Why I write…
Writing has always been a therapeutic form of creativity for me. I love words. I’ve been blogging online since 2007, documenting solo trips and my family’s adventures and experiences. I’m grateful that I can use this outlet for work and play, and share our stories with you. As a lifestyle writer, I write about what moves me… family travel and experiences, Disney magic, entertainment, entrepreneurship, DIY projects and consumer goods. And if you ever want to treat me, I love a good churro, caramel brûlée lattes, and peppermint milkshakes!
What I write about…
latest posts…
Track & Field Olympic Champion Sanya Richards-Ross chats at DDA about runDisney, Community and Dreams
One of the many things that is awe-inspiring at Disney Dreamers Academy is the opportunity to learn and share about the various Disney franchises, like runDisney, and how they are making an impact on the community, and showcase inspiring participants like Sanya Richards-Ross. We learned about the upcoming Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend for 2024…
DDA Welcomes Halle Bailey as the 2023 Celebrity Ambassador!
Wow! Disney Dreamers started off with a bang on Day 1 with the announcement of its 2023 Celebrity Ambassador. After their entrance to the opening celebration, the Dreamers got settled in their seats, but didn’t stay there for long, because the they were on their feet with screams and cheers as they found out who…
The Huntington: Inspiring Walt Disney Exhibit
If you love Walt Disney animation, then you may want to take a trip to The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens (The Huntington) in San Marino, CA, sooner than later. The Huntington is hosting an international traveling exhibition, “Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts,” now through until March 27, 2023,…
ChEARS to Disney Dreamers Academy Class of 2023!
I can’t believe it’s already almost time for a new class of Disney Dreamers to experience an amazing journey towards achieving their dreams! The anticipation of who will be selected is usually met with a little bit of anxiety, especially for the teen(s) that applied or if you are the parent of an applicant. And…
Grieving and Growing with our Children
Trigger Warning: Death. The last few years, starting in 2020 was a roller coaster. We started the year off with great loss then were in a global lockdown. I remember January 20, 2020 like it was yesterday. It was hard sending the kids off the following Monday morning after the tragic helicopter crash that took…
Magic Makers Coffee Chat: Arriel Biggs, Momager of Disney Dreamer Mikey Wren, Class of 2022
I was invited to cover the Disney Dreamers 2022 event as hosted media on behalf of Black Disney Moms (BDM). All opinions are 100% my own. I had the great pleasure of catching up with Arriel Biggs, Momager to Mikey Wren, a young entrepreneur and Disney Dreamer from the class of 2022. Arriel is also…
In Memory of My Lola
It feels so surreal that I recently wrote and shared the following memorial speech at my Lola’s funeral. I’m posting it here so the sentiments can be revisited, and for those who were unable to attend her services. I am the eldest grandchild of Evelyn “Eve” (Causing Balleza) Leaño Argarin, but to me, she was…
Magic Makers Coffee Chat with Dr. Lisa Williams
Let’s Talk inspiration, dreams and making magic. Remember when I shared about those amazing dolls from The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder? Thanks to Disney connecting Black Disney Moms to her team, I had the opportunity to have a virtual chat with Dr. Lisa Williams, CEO and Founder of the World of Entertainment, Publishing and…
Disney teams up with World of EPI on a new line of dolls and toys!
