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

12 for Tuesday: Disney Treats & Eats to Crave

For me, part of the "Disney" experience is definitely the yummy treats. Rarely do I go & not get something to nibble on. Sometimes, only an entire meal can suffice me. Other times all I need is a little sugar fix. Here are some of my favorite Disney treats & eats, in no particular order...

1. Corn Dog from the Little Red Wagon on Main St.
2. The Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar, outside the Tiki Room
3. Chicken Tenders from the Stage Door Cafe
4. Churro (have you tried the filled churros found in Downtown Disney?)
5. The famed Monte Cristo from either Cafe Orleans or the Blue Bayou
6. Beignets from Cafe Orleans (you can also pick some up from The Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney)
7. Turkey Leg
8. Funnel Cake from the Stage Door Cafe
9. Sonoma Chicken & Apple Salad from the Pacific Wharf Cafe in California Adventure
10. Candy Apples on Main St.
11. Big Thunder Ranch BBQ (come hungry, it's all-you-can-eat)
12. Macaroon from the Blue Ribbon Bakery

So which of YOUR favorite Disney treats or eats did I leave off the list?

xoxo, K

Happy Holidays!

(click to enlarge)

image courtesy of Michelle Photography

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.

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

This Weekend in Orange County

Holy Cow! There is a lot going on. December seriously is, such a busy month! I don't want to her any complaints that you are bored - there is definitely something for everyone. Craft Bazaars, Holiday Tree Lighting's, FREE Museum Entries and so much more. And have you noticed? We've already started posting events for next week. There is just so much happening & I don't want you to miss a single thing!

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 4th:
* 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.
* City of Tustin Christmas Tree Lighting, City Hall, 6pm
* Placentia Winter Holiday Celebration, 6:30pm, Placentia Civic Center: holiday music, caroling, refreshments, Christmas tree lighting.
* Seal Beach Annual Holiday Parade, 7pm
* The Chance Theater presents Little Women
* FREE Community Christmas Celebration, 5-9pm

Saturday, December 5th:
* City of Anaehim's Breakfast at the North Pole, 8am

* Beach Clean Up, 9am -noon
* City of Laguna Hills breakfast with Santa, 9-10:30am at the Laguna Hills Community Center.
* Buena Park Annual Caneland & Craft Fair, 10am - 4pm, Ehlers Recreation Center
* Craft Bazaar, 9:30am -1pm, 500 Fernleaf Ave., CDM 92625
* Downtown Fullerton's Annual Winter Festival, noon-6pm: bounce houses, face painting, craft & food booths, caroling, tree light ceremony at 5 pm.
* GSROC Holiday Boutique, 12-4pm, HB
* FREE admission to the Discovery Science Center with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* Laguna Niguel's North Pole Adventure, 10:00am - 1pm at Sea County Senior & Community Center. $7 per child (2-12 yrs.) & $2/adult.
* Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics for Kids, 10-11am.
* The Knack Free Family Event at your local Michael's store, 10am-1pm.
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Target FREE First Saturday at the Children's Museum at La Habra, 1:30-3:30pm. Face painting, crafts & stilt walkers.
* Bolsa Chica Wetlands Tour, FREE tours begin every 15 minutes from 9 - 10:30 am.
* Kids Workshop, a FREE kid-friendly "How-To Clinic", at your local Home Depot, 9am-12pm.
* Anaheim Ballet presents The Nutcracker, 3pm & 8pm
* 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.
* Holiday Toy Express comes to Tustin: 5:45pm, Irvine: 6:30pm, Laguna Niguel/ Mission Viejo: 7:30pm, San Juan Capistrano
* Christmas at the Casa, 5:30-8:30pm: tree lighting ceremony, story telling with Santa, caroling. For more information call (949)498-2139.
* San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting Ceremony, 4:15-9pm, Historic Town Center Park. For more information call (949)493-5911.
* City of Fountain Valley's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5pm, FV Recreation Center & Sports Park
* 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
* Costa Mesa Polar Express, 2-4pm Fairview Park.
* The Chance Theater presents Little Women
* FREE Community Christmas Celebration, 5-9pm

