The Road Less Traveled

Out of the corner of my eye I saw a funky sign that read- The Road Less Traveled. I quickly turned my car around and headed into the store. I was so glad that I made the stop at this little treasure of a store because it has so many unique gifts and supports green culture.

The road less traveled is an environmentally & human conscious store dedicated to bringing alternatives to every aspect of life.

Every product in our store specializes in 1 of 4 major categories:
*recycled content: post-consumer, surplus, discarded & repurposed materials.
*sustainable resource: made of materials that require little of the planet or are easily renewable.
*non-toxic: chemical, pesticide, herbicide-free. Certified organic origins.
*fair-trade: fair and equal labor practices, cooperative produced, direct artisan purchased.

The Road Less Traveled in Santa Ana is a breath of fresh air in OC shopping because you have a unique shopping experience with a purpose. I love the aromatherapy lines they carry and their eco friendly cleaning products. There are also a great array of classes, this month you can take a class about Green Interiors 101 or learn about slow food. I can't wait to find an excuse to go back.

2202 1/2 N Main St
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 836-8727

xoxo, C

Just Spotted at Juice it Up!

FREE Strawberry Wave Smoothie, April 1 from 4-6pm at Juice It Up! Find your nearest location HERE!

xoxo, K

April 2009 Calendar

April 1st:
* Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza
* Fun at Pirates Cove at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 10 - 11 am. Reservations required (949)675-8915.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
April 2nd:
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Come learn at the zoo... class includes hands-on learning & fun crafts. Phone registration required (714)973-6846. $5 for one child & parent (Irvine Park parking Fee not included). Ages 3-4. Register Early! This Easter themed class fills quickly.
* Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at House of Bounce in Anaheim, 10am-12pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
April 3rd:
* Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Balboa Island Stroll, 6-9pm. Shops will be open late & many will be serving cheese, crackers & other refreshments.
* Moonlit Marshmallows, 6-7pm. Make warm & gooey s'mores by the campfire & hike the nature trails.
* Newport Beach Flashlight Egg Hunt, 6-9pm at Bonita Creek Park
April 4th:
* FREE admission to the Discovery Science Center with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* FREE admission to the Laguna Art Museum with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* The Knack FREE Family Event at your local Michael's store, 10am-2pm: Make your own 3-D poster & treasure hunt
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Target FREE First Saturday at the Children's Museum at La Habra, 1:30-3:30pm. Face painting, crafts & stilt walkers.
* La Habra Spring Family Eggstravaganza
* Ladera Ranch Spring Celebration, 11am - 2pm Founder's Park
* Lake Forest Bunny Blast, 11am
* City of Westminster Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, 9-11am
* Earth Day Celebration at Bolsa Chica Wetlands, 10am - 3pm.
* Bolsa Chica Wetlands Tour, FREE tours begin every 15 minutes from 9 - 10:30 am.
* Kids Workshop, a FREE kid-friendly "How-To Clinic", at your local Home Depot, 9am & 12pm. This month's project is building a window birdhouse.
* Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza
April 5th:
* FREE admission to the Laguna Art Museum with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* Target FREE First Sunday at the Bower's Museum & Kidseum
* Village Art Fair, 9 am, Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente.
* Bowers Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Centennial Heritage Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Lake Forest Spring Skate Egg Hunt at the Park, 11am Etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, noon-4pm.
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza
April 6th:
* Taco Bell Discovery Science Center, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
April 7th:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza
* Wild Tales at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15 am. Story telling fun. After the story, learn more about the natural history of the bay through crafts and nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-7.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Family Night at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 5pm - 8pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
April 8th:
* Tideland Tot's at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15 am. Fun-filled parent & child experiences that may include hands-on activities, crafts, story telling & nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-5.
* Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza
* Fun at Pirates Cove at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 10 - 11 am. Reservations required (949)675-8915.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
April 9th:
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza
* Open Play at House of Bounce in Anaheim, 10am-12pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Junior Ranger Program at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 4-5:30pm. 2nd & 3rd graders are invited to learn about wilderness plants, animals & how to take care of the land. Reservations required: (949)923-2235, $10 fee.
April 10th:
* Fullerton "Eggstravaganza" Easter Egg Hunt, 10 am at Ford Park
* Laguna Hills Late Night Flashlight Egg Hunt
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Come learn at the zoo... class includes hands-on learning & fun crafts. Phone registration required (714)973-6846. $5 for one child & parent (Irvine Park parking Fee not included). Ages 3-4. Register early, this Easter themed class fills quickly!
* Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
April 11th:
* Buena Park Spring Eggstravaganza, details HERE.
* City of Cypress Spring Egg Hunt, details HERE.
* City of Dana Point Egg Hunt at Sea Canyon Park, 9am.
* Fountain Valley Annual Egg Hunt, 8am at Fountain Valley Recreation Center & Sports Park
* Huntington Beach Clean Up, 8am - 12pm. Bolsa Chica State Beach, Tower 21
* The Great Egg Hunt, for children 2-12, registration fee of $12. 10am - 1pm, Woodbridge Community Park in Irvine.
* Huntington Beach Easter Egg Hunt, 9:30am at Central Park
* Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza
* Laguna Hills Mr. Bunny & Friends
* Laguan Niguel Bunny Blast
* Placentia Easter Egg-Citement at Kraemer Memorial Park
* City of Stanton Easter Egg Hunt & Pancake Breakfast, 12pm at Stanton Park
* City of Tustin Easter Egg Hunt, details HERE.
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Sunset Stroll at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 7-8:30pm. Join the staff for a twilight nature walk. Then, create your own nocturnal critter to take home. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $3 per participant.
* Cypress & La Palma Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt, details HERE.
April 12th:
* Target FREE Second Sundays at the Orange County Museum of Art
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, noon-4pm.
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Orange County Happy Hour Week
April 13th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Orange County Happy Hour Week
April 14th:
* Bayside Buddies at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 3:30-4:30 pm. Kids can discover our amazing natural world at the bay through hands-on activities, crafts & nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-8.
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
* Orange County Happy Hour Week
April 15th:
* Fun at Pirates Cove at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 10 - 11 am. Reservations required (949)675-8915.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Orange County Happy Hour Week
April 16th:
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Come learn at the zoo... class includes hands-on learning & fun crafts. Phone registration required (714)973-6846. $5 for one child & parent (Irvine Park parking Fee not included). Ages 3-4.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at House of Bounce in Anaheim, 10am-12pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Family Game Night at the Yorba Linda Library, 6pm. Play Wii, Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution, BINGO, & board games.
* Orange County Happy Hour Week
April 17th:
* Tot Walk, 9am at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Reservations required: 949-923-2235.
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Orange County Happy Hour Week
April 18th:
* City of Tustin Tennis Festival, details HERE.
* Day in the Park, celebrating "Week of the Young Child". Activities for toddlers, preschool & school aged children. 10am - 1pm, Heritage Park in Irvine.
* Train Rides at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park, 10am - 3:30pm: enjoy a ride aboard the Orange County Model Engineers miniature train & travel over 3 miles of track. For more information call (949)548-7246.
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Vocational Visions 6th Annual Fundraiser "An Enchanted Evening... in the Roaring 20's"
* Orange County Happy Hour Week
April 19th:
* Train Rides at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park, 10am - 3:30pm: enjoy a ride aboard the Orange County Model Engineers miniature train & travel over 3 miles of track. For more information call (949)548-7246.
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, noon-4pm.
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
April 20th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
April 21st:
* Bowers Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Bayside Buddies at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 3:30-4:30 pm. Kids can discover our amazing natural world at the bay through hands-on activities, crafts & nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-8.
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
April 22nd:
* Fun at Pirates Cove at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 10 - 11 am. Reservations required (949)675-8915.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
April 23rd:
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at House of Bounce in Anaheim, 10am-12pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
April 24th:
* Buena Park Children's Arts Festival, details HERE.
* Bird Survey at Shipley Nature Center
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
April 25th:
* Laguna Niguel Earth Day Celebration
* Huntington Beach Clean Up, 8am - 12pm. Bolsa Chica State Beach, Tower 11
* Boomer Canyon Earth Day celebration, 9am - 4pm. Celebrate with vendors, food & family fun.
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
April 26th:
* Earth Day 2009 celebration at the Muth Interpretive Center. Scavenger hunts, science discovery & craft booths, environmental exhibits, opportunity drawings, refreshments, live must & much more. 10am -4pm.
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, noon-4pm.
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Sounds of Spring FREE concert, 4-5pm at the Irvine Civic Center
April 27th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
April 28th:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
April 29th:
* Fun at Pirates Cove at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 10 - 11 am. Reservations required (949)675-8915.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
April 30th:
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at House of Bounce in Anaheim, 10am-12pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Junior Ranger Program at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 4-5:30pm. 2nd & 3rd graders are invited to learn about wilderness plants, animals & how to take care of the land. Reservations required: (949)923-2235, $10 fee.