Penny Proud and and her crew is back! If you didn’t already know, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is streaming now on Disney+. I can’t believe the original series launched in 2001! Needless to say, it’s about time it returned. While I am not always up for remakes or reboots, The Proud Family is…
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
”Memory is everything, without it we don’t learn” – Albus Dumbledore Ok, so I’m diving deeper into the magic here because I absolutely love the Wizarding World. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The Crimes of Grindelwald are probably in my top 10 favorite films. I was so excited to hear this third…
Disney • Pixar Releases Lightyear Trailer
Lightyear, the origination story of our favorite Space Ranger from Toy Story, looks to give us an action-packed film this summer. Voiced by actor Chris Evans (swoon), we are treated to the definitive origin story of who the infamous toy Buzz Lightyear was fashioned after. Also, we see Buzz’s hair because you know you wondered…
Disney+ Original Cheaper by the Dozen Trailer Released
Remember the Bakers from the 2003 Cheaper by the Dozen with Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt? You know, American football family, 12 kids, lots of chaos? Well this is kind of like it but definitely isn’t it. Disney+ has done a reboot that streams exclusively on March 18 starring Gabrielle Union and Zach Braff as…
Disney Dreamers Academy Celebrates 15 Years and Welcomes the Class of 2022
Congratulations, class of 2022! Meet the current class. I’m excited to share that Disney Dreamers Academy (DDA), a four day educational mentorship program hosted by The Walt Disney World Resort (WDW) celebrates its 15th year of creating magic for Black students and teens from underrepresented communities across the U.S. This year, the event will be…
The Happy Planner Disney Oasis Collection
I’ve had a serious love for paper, stickers and stationery since I was a kid. In fact, one of my first “businesses” was at around nine years old when I hand stamped and drew my own stationary and sold it door to door. Times have definitely changed and while I dream of designing my own…
Space Jam: A New Legacy Film, Fan Experience & Merch!
Our family was invited by Warner Brothers for an early screening of Space Jam: A New Legacy and to attend a special fan experience afterwards! If you haven’t already seen the film check out the trailer and my initial excitement and post –> here. The Film The film is an animated live action combo, similar…
Family Staycation: Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel, CA
If you’re looking to stay on the Central Coast of California, definitely consider the family owned and run Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This pink hotel is nestled off Highway 1 and is just a couple blocks’ walk to the beautiful beach! We were gifted a complimentary stay in exchange for a review and promotion,…
Celebrate #StreamingDay with Disney+
It’s National #StreamingDay and the Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu and ESPN) is celebrating in a big way! There will be a full day of activities on each of the platforms’ social media handles, giving us sneak peeks at upcoming content! You’ll find out more about your favorite (and some new) Summer series! I’m excited about…
Loki –the God of Mischief Coming to Disney Plus
It’s really happening! We were happily blown away by the recent Marvel Studios’ limited, exclusive series on Disney+, WandaVision and Falcon and the Winter Soldier (hands down my favorite), and we have been preparing for LOKI to arrive. Our Disney Moms of Color Facebook community and our clubhouse chats are raring to go, especially now…
Disney Channel’s Sydney to the Max “The Hair Switch Project” Episode Reminds Me that My Black Hair is Beautiful!
I’ve gotta say it, Kourtney Richard wrote this one out of the park and the acting by these talented women came together beautifully, and the director, Morenike Joela Evans did such a phenomenal job bringing everything to life. I’ve only recently stumbled upon Disney Channel’s daughter/father comedy series, Sydney to the Max – somehow I’ve…
Space Jam: A New Legacy Trailer
Wave your hands in the air if you feel fine We’re gonna take it into overtime Welcome to the Space Jam! Sooo anyone else get nostalgic and jump out their seats when they hear Quad City DJ’s Space Jam? Ok, well, I do! I was a sophomore in HS when Space Jam originally came out…
A Touch of Disney Event at Disney California Adventure Launches in March
Breaking news!! Here in California we have been waiting for SOMETHING magical to reopen *cough* Disneyland Resort *cough* and we are taking anything we can get at this point. While the Downtown Disney District has opened and closed and reopened again during this pandemic, and Buena Vista Street opened during the holidays for limited outdoor…
Snack Review: Love Corn Snacks Disappear Quick!
