Cafe Rio is here in the OC!

It's true! Cafe Rio has opened its doors and you can now grab one of the amazing salads, burritos, or even a coconut shrimp taco! We ate there tonight and loved the great service and the amazing food. The OC is now complete.

Cafe Rio
24312 Rockfield Boulevard
Lake Forest, CA

xoxo, C

p.s. Want a Cafe Rio sneak peek? Check out our WHRRL story HERE.

More check-ins at Cafe Rio

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Celebrating New Year's Eve in Orange County

Hope you have had a fabulous holiday season... but it's not over yet! We are taking this week off to spend some time with our families, so don't be worried that we aren't posting daily. We'll be back next week, ready & roaring to go! But we couldn't leave you high & dry with nothing to do on New Year's Eve...

Looking for a fabulous party or event to fill your calender this New Year's Eve? For something catering towards adults, check out OrangeCounty.com's very complete list HERE, of things to do & places to go this New Year's Eve.

Interested in something a little more family oriented? Try one of these Orange County New Year's Eve celebrations...

Aquarium of the Pacific's Special Discounted Late Night & New Year's Eve Sleepover. You can "party" at the aquarium late into the night, or even all night, if you want. The aquarium will be open until 9pm. After 5pm everyone gets in for the kid's price ($11.95). Or, you can celebrate the new year with a family friendly sleepover. Enjoy the aquarium, make crafts, watch a 3-D movie, eat pizza & celebrate the new year with a balloon drop, sparkling cider and snacks & the Queen Mary Firework show. For more information go HERE.

Discovery Science Center's Noon Year's Eve Celebration: 10am - 3pm. Ring in the New Year just a bit early this year... "We'll celebrate at noon with a countdown, balloon drop, ginger ale toast, music, activities & more! Why should grown-ups have all the fun? Taco Bell Discovery Science Center is hosting a Noon Year's Eve party for all ages! Activities will include making seltzer rockets and constructing party hats!" Free with paid admission & open to all ages. For more information, go HERE.

Disneyland's New Year's Eve Fantasy. The "Holidays" are still happening at Disneyland & that includes New Years... it's basically a HUGE family party. Tons of bands, party favors, a special New Year's fireworks show, & did I mention that California Adventure is open until 1am & Disneyland is open until 2am?

Fullerton's First Night Celebration: 7pm - 12 am, Downtown Fullerton. The party is a family oriented & alcohol-free. Admission is totally & completely FREE, although some activities may charge a fee of $2 to $7.There will be live musical entertainment, outdoor ice skating ($7 per session), food vendors, train rides ($3 per person), street juggles, stilt walkers, a unicyclist, fireworks show at midnight & for the kids... bungee run, obstacle course, robo surf, castle bounce house, gladiator joust, pirate ship bounce house & slide. For more information & directions go HERE.

La Habra Children's Museum New Year's "Noon" Party, 11am - 1pm. Celebrate the new year at Noon with a hat and shaker craft, ginger ale toast, balloon drop & dancing. Please call (562)905-9793 for reservations. Free with paid admission.

Knott's Berry Farm's Rock On! Ride On! New Year's Eve, 7pm - 1am. There will be dancing in the streets: ballroom dancing, line dancing, salsa lessons & live DJs. "Snoopy's Cool Christmas" Ice show performances, the Peanuts gang in their own musical Camp Snoopy. & Don't forget the rides. At midnight see a special pyrotechnic show complete with music, fireworks & lasers.

Medieval Times' New Year's Eve Extravaganza. Celebrate New Year's Eve Medieval style. Complete with a Medieval feast, 2-hour live tournament, party favors, DJ and dancing, midnight countdown, balloon drop, toast & a continental breakfast.

Pretend City's Bringing in the New Year. Celebrate from 10am - 1pm. Play, craft & explore the museum. At Noon, ring in the New Year with a countdown & celebration.

Rancho Santa Margarita's Celebrating Family & Friends Event: 4:30pm - 9:30pm, at the Central Park. It is "an alcohol-free community festival featuring entertainment, food booths & fun for the whole family. Admission is FREE & the party kicks off with a Magic Show at 4:30pm (tickets are $1 & may be purchased on Wednesday, December 30th or Thursday, December 31st. For ticket information contact Erin: 949-216-9700). For more information & directions go HERE.

