We Loved Cheat Day Land... Here Is Why!! Must Visit Pop Up of Summer 2019 #CheatDayLand

Cheat Day Land Is Now Open At The Irvine Spectrum Center

 

Hello Cheat Day Everything!!

 

Have you ever sat there thinking today is my cheat day and I want to eat and drink everything valid on a cheat day menu? I have too.

 



 

Cheat Day Land was created many a team of pretty fit and love well minded creative that came together and developed the best way to express a Cheat Day in a Land.. pop up of course.

 



 

My daughter was so surprised when we showed up, she really didn't know what to expect. Best part for me was seeing her laugh and love life just playing with pop up blow up stand up art display combos!

 



 

I mean the reality of the effect, a little dimension and paint can do is so creatively fun... you just want to join in.

 

 

Some of my favorite photo opps....

  

The Rock.. he is my man!

 

 

 

Hello bowl of cereal - looking colorful ad festive!

 

 



 

We just couldn't help ourselves and why should we... their motto is "you deserve it".

 

 



 

We jumped, we posed, we swung on donuts and we even climbed a tower of cheat foods. It was wonderful!

 

 

 



 

You can see some of our photos and videos on Instagram here and Facebook here.

 

Cheat Day Land is in a huge location next to Dave & Busters and behind Barnes & Noble at the Irvine Spectrum Center for a limited time.

 



 

Treat yourself and your summer with a fun pop up Museum you can totally get into!

 

More information on tickets and dates with times available here.

 

You will want to block out at least 1.5 hrs from start to finish.

 



 

You aren't rushed and there's so many photos ops you don't want to miss on!

 

 

 



 

Share on social media with #cheatdayland #cheatday #irvinespectrumcenter and maybe featured on Cheat Day Lands social media too!

 

My 10yo Loved Creating, Writing & Publishing a Story at Storymakery! #MyStorymakery

Storymakery at the Irvine Spectrum Brings Creativity to Life with a Book!

 

Have you been to Storymakery in Irvine at the Irvine Spectrum?!

 

 



 

A few months ago my daughter's girl scout troop did a scavenger hunt where they passed by Storymakery.

 

Ever since my daughter has been asking to check it out! She has been telling me she has the perfect story to write but it would probably have to be a series of books!

 

Thanks to Storymakery for having us out to experience the creative fun.

 

Let me break down the visit, options and how it all works....

 

Storymakery can host you one at a time, a group or a large party.

 

The creator starts by picking their option of a gift to give or a story to keep.



 

Independence Day Fireworks at Back Bay Newport Dunes in Orange County

INDEPENDENCE DAY ON THE BACK BAY AT NEWPORT DUNES WATERFRONT RESORT

 

Dynamic Pyrotechnic Fireworks from One SoCal's Most Picturesque Viewing Locations...

 



 

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is pleased to bring 4th of July’s Independence Day on the Back Bay with live music, local food trucks and OC’s most dynamic pyrotechnic fireworks display from one of the best viewing locations in SoCal.

 

Deets:

4 Reasons Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza is Tradition for our Family

Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza Favorites

We always love attending IPRR events but when Spring has Sprung you can bet were headed to the Easter Eggstravaganza at Irvine Park Railroad... hop along with us in our recap and favs!



Love it..why?!

Trader Joe's Now Open at Pretend City - Shopping and Learning EduFun

Pretend City has revealed their newly renovated grocery store exhibit, sponsored by Trader Joe’s! 

A head-to-toe renovation brought many new additions to this popular exhibit, including:

Irvine Park RR Pumpkin Patch Traditions

Our Favorite Pumpkin Patch! 

Irvine Park RR is not to be missed. There are only a few weeks left of the Fall Festive fun.

We had a blast and will probably go back for a bit more fun for the kids before the Pumpkin Patch is over! 

Tanaka Farms Welcomes Fall With Festive Events This Weekend

Our Favorite Local Farm - Tanaka Farms Offers Fall Fun 

We love Tanaka Farms. We often shop at their open air grocery right on location at their farm. I can not get enough of the Farm to Table freshness offered!

