Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Maro Wood Grill, Date Night Heaven!

Date night bliss is 20 mins away and feet from Laguna Beach sand.

Last week I was invited to a social dine up at Maro Wood Grill and boy was it more than just a dinner.

I am always grateful to see wonderful people, it is a foodies dream to eat and chat away the evening when it's held at a place that is not only perfectly located near the beach but the Dining leaves you craving more from the moment you finish each plate. 

Before I break down the amazing eats we were given by the amazing Chef Deb, I have to say that I already have two other couples that will join the hubs and I on a date night very soon.

Our tasting menu was making me salivate just reading it over.

Before our tasting even started we were given appetizers of empinadas, woodfired edemame and green beans. To say I have had edemame like that would be a lie...amazing.

First up, a delightful and light, Mushroom Ceviche & Grilled Sourdough followed by a Grilled Fennel & Fig Salad. Both worked so well back to back with tang from the Ceviche to the sweetness of the fig. So good.

I was so delighted to see that our waiter put down a very special treat next. The famous Ricotta Noquis & Grilled Tomatoes that Maro Wood Grill only serves on the 29th of each month and places a $1 on the bottom of dish in the traditional Argentinian way. How beautiful is it that they do this! I love cultural traditions.

As if I was not satisfied enoigh there was one more pre main course taste... oh my Oysters Rockefeller!!!! Seriously the best I have ever had. So fresh and done perfectly.

Up next was my favorite of the evening overall. Why would I say it shocked me that I loved it so much? I am probably the only Greek you will meet (aside from my Dad) that does not like Lamb. I KNOW RIGHT?!
I want to really express how much I loved Chef Deb's lamb. The grill from the mesquite wood fire was just exquisite  and the seasonings used reminded me of traditional Greek style as if my mother and father were cooking together in our kitchen at home. Just loved it so much I could have eaten 3 more plates of Maro Wood Grill ' s Mesquite Lamb & Baba Ghanouj, I can not wait to bring my husband and my father to try the lamb!

I thought that was it but the sight of my next two tastes kept me hungry for more. A juicy Flat Iron & Chimichurri and a tender Short Rib with Roasted Vegetables were both cooked to my LOVING. They each had their own unique taste and flavors. They were paired with sides that complimented their taste very well.

The sweets were seriously the icing on the cake or better yet, have been voted OC's best! The golden foodie winner and my favorite Banana Bread Pudding Bites were just insane to my palette. My taste buds wanted more, much more. My nephew loves Banana Bread Pudding so I may have to get a special order just for my fav lil guy Georgie Bear asap.

But wait!! Sweet, creamy, and topped off with grilled fruit, the Passion Fruit Curd was the perfect combination of sweet and tart to wash down all of these amazing eats!

Wait did I mention the lamb was my favorite and I mean favorite lamb ever!? Ok, just making sure.

So until I get my two Argentinian friends with their significant others down to Maro Wood Grill, I'll be dreaming of the amazing dining they offer and a walk on the sand to soak up some California sunsets!

See you soon Maro Wood Grill and I just love your spunky fun personality Chef! Be proud of your Golden Foodie awards, well deserved by far girl!

OnTheGoOC

Monday, September 21, 2015

Make Some Noise! Kidz Bop 30 OUT THIS WEEK - Pre Order Now

We are so excited that +KIDZ BOP 30 will be out this week!

We already know what our favs will be on KidzBop30! 
KB30_Cover_Large
PC Kidz Bop 
Here is the list of tracts on the CD - Do you know what your favorites will be?

* Bad Blood 
* Hey Mama 
* Cheerleader 
* Worth It 
* Fight Song 
* Where Are U Now 
* Somebody 
* Lean On 
* Uma Thurman
* You Know You Like It
* Photograph 
* I Don't Like It, I Love It
* Elastic Heart
* Watch Me
* Make Some Noise

Did you know you can listen to some of these NOW! Get a sneak preview of a few of these songs off of Kidz Bop 30 NOW HERE!

