Friday, July 27, 2018

Panini Kabob Grill at the Kaleidoscope is Delish! Enter to win a $50 GC - #PaniniKabobGrill #PKGMissionViejo

Panini Kabob Grill Now Open at the Kaleidoscope in Mission Viejo!

 
Wow.. I love that breakfast & brunch are offered daily at Panini Kabob Grill in Mission Viejo... not many local places do.
 
Loved it. Here is a recap of our favorites we tried.... and maybe a little giveaway too....
 

 
Fresh, flavorful and plentiful too! The portions are big, you can share, but you may not want to!
With outdoor and indoor seating too this is a great location with reserved parking at the Kaleidoscope Mission Viejo !
 
Panini Kabob Grill serves a variety of Salads; Panini's; Wraps; Shish Kabobs with steak, chicken, lamb, salmon or shrimp; and vegetarian entrees including a Falafel Platter, Charbroiled Organic Tofu Kabobs, and Stuffed Bell Peppers.
 
Family Platters can be ordered for sharing at under $30, and a Kids Menu is available to children 12 and under.
 
The restaurant serves breakfast on weekdays until 11am and on weekends until 3pm.
 
The menu includes an assortment of Eggs, Paninis, Wraps, French Toast and more.
Let's dive into our brunching favorites so far...
 
1. Brunch Spread
 


Thursday, July 26, 2018

Danny Trejo to Host 1 Year Anniversary of Trejo's Cantina in Pasadena This Weekend!

TREJO’S CANTINA PASADENA ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY HOSTED BY DANNY TREJO

 
Trejo’s Cantina Pasadena will be celebrating their One-Year Anniversary with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by actor Danny Trejo.
 
The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and the Mayor of Pasadena Terry Tornek will be in attendance.  
 
Saturday, July 28th, 2018 at 11am-12pm  Open to the Public!

Location..
Trejo’s Cantina Pasadena 37 S Molina Avenue Pasadena, CA 91101
 
Happy 1 Year Anniversary Trejo's Cantina~

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Newport Dunes Concerts Waterfront & More Summer Activities!

WATERFRONT SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT IN NEWPORT ON THE WATER 

 
NEWPORT DUNES WATERFRONT RESORT & BACK BAY BISTRO ANNOUNCES
SUMMER CONCERT CALENDAR AND WATERFRONT EVENTS 
 
Now through September 2018 Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Back Bay Bistro are pleased to present a summer entertainment schedule featuring waterfront events and live performances July through September 2018.
 
Plan the perfect summer date night at Back Bay Bistro and experience dinner and drinks accompanied by live music. Invite friends to indulge in waterfront foodie events like Lobsterfest
Newport Beach and Pacific Wine & Food Classic or bring the whole family to the bay for country fun with Boots on the Beach. Celebrate summer with an unforgettable waterfront atmosphere at Newport Dunes.
 
SUMMER 2018 EVENT SCHEDULE

Support #CHOCWalk at the Ambassadors Luau! Plus #Giveaway to Dave & Busters

GET READY TO STEP OUT FOR A GREAT CAUSE WITH CHOC WALK!

 
CHOC “WALK IN THE PARK,” PRESENTED BY THE DISNEYLAND RESORT, IS ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2018
 
Thanks to Splitsville and CHOCWalk I was able to get all the details on this year's walk in the park and last chance to fundraise event - Ambassadors Luau.
 

 
We love to participate in CHOCWalk and I have a special place near and dear to my heart for CHOC.
 
I've expressed our gratitude for saving my nephew from stage 4 GMB, my daughters endocrinology visits and so much more for our entire family. If there is one place I trust with my kids health it's CHOC. (see some of my posts on this here)
 
This year I myself registered again and also will be walking with the social media team. It is a privilege and I am grateful to fundraise and walk with everyone! If you want to donate any amount please do so here & thank you!
 
 

 
Hello Jeff!
Jeff is an amazing artist. He shows his art in the galleries at DTD but that is not all. This year he created the CHOC Walk Medallion and Pin!! He said he wanted it to be bright and colorful so that wen we looked at it, it would make us smile.
 

