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Lifestyle

Kaleidoscope Center To Host 6th Annual Easter Garden Party on 3/26

February 18, 2016 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, Orange County

Get ready for Kaleidoscope’s Sixth Annual Easter Garden Party on Saturday, March 26 from 12 to 2:30 p.m. The Easter bunny will hop into town and arrive at the center for the party which will be located in the center’s courtyard.

The free family event will kick off with an Easter egg hunt at 12 noon. Youngsters should bring their own basket to collect Easter eggs. Passport cards will be given out to the first 250 children directing them to all Kaleidoscope businesses where they will each receive one candy-filled egg per business.

The Easter Garden Party will also offer a complimentary photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny, for guests who bring their own camera. Adding to the fun will be cookie decorating from Donna B’s Bakery, free face painting, and a petting zoo with bunnies, baby goats, chicks, and ducklings.

Hope to see you there!

Connect with Kaleidoscope on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

The 2016 Easter Bunny Photo Experience at The Shops at Mission Viejo Starts March 5

February 17, 2016 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, Orange County, The Shops at Mission Viejo

With Easter arriving a little early this year, the Bunny Photo Experience will too! Guests can visit the Bunny at The Shops at Mission Viejo from Saturday, March 5 through Saturday, March 26. The Bunny will be located on the lower level, near Nordstrom. Kids will have the chance to visit with the Bunny and families can take home a treasured snapshot of the fun occasion. To view a full schedule of dates and hours, visit here. .

The Shops at Mission Viejo’s Caring Bunny™ event will offer families that have children with special needs a subdued environment to participate in the Bunny Photo Experience on Sunday, March 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.. Many steps will be taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comforting environment for children’s cherished visit with the Bunny. The subdued environment is likely to include (specific elements or aesthetics may vary):

Turning off in-mall music, stopping escalators located near the photo set, dimming the
lights and shutting down fountains for the duration of the event.
Eliminating queue lines through the use of a numbering system whereby guests approach the set when their number is called.
Special activities geared toward the needs of the child during the ‘wait’ period to help the child understand what activities will occur during the visit.

Families can reserve a spot for Caring Bunny here.

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

LEGOLAND® Hotel Now Taking Reservations for LEGO Friends Rooms

February 16, 2016 / Family Fun, LEGOLAND, Lifestyle, San Diego

Calling all LEGO Friends Heartlake City fans! Beginning on March 10, 2016, you can stay and play in your very own piece of Heartlake City at the LEGOLAND® Hotel! Complete with the Café, Stables and your very own LEGO® tree house, the hotel’s newest theme is truly a dream come true for any group of BFFs!The colorful décor and LEGO models incorporate a level of detail that will have your imaginations running wild. Kids can even use clues to explore the tree house and join the LEGO Friends in a game of hide and seek with their LEGO pets!

LEGOLAND® Hotel rooms are designed to accommodate playful adventure as well as privacy and relaxation. The rooms include:

King bed in the adult sleeping area
Kids’ own sleeping area with bunk beds, pull-out trundle bed and entertainment unit (sleeps up to 3 kids)
Welcome treasure hunt with LEGO prize
LEGO bricks to build with during your stay
High-speed internet
2 high-definition flat panel TVs with complimentary On-Demand content
Mini-fridge and coffee maker
Air conditioning
Cribs available upon request
Fully Themed rooms sleeps 5 (max 2 adults)
Suites sleep 7 (max 4 adults)
ADA accessible available

Availability of LEGO Friends rooms is limited, so be sure to book your stay in advance.To make a reservation, click here or call 877.534.6526.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos are property of LEGOLAND and LEGOLAND Hotel.

Baker Ranch To Host Free Family Event on 2/20 Along With New Homes Release

February 11, 2016 / Lifestyle, Orange County

Have you been over to check out Baker Ranch yet? It’s a brand-new master planned community located in Lake Forest, with homes created by renowned builders, Shea Homes and Toll Brothers.

From the start, Baker Ranch has been designed for active people who love outdoor recreation and scenic natural settings. Here you can enjoy all the amenities of an exceptional master planned community without the excessive taxation of Mello-Roos. Lake Forest provides small-town charm with California Distinguished schools and modern services. It’s all within easy reach of the major employment centers, shopping, entertainment and attractions that make sunny Central Orange County the perfect backyard. The Community of Baker Ranch celebrates the relationship between nature and living well. On Saturday, February 20th, Baker Ranch will be throwing a Grand Opening event to celebrate the opening of their 3 newest communities! Everyone is invited to attend and from 11:00AM – 4:00PM, all attending guests will be able to tour these newest model homes by Shea Homes at Crestline and The Courts. Also, guests can preview three of Toll Brothers’ newest communities, Summit, Terraces, and Highlands East in their Sales Centers. In addition to the unveiling of the new neighborhoods, Baker Ranch will be debuting the spectacular Promenade Park, which will feature:

a new playground
climbing wall
Bocce Ball courts
walking path
barbecues
picnic areas