Rainforest Cafe's New Years Eve Party: 6-8pm, at the Rainforest Cafe located inside South Coast Plaza. For $6.99, kids 12 & under will enjoy a fabulous buffet, featuring nearly everything on their kid's menu (chicken nuggets, burgers, even ice cream sundaes), while parents can enjoy anything off the menu. Everyone will help ring in an early New Year with hats, noisemakers, a sparkling cider toast & balloon drop. For more information, or to make your reservation call (714)424-9200.

Happy New Year!

xoxo, K
image via here.

Happy Holidays!

(click to enlarge)

image courtesy of Michelle Photography

Tracking Santa

Don't forget to track Santa on his trip around the world on Christmas Eve.

xoxo, C
p.s. you can also follow him on Facebook & Twitter

image by weaselmcfee via flickr

Last Minute Gifts

Looking for some really last minute gifts? (I know I am!) Here are some ideas. Maybe one (or two) of them will spark an idea or strike you fancy....

* Just about any grocery store has an incredible selection of gift cards and you can make it more personal by packaging up the gift card in creative ways. For example, get a Starbucks gift card and put in a Monogrammed mug or get a Barnes and Noble gift card and find a book by the recipients favorite author.

* If you are really running our of time try email delivered gift certificates from Amazon.com, Itunes, Netflix, Southwest Airlines, or Zappos.

* One of my absolute, most favorite gifts-to-give for that hard to shop somebody? A CalActive gift certificate (they can use it for everything from a romantic gondola ride in Newport to a helicopter tour).

* Donate to their favorite charity. Charity Navigator can help you identify the perfect cause to donate to for that special someone this holiday season.

Looking for something a little more "homemade?"
* A cute box or jar filled with yummy Snickers Surprise cookies.
* How about a 6-pack of Root beer Reindeer?
* Peppermint Body Scrub
* A cute jar or bag filled M&Ms, with THIS poem attached.
* Cake plates
* Freezer Paper Stenciled T-Shirts
* Chunky Crayons
* A box of Trader Joe's Peppermint Joes Joes is always a hit.

xoxo, K
image via HERE.

12 for Tuedsay: Holiday Activities You Don't Want to Miss

The holidays are almost over (can you believe it?). With the kids home from school (at least mine are, on a THREE week holiday!), you might find yourself looking for something to keep them entertained. Here's a list of holiday activities to keep you (& the kiddos) entertained this week. But better act fast, once the holidays are over, most of these activities will be too!

1. The Chance Theater presents Little Women
2. A Christmas with Scrooge at the Musical Theatre Village
3. Discovery Science Center Presents: Science of Gingerbread Holiday Festival
4. Disney on Ice at the Honda Center
5. HB Philharmonic Cruise of Lights Boat Tour
6. Holiday Christmas Light Displays
7. Holiday Time at Disneyland
8. Ice Skating at the Irvine Spectrum
9. Irvine Park Railroad's Christmas Train
10. The Chance Theater presents Little Women
11. The Glory of Christmas at the Crystal Cathedral
12. Nutcracker at the Barclay Theater or Maple Youth Ballet's Nutcracker

xoxo, K

This Weekend in Orange County

Looking for something to do this weekend? Need to get the kids out of the house? Here's a list of some of my favorite events happening this weekend. Want even more options? Go HERE for ALL the happenings this weekend in Orange County.

Daily:
Discovery Science Center Presents: Science of Gingerbread Holiday Festival
Holiday Christmas Light Displays
Holiday Time at Disneyland
Ice Skating at the Irvine Spectrum
Irvine Park Railroad's Christmas Train
The Glory of Christmas at the Crystal Cathedral
Whale Watching in Dana Point

Friday, December 18th:
* Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, 7:30 pm by the water's edge
* Philharmonic Cruise of Lights Boat Tour, HB
* Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, 6:30pm

Saturday, December 19th:
* Save Our Beach Monthly Beach Cleanup: 10 am - 1pm at the 1st Street Beach lot (corner of Ocean & 1st in the Rivers End restaurant parking lot) in Seal Beach
* Christmas at the Orange County Zoo, 10am - 3pm. Visit with Santa, enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus, make craft & get your face painted. Free with zoo admission. (Irvine Park parking Fee not included).
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* 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.
* Pretend City "A Christmas Carol" Celebration, 11am - 12pm, 2-3pm
* Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, 7:30 pm by the water's edge
* Philharmonic Cruise of Lights Boat Tour, HB
* Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, 6:30pm

