Orange County Fire Authority Open House

I've got two boys. & they are your typical "boys". They love trucks, playing in the dirt, & playing policeman or fireman. That's why I just know they are going to absolutely LOVE the Orange County Fire Authority's Open House on Saturday. At this FREE event they'll get to meet real firefighter's & explore the home of the Orange County Fire Authority & training center, see live fire demonstrations, put out make-believe fires & take a ride in a fire engine. In addition to the Open House at the OCFA, 22 other Fire Houses will be hosting their own open houses on Saturday, October 10th for a list of all the locations go HERE.

Orange County Fire Authority's Annual Open House
Saturday, October 3rd, 2009
9am - 2pm
OCFA Regional Fire Operations & Training Center
Jamboree and Tustin Ranch Road, Irvine (directions HERE)

xoxo, K

12 for Tuesday: Tips from the Disney VIP Tour

We were lucky enough to go on a VIP tour of Disneyland with Chris (the best tour guide ever) this weekend and it was an amazing experience. She pointed out out all the important and interesting facts about Disneyland, while guiding us through the park with ease on one of the hottest days of the year. To top that off she also managed to delight our kids with her friendly personality and revealing where some of the hard to find "hidden mickeys" were located in the park. Chris has created tours for princesses to groups that just wanted to focus on the thrill rides. I recommend a VIP tour to anyone that would like a more personalized Disney experience, you will not be disappointed and can find more information here. These are 12 of my favorite tips and hints from Chris (you can request to have Chris at your VIP tour guide when making reservations for your tour):

1) As you walk in to the Haunted Mansion look at the floor to find a spider web
2) Take the Train at the park entrance to avoid the traffic on Main Street
3) The Morse Code that you hear at New Orleans Train Station is from the opening day speech from Walt Disney
4) Indiana Jones has the most Hidden Mickeys
5) A Disney Makeover is a must for any little princess
6) There is great face painting available right outside of Big Thunder Mountain (in the Dia de los Muertos exhibit)
7) Try to time your eating around Fantasmic for a good view
8) If you go on a VIP tour you can see if there is VIP seating available that day for Fantasmic
9) Her favorite spot to eat is the Storytellers Cafe
10) There are large lockers in the back of each locker room for families
11) Fast Pass is seasonal for the Haunted Mansion and will be available until Christmas
12) Check out the Disneyland Blog to find out the latest news about Disneyland

xoxo, C

Stargazing at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center

This Thursday, October 1st 2009, you & your family are invited to join the famous Dr. Krupp, Executive Director of the Griffith Park Observatory & Astronomer Extraordinaire, for a FREE Stargazing event. (The event is FREE, but there is a suggested donation of $10 per child or $15 per family.)

Join Dr. Krupp & the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center's naturalists to learn more about the night sky & Galileo. Before hand, kids can also create their own poster featuring Galileo and bring it to the event for a chance to win a Zip Line party for yourself and 15 friends.

For more information about the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center or the event go HERE. Seating will be limited, to register call Kim at (800)436-2199.

WHAT: FREE Stargazing with Dr. Krupp

WHEN: Thursday, October 1st, 2009 at 6:30pm

WHERE: Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center, 2 Irvine Park Rd. (Adjacent to Irvine Regional Park), Orange, CA 92869

RSVP: (800)436-2199

xoxo, K

Halloween Time at Disneyland

The "villains" have taken over Disneyland & transformed the parks for the Halloween Season, September 25th - November 1st. Of course, we've already mentioned the ever-popular Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party (have you gotten your tickets yet?), but that's just the beginning of the festivities! Disneyland recently treated C & I to a "Halloween Preview," so we can tell you first hand, they've got a few tricks up their sleeves...

