Back to School: Earth Friendly Lunches

A Lasting Lunch Bag

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A Reusable Water Bottle

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An Earth Friendly Lunch

xoxo, C

September 2008 Calendar

September 1st: Monday Night Carload at Wild Rivers, pay just $55 for an entire car of passengers after 4 pm.
September 2nd:
* Pottery Barn Kids Book Club, 10 am
* Huntington Beach's Surf City Nights, Downtown Main Street, 5-9 pm
September 4th:
* Story Time at the Zoo, 11:30 am. Learn more about animals and enjoy storytelling under the oak trees. FREE with zoo admission. Orange County Zoo, for information call (714)973-6847.
* Storytime at Two Little Monkeys
* Orange County-based group, "The Dynotones" will perform at the outdoor Fullerton Market, from 6:30-8:30 pm. More information HERE.
September 5th:
* Story Time at the Zoo, 11:30 am. Learn more about animals and enjoy storytelling under the oak trees. FREE with zoo admission. Orange County Zoo, for information call (714)973-6847.
* Brea Jazz Festival Concert Series, Downtown Brea. More information HERE.
* Dana Point Tall Ships Festival, 5-7pm. Tall Ships sunset parade from Laguna Niguel to Dana Point Harbor. More Information HERE.

September 6th:
* The Knack kids crafts at your local Michaels, 10 am.
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Dana Point Tall Ships Festival. Tall Ships sunset parade from Laguna Niguel to Dana Point Harbor. More Information HERE.
* Story Time at the Zoo, 11:30 am. Learn more about animals and enjoy storytelling under the oak trees. FREE with zoo admission. Orange County Zoo, for information call (714)973-6847.
* Brea Jazz Festival Concert Series, Downtown Brea. More information HERE.
September 7th:
* Dana Point Tall Ships Festival. Tall Ships sunset parade from Laguna Niguel to Dana Point Harbor. More Information HERE.
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Huntington Beach Ghost Tour, 6-8pm. Dare to journey along the beaches and the pier in Huntington Beach and learn of the historical lore of ghostly surfers who continue to ride the waves after death and their guardian, The Duke who protects the living, too. Reservations required, please call (626)791-1129.
September 9th:
* Pottery Barn Kids Book Club, 10 am
* Huntington Beach's Surf City Nights, Downtown Main Street, 5-9 pm
September 10th: The SoCal Independent Film Festival
September 11th:
* Storytime at Two Little Monkeys
* Main Street Family Friendly Films, 7-8:30 pm. FREE movies on an outdoor screen for the whole family. 301 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA. (949)232-6876.
* The SoCal Independent Film Festival
September 12th:

* Animal Art Toddler Program at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11 am. Enjoy an hour of creativity & fun with an animal theme. ($5 fee, & registration required: 714-973-6846.)

* Story Time at the Zoo, 11:30 am. Learn more about animals and enjoy storytelling under the oak trees. FREE with zoo admission. Orange County Zoo, for information call (714)973-6847.
* Brea Jazz Festival Concert Series, Downtown Brea. More information HERE.

* The SoCal Independent Film Festival
September 13th:
* The Knack kids crafts at your local Michaels, 10 am.
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Airport Day at the Fullerton Airport, 10am-4pm at the Fullerton Municipal Airport. Admission is FREE, and there will be displays of vintage air crafts, aviation-related booths, food vendors as well as FREE plane rides. For more information go HERE, or call (714)738-6323.
* Hullabaloo Band Performance, 3:30 pm at Altea Park in San Clemente
* Fiestas Patrias, 10am - 7pm. Celebrating culture, the Arts, with game booths, prizes, live music, traditional dances, food from all around the world! Great for the whole Family. At: Centro Cristiano La Roca, 700 W. South St., Anaheim. (714)879-7813.
* Aliso Creek Trail Nature Walks, 12 pm. (For additional information, please contact Ranger Carroll at (949) 923-2299, or more info HERE.)
* J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center's Annual BBQ, 4-9pm at The Shea Center in San Juan Capistrano. Food, dancing, silent & live auctions, and carnival games. For more information & to buy tickets go HERE.

