Street Painting Festival

This weekend (May 2-3rd) in Mission Viejo is the 11th annual Street Painting Festival. "The two-day festival features re-creations of the Old Masters and original works, all by noted artists and all created on asphalt."

The festival is held from 10am - 5pm at the Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center at 24932 Veterans Way in Mission Viejo & offers live street painting, entertainment, art workshops & food. Admission & parking are FREE.

For more information go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via www.funwithchalk.org

Jedi Training Party

Spotted on Party Perfect, a fabulous party idea for any boy that loves star wars, a Jedi Training party. I love the tunics and the light sabers. I am definitely bookmarking this party to use for ideas for a future birthday party. If you don't feel like throwing a whole party to teach Jedi Training just take your favorite little boy(s) to Disneyland for their awesome Jedi Training Academy.

xoxo, C

May 2009 Calendar

May 1st:
* 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.
* 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.
May 2nd:
* City of Mission Viejo's Street Painting Festival
* Target FREE First Saturday at the Children's Museum at La Habra, 1:30-3:30pm. Face painting, crafts & stilt walkers.
* 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.
* Dia De Los Ninos at the Anaheim Central Library Children's Room, 11am - 12:30pm
* 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 a wheel barrow planter
* The Knack FREE Family Event at your local Michael's store, 10am - 1pm: Mother's Day Workshop making a Keepsake Plate
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Taste of Ladera
May 3rd:
* Taste of Ladera
* City of Mission Viejo's Street Painting Festival
* Target FREE First Sunday at the Bower's Museum & Kidseum
* FREE admission to the Laguna Art Museum with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* 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
* The Knack FREE Family Event at your local Michael's store, 1pm - 3pm: Mother's Day Workshop making a T-shirt
* City of Fullerton Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Downtown Plaza, 2-5pm
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, noon-4pm.
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
May 4th:
* Taco Bell Discovery Science Center, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* The Knack FREE Family Event at your local Michael's store, 6-7pm: Mother's Day Workshop making a Corsage
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
May 5th:
* 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.
* The Knack FREE Family Event at your local Michael's store, 6-7pm: Mother's Day Workshop making a Paper Flower Bouqet
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
* Family Night at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 5pm - 8pm.
May 6th:
* 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.
* The Knack FREE Family Event at your local Michael's store, 6-7pm: Mother's Day Workshop making a Personalized Coupon Book
May 7th:
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 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.
* 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.
* The Knack FREE Family Event at your local Michael's store, 6-8pm: Mother's Day Workshop making a Card
May 8th:
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* The Knack FREE Family Event at your local Michael's store, 6-8pm: Mother's Day Workshop making a Wooden Frame
May 9th:
* The Knack FREE Family Event at your local Michael's store, 1-4pm: Mother's Day Workshop making a Beaded Necklace
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
May 10th:
* The Knack FREE Family Event at your local Michael's store, 1-4pm: Mother's Day Workshop decorate a Cookie with Mom
* 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.
May 11th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
May 12th:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* 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.
* 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.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
May 13th:
* Fun at Pirates Cove at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 10 - 11 am. Reservations required (949)675-8915.
* 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.
* 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.
May 14th:
* 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.
* 14th Annual Taste of Anaheim, 5:30-9:30pm
May 15th:
* 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
May 16th:
* 17th Annual Duck-a-Thon
* 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.
May 17th:
* City of Lake Forest's Exploration Day in The Arbor: Carnival of Discovery
* 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.
May 18th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
May 19th:
* Bowers Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* 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.
* 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.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
May 20th:
* Fun at Pirates Cove at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 10 - 11 am. Reservations required (949)675-8915.
* 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.
* 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.
May 21st:
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 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.
* 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.
May 22nd:
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Garden Grove's Annual Strawberry Festival
May 23rd:
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Garden Grove's Annual Strawberry Festival
* Sunset Stroll at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 7:30-9pm. 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.
May 24th:
* Garden Grove's Annual Strawberry Festival
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, noon-4pm.
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
May 25th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Garden Grove's Annual Strawberry Festival
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
May 26th:
* 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
May 27th:
* 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.
May 28th:
* 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.
May 29th:
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Bird Survey at Shipley Nature Center
May 30th:
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
May 31st:
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, noon-4pm.
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.

