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Friday, November 28, 2008

Irvine Park Railroad's Christmas Train

Santa Claus is coming to town... or at least to the Irvine Park Railroad. As their website suggests "Come with family and friends and take this enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train will depart from the brightly-lit Train Station and drop passengers off at Santa’s Village." While waiting for the train you & your children can enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, a bounce house or picture coloring. Once you reach Santa's Village children can share their wish list with Santa & have their pictures taken as well. You can also enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, freshly-popped popcorn & cookies at Santa's Village.

The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train will operate on November 28th, 29th, 30th, & December 5th, 6th, 7th, & 11th - 23rd, from 5-8pm. The cost is $8 per person, children 24 months & younger are FREE. (Parking at Irvine Regional Park is free after 5pm).

For more information, go HERE.

xoxo, K

image via Irvine Park Railroad.

December 2008 Calendar

December 1st:
* Letters to Santa: write & receive a letter from Santa. More information HERE.
December 2nd:
* Garden Grove Tree Lighting Celebration at the Village Green/ Clock Tower. For more information call (714)741-5200.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
* Letters to Santa: write & receive a letter from Santa. More information HERE.
December 3rd:
* City of La Palma Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5:30 pm at the Central Park Amphitheater.

* Letters to Santa: write & receive a letter from Santa. More information HERE.

December 4th:
*City of Brea Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Brea Civic & Cultural Center. Admission is FREE. For more information call (714)990-7771
* City of Cypress Holiday Sing, 6pm, on the Civic Center Green
* Letters to Santa: write & receive a letter from Santa. More information HERE.
December 5th:
* Friday Afternoon at the Movies: Free Movie, popcorn & drinks at the Michael E. Rogers Seniors' Center in HB.
* Placentia Winter Holiday Celebration, 6:30pm, Placentia Civic Center: holiday music, caroling, refreshments, Christmas tree lighting.
* City of Tustin Christmas Tree Lighting, City Hall, 6pm
* Buena Park Youth Theater presents "High School Musical", at the Buena Park High School Performing Arts Complex.
* Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, 7:30 pm
* Letters to Santa: write & receive a letter from Santa. More information HERE.
December 6th:
* Kids Workshop, a FREE kid-friendly "How-To Clinic", at your local Home Depot, 9am & 12pm. This month's project is an art easel.
* City of Laguna Hills breakfast with Santa, 9-10:30am at the Laguna Hills Community Center.
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
* City of Buena Park 38th Annual Candy Caneland & Craft Faire: 10am-4pm, Ehlers Community Center.
* Downtown Fullerton's Annual Winter Festival, noon-6pm: bounce houses, face painting, craft & food booths, caroling, tree light ceremony at 5 pm.
* Newport Beach's 20th Annual Winter Wonderland, 10:30am-1pm, Bonita Creek Park: sledding, snowman building, holiday crafts & more.
* Holly Jolly Hoopla!, 1-5:30pm, San Clemente Community Center: live penguins & reindeer, sled rides, decorating cookies, Santa visits & story telling. For more information call (949)361-8264.
* San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting Ceremony, 4:30-9pm, Historic Town Center Park. For more information call (949)493-5911.
* Christmas at the Casa, 5:30-9pm: tree lighting ceremony, story telling with Santa, caroling. $5/ adult, children 12 and under $2. For more information call (949)498-2139.
* Buena Park Youth Theater presents "High School Musical", at the Buena Park High School Performing Arts Complex.
* Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: 12-7:30pm at the Holiday Village, Center Street Promenade and Lemon in Anaheim.
* Laguna Niguel's "Santa's Holiday Dreams" Show, 10:30am at Crown Valley Park. $7 per child (2-12 yrs.) & $3/adult.
* City of Fountain Valley's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
* Anaheim Ballet's production of the Nutcracker: 3pm at Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton. Tickets are $20-40. Buy tickets HERE.
* Anaheim Ballet's production of the Nutcracker: 8pm at Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton. Tickets are $20-40. Buy tickets HERE.
* Boat Rides with Santa, Dana Point Harbor, 10am - 2pm
* Letters to Santa: write & receive a letter from Santa. More information HERE.
December 7th:
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
* Dana Point's Christmas Home Tour: 11am-5pm. For more information call (949)291-8404.
* Buena Park Youth Theater presents "High School Musical", at the Buena Park High School Performing Arts Complex.
* Laguna Niguel Christmas Tree Lighting at Crown Vally Community Park.

