Light up your holiday!

I found a 28 pack of flameless tea lights at Costco for $14.00 and they last for 60 hours (the set comes with an additional set of batteries). I love this Costco deal and I love even more that I can finally put an idea from Martha into action. For Halloween and Christmas I thought it would be festive to make homemade luminaries out of paper bags with words that reflect the season. I love the holidays!

xoxo, C

image via martha.

This is Halloween.

Halloween is just around the corner, can you believe it? We know you'll be busy finding costumes, gathering goul-ish decor, putting out the candy... making this the "best" Halloween ever. Because we know you wouldn't want to miss any of our local events, we've put together a comprehensive list of "things to do & places to go" this Halloween season. Happy Haunting!

Anaheim:
* Halloween Time at Disneyland, September 26th - November 2nd.
* Mickey's Trick or Treat Party at California Adventure, October 3, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23 24, 28, 29, 30, & 31st.
* Anaheim Spooktacular Halloween Parade & Fall Festival, October 24th-26th
* The Haunted Cellar, October 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 & November 1st, Anaheim Garden Walk.
* The Terry Haunt
* The Haunting, October 31st, 6pm-?
Brea:
* Dark Realms Haunted Maze, October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 26 & November 1, 7pm-10pm
* Saw Live Action Haunted House, October 3-5, 10-12, 16-19, 23-26, 30-31, November 1 & 2
Buena Park:
* Knott's Camp Spooky Treasure Hunt, weekends in October.
* Knott's Halloween Haunt, "28 Terrifying Nights", select dates September 25th - November 1st
* 13th Annual Haunted Maze, October 27, 28, 29, & 31, 6pm-1opm
* Pagliacci's Circus, October 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 & November1, 7-10pm
Costa Mesa:
* Pumpkins & Pancakes at South Coast Plaza
* Halloween Spooktacular Concert Series, October 18th at 10 &11:30am, Orange County Performing Arts Center
Cypress:
* City of Cypress Halloween Carnival, October 31st 6-9pm.
Dana Point:
* Doheny State Beach Haunted Campground, October 25th, 6:30-8:30pm.
Fullerton:
* Fullerton Arboretum's 5th Annual Haunted Garden, October 24th & 25th, tours starting at 6:30pm
Huntington Beach:
* Trick or Treat on Main Street, October 31st, 5-8:30pm
Irvine:
* Boo Bash Family Halloween Carnival, October 28th, 3-6:30pm
* Boot Hill Haunted House, October 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 & November 1
* Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch, open daily 9am-6pm until October 31st.
La Habra:
* 2nd Annual Mini Monsters Bash, October 31st 10:30am-12:30pm, Children's Museum of La Habra.
Laguna Niguel:
* Haunted Trails, October 23, 24, & 25
Orange:
* Treats in the Streets, Old Towne Orange, October 30th
* Pumpkin Carving & Decorating at the Orange County Zoo, October 24th, 9am - 12pm
* Halloween at the Orange County Zoo, October 25th, 10am - 4pm
* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch, Irvine Regional Park
San Juan Capistrano:
* Zoomars Petting Zoo's Old Fashioned Family Pumpkin Patch, open daily 10am-5pm, beginning October 11
Santa Ana:
* BATS! at the Discovery Science Center
* Boo at the Santa Ana Zoo, October 18, 19, 24, 25, & 26
Seal Beach:
* Trick or Treating on Main Street, October 31, 10am-2pm, Seal Beach
Tustin:
* Tustin Haunt, evenings October 25, 26, 31 & November 1
* Halloween Howl, Columbus Tustin Activity Center, October 31st
Yorba Linda:
* Haunt Hotel & Graveyard, October 31, dusk-9pm

San Diego:
* Sea World's Halloween Spooktacular, weekends October 4th - November 2nd, & Halloween

xoxo, K

The Cure for what Ails you.

I've got a case of the sniffles... and there is no better cure than a big, hot, steamy bowl of chicken noodle soup. Sure, you could pour some chicken noodle soup out of a can & heat it up on the stove. But that doesn't even to compare to Grandma's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. The secret is in the homemade noodles. Yum! But don't worry, the noodles are super easy to make. So give it a try, I double you'll ever buy that "canned" stuff again. (Hopefully this wasn't supposed to be a "secret" family recipe...)

