Dana Point Festival of Whales

The next two weekends (March 6-7th & 13-14th) Dana Point will be hosting the 39th Annual Festival of Whales. Each year thousands of California Gray Whales make their migration traveling along the West Coast & heading down to Baja. Likewise, each year, Dana Point, the "Whale Capital of the West" celebrates this incredible journey by throwing a party - actually it's Southern California's largest seafaring celebration! Come join in the festivities, there's sure to be something for everyone. As the website states:

"Festival highlights include an opening day parade, street faire and farmers market, art exhibits, classic car exhibits, concerts on land and water, environmental activities, educational opportunities, interpretive crafts, kids activities and of course, whale watching excursions that will allure even the most steadfast landlubber out to sea."

For more information about the entire festival go HERE, for specific information regarding the calendar of events go HERE, & for driving directions etc., go HERE.



39th Annual Festival of Whales
March 6-7th & 13th-14th
Dana Point, California

xoxo, K
image via the festival of whales

Just Spotted received no compensation, of any kind, for this post.

Annie at the Orange County Performing Arts Center

Honestly, who doesn't LOVE the musical Annie? With "America's most beloved musical" coming to town for just 5 performances THIS weekend, this is the perfect opportunity to share the "timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie" with your kids. Tickets start at just $25 and can be purchase online HERE, at the Orange County Performing Arts Center Box Office, or by calling (714)556-2787.

What: Annie
Where: Segerstrom Hall at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Costa Mesa
When: January 29th - 31st
Friday, January 29th at 7:30pm
Saturday, January 30th at 2pm 7:30pm
Sunday, January 31st at 1pm & 6:30pm
Cost: $25-$65 per ticket

xoxo, K

This Weekend in Orange County

It's raining, it's pouring.... & to be honest, this weekend I'm planning on hunkering down inside. But, if you're brave & are feeling the need to get out of the house, here are a few activities to keep you busy...

Daily:

* Bowers Kidseum
* Discovery Science Center
* Irvine Park Railroad
* KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil at the Orange County Great Park
* La Habra Children's Museum
* Pretend City
* Whale Watching in Dana Point

Friday, January 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

Saturday, January 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
* Kogi BBQ at Dippin' Dots in Fountain Valley, 10:30 pm - Midnight

Sunday, January 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

xoxo, K

mini ART WEEKEND-LA: Feb 19 & 20

I have to admit, I almost didn't share this one with you. But, I am just so excited about the mini ART WEEKEND coming to Los Angeles, that I just couldn't keep it to myself...

I have been wanting to take one of Nicole's classes for ages, & now that she'll be practically in my own backyard, I don't have any excuses. That's right, Nicole Hill Gerulat, Mike Loveland & Alma Loveland are teaming up to bring you an incredible 2-day weekend jam-packed & completely full of absolutely amazing art classes, Friday February 19th & Saturday February 20th at the Sheraton in Downtown LA. The best part? Their "a la carte system and tiered pricing make the classes more affordable to you! Each class is two hours, giving you enough time to learn the basics and more opportunity to take multiple classes." (Honestly! This is an incredible deal! Classes start at just $45 & depending on the number of classes you take, go all the way down to $31 per class!)

They are literally covering all the basics. The class offerings include: Photo 101 basics, Commercial Photography, Studio Lighting, Photoshop 101, Photoshop Actions, Digital Workflow for Photographers, Illustrator 101, Illustrator: Pretty Paper Products, Illustrator: Making a Pattern, Screenprinting, an all day Photo 101 "Crash Course" & Private Portfolio Reviews and Instruction.

For more information, including a detailed class description, schedule of classes, & price/ discount breakdown go HERE. Ready to sign up? Go HERE. C & I are definitely going. The only question is... are you?

xoxo, K
image via Nicole's Classes

Secrets of Circles at the Discovery Science Center

The newest exhibit at the Discovery Science Center (which opens Saturday, January 16th & runs through Sunday, May 2nd) will have definitely have you seeing circles are everywhere... clocks, wheels, doorknobs, even your dinner plate! That's because this newest exhibit will celebrate "the math, science & beauty of such a simple shape & helps children and adults alike to uncover the secrets of the many circles in the world."