 
Job well done friend! Its all of that and more with a Magical Disney touch to it!
 
You can fundraise to receive these amazing keepsakes and other levels of "FUNdraising" too.
 
Here are updated details on CHOCWalk...

Friday, July 20, 2018

Jimboy's Tacos New Location in Huntington Beach & New Fresh Menu Items - We LOVE Both! Grand Opening Deets for this Saturday!!

JIMBOY’S TACOS CELEBRATES NEW FLAGSHIP STORE IN HUNTINGTON BEACH CELEBRATE WITH ALL-DAY GRAND OPENING FESTIVITIES ON SATURDAY, JULY 21!

 
The Beachfront Restaurant Will Debut In “Surf City, USA” With Free Food, Prize Wheel, And More...
 
Jimboy’s Tacos, home of the Original American Taco, is celebrating the opening of its Southern California flagship location in Huntington Beach on Saturday, July 21. 
 

 
Jimboy's restaurant, located at 5th & PCH Shopping Plaza (120 5th Street) in the heart of the city’s downtown, will begin grand opening festivities this SATURDAY at 11 AM including:
 
FREE Original Ground Beef Taco and FREE Taquito Burrito for the first 50 people
 
FREE Original Ground Beef Taco for anyone who downloads the Jimboy’s Taco Nation Rewards app in-store
 
Chance to spin the prize wheel and win FREE food and Jimboy’s swag items
 
Additionally, Jimboy’s Tacos Huntington Beach has partnered with local pro-surfer and instructor Rocky McKinnon to hold a fundraiser during the Grand Opening celebrations. 20% of sales from Monday, July 23 will be donated back to McKinnon’s nonprofit, which helps to sponsor surfing programs for young people with special needs or disabilities through the McKinnon Surf & SUP Lessons Adaptive Surfing Program.
 
Our Amazing Tasting - Favorites and New Flavors To Try...
 
Thank you to Jimboy's HB for the preview tasting. Everyone loves Jimboy's here and we visit the Anaheim location frequently but the new menu items are poppin' with flavor, all your favorites and can be customized!
 

 
What is this awesomeness we speak of... Jimboy's new Mash Up menu items and more!

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Everything You Need To Know About GoRving! #GoRving #Camping

Why RV?! #GoRVing Is Perfect For Family Travel!

 
What do you know about RVing!? Right... me too.. well that is up until we spent an amazing 4 days at the Yosemite Lakes RV Resort at Thousand Trails Base Camp with GoRving!
 
Thanks to an amazing sponsored trip we were able to experience so many adventures outdoors!
 

 
Full recap of our Yosemite Lakes RV Resort stay with GoRving here.
 
For this recap I wanted for really give you all an insight on the GoRving options I didn't know there was...
 
Let's dive in to RV Types:
 
Trailers
You can pull some trailers with the family car and store it in your garage. Or, try one a little bit bigger that has a full kitchen and bath. Trailers start $6,000.
 
Motorhomes
Motorhomes are great for families that want to feel like they’re at home, even when riding down the road. Passengers often enjoy playing games at the dinette table, watching TV, or relaxing on the couch. Motorhomes have lots of storage space and come in all sizes and price ranges. Starts at $60,000 and can be financed up to 15 years OR rent one starting around $150 a day.
 
Park Model RV (this is what we stayed in... see recap and video here)
A great way to try camping is to stay in a park model RV, sometimes called Park Model Cabins. These are fully-loaded cabins built on an RV chassis and located in many campgrounds in the U.S. Most have A/C, heat, a full kitchen & bathroom, bedroom, grill, fire pit, porch and more – super comfortable and you still have access to all the campground activities. It’s also a great way for anyone with a disability to go camping. See our tour of this option here.
 
 


Loved Our Visit to Yosemite Lakes RV Resort with #GoRVing at #ThousandTrails ... We Are Ready to Go Back!

Thousand Trails at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort with #GoRVing is Just Amazing!

 
Thanks to GoRving we spent a phenomenal 4 day sponsored trip in a Park Model RV near Yosemite with Thousand Trails at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort!
 