* City of Cypress Concerts on the Green, 6pm. (For information call 714-229-6780).
* Brea Jazz Festival Concert Series, Downtown Brea. More information HERE.
* Moonlight & Movie Magic, 7:15pm at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa. Bring your folding chairs & blankets and watch a PG-rated family movie under the stars. For more information, go HERE or call (714)754-5300
* Toy Story in the Park, 7:30-9pm. Crown Valley Park Amphitheater, 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel.
* The SoCal Independent Film Festival
* Second Saturday Art Fair, 11am-4pm at Historic Downtown in San Juan Capistrano. For more info go HERE, or call (949)493-4700.
September 14th:
* The SoCal Independent Film Festival
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

September 16th:
* Pottery Barn Kids Book Club, 10 am
* Huntington Beach's Surf City Nights, Downtown Main Street, 5-9 pm
* Oakley Newport Beach Pro Surf Contest
September 17th:
* Oakley Newport Beach Pro Surf Contest
* San Juan Summer Nights, 6-8 pm. (For information call 949-493-5911)
September 18th:
* Storytime at Two Little Monkeys
* Feathery Friends Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11 am. Come learn all about birds. Hands on learning & fun crafts. ($5 fee, & registration required: 714-973-6846.)
* Story Time at the Zoo, 11:30 am. Learn more about animals and enjoy storytelling under the oak trees. FREE with zoo admission. Orange County Zoo, for information call (714)973-6847.
* Oakley Newport Beach Pro Surf Contest

September 19th:
* Rumble & Rock on the Party Block, 4-10pm. Live Rock Bands, Happy Hour, Opportunity Drawings, Sports Stars & Delicious Food. At: Center St. & Lemon in Anaheim. For more information call: (714)956-3586.

* Taste of Newport
* Oakley Newport Beach Pro Surf Contest
* Brea Jazz Festival Concert Series, Downtown Brea. More information HERE.
September 20th:
* The Knack kids crafts at your local Michaels, 10 am.
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Taste of Newport
* Brea Jazz Festival Concert Series, Downtown Brea. More information HERE.
* Oakley Newport Beach Pro Surf Contest
September 21st:
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Taste of Newport
* Oakley Newport Beach Pro Surf Contest
* Pops Under the Stars, 6pm at the San Juan Capistrano Mission. Capistrano Valley Symphony presents" Cinema Spectacular". Tickets range from $20 per person and are available at (949)240-8584 or reserve your tickets HERE.
September 23rd:
* Pottery Barn Kids Book Club, 10 am
* Huntington Beach's Surf City Nights, Downtown Main Street, 5-9 pm

September 25th:
* Storytime at Two Little Monkeys
* Story Time at the Zoo, 11:30 am. Learn more about animals and enjoy storytelling under the oak trees. FREE with zoo admission. Orange County Zoo, for information call (714)973-6847.
* So You Think You Can Dance Tour 2008, 7:30 pm. Watch your favorite SYTYCD Stars perform live on stage at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Buy tickets HERE.
September 26th: Brea Jazz Festival Concert Series, Downtown Brea. More information HERE.
September 27th:
* Story Time at the Zoo, 11:30 am. Learn more about animals and enjoy storytelling under the oak trees. FREE with zoo admission. Orange County Zoo, for information call (714)973-6847.
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Aliso Viejo Founders Day Fair, 12-6pm. AV Ranch, 100 Park Avenue, Aliso Viejo. For more information go HERE, or call (949)425-2537.
* Aliso Creek Trail Nature Walks, 12 pm. (For additional information, please contact Ranger Carroll at (949) 923-2299, or more info HERE.)
* Curious George in the Park, 7:30-9pm. Crown Valley Park Amphitheater, 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel.

* Brea Jazz Festival Concert Series, Downtown Brea. More information HERE.