Cupcake Party

A precious cupcake party package to make your party planning a cinch from TomKat Studios.

xoxo, C

How to get on American Idol

or how to get tickets to American idol and have your face seen on T.V. K and C were able to go to American Idol last week and it was a great Mom's night out. Kelly was actually seen on T.V. for a few brief seconds and you could see my side profile for a nano-second.


Here are my tips:

1) Get on the waiting list for tickets because it takes about a year to get them
2) Dress hip. If you are a Mom and thirty I recommend hot jeans, a trendy accessory, and a cute dark top.
3) Leave signs at home if you want to be seated near the front
4) Make an obnoxious signs if you want to have a conversation with the stage manager and not get on T.V.
5) Bring extra money for snacks for waiting in line

Other than that my advice is just enjoy yourself and take advantage of living so close to L.A. It really was a memorable night. I loved being able to see the stage, judges, and hearing Joss Stone and Stevie Wonder live. The best part was that it was all free, you can't beat that.

xoxo, C

Startup Princess Academy

Calling all women entrepreneurs... April 17th & 18th join with other women from across the country, to learn the "Magic of Marketing to Women Online" during the Startup Princess Academy, at the Disneyland Resort, of course! This action packed day (&/ or weekend), is open to all women interested in entrepreneurship & learning how to "tap into Public Relations, the Power of the Internet and Social Media to Grow your Business". Meet the amazing women ready to inspire, teach & mentor you during this magical weekend (click on their names to be taken directly to their websites):

Kelly King Anderson, Marketing, PR & Social Media Specialist
Maria Andros, "Video Marketing Queen"
Ciaran Blumenfeld, Professional Writer & Blogger, Children's Wear Designer, Style Consultant & Brand Strategist
Barbie Davalos & Karie Reynolds, PR & Marketing Experts
Serena Ehrlich, Online PR & Marketing Expert
Alexis Martin Neely, Attorney, Speaker, Author, TV Spokeswoman
Geneva Wasserman, PR, Communications & Media Expert

So mark your calendars, April 17th & 18th, are dates you want to remember! But you definitely want to sign up NOW. For one thing, space is limited to the first 100 attendees, & if your reserve your spot before Midnight on April 1st, you can lock in the "Early Bird Rate" of $225.

For more information, go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Startup Princess

Flashlight Egg Hunts

I love the idea of a flashlight egg hunt, it adds a little more mystery to the traditional egg hunt. The great thing about a flashlight egg hunt is that you just need to wait until dark to have your egg hunt and have a flashlight. Some may also want to use glow in the dark paint on eggs to add to all the fun. You can have your own flashlight egg hunt this year, but there are also a few cities hosting flashlight egg hunts next week right here in the OC.