Disclaimer: I received this product for free from Moms Meet to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links We are a family of snackers, and being home 24-7 hasn’t really stopped that! Every time I look up, I swear someone is hungry again…
What I Really Thought About Pixar SOUL
Thank you to Disney•Pixar for giving me an early screening of SOUL to share my review! We are in the pandemic year of 2020. We aren’t traveling or exploring. We aren’t gathering or experiencing music or the theater together. We are learning more about ourselves (whether we like it or not) everyday since we are…
Disney Gallery | Star Wars: The Mandalorian
One of our family’s favorite franchise is Star Wars. So when Star Wars: The Mandalorian debuted on Disney+ in 2019 we strapped ourselves in for an adventure. Every Friday we were ready for the stream, and some of my children pulled all nighters to catch the release at midnight. At the time of this post,…
Benefits and Uses of Lavender Essential Oil
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Always dilute your essential oils before use. Why Lavender? Lavender essential oil is a very commonly…
Did you see? Disney’s Christmas 2020 Ad Features Filipino Holiday Traditions!
The year of 2020 has been a rollercoaster across the globe. Listen, in a seemingly “normal” year, we all have our ups and downs, but in recent world history, the pandemic along with movements rising up throughout our Nation and across the world for justice, equity and human rights, for many of us this is…
How to Build Your Business with Pinterest
When Pinterest was first on my radar, I thought “this is ridiculous, who has time for this?” and the next thing you know I realized I was totally addicted and MADE so much time to sit, scroll, pin and share. If you follow my Instagram, you would have seen I recently attended a conference called…
Why Your Purpose is Important in Business
Do you know your purpose, or your “why?” Have you considered the reason for being or doing? This goes even deeper than just your career path, but to the heart of your soul. Did you know that this purpose overflows into every area of your life? Sometimes, deep down, we already know our purpose. But…
Disney Dreamers Academy: What to Expect
Attending Disney Dreamers Academy was a phenomenal experience, one that we weren’t fully prepared for but in a good way! Here’s a recap of what you can expect, based on our experience!
Walt Life Delivers the Disney Magic to You
Sooo, how are my Disneyland friends holding up? Are you all okay? We are deep in this pandemic and some days it feels like the magic is slipping away. If you’ve been around these parts long enough you know that I love Disney, but also enjoy visiting Disney Parks, whether I’m with my family, my best friends or by myself. This is the longest hiatus that I’ve had from Disney in ages (I don’t even have a Disney Store near me), and I’m getting a little nutsy!
When Magic Finds You
The universe has a funny way of showing you where you need to be, and sometimes how you get there might be unconventional and typically consists of twists, turns and yes, heartbreak and pain. At the first writing of this post in 2017, I had experienced a layoff. If you knew me then, you also knew…
The Best Disney+ Originals You Should Be Streaming
Have you watched a Disney+ Original? Do you enjoy seeing magic behind the scenes? Here are some of the best series to watch for inspiration and empowerment!
Entrepreneurship, Fear and Big Magic
As my newest adventure of 💯 percent of embarking in entrepreneurship begins again, I can’t help but reflect on my journey and how it continues to amaze me just how everything works out when you least expect it. Fear is gripping and it is a reality that most people have in any role. We are…
Thoughts on 2019 and My 2020 Word of the Year
Wowsa. It’s 2020. Happy New Year, friends! A short word about 2019. I swear 2019 went by with no regard for my feelings. 🤣 Jokes aside, I experienced a lot of stress, struggle and feelings of inadequacy and kind of lost myself there for a while. I have always sought to make the magic for…
Return of The Main Street Electrical Parade
I grew up watching the Main Street Electrical Parade and cried when it left Disneyland Park in 1996. Then, I rejoiced when it came back for a run at Disney California Adventure in 2001, just in time for our first daughter to experience the magic. Then, it left again in 2010. To my happiness in…
Disney’s Frozen 2 Teaser Trailer
They’re baaaaaack. Ana, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf! I’m not sure how you feel about Frozen, but I love it and I am not here to sway you either way, because I am totally biased. I love the story, the characters and YES the music! 🙂 I’m thrilled that the power couple Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert…
2019 Word of the Year: Restoration
Last year, my focus was on all. the. healing. Recovering from the loss of family, income, lack of self-love and acceptance, amongst other things and more kept surfacing as I was healing. At first I was not sure I picked the right word for 2018, but came to the realization that the healing process is…
Alpha Burritos: Easy Appetizers for Late Family Dinners
My family has become accustomed to knowing that their Mama is not a Michelin star chef, nor am I June Cleaver or Martha Stewart. I have a tendency to do the same meals over and over, and honestly when I say “do,” it really means my hubby does it because I requested it! I love…
Must-Have Virtual Tools to Prep for Holiday Gatherings
Managing a household every day is one thing, but taking it to another level with company for the holidays is a totally different story. Thinking about the holidays can be somewhat stressful: the cleaning, cooking, prepping, and decorating – all while trying to keep a handle on everyday life with family typically leads me to…
Toy Story 4 – More New Characters & Teaser Trailer!