Now that Summer is coming to an end, celebrate Fall with some festive Farm Fun, at Tanaka Farms!

Here are all the deets on the upcoming events -

Hyundai Tucson Test Drive Our Top 5 Favorites About This Sweet Ride

Loved it!

This perfect 5 seater SUV won me over with it's mom friendly features and so much more!

We took the opportunity to fully test drive this Hyundai Tucson and took her all over Southern California!

I had a few meetings and meet ups lined up and loved how much fun and practical the Hyundai Tucson really is.

Our family was able to test drive this beauty to a few soccer practices, a team bonding event at #BoomersIrvine , to +AquaBall headquarters, to the circus, to +Ruby's Diner , to the Circus and so much more... we did not want to let her go after a fun filled week. 

Here are my personal favs!

* the drive is similar to a coup. With the drive train handling, it's perfect for around town, or on the go gooo. Tight turns and easy to comfortably control gave me the confidence in the Tucson that I was looking for in an SUV.

Keep Cool This Summer At Boomers Buccaneer Cove #Giveaway

Keep Cool This Summer Locally in Irvine!
Buccaneer Cove at Boomer's in Irvine

Summer is totally here! Next weekend it is supposed to be over 100deg. Wait, What?!

We just had a team building event at Boomer's Buccaneer Cove for our Strikers OC Club Soccer team.

Pretend City Annual Fun Wellness Fair Saturday

Fun & Wellness Fair coming up on Saturday May 21 9am-2pm. 

This is +Pretend City Children's Museum 7th Annual Fun & Wellness Fair.

PC Pretend City

The Fun focuses on keeping kids healthy and striving for their success in every aspect of life.

At the fair, Pretend City offering free developmental screenings for children up to age 10.

This is where my son got another evaluation on speech a year ago and we were referred to a speech therapist. Very grateful for these resources!

These screenings are so important for early childhood development because they can gauge whether kids are reaching developmental milestones, or maybe what areas they need to work on. Research shows that screenings are crucial to catch possible developmental delays and help kids receive the aid they need to succeed academically and socially.

The screenings Pretend City is offering are as follows:

• Speech and language

• Social and emotional

• Developmental

• Vision

• Hearing

• Dental

• Body Mass Index

(subject to change without notice)

Also, to make things even more exciting, each child that completes 3 health screenings will receive a free ticket to Pretend City Children’s Museum. When you visit all the booths, you’ll be entered to win a special prize! They will also have parent resources, yummy food, fun games, live performances, and special vendors!

Head out to Pretend City with your family this Saturday for the fun and wellness too! Get all the updated info here.

Delish New #Simply600 Menu at Daily Grill

The Simply 600 Menu at Daily Grill is Fresh, Flavorful and Under 600 Calories!

Have you been to Daily Grill to try their new Simply 600 Menu?

This week I was invited to sample the #Simply600 menu offerings at Daily Grill. It was my first time visiting Daily Grill, in Irvine, and it was not only a healthier option but filling too!

Here are a few of my favs off of the Simply 600 menu. 

If you are looking for a salad or more of a greens option there are a few!

I tried the Red Quinoa & Arugula Salad. It was fresh, crisp, filling and the Red Quinoa was cooked perfectly to tie it all together. 

Blackened Ahi Tuna Salad. I have been told that this is a favorite of many so I will be ordering this next time I go into Daily Grill for sure. I saw how fresh the fish was and I was tempted to order it just for the Tuna!

The Cobb Wrap & Soup of the Day. This is a perfect pair. The Wrap is big enough to fill your cravings while the soup is fresh and a good companion to the chicken wrap. Hint - You can swap the soup of the day for one of their other house soups served daily. 

Grilled Herb Chicken. This dish is amazing. The flavors are similar to what I would put on my chicken at home, Greek style in a way. The veggies were grilled and drizzled in a tangy sauce that brought out all the flavors. 