Grandma June's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken
Celery
Carrots
1 cup flour
1 egg
½ eggshell of heavy whipping cream

1. Boil chicken in water. When cooked, shred chicken and save water for stock. (I usually add canned chicken stock to the soup to enhance the flavor). (If you are being lazy or just need to make it super quick, you can also just shred up a rotissere chicken.)

2. Mix flour, egg and cream... with so much flour & very little liquid, it's best to use your hands to mix. After you've mixed it all up, roll the dough out flat and cut into strips to make noodles. (I LOVE the noodles, for me, they are the best part. So, I usually triple the noodles. As Jeff says, "it's best when it's dense with the noodles" and I most definitely agree!)

3. Add noodles, celery and carrots to boiling water (and additional chicken stock), and boil for one hour. *on a side note... because they are homemade noodles, they aren't going to taste, look or feel like your typical noodle. The thinner & flatter they are, & longer you cook them, they will get more "done". But they'll always be a bit doughy. Personally, I love them fat... they're best that way. Don't expect them to turn out like your typical "egg noodle", they'll be way better.

Enjoy!

xoxo, K
image via here.

Surf Against Breast Cancer

I came across THIS article yesterday, & just had to spread the word.
Straight from the Surf 4 Her Life website:

WHEN: Saturday, September 27, 2008 – 7AM to 3PM
WHERE: San Onofre State Park, between Dog Patch and Old Man’s
WHAT: He is going to spend eight NONSTOP hours surfing. He will not leave the water at all during that time. Volunteers will paddle out supplies of food and water, but he cannot leave the ocean. He will spend the ENTIRE time surfing. He will be easily spotted in the water wearing his wetsuit and pink t-shirt.
WHY: To support Dominique, his wife’s stepdaughter, who is dealing with her second bout of breast cancer. He is raising funds to help with extensive medical expenses not covered by insurance. She is a freelance writer/filmmaker and mother of two young children. She will be unable lift her camera equipment to work as she undergoes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, drugs, more surgery etc.
WHO: Batman of course, AKA Kerry Pedlow.
HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE? His goal is to receive pledges of $25.00 for each hour he spends surfing. If you cannot afford that much, whatever you can find in your heart to donate would be amazingly appreciated. Even if it’s a small amount, it will help Dominique and her kids through this tough time.

Donate HERE.

xoxo, K
image via here.

Breakfast Spots: Chronic Tacos

Making a good breakfast burrito is an art form and I am happy to share that Chronic Tacos has it down to a science. Their Gringo Burrito is the perfect combination of eggs, potatoes, and bacon. You can customize any burrito at Chronic Tacos because they have a made to order approach, so you can be as picky or as daring as you want at 10 in the morning. Their portions are beyond generous, so I can usually share one burrito with my two boys. We are lucky to have quite a few locations in the OC, so be sure to check out the yummy breakfast burritos at Chronic.

We would love to hear where your favorite breakfast spots are in the OC, so be sure to leave a comment.

xoxo, C
image via Chronic Tacos.

Aliso Viejo Founder's Day Fair

Saturday, September 27, 2008
12 noon to 6 pm
100 Park Ave., Aliso Viejo
(across for AV Middle School)
FREE admission, nominal fee for food and some activities.

Annual Founders Day Fair at the Aliso Viejo Ranch. Bring the family and join with neighbors, friends and community leaders for a day of good old fashioned fun, food and festivities. BMX bike show, live entertainment, kid's corral with pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, antique farm equipment, beer & wine saloon, lots of old fashioned games and relay races, rock climbing wall, panning for gold, wild west water balloon launch & great food.

For more information, go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via here.

Happy Birthday from Mickey Mouse!

Register now for a birthday present from Disneyland in 2009-Free Admission. You can find details here. Thanks Mickey!

xoxo, C
image via here.

Pregnancy Fashion: 20% off Isabella Oliver

I love Isabella Oliver and all they have to offer for maternity fashion, but their prices always seems a bit out of reach for my budget. Luckily they are offering 20% off until October 1st to celebrate their five year anniversary.

xoxo, C
image via Isabella Oliver.

Breakfast Spots: Haute Cakes

In a cute little shopping center in Newport you can find Haute Cakes Caffe. There is always a slight crowd waiting in line to order, but you have to expect that because the food is awesome. I love their cornmeal pancakes with blueberries and my boys love their pancake combo. There is something for everyone on the menu and great people watching in the sunny courtyard.

xoxo, C

image via Yelp

Pedro's Tacos

I was first introduced to Pedro's Tacos by my surfer husband. Nearly every Saturday morning he stops there on his way home from the beach, for a breakfast burrito. He raved about it enough, that one day I packed the kiddos up in the car, to see what all the fuss was about...

