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

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.

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

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

Holiday Toy Express

Coming soon to a train station near you... the Metrolink's Holiday Toy Express. So what exactly is the Holiday Toy Express? It's a "450-ton train decorated with holiday displays and 50,000 twinkling lights that delivers a live musical performance, Santa, Mr. Clause & their friends... Santa's glittering train will travel from city to city, entertaining families and collecting toys for those in need of some holiday goodwill." So, before you bundle everyone up & head out to see Santa & his holiday train, please remember to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the the Southland Firefighters' "Spark of Love" toy drive. Local firefighters typically collect more than 100,000 annually during the toy drive. All toys collected will be distributed by firefighters to families in their local communities who may not be able to afford gifts this holiday season.

Below is a list of the Orange County train stations where Holiday Toy Express will be stopping. However if you are looing for the ENTIRE schedule of the 47-city tour, which will visit six counties go HERE.

Saturday, December 5th
Tustin, 5:45 pm
Irvine, 6:30 pm
Laguna Niguel/ Mission Viejo, 7:30 pm
San Juan Capistrano, 8:30pm

Sunday, December 6th
San Clemente North, 5:45pm
Camp Pendleton USMC, 7:15pm
San Clemente Pier, 8:45pm

Saturday, December 12th
Anaheim, 5:15pm
Orange, 6:00pm
Santa Ana, 7:00pm
Fullerton, 8:30pm

xoxo, K
image via the Burbank Leader

Scuba Santa at the Aquarium of the Pacific

This is one Santa experience your kids are never going to forget! This weekend Saturday, December 5th & Sunday, December 6th, Santa will visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific to deliver "an ocean of gifts to aquarium's sea otters, seals, sea lions, birds, fish, & other animals."

Watch Scuba Santa dive with sharks & watch the Aquarium's animals receive their special treats and enrichment gifts during the Holiday Treats for the animals weekend. Besides all the "normal" aquarium going-ons, you & your family can enjoy an elf magician, holiday music, crafts, unique photo opportunities & more. For the "schedule" of events go HERE.

As a special gift for you this weekend, if you bring a plastic bottle to the Aquarium, and purchase a general admission ticket, you will receive a coupon for a FREE admission of equal or lesser value. You gotta love a buy 1 get 1 free deal! For details & all the"fine print" go HERE.

xoxo, K
image by hubertk via flickr

FREE Boat Rides with Santa

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa's coming early this year, to the Dana Wharf that is. On Saturday, December 5th & Sunday, December 6th (10am - 2pm) the Dana Wharf will be offering FREE Boat Rides with Santa. You & your kids can join St. Nick & his helpers for a twenty-minute harbor cruise. No reservations needed, just show up! & Be sure to bring your camera, the El Camino Real Woman's Club will be on hand to help you get that perfect holiday photo. For more information call (949)496-5794.

xoxo, K

p.s. Those harbor cruises can get a bit chilly, so be sure to dress warm!

The Glory of Christmas

I've never been, but everyone always raves about The Glory of Christmas at the Crystal Cathedral. A live nativity (complete with flying angels and live camels, horses, goats, sheep & even a donkey), professional dancers, & Christmas carols... I'm starting to understand why The Glory of Christmas draws visitors from all over the world.

The Glory of Christmas runs Thursday, December 3rd - Sunday, January 3rd. Tickets start at $35 and reach $45 for front Main Floor & South Balcony seating. Although, there are several "special discount" nights which offer ALL seating for just $20. Buy your tickets HERE.

What: The Glory of Christmas
When: Thursday, December 3rd - Sunday, January 3rd
Where: Crystal Cathedral, 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove, CA 92840

xoxo, K
image via The Glory of Christmas

Christmas Tree Lighting's in Orange County

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, of all the trees most lovely... it's that time of year. The lights & trees are going up, & in some cities, a little snow may even fall! To ensure you don't miss any chance of celebrating, we've put together a short list of local Christmas Tree lighting's & other city-wide celebrations. Have fun looking at all the pretty lights!

Tuesday, December 1st:
* Garden Grove Tree Lighting Celebration at the Village Green/ Clock Tower. For more information call (714)741-5200.