Sunday, December 20th:
* 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.
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Santa Claus & Outlaw Magician coming to Dippin' Dots, 2-4pm
* Philharmonic Cruise of Lights Boat Tour, HB
* Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, 6:30pm

xoxo, K

Holiday Light Displays in Orange County

Each year during the holidays, one of my family's absolutely most favorite holiday traditions is to drive around, looking at all the pretty lights. I'm a sucker for a good holiday light display & have been known to drag my family along for the (sometimes very long) drive. Wanting to find some new-to-me light extravaganzas, we asked YOU, our readers (on our Facebook page), to tell us where the BEST holiday light displays in Orange County were located. Thanks to all the comments & emails, we've got a list that will definitely keep my family, & hopefully yours, busy over the next week or so. Car Trip anyone?

Fountain Valley:
16801 Euclid (Mile Square Park. The actual neighborhood is located near Brookhurst St. & Heil Ave. You can drive through, or park at the park and walk the entire neighborhood.)

Brea:
Kraemer and Birch (Eagle Hills neighborhood) *

Garden Grove:
12112 Wutzke St.

Laguna Hills:
25473 Nellie Gail Road *

Lake Forest:
22981 Belquest Dr. *
End of Blueberry Ln. *
23446 Bolivar St.
Cll El Toro Grande (Placemark 11)
24952 Greenbay Dr. *
Corner of Peacock & Thrush (Tim Bump's)
Rimrock St. (Placemark 10)
Rushford Dr.
Via Amistoso St. *
2nd St. *

Orange:
7633 E. Saddlehill Trail *

Rancho Santa Margarita:
20 El Corzo *

Westminster:
Bolsa Chica & Westminster Blvd. *

Tustin:
Red Hill Ave. & Olwyn Dr. *

Yorba Linda:
18662 Oriente Dr. *
18665 Seabiscuit
18974 Seabiscuit
4712 Via Del Rancho

Del Mar:
Del Mar Holiday of Lights Drive Through Light Display

Los Angeles:
Los Angeles Light Festival in Griffith Park Annual Drive-Thru Event

* starred locations were recommended multiple times

For a Google Map of all Orange County locations go HERE.

xoxo, K

p.s. Is YOUR favorite holiday light display not on the list? Leave a comment or email us (justspotted@gmail.com) the address & we'll make sure to add it!

image by c.barr via flickr

View Holiday Christmas Light Displays in Orange County in a larger map

James Carson Photography & Chelsey B. Winner

First of all sorry for the delay... but as you all know, we are REAL moms, living REAL lives. & Unfortunately, REAL life sometimes gets in the way. But never fear. Life is back on track - or at least as on track as it can be when literally EVERYONE (including the baby) is sick. But as they say, on with the show.

So are you on the edge of your sit? Have you been dreaming night & day of winning this incredible giveaway courtesy of James Carson Photography and Chelsey B. Hair & Makeup? Well, today we are going to make Christy's (critterchild@hotmail.com) dreams come true. It must be good karma or something, because several people said she referred them, but her name was randomly chosen on her first entry.

Congratulation Christy! Be sure to contact us at justspotted@gmail.com (before Tuesday December 22nd otherwise we will select a new winner) so we can hook you up! (& Christy, I hope when your session is finished & done, that you'll be sure to send us a sneak peek!) Thank you to everyone who played along & a super big, super huge thank you to James Carson Photography and Chelsey B. Hair & Makeup. The next time your looking to have some professional photos taken you definitely will want to call Carson. & Anytime you're feeling the need to look pretty (whether it's makeup application or a hair cut) Chelsey's your girl.

xoxo, C & K, James Carson Photography & Chelsey B Hair & Makeup

Sno on the Go Holiday Specials

You already know that I LOVE Sno on the Go. All summer long I posted, tweeted & Facebook-ed about how addicted I was. So, just because it's the middle of December, doesn't mean that I've stopped frequenting the shaved ice shack! (In fact, I went TWICE last week.) But, hello! They have Holiday flavors, all served "stuffed" with vanilla soft serve.
* Egg Nog
* Gingerbread - topped with gingerbread cookie crumbles
* Peppermint White Chocolate - topped with candy cane sprinkles
* Peanut Butter Cup - topped with Reeses pieces
* Apple Pie - topped with caramel
* Santa's Sack - a Sno on the Go Suicide with a little bit of every Scrumptious flavor topped with sour gummies.