* Wishland Family Festival & Butterfly Release, 11am-3pm. $10 Festival Tickets include: carriage rides, petting zoo, inflatables, face painting, catered BBQ lunch, cotton candy & snow cones, music & entertainment. Canyon RV Park at Featherly, 91 Fwy at Gypsum Canyon Rd. For more information: (714)881-0349
September 28th:
* 2008 Race for the Cure, 6:30am-12pm at Fashion Island. For more information call (714)957-9157, or register HERE.
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Story Time at the Zoo, 11:30 am. Learn more about animals and enjoy storytelling under the oak trees. FREE with zoo admission. Orange County Zoo, for information call (714)973-6847.

September 30th:
* Pottery Barn Kids Book Club, 10 am
* Story Time at the Zoo, 11:30 am. Learn more about animals and enjoy storytelling under the oak trees. FREE with zoo admission. Orange County Zoo, for information call (714)973-6847.
* Huntington Beach's Surf City Nights, Downtown Main Street, 5-9 pm

Orange International Street Fair

Every Labor Day Weekend, for the past 30 years, the Orange International Street Fair takes over downtown Orange. With food, music, & dance from different countires and ethnicities from around the world, the Orange International Street Fair is definitely a cultural experience you don't want to miss. & with every penny of the profits from the Street Fair going to non-profit charities, helping people here in our community, you can feel good about yourself by attending.

What: 2008 Orange International Street Fair
When: Friday, August 29 - 5 pm-10pm, Saturday, August 30 - 10am-10pm, & Sunday, August 31, 10am-10pm
Where: The Circle in Downtown Orange, directiosn & map HERE, for more information call (714)52-6260

xoxo, K

Happy Nie Nie Day.

Have you placed you bids?
For the amazing list of auctions, check out HERE & HERE.
For more information about Nie Nie & her family, go HERE & HERE.
To find out what else you can do to help, go HERE.

p.s. Want to bid on something handmade by me? Go HERE or HERE. Remember to bid lots & bid often, it's all benefiting Nie Nie & her sweet family. 

OC Roller Girls

Did you have any idea that the OC has not just one, but several girls roller derby teams? Until recently, I had no idea that the OC Roller Girls even existed. But now, I'm seriously intrigued. Especially when I find out that they are an incredibly service-oriented organization. Over the years they have volunteered in community event to raise funds and provide support for several local causes. I'm definitely going to be checking these ladies out at several of their upcoming events. & thanks to their "All you need to know (about Roller Derby) in 20 seconds" I will understand all the rules of the games. Their season opening scrimmage game is coming up... join the fun & check out some of the OC's finest ladies. You can buy your tickets HERE.

What: OC Roller Girls Opening Scrimmage
When: August 30th, 2008, Game 1 @ 3pm, Game 2 @ 4pm
Where: Chapman Sports Complex, 1852 Knotts St., Garden Grove, CA 92645

xoxo,K

Back to School: Supplies

Millions of kids, right here in the US, live below the poverty line. Most of these kids don't even have the basic school supplies they need to start the year off right. Do Something 101 is a campaign started to collect new school supplies for kids in need. Drop off NEW supplies at any Staples store through September 13th, & they'll be delivered to kids who really need them. Another way to donate is to donate money at any Staples locations, 100% of the proceeds will benefit local teens.

For more information, go HERE.
Watch the PSA, HERE.
Find out what the 11 most-needed supplies are HERE.
Find a local drop-off location HERE.

Get your kids involved... teach them the importance of trying to make a difference.

xoxo, K

Back to School:Daily Routine

As a mom the routine of school also means the routine of me repeating myself over and over about daily tasks that need to be completed. Ohdeedoh introduced me to Let's Explore's great idea of making a door hanger that has visual reminders of daily tasks for kids. This door hanger might be just the trick to make sure I don't sound like a broken record this fall trying to remind my kids to remember to brush their teeth before bed.

xoxo, C

Mommy and Me Dates & the Backpack Fairy

I'm getting excited to send my little one off to school, even if it's only preschool. I love the idea of having a "Mommy & Me" Backpack Date. Picking out a new backpack & a special lunch together sounds like such a fun tradition to start with your kiddos. Follow that up with a visit from the "Backpack Fairy"... have your kids leave their new backpacks out the night before the first day of school. They wake up to find their backpacks filled with new schools supplies, some books & the traditional "First Day of School Outfit". What a perfect way to start off the new school year!

