Just Spotted: Belle Carrier 50% off

I love baby carriers and just ordered the Belle Baby Carrier for 50% off from Baby Steals.  Act quickly because once they are gone the offer is over.  

xoxo, C

An Orange County New Year's Eve, Family Style.

Looking for a fabulous party or event to fill your calender this New Year's Eve? For an something catering towards adults, check out the Orange County Register's very complete list HERE, of things to do & places to go this New Year's Eve.

Interested in something a little more family oriented? Try one of these Orange County New Year's Eve celebrations...

Fullerton's First Night '09 Celebration: 7pm - 12 am, Downtown Fullerton. FREE admission, live musical entertainment, outdoor ice skating ($7 per session), food vendors, train rides ($3 per person), face painting, balloon artists, karaoke, fireworks show at midnight & for the kids... bungee run, obstacle course, robo surf, castle bounce house, gladiator joust, pirate ship bounce house & slide (rides are $2-3 per activity per person). For more information & directions go HERE.

Rancho Santa Margarita's Celebrating Family & Friends Event: 4:30pm - 9:30pm, at Rancho Santa Margarita's Civic Plaza on the corner of El Portal & El Paseo. It is "an alcohol-free community festival featuring roving entertainers, visual arts, musical entertainment on Celebration stage, and opportunities for interactive art activities with family and friends." The party kicks off with a FREE Magic Show at 4:30pm. A tot play area will be available with inflatables, a coloring station play-doh, bubbles & much much more. For the older teenagers & kids, many video games will be available, including Wii, Xbox, Dance Dance Revolution. For more information & directions go HERE.

Borders New Years Eve Kids Party: 2pm, at the South Coast Plaza Borders. Games, crafts & a special parade will help you & your family countdown to 2009. For more information go HERE.

Discovery Science Center's Noon Year's Eve Celebration: 10am - 3pm. Ring in the New Year just a bit early this year... "We'll celebrate at noon with a countdown, balloon drop, ginger ale toast, music, activities & more! Why should grown-ups have all the fun? Taco Bell Discovery Science Center is hosting a Noon Year's Eve party for all ages! Activities will include making seltzer rockets and constructing party hats!" FREE with paid admission & open to all ages. For more information, go HERE.

Rainforest Cafe's New Years Eve Party: 6-8pm, at the Rainforest Cafe located inside South Coast Plaza. For $5.99, kids 12 & under will enjoy a fabulous buffet, featuring nearly everything on their kid's menu (chicken nuggets, burgers, even ice cream sundaes), while parents can enjoy anything off the menu. Everyone will help ring in an early New Year with hats, noisemakers, a sparkling cider toast & balloon drop. For more information, or to make your reservation call (714)424-9200.

Happy New Year!

xoxo, K
image via HERE.

A Stress Free New Year's Party

Real Simple has a great collection of easy ideas to help you throw a fabulous New Year's party without the stress. From a New Year's music mix to a great recipe for chocolate fondue, Real Simple provides step-by-step instructions on how you can have a great party without the hassle.

xoxo, C

My Favorite Calendars for 2009

The Bubble Calendar would surely bring an element of fun to your home for the whole year!

The Whomi Calendar is a great tool for keeping track of the family's schedule and balancing individual commitments. I love the Human Calendar for its quirkiness. I just wish that you could personalize it.

For something pretty on my desk my favorite letterpress calendar is from Etsy.

I love all the calendars that I mentioned, but the calendar that I cannot live without is on my blackberry.

xoxo, C

Track Santa on his Trip

Don't forget to track Santa on his trip around the world on Christmas Eve.

xoxo, C

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

xoxo, K
image via ana brandt phontography.

Christmas Traditions.

One of my favorite Christmas traditions are hot fudge sundaes. I know, I know... not your typical Christmas tradition, but for as long as I can remember we have ended both Christmas Eve & Christmas Day with big 'ole bowls of ice cream (preferrably peppermint) & a large helping of hot fudge (although, some people seem to enjoy a bowl of hot fudge all on it's own, it's that yummy). So this year, my Christmas gift to you is the super secret hot fudge recipe...

