June 2009 Calendar

1st:
* Taco Bell Discovery Science Center, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
2nd:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 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
* Family Night at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 5pm - 8pm.
3rd:
* 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.
4th:
* 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.
* Story time at the Orange County Zoo, 11:30 am. Come learn at the zoo... FREE with zoo admission (Irvine Park parking Fee not included).
* 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.
5th:
* 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.
* Pirates for Children (benefiting CHOC). 12-8pm, cost is: FREE. 195 Downtown Grill & Lemon St., Downtown Anaheim.
* 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.
* City of Dana Point Movies in the Park, Movie starts at 8pm, FREE admission, Lantern Bay Park: Madagascar 2
6th:
* Cypress Wildlife Safari: FREE, 10am Cypress Nature Park
* Lake Forest's Rancho Days Fiesta, Heritage Hill Historical Park, 11am - 4pm
* 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-1pm: Thumb Doodles
* 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.
* 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 hardware sorter.
* Taste of Rancho, 4-9pm, Central Park
7th:
* Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off
* Anaheim Community 5K Walk at Angel Stadium
* 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
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, noon-4pm.
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
8th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
9th:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 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
10th:
* 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.
11th:
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* San Clemente Beach Concert Series, 6pm, San Clemente Pier
12th:
* Fountain Valley Summerfest
* 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.
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* City of Dana Point Movies in the Park, Movie starts at 8pm, FREE admission, Lantern Bay Park: Journey to the Center of the Earth
13th:
* Downtown Anaheim 5K Run
* Huntington Beach Pier Swim, 8:30-11am
* The New Mom Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center, 10am - 5pm, cost: $10
* Fountain Valley Summerfest
* San Juan Capistrano's Second Saturday Art Fair
* Story time at the Orange County Zoo, 2 pm. Come learn at the zoo... FREE with zoo admission (Irvine Park parking Fee not included).
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* City of Cypress Summer Concerts on the Green, 6pm, Civic Center Green
14th:
* Target FREE Second Sundays at the Orange County Museum of Art
* The New Mom Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center, 10am - 5pm, cost: $10
* Fountain Valley Summerfest
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, noon-4pm.
* 14th Annual Flag Day Celebration in Downtown Anaheim, 1-3pm: FREE cake & ice cream, patriotic performances, & procession.
* The Knack Free Family Event at your local Michael's store, 10am-3pm: Get Hooked on Dad T-shirt Event
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
15th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
16th:
* Bowers Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 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
17th:
* 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.
* San Juan Summer Nites Concert, 6-8pm, Historic Town Center Park
18th:
* 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.
* Story time at the Orange County Zoo, 11:30 am. Come learn at the zoo... FREE with zoo admission (Irvine Park parking Fee not included).
* 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.
19th:
* Rumble & Rock: Motorcycle, Classic Cars & Rock, 4-10pm at Center S. Promenade & Lemon, Downtown Anaheim.
* 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.
* Story time at the Orange County Zoo, 11:30 am. Come learn at the zoo... FREE with zoo admission (Irvine Park parking Fee not included).
* 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.
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* City of Dana Point Movies in the Park, Movie starts at 8pm, FREE admission, Lantern Bay Park: Horton Hears a Who!
* City of Lake Forest's Movies in the Park, Movie starts at 7:30pm, FREE admission, Cherry Park: Kung Fu Panda
20th:
* Story time at the Orange County Zoo, 2 pm. Come learn at the zoo... FREE with zoo admission (Irvine Park parking Fee not included).
* 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.
* 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.
* City of Cypress Summer Concerts on the Green, 6pm, Civic Center Green
21st:
* 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.
* City of Dana Point Summer Concerts in the Park, 4:30-6pm. Heritage Park, FREE.
22nd:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
23rd:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 am.
* Huntington Beach's Festival of Folktales, 11am -3pm at the Huntington Central Library
* Story time at the Orange County Zoo, 1:30 pm. Come learn at the zoo... FREE with zoo admission (Irvine Park parking Fee not included).
* 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
24th:
* Story time at the Orange County Zoo, 11:30 am. Come learn at the zoo... FREE with zoo admission (Irvine Park parking Fee not included).
* 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.
25th:
* 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.
* Story time at the Orange County Zoo, 11:45 am. Come learn at the zoo... FREE with zoo admission (Irvine Park parking Fee not included).
* 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.
* 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.
* La Habra Concerts in the Park, 7-8:30pm at El Centro-Lions Park
26th:
* 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.
* Bird Survey at Shipley Nature Center
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Brea Films in the Park: The Iron Giant. Movie Starts at Dusk. FREE.
* City of Dana Point Movies in the Park, Movie starts at 8pm, FREE admission, Lantern Bay Park: Charlotte's Web
27th:
* K's Birthday
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
28th:
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, noon-4pm.
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* City of Dana Point Summer Concerts in the Park, 4:30-6pm. Heritage Park, FREE.
* City of Lake Forest's Summer Concert Series, 5:30-7:30pm, Pittsford Park, FREE.
29th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
30th:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 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