Flashlight Egg Hunt Bonita Creek Park
April 3, 2009 6-9pm

Bring your friends and family down for a hoppin’ good time as the Recreation & Senior Services Department presents the annual Spring Festival! As the lights dim, children will rummage through the field with their flashlights in search of the hidden eggs during one of the five age appropriate egg hunts. Once the designated egg hunt ends, children redeem their found eggs for a goody bag. Aside from the egg hunts, activities and events will include entertainment, bouncers, arts and crafts, carnival games, and a special visit from "Freckles the Bunny".
-All participants must bring their own flashlights and baskets.
-BBQ food, snacks and photos with the bunny will be for sale.
-All egg hunts will begin promptly.

Ages Hunt Start Times
2-3yrs 6:45 pm
4-6yrs 7:05 pm
7-9yrs 7:30 pm
10-12yrs 7:55 pm
12-14yrs 8:10 pm

Flashlight Egg Hunt Cypress
Ages: 12 - 17 years old
April 11th
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Arnold/Cypress Park
8611 Watson Street
Participation is free, but don’t forget your basket and flashlight
INFORMATION:
City of Cypress - (714) 229-6780

xoxo, C

Adpopt a Pet for FREE.

This Saturday, March 28th, OC Animal Care & The Angels Baseball Foundation have teamed up to provide FREE pet adoptions, for one day only. (Free adoption does not include dog licensing or microchip fees, limit two animals per household.) Not only will you have the opportunity to bring home a cute & cuddly dog, cat or rabbit, but all adopters will have the chance to win one of several Angels Baseball giveaways, plus there will be craft activities for the kids, & lots of food & fun for the entire family. For more information, download the flyer HERE, or call (714)935-6301.

& Special thanks to our reader Mary for sending us the information! She said "I adopted a cat from the shelter a year ago and he is the best cat ever!!" Hopefully you & your family will find a special pet to bring home too!

FREE Pet Adoptions
Saturday, March 28h, 2009, 10am - 5pm
OC Animal Care
561 The City Drive, Orange, CA 92868

xoxo, K

Come Sail Away to a Party!

LOOOOOVE this invite and get the details from Jordan Ferney on the Cookie Nesting Blog.

xoxo, C

Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza

Beginning this Saturday, March 28th & running through Saturday, April 11th is the annual Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza. What a fun event, not only can children & adults take the train ride through Irvine Regional Park, but there are soooo many other activities & fun things to do:

* Daily Easter Egg Hunts for children ages 2-12, for times go HERE. (EVERY single egg will be filled with candy or a prize, the cost is $4).
* Easter Bunny Meet & Greet. That's right, children can meet the Easter bunny & have their picture taken with him too (cost is $10, but you can get a $2 off coupon, good on Weekdays Only HERE)!
* As well as lots of other activities such as hay rides ($4), moon bounce ($4), & picture stands.
* & During the weekend, there will be even MORE events such as face painting & carnival games! (There are lots of other great coupons available HERE.)

While your at Irvine Regional Park visiting the Railroad, don't forget to check out all of the great park attractions... bike rentals, THE OC Zoo, paddle boat rentals, pony rides & more!

Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza
Saturday, March 28th - Saturday, April 11th, 2009
Located inside Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA 92869
(714)997-3968

xoxo, K
image via Irvine Park Railroad

Ooey, Gooey, Chocolatey & Chewy

Ooey, gooey, chocolatey & chewy? You know if those are the words used to describe something, it's going to be good. I whipped up these bad boys last week & they were gone in just one night. Note to self, next time, bake a double the batch.

Rocky Road Cookie Sandwiches
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cups chopped pecans (but you could use almonds or cashews too)
10 tablespoons marshmallow cream

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Using a mixer, cream the butter & brown sugar until fluffy. beat in the egg. Mix in the salt, baking powder and baking soda at a low speed, then mix in the vanilla and flour. Stir in the chocolate chips & nuts.
3. Drop a rounded spoonful of dough onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake until the cookies are golden at the edges and slightly soft in the center, about 12 minutes. Transfer the cookies sheets to racks to cool completely.
4. Sandwich the cookies with 2 tablespoons marshmallow each.

