Bowling in Orange County

Tired of arts & crafts, or is the TV is getting old? Looking to get out for a couple of hours to blow off some steam & keep those kids busy, either all day long, or even for just a few hours after school? Have you thought of bowling? Definitely fun for the whole family. Check out some of these bowling alleys, I can pretty much guarantee there is one in your neck of the woods...

* Anaheim: 300 Anaheim
* Anaheim: Concourse Bowl
* Anaheim: Linbrook Bowling Center
* Fountain Valley: Fountain Bowl
* Fullerton: Carter Bowl
* Fullerton: Titan Lanes
* Garden Grove: Valley View Lanes
* Irvine: Irvine Lanes
* La Habra: La Habra 300 Bowl
* Lake Forest: Forest Lanes
* Mission Viejo: Saddleback Lanes
* Orange: Lucky Strike
* Tustin: Tustin Lanes
* Tustin: Strike Orange County
* Westminster: Westminster Lanes
* Yorba Linda: Yorba Linda Bowl

Other quick & easy options to get you & the kids out of the house?
* Check out a local museum or aquarium.
* Burn some energy off at one of these Orange County indoor bounce houses.
* Catch a flick at a $1-ish movie theater.

xoxo, K

12 for Tuesday: Indoor Bounce Houses

Now, supposedly, it's going to rain. this week. I don't know if that's true, but just in case, here are 12 14 (I couldn't leave anyone off the list) Orange County indoor bounce houses. Some are open daily, others have specific "open play" hours & days, so be sure to check 'em all out. But, if you need to get the kids out of the house & you want to find a spot that they can run wild & crazy, then we've got you covered... not to mention, each & everyone would be a fabulous place for a party!

1. Aliso Viejo: Scooter's Jungle
2. Anaheim: House of Bounce
3. Anaheim: Seascape Kids Fun
4. Anaheim Hills: Pump it Up
5. Fountain Valley: Frogg's Bounce House
6. Huntington Beach: BounceU
7. Huntington Beach: Pump it Up
8. Irvine: Pump it Up
9. Lake Forest: Partyopolis
10. Lake Forest: Pump it Up
11. Mission Viejo: Jump 'n Jammin
12. Orange: BounceU
13. Orange: Hullabaloo's Partyhouse
14. Placentia: Scooter's Jungle

xoxo, K

Red Bull Soapbox Race Los Angeles

We don't usually post about things outside of the Orange County "bubble," but this event looks too crazy & wacky to miss... this Saturday, September 26th the Red Bull Soapbox Race is coming to Los Angeles. According to the website, this FREE and "wacky event will feature a field of more than 40 hand-made soapbox racers, driven by men and women daring enough to brave steep drops, a 90 degree turn and scary speeds in pursuit of achieving glory. "

The event will be held at 5th & Grand in Downtown Los Angeles. The website advises that "the event area is sure to be crowded, so public transit or car pooling are suggested. There is also parking available in Downtown, including large parking lots on Hill St. between 2nd and 4th."

The "pits" will open Saturday morning at 11am for soapbox viewing, with the Opening Ceremonies at 12:30pm, and the racing beginning at 1pm. For more information about the Red Bull Soapbox Race check out the website HERE. Curious to see what all the hypes about? Check out KTLA's morning coverage of soapbox racers in action.


Red Bull Soapbox Race
Saturday, September 26, 2009
5th & Grand, Downtown Los Angeles

xoxo, K

12 for Tuesday: Yummy Cold Treats

Here's a dozen places to get yummy cold treats to survive this heat wave!

1. Sno on the Go
2. Han's Ice Cream
3. Gelato Paradiso
4. Dippin' Dots
5. The infamous Dole Whip
6. A Balboa Bar from Dad's
7. Golden Spoon
8. Mochilato
9. Pinkberry or Yogurtland
10. A Shake at Watson's
11. Joe's Italian Ice
12. Archie's Ice cream

$1 ish Movie Theaters in Orange County

We've posted about dollar movies before, but this heat wave we're experiencing has us searching for cheap, indoor activities. Movies are definitely at the top of that list! So grab the kids, pack a few snacks & check out these Orange County $1 (& otherwise really cheap) Movie Theaters...

Anaheim's Brookhurst 4: 2299 W. Ball Rd., Anahtm, CA 92804. For movie listings go HERE. Matinees are $2 & evenings are $2.50.

Irvine's Starplex Cinema: 4626 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92604. For movie listings call (949)733-0980, or go HERE. All shows are $2, & all shows on Tuesdays are just $1.

Huntington Beach's Regency Theater: 7822 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647. For movie listing call (714)596-3456, or go HERE. All shows are just $3.