Along with touring these stunning new homes plus all of Baker Ranch’s other fabulous homes, you and your family can enjoy a day of awesome activities located throughout the community! Here are all the spots you need to hit during the event:

The Grove Clubhouse – This will be the hub for “FlashTag”, the ultimate Instagram scavenger hunt where you’ll be taking pictures at each event location using #BakerRanchLife. Once you’ve played, you’ll be entered into an amazing raffle to win a Pedego Electric Bike! Snacks and beverages will also be served here including chili tastings with toppings, lemonade, Paradise iced tea, and citrus infused water. There will be kid’s crafts as well as a master bubble maker!
Oaks Tennis Park – Opening soon and they can’t wait for guests to see it! After you’ve refreshed yourself with goodies, come and get some tennis tips! Then grab a racket or handball and play a few games. Make sure the kids get their faces painted and grab some citrus infused water!
Borrego Trail – Recently opened in December! When you’re done breaking a sweat on the court, hop on a Pedego Electric Bike for a test drive at “The Pedego Experience” along the trail!

Also….Get ready to get lost in Margaritaville with the Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band! How fun does that sound? It’s a perfect way to spend your Saturday afternoon! Complimentary shuttles and golf carts will be available to take guests to each location and activity. For more information about the event or to RSVP, visit their Facebook page here

This is not a sponosred post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos are property of Baker Ranch.

{Giveaway} 2016 OC Fair Super Pass Now on Sale at Early Presale Pricing Until 2/29!

February 9, 2016 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, OC Fair, Orange County

Who’s ready for summer and the annual return of The OC Fair? I know we are and we’re really excited for this year’s theme “Get Your Fair Face On“! This year’s fair will take place from July 17-August 16 (Wednesday-Sunday) with 23 days and nights of food, rides, shopping, exhibits, animals and headline performances in the Pacific Amphitheatre, nightly music in The Hangar and adrenaline-inducing events in the Action Sports Arena.

The Super Pass, the Fair’s annual season pass, is currently on sale at the lowest prices of the season through Feb. 29 online at http://www.ocfair.com/superpass. Early pre-sale prices are General (13-59) $25, Senior (60+) $18 and Child (6-12) $18.
Check out all of the Super Pass Perks:

Admission to the OC Fair for all 23 days
Express entry at all public gates during Fair hours
2-for-1 discount for tickets to select Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena concerts and events. There is a 6 ticket limit. Tickets are subject to availability which may change without notice.
20% off Fair apparel
2016 OC Fair souvenir pin
Free Admission to the Orange County Market Place (valid through December 26, 2016)
Carnival value book (includes 2-for-1 ride on La Grande Wheel, 2-for-1 carnival games, a Free water bottle (with a $10 purchase of treats from carnival food vendor, and a Free refill with a souvenir cup purchase in the carnival)

I’m also having a giveaway! The OC Fair is providing a pair (2) of Super Passes for the 2016 OC Fair for one of my lucky readers to win! You can enter below on the Rafflecopter! Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos are property of the OC Fair.

{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.

Mountain High Hosts World’s Largest Lesson Day with Guinness Record Event on January 8, 2016

January 4, 2016 / Lifestyle, SoCal Fun

January’s arrival marks the start of Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month at Mountain High and the resort is participating in the World’s Largest Ski and Snowboard Lesson Day set for Friday, January 8 at 10:00 a.m! If you’re a beginner skier or snowboarder, this is especially for you! Attempting to set the World Record for the LARGEST multi-venue ski & snowboard lesson for the Guinness Book of World Records is going to be SNOW much fun! The current record for world’s largest ski lesson (both single and multiple venue) is 594 and 500 for world’s largest snowboard lesson (both single and multiple venue).

Ski and snowboard areas across the U.S. including Mountain High, will host a 10 a.m. beginner lesson for skiing or snowboarding as part of this event. You are invited to come learn to ski or snowboard on this exciting day as multiple winter resorts across the U.S., including Mountain High, will attempt to set industry and Guinness World Records for teaching people how to ski and snowboard. All participants receive an official Certificate Of Completion.

Lesson participants will:

Learn how to properly use equipment
Be introduced to basic skiing and snowboarding skills including safety
Learn about types of terrain
Demonstrate and be evaluated on what they learned during the 90 minute class

*All attendees will receive an official certificate of completion upon finishing the lesson. World’s Largest Ski and Snowboard Lesson Day results will be certified by appropriate Mountain High personnel and sent to industry and Guinness World Records for verification and approval. To register for the World’s Largest Ski and Snowboard Lesson Day at Mountain High and be a part of this fun, record-making event, click here or call 888-754-7878. Event registration ends Thursday, January 7, 2016.

Connect with Mountain High on Facebook and Twitter!

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