January 2010 Calendar

Almost Daily:

* Bowers Kidseum (closed Mondays)
* Discovery Science Center
* Holiday Ice Rink at the Spectrum (through January 18th)
* Irvine Park Railroad
* KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil at the Orange County Great Park
* La Habra Children's Museum (closed Mondays)
* Pretend City
* Whale Watching in Dana Point

1st:

* 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.

2nd:

* 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.
* SaveOurBeach.org Long Beach Cleanup, from 9am- Noon, where Temino Ave. meets the sand in Long Beach.
* 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.

3rd:

* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* 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.

4th:

* Taco Bell Discovery Science Center, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.

5th:

* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB

6th:

* 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)
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Estuary Explorers at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 12:15-1pm. 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.

7th:

* 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.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at House of Bounce in Anaheim, 10am-12pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* 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.
* ABCs of Yoga for Kids at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 3:30-4:30pm. Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Ages 6-10, fee of $4, or $18 for 6 class series.
8th:
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* SaveOurBeach.org Riverbed/ Wetlands Cleanup, from 9am - 11am, at the lot just north of the intersection of 1st Street & PCH in Long Beach.
* Way to Play at Pretend City
* 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.

9th:

* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* 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)
* 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.
10th:
* Target FREE Second Sundays at the Orange County Museum of Art
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.

11th:

* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.

12th:

* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Aqua Tots at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 4-5:30 pm
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB

13th:

* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Estuary Explorers at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 12:15-1pm. 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.

14th:
* Sea Life Stroll at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 8:30 - 9:30 am.

* 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.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at House of Bounce in Anaheim, 10am-12pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.

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

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.
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
18th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.

19th:

* Bowers Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* FREE Vision Screening at Pretend City, 1-5pm
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB

20th:

* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Estuary Explorers at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 12:15-1pm. 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.

21st:
* FREE seminar for parents/ caretakers at Pretend City, connect with your children through play, 9-10am

* 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.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at House of Bounce in Anaheim, 10am-12pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* ABCs of Yoga for Kids at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 3:30-4:30pm. Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Ages 6-10, fee of $4, or $18 for 6 class series.

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
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

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

25th:

* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.

26th:

* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB

27th:

* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Estuary Explorers at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 12:15-1pm. 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.

28th:

* 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.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at House of Bounce in Anaheim, 10am-12pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Aqua Tots at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 3-4:30 pm

29th:

* Bird Survey at Shipley Nature Center
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Annie at the Orange County Performing Arts Center

30th:

* FREE ice skating at the Orange County Great Park
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Saturday Family Fun at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 10 - 11:30 am
* Annie at the Orange County Performing Arts Center

31st:

* FREE ice skating at the Orange County Great Park
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Ocean Institute's Marine Mammal Exploration Cruise, 1-3:30pm
* Annie at the Orange County Performing Arts Center

** Activities, dates & times are subject to change.

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.)

Friday, September 4th:
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza Kick-Off & Mommy & Me Tea (11 am)
* Orange International Street Fair

Saturday, September 5th:
* 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.
* Target FREE First Saturday at the Children's Museum at La Habra, 1:30-3:30pm. Face painting, crafts & stilt walkers.
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Orange International Street Fair

Sunday, September 6th:
* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* 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
* Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
* Orange International Street Fair

xoxo, K

Orange International Street Fair

image by sarah lee via flickr

Every Labor Day Weekend, for over 30 years, the Orange International Street Fair takes over downtown Orange. With food, music, & dance from different countries and ethnicity's from around the world, the Orange International Street Fair is definitely a cultural experience you don't want to miss. & with every penny of the profits from the Street Fair going to non-profit charities, helping people here in our community, you can feel good about yourself by attending.

The event itself is FREE to attend, although each of the individual booths will have prices set for food, etc. & Although I always attend simply because of the food, there is so much more... Arts & Crafts vendors, tons of entertainment, as well as an entire "Children's Village" with crafts and game booths designed for the "younger crowd." If you are thinking of bringing the entire family, I'd suggest a day-time adventure. While the Street Fair is open late each night, from my own personal experience, I've found the days to be much more "family-friendly."

What: 2009 Orange International Street Fair
When: Friday, September 4th: 5-10pm, Saturday, September 5th: 10am-10pm, & Sunday, September 6th: 10am-10pm
Where: The Circle in Downtown Orange, directions & map HERE

xoxo, K

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 & a few events not listed on the calendar. (To see the entire list of weekend to-dos, go HERE.)

