Where will you be five years from today?

In the spirit of new beginnings and resolutions, I thought it would be fun to share a book I recently gave to a girlfriend for inspiration.  Laced with motivating graphics, 5 takes you on a written journey to identify your strengths and identify goals.   Here's a quote from the book:

The truth is, most of us are so busy doing what we think we have to do we never get around to doing what we really want to do.  This book celebrates the "want to's," the "choose to's," and "the I can't wait to's" in your life. Whether your just finishing school, starting a new venture, celebrating a milestone, or envisioning retirement, you are the hero of this story.

5 can be found at Paper Source and would make a great gift for the new year.  

xoxo, C

Everyday Italian

If every one of Giada's recipes taste this good, we may find ourselves eating Italian nearly every day of the week. I have to admit that I've had a total crush on Miss Giada for some time now. She's beautiful (& very well dressed), everything she cooks looks delicious & she just seems like the kind of gal I'd want to be pals with. Anyway, forever ago I came across her recipe for baked tortellini in her fabulous book, & i've finally gotten around to trying it out. & let me tell you, it was yummy. Everyone licked their plates clean. I'll definitely be cooking up more of Giada's dishes in the future.

Giada's Baked Tortellini

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
1/3 cup mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
1 lb cheese tortellini
2 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

* Or you can totally cheat: instead of all the fresh herbs and a plain marinara sauce use a sauce with herbs. Or, if you've totally forgotten that you are all out of any kind of sauce (as i did) use a can (or two) of stewed or chopped tomatoes & add whatever herbs you have on hand (in the convenient little jars i call my herb garden.)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350º.
Lightly oil an 8 x 8" baking dish.
Whisk the sauce, mascarpone cheese, parsley and thyme in a large bowl to blend.
Cook tortellini in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 2 minutes, drain.
Add tortellini to the sauce and toss to coat.
Transfer the tortellini mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Top the mixture with the mozzarella and parmesan.
Cover and bake until the sauce bubbles and the cheeses on top melt, about 30 minutes.

xoxo, K

Disney Salutes the Armed Forces

This coming year Disneyland is giving America's Military Personnel a reason to celebrate with... FREE multi-day admission to Disney's U.S. Theme parks! "With the 'Disney's Armed Forces Salute' offer, active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, can enjoy complimentary, multi-day admission into Disney’s U.S. theme parks, great rates at select Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort hotels, and additional special ticket offers for family members and friends."

Through June 12, 2009, at the Disneyland resort, each active or retired member of the U.S. military can receive one complimentary three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” Park Hopper ticket valid for admission to both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. During the offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel also may make a one-time purchase of an adult or child three-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” Park Hopper ticket for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends for the price of an adult 1-Day Park Hopper ticket.

Disneyland Resort hotels are also offering special room rates for active or retired military personnel. For example, at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, active or retired members of the military and their families may find hotel rooms starting at $119 per night during value season, with great savings during other times of the offer period. This offer is available through June 12, 2009, and the number of rooms available at these special rates is limited.

For information regarding “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” at the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call (714)956-6424.

xoxo, K
image via Disneyland

Hush Baby Sale

Although it's a fabulous deal, I'm sad to say I got the following email in my inbox this morning: "Final Clearance - 70% Off Entire Store at Hush Baby Tustin. Everything must go! We are offering 70% off our entire inventory beginning Monday, January 5th. Come early for the best selection! Not valid on previous purchases. All sales are final.

Store fixtures are also for sale including espresso machine, chandeliers, floor displays and much more... Fixtures are priced as marked.

Store Hours are Monday - Saturday 10:00 to 7:00. We are located at the Tustin District next to the Whole Foods. Our address is 2827 Park Avenue in Tustin, 92782. 714-258-2229"

Better go check it out, I'm sure you'll find something absolutely darling, at a total bargain of a price!