Pedro's is your basic taco stand... you can drive or walk up, & very minimal seating is offered. Although for a taco stand they've got a pretty extensive menu. Burritos (they even have a fried chicken burrito?!), tacos, combo plates, & breakfast burritos. They even have an "Atkins Diet Cup" featuring steak, salsa & guac. My personal favorites on the menu? Their famous fish tacos (or as my hubby calls them, Van de Kamp fish tacos), the cheese quesadilla & a horchata. yum!

Next time you're in San Clemente, be sure to stop by Pedro's.

Pedro's Tacos
2314 S. El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949)498-5904

and

550 N. El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949)498-5908

& if you're ever near Fallbrook, they have a location THERE too.

xoxo, K
image via flickr.

Zesty Crockpot Chicken

4 boneless, thawed chicken breasts
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 pkg Good Seasons Zesty Italian salad dressing mix
1 c. water
1 tsp. parsley
1 pkg cream cheese

Place chicken in crock pot. Blend soup, salad dresssing mix, water and parsley, add to crock pot. Cook on low for 6to8 hours. 1 hour before serving, add the package of cream cheese. Serve over rice or noodles.

This meal is perfect for those days when you just don't have time to make dinner.... that's why I'm making it for tonight!

xoxo, K
image via here.

Shhhh! It's one of my favorite Disney secrets...

But right now, (from about mid September until mid October) is my absolute favorite time at Disneyland. I don't know why... maybe it's because school has just started, so not as many people are vacationing. Or, maybe it's because they are all holding out, waiting for the "holidays" to roll into to Disneyland. Perhaps it's simply because the parks tend to close a little earlier this time of year. To be honest, I don't really care what the reason is... I just know I love this time of year at Disneyland because the crowds tend to smaller, lines are shorter, & Disneyland seems to feel like my own personal playground. So although, I'll probably kick my self for sharing this tiny bit of information... right now is really the best time to visit the "Happiest place on Earth."

xoxo, K
image via here.

Breakfast Spots: Break of Dawn

Break of Dawn in Laguna Hills is one of my favorite breakfast places and it has received great reviews. The decor is bright and cheery and their menu provides a little exotic flair to the basic eggs and pancakes. They have everything from pecan waffles to Portuguese sausage and rice. Even their kids menu manages to serve up a little spunk by adding Nutella and peanut butter to a stack of fluffy pancakes. I always make sure to save a little room for their hot chocolate, it is a divine mixture of cinnamon and chocolate. One thing that might make make the Break of Dawn a special breakfast spot is the fact that the Owner/Chef, Dee Nguyen used to be an executive sous chef at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel.

xoxo, C

image via flickr

Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a Pirate's Life for Me.

at least for today, that is, because it's national talk like a pirate day! so break out your eye patch, maybe add a little swagger to your step & incorporate a few of these words into your vocabulary. (if you are more of a visual learner, check out THIS video).

ahoy! - "hello!"
avast! - stop & give attention. it can be used in a sense of surprise, "whoa! get a load of that!" which today makes it more of a "check it out" or "no way!" or "get off!"
aye! - "why yes, i agree most with everything you just said or did."
aye aye! - "i'll get right on that sir, as soon as my break is over."
arrr! - can mean, variously, "yes," "i agree," "i'm happy,"that was a clever remark you or I just made." & those are just a few of the myriad possibilities of arrr!

need a little more help? maybe you want some more advanced lingo? pirate pick up lines? pirate games? whatever it is your little heart desires you can probably find it HERE.

xoxo, K

This Weekend: What To Do

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out some of these events:

Friday, September 19th:
* Tot Walk, 9am-10am. Explore Laguna Canyon with your little ones. Meet at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area. (Reservations required: 949-923-2235, parking: $3). More information HERE.
* 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.
Saturday, September 20th:
* Coastal Cleanup Day, 9am-12pm. Join the worldwide event. Supplies provided. Meet at the Warner Parking lot of Sunset Beach. More information HERE.
* The Knack kids crafts at your local Michaels, 10 am.
* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch opens. For more information: (714)997-3968, or go HERE.
* 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
Sunday, September 21st:
* Sunday Morning Nature Walk, 8:30am-9:30am. Join Park Rangers for an easy 1-mile nature hike through Caspers Wilderness Park in San Juan Capistrano. For more information go HERE.
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch opens. For more information: (714)997-3968, or go HERE.
* 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.

xoxo, K

Is your market "Fresh & Easy"?