I just about burst in tears of laughter watching this teaser trailer of two new characters, Ducky (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key) and Bunny (voiced by Jordan Peele), and their “reaction” to the news of Toy Story 4. We are huge fans of Key and Peele at our house, their voices are so recognizable and they…
How We Manage Homeschooling Five Kids Plus Some Options to Get Started in California
Well, we did it and took the leap this year, our journey to homeschooling has begun. I guess I shouldn’t say that it’s just beginning, because I’ve homeschooled our kids off and on since our eldest (now a Senior) was in Kindergarten, but this is the first year that we have ALL FIVE of them…
Toy Story 4 Teaser Trailer
Just when you might have thought the adventures for Woody, Buzz and friends were over, we get a sneak peek into a new, big world that Woody finds himself in with his new kid, Bonnie. If you recall previous films in the franchise, a toy’s purpose is to be there for its child, so when…
First Thoughts on Our Disney Dreamers Academy Experience
In March 2018, our third daughter was blessed with an all-expense paid trip to Walt Disney World. Thank you to Steve Harvey, Essence Magazine and Disney Parks. She applied for Disney Dreamers Academy in the fall of 2017, then we forgot about it. Just a few days before Christmas, she was sent a congratulatory letter….
Clean Beauty – type:A Natural Deodorant Review
Growing up, I have always been extremely self-conscious about body odor. It has taken me years to find products that a) work and b) don’t give me an allergic reaction. It wasn’t until my exposure to Mamavation and Shiftcon that I found products that helped with alleviating any skin issues, but most natural deodorants have…
The Future of Sparks of Magic
I am really excited to share that there are some changes going on here. The blog is getting a visual facelift, including the logo (thanks hubby) and a lot of things are happening in the background in relation to my content moving forward. Branding As my space here evolves on the internet to reflect my…
The Year of Healing: Hello, 2018.
2017 shook me to my core, broke me and opened my heart in ways that I was not ready to experience, let alone imagine. I felt like I was repeatedly hit with a ton of bricks throughout the year and never enough time to get up and recover from the previous blow. The past year,…
Are You Color Blind?
I’ve been thinking of conversations with people in my life about “living while black,” and to be honest, if another person tells me they don’t see me as black… That they don’t see my “color…” That I’m “not like other black people…” Or my favorite (insert eye roll) “you’re only half,” as if I am…
Freedom in Release
It’s been way too long since I’ve written from the heart, and I look forward to sharing more. I’m in the middle of rebranding the blog both in design and focus. It’s something I’ve talked about since the beginning of the year but just haven’t gotten to it. As our family’s life has shifted dramatically…
I’m going to ShiftCon 2018 & You Should, Too!