Sunday, December 6th:
* Target FREE First Sunday at the Bower's Museum & Kidseum
* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* 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
* FREE Boat Rides with Santa, 10am -2pm
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Huntington Beach Pier Lighting & Holiday Parade, 1pm-7pm
* Laguna Niguel Christmas Tree Lighting, 5:30pm at Crown Valley Park. (Dress warm, because snow has been predicted!)
* City of Orange Tree Lighting Ceremony & Candlelight Choir Processional, 3:30-7pm, Plaza Park
* Holiday Toy Express comes to San Clemente North: 5:45pm, Camp Pendleton USMC 7:15pm, San Clemente Pier 8:45pm
* The Chance Theater presents Little Women
* FREE Community Christmas Celebration, 5-9pm

xoxo, K

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!

This Weekend in Orange County

Wondering what to do or where to go this weekend in Orange County? Then check out one, or two or all of these Orange County events...

Friday, November 27th:
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Come learn at the zoo... class includes hands-on learning & fun crafts. Phone registration required (714)973-6846. $5 for one child & parent (Irvine Park parking Fee not included). Ages 3-4.
* Wild Tales at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15 am. Story telling fun. After the story, learn more about the natural history of the bay through crafts and nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-7.
* Holiday Hike at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2-3:30pm. Join the staff for a family friendly hike. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, FREE
* Bird Survey at Shipley Nature Center
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket

Saturday, November 28th:
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Puttin' on the Glitz, San Clemente
* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket

Sunday, November 29th:
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket

Now that you've got your weekend covered, need to plan the rest of the month? Check out the Just Spotted Calendar. Chock full of stuff to do & places to go! Want to list your very own event in the Just Spotted Calendar? Just submit your event informationHERE.

xoxo, K

This Weekend in Orange County

Wondering what to do or where to go this weekend in Orange County? Then check out one, or two or all of these happening events...

Friday, November 20th:
* Nutcracker Craft Boutique: 9am - 6pm, $2
* Tot Walk, 9am at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Reservations required: 949-923-2235.
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Come learn at the zoo... class includes hands-on learning & fun crafts. Phone registration required (714)973-6846. $5 for one child & parent (Irvine Park parking Fee not included). Ages 3-4.
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Fashion Island Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6pm
* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket

* Ice Skating at the Spectrum
* The Science of Gingerbread at Discovery Science Center

Saturday, November 21st:
* Nutcracker Craft Boutique: 9am - 4pm, $2
* LXM Pro Lacrosse Music Tour featuring Akon, Santa Ana Stadium, 10am - 10pm. Ticket for this professional lacrosse event range from $25 -$40.
* Holiday Bazaar Arts & Crafts Fair, 9am-4pm
* Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics for Kids, 10-11am.
* Train Rides at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park, 10am - 3:30pm: enjoy a ride aboard the Orange County Model Engineers miniature train & travel over 3 miles of track. For more information call (949)548-7246.
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.

* Kids "War Games" at the Muzeo 12-4pm

* Fashion Island Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6pm
* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket

* Ice Skating at the Spectrum
* The Science of Gingerbread at Discovery Science Center

Sunday, November 22nd:
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Train Rides at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park, 10am - 3:30pm: enjoy a ride aboard the Orange County Model Engineers miniature train & travel over 3 miles of track. For more information call (949)548-7246.
* Kids "School of Soldiers" & Crafts at the Muzeo 12-4pm

* Little Women - The Broadway Musical at the Chance Theater, $22 - $35/ ticket

* Ice Skating at the Spectrum
* The Science of Gingerbread at Discovery Science Center

Now that you've got your weekend covered, need to plan the rest of the month? Check out the Just Spotted Calendar. Chock full of stuff to do & places to go! Want to list your very own event in the Just Spotted Calendar? Just submit your event informationHERE.

xoxo, K

p.s. Don't miss any of the Warehouse Sales this weekend... there are TONS! You can save yourself some HUGE bucks!