OC Great Park's Movie on the Lawn

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 30th, you & the family can see Transformers for FREE at the Orange County Great Park. The movie begins at 8pm, but I'd arrive early with your beach chair, blankets & popcorn. For more information go HERE. For directions go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Orange County Great Park

Cook with Guy at California Adventure!

image via food network

It was only a few years ago, when Guy competed and won the second season of The Next Food Network Star. Today this "bad boy" of the Food Network hosts four popular programs. His shows include Guy off the Hook, Guy's Big Bite, Ultimate Recipe Showdown and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, bringing his colorful personality to the Food Network several times a week.

The evening begins with delicious appetizers and exquisite wines followed by a question and answer session. This is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal, take a photo or get an answer to that question you've always wanted to ask. Don't miss out on this superstar, evening to remember!

Date: Sunday, May 31, 2009
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Animation Courtyard, Disney's California Adventure® Park
Price: $185 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Click here to register

xoxo, C

Face Painting at Disneyland

One of my kiddos favorite Disneyland treats is to get their face painted. The Disney Face Painters are incredible & create these beautiful works of art, starting at about $8 depending on the design chosen. You can find Face Painters at the following locations:

* Downtown Disney District (near the Lego Imagination Center)
* Inside Disney's California Adventure near the Paradise Pier (exact location varies with the construction going on there)
* Inside Disneyland in: Fantasyland (near the Matterhorn), Princess Fantasy Faire, & Pixie Hollow. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, just inside Sleeping Beauty's Castle, takes face painting a step further - transforming young guests from head to toe into princesses & young knights (reservations are suggested).

xoxo, K

RVCA Warehouse Sale

The RVCA Summer Sale is almost here... don't want to wait with the masses? Purchase a speed pass & skip the lines, for more info go HERE.

Here are all the details...

Date & Time: Friday, May 29th 9am - 7pm & Saturday, May 30th 9am - 5pm
Location: 960 West 16th St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Accepted Forms of Payment: Cash & Credit Card (Visa/ MasterCard)

xoxo, K
image via RVCA

p.s. This isn't the only warehouse sale going on this weekend. If you are interested in watches, belts, wallets & clothing, check out the Vestal warehouse sale. For more information go HERE. EC Star is also having their summer sample sale this weekend - shirts, sweaters, t-shirts, jackets & pants... everything under $25. For more information go HERE.

Fortune Cookie Favors

I just spotted these favors on Inchmark and they would
have been perfect for K's recent karaoke baby shower.

Here are 33 other favor ideas from Martha.

xoxo, C

How to Win the Search Engine Game

Startup Princess, an organization for women entrepreneurs, recently launched their newest chapter right here in Orange County! Aren't familiar with Startup Princess? It's an "international network for women entrepreneurs to learn & support one another started in July 2006 by Kelly King Anderson, a mom struggling to launch her own company who wanted to meet & learn from other like-minded, action-driver women entrepreneurs." For more information about the organization go HERE.

The "NEW" OC Chapter of Startup Princess would like to invite you to join them for their June Event: "How to Win the Search Engine Game" with Google's #1 Ranked "Professional Business Consultant" Sharifah Hardie. Come & learn all about "harnessing the power of the internet" & meet lots of other "like-minded" OC women. The evening will be dedicated to learning & understanding everything from converting internet traffic to customers to SEO.