First of all, the "villains" have completely 'boo'-tified the Parks. "Wild candy is growing at Candy Corn Acres at Disney's California Adventure Park" not to mention all of the amazing & clever "jack-o-lanterns, candy corn, ghouls, bats & other fabulously frightful Halloween decorations that are 'boo'-tifing both Parks." & You definitely don't want to miss the ginormous 16-foot tall Mickey Mouse jack-o-lantern on main street! But that's not all the fun in store...although the "villains" may be in charge, all of the characters have gotten into the spirit of things - I'm sure you'll see a character (or two) fully decked out in their own Halloween costumes.

Once again, Jack Skellington has returned to take over the Haunted Mansion & bring back the Haunted Mansion Holiday to New Orleans Square in Disneyland. "Transformed to a mix of Halloween spookiness and Christmas tradition, Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas. Jack and his friends provide plenty of havoc and surprises as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion in their unusual style. Jack’s return to the Haunted Mansion includes the traditional Halloween/Christmas gingerbread house in the Mansion Ballroom, with some special spooky surprises in this year’s design."

New this year, and recommended for older kids & adults (although my 4 year old LOVED it), is Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. "The scary new experience will begin as a typical Space Mountain adventure, but will suddenly launch voyagers into an uncharted and haunted section of the universe. Ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves of the journey are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music. The Halloween transformation occurs outside the mountain as well, as frightening images, audio and lights illuminate the Space Mountain exterior."

Gracing the evening skies this ghoulish season is the "Halloween Screams - A Villainous Surprise in the Skies" Fireworks display. This "new fireworks spectacular will haunt the nighttime sky throughout the Halloween season. To start the show, 'Master of Scare-omonies' Jack Skellington appears in a flash of fire above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Thanks to Jack’s ghoulish charm, haunting melodies fill the air and a Halloween pyrotechnics extravaganza explodes into the night. Such classic Disney villains as Maleficent, Ursula the Sea Witch and Oogie Boogie join in the 'spirit' of the celebration, and even Zero, Jack’s faithful ghost dog, will make an appearance. Spectators in Disneyland are encouraged to participate in a bone-chilling Halloween Scream-Along during the show."

Amazingly enough, there is still more! As if ALL of that wasn't enough, you don't want to miss the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, the villain "meet & greet" at “it’s a small world” Mall in Disneyland, while other characters in seasonal costumes greet guests in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland and Sunshine Plaza in Disney’s California Adventure, the Halloween Roundup at Big Thunder Ranch, & all of the delicious seasonal goodies only available this time of year (my personal favorites? the caramel apple cider & candy corn rice krispie treats).

For more details information, crafts (including pumpkin craving patterns & more), Halloween videos, & very, very cool, very interactive computer games for the kids (or even you) be sure to check out Disneyland's Halloween Time website HERE.

xoxo, K
images via Disneyland

Craigslist in Orange County

One of my all-time favorite past-times is the virtual garage sale that is Craigslist. Here are some of my recent finds. Maybe you'll find a gem or two, you just can't live without...

THIS $275 computer desk.

THIS $50 black headboard.

THIS $50 Pottery Barn rocking horse.

THIS $45 water activity table.

THIS $60 tag-a-long bike.
THIS $79 vintage green barrel chair.

xoxo, K

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, September 25th:

* $10 Photo Shoot at Belly Sprout: book your photography appointment (15 pictures on a digital file)

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

* 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

* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch

* Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show

Saturday, September 26th:
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza, featuring an Element Skate Demo, Team Signing & Skate Contest
* Red Bull Soapbox Derby

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

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

* Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show

Sunday, September 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
* Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show

xoxo, K

Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show

Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show is playing right now in Southern California. This fun & interactive show will have your kids (& maybe even you) on your feet, dancing, clapping & singing along. Starring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald & the whole Disney gang (even Buzz, Woody & Cinderella will be there!) this is one "musical adventure" your kids won't stop talking about.

Interested in a little "sneak preview" of what's in store for you & the kids? Watch this quick video... I can guarantee by the end, your toes will be tapping & your kids will be begging to see the entire show (I know my kids were).

Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show
Friday, September 25th, 3pm & 6pm:
Thousand Oaks Civic Auditorium, Thousand Oaks

Saturday, September 26th, 12pm, 3pm & 6pm

Sunday, September 27th, 12pm & 3pm:

Nokia Theatre, LA

Tickets Prices: $65, $35, $25, $20, but tickets HERE, or call (800)745-3000
However, Just Spotted readers can get $3 savings off the price of EACH ticket purchase simply by using the promotional code "LIVE" during the check out process.



xoxo, K

Red Bull Soapbox Race Los Angeles

We don't usually post about things outside of the Orange County "bubble," but this event looks too crazy & wacky to miss... this Saturday, September 26th the Red Bull Soapbox Race is coming to Los Angeles. According to the website, this FREE and "wacky event will feature a field of more than 40 hand-made soapbox racers, driven by men and women daring enough to brave steep drops, a 90 degree turn and scary speeds in pursuit of achieving glory. "

The event will be held at 5th & Grand in Downtown Los Angeles. The website advises that "the event area is sure to be crowded, so public transit or car pooling are suggested. There is also parking available in Downtown, including large parking lots on Hill St. between 2nd and 4th."

The "pits" will open Saturday morning at 11am for soapbox viewing, with the Opening Ceremonies at 12:30pm, and the racing beginning at 1pm. For more information about the Red Bull Soapbox Race check out the website HERE. Curious to see what all the hypes about? Check out KTLA's morning coverage of soapbox racers in action.


Red Bull Soapbox Race
Saturday, September 26, 2009
5th & Grand, Downtown Los Angeles

xoxo, K

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs in the Crock Pot

These meatballs are always a hit at our house. Make it a dinner date... Meatballs for dinner & then read the book or catch the movie!

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
1 huge bag of frozen Costco Italian meatballs, any brand will do
1 medium jar Salsa

1 medium jar of Grape Jelly (sounds strange, i know.)

Pour the whole bunch of frozen meatballs into your crockpot, Follow that up with the jar of salsa, smothering the meatballs. Then add the jar of grape jelly & mix it all together. Cook on low for six - seven hours, or on high for four hours.

Serve over rice for a super-duper quick & easy meal.

xoxo, K

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, September 18th:

* Taste of Newport, 6-11pm

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

* Orange County Restaurant Week

Saturday, September 19th:
* Boutiquing.com Blowout Sale: up to 75% off your favorite OC Boutiques in one location. 11am-7pm, The Village at the Irvine Spectrum. ($10 at the door)

* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch Opens

* 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

* Taste of Newport, 4-11pm

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

Sunday, September 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

xoxo, K

Halloween Spooktacular at Segestrom Hall

Don't forget to get your tickets for the Halloween Spooktacular at Segestrom Hall! Wear your costume and enjoy festive spooky music.

xoxo, C

Taste of Newport

The weekend you're taste buds have waited all summer for has finally arrived... the Taste of Newport is setting up shop at Fashion Island for one weekend only. This tasty event is taking place:
Friday, September 18 from 6-11pm
Saturday, September 19 from 4-11pm
Sunday, September 29 from Noon-8pm

General Admission tickets are $25 & children under 8 are admitted FREE. Once inside, you will be able to sample food from some of the area's best restaurants - over 30 different restaurants and 15 wineries will be participating. Food "tastes" range beteween $1 and $7. But the food & drink is only the beginning. The weekend will also feature several chef demonstrations, as well as an incredible line-up of FREE entertainment featuring Sugar Ray, Train, David Cook & so much more.

For more information regarding the Taste of Newport go HERE.

xoxo, K

Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch

It's official, the Halloween season is nearly upon us! Have your kids picked out their costumes yet? Start the season off right with a trip to the pumpkin patch. The Irvine Park Railroad's Pumpkin Patch opens this Saturday, September 19th.

