$1 ish Movie Theaters in Orange County

We've posted about dollar movies before, but this heat wave we're experiencing has us searching for cheap, indoor activities. Movies are definitely at the top of that list! So grab the kids, pack a few snacks & check out these Orange County $1 (& otherwise really cheap) Movie Theaters...

Anaheim's Brookhurst 4: 2299 W. Ball Rd., Anahtm, CA 92804. For movie listings go HERE. Matinees are $2 & evenings are $2.50.

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

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

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

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

& Just in case you are more of a "visual" person, here's a handy map detailing all of the theater locations...


View $1 ish Movie Theaters in Orange County in a larger map

xoxo, K

September 2009 Calendar

1st:
* 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.
2nd:
* Story Time at the Orange County Zoo, 11:30am. FREE with zoo admission
* 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.
* Sea Tales at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 9:45 - 11 am. Reservations required (949)675-8915. (cost is $3 for members & $5 for non-members)
3rd:
* 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.
* 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.
4th:
* Orange International Street Fair

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza: Mommy & Me Tea at 11 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.
* Story Time at the Orange County Zoo, 12:30pm. FREE with zoo admission
* 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.

5th:

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Orange International Street Fair

* FREE admission to the Discovery Science Center with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Story Time at the Orange County Zoo, 29m. FREE with zoo admission
* 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 making a wooden bean bag toss game.

6th:
* Orange International Street Fair

* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Target FREE First Sunday at the Bower's Museum & Kidseum
* Village Art Fair, 9 am, Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente.
* Bowers Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Centennial Heritage Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

7th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Taco Bell Discovery Science Center, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

8th:
* 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

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

9th:
* 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.

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

10th:
* Costa Mesa MOMS Club Social: Smallwood Park (1646 Corsica Place, Costa Mesa, CA 92626), 10 am. Bring your kids & enjoy a morning of light refreshments & socializing with other moms.
* 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.

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

11th:

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza: Mommy & Me Tea 11am

* 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

12th:

* Buena Park Youth Theatre Auditions for "Once on This Island," 10am-2pm, Walter D. Ehlers Community Rec Center, (714)236-3869
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Sea Tales at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 9:45 - 11 am. Reservations required (949)675-8915.
* Family Hike at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 8-10am. Visit the Willow Canyon Resource trailer and hike 1.5 miles into beautiful Laurel Canyon. FREE with parking ($3) Reservations required: (949)923-2235

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

13th:
* Buena Park Youth Theatre Auditions for "Once on This Island," 10am-2pm, Walter D. Ehlers Community Rec Center, (714)236-3869
* Orange County Restaurant Week
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Target FREE Second Sundays at the Orange County Museum of Art

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

14th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Orange County Restaurant Week

15th:
* 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
* Bowers Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Orange County Restaurant Week

16th:
* Orange County Restaurant Week
* 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.
* Story Time at the Orange County Zoo, 11:30am. FREE with zoo admission

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

17th:
* Orange County Restaurant Week
* 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, 11:30am. FREE with zoo admission
* 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.

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

18th:

* Taste of Newport, 6-11pm

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza: Mommy & Me Tea 11am

* Tot Walk at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 9-10am. FREE with parking ($3).Reservations required: (949)923-2235
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset

* Orange County Restaurant Week
19th:

* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch Opens

* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* 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.
* The Knack Free Family Event at your local Michael's store, 10am-2pm: Making American Girl Crafts & Make Spoon People

* Taste of Newport, 4-11pm

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Orange County Restaurant Week

20th:

* Taste of Newport, noon-8pm

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* 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.

* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch

21st:

* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch

22nd:

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

* 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

* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch

23rd:
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

* 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.

* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch

24th:
* 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.
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch

25th:
* St. Paul's 31st Annual "A Taste of Greece" Festival

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza: Mommy & Me Tea 11am

* 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, 11:30am. FREE with zoo admission
* 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
* Bird Survey at Shipley Nature Center

* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch

26th:
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.

* Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding's 31st Annual BBQ & Country Faire

* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch
* St. Paul's 31st Annual "A Taste of Greece" Festival

27th:

* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.

* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch
* St. Paul's 31st Annual "A Taste of Greece" Festival

28th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.

* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch

29th:
* Story Time at the Orange County Zoo, 11:30am. FREE with zoo admission
* 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

* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch

30th:
* 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.

* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch

* Events & Activities are always subject to change.