Rock and Republic Sample Sale

Oh Baby! The Rock & Republic Sample Sale is here. & Aren't I glad I scheduled to have this baby on Saturday because that means I still have Friday to go shopping! For those of you who need to fill your "jean fix" without completely wiping out your bank account, this is the sale for you. Save 50-80% on Men's, Women's, & Kid's denim, tops, outerwear & accessories! (& If you are love their cycling line Rock Racing, like my hubby does, rumor has it that will be on sale too!)

So here are all the details:
Date & Time: Friday, May 1st - Sunday, May 3rd, 2009
Time: 9am - 7pm on Friday & Saturday, 9am - 6pm on Sunday
Location: Sony Studios, Stage 9, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
Forms of Payment Accepted: Cash or Credit Card

xoxo, K

The Warehouse Sale

Looking for a way to fight the recession, update your wardrobe & save a few pennies all at the same time? Then THIS might be your answer. Sunday, May 3rd the Warehouse Sale will be coming to Orange County. (Don't worry too much though if you can't make it, because it'll be in San Diego on Friday, May 8th too!)

Not exactly sure what the Warehouse Sale is? Straight from their website "The Warehouse Sale is an exclusive, invite-only denim sample sale that offers the newest and hottest styles of the season in your favorite brands for both MEN & WOMEN. Get ahead of the trends and be the first to rock up-an-coming labels. With everything priced BELOW WHOLESALE, we make it easy for you to try new styles or brands without guilt."

So are you interested in saving up to 80% off designer jeans? Don't forget it's INVITE ONLY, so even if you are just thinking about attending, you'll definitely want to register for the sale HERE. Have any other questions? Go HERE, for most of the answers.

So here are the details...
Date: Sunday, May 3rd, 2009
Time: 10am - 4pm
Location: Orange County Fair Grounds, Building 14 (General Parking is $5)
Forms of Accepted Payment: Credit Cards definitely, possibly cash, no checks

Don't Forget to RSVP HERE.

xoxo, K

3-Day Disneyland Park Hopper for Just $99

Oh my heavens! Disneyland is definitely pulling out ALL the stops! So you probably already know about their other offers... Southern California residents can pay for the annual passes with their new monthly payment option, America's Military Personnel can receive FREE multi-day admission to Disney's US Theme Parks, everyone gets in FREE on their birthday, & now, beginning JUNE 1st - August 23rd, Southern California residents (residents who live in zip codes 90000 through 93599 & 21000-22999) can purchase a 3-Day Disneyland Park Hopper Ticket for just $99. Hello?! That's just $33/ day! Plus, the tickets are valid for 45 days from the first use, so you don't have to use all 3 days at once! For more information & all the details, go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Disneyland

Zach's Enchiladas

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, so here is my favorite recipe for enchiladas from the food network. It's easy and impressive. If I am in a hurry I just use bottled enchilada sauce and it still turns out yummy. Enjoy!

Ingredients

For the steak:

• 2 pounds tri-tip steak, cut into large chunks
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup anejo tequila
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 serrano chile, diced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the enchiladas:

• 5 (7-ounce) cans tomatillo sauce
• 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 pound pepper Jack cheese, grated
• 3 (15 1/2-ounce) cans black beans
• 1 (7-ounce) can diced chiles
• 2 dozen flour tortillas
• Equipment: 2 (9 by 13-inch) baking pans

Directions

One day ahead, make the steak: In a slow cooker, combine the steak, water, tequila, garlic, and 1 serrano chile. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and cook, on low, until very tender, about 12 hours or overnight. Shred the steak.

Make the enchiladas:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the tomatillo and tomato sauces in a saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring, until hot. Stir in 1/4 cup of the cheese.

Heat the black beans in another saucepan.

