Stay At The Tangerine In Burbank

If you're flying into Burbank, California and wondering where to stay, I suggest The Tangerine. It's affordable and has the cutest retro vibes. Plus it's located about 15 minutes from the Burbank airport so if you get a ride with Lyft, it's not overly expensive (I believe we paid $20.) 

It's a smaller hotel, so you don't have to worry about too many people and as you can see, it's cute! 

We opted for a room with two Queen beds and it was a nice size:

And yes, the vibe of the room is pretty cool too. The beds and pillows are comfy. 

My teen daughter has a lot of stuff: clothes, makeup, etc, and there was plenty of space for everything.

There's a desk and a large area to do makeup with a fabulous mirror. 

The shower had hot water, thank goodness. I am not a fan of hotels with lukewarm water but this one got hot, just as I like. The shower head was fantastic. I hate when water comes out as a trickle. 

Yes, there is a pool! We didn't use it as it was December and chilly, but it looks like a fabulous spot to relax when it is warm.

We stayed at The Tangerine because we had booked with Warner Brothers Studio Tours. It is walking distance so we didn't even have to get a Lyft. It took us about 10 minutes to get there. 

It is also nearby Universal Studios Hollywood and Disney Studios, among other places. We did have to take a Lyft to Magnolia Street where a bunch of vintage stores are, but again, it wasn't expensive. Magnolia Street is about 10 minutes away. 

Yes, there are plenty of restaurants nearby! We went to eat at Bob's Big Boy several times. It was about a 5 minute walk. 

The Tangerine staff was friendly and yes, they do a military discount. There also have a free breakfast from a local bakery. 

The Tangerine always has specials, so be sure to check them out. You can save some cash!

The next time we're in Burbank, we'll be staying at The Tangerine! Let me know if you book with them.

Hey, It's Okay

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. You can link up any day of the week. All you have to do is make a list of what you're okay about. Simple! Please do not link up a post that has nothing to do with Hey, It's Okay. It's rude and I'll delete the link.

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

....to have a giveaway for a $150 gift card to Amazon here! 

.....to have tried out a new spot called PJ's Coffee this weekend. If you like beignets, go here. They also have King Cake! 

....to be proud of Ben & Jerry's for having empathy and showing inclusion when so many companies are bowing down to watch Felon47 wants. I'll be purchasing more of their ice cream for sure.

.....to be a fan of this laptop strap from Free Agent Outfitters. You can easily transport your laptop so you can be hands free. This is perfect for college students or those with jobs on the go. You can get the strap and the laptop cover in a variety of colors. It'll fit many different sizes of laptops! Naturally, we went with pink. 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Watch The Military Thriller Valiant One + $150 Amazon Giveaway

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Briarcliff Entertainment.

I come from a long line of people who have served in the military. My Grandpa. My Mom. My Husband. Plus so many more. So I am always interested in watching military movies.

Valiant One is a story about survival. During a routine mission, a military helicopter goes down into the woods in North Korean territory. All the communication equipment is destroyed so it is up to the brave soldiers to survive. Can they do it? 

I think we all know North Korea is not a place you want to be stuck in.  

The movie stars Chase Stokes (Netflix's Outer Banks) as Captain Edward Brockman and Lana Condor (from Netflix's All The Boys I've Ever Loved) as Specialist Selby. 

The movie is in theaters January 31st and is inspired by true events. It is rated R. 

To learn more about Valiant One, check them out at the following:

Valiant One website

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

TikTok

Here's the preview. Looks good, huh?

 

Even better, you can win a $150 gift card to Amazon by entering the giveaway.

All entries will be verified—only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. Any person who has won a prize (or whose household has won a prize) in any promotion sponsored by the Sponsor in the past thirty (30) days before the start date of this contest is not eligible to win a prize. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Entrants who have created social accounts to enter Competitions or Sweepstakes will not be eligible to win. All social accounts used must be public.

The winner will be chosen randomly and contacted via email. A reply to the winning email is required within 48 hours before a new winner is chosen. Void where prohibited by law. One person entering per household, please. The Review Wire and other participating bloggers are not responsible for the prize shipment. Good luck!

Hey, It's Okay

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. You can link up any day of the week. All you have to do is make a list of what you're okay about. Simple! Please do not link up a post that has nothing to do with Hey, It's Okay. It's rude and I'll delete the link.

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

.....to be going to see La La Land at Flix Brewhouse this weekend. I've seen it before and the ending wrecks me. The music & message is beautiful, but the ending? Ugh. 

.....to have not watched the inauguration for obvious reasons. 

......to still be amused on how quickly TikTok came back after it was banned. I'm even more amused on the videos from people in other countries mocking us and saying how annoying Americans can be. It's true. We can be at times. I'm sorry.

......to have enjoyed the little bit of snow we got. It was a sprinkling, but Texas doesn't know how to deal with snow so college classes were canceled for Tommy and high school classes were canceled for Natalie.

......to love this Rapunzel cup from Owala. Natalie's favorite Disney princess is Rapunzel so I had to get this for her. They have other princess bottles as well. 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Things That Should Be Banned Before TikTok

So, okay, that was a fun weekend. 