So have you checked out your local Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market yet? With 81 stores located in California, Arizona & Nevada, and more opening nearly every day, there's bound to be one close by. (For your nearest market location, go HERE.)

Not quite sure what the "Fresh & Easy" markets are all about? Well here's the 411, in their own words: "Smaller than the usual supermarket, our neighborhood sized stores are easily accessible and offer everything from everyday staples to gourmet items. Lots of fresh and wholesome food choices, including prepared meals and organic foods, make healthy eating easy and affordable. In particular, our own fresh&easy™ line of products has no added trans fats and no artificial colors or flavors. And with our in store Kitchen Table you can taste our products before you buy them. The simple packaging and labels on our private brand helps you see exactly what you're bringing home – great food you can trust."

Basically, it's the place where you can pick up fruits & veggies that are (more often than not) grown locally, purchase organic (as well as delicious) prepared meals, & grab a bag or two of Doritos. Kind of like a Trader Joe's with a few other necessary items (like Lunchables & Coke).

& the highlight of every shopping trip for my boys? That they can help scan all of our purchases... although, I love that someone else is still there to bag them all up for me.

Hope you love Fresh & Easy as much as I do.

xoxo, K
image via Fresh & Easy.

The Ramos House Cafe

Recently while wandering through historic San Juan Capistrano we came across The Ramos House Cafe. I love the idea behind the restaurant "Like the old days, its owner lives and works at the house. The wines are kept in the cellar, the herbs are grown in the garden and the ice cream is turned out back. The menu changes daily and everything is made from scratch." Just thinking about the menu is making my mouth water, I can't wait to visit again... although, their hours are a little bit different, so be sure to plan accordingly. (They are open Tuesday - Sunday, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Breakfast & Lunch are served all day Tuesday - Friday, Saturday & Sunday the Cafe serves Brunch all day.)

The Ramos House Cafe
31752 Los Rios Street
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949)443-1342

xoxo, K
image via the ramos house cafe.

Mom Gadgets: Tom

Dear Tom:

I appreciate the fact that you are always there when I need you and that you can always lend direction to a friend in need. I remember when there was an emergency and you were quick to find the closest hospital. One of my favorite weekends with you was when we went to Savannah, Georgia and you quickly pointed out all the local shopping and restaurants. But my favorite quality is that you can always lead me home. Thanks Tom!

xoxo, C

Please note that Tom refers to my Tomtom, a GPS navigation device.

Here are some great reviews on other GPS systems

image via Tomtom.

Mom Gadgets: The Curve

This week I thought it would be fun to highlight the gadgets in my life that make my day to day easier. Back to school came like a whirlwind and on the top of my list of modern lifesavers is my new Blackberry Curve. I am no tech expert, but I do not that this phone has changed my life for the better (I have heard the same raves about the iPhone, but I did not love the touch screen). The calendar, email, and internet functions are so easy to use on the Curve. PC Magazine declared that this phone was a great combination of a full keyboard and fun applications, I like the fact that the curve comes in pink.

xoxo, C

image via flickr

Hullabaloo Performance

Hullabaloo, "the farm-fresh, free-range, organic kid-folk in a genre filled with musical Twinkies & Ding-Dongs" musical group is putting on a FREE concert (brought to you by the kind folk at Stroller Strides), Saturday September 13th at Calle Altea Park in Talega. Be sure to check out some the band's videos HERE.

What: FREE Hullabaloo performance
When: Saturday, September 13th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Where: Calle Altea Park, Talega

xoxo, K
image via Hullabaloo.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

They might not look like much, but to my family & I, these cookies symbolize the arrival of Fall. I usually make them on the first chilly day in September... this morning definitely fit the bill.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
1 spice cake mix
1 small (15 oz.) can of canned pumpkin
1 cup chocolate chips (or white chocolate chips are good too)

Mix ingredients together & drop by the spoonful onto a greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 16-18 minutes.

How easy is that? No eggs, no oil, no measuring cups! Plus they taste good! Since all the ingredients can be stored in the cupboard, you can always have it on hand, you know... in case company just happens to "drop by". Or, even better... share them with your friends & nieghbors. Wrap the ingredients up in a cute brown bag, tie the recipe on with a raffia bow & viola! Instant gift! How simple is that?!

xoxo, K

image via flickr.

