Sugar Rush in the OC was a Burst of Sweetness!

The OC was Filled With Sweets this weekend at the OC Fairgrounds and Events center!

Big Bite events put on a Sweet event with creative and crafty baking vendors at Sugar Rush this weekend!

We were there to test, taste and see all the sweet treats. The holidays always bring out the extra baking urge in me. 

It was awesome to see all the creations and hours put into the work of each cake pop, cookie, baked goods and more. 

What I liked most is that these people are really dedicated to their passion. Whatever that is for each person, it is important to follow your dream. With sweets involved it must be a SUGAR RUSH to see how your efforts come out and the smile it gives to others seeing and eating it!

I have to say that I love +Paige's Cake Pops - they are always so good and the designs are the most creative and festive. Check out these sweets she had at Sugar Rush! Perfection! 

Paige's Cake Pops are the best!

Here are more of the fun sweets we tried that are not to be missed.

Dunkin Donuts - Very Holiday Festive and so Good

These amazingly beautiful Lion King Cookies are part of a Disney cookie set.

What I thought was super sweet, a beer/wine with chocolate pairing tasters. I chose wine and chocolate and each was delish! My favorite was the Pinot with a salted Maple Caramel. 

Wine and Chocolate Pairing 

My favorite taste was the Green Tea Croissant. It was fluffy, soft and sweet but had a crunch on the outside. Yes, I totally brought a whole one home to have my family taste it too! This amazing treat comes from SunMerry Cali, a fresh little bakery, in Irvine.

Green Tea Croissant - a must try! 

Another favorite, and I have tasted his beautiful sweets before, were the custom tiered stands with Star Wars pops, Albert's Petite Sweets had on display. So detailed and by the way, they taste delish! He is one of my favs! Go Albert! Get all the details on Albert's sweets here.

Beautiful details on these Star Wars pops

Something I thought was super fun - the cookie decorating and the demonstrations. These are not only fun to watch and try but it is educational to see how much effort, time, design and implementing goes into the masterpieces that will be devoured sweetly, hehe!

Cute and Tasty creative cookies and cakes.

One of our most favorite vendors and amazing pound cake bakers is Orange Clementine, she even ships her fine gifts from California all over! Check her out here. She is a doll and does an amazing job!

              

What a better way to wash down some sweets - Joe's Ice was on hand to serve up some free Italian Ice. This is our favorite Italian Ice. I lived off of it when I was pregnant with BOTH kids and the natural fruits make all the difference in the fresh flavor that we love to take home by the quart! Yes by the quart! Visit Joe's Italian ice on line here and see whats up for their flavors of ice for each day.

Joe's Italian Ice is the best!

We came across these hand crafted and designed macaroons made by Puffect Bakery Cafe, they are located in Walnut. There is some serious artistic talent over there!  

Fell in love with these cute macaroons

On of the sweetest vendors I came across at Sugar Rush was Dominic, a lovely baker, that has her head in the pies! She creates the most wonderful tasting VEGAN and GLUTEN FREE pies! 

Pies that are sweet and on the healthier side of sweet!

We had a blast at Sugar Rush! My girl had so much fun tasting and trying out some of the creating and sweet fun. She was able to make her own sugar sticks to take home too and I love that she made an extra for her brother! 

Thank you Sugar Rush for the burst of sweetness we needed last weekend! 

Hope to see you and many more creative vendors next year for more Sugar Rush fun and tastes! Thank you for our gift bags too! We are very grateful and had a Sweet Treat of a time at +BigBite Sugar Rush this year!

Sugary Sweet Gift Bags

*We were given admission to Sugar Rush, all thoughts and opinions are my own.* #SugarRush #BigBite #Sweets #Cake #CakePops #Decorating #Creating #Sugar #SugarRushOC #wine #beer #Chocolate #Baking 

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 

Grand Legacy Hotel to Have the Best View of the Disneyland Fireworks Rooftop!

The Grand Legacy Lives On!

Poolside with some yummies as we got ready for our Hard Hat Tour!

  Have you heard of the Grand Legacy Hotel? Have you heard of Ramada Maingate at the Park? Well, the two are one in the same, but there are a lot of exciting things happening over there and I was at the NEW NAME unveiling to get the whole scoop!

                

Officially announced Tuesday, at about 5:30pm, the Ramada Maingate at the Park will be called the Grand Legacy At The Park! 

Brandon and his Wife are so excited to officially begin this new magical journey!