*My review is purely my own opinion and hope it gives some insight on family travel... with and with out autism in tow.*
 

 
The Adventure...
 
My kids have been asking to take a trip to Yosemite for a few years, my husband has never been and I've wanted to revisit some of my childhood memories while creating new ones with my own little family!
 
There are so many options to staying at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort & Thousand Trails & with GoRving it was made so seamless.
 
I'm going to break down the RV Resort itself, camping friendly food, family friendly activities, Yosemite National Park, fishing, amenities, autism tips and more so let's get started!
 
There was so much to do and we really had such a great time traveling and playing while experiencing new adventures outdoors and there were 19 of us!! Yes 19 from ages 6 months to adult and every age in-between.
 
About 7 hours from Orange County we wanted to note that you probably want to get most of your grocery needs a few hours out and cooler them. The last main spot in Fresno area is a Wal-Mart with basic needs not a full store. Most reception is lost shortly after so load your map before this point too!
 
We also decided that with multi families going together we'd split up meals so that each family did pot luck style breakfast sharing and each family was responsible for one main dinner dish, a side and a dessert to compliment the other meals.
 
Meal planning was easy and such a great idea thanks to Mary at Let's Play OC and Angela at Queen Bee Latina! More on that below...
 
Let's recap the visit and hopefully give you some ideas on how to make the most of your visit when booking at a GoRving Thousand Trails location!
 
We Made it...
 
Our check in at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort was great. Check in is easy and you are provided with a gate code to come and go as you please.
 
A tour of the grounds can be given too and the information at front desk is handy so just ask away. Miguel (manager) and Tess (check in & ranger) are super friendly and even had dinner at our campsite one evening! It's refreshingly peaceful to feel connected to others over smores in nature.
 

 
There is a Family Center Base Camp and it's perfect for a break from the heat with access to a game room, toddler play area and lounge with light WiFi.
 

 
Oh, there is an adult only room with pool tables too. Here is a video recap of our tour.

Camping Meal Planning Made Easy for Our Trip To Yosemite Lakes RV Resort

Happy Camping with Easy Meals That Fill You Up!

 
Since our visit to Yosemite Lakes RV Resort was such a hit from exploring to meals, I wanted to recap the meal planning so that it may help others packing for camping too.
 
Our stay at Thousand Trails with GoRving was in a Park Model RV - you can read all about our full 4 day trip to Yosemite Lakes RV Resort here.
 
The Park Model RV made it super easy to meal plan. Imagine a small cabin like space that sleeps up to 6 and has a BBQ. It's like a mini RV experience without having to purchase an RV unless you are already ready for that adventure!
 

 
Here is a simple breakdown of our meals.. remember that each family was responsible for a main dish, side dish for another days meal, dessert for another days meal and also breakfast/lunch pot luck style ideas.

Summer Menu at Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens

Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens New Summer Menu
 
I love when a Chef takes pride in going the extra mile to create variety with seasonal menus! 
 
Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens is pleased to present a new summer menu courtesy of Owner and Executive Chef Rich Mead.
 
PC Farm House
 
 
Featuring the season’s freshest produce and most vibrant flavors, the menu welcomes several new starters and salads like the Grilled Strawberry Rhubarb Glazed Salmon Salad, main dishes like the Grilled Barbecue Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin and Peach Bourbon Sauce and desserts like the Toasted Almond Cake with strawberry jam, mixed berries and sweet cream.
 
The full seasonal menu is also available in the Farmhouse bar, which features multiple new refreshing summer cocktails hand-crafted by Anthony Laborin, head of Cocktail R&D.
 
Experience the Midday Menu at the Farmhouse bar between lunch and dinner service daily from 2-5 p.m. and choose from a selection of bites and sweets including the Hummus Plate, Farmhouse Paninis of the Day and seasonal sweets in addition to the ever-changing, highly curated cheese program.
 