* Boat Rides with Santa, Dana Point Harbor, 10am - 2pm
* Huntington Beach Pier Lighting & Holiday Parade, 1pm-7pm
* Letters to Santa: write & receive a letter from Santa. More information HERE.
December 8th:
* Letters to Santa: write & receive a letter from Santa. More information HERE.
December 9th:
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
December 12th:
* Friday Afternoon at the Movies: Free Movie, popcorn & drinks at the Michael E. Rogers Seniors' Center in HB.
* 15th Annual Orange Empire Barbershop Chorus Holiday Cabaret Dinner & Show: 7pm at the Fullerton Senior Multi-Service Center. For more information & tickets call: (714)993-9347.
* Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, 7:30pm
December 13th:
* Seal Beach Breakfast with Santa, 8-10:30am Marina Community Center

* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
* Dana Point's Winter Festival at La Plaza Park. For more information call (949)248-3530.
* City of Costa Mesa's Snow Hill: sledding, face painting, cookie decorating... 9am-12pm, Balearic Community Center. For more information call (714)54-5300.
* Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade, Crown Valley Parkway 10 am.
* City of Laguna Hills Holiday Hay Ride
* 15th Annual Orange Empire Barbershop Chorus Holiday Cabaret Dinner & Show: 7pm at the Fullerton Senior Multi-Service Center. For more information & tickets call: (714)993-9347.
* Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding Holiday Horse Show, for information call (949)240-8441
December 14th:
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
* Buena Park Community Chorus Annual Holiday Concert: 3pm at the Ehlers Community Center.
December 16th:
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
December 17th:
* Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, 6:30pm
December 18th:
* Ballooney Holiday Show at the Yorba Linda Library, 6:30 pm. For more inforamtion call (714)777-2873, ext 7

* Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, 6:30pm
December 19th:
* Friday Afternoon at the Movies: Free Movie, popcorn & drinks at the Michael E. Rogers Seniors' Center in HB.
* Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, 6:30pm
December 20th:
* Art StationNewport Beach Christmas Boat Parade at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
* Christmas at the OC Zoo, 10am-3pm, Orange County Zoo. For more information call (714)973-6847
* Train Rides at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park: enjoy a ride aboard the Orange County Model Engineers miniature train & travel over 3 miles of track. For more information call (949)548-7246.
* Solstice Night Hike, 6-8pm

* Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, 6:30pm
December 21st:
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
* Train Rides at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park: enjoy a ride aboard the Orange County Model Engineers miniature train & travel over 3 miles of track. For more information call (949)548-7246.
* Fashion Island Menorah Lighting Ceremony, 3pm. For more information call (949)721-9800

* Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, 6:30pm
December 23rd:
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
December 26th:
* Friday Afternoon at the Movies: Free Movie, popcorn & drinks at the Michael E. Rogers Seniors' Center in HB.
December 27th:
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
December 28th:
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
December 30th:
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB



Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Thanksgiving: Takeout Style


image via flickr

Sometimes with all the chaos that comes with life making a Thanksgiving dinner seems impossible, so thank goodness there are great places to get the perfect Thanksgiving meal to-go in Orange County.

Claim Jumper
has a great spread everything from the Turkey to dessert complete with directions on how to prepare each item.

Boston Market
offers a traditional meal for only $11.99 and you can order everything online.

Creative Cuisine
provides a tasty menu that includes a Waldorf Salad.

Clay Oven
will provide a turkey infused with wonderful spices and cooked tandoori style, your turkey will also be accompanied with a cranberry chutney.

118 degrees
provides a delicious vegeterian Thanksgiving to dinner to bring home to your loved ones.

Whole Foods
, Gelsons, Bristol Farms, and Trader Joe's are also great resources to put together a quick Thanksgiving Meal to go.

Happy Dining!

xoxo, C

The Perfect Thanksgiving Ending: Dessert

So... Thanksgiving is this week. Are you ready? Already we've given you possible ideas for appetizers, soups, salads, sides as well as the turkey. All that's left to discuss is the dessert. I'm sure pumpkin pie will be on your menu, but what else? Here are some ideas just to get you going...



& here's a recipe for a new family favorite. (Don't be fooled by the name, it's delicious!)