xoxo, K

Back to School:Fashion

courtesy of Gap

courtesy of Children's Place

Some visual inspiration for your back to school shopping

xoxo, C

Knott's Halloween Haunt

For those of you who are looking to add a little fright to your Halloween festivities, be sure to check out Knott's 36th Halloween Haunt. (Although, it is not recommended for children under 13.) Because I'm a complete & total chicken, I can't say that I've ever been. But, I have friends that LOVE it & go every year. Pre-sale tickets are $47.99 or $49.99 depending on the day, while tickets on the day of the event are $52.99. Get your tickets HERE.

What: Knott's Halloween Haunt
When: September 25-28 & October 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, and 29- November 1,
7pm-1am or 2am depending on the night
Where: Knott's Berry Farm

xoxo, K

RH Sweet Retreats

All the women in my prenatal yoga class were raving about the new baby line from Restoration Hardware and I have to agree that RH delivers style and grace for the newest addition to any home. My personal favorite are the paint colors for the nursery because you cannot go wrong with their colors (I had to repaint my first nursery three times to finally get the right blue).

xoxo, C
image via RH.

Super Pollo

You know the old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover"? Remember that the first time you go go to Super Pollo. It's pretty much a "hole-in-the-wall". There are three maybe four tables inside, parking is limited, & truth be told, from the outside, it's not a pretty sight. But you just have to trust me on this one, Super Pollo is incredible. They do Mexican food, specializing in grilled & roasted chicken... basically they are an authentic version of El Pollo Loco. Super Pollo offers whole, half & quarter chicken combos as well as chicken, carne asada, or fish burritos, quesadillas, tacos & more. My personal favorite? The Super Chicken Quesadilla. It's HUGE. They start with a tortilla add grilled chicken, Monterey & Cheddar cheese, then load it up with fresh salsa, guacamole & lettuce. It's less of a quesadilla, and more of a very flat burrito. I'm getting hungry just typing about it.

Really & truly, if you've never been, you really need to check out Super Pollo. They do breakfast, lunch & dinner and everything on the menu is available for take-out. The prices are great, the portions are huge & EVERYTHING is delicious. Yum!

Super Pollo
1731 Superior Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949)642-7574

xoxo, K

Back 2 School Countdown

I love THIS idea for making the back to school countdown fun... cut strips from colored paper. On each of the strips write a different task or activity that needs to be accomplished before the school year begins. For example, buy school supplies, practice writing your letters, etc. Link the strips together making a chain & attach a small candy bar or treat. Hang the chain in your child's room. Every morning your child will pull off one strip, read the activity & he or she can enjoy the special treat after fulfilling the task.

xoxo, K
image via bright ideas.

Young at Heart

The perfect number of birthday candles for anyone over thirty!

xoxo, C

Halloween Time at Disneyland

Holidays are wonderful, but especially at Disneyland. As Disneyland's website says:

Get ready for gobs o'grinning jack-o'-lanterns, gargantuan candy corn, Disney Characters decked out in vibrant costumes and a spooktacular array of attractions and fun!

Although the decorations & costumes are fun... the best part about it being Halloween Time at Disneyland? According to my boys, it's that Jack Skellington & his friends take-over & make-over the Haunted House.

So break out your little one's Halloween costumes & head on over to the "Happiest Place on Earth" to enjoy some haunting. Halloween Time at Disneyland starts September 26 - November 2. Hope you enjoy the spooktacular event!

xoxo, K

Walking with Dinosaurs

Walking with Dinosaurs the Live Experience is coming to Orange County August 20-24. The show features 15 "roaring, snarling 'live' dinosaurs" and depicts the "dinosaur's evolution spanning their entire 200 million year reign". This is definitely an experience that doesn't come around every day. For more information, to check show times or purchase tickets go HERE.