Marilyn's Famous Hot Fudge

Ingredients:
3 sticks of butter
1 large can of carnation evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
12-14 tablespoons of cocoa
2 lb. bag of powder sugar

Directions:
Combine butter, milk & vanilla in a saucepan and cook on medium heat until butter is melted. Then add cocoa & sugar & mix. Once it is mixed well, pour it into a blender to mix out all the chunks.

enjoy!

xoxo, K
image via flickr.

Eating out on Christmas Eve in the OC

image via Gayot

When I saw some of the dining options in the OC for Christmas Eve I thought twice about our traditional homemade meal, but my husband adores tradition, so someone please enjoy one of the following memorable offerings by our local restaurants:

Marche Moderne is offering a Christmas Eve Dinner for $75.00

Charlie Palmers is serving  a four course meal for $70.00

Pinot Provence not only offers a four course meal, but also a children's menu on Christmas Eve

First Cabin at the Balboa Beach Club is offering a traditional Christmas Eve Dinner

Studio located at Montage Resort has a five course, prix fixe menu for $115

Five Crowns (K's newest rave) is serving a five course meal surrounded by English Ambiance

Happy Dining!

xoxo, C

A Day at the Movies

Ever have one of those days? You know, the kind where you just want to escape to the movie theater? Maybe the kids are out of school? Perhaps the weather is lousy? Or maybe you just want to get away.... But, as we all know, going to the movies can be pricey. Especially if you're bringing along a couple of kids! Never fear, there are a couple of so-called "Dollar Theaters" located here in Orange County.


Irvine's Starplex Cinema: 4626 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92604. For movie listings call (949)733-0980, or go HERE. Cost before 6pm is $1.50, all shows after 6pm are $2, & all shows on Tuesdays are just $1.

Huntington Beach's Regency Theater: 7822 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647. For movie listing call (714)596-3456, or go HERE. All shows are just $3.

La Mirada's Starplex Cinema: 15296 Rosecrans Ave., La Mirada, CA 90638. For movie listings call (714)739-1010, or go HERE. Cost before 6pm is $1.50, all shows after 6pm are $2, & all shows on Tuesdays are just $1.

Santa Ana's Picture Show at Mainplace: 2800 N. Main St., Suite 999, Santa Ana, CA 92705. For Movie listings call (714)836-7469, or go HERE. Cost is $1.75 all day, & just $1 on Tuesdays.

Have a fun day at the movies!

xoxo, K
image via here.

Gift Guide: Friend & Neigbor Gifts

One of my favorite things to do, each & every holiday season, is delivering gifts to our friends & neighbors. They are never fancy, nor are they expensive, but just a little something to say, "We're thinking of you." Still need your something special for some friends, a neighbor, or maybe the gardener? Check out this list of fairly quick, fairly easy, & fairly inexpensive gift ideas...A cute box or jar filled with yummy Snickers Surprise cookies.
How about a 6-pack of Root beer Reindeer?
A plate of Nutter Butter Santa Cookies.
A handful of masonry nails, tied with a big red bow, with THIS poem attached.
Candy bar reindeer
Gather all the ornaments in THIS story, & deliver them with a small Christmas tree and the POEM.
A cute jar or bag filled M&Ms, with THIS poem attached.
Reindeer Dust

For another big 'ole list of quick & easy ideas check out HERE.

xoxo, K

Gift Guide: Last Minute Gifts

• If you are really running our of time try email delivered gift certificates from Amazon.com, Itunes, Netflix, Southwest Airlines, or a CalActive gift certificates (for everything from a romantic gondola ride in Newport to a helicopter tour).