So here are the details...
What: How to Win the Search Engine Game
Where: Flintridge Village Clubhouse, 28112 Roanoke Dr, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
When: Tuesday, June 2nd, 7pm
Cost: $15 via PayPal to kelly@startupprincess.com or you can pay by check at the door

If you want to know all the details go HERE.

xoxo, K

Baby Emi Giveaway

It's almost the end of the month, which means our month-long Mother's Day Celebration is coming to an end, but not before we bring you one last super fabulous giveaway...

Introducing Baby Emi jewelry. Have you met yet? Baby Emi is a local Orange County company specializing in jewelry for both mom & her little ones. I know I immediately fell in love with the Baby Emi jingle bell collection... the "whimsical jingling" is such a beautiful sound to hear. & I like the idea that according to "Cambodian folklore, the dainty sounds are also credited with warding off bad spirits." But we aren't the only ones that have taken notice of the Baby Emi jewelry collection. Baby Emi pieces are regularly seen on celebrities, have been in some of Hollywood's most sought-after gift bags, and have been featured in several magazine including Baby Couture, Pregnancy and Newborn.

Thanks to the wonderful generosity of Baby Emi, one of our fantastic readers is going to win a hand stamped, personally customized piece of jewelry - the perfect way to share your favorite mantra, or simply remember those closest to your heart. This lucky, lucky reader will get to choose from either the copper or sterling silver circle necklace & have it personalized with whatever saying makes you smile the most. I can guarantee that this completely custom necklace will quickly become a sentimental favorite and the envy of all who see it. These beautiful, hand crafted necklaces are the perfect way to celebrate your treasured memories and favorite people. So are you ready to win your very own piece of jewelry created just for you by Baby Emi?Here's the nitty-gritty:
* You have until Midnight PST on Saturday, May 30th, 2009 to enter.
* Simply leave a comment on THIS post.
* Anyone can enter (so tell your friends), although anonymous comments will be ignored unless accompanied by an email address.
* Please, just one entry per person.
* The winner will be randomly picked & announced Monday.

xoxo, C & K, and Baby Emi

Caramel Oatmeal Bars, aka Caramel Crack

In the mood for a tasty treat? This weekend I definitely was. You know me, I'm a dessert junkie. This week's drug of choice? An family favorite... Caramel Oatmeal Bars, or as my hubby calls them - Caramel Crack, because once you start eating them, you just can't stop!

Caramel Crack
Ingredients:
2 sticks melted butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 cups flour
2 cups oatmeal
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 bag of chocolate chips
1 jar of caramel topping (think Smucker's)

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees, & grease a 9x13" baking pan.
2. Combine the brown sugar, flour, oatmeal, baking soda & salt. Add melted butter & mix until "crumbly".
3. Press HALF of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, & bake for about 15 minutes.
4. Remove from oven & spread the ENTIRE bottle of caramel topping on top, followed by the the ENTIRE bag of chocolate chips, & then finally sprinkle the remaining prepared dough mixture over the top.
5. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or so, until it's a light golden brown.
6. Once you've removed the caramel bars from the oven you need to let them cool & chill until the chocolate is set.... then it's time to cut them & start feasting.

xoxo, K
image via Anne Taintor

Michelle Photography Winner

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!".... and the winner of the super fabulous Michelle Photography Giveaway is Holly who said "We just added a new member to our family and could use a new picture! I would love Michelle to take it!"

Congratulations Holly - on winning the giveaway & on your new little bundle of joy! Be sure to email your "particulars" to justspotted@gmail.com by Wednesday, May 27th or else we will select another winner. & Thankyou! Thankyou! Thankyou to everyone for playing along. Be sure to check back tomorrow for another fantastic Mother's Day Giveaway!

xoxo, C & K

$1 Flip Flops

It's that time of year again... just in time for summer, one of my favorite sales is here! The annual, "one day wonder" Old Navy $1 flip flop sale. Yep! Yep! You can outfit your entire family with solid colored flip flops for just one buck each. With a deal this good, you know they are going to go fast, so be sure to hit your local Old Navy
early in the morning this Saturday, May 23rd. You don't want to miss the "feeting frenzy."

xoxo, K

Garden Grove Strawberry Festival

Garden Grove Strawberry Festival

Location: Village Green @ Euclid and Main

Dates: MAY 22-25, 2009

Admission: Free!