The Irvine Park Railroad's Pumpkin Patch runs Saturday, September 19th through Sunday, November 1st. The Pumpkin Patch is located just behind the Irvine Park Train Station and admission is FREE. (Although, remember that there is a gate fee to enter Irvine Regional Park.) With literally thousands of pumpkins of all shapes & sizes, I'm sure you'll find the perfect pumpkin. (For a coupon for $2 off any pumpkin over $1o go HERE.)

& Don't worry, there's so much more than just pumpkin picking... with train & hay rides, a photo booth, John Deere Tractor racing, a bounce house, carnival games, haunted house, hay maze, pony rides, paddle boats, you & your kiddos definitely won't be bored!

For more information about the Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch go HERE.

Irvine Park Railroad's Pumpkin Patch
1 Irvine Park Rd.
Orange, CA 92869

Open: September 19th - November 1st, 2009
Weekdays: 10am - 5pm
Weekends: 10am - 6pm

xoxo, K

Dylbug

Love the onesies from Dylbug! Style and Personalization make these onesies a great baby gift.

xoxo, C

Etsy in the OC: Hair Accessories

Pretty hair accessories are always a must.
Check out some of these hair accessories made by Orange County locals...

Hudson
by LoveMely

Pretty Vintage Flower Hair Clip with Colorful Rhinestones
by Oh Faro!

Cara Black & White Spotted Feather Fascinator

by The Sleep Albatross

Olivia the Baby Owl Pink Clip
by Boo Boo's Bowtique

Deep Plum Felt Blossom Women & Girl's Headband
by Pink Peppermint Design

Lavender Lilac Dupioni Silk Rosette Flower on Patent Leather Headband
by Not Quite Vintage

City of Electric Lights
by Jessica Lee Creations

xoxo, K

Twelve for Tuesday: 12 Spots to go with Toddlers

Toddlers have tons of energy, so they need plenty of activities to keep them occupied. Here are some of my favorite spots for them to have some fun:

1. Pretend City
2. Scooter's Jungle
3. Zoomars
4. The Orange County Zoo
5. Discovery Science Center
6. Bill Barber Park in Irvine
7. Little Gym in Tustin
8. Jump n' Jammin
9. JW Tumbles
10. A Bug's Land (California Adventure)
11. Pump It Up of Irvine
12. Goofy's Playhouse (Disneyland)

xoxo, C

Kids Eat Free at Jerry's Dogs

Let me get this off my chest... I LOVE hot dogs. Phew! I feel better. It doesn't matter if they roasted over a bonfire, purchased at a ball game or eaten at Costco - I just love hot dogs. So it should come as no surprise that I LOVE Jerry's Wood-Fired Dogs. What's not to love? An entire menu filled with specialty hot dogs, sausages & burgers (& maybe a salad or too). Not to mention, over 30 fixings & fresh toppings to finish off your dog, sausage of burger.

But now, there's even more to love at Jerry's Wood-Fired Dogs. On Mondays & Tuesday nights from 4-9pm kids eat FREE (ages 12 & under). That's right, when you buy an dog, sausage or burger combo you will get a kids combo FREE.

To find your nearest Jerry's Wood-Fired Dogs location, go HERE.

xoxo, K

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, September 11th:
* 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.
* Festival of Children & Mommy & Me Tea (11 am)
* Dana Point Tall Ships Festival

Saturday, September 12th:
* Dana Point Tall Ships Festival
* 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.
* 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
* Sea Tales at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 9:45 - 11 am. Reservations required (949)675-8915.
* Buena Park Youth Theatre Auditions for "Once on This Island," 10am-2pm, Walter D. Ehlers Community Rec Center, (714)236-3869
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

Sunday, September 13th:
* Buena Park Youth Theatre Auditions for "Once on This Island," 10am-2pm, Walter D. Ehlers Community Rec Center, (714)236-3869
* Target FREE Second Sundays at the Orange County Museum of Art
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Dana Point Tall Ships Festival
* Orange County Restaurant Week

xoxo, K

5 Must-Haves for New Moms

Here's my list of 5 things EVERY new mom needs whether she's having her first or her fifth. The perfect shopping list for yourself, or pick up an item or two for the next shower you are attending...