• Pavilions has a great selection of gift cards and you can make it more personal by packaging up the gift card in creative ways. For example, get a Starbucks gift card and put in a Monogrammed mug or get a Barnes and Noble gift card and find a book by the recipients favorite author.

• Donate to their favorite charity. Charity Navigator can help you identify the perfect cause to donate to for that special someone this holiday season or you can just buy them a good card.

• Zappos has a great selection of clothing and shoes and they are offering free overnight shipping if you pay with Paypal.

xoxo, C

Hurley Warehouse Sale

image via Hurley

Today  is the last day for the Hurley Warehouse Sale.  I stumbled upon this gem of a warehouse sale and was able to pick up some cute T's for my boys at $6.00 each. The doors open at 8AM and close at 3PM.   Hurley offers 35% to 75% off mens, womens, and kids fleece jackets, tees, thermals, denim, wetsuits, and accessories.

Directions

From 405 fwy

Exit Brookhurst St. toward 

Fountain Valley

Head North

Corner of Brookhurst and Slater

17570 Brookhurst St.

Fountain Valley, CA 92708

*Cash and Credit Card Only

*All sales are Final

xoxo, C

Holiday Pictures at Disneyland

images via flickr

Disneyland is a great place for holiday photo opportunities. My favorite places to take holiday pics are near the Candy Cane Letters as you enter California Adventure, in front of the Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle, near the big Christmas tree at the entrance to Main Street, in front of Small World, and near the Santa's Reindeer Roundup in front of the big sleigh. You can also make almost any spot in Disneyland a festive photo by wearing a great holiday hat.

For those who would rather not take their own pictures you can find helpful professional photographers all over the Parks. The will take your picture and give you a Disney's Photopass card. You can use your re-use your card every time you have a photo taken at Disneyland. To view your photos go to DisneyPhotoPass.com within 30 days, register, log in and enter the number from your card.

Once you have an account you can edit your photos, share them, and even create fun products. Additionally, you can use your own photos to create products. For the holidays Disney is offering a free Photo Globe greeting, so try it out and send someone a holiday treat.

xoxo, C

Santa's NICE list is almost complete...

I'm sure your kids will get a kick out of this one, mine sure did! Make sure your child's name is on Santa's "Nice List" before he hitches up Rudolph & the other reindeer and takes off in his sleigh. You can upload a picture of your child & Santa will send them a personalized video message. To create your very own video go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via disney's family.com

Holiday Lights at the Zoo.

This weekend, Friday, December 19th, Saturday, December 20th & Saturday, December 27th, from 5:30 pm - 8 pm, come rain or shine the Santa Ana Zoo "entrance and farm area will be transformed into a winter wonderland for the holidays."

There will be decorations, lighted displays, animal presentations, seasonal music, craft tables, & on the 19th and 20th Santa will be making a special appearance!

Holiday Lights at the Santa Ana Zoo
Friday, December 19th, Saturday, December 20th & Saturday, December 27th
5:30 - 8 pm
1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Cost is $6 for non-members (ages 2+), or $3 for Zoo members (ages 2+). Although, all grandparents & Santa Ana City residents and employees get in FREE on December 19th! Purchase your tickets online HERE.

xoxo, K
image via santa ana zoo.

The Five Crowns

I know, I know, the holiday season is almost over. So, if you can't make it this year, you DEFINITELY need put the Five Crowns Restaurant on your list of holiday to-dos for next year. (Although, I'm pretty sure this place would be tasty any time of the year.) Having lived in Orange County for nearly 8 years, I've heard many people rave about the Five Crowns, especially during this magical time of the year. If you've never been to the Five Crowns you'll find it's "a beautiful replica of one of England's oldest country inns... a place of candlelight & cozy fireplaces... where good cheer and warm hospitality invite you to leave your cares at the door. There is something to delight the eye at every turn in this restaurant, with its many nooks and crannies, antiques and rare paintings" as their website states. & I for one, can vouch for how true this statement is.

