This Weekend in Orange County

Looking for something to do? Well look no further, here's a list of plenty of ideas to keep you (& the kiddos) busy this weekend!

Daily:
* Bowers Kidseum
* Bowling
* Discovery Science Center
* FREE Ice Skating at the Orange County Great Park
* Indoor Bounce Houses
* Irvine Park Railroad
* La Habra Children's Museum
* Orange County Public Library Story Times
* Pretend City
* Public Dolphin 'Citizen Science' Project at Crystal Cove State Park
* Whale Watching in Dana Point

Saturday, February 27th:
* Irvine Park Railroad Anniversary Celebration
* 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

Sunday, February 28th:
* Irvine Park Railroad Anniversary Celebration
* 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

xoxo, K

Guest Post: Rush Park in Los Alamitos

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. Lucky for us, each & every month Michele features one of her favorite Orange County Parks here....

Rush Park is a great place to meet friends from Long Beach or LA. It's right off the I-405 at Seal Beach Boulevard with plenty of restaurants and shopping nearby. It's set in an idyllic neighborhood with big lawns and a manageable playground partially-encircled by a small wall. See the slideshow and more OC playgrounds and play ideas at Fun Orange County Parks.

___________________________________________________________

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

xoxo, K

Irvine Park Railroad Anniversary Celebration

This weekend the Irvine Park Railroad is celebrating their birthday! To celebrate their 14th year of business & to show their appreciation for all of their loyal customers they are rolling back to their original 1996 prices, for one weekend only! That's right! This Saturday, February 27th & Sunday, February 28th, 2010, from 10am - 4pm, everything is just $2.00:

$2 train rides
$2 hot dogs & sodas
$2 bounce house tickets
$2 face painting
$2 ice cream
& FREE Irvine Park Railroad balloons & balloon animals

For more information, go HERE.

Irvine Park Railroad 13th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, Feb. 27th & Sunday, Feb, 28th, 2010
10 am - 4pm
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA (located inside Irvine Regional Park, park entrance is $5/ car)

xoxo, K
image via irvine park railroad.

FREE Pancakes at IHOP!

In celebration of National Pancake Day, IHOP will be giving you a FREE short stack of their famous buttermilk pancakes. That's right, three FREE pancakes are coming your way! All they ask is that you consider making a donation to support local children's hospital through Children's Miracle Network.

FREE IHOP Pancakes
(limit of one free short stack per guest)
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
7am - 10pm
Find your nearest IHOP location HERE.

xoxo, K
image via IHOP.

14th Annual Taste of Dana

Dana Hills High School Grad Nite Committee is hosting their 14th Annual Taste of Dana, THIS Thursday, February 25, 2010 at the Dana Hills High School Mall from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This delicious event serves as the major fundraiser for Dana Hills High School Grad Nite. Several area restaurants will showcase their food at the event that draws many people each year. Yum! Yum! Yum!

Included in the night will be a silent and live auction, featuring items donated by local businesses and people. Over 1000 people are expected, but you can pre-order tickets for $10.00 at the Grad Nite Committee website HERE, or $15.00 per person at the door.

What: Taste of Dana Point
When: Thursday, February 25th, 2010, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Where: Dana Hills School

xoxo, K

College Admissions 101 for Families in the OC

College Materials, a college admissions counseling firm in Orange County will be hosting a free workshop to help families navigate the college admissions process. This workshop is free and will be geared toward helping families with students of all ages make their education count by understanding what colleges are looking for and how they can make the most of their academic experiences.

When: March 1st at 7:00 PM
Where: Oso Grande Elementary School (MPR)
What: College Admissions 101 for Families
Who: Coleen Bryan is an experienced College Admission Consultant and has been providing college counseling services to families in Orange County for over five years.

Find out everything from how to make elementary school count to what it takes to get into Stanford from high school. This workshop is geared towards providing families a launching pad for college success and the best part is that the workshop is free (RSVP on the College Materials Fan Page on Facebook).

Graffiti Beach Pop-Up Event at The Camp

(click to enlarge)

This is one event that definitely sounds amazing! The Graffiti Beach Pop-Up Store is coming to The Camp THIS Saturday & Sunday (February 20th & 21st). Okay, so I'm guessing you've never heard of the Graffiti Beach Pop-Up Store, I hadn't either, until a few months ago. In their own words... "Graffiti Beach is a Mobile Retail Concept that provides a platform for emerging Clothing Designers, Artists & Musicians to showcase and sell their products directly to the public at wholesale prices." Woot! Woot! "Wholesale prices?" That means prices will be 50% - 70% off retail prices!