Pumpkin Dump Cake
1 can (30-ounces) pure pumpkin
3 cups evaporated milk (about 2 cans)
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1 yellow cake mix (rumor has it that it's tasty with a white cake mix too)
1 cup chopped pecans
4 eggs, well beaten
1 & 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cloves
2 sticks of butter, melted


Mix pumpkin, evaporated milk, cinnamon, ginger, eggs, sugar, salt & cloves together well. Pour into a well-greased 9x13 pan. sprinkle with cake mix & drizzle with melted butter (try to cover all of the cake mix with butter), then sprinkle with the pecans. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.in my personal opinion (which i know doesn't really count for much), i think it tastes best when it's well-cooled, & topped with cool whip or vanilla bean ice cream (those little black specks are the best!).


xoxo, K

Monday, November 24, 2008

What to Wear on Thanksgiving

A few items to inspire you just in time for your Thanksgiving:







Friday, November 21, 2008

Fire Relief: How You Can Help

The flames may have died down, but that doesn't mean that the tragedy is over. For those that lost their homes & possessions, the real work is about to begin. If you're interested in helping, there are lots of opportunities... clothes, food, money & your time are definitely needed. For more information on how you can help, go HERE.

xoxo, K

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Holidays at Disneyland

The holidays are coming to Disneyland, & I'm so excited, it's my favorite time of year there.... it's definitely magical! The entire park is decorated with ornaments, lights, glistening snow & sparkling icicles. (Be sure to pay special attention to Sleeping Beauty's Castle, I love how the snow "gathers on it" throughout the day! & as always, the Haunted Mansion & It's a Small World are always incredible.) Besides all the decorations, there is also a special Christmas Parade & Fireworks show, as well as lots of other holidays-inspired activities. Try not to miss all the fun.... Disneyland will be celebrating the holidays from November 21, 2008 - January 4, 2009.

xoxo, K

image via Disney.

Oreo Cookie Turkeys

These yummy turkeys make a quick and easy Thanksgiving-inspired project for your little ones. Crafting with Oreo cookies, malted milk balls & candy corn? What could be better? As one of the comments said, "Even failure would result in eating a few Oreos. You can't beat that!" Find instructions HERE.

xoxo, K

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Giving Back in the OC




I have been running around town trying to prepare for next week's celebration, but I thought that it would be nice to give something back this holiday season. The boys and I will probably put some dinners together to donate to one of the local non-profits in the OC. The OC register has a great list of places where you can volunteer, donate, or find a free Thankgiving dinner.

image via flickr

xoxo, C

Mama Apple


Mama Apple has some great options for maternity dresses and they launched the line just in time for all the holiday parties.  

xoxo, C

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Cooking up a Thanksgiving Turkey

So we've covered appetizers, as well as soups, salads & sides. So it's time to move onto the main event.... the turkey. Although, I have a confession. Turkeys scare me. Not actual turkeys (like the bird), nor the thought of eating one (because they're yummy), but the thought of cooking one kind of freaks me out... you have to make sure it defrosted, you have to remember to remove the gizzards & whatever else may be hidden up inside the bird & they take forever to cook. It sounds like a lot of work.

Rather than conquering my fears & actually "cooking" a turkey, I learned to use a crock pot. Which was great, because as with most crock pot meals I just have to dump the ingredients in, let it cook all day & come dinner time we have a tasty turkey. No defrosting or gizzard grabbing required. So if you interested in taking the "easy" way out, here's one of my favorite turkey recipes.

Creamy Mushroom Turkey
Ingredients:
1 smaller (it's gotta fit in your crock pot) boneless turkey or turkey breast, frozen or defrosted
2 cans (10.5 oz) creams of mushroom soup, condensed
1 can (4 oz) mushroom pieces, drained
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1 cup sour cream

Directions:
Place turkey in a greased slow cooker. In a bowl, mix remaining ingredients, except sour cream, & spoon over turkey. cover & cook on low heat for 8-10 hours. An hour before serving, break turkey into large chunks with two forks (another bonus, no craving required). Stir in sour cream. Cover & cook for remaining hour.
Link
If you are looking for a turkey that's a bit more "hands on", try one of these recipes:
Gabi's Brined Turkey & Sausage Stuffing
BBQed Turkey
Martha's Perfect Roast Turkey
Ojai Roast Turkey with Rosemary, Lemon & Garlic
Paula Deen's Roasted Turkey with Maple Cranberry Glaze
Homestyle Turkey
Butterball's Brined Brown Sugar Deep Fried Turkey

Bring on the turkeys, baby!

xoxo, K
image via norman rockwell.