Friday, August 21st:
* Movies on the Beach
* Fountain Valley FREE Movies in the Park
* FREE Family-Friendly Concert at Chapman University

Saturday, August 22nd:
* Movies on the Beach
* Cypress FREE Concerts on the Green
* La Palma FREE Summer Concerts

Sunday, August 23rd:
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* Los Alamitos Band in the Park
* Dana Point Free Summer Concerts in the Park

xoxo, K

Sneak Peak: Pretend City, Part Two

As C mentioned on Monday, we were lucky enough to check out Pretend City before it opens to the public. & Let me tell you, I know what's going to the top of my "wishlist"... a Pretend City Membership for my entire family. I seriously could see myself going EVERY single week - at least for an hour or so. My boys were sooo entertained. The museum totally captivated them & kept them busy for hours. Let's just say, that when it was time to go home, they weren't exactly thrilled. In fact, the question they asked as we left Pretend City (& have asked every 5 minutes since then) is "Mom, when are we going back?"

Pretend City isn't like other children's museums. It's a "hands-on" experience that combines education & recreation. The museum is designed to represent a small city. Inside the city gates children can explore 15 interactive exhibits including an art studio, amphitheater, grocery store, farm, construction site, marina & beach. Children can play dress-up, paint pictures (& you don't have to clean up the mess! what a plus!), pick fruits & veggies, play at the beach & so much more.

For more information on Pretend City go HERE. If you want a sneak peak, then check out our video... but really & truly, it's a whirlwind of a tour. To get the "full" experience, you really need to visit Pretend City for yourself!



Pretend City
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA 92618
For hours & ticket information go HERE.

xoxo, K

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.)

Friday, August 14th:
* FREE Family-Friendly Concert at Chapman University
* Movies on the Beach
* Fountain Valley FREE Movies in the Park
* Ladera Ranch FREE Summer Concerts in the Park
* Little Shop of Horrors, under the stars

Saturday, August 15th:
* Train Rides at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park, 10am - 3:30pm
* Movie at the Muzeo: Mr. Magoriums Wonder Emporium (free with admission)
* Movies on the Beach
* Cypress FREE Concerts on the Green
* La Palma FREE Summer Concerts
* Astronomy Night at Riley Wilderness Park
* Little Shop of Horrors, under the stars

Sunday, August 16th:
* Train Rides at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park, 10am - 3:30pm
* Dana Point FREE Summer Concerts in the Park
* Lake Forest FREE Summer Concert
* Rancho Santa Margarita FREE Summer Concerts

xoxo, K

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

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.)

Friday, July 31st:
* Brea FREE Films in the Park: Movie Starts at Dusk.
* Ladera Ranch FREE Concerts on the Green, 6:30-8:30pm, Town Green
* Placentia FREE Movie in the Park, Placentia Champions Sports Complex, movies begin at dusk
* FREE Family-Friendly Concert at Chapman University

Saturday, August 1st:
* Kids Workshop, a FREE kid-friendly "How-To Clinic", at your local Home Depot, 9am-12pm.
* Children's Museum at La Habra
* Movies on the Beach
* FREE Shakespeare by the Sea
* Cypress FREE Concerts on the Green
* La Palma Concerts in the Park, 6:30-8pm, Central Park Amphitheater, FREE

Sunday, August 2nd:
* Target FREE First Sunday at the Bower's Museum & Kidseum
* FREE Shakespeare by the Sea
* Dana Point FREE Summer Concerts in the Park
* Lake Forest FREE Summer Concert
* Rancho Santa Margarita FREE Summer Concerts
* FREE Shakespeare by the Sea

xoxo, K

FREE Summer Concerts at Chapman University

Chapman University's FREE family-friendly summer outdoor concert series kicks off tonight, Friday July 31st. They will be offering 3 FREE concerts throughout the remainder of the summer (Fridays: July 31st, August 14th & August 21st). All of the concerts will begin at 6pm & will be taking place on the Wells Fargo Stage in front of the Leatherby Libraries in the center of the campus. & When we say FREE, we mean FREE. Not only is the concert & the parking FREE, but they will also be handing out FREE lemonade, popcorn & coffee!

So grab your blankets, bring some lawn chairs, & you are welcome to bring a picnic dinner (please no BBQ grills though!). The campus will open for picnicking at 5pm & the show will start at 6pm!

Friday, July 31st: Orange County Swing Band
Friday, August 14th: Surfin' USA
Friday, August 21st: The Alley Cats

For more information go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Chapman