February 2010 Calendar

Almost Daily:

* Bowers Kidseum (closed Mondays)
* Bowling
* Discovery Science Center
* FREE Ice Skating at the Orange County Great Park (Fridays, Saturday & Sundays)
* Indoor Bounce Houses
* Irvine Park Railroad
* KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil at the Orange County Great Park
* La Habra Children's Museum (closed Mondays)
* Orange County Public Library Story Times
* Pretend City
* Public Dolphin 'Citizen Science' Project at Crystal Cove State Park
* Whale Watching in Dana Point

1st:
* Taco Bell Discovery Science Center, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
2nd:
* Groundhog Day at Pretend City, 10am - 4pm
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 am.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
3rd:
* 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)
* Estuary Explorers at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 12:15 - 1 pm. Kids can discover our amazing natural world at the bay through hands-on activities, experiments & nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-8.
4th:
* Tideland Tot's at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 9 - 9:45 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.
* Copeing with Toddler Behavior at Pretend City, 9am - 11am
* Parent Participation "Cookamation 101" Pretend City, 10am - 10:45am
* Cherry Day at Pretend City, 10am - 4pm
* 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 2-8.
* 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.
* Aqua Tots at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 4-5:30 pm
5th:
* Good to Go, Ages & Stages at Pretend City, 9am - 3pm
* 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.
* Wetland Wee Walks at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15am. Join the staff for a nature walk, crafts & activities. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-8.
* Baby and Tots Art Class at the Road Less Traveled Store, 11am -12pm. $10
* 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.
* Shark Lagoon Nights at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 6-9 pm
6th:
* FREE admission to the Discovery Science Center with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card
* SaveOurBeach.org Long Beach Cleanup, from 9am- Noon, where Termino Ave. meets the sand in Long Beach.
* 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.
* The Knack Free Family Event at your local Michael's store, 10am.
* Moving Day at Pretend City, 11am
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Dana Point Harbor Tour, 12-3pm
* Target FREE First Saturday at the Children's Museum at La Habra, 1:30-3:30pm. Face painting, crafts & stilt walkers.
7th:
* 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
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruise, 1-3:30pm
8th:
* Boy Scout Day at Pretend City, 10am -4pm ($2 off for boy scouts who come in uniform)
* African Doll Making at Pretend City, 11am - 12pm; 1pm - 2pm
9th:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 am.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
* The Knack Free Family Event at your local Michael's store, 6pm
10th:
* Estuary Explorers at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 12:15 - 1 pm. Kids can discover our amazing natural world at the bay through hands-on activities, experiments & nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-8.
11th:
* Tideland Tot's at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 9 - 9:45 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.
* Good to Go, Copeing with Toddler Behavior at Pretend City, 9am - 11am
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Come learn at the zoo... class includes hands-on learning & fun crafts. Phone registration required (714)973-6846. $5 for one child & parent (Irvine Park parking Fee not included). Ages 3-4.
* 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 2-8.
12th:
* SaveOurBeach.org Riverbed/ Wetlands Cleanup, from 9am - 11am, at the lot just north of the intersection of 1st Street & PCH in Long Beach.
* Wetland Wee Walks at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15am. Join the staff for a nature walk, crafts & activities. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-8.
* Dental Screenings at Pretend City, 10:30am - 12:30pm
* Good to Go, Way to Play Day at Pretend City, 10am -4pm
* Opening Day for 2010 Vancouver Olypmics at Pretend City, 10am -4pm
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Parent's Night Out, Children's Night in at Pretend City, 6-9pm
* Shark Lagoon Nights at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 6-9 pm
13th:
* Junior Biologist Program at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 9:30 - 11:30 am, ages 7-10
* 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)
* The Knack Free Family Event at your local Michael's store, 10am
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruise, 1-3:30pm
* Harlem Globetrotters at the Honda Center 1 & 7pm.
14th:
* Target FREE Second Sundays at the Orange County Museum of Art
* Valentine's Day & Chinese New Year at Pretend City, 10am -4pm
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruise, 1-3:30pm
* Valentine Cruise at Dana Wharf, 4-6pm
15th:
* President's Day at Pretend City, 10am -5pm
16th:
* Bowers Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* A "real" chick is born at Pretend City, 10am -4pm
* Mardi Gras Celebration at Pretend City, 10am -4pm
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 am.
* Aqua Tots at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 3-4:30 pm
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
17th:
* Estuary Explorers at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 12:15 - 1 pm. Kids can discover our amazing natural world at the bay through hands-on activities, experiments & nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-8.
* Annual Taste of San Juan, 6-9pm
18th:
* Tideland Tot's at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 9 - 9:45 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.
* 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 2-8.
* Preschool Program at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 2:30pm - 4:30 pm
19th:
* Tot Walk, 9am at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Reservations required: 949-923-2235.
* Wetland Wee Walks at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15am. Join the staff for a nature walk, crafts & activities. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-8.
* Baby and Tots Art Class at the Road Less Traveled Store, 11am -12pm. $10
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
20th:
* Junior Biologist Program at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 9:30 - 11:30 am, ages 10-12
* SaveOurBeach.org Seal Beach Cleanup, from 10am - 1pm at the 1st Street Beach Lot (corner of Ocean & 1st in the Rivers End restaurant parking lot) in Seal Beach.
* 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.
* Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruise, 1-3:30pm
* CSUF Front & Center 2010 featuring the Steve Miller Band at the Honda Center 8pm.
21st:
* 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.
* Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruise, 1-3:30pm
22nd:
23rd:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 am.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
24th:
* Estuary Explorers at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 12:15 - 1 pm. Kids can discover our amazing natural world at the bay through hands-on activities, experiments & nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-8.
25th:
* Tideland Tot's at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 9 - 9:45 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 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 2-8.
* Dana Point Taste of Dana, 4pm
26th:
* Wetland Wee Walks at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15am. Join the staff for a nature walk, crafts & activities. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-8.
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Bird Survey at Shipley Nature Center
* Kids Activity Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 6:30 - 9pm
* Bon Jovi at the Honda Center 7:3pm
27th:
* The Knack Free Family Event at your local Michael's store, 10am.
* Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruise, 10am - 12:30pm
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruise, 1-3:30pm
* Bon Jovi at the Honda Center 7:3pm
28th:
* Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruise, 10am - 12:30pm
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruise, 1-3:30pm