As a ShiftCon influencer & volunteer, I have been given free admission to ShiftCon 2018. This post contains my affiliate link for event ticket purchases. All opinions are mine. © ShiftCon I am really excited to share that I will be at ShiftCon in Irvine, CA, February 1 -3, 2018. I know it seems so far away,…
A Magical Mama’s Day Gift Guide
If you’re anything like me, you love getting and giving gifts. I also really love shopping and supporting small business. So, I decided to compile a list of some of my favorite Magic Makers that are crafting away and supporting their families! As a work from home mama, I can’t tell you how awesome it is…
Recap: Disney Food & Wine as an AP Holder
©Sarah Brow Did you get a chance to visit Disney’s California Adventure Park is the Food and Wine Festival? I wanted to share my recent experience as an Annual Passport (AP) holder. Throughout the year Disneyland Resort has special events and often have exclusive experiences for AP holders. The AP Disney California Adventure Food and Wine…
Star Wars: The Last Jedi Official Teaser Trailer
© Disney/Lucasfilm I don’t know about you, but we are counting down to December 15, 2017. Disney has just released the official teaser trailer and poster for Episode VIII. See for yourself. “Breathe. Just breathe.” – Luke Skywalker If you remember, we last saw Finn under glass like Snow White, poor guy. I want him…
Star Wars: Forces of Destiny
©Disney/Lucasfilm Star Wars fans rejoice because Disney and Lucasfilm have announced a new animated shorts series that celebrates the stories of iconic heroes throughout the Star Wars universe. Fans will be delighted to see key heroines of the films: Rey, Jyn Erso, Sabine Wren, Princess Leia, Ahsoka Tano. There are books, toys and even a…
Spring Break at Dillon Beach, CA
Spring break has come and gone. We spent our family vacation in Dillon Beach on Bodega Bay, CA with my husband’s family. Every year, they rent a home that sits midway up the mountain of Oceana Drive. IT IS GORGEOUS. This quaint little beach town is about 30 minutes west of Petaluma, CA but approximately…
Five Reasons to Attend Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
Disney + Food and Wine? Sign. Me. Up. Fantasia © Disney; Image via GIPHY It doesn’t take much to get me excited about visiting Disneyland Resort (DLR), but the notion of amazing eats and adult drinks has me absolutely elated. I didn’t have the chance to visit DLR for last year’s event, and sadly this year…
Girls’ Guide to a Hands-On San Francisco Adventure
I was hosted by Dagne Dover for an exclusive event. There was no compensation, just great community, good drinks, crafts, and a lot of fun! All opinions are mine. Unsplash Ever in need of a quick pick me up that portals you to a new space and environment to enjoy something different? Do you have a…
Magic Makers: A Coffee Chat with Auli’i Cravalho
I’ve been toying with the idea of interviews for the blog, focusing on people that are movers and shakers – ultimately, they are Magic Makers in my book, inspiring to many. I see it fitting to begin my first article with a well-known name and face, a young lady is who is as beautiful inside…
3 Easy Tips for a Star Wars Movie Night!
The Star Wars franchise is a pretty popular thing at our house. We geek out together over Star Wars and have themed parties, movie nights, and infuse the Force into pretty much any and everything we can. If you saw our Christmas picture a couple years ago, you know that we like to have fun…
Lunar New Year at Disneyland Resort
It’s the year of the Rooster! Happy Chinese New Year! Disneyland Resort has been celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year from January 20th – February 5th! Photo: Sarah Brow Here’s a quick guide to what you’ll find in the various areas: Paradise Park “Hurry Home New Year’s Celebration” Acrobats of China Performance Corridor Mulan’s New…
Rock the Dots in Everyday Minnie Style on National Polka Dot Day!
If you’re obsessed with Minnie, like many of us that are Disney fanatics, you’ll be excited to know that January 22nd is National Polka Dot day! In honor of the true wearer of polka dots, Minnie Mouse, my dear friend and Disney sister – Sarah, has so graciously shared her closet and curated some magical…
To the Fools Who Dream
As we’ve closed the door to 2016 and ushered in newness, hope, and excitement for the year of 2017, like most I like to reflect on what transpired and how it has made me a better person because of it, good or bad. Family Life We had ups and downs. We laughed a lot….