A favorite that was suggested OFF of the appetizer menu NOT the Daily Grill Simply 600 menu was the seriously amazingly tasty pop corn shrimp! I would order this every time no matter what.. so good!

I was so full by the end of lunch it was super hard for me to think about what my favorite was. Everything was great on size portions, flavor and variety on the plate. 

I wanted to share the entire Simply 600 menu with you so you can see that there really is something for everyone to try on the lighter-side with out compromising flavor and filling your belly!

Happy Eating - Have you been to the Daily Grill? Let me know YOUR favorite and what I just have to try next time!

Stone Fire Grill New Lunch Specials are a HIT! *GIVEAWAY* #TheLunchSpecials

My New Favorite Lunch Spot!

There are so many options for amazing tastes at Stone Fire Grill!

Delish... One of many words that I can use to describe the new Lunch Specials at Stone Fire Grill! Offered from 11 am to 2pm there is plenty of time to get in and dine fresh!

I was invited to sample the new Lunch Menu and I have to say, I loved it all, will go back for more and loved that there are so many options at such a great low price!

At Stone Fire Grill you will get a portion of food that is well worth the cost and everything is fresh and cooked on the healthier cleaner side of eating out!

There is something for everyone! 

Here are some my favs:

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 

Green Clean Cleaners Door to Door Service is Amazing

Yes please, Do my Laundry for me!

It's the new year and with the new year comes all sorts of new activities, crazy fun schedules and daily challenges with no extra time to fit them all into the day.

Right at the end of the year our washer machine broke and it was not something we could replace so I've been taking loads and washing them and then coming home enjoying them but sometimes you just run out of time for that too especially when its not in one place.

Around that time my kids were also battling that nasty flu that is going around and a few weeks later I myself got sick too. So when Dru from Green Clean Cleaners and I talked about her door-to-door laundry service the timing couldn't have been more perfect for me.

I have never used a cleaning service or been to the cleaners aside from getting my pants hemmed once so this was a totally new experience for me and let me just tell you before I dive into the process how amazing it really was and I'm a first timer sold on this awesome service.

So here's the scoop everything is so personalized with this family that owns this cleaners that we actually became instant friends because of the amazing customer service and just friendly personality that Dru and her family have.

Orange County Welcomes Cavalia Odysseo Equestrian Magnificence

Cavalia Odysseo Brings Equestrian Ballet to Orange County 

 

We have heard that Cavalia Odysseo is like watching horses perform a ballet! 

I have never seen this show but I can not describe how excited I am to take my family and watch in amazement. 

Odysseo is knows as the worlds largest touring production. With a high tech theatrical performance, Odysseo combines stage with equestrian arts for a magnificent performance for all ages to enjoy!

With 65 horses ranging over 12 breeds the show is unique in every way imaginable. Are you ready for an Epic and Soulful experience?! We are and I can not wait to see how my son and daughter both enjoy this in their own special ways. 

Top 5 things we are looking forward to:

* The variety of horse breeds that we will see under one bit white spectacular tent!

* The Equestrian Arts that the horses are able to put on for us all. 

* The theatrical performances of the actors and horses combined.

* How sensory friendly this will be for my son. My daughter will love it since she has been a horse lover since birth and has been talking about this show for weeks. 

* Eager to see the powerful technology that bring human and horse together in a mesmerizing performance. 

The Show will run from opening day February 3rd to closing day February 28th.... you can see all the show times, dates, details and buy tickets here. 

PC Cavalia Odysseo

Follow along on +Cavalia/ Odysseo social media pages. Instagram Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates and show discounts. 

Come back for our full review of the show after February 6th! 

Irvine Park Railroad Turns 20 - Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary Irvine Park Railroad!

This year +IrvineParkRailroad is celebrating their 20th anniversary.

We are so excited to celebrate with them all and visit as often as we can. 

I am sure this year's seasonal activities will be super special. 

There is so much to do at Irvine Park Railroad year round. Get all the details on the special events for Easter, Halloween, Christmas and more HERE!

