Monday, February 29, 2016

"Hoppy" 9th Easter Eggstravaganza Irvine Park RR - Giveaway

Spring has sprung, there are flowers blooming, birds chirping and Easter is on it's way ! 

Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza 2016

The Easter Bunny is coming to Irvine Park Railroad. On Saturday, March 5th through Saturday, March 26th, Irvine Park Railroad will hold its annual Easter Eggstravaganza. Children and adults can ride the train through beautiful Irvine Regional Park. And, children ages 2 through 12 can participate in an Easter egg hunt. Each egg will be filled with candy or a prize.

One of our yearly family favorite traditions!


 Easter egg hunts begin daily at 10:00 AM and tickets may be purchased and exchanged for a wristband to participate in an egg hunt at a specific time. 

 Please bring an Easter basket for each child that will be participating in the Easter egg hunt. Irvine Park Railroad will also offer Easter baskets for sale. Tickets must be purchased on the day of the event in order to receive a wristband for the Easter egg hunt. 

 For the cost of $10.00, children can meet and have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny. This cost includes a complimentary photo that will be taken by Irvine Park Railroad staff. Each additional print of the same photo is $6.00. Photos will be printed in a few, short minutes at the Easter Bunny booth.

 There will be other activities to enjoy during the Easter Eggstravaganza including hay rides, a moon bounce, Easter cookie decorating, carnival games, face painting, picture stands and a lot more. Please visit www.irvineparkrailroad.com for full details including costs.



 To really get a JUMP into SPRING - the team at +IrvineParkRailroad . is allowing me to do a GIVEAWAY -

Enter to win and good luck to all - Winner Announced on the 6th!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

We do this every year. It's tradition for us to enjoy these festivities and I love that I am passing down generations of fun for our family !
Have fun.



Please visit www.irvineparkrailroad.com for complete details on the Easter egg hunts including times and costs.


Did You Know?
 Irvine Park Railroad’s other annual events include the Anniversary Celebration, Fourth Grade California History Education Program, Pumpkin Patch, Christmas Tree Ranch, and Christmas Train.

 Become a fan of Irvine Park Railroad on Facebook, follow us on Instagram (Irvine Park Railroad), view pictures on Flickr, and follow our tweets on twitter (IrvineParkRR).

 While at Irvine Regional Park, be sure and visit the parks other activities including Wheel Fun Rentals® at Irvine Park bike and paddle boat rentals, pony rides and the Orange County Zoo.

 The park entrance fee - charged by the County of Orange - is $3.00 per vehicle on weekdays and $5.00 per vehicle on weekends.

 Irvine Park Railroad opens daily at 10:00 AM. The cost for train tickets is $5.00 per person; children younger than 12 months ride free. Irvine Park Railroad is located at 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869. +IrvineParkRailroad . 

 We were given entrance to Eggstaviganza for our review. #Spon #Giveaway #IrvinePark #Railroad #FamilyFun #thingstodo #EggHunt #FacePaint #TrainRides #BikeRental #JumpHouse #FunForAll #Traditions #EasterFun #SpringFun #OrangeCounty all Photos are courtesy of Irvine Park RR. PC: IPRR

Sunday, February 28, 2016

New Legoland Hotel Lego Friends Themed Rooms Open March 10th #UltimateBFFSleepover

Exciting News From Legoland Ca - Legoland Hotel Opens New Lego FRIENDS Themed Rooms!


The LEGO® Friends are spending the night in LEGOLAND® Hotel at LEGOLAND® California Resort and you can too!

New LEGO Friends fully themed rooms are now available to book as guests are invited to take an adventure with their families and discover Heartlake City in a new way. 

On March 10, 2016, guests can begin their LEGOLAND California Resort adventure by spending the night in the newly themed rooms all before heading into the Park to enjoy the day in the land of LEGO® Friends Heartlake City.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

L.A. Cookie Con, Best Sweets Show 2nd Year in a Row

L.A Cookie Con and Sweets Show - 2nd Year & Just When You Think it Can't get any Better... it Does!

 The 2nd Annual LA Cookie Con and Sweets Show took place on February 6 & 7, 2016 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Both 2015 and 2016 shows were sold out. Follow @LACookieCon on Social Media for news on next year’s (2017) LA Cookie Con and Sweets show.

Huge thanks to Kim and Jennifer for making sure we were able to cover the "sweetest" event of the year!