Monday, November 17, 2008

On the Border's Chips & Salsa

I'm a chips & salsa kinda girl. There's just something about it that I love. I seriously could eat it all day, every day. & while there are plenty of yummy places to get chips & salsa, one of my personal favorites is On the Border. Did you know that you can get On the Border chips & salsa for takeout? Yep! A decent size bag is about $3. It's one of my favorite treats. Whenever I'm in the mood for a little "pick me up" I swing on over to my local On the Border for a quick order. So next time your in an chips & salsa kind of mood, remember to try On the Border, you'll be thanking me later. Do you think they are open yet? All this thinking about chips & salsa has got me hungry.

xoxo, K

A Gratitude Jar

I spotted this jar on Oh Dee Doh from Inchmark a while ago, but forgot to mention it last month.  As Thanksgiving approaches I think this concept would be great if you turned it into a gratitude jar.  All you need is a jar and to instruct everyone to contribute by writing down on a piece of paper something that they are grateful for in their day to day (little ones could just draw pictures).    You could put the jar out all year, for the rest of the month of November, or even just the day of Thanksgiving for guests and family.   During Thanksgiving dinner read all the slips of paper by taking turns around the table and you will be sure to bring the spirit of gratitude to your holiday. 

xoxo, C 

Friday, November 14, 2008

Train Rides at Fairview Park

On the third weekend of every month, the Orange County Model Engineers offer FREE public rides on Saturday & Sunday from 10am-3:30pm. & luckily for all of us, THIS weekend is the 3rd weekend of November. So head on over to Costa Mesa's Fairview Park (located at Placentia Avenue & Estancia North). You & your kids will love riding, you'll probably want to take a second trip... a typical ride takes about 12 minutes and covers two loops of the park. For more information go HERE.

FREE Train Rides, the THIRD weekend of every month
Saturday & Sunday from 10am-3:30pm
Fairview Park
2525 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa

xoxo, K
image via Orange County Model Engineers

FREE Snapfish Photo Book

Okay, for this offer you are going to act fast... & I mean really, really, fast! For a very limited time, Snapfish.com is offering The Oprah Winfrey Show viewers (I watch occasionally, so that totally makes me a "viewer"!) a free 8"x11" custom-cover photo book.

So what's the catch? The "coupon dispersal ends at 11:59 p.m. PST Friday, November 14, 2008. Free photo book must be redeemed by 11:59 p.m. PST Sunday, November 16, 2008. Offer does not include customary shipping and handling changes or additional pages."

Want to pick up your free book? Just go HERE. But you have to sign up by 11:59 PST, TONIGHT, Friday, November 14, 2008. & you must create your book by the same time THIS Sunday, November 16, 2008. (I told you, you would have to act fast! But just think, you could cross one gift off your list.... I'm thinking grandparents!)

Hurry now! You don't want to miss out. & special thanks to our reader Christine for the heads up!

xoxo, K

Thursday, November 13, 2008

The Great Southern California Shake Out

Don't forget... today's the big day! The Great Southern California Shake Out is happening TODAY at 10 am. From their website: "Join millions of people throughout Southern California in the Shake Out Drill, the largest earthquake preparedness activity in US history!" For more information, go HERE.

xoxo, K

Thanksgiving Shopping List at Trader Joes











As I have mentioned before Trader Joe's is my favorite grocery store and they manage to save some great goodies just for the holidays. This is what I try to pick up for Thanksgiving from TJ's:

Cranberry Orange Relish
Pumpkin Butter
Pomegranate Cider
Pumpkin Bread Mix
Pumpkin Pie
Spiral Cut Ham
Turkey Gravy (just in case I do something wrong the day of)
Fried Onions Pieces
Corn Bread Dressing
Cranberry Nut Clusters Popcorn (makes a great hostess gift for the holidays)
Peppermint Joe-Joe's (they always run out by Christmas)

What are your holiday favorites from TJ'S?

xoxo, C




Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Thanksgiving Soups, Salads & Sides

So last week we gave you a list of starters for your Thanksgiving meal. This week were moving on to (what I personally think is) the most delicious part of the meal. Everyone's going to be eating turkey... so what really is going to set your meal apart from all the others are the soups, salads & sides. So here you go, here are some ideas to get you started.

