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{Giveaway} Knott’s For The Cure: Buy a “Pink Ticket” For a Good Cause

February 6, 2016 / Family Fun, Knott's, Lifestyle, Orange County, SoCal Fun

The opinions in this article are my own. I do not work for, or with, any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have any official relationship with them. I have a relationship with GigaSavvy, for whom I create original editorial content, All opinions are 100% my own. Some images and logos are property of Knott’s Berry Farm. .

If you haven’t heard already, Knott’s Berry Farm and Susan G. Komen Orange County are partnering up again, for a third year, to raise money for breast cancer awareness during “Knott’s For The Cure”! The partnership, which began in 2013, will once again align two prominent organizations in raising awareness and vital funds for local breast health and breast cancer services for women and men. In 2014 and 2015, the theme park helped raise $230k for Susan G. Komen Orange County!

75% of the funds raised for Susan G. Komen are used to provide local services throughout Orange County for:

Breast cancer detection and treatment education
Information and support for breast cancer survivors and families
Funding for free mammograms for uninsured and underserved women via the Knott’s sponsored Alinea mobile mammography van.

25% of the funds raised for Susan G. Komen support national research to discover the cure for breast cancer.

I had the honor of being invited to attend the kickoff for their partnership last year and got to hear my dear friend, Jaime, speak about her own breast cancer story! I got to spend an inspirational morning with Jaime and a huge group of breast cancer survivors. I even got to participate in their victory ride on “Jaguar”. Breast cancer patients and survivors are some of the strongest people you’ll ever meet! From January 4 through March 18, Knott’s is offering a special “Pink Ticket”, a limited edition “Pink” t-shirt, and other special “Pink” merchandise for purchase, with proceeds going to Susan G. Komen Orange County. The 2016 campaign will focus on the promise that Komen founder Nancy G. Brinker made to her dying sister, Susan G. Komen: that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. Special rides and landmarks inside of the theme park will glow pink in honor of the promotion. Knott’s Berry Farm and Susan G. Komen Orange County invite guests to share their “for the cure” promises during the charitable promotion at knotts.com/promise and join in on the conversation on their social media platforms using #KnottsPink. Knott’s is committed to helping Susan G. Komen get one step closer to a world without breast cancer. Won’t you help too by joining in and showing your own support by purchasing a “Pink Ticket” and visiting the park during the promotion? Click here to purchase your ticket online for only $40! That’s a $32 discount for buying it in advance and online! What an amazing deal for an entire day of fun in the park! Come out to Knott’s Berry Farm For the Cure!

I’m also giving away a pair of tickets to Knott’s for one of my lucky readers! All you have to do is enter below in the Raffecopter! Be sure to read the instructions carefully! Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Six New Retailers to Join The Shops at Mission Viejo

January 27, 2016 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, Orange County, The Shops at Mission Viejo

The Shops at Mission Viejo is preparing to welcome six new retailers to the center over the next few months. The stores, studios and restaurants will include Madewell, The Melt, Full Psycle, A Pea in the Pod, Soma, and Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks.

Patsy Sanquist, Director of Marketing and Business Development for The Shops at Mission Viejo was quoted as saying, We’re excited to welcome a mix of new fashion, dining and lifestyle options for our shoppers.

Madewell debuted at the center on January 26. It’s the perfect shop to find great jeans and create an effortlessly cool wardrobe. The 3,400-square-foot store is located on the upper level, near Center Court. The Melt will be making its appearance with a 2,000-square-foot eatery and outdoor dining area in mid-February, with a location on the lower level near Nordstrom, The Melt will offer fresh American cuisine, made with 100 percent natural ingredients.

Also slated for a mid-February opening is Full Psycle, a full-body cycling studio with spin classes that pair standard indoor cycling routines with strength training and pilates-based core exercises.

Three more retailers are slated to join in the spring include:

A Pea in a Pod – a store featuring luxury and casual clothes for mommies-to-be. The store will be located on the lower level near Nordstrom.
Soma – will also join in the spring, moving into a roughly 2,200-square-foot storefront featuring lingerie and loungewear.
Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks – expected to join the center this summer, the restaurant specializes in gourmet burgers, fresh cut fries and tropical drinks that will pair well with their great happy hour deals.

For more information, please visit The Shops at Mission Viejo on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ShopsAtMissionViejo, Twitter, and Instagram

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logo are property of The Shops at Mission Viejo.

