November 2009 Calendar

1st:
* 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
2nd:
* 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.
* Hawt on Yelp: 50% off select spa & salon services
3rd:
* 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
* Hawt on Yelp: 50% off select spa & salon services
4th:
* 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)
* 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.
* Hawt on Yelp: 50% off select spa & salon services
5th:
* 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.
* 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.
* Hawt on Yelp: 50% off select spa & salon services
6th:
* Holiday Boutique at Newport Height Elementary School, 10 am - 4pm. FREE admission, 29 vendors selling unique gifts for the holidays.
* 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.
* Hawt on Yelp: 50% off select spa & salon services
7th:
* Harvest Faire Boutique, Noon - 4pm, 27102 Foxborough, Aliso Viejo, CA
* 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.
* Holiday Mini Family Portrait Sessions in the Park, 9am-9pm, Huntington Beach Central Park. Session cost is $100 for 3o minutes (plus 2 5x7 prints and 2 high-resolution digital files). Contact Mark Tripp to schedule.
* 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 a tile trivet.
* Hawt on Yelp: 50% off select spa & salon services
8th:
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* Target FREE Second Sundays at the Orange County Museum of Art
* Hawt on Yelp: 50% off select spa & salon services
9th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
10th:
* 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.
* Family Night at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 5pm - 8pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
11th:
* 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.
12th:
* 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.
* Junior Ranger Program at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 4-5:30pm. 2nd & 3rd graders are invited to learn about wilderness plants, animals & how to take care of the land. Reservations required: (949)923-2235, $10 fee.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Family Night Hike at Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center, 6-8pm, $5 per person
13th:
* Orange County Junior League Christmas Company Boutique, 11am - 9pm, $10
* 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
14th:
* Orange County Junior League Christmas Company Boutique, 10am - 9pm, $10
* Orange County Junior League Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus, 9am-10:30am, $15 per person
* Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics for Kids, 10-11am.
* 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)
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
15th:
* Orange County Junior League Christmas Company Boutique, 10am - 5pm, $10
* American Indian Stories, Toys & Games at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 1-4pm. Hear stories and make your own toys Reservations required: (949)923-2235.
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
16th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
17th:
* 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
18th:
* 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.
19th:
* 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.
20th:
* Nutcracker Craft Boutique: 9am - 6pm, $2
* Tot Walk, 9am at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Reservations required: 949-923-2235.
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Come learn at the zoo... class includes hands-on learning & fun crafts. Phone registration required (714)973-6846. $5 for one child & parent (Irvine Park parking Fee not included). Ages 3-4.
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Fashion Island Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6pm
* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket
21st:
* Nutcracker Craft Boutique: 9am - 4pm, $2
* LXM Pro Lacrosse Music Tour featuring Akon, Santa Ana Stadium, 10am - 10pm. Ticket for this professional lacrosse event range from $25 -$40.
* Holiday Bazaar Arts & Crafts Fair, 9am-4pm
* Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics for Kids, 10-11am.
* 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.
* Fashion Island Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6pm
* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket
22nd:
* 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.
* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket
23rd:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
24th:
* 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
25th:
* 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.
26th:
* Thanksgiving Family Walk, 9-11am at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Reservations required: 949-923-2235, $4 per person
27th:
* 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.
* Holiday Hike at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2-3:30pm. Join the staff for a family friendly hike. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, FREE
* Bird Survey at Shipley Nature Center
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket
28th:
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Puttin' on the Glitz, San Clemente
* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket
29th:
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket
30th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.

* Events & Activities are always subject to change.

Last Minute Halloween Plans

Halloween only comes once a year, so you better get your fill this weekend. Check out one, two, or all of these Orange County Halloween Happenings...