Having tasted every single flavor (okay, I couldn't bring myself to taste the Santa's Sack suicide), but really & truly, they are all Delicious. & Yes, addicting. But something you definitely MUST sample this holiday season.

Sno on the Go is located on the corner of Jeronimo & Los Alisos in the City of Mission Viejo, CA (25567 Jeronimo, Mission Viejo, CA 92691). They are open from 11am - 9pm daily. If you go, we'd love to know what your favorite holiday flavor combination is!

xoxo, K

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Starting Wednesday, December 16th & going for five consecutive nights, ending Sunday, December 20th, 2009 The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting their annual Christmas Boat Parade. As the website says "Join over a million viewers as you watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail along the harbor in the 100th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade."

The parade sets sail from Bay Island each night at 6:30pm & finishes at the same location at approximately 9 pm. To view the parade route & schedule go HERE. On Sunday, the final night of the parade, a special firework show will close out the parade beginning at approximately 9pm. &, Don't forgot to check out all the beautifully decorated bay side homes & businesses that surround the harbor. These people tend to "go all out with their own holiday spirit, featuring everything from roof-top animated scenes to dancing Christmas trees", all in an effort to win a coveted "Ring of Lights" award.

What: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

When: Wednesday, December 16 - Sunday December 20, 2000, 6:30 pm

Where: For parade route & schedule go HERE.

xoxo, K

image via newport beach christmas parade.

12 for Tuesday: Handmade Holidays

We couldn't forget all those handmade lovelies found on Etsy. So here's a list of locals on Etsy you definitely want to check out this holiday season.

1. LovMely: Unique Feather Hair Accessories

2. Paperplated: Pendant & Magnet Sets Plated with Fine Paper

3. Minimalista: Hand Screenprinted tops, tees & bags

4. Posh Wash Soap: Bath, Body & Makeup

5. Be Something New: Unique Hair Accessories

6. Crystal Lullaby: Vintage Styled Jewelry

7. Second Wind Vintage by BrattyDan: Vintage apparel

8. Mermaid Charms: Artisan Sea Glass, Silver & Semi Precious Stone Jewelry

9. Tiny Whales: Hip clothes for infants children

10. cheekychic Baby: custom pettiskirts

11. Quiet Doing: Hand & Heartmade Tees, Totes and Wallets for ladies and gentlemen

12. Bonnin Designs: Unique jewelry & art

xoxo, K

12 for Tuesday: Shopping Local

The Holidays are fast approaching! Still need to cross some people off your list? Here's a list of 12 local places to do your holiday shopping!

1. This is Me Journal: A Kid's First Keepsake Journal, definitely a favorite at our house. Take advantage of their "Buy More & Save" program!
2. Baby Emi Jewelry: Jingle Bell Bracelets (a favorite of celebrities & more importantly, ME) & hand-stamped jewelry
3. Encore Toffee: My mom received some one year as a gift & we've been placing orders ever since!
4. Too Faced Cosmetics: My personal pick is their French & Fabulous set - six different eye shadows, a highlighter & my absolute favorite bronzer all in one fancy little kit.
5. Harvey's: The original seatbelt bag. Don't miss their Holiday Gift Guide, they have several things I wouldn't mind finding under my tree. What's on my list? One of the newish Lace Satchels.
6. Etnies: Sure, you know them for cool skate shoes & clothes, but did you know they also make these AMAZING "Grow With Me" kid shoes that literally grows with your child's foot, extended the life of the shoe! (Want to get 30% off ANY purchase, a FREE stocking stuffer while supplies last, & FREE shipping? Just enter "etnies family" at checkout!)
7. Halsea: Stylish luggage, handbags & accessories. I'm loving the large tote bag (in kelp, if anyone wants to send it my way), the weekender (in sunset pink), or any of the makeup bags/ lunch totes.
8. Swanky Paper: Personalized stationary, note cards & thank yous. THESE cards are a personal favorite, every time I pull one out to write a note, they make me smile.
9. Daddy Cakes: Literally, the BEST pancake mix ever. Trust me, you'll love all the Daddy Cakes Pancake flavors... Gingerbread, Chocolate Chip & Vivacious Vanilla, just to name a few.
10. Clipa: For the gal that LOVES her handbag
11. Hatchling: Organic clothing for little peeps. (I really wish I could get THIS "BFF" shirt for ME!)
12. Heavenly Hostess: Aprons & kitchen accessories that EVERYONE would love. Personally, I'm a little partial to THIS one.