{Giveaway} You’re Invited to Irvine Park Railroad’s 20th Anniversary Celebration on 2/19 & 2/20

January 26, 2016 / Family Fun, Irvine Park Railroad, Orange County

One of our family’s most favorite places to visit together is Irvine Park Railroad! There’s something about the nostalgia of a train! I don’t think there’s a kid out there (or an adult) who isn’t fascinated by trains, especially when you can ride on them! I wonder if the owners of Irvine Park Railroad, John Ford and Steve Horn, realized what a success their business would be, when they opened it 20 years ago? The childhood best friends took a chance and opened up in Irvine Park at first as a concession business. From there they expanded to include paddleboat rentals, then added a catering business Finally, after wanting to add more activities and attractions for park visitors, they founded Irvine Park Railroad in 1996. Irvine Park Railroad is one of Southern California’s most popular family destinations, taking . Not only is the railroad open as a regular part of Irvine Regional Park, but they also have events and offerings during special times of the year, such as the annual Fall Pumpkin Patch, Christmas Train and Christmas Tree Ranch, and Easter Eggstravaganza, and Annual Celebration. With this year marking the 20th anniversary of Irvine Park Railroad, you are invited to come celebrate the grand occasion on Saturday, February 20th and Sunday, February 21st. They’ll be rolling back prices to their original 1996 prices, including $2.00 train rides! (children under 12 months ride free.) It’s their way of saying “thank you” to all of their loyal customers who have visited Irvine Park Railroad over the years.

The 20th Anniversary Celebration will also feature other $2.00 activities and concessions including:

carnival games
hot dogs
sodas
ice creams
popcorn
cotton candy
bounce house tickets

Face painting and panning for gold will require two $2.00 tickets. FREE giveaways will include Irvine Park Railroad balloons!

Note: The $2 tickets are valid during the Anniversary Celebration weekend only. Coupons, discounts and/or any other promotions are not valid on the anniversary celebration dates.

Raffles will also be conducted on both Saturday and Sunday, every hour from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Winners will receive Irvine Park Railroad prizes ranging in value from $60.00 to $300.00. The festive celebration will feature the Lazy Brad Lewis Band, a country blues with rockin’ soul band. They’ll be around playing on both days from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. While at Irvine Regional Park, be sure and visit the parks other activities including Wheel Fun Rentals® at Irvine Park bike and paddle boat rentals, pony rides and the Orange County Zoo. The park entrance fee is $5.00 per vehicle. Irvine Park Railroad opens daily at 10:00 AM. Irvine Park Railroad is located inside of Irvine Regional Park at 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869.

I’m also hosting a giveaway for one of my own lucky readers to win 8 tickets and 1 Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park Bike Rental (excludes the double surrey). Just enter below on the Rafflecopter! Good luck everyone! Hope to see you at the Irvine Park Railroad 20th Anniversary Celebration!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was invited to attend a media day in exchange for coverage and sharing about this event. All opinions are 100% my own. Photos are property of Irvine Park Railroad.

The Outlets at San Clemente Are Now Open + Moonlight Madness Extravaganza on Thanksgiving Night

November 24, 2015 / Lifestyle, Orange County, Shopping

The Outlets at San Clemente are now open and I couldn’t be more excited! I think all South Orange County moms have been waiting patiently, some time now, for them to be completed. I have driven by the construction several times during it’s duration and to see the final product completed calls for a celebration!
The Outlets at San Clemente is Orange County’s first and only ocean-facing outdoor outlet shopping and dining destination. It features a collection of leading designer and name-brand retailers such as Calvin Klein, Cole Haan, Columbia Sportswear, GUESS, H&M, Levi’s, Nike, PUMA, Tilly’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour and White House Black Market. Visitors can enjoy favorite fast-casual eateries, including Panera Bread, Ruby’s Diner and Starbucks. Additional stores and restaurants will open throughout 2016. The center welcomes tail-wagging visitors, as long as they’re on a leash.

The promenades and courtyards at the center are all beautifully decorated with holiday décor, including a live, fresh-cut Christmas tree from Mt. Shasta decorated with 3,000 twinkling lights.

It’s the perfect setting to take annual Santa photos and create fond holiday memories together. Southern California families are going to quickly adopt the brand new Outlets at San Clemente as their favorite destination.

So, after a day of eating turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie, watching football and spending time together, you are invited to start their holiday shopping at their its inaugural Moonlight Madness all-night shopping extravaganza. Although the day after Thanksgiving has been considered traditionally as Black Friday, why not get a head start by taking advantage of door-buster offers and holiday savings? Door will open at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26. Shops will remain open all night and throughout Black Friday on Nov. 27 until 10 p.m.