Make sure you pick up a calendar and get your dates set for all the fun Irvine Park Railroad has to offer this year!

You can always check out our experiences on my blog - HERE.

Best wishes in 2016 everyone. Why not kick off 2016 with a train ride in nature!

Irvine Park RR's Christmas Train Took Us To Santa!

Irvine Park RRhttp://www.irvineparkrailroad.com/ Christmas Train, a Family Tradition!

Each Season brings change and that goes the same with the seasonal events at Irvine Park RR. Each is special and unique!

Make time for all the fun to be had!

We were invited out to take the Christmas Train to the North Pole, and we had a blast.

Love to measure my babies every seasonal event at IPRR!

My daughter always has a lot of fun. Her favorites of the night:

* Seeing Santa and taking the Train there. She loves to see the lights in the trees, around the lake and in the tunnel. 

* Listening to a special story with Mrs. Claus - she loves this every year! The Night Before Christmas was this years story and it was perfect. 

Story Time with Mrs. Claus - always so special. 

* Fishing in the Ice Fishing Game - She has the best time doing this. Maybe it is because she loves to go fishing with her dad. 

* Getting Hot Chocolate and Popcorn at Santa's North Pole - the cookies are the best at the North Pole so get them while they last, but if you miss out the popcorn is fresh and warm.

Ice Fishing 

My Son, is on the spectrum, he loved everything as well. He has his favorites too:

* Sitting in Santa's Sled - he just loved how big and bright it was and that he was allowed to sit in it for a while and as many times as he wanted to. 

* Seeing Santa - Santa was very patient and kind. He let us get situated and re-situated with the kids and with out. The photographer was super sweet and took pics with both their professional camera and my phone. 

The setting is perfectly set for the Big Man in Red to hear your wishes and give you a treat. 

* Ice Fishing - this was perfect for sensory seeking kiddos. He was determined to fish out all of the fish from the ice hole and he sure did. Best part, everyone wins and walks away happy!

So many photo opportunities, we just can't pass those up... ever!

** Both of the kids had a blast with the Cookie Decorating! My boy was licking the frosting off and adding more on. Thanks for the patience Irvine Park RR Staff! 

Oh, Are you still looking for your perfect Christmas Tree? Check out the huge selection of bright Christmas Trees at Irvine Park Rail Roads Christmas Tree Ranch! They have all sizes, shapes and are fresh and GREEN! +IrvineParkRailroad . 

Happy Holidays!

#IrvineParkRR #Irvine #WinterFun #bestinoc #CookieDecorating #IceFishing #ThingsToDo #OrangeCounty #OC #KidsFun #WinterFun #Holidays #ChristmasFun #ChristmasTrain #ChristmasTreeRanch #PickYourTree #Santa #SantaPictures

Celebrate ALL Holidays & More with Pretend City this Winter

Winter brings festivities and a lot of Holidays to celebrate! Pretend City is creating a lot of COOL fun for all this season...

Not only is this the best indoor pretend play place in OC but young and old can celebrate the season of giving together with so many activities that educate and entertain. 

Sunday, December 6 – Tuesday, December 14: Hooray for Chanukah

Time: Activity times vary

Description:  Celebrate Chanukah at Pretend City. Your child will love these rich and diverse activities about the Hanukkah miracle and the importance of many of the traditions of the holiday. We’ll have fun learning about this wonderful holiday through games, finger play rhymes, art projects and activities.

Featured activities include:

                Sunday, December 6 (A.M. Activity): Menorah

                Monday, December 7 (P.M. Activity): Dreidel, Dreidel

                Tuesday, December 8 (P.M. Activity): Star of David

                Wednesday, December 9 (Art Studio): Chanukah Art

                Thursday, December 10 (P.M. Activity): Tzedakah Box

                Friday, December 11 (A.M. Activity): Chanukah Story Time

                Saturday, December 12 Sunrise-Sunset Song

                Sunday, December 13 Gelt Scavenger hunt

                Monday, December 14 Pretend Honey and spice cookies

*All activities are subject to change and limited to availability.   

