel Apple Pie - J & L Sweeties

Silver:
Deep Fried Chicken Skins - Eat at Joe’s
Milo’s Monster Corndog - Milo’s

Gold:
Burnt Tri Tip Ends Sandwich - Eat at Joe’s

Silver:
Beef Taco Salad - The Original State Fair Soft Taco
Chicken or Carne Asada Taco Plate - Fiesta’s Mexican

Bronze:
Vegan Philly Cheesesteak - Frik’n Vegan
Grizzly Mac Attack Mac & Cheese - Montana Q BBQ
Hot Cheeto Chicken Burrito - Chili Peppers
Cap’n Crunch Chicken Sliders - Boss Burger

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Way back before I became a stay at home mom, I used to be a recruiter helping others in career placement. It was a really fun job! It was more than a job to me I loved helping people find jobs and also loved helping our clients find the perfect match for a position they needed to be filled.

The wide variety of companies we worked with keep my job exciting. One day I would be looking for people with forklift skills and the next day I could be looking for someone with human resource skills. I was able to tour unique facilities in the IT industry and several others too. Many companies would have us perform the job ourselves so we were aware of what the position required.

With this background and conversations, I have recently had with recent graduates and young people looking for summer jobs I thought I'd share a post that could help your teenagers as they are possibly interviewing for a summer job.

What not to do in an interview.

Be late, or get lost. You would be surprised by how many people are actually late to an interview. I understand sometimes emergencies happen. Make sure you map out your route to the location days before you are going. Give yourself enough time with extra traffic, or if there is an accident. It is better to be early than late. Even if you are way early you can sit in your car and practice your interview.

During your interview do not answer your phone. Turn off your phone or put it on silent before you go into the office. In this technological world, we live in, it is so easy to forget how distracting your phone or device can be. Your first impression should be one of respect, you are respecting their time and giving them your undivided attention.

Dressing appropriately. People see you before they hear you. First impressions are important. How you care for yourself says a lot about you as a person. If you look disheveled and unkempt, that will say something about you to your future employer. You do not have to pretend to be something you are not, just put some effort in cleaning up, being well groomed, having work attire, depending on the position that will vary, but you don't want to be dressed in business suit if the job requires manual labor and you do not want to be in jeans and steel toe boots if the job is in an office.

Don’t ask about raises and promotion on your first interview. We all desire the opportunity for promotion and increase and it is an important factor but I don't recommend asking about this unless it is brought up by the interviewer. In my opinion and experience, it also depends on how this is discussed. Many times, in an interview, if not phrased correctly it can seem as you are already complaining about the pay before you start. Let your hard work speak for itself. Again in my opinion, even if a company states that there are no raises or additional commission or compensation, that could easily change if you are a game changer. If you bring something to the table and bring in money to their bottom line, most companies are going to appreciate that and work with you as you bring value to the company.

Never lie on your resume. This is so important, do not over embellish or lie, there is nothing worse than getting a job that you love and then ending up losing it because they discover you lied. As well as, when you lie you will lose confidence in yourself and you will not be able to sleep or rest confidently in the skills you said you have. Always tell the truth. Even if there is a certain requirement, be open and upfront, you could say "I may not have this one skill, but with your mentoring and training, I will". You could offer to shadow someone on your own time or take courses while you are learning the new industry.

Don’t talk negatively about a former employer. Your attitude towards your previous employer speaks volumes to a future employer. Find something to say positive about your previous experiences. At the very least every job is a learning and growing experience. Focus on the positives!

Don’t be clueless about the company/industry. Research the company before your interview. This shows enthusiasm as well as responsibility. If you know someone who is in the industry you are applying for, ask them for keywords, ask them what is the most important quality for the position, find out as much as you can before you attend your interview.

Don’t chew gum. This is coming from a gum chewer, I love gum, but I will admit it is not the most flattering look on anyone.

Practice your interview in the mirror. Practice with your parents or a coach and ask for and receive their feedback. Ask what can you do better? How is your posture? Did you keep eye contact? When you look down or off to the side, it is not a sign of confidence. Do you fidget? Do you repeat words like "um" or "so" most of us have a word we repeat when we are nervous, work on eliminating those words?

Have a firm handshake. Your handshake shows confidence. All of these little things speak volumes about yourself to others.

Confidence. Confidence comes from within, how do you feel about yourself? What are you saying about yourself? We can all work on our confidence, an easy way to start improving your confidence is saying positive affirmations. Focus on your strengths!

Smile. We often do not realize what are facial expressions look like. Many times we are not mad or sad but may look that way because we are thinking in our head and not realizing what our facial expressions are saying. When you smile you look more attractive. If the job you are applying for interacts with people, smiling is very important, you will represent the company you are working for.

Remember your manners. It may sound simple but things like please and thank you go along way as well as yes sir, yes ma'am or addressing them by Mr. and Ms.

Look the interviewer in the eye. I mentioned this briefly before, again I don't think we realize how looking off to the side or down frequently gives the impression that we are not interested.

Even if this is your first-time job, connect your volunteer work, coaching a team or after school tutoring or babysitting work as experience with people, responsibility, team player.