Orange You Glad it's Thanksgiving Soup
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
Pumpkin Soup

Spinach Salad with Creamy Apply Poppy Seed Dressing
Mixed Greens Salad with Strawberries and Avocados
Spinach Salad with Avocado and Orange
Jello Pretzel Salad

Lion House Dinner Rolls
Brown Sugar-Glazed Carrots Recipe
Green Bean Casserole
Corn Bread Stuffing
Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
Creamed Corn
Cornbread Sausage Stuffing
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Butternut Squash with Brown Butter

Hope you find something that sounds tasty!

xoxo, K
image via here.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

An Easy Thanksgiving Menu for a Crowd












Whenever I have to cook for a crowd I turn to Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa. She always has great ideas that are delicious without being overwhelming to make. I was looking on Oprah's website and spotted a great menu for a crowd by Ina for Thanksgiving:

Hors d'Oeuvre
Smoked Salmon Spread
Entrée
Baked Country Ham
Sides
Cranberry Fruit Conserve
Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Apples
Zucchini with Parmesan
Sagaponack Corn Pudding
Desserts
Raspberry Cheesecake
Pear and Cherry Crisp

Thanks, Ina!

xoxo, C

Monday, November 10, 2008

Disneyland's Baby Centers

I've taken both of my kids to Disneyland for the first time, when they were about 3 weeks old. So I know lots of tips & tricks for doing the "magic kingdom" with little ones in tow. & although most of the bathrooms at Disneyland (both male & female) have baby changing tables, Disneyland provides a special "haven" just for parents of little ones.... the Disneyland Baby Center. In the Disneyland Park, the Baby Center is located at the end of Main Street, USA, near the Plaza Inn. In the California Adventure Park, the Baby Center is found next to the Mission Tortilla Factory in the Pacific Wharf.

What's so great about these Baby Centers you ask? Well, it's the one place in the Disney Parks completely dedicated to parents & their "littlest" ones. Inside the doors of the Baby Center you will find a very nice, very clean & very comfortable changing room.... padded, spacious changing tables, a sink for hand washing, & miniature-sized potties, perfect for your newly potty trained toddler. You'll also find an area with highchairs & kitchen facilities for warming food & bottles. Breastfeeding moms will love the quiet of the breastfeeding area, where you can relax as you comfortably rock & feed your baby in the private (no men or other young children allowed) & distraction free area. & if you've found you've run out, or left something at home, you can purchase diapers, pull-ups, wipes, pacifiers, powder, formula, baby food & several other "necessities" at the Baby Center.

So next time you find yourself at the "magic kingdom" & you find your little ones in need of a diaper change or feeding, you might want to check out the Baby Center.

xoxo, K
image via flickr.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Thanksgiving Finger Puppets


These adorable finger puppets featured on Martha are a festive addition to any table and will help keep the kids entertained during dinner.

xoxo, C

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Thanksgiving Appetizers

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays... friends, family & an excuse to eat lots of food! With turkey day just a few weeks away, it's never too early to start planning your Thanksgiving menu. There are lots of tasty-looking recipes out there, & in the next few weeks I'm sure will see plenty more... but here are a few of the appetizers that are definitely on my "potentials" list.

Sweet Pumpkin Dip

Brown Sugar Smokies
Sugar Coated Pecans
Pumpkin Butter Cream Cheese Puffs
Super Stuffed Mushrooms
Sugared Almonds & Pine Nuts
Flashback: 1981 Holiday Bacon Appetizers
Parmesan Puff Pastry
Tom the Turkey Vegetable Tray

xoxo, K
image via HERE.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Holiday on Ice at the Spectrum

Looking for something a little different to do? Why not head on over to the Irvine Spectrum for a little shopping, food & ice skating? Yep, you read that right. Right now, the Irvine Spectrum has an outdoor ice skating rink located in their Giant Wheel Court... perfect for a little holiday fun! For details regarding hours & pricing go HERE. To buy your tickets online go HERE.

Holiday on Ice at the Irvine Spectrum
November 1st, 2008- January 19th, 2009

xoxo, K

Centerpieces that make a Statement


Thanks Domino for all the inspiring centerpieces.

xoxo, C

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Celebrate the Vote!