There will also be a special entertainment schedule during the Moonlight Madness Event as follows:

8 PM – 2 AM | DJ MissNinja

2 AM – 10 AM | DJ Cre-8

10 AM – 12 PM | Lil’ Dickens Carolers

12 PM – 1 PM | Koda Corvette (Pop Performer)

1 PM – 2 PM | Mary Desmond (Teen YouTube Sensation – pictured left)

3 PM – 4 PM | Mary Desmond (Teen YouTube Sensation – pictured left)

4 PM – 5 PM | Corey Angeli (Local Musician)

6 PM – 7 PM | Duende Flamenco

The Outlets at San Clemente are located at 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa in San Clemente.

For more information, visit outletsatsanclemente.com. Find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. I was invited to attend a media event in order to write this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

Knott’s Merry Farm Will Warm Your Heart

November 22, 2015 / Knott's, Orange County, SoCal Fun

Disclosure: My family & I were invited by GigaSavvy to attend a Media Day at Knott’s Merry Farm in order to write this review of our experience. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Every year, Knott’s Berry Farm is transformed into Knott’s Merry Farm for the entire holiday season and it makes my hear happy to be in the park and share all of the holiday fun with my family. This year, you can come to the park and enjoy all of the holiday offerings through January 3rd.

We were invited to spend a media day in the park, experiencing all of the holiday offerings. Sunny SoCal weather allows you to enjoy it all while wearing tank tops and shorts but the decorations and make you feel like you’re in traditional Christmas town.

Kids always love to spend time over in Camp Snoopy, riding attractions that are just their size, and it’s decorated really cute this time of year. In the Camp Snoopy Theater, you can catch a performance of “Christmas Time is Here, Charlie Brown!”, starring all of your favorite Peanuts characters.

One of our favorite places to dine while we’re in the park is Grizzly Peak Lodge. They make a great cheeseburger and feature a condiment bar where you can build your burger just the way you like it!

After we finished our lunch, we headed straight over to the Charles M. Schulz Theatre to watch the “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” Ice Show. This show is beyond fabulous and a must-see on your visit to Knott’s Merry Farm and is something we look forward to each year.

Watching the ice show always makes me tear up (in a happy sort of way) and this year was no different! The skaters in the show are extremely talented and perform each song so elegantly.

The set designs are even more beautiful this year as are the costumes and you can always count on classic Peanuts fun within the show and of course, Snoopy is the star!

I probably could’ve just spent my entire day inside the theater, watching all 4 performances of the day, if the kids would’ve let me, but they wouldn’t. They were ready to head over to see Santa next! You can find him, along with a ton of yummy treats, in Santa’s Christmas Cabin, located in Calico Ghost Town.

Santa’s sitting up, on the stage, ready for kids to visit and share their holiday wish lists with him.

You can take photos with Santa, which are also available for purchase, and come in a keepsake Knott’s Merry Farm folder.

I wasn’t exaggerating about the word “ton” when I referred to the treats available for purchase inside Santa’s Christmas Cabin. Among the treats, you’ll find roasted nuts, pastries (including adorable cookies), Starbucks coffee, hot cocoa, beer and wine, and homemade Santa’s cookies with milk. Luckily, there’s always room in my tummy for treats!

While you’re inside Santa’s Christmas Cabin, don’t forget to snap some fun photos at the digital photo booth. Afterwards, you can email the photos to yourself.

You can find special Christmas Carolers wandering around Ghost Town, singing favorite seasonal songs and playing handbell chimes. Their beautiful holiday attire and carols will put you in the holiday spirit.

It’s also fun to take a ride aboard the train to experience “Christmas on Engine 41”! As you cruise along, you’ll be serenaded by carolers and holiday folk.

As nightfall approaches, guests start to gather around the Calico Square Stage to wait for Snoopy’s Merriest Tree Lighting to begin.

This fun stage show is filled with holiday music and dancers and stars Santa & Mrs. Claus and the Peanuts Gang. It’s a fun, family experience and afterwards, if you stick around Ghost Town, you can also experience “glow and snow” on the buildings and paths in Ghost Town’s Main Street and School House Road. Thousands of sparkling lights dance to the beat of “Let It Snow” while snow gently falls in this spectacular one-of-a-kind moment. and Glow.

Knott’s Merry Farm was so much fun! It’s something you won’t want to miss out on. Just all the more reason you’ll want to grab a 2016 Knott’s Season Pass. When you purchase a pass for the new year, you’ll also receive one free visit in 2015. It’d be perfect to use to visit during the Knott’s Merry Farm season. For more information about Season Passes, click here.