Yum! & Maybe on the next go round we will do ice cream instead, for some homemade ice cream sandwiches.

xoxo, K

Swallows Day Parade

image via flckr

We try to go to the Swallows Day Parade every year because it is so family friendly. The parade is the largest non-motorized parade in the country and over 500 horses participate. It celebrates the legend of the return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano. The parade will take place in downtown San Juan and start at 11 this Saturday, March 21st.

xoxo, C

Hoos'gow Day

Don't forget tomorrow from 9-4 is Hoo'sgow day and there is no get out of jail free card when it comes to downtown San Juan Capistrano. Volunteers dress-up in western wear and put you in jail if you are not in western attire. The proceeds from this lively tradition go to fund the parade. Here are details from the official site of the parade:

Hoos’gow Day is a San Juan tradition! Bringing a taste of the Wild, Wild West back to San Juan Capistrano, the “Sheriff” and “Deputies” of the Fiesta Association dressed in their traditional black and white western wear roam the city in search of city slickers. If you’re not wearing western wear watch out – you might just be roped into the fun! The Deputies “arrest” anyone not dressed in western attire, or any man who is clean-shaven.

However, the rules often change to suit the sheriff or his over- zealous deputies out to fill the jail. There’s plenty of wild western whooping and hollering’ going on as gunslingers fill the streets shooting in celebration. (Don’t worry; our gunslingers are all friendly, OC Sheriff approved, and only shooting blanks). The penalty for noncompliance is being thrown into the hoos’gow. Jail sentences are short for those who can make “bail” by purchasing a Fiesta Association souvenir. “Bail” money is used to defray the costs of the parade. For more information call (949) 493-1976.

xoxo, C

Creative Invites=Party Success

The best parties I have attended have had amazing invites by hosts that "think out of the box." For example, last year I was invited to the most creative Halloween party ever and it all started with the invite created by Tammy of My Life in Pictures.   A decorated bag was dropped off on my doorstep and I opened it with excitement.  The contents continued to intrigue me because there was a note from the host telling us what we were in store for that spooky evening of "old haunted hollywood.".  The best part was how the details of the evening were written on a real clapboard.  I was already excited for the party and all I had was the invite.  For more ideas on how to create memorable invites go to My Life in Pictures because Tammy has tons of party ideas for invites and decor.

xoxo, C

Free Movie from Red Box

image via flickr

Have you used Red Box to rent DVDs?  The Red Box kiosks are usually located inside of grocery stores and have a great selection of movies to rent.  Its an easy and cheap way to get a movie, its $1.00 to rent and there are no late fees. Red Box is giving away a free movie rental today.  Dealseeking Mom provides detailed instructions here and use the Promo Code  GTL456.  Happy movie watching!

xoxo, C

Sabatino's Sausage Company

Recently I was in the mood for Italian - it must be pregnancy cravings. As my hubby & I were bouncing around restaurant names, nothing was really sounding good. That is, until he suggested a place we haven't visited since our BC (before children) days... Sabatino's Sausage Company a.k.a the Lido Shipyard Sausage Company.

I like to think of Sabatino's as our "little secret". Mostly because it's so hard to find - you don't exactly "stumble across it". It's actually located in a private residential area behind Bluewater Grill on Lido Island. From Lafayette Road, take a right turn onto Shipyard Way, & don't forget to wave hi to the security guard, from there, it's just up ahead on the right.

Once you are there, you will definitely want to try the sausage - it's what they are famous for, you can even have them package it up & take some home. But honestly EVERYTHING is good, check out their menus HERE. The little boys & I started with the Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms, while my hubby had their award-winning Caesar salad. Next I had their Homemade Sausage Ravioli, the hubby had Rigatoni with bolognese sauce & the little boys some of "Grandma's Meatballs". Just writing about it, is making me hungry! It was all so delicious. I can't wait to go back again - maybe next time we will have to hit up the Italian Style brunch on Saturdays & Sundays from 8:30am - 1pm.

Sabatino's Sausage Company
251 Shipyard Way, Cabin D
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949)723-0621

xoxo, K
image via Sabatino's

p.s. The restaurant isn't exactly huge, so you might want to call for reservations.