Friday, October 30th:
* La Habra Mini Monsters Bash, 10:30am - 12pm
* Tustin Halloween Howl
* Spooky Science: Skeletons at the Discovery Science Center
* Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch, FREE Admission
* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch, Irvine Regional Park
* FREE Boo Cruise, 6-8pm at Dana Wharf
* Boot Hill Haunted House Haunted House
* The Empty Grave Haunted House
* The Terry Haunt Haunted House
* The Haunting: Haunted House. FREE admission.
* Benedict August Haunted House 530 S. Illinois St., Anaheim, FREE
* Sinister Pointe Haunted House
* Cook Haunt Haunted House
* Coffin Creek Haunted House

Saturday, October 31st:
* FREE admission at Orange County Museum of Art for costumed trick-or-treaters, 3-5pm
* FREE Pumpkin Launch at Cal State Fullerton, 9am-12pm
* Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch, FREE Admission
* Spooky Science: Skeletons at the Discovery Science Center
* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch, Irvine Regional Park
* Halloween at the Orange County Zoo, 10am-4pm. Crafts, face painting, trick-or-treating & more. FREE with zoo admission.
* Anaheim Spooktacular Halloween Parade & Fall Festival: FREE admission
* Halloween Parade at the HB Equestrian Center, 2pm (no horse necessary)
* HB Halloween Fest on Main Street, 4pm-8pm
* La Palma Halloween Carnival, 5:30-8:30pm at La Palma Central Park
* Haunted Fullerton Walking Tour, 6:00pm
* Cypress Halloween Carnival, 8:30pm Community Center
* Halloween Family Fun at Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center, 4-8pm
* The Empty Grave Haunted House
* The Terry Haunt Haunted House
* The Haunting: Haunted House. FREE admission.
* Benedict August Haunted House 530 S. Illinois St., Anaheim, FREE
* Sinister Pointe Haunted House
* Cook Haunt Haunted House
* Coffin Creek Haunted House

xoxo, K

Happy Halloween

Second Star to the Right, & Straight on 'til Morning.

images courtesy of ana brandt

xoxo, K

Halloween at American Apparel

American Apparel has dozens of costume ideas for kids just in time for Halloween. They are simple and cute, perfect for any busy mom.

xoxo, C

Treats in the Streets

Looking to get more "bang" out of those Halloween costumes? Then, break out those pillowcases (or whatever it is you use to collect all that candy), because you can start trick-or-treating TODAY. Yep, Yep! Today, Thursday, October 29th is the Annual Treats in the Streets Autumn Festival in Old Towne Orange Plaza. Trick-or-Treat around the circle, games & activities and costume parade. Here are all the details...

Treats in the Streets Autumn Festival (Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street in Orange)
4-5:30 pm: Trick-or-Treating
4-7 pm: Music, kids games and activites, non-profit food booths and community displays
5:30 pm: Costume Parade at the main stage

xoxo, K
images via Ana Brandt Photography

Brownie Pudding

Brownie Pudding
Quick, Easy, and SOOOOOOOO Yummy (vanilla ice cream is a must)
Thanks Ina for a another great recipe and thanks food network for the image

xoxo, C

12 for Tuesday: Quick & Easy, Last Minute Costumes

1. Grape Bunch
2. Clark Kent
3. Medusa
4. Twister
5. Legos
6. Spa Princess
7. Umbrella Bat
8. Spiderweb Mother & Sock Spider Baby
9. Crocodile Costume
10. Garbage Bag Witch
11. Cotton Candy
12. Sandwich

For lots more, quick & easy ideas, for last minute Halloween costumes, go HERE.

xoxo, K

Disneyland Giveaway Winner

Congratulations Qwendykay! With over 400 votes (of over 1,500 total votes) your Disney memory was chosen by our readers as the winner. Woot! Woot! Be sure to send your contact information to us at justspotted@gmail.com, ASAP - so we can hook you up! All of the memories were wonderful - We're so glad we didn't have to choose. Once again, here's Qwendykay's winning Disney memory:

I was named after Wendy Darling from Peter Pan. My brothers loved the story, and decided if I was a girl I should be called Wendy. (Also, my brother's threw me off the bunk bed when I was 1, to see if I could fly just like in Peter Pan after sprinkling me with dirt...aka fairy dust. Just in case you are curious... I can't fly. I landed with a thud that made my mother's heart stop beating. But I was fine.)A few months ago while standing in line to see the fairies at Disneyland, I told the children, I really hoped Tinkerbell wasn't there since she tried to shoot me out of the sky. I quickly relayed the story of Peter Pan, telling the children, that *I* was the real Wendy. They stared at me incredulously, and I told them that Tinkerbell and I have had a long feud for Peter's attention. However, I decided to grow up and become a mom, and Peter stayed in Never Never Land. It was time to make nice with Tinkerbell. One of the Disney people overheard me tell this story, and must have relayed it Tinkerbell.When she saw me she let out a shriek and said, "Wendy.. what are you doing here?" My son nearly fell over from shock, because Tinkerbell's outburst solidified the fact that I wasn't making this up. Tink & I chatted reminiscing about "old times" and I let her know I was there to make peace. She apologized profusely for trying to shoot me out of the sky. We hugged and took a picture. The kids LOVE it and STILL talk about it.

