Cirque du Soleil

Get your tickets now for Cirque du Soleil. The excitement begins January 10, 2010 under the Grand Chapiteau (fancy name for big top) at the Orange County Great Park. But don't dilly dally too long, the show will only be here a few short weeks, until January 31st, 2010. Buy your tickets HERE, you definitely don't want to miss out on all the acrobatics. (& If you just can't wait until January, then you could always check out their show in October, up in Santa Monica.)

xoxo, K
image via Cirque du Soleil

Fourth of July: The Menu

image via Martha Stewart

Good food can make a great Fourth of July amazing, so here are some delicious recipes for you to try this year:

Potato Salad courtesy of the Pioneer Woman
Alton Brown's Spicy Beef Kabobs
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Martha Stewart's Romaine, Avocado, and Corn Salad
The Barefoot Contessa's Strawberry Country Cake (top it with blueberries and strawberries to make it festive)

What are you cookin' up this Fourth of July?

xoxo, C

Monday Night Carload at Wild Rivers

Monday nights this summer (until August 24th), from 4-9pm, any car will pay just $60 for up to eight guests safely seated, with a seatbelt, in a single vehicle. (Parking is an additional $10 & if your car holds more than 8 safely seated, each additional guest is just $5 per person.) Wow! What a deal! (Evening admission is usually $19.95.) More information HERE (under Events).