This Weekend in Orange County

Here's a cheat list of things to do & place to go this weekend....

* Annie at the Orange County Performing Arts Center
* Beach Cleanup
* Bowers Kidseum
* Discovery Science Center
* FREE Ice Skating & Snow Day at the Orange County Great Park
* Irvine Park Railroad
* KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil at the Orange County Great Park
* La Habra Children's Museum
* Pretend City
* Radio Disney event at the Spectrum
* Whale Watching in Dana Point

xoxo, K

Impromtu Beach Cleanup

I know it's last minute & all, but SaveOurBeach.org is having an impromptu beach cleanup THIS morning from 10am - 2pm. All of this rain has brought an incredible amount of trash to our beaches - let's get them cleaned up. Join the SaveOurBeach.org crew at 15 1st Street in Seal Beach today. Make sure to bring some gardening or work gloves, if you have them. They will provide the garbage bags. Unfortunately, because this cleanup is impromptu, it does not count for the Disney service... but, cleaning up the beaches should be incentive enough.

xoxo, K

Radio Disney at the Irvine Spectrum

If your looking for a quick, easy & FREE activity this weekend, check out the Radio Disney event happening at the Irvine Spectrum this Saturday. You & your family will enjoy getting the "star treatment"... singing contests & karaoke on stage & look-alike contests. The Radio Disney "road crew" will also be on hand to to provide live entertainment with music, dancing, games & prizes. Did I say prizes? Yep! Radio Disney will be giving kids the chance to win a lunch with the star of the new upcoming movie Starstruck, Sterling Knight (also of the Disney Channel's "Sonny With a Chance"), a private tour of some LA hotspots (including Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, Rodeo Drive, Sunset & Hollywood).

What: Radio Disney's "Starstruck" Event
Where: Irvine Spectrum (in front of Edwards Cinemas Movie Theatre)
When: Saturday, January 30th, 2010, 1-3pm

xoxo, K

Great Skate & Snow Day at the Great Park

One of our favorite FREE winter activities is returning to the Orange County Great Park... the Great Skate Ice Rink. The ice rink will be open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, January 30th - February 28th, 2010, from 11am - 10pm. & Have I mentioned the best part yet? The Great Skate Ice Rink is absolutely & completely FREE! Admission is FREE, Skate Rentals are FREE & Parking is FREE. That's as FREE as you can get! Can I get a "Woot! Woot!"?

For more specific information, including skate session times & information regarding advance tickets go HERE.