RSVP: Not required

Fee: Included with museum admission

Event Link: http://pretendcity.org/event/december-6-14-hooray-for-chanukah/

Friday, December 11: Harley-Davidson CHOC Toy Drive Pick-Up

Time:    12:00p.m. (Approximately)

Description: See Santa and his Harley Helpers. Hear the rumble as the Harley motorcycles join Santa to pick up the toys that have been collected at Pretend City Children’s Museum for the children at CHOC. We will continue to collect new, unwrapped toys until Tuesday, December 23.

RSVP: Not required

Fee: Bring a child’s toy valued at $5 or greater to receive 25% off general admission on the day of your visit. *One discount per ticket per toy; cannot be combined with any other promotions

Event Link: http://pretendcity.org/event/harley-davidson-choc-toy-drive-pick-up/

Saturday, December 12 – Wednesday, December 23: Christmas Countdown

Time: Activity times vary

Description: “First we’ll make snow angels for two hours, then well go ice skating, then we’ll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse Cookie dough as fast as we can, and then…we’ll snuggle” Buddy the Elf.  It’s time to begin the 12 days of Christmas Countdown! The days that lead up to Christmas are an exciting and magical time for young children. Join us each day as we “unwrap” a new activity that celebrates the season. By the end of our Christmas Countdown, we’ll be as excited and full of Christmas spirit as Buddy the Elf!

Featured activities include:

                Saturday, December 12 (P.M. Activity): Gingerbread Man & Houses

                Sunday, December 13 (A.M. Activity): Candy Canes

                Monday, December 14 (P.M. Activity): Visit & Photo with Santa

                Tuesday, December 15 (10:30a.m. – 12:30p.m.): Christmas Trees

                Wednesday, December 16 (P.M. Activity): Reindeers

                Thursday, December 17 (P.M. Activity): Christmas Stockings

                Friday, December 18 (A.M. Activity): Twinkly Christmas Lights

                Saturday, December 19 (P.M. Activity): Presents & Sleighs

                Sunday, December 20 (A.M. Activity): Popcorn Decorations

                Monday, December 21 (P.M. Activity): Christmas Snow

                Tuesday, December 22 (A.M. Activity): Christmas Carols

                Wednesday, December 23 (P.M. Activity): Christmas Eve Excitement

*All activities are subject to change and limited to availability.   

RSVP: Not required

Fee: Included with museum admission

Event Link: http://pretendcity.org/event/december-12-december-23-christmas-countdown/

Wednesday, December 16: Celebrate Las Posadas!

Time: Activity times vary

Description:   Who’s ready for our annual Las Posadas celebration? Visit  Pretend City with your family to celebrate the first day of this 9 day Mexican Christmas celebration. Through special activities and events your children will have fun learning about the history of this celebration. Activities of the day will include:

Smart Art: Visit the Art Studio to make colorful Las Posadas mementos to take home:

Posada Piñata Ornaments - In Mexico the breaking of a piñata accompanies almost every festive occasion. Make your very own Piñata ornament to hang on your tree this holiday season. 

Posada Placemat – On the 9^th day of Las Posadas families gather for a delicious feast. Make sure you are prepared by creating your very own holiday placemat.

Luminaria Path- Children will have the opportunity to create their own glowing replica of a Hispanic Christmas Luminaria Path, which is a deep rooted Las Posadas tradition.

Sensational Story Time: Introduce your child to Las Posadas through rich holiday literature. Enjoy special one-on-one story time with your child by reading Las Posadas stories in the Pretend City Library.

RSVP: Not required

Fee: Included with museum admission

Thursday, December 17: Sensitive Santa Visit & Photo Opportunity

Time:    1:00 – 5:00p.m.

Specifically for: Children on the Autism Spectrum only. Sensitive Santa will be in a private room closed to general public.