La Mirada's Starplex Cinema: 15296 Rosecrans Ave., La Mirada, CA 90638. For movie listings call (714)739-1010, or go HERE. All shows after are $2, & all shows on Tuesdays are just $1.

Santa Ana's Picture Show at Mainplace: 2800 N. Main St., Suite 999, Santa Ana, CA 92705. For Movie listings call (714)836-7469, or go HERE. Cost is $1.75 all day, & just $1 on Tuesdays.

& Just in case you are more of a "visual" person, here's a handy map detailing all of the theater locations...


View $1 ish Movie Theaters in Orange County in a larger map

xoxo, K

12 for Tuesday: Independent Bookstores in the OC

It's back to school time, so we thought it would be fun to share some great independent and used bookstores in the OC!

1. A Whale of a Tale
2. Laguna Beach Books
3. Acres of Books
4. Cultura Latina Bookstore
5. Once Upon a Story
6. Book Carnival
7. Barnaby Rudge
8. Bookman
9. University of California, Irvine Bookstore
10. A Castle of Books
11. One Dollar Bookstore
12. Friends of Newport Library Bookstore

Support your local bookstore because they are community treasures!

xoxo, C

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

12 for Tuesday: Cheap Eats in the OC

1) Carne Asada Fries from Albatros
2) The Mint Chocolate Munchie from Hans
3) A Dole Whip from Disneyland
4) A Fish Taco from Chronic Tacos
5) A Cream Pan from Cream Pan
6) Spring Rolls from a Brodard Restaurant
7) A Jerry's Dog from Jerry's
8) The Tarna Chicken Wrap from Zankou
9) A cheeseburger from TK burger
10) Udon from Fukada
11) A breakfast burrito from A's Ace Burgers
12) A bowl of Pho from Pho 79

I could go on forever on this topic, but those are my favorite for now.

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

Prehistoric Pets

We've mentioned Preshistoric Pets before, but it's so much fun, I thought I'd mention it again. Located in Fountain Valley, Prehistoric Pets isn't exactly your typical pet store. They specialize in snakes, turtle, geckos & lizards. & At Prehistoric Pets you can get "up close and personal" with some of the animals, because this is one pet store, that is more like a zoo. You can visit with the 200 pound tortoise or check out the turtles for absolutely FREE. Although, for a mere $2.99 you can purchase veggies or worms to feed the animals. (My boys got a kick out of dangling those worms above the turtles & watching them swarm.) But in my opinion, the best deal is the Prehistoric Pets Reptile Zoo. The cost for admission is $8 for adults (under 4 gets in FREE), however you can redeem your ticket for $8 worth of merchandise. So, you can go inside the zoo, where your kids will be thrilled by the ginormous snakes & lizards. & If they are brave, they can touch (or even hold a snake or two), perhaps an iguana & probably a baby turtle. Then, you can redeem your ticket for worms & veggies and feed the animals on the way out. It was the perfect afternoon, & my boys are still talking about it. Or, if you'd rather... you can always have the reptiles come to you with Jurassic Parties.

Prehistoric Pets
18822 Brookhurst St.
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714)964-3525

xoxo, 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

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.

Beat the Heat at Disney's California Adventure

Awhile back, C did a great post on "Staying Cool" at Disneyland. I thought I'd do a follow up, with some of my favorite tips for beating the heat, while exploring Disney's California Adventure. & Luckily, DCA is full of great places to escape to when it's blazing hot!

* Grizzly River Run (be prepared, you WILL get wet, but isn't that the point?)
* Head inside, & take a tour of the Boudin Bakery or the Mission Tortilla Factory. These are both great, "quick" escapes & you get FREE samples, which is a plus.
* Catch a flick: It's Tough to Be a Bug!, Muppet Vision 3D
* It may not be air conditioned, but lots of trees provide plenty of shade inside the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
* Little ones LOVE the Princess Dot Puddle Park, (bring a change of clothes because they WILL get soaked, or, lots of kids show up in their bathing suit.) The S.S. rustworthy is fun too - a great place to play, with just enough water to keep you cool.
* Looking for a great escape from the heat? Check out the "Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage!" productions (lasts 20 minutes), or my absolute favorite way to beat the heat is "Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular". (4o minutes of air conditioned bliss, & the show's dang good too!)
* & Finally, if you want a cool treat, be sure to visit: Bur-r-r Bank Ice Cream (love that waffle cone smell), Catch a Flave for delicious soft-serve, Schmoozies for smoothies (duh!), & my personal favorite are the milkshakes found at Sam Andreas Shakes.

Don't forget to drink lots & lots of water!

xoxo, K
image by jeff pearce via flickr

I heart Threading

I tried threading my eyebrows yesterday after hearing my girlfriend rave about her experience and have to say I am an absolute fan. It took three minutes, cost ten dollars, and the pain was minimal. My eyebrows look wonderful if I do say so myself! Threading is much more precise than waxing and is also much less painful. The best part about the whole experience was I could do it right at the local mall, but if you want a more private experience many salons offer threading as well.

