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Lifestyle

LEGO® Travel Adventure and National Geographic Presents: Earth Explorers Traveling Exhibits Open at Discovery Cube OC on January 17!

January 15, 2015 / Discovery Cube OC, Family Fun, Lifestyle, Orange County

Get ready for the ultimate adventure with LEGO® Travel Adventure and National Geographic Presents: Earth Explorers opening at Discovery Cube Orange County on January 17, 2015. Adventurers of all ages will enjoy this interactive journey as they build a transportation vehicle out of LEGOs and explore Earth’s most extreme eco-zones in Earth Explorers.

In Lego Travel Adventure, young creators will create vehicles of all shapes and sizes that will drive, fly, or float through exotic terrains. Suit-up as a pilot, ship captain, or racecar driver to find inspiration for your vehicle or check-out a display of vehicles made from LEGO bricks, including: a spaceship, boat, motorcycle, and more. Build a vehicle with pieces from popular LEGO sets, take a photo with a kid-sized racecar made from LEGO® Duplo® blocks, and take the “Travel Challenge” to build a virtual LEGO vehicle that will travel through lava, swamps, rivers, and oceans.

LEGO Travel Adventure also features creations by LEGO Master Builders including recreations of the driving of the Gold Spike in the Transcontinental Railroad, the building of the first Model T, the Wright Brothers flight at Kitty Hawk, and an ocean liner. The exhibit also features a diorama of the Travel Adventure Vehicle (TAV) – a vehicle designed to travel across land, water, and through the air.

Age-appropriate build tables featuring parts and pieces from popular LEGO sets are available in the exhibit for children to create their own vehicles. Visitors are also invited to take photos of their exhibit creations to email to their friends.

The adventure continues as guests explore some of the wildest places on the planet in National Geographic Presents: Earth Explorers. Follow some of National Geographic’s explorers through this family-friendly exhibit to research some of the most extreme eco-zones on earth including polar regions, oceans, mountains and caves, rain forests, and the African Savanna. Adventurers will discover new species, study animal behavior, and learn how technology plays an important role in the exciting discoveries.

Explorers will also test their ability to live in an ice-covered world while exploring an arctic cabin, dive into the ocean with a 3-D submersible to learn about life forms living deep beneath the surface, and identify insects from the Amazon while trekking through the largest rainforest in the world during this interactive exhibit.

Each of the six areas in Earth Explorers feature a unique interactive digital experience that utilizes an advanced technology to bring animals inside the exhibit to life.

Doors open to the public on January 17, 2015. LEGO Travel Adventure and National Geographic Presents: Earth Explorers are both included in general admission fees. Tickets can be purchased at Discovery Cube OC or online at http://www.discoverycube.org/oc/. General admissions prices are as follows: adult ($16.95), senior ($12.95), and children ages 3-14 ($12.95).

LEGO Travel Adventure is the second in a series of traveling exhibits to be produced by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in conjunction with LEGO Systems, Inc. The previous exhibit, LEGO® Castle Adventure debuted at The Children’s’ Museum of Indianapolis in 2009, and will travel to museums and science centers throughout the United States for a five year period. Additional LEGO exhibits are planned for the future.

This is not a sponsored post. I was provided with images and information about these amazing exhibits to share with my readers.

The Fresh Beat Band’s Greatest Hits Live Concert is Coming to Anaheim on February 16 & I’m Giving Away Two Family 4-Packs of Tickets!

January 14, 2015 / Entertainment, Lifestyle, Music, Orange County

The Fresh Beat Band, Nickelodeon’s music group and stars of the Emmy Award-winning preschool series of the same name, is back on the road for a nationwide concert tour traveling to nearly 40 cities. The Fresh Beat Band Greatest Hits Live, presented by Nickelodeon, is a concert for the whole family with high-energy performances, captivating visuals and fun interactive surprises. The Fresh Beat Band will be performing live at the City National Grove of Anaheim on Monday, February 16th at 11:30 am and 3:30 pm!

Emily and I got to see The Fresh Beat Band last year and we had the best time! They are so much fun to sing and dance along with at your seat!

The show features a new set list that includes fan favorites “Bananas“(As you can see, it’s one of our favorite songs), “A Friend Like You”, and a remixed version of “Great Day”, plus the pop classic, “Walk Like An Egyptian”, and new songs like “Every Pirate Has to Dance”.