 The LA Cookie Con and Sweets show is the premier place to come and find out about what is new and hot on the sweets scene. There is something for everyone. If you are looking to learn how to decorate, there are demonstrations almost every hour. For the baking connoisseur, there are dozens of booths to browse through for inspiration, or plenty of new dessert shops to satisfy any cravings.

 One of the newest focal vendors this year is Co-founder Sarah Michelle Gellars company, Foodstirs. This new lifestyle brand was made to help bring family together without the stress of going looking up recipes, buying ingredients or measurements. This monthly subscription includes a box with all of the ingredients and supplies.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Imaginology Event at OC Fairgrounds

2016 Imaginology Event at the OC Fair & Event Center 
Blends Fun & Education

Free Event April 15-17, 2016

Costa Mesa, Calif. (February 18, 2016) — The OC Fair & Event Center welcomes students and their families to Imaginology April 15-17, 2016 with competitions, workshops and activities that will ignite young minds in the exciting fields of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.)

Themed “Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead,” this free, annual event also features entertainment, exhibitors, vendors, design-your-own scarecrow and sawhorse contests, hands-on fun at the Centennial Farm, scavenger hunts and more.

Orange County students, grades pre-Kindergarten to high school, can showcase their talents in a variety of competitions for photography, film-making, fiber arts, computer graphics and more.

Imaginology features free admission for everyone and is open Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit ocfair.com/steam for more details.

This three-day event is an engaging and educational environment perfect for building up young minds to explore and achieve new goals through a variety of competitions. New this year, entries for the annual OC Fair Student Film Festival will be collected, judged and awarded during the Imaginology event. Winning entries will be shown during both events. All Imaginology Youth Project entries, including the Student Film Festival, must be registered online at ocfair.com/steam by Friday, March 25, 2016. All projects must be delivered by Thursday, April 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Monday, February 22, 2016

Kaleidoscope Hosting Sixth Annual Easter Garden Party

Kaleidoscope Hosts Sixth Annual Easter Garden Party


The Easter bunny will hop into town on Saturday, March 26 from 12 to 2:30 pm, when he visits with youngsters at Kaleidoscope’s Sixth Annual Easter Garden Party, located in the center’s courtyard.
The free family event will kick off with an Easter egg hunt at 12 noon. Youngsters should bring their own basket to collect Easter eggs.

Passport cards will be given out to the first 250 children directing them to all Kaleidoscope businesses where they will each receive one candy-filled egg per business.

The Easter Garden Party will also offer a complimentary photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny, for guests who bring their own camera. Adding to the fun will be cookie decorating from Donna B’s Bakery, free face painting, and a petting zoo with bunnies, baby goats, chicks, and ducklings.

For more information on the event, please call Kaleidoscope management at (949) 542-4417.

Follow the Kaleidoscope on social media for activities and happenings all year round - Instagram * Facebook * Twitter.

Kaleidoscope Center is a 245,000 square foot lifestyle center located at 27741 Crown Valley Parkway, just off the 5 Freeway, in Mission Viejo. 

Having Car Issues Sometimes Means Looking for a New Ride!

Dreaming of a Bigger Vehicle.... 

So I may have somehow jinxed myself with my dream of a bigger car. 

Not even two days after I talked about wanting to eventually get into a bigger car, maybe a small SUV, my 10 year old car overheated. I know, right! The timing is just funny to me now.

I had to start thinking about what I would realistically be willing to drive if we are to have payments again or even entertain the thought of a new car. 

Those of you who know me, well, you know that I am not about a big car, suv or anything like that. I am at my most comfortable with my sporty, 2 door, low to the ground, pre mom sports style car. 

That being said, I also got my car when I was 25, had no kids and had just gotten married. Now, I am 36, a mom of 2 and always on the go. I mean ALWAYS! Having to leave our furbabies behind with the lack of room just upsets us as a family, so that too, has to change!

My son who is on the spectrum has appointments we attend and is a different school than my daughter. My daughter is involved in Glee music and is on two soccer teams. To say that I am all over the place is an understatement. 

I am finally giving in to the idea of a larger car and totally excited about it!

I was recently offered the opportunity to test drive a car for a week with Drive Time USA. I am not going to lie, this could not have come at a more perfect time with my car issues happening right now. 

I am looking forward to test driving a bigger option, hopefully an SUV, with more room for my kids, their activities, our pets and our whole family. 