Pre Order your Copy HERE - On Sale Now for $13.98!!!!

Have fun with Music and Music that is good for the whole family.
OnTheGoOC & OnTheGoOCKid

#KidzBop #kidzBop30 #bykidsforkids #kidsFirst #Music #KidzBopFans #KidzBopKid #LoveKidzBop #FamilyMusic #FamilyFriendly #AppropriateForAll

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Knott's Berry Farm Season Passes, Perfect for Family Fun!

Peanut's Fun All Year Long!

Fall is here! We love fall. There are so many things to do and see with the seasons changing so slow this year, we still get the opportunity to spend most of our time outdoors. 

I have been looking for new things to do with my family while keeping traditions going from when I was a kid. 

Some of my most favorite memories took place at +Knott's Berry Farm with the Peanuts Gang of Kids!
My parents used to take my brother and I often. My dad loved Ghost Town and the Wild West Cowboy show while my mom loved to shop the geodes, eat some amazing Mrs. Knott's chicken and a slice of boysenberry pie (every time). We all loved riding the rides and enjoying time together. 

PC Knott's Berry Farm

New Art for Universal Studios Harry Potter's Wizadring World

Who loves Harry Potter? We do, we do!

We have been fans of Scary Potter (as my daughter used to call it since she's was 4) for years.

When we heard that Harry Potter's whole world of wizardry was coming to Universal we just about freaked out!

We are a Potter family. We love the books and the movies and we know we will be in love with Hogwarts and everything Harry Potter at Universal. 

I just got an update that there is NEW ART that was released to show the spirit of this dynamic new magical environment in the picture of a wand-wielding Harry Potter in the foreground with a snowcapped Hogsmade village and view of Hogwarts in the background! 

PC Universal Studios Hollywood

I can NOT wait to see this and watch my kids be floored with amazement.

For more details keep an eye out on my blog, as I get the updates, I will be posting. 

Also you can check out the World of Harry directly on Universal's site HERE!

We can not wait to check everything about this out - Scary Potter, I mean Harry Potter we will see you soon!
OnTheGoOC
OnTheGoOCKid

#Hogwarts #UniversalCalifornia #UniversalStudios #Universal #FamilyFun #HarryPotter #HarryPotterWorld #theBookComesToLife #MoveiToReality #WalkInHogwarts #LAFun #OCFun #NewArt #NewImages 

Friday, September 18, 2015

Sharky's Aliso Viejo, Where Fresh is Best!


I attended a tasting at Sharky's in Aliso Viejo last week and it was so fresh and filling, I can not wait to bring my whole family back for more. 
I am glad to see that this place is still around and still growing. From it's beginning in 1992 founder, Steve Paperno, has kept his vision alive with real good food that makes you "Feel Good About Eating".

New this year Sharky's is refreshing it's look and menu but keeping their tradition of organic, natural flavors of Mexico. 

When you order at Sharky's, everything is made to order and hand crafted. They offer everything from burritos, tacos to stone fired pizzas, salads, nachos and much more. Committed to serving the highest quality ingredients and freshest meals, Sharky's has kept true to its high standards. 

I was having such a hard time trying to figure out what to order. I knew I wanted to try their original steak taco, a tempura shrimp taco and a salmon taco all a la cart but those salads looked so delish, I just had to do it and ordered the Harvest Quinoa vegetarian salad. 

My meal was amazing! The steak was tender, well seasoned and cooked perfectly. The salmon taco was amazing and had just the right amount of char on it. My favorite taco, the tempura shrimp taco was so good, I would have sat and eaten 5 of them if I was not ready to dive into my salad.
Layered Enchiladas
I have to describe this fresh and filling salad to you.

I looked at it and almost did not want to eat it because of how beautiful it was. Bright red strawberries on top of organic red and white quinoa with organic baby greens that were tossed with apples, dried cranberries, raisins, pecans, almonds, goat cheese, chia & flax seeds and a sweet lemon vinaigrette! My favorite salad so far that I have ever eaten out and not made at home!