xoxo, K

Holidays at The Five Crowns

One of my favorite holiday traditions is definitely dinner at the Five Crowns. (Although, I'm pretty sure this place would be tasty any time of the year.) Having lived in Orange County for nearly 9 years, I've heard many people rave about the Five Crowns, especially during this magical time of the year. If you've never been to the Five Crowns you'll find it's "a beautiful replica of one of England's oldest country inns... a place of candlelight & cozy fireplaces... where good cheer and warm hospitality invite you to leave your cares at the door. There is something to delight the eye at every turn in this restaurant, with its many nooks and crannies, antiques and rare paintings" as their website states. & I for one, can vouch for how true this statement is.

We had the wonderful pleasure of dining there last year. & I have to admit I was worried... you know how it is, when you've heard so many wonderful things, sometimes you worry that it won't be as fantastic as everyone has made it out to be. But the Five Crowns definitely didn't let us down. The food was delicious & the ambiance was the perfect compliment to our holiday season... every year, from December 1 - 30th, the Five Crowns celebrates the Christmas Season with twinkling lights, sparkling decorations & strolling carolers. Yep! I said strolling carolers. Decked out in their finest "Dickens" inspired attire they wander throughout the restaurant serenading you with your favorite Christmas songs. (If you get the opportunity, ask them to sing one of their "non-traditional" songs. They have a whole slew of "everyday" songs, think Beach Boys or the Beatles, that have been re-written for the holidays. They'll crack you up!)

So there you go. Put dinner at the Five Crowns on your holiday to-do list today!

Five Crowns
3801 E. Coast Highway
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
(949)760-0331

xoxo, K
image via Five Crowns

Nutter Butter Santa Cookies

Here's a quick, easy & yummy craft to do with the kids this weekend!

xoxo, K

Everything Under $80 Shopping Event

The holidays are literally just around the corner. Are you prepared yet? Don't worry, the lovely ladies over at Boutiquing.com have got you covered! They've gathered 25 of your favorite Orange County Boutiques for one of the most fabulous shopping events of the year! What makes this particular event so fabulous? Everything, yes, absolutely EVERYTHING is Under $80! With Men's, Women's & Children's boutiques, you will definitely be able to find something for everyone one your list (including one or two things for yourself, I'm sure). Denim, dresses, shoes, jackets, handbags, jewelry, accessories, home furnishings & so much more. This is definitely one sale you don't want to miss!

What: Everything Under $80 Shopping Event
When: Saturday, December 12th, 10am - 6pm
Where: The Village, 21 Prism, Irvine, CA (Across the street from the Irvine Spectrum at The Village Apartment Complex)

xoxo, K
image via Boutiquing.com

This Weekend in Orange County

Looking for something to do this weekend? Grab the kids & go! go! go! Here's a list of some of my favorite events happening this weekend. Want even more options? Go HERE for everything happening & going-on this weekend in Orange County.

Daily:
Discovery Science Center Presents: Science of Gingerbread Holiday Festival
Holiday Time at Disneyland
Ice Skating at the Irvine Spectrum
Irvine Park Railroad's Christmas Train
The Glory of Christmas at the Crystal Cathedral
Whale Watching in Dana Point

Friday, December 11th:
* Save Our Beach Monthly Riverbed/ Wetlands Cleanup: 9 am - 11 am at the lot just north of the intersection of 1st Street & PCH in Long Beach
* Story time at the Orange County Zoo, 12pm. Free with zoo admission. (Irvine Park parking Fee not included).
* Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, 7:30 pm by the water's edge

Saturday, December 12th:
* Everything Under $80 Shopping Event, 10am -6pm at the Village (across from Irvine Spectrum)
* Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics for Kids, 10-11am.
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade, 10 am on Crown Valley Parkway
* Dana Point Winter Festival, 12-5:30pm, La Plaza Park
* Holiday Toy Express comes to Anaheim: 5:15pm, Orange: 6pm, Santa Ana: 7pm, Fullerton: 8:30pm
* Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, 7:30 pm by the water's edge
* Huntington Harbour Boat Parade

