The Mom Jen, Author at Jen is on a Journey - Page 124 of 322

June Lake, CA: Double Eagle Resort and Spa

August 14, 2013 by The Mom Jen 16 Comments

Surrounded by the Eastern Sierra mountains and among beautiful alpine lakes, the Double Eagle Resort and Spa in June Lake is a wonderful retreat for a tranquil summer getaway! Our first trip to the Mono County area, it really had the Lake Tahoe feel that we are used to but with a slower, quieter pace. In every direction, the views are phenomenal. Our stay was far too short.

Walking around the property you look up and down to see the beauty of nature’s work. Grey peaks reach up 11,000 feet contrasting the green pines with waterfalls in view, while streams dot the property and make for fantastic photo opportunities. Lodge rooms on site overlook Ron’s Pond and reflect in perfectly still waters.

Cabins are perfect for a family trip with 2 bedrooms, one for the parents, and one my two girls shared, plus a sofa sleeper for my son! To the children’s delight, wifi and a television was offered in the cabin, while we enjoyed our own bedroom TV. Don’t get me wrong, electronics don’t make or break a trip for us, especially when you have the beautiful surroundings like the resort offers. It’s just a nice added perk for early mornings or late evenings.

The living room is comfortable and cozy with a fireplace and opens up to the full kitchen. Kitchen and BBQ are nice to have available to save money on meals. The large front deck is great for reading, playing, or napping! The dining table is set for four and there’s also patio table and chairs for bigger groups.

Along with a full-service Creekside Spa and Fitness Center, the 60 ft indoor pool shows off near-panoramic views from the windows. Though the hot tub was out of order, our kids swam to their hearts content during the “family hours” and even attempted to race in the lap portion of the pool. Plenty of lounge chairs indoors and on the sundeck provide parents a place to relax and watch the kids. Eagle’s Landing Restaurant on property offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with delicious food. Their rustic pine lodge ambiance with high windows for spectacular views just adds to the mountain feel. Along with the amazing nachos, the creamy macaroni and cheese and burgers, the family appreciated the large comfortable booths and friendly waiters!

We were lucky to have planned our stay the same night as the annual Double Eagle Jazz Fest featuring the cool tunes of Jelly Bread! The outdoor concert, where we threw our thick blanket on the lawn and enjoyed some adult beverages, was family friendly and had a fun vibe to it. A full BBQ was offered along with beer from a local brewery and sweets sold by the women’s club. With Yosemite National Park’s eastern entrance just 12 miles away, Mammoth Mountain 20 miles south, and the unique Mono Lake just down the road, June Lake Loop should be on your radar for your next California family adventure. The Double Eagle Resort and Spa is definitely a place the family can enjoy on a summer vacation and would be just as lovely for a winter romantic escape with your honey.

Our stay was hosted as part as a press trip, all opinions are our own.

The World of Fox Home Entertainment Animation

August 13, 2013 by The Mom Jen 50 Comments

From the creators of Ice Age, the year’s funniest, most exhilarating animated adventure comes home as EPIC debuts on Blu-ray Combo Pack, Deluxe Edition Blu-ray, and DVD this August 20 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Directed by Chris Wedge (The Ice Age Franchise) and featuring an amazing voice cast including Colin Farrell, Amanda Seyfried, Christoph Waltz, Jason Sudeikis, Steven Tyler, Pitbull, and Beyoncé, the blockbuster film comes home just in time to help families become one with nature and end the summer in Epic style. My family and I missed the movie in the theaters and cannot wait!

Over the years, Twentieth Century Fox has teamed up with Blue Sky Studios and Dreamworks Animation to bring to life worlds that we could only previously imagine in our dreams. The world of animation given to us by Fox Home Entertainment has brought us into many different environments, including a tropical paradise, a continental meltdown, and a forest full of magical adventures. Take a peak into the world of Fox Home Entertainment animation with this photo gallery.

ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT
The portrayal of the ocean and sky in the newest Ice Age film is so realistic that it becomes hard to remember that we’re not drifting around on an iceberg! Instead, we’re relaxing at home, taking in the scenery.

Each Ice Age adventure with Sid, Manny, and Diego introduces us to a fun landscape. Blue Sky Studios’ attention to detail allows us to feel as if we are actually along for the journey with our furry friends.