Have some questions ready, this shows interest and curiosity.

Recently at a local community class, I attended through BillKrauseCoaching.com he shared some great tips on "How to Get Promoted" these are great for everyone as well as for other relationships in our life, not just work related. As a married couple these are great questions to ask each other, maybe shape them a little differently but still valuable.

How to get promoted:

Spend time with your boss. Ask to do a ride along or have lunch. Sometimes getting out of the office helps gain a new perspective on your boss as well as learn from them in a different environment.

Go to your boss and ask what you can do to help them, how can you help them solve problems, how can you make their life better, easier, how can you lighten their workload

Ask them what agitates you? Ask what do I do that I need to change.

Ask them will you mentor me, train me, develop me.

I have seen these tips work in my own life and benefit those close to me. I hope you find these tips helpful and will share with those you know looking for employment or promotion.

Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com.

Sunday, July 14, 2019
family
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Interview Tips and How to Get Promoted

What not to do in an interview.

Don’t chew gum. This is coming from a gum chewer, I love gum, but I will admit it is not the most flattering look on anyone.

Have a firm handshake. Your handshake shows confidence. All of these little things speak volumes about yourself to others.

Remember your manners. It may sound simple but things like please and thank you go along way as well as yes sir, yes ma'am or addressing them by Mr. and Ms.

Look the interviewer in the eye. I mentioned this briefly before, again I don't think we realize how looking off to the side or down frequently gives the impression that we are not interested.

Even if this is your first-time job, connect your volunteer work, coaching a team or after school tutoring or babysitting work as experience with people, responsibility, team player.

Have some questions ready, this shows interest and curiosity.

How to get promoted:

The California State Fair and Food Festival opens THIS FRIDAY!!! There is so much to do at the California State Fair, we love visiting multiple times. This year the California State Fair and Food Festival will be at Cal Expo starting THIS FRIDAY, July 12th and will run through July 28th, 2019. Of course, we love Fair food and the rides, the classic corn dog, and funnel cake is a must, I am always amazed once we attend of how much there is to see.

New this year is the addition of "Food Festival" to the name! You can purchase a food pass for ONLY $28 and experience food from a variety of participating vendors. Buy your Food Festival Pass here for only $28 (a $40 value!). You will receive 4 Food Festival Pass tickets to be redeemed at any of the 30 participating vendors for items that have been entered in the Food Festival and Competition. One ticket is good for one Food Festival item, each valued at $10. Food Festival Pass tickets are transferable and may be used any day of the CA State Fair, July 12th – 28th. Download the CA State Fair app and map out your eating adventure! On July 13th at 6 pm on the Coca Cola Promenade Stage you can watch ABC10’s Mark S. Allen host the 2019 CA State Fair Food Festival competition awards! Find out which items will be awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze ribbons, as well as an overall Best of Show in categories such as side, dessert, fruity, fried and entrée! Food Festival Passes may be purchased online, at the Box Office, and at the State Fair Souvenir Shops during the CA State Fair July 12– July 28.

We enjoy visiting each of the expo buildings, it is a great way to cool off during the hot days and there is always fun things to see. Last year my boys loved the Silent Disco Exhibit and the Whale Tale Exhibit. We enjoy the educational experience of Camp Smokey and the CA Forest Center.

Have you heard of the Ride to Read Program? This is an easy and a great way to encourage kids to read. For every two books you read, receive two rides free at the 2019 California State Fair. The Read to Ride program is open to students kindergarten through eighth grade. Students must read two books, write a summary, then bring the completed form to the California State Fair Guest Services office (located inside the Main Gate) to receive two free rides. For the form and more info https://www.castatefair.org/read-ride-program/.

Some of our favorite spots at the Fair: The Petting Zoo, The Farm Presented by Savemart You can pick up a card at the information table and as you go around the farm you find stamps for certain fruits/vegetables, when you return you receive an apple and gift bag, which, makes a great healthy snack. It is so nice to explore the farm and see the fruits and veggies growing.

Parking at Cal Expo is $15 and cash only so don’t forget your cash!

Adult Admission is $14, Seniors $12, Youth (5-12) $10, Unlimited Ride Wristbands are $30 Mon-Thurs. and $35 Fri-Sun. There is a Blue Ribbon Season Pass for $45.99 as well as a Regular Season Pass for $35.99 and a Sacramento Zoo and State Fair Combo Pack for $14 (kids) and $21 (adults). Be sure to download the State Fair App, it’s easy to use and you will have a schedule of events right in your hands.

Location: 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815
For Ticket Prices please visit the website for all the details there are pre-sale prices and at the gate prices and some great bundles that can help save you money. Children ages 4 & under are free.

Promotional Days:

Kids Free Tuesdays & $2 Rides for all: July 16 & 23 – FREE admission for kids 12 and under and $2 rides for all ages.