The food was filling yet I did not feel over stuffed or gross. I walked away loving what I ate and how it tasted. My body did not want to crawl onto the couch and just sit, but I felt like the food was not weight me back after the meal. 

While the food was just amazing, the drinks that they are now offering are just the freshest and most tasty and pair so well with their menu.
As they update locations and build new ones, Sharky's us also going to update and add to their drink menu featuring, 6 lemonades, 5 teas, wine by the glass, Sangria and craft beer. Can not wait for these options to come to their CA locations in the future!

I tried the Watermelon Basil, Hibiscus Ginger Green Tea and the Hibiscus Lemonade and loved them all. With my meal I had a Chocolate inspired Ale from +Backstreet Brewery that went perfectly with my tacos for sure. 
I really like that they support local everything from the tortillas to the beer everyone around is teaming up to bring the best to Sharky's! 

A few things that I loved to learn about Sharky's:
* Their all natural Chicken contains no added preservatives, hormones or phosphates.
* Their all natural Angus Steak is antibiotic free with no added hormones. 
* They serve Wild Caught Alaska Salmon and it is MSC Certified. Their other While Caught white fish selections are always sustainable and help maintain healthy oceans. 
* Corn is GMO Free
* Organic Black and Pinto Beans are made with out lard and they offer organic Whole Grain Brown Rice and organic Long Grain White Rice. 
* They Use organic baby greens, baby spinach, baby kale and Romaine lettuce in salads
* Their cheeses and sour cream are both rBGH Free

They offer meals for everyone's preference. Explore their vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, lower fat, lower calorie, lower carb alternatives with Power Plates!

I also love that they have an option to order on line, hello time saver and yes please!

You can follow Sharky's on their social media too! Facebook  -  Instagram  -  Twitter 

See you soon Sharky's!
OnTheGoOC

#Sharkys #Foodie #GreatFood #MexicanWoodfiredGrill #MexicanFood #TastesGreat #OCFoodie #FoodInOC #GreatMexicanFood #AlisoViejo #25Locations #Tacos #Salads #pizzas #EatThis #MustHaveNow #FreshFood #Organic #NonGMO #SharkysShare
*All opinions are my own, I was invited to attend a tasting.*

We Love Guardian Bikes!

Guardian Bikes are Awesome 

We were invited to check out and ride some Guardian Bikes this past weekend. My family was super excited to see the new brand in action.

They will debut this Fall - 2015 and we have the insider sneak peek info here!

Guardian Bikes, thank you for creating the safest, lightest and attractive bike for kids.

 What We LOVE...

* SURE STOP Brake Technology - amazing. This feature prevents front wheel lock up. Children love this since there is one brake that does it all at their hands grasp.

* Easy Ride Geometry - lower to the ground with a much better center of gravity.

* Easy steering with Double wide rims for more sturdy ride. We love the frame work of the bike.

* The colors are very eye catching so that they will not only be hip but stand out with bold colors on the street in my opinion. We loved the Pink and Black as well as the multi color blue!

* The ability to use a sizing chart - we put my 8yo that is 5' tall on a bike and she did great but what was even better is that in February there will be a new bike coming out that is a bit better for her height. We can not wait to try that one too!

* The bike comes 99% assembled to your door WHAT?!

Get more info now and even pre-order your Guardian Bike here!

Can't wait to see how Zoe does trying the newest release in February. Guardian Bikes we are in love!

Some fun facts about Guardian Bikes:
* designed for kids ages 4 to 12 and my 3 and 8 year olds loved them!
* designed in 20" and 24" size frames at this time
* designed in both color ways to appeal to both boys and girls
* the ONLY children's bike with Sure Stop technology
* officially launching THIS MONTH!