Baubles, Bangles & Bags

Working Wardrobes, an OC nonprofit organization that helps men & women in crisis get back to work through "wardrobing & career development" is hosting their annual "fashionable fundraiser" event this Sunday, March 22, from 1-5pm. The event will feature live music, a fashion show, flowing champagne, delicious appetizers & best of all - discounted boutique shopping. There will be lots & lots of fabulous finds, vendors will include: Jacqueline B, Cookie Lee, Arbonne & several more. I've also been told that there will be fashions from The Hanger, Working Wardrobes'
upscale resale chain of boutiques that features brand new or "gently-loved" brands like St. John Knits, Burberry, Ann Taylor & Coach, all at a fraction of retail costs!

Baubles, Bangles & Bags Fashion & Shopping Experience
Sunday, March 22nd, 2009, 1pm - 5pm
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629
For more information go HERE, or call (714)210-2460

xoxo, K
image via Working Wardrobes

On this St. Paddy's Day...

photos circa July 2006, Ireland

xoxo, K

12 ideas for St. Paddy's Day

image via flickr

1.  Make Green Pancakes for Breakfast

2.  Buy a Shamrock Shake

3.  Make "green" lemonade

4.  Make a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow

5.  Plant some shamrocks

6.  Plant some potatoes

7.  Write a limerick

8.  Wear Green

9.  Bake some shamrock sugar cookies

10. Eat some Corned Beef  

11. Treat yourself to a cute green top

12. Find something fun to do in the OC

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

xoxo, C

Birthday Parties come in all Shapes, Colors and Sizes

A party for Lisa's one year old twins with a tiny theme that included tiny hats and tiny invites.

Yellow Party spotted on Say Yes to Hoboken

Polka Dot Party spotted on Martha Stewart

Forget about the princess parties or a superhero theme and start thinking more simply when it come to birthday parties for that thematic punch. Lately, I have seen parties centered on simple ideas such as a certain color, size, or even a shape. The results are amazing.

xoxo, C

Knott's Berry Farm Annual Passes

I have to admit that it's been years since I've actually been to Knott's Berry Farm. But I recently got a promo in the mail that got me thinking... "a whole year of Knott's Berry Farm fun with absolutely no blackout dates!" For ages 3 & older, & over 48" tall, the price is just $89.99 per pass; and for ages 3 & older, but under 48" the cost is $59.99 per pass. & it gets even better - if you are purchasing four or more passes (for those over 48" tall), currently you can get them for $79.99 each.

For more information about the other passes they offer (some even include admission to their water parks), or to purchase a pass (or two), go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Knott's Berry Farm

Susie Cakes

My sweet husband bought me a few cupcakes from Susie Cakes for my birthday and I devoured them. I am happy to share that they are having a few specials this month to feed my new treat obsession.

xoxo, C

Weekend Fun

Looking for something to do this weekend in the OC with the family? Check out some of these events happening around town...

Saturday:

Dana Point Festival of Whales
Lakeshore Learning Centers Free crafts for kids
Shamrocks & Skates
shrnk Sale
St. Patrick's Day Festival

Sunday:

Dana Point Festival of Whales
Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic
Great Skate
Silverado Children's Center Annual Chili Cook-Off
St. Patrick's Day Festival

xoxo, K

St. Patrick's Day Festival

The third annual St. Patrick's Day Festival is this Saturday and will feature Irish Jigs, Leprechauns, traditional Irish dancing, and a festive atmosphere to celebrate St. Patty's day.

March 14th and 15th

Orange County Market Place

Costa Mesa

10am  - 4pm

xoxo, C

12 Months of Play Dough

I love the idea of a 12 month of subscription of Play Dough as a birthday present.   It would be so fun for a little one to know that they were getting a creative surprise every month in the mail.  You can purchase a subscription on Etsy from DoSiDough.  Stay Tuned for next week because I am covering more fun birthday ideas.

xoxo, C