Treats in the Streets

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

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

xoxo, K
images via Ana Brandt Photography

This Week in Orange County

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xoxo, K

Back to School: The Lunchbox

I am in love with this vintage lunch box from Target for just $9.99 (the perfect lunchbox for the OC in my opinion), but my little guy preferred this vintage star wars lunch box from Amazon.

xoxo, C

This Weekend in Orange County

Looking for something fun to do with the family? Need to get the kids out of the house? Check out this list of some of my favorite weekend happenings. (To see the entire list of weekend to-dos, go HERE.) & Don't forget, if you haven't made it to the OC Fair yet, this is the LAST weekend it will be in town!

Friday, August 7th:
* Lake Forest FREE Movies in the Park
* Movies on the Beach
* FREE Shakespeare by the Sea
* Ladera Ranch FREE Summer Concerts in the Park

Saturday, August 8th:
* South Coast Storytellers Guild at the Bowers Kidseum (1:30-2:30 pm)
* Movie at the Muzeo: Horton Hears a Who (free with admission)
* Movies on the Beach
* FREE Shakespeare by the Sea
* Cypress FREE Concerts on the Green
* La Palma FREE Summer Concerts

Sunday, August 9th:
* Target FREE Second Sundays at the Orange County Museum of Art
* Dana Point FREE Summer Concerts in the Park
* Rancho Santa Margarita FREE Summer Concerts

xoxo, K

GNO in the OC: Traditions by Pascal and Julie + Julia

Saw this post on Stick a Fork in It and thought that it would make a perfect combination for a Girl's Night Out. Yummy French food paired with the inspiring movie, Julie & Julia would make a great night out with girlfriends without even having to leave the OC. Click here for movie times and here for more information about Traditions by Pascal's tribute to Julia Child (they also having cooking classes this month). Can't wait to make this GNO a reality with K. Want to join us?

xoxo, C

'You've Just Been Spotted" OC Blog Award Nominees

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! We've had such an incredible response to our first annual "You've Just Been Spotted" Orange County Blog Awards. We received so many comments, emails, & tweets - it was amazing! We loved seeing some of our favorite sites nominated, but we were thrilled to be introduced to so many amazing, new-to-us sites. So, without further ado.... here is the GIANT list of nominees. Now that we've compiled all the nominees, the REAL fun is about to begin. Take a moment to the peruse the list. & While we realize that in the end you'll be voting for YOUR favorite in each category, be sure to check out some of the other sites - you never know, you just might stumble onto something new & fabulous, that will become your new "daily read." Oh! & Don't forget to vote (over there on the left-hand side of our site), if you don't vote for your favorite, they might not win! & We definitely to know, no! we NEED to know who truly is the best of the best. (Be sure to vote before Thursday, August 13th at 11:59 pm, because after that, the "polls" will be closed.)

Most "Creative" Site
Bonnin Designs
Circles Are Forever
If not now, when?
I Think I'm an Artist
A Joy Unspeakable
LAMIA
Living my Dream
Made
Mark Beam Studio
Modern Crush
NDG
Respect the Stache
Stix on the Beach
The Blah Blah Blahger
This Mama Makes Stuff
Wright Creativity

Best Food or Cooking Site
Cupcake Activist
Elmo Monster
Fast Food Maven
Food Frenzy
Furey and the Feast
HmmFoodGood
Local Hipster
Meringue Bake Shop
My Absent Blog
Orange County Food Blogs
Orange County Mexican Restaurants
Picky Palate
Stick a Fork In It

Fabulous Lifestyle & Design Site
Blondie 'n SC
Fifi Flowers
Luxe Life Events
Mod Incorporated
My Sparrow Blog
Peace, Love and Momminess
Sadie Olive
Tales From an OC Cottage
Tammy Mitchell

Great Shopping & Style Site
Boutiquing.com
Clothing Vault
Hip Moms Who Work
Greer's OC
OC Deals
OC Retail
OC Street
Popshopology
Rascals to Rebels
Wiley Valentine