Have you voted? If you have been an active participant in our democracy today, here are some of the free treats that we spotted just for you:





Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

If you ask my boys what their favorites rides at Disneyland are, they will answer: Pirates, the Ghost House (otherwise known as the Haunted Mansion) & Buzz. Although, I'm the first to admit, I don't know who likes Buzz more - the kids, or us adults. My hubby & I constantly competing to see who can walk away with the highest score. Unfortunately, he wins most of the time. (I think it has something to do with all the video games he played as a kid.) But I'm proud to announce to the world that my losing streak is over (or so I hope, at least).

Being the competitive person that I am, I didn't like the fact that I did more losing, than winning during our Buzz competitions. So, lately I've been doing some reconnaissance, & I thought I'd pass along a few of the tips & tricks I've picked up...

Ever wondered how the scoring works in general?
Circle shaped targets are worth 100 per shot
Square shaped targets are worth 1,000 per shot
Diamond shaped targets are worth 5,000 per shot
Triangle shaped targets are worth 10,000 per shot
(So, my super obvious tip is to aim for the triangle & diamond shaped targets... don't waste your time on the circles & squares!)

&, if the targets are light, they're worth even more:
Circle shaped targets are worth 500 per shot
Square shaped targets are worth 5,000 per shot
Diamond shaped targets are worth 10,000 per shot
Triangle shaped targets are worth 100,000 per shot

A few of the other "gems" I've picked up are:
* Even though I've previously stated that you shouldn't waste your time on circles, often times, if you hit a circle target you can get a higher value target to "appear". For example: the "Jack-in-the-Box" target... if you hit the target to open it, there's a diamond target on the inside of the box, & after the "Jack" pops up there is a triangle target.
* Once you've hit a target, keep shooting baby! I used to think that the targets needed time to "reset", but that's not the case. So as long as you have a shoot, keep going for it! (I'm hoping the ride "stops" momentarily next time I'm riding... you can really rack up the points then!)
* & finally, they are a couple of "hidden" targets that can be found on Zurg... during the ride you'll actually come across two different Zurgs. Both times, right below the "Z" medallion holding his cape together, you can see a line running down the center of his chest. Just below his cape you'll notice a small circle (it's very dark, very small & very hard to see). Aim for that circle - if you hit it you'll get 50,000 points! The first Zurg you come across is the easiest because it's much closer, but you can find the "secret" target on BOTH Zurgs.

Hopefully these tips will help me kick the hubby's butt on our next Buzz go round.

xoxo, K
image via HERE.

Rock the Vote

Today's the BIG day. If you haven't already voted (via your absentee ballot), don't forget to head down to your local polling place & make your voice heard. Polls are open from 7am-8pm. Can't remember where your local Orange County polling place is? No problem. You can find your local polling place & view a sample ballot HERE.

xoxo, K

Monday, November 3, 2008

Thanksgiving Countdown

I love counting down to anything. It just adds a bit of fun & anticipation to any & every event. & just because today is November 3rd, doesn't mean it's too late to start counting down to turkey day. I'm loving THIS calender made for Pottery Barn Kids. I saw it in the store last week, & it really is darling. (I also love that it comes with I am Thankful cards that promote the act of gratitude.)

But if you're feeling a bit crafty, you could easily make your own Thanksgiving countdown...


Over at Make & Takes, Marie put together THIS great "Counting Down to Turkey Time How-To". It's quick & easy and perfect to do with the kiddos. You can remove a feather or day, or better yet, write down one thing your grateful for each day. Either way, it definitely makes counting down to Thanksgiving a little bit more fun & exciting!

xoxo, K

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Soup's On: South OC

I love a yummy bowl of soup on a cold day and there are no shortages of my favorite spots to find a great bowl of soup in southern Orange County. Here are my four favorites:




Fish Market and Grill for Clam Chowder

image via flickr

Pho Bo Vang for Pho


Where are your favorite spots to get your favorite bowl of soup?