Find Knott’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Pet Adoption Event, Christmas Tree Lighting, and Carolers at Kaleidoscope Center

November 19, 2015 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, Orange County

Kaleidoscope Center in Mission Viejo will celebrate the spirit of the season this Saturday, November 21 with Home for the Holidays Pet Rescue, a pet adoption event.

From 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, CARMA (Compassionate Animal Rescue for Medical Aid) and Mission Park Pet Hospital will be in the center courtyard of Kaleidoscope, where dogs will be available for adoption. The group will also be accepting donations of dog toys, treats, collars or leashes to donate to the shelter.

The holiday festivities will continue on Friday, December 4 when A Storybook Nutcracker comes to life in Kaleidoscope’s center courtyard from 6 to 8 pm. As part of the center’s 5th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, nearly 100 dancers from South Coast Freestyle Dance Company will perform in the round, along with a special appearance by the SCF Dance Abilities Group. The St. Kilian Choir will entertain visitors with holiday classics and modern favorites.

At the end of the program, Kaleidoscope’s beautiful 22 ft. fresh noble fir will be lit by Santa Claus. Donna B’s Bakery will also be on hand selling fresh baked goodies and hot cocoa.

Adding to the seasonal fun at Kaleidoscope, visitors will be entertained by Charles Dickens Carolers, a quartet strolling the center on Saturday, December 18 from 6 to 8 pm.
Kaleidoscope is located off the 5 Freeway at 27741 Crown Valley Parkway in Mission Viejo. The center has convenient self-parking, as well as a valet available.

Visit Kaleidoscope on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logo property of Kaleidscope.

The Santa Photo Experience (Including Pet Photo Night) and Other Holiday Happenings at Brea Mall

November 17, 2015 / Brea Mall, Family Fun, Lifestyle, Orange County

Come experience the joy and magic of the holiday season at Brea Mall! Santa can’t wait to greet children bringing him their holiday wishes. The Simon® Santa Photo Experience is now open and children can visit and be photographed with Santa through December 24 in Fountain Court, on the Lower Level near JCPenney and Nordstrom.

You can now save time and avoid the line with Santa by making an appointment! Just reserve your magical moment with Santa online by clicking here. For available hours, click here.

The popular Pet Photo Night will return to the Simon Santa Photo Experience at Brea Mall this year on Sunday, December 6 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Many pet owners view their pet as an integral member of the family and are just as committed in caring for their pets as their “human” family members. Pet Photo nights are hosted after regular mall closing and the set gets an extensive cleaning following the event to remove any potential risk to allergy sufferers. Reservations can be secured by clicking here.

The Simon Santa Photo Experience is again sponsored by Gymboree and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. With the highly-anticipated release of “Minions,” available on Digital HD on November 24 and on Blu-ray and DVD December 8. Come visit the Simon Santa Photo Experience and receive a fun-filled activity sheet and custom Minion holiday headband, pose for photos with the colorful Minions standee, and watch highlights from the movie.

Simon’s theme for Holiday 2015 is “Spread Love.” From the love of giving to those who matter, to children’s love of Santa, to celebrating love through holiday festivities with family and friends. Join Simon to experience the season’s good cheer with the best of holiday shopping and entertainment.

In addition to extra festive hours throughout the season, Brea Mall will also feature:

a Giving Tree from December 4-13, near Guest Services
a holiday photo booth experience on select weekends in December
Kidgits Sunrise with Santa on December 5 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
giftwrapping from December 11-24 on the lower level near Macy’s Women’s store in support of the Simon Youth Foundation.

Guests to every Noerr set will have another opportunity to share Santa’s heart by making a donation via The Noerr Programs to Save the Children. For nearly 100 years, this non-profit has given underserved children in the U.S. a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Since this program began four years ago, Noerr has collected over $978,000 largely due to the generosity of Simon shoppers. This season, Noerr will pass the $1,000,000 milestone.

For more information, visit Brea Mall on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos property of Simon & Noerr.

It’s Beginning to Look a LOT Like Christmas at The Triangle in Costa Mesa

November 11, 2015 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, Orange County

Have you checked out The Triangle in Costa Mesa, yet? This lifestyle and entertainment center, is conveniently located at the end of the 55 Freeway, where Newport Blvd., Harbor Blvd. and 19th Street intersect.

With the upcoming holidays, school breaks and even El Nino, The Triangle is a great place for families to spend an entire day together. Bring the family to enjoy such activities as brunch at La Vida Cantina, a movie, bowling at the hip and fun Tavern + Bowl (where you can link your social media accounts to share your bowling scores), dinner at Saddle Ranch Chop House (oversize cotton candy and bull rides, anyone?) and even a stop at Creamistry (opening this weekend) for a shake or custom nitrogen ice cream creation, or a latte or Affogato for mom and dad! (Or make it a date night and end the evening at Sutra!)