What: Great Skate Ice Rink
Where: Orange County Great Park, map & directions HERE.
When: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, January 30th - February 28th, 2010, from 11am - 10pm
Cost: FREE

But that's not all... a Snow Day is kicking off this entire month of FREE ice skating. If you head over to the Orange County Great Park on Saturday, January 30th (between 11am & 4pm), you'll see the park transformed into a winter wonderland complete with snowman building, sledding, ice skating, hockey skills games, craft & all sorts of snow play. The entire event is FREE (although parking is $8) & there's no need to bring your sled, there will be plenty on hand. Just don't forget to dress warm & bring your mittens!

xoxo, K
image via Discovery Science Center

12 for Tuesday: Story time at your local Orange County library

Who doesn't love story time? It's quick and easy, it gets you & the kids out of the house, & best of all - it's FREE. & Because I'm never very good at keeping the list to just 12, here are 24 local Orange County libraries that offer story times, crafts, homework help & other activities geared for kids.

1. Aliso Viejo Library
2. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library
3. Costa Mesa Mesa Verde Library
4. Cypress Library
5. Dana Point Library
6. El Toro Library
7. Foothill Ranch Library
8. Garden Grove Chapman Library
9. Garden Grove Regional Library
10. Garden Grove West Library
11. Irvine Heritage Park Library
12. Irvine Katie Wheeler Library
13. Irvine University Park Library
14. La Habra Library
15. Ladera Ranch Library
16. Laguna Niguel Library
17. Los Alamitos/ Rossmoor Library
18. San Clemente Library
19. San Juan Capistrano Library
20. Seal Beach Library
21. Stanton Library
22. Tustin Library
23. Villa Park Library
24. Westminster Library

xoxo, K

Annie at the Orange County Performing Arts Center

Honestly, who doesn't LOVE the musical Annie? With "America's most beloved musical" coming to town for just 5 performances THIS weekend, this is the perfect opportunity to share the "timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie" with your kids. Tickets start at just $25 and can be purchase online HERE, at the Orange County Performing Arts Center Box Office, or by calling (714)556-2787.

What: Annie
Where: Segerstrom Hall at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Costa Mesa
When: January 29th - 31st
Friday, January 29th at 7:30pm
Saturday, January 30th at 2pm 7:30pm
Sunday, January 31st at 1pm & 6:30pm
Cost: $25-$65 per ticket

xoxo, K

This Weekend in Orange County

It's raining, it's pouring.... & to be honest, this weekend I'm planning on hunkering down inside. But, if you're brave & are feeling the need to get out of the house, here are a few activities to keep you busy...

Daily:

* Bowers Kidseum
* Discovery Science Center
* Irvine Park Railroad
* KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil at the Orange County Great Park
* La Habra Children's Museum
* Pretend City
* Whale Watching in Dana Point

Friday, January 22nd:

* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* 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.
* Wetland Wee Walks at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15am. Join the staff for a nature walk. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant. $2-8 years old.
* Shark Lagoon Nights at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 6-9 pm
* Professional Bull Riders at the Honda Center, 8pm

Saturday, January 23rd:
* Valentine's Day Mini Photo Sessions, 9am - 12pm, $225 (includes session fee & photo package)
* Preschool Program at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 9:30 - 11:30 am
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics for Kids, 10-11am.
* Professional Bull Riders at the Honda Center, 6pm
* Kogi BBQ at Dippin' Dots in Fountain Valley, 10:30 pm - Midnight

Sunday, January 24th:

* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruise, 1-3:30pm
* Professional Bull Riders at the Honda Center, 2pm

xoxo, K

Haiti Relief & The Beach Pit BBQ

Whatever your meal plans are for Thursday, January 21, 2010 - change them. Because, "your meal Thursday... will be life changing to those in Haiti." One of my favorite, local Orange County restaurants The Beach Pit BBQ, is taking Haiti disaster relief into their own hands. This coming Thursday, 100% of food sales will go directly to Peace Relief, a group through Saddleback Church that is responding to the crisis by providing relief to displaced and suffering survivors. Did you read that correctly? 100% of food sales! Not a "portion" of food sales, not $10 from every purchase, but 100% of food sales. So go ahead... tell your friends & neighbors, shoot it from the rooftops, tweet about & make it your Facebook status. Do whatever you can to spread the news - The Beach Pit BBQ is donating 100% of all food sales on Thursday, January 21st to Haiti Relief. I guess we're having BBQ for dinner on Thursday, you? Find your nearest Beach Pit BBQ location HERE.

xoxo, K

Bowling in Orange County

Tired of arts & crafts, or is the TV is getting old? Looking to get out for a couple of hours to blow off some steam & keep those kids busy, either all day long, or even for just a few hours after school? Have you thought of bowling? Definitely fun for the whole family. Check out some of these bowling alleys, I can pretty much guarantee there is one in your neck of the woods...