Combine little of the sauce, a bit of the black beans, a smidgen of the cheese, small morsels of the steak, and hints of the diced canned chiles in each tortilla and roll, keeping the ends untucked. Arrange the rolls in the pans and pour the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and remaining chiles.

Cover the pans with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

Proof That I Practice What I Preach

The hubby & I have an on-going Buzz Lightyear battle. Unfortunately he usually kicks my butt. I can safely say that on this trip though, I wiped the floor with him. He had a measly 400 & something thousand. That doesn't even compare to my 693,800 points. Yep! You read that right, 693,800 points, pardon me while I gloat for a bit, but I'm feeling like a proud mama. I may just have to frame this picture & display it prominently. Want to learn the secrets to racking up the points on Buzz? Go HERE.

xoxo, K

Zoomars, A Great OC Petting Zoo

image via flickr

I have nightmares about going to L.A. Zoo when I was young and walking up a huge hill in the summer heat. I don't love zoos, so I try to find substitutes for outings with the kids, like pet stores and petting zoos. Zoomars in San Juan Capistrano is a great example of a zoo substitute. You have a select group of animals in a small location, so the trip is not overwhelming for the parent or child. The petting zoo is well kept and located in downtown San Juan Capistrano. My boys love going to Zoomars because they can feed animal and ride a train all in the same day. They also offer enrichment camps during the summer.

Catering to over 150,000 visitors a year, ZOOMARS is home to hundreds of friendly animals to feed, pet, love and learn from. There are goats, emus, llamas, donkeys, alpacas, sheep, geese, ducks, guinea pigs and a bunny patch. All of the animals residents receive regular vet checks and are treated with respect, compassion and love. Close attention is given to cleanliness with both a handwashing and sanitizing stations throughout the grounds. After petting the animals, youngsters can saddle up for a pony ride or hop aboard the miniature train. At the front of the property is the century-old Olivares House, listed on the National Registry. Behind it sits an 1890’s bathhouse and picnic area available for birthday parties or family gatherings. ZOOMARS is located in the Los Rios Historic District of San Juan Capistrano, California’s oldest residential neighborhood.

Another great thing about a trip to Zoomars is that you can head over to Ruby's for a chocolate chip shake when you are done.

Zoomars Petting Zoo
31791 Los Rios Street
San Juan Capistrano, CA
949-831-6550

Picture the Park!

On Saturday, April 25th the Great Park of Orange County will be hosting a FREE family event Picture the Park. "This family event will offer the opportunity to explore one's imagination and vision of the Great Park through creativity and hands-on activities, including 3-D art, sidewalk chalk drawings, and agricultural art."

Picture the Park
Saturday, April 25th, 2009
1-4pm, at the Great Park Preview Park

xoxo, K
image via Great Park of Orange County

Taste of Huntington Beach

Just typing this out is making me hungry... the Taste of Huntington Beach is happening THIS Sunday, April 26th from noon 'till 4pm. I honestly can't imagine anything more delicious - all of Huntington Beach's finest & tastiest restaurants under one roof for my sampling pleasure. Yum!
Tickets can be purchased at the door for $60. For a list of the "eateries" involved in this year's celebration go HERE.

Here are all the details:
What: Taste of Huntington Beach
Where: Huntington Beach Outdoor Sports Complex, 18100 Goldenwest, Huntington Beach
When: Sunday, April 26th, 2009, 12 - 4pm
Cost: $60 at the door

xoxo, K
image via Taste of Huntington Beach

Newport Beach Film Festival

Don't Forget... the Newport Beach Film Festival begins today (April 23rd) & goes until April 30th. To check the film schedule &/ or buy tickets go HERE. If you want to take your kids, you might want to check out some of "family oriented films". (To find the "family films" specifically, go the the Newport Beach Film Festival home page HERE. Click on the "festival" tab near the top of the page & then the blue "family" tab that appears, & viola!) There are also tons of FREE events happening this year, so check some of those out as well!

Happy movie going!

xoxo, K

Calendar Tape

Why didn't I think of this?
Simple and Useful.