The Triangle in Costa Mesa has decked its halls for the holidays. Visitors at the center will now enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with festive decorations and holiday music.

Decorations include:

3,300 white lights illuminating 19 palm trees surrounding The Triangle along Newport and Harbor Boulevards
100 ft. of green garland adorned with red bows wrapping 10 light standards along Newport Blvd. on the upper level of The Triangle
100 ft. of green garland adorned with white lights and 15 large red bows and draped in swags around The Triangle’s rotundas on Newport Blvd. at 19th Street and Newport Blvd. and Harbor Blvd.
Eight green wreaths as big as 6 feet across, adorned with silver balls and red bows and lit with white lights
Snowflakes illuminating the inside of The Triangle’s rotunda off Harbor and on the upper level near Black Knight.

Located in the heart of Costa Mesa, The Triangle is a 200,000 square foot lifestyle center, providing popular dining, entertainment and services, including a car wash on the first level of the parking structure. The Triangle The center offers seven levels of free parking, as well as a Valet on the first level near Tavern + Bowl.

For more information about The Triangle, visit the center on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. All images and logos property of The Triangle.

Fill Out Your Wish List and Head on Over to Irvine Park Railroad’s Christmas Train To See Santa! Tickets Now On Sale!

November 3, 2015 / Family Fun, Irvine Park Railroad, Lifestyle, Orange County

‘Tis the season once again for Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas Train. This year they’re celebrating their 20th year! Beginning Friday, November 27th through Wednesday, December 23rd you’re invited to visit with friends and family to take an enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train departs every 15 minutes from the brightly-lit train station and drops passengers off at “The North Pole“. If you’ve never been, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Christmas Train tickets may only be purchased online and in advance to ride the train at a specific date and time. Once you purchase your tickets, you’ll have a specific date and time to arrive at the station, get in line, and board the train any time during the hour for which you purchase tickets. Tickets can be purchased beginning November 1st. It’s important to note that they may not be purchased in person. Visit http://www.IrvineParkRailroad.com for more details.

Visitors may take their own pictures with Santa or you may purchase a picture taken by Irvine Park Railroad. Each 5” x 7” photo will be presented with an Irvine Park Railroad border and available for pickup shortly after being taken.

At the North Pole, visitors may purchase coffee, hot chocolate, freshly-popped popcorn, hot pretzels and cookies from the Elf House Snack Bar. A full kitchen menu is also available at the train station.

After visiting with Santa, hop back aboard the train and enjoy the colorful Christmas lights and decorations, as well as the magical “Tunnel of Lights”, on the ride back to the station.

In addition to riding The Christmas Train, there are many other activities for children to enjoy in Santa’s Village, which is located next to the train station. Stop by before or after your ride aboard the train. Children’s activities will open one hour prior to when the Christmas Train runs and include:

Story Time with Mrs. Claus
Christmas Cookie Decorating
Carnival Games
Ice Fishing
Santa Claus Moon Bounce
Christmas Coloring Corner
Picture Stands

Prices for activities in Santa’s Village vary. For additional information and costs, go here.

Irvine Park Railroad’s Christmas Tree Ranch
Also beginning the day after Thanksgiving, families will be able to purchase Christmas trees at Irvine Park Railroad. Visitors will be able to choose Douglas fir, Noble fir, and Grand fir trees ranging in height from 4′ to 12′. Christmas tree stands, preservatives, tree disposal bags, wreaths, and garland will also be available for sale. The Christmas Tree Ranch is open daily at 10:00 am beginning Friday, November 27th through Wednesday, December 23rd. Families can walk the Christmas Tree Ranch to find their perfect Christmas tree. Irvine Park Railroad staff will help you load your Christmas Tree into/onto your car.

If you’d like, you can print out this Wish List to fill out and bring with you to deliver to Santa himself! Just click on the image above and print out!

As a special way of saying “Happy Holidays”, Irvine Park Railroad is providing me with a Christmas Train Prize package to give away to one of my lucky readers which will include 4 Christmas Train Tickets, 4 Activity Tickets, and 1 Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park Bike Rental (excludes the double surrey). Enter to win on the Rafflecopter below. Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Connect with Irvine Park Railroad on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram too.

This is not a sponsored post. I was invited to attend a media night in exchange for sharing about the event. All opinions are 100% my own. Some images and logo are property of Irvine Park Railroad.