The CroodsDreamworks Animation gave us a wonderful vision of what life was like for The Croods with computer-animated wild animals and unusual plants.

When the Crood family was forced to leave behind their cave and explore the world outside, we were taken through some fantastic landscapes. The night sky was especially breathtaking!

Rio
In 2011, Blue Sky Studios brought us to the beautiful country of Brazil with Rio. Both day and nighttime views of the scenery took our breath away!

From the jungles to the beaches to the bustling city, Rio showed us the many different landscapes of Rio de Janeiro. The vibrant colors of Carnival and the festival made for an exciting film.

Epic
In Epic, the animators from Blue Sky Studios paid close attention to details such as the feathers on the hummingbirds, really making Moonhaven and the forest come to life.

The epically beautiful landscape presented in the film allows the viewer to see nature from a different perspective. Everything in Epic has a larger-than-life magical feel.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs was the first 3D film for Blue Sky Studios. The enormous dinosaurs in the film gave us a glimpse into another era.

In the third Ice Age film, we were introduced to an entirely new world with a snow-free landscape. The change of scenery did not leave fans disappointed!

I received the information, movie, and giveaway through my partnership with the FHEInsiders. No compensation was provided.

Disney’s Planes Review

August 13, 2013 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

Last week my nine year old daughter and I were lucky enough to see Disney’s newest animated film, “Planes.” I hadn’t done any before hand research on the movie — I simply went into it knowing two things: I love Disney and I loved “Cars.” Those two things alone gave me hope that I would enjoy “Planes,” and low and behold — WE LOVED IT!

This movie is a classic underdog tale with a lot of heart. Right off the bat we fell in love with Dusty, the sweet crop duster who dreams of nothing but racing with the big boys. Shortly into the movie you learn that there is an international race coming up, and it’s Dusty’s dream to enter it.

“The fact that he’s not really built for competitive racing doesn’t deter him from pursuing his dream—but his fear of heights just might. With a little help from his friends — and a WWII vet with wisdom to spare — Dusty takes off on an adventure of a lifetime, going prop-to-prop with champions while daring to reach heights he never imagined possible.”

Along the way Dusty builds friendships with the other fun characters in the movie, including a feisty Casanova-infused plane named El Chupacabra, and the exotic and mysterious Ishani, who catches Dusty’s eye. Back home, Dusty has a strong crew of friends who support and back him up in his quest for adventure. Chug is a fuel truck who brings to mind a certain sidekick from Cars, otherwise known as Mater. His best pal and cohort is Dottie the Forklift, who can fix anything, and is proud to be on team Dusty.

Aside from the loveable characters, I was even more impressed with the excellent storyline and how wrapped up I became in the movie. It’s not easy to get a 37 year old woman excited about an animated film, but Disney really did it. Throughout the movie there were exciting moments that had you on the edge of your seat, and in between them were the touching moments between characters as their stories unfolded. Another impressive aspect for me was how well they represented the various countries that the planes traveled through. When in the Himalayas, there were beautiful snow covered mountains and monks. When in India, they flew over the Taj Mahal. And when in Germany there was beer. I enjoyed everything they did to portray a little bit of each place for our kids.

My favorite part, overall, came when Dusty ended up spending time on a US Aircraft Carrier — the “Fleisenhower.” I always have a soft spot for the military, so I was pleased that Disney treated the Air Force characters with respect and made them the good guys. I loved having my daughter see that and it made me proud to be an American. That, and when there was a bit with an American plane. Both made me feel good.

Run, don’t walk, to take your kids to see Disney’s “Planes!” You will have as good a time as them — maybe even more!

Merrie is a writer for the Jen is on a Journey and you can also find her at her blog, Sleepless Mornings: “I’m the mother of two beautiful children, an Executive Assistant, a scrapbooker, a baker, and sometimes I’m even fun to be around!”

Our screening was hosted to facilitate this review, all opinions my own.

Multiply Your Back to School Style at Old Navy

August 12, 2013 by The Mom Jen 2 Comments

It’s that time of year again! Back to school shopping! While my teenager went back to school today, my younger kids start back on the 19th and they’re all growing by leaps and bounds so new clothes are both fun to buy and necessary! I love shopping at Old Navy, it’s one store that works for everyone and we can multiply our style without sacrificing our pocketbook!