Holiday Traditions at Winter Fest 2016!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Growing up in Southern California, winters were always fairly warm and we had to travel to get to snow, which was always a treat! Even though I am now a Northern California resident, I can often be found in Los Angeles and Orange County throughout the year, and…
Holidays at Disneyland Park 2016
It’s here, it’s here! Image © Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort It’s the merriest time of year at Disneyland Resort. From now until January 8, 2017, you can enjoy the holiday season at the Happiest Place on Earth! Holidays are my favorite, and holidays at Disney Parks with my family and/or friends…
When Festivities Take Over Your Breakfast
The day after Halloween ushers in Christmas in our home. Traditionally, we don’t put our tree up until after Thanksgiving, but the holiday music and scents of Christmas and winter fill the air early. I may or may not have broken that tradition of holiday music and started listening back in September. 🙂 The holiday…
It’s the Climb
Family day trips are great, especially when you get to be out in the open, consumed by nature. Okay, that totally does not sound like me. I am not a hiker. I do not enjoy lounging in the forest. I appreciate it all from a distance, but it isn’t my “go-to” idea of F U N. …
Guardians of the Galaxy Will Return!
Image © Courtesy Disney/MARVEL Remember that E P I C film – Guardians of the Galaxy? Well MARVEL Studios is back at it, and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 arrives next spring. I would seriously be lying if I said I wasn’t excited, because I am… I have so many questions. What has that adorable…
Finish off September with FREE Pancakes for the Kids & a Great Cause!
The season of fall has arrived! I’m always excited for cooler weather and warm drinks like hot chocolate, especially with a nice fluffy stack of pancakes. My sister swears by Denny’s amazing hot chocolate so I am going to be trying it myself soon. I consider myself a hot cocoa connoisseur, so we will see about…
A Whirlwind Day at Disney Social Media Moms Celebration | On the Road at Disneyland Resort
August 24th was an exceptional and magical whirlwind. I was invited to attend a special one day event: Disney Social Media Moms Celebration: On the Road at Disneyland Resort (you can check out the event using #DisneySMMCDLR). Just in time to experience the final weeks of Disneyland Resort’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration. I love to…
The Fluffier, The Better!
Pancakes. PANCAKES. P A N C A K E S. I love them. My kids love them. I think most people love them. Know what I don’t love about them? Making them. Maybe it’s just me, but making pancakes can be messy. I feel like I can’t make them fast enough for this little army…
Finding Where You Belong – Disney’s Queen of Katwe
Image © Disney When Lupita Nyong’o takes the screen, she is absolutely mesmerizing. Whether in human form or in CG form (like in Star Wars: The Force Awakens), her characters have depth, insight, and wisdom. Even though she is not the focal character of this film, I know I can count on her role having…
Saying No to the Summer Bod
Growing up, I never knew there was a difference between my winter body and summer body, mainly because I am not the type of person that jumps at the chance to lay on the beach, or go for a hike, or strip down to barely there and get into water, either. Mind you, I enjoy…
Magic Moments: Travel Planning Fun with Get Away Today!
I’m extremely excited to announce that I am a partner with Get Away Today travel! When Jeff and I only had 2 girls, we booked vacations through Get Away Today, and as our family grew, family travel took the back burner. It is unfortunate, as traveling is really fun, especially with kids! Thankfully we’ve hit…
Magic Moments: Games and Learning with Kids – Scrabble x Disney
Playing board games are a fun treat and scrabble helps with spelling and vocabulary!
Realizing Why I Write and How I am Moving Forward
I woke up from my sleep in tears. Literally. I had a dream full of emotion, it was bittersweet and I was cut to the core in the midst because, for some reason I was in my dream, KNOWING that I was only dreaming. I was being reunited with some of my dear Disney friends at…
Moments in Dining Out Together
If you’re anything like me, dinner time can be hit or miss. With the hustle and bustle of working full time and coming home and assuming the “homework dance,” while attempting to cook dinner with your spouse, whilst having a conversation, it gets pretty overwhelming. Sometimes, it’s nice to just say to cooking, “not today,”…