What: Walking with Dinosaurs the Live Experience
When: August 20-24, check show times HERE
Where: The Honda Center

xoxo, K

A Homemade Beach Ball

These fabric beach balls seem so magical and fun. The Purl Bee has this tutorial to make them. I think one of these beach balls would make a great gift to keep the spirit of summer alive throughout the year.


xoxo, C

Back 2 School: All About Me

My oldest is starting preschool this year. I'm a bit excited & terrified all at the same time. In an effort to make this new transition go as smooth as possible, I going to prepare an "All About Me" card for his teacher. I got the idea from Laurie last year. With so many new faces & personalities to get to know, I love the idea of giving his teacher a little jump start on getting to know my little guy. I'm haven't decided which approach I'm going to take yet... a simple Word Document, similar to what Laurie does would be quick & easy. I might do something similar to THIS poster, although it would probably be more fun for an older child because they could actually do it themselves. Or, maybe some of THESE printables might do the trick. However it's packaged, as long as it provides basic information about my guy, a little bit about his personality & what makes him tick, I think (& hope) his teacher will find it helpful.

xoxo, K

Monday Night Carload at Wild Rivers

Almost every Monday night this summer, after 4pm, any car will pay just $55 for up to eight guests safely seated, with a seatbelt, in a single vehicle. Wow! What a deal! More information HERE (under Events).


xoxo, K

Looking forward to...

Saturday morning Thinnies. known to the rest of the world as crepes, but to me & my family they are simply Thinnies... the best Saturday morning breakfast ever. Growing up, my mom made them every Saturday morning & I'm trying to continue the tradition. Care to partake? Here's our recipe:

Thinnies
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup milk
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon oil

Beat together until smooth. Fry on high heat. (Don't worry, it takes some practice flipping 'em, but you'll be a pro quick enough!)

We like to keep the toppings simple: butter & syrup or butter & granulated sugar... but the sky's really the limit. Jam, lemon, Nutella, chocolate sauce. You could top Thinnies with just about anything & they'd be tasty!

xoxo, K

My Cooking Girlfriends

There are a couple of women that inspire me in the kitchen and as summer is coming to an end it seems like I might have to start thinking about making meals again. Here are my go to gals when I need some help in the kitchen:

Barefoot Contessa- You can't go wrong with Ina as your recipe source

Pioneer Woman- Sassy recipes that are delicious, but not a go to person for heart healthy recipes

Simply Recipes- Elise has a wonderful collection of eclectic and easy recipes

Smitten Kitchen- I love her photos and her recipes are wonderful too

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle- Camille Kingsolver provides menu ideas for each season that are tasty and nutritious

image via flickr

xoxo, C

Taming my bushy eyebrows.

Growing up, people were always telling me how lucky I was to have Brooke Shields-like eyebrows & I always took it as a compliment. But then one afternoon, after I had graduated from college, I was feeling brave & had my hair chopped off into a cute pixie style cut. Although I loved my new 'do, my eyebrows immediately jumped out at me. Suddenly I couldn't believe I had lived my entire life without noticing how incredibly big & bushy my eyebrows were! I immediately remedied the situation by getting my eyebrows waxed & have continued to do so for years. Until I discovered the art of threading.

Threading is a method of hair removal used in many countries in the Middle East as well as India. Basically, the person doing the threading uses a 100% cotton thread which is twisted and rolled along the surface of the skin & basically plucks away the hairs. It's now my preferred method of hair removal for my eyebrows & lip because it tends to last longer, it seems to be more precise, & once you get used to it, I think it's it's less painful than waxing.

Interested in getting your own eyebrows threaded? Just Google "threading" and the name of your city to find the closest salon. Locally in Orange County there are actually two "chain" type salons that cater specifically to threading: Vinita's Beauty & Threading Studio and Ziba Beauty. While your there to get threaded, ask about their henna tattoos - they are incredible!

xoxo, K

Spark Woodfire Grill

Recently, the hubby & I were able to spend a quiet evening together at one of our favorite restaurants, Spark Woodfire Grill.
Located in Huntington Beach, Spark offers one of the most incredible panoramic view of the ocean, pier & beach, and their food is delicious. The restaurant "specializes in the woodfire grilling and roasting of Prime or Certified Angus Beef hand-cut steaks, chops, seafood, and slowly roasted Iowa BBQ Baby Back ribs using only the freshest 'Prime' and 'Choice' graded meats and seafood available... Spark is a warm and comfortable casual upscale restaurant that offers simply prepared foods, an extensive wine list and a full bar."

