summer – Insider Irene

Screaming my head off at the Roller Coaster Capitol of the World in Sandusky, OH (Part 2)

Published on July 10, 2019July 14, 2019 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

Earlier this year I purchased a Platinum Knotts Berry Farm Annual Pass to help with my workout regime (to which I attribute a part of losing 12 lbs – post here) and also to visit Cedar Point as it was one of the participating theme parks. I had seen so many videos and articles highlighting Cedar Point’s intense roller coasters and as an adrenaline junkie I had to test it out myself.

After extensive research I found out that there were 17 roller coasters and since I was only going to be at the park for one day I decided to splurge on the Fast Lane Plus (you get a discount with your Platinum pass) to maximize my time at the park and ride EVERYTHING! It was absolutely worth the investment and I rode every big coaster at least once (except for Millennium Force – which unfortunately was closed for repairs), and several other rides more family friendly rides. To my surprise one of my FAVORITE rides wasn’t a coaster and you can read about it in the Part 1 Post.

My friend and I arrived at the park around 10:15am and rode the following coasters: Windseeker, Wicked Twister, Gatekeeper, Gondola Ride, Raptor, Blue Streak, Valravin, Rougarou, Corkscrew, Magnum XL-200, Top Thrill Dragster, Maverick (x2), and Steel Vengeance (x2). Among these Maverick was my favorite followed by Steel Vengeance (the longest line – my friend and I waited 20 minutes even with our Fast Lane Pass, but it was so worth it!) and Top Thrill Dragster, which is the tallest and fastest roller coaster on earth with speeds of 120 mph in 3.8 seconds!

If I’m traveling from a way away I don’t usually visit any location twice, but I would certainly welcome another opportunity to come back to Cedar Point, and hopefully ride the award winning Millennium Force!

What’s your favorite ride of all time (either at Cedar Point or somewhere else)

XOXO,

Rockstar

Cedar Point
1 Cedar Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870
(419) 627-2350

Hours
Months: May – October (See Ticket Website for Dates Open)

Summer Lovin’ at the Pacific Wine and Food Classic

Published on August 24, 2018August 21, 2018 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

Summer is coming to a close, but I’m incredibly lucky to live in a part of the world where in essential it’s beach season year-round. Pair that with an event that serves fine cuisine and drinks poured with a heavy hand and you’ve got yourself the recipe for an epic party! Thankfully, I was invited again to cover the Pacific Wine and Food Classic at the Newport Dunes and it certainly did not disappoint.

Held outdoors right along the alcove, this annual event brings together some of Orange County’s finest restaurants and wineries for guests to taste the flavors of summer. More than 60 chefs catered the event using exotic and vibrant ingredients to create colorful and flavorful bites. Both carnivores and vegetarians alike would enjoy the event as there were plenty of diverse options to sample. My favorite was the Ponzu Scallops from Blue Water Grill and the mushroom taco from Taco Rosa. Although Flank Steak with Chimichurri and micro greens over a horseradish mashed potatoes from Texas de Brazil definitely was a highlight as well!

Noms and Sips form the Pacific Wine & Food Classic

This two day all inclusive event epitomizes California cool. You’ve got a mixed cocktail in one hand the ocean, breeze flowing through your hair, Top 100 music playing in the background and tons of stations to sample creative new and/or signature dishes.

What would you try first? Seafood? Beef? Chicken? Drinks? So many choices!!

XOXO,

Rockstar

I Like Laika – FREE interactive exhibit outside SDCC

Published on August 15, 2018August 3, 2018 by Insider IreneLeave a comment

While most of the San Diego Comic Con was up and runnin’ on Wednesday (SDCC Preview Night), I was among the first guests to enter the Laika Live Experience – a FREE exhibit in the Gaslamp District.

Upon waiting in line my friends and I were handed a fan with a character as well as a headband with the characters iconic headdress (I choose the helmet for Kubo) and we were seated to watch a short video regarding the movies. For my readers unfamiliar with the Laika, they’re known for handcrafted stop-motion animation and stunning visual effects. They swap out heads to mimic different expressions, but at the end of the day it takes hours to create a scene that lasts a couple of minutes. Whew!

They also recreated a few life-size versions of certain scenes, but don’t let this comfy lookin’ couch fool you, it’s as hard as a rock. So deceptive! And my hinny was in great pain, but anything for the shot! lol

I can’t say that I know the franchise all that well, but I am confidently impressed by the patience and care to detail these artists put in creating these features. During the exhibit the artist who worked on the movie showed us techniques and told us how they recorded people doing certain tasks and would emulate those actions with the characters. One artist informed us that his running style was used for one of the mother characters.

My friends who attended last year said that this was even bigger and better than last – who will check this exhibit out in 2019?

XOXO,

Rockstar