This sure-to-be exciting event will feature beachwear (don't miss the Bikini Fashion Show at 6:30pm on Saturday!), Graphic Tees, Skateboards, Accessories & Artwork. Plus, there will be several bands performing, a live Flamenco Guitarist & live portrait art.

What: Graffiti Beach Pop-Up Store
When: Saturday & Sunday, February 20th & 21st, 2010
Where: The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA

For more information, watch the following video, or check out the Graffiti Beach website HERE.



xoxo, K

This Weekend in Orange County

Daily:
* Bowers Kidseum
* Bowling
* Discovery Science Center
* FREE Ice Skating at the Orange County Great Park
* Indoor Bounce Houses
* Irvine Park Railroad
* La Habra Children's Museum
* Pretend City
* Public Dolphin 'Citizen Science' Project at Crystal Cove State Park
* Whale Watching in Dana Point

Friday, February 19th:
* the Warehouse Sale
* 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.
* Graffiti Beach Pop-Up Event

Saturday, February 20th:
* the Warehouse Sale
* Graffiti Beach Pop-Up Event
* 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.
* 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

Sunday, February 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.

xoxo, K

the Warehouse Sale

Looking for a way to fight the recession, update your wardrobe & save a few pennies all at the same time? Then THIS might be your answer. Friday, February 19th & Saturday, February 20th the Warehouse Sale will be coming to Orange County.

Not exactly sure what the Warehouse Sale is? Straight from their website "The Warehouse Sale is an exclusive, invite-only denim sample sale that offers the newest and hottest styles of the season in your favorite brands for both MEN & WOMEN. Get ahead of the trends and be the first to rock up-an-coming labels. With everything priced BELOW WHOLESALE, we make it easy for you to try new styles or brands without guilt." So are you interested in saving up to 80% off designer jeans? If you RSVP, admission is FREE, so even if you are just thinking about attending, you'll definitely want to register for the sale HERE. Otherwise admission is $5. Go HERE, for most of the answers.

So here are the details...

Date: Friday, February 19th & Saturday, February 20th

Time: 12-8pm on Friday & 10am - 4pm on Saturday Location: Radisson Hotel Newport Beach

Forms of Accepted Payment: Cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express & Discover

xoxo, K

Become a Marketing Queen

Mark your calendars ladies, because you are invited to attend a fabulous event hosted by the "NEW" Orange County Chapter of Startup Princess (an organization for women entrepreneurs)... Tuesday, March 2nd Startup Princess is having a networking event that promises to be so fabulous, you definitely don't want to miss it!

This event will feature Dave Phillipson of CEO Space (www.globalceospace.com & on Twitter: @DavePhillipson). Dave Phillipson is a master-connector and has been a Business Trainer since 1987, working with such companies as Ford, AT&T, Remax, Century 21, Nordstrom and others, and while that may seem impressive in print, what really stands out is the results he gets for his clients. He has helped form many training organizations such as The Anthony Robbins Companies and the mega-event, SUCCESS Seminars.

Dave has been a producer for the WallSt. Network, where he not only helped produce "The Three Minute Press Show" and the first contracted original content on Fox Business News, he was a mentor to CEOs, CFOs and COOs, of numerous public companies.

Come ready to be inspired, motivated & network like you never have before! Dave (& perhaps a special guest or two) will be running us through several networking exercises, including coaching on elevator pitches.

These same exercises that you will be participating in, helped an entrepreneur who once actually feared networking, go on the create millions. After learning these networking skills, she went on to make significant contacts, one of which landed her on QVC, where she made $16,000/ minute. She is now known as "The Queen of QVC Sales" & has helped 111 other women get on QVC.

Ready to RSVP? I know I am! For more information, or to RSVP, go HERE. & As always, your first Startup Princess event is FREE.

xoxo, K

12 for Tuesday: Races to Run in Orange County

I don't know.... Maybe it's because I just completed my first marathon. Maybe it's because the Olympics have got me all excited about being "active." Or, maybe it's because I just realized that bathing suit season is just around the corner. Whatever the reason, I've got running on the brain. So here's a list of 12 local races you just might find me running. Anyone care to join me?