My favorite menu items? The Maryland Blue Crab Cakes are incredible! The Roasted Corn Chowder is delicious. I'm still dreaming of the Filet Oscar (filet medallions served with asparagus, lump crab and Bearnaise sauce), & I ate all of my Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding.

If you're planning ahead, call for a reservation & request a table out on the heated terrace... the view is wonderful.... the perfect romantic evening.

Spark Woodfire Grill
300 Pacific Coast Highway, Ste. 2020
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714)960-0996

xoxo, K

Birthday Tutu

This tutu is so cute, I may wear it to to my next birthday party.

xoxo, C

Movies on the Pier

TripAdvisor's FREE Traveling Movie Tour is stopping in Huntington Beach for two nights only. Visit the Huntington Beach Pier Plaza to view the 1953 film classic Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, on Wednesday August 13, and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles starring John Candy and Steve Martin will be shown on Thursday, August 14th. Pre-show activities & seating will begin at 6pm. You can also help a child in need by bringing gently used luggage, backpacks, duffel bags and diaper carriers. TripAdvisor will be collecting these things on-site to be donated to area foster children through the organization Suitcases For Kids. TripAdvisor encourages all guests to “pack a bag, leave a bag!”… fill your bag up with treats to enjoy during the movie (popcorn, candy and soft drinks) and then leave your bag behind after the show!

What: TripAdvisor's FREE Traveling Movie Tour
When: August 13 & 14, 2008, 6 pm
Where: Huntington Beach Pier Plaza

xoxo, K

Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party

Most kids look forward all year to trick-or-treating. What's not to love? Costumes & candy all rolled into one fun-filled night? The only thing that could possibly top that, would be trick-or-treating at Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party at Disney's California Adventure Park. This "not-so-scary" party encourages your little ghosts & goblins to join their favorite Disney characters for an evening filled with lively music, trick-or-treating, crafts & activities, and lots of other Halloween games & fun.

Ticket Prices & Event Dates:
General Advance Purchase Price - $29
October 3, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29 & 30th

Halloween Price - $37
October 31

Day-of-Event Price - $37

* Annual Passholders pay just $25 on advanced purchases on select days!

Event Times:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thurdsay - 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Friday - 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm

Buy tickets HERE.

xoxo, K

Surf City Nights

One of our family's favorite week-night outings are the Surf City Nights in Huntington Beach. Every Tuesday night downtown Main Street is closed to motorized traffic & completely transformed into a street fair... live music, street performers, a farmer's market, activities for kids, sidewalk sales, & downtown restaurant specials.

What: Surf City Nights
When: Tuesday Nights, 5 pm - 9 pm
Where: Main Street, 1st - 3rd Blocks between PCH & Orange, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

See you there!

xoxo, K

Oh, Baby!

I made these simple baby shower favors by using Pocket Boxes and Labels from Paper Source. Inside guests could find a lemon cookie from Paradise Bakery.

xoxo, C

Thanks Old Navy!

I really appreciate that Old Navy is having a sale just in time for back to school shopping.

xoxo, C

"Instent" Shelter

A friend had one of THESE babies at the beach the other day & I was jealous. It was so quick & easy to use. Even with her baby on her hip, she had the tent set-up & ready for action in 5 seconds flat. The Instent Shelter pops "up in seconds, down in a flash". The tent features "a unique 'instant' pop up frame mechanism. To erect, simply open out and pull on cord." Plus, it weighs just 7 lbs! Perfect for all-day outings to the beach or park. I'm definitely going to be picking one up. Want to get your own? Purchase them HERE.

xoxo, K

Treats + Tray = Shopping Success

The Ontray is a plastic device that allows you to attach a small plastic tray to a shopping cart, so you can fill it up with the snack of your passenger's choice. I love this tray and even more I love the fact that it was invented by a fellow mom.

xoxo, C

I scream, You scream, We all scream for Ice Cream.