Here’s a sneak peek of their concert:

The Fresh Beat Band Greatest Hits Live set list includes:

The Fresh Beat Band Theme Song
DJ Get the Party Started
Walk Like an Egyptian
Music Keeps Me Movin’
A Friend Like You
Every Pirate Has to Dance
Spin Around
The Fresh Beat Band of Spies Theme Song
Here We Go
We Got the Beat
I Can Do Anything
Reach for the Sky
Freeze Dance
Shine (Acoustic)
Here for You
Bananas
Rockstar
Great Day (Remix)

We love to “Freeze Dance”!

Kids will have an opportunity to see and interact with their favorite rock stars–Kiki (Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer), Marina (Tara Perry), Twist (Jon Beavers), and Shout (Thomas Hobson). Tickets, along with Fresh Beat Band VIP packages with meet and greets, are available at http://www.freshbeatbandlive.com and http://www.ticketmaster.com.

Some other exciting news for Fresh Beat Band fans is Nickelodeon is currently in production on Fresh Beat Band of Spies, a brand-new animated preschool series based on the hit live-action show, The Fresh Beat Band. In the new series, Kiki (Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer), Marina (Tara Perry), Twist (Jon Beavers) and Shout (Thomas Hobson) are bandmates and also undercover spies. The pop band uses their individual talents and the coolest transforming spy gadgets to outwit a goofy cast of bad guys and solve wild and wacky mysteries. The series, which teaches problem-solving to preschoolers, is created by Nadine van der Velde and Scott Kraft (The Fresh Beat Band). Fresh Beat Band of Spies will premiere in 2015.

The Fresh Beat Band soundtracks – The Fresh Beat Band: Music From The Hit TV Show and The Fresh Beat Band: More Music From The Hit TV Show Vol 2.0 – are currently available on iTunes and in stores everywhere. For more information, visit the tour website at http://www.freshbeatbandlive.com and for Fresh Beat activities and fun go to http://www.nickjr.com/the-fresh-beat-band/.

So……who’s ready to win some tickets to see The Fresh Beat Band Greatest Hits Live on February 16 at City National Grove in Anaheim? Emi and I will be there that day since we’re such big Fresh Beat Band-ers and I’m giving away two Family 4-packs of tickets to 2 of my lucky readers! I’ll be choosing one winner for the 11:30 a.m. show and one winner for the 3:30 show! How awesome is that? Just enter below in the Rafflecopter for the show that you want to attend! Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tickets available at the City National Grove of Anaheim box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at (213) 480-3232 or (714) 740-2000. All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. A service charge is added to each ticket price.

Disclosure: I will be receiving tickets to this event. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own. Some of the Fresh Beat Band images provided for use in this post with permission. Prize will be fulfilled by sponsor.

Knott’s is Teaming Up with Susan G. Komen Orange County and Going Pink For the Cure! #KnottsPink

January 14, 2015 / Knott's, Orange County, SoCal Fun, Travel

I was invited to attend this wonderful media event at Knott’s and provided with a ticket for my admission. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

I was so honored to be invited to attend a press conference at Knott’s Berry Farm recently, to learn more about a very special partnership between Knott’s and Susan G. Komen Orange County. Susan G. Komen Orange County is a local breast health organization which helps to serve women and men who are in need of breast health care and services, but do not have access to them financially. This is the second year in a row they are teaming up in a wonderful collaborative effort to help raise money for a very important cause. In 2014, they raised nearly $100,000 for the cause. That’s an amazing number and they’re hoping to raise even more in 2015!

From now through March 31, Knott’s Berry Farm is offering a special “Pink Ticket”, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen Orange County. Knott’s limited edition, specially designed “pink merchandise” is also available for sale at select locations in the park. These proceeds help fund breast health services and research and also help promote breast health awareness.

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

Breast cancer detection and treatment education
Information and support for breast cancer survivors and families
Funding for free mammograms for uninsured and underserved women

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

I love this! It’s right at the entryway inside Knott’s.

The press conference featured speakers that shared real statistics and real stories about breast cancer. 1 in 8 women will be affected by breast cancer! That is a very scary statistic! (Men can also affected by breast cancer) What was even scarier hearing a related statistic about Latina women. The reality is that there are a great number of Latina women who don’t have access to breast health care and services, so, because of this, they are being diagnosed with breast cancer at much later stages than white women. This partnership is helping to provide a mobile mammography unit to the surrounding Latino community and get these women the services they need.