In true Discovery Science Center fashion, this newest exhibit will feature tons of hands-on & interactive activities designed so that both kids & adults can learn about the sophisticated mathematical and engineering concepts of circles, in a very fun & very easy way. At Secrets of Circles, I know you (& most importantly your kids) will love... glow-in-the-dark exhibits, lots of spinning objects, playing with a kaleidoscope, building a round arch bridge, shopping the the pretend market for onions, pulleys & all things circular, plus so much more!

With this newest exhibit coming to town, you definitely want to take the time to visit the Discovery Science Center with your kids. & Make sure you don't miss any of the other fabulous exhibits... the Science of Hockey, the Planetary Research Station, or my boy's personal favorite the Dino Quest, just to name a few. The Discovery Science Center is open daily (except Thanksgiving & Christmas Day) from 10am - 5pm. For The Discovery Science Center ticket prices, location & daily field trip schedule go HERE, or buy tickets online HERE.

xoxo, K

p.s. If you attend opening day, Saturday, January 16th be sure to watch (or even join!) the hula hoop competition. Really confident in your hula hooping ability? Register online for the competition HERE.

Give a Day, Get a Disney Day FREE with SaveOurBeach.org

I'm sure by now, you've probably heard of Disneyland's FREE ticket offer... "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day." Disney parks is hoping to inspire 1 million people to perform a day of volunteer service to a participating organization in their community during 2010, by giving them a FREE, one-day, one-theme park admission ticket to a Walt Disney World Resort or Dsineyland Resort theme park.

But did you know that one of our very favorite & very local, service organizations is one of the "participating organizations?" Yep! Yep! SaveOurBeach.org is one of the many local Orange County non-profits where you can volunteer your time & get a FREE one-day Disney Resort admission ticket. (You can search for other local, participating organizations HERE.) Honestly, I know it sounds too good to be true, but it is! Who would have thought that getting a FREE ticket to Disneyland would be so easy & so much fun? (All it takes is about 4 hours!)

 Ready to earn YOUR free tickets to Disneyland?  If you want to participate in the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" you must pre-register & sign-up  HERE (the easiest way to find the SaveOurBeach.org opportunities is to search "Animals & Environment" volunteer opportunities & check the box that says "show opprotunities that allow parents/ guardians to bring volunteers under the age of 18.) Once you've registered & selected your beach clean up date (which should be easy, they have several clean ups a month), all you have to do next, is pile the entire family into the car, & head over to Seal Beach. SaveOurBeach.org  thinks of everything (all day parking passes, garbage bags, gloves will be provided), so all YOU have to do is - show up & participate.

Tickets are limited to the first million people who participate, so you might wanted to get started on this, sooner rather than later. In order to take part in the free ticket offer, participants must be a least 6 years old & each person can only receive one ticket, which must be used by December 15th, 2010.
 
To find out more about SaveOurBeach.org or upcoming beach clean-up dates, go HERE.
 
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

Monster Jam & Giveaway

Woot! Woot! Can you believe it's 2010? Oh my heavens, I'm STILL getting used to. & Writing the date, definitely isn't second nature for me. Let me tell you, I am so excited for 2010, because we have got some exciting things up our sleeves. & You don't have to wait long at all...

One of my (& my boy's) all time favorite events is coming to town - the Monster Jam tour is stopping at Angel Stadium: Saturday, January 16th, 2010 at 7pm, Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at 7pm and Saturday,February 6th, 2010 at 7pm.

So funny story... last year my kids saw the commercials & were begging the hubby & me to take 'em. Considering they were only 3 & 2 at the time, I was bit surprised that they would be so interested - but, it is Monster Jam & they are boys, so I guess I really shouldn't have been surprised at all. So THE day arrives, & I (being the awesome mom I am) had never bought tickets, but we decided to chance it. We got everyone bundled up, broke out the ear plugs & headed over to Angel Stadium only to realize the event was totally & completely SOLD OUT. Luckily, I was able to immediately go home & buy tickets for the next week's event - but I will never forget the disappointment on my boy's faces. Morale of the story: be sure to purchase your tickets early, because this is one event that is definitely going to sell out every time!