The best part about it, the staff, management and ownership stays the same! Well, okay, an even better part, that warms the heart... Owner, Brandon decided it was time to give tribute to his father, family and legacy of their amazing accomplishments. 

With the help of many ground breaking renovations that started in 2012, this persistent and dedicated dream team, is making it all a reality!

We are so proud of Jennifer and all her hard work. Hey do you see the Tower Of Terror in the background?! Rooftop!

In the next few months there will be many more things that will give the Grand Legacy it's fresh jump start. Not only are there rooms being added but there is so much  more to look forward to when you visit.

View of Disneyland from the Right side of the Rooftop. Perfect view all the way around!

Here are a few of the highlights from Tuesday:

* New website: www.grandlegacyhotel.com

* New hashtag: #grandlegacyliveson

* They will officially be an Independent hotel February 2nd. Same ownership and management, but we will no longer be a franchise.

* New building is set to open in late January, with rooftop bar and lounge to open in February.

* Rooftop will be family friendly during the day, with the best view of the Disneyland fireworks each night. They plan to have entertainment, drinks (full bar, upscale cocktails, wine, beer), and light food available for purchase.

      **Rooftop is about 5000 square feet

* They will have the ability to host corporate groups, meetings, special events, and weddings on the rooftop. 

* There will also be an indoor meeting space on the 2nd floor that can hold up to 60 people.

* Breakfast will be updated and moved into the new building.      **Still complimentary. 

* New building will hold new luxurious rooms and suites. Below, a sneak peek of the beautiful bathroom and spacious room with magical view of Disneyland. 
               

* 6 Retail shops will be open on ground level, a mini mart, ticket store, pizza place, and scooter rental for sure. This is KEY for locals on a staycation or out of towners!

We can NOT wait to check out all the new additions to the Grand Legacy. I am looking forward to the beautiful Disneyland Fireworks from the best view around, the Rooftop Lounge!

View of DCA from the Rooftop Lounge at the Grand Legacy At The Park

With the Grand Legacy being a 5 to 7 minute walk from room door to park Gates, it is easy to see why we love it, see you soon Grand Legacy At The Park.

Congratulations on your new name!

So honored to be part of the tour as well as being the first few to know the new name of the Grand Legacy At The Park!

See tips, why we love to stay at the Grand Legacy At The Park and our recent staycation recap!


#Staycation #Suites #remodel #Fireworks #BestInOC #Location #DLR #WalkToDisney #Disneyland #OCHotel #AnaheimHotel #GrandLegacyAtThePark #FireworksView #Pool #DisneyDestination #Hotel #ResortStyle #Breakfast #WalkToDisneyland #RoofTop #Bar #FamilyFriendly #Kids #LoveIt 

Alvin and the Chipmunks Live Musical Review - Why we feel it's a Must See!

Alvin, Simon Theodore - Live, with Music, Dancing, Singing and much more!

Thank you to the Grove of Anaheim and Alvin & his gang for the tickets

This was our fist time attending an Alvin and the Chipmunks live show. The musical was very entertaining and fun to be in the audience for. 

All the Chipmunks and Chipettes Take the Stage!

There was moments where the audience was involved or there was confetti tossed out into us. My daughter and I really enjoyed it. I know my son would have loved it and the music level was good enough where I think he would have sat and watched, especially the singing. 

As the Chipmunks and Chippettes went along on their road trip across many states and places, they were bringing it all to live with lights, action and so many familiar faces from the movies. It was a real treat to see this all live! 

My daughters 5 most favorite moments:
* Seeing the whole gang on stage singing and dancing together - all 6 of them!

* That there was a lot of singing and scenery changed often and a lot of the time with it a song.

* The stage could be seen from any seat, we sat in the wrong seats further back at first and then got into our seats, both just as good as one another. 

* Songs that are familiar to everyone. Today's hits and yesterday's favorites are used in the musical. That is perfect. Everybody just have a good time....Ain't nothing but a hound dog! Of course my favorite, We love rock n roll!

Good old Ian is back, or Should I say Bad old Ian?!

I thought it was perfect for all ages and I also loved that it was at the Grove or Anaheim, such a beautiful venue.

If you get a chance to see it, check it out! All the Details on the show dates and stops here!

Merchandise of all sizes and sorts are available for a range of prices. 

#Alvin #Chipmunks #Chippets #Live #Musical #MustSee #LovedIt #ThingsToDo #OCFun #KidsFun #theGrove #anaheim #travel #adventure #spon