TikTok was banned.

First I got this message:

Then this one, which made me want to gag a bit:

And then like 10 hours later, TikTok was back:

It was like whiplash trying to figure out what was happening. At first they were saying it would go dark at 830 PM EST. That time came and went and it was still working. Then suddenly at around midnight EST it finally went dark. But people were posting, "it's staying!" and then "nevermind!" and then "oh, it's not being banned!" and I was like !!!!!!!

But anyhow, as I said, it's back.

However, if it goes away again, here are things that I feel should be banned before TikTok:

1. Cybertrucks. They are the ugliest things and I know it's wrong, but I always assume the people who drive them are douchebags. 

2. Surcharges when you buy stuff online. Look, if I buy movie tickets, do not add a convenience fee on top of that. I even get one when I add money to my daughter's lunch account. 

3. People who film stuff when the movie is on in movie theaters. Put your phone away. I'll tell you do it, I find I'm getting crankier as I age. I'm not about to pay $15 per ticket PLUS A CONVENIENCE fee to be distracted by the light on your phone. I don't care if you're sharing a specific scene on TikTok. Tell your audience to go see the movie like the rest of us. 

4. Vaping. It's just gross. I hate when smoke gets blown in my face. Sure it might smell like cotton candy, but I'm sorry, I like my lungs healthy and pink. (Cigarettes can go as well, of course.)

5. Trump. The person. The clothes. The dance that looks like the person doing it is having a stroke. Everything about him can just go. Thanks.

6. People who don't use their turn signals. It's so easy to do. Flick your wrist. When cars try to squeeze in front of me without a signal, I won't let them in. If there is a signal, I do. Also, give a wave if someone does let you in. It's manners.

7. ASMR. I hate those sounds. It makes me cringe. I know some people love it. I am not one of those people. 

8. Tipping for every little thing. I always tip servers. Always. 20%, sometimes more if they are extra amazing. I'll tip people who carry my luggage because I know it's heavy. (Sorry, sir!) But the other day I went to Crumbl Cookie and just wanted one (1) cookie, and the guy was like, "Do you want to tip?" and I was like, "No?" He literally took a spatula, picked up my cookie, and stuck it in a box. 

9. The last season of Game of Thrones. It was just awful. I pretend it doesn't exist, honestly. 

Those are at the top of my list. Trust me, I do have more. (I wouldn't be sad to see Adam Levine disappear forever.) 

We'll see if TikTok stays. 

Practical Valentine's Day Gifts

Valentine's Day is approaching and most people go for the typical flowers & chocolate. And these are nice gifts of course, but they aren't exactly practical. I mean, the chocolate is kinda, but to me you can grab it for 50% off the next day. 

I prefer practicality, so I prefer gifts that last long. If you agree, I have ideas!  

Shoe pads. I know this seems strange, but hear me out: many people have flat feet. I am one of those people. My son is one of those people. So walking around can start to hurt. But these insoles for flat feet can help with arch support. They are incredibly comfy. We use these when we walk everywhere around Disney World. 

A laptop strap from Free Agent Outfitters. This strap easily allows you to be hands free while you carry your laptop. Perfect for teachers or other people who are constantly on the go. It comes in a variety of colors so you can find one that works best for you! 

The Oodie. If it's chilly out or if you just want to be cozy, The Oodie is a wonderful gift option. It comes in so many different prints--want Stranger Things? They have it! Pokemon? Yup! There's a sale going on so hurry and save! 

A Plush Bouquet. Flowers are gorgeous, don't get me wrong, but they die. And sometimes people don't want to actually take care of them so they just sit in their cellophane and die. With a plush bouquet, you don't have to worry. You can find plush flowers or favorite characters!

Coffee. Many people drink it so would appreciate getting some to help keep them awake. Scott Patterson, who played Luke on Gilmore Girls has his own line of coffee. There's dark, medium, and light roasts, plush a special pumpkin blend. Not into coffee? He has hot chocolate too! 

A beautiful pickleball paddle! The Pretty Pickleball Company is owned by women, and they have beautiful princess paddles. Check out the one we got. It's made incredibly well and you can save 10% with the code AIRINGMYLAUNDRY. Pickleball is a popular sport so if you know someone who plays, surprise them with one of these!

Gilmore Girls book. If your partner loves Gilmore Girls, this cute book is under $6. It depicts scenes from the show so any Gilmore Girls fan will adore it. Books are always a fabulous gift.

What do you generally give on Valentine's Day? 

Hey, It's Okay

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. You can link up any day of the week. All you have to do is make a list of what you're okay about. Simple! Please do not link up a post that has nothing to do with Hey, It's Okay. It's rude and I'll delete the link.

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

....to wish the cast & crew of Spongebob The Musical a happy opening day. Natalie's school is putting it on and she's Mrs. Puff. It's her last show because she says she needs a break from theatre. Some of people have become toxic and it's not been good on her mental health. 

.....to not be able to shake this bit of worry that I have--I think it's because inauguration is looming. 

.....to have started to watch the show Shrinking on Apple TV--I'm really enjoying it. 