But seriously, why wouldn't the Monster Jam sell out? From personal experience, I can tell you what an entertaining event it is! According to their website "Monster Jam shows consist of three main elements - the Built Ford Tough Party in the Pits, where fans can meet the drivers & see the trucks up close (my boys were dying when they realized they actually got to see the trucks up close & personal), monster truck racing & monster truck freestyle (my personal favorite)." Plus, any event that requires 300 tons of dirt being brought into Angel Stadium is going to be awesome.

Tickets for the 2010 Monster Jam events at Angel Stadium start at just $10 (for kids ages 2-12) & $20 for adults, and are available for purchase at the Angel Stadium Box Office, participating Ticketmaster outlets, online HERE or charge by phone at (800)217-1700. For more ticket and event information go HERE.

Oh, & one more tip.... you definitely don't want to forget the ear plugs, it gets super loud!
Want to attend the Monster Jam with your family for FREE? Then today's your lucky day. Monster Jam is giving two lucky readers a family four pack of tickets. (You didn't think we'd tell you all about this totally awesome event, & not you give you a chance to attend for FREE did you?)

Here's the nitty-gritty:
* You have until Midnight PST on Saturday, January 9th to enter.
* Simply leave a comment on THIS post.
* Anyone can enter (so tell your friends), although anonymous comments will be ignored unless accompanied by an email address.
* Please, just one entry per person.

* The winner will be randomly picked & announced Monday.

* Really want win? You can get extra entries by telling your friends about THIS contest. For every person that enters & says YOU referred them, you get an extra entry. So spread the news, tell your friends to enter, just make sure they tell us that YOU referred them & you will get an extra entry!

xoxo, C & K, and Monster Jam

Happy Holidays!

(click to enlarge)

image courtesy of Michelle Photography

Tracking Santa

Don't forget to track Santa on his trip around the world on Christmas Eve.

xoxo, C
p.s. you can also follow him on Facebook & Twitter

image by weaselmcfee via flickr

Last Minute Gifts

Looking for some really last minute gifts? (I know I am!) Here are some ideas. Maybe one (or two) of them will spark an idea or strike you fancy....

* Just about any grocery store has an incredible selection of gift cards and you can make it more personal by packaging up the gift card in creative ways. For example, get a Starbucks gift card and put in a Monogrammed mug or get a Barnes and Noble gift card and find a book by the recipients favorite author.

* If you are really running our of time try email delivered gift certificates from Amazon.com, Itunes, Netflix, Southwest Airlines, or Zappos.

* One of my absolute, most favorite gifts-to-give for that hard to shop somebody? A CalActive gift certificate (they can use it for everything from a romantic gondola ride in Newport to a helicopter tour).

* Donate to their favorite charity. Charity Navigator can help you identify the perfect cause to donate to for that special someone this holiday season.

Looking for something a little more "homemade?"
* A cute box or jar filled with yummy Snickers Surprise cookies.
* How about a 6-pack of Root beer Reindeer?
* Peppermint Body Scrub
* A cute jar or bag filled M&Ms, with THIS poem attached.
* Cake plates
* Freezer Paper Stenciled T-Shirts
* Chunky Crayons
* A box of Trader Joe's Peppermint Joes Joes is always a hit.

xoxo, K
image via HERE.

12 for Tuedsay: Holiday Activities You Don't Want to Miss

The holidays are almost over (can you believe it?). With the kids home from school (at least mine are, on a THREE week holiday!), you might find yourself looking for something to keep them entertained. Here's a list of holiday activities to keep you (& the kiddos) entertained this week. But better act fast, once the holidays are over, most of these activities will be too!