Monday, July 16, 2018

Autism Special Needs Friendly Tips for Staying at Grand Legacy At The Park Hotel in Anaheim Across from Disneyland

Autism Friendly Hotel Tips for Grand Legacy At The Park Hotel Across From Disneyland

 
Our family loves to stay and play at Grand Legacy At The Park Hotel in Anaheim. I wanted to put together in one post the autism friendly tips and tricks we've used over the last 3.5 years or so.
 
 

 
A few tips from when my son was about 3 and up to date to today...
 
With that said my son is now 6.5, we've been staying since he was 3 and mostly non verbal. He sleeps well but is all over the place until then so high energy. He is now verbal and a very, very picky eater, eating only 7 things since I took dyes and most carbs out. He is still working through some sensory things as well and at times can be a flight risk. 
 
What has helped us..
 
* The walk to the park security line is short sweet and not overwhelming. Under 5 mins with a slow pace.  
 
* The hotel staff. Keep them aware with a call prior and a reminder a week or so before about any special needs. 
 
* Rooms. We have found that as he's gotten older noise has become less of an issue over fixation of something in sight and running for it. With that said... rooms near the elevators a bit noisier to a sensitive ear. Also rooms in the new tower up front towards the upper level floor under the rooftop can have some noise heard until the fun shuts down about 1am or so. I suggest front tower third or second floor under the FifthOC  rooftop lounge and away from elevators. 
 
Also there are stairs. Sometimes the elevator can either be a distraction in a negative way such as pushing all the buttons immediately before I can blink and there are times if there's too many people he won't want to go in. The stairs are handy for us with this. 

Knott's Surfs Into Summer with Hang Time & Ghost Town Alive - Two of Our Favorites at #KnottsBerryFarm

Surfs Up & Happy Summer from Knott's Berry Farm... Hang Time is Now Open!

 
Hang Time at Knott's Berry Farm... have you heard of it?! It's California's only vertical drop roller coaster and... it's tubulartastic!
 

 
Thank you to Knott's Berry Farm for having us out to kick off summer with Boardwalk themed foods, drinks, sweets and of course rides on Hang Time!
 
We loved it! I can not wait to get my husband and son on Hang Time. My daughter is a thrill seeker like her mama and we just had to ride twice.
 

 
The experience of the ride seems to be a bit different from each spot you sit. If you are on the outside of the rows you can see the theme park below you and if you need a bit less then sit in the middle seats.

Also the front you see it all and seems to be a bit more manageable on the tummy than in the back where we felt the momentum of velocity and gravity taking us down the slope!
Either and anywhere we loved this coaster to the max dudes!
 
I wanted to highlight some features of Hang Time and give you breakdown of what we thought was coolest....


 
Hang Time at Knott's Berry Farm
 
First of all day or night this coaster masterpiece is a beautiful sight! Check out my video here of the spectacular evening view!
 
* Height is 150 feet
* Track length is 2189 feet
* 3 trains with 16 person capacity each train
* Velocity of 57mph
* 150 foot vehicle lift
* 96° angle drop
* 5 Inversions
* Holding Break at 60° for at least 6 seconds!
* Negative G Stall Loop
* Colorful track lighting for night time glow
 
The mid air suspensions, being 15 stories up, the speed and the twisty turns are all amazing but what I thought was really cool... the smooth flow to the ride all the way through!
 
We can not wait to ride with the whole family. Side note... Fast Lane passes are a great way to get on your favorites with out a wait!
 

 
That isn't where the excitement ends, this summer at Knott's Berry Farm, Ghost Town Alive is back!!

KING Kong of Ice Cream Trucks, Kream Kong Coming to OC!

Kream Kong Ice Cream Truck Hits The Streets This Summer

 
Kream Kong Ice Cream announces the upcoming launch of their ice cream truck, and will be appearing at popular foodie driven events and locations around the Los Angeles area.
 
PC Kream Kong

 
Their unique brand of handcrafted ice cream and fresh baked cookies was unveiled in early 2018 and has garnered early buzz with appearances at events such as OC Night Market.
 
Los Angeles area residents and foodies are soon to get the full scoop on Kream Kong, a new and much buzzed about ice cream brand that is set to reveal their custom ice cream truck in late July.
 