A big highlight of the event for me was getting to hear my beautiful friend Jaime Jenkins, speak about her own story. Jaime is also a blogger, which is how I met her. She is a wife and a mother of 2 young children. After she attended the Knott’s For the Pink event in 2014, Jaime felt her own lumps in her breasts, went in to have them checked, and was diagnosed 2 weeks later. Jaime is living with stage 4 cancer and she has had the most positive attitude about her entire experience, even though it’s been a very tough one. She’s leaned on her wonderful husband, children and her family, her friends and I know her faith has played a big part in what has kept her so strong and positive. Jaime constantly expresses gratitude for everything and truly lives life to the fullest, appreciating every little thing. I admire her in a HUGE way!

She definitely greets each day with joy! I love her!

After the breakfast and presentations came to a close, everyone followed Snoopy and Lucy over to Fiesta Village to watch all of the incredible breast cancer warriors ride Jaguar together. When they asked if I’d ride it with them, to help fill up the back of the car, I didn’t hesitate.

All of the breast cancer warriors riding Jaguar! (photo credit: Westcoaster)

All of these women have overcome so much and to see pictures of them all together, brought a smile to my face. If you look at the smile on Jaime’s face as she rides in the front, you should know that she’s like that ALL THE TIME!

Jaime’s smile is infectious! (photo credit: OC Latina Moms)

If you ever get the chance to meet Jaime, you’ll be able to feel her positive vibes, the minute you say “hi” to her and there won’t be a handshake, it’ll be a BIG hug! She’s the best hugger ever! She’s truly an inspiration to everyone around her and so much fun to hang out with!

(photo credit: Knott’s)

I hope you’ll consider making a trip down to Knott’s for a fun-filled day sometime between now and March 27th and purchase your own “pink ticket” to support this great partnership between Knott’s and Susan G. Komen Orange County!

Knott’s Berry Farm Serves Starbucks! Did I Mention the Boysenberry Lattes?

January 13, 2015 / Knott's, Orange County, SoCal Fun, Travel

The other day when I was at Knott’s, I overheard a woman asking her friend if she’d tried a Boysenberry Latte yet? I couldn’t help but stick my nose into the conversation at that point, because anything boysenberry is pretty much my kryptonite!

Yep, I have a few weak spots and one of them is definitely boysenberry. The woman pointed me in the direction of the Boardwalk area and told me to look for the Gourmet Coffee Hut!

I made my way over there in quite a hurry. It was drizzling on and off so this was the perfect day for something hot. When I looked up at the menu board I then realized they were serving Starbucks! It was like a dream! This wasn’t just brewed Starbucks, there were actual lattes and cappuccinos and mochas on the menu!

I was beaming from ear to ear when I ordered my “venti, non-fat Boysenberry latte WITH whipped cream“! I know the lady who took my order probably thought I nuts, too! (especially when I asked her to leave the top off so I could take a picture of it before it got smashed with the lid!)

Oh and it smelled SOOOOO good!

As I walked away from the window with my boysenberry latte in hand, I turned and just gazed back at the Gourmet Coffee Hut as I took my first sip!

It was heavenly! I walked along the Boardwalk, slowly sipping on my boysenberry latte. I can’t tell you how many other park guests stopped me to ask where I’d found Starbucks in the park! I felt like it was necessary to let each and every one of those guests know about it being a BOYSENBERRY latte and watched their eyes lit up as big as mine had, when I found out those even existed!

The Starbucks Boysenberry Lattes are just another thing I love about Knott’s Berry Farm! I suggest you get over there to try one soon! (like ASAP)

Orange County Ronald McDonald House Celebrates 25 Years of “Keeping Families Together”!

January 11, 2015 / Lifestyle, Orange County

I was honored when I received an invitation to spend an afternoon at the Orange County Ronald McDonald House with a small group of bloggers. I have known several families who have stayed there over the years and had heard many wonderful things about it and how much it helped these families during their most critical times, when worrying about something like where to sleep was the least of their concerns. The Orange County Ronald McDonald house, a program of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California, provides a home-away-from-home for families with critically-ill children.

