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

A Free and Lovely Calendar from KidLark

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

xoxo, C

Cafe Rio is here in the OC!

It's true! Cafe Rio has opened its doors and you can now grab one of the amazing salads, burritos, or even a coconut shrimp taco! We ate there tonight and loved the great service and the amazing food. The OC is now complete.

Cafe Rio
24312 Rockfield Boulevard
Lake Forest, CA

xoxo, C

p.s. Want a Cafe Rio sneak peek? Check out our WHRRL story HERE.

More check-ins at Cafe Rio

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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

Chocolate Cookies with Candy Cane Kisses

I took my favorite chocolate cookie recipe and substituted a candy cane kiss smack dab in the middle of each cookie instead of white chocolate chips for a great holiday treat.

My big secret: I made the cookies in a mini muffin tin and added the kisses by pushing them in each tin upside down. Make sure to put the kisses in the last 2-3 minutes of baking and you end up with a colorful red and white candy cane pattern in the center of each cookie.

xoxo, C

Hot Chocolate on a Stick

LOVE this idea from Giver's Log of hot chocolate on a stick, now I just need to plan an excuse to use them!

xoxo, C

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!

I heart Overstock

After months of waiting I finally scored this gorgeous chair, courtesy of Overstock and thanks to a tip from Jordan Ferney. Overstock has tons of great deals from Sunglasses to High Chairs they have great finds to fit any budget.

xoxo, C

Halloween at American Apparel

American Apparel has dozens of costume ideas for kids just in time for Halloween. They are simple and cute, perfect for any busy mom.

xoxo, C

Brownie Pudding

Brownie Pudding
Quick, Easy, and SOOOOOOOO Yummy (vanilla ice cream is a must)
Thanks Ina for a another great recipe and thanks food network for the image

xoxo, C

Holiday Checklist from the Giver's Log

There's no denying it, the holidays are in full swing and here's a super-duper checklist

 to keep you on your toes from a Giver's Log. Check out the checklist 

and the site because both are amazing!

xoxo, C

Sneak Peak: Pretend City

K and I were invited to Pretend City for a sneak peak at one of the most amazing children's museums I have ever seen. Pretend City is a wonderful addition to Orange County and offers educational exhibits for every child from the ages of 8 months to 8 years (those are the approximate age ranges of my children and there was something for everyone). One of my favorite aspects of the museum were the infant spaces that are located in areas where parents can keep an eye on older children as they play in the grocery store or drive a car around. K's boys seemed to take a liking to the tractors and farm. My boys loved being mailmen and buying groceries. The stage and dress-up area seemed to be very popular as well. Here are some reviews from the night:

"Let's go back tomorrow."
-a cute three year old

"That was amazing ."
-a cute seven year old

We had a wonderful night filled with imagination and learning, a parent's wish and a child's dream all come true all in one place, Pretend City. The museum opens to the public on August 30th, 2009, so mark your calendars!

xoxo, C&K

Farmer's Market

image via flickr

Picked up some Heirloom Tomatoes this week at the Farmer's Market and made beautiful Caprese Salads for lunch all week. Here's a list of Farmer's Markets in the OC just for you.

xoxo, C

12 for Tuesday: Back to School Shopping on a Budget in the OC

Welcome to Twelve for Tuesday, a new weekly post that highlights twelve great finds in the OC. This week we are sharing our fave spots in Orange County for fashion on a budget for kids:

1) Wish Boutique (They are having a great sale on designer kids clothes right now!)
2) Red Balloon Outlet (Love this place)
3) Nordstrom Rack Costa Mesa (I prefer this location for kids clothing)
4) Children's Orchard in Laguna Niguel (Upscale Retail)
5) Crazy 8 at Mainplace (Gymboree with a lower price point)
6) Target at Irvine Spectrum (Kids can splash in the fountain when you are done shopping)
7) Loehman's (Laguna Niguel)
8) Old Navy (I don't have a favorite location, so suggestions are welcome)
9) TJ Maxx (Fountain Valley)
10)H&M Kids (Crystal Court)
11) Kohl's (My girlfriend claims she can clothe her whole family for twenty dollars at Kohl's)
12)Children's Place (Fashion Island)

Where are your favorite places for back to school shopping on budget in the OC?

xoxo, C & 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

Blondiensc's Guide to Whimsy Decor

Hello, my name is Tara and I write a silly ole blog called Blondiensc {Blondie ’n ‘ San Clemente}. Coleen so kindly invited me to write a little article about decorating with Whimsy, which happens to be a new element for me, so bare with me here!

My decorating style tends to be very eclectic, shabby and vintage. I incorporate a wide color palette and hope it all flows together, but I am a huge believer that you should buy and decorate with what you love…so here is where I started with my new favorite element Whimsy!

My Guest room is made up of mostly hammie down antique furniture, a bed I got on sale many years ago and my love of Chocolate brown paint and wainscoting. I added some whimsy to this room by hanging some old shutters found at a locale antique store above the bed.



I added a whimsical butterfly mobile to the corner of the room:




Another easy way to add whimsy is through decorative elements such as vintage books tied with your favorite color ribbon:


Or decorative figurines, like my ballerina:


Down stairs I added a handmade burlap welcome banner to the entry way of my house:




And an old window resides as fine art!

More books tied with hand printed ribbon & a vintage crown broach:


I adore vintage books with rough edges and inscriptions within it’s pages while a sweet little bee hive add whimsy to our front room table:


In our dining room we added ruffly linen chair covers & a vintage bird cage adorned with ceramic birds waiting to fly :





I also added vinyl letters & linen ribbon to the back of each chair:


Adding new elements to your design style keeps your house feminine and fresh.

Here are some shopping resources:
Nice and Easy Antiques~ San Clemente
Erba
Anthropologie
Etsy
Dreams of France
Lola B’s Boutique
Faded Plains
Feather your Nest
Posh Chicago
Sadie Olive
Urban Farmhouse
White Flower Farmhouse

Another inspiring place to go for amazing home décor are locale flea markets located in Long Beach, Irvine Valley College and Pasadena.


Please visit my blog for more silly stories and inspiration!
Sweet blessings~
~Blondiensc~

__________________________________________________ 

Don't you love Tara's whimsy? I do. She has such a gift for adding beauty to everything she touches. Go check out her blog and dare to be inspired! She will definitely be in the running for the Life Style and Design for the 2009 OC Blog Awards.