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, August 28th:
* Astronomy Night at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 7:30-9pm. Join the staff for a tour of the night sky. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $2 donation per participant suggested.
* Movies on the Beach
* Fountain Valley FREE Movies in the Park

Saturday, August 29th:
* Belly Sprout's Nursing Nook - Grand Opening Festivities, 11am - 2pm
* Whole Foods 2 Year Anniversary Celebration, 12-4pm, Tustin Whole Foods: cake, children's events, drum circle, beer tasting & more.
* Movies on the Beach
* Cypress FREE Concerts on the Green

Sunday, August 30th:
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Dana Point Free Summer Concerts in the Park

xoxo, K

Back to School: Fashion by Hatchling

I'm always on the hunt for fabulous & unique clothes for little ones. This time, I think I hit the jack pot. Hatchling is an Orange County based company creating "organic clothing for little peeps." As their website says:

Hatchling tees are not what you typically think of when eco-friendly children's clothing comes to mind. Rather than providing a soft color palette with gentle motifs, Hatchling brings you a bright and bold alternative with a sense of humor... Hatchling clothing is made with love in the USA using the softest 100% organic Supima cotton, azo free dyes, and non-toxic enviromentally safe inks. Hatchling was designed for high spirited children everywhere while doing a little something to help keep our planet safe and beautiful for them.

My boys love THIS "Rabbit Food" and THIS "Monkey Around" tee. While I'm secretly wishing that I could get THIS "My BFF" in adult sizes for C & me.

Found something you (or your kids) absolutely love? Don't you fret! As a Just Spotted reader you get 20% off! Just enter promo code JS20 at checkout! Shop HERE.

xoxo, K

image via Hatchling

Where in Orange County?

Let's play a little game... I'm going to post a picture taken somewhere in Orange County. You are going to guess where. The first person to comment or email us (justspotted@gmail.com) with the specific "where" correctly, will win a fabulous prize. Ready to play? This one is easy, possibly too easy... so, "Where in Orange County?"


xoxo, K

Congratulations Letti! You were the first non-anonymous person to guess correctly. This is a picture of the mosaic that wraps around the "Schmoozies" Place in Disney's California Adventure. Please contact us at justspotted@gmail.com to claim your prize! Thanks for playing everyone!

Cheap Souvenirs: Disneyland Pressed Pennies

Sometimes it's hard to escape going to the Happiest Place on Earth without coming home with some kind of souvenir. Luckily, my boys have become infatuated with the cheapest of Disneyland souvenirs - pressed pennies (also known as elongated pennies, smashed pennies & sometimes called squished pennies). Okay, okay, it's not actually the cheapest souvenir, there is a 48¢ sucker that holds that claim, but at 51-ish¢ (I say ish, because they actually only cost 50¢, you get the penny back), the Disneyland pressed penny is quite a deal.

If you are new to pressed pennies, you might be surprised to hear that it can be serious business. In fact, there are entire websites dedicated to the subject. You also might not realize that there are over 100 places in Disneyland, California Adventure & Downtown Disney that you can squish your pennies, & you can also find machines that press quarters & nickels as well.

While researching the "subject matter" I came across THIS website that had some great penny pressing tips I thought I'd pass along:

1. Use pre-1982 pennies – they contain more copper and thus hold their (new) shape better. You can buy rolls of these older pennies on Ebay in preparation.
2. Pickup a copy of the Pressed Penny Map at the Guest Services Desk when you enter the park. Takes the guessing out of where all the stations are. Also, some of the machines are only around for a short period of time, so you want to be sure to add those to your collection while they are available.
3. When you put your penny in the slot, along with the quarters, make sure the head of the penny is facing out and is upright.
4. Be careful when cleaning your pressed pennies – some are highly valuable and harsh cleaners can ruin them. Doubtful that would be a problem for most of us casual collectors, but good to know, just in case someone gifts you a rare Disney elongated coin (that is the fancy, collector name for pressed pennies).
5. If you are going to press more than a couple pennies, you might want to invest in a pressed penny book to store your loot. You can find these at most of the shops in the Park.

So there you have it, just about everything you've even wanted, or could possibly need to know about one of Disneyland's cheapest souvenirs. (However if you should happen to want to know more, go HERE for all kinds of wonderful information.) As mentioned earlier, you can always pick up a Pressed Penny Map at Guest Services upon arrival at Disneyland. But, if you want an easy to print guide of Disneyland pressed pennies go HERE. Happy collecting!

xoxo, K
image by addixon777 via flickr.