xoxo, C

Saturday, November 1, 2008

November 2008 Calendar

November 1st:
* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch, 10am-5pm, Irvine Regional Park
* Kids Workshop, a FREE kid-friendly "How-To Clinic", at your local Home Depot, 9am & 12pm. This month's project is a leaf press.
* The Knack Free Family Event at your local Michael's store, 10am-3pm: Winter Wonderland
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
* Astronomy Night, 8pm Caspers Wilderness Park. For more information call (949)923-2210
* Holiday on Ice, ice-skating at the Spectrum
* Dia de Los Muertos Family Festival at the Bowers Museum, 12-4pm
* Ladera Ranch 7th Annual Harvest Festival
November 2nd:
* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch, 10am-5pm, Irvine Regional Park
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
* Sunday Morning Nature Walk, 8:30-9:30am, Caspers Wilderness Park
* Dinosaur Dash, Tustin 5k fundraiser
* Dia de Los Muertos Family Festival at the Bowers Museum, 12-4pm
November 3rd:
* Mommy & Me Playtime, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 10:30 am - 1pm.
* Open Play Nights, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 5-8 pm.
November 4th:
* Wild Tales - Hey Little Ant, 10:30-11:15am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. For more information call (949)923-2290.
* Bayside Buddies - Boas of the Bay, 3:30-4:30pm, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. For more information call (949)923-2290.
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 10:30 am - 1pm.
* Open Play Nights, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 5-8 pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
November 5th:
* Toddler Time- Bats are not Batty, 10:30am-11:15am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. For more information call (949)923-2290.
November 6th:
* Fitness Hike, 9-11am at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. For more information call (949)923-2235.
* Spectra Laser Show, FREE at the Yorba Linda Library. 6:30-7:15pm.
November 7th:
* Feathery Friends Toddler Class, 10-11m, Orange County Zoo. For more information call (714)973-6847
* Friday Afternoon at the Movies: Free Movie, popcorn & drinks at the Michael E. Rogers Seniors' Center in HB.
* Holiday Faire at Irvine Fine Arts Center, 5-9pm. For more information call (949)724-6880
* Taste of San Clemente, 6-10:30pm, Rancho San Clemente Tennis Club. For more information call (949)492-1131
* Irvine Fire Ring Extravaganza, 6-8pm, come eat dessert by the fire.
November 8th:
* Native Plant Hike, 9-11am at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. For more information call (949)923-2235.
* Fullerton Nature Walk
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
* Holiday Faire at Irvine Fine Arts Center, 9am-4pm. For more information call (949)724-6880
* OCPAC presents Backyardigans Live!
* Aliso Viejo Fall Focus Celebration: car show, craft faire, bounce house & kids games, skate demo. 1-5pm, at Grace Hills Church. For more information call (949)837-2435.