1. The Chance Theater presents Little Women
2. A Christmas with Scrooge at the Musical Theatre Village
3. Discovery Science Center Presents: Science of Gingerbread Holiday Festival
4. Disney on Ice at the Honda Center
5. HB Philharmonic Cruise of Lights Boat Tour
6. Holiday Christmas Light Displays
7. Holiday Time at Disneyland
8. Ice Skating at the Irvine Spectrum
9. Irvine Park Railroad's Christmas Train
10. The Chance Theater presents Little Women
11. The Glory of Christmas at the Crystal Cathedral
12. Nutcracker at the Barclay Theater or Maple Youth Ballet's Nutcracker

xoxo, K

This Weekend in Orange County

Looking for something to do this weekend? Need to get the kids out of the house? Here's a list of some of my favorite events happening this weekend. Want even more options? Go HERE for ALL the happenings this weekend in Orange County.

Daily:
Discovery Science Center Presents: Science of Gingerbread Holiday Festival
Holiday Christmas Light Displays
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 18th:
* Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, 7:30 pm by the water's edge
* Philharmonic Cruise of Lights Boat Tour, HB
* Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, 6:30pm

Saturday, December 19th:
* Save Our Beach Monthly Beach Cleanup: 10 am - 1pm at the 1st Street Beach lot (corner of Ocean & 1st in the Rivers End restaurant parking lot) in Seal Beach
* Christmas at the Orange County Zoo, 10am - 3pm. Visit with Santa, enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus, make craft & get your face painted. Free with zoo admission. (Irvine Park parking Fee not included).
* 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.
* Pretend City "A Christmas Carol" Celebration, 11am - 12pm, 2-3pm
* Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, 7:30 pm by the water's edge
* Philharmonic Cruise of Lights Boat Tour, HB
* Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, 6:30pm

Sunday, December 20th:
* 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.
* Santa Claus & Outlaw Magician coming to Dippin' Dots, 2-4pm
* Philharmonic Cruise of Lights Boat Tour, HB
* Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, 6:30pm

xoxo, K

Holiday Light Displays in Orange County

Each year during the holidays, one of my family's absolutely most favorite holiday traditions is to drive around, looking at all the pretty lights. I'm a sucker for a good holiday light display & have been known to drag my family along for the (sometimes very long) drive. Wanting to find some new-to-me light extravaganzas, we asked YOU, our readers (on our Facebook page), to tell us where the BEST holiday light displays in Orange County were located. Thanks to all the comments & emails, we've got a list that will definitely keep my family, & hopefully yours, busy over the next week or so. Car Trip anyone?

Fountain Valley:
16801 Euclid (Mile Square Park. The actual neighborhood is located near Brookhurst St. & Heil Ave. You can drive through, or park at the park and walk the entire neighborhood.)

Brea:
Kraemer and Birch (Eagle Hills neighborhood) *

Garden Grove:
12112 Wutzke St.

Laguna Hills:
25473 Nellie Gail Road *

Lake Forest:
22981 Belquest Dr. *
End of Blueberry Ln. *
23446 Bolivar St.
Cll El Toro Grande (Placemark 11)
24952 Greenbay Dr. *
Corner of Peacock & Thrush (Tim Bump's)
Rimrock St. (Placemark 10)
Rushford Dr.
Via Amistoso St. *
2nd St. *

Orange:
7633 E. Saddlehill Trail *

Rancho Santa Margarita:
20 El Corzo *

Westminster:
Bolsa Chica & Westminster Blvd. *

Tustin:
Red Hill Ave. & Olwyn Dr. *

Yorba Linda:
18662 Oriente Dr. *
18665 Seabiscuit
18974 Seabiscuit
4712 Via Del Rancho

Del Mar:
Del Mar Holiday of Lights Drive Through Light Display

Los Angeles:
Los Angeles Light Festival in Griffith Park Annual Drive-Thru Event

* starred locations were recommended multiple times

For a Google Map of all Orange County locations go HERE.

xoxo, K

p.s. Is YOUR favorite holiday light display not on the list? Leave a comment or email us (justspotted@gmail.com) the address & we'll make sure to add it!

image by c.barr via flickr

View Holiday Christmas Light Displays in Orange County in a larger map

James Carson Photography & Chelsey B. Winner

First of all sorry for the delay... but as you all know, we are REAL moms, living REAL lives. & Unfortunately, REAL life sometimes gets in the way. But never fear. Life is back on track - or at least as on track as it can be when literally EVERYONE (including the baby) is sick. But as they say, on with the show.