Sunday, December 13th:
* Target FREE Second Sundays at the Orange County Museum of Art
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Laguna Niguel Chanukah Celebration & Concert, 3:30pm, Crown Valley Park Amphitheater
* Fashion Island Menorah Lighting Ceremony, 3pm. For more information call (949)721-9800
* Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
* Nativity Play and Lantern Parade, 5pm, Old World Village, HB
* Bowers Museum: Las Posadas Mexican Christmas Program, 5pm

xoxo, K

p.s. Don't forget all the Menorah Lighting's happening this weekend. Find the complete list HERE.

Macy's asks "Do YOU Believe?"

Writing letters to Santa is an age-old tradition... this year Macy's is doing something special to encourage everyone to "believe". "At every Macy's across the country there is a mailbox to collect letters for Santa Claus. Bring your stamped letter to Macy's, addressed to Santa at the North Pole, and drop it into Santa's special letterbox. Macy's will count them up, and for each letter received, Macy's will donate $1 to the Make-a-Wish Foundation up to $1,000,000. They'll deliver them to the Post Office, and together, we'll collect a million reasons to believe."

For more information about Macy's Believe Project go HERE. To locate your nearest mailbox go HERE.

Do you believe?

xoxo, K

Menorah Lighting's in Orange County

Starting this weekend, there are lots of Menorah Lighting's happening all over Orange County. Everything from Giant (as in 5-Foot tall) Flower Menorahs, to Balloon Menorahs, to even a Surfboard Menorah. Here's a complete listing of local Menorah Lighting's...

Saturday, December 12th:
* Yorba Linda: Giant Menorah Lighting, 6pm at the North County Chabad Center

Sunday, December 13th:
* Aliso Viejo: "Green" Menorah Lighting, 3pm at the Aliso Viejo Town Center (near the fountain area)
* Irvine: 8-Foot Balloon Menorah & Chanukah Celebration, 3pm at the Irvine Spectrum, on the Oasis Food Court Patio
* Laguna Beach: Surfboard Menorah Lighting, 2pm at Laguna Main Beach
* Laguna Niguel: Grand Menorah Lighting & Concert in the Park, 3:30pm at the Crown Valley Park Amphitheater
* Newport Beach: Menorah Lighting Ceremony & Hanukkah Celebration, 3pm at Fashion Island, in the Atrium Garden Court
* San Clemente: 5-Foot Flower Menorah Lighting, 4pm at the San Clemente Community Center (100 Calle Seville)

Monday, December 14th:
* Rancho Santa Margarita: Annual Community Chanukah Celebration & Public Menorah Lighting, 5:30pm at Mercado Del Lago Shopping Center (Antonia and Santa Margarita Parkway)
* Westminster: Menorah Lighting, 6pm at the Westminster Mall
Thursday, December 17th:
* Huntington Beach: Menorah Lighting Hanukkah Celebration, 6-8pm at the Bella Terra Shopping Center

Wednesday, December 16th:
* Tustin: Giant Challah Menorah Lighting, 5pm at the District Shopping Center

xoxo, K
image via Surfboard Menorah Lighting

Huntington Harbour Boat Parade & Cruise of Lights

This weekend, pour some hot chocolate in a thermos, break out the hats & scarves and head on over to Huntington Beach Harbour Boat Parade. The parade takes place Saturday, December 12th & Sunday, December 13th at 5:15pm & will feature approximately 70 decorated boats. The Huntington Harbour Boat Parade takes place near the Peters Landing Marina at PCH & 25th Street. For the parade route & approximate viewing times & locations go HERE.

But, that's not the end of the festivities. The parade of decorated boats may only last for two days, but you can continue to view all the beautiful lights & decorated homes during the Philharmonic Cruise of Lights Boat Tour. Everyday, Thursday, December 17th - Wednesday, December 23rd (5:30 -9pm), you can purchase tickets to ride aboard "narrated boat tours through the waterways of Huntington Harbour to view hundreds of brightly decorated homes, docks, decks & boats." The ticket price helps support youth and music programs. For more information go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Huntington Beach Harbour Boat Parade

James Carson Photography and Chelsey B. Hair & Makeup

It's often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. That may be true, but I think this next Just Spotted giveway is worth much more than that - in fact, I'd even venture to say that it's priceless...