Follow along as I get ready to take a huge step out of my small car zone and into the world of more space with comfort-ability and accessories I have never had in a vehicle!

I can not wait!

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Buena Park - New Orchard Supply Open NOW *GIVEAWAY*

There's a new OSH in town!

Look out SoCal there is another beautiful Orchard Supply location in Orange County. Right next to all the action in Buena Park, Orchard Supply has set up a beautiful corner lot spot that is glowing with goodies from home to garden and beyond. 
Grand Opening THIS Weekend!
I was able to check out the new store and all it's amazing offerings last week. In a nut shell, still my favorite do it yourself one stop shop, to get the things this DIY mama needs. 

We met with the store operations team from the behind the scenes to the daily customer satisfaction specialists. Everyone is beyond helpful, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile to help "it" happen, whatever "it" may be for you!
Drought Resistant Succulents
The entire store is laid out as if it were a new phone and totally user friendly. Aisles have labels and there are unique items that are specialty as well. I did not know that there was a lot of construction that goes on in and around Buena Park, but because there is, this location carries a bunch of durable work related apparel. Yes, clothes, I know! 

In the garden center they still have their no die guarantee, buy it, plant it, bring it back if it does for re planting! Look at all the succulents and wonderful flowers, plants, trees and more that are on hand ready to be grounded!
Beautiful Garden Center
Did you know that Orchard Supply carried Rain Water storage barrels. Yep, get ready SoCal, El Nino is coming and you can be prepared. 

I was fascinated on the bird houses, in fact since it is bird month, I bought one to take home for my kids to set up. They are so cute, detailed and the price is great.
Happy Bird Month!
On a side note, the mason jars that I bought to do my Valentine's Day Craft were $2 cheaper at OSH than they were last year, so I would say that is a win, I always need mason jars!

What I love most is that everyone in store is friendly and has a great personality. It is almost like the service level is that of Disneyland, and well it is an amusement park for fix it and DIY!
Bird Houses!!
I had such a great time on our tour, I am really liking that each store has the same values but their own personality! The DIY and crafts that they are personalizing it with are spot on. I can not wait to see this location hopefully set up some DIY nights we can register to attend!!

If you are local to the area, head over to the Buena Park location, you can check out their Community Board, where they will post what they are doing with and in the community locally. Very cool. 

I hope to be working with Orchard Supply in the next few weeks to bring some DIY projects to my readers.
Duck Tape for ever and ever!
Do you have any ideas or DIY projects that you have been wanting to do? I have wanted a raised garden bed for our porch for ever!

Beautify Your Space Inside Out with Orchard Supply! Find a location near you HERE!
Join club Orchard and get coupons, tips and more HERE!
See my Valentine's Mason Jar Craft HERE!

Leave your ideas and DIY ideas in the comments...but before you go enter my giveaway for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Orchard Supply Hardware! 

Good Luck to all who enter. 

All opinions and writings are my own, the gift card was given to me to give for a reader giveaway by OSH. 





Monday, February 15, 2016

Cavalia Brings Orange County Equestrian Brilliance in Odysseo

Best live performance I have ever seen!

Cavalia brings the big white tents to an empty lot location in Irvine, but what's inside is explosively huge!

I want to thank Cavalia for allowing me to see this magnificent show with my family. Although my son was not able to attend because he was sick, I will point out a few sensory friendly highlights that I did notice for those looking to attend with anyone on the spectrum. He would have loved it so much.
The Red Carpet
It is obvious to say that the horses are one of the highlights of the entire show but when you are in that arena the surprises are just endless and you are overwhelmed with the excitement and wonder of what will come next.
Graceful and Bold 

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Cantina Plates at El Torito Grill is Perfect for First Friday Nightlife

The festivities are tasty & fun at El Torito Grill in Irvine!

El Torito Grill is special to me.
This is where I would go after working my first job out of college. Where we would meet have a drink some chips and a salad (the dressing oh my gosh) and return a few days later for more fun with friends.

I am so grateful I was able to join in on the new foodie tastes they have going on. With their amazing tastes they have created signature dishes. 

These Cantina Plates are tasty and filling. I have had some GI issues lately and all the dishes I tasted settled well. I did not have any issues with the spices, seasonings and felt like it was a clean cooked flavorful meal. 

Let me show you some of the amazing eats they are offering.
Serious goodness on one plate!