So are you on the edge of your sit? Have you been dreaming night & day of winning this incredible giveaway courtesy of James Carson Photography and Chelsey B. Hair & Makeup? Well, today we are going to make Christy's (critterchild@hotmail.com) dreams come true. It must be good karma or something, because several people said she referred them, but her name was randomly chosen on her first entry.

Congratulation Christy! Be sure to contact us at justspotted@gmail.com (before Tuesday December 22nd otherwise we will select a new winner) so we can hook you up! (& Christy, I hope when your session is finished & done, that you'll be sure to send us a sneak peek!) Thank you to everyone who played along & a super big, super huge thank you to James Carson Photography and Chelsey B. Hair & Makeup. The next time your looking to have some professional photos taken you definitely will want to call Carson. & Anytime you're feeling the need to look pretty (whether it's makeup application or a hair cut) Chelsey's your girl.

xoxo, C & K, James Carson Photography & Chelsey B Hair & Makeup

Sno on the Go Holiday Specials

You already know that I LOVE Sno on the Go. All summer long I posted, tweeted & Facebook-ed about how addicted I was. So, just because it's the middle of December, doesn't mean that I've stopped frequenting the shaved ice shack! (In fact, I went TWICE last week.) But, hello! They have Holiday flavors, all served "stuffed" with vanilla soft serve.
* Egg Nog
* Gingerbread - topped with gingerbread cookie crumbles
* Peppermint White Chocolate - topped with candy cane sprinkles
* Peanut Butter Cup - topped with Reeses pieces
* Apple Pie - topped with caramel
* Santa's Sack - a Sno on the Go Suicide with a little bit of every Scrumptious flavor topped with sour gummies.

Having tasted every single flavor (okay, I couldn't bring myself to taste the Santa's Sack suicide), but really & truly, they are all Delicious. & Yes, addicting. But something you definitely MUST sample this holiday season.

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

xoxo, K

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Starting Wednesday, December 16th & going for five consecutive nights, ending Sunday, December 20th, 2009 The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting their annual Christmas Boat Parade. As the website says "Join over a million viewers as you watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail along the harbor in the 100th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade."

The parade sets sail from Bay Island each night at 6:30pm & finishes at the same location at approximately 9 pm. To view the parade route & schedule go HERE. On Sunday, the final night of the parade, a special firework show will close out the parade beginning at approximately 9pm. &, Don't forgot to check out all the beautifully decorated bay side homes & businesses that surround the harbor. These people tend to "go all out with their own holiday spirit, featuring everything from roof-top animated scenes to dancing Christmas trees", all in an effort to win a coveted "Ring of Lights" award.

What: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

When: Wednesday, December 16 - Sunday December 20, 2000, 6:30 pm

Where: For parade route & schedule go HERE.

xoxo, K

image via newport beach christmas parade.

12 for Tuesday: Handmade Holidays

We couldn't forget all those handmade lovelies found on Etsy. So here's a list of locals on Etsy you definitely want to check out this holiday season.

1. LovMely: Unique Feather Hair Accessories

2. Paperplated: Pendant & Magnet Sets Plated with Fine Paper

3. Minimalista: Hand Screenprinted tops, tees & bags

4. Posh Wash Soap: Bath, Body & Makeup

5. Be Something New: Unique Hair Accessories

6. Crystal Lullaby: Vintage Styled Jewelry

7. Second Wind Vintage by BrattyDan: Vintage apparel

8. Mermaid Charms: Artisan Sea Glass, Silver & Semi Precious Stone Jewelry

9. Tiny Whales: Hip clothes for infants children

10. cheekychic Baby: custom pettiskirts

11. Quiet Doing: Hand & Heartmade Tees, Totes and Wallets for ladies and gentlemen

12. Bonnin Designs: Unique jewelry & art

xoxo, K

12 for Tuesday: Shopping Local

The Holidays are fast approaching! Still need to cross some people off your list? Here's a list of 12 local places to do your holiday shopping!