.....to love the Stranger Things Oodie. I look forward to the final season, so I need to pick one up when it premieres. Which SHOULD be this year, but who knows with that show. (Confused on what an Oodie is? I explain here.)

......to have loved eating at Bob's Big Boy while in Burbank. It's a retro diner with some tasty food. I'll do a blog post about it soon--we ended up eating there THREE times. 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Get Cozy With The Oodie

 It has been cold in Texas. 

And I realize people from Alaska and Wyoming will laugh when I say this: it got down to the 30s.

I know. I know. 

That's warm to you guys! 

But to us, well, it's COLD. And we're used to warmth so everyone walks around baffled and cranky. Don't even get me started on what happens if ice forms on the roads. 

Luckily, there's something that can help keep you warm if you're in one of those places with a cold snap. 

The Oodie! It's a wearable blanket with an oversized hood & pocket. It's lined with sherpa fleece so yes, you'll be cozy:

One size fits most (based on a 6XL hoodie.) 

It comes in a variety of prints. Different colors. Plant lovers. Avocado. Cow. Plus so many others. As you can see, we got a doggy print. It's known as Staffy on the site. 

If the Original Oodie isn't your style, there are others! You can get Sleep Tees, Outdoor Jackets, and Onesies.

Even better, there's a winter clearance going on at the moment so you can pick something up for a fabulous deal. 

Tommy says he's taking the Oodie to college with him and he'll walk around campus in it. He says he likes how soft it is. 

If you want your own Oodie, you can get free shipping on orders over $50. If you aren't happy with your order, there are free returns. 

Oh, and yes, there are Wicked Oodies, plus Stranger Things, and Pokemon! 

Go check out all the styles here. Which one is your fave?

Learn more about The Oodie at the following:

their website

Facebook

Instagram

X

TikTok

New Valentine's Day Plush Bouquets At Walmart

Most people do the flower thing for Valentine's Day. And don't get me wrong, flowers are nice. 

But they die.

So I've always been a fan of those knitted bouquets or fake flowers because at least you can keep those forever. 

There's also plush bouquets. What are plush bouquets?

Well:

Aren't they cute? Walmart has a bunch of them out for Valentine's Day. The large bouquets are $29.98. This is perfect for Avenger fans. 

These smaller ones are $17.98. 

And they last forever! Well, unless the family dog gets a hold of them. 

If those aren't your style, well, there's more.

Like Garfield and Odie:

Here's one for Star Wars fans:

If you prefer the Dark Side, here you go:

Finally, there's Beetlejuice & Lydia:

There were others that were sold out when I went. It looks like there's also a Chucky & Tiffany bouquet, plus a Hello Kitty one, but everyone in Texas seems to be obsessed with Hello Kitty so they rarely are available. I really don't get it. Hello Kitty is cute, but I'm more excited about Beetlejuice personally.

There is also a Spiderman & Gwen, Bluey & Bingo, Jack & Sally, and Stitch & Angel.

Click here to see them all! It looks like they are all available online at the moment. 

Anyhow, will you be getting any of these plush bouquets?

Graduation Photos In Stars Hollow

It's no secret that Natalie and I love the show Gilmore Girls. It's about a mother and daughter and it's absolutely hilarious. And touching. (It's on Netflix and Hulu if you want to watch.)

It was filmed in Burbank, California at the Warner Brothers Studios and for the holidays, they dressed up the town so anyone could walk around. I thought, oh, since we're going, how about we do some graduation photos? Natalie agreed. 

And so we ran around the town we fell in love with and snapped some pics. 

The famous Stars Hollow sign was out, so we headed there first:

Then we stopped by Luke's, which was the most popular stop, so pics weren't the easiest:

They had Bjork the Snow Woman out:

We rushed over to Doose's Market:

Naturally the gazebo was a must:

We always love Kim's Antiques. Mrs. Kim never fails to make us laugh. "Boys don't like funny girls!" 

Books are the best, so Stars Hollow Books had to be included:

Gypsy can fix any vehicle and she's brash and to the point. I pictured Richard Gilmore here insisting that Gypsy go over the car Dean built Rory over and over to make sure it was safe:

"DID SOMEBODY SAY JACKSON?"

Okay, so this wasn't really where the Dragonfly Inn was filmed, but it was set up like the Dragonfly Inn. The sign was there, and that was cool. 

We had to take a pic with the giant portrait of Richard and yes, it's as big as it looks:

As we waited in line to go into Luke's Diner, we saw the outside facade of Abbott Elementary. 

Luke's was so neat, but there's a huge line to get in so you had to hurry through. We managed to get a picture with the iconic cash register:

There were so many places to go. We didn't get to hit them all due to crowds, but we got most of the shots we wanted. 

We had the most amazing time in Stars Hollow and made plenty of memories. I love that she got some graduation pictures in the fictional town that she grew up with. 

She started "watching" the show as a baby with me, and she fell in love with it as she got older. I started watching when it was still on the air and it's surreal that my daughter got to take pictures in Stars Hollow. I remember watching the show and thinking, wow, I hope my daughter and I are close like Lorelai & Rory.

I got my wish.