xoxo, K

July 2009 Calendar

1st:
* 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.
* City of Tustin Concerts in the Park, 6pm, Peppertree Park, FREE
2nd:
* 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 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
* Placentia Concerts in the Park, 6:30pm, Tri-City Park
3rd:
* 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
* Balboa Island Stroll, 6-9pm. Shops will be open late & many will be serving cheese, crackers & other refreshments.
* Brea Films in the Park: Bugsy Malone. Movie Starts at Dusk. FREE.
* City of Orange 3rd of July celebration
4th:
* Brea July 4th Country Fair: 7am -4:30pm at City Hall Park, 301 S. Brea Blvd. Admission is FREE.
* City of Cypress 4th of July Celebration: Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, Gates open at 2pm.
* City of Fullerton 4th of July Festival & Fireworks Show
* Huntington Beach 4th of July Celebrations: 5K, Pier Festival, Parade & Fireworks
* Laguna Hills Fourth of July Celebration
* Ladera Ranch 4th of July Spectacular
* La Habra 4th of July & Firework Celebration
* Lake Forest Pancake Breakfast & Parade
* Los Alamitos 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
* Mission Viejo 4th of July Street Faire & Fireworks
* Newport Beach Fourth of July
* San Clemente July 4th Fireworks, 9pm, San Clemente Pier
* San Juan Capistrano 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks
* Tustin July 4th Celebration & Fireworks
* Yorba Linda 4th of July Spectacular & Fireworks
5th:
* 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.
6th:
* 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.
* Monday Night Carload at Wild Rivers
7th:
* 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
* Family Night at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 5pm - 8pm.
8th:
* 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.
* City of Tustin Concerts in the Park, 6pm, Peppertree Park, FREE
9th:
* 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.
* Fountain Valley Concerts in the Park, 6-8pm at the FV Recreation Center & Sports Park
* Garden Grove Free Summer Concert Series, 6:30-8:30pm, at Eastgate Park
* La Habra Concerts in the Park, 7-8:30pm at El Centro-Lions Park
* Placentia Concerts in the Park, 6:30pm, Tri-City Park
10th:
* Orange County Fair
* 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.
* 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
* Brea Films in the Park: The Muppet Movie. Movie Starts at Dusk. FREE.
* Ladera Ranch Concerts on the Green, 6:30-8:30pm, Town Green, FREE
* Lake Forest Movie in the Park, 7:30pm, Rimgate Park, FREE
* Placentia Movie in the Park, Placentia Champions Sports Complex, movies begin at dusk, FREE
11th:
* The Knack Free Family Event at your local Michael's store, 10am-1pm: Summer Tote Bag
* Orange County Fair
* 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
* La Palma Concerts in the Park, 6:30-8pm, Central Park Amphitheater
12th:
* Target FREE Second Sundays at the Orange County Museum of Art
* Orange County Fair
* 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.
* Rancho Santa Margarita Summer Concerts, 6pm, Central Park, FREE
* Yorba Linda Concers in the Park, 5:30pm Hurless Barton Park, FREE
13th:
* Orange County Fair
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Monday Night Carload at Wild Rivers
14th:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Orange County Fair
* 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
15th:
* Orange County Fair
* Ringling Bros. presents ZING ZANG ZOOM (7:30pm)
* 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.
* Brea Concerts in the Park, 6:30-8pm. City Hall Park, admission is FREE.
* Fullerton Summer Concert Series, 6:30-8pm, Fullerton Sports Complex, admission is FREE.
* City of Tustin Concerts in the Park, 6pm, Peppertree Park, FREE
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.
* Orange County Fair
* Ringling Bros. presents ZING ZANG ZOOM (1 & 7:30pm)
* 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.
* Fountain Valley Concerts in the Park, 6-8pm at the FV Recreation Center & Sports Park
* Garden Grove Free Summer Concert Series, 6:30-8:30pm, at Eastgate Park
* La Habra Concerts in the Park, 7-8:30pm at El Centro-Lions Park
* Placentia Concers in the Park, 6:30pm, Tri-City Park
17th:
* US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach
* 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.
* Orange County Fair
* Ringling Bros. presents ZING ZANG ZOOM (10:30 am & 7:30pm)
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Brea Films in the Park: Penelope. Movie Starts at Dusk. FREE.
* Ladera Ranch Concerts on the Green, 6:30-8:30pm, Town Green, FREE
* Placentia Movie in the Park, Placentia Champions Sports Complex, movies begin at dusk, FREE
18th:
* 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.
* Orange County Fair
* Ringling Bros. presents ZING ZANG ZOOM (11:30 am, 3:30pm & 7:30pm)
* US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach
* 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
* La Palma Concerts in the Park, 6:30-8pm, Central Park Amphitheater
* Mission Viejo Picnics on the Patio & Summer Concert, 5:30pm, Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center
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.
* Orange County Fair
* Ringling Bros. presents ZING ZANG ZOOM (1:30 pm & 5:30pm)
* US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach
* 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.
* Rancho Santa Margarita Summer Concerts, 6pm, Central Park, FREE
* Yorba Linda Concers in the Park, 5:30pm Hurless Barton Park, FREE
20th:
* Orange County Fair
* US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Monday Night Carload at Wild Rivers
21st:
* Orange County Fair
* Ringling Bros. presents ZING ZANG ZOOM (7:30pm)
* US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach
* 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.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
22nd:
* Orange County Fair
* Ringling Bros. presents ZING ZANG ZOOM (1pm & 7):30pm
* US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach
* 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.
* Brea Concerts in the Park, 6:30-8pm. City Hall Park, admission is FREE.
* Fullerton Summer Concert Series, 6:30-8pm, Fullerton Sports Complex, admission is FREE.
* City of Tustin Concerts in the Park, 6pm, Peppertree Park, FREE
23rd:
* US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach
* 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.
* 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.
* Orange County Fair
* Ringling Bros. presents ZING ZANG ZOOM (10:30 am & 7:30pm)
* 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.
* Fountain Valley Concerts in the Park, 6-8pm at the FV Recreation Center & Sports Park
* Garden Grove Free Summer Concert Series, 6:30-8:30pm, at Eastgate Park
* La Habra Concerts in the Park, 7-8:30pm at El Centro-Lions Park
* Placentia Concers in the Park, 6:30pm, Tri-City Park
24th:
* Kid 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 5-8.
* 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.
* Orange County Fair
* Ringling Bros. presents ZING ZANG ZOOM (1pm & 7:30pm)
* US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Brea Films in the Park: Kung Fu Panda. Movie Starts at Dusk. FREE.
* Ladera Ranch Concerts on the Green, 6:30-8:30pm, Town Green, FREE
* Placentia Movie in the Park, Placentia Champions Sports Complex, movies begin at dusk, FREE
25th:
* Orange County Fair
* Ringling Bros. presents ZING ZANG ZOOM (11:30 am, 3:30pm & 7:30pm)
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach
* La Palma Concerts in the Park, 6:30-8pm, Central Park Amphitheater
* Mission Viejo Tea at Three Concert, 3pm, Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center
26th:
* Orange County Fair
* Ringling Bros. presents ZING ZANG ZOOM (1:30pm & 5:30pm)
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, noon-4pm.
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach
* City of Dana Point Summer Concerts in the Park, 4:30-6pm. Heritage Park, FREE.
* Lake Forest Summer Concert Series, 5:30pm, Pittsford Park
* Rancho Santa Margarita Summer Concerts, 6pm, Central Park, FREE
* Yorba Linda Concers in the Park, 5:30pm Hurless Barton Park, FREE
27th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Monday Night Carload at Wild Rivers
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
* Costa Mesa Summer Concert in the Park Series, 6:15-7:45 pm at Fairview Park.
29th:
* Orange County Fair
* 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.
* Brea Concerts in the Park, 6:30-8pm. City Hall Park, admission is FREE.
* Fullerton Summer Concert Series, 6:30-8pm, Fullerton Sports Complex, admission is FREE.
* City of Tustin Concerts in the Park, 6pm, Peppertree Park, FREE
30th:
* 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.
* Orange County Fair
* 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.
* Fountain Valley Concerts in the Park, 6-8pm at the FV Recreation Center & Sports Park:
* Garden Grove Free Summer Concert Series, 6:30-8:30pm, at Eastgate Park
* Placentia Concerts in the Park, 6:30pm, Tri-City Park
* San Clemente Beach Concert Series, 6pm, San Clemente Pier
31st:
* 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.
* Orange County Fair
* 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: Movie Starts at Dusk. FREE.
* Ladera Ranch Concerts on the Green, 6:30-8:30pm, Town Green, FREE
* Placentia Movie in the Park, Placentia Champions Sports Complex, movies begin at dusk, FREE
* FREE Family-Friendly Concert at Chapman University