1. OC Hope & Harmony 5K Run/ Walk & 1-mile Kids Run, Saturday, February 27th
2. Race on the Base 5K, 10K, Reverse Triathlon & Kids Run, Saturday, February 27th
3. Brea 8K Classic, Sunday, February 28th
4. Crystal Cove XTERRA Trail Run 5K & 17K, Sunday, February 28th
5. Dana Point Festival of Whales Grunion Run 5K Run/ Walk & Kids' 1K Run, Sunday, March 14th
6. Irvine Lake Mud Run, Saturday, April 10th
7. Orange County Mud Run & Eco Fest, Saturday, April 24th
8. OC Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K & Kid's Run, Sunday, May 2nd
9. Laguna Hills Half Marathon & 5K, Monday, May 31st
10. Peters Canyon Summer Trail Run Series & Kids Obstacle Course, Thursdays, June 10th, July 8th & August 5th
11. Magic Shoe 5K Run/ Walk & High Heel Dash, Saturday, June 12th
12. Disneyland Half Marathon, Sunday, September 5th

xoxo, K

Celebrate President's Day at Disneyland!

Don't forget to visit Disneyland's most patriotic attraction for President's Day if you are around the Magic Kingdom this holiday, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. We went on Friday and it was a great impromptu learning moment for the kids.

xoxo, C

Posting May be "Spotty"

Just giving you a heads up, that posts this week may be just be a wee bit "spotty." Nothing to worry about, we will be back to our daily posting soon. To be perfectly honest - we are on holiday & Internet access isn't exactly access-able. Not to worry though... we wouldn't leave you high & dry. Here are some of our favorite activities of the week. To find out everything that is happening in Orange County this week go HERE.

* KOOZA buy one get one FREE ticket offer, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

* FREE Ice Skating at the OC Great Park, Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

* SaveOurBeach.org Riverbed/ Wetlands Cleanup, at the lot just north of the intersection of 1st Street & PCH in Long Beach, Friday from 9am - 11am.

* The Knack FREE Family Event at your local Michael's store, Saturday at 10am
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, Saturday at 11am - 3pm.

* Supercross at Angel Stadium, Saturday

* Target FREE Second Sundays at the Orange County Museum of Art, Sunday.

* Valentine's Day & Chinese New Year at Pretend City, 10am -4pm
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, Sunday at noon.
* Valentine Cruise at Dana Wharf, 4-6pm

Still looking for a romantic spot for dinner for your Valentine Celebration? Check out our list of suggestions HERE.

xoxo, K

12 for Tuesday: Valentine Crafts

1. Heart Shaped Pizza

2. Heart Hair Clips

3. Heart Attack (a personal family favorite)

4. 30 Printable Valentines

5. Candy Necklace

6. Heart & Lollipop Flower Valentines

7. Heart Shaped Soap

8. Crayon Hearts

9. Photo Valentine Card

10. Felt Fortune Cookies

11. Rice Krispie Kisses

12. 3-D Sucker Photo Cards

xoxo, K

Spread the KOOZA love this Valentine's

So sorry for the last minute-ness of this incredible offer, but I just became aware of it. (I've had other things on my mind, like running my first marathon, so I hope you can forgive me!) Anyway, if you haven't had a chance yet to see KOOZA the amazing Cirque du Soleil show now playing at the Orange County Great Park, this is an opportunity you don't (& can't) pass up...

Buy one ticket for a select performance before February 14th (I told you it was last minute!) & get the second one FREE! To take advantage of this incredible offer (seriously?! buy one get one FREE?!), go HERE. When I last checked there were performances (& tickets) still available for THIS coming Thursday (at 4pm & 8pm), Friday (at 4pm), Saturday (at 4pm & 8pm) & on Sunday (at 1pm & 5pm). But you better hurry - with a deal like this (I still can't get over it! Buy one get one FREE!)

xoxo, K

Forever 21 launches HTG81

Am I the last to know? Forever 21 launched HTG81, their new line for kids from 6-16.
I love it because its affordable and fun. Now all we need is a store in the OC.

xoxo, C

Orange County College Counseling Workshop (Free!)