xoxo, K

January 2009 Calendar

January 3rd:
* Kids Workshop, a FREE kid-friendly "How-To Clinic", at your local Home Depot, 9am & 12pm. This month's project: Helmet Bookends.
* Bolsa Chica Wetlands Tour, FREE tours begin every 15 minutes from 9 - 10:30 am.
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* The Great Train Expo, Anaheim Convention Center, 10am - 4pm
* Target FREE First Saturday at the Children's Museum at La Habra, 1:30-3:30pm. Face painting, crafts & stilt walkers.
* The Fab Four Concert, 8pm at the Westminster Rose Center Theater
January 4th:
* Bowers Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Village Art Fair, 9 am, Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente.
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, noon-4pm.
* The Great Train Expo, Anaheim Convention Center, 10am - 4pm
January 5th:
* Taco Bell Discovery Science Center, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Storytime at the Tustin Hush Baby, 11am with Storylady & Bunny Fufu.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
January 6th:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Wild Tales "Who Lives in the Snow?", 10:30 - 11:15 am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Story telling, crafts, hands-on activities & outdoor nature walk. Reservations required (949)923-2275.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Family Night at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 5pm - 8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
January 7th:
* Tideland Tots "How do the Animals Keep Warm?", 10:30 - 11:15 am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Arts & Crafts, Story Telling, Hands-on Activities, and Nature Walks. Reservations required, (949)923-2275.
* 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.
January 8th:
* Toddler Class "Creatures in the Cold", 10 - 11am, Orange County Zoo. Learn all about the animals that live in the cold. Registration required (714)973-6846.
* 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 Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
January 9th:
* Moonlit Marshmallows, 6-7pm. Make warm & gooey s'mores by the campfire & hike the nature trails.
January 10th:
* Huntington Beach Clean Up, 8am, Bolsa Chica State Beach, Tower 21.
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics for Kids, 10-11am. This month's project is making a time capsule.
January 11th:
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, noon-4pm.
January 12th:
* Storytime at the Tustin Hush Baby, 11am with Storylady & Bunny Fufu.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
January 13th:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Wild Tales "Fridgit's Freedom", 10:30 - 11:15 am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Story telling, crafts, hands-on activities & outdoor nature walk. Reservations required (949)923-2275.
* Bayside Buddies "Amazing Octopi", 3:30 - 4:30pm, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Story telling, crafts, hands-on activities & outdoor nature walk. Reservations required (949)923-2275.
* 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
January 14th:
* Tideland Tots "Wacky Weather", 10:30 - 11:15 am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Story telling, crafts, hands-on activities & outdoor nature walk. Reservations required (949)923-2275
* 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.
January 15th:
* Toddler Class "Nose, Toes & Ears", 10 - 11am, Orange County Zoo. Registration required (714)973-6846.
* 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 Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Family Game Night at the Yorba Linda Library, 6pm. Play Wii, Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution, BINGO, & board games.
January 16th:
* Tot Walk, 9am Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Reservations required: 949-923-2235.
January 17th:
* 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.
January 18th:
* 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.
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, noon-4pm.
January 19th:
* Storytime at the Tustin Hush Baby, 11am with Storylady & Bunny Fufu.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
January 20th:
* Bowers Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Wild Tales "10 Friendly Fish", 10:30 - 11:15 am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Story telling, crafts, hands-on activities & outdoor nature walk. Reservations required (949)923-2275
* 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
* Family Fun Night at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 5:30pm - 8:30pm.
January 21st:
* Tideland Tots "Cool Coats", 10:30 - 11:15 am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Story telling, crafts, hands-on activities & outdoor nature walk. Reservations required (949)923-2275.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Family Fun Night at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 5:30pm - 8:30pm.
January 22nd:
* Open Play at House of Bounce in Anaheim, 10am-12pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
January 23rd:
* Toddler Class "Scales, Feathers & Fur", 10 - 11am, Orange County Zoo. Learn all about animals. Registration required (714)973-6846.
January 24th:
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
January 25th:
* Family Fun Walk, 10:30 - 11:30 am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Join a guided walk along various trails located at the bay. Reservations required (949)923-2275
* Art Station at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, noon-4pm.
January 26th:
* Storytime at the Tustin Hush Baby, 11am with Storylady & Bunny Fufu.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
January 27th:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 10-10:30 am.
* Wild Tales "Ugh a Bug", 10:30 - 11:15 am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Story telling, crafts, hands-on activities & outdoor nature walk. Reservations required (949)923-2275.
* Bayside Buddies "Stories from the Ancients", 3:30 - 4:30pm, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Story telling, crafts, hands-on activities & outdoor nature walk. Reservations required (949)923-2275
* 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
January 28th:
* Tideland Tots "Sea Stars", 10:30 - 11:15 am, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Story telling, crafts, hands-on activities & outdoor nature walk. Reservations required (949)923-2275.
* 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.
January 29th:
* 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 Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Magic & Comedy show at the Yorba Linda Library, 6:30pm
January 30th:
* Bird Survey at Shipley Nature Center
January 31st:
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.