With the Summer heat in full effect, ice cream enthusiasts are actively seeking delicious treats to cool them down and rock their taste buds.
 
Kream Kong has been making appearances at area food events, and will greatly expand their coverage in the Southern California area with their new food truck.
 
Launched in January 18’ by husband-wife founders Stephen & Diane Tchen, Kream Kong aims to put a smile on people’s faces and is excited for the dessert fans to experience their top quality ice cream and cookies.
 
Kream Kong offers a rotating lineup of 8-10 flavors in cup or fresh handmade cone including vanilla, chocolate and strawberry alongside limited flavors including peanut butter and jelly, ube, red velvet, avocado, cookie butter, matcha and banana cream pie.
 
All of Kream Kong’s super premium ice cream offerings are handcrafted, organic and made from locally sourced ingredients.
 
In addition they will be offering special ice cream cones filled with either cookie butter topped with teddy grahams or vanilla topped with oreos and cookie crisp.
 
To top off all this deliciousness, Kream Kong offers up the Kong’s Cookie, which was inspired by Stephen and Diane’s love for BJ’s popular dessert, the Pizookie. The Kong’s Cookie includes a vanilla ice cream base, and is topped with a fresh cookie with 2 mini scoops of ice cream.
 
The initial cookie flavors sold at OC Night Market were chocolate chip and white chocolate macadamia, and upcoming Kong Cookies have been teased including blueberry and pumpkin for the fall season.
 
Stephen and Diane have been putting together their ideas for Kream Kong for years, and knew the time was finally right to make their ice cream dream a reality.
 
Growing up, Stephen’s parents owned and operated a women’s shoe retailer, and was raised knowing that running a business that make customers happy is something to strive for.
Diane’s father was also an entrepreneur, owning a successful trucking company and inspired her to follow a path of owning her own business.
 
Both knew one day they would carve their own path and give back to their community, just as their parents did.
 
Kream Kong has and will always pay it forward, and is actively involved with raising money for organizations such as kids little league in their hometown of Hacienda Heights.
 
Kream Kong will be posting their truck schedule in late July and are also set to sell product at the popular 626 Night Market the weekend of 8/10.
 
PC Kream Kong

 
 
For more information on Kream Kong events and ice cream truck stops, please visit -
 
https://www.facebook.com/kreamkongicecream
Facebook:​ /KreamKongIceCream
Instagram:​ @kreamkongicecream
Twitter:​ @KreamKongIC
 
About Kream Kong Ice Cream:
 
Kream Kong Ice Cream is delighting the senses all over Southern California with their freshly made, organic flavors of ice cream, handmade cones and oven fresh,
mouth-watering cookies.
 
Look out for Kream Kong making appearances at foodie festivals, special events and roaming the streets of LA with their impossible to miss Kream Kong food truck.
 
Stay Cool with a Sweet Treat this Summer! 
 


Saturday, July 14, 2018

My Favorite Type of Greens... Berry Salad is Now at The Habit for a Limited Time... #thehabit

We Love Summer Salads & The Habit Does Too!


Huge fans of The Habit, I get really excited about their Summer salads, now my kiddo does too!
 
Have you tried salads at The Habit... their charburgers are not the only thing we crave in this house.
 
The summer fresh salads are perfect for days at the beach, on the go or a refreshing bite! The fresh strawberries.... my style of summer eats....
 
Here are all the deets on the Summer Berry Salad...

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Dark Harbor to Announce Surprises at Midsummer Scream

Queen Mary's Dark Harbor Always Brings Chilling Fears to Life...

 
Surprises to be unveiled at Midsummer Scream!
 
Dark Harbor to Unveil 2018 Season Scares and Surprises at Midsummer Scream on Sunday, July 29 at 12:00PM

 
 

The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, SoCal’s most terrifyingly authentic haunt, will unveil its highly anticipated 2018 season at Midsummer Scream in Long Beach on Sunday, July 29 at 12pm PST with the welcome of a new, dark, surprise guest, character appearances, and a behind the scenes look at all the wicked frights to come.
 