College Materials, a college consulting firm in Orange County will be hosting a free workshop to help families navigate the college admissions process. This workshop is free and will be geared toward helping families with students of all ages make their education count by understanding what colleges are looking for and how they can make the most of their academic experiences.

When: March 1st at 7:00 PM
Where: Oso Grande Elementary School (MPR)
What: College Admissions 101 for Families
Who: Coleen Bryan is an experienced College Admission Consultant and has been providing college counseling services to families in Orange County for over five years.

Find out everything from how to make elementary school count to what it takes to get into Stanford from high school. This workshop is geared towards providing families a launching pad for college success and the best part is that the workshop is free (RSVP on the College Materials Fan Page on Facebook).

This Weekend in Orange County

Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are just some of the events happening this weekend. For the complete list go HERE.

Daily:

* Bowers Kidseum
* Bowling
* Discovery Science Center
* FREE Ice Skating at the Orange County Great Park
* Indoor Bounce Houses
* Irvine Park Railroad
* KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil at the Orange County Great Park
* La Habra Children's Museum
* Pretend City
* Public Dolphin 'Citizen Science' Project at Crystal Cove State Park
* Whale Watching in Dana Point


Friday, February 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
* Shark Lagoon Nights at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 6-9 pm

Saturday, February 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.
* 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.
* 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.

Sunday, February 7th:
* Target FREE First Sunday at the Bower's Museum & Kidseum
* Bowers Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Centennial Heritage Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruise, 1-3:30pm

xoxo, K

Lion King at the Orange County Performing Arts Center

Mark your calendars, Disney's The Lion King is coming to town May 26th - June 13th, 2010, at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Tickets for this amazing production (trust me, I've already seen it 3 times & LOVE it) start at just $25.75 & go on sale Sunday, February 7th. Check show times & dates and Get YOUR tickets HERE.

xoxo, K

12 for Tuesday: Romantic, Date Night Restaurants

1. Anaheim White House, Anaheim
2. Blue Bayou, Anaheim
3. The Cellar, Fullerton
4. French 75, Laguna Beach
5. The Hobbit, Orange
6. k'ya Restaurant, Anaheim & Laguna Beach
7. Melting Pot, Irvine, Brea & San Clemente
8. Napa Rose, Anaheim
9. Spark Woodfire Grill, Huntington Beach
10. Stone Hill Tavern, Dana Point
11. Studio Restaurant, Laguna Beach
12. Watermarc Grill, Laguna Beach

xoxo, K

the Just Spotted Survey

We are looking for ways to improve your "Just Spotted" experience. Just Spotted is in the process of making a few changes, & we would LOVE your feedback. Please, please, please (with a cherry on top) complete THIS quick & easy survey. With only 10 questions, we promise it'll be easy-peasy.

xoxo, C & K

Divine Desserts

There's a new cupcake shop in town & boy am I in love. Okay, so it's not exactly "new" seeing that they've been open for almost a year, but Divine Desserts is new-to-me. But, let me tell you, my hubby might be in trouble, because I think I am in love - I'm definitely dreaming about Divine Desserts night & day.

Awhile back, during the hustle & bustle of the holiday season, Divine Desserts invited us out to sample some of their delicious-ness. They specialize in in cupcakes, cookies, muffin tops (who doesn't remember that Seinfeld episode?), & frosting shots. After sampling, sampling & sampling what seemed to be dozens of flavors, I'm here to tell you, you won't be disappointed. With a selection of 20 flavors offered every day, you will easily find one, two or three that will quickly become your favorite! I'm totally crushing on their Red Velvet, Gavin (my 4 year old) devoured the Cookie Dough, Owen (my 3 year old) took a particular liking to the Key Lime Cake, & Charlie (my 8 month old) absolutely LOVED the Pina Colada frosting shots.

Divine Desserts
27261 La Paz Rd., Suite G
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949)305-3355

Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 10am - 7pm, Saturday 9am - 6pm & Sunday 10am - 5pm (Monday by appoint only)

Become a Fan of Divine Desserts on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter (@DivineDesserts), to find out about their daily flavor selections, specials & events.

Still not "sold" on 'em? Want to get a second, third & possibly fourth opinion of how delicious Divine Desserts really is? Check out The Cupcake Activist's review, Angry Julie's Review, or watch Greer's OC's video (you might just spy my little guys)...



xoxo, K