12 for Tuesday: Independent Bookstores in the OC

It's back to school time, so we thought it would be fun to share some great independent and used bookstores in the OC!

1. A Whale of a Tale
2. Laguna Beach Books
3. Acres of Books
4. Cultura Latina Bookstore
5. Once Upon a Story
6. Book Carnival
7. Barnaby Rudge
8. Bookman
9. University of California, Irvine Bookstore
10. A Castle of Books
11. One Dollar Bookstore
12. Friends of Newport Library Bookstore

Support your local bookstore because they are community treasures!

xoxo, C

Ana Brandt's 10 Tips for Photographing Children

School is around the corner (if it hasn't already started). Then Halloween, Thanksgiving, & the holiday season. So many picture opportunities! What a perfect excuse to have my good friend, Ana, post about a subject she knows tons about (& trust me, I'm taking notes). Please, help me welcome a woman who specializes in infant and child (& just about everything else) photography - Ana Brandt of Ana Brandt Photography in Old Town Tustin...

If I had a dollar for every time a client told me their child won’t look at their camera or take a photo, I could quit my day job. Yes, it can be challenging, but it is possible. The best way to do it? Don’t let them know it. If you are telling them Mommy is going to do yet another photo shoot, chances are they might run the other direction, or do everything in their power to drive you crazy. I love to catch my kids off guard and I often don’t mind what they are wearing. My girls in these photos were wearing pajamas and on a couch in my garage – which I found for $25.00 at a garage sale and couldn’t figure out what to do with it, so there it sat. Turns out the lighting when the garage door was opened was amazing, and it reminded me of back in the day when I had a garage studio! So here we go, with the Fall season upon us, here are some tips to help you photograph your children.

1. Be prepared with your camera at any moment: all too often we see things and wish we had our camera. I have a camera in my car at all times, in my purse and at home. No, you can’t have three cameras. But, if you can keep a small one in your purse or car (and no the iPhone doesn’t count) you can be ready.

2. Go unnoticed: I love to grab my camera and long lens and just work with available light and sneak around when my kids are playing. They get very used to the camera and will sometimes just look up at me and give me a great expression.

3. Don’t force it: grabbing your kids and putting them all on the front step and asking them to say cheese will rarely work, unless they are really trained, and even then, you may get fake smiles. If they are all playing together nicely, ask them to all jump on each other so you can get a quick pic for Grandma. I use Grandmas name because if I say Mommy, they won’t comply. If I say Grandma, I can usually get a quick reponse.

4. Forget perfection: That’s what photographers are for. You want to be able to capture those fun moments – even the messy, muddy, all over the place moments. Save the perfect portrait family taking pictures for trained professionals.

5. Learn to see the light: Before you snap that shutter take a look around. Where is the light falling. Does it look dark or is it too sunny you can’t see anything? Chances are the photo isn’t going to come out great either. Move the child and look at the light again and you can usually see a difference.

6. Go for cover: You are going to get the best light when it is diffused in some way. Whether its under a cloud cover, under a tree, behind a bush, a rock at the beach or wherever – you get the idea. On the bright days, run for shade that is not too dark, and still allows light to fall through.

7. Get in the photo: Yes you can get photos of you and the kids. Ask your husband to take them or when your kids are ready have them take some photos. Some of my favorite photos were taken by my children.

8. Get down to their level: On your knees, on your belly, whatever you need to do, shoot at the childs level.

9. Keep it simple – Pay attention to backgrounds, clutter and other distracting elements. Keep them at least 6 feet away from walls to avoid shadows.

10. Don’t stop: Whatever you do, don’t stop taking photos. Much like continually putting barrettes in a little girls hair until she gets used to it – so is taking photos of your children. Pretty soon they will adjust and will be asking you to take their photo!

____________________________________________________________

Ana Brandt is a Mama of 3 and runs a portrait studio in Old Town Tustin, California. Sessions are available on location or in studio.

Want to learn more? Check out Ana’s MyLIFE Workshops coming this Fall (a hands-on class, where she actually teaches YOU to take great pictures using your own camera). Sign ups are available now. Visit: www.mylifeworkshops.com

xoxo, K
images via ana brant

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 & a few events not listed on the calendar. (To see the entire list of weekend to-dos, go HERE.)