Description: Santa is coming to Pretend City Children’s Museum! Join us for this great opportunity to meet and tell Santa your holiday wish. This event is especially designed for children on the Autism spectrum. Our “Sensitive Santa” visit and photo opportunity provides a sensory sensitive experience with low Christmas carols, dim lights, and trained Santa to ease some of the anxieties that may come with visiting Santa. This is a wonderful opportunity for grown-ups to capture photos of their child with Santa that might not be possible at a busy mall or crowded event. Don’t forget to bring a camera!

RSVP: Register here (link to pretendcity.org/events)

Fee: $5 per family, museum admission neither required nor included

Event Link: http://pretendcity.org/event/sensitive-santa-visit-photo-opportunity/

 

Monday, December 21: Celebrate the Winter Solstice

Time: Activity times vary

Description: Put on your warm mittens and cozy scarves. It’s officially winter! The beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. Join us as we celebrate the winter solstice through cool activities and art projects. We’ll explain what the winter solstice is and how various cultures throughout history observed the winter solstice. Activities of the day will include:

Smart Art: Visit the Art Studio where we’ll have a flurry of winter-themed art activities for you and your children to create.

Snow Much Fun – A gorgeous winter art activity with a child-directed process and a beautiful result too!

Ice City - This community project will draw inspiration from the glassy snow to create a different type of city.

Winter Prints – See what your child’s little hands will make – a winter tree, a snowflake, or perhaps a cute winter animal?

Sensational Story Time: These classic winter stories will get your children’s imagination and have them enter worlds of white Snowy Day whimsy. Join us in the library every hour for an intimate story time and quick activity.

RSVP: Not required

Fee: Included with museum admission

Event Link: http://pretendcity.org/event/celebrate-the-winter-solstice/

Wednesday, December 31: Annual Noon-Year’s Confetti Countdown! 

Time: Activity times vary  

Description: Twas’ the day before New Year’s and all through the city the citizens are stirring and buzzing about! With sparkling streamers, blowouts, noise makers, and confetti that will make this the party of all parties!

Confetti Countdown:  10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.  2:00 p.m.  4:00 p.m.

RSVP: Not Required

Fee: Included with admission

Event Link: http://pretendcity.org/event/annual-noon-years-confetti-countdown/

We can not wait to join the edufun over at Pretend City this Holiday Season! 

#PretendPlay #Indoorplay #EduFun #PretendCity #Irvine #OC #OrangeCounty #KidsFun #ThingsToDo #DressUp #KidsFirst #FirstFive #LearnandPlay 

Create Your Own at Poqet Donuts - Now Open in Irvine!

Now Open in Irvine!

Poqet Donuts is now open in Irvine and I was able to sample everything on the menu and create a few of my own.

PC Poqet Donuts

Such a fun idea and with such great tasty options to top off your sweet treat you too will love what you create to eat. 

Sampling everything was a treat for sure but a surprise for me was the totally vegan donuts. I tried both and loved them but the samoa flavored creation was the best. 

There are so many options to create your own but the donut bar is full of options you can chose from that will not disappoint! From the sprinkles and candy to fresh fruit the toppings are plenty. Just start with glazed, chocolate, vanilla or vegan and create from there.

Their specialty flavors always on hand are, Avocado, Maple Bacon, Campfire, Peanut Butter and No J, Cookie & Cream, Strawberry Fields Forever, Pumpkin Spice, Nutella, Tiramisu, Pistachio Creme Brulee, Lemon Meringue, Cherry Red Velvet, Blueberry, Black & White Cake, Vanilla Latte, Green Tea and Butter Salt. 

**All of these also come in "mini donuts" and if you check in on Yelp you can get a free mini.**  

Grab a cappuccino, latte, mocha, juice or more to wash down your tasty creation and make another to take home. That is what I did.... I sort of felt bad not making a few for my family. I wanted them to taste the goodness too... they loved them!

Get more info and directions to Poqet Donuts here. 

Let me know what you come up with and try!

#PoqetDonuts #donuts #create #make #eat #yum