Charcuterie
Perfect for one or grab a few and share them, either way they leave you wanting more.

Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos
The Shrimp and Chorizo tacos are full of bold flavors. Cilantro, onion with the mixture of meat and seafood is an explosion of feasts in your mouth.

I also had the Tres Ceviche. I love seafood and this is fresh. My favorite was the one with fresh mango. That sweet and spice with pico de gallo mix is perfect. I also had to take some avocado and toss it on there. Yum!

I say head over to their First Friday fun with friends or family and share so you can taste even more.
Tres Ceviche
The atmosphere has always been great and today it still is just as authentic as ever. The new fresh desserts are savory and sweet. Perfect! 

Mango Ice Cream in Honey and Almond Shell

Talk about authentic...I love that they are using premium tequila. Their drinks are smooth and refreshing and my all time favorite is the ....

Libre Tequila Thin Mint Martini Shot 
The food, entertainment, drinks and company are the best on a night out with or with out the kids...I just happen to get lucky to enjoy this particular evening solo!

The full Cantina Plates menu is here but let me share the goodness too!
* Tres Ceviche
* Charcuterie 
* Filet Mignon Asada Tacos 
* Brie Quesadilla 
* Blue Corn Nachos 
* Fish and Chips
* Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos 
* Mesquite Grilled Steak Sliders

Check out El Torito Grill in Irvine for a refreshing spin on an already awesome classic! You can make reservations and join the E-Club on line too. 

Happy Eating!

See more of my visit on my social media - Instagram

Monday, February 8, 2016

LA Boat Show by Progressive Returns to SoCal

LA Boat Show is Returning to SoCal !

Calling all land and sea lovers... It’s that time again for the Progressive Insurance Los Angeles Boat Show.

The LA Boat Show docks into Los Angeles Feb 25-28 at the LA Convention Center and in-water at Marina del Rey and is fun for the whole family !



Legoland Lego Movie A New Adventure 4D Premier

Everything is Cool...I mean Awesome!

Last week we were privileged to be invited to the premiere of the Lego Movie A New Adventure.

We love Legoland and all the sensory friendly rides so that both my kids can enjoy at their own comfort. 

First we had to get in a few rides and by rides I mean apples fries... heehee! 


I always love that kids eat free after 3pm at the Pizza Pasta Restaurant...a win/win for everyone! Look at that face eating her yummy food. She's a foodie in the making...

We loved it. It's funny and fresh. Ties in the old with the new. Not to say too much bit you will really enjoy the Lego Movie 4D!


My daughter said she couldn't stop laughing. She wished it was longer!
My son is on the spectrum and sat through the whole movie and loved the special effect of the 4D experience!


The glasses work with the show best so if your child doesn't keep them on it's ok. If they can't handle them, be prepared and if they leave them on...awesome.

Get all the details on the 4D movie, daily admission tickets and more HERE!


Friday, February 5, 2016

Enter Parenting OC's Cute Kid Cover Contest

Parenting OC's Cute Kid Cover Contest is Open for Entries NOW!



Your cute kid could wind up on the cover of Parenting OC Magazine! 


Enter Your Cute Kid in Parenting OC’s Cute Kid Cover Contest Taking Place at the 10th Annual Jamboree, hosted by Discovery Cube Orange County! Your child must be between the ages of 6 months - 10 years old.

Event Information:2500 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92705
March 5th, 2016 — 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

How it works:Step 1: Register by Friday, February 26th.
There are two ways to register:
Online: https://parentingoc.wufoo.com/forms/cutest-babytotkid-cover-contest-2016/


Download the form and mail it inhttp://www.parentingoc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/Jamboree/Cutest%20Kid%20Contest%20Registration%20Form%202016%20v1.pdf


Registrants will receive an appointment time via email and must be available on Saturday, March 5th, 2016 at Parenting OC’s Jamboree event. No make-up dates provided. $25 per registered child. A FREE Keepsake Cover will be printed and mailed to all participants.


Step 2: Photo Session on Saturday, March 5th at Parenting OC’s 10th Annual Jamboree.
Check in at the Parenting OC event booth 15 minutes prior to appointment time. Walk-ins are welcome at the event, but are subject to contest wait times.


Step 3: Online Voting Begins Monday, March 21.
Photos will be posted ONLINE where the public will vote for the TOP TENCutest Babies/Tots/Kids. POC chooses the cover winner from the finalists. Email notifications will be sent when contest is available online. Maximum of one vote per household.