SoCal Independent Film Festival

Right now, in Huntington Beach, the SoCal Independent Film Festival is going on. Recently named as one of "MovieMaker Magazine's 20 Festival worth the entry fee, the SoCal has six days of official selections & award winning movies & screenplays; industry speakers; professional workshops; Q&As with directors & actors; special guest; a professional panel of jury members & screeners; volunteer opportunites; and scores of film watching attendees..."

To view the movie schedule go HERE.
To view the event schedule go HERE.
To buy tickets go HERE.

What: SoCal Independent Film Festival
When: September 9-14, 2008
Where: The Huntington Beach Central Library Theater, 7111 Talbert Ave.

xoxo, K
image via SoCal Independent Film Festival.

Orange County College Admission Consulting

Applying to college can be overwhelming . We offer comprehensive college admission consulting services to Orange County residents that change the college application process from a stressful situation to a rewarding experience. Students who worked with College Materials this year have already been accepted to Stanford, Georgetown, and Columbia. College Materials provides the knowledge and guidance necessary to make students competitive applicants.Our goal is to work with students to make sure that they are prepared to apply successfully to colleges that meet their social and academic expectations. All students work directly with Coleen Bryan, a seasoned Independent College Admission Counselor from southern Orange County to ensure quality of service.

Services we offer:

* Application Assistance

* Developing an academic plan for competitive colleges

* College Essay Help (How to write a memorable essay)

* Challenging course selection and productive activity identification

* Constructing an impressive co-curricular resume

* Interview Coaching

* Identifying community service opportunities in the local area

* Early College Planning

College Materials Serves The Following Areas:

Aliso Viejo, Coto de Caza, Corona del Mar, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, Foothill Ranch, Irvine, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Monarch Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, Talega, Trabuco Canyon

Become a fan on facebook to get the latest college admissions news!

Boost Mobile Pro at Lower Trestles

Grab the family, pack up the car & head down to Lower Trestles to check out some of the world's best surfers in action. Not sure what it's all about? Straight from the Boost Mobile Pro website, here's the who, what, where, & why...

WHO: The world's top surfers compete for a shot at the ASP World Tour event held on the US Mainland at Lower Trestles, CA.

WHAT: The Boost Mobile Pro of Surf presented by Hurley, the seventh of eleven stops on the ASP World Tour and the only tour event held on the US Mainland, will take place at Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California, from September 7-13, 2008.

WHEN: September 7 - 13, 2008. Hours of competition are from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. *NOTE: The competition schedule is determined based on weather conditions. Log on to boostmobilepro.com at 7:30 am each day for event status and updates.

WHERE: Driving both North or South on the Interstate 5, exit Basilone Road, turn West at top of exit ramp, keep right and come off slip road (only 100 yards from SB exit ramp). You will see the Event Welcome Arch, as you enter the State Park, reduce speed to 10 mph.

PARKING: Additionally, all press and spectators can park on the east frontage road to the I5 and shuttles will be provided from the Carls Jr. restaurant, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn hotels.

WEBSITE: Live webcast right HERE from Sept 7 - 13!

TV: The Boost Mobile Pro debuts as an hour-long show on FUEL TV's Surfspot on October 23 at 8pm EST.

xoxo, K
image via Boost Mobile Pro.

Back to School

My little guy just started pre-school, so I am still full swing in the "Back-to-School" mode. I love THIS Back-to-School planner over at Parents.com. It covers all the bases... calming first day jitters & getting kids excited for preschool, a countdown to to school - what to do when, tips on how to fight the homework battle, lunch & snack ideas, and so much more! Check out the back-to-school planner HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Parents.com

Pooka Children's Clothing

I'm loving the new-to-me kid's clothing company Pooka. First of all they are a local Orange County company, & you know, I always love that! Besides that, they create "stylish & unique quality clothing that's good for people and the planet we call home." Pooka promises that their clothes are:
* 100% Organic Cotton
* Made in the USA - Sweatshop Free
* Low-impact dyed
* Phthalate & PVC-free screen-printed
* Tagless, Durable & Washing Machine Friendly
* A portion of each sale is donated to charity

But you want to know what I really love about Pooka? That two of the founders/ designers are kids! Yep, you read that right. Pooka Children's Clothing was started (& is primarily designed by) Marien a second grader, her brother Bailey (who is in the 4th grade) & their mom Andrea. I can't wait to pick up a t-shirt (or two) for my little guys!

xoxo, K
images via pooka.