As for everyone else, thanks for playing along... we wish EVERYONE could join us for the holidays at Disneyland.

xoxo, C & K

This Week in Orange County

Looking for something fun to do this week? Need to break up the monotony of your week? Break out the red pen, & mark your calendars - here are some of my favorite Must-Dos, happening in Orange County this week. (For the BIG list of what to do & where to go, check out our ENTIRE calendar of Orange County happenings HERE.)

Tuesday, October 27th:
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB

Wednesday, October 28th:
* Eco-Glam Photo Shoots at Belly Sprout, 9am-Noon. $35

Thursday, October 29th:
* City of Orange Treats Through the Streets Autumn Festival, Orange Circle, 4-7pm
* Irvine Pumpkin Pickin' & Carvin', 6-8pm

Friday, October 30th:
* La Habra Mini Monsters Bash, 10:30am - 12pm
* Tustin Halloween Howl
* FREE Boo Cruise, 6-8pm at Dana Wharf

Saturday, October 31st:
* Halloween at the Orange County Zoo, 10am-4pm. Crafts, face painting, trick-or-treating & more. FREE with zoo admission.

Looking for more Halloween-ey activities? Count down to the BIG day, with any (or all) of the activities on THIS comprehensive guide to Halloween Orange County.)

xoxo, K

Rascals to Rebels Sale

(click image to enlarge)

No tricks, just treats at the Rascals to Rebels sale happening this weekend. With 30% off ALL clothing (even new merchandise) this is one SPOOKTACULAR sale you definitiely don't want to miss...

What: Rascals to Rebels Sales

When: Friday & Saturday, October 23rd & 24th

Where: All Rascal to Rebels locations... The shops at Rossmoor, Huntington Beach, & Irvine

xoxo, K

images via Rascals to Rebels

Little Stylings High-End Consignment Sale

Love outfitting your little kiddos in designer clothes, but hate paying designer prices? Me too! That's why I'm totally looking forward to this sure-to-be fabulous shopping event that encourages all of us to "reduce, reuse, & rewear."

The Little Stylings sales event is a high-end consignment sale featuring designer clothes for baby, kids (newborn - 12 years old) & maternity. Sound like something you definitely don't wan to miss? Here are all the details...

What: Little Stylings, high-end consignment sale
When: Friday, October 23rd, 10am - 6pm
Where: 2552 Fairway Dr., Costa Mesa
Forms of Payment Accepted: Cash only

xoxo, K
image via Little Stylings

Rock & Republic Sample Sale

I don't know about you, but a new pair of skinny jeans is calling my name. Unfortunately, this recession has me watching every single penny. Thank heavens the Rock & Republic Sample Sale is here. For those of you who also need to fill your "jean fix" without completely wiping out your bank account, this is the sale for you. Save 50-80% on Men's, Women's, & Kid's denim, tops, outerwear & accessories! (& If you are love their cycling line Rock Racing, like my hubby does, rumor has it that will be on sale too!)

So here are all the details:
Date & Time: Friday, October 23rd, Saturday, October 24th & Sunday October 25th
Time: 9am - 9pm on Friday, 9am - 7pm on Saturday, & 9am - 6pm on Sunday
Location: Sony Studios, Stage 14, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232 (entrance on overland)
Forms of Payment Accepted: Cash or Credit Card

xoxo, K
image via Rock & Republic

The Perfect Homemade Birthday Cake

This Cake Recipe from Smitten Kitchen + This Frosting = A Perfect Birthday Cake

xoxo, C

(A mini sparkler for a candle makes things even more fun)

Disneyland Giveaway

Remember THIS giveaway? The one where we promised to invite one lucky reader (& 3 guests of their choosing) to the Disneyland Resort, for a fabulous & memorable experience on November 21st, 2009? Well, Round 1 of our giveaway is over & it's time to move onto Round 2 - the voting portion of our little game. Our anonymous panel spent the entire weekend reading & re-reading all of the entries, & came back to us with their absolute favorite Disney memories, stories & wishes. But, try as they might, they just couldn't narrow the list down to only 15. We couldn't blame them, we wish everyone could win! So here they are, our 17 finalists... Alison, Amanda, Angry Julie Monday, Eli's Lids, Found & Made Designs, Jennifer Gilmore, Jodie, Julie, Kristen {RAGE against the MINIVAN}, Laura, Libby, Maria, Momfluential, Petit Elefant, Qwendykay, Roxanne Hack & Stacey.