1. The Cuddly Wrap: my all-time favorite newborn baby carrier. It may be overwhelming at first (it's one really long piece of fabric), but trust me! After you've practiced tying it on a few times, you will be a pro! Your baby will love being in it & you'll love that you will be able to get stuff done. Unlike other carriers, the cuddly wrap keeps them all bundled up on your chest - I think it reminds them of being inside the womb. The material is like a t-shirt, so it's lightweight & very breathable. I can't tell you how often I am stopped by strangers to give my "Cuddly Wrap sales pitch." I can't say enough good things, I LOVE it soooo much!

2. Ameda Gel Pads: if you're planning on nursing, then you must buy at least one pair of these. Nursing, for me, has always been somewhat of a painful process... sore, cracked, bleeding nipples is pretty standard for me (& yes, I just said nipples). Anyway, these gel pads are AMAZING! Don't be fooled by other gel pads on the market. I've tried them all, & these ones are by far the best. Another nursing favorite is the Motherlove Nipple Cream (there I go saying the word nipple again).

3. Oxi Clean: stains no more! This is a serious must-have! With spit-up & diaper explosions happening on a fairly regular basis, you need something that you can count on to get those stains out. Oxi clean hasn't let me down yet, & I've thrown some pretty hefty stains it's way.

4. Aden + Anais muslin baby blanket: I absolutely LOVE these blankets. They are lightweight & thin enough that I can stuff them in my purse or baby bag. But, don't let that fool you! They are HUGE in size (47" x 47"), which makes them perfect for swaddling. But that's not all, you can use these blankets as a sheet in a pack-n-play, on the ground for play time, as a nursing cover or draped over a stroller or car seat. There are so many possibilities!

5. Benetint blush, Dr. Pepper Lip Smackers, and a cute hat or two: you know as well as I do, a new baby means late nights & lots of early mornings. Often times, a shower is a luxury. However, I've always found that making a little effort makes me feel better. On days when I don't really have the time (or perhaps the energy) to get ready, I like to throw on some benetint (it provides you with natural, rosy looking cheeks which is an immediate perk-me-up), a little Dr. Pepper Lip Smackers (call me crazy, but the Dr. Pepper flavor has just the perfect hint of color & a nice smell to boot!) & a cute hat to hide that bed-head hair, & you are all set. No one will be the wiser that you haven't slept (or possibly showered) for days.

So now that I've shared, what are some of YOUR favorite must-haves for new moms?

xoxo, K

Orange County Restaurant Week

Starting Sunday, September 13th and lasting until Saturday, September 19th you can dine at some of your favorite OC restaurants, & discover new ones to love - all, at some fabulous prices...

Orange County Restaurant Week is as easy as 1, 2, 3...

1. Choose your Restaurant - you can see the ENTIRE list of participating restaurants HERE, or you can search participating restaurants by city, price point, or cuisine HERE.

2. View participating restaurant information & prix fixe menus online.

3. Make your reservations, & enjoy dining at some the OC's top restaurants.

Interested in "cooking" with some of Orange County's top chefs? Be sure to check out the live, in-store cooking demos at the Bloomingdale's Home Store at South Coast Plaza. Chefs from several of Orange County's top restaurants (including one of C's all-time favorite chefs Marc Cohen of OPAH, 230 Forest Avenue & Watermarc), will be demonstrating their skills as they prepare dishes featured on their restaurant week menus. See the "Cooking with the Experts" schedule HERE. &, For more information on the Orange County Restaurant Week, go HERE.

xoxo, K

images via orange county restaurant week.