Wednesday, December 2nd:
* City of La Palma Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5:30 pm at the Central Park Amphitheater.
Thursday, December 3rd:
* City of Brea Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Brea Civic & Cultural Center, 6:30pm. Admission is FREE. For more information call (714)990-7771
Friday, December 4th:
* City of Tustin Christmas Tree Lighting, City Hall, 6pm
* Newport Dunes Lighting of the Bay, 6pm
* Placentia Winter Holiday Celebration, 6:30pm, Placentia Civic Center: holiday music, caroling, refreshments, Christmas tree lighting.
* Seal Beach Annual Holiday Parade, 7pm
Saturday, December 5th:
* City of Anaheim's Breakfast at the North Pole, 8am
* City of Laguna Hills breakfast with Santa, 9-10:30am at the Laguna Hills Community Center.
* Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Village, 10:30am - 6pm in Downtown Anaheim at Center Street Promenade. Pictures with Santa, Train Rides, Snow Play, Christmas Tree Lighting
* Laguna Niguel's North Pole Adventure, 10:00am - 1pm at Sea County Senior & Community Center. $7 per child (2-12 yrs.) & $2/adult.
* Downtown Fullerton's Annual Winter Festival, noon-6pm: bounce houses, face painting, craft & food booths, caroling, tree light ceremony at 5 pm.
* Crystal Cove Historic District Annual Coastal Tree Lighting Ceremony, 3pm: carolers, hot apple cider, Santa visit, & lighting of the tree & cottages.
* Holly Jolly Hoopla!, 3-7pm, San Clemente Community Center: live penguins & reindeer, sled rides, decorating cookies, Santa visits & story telling. For more information call (949)361-8264.
* San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting Ceremony, 4:15-9pm, Historic Town Center Park. For more information call (949)493-5911.
* Christmas at the Casa, 5:30-8:30pm: tree lighting ceremony, story telling with Santa, caroling. For more information call (949)498-2139.
* City of Fountain Valley's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5pm, FV Recreation Center & Sports Park
Saturday, December 6th:
* Huntington Beach Pier Lighting & Holiday Parade, 1pm-7pm
* City of Orange Tree Lighting Ceremony & Candlelight Choir Processional, 3:30-7pm, Plaza Park
* Laguna Niguel Christmas Tree Lighting, 5:30pm at Crown Valley Park. (Dress warm, because snow has been predicted!)
Thursday, December 10th:
* City of Cypress Holiday Sing, 6pm, on the Civic Center Green
Saturday, December 12th:
* Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade, 10 am on Crown Valley Parkway
* Dana Point Winter Festival, 12-5:30pm, La Plaza Park
* San Juan Capistrano's Lunch with Santa, 11am - 1pm, Community Center. $5/ child, $3/ adults
* Newport Beach Holiday Puppet Show, 1-3pm, Newport Beach Central Library

xoxo, K

25 Days of Christmas

Don't forget to set your DVR's... ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas Countdown
starts Tuesday, December 1st. Print the entire schedule of movies HERE.

xoxo,K

The Science of Gingerbread at the Discovery Science Center

Just in time for the holidays, The Discovery Science Center presents The Science of Gingerbread, Now - January 3rd 201o. Families will be able to see the scientific background of how ingredients in Gingerbread work together to create a traditional holiday treat. But that's not all... besides the kitchen science activities, be sure to check out the "Science of Snow" stage show, decorating demonstrations & the gingerbread, toy & game displays.

For The Discovery Science Center hours, ticket prices, location & daily field trip schedule go HERE, or buy tickets online HERE.

Feeling a little competitive? "Try your hand at creating a delicious masterpiece out of gingerbread, icing, and other edibles in this year's Annual Gingerbread Competition." Simply bring your entry to the The Discovery Science Center by November 30th, at 4pm. Judging will occur November 30th & December 1st, and the Gingerbread Houses will be on display until January 3rd, 2010. For more information about the Annual Gingerbread Competition go HERE. For gingerbread tips & tricks a la Disneyland's Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Marc Viallet go HERE.

What: The Science of Gingerbread
Where: The Discovery Science Center
When: Now - January 3rd 201o

xoxo, K

Irvine Park Railroad's Christmas Train & Giveaway

Santa Claus is coming to town... or at least to the Irvine Park Railroad. As their website suggests "Come with family and friends and take this enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train will depart from the brightly-lit Train Station and drop passengers off at Santa’s Village." While waiting for the train you & your children can enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, a bounce house or picture coloring. Once you reach Santa's Village children can share their wish list with Santa & have their pictures taken as well. You can also enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, freshly-popped popcorn & cookies at Santa's Village.

The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train will operate on:

November 27th, 28th, 29th, from 5-8pm

December 4th, 5th, 6th & the 11th - 18th, from 5-8pm.

December 19th & 20th, from 2-8pm

December 21st - 23rd from 5-8pm

The cost is $8 per person, children 24 months & younger are FREE. (Parking at Irvine Regional Park is $3 on weekdays, $5 on weekends, & free after 5pm). Tickets can be purchased online HERE, or in person the day of the event.

For more information & activity pricing, go HERE.

Want to visit the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train with your family for FREE? Then today's your lucky day. The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train is giving one reader 6 Christmas Train Tickets (worth $8/ ticket) & 12 activity tickets (worth $4 each). The entire "package" is worth $98! Woot! Woot!

Here's the nitty-gritty:
* You have until Midnight PST on Friday, November 27th 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.

* The winner will be randomly picked & announced Monday.

* 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. So spread the news, tell your friends to enter, just make sure they tell us that YOU referred them & you will get an extra entry!

xoxo, C & K, and Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train

Ice Skating at Irvine Spectrum

Looking for something a little different to do? Why not head on over to the Irvine Spectrum for a little shopping, food & ice skating? Yep, you read that right. Right now, the Irvine Spectrum has an outdoor ice skating rink located in their Giant Wheel Court... perfect for a little holiday fun!

The ice rink will be open nearly every day, now through Monday, January 18th, 2010. Skate sessions are one hour long. The price for adults & children is $11 with a $4.50 skate rental.

For more information about the schedule & pricing go HERE.

Holiday on Ice at the Irvine Spectrum
Now - January 18th, 2010

xoxo, K
image via the Irvine Spectrum