* Anaheim: 300 Anaheim
* Anaheim: Concourse Bowl
* Anaheim: Linbrook Bowling Center
* Fountain Valley: Fountain Bowl
* Fullerton: Carter Bowl
* Fullerton: Titan Lanes
* Garden Grove: Valley View Lanes
* Irvine: Irvine Lanes
* La Habra: La Habra 300 Bowl
* Lake Forest: Forest Lanes
* Mission Viejo: Saddleback Lanes
* Orange: Lucky Strike
* Tustin: Tustin Lanes
* Tustin: Strike Orange County
* Westminster: Westminster Lanes
* Yorba Linda: Yorba Linda Bowl

Other quick & easy options to get you & the kids out of the house?
* Check out a local museum or aquarium.
* Burn some energy off at one of these Orange County indoor bounce houses.
* Catch a flick at a $1-ish movie theater.

xoxo, K

Kogi BBQ & Dippin' Dots, Together at Last!

Seriously folks, this one is like the perfect storm. Two of our all-time favorites are coming together for one amazing night! Mark your calendars, hire a baby sitter (unless of course your kids don't mind staying up super late & possibly standing in what could be a very long line) & get ready to party with Kogi BBQ & Fountain Valley Dippin' Dots. That's right! The Kogi BBQ that everyone has been raving about (including C, read about her experience HERE) will be setting up camp at the Fountain Valley Dippin' Dots from 10:30 pm - Midnight, THIS Saturday, January 23rd. All I can say is YUM! YUM! YUM! This is one of those "have your cake & eat it too" moments... an incredible dinner (or at least a very late night snack) experience & "the ice cream of the future." Honestly, I would (& have) gone out of my way for BOTH of these yummy treats. But, for one night only, these two delicious delectables are teaming up to create the perfect storm. Seriously, who can turn that down?

Just so you're prepared, here are some tips from C:
1. Arrive early if you are serious about getting food because they do run out
2. Don't come if you are in a hurry
3. Come with a fun group of friends to make the time in line go faster
4. Be nice because I have never seen happier people running a taco truck
5. Keep track of the truck on Twitter because they will let you know if they are running late
6. Bring Cash

So you don't forget...
What: Kogi BBQ at Fountain Valley Dippin' Dots
When: Saturday, January 23rd, 10:30 pm - Midnight
Where: 18011 Newhope St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708

xoxo, K

mini ART WEEKEND-LA: Feb 19 & 20

I have to admit, I almost didn't share this one with you. But, I am just so excited about the mini ART WEEKEND coming to Los Angeles, that I just couldn't keep it to myself...

I have been wanting to take one of Nicole's classes for ages, & now that she'll be practically in my own backyard, I don't have any excuses. That's right, Nicole Hill Gerulat, Mike Loveland & Alma Loveland are teaming up to bring you an incredible 2-day weekend jam-packed & completely full of absolutely amazing art classes, Friday February 19th & Saturday February 20th at the Sheraton in Downtown LA. The best part? Their "a la carte system and tiered pricing make the classes more affordable to you! Each class is two hours, giving you enough time to learn the basics and more opportunity to take multiple classes." (Honestly! This is an incredible deal! Classes start at just $45 & depending on the number of classes you take, go all the way down to $31 per class!)

They are literally covering all the basics. The class offerings include: Photo 101 basics, Commercial Photography, Studio Lighting, Photoshop 101, Photoshop Actions, Digital Workflow for Photographers, Illustrator 101, Illustrator: Pretty Paper Products, Illustrator: Making a Pattern, Screenprinting, an all day Photo 101 "Crash Course" & Private Portfolio Reviews and Instruction.