Senior Savings Friday: July 12, 19, and 26th. Discount admission of $10 for seniors 62 & better. Plus, seniors ride FREE on the Grand Carousel and the Giant Wheel.
$2 Taste of the Fair: Wednesdays and Thursdays (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) – Sample a variety of fair foods with $2 menu specials from your favorite food vendors.
SMUD Giving Monday - Every Monday, bring at least 3 non-perishable food items per person to the California State Fair before 3 p.m. and receive free same-day admission. All donations will benefit the Elk Grove Food Bank. Top Items Needed Include: Canned meat (chicken or tuna), Peanut Butter, Disposable adult briefs, Ensure, Baby diapers, Socks – all sizes, Canned fruit, Canned veggies, Soup, Beans, Mac and Cheese, Pasta, Boxed Mashed Potatoes, Packaged Rice, Top Ramen, and Cereal. Last year they collected 30,000 pounds of food, that is awesome! What a great way to give back!

A few more Promotional Days to keep in mind:

Military & Veteran Appreciation Day: July 18 – FREE admission all day for active, retired, veterans and reserve military personnel with Military ID. For a day revolved around immense appreciation, we invite active duty, reserve and veterans from all branches of the military to enjoy FREE Fair admission. Military and civilian guests will enjoy a MRE cookoff, a showcase of real military vehicles, representatives from military organizations and other special entertainment. The whole day is focused on paying gratitude and celebrating the individuals and organizations that keep our country safe.

For free admission, veterans or military personnel must present valid military ID or proof of service at the California State Fair’s Box Office. Free admission is expanded to include Active Duty Spouses and Dependents until 3:00 p.m. (must show valid military ID).

First Responders Appreciation Day: July 25 – FREE admission all day for first responders and law enforcement with ID. As a special thank you for their hard work and bravery, active members of law enforcement, firefighters, first responder units, and Life Guards included can enjoy free Fair admission on July 25, courtesy of Vitalant.

Sunday, July 21st - Second Annual Youth Mariachi Competition. One of my favorite events! Youth mariachi bands from around the state are invited to participate on the Golden 1 Stage. First place winners of the competition will perform on Sunday, July 21st with world-famous Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán on the Golden 1 Stage. For more information, including how to participate in the 2019 competition, email YouthMariachiComp@CaliforniaStateFair.com. For more details, please read and share the Background Sheet.

For more information and the daily schedule of events visit the CA State Fair Website at: http://www.castatefair.org/. Thank you for reading if you've enjoyed the content you've read above please share with your friends. www.BlogAboutItAll.com.

Wednesday, July 10, 2019
budget
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CA State Fair & Food Festival July 12-28, 2019 | Sacramento, CA

Parking at Cal Expo is $15 and cash only so don’t forget your cash!

Promotional Days:

Kids Free Tuesdays & $2 Rides for all: July 16 & 23 – FREE admission for kids 12 and under and $2 rides for all ages.

A few more Promotional Days to keep in mind:

Sacramento Helping Hands invites you to a concert by talented singing artist Vincent Harrill and friends!

Vincent brings back yesterday’s show tunes in elegant, Sinatra style. Proceeds will go to benefit Sacramento Helping Hands and the Mercy San Juan Hospital, NEW NICU Unit expansion project. Please join us for this exciting event!

A ONE NIGHT only Sacramento concert to delight both young and old…FRIDAY, August 2, 2019 at 7 PM.

Enjoy a special evening of classic crooner favorites, as well as a blend of show tunes from popular musicals, past and present, delivered with a rich and beautiful tenor voice! Vincent is an up and coming, talented singer and actor, who has starred in several plays and performances and recently received a Buckley Award for Best Actor, for his role of Mr. Higgins in My Fair Lady!

This is a great way to change up 'Date Night' from the usual dinner and a movie this would make a great date night! You will have time to grab dinner before or after the show. My husband and I love things like this. We love supporting our local talent and the arts.

If you have kids this is a family friendly event, kids are welcome. I know that this talented young man my boys were in a Christmas Musical with this young man, his voice is AMAZING, he has awesome stage presence.

Purchase tickets from Sacramento Helping Hands here.

https://sachelpinghands.ticketspice.com/vincent-harrill-in-concert

This is not a sponsored post, I have purchased my own tickets in support of this project. All four of my children were born at Mercy San Juan Hospital. While we did not need the NICU which I am grateful for, I know friends whose lives have been helped and touched by our local NICU. The new NICU is a necessity and one of state of the art equipment. With the new NICU, parents will have private rooms and be able to spend the night with their baby. I cannot imagine the toll on a family of going back and forth between home and the NICU for some many months at a time. Some who live far away have added expenses of hotel stay, and more, this new NICU will benefit so many. If I can help by purchasing a ticket and making donations to this project along the way then I am happy to help give back. If you live in Sacramento, I hope you will join me in giving back to our local community. This is an easy way to give back. Our local hospitals, Dr.'s, Nurses are amazing people making a difference everyday. Purchase your tickets today!

The concert is Friday, August 2nd, 2019, hosted by Sacramento Helping Hands Foundation the concert will be held 6331 Watt Avenue, North Highlands, CA 95660.

Thank you for reading if you’ve enjoyed the content you’ve read above please share with your friends.

www.BlogAboutItAll.com.

Tuesday, July 02, 2019
family
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A Benefit Concert for the NEW NICU at Mercy San Juan Hospital