1. This is Me Journal: A Kid's First Keepsake Journal, definitely a favorite at our house. Take advantage of their "Buy More & Save" program!
2. Baby Emi Jewelry: Jingle Bell Bracelets (a favorite of celebrities & more importantly, ME) & hand-stamped jewelry
3. Encore Toffee: My mom received some one year as a gift & we've been placing orders ever since!
4. Too Faced Cosmetics: My personal pick is their French & Fabulous set - six different eye shadows, a highlighter & my absolute favorite bronzer all in one fancy little kit.
5. Harvey's: The original seatbelt bag. Don't miss their Holiday Gift Guide, they have several things I wouldn't mind finding under my tree. What's on my list? One of the newish Lace Satchels.
6. Etnies: Sure, you know them for cool skate shoes & clothes, but did you know they also make these AMAZING "Grow With Me" kid shoes that literally grows with your child's foot, extended the life of the shoe! (Want to get 30% off ANY purchase, a FREE stocking stuffer while supplies last, & FREE shipping? Just enter "etnies family" at checkout!)
7. Halsea: Stylish luggage, handbags & accessories. I'm loving the large tote bag (in kelp, if anyone wants to send it my way), the weekender (in sunset pink), or any of the makeup bags/ lunch totes.
8. Swanky Paper: Personalized stationary, note cards & thank yous. THESE cards are a personal favorite, every time I pull one out to write a note, they make me smile.
9. Daddy Cakes: Literally, the BEST pancake mix ever. Trust me, you'll love all the Daddy Cakes Pancake flavors... Gingerbread, Chocolate Chip & Vivacious Vanilla, just to name a few.
10. Clipa: For the gal that LOVES her handbag
11. Hatchling: Organic clothing for little peeps. (I really wish I could get THIS "BFF" shirt for ME!)
12. Heavenly Hostess: Aprons & kitchen accessories that EVERYONE would love. Personally, I'm a little partial to THIS one.

xoxo, K

Holidays at The Five Crowns

One of my favorite holiday traditions is definitely dinner at the Five Crowns. (Although, I'm pretty sure this place would be tasty any time of the year.) Having lived in Orange County for nearly 9 years, I've heard many people rave about the Five Crowns, especially during this magical time of the year. If you've never been to the Five Crowns you'll find it's "a beautiful replica of one of England's oldest country inns... a place of candlelight & cozy fireplaces... where good cheer and warm hospitality invite you to leave your cares at the door. There is something to delight the eye at every turn in this restaurant, with its many nooks and crannies, antiques and rare paintings" as their website states. & I for one, can vouch for how true this statement is.

We had the wonderful pleasure of dining there last year. & I have to admit I was worried... you know how it is, when you've heard so many wonderful things, sometimes you worry that it won't be as fantastic as everyone has made it out to be. But the Five Crowns definitely didn't let us down. The food was delicious & the ambiance was the perfect compliment to our holiday season... every year, from December 1 - 30th, the Five Crowns celebrates the Christmas Season with twinkling lights, sparkling decorations & strolling carolers. Yep! I said strolling carolers. Decked out in their finest "Dickens" inspired attire they wander throughout the restaurant serenading you with your favorite Christmas songs. (If you get the opportunity, ask them to sing one of their "non-traditional" songs. They have a whole slew of "everyday" songs, think Beach Boys or the Beatles, that have been re-written for the holidays. They'll crack you up!)

So there you go. Put dinner at the Five Crowns on your holiday to-do list today!

Five Crowns
3801 E. Coast Highway
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
(949)760-0331

xoxo, K
image via Five Crowns