Friday, August 21st:
* Movies on the Beach
* Fountain Valley FREE Movies in the Park
* FREE Family-Friendly Concert at Chapman University

Saturday, August 22nd:
* Movies on the Beach
* Cypress FREE Concerts on the Green
* La Palma FREE Summer Concerts

Sunday, August 23rd:
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Los Alamitos Band in the Park
* Dana Point Free Summer Concerts in the Park

xoxo, K

Watermarc

image via Watermarc

I have been itching to try Watermarc in Laguna Beach for what seems like months and our anniversary was the perfect excuse to make it happen. Luckily, we were seated upstairs where it was quieter and we could enjoy our dinner conversation. I have to say that every plate was brilliant, but I should have known because the Chef/Owner is the same visionary of 230 Forest. My favorites were: the Lobster Congac Bisque with Tarrogon Gelato, the Yellow Fin Tuna Two Ways, and the Espresso Chocolate Cake. Find an excuse to go to Watermarc this weekend because it is a wonderful dining experience.

"You've Just Been Spotted" OC Blog Award Party & Winners

Last night, C & I hosted the first-ever, but definitely soon-to-be annual, 2009 "You've Just Been Spotted" Orange County Blog Awards Party... just like the Oscars, only "oranger." Okay, so maybe it wasn't just like the Oscars - it was better.

All of our "You've Just Been Spotted" nominees were invited to join C & I, to mix, mingle & have an interactive party experience at Wowzville. For our guests, the party experience began in the parking lot where they were greeted by none other than our very own, very orange, very old school photo booth thanks to Capital Photo Booths.

After posing for the camera, guests entered Wowzville via our "orange carpet." Once inside, our nominees were encouraged to meet & greet the best & brightest of OC Bloggers & explore the fantastic & fabulous virtual reality world of Wowzville. Tables of sweets & treats lined the hall... as you can imagine the hand-scooped Dippin' Dots definitely went fast! My favorite flavor was Cookies 'n Cream, yum! Everyone loved the Baby Cakes cupcakes, have you tasted their red velvet? Simply divine! & The popcorn... who doesn't like kettle korn? There were so many yummy treats on hand, luckily there was oodles of colorful soda on hand to wash it all down with!

& While everyone was busy mixing & mingling we "tweeted" the results of the 2009 "You've Just Been Spotted" Orange County Blog awards. For those of you who missed the tweets, we would like to publicly announce (& congratulate) the following winners (although, in our book, all of our nominees are winners - everything & everyone is fabulous in Orange County!)

Can I get a drumroll please? The 2009 "You've Just Been Spotted" Orange County Blog Awards Reader's Choice goes to...
Most Creative Site: Made
Best Food or Cooking Site: Fast Food Maven
Fabulous Lifestyle & Design Site: Sadie Olive
Great Shopping & Style Site: Boutiquing.com
Site with most Beautiful "Eye Candy": Kamee June
Best "Kid & Family Friendly" Site: Tiny Oranges
Favorite Local Blog: Alive in Wonderland
Top "Local News": Seal Beach Daily
Favorite Local Micro-Blogger: AngryJulie

The Runner's Up (otherwise known as Editor's Choice) are...
Most Creative Site: This Mama Makes Stuff
Best Food or Cooking Site: Picky Palate
Fabulous Lifestyle & Design Site: Peace, Love and Momminess
Great Shopping & Style Site: Popshopology
Site with most Beautiful "Eye Candy": Tara Whitney
Best "Kid & Family Friendly" Site: Double the Adventure
Favorite Local Blog: Twenty Four at Heart
Top "Local News": Daily Pilot
Favorite Local Micro-Blogger: YelpOC

Congratulations to everyone! Thank you for playing our fun little game, & making the first annual "You've Just Been Spotted" Orange County Blog Awards such a huge success. (Be sure to visit & check out all of the winners' sites & spread the Orange County Blog love!) We can't wait for next year! & A very special thanks (& shout out) to all of our wonderful & incredible sponsors who helped make all of this happen: Wowzville, Capital Photo Booths, Dippin' Dots, Baby Cakes, Daddy Cakes, Smart Girls Who Surf, Wild Rivers, Muzeo Museum, Wahoo's, Hyatt Regency Irvine, Eli's Lids, This is Me Journals, Hilton Anaheim, All a Twitter, and k&c Designs.

xoxo, C & K

p.s. Be sure to let us know if you posted about the part-tay! We've got prizes for anyone willing to post their photo booth pictures!