We had the wonderful pleasure of dining there last night. & I have to admit I was worried... you know how it is, when you've heard so many wonderful things, sometimes you worry that it won't be as fantastic as everyone has made it out to be. But the Five Crowns definitely didn't let us down. The food was delicious & the ambiance was the perfect compliment to our holiday season... every year, from December 1 - 24th, the Five Crowns celebrates the Christmas Season with twinkling lights, sparkling decorations & strolling carolers. Yep! I said strolling carolers. Decked out in their finest "Dickens" inspired attire they wander throughout the restaurant serenading you with your favorite Christmas songs. (If you get the opportunity, ask them to sing one of their "non-traditional" songs. They have a whole slew of "everyday" songs, think Beach Boys or the Beatles, that have been re-written for the holidays. They'll crack you up!)

So like I said earlier, if you don't get a chance to visit the Five Crowns this holiday season, make sure you do next year. Next year I'm hoping we can make it their Dickens Dinner... happening within a few days after Thanksgiving, I'm told it's a incorporates dinner & Dickens' A Christmas Carol - sounds festive, & the perfect way to start the holiday season!

Five Crowns
3801 E. Coast Highway
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
(949)760-0331

xoxo, K
image via five crowns.

Gift Guide: Local Shopping, by K

Christmas is just over a week away! Are you ready? Do you have all the decorations hung? The gifts purchased? The presents wrapped? If you still need to do a little shopping, maybe something on our local shopping guide will inspire you...

Local Orange County Companies:
* Swanky Paper: Personalized stationary, note cards & thank yous. THESE cards are a personal favorite, every time I pull one out to write a note, they make me smile.
* Little Boogies: Unique animal inspired t-shirts & onesies for infants & toddlers
* This is Me Journal: A Kid's First Keepsake Journal
* Pooka Clothing: Organic children's clothing. My little guys would love THIS skull tee.
* Encore Toffee: My mom received some one year as a gift & we've been placing orders ever since!
* Too Faced Cosmetics: Be sure to check out their holiday collection... my pick? The new Design your own Palette.
* Harvey's: The original seatbelt bag. Don't miss their Holiday Gift Guide, they have several things for under $100. What's on my list? The newish Carriage Clutch.

Local Orange County Events & Attractions:
* Annual Day Use Pass: Perfect for anyone who frequents the California State Parks. (If you've got a surfer on your list, they will LOVE this.) For more information regarding annual parking passes for some of our local resources, be sure to check out Michele's great post HERE.
* Tickets to a Broadway Play: At the top of my wishlist? Legally Blonde.
* Disneyland Tickets or Season Passes
* Honda Center Tickets: Ducks games, concerts & tons of other events. I know my guy would be happily surprised with tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters.
* Angels Tickets

* Lift Tickets: For the skier or snowboarder in your life.

Local Orange County-ians on Etsy:
* TieOneOn: Ties, Scraps, Wraps & Shawls
* Stones & Starling: Handmade Jewelry. THESE pearly hoops are so perfect.
* Posh Wash Soap Shop: Handcrafted Soap
* Spitting Image: Silk screened t-shirts for the young & old
* Fizzy Habit: Handmade Bath Bombs
* Quiet Doing: Hand & HeartMade Tees, Totes & Wallets for ladies & gentlemen. I think anyone would love THIS record inspired iPod case.
* Blarney Yarn: Hand painted yarns, hand spun yarns, hand painted rovings & hand turned niddy noddies.
* Voz Clothing: Hand painted vintage purses, clutches, shoes & totes
* LovMely Accessories: Handmade headbands, clips & jewelry. THIS peacock feather headband is beautiful.
* Cuore Accessories & More: Handcrafted bags, pillows, plushies & more. My sister would adore THIS vintage inspired owl pillow.
* Westergard: Handcrafted necklaces, rings, earring, brooches & cuff links

xoxo, K

Gift Guide: For Him

From Juggling Balls to a Survival Kit in a sardine can Restoration Hardware has a collection of unique stocking stuffers fitting for any man.