Highlights: a parade, Strawberry Idol Karaoke, a giant strawberry cake, and carnival rides

xoxo, C

Run, Kelly Run!

So yesterday my running shoes came out of retirement (you can read all about it HERE). Having just had a baby I'm feeling really inspired to lose all this extra weight I've been carrying around. Knowing I would need a little extra motivation to get me off my fat, post pregnancy butt, I signed up for the Disneyland Half Marathon months ago. I'm also thinking of signing up for some of these events too. Anyone care to join me?

Vasque Peter's Canyon Summer Trail Run Series: June 11th, July 9th & August 6th
Magic Shoe 5K Run/Walk & High Heel Dash: June 13th
Surf City Run: July 4th
Orange County Mud Run: July 18th
Disneyland Half Marathon: September 6th

So seriously, anyone want to race?

xoxo, K
image via Women's Running Central

Family Recipe Kit

A beautiful cookbook kit from a Day in May (featured on Martha) to preserve all your favorite family recipes would make a great shower gift.

xoxo, C

The Counter

Who doesn't LOVE a good burger? Especially if you can also get a thick and creamy shake & some delicious crispy fried onion strings on the side (or if you prefer you could do french fries, chili fries, sweet potato fries, or fried dill pickles). What would make this experience even better? If you could build your burger exactly how you want it, & I do mean exactly...

Well, if this sounds like something you'd like, then you definitely need to check out The Counter where they specialize in "custom built burgers." As their website says "Step into The Counter & you're greeted with a clipboard and an extensive list of fresh mouthwatering ingredients that allow you to build your won gourmet burger. Our 312,120+ different burger combinations make every burger as unique as each customer."

But don't worry, if you have a hard time making decisions & an entire clipboard of options is just to much to handle (as it is for me), they have a whole slew of signature burgers & sandwiches you can try. Plus, every month they feature a new burger & shake of the month. Check out their entire menu HERE.

So the next time you're craving a burger, I'd definitely recommend you check out The Counter. Find the nearest location HERE.

xoxo, K
p.s. My favorite? A Counter Burger, Vanilla Milkshake & Onion Strings.

Michelle Photography Giveaway

Eudora Welty once said "A good snapshot stops a moment from running away." & Lewis Hine has stated " If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera." I don't know about you, but these quotes seem to echo my sentiments exactly! I've always had a love of photography. & Although my computer's hard drive is full of thousands & thousands of pictures, unfortunately, I'm not exactly the world's best photographer. That's why I am thrilled, giddy & completely overjoyed (have I convinced you how excited I am yet?) to announce & introduce you to our next Mother's Day Giveaway...

Now, I realize that Just Spotted has readers from all over the country, but we will be limiting this giveaway to those who live in, near or around Orange County. Or anyone willing to run, hop, skip, drive or fly to the OC, because one lucky person is going to win an on-location Orange County portrait sitting & a complimentary 8x10 portrait (a package worth a whopping $320) from Michelle Photography.

I have to admit, that we don't even have a winner yet, already I'm seriously jealous. Michelle is an incredibly talented photographer. As I'm sure you can see - her work speaks for itself. But C & I aren't the only ones who think Michelle is fabulous... her work has been featured in several ads & magazines (including Modern Bride & Ceremony Magazine just to name a few).

So are you as excited as I am yet? Have you checked out Michelle's website & viewed some of her incredible work yet? Once you do, you will definitely fall in love - all of her photos are stunning! Ready to win your very own on-location Orange County photo shoot with Michelle?