James Carson Photography

Now, I realize that Just Spotted has readers from all over the country, but we will be limiting this giveaway to those who live in, near or around Orange County. Or anyone willing to run, hop, skip, drive or fly to the OC, because one lucky person is going to win an on-location Orange County portrait sitting, including a CD of their high resolution proof images (a package worth a whopping $400) from James Carson Photography. BUT WAIT! That's not all. In addition to winning this incredible photography session from the uber-talented Carson, each & every girl in the photo shoot will be primped & beautified by the amazing stylist of Chelsey B. Hair & Makeup.

Chelsey B. Hair & Makeup

So are you excited yet? Because I am! In fact, right now, I have to admit that I am seriously green with jealousy. What an amazing opportunity for one of our readers! Carson is such an incredible photographer. As I'm sure you can see - his work speaks for itself. But paired with hair & makeup from the equally beautiful & talented Chelsey... Wow! what a giveaway.

James Carson Photography

So have you fallen in love with Carson & Chelsey as I have? Once you check out Carson's website & Chelsey's blog, to view their incredible work yet, there will be no doubt in your mind... YOU MUST WIN THIS GIVEAWAY!

Chelsey B. Hair & Makeup

Ready to win your very own on-location Orange County photo shoot with Carson & beauty stylings by Chelsey? Here's the nitty-gritty:

* You have until Midnight PST on Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 to enter.
* Simply leave a comment on THIS post.
* Anyone can enter (so tell your friends), although anonymous comments will be ignored unless accompanied by an email address.
* Please, just one entry per person (although, I'm not stopping you from telling your friends, neighbors, even that crazy aunt of yours to enter on your behalf...)
* The winner will be randomly picked & announced Thursday.

* Really want win?
You can get extra entries by telling your friends about THIS contest. For every person that enters & says YOU referred them, you get an extra entry. Shout it from the roof tops, tell your friends & neighbors, send an email, post about it on your blog, make it your "status", tweet about it. Anything & everything that will get the word out. Just make sure they tell us that YOU referred them & you will get an extra entry!

James Carson Photography

xoxo, C & K, James Carson Photography & Chelsey B Hair & Makeup

Chelsey B. Hair & Makeup

12 for Tuesday: Holiday Themed Stage Performances

Looking to get your "cultural" fill this holiday season? With half a dozen Nutcracker ballets to choose from & six more holiday themed stage performances, I'm sure you'll find something to help scratch "that" itch...

1. Ballet Etudes' The Nutcracker at the Rose Center Theater, Huntington Beach, December 12th & 13th
2. Coast City Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Huntington Beach Historic Theater, Huntington Beach December 12th & 13th
3. Festival Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker at the Barclay Theatre, Irvine, December 11th - December 24th
4. Maple Youth Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Northwood Performing Arts Theatre, Irvine, December 19th - December 22nd
5. Nouveau Chamber Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Fullerton College Campus Theatre, Fullerton, December 12th & December 13th
6. Nutcracker for Kids at the Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa, December 12th
7. A Christmas Carol at the South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa, now - December 26th
8. A Christmas with Scrooge at the Musical Theatre Village, Irvine, now - December 27th
9. An Old Fashioned Melodrama and Ice Cream Social, Costa Mesa, December 12th & 13th
10. It's a Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play at the Huntington Beach Playhouse, Huntington Beach, December 9th - December 13th
11. The Eight: Reindeer Monologues at the Chance Theater, Anaheim Hills, Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday until December 19th
12. Winter Wonderettes at the Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach, now - December 30th

xoxo, K

Dana Point Parade of Lights

Dana Point Harbor is celebrating the holidays... Friday, December 11th, Saturday December 12th, Friday, December 18th & Saturday December 19th, at 7:30pm is the Annual Boat Parade of Lights. You can view the parade, themed "Santa's Surfin' Safari," for FREE from anywhere in the harbor, or make a reservation at one of the harbor's restaurants to view the parade while keeping yourself warm & toasty. Want to be a part of the parade, but don't own a boat? Join Dana Wharf Sportfishing on one of their decorated parade boats. For more information about the holiday activities & celebrations happening at the Dana Point Harbor go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via dana point harbor