Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza

The 7th annual Festival of Children will happening throughout the month of September at South Coast Plaza. Dozens of children's charities will be on hand to showcase the work they are doing for children within the community. Celebrity appearances, activities, workshops, crafts, musical and cultural performances, and lots & lots of fun for kids of all ages. For the schedule of month-long events, go HERE.

The Festival of Children's Foundation is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children by strengthening the charities that serve them. In an effort to provide every child access to the arts, education, the environment, health care & social services the Festival of Children's Foundation offers resources, support & direct grants to more than 300 children's charities and youth organizations. The foundation also organizes several program, such as the Festival of Children, that directly benefit children, families & the community.

What: Festival of Children
When: The entire month of September, see the schedule of events HERE.
Where: South Coast Plaza

xoxo, K
image via Festival of Children's Foundation.

Back to School: Healthy Lunches

With school back in session I am trying to create healthy and creative lunches for my kids. Sara Moulton shared some great ideas on GMA. I think the Sesame Noodles looks great and you could use that recipe for dinner. The turkey roll-ups are also fun and nutritious and will probably be in lunch bags on Monday.

xoxo, C
image via GMA.

Dana Point Tall Ships Festival

Today, Friday September 5th, 2008, marks the beginning of the 24th annual Tall Ships Festival in Dana Point. This evening, eight tall ships will parade into Dana Point (from 5-7pm). The remainder of the weekend will be filled two full days of ships, activities, music,food, Polynesian dancers, cannon battles & even pirates. For a schedule of the weekend's events & activities, go HERE. Some activities & tours require tickets, for pricing & to purchase passes go HERE.

Definitely fun for the whole family. I know my boys will love the cannon battles & pirate storytelling, & my hubby will get a kick out of touring all the different ships.

What: Dana Point Tall Ships Festival
When: Friday, September 5th - Sunday, September 7th
Where: Dana Point Harbor

xoxo, K
image via the tall ships festival.

Rainforest Cafe

Rainforest Cafe is one of those places that I'm always forgetting about. We've probably been there a dozen times, & every time I go I think to myself, "I've really got to remember this place." It's not that the food is excellent (although it's really not that bad, and their menu is HUGE, so there really is something for everyone), but what always amazes me, whenever we dine at the Rainforest Cafe, is how much fun our family has. Seriously, where else can you eat inside a rainforest? My kids get a kick out of all the sights & sounds that surround us at the Rainforest Cafe... a life-sized gorilla pounding on his chest, a trumpeting elephant, exotic birds singing, cool mists floating through the air, while thunder rolls in the distance & a huge aquarium full of tropical fish - all of which keeps my little ones thoroughly entertained for the entire meal.

Oh! & I nearly forgot... the best night to check out the Rainforest Cafe? Wednesday nights after 5pm. Why? Because that's the night that kids eat for just $1.99 (South Coast Plaza & Ontario Mills locations only), with the purchase of an adult entree.

Want to find the nearest Rainforest Cafe? Go HERE, & click on the little birdie "RIC". Here in Southern California there are three locations, although remember that $1.99 kids meal deal is only available at South Coast Plaza & Ontario Mills:

Anaheim, CA: Downtown Disney District, (714)772-0413
Costa Mesa, CA: South Coast Plaza, (714)424-9200
Ontario, CA: Ontario Mills (909)941-7979

xoxo, K
image via Rainforest Cafe.

Story time at Barnes & Noble

I love to read, always have... although these days, I definitely don't get the chance to read as often as I would like. But, I make sure to read lots of book so my kids. I don't know why, but there is just something magical about having a story read out loud. That's why I love searching out story times, to take my kids. Recently I was reminded of the fact that Barnes & Noble locations often host story times. Find the nearest Barnes & Noble story time location, go HERE. But don't just limit yourself to your local store, be sure to check around at several.... some locations offer story time during the morning, others have it during the evening, I've even come across a few that host a "pajama-rama" story time. Be sure to check out the "other" Barnes & Noble events.... they also do games & musical performances, just to name a few.

xoxo, K

image is Sir Walter Firle's The Fairy Tale