The Roku is a digital player that allows you to watch Netflix movies and TV episodes via the Internet. Its been voted one of the top gifts of the year by Wired Magazine. If you don't want to get the whole digital player a Netflix subscription is another great idea for that special guy in your life.

Here are some other great gift guides for guys:

Design Sponge

Daily Candy

xoxo, C

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Starting this Wednesday, December 17th & going for five consecutive nights, ending Sunday, December 21, 2008 The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting their annual Christmas Boat Parade. As the website says "Join over a million viewers as you watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail along the harbor in the 100th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade."

The parade sets sail from Bay Island each night at 6:30pm & finishes at the same location at approximately 9 pm. To view the parade route & schedule go HERE. If you get the chance, try to make it early to Wednesday night's show... because "fireworks will light up the Newport skies at 6:25pm from the Balboa Pier just before the start of the parade". &, don't forgot to check out all the beautifully decorated bay side homes & businesses that surround the harbor. These people tend to "go all out with their own holiday spirit, featuring everything from roof-top animated scenes to dancing Christmas trees", all in an effort to win a coveted "Ring of Lights" award.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Wednesday, December 17 - Sunday December 21, 2008, 6:30 pm
Special firework show Wednesday night at 6:25 pm
For parade route & schedule go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via newport beach christmas parade.

Making Gingerbread Houses, Disney Style

Yesterday at lunch with my grandparents I saw the most amazing thing... it wasn't just a gingerbread house, but a gingerbread village. The country club where we ate whips up this amazing & intricate creation EVERY year. The table is probably 10 feet long & completely filled with all sorts of shapes & sizes of gingerbread houses. & they use their "ingredients" in the most ingenious ways. Roofs were made out of Frosted Mini-Wheats, Pringles, Ritz, Big Red Chewing Gum & Pasta just to name a few, siding was created from pretzels, M&M's, & Good & Plenty. Truly, it is an amazing & inspiring sight, which leads me to what I'm actually writing about today...

So a couple weeks ago Coleen & I got to spend the weekend at Disneyland. If you read often enough, I'm sure you're thinking to yourself, "Big Whoop! You guys go all the time." But this wasn't just any trip the Magic Kingdom. On this particular occasion we were actually invited out by the folks at Disneyland themselves. We, & several other "mom bloggers" spent the evening eating delicious food, learning more about "the happiest place on Earth" & watching fireworks. Anyway, one of my absolute favorite parts of the evening was when Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Marc Viallet gave us a "how-to" on crafting your own gingerbread house - an area where I definitely needed lessons because my houses tend collapse every year! & if anyone knows gingerbread houses, it's this man. For any of you recent Disney visitors, Chef Jean-Marc Viallet & his team created that HUGE, REAL gingerbread coffin you see in the ballroom on the Haunted House. So without further ado, here are some of Chef Jean-Marc Viallet best gingerbread house tips...

* Before starting your gingerbread house, realize (& plan for) it being a multi-day process.
* Always put something (like a piece of cardboard) underneath your gingerbread foundation - there's nothing worse than finishing your house, moving it, & having your "foundation" crack.
* & add a couple of dabs of icing between the foundation & the cardboard so it doesn't slide around.
* Royal Icing is the standard "glue" when building a gingerbread house, but you can't rush the icing. Once you've baked & "assembled" your house with your glue, you should really let it sit for at least a day before decorating your house to allow the icing to "set up".
* If you are looking for a quick & easy way to assemble your gingerbread house, use melted whited chocolate instead of the Royal Icing, it dries & sets up really fast.
* Anywhere there is going to "ginger-to-ginger" contact be sure to use the icing or white chocolate.
* When assembling your house, don't put on the roof until the remainder of the house is dry & set-up. So, if you're using the Royal Icing, you'll have to wait a day after assembling the walls, to put on the roof, & another day until you decorate.
* To create a stained glass look, use gelatin sheets.
* When baking, be sure to take advantage of your cookie cutters to create fun-shaped windows & doors.
* & my favorite tip of all? When building a gingerbread house remember that anything goes. &, if you make a mistake, don't worry about it... just eat it.