 

Happy Bike Riding,
OnTheGoOC
OnTheGoOCKid

#GuardianBikes #Bikes #KidsBikes #GetAKidsBike #ReadyToGo #Guardian #BikesForKids #Fall2015 #NewKidsBikes #NewBikes #CaliforniaBikes #FamilyFun #BestBikes #MadeInOC

Baby Safety Month

September is Baby Safety Month!

I know that September is pediatric Cancer month, but until recently I was not aware it was also baby safety month. 

While I wish that everyone month was awareness for so many things we need to be aware of, this one hit close to home. NOT because I or anyone I know has ever hurt their baby but because it saddens me whole hearted to think that the reality not all babies are safe. 

I struggled very much to get through the pregnancies of my babies. It was horrible, Almost killing me the second time around. I am left with many underlying issues from my pregnancies, so horrible that I am still dealing with issues 3 years later. 

Why am I telling you this personal stuff? I am sharing my struggle with pregnancy so that I can put into words how horrible I had it, how the non stop vomiting and pain wouldn't go away, how I was so weak that the exam for the pic line basically put me into labor at 32 weeks, how I felt like I was hurting my baby and myself with out being in control of anything at all and contracting while vomiting from 12 weeks into labor and my friends... HOW I WOULD DO EVERY MOMENT OF IT ALL OVER AGAIN!

The bond that I made with the struggle to bring my baby into this world is priceless. The gift I was given to hold, love and cherish is beyond gratifying and washes all that fear and pain away. 

This friends, is why I have to do my part to spread the word about Baby Safety Month. It takes so MUCH to get these beautiful little humans into this world and so little to just ruin it. 

The simple moment of anger and a mother may lose control, the frustrations of new baby and a new child care provider may not have the same patience and the father who dropped the baby off... baby safety or lack there of is all around us. 

I wanted to help Moms of Orange County spread the word of baby safety month. Did you know they are advocating education for baby safety. This month they are stressing the importance of education to help avoid Shaken Baby Syndrome. 

According to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, SBS is the leading cause of death is abusive head trauma cases for children. Between 1,200 and 1,400 children are injured or killed by shaking yearly in the USA. 

Education is key and Moms of OC is here to help. Head over to their site for all the info on support, help and education. 

I am very glad there are such great advocates for baby safety. I struggled so much to have my babies, sometimes we just don't understand how someone could do this to them, but it happens. 
OnTheGoOC


#BabySafetyMonth #GetEducated #SBS #ShakenBabySyndrome #KidsFirst #Education #Advocate 

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Pretend City September Fun is Here!

Looking for some ways to beat the Back to School Blues? Head over to +Pretend City Children's Museum for their September Fun!

email-pc-logo
Friday, September 11: Morning of Remembrance
Time:    11:00a.m.
Specifically for:  Children of all ages; Grown-ups
On this anniversary of 9/11, Pretend City will offer a way for your family to honor the lives that were lost and the community heroes who gave so much to our country. This is your opportunity to come together collectively with your community to memorialize this day in a meaningful way that will help your children understand the significance of the day.  This morning’s activities will feature a community art project and the reading of On That Day: A Book of Hope for Children.
Play Partner: Pretendgineers and Brainbuilders; our experienced stage staff of trained early childhood and child development educators, grown-ups
Grown-up Tip: Teaching compassion is a difficult task. Ask your child to draw and write a get well card to a child in the hospital. Go to the post office and send it off. Let your child know that the card will bring a smile to the face of another child. Compassion is an important element in social/emotional growth.
RSVP: Not required
Fee: Included with admission


Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Guardian Bikes Fall 2015

Have you heard of Guardian Bikes?! When you hear the brand name Guardian Bikes do you know what that is? I didn't either. I knew it had something to do with bikes but I was not sure what. I was invited to check them out this weekend and my family is super excited to see the new brand in action.

They will debut this Fall - 2015!
PC Guardian Bikes
I can not wait to find out more about the bikes they offer for my 3.5 yo who is sensory friendly and on the spectrum as well as for my 8yo who is super tall and basically looks like a 12yo.
PC Guardian Bikes
Guardian Bikes, I think my kids will have you thinking, we have met our match with these two.