So now, the officially is in YOUR court. That's right! Choosing the winner is completely up to you, our readers. Read through all 17 of the memories, stories & wishes HERE. Then, don't forget the very most important part... vote for you favorite below! Polls will close at Midnight PST, Monday, October 26th, 2009.

xoxo, C & K

This Weekend in Orange County

Looking for something to do this weekend? Need to get the kiddos (or yourself) out of the house? Check out these activities happening in Orange County...

Friday, October 16th:
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Buena Park Silverado Day's, 4-11pm
* Lake Forest Haunt at Heritage Hill (ages 13+), 6-10pm
* FREE Mommy & Me Hang out at Belly Sprout, 12-1pm
* Photo Shoot Fridays at Belly Sprout, $10 for 15 pictures, 10am-2pm, Appointment necessary
* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch, Irvine Regional Park

Saturday, October 17th:
* Train Rides at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park, enjoy a ride aboard the Orange County Model Engineers miniature train & travel over 3 miles of track. For more information call (949)548-7246.
* Eco-Beauty Bar Makeup School at Belly Sprout, 10:30-noon, $35
* Buena Park Silverado Day's, 10am - Midnight
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Lake Forest Autumn Harvest Festival, 4-9pm
* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch, Irvine Regional Park

Sunday, October 18th:
* Train Rides at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park, enjoy a ride aboard the Orange County Model Engineers miniature train & travel over 3 miles of track. For more information call (949)548-7246.
* Buena Park Silverado Day's, 8am - 10pm
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch, Irvine Regional Park

xoxo, K

This is Halloween.

Halloween is just around the corner, can you believe it? We know you'll be busy finding costumes, gathering goul-ish decor, putting out the candy... making this the "best" Halloween ever. Because we know you wouldn't want to miss any of our local events, we've put together a comprehensive list of "things to do & places to go" this Halloween season. Happy Haunting!

Anaheim:
* Halloween Time at Disneyland: until November 1st.
* Mickey's Trick or Treat Party at California Adventure: October 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 & 31
* Anaheim Spooktacular Halloween Parade & Fall Festival: October 31st, FREE admission
* The Empty Grave: October 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 21 & November 1, Anaheim Garden Walk. 6:30pm - Midnight on Fridays & Saturdays, 6:30pm - 1pm on weeknights.
* The Terry Haunt: October 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, hours vary by day.
* The Haunting: October 31st, 6pm-1opm, FREE admission. 7-10pm on weekdays, 7pm - Midnight on the weekends.

* Benedict August: Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings October 15-31st, 6:30 - 10pm, 530 S. Illinois St., Anaheim.
Brea:
* Sinister Pointe: October 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31
Buena Park:
* Knott's Camp Spooky: weekends in October.
* Knott's Halloween Haunt: October 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, and 28-31st
7pm-1am or 2am depending on the night
Costa Mesa:
* Pumpkins & Pancakes: at South Coast Plaza, October 25th, 8-11am
* Halloween Spooktacular Concert Series: October 17th at 10 &11:30am, Orange County Performing Arts Center
Cypress:
* Cypress Halloween Carnival: October 31st, 8:30pm Community Center
Dana Point:
* Doheny State Beach Haunted Campground: October 24th, 6:30-8:30pm.
Fullerton:
* Fullerton Arboretum's 5th Annual Haunted Garden: October 23rd & 24th, tours starting at 6:30pm, 7:30pm & 8:30pm.
Huntington Beach:
* Trick or Treat on Main Street: October 31st, starts at 4pm, FREE admission.
Irvine:
* Boot Hill Haunted House: October 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 7-10pm, FREE admission.
* Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch, open daily 9am-6pm until October 31st, FREE admission
La Habra:
* Pumpkin Carving: October 25th 1:30-3pm, Children's Museum of La Habra.
* Mini Monsters Bash: October 3oth 10:30am-12:30pm, Children's Museum of La Habra. (Little ones dressed in costume receive 50% off admission.)
Laguna Niguel:
* Haunted Trails: October 22, 23, 24, starting at 6pm.
Orange:
* Treats in the Streets: Old Towne Orange, October 29th, trick-or-treating 4-5:30pm
* Halloween at the Orange County Zoo: October 31st, 10am-4pm. Crafts, face painting, trick-or-treating & more. FREE with zoo admission.
* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch, Irvine Regional Park
San Juan Capistrano:
* Zoomars Petting Zoo's Old Fashioned Family Pumpkin Patch, open daily 10am-5pm
Santa Ana:
* Spooky Science: Skeletons at the Discovery Science Center
* Boo at the Santa Ana Zoo: October 17, 18, 24, 25, 30. 5:30-8pm
Seal Beach:
* Trick or Treating on Main Street: October 31, 11am - 4pm, Seal Beach, FREE admission
Tustin:
* Halloween Howl: Columbus Tustin Activity Center, October 31st, 3-5pm, FREE admission
Yorba Linda:
* Cook Haunt: October 30 & 31, 7-11pm