Spotted on Boing Boing.
Buy at Think Geek.






xoxo, C

Diane's Beachwear Warehouse Sale

Oh My Heavens! I've been doing a little web surfing & look what I stumbled across... Diane's Beachwear has been having warehouse sales every Friday during the month of April! So cancel your Friday appointments, clear your schedule & make sure you make your way up to the Diane's Corporate Office THIS Friday, April 24th, 2009.

According to their website: "On top of FAB prices, if you Buy 5 items Get 1 FREE (of lesser value)!!" They have also "put together SECRET PASSWORDS that allow you to get even better deals each week. Just SAY the right Password when you go to checkout! To be added to the VIP PASSWORD LIST - send an e-mail to customerservice@diansbeachwear.com and write 'Please Send Me the SECRET Password!'"

So here are the details:
Date: Friday, April 24th, 2009
Time: 9am - 4pm
Location: Diane's Corporate Office, 2401 West 208th St., Suite 4, Torrance, CA 90501

xoxo, K
image via Diane's Beachwear

The Secret In-N-Out Menu

In college I was introduced to the Animal Style Burger (mustard, cheese, pickles, grilled onions, and extra spread) at In-N-Out and never turned back. I learned that there were certain menu items that you could order that were not on the menu. For example, a root beer float (so good) or Neapolitan shake (a mix of strawberry, chocolate and vanilla ice cream) are two drinks that I like to get that are not listed on the menu. If I am feeling particularly hungry I might even get cheese fries to really increase my calorie intake. The In-N-Out secret menu has great options and allows everyone to figure out their own perfect combo.

What are your " secret" In-N-Out favorites?

xoxo, C

Calling All Angel Fans

This Saturday, April 25th, Angels Manager Mike Scioscia will be hosting a youth baseball clinic at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. According to their website:

"From 10am - 12pm Scioscia & select Angels players & coaches will teach the youth the proper fundamentals of the game of baseball. This event will be a lecture type format with an autograph session to follow.

Registration will begin at Gate #1 at 8:30am. Participants are encouraged to arrive early, and bring any Angels items for an autograph session at the conclusion of the clinic. No baseball equipment will be needed for the clinic."

If you've got a little Angel fan in your household, this would definitely be a dream come true!

xoxo, K

My Perfect Summer Meal

Has anyone noticed that it's HOT outside? & As you can imagine, being about to "pop" doesn't make the heat any more bearable. But, all this warm weather has given me an excuse to whip up our family's favorite summer meal... chilled Chicken Salad, some warm biscuits or croissants, a big old bowl of fresh fruit & one of my favorite desserts ever - Chocolate Brownie Trifle. (By, the way, this meal makes a great "delivered" meal. So, if you have any friends who are "under the weather", or say, just had a baby, & you want to give them the night off, this meal travels well & they don't even have to heat it up!) Want to make your own perfect summer meal? Here are the recipes...

Grandma's Chicken Salad
Chicken breasts, boiled and diced (I usually use 3-4, or you can cheat & use a rotisserie chicken)
Celery
Pecans (optional)
Grapes
1 Can crushed pineapple, drained
Mayonnaise
Salt and Pepper

Chop and dice chicken, celery, pecans, grape and pineapple, adding as much as you like of each. (I like lots!) Slowly add mayonnaise until you get the consistency you want. Then, salt and pepper to taste. Best if refrigerated prior to serving! (Just give it a good mix because the mayo tends to settle in the bottom after being in the fridge!) & That's it! Pretty easy, huh?

For your "perfect summer meal" you'll also want some croissants (if you want to make Chicken Salad sandwiches) or you can just have a basket of soft & fluffy rolls (my personal favorites are the Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits), a big 'ole bowl of fresh fruit, & to top it all off...