Brace yourselves, we are coming to check out all the excitement and are ready to test out your bikes!
I do not know much about the brand yet, I will totally report back after the event. What I do know...

*We love the frame work of the bike. It looks like with the seat adjusted it would be comfortable for both boy and girl and the length would fit both tall and small.

*The colors are very eye catching so that they will not only be hip but stand out with bold colors on the street in my opinion.

*the ability to use a sizing chart

*the bike comes 99% assembled to your door WHAT?!

We can not wait to find out more about these bikes and we totally approve of the fun fact that they are a local California made brand. Go CA.  Get more info now and even pre-order your Guardian Bike here!

Can't wait to see what fun we have testing out some Guardian Bikes. Keep posted for our recap of the event.

OnTheGoOC
OnTheGoOCKid

#GuardianBikes #Bikes #KidsBikes #GetAKidsBike #ReadyToGo #Guardian #BikesForKids #Fall2015 #NewKidsBikes #NewBikes #CaliforniaBikes 

Monday, September 7, 2015

DISNEY LIVE! Three Classic Fairytales / Hollywood & Long Beach Coming NEXT Week!


DISNEY LIVE! Three Classic Fairytales / Hollywood & Long Beach Coming NEXT Week!

We are super excited to see DISNEY LIVE! Three Classic Fairytales this month.


There are still tickets available. 

Get all the details HERE and don't forget to enter code MOM at check out for a discount!

Have a wonderful time and look out for our recap of the event. We are very excited to attend and review!
OnTheGoOC
OnTheGoOCKid

#DisneyLive #DisneyLiveThreeClassicFairytales #DisneySide #Disneyland60 #Disneyfun #Disney #FeldEntertainment #OCFun #SoCalFun #MustSee #KidsFun #ThingsToDO
#Spon We are being given a family 4 pack to attend the show. Thank you for the sponsor.

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Irvine Park RR Pumpkin Patch is Almost Here!

Every year we attend the Irvine Park RR festivities. We are at the park a lot for girl scouts, family fun and so much more but the festivities over each Holiday go above and beyond. 
We are always so excited to attend the Pumpkin Patch!
 From the cookie decorating to the kids play area, the selections of pumpkins and so much for all of us to do and see, we always have a wonderful time. 
This year we are doing a Giveaway to kick off the Fall season with Irvine Park RR!
Have you been to Irvine Park Pumpkin Patch before?
What are your favorite things to do or see?
We go every year and we love it all. We totally have our favorites though. We are always so excited to meet up with friends and make a day or evening of it. We treat the kids to popcorn and sweets while my daughter loves to get her face painted and my son loves to run around like crazy.

We all enjoy the train and the time we get to spend together.
Thank you +IrvineParkRailroad for the tickets and the giveaway!
OnTheGoOC

Some details about Irvine Park Pumpkin Patch: 
This year’s Pumpkin Patch activities include:  Train rides, hay rides, panning for gold, a child-friendly haunted house, a hay maze, a moon bounce, pumpkin ring toss, carnival games, cookie decorating, John Deere tractor racers, face painting, picture stands, great food, and a lot more!

Admission into the Pumpkin Patch is free. Prices for all other activities vary; please visit www.IrvineParkRailroad.com for additional information and costs.

Irvine Park Railroad welcomes schools and groups. Please visit www.IrvineParkRailroad.com or call (714) 997-3968 for school and group information.

The Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch is open daily from
September 19th through October 31st
Weekdays 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Weekends 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
The parking fee for Irvine Regional Park is $3.00 per vehicle on weekdays and $5.00 per vehicle on weekends.


#IrivnePark #BestInOC #IrvineParkRR #TrainRides #Pumpkin #Giveaway #FamilyFun #MustDoInOC 3ThignsToDo FallFunInOC #Games #FacePaint #Cookies #Decorating #Carnival #Maze #familyTime #TrainRidesForAll #BestPumpkinPatchInOC