Here's the nitty-gritty:
* You have until Midnight PST on Saturday, May 23rd, 2009 to enter.
* Simply leave a comment on THIS post.
* Anyone can enter (so tell your friends), although anonymous comments will be ignored unless accompanied by an email address.
* Please, just one entry per person.
* The winner will be randomly picked & announced Monday.

xoxo, C & K, and Michelle Photography

Sweet Strawberry Spinach Salad

With strawberries finally in season & for sale on every street corner it's time to break out some of my favorite recipes. This salad recipe is always a hit & definitely one of our summer staples!

Sweet Strawberry Spinach Salad
1/2 cup canola/olive oil blend
1/3 cup raspberry vinegar
2 tb. orange juice
sea salt, to taste
ground pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped

4 cups spinach leaves, washed & dried
1 pint strawberries, washed, hulled & quartered
1/2 cups sliced almonds, toasted or candied
1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles

Combine oil, vinegar, orange juice, salt, pepper and chives, blending well with a whisk.

Toss spinach, strawberries, almonds and feta in a bowl & toss with vinaigrette.

* Making the salad your meal? Simply add cooked chicken.

Now that I've shared my favorite salads, it's your turn. What salad recipe do you love?

xoxo, K
image via flickr.

Swanky Paper Winner

Drum roll please.... and the winner of the fabulous Swanky Paper Giveaway is Jennifer Gilmore who said "I'm loving the swanky paper! You are right - I might have to buy a bunch. I especially love the Mod blue and brown folded notes."

Congratulations to Jennifer (be sure to email your "particulars" to justspotted@gmail.com by Wednesday, May 20th or else we will select another winner) & thanks to everyone for playing along. Be sure to check back tomorrow for another fantastic Mother's Day Giveaway!

xoxo, C & K

Patchwork

PATCHWORK 4 is coming to town!!!
Mark your calendars for a day of goods from local emerging artists and designers, amazing local food, drinks and music and diy craft booths for the whole family...
MAY 17TH 11-5
2202 NORTH MAIN STREET
SANTA ANA, CA 92706
ROAD LESS TRAVELED, HARVEY'S AND THE CRAFT KITCHEN PARKING LOTS

free!!!

park in the lot on main & buffalo across from the entrance to the 5 south

Huntington Beach Duck-A-Thon

This weekend (Friday, May 15th - Sunday, May 17th) is Huntington Beach's 17th Annual Duck-A-Thon. It's an incredible weekend filled with "sand, sun, surf, food and rubber duckies," which raises money for AltaMed's Huntington Beach Community Clinic. The weekend's events include...

The Duck-A-Thon begins Friday evening with a Sunset Wine Tasting at the Pier. This beautiful setting provides as a wonderful kick-off for the weekend. Local restaurants supply an array of tantalizing hors d’oeuvres while wineries from across California donate boutique wines that are poured all evening.

The actual Duck-A-Thon takes place all day Saturday & Sunday. Vendors line Huntington Beach Pier Plaza to sell arts & crafts, yummy treats, home décor, jewelry and much more.

A larger – than – life Children’s Area includes bounce houses, retired rubber duck decorating, games, a toddler’s zone and prizes!

Each year, the Duck-A-Thon has a new theme for the ducks and the overall event. Honoring Huntington Beach’s Centennial, we feature the 2009 Birthday Ducks! These little yellow quackers are hand-decorated with party hat, gift, and a birthday greeting, for $20 each.

If you want to participate in the "main event" (which happens on Saturday at 3pm), the Duck Festival, you can still buy your Rubber Ducks online HERE. Ducks may also be purchased on Race day from 9am until approximately 2pm at the Huntington Beach Pier. Otherwise, you can always just watch from the beach as thousands of little rubber duckies are dropped from the pier to race to shore & claim their prizes.

For more information regarding the Duck-A-Thon go HERE.

xoxo, K
images via the Duck-A-Thon

Strawberries near you...

I LOVE strawberries. But I especially LOVE home-grown strawberries... I could eat them ALL day. Unfortunately, I've been a little busy lately, & haven't quite gotten around to planting my garden. Luckily, the OC Register has a great interactive map listing local strawberry stands, check it out HERE. Now I can enjoy that homegrown taste, without all the effort!

xoxo, K
image via here.