Corona:
* Coffin Creek: October 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30. 31. Times vary by day.
Los Angeles:
* Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights: select nights during October
Mission Hills:
* Forneris Farms Corn Maze: 9am - 5pm on weekends, 2-5pm weekdays
Temecula:
* Big Horse Corn Maze: 10am 4pm on weekends, 1-5pm on weekdays.
San Diego:
* Sea World's Halloween Spooktacular: weekends October 3rd - November 1st

xoxo, K

12 for Tuesday: Halloween Treats to Eat & Crafts to Make

1. Pumpkin Trick-or-Treat Bag Tutorial
2. Crescent Mummy Dogs
3. Pumpkin Dump Cake
4. Vampire Balloon Bats
5. Spooky Candy Haunted Houses
6. Shrunken Apple Head Decorations
7. Pumpkin Spice Magic Bar Minis
8. Papie Mache Pumpkin Lanterns
9. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
1o. Spider Cupcakes
11. Pillowcase Trick-or-Treat Bags
12. Spider Pops

xoxo, K

Nutter Butter Ghosts

Ready to "BOO" your neighbors, or perhaps you've already been "BOO'ed" & it's your turn to deliver some tasty treats. Why not whip up a batch of THESE ghouls? They are super easy (30 minutes tops) & you can never go wrong with Nutter Butters. For instruction & the how-to go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via MartaWrites.blogspot.com

The Green Smoothie Girl at Belly Sprout

Have you ever heard of the Green Smoothie Girl? I hadn't, until I talked with Christy Funk of Belly Sprout. We just randomly, happened to meet at Baby Loves Disco. (Yep! After posting about Baby Loves Disco last week I had to check it out for myself, & I happy to report my kiddos & I loved it... but, more on that later.) Anyway, back to the Green Smoothie Girl.

So I have to admit, I was a bit put off at first, seriously, she's called the Green Smoothie Girl... I don't know, it just doesn't sound appetizing. But after hearing Christy rave about her, I decided to check her out for myself, & I think I'm in love. She promises (okay, she doesn't promise anything, but her "rather significant research says") following her "diet" results in better weight control, more energy, pretty skin & better sex (yes! I just said sex!).

The Green Smoothie Girl isn't anything like I expected. She describes herself as "a soccer mom. I wear mascara, jeans, big hoop earrings, and pedicured toenails. I use a razor in the shower. I flat-iron my salon-weaved hair. I go to the neighborhood BBQ, the family party, the church social - and I don't miserably sit in the corner with a plate of celery. I don't look or talk much like the earthy-crunchies."

I don't know about you, but she's sold intrigued me. So you can imagine how thrilled I was to find out that the Green Smoothie Girl is doing a FREE clinic & demo at Belly Sprout, THIS Thursday, October 15th from 7-8pm. She will be teaching a class on how to get 15 serving of greens & fruits into your diet (& even your children's) every day. Quickly, painlessly & even better - inexpensively! Awesome! I have a hard enough time getting just one serving of veggies in sometime! I might have to do some juggling of the schedules, but I definitely want to check this one out. Maybe I'll see you there!

FREE Green Smoothie Girl Clinic
Belly Sprout in Fullerton
Thursday, October 15th 7-8pm

xoxo, K
image via Green Smoothie Girl