Have fun creating your own special gingerbread houses this holiday season & special thanks to Chef Jean-Marc Viallet & all the folks at Disneyland.

xoxo, K

Gift Guide: Local Shopping Spots, by C

Orange County is a great place to find local stores that have original gifts and great customer service.

Toy Boat has a great selection of unique toys in their toy stores. They also have knowledgeable staff to help you identify a fun holiday gift for any child.

Hush baby is an upscale baby boutique franchise, but they are individually owned, so each location has unique offerings and great customer service. They have a stylish selection of gifts for baby, toddlers, and moms.

The lab is an alternative shopping experience for those looking for more "green" gifts or gifts that are a little bit funky for that special individual in your life.

Rogers Gardens is a holiday paradise and the perfect place to find a beautiful arrangement or a charming holiday decoration to give away or even just keep for yourself.

What are your local favorites?

xoxo, C

Hot Chocolate Floats

Rich & decadent double fudge hot chocolate. Served with just a touch (okay, maybe a double scoop) of Peppermint ice cream.... the ultimate late night snack on a cold December evening. The only thing that could make it any better? A couple of Candy Cane Joe Joe's on the side. Better wipe my mouth, I'm drooling.

xoxo, K

It's a Small Word Holiday

My family adored the transformation of it's a small world for the holidays. There are over 300,00 lights that adorn the facade and make it a magical attraction for the season. Hundreds of international friends sing and dance to holiday favorites as you float by in brand new boats. As always it's a small world leaves a lasting impression because you will probably leave humming a holiday tune you heard on the ride. Don't forget that you can get a fast pass for it's a small world holiday.

xoxo, C

December at the Honda Center

Don't have enough going on this month? Looking to add another activity or two to your already busy, busy calendar? Then check out the happenings at the Honda Center. During the month of December they have lots going on....

December 19th, 2008: is the always fabulous Sarah Brightman. Buy tickets HERE.
December 20th, 2008: is one of your daughter's favorites, The Cheetah Girls. Buy tickets HERE.
December 23rd-28th, 2008: is a show that will get everyone's foot tapping, High School Musical: The Ice Tour. Buy tickets HERE.

xoxo, K
image via the honda center.

The Nutcracker for Kids

Share one of the greatest Christmas traditions with your children this year.... take them to see Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet. Worried that your little ones might not be able to sit through the entire performance? Don't worry, the Orange County Performing Arts Center has your back. This Saturday, December 13th, 2008, OCPAC is putting on a special "Nutcracker for Kids"... all the visions of sugarplums, packed into a condensed 45 minute version. & to top it all off, Santa & a holiday sing-a-long close the show! To view show times & purchase tickets go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via here.

Gift Guide: Handmade Holiday

I don't know about you, but money is a little tight this year. So, I'm trying my hand at a "handmade holiday". Thinking about handcrafting some gifts of your own? Need some ideas of what to make? Check out a few of these...

Personalized Etched Glass Pans
Felted Flower Brooch
Embellished Dr. Scholl's Sandals
I Spy Bag
Felted Teacup Pincushions
Bitty Baby Booties
Nursing Cover
Diaper & Wipe Case
Freezer Paper Stenciled T-Shirts
Handmade Slippers
Chunky Crayons
Quick & Easy Fleece Blanket
Family Alphabet Books
Pretty Little Bag
Bath Salts
Art Case
Mod Podged Bangle Bracelet
Scrabble Tile Pendant
Superhero Cape
Monogrammed Tie
T-Shirt Newborn Gown

xoxo, K
image via buyhandmade.org

Gift Guide: Great Lists

Instyle has a great list of gifts to help you find a clever treat for anyone in your life.