Happy Birthday, Banana Republic!

Here's to another 30 and more great promotions!

xoxo, C

image via BR.

Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

The 7th annual Festival of Children will happening throughout the month of September at South Coast Plaza. Dozens of children's charities will be on hand to showcase the work they are doing for children within the community. Celebrity appearances, activities, workshops, crafts, musical and cultural performances, and lots & lots of fun for kids of all ages. For the schedule of month-long events, go HERE.

The Festival of Children's Foundation is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children by strengthening the charities that serve them. In an effort to provide every child access to the arts, education, the environment, health care & social services the Festival of Children's Foundation offers resources, support & direct grants to more than 300 children's charities and youth organizations. The foundation also organizes several program, such as the Festival of Children, that directly benefit children, families & the community.

What: Festival of Children
When: The entire month of September, see the schedule of events HERE.
Where: South Coast Plaza

xoxo, K
image via Festival of Children's Foundation.

Back to School: Healthy Lunches

With school back in session I am trying to create healthy and creative lunches for my kids. Sara Moulton shared some great ideas on GMA. I think the Sesame Noodles looks great and you could use that recipe for dinner. The turkey roll-ups are also fun and nutritious and will probably be in lunch bags on Monday.

xoxo, C
image via GMA.

Dana Point Tall Ships Festival

Today, Friday September 5th, 2008, marks the beginning of the 24th annual Tall Ships Festival in Dana Point. This evening, eight tall ships will parade into Dana Point (from 5-7pm). The remainder of the weekend will be filled two full days of ships, activities, music,food, Polynesian dancers, cannon battles & even pirates. For a schedule of the weekend's events & activities, go HERE. Some activities & tours require tickets, for pricing & to purchase passes go HERE.

Definitely fun for the whole family. I know my boys will love the cannon battles & pirate storytelling, & my hubby will get a kick out of touring all the different ships.

What: Dana Point Tall Ships Festival
When: Friday, September 5th - Sunday, September 7th
Where: Dana Point Harbor

xoxo, K
image via the tall ships festival.

Rainforest Cafe

Rainforest Cafe is one of those places that I'm always forgetting about. We've probably been there a dozen times, & every time I go I think to myself, "I've really got to remember this place." It's not that the food is excellent (although it's really not that bad, and their menu is HUGE, so there really is something for everyone), but what always amazes me, whenever we dine at the Rainforest Cafe, is how much fun our family has. Seriously, where else can you eat inside a rainforest? My kids get a kick out of all the sights & sounds that surround us at the Rainforest Cafe... a life-sized gorilla pounding on his chest, a trumpeting elephant, exotic birds singing, cool mists floating through the air, while thunder rolls in the distance & a huge aquarium full of tropical fish - all of which keeps my little ones thoroughly entertained for the entire meal.

Oh! & I nearly forgot... the best night to check out the Rainforest Cafe? Wednesday nights after 5pm. Why? Because that's the night that kids eat for just $1.99 (South Coast Plaza & Ontario Mills locations only), with the purchase of an adult entree.

Want to find the nearest Rainforest Cafe? Go HERE, & click on the little birdie "RIC". Here in Southern California there are three locations, although remember that $1.99 kids meal deal is only available at South Coast Plaza & Ontario Mills:

Anaheim, CA: Downtown Disney District, (714)772-0413
Costa Mesa, CA: South Coast Plaza, (714)424-9200
Ontario, CA: Ontario Mills (909)941-7979

xoxo, K
image via Rainforest Cafe.

Story time at Barnes & Noble

I love to read, always have... although these days, I definitely don't get the chance to read as often as I would like. But, I make sure to read lots of book so my kids. I don't know why, but there is just something magical about having a story read out loud. That's why I love searching out story times, to take my kids. Recently I was reminded of the fact that Barnes & Noble locations often host story times. Find the nearest Barnes & Noble story time location, go HERE. But don't just limit yourself to your local store, be sure to check around at several.... some locations offer story time during the morning, others have it during the evening, I've even come across a few that host a "pajama-rama" story time. Be sure to check out the "other" Barnes & Noble events.... they also do games & musical performances, just to name a few.

xoxo, K

image is Sir Walter Firle's The Fairy Tale