Step 4: Winners Announced Friday, April 22nd.
Winners will be announced on ParentingOC.com and on Parenting OC’s social media, and will be contacted via email. Good luck!


For questions and more information, call 714-630-4510x6 

Have fun and good luck to those who enter!




Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Legoland Fun Top Tips

Legoland Tips for Lots of Super Fun!

Welcome to summer early now that the water park is OPEN and welcome to fun for everyone.



Took us about 45mins to get down and into the parking lot. Parking was $10 for general admission so we were good with that.

We met up with our girls and immediately jammed into the park to get on our first ride. We were walking past the entrance and went to the left. It's usually more crowded that way but we saw a tent up that I have never seen and went to check it out. - Quick Tip - Start out to the right of the park and work your way back around the opposite loop. Less crowded.

We made our way to Heartlake City - a total favorite of the girls. Here they watched a live show, took pics with the Lego Best Friends, Groomed Horses at the stables and even rode one on the Carousel! Best area for Lego Friends Fans!

Of course we had to head over to a special sweet treat for us moms! Hello Apple Fries my friends, I have missed you! Lets get two!
Just around the corner from our snack we were able to get the girls on the best ride in the park, I mean well it is my favorite ride, just not my day to ride it. They loved it. Their faces say it all. Love the Knight's Tournament ride!

The girls conquered all the Legoland challenges and loved the Dragon coaster and the test track. So many great rides for all ages, we were all having a blast!


It's Lego Ducks aka Ducks of Legoland
   

On our our way around the park my kiddo some how decided she would scratch her own hand with her own hand and a tree walking or shall I say.... running like a nut!

Off we go to first aid. Let me tell you - Legoland's first aid is amazing. They are on it. Nice, friendly and super fast with the help. Did I mention I saw an outlet and wanted to sit and charge my phone. Oh, I didn't, well that's what I wanted to do but the girls were ready for more Lego fun.

We went on the Tour boats and ran through Heartlake City once more and did a few fun "chores" in the stables. The girls were loving it so much!

It was dinner time and time to head over to Legoland's Pizaa and Pasta Buffet ! They have so many different pizza options, I had at least 3 pastas and a full salad bar with cold pasta as well. SO MUCH TO EAT and the best part..... Kids are FREE after 3pm right now for a limited time!

So much fun all day long. The day goes by way to fast. You can add water park entrance to your ticket too but we would need another day for that.... hope to return soon to splash around in the water park fun!



Top 7 tips and must do's at Legoland:

* Take advantage of the Buy a Day Get 4 free. (5 consecutive days)
All the Details HERE!

* Start on the right side.. most people go left and it is heavier traffic at the beginning of the day.

* Eat Apple Fries and Maybe Eat them once more! No Joke here!

* Add the Aquarium and or the Water Park for more fun - get more info HERE

* If you need help during your visit - send a text to (760) 203-3604

* Bring a mini figure or buy one to trade - It is like pin trading and super fun to do. What Lego friend will you be on the look out for?

* Review the height restrictions - there is a lot to do even if your under 2!

* Bring a sweater for cool fall and winter nights. Even though the water park opens up in March, the weather can be breezy and cool some days. 

Lock em up - they didn't want to leave!

What we would love to check out - the LEGOLAND HOTEL . The new Lego Friends rooms will be open soon!

We were full of fun, food and laughs. It was time to head home. We had a great day - Memories that are going to last a lifetime.

#LegoLand #LegoLandFun #LegolandSummer #LegoLandCa #LegoLandVisit #VisitLegoLand #ThingsToDo #SOCalFun #SOCal #OCFun #SDFUn #LAFUn #StaycationFun #LocalFun #ThingsToDOInSoCal #CaliforniaFun #LegoFriends #BestFriendsForever #EverthingIsAwesome #LoveLegoLand #GleeMusicAcademy #DucksofLegoland
All opinions are my own. 

Monday, February 1, 2016

Easy Fast Chili for a Busy Night

Quick and Easy Dinner - Good Year-Round!

Winter is the best time to make crock pot meals. I love using my crock pot but sometimes I am not prepared to use it. Sometimes I still need to piece together my meal and get to it after the kids are dropped off and my day can officially begin. 


This is one fast and easy Chili you can do from prep to table in 25 minutes. I love to let my Chili sit for a bit but this is just as yummy in a short amount of time spent.