Etsy has a homemade gift guide that allows you to pick gifts according to category and price range.

Parent's choice put a list together of great games for families that can be given as gifts to integrate fun and learning in the home.

xoxo, C

Making Wishes Come True, One Letter at a Time

Writing letters to Santa is an age-old tradition... this year Macy's is doing something special to encourage everyone to "believe". "At every Macy's across the country there is a mailbox to collect letters for Santa Claus. Bring your stamped letter to Macy's, addressed to Santa at the North Pole, and drop it into Santa's special letterbox. Macy's will count them up, and for each letter received, Macy's will donate $1 to the Make-a-Wish Foundation up to $1,000,000. They'll deliver them to the Post Office, and together, we'll collect a million reasons to believe."

For more information about Macy's Believe Project go HERE. To download some Christmas inspired stationary to write a letter to Santa, go HERE. To locate your nearest mailbox go HERE.

Do you believe?

xoxo, K

Gift Guide: Monogrammed

Monogrammed gifts are not only personal, but reflect style. Here are some of my favorites for this holiday season:

Candlepots from Pottery Barn





Necklaces from Anthropologie

Hable Stockings from Garnet Hill


Monogrammed M&Ms

xoxo, C

Stuffing Your Stockings

Stuffing your stockings doesn't have to be difficult nor does it have to break the bank. I love Marta's ideas for stuffing your stocking at the grocery store. 20 quick & easy things... as she says " sometimes it's the really cheap frills that create a smile." So use THIS list as a jumping off point, & the next time your at the grocery store keep your eyes peeled, your bound to come across a few fun little items.

xoxo, K
image via sundance.

25 Days of Christmas

Don't forget to catch all the great holiday movies on ABC.

xoxo, C

Dana Point Parade of Lights

Dana Point Harbor is celebrating the holidays in a big way, starting this weekend...

Friday, December 5th, 2008, from 3pm-7pm is their "Holiday in the Harbor" celebration. All three areas of the harbor (Dana Wharf, Mariners Village & Mariner's Alley) will be hosting holiday activities geared for families and children: photos with Santa, performances, holiday crafts & other holiday activities. The parking & events are FREE.

Friday, December 5th, Saturday December 6th & Saturday December 13th, at 7:30pm is the 34th Annual Boat Parade of Lights. You can view the parade for FREE from anywhere in the harbor, or make a reservation at one of the harbor's restaurants to view the parade while keeping yourself warm & toasty.

Saturday, December 6th & Sunday December 7th, from 10am-2pm you & your children can join Santa & his helpers on a 25 minute harbor cruise. The trip is FREE & the boat runs every half hour.

Saturday, December 13th, from 7:30-9am join Santa for breakfast. Pre-registration & pre-payment is required ($14.95 for adults & $7.95 for kids 7 & under), call (949)496-0855.

For more information about the holiday activities & celebrations happening at the Dana Point Harbor go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via dana point harbor

Frosty the Snowman

Super quick, super easy, super yummy holiday snacks... Oreo cookie snowmen. The best part (other than eating the extra Oreos?) You don't even have to chocolate dip the cookies yourself, I told you it was easy. Directions can be found HERE.

xoxo, K

Letters to Santa

My kids are still little, but they are finally realizing what & who "Santa" really is. So, we decided that this was the year we needed to start writing the traditional "Letter to Santa". & thanks to the cities of Laguna Niguel & San Juan Capistrano, Santa will actually write back! For more information go HERE & HERE.

Laguna Niguel will "forward letters to the North Pole for a response from Santa" until Monday, December 8th. Please send your letters to: Santa Claus, 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy., Laguna Niguel 92677.

San Juan Capistrano will be collecting letters until Friday, December 19th. Please send letters to: Santa Claus, c/o Community Services Department, 25925 Camino Avion, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.

So write out those lists, send your letters, but don't forget to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so Santa can write you back.

xoxo, K
image via here.