Site with most Beautiful "Eye Candy"
Ana Brandt
Anytime Art
Drew B Photography
James Carson Photography
Jenner Rose
Kamee June
Life Via Pictures
Little Miss Mya
Michelle Photography
Mom*tog
Mother May I, Tracey Clark
Navy Sou Photography
OC Daily Photo
Palos Studio
Sipper Photography
Tara Whitney
The Quackenbush Photo Perspective
Tiffany Portraits

Best "Kid & Family Friendly" Site
Babes in Disneyland
Baby Blue Collar
Car and Caboodle
Daytripping Mom
Double the Adventure
Fun Orange County Parks
Jumping on Beds
Linny's Vault
Mom Crush
OC Family
OC Mama
OC Mom Activities
Orange County Parent
Parenting OC
Single Mom Sanctuary
The Mom Blog
This Life Worth Living
Tiny Oranges
Told U So
Top Mom Blog

Favorite Local Blog
Alive in Wonderland
Burgin Construction
Calif Lorna
Dunn & Done
Land of Gracious Living
Nada Guides
OC Arts and Culture
OC Beach Blog
OCEZINE
OC Met Blogs
OC Music Awards
ORANGECOUNTY.COM
Portola Coffee
Science Dude
Sugar Mama
The Glamorous Life Association
The Liberal OC
The Weekly Yelp
Twenty Four at Heart
Vitamin OC

Top "Local News"
Aliso Laguna News
Balboa Beacon
Coastline Pilot
Corona Del Mar Today
Daily Pilot
Garden Grove Journal
Huntington Beach Independent
Ladera Ranch News
Laguna Beach Independent
San Clemente Times
Seal Beach Daily
The Capitstrano Dispatch
The Coto de Caza News

Favorite Local Micro-Blogger
AngryJulie
FastFoodMaven
HandmadeBrigade
Hazel Q
HiltonAnaheim
Holly W.
JonLan
Momfluential
Mia Chambers
McKaysLife
Monica D
OCfamilymom
OCMarisa

OCRealtress
RockdaMullet
Tawny Press
QueerInMySoup
SealBeachDaily
VitaminOC
Yelp OC

xoxo, C & K

Fifty Nifty Summer Crafts for Kids

Thanks to Tara Whitney for the link to these 50 Amazing Summer Crafts for kids from The Long Thread.

Sno on the Go

Ever since the Fastfood Maven posted about Sno on the Go I've been dying to try it out! & I can definitely say I wasn't disappointed! Don't be fooled into thinking this is your average "shaved ice," because it isn't... it's so much more. The ice is shaved so thin, they can actually shape them into snow balls. Of course you can top your "snow ball" with over 20 "scrumptious" flavors (such as cotton candy, lemon-lime, watermelon or wedding cake), or try one of their "cream" flavors (praline, banana, or caramel to name a few) & there's always the "coffe house" flavors. If you are worried about your kids (or even you) spilling all over the place, they offer several "clear" flavors, & they even have a selection of "sugar-free" flavors. But, the fun doesn't have to stop there. In addition to flavors, you can top your "snow ball" with all kinds of toppings (everthing from soft serve vanilla ice cream to sweetened condensed milk), or real fruit. &, If you don't feel like creating your own concotion, try one of the pre-determined "speciality" treats. I LOVED the "tropical treat." Orange & Pineapple Sno stuffed with ice cream & strawberries, what's not to love?

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). For directions, go HERE. They are open from 11am - 9pm daily. If you go, we'd love to know what your favorite flavor combination was!

xoxo, K

p.s. Other than the yummy treat, that definitely hit the spot on a hot summer day.... I LOVE that Sno on the Go has a drive-up window! I think everything in life should have a drive-up, it makes life sooo much easier when you have little itty bitty kids.

National Night Out

Today, or tonight, rather is National Night Out, a "unique crime/ drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. Last year's National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhod organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, US territories, Canadian cities & military bases worldwide. In all, over 37 million people participated in National Night Out 2008."

According to the National Night Out website, the following Orange County cities & communities will be participating in the 2009 National Night Out: Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Mirada, Mission Viejo, Orange, Placenita, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton & Tustin.

For more information, check out the National Night Out website HERE.

xoxo, K