Dana Point Tall Ships Festival

The Tall Ships are sailing into Dana Point this week. Friday, September 11th - Sunday, September 13th you can explore the "majesty & wonder of tall ships through the smells, sounds and sights o real working tall ships" during the 25th annual Tall Ships Festival in Dana Point.

Friday evening, the tall ships will parade into Dana Point as the sun sets. Viewing is available from the Dana Point headlands, above Dana Point Harbor & at the Old Cove Native Preserve, located behind the Ocean Institute. The remainder of the weekend will be filled two full days of ships, activities, music, food, cannon battles & even pirates. For a schedule of the weekend's events & activities, go HERE. Some activities & tours require tickets, for pricing & more information go HERE.

Definitely fun for the whole family. I know my boys will love the cannon battles & pirate storytelling, & my hubby will get a kick out of touring all the different ships.

What: Dana Point Tall Ships Festival
When: Friday, September 11th - Sunday, September 13th
Where: Dana Point Harbor

xoxo, K
image via the tall ships festival.

Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party

Most kids look forward all year, to trick-or-treating. What's not to love? Costumes & candy all rolled into one fun-filled night? The only thing that could possibly top that, would be trick-or-treating at Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party at Disney's California Adventure Park. This "not-so-scary" party encourages your little ghosts & goblins to join their favorite Disney characters for an evening filled with lively music, trick-or-treating, crafts & activities, and lots of other Halloween games & fun. C & I took our kiddos last year & they LOVED it. (You can read about it HERE.)

Ticket Prices & Event Dates

For the dates:
October 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29
General Advance Purchase Price - $32
Day-of-Event Price - $42

For the dates:
October 30, 31
Price: $42

* Annual Passholders pay just $26 on advanced purchases on select days!

Event Times:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thurdsay - 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Friday & Halloween Night - 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm

Buy tickets HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Disneyland

Knott's Scary Farms Halloween Haunt

For those of you who are looking to add a little fright to your Halloween festivities, be sure to check out Knott's Halloween Haunt. (Although, it is not recommended for children under 13.) Because I'm a complete & total chicken, I can't say that I've ever been. But, I have friends that LOVE it & go every year. Pre-sale tickets are $31.99 - $49.99 depending on the day (that's cheaper than last year!), while tickets on the day of the event are $53.99. Get your tickets HERE. You might also want to check out their add-ons "to extend the nightmare"... If I were brave enough to attend the Halloween Haunt, I think I'd probably do the "Pre-Scare Dinner", too. The specially themed "boo-ffet" dinner & early entry into the Haunt sounds like a fun date night.

What: Knott's Halloween Haunt
When: September 24-27, September 30 & October 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, and 28-31st
7pm-1am or 2am depending on the night
Where: Knott's Berry Farm

xoxo, K
p.s. Check out THESE Halloween Hunt tips.

images via Knott's Scary Farms

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular

Just outside of the Orange County "bubble," only a hop, skip & a jump down the road, you'll find SeaWorld. With Halloween right around the corner, SeaWorld is hosting their own Halloween Spooktacular. Trick-or-Treating, meet amazing sea creatures, silly & spooky shows & so much more! Kids can "come in costume or come as they are." Sea World's Halloween Spooktacular is happening weekends from October 3rd - November 1st, from 1-6pm & is included with park admission. Buy tickets HERE.

xoxo, K
image via the Halloween Spooktacular

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, September 4th:
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza Kick-Off & Mommy & Me Tea (11 am)
* Orange International Street Fair

Saturday, September 5th:
* 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.
* Target FREE First Saturday at the Children's Museum at La Habra, 1:30-3:30pm. Face painting, crafts & stilt walkers.
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Orange International Street Fair

Sunday, September 6th:
* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* Target FREE First Sunday at the Bower's Museum & Kidseum
* Bowers Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Centennial Heritage Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Orange International Street Fair

xoxo, K

Disneyland's Fantasmic! Dragon has Arrived!