For more information, including a detailed class description, schedule of classes, & price/ discount breakdown go HERE. Ready to sign up? Go HERE. C & I are definitely going. The only question is... are you?

xoxo, K
image via Nicole's Classes

This Weekend in Orange County

So, what's on YOUR to do list this weekend? Scratching your head, trying to come up with something to do with the kidlets? We've got plenty of ideas for you... check out some of the local kid-friendly museums: Bowers Kidseum, Discovery Science Center (their newest exhibit Secrets of Circles opens Saturday!), Pretend City, or La Habra Children's Museum Or, you check out the last few days of open-air ice skating at the Holiday Ice Rink at the Spectrum (through January 18th). There's always the Irvine Park Railroad & Whale Watching in Dana Point. Or, pick up tickets for the latest & greatest event to come to the Orange County Great Park - KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil. Here are some other events to check out this weekend...

Friday, January 15th:
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Tot Walk, 9am at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Reservations required: 949-923-2235.
* Wetland Wee Walks at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15am. Join the staff for a nature walk. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant. $2-8 years old.
* Shark Lagoon Nights at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 6-9 pm

Saturday, January 16th:

* Secrets of Circles exhibit opens at the Discovery Science Center
* Junior Biologist Program at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 9:30 - 11:30 am, ages 10-12
* SaveOurBeach.org Seal Beach Cleanup, from 10am - 1pm at the 1st Street Beach Lot (corner of Ocean & 1st in the Rivers End restaurant parking lot) in Seal Beach.
* 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.

Sunday, January 17th:
* 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.
* Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruise, 1-3:30pm

xoxo, K

A Free and Lovely Calendar from KidLark

Hurry and get your very own free desktop calendar from KIDLARK, while you are there make sure to check out all their cute prints and invites. KIDLARK always manages to have the loveliest in custom invites and design and now your can have a little piece of KIDLARK style right on your desktop (thanks KIDLARK).

xoxo, C

Secrets of Circles at the Discovery Science Center

The newest exhibit at the Discovery Science Center (which opens Saturday, January 16th & runs through Sunday, May 2nd) will have definitely have you seeing circles are everywhere... clocks, wheels, doorknobs, even your dinner plate! That's because this newest exhibit will celebrate "the math, science & beauty of such a simple shape & helps children and adults alike to uncover the secrets of the many circles in the world."

In true Discovery Science Center fashion, this newest exhibit will feature tons of hands-on & interactive activities designed so that both kids & adults can learn about the sophisticated mathematical and engineering concepts of circles, in a very fun & very easy way. At Secrets of Circles, I know you (& most importantly your kids) will love... glow-in-the-dark exhibits, lots of spinning objects, playing with a kaleidoscope, building a round arch bridge, shopping the the pretend market for onions, pulleys & all things circular, plus so much more!

With this newest exhibit coming to town, you definitely want to take the time to visit the Discovery Science Center with your kids. & Make sure you don't miss any of the other fabulous exhibits... the Science of Hockey, the Planetary Research Station, or my boy's personal favorite the Dino Quest, just to name a few. The Discovery Science Center is open daily (except Thanksgiving & Christmas Day) from 10am - 5pm. For The Discovery Science Center ticket prices, location & daily field trip schedule go HERE, or buy tickets online HERE.

xoxo, K

p.s. If you attend opening day, Saturday, January 16th be sure to watch (or even join!) the hula hoop competition. Really confident in your hula hooping ability? Register online for the competition HERE.

12 for Tuesday: Indoor Bounce Houses

Now, supposedly, it's going to rain. this week. I don't know if that's true, but just in case, here are 12 14 (I couldn't leave anyone off the list) Orange County indoor bounce houses. Some are open daily, others have specific "open play" hours & days, so be sure to check 'em all out. But, if you need to get the kids out of the house & you want to find a spot that they can run wild & crazy, then we've got you covered... not to mention, each & everyone would be a fabulous place for a party!

1. Aliso Viejo: Scooter's Jungle
2. Anaheim: House of Bounce
3. Anaheim: Seascape Kids Fun
4. Anaheim Hills: Pump it Up
5. Fountain Valley: Frogg's Bounce House
6. Huntington Beach: BounceU
7. Huntington Beach: Pump it Up
8. Irvine: Pump it Up
9. Lake Forest: Partyopolis
10. Lake Forest: Pump it Up
11. Mission Viejo: Jump 'n Jammin
12. Orange: BounceU
13. Orange: Hullabaloo's Partyhouse
14. Placentia: Scooter's Jungle

xoxo, K

Whale Watching in Dana Point

Did you know that Dana Point Harbor is considered the "Whale Capital of the West"? Whale Watching is definitely in full swing right now. With thousands of California Gray Whales migrating from the cold Artic Seas to the warmer waters of Southern California & Baja, Dana Point Harbor is the perfect place view these beautiful creatures.