* "A Night in Fullerton" offers free music, art & dance programs at numerous locations around the city. 5pm-9pm.
* La Palma Days: 10am-6pm
* Saturday Night Campfire Program, 8-9pm, Caspers Wilderness Park. For more information call (949)923-2210
November 9th:
* Sunday Morning Nature Walk, 8:30-9:30am, Caspers Wilderness Park
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
* OCPAC presents Backyardigans Live!
November 10th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 10:30 am - 1pm.
* Open Play Nights, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 5-8 pm.
November 11th:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 10:30 am - 1pm.
* Open Play Nights, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 5-8 pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
November 12th:
* Toddler Time - Leap for Leaves!, 10:30-11:15am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. For more information call (949)923-2290.
November 13th:
* Animal Art I Toddler Class, 10-11m, Orange County Zoo. For more information call (714)973-6847
* Fitness Hike, 9-11am at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. For more information call (949)923-2235.
* Animal Art at the Orange County Zoo
* City of Placentia Community Christmas Basket toy drive & adopt-a-family program begins. For more information call (714)986-2333.
November 14th:
* Elder Trek, 9:30-12pm at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. For more information call (949)923-2235.
* Assistance League of Newport-Mesa Holiday Preview Shopping Event, 5-8pm. For more information call (949)645-5477
* Friday Afternoon at the Movies: Free Movie, popcorn & drinks at the Michael E. Rogers Seniors' Center in HB.
November 15th:
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
* Train Rides at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park: enjoy a ride aboard the Orange County Model Engineers miniature train & travel over 3 miles of track. For more information call (949)548-7246.
* Birding Basics Walk, 8-9:30am.
* Saturday Night Campfire Program, 8-9pm, Caspers Wilderness Park. For more information
November 16th:
* Signs of Life Hike, 9-11am at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. For more information call (949)923-2235.
* Sunday Morning Nature Walk, 8:30-9:30am, Caspers Wilderness Park
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
* Train Rides at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park: enjoy a ride aboard the Orange County Model Engineers miniature train & travel over 3 miles of track. For more information call (949)548-7246.
November 17th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 10:30 am - 1pm.
* Open Play Nights, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 5-8 pm.
November 18th:
* Wild Tales- Quiet Night, 10:30-11:15am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. For more information call (949)923-2290.
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 10:30 am - 1pm.
* Open Play Nights, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 5-8 pm.
* Bayside Buddies- Nature's Harvest, 3:30-4:40pm, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. For more information call (949)923-2290.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
November 20th:
* Junior Rangers, 3-4:30pm at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. For more information call (949)923-2235.
November 21st:
* Wild North America Toddler Class, 10-11m, Orange County Zoo. For more information call (714)973-6847
* Tot Walk, 9-11am at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. For more information call (949)923-2235.
* Friday Afternoon at the Movies: Free Movie, popcorn & drinks at the Michael E. Rogers Seniors' Center in HB.
* City of Brea Nutcracker Craft Boutique: 9am-6pm at the Brea Community Center. $1 admission, parking is FREE. For more information call (714)90-7771.
*
Jazz Monsters Concert at Soka University, 7-9:30pm. $15/ adults, 18 & under free. For more information (949)480-4081
* Fashion Island Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6pm. For more information call (949)721-2000
November 22nd:
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
* City of Cypress 28th Annual Holiday Bazaar: 9am-4pm at the Cypress Community Center. Admission is FREE. For more information call (714)229-6780.
* City of Brea Nutcracker Craft Boutique: 9am-4pm at the Brea Community Center. $1 admission, parking is FREE. For more information call (714)90-7771.
* Fashion Island Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6pm. For more information call (949)721-2000
* Anaheim Ballets Nutcracker Home & Craft Faire, 8am-4pm, Downtown Anaheim, Center Street Promendade and Lemon.
* Saturday Night Campfire Program, 8-9pm, Caspers Wilderness Park. For more information
November 23rd:
* Sunday Morning Nature Walk, 8:30-9:30am, Caspers Wilderness Park
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
November 24th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 10:30 am - 1pm.
* Open Play Nights, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 5-8 pm.
* Letters to Santa: write & receive a letter from Santa. More information HERE.
November 25th:
* Wild Tales - Hello Harvest Moon, 10:30-11:15am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. For more information call (949)923-2290.
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 10:30 am - 1pm.
* Open Play Nights, Hullabaloos Clubhouse, 5-8 pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
* Letters to Santa: write & receive a letter from Santa. More information HERE.
November 26th:
* Toddler Time - Fabulous Flightless Fowl, 10:30-11:15am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. For more information call (949)923-2290.
* Letters to Santa: write & receive a letter from Santa. More information HERE.
November 27th:
Dana Point Turkey Trot
* Letters to Santa: write & receive a letter from Santa. More information HERE.
November 28th:
* Christmas Train at Irvine Park Railroad
* Animal Art II Toddler Class, 10-11m, Orange County Zoo. For more information call (714)973-6847
* Fitness Hike, 9-11am at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. For more information call (949)923-2235.
* Friday Afternoon at the Movies: Free Movie, popcorn & drinks at the Michael E. Rogers Seniors' Center in HB.
* Buena Park Youth Theater presents "High School Musical", at the Buena Park High School Performing Arts Complex.
* Letters to Santa: write & receive a letter from Santa. More information HERE.
November 29th:
* Christmas Train at Irvine Park Railroad
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
* Puttin on the Glitz, 5-9pm, Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente: bring the whole family to an evening of holiday cheer and enchantmant. Santa, live entertainment, downtown shops will remain open late. For more information call (949)218-5378.
* Buena Park Youth Theater presents "High School Musical", at the Buena Park High School Performing Arts Complex.
* Saturday Night Campfire Program, 8-9pm, Caspers Wilderness Park. For more information
* Letters to Santa: write & receive a letter from Santa. More information HERE.
November 30th:
* Christmas Train at Irvine Park Railroad
* Family Fun Walk, 10:30-11:30am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. For more information call (949)923-2290.
* Sunday Morning Nature Walk, 8:30-9:30am, Caspers Wilderness Park
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 11am-3pm
* Buena Park Youth Theater presents "High School Musical", at the Buena Park High School Performing Arts Complex.
* Mission Viejo's Annual Tree Trimming & Santa's Arrival: 3pm, City Hall Civic Center. For more information call (949)830-7066.
* Letters to Santa: write & receive a letter from Santa. More information HERE.

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