Chocolate Brownie Trifle
1 Big pkg. fudge brownie mix (or you can cheat & buy the pre-made brownie bites)
2 Big pkg. instant chocolate pudding mix
8 Heath Bars, crushed or 2 bags of Skor chips
1+ container whipped topping (I love Cool Whip, so I tend to go heavy)
chocolate curls (optional)

Prepare brownie mix, bake per directions in 9x13 inch pan. Let cool and then crumble. Prepare pudding per the package directions, chilling for 5-10 minutes. Place a layer of crumbled brownies in bottom of 3-quart trifle dish (or any bowl), top with a layer of the pudding, then a layer of whipped topping & finally sprinkle with the crushed candy bars. Repeat layers, ending with the whipped topping & crushed candy bars. Garnish with chocolate curls. Chill 8 hours (or as long as you have... it gets better the longer you chill, but I usually can't wait even an hour, & it still taste great!)

Hope you enjoy our perfect summer meal! I'd love to come to dinner next time you make it!

xoxo, K
chicken salad image via Whole Foods.

Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's

Don't forget.... Tuesday, April 21st is FREE Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's. Who can pass up FREE ice cream? Especially when it's this HOT out?! So mark your calendar, tie a string around your finger, cover the house with sticky notes... whatever will help you remember. Then on Tuesday, April 21st, find your nearest Ben & Jerry's HERE, pack up the kids & head on down for some FREE ice cream.

xoxo, K
image via Ben & Jerry's

Bugaboo Warehouse Sale.

Mark your calenders because Saturday, April 25th from 9am - 4pm, Bugaboo (yes! you read that correctly, BUGABOO) is having a warehouse sale! If you are in the market for a stroller or some new accessories, you'll definitely want to checkout this sale... up to 50% off Bugaboo strollers & 70% off Bugaboo accessories - that's some pretty incredible savings!

So here are the details:
Date: April 25th, 2009
Time: 9am - 4pm
Location: GMT Studios Stage 3, 5751 Buckingham Parkway, Culver City, CA 90230
Forms of Payment Accepted: Cash, Visa & Mastercard (no checks)

xoxo, K

I Love Dirt

Happy Earth Day! I Love Dirt by Jennifer Ward is a great interactive book that encourages kids to think about and respect the world around them.

xoxo, C

Earth Day Celebration at the Camp/Lab

When: Sunday , April 19th 12-4
Where: The Lab/Camp
What: An Earth Day celebration that includes exhibits, children's crafts, food samplings, and live music
Bring: Recyclables












xoxo, C

Red Balloon Warehouse

Yesterday Coleen & I headed out for an impromptu shopping trip. After reading about the Red Balloon's Warehouse HERE, we had to check it out for ourselves. Aren't familiar with the Red Balloon? It's a swanky little boutique located in Newport Beach (1829 Westcliff Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660). But don't be fooled by the name.... although it definitely is a children's boutique featuring clothes for newborns to size 14 (Small Paul, Petit Bateau & Baby Lulu just to name a few of their brands), they carry lots of stuff for the mamas as well! Jewelry & tons of clothes, everything from Juicy Couture to Laurie B. & even some maternity!

But enough about the actual store... because their warehouse is AMAZING! Open EVERY Tuesday & Thursday AND the 1st Saturday of every month, from 9am - 2:30pm, this place is definitely a goldmine! It's located at 1612 Babcock in Costa Mesa. If you are coming from the 55 S, just continue down Newport Blvd., hang a right on 17th St., go for about a 1/2 mile or so & then turn left on Babcock. The warehouse will be on your left, you'll see some little signs that say "Red Balloon Warehouse" poking out of the grass, you can park & then enter the door in the back. & Don't worry if the door is closed, as long as it's an "open" day you can walk right in!

Inside you'll find an entire warehouse full of goodies. Everything is incredibly well-organized by size, which makes shopping really easy, even if you have kids in tow. On our recent shopping trip, we were really impressed by the selection. I picked up a bunch of t-shirts for the boys & even some TOM's shoes, as well as few things for myself. The best part? That it didn't cost me a fortune. EVERYTHING we saw was 65% off! (We are talking Small Paul shirts for like $12! Quite the deal!) So, next time you have a Tuesday or Thursday free, you might want to head on over to the Red Balloon Warehouse.... you might even see Coleen or me there!