Klassic Brow
The Shops at Mission Viejo
Located in a Kiosk on Level one near Sweet Factory
815-931-4317

xoxo, C

OC day trips with kids: Balboa Island

Balboa Island is actually an artificial peninsula in Newport Harbor and has an established community that hosts wonderful restaurants and shops. The best part about Balboa Island is getting there by ferry. Once you are on the Island it is a carnival like atmosphere right on the water. Here are my favorite things to do on and around the island with kids:

1) Grab a chocolate covered banana or a balboa bar
2) Go to Balboa Fun Zone
3) Get some lemonade from stands set-up by young local residents on Bayfront
4) Peninsula Park
5) Balboa Island Historic Fire Station
6) Marine Avenue for window shopping
7) Rent a Bicycle
8) Check out wildlife and tour historic Balboa Pavilion
9) Peek inside Teddy Bears and Teacups if you have a little girl
10)Get a treat from Balboa Candy

Have fun!

xoxo, C

OC day trips with kids: San Juan Capistrano

Summer is in full swing and the OC has plenty of great spots to visit to make the most of your summer. I try to plan great local summer day trips or staycations that last for just a few hours, so everyone has a good time. One of my favorite spots to visit with the kids is San Juan Capistrano.


1. Start your day off at Zoomar's for some fun with animals

image via flickr

2. Stop to watch the trains as you head over the tracks to lunch



3. Shooby dooby over to Ruby's for a good burger and a yummy shake with the kids

Do you have any favorite southern California day trips with kids? Do tell!

xoxo, C

Orange County Cupcakes

Meet Elise... She's tall, blonde & beautiful, a typical California girl. Besides training for triathlons, her other passion in life (other than her cute hubby of course!) is cupcakes. Maybe you've read her blog The Cupcake Activist? If you haven't already, you really should check it out. The entire blog is dedicated to all things cupcakes - visits to cupcake bakeries, stories about cupcakes, reviews of cupcakes and even adventures in cupcake baking. & Although Elise reviews cupcakes everywhere & anywhere (she was recently on the cupcake hunt in Italy), she is an Orange County local & therefore the perfect person to give us the low-down in the best cupcakes in Orange County...

Looking for a cupcake? Well, you are in luck because cupcakes can be found everywhere! I've spotted them at Starbucks, my grocery store, and my favorite restaurants. The real question is, what are you looking for in a cupcake?

Biggest Selection: Sprinkles Cupcakes
944 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach
(Just south of Fashion Island)
Twitter and Website

If you are an indecisive person, then you might want to avoid Sprinkles. Sprinkles lists 23 different flavors on their website, which they sell on different days of the week. They sell their top cupcakes daily, such as Dark Chocolate, Red Velvet, and Vanilla, but you should check the calendar before you go to see what's being offered for the day.

Sprinkles does a great job at offering specialty cupcake flavors for every season and holiday. Currently they are offering a Key Lime cupcake in honor of the start of summer. Only available from June 12-21. Their cupcakes sell for $3.25 each. Don't forget the milk!

My Favorites: Pumpkin, Chocolate Coconut, and Red Velvet.

(Pumpkin Cupcake from Sprinkles)

Biggest Cupcakes: Bristol Farms

810 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach
(In the same shopping center as Sprinkles)

It almost seems strange that a grocery store would be one of my top places for cupcakes, but my taste buds don't lie. Bristol Farms has fantastic cupcakes! And let's not forget...huge! Bristol Farm's cupcakes are $3.00, but worth every penny. The frosting is piled high and the cake is moist. Their cupcakes are refrigerated so I suggest waiting 30 minutes before devouring.

Favorite: Chocolate Coconut

(Bristol Farms cupcake display case)

Best Local Shop: The Perfect Circle Cupcakery
165 N. Glassell Avenue, Orange
(In the Orange Circle)
Twitter and Website

It's always exciting to see a non-corporate cupcake shop pop up! The Perfect Circle opened earlier this year in Orange and has been very successful. It shows off it's charm with a light-blue showroom displaying pictures of Audrey Hepburn and the Eiffel Tower. And let's not forget what's important: the cupcakes! I was thrilled to have a small-town cupcakery in my neighborhood, but even more excited with how good their cupcakes are.

The Perfect Circle closes early and sometimes run out of cupcakes before the end of the day. Don't let this happen to you! Check back often, as they have new flavors popping up frequently. Their cupcakes are $3.00. Support your local cupcake shop!