Hans' Homemade Ice Cream is an old-time traditional ice cream parlor. Ice cream is made on the premises & the scoops are HUGE. With 55 flavors you're sure to find something you like. & although they've got the basics like chocolate, vanilla & strawberry, you can be sure they'll have something special in store as well... black licorice, chocolate malt, black raspberry cheesecake & swiss orange chip, just to name a few. Just in case you're in the mood for a little bit more, ice cream isn't the only thing they serve. You can also get salads, sandwiches & frozen bananas. But my favorite thing on the menu? The Mint Chocolate Munchie. It's their version of an ice cream sandwich - 2 oatmeal cookies filled with mint chocolate chip ice cream & then dipped in chocolate!

Han's Homemade Ice Cream
3640 S. Bristol St.
Santa Ana, CA
92704
(714)979-8815

xoxo, K

Cowboy up!

How cute are THESE infant cowboy boots? I might just have to pick them up for my next baby gift. Pair the boots with THIS onesie, & it's sure to be a hit at any shower!

xoxo, K

TOO FACED GIVEAWAY WINNER

Many entered, but unfortunately, only one could win. Drum roll please... our randomly chosen winner is Doreen who said "I haven't tried this makeup before!! Sounds great!" Congratulations & be sure to email your "particulars" to justspotted@gmail.com so we can hook you up!

Thanks again to Too Faced Cosmetics, & to each and everyone one of you for playing along. & if you didn't win... don't you fret! This is only the beginning. Be sure to check back soon, & often, for many more fabulous giveaways.

xoxo, C & K

Baby Powder, it's not just for babies.

My two little boys love the sand. Whether we're looking for sand crabs at the beach or digging at the park, as long as the activity involves sand, they're in heaven. & although I love that they are enjoying themselves, I secretly wish they'd enjoy something that wasn't quite so... sandy, for lack of a better word. Do you know what I mean? No matter how much I wash their little hands & feet, it's no use - I just can't seem to win my battle against sand, it gets everywhere!

That is, until I remembered a little trick of my mom's. Growing up, she always had a bottle of baby powder on hand. Perfect for spontaneous park outings & beach adventures. Sprinkle a little baby powder on sandy, wet skin. & viola! The sand will virtually fall off by itself. Baby powder is definitely going to become a staple in my beach/ park bag.

xoxo, K

Free Balloon Ride

We spent Saturday previewing the Great Park and rode in the Great Park Balloon, the first major attraction of the park. The balloon takes you up to about 400 feet in the air and you can see all over Orange County. My kids loved the ride and the best part is that the whole morning was free.

Flight Schedule (including Night Flights):
Thursdays & Fridays: 10:00am - 3:00pm; 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Weekends: 9:00am -3:00pm; 7:00pm - 10:00pm (Get Directions)
(Flights are subject to winds and weather conditions.)

Tip: Wind conditions for flying are best between opening and 12:30pm.

For the convenience of guests, the parking lot opens 30 minutes before normal operating hours. Registration begins 15 minutes prior to the first flight. As weather permits, the last flight of the day is at 2:50pm.

For more information, please email info@greatparkballoon.org or call (866) 829-3829

xoxo, C

Santa Barbara with Kids

Santa Barbara is my favorite escape in California, but now that I have two kids I have changed my agenda for our next visit.

1) The Santa Barbara Zoo

The zoo is small when compared to others, but there are very few zoos that have such a breathtaking view of the ocean.

2) Carlitos or Palazzio

Both of these restaurant meet my requirement of having delicious food with generous portions, crayons for kids to color on the table and are right downtown on State St.

3) Ty Warner Sea Center

The sea center strive to teach chidren about the natural wonders of the sea via interactive exhibits like live tidepool encounters and hands-on experiments.

xoxo, C

image via flickr