All the Deets...             
 
Join the producers and directors of Dark Harbor for a featured presentation and discussion of all that’s new and exciting for Dark Harbor in 2018. Be one of the first to learn all the gruesome details of Southern California’s authentically haunted attraction and the malevolent details of who will haunt the Dark Harbor shipyard, and haunt attendees nightmares, nightly.
 
Midsummer Scream Halloween Festival is a weekend-long celebration of everything Halloween, haunts and horror on July 28-29 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California.
 
TICKETS:                   
 
WHEN:                      
Sunday, July 29, 12pm
 
WHERE:                    
Midsummer Scream
GRAND BALLROOM
Long Beach Convention Center
300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
 
We can't wait to hear about all the new screams planned for this year's Queen Mary Dark Harbor!!
 
Happy Halloween Prep...

Monday, July 9, 2018

Top 5 Reaseons We Stay At Grand Legacy At The Park Hotel in Anaheim

Happy Summer Planning!!

Ready for our Staycation Favorites on Grand Legacy At The Park - Hotel Next to Disneyland Resort?!

 
I've written about how much we enjoy staying and playing at our favorite local Anaheim Hotel, Grand Legacy At The Park many times... we really so enjoy it!
 
 
But.. this time I am just summing up our most favorite things about why we stay and enjoy it... feet away from Disneyland!
 
* Walking distance to parks.. and by walking I mean under 5 mins if you get stuck at the crossing light to main security check in! Check out one of my videos of the easy walk to the main gates here.
 
* Heated pool. Sometimes the kids skip the day pool play and want to swim at night while watching fireworks.



It's heated so that is totally possible at night and we all love it's relaxing atmosphere.

Urban Adventure Quest 20% Off Discount to Explore!

I love a good Scavenger Hunt! Summer things to do.. added bonus!

Urban Adventure Quest brings some exploring, adventure and edufun to each scavenger hunt.

With over 70 cities to explore and venture into there may be one near you or one near where you may be traveling to!

20% off Urban Adventure Quest's Scavenger

Hunt Code: FGBLOG 

http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=11000&dealid=1085 .@usfg .@urbanadventureq

#explore #adventure #outdoors #urbanadventure #scavengerhunt

OC Fair is a Summer Must Do! Begins this Friday....

It is family tradition to play at the OC Fair over the summer!

 
2018 OC Fair starts this Friday and runs July 13-Aug. 12 – don't miss summer's best party... Food, Rides, Crafts, Shows.... endless fun a month long!
 
The OC Fair starts this week so summertime has officially begun - bring on the excitement, food, rides and moments you'll remember for a lifetime.
 
The 2018 OC Fair invites every fairgoer to "Free Your Inner Farmer" - wave your hat in the air and celebrate our agricultural heritage with OC style. You can even wear overalls and get in free until 3 p.m. on Thursdays - there are deals all 23 days of the Fair.
 

 
The 128th annual OC Fair opens July 13 and runs through Aug. 12. Pacific Amphitheatre will launch the Toyota Summer Concert Series with several pre-Fair shows starting July 7.
 
Here are highlights of the excitement coming this summer to the 2018 OC Fair:
 
NEW THIS YEAR

Sunday, July 8, 2018

MOOYAH! Shakes Burgers & Fries for the Win!!

MOOYAH is MOOtastic Eats & "MOOre" 

 
Have you been? It was our first time visiting MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes and we loved it!
 
I was told by my sister in law that she had her first MOOYAH taste in Texas and tell in love. Of course I wanted to check this goodie out!
 

 
Filled with fresh flavorful taste and all natural bites we really did enjoy our burgers.
My favorite so far is the Indulgent BBQ Cheeseburger! Look at this amazingly tasty beast with crispy onion strings...
 

 
The ice cream shakes are creamy and delish... I mean 100% ice cream is always a treat right!
My kiddos paired them with fries and a burger... my girl of course takes it cheeseless. Working on that!
 
 

Solid fresh fries are paired perfectly with each burger too.
I mean who doesn't like fresh French fries right?!