Favorites: Red Velvet and Snickerdoodle

(Red Velvet from The Perfect Circle)

Best Value: Poul's Bakery

770 N. Tustin Avenue, Orange
Website

Poul's Bakery is a small Danish-American bakery hidden in a shopping center in Orange. Poul's Bakery sells many tasty treats, but the most appealing is their cupcakes. And not just any cupcakes...economy-buster cupcakes! You can buy a cupcake at Poul's for $1.00. Yes, you read that right. All of their cupcakes are $1.00, except for the Red Velvet which is $1.25. Of course, their cupcakes are not as yummy as some of the expensive shops, but they definitely have the best value.

Favorite: Carrot

(Carrot and Red Velvet from Poul's Bakery)

Best Minis: Meringue Bake Shop
Inside Bliss Natural Frozen Yogurt
2094 N. Tustin Avenue, Orange.
Twitter and Website

Meringue Bake Shop is a made-to-order cupcake company that recently began selling their mini cupcakes in Bliss Natural Frozen Yogurt shop in Orange. Meringue has some unique flavors like Watermelon and Hot Tamale, as well as classic flavors such as Queen of Hearts (red velvet) and Coconutty (chocolate coconut). Mini cupcakes are perfect for a cupcake craving that you need to squash. I also like minis because I can try several flavors without emptying my wallet or feeling like a whale. These minis sell for $1.50 each.

Favorite: Spring Break (graham cracker cupcake with key lime frosting)

(Mini cupcakes from Meringue Bake Shop)

Best Overall: SusieCakes
2043 Westcliff Drive #104, Newport Beach.
(Near Keene Coffee)
Website

I fell in love with SusieCakes on my first visit there! They have a great selection of cupcakes, along with other amazing treats (chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and cake)! My favorite part of their cupcakes (besides the incredible taste) is that they are frosting-filled. This means that they have an extra shot of frosting in the middle of the cupcake. SusieCakes cupcakes are $3.00 each and oh-so-delicious!

Favorites: too many!...Banana, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Gingerbread, Red Velvet. I've actually never had a cupcake I didn't like from SusieCakes!

Check back with my blog often as I post new reviews of cupcake shops frequently. I am the Cupcake Activist: fighting for the cupcake cause.
_____________________________________________________________________

All I can say is YUM! & Thanks Elise for the fantastic post! I think I know what I'll be doing this week... taste testing cupcakes. I can't wait to try all your favorites! Anyone else have a favorite cupcakery I need to check out?

xoxo, K

Nothing Short of Magical!

As you probably already know, this summer Disneyland is pulling out all the stops. Everything is bigger, bolder, & more fantastic than ever before, especially the firework spectacular! With Eden Espinosa (best known for her starring role as Elphaba in the LA & San Francisco run of Wicked) singing Magical's theme song as well as classic Disney tunes like "Baby Mine," you know it's going to be incredible... & the show doesn't let you down. You know it's good when the very big (as in strong), very manly man standing in front of me, whispers to his friend "Wow! That was good. That was really really good." So, without any further ado, here's a sneak peak at the incredible finale for Disneyland's newest firework spectacular Magical, if you want see the ENTIRE show you'll just have to go to Disneyland this summer. Or, if you are really, really antsy & just have to see the whole show right this very minute, you can watch it HERE (part I) & HERE (part II). But, if you really want the "full" effect, watch THIS video of Steve Davison, Vice President of Parades & Spectaculars, reenacting the finale of the show. Then, watch the following video of the "real" thing. & I apologize in advance for any shaky camera work, i was busy juggling a one-month old baby & the camera...



xoxo, K

$10 tickets to Aquarium of the Pacific

image via flickr

I am so excited for $10.00 deal to the Aquarium of the Pacific, its a great way to start off summer fun!

Click here for the coupon

Receive a $10 Admission price to the Aquarium of the Pacific (Adults regularly $23.95, Children regularly $11.95).

Don’t miss this limited time offer—valid through June 30, 2009.

Meet more than 12,500 animals from the Earth’s largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Touch sharks, feed lorikeet birds, and watch sea otters play. An ocean of adventure awaits you and your family!

Limit (4) discounts per coupon. One coupon per person, per day. Not good with any other offer. Not valid at off-site sales locations. Distribution of this coupon on Aquarium grounds is prohibited. No cash value. Go to Plan Your Visit for operating hours. Valid through 6/30/2009.

xoxo, C

Legoland for FREE.

Here's a little tip I picked up last week... during the last hour of operation at Legoland, you can actually get in FREE! For example, the day we went to Legoland, the park was open until 5pm. So, starting at 3:45 you can park for FREE. Then, all you have to do, is head on over to the gates & once the clock strikes 4pm, watch as they open the floodgates & let you waltz right in, at absolutely no cost to you! That's right, you can take the entire family to Legoland for FREE! That's quite a deal, even if it is only for an hour.

xoxo, K