OC day trips with kids: San Juan Capistrano

Summer is in full swing and the OC has plenty of great spots to visit to make the most of your summer. I try to plan great local summer day trips or staycations that last for just a few hours, so everyone has a good time. One of my favorite spots to visit with the kids is San Juan Capistrano.


1. Start your day off at Zoomar's for some fun with animals

image via flickr

2. Stop to watch the trains as you head over the tracks to lunch



3. Shooby dooby over to Ruby's for a good burger and a yummy shake with the kids

Do you have any favorite southern California day trips with kids? Do tell!

xoxo, C

This Weekend in Orange County

Looking for something fun to do with the family? Need to get the kids out of the house? Check out this list of some of my favorite weekend happenings. (To see the entire list of weekend to-dos, go HERE.)

Friday, June 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.
* Brea Films in the Park: Movie Starts at Dusk. FREE admission, Arovista Park: The Iron Giant
* City of Dana Point Movies in the Park: Movie starts at 8pm, FREE admission, Lantern Bay Park: Charlotte's Web
* Shakespeare by the Sea: Love's Labour's Lost starts at 8pm, pre-show starts at 7:30pm, FREE admission. Point Fermin Park, San Pedro.

Saturday, June 27th:
* Muzeo Bizarre Guitar Competition
* Science of the Circus
*Movie on the Beach, Movie starts at sunset. Newport Dunes Resort: Horton Hears a Who
* Shakespeare by the Sea: As You Like It starts at 8pm, pre-show starts at 7:30pm, FREE admission. Point Fermin Park, San Pedro.

Sunday, June 28th:
* 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.

xoxo, K

Orange County College Admission Consulting

Applying to college can be overwhelming . We offer comprehensive college admission consulting services to Orange County residents that change the college application process from a stressful situation to a rewarding experience. Students who worked with College Materials this year have already been accepted to Stanford, Georgetown, and Columbia. College Materials provides the knowledge and guidance necessary to make students competitive applicants.Our goal is to work with students to make sure that they are prepared to apply successfully to colleges that meet their social and academic expectations. All students work directly with Coleen Bryan, a seasoned Independent College Admission Counselor from southern Orange County to ensure quality of service.

Services we offer:

* Application Assistance

* Developing an academic plan for competitive colleges

* College Essay Help (How to write a memorable essay)

* Challenging course selection and productive activity identification

* Constructing an impressive co-curricular resume

* Interview Coaching

* Identifying community service opportunities in the local area

* Early College Planning

College Materials Serves The Following Areas:

Aliso Viejo, Coto de Caza, Corona del Mar, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, Foothill Ranch, Irvine, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Monarch Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, Talega, Trabuco Canyon

Become a fan on facebook to get the latest college admissions news!