Right now through August 14, you can find almost everything you need to start the school year with the $10 and under Old Navy Back to School Sale. Jeans, tees, hoodies, and more and if you’re still enjoying that summer weather, tank tops and shorts are included in the sale!

Both of my girls (ages 7 and 14) were successful in finding some things they loved and they purchased the following for $59:

2 tank tops (kids)
1 tank top (women’s)
1 pair girls jeans
1 pair of athletic pants
1 pair of women’s shorts
girls sandals
necklace

I think we struck the motherlode! Another thing I love about Old Navy is that their clothes are age appropriate and it’s so important when buying girl and young women’s clothes, not to mention stylish and really durable!

Look around in the store and you’ll find a backdrop where parents can snap a photo and upload it to Twitter and Instagram using the #myONstyle hashtag. Submit kid photos (ages 6-12) rocking their favorite Old Navy Back to School looks on the runway for a chance to appear on www.oldnavy.com/myONstyle.

While you’re at it, enter the Multiply Your Style Sweepstakes that Old Navy and Nickelodeon is hosting with Sam and Cat (stars of the Nickelodeon show!). The prize includes travel and hotel for four, a $1,000 Old Navy shopping spree with the stars of Sam & Cat, as well as $500 in spending money! Rules and details can be found here: www.nick.com/oldnavy

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Old Navy. The opinions and text are all mine.

Captain Andy’s Eco Adventures, Kauai: Na Pali Coast Sail and Snorkel Tour

August 12, 2013 by The Mom Jen 7 Comments

Having been to Kauai for the first time in 2006, I remember hearing about the Na Pali coast and how it was only accessible via hike, viewed from the air or by boat. The road to drive on ends where the majestic cliffs begin and I was thrilled to be able to experience it on a sail and snorkel cruise with Captain Andy’s!

Leaving Port Allen on a 65′ catamaran, we were briefed on how to stay out of the hull of the boat to avoid sea sickness. Now I’m pretty stable when it comes to motion sickness, but we haven’t done it much with my 7 year old, so I gave her children’s Dramamine. At the beginning of the trip, she wanted to stay below at the table, it seemed to be her safety zone despite everyone mentioning that fresh air was best. After a few pastries from the continental breakfast and something to drink, she was ready to jump up and hang out on the trampoline and take in the spectacular views!The early morning (7:15 am departure) allows for the calmest waters, and the chance to experience spinner dolphins like we did! It is so amazing how friendly and social dolphins are. We slowed to stop to enjoy them on a few instances and they loved cruising alongside the boat as we continued on our journey. Just southwest of Kauai, the private Hawaiian island of Niihau comes into clear view. Purchased from King Kamehameha in 1864, this island has preserved many of the traditional ways of life including the Hawaiian language and is inhabited by about 200 locals and is available to tour by special invitation.Continuing along, we met up with other vessels who were on a similar amazing adventure and the views got more and more surreal. Kauai is the oldest island and this 15-mile carved coastline is the result of volcanic activity, rain, wind, and wave exposure. In addition to seagoing skills, the crew will educate you on the history and legends of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited these verdant valleys.I think my mouth was agape the entire trip. The colors, the contrast, the waters, the amazing landscape is unforgettable.

Midway through our trip, we anchored and had the opportunity to snorkel. Last time I did it I was slightly panicked and was able to use a snorkel box which is like a huge view finder. This time both my daughter and I were given boogie boards with a view window that served the same purpose. The waters were 72 degrees and clear as can be. We saw some fish but not like on other adventures I’d been on. My daughter and I floated about with fins and just enjoyed where we were. Shortly after getting back on the boat, a BBQ was prepared with burgers and beans, while they literally baked cookies on board for dessert. Food tastes so much better surrounded by beauty!Probably the best part of the trip was viewing the Cathedrals, peaks that seem to touch heaven in all their glory!On our cruise back, we sat atop with the Captain and listened to him talk and steer the boat. The sun was shining on us, the wind in our hair, and the views still spectacular in every direction! This tour is worth the money ten fold. It’s 5.5 hours of history, geology, nature’s architecture, and a feast for your eyes and soul. The food, drink, and snorkel are just icing on the cake. If you are in Kauai, it can’t be beat and the images in your memory will last forever!

Our tour was part of our Media Trip, all opinions are my own.