Here are all the details:
What: Red Balloon Warehouse
Open: EVERY Tuesday, Thursday & the 1st Saturday of every month, 9am - 2:30 pm
Location: 1612 Babcock, Costa Mesa CA (enter through the door in the back)
Accepted Forms of Payment: Cash & Credit Cards (no checks!)

xoxo, K

Earth Day in the OC

image via flickr

California Regional Environmental Education Community has a great list of things to do for Earth Day with the family. UCI is hosting great hands-on workshops for kids and you can take the whole family to Crystal Cove to clean-up. Earth day is this Sunday, April 19th, so be sure to find something to do to celebrate mother earth.

xoxo, C

Carne Asada Fries

image via flickr

I hesitate sharing my next OC food craving with you because it is so gluttonous, but Carne Asada fries are a necessary evil of the OC because they are DELICIOUS. You read right Carne Asada Fries, a pile of fries topped with a huge mound of cheese, cool sour cream, savory guac, and finished off with pico de gallo. Yum! These babies must be finished off with your soft drink of choice and make great junk food.

Albatros in Lake Forest and Alertos in Westminster are my favorite spots to get Carne Asada Fries.

xoxo, C

Orange County Happy Hour Week

Just because everyone is trying to pinch their pennies, doesn't mean you can't have a little happiness in your life... all week long (April 12-18th) restaurants, bars, breweries & eateries will be celebrating Happy Hour Week.

What exactly does this mean? From their website: "'Happy Hour Week' is a week of food, drinks & fun! This COUNTY wide event is the first of its kind. Happy Hour week works like this: restaurants, bars, breweries and eateries will offer prix fixe happy hour menus. The best part is that they are offered all day and all week. So whether its lunch time at the office or after dinner, happy hour will still be going during this week... Not a drinker? No worries, we have you covered, Mocktails will be served, after all Happy Hour offers a fun vibe everyone over 21 can enjoy whether you're drinking a Diet Coke or a cocktail... We know Happy Hour comes in many shapes & sizes, from dive bars to wine tasting on the coast. Fear not there will be plenty of Happy Hours to go around. We have enough happiness for all during Happy Hour Week."

Ready to find your happiness? Find the list of Happy Hour Week participants HERE. You can search the participating restaurants, bars, breweries & eateries by a whole slew of options (where they are located, who has an extra long happy hour, etc.) or you can check out the ENTIRE list of participants HERE.

Happy Hour not exactly your "scene"? Have no worries, many of the participants are also offering dining room specials & special food & drink pairings. "This means you can have even more Happiness for lunch & dinner!" Check out those places offering amazing dining room deals HERE.

Get Happy!

xoxo, K
image via Happy Hour Week.

Easter Ham & More

The best part of any holiday is the food. Growing up, & even now as an adult, ham is always the star of our Easter meal. I thought I'd pass along one of our family's favorite ham recipes, borrowed from our good friends Art & Peggy.

Ham a la Art & Peggy

1 whole ham: wash, cut off fat & cut slices in the top.
Cover the entire ham with mustard & bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.
After baking, dump the grease.

Then, mix the following ingredients together & pour over the ham:
2 cans of whole cranberry sauce
1/2 cup to 1 cup of water
2-3 Tbsp. mustard
2-3 Tbsp. brown sugar

After you've poured the mixture on the ham, return it to the oven & bake at 350 degrees, until the ham is done (approximately 1-2 hours), basting every 15 minutes.

& Although, ham may be the star, we all know no Easter meal would be complete without loads of sides & desserts. Our menu hasn't been finalized, but here are some of the recipes I'm drooling over...

Ham & Asparagus Quiche
Honey Yeast Rolls
Layered Tortellini Spinach Salad
Maple Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Raspberry Asparagus
Carrot Souffle
Sweet Spinach Salad
Home Cooked Pole Beans
Deviled Eggs
& if you're not in the mood for ham, this Spring Stuffed Chicken sounds yummy!
1-2-3-4 Lemon Cake
Grandma's Carrot Cake
Lemon Freeze with Raspberry Sauce

Happy Easter!

xoxo, K
image via wikimedia