Interested in setting sail on your own little adventure? Check out what some of these companies have to offer:

Dana Wharf Sportfishing, (800)979-3370, (Be sure to check out their 2 for 1 special on Tuesdays!)
Aventura Sailing Association, (949)493-9493
Ocean Institute, (949)496-2274
Captain Dave's Dolphin Safari, (949)488-2828

If you happen to visit the harbor on a Sunday, be sure to check out the Free Kid's Fishing Clinics. The fishing clinics are held every Sunday from 12pm - 12:45pm. Your kids will receive "dockside experience... Ask the experts and learn new fishing techniques, new hook tying secrets, win raffle prizes and so much more! No reservations are needed!"

xoxo, K
image via Dana Point Harbor

Monster Jam Winner

Drum roll please.... & the winner winners are Chrissy Liddicote & Burgin Construction. Congratulations to our winners & be sure to contact us ASAP at justspotted@gmail.com (before Wednesday, January 13th otherwise we will select a new winner) so we can hook you up! Thank you to everyone who played along & a super big, super huge thank you to Monster Jam for providing the tickets.

For those of you who didn't win, remember, you can still buy tickets for the Monster Jam tour, stopping at Angel Stadium: Saturday, January 16th, 2010 at 7pm, Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at 7pm and Saturday,February 6th, 2010 at 7pm. Tickets for the 2010 Monster Jam events at Angel Stadium start at just $10 (for kids ages 2-12) & $20 for adults, and are available for purchase at the Angel Stadium Box Office, participating Ticketmaster outlets, online HERE or charge by phone at (800)217-1700. For more ticket and event information go HERE.

xoxo, C & K, and Monster Jam

Give a Day, Get a Disney Day FREE with SaveOurBeach.org

I'm sure by now, you've probably heard of Disneyland's FREE ticket offer... "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day." Disney parks is hoping to inspire 1 million people to perform a day of volunteer service to a participating organization in their community during 2010, by giving them a FREE, one-day, one-theme park admission ticket to a Walt Disney World Resort or Dsineyland Resort theme park.

But did you know that one of our very favorite & very local, service organizations is one of the "participating organizations?" Yep! Yep! SaveOurBeach.org is one of the many local Orange County non-profits where you can volunteer your time & get a FREE one-day Disney Resort admission ticket. (You can search for other local, participating organizations HERE.) Honestly, I know it sounds too good to be true, but it is! Who would have thought that getting a FREE ticket to Disneyland would be so easy & so much fun? (All it takes is about 4 hours!)

 Ready to earn YOUR free tickets to Disneyland?  If you want to participate in the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" you must pre-register & sign-up  HERE (the easiest way to find the SaveOurBeach.org opportunities is to search "Animals & Environment" volunteer opportunities & check the box that says "show opprotunities that allow parents/ guardians to bring volunteers under the age of 18.) Once you've registered & selected your beach clean up date (which should be easy, they have several clean ups a month), all you have to do next, is pile the entire family into the car, & head over to Seal Beach. SaveOurBeach.org  thinks of everything (all day parking passes, garbage bags, gloves will be provided), so all YOU have to do is - show up & participate.

Tickets are limited to the first million people who participate, so you might wanted to get started on this, sooner rather than later. In order to take part in the free ticket offer, participants must be a least 6 years old & each person can only receive one ticket, which must be used by December 15th, 2010.
 
To find out more about SaveOurBeach.org or upcoming beach clean-up dates, go HERE.
 
xoxo, K

Guest Post: Settler's Park in Irvine

Please help me welcome, Michele of Fun Orange County Parks. I don't know about you, but as a mom to little ones, I'm always on the look out for new parks to check out. Although we definitely have our favorites we like to visit, it's always fun & exciting to "play" somewhere new... that's why I LOVE Michele & her website Fun Orange County Parks. Each & every month Michele is going to be featuring some of her favorite Orange County Parks....

Settlers Park is in a quiet setting among the citrus orchards and pepper trees at the edge of the foothills. This playground sports lots of fun for little climbers, a creative trike/scooter track, basketball courts, sand volleyball, and a soccer field. It's good for birthdays with an adobe-like picnic shelter with arched entrances. See the slideshow and more OC playgrounds and play ideas at Fun Orange County Parks.

 ____________________________________________________________

Thanks Michele! For a more detailed information about Settlers Park, or to find out about other local parks, be sure to visit Michele at Fun Orange County Parks.

xoxo, K