image by armadillo444 via flickr

If you've been waiting all summer for the newest star of Disneyland's Fantasmic! show to make his appearance, like my boys have, your wait is finally over! That's right, Maleficent (nicknamed "Murphy" for Murphy's Law) made his debut this past week. He made his first, official public appearance on Tuesday, although he didn't actually breathe "fire" until Wednesday night's performance. You can catch the dragon's performance yourself, any weekend (Friday through Sunday) until the Christmas holidays. If you are planning on catching his act, you might want to check out THESE Fantasmic! viewing tips. In the meantime, if you're too excited to wait. Or, if you want a sneak preview of Maleficent in action... then you have to check out this video HERE.

xoxo, K

Bottle Tamer

After losing our fifth bottle, I resorted to buying one of these. Love creative baby gear and not searching for lost bottles all over the mall.


xoxo, C

Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

The 8th annual Festival of Children is kicking off Friday, September 4th. The festival, happening throughout the month of September at South Coast Plaza will feature dozens of children's charities which will be on hand to showcase the work they are doing for children within the community. Celebrity appearances, activities, workshops, crafts, musical and cultural performances, "canstruction exhibit" and lots & lots of fun for kids of all ages. For the schedule of month-long events, go HERE.

Some special events you might want to take special notice of are:
* Coffee, Tea, Mommy and Me happening every Friday at 11am during the festival. Taking place in the Carousel Court at South Coast Plaza, you and your toddlers are invited to an educational talk followed by an interactive activity lead by South Coast Music Together.
* Color Me Mine at the Festival of Children. Children ages 5-12 are invited to select ceramic pieces to paint on Saturday & Sunday, September 5&6th, and Saturday & Sunday, September 19th & 20th. RSVP & more information HERE.
* Element Skateboards contest & demo happening on Saturday, September 26th. Specific details can be found HERE.

The Festival of Children's Foundation is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children by strengthening the charities that serve them. In an effort to provide every child access to the arts, education, the environment, health care & social services the Festival of Children's Foundation offers resources, support & direct grants to more than 300 children's charities and youth organizations. The foundation also organizes several program, such as the Festival of Children, that directly benefit children, families & the community. For more information, watch the following video:



What: Festival of Children
When: The entire month of September, see the schedule of events HERE.
Where: South Coast Plaza

xoxo, K
image via Festival of Children's Foundation.

Orange International Street Fair

image by sarah lee via flickr

Every Labor Day Weekend, for over 30 years, the Orange International Street Fair takes over downtown Orange. With food, music, & dance from different countries and ethnicity's from around the world, the Orange International Street Fair is definitely a cultural experience you don't want to miss. & with every penny of the profits from the Street Fair going to non-profit charities, helping people here in our community, you can feel good about yourself by attending.

The event itself is FREE to attend, although each of the individual booths will have prices set for food, etc. & Although I always attend simply because of the food, there is so much more... Arts & Crafts vendors, tons of entertainment, as well as an entire "Children's Village" with crafts and game booths designed for the "younger crowd." If you are thinking of bringing the entire family, I'd suggest a day-time adventure. While the Street Fair is open late each night, from my own personal experience, I've found the days to be much more "family-friendly."

What: 2009 Orange International Street Fair
When: Friday, September 4th: 5-10pm, Saturday, September 5th: 10am-10pm, & Sunday, September 6th: 10am-10pm
Where: The Circle in Downtown Orange, directions & map HERE

xoxo, K

12 for Tuesday: Yummy Cold Treats

Here's a dozen places to get yummy cold treats to survive this heat wave!

1. Sno on the Go
2. Han's Ice Cream
3. Gelato Paradiso
4. Dippin' Dots
5. The infamous Dole Whip
6. A Balboa Bar from Dad's
7. Golden Spoon
8. Mochilato
9. Pinkberry or Yogurtland
10. A Shake at Watson's
11. Joe's Italian Ice
12. Archie's Ice cream