Summer: Gear

1. An insulated tote cooler from Trader Joes (the one pictured is from ebay, but you can find them at your local TJ's for under $10.00)

2. A collapsible bucket for the kids to enjoy at the beach and for you to easily pack up

3. Bravo Pads (Yes, I am calling them gear because I need them to survive my summer in a swimsuit. They will add oomph to any post-baby bosom.)

xoxo, C

Science of the Circus at the Discovery Science Center

Did you know the circus is coming to town? Yep! Yep! It will be here from July 15th - July 26th, but more on that later. Today I want to tell you about an event happening at the Discovery Science Center this Saturday, June 27th (which just so happens to be my birthday, in case you were wondering). Anyway, THIS event sounds like it's going to be awesome...

What makes clowns such talented jugglers, unicyclers and stilt walkers? Is it the big red nose? Nope! Believe it or not, it's an understanding of basic science principles that make them pros at these challenging, wacky stunts!

Runaway with the circus on June 27th as Discovery Science Center and Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey presents Science of the Circus! Each 30-minute presentation will feature circus tricks and stunts along with the scientific principles at play behind each skill. Real circus clowns will demonstrate how these scientific principles play a major role in their performances and enable them to put on unique and thrilling shows.

Think you can master the science of The Greatest Show on Earth? Test your skills at scarf juggling, bubble tricks, and balancing objects during each show!

Show Times are Saturday, June 27th at 11 am, 12:30 pm, 2 pm, & 3:30 pm. & While your at the museum be sure to check out the latest exhibitions: Robots & Us and Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home.

xoxo, K

Cafe Rio in the OC

We are so excited that Cafe Rio is coming to the OC! For those of you who can't wait for them to open their doors you can whip up a little Cafe Rio at home with the help of Tried and Trues. I love just making the dressing because it compliments any southwestern type salad.

xoxo, C

Orange County Summer Freebies

We're always on the lookout for a good deal, especially these days. Slowly but surely, we're pulling together a list of FREE (or at least, really cheap) Orange County summer activities... things to do & places to go with the kiddos. So, what are your favorite FREE summertime activities? We'd love to edit our list to include all your favs.

* AMC Summer Movie Camp ($1 G & PG movies at 10am every Wednesday)
* FREE Family Film Festival (G & PG movies at 10am every Tuesday & Wednesdays at Regal theaters)
* Movies in the Park
* Movies on the Beach
* Monday Movies at the OCPAC
* Everyday $1-ish Movies
* Shakespeare by the Sea
* Summer Concert Series
* Kids Bowl Free (shoe rental required)
* Swimming pools, Lagoons & Water Gardens at Pearson Park in Anaheim
* Water Features at Walnut Grove Park in Anaheim
* Swimming Pool at City Hall Park in Brea
* Swimming Pool at Henry Bolsseranc Park in Buena Park
* Wading Pool at Carl Brenner Park in Buena Park
* Spray Pool at Larwin Park in Buena Park
* Swimming Pool at William Peak Park in Buena Park
* Spray Pool at Adlena Park in Fullerton
* Interactive Fountain at Downtown Plaza in Fullerton
* Spray Pool at J. Francis "Pep" Lemon Park in Fullerton
* Wading Pool at Valencia Park in Fullerton
* Water Feature at Pioneer Road Park in Tustin

Summer Golf Camps

My dad was a huge golfer & from the looks of things, I'd guess my boys are going to spending lots of time out on the links as well. I'm thinking I might have to sign them up for THIS golf camp... it's perfect for my boys! They'll learn about all the fundamentals of golf: putting, chipping, rules & even etiquette (my dad would be so proud).

Think your pint-sized golfer might be interested in going to camp too? Then you'll definitely want to check out Amy Connelly's (she's the SMCHS Varsity Golf Coach & the 2008 OC Register's Golf Coach of the Year) Youth Golf Camps. She's offering a summer program for kids 4-12 years old, July 6th-10th. For more information & to register go HERE.

xoxo, K

Summer: The Essentials

1. An Indulgent Read

2. Environmentally Friendly Sunscreen from Smart Girls Who Surf

3. A Cute Beach Tote

What are your summer essentials?

xoxo, C