Each and every Ronald McDonald house is located within a close proximity of a world class children’s hospital. The Orange County location is located in the city of Orange, very close the CHOC. Nearly 80% of families at the house have children being treated at CHOC, while the remaining families have children at UCI Medical center and other nearby medical facilities.

Our group got to spend some time listening to a remarkable young mother speak about her current experience staying at the house. She has a 4 month old infant son that was born in need of immediate 24 hour hospital care and while her little boy is being treated at CHOC, she is residing at The Orange County Ronald McDonald House. Her story was such an emotional one and really brought us all to tears right along with her, as she spoke. Hearing about all that the house has done for her made me happy for her, even though I know she is going through so much in this fight to be there for her son.

The tour of house gave us a little more insight about what goes on there and how it all works. It’s amazing to know a place like Ronald McDonald house exists for families. In a time where a family’s entire world has been turned upside-down, they have this huge resource to fall back on with very little asked in return. Having that security is something that can help keep a family together and able to support each other, rather than worrying about their own basic needs at a time when they just can’t.

Every family staying at the house has their own private room, which is a family-sized suite. Throughout the house, there are several communal areas for families to interact with staff and others staying there. There’s a kitchen, a dining room, family room, a playroom, a TV room, a sanctuary, and an outdoor patio area in the backyard. Each of these areas is very warm and inviting. Guests staying at the house also have access to computers and internet, as well as laundry facilities. There are 2 meals and snacks that are prepared daily in the kitchen for guests staying there. They also have access to the amazing kitchen to prepare their own food. Staff is available at the house, 24 hours a day, to help guests with anything they might need, which many times is emotional support.

Here are just a few facts about the Orange County Ronald McDonald house:

The 20-room House is 12,500 sq. feet and opened in November 1989.
It just celebrated 25 years of helping families with critically ill children to stay together and be close by.
The House also operates 2 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms inside CHOC in Orange and CHOC in Mission Viejo. These rooms provide a place for for families to rest and relax inside the hospital, close to where their child is being treated.
The Orange County Ronald McDonald House also has the ability to provide families with rooms in hotels that are close by, when the house is at capacity. These families stay in the hotel at night but are included in the meals and activities at Ronald McDonald house. The funds for the hotel stays are made possible through donations.
There are plans to add on an addition to The Orange County Ronald McDonald House sometime within the next 5 years, using the lot adjacent to the property. This could provide housing for a lot more families, for which there is already a huge need.

The day we were visiting the house, there was a large group of ladies who had signed up to volunteer in the kitchen that day. They were cooking up a big batch of baked goods to leave out for the guests in the house. I’ve always wanted to sign up to volunteer in the house’s kitchen with a big group of friends. It seems like a very rewarding experience, knowing you’re cooking a meal or a snack for the guests in the house.

The Orange County Ronald McDonald house has many volunteer opportunities available and also accepts donations to help with the costs of everything they’re doing to help families in need. Click here for more information about how to volunteer in the house or to donate. To learn more about the house and Ronald McDonald Charities, click here.

It was such a privilege to be able to spend an afternoon in The Ronald McDonald House Orange County. Everyone there was so nice and before we left they sent each of us home with a snuggly red blanket that has the logo on it that’s recognized internationally. It’s really comfy to use when I’m home on my couch and it will always remember of my time at the house.

Newport Beach Welcomes Hälth Spa, A Natural Healthcare Boutique and Destination

January 10, 2015 / Beauty, Beauty & Pampering, Lifestyle, Orange County

Orange County residents can now enjoy natural luxury spa treatments that are completely free of harmful toxins. Hälth Spa, a natural beauty boutique and destination that specializes in natural nails using 5 free polishes and natural mineral make-up services will open this month across from the Eastbluff Village. Hälth Spa is a family and eco-friendly environment and philanthropic boutique with fair trade and vegan friendly products.

Join Hälth Spa for its Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, January 17th from 11am to 5pm, 2503 Eastbluff Drive, Suite 204, Newport Beach. Free manicure polish changes for adults and nail stenciling for kids, special offers and much more.

The serene and luxurious rustic European environment of Hälth Spa is unlike typical nail and beauty salons. Hälth Spa uses only luxurious, non-toxic products to ensure the health, happiness, and well-being of its customers and employees.

With Hälth Spa, there’s even a kids room where children can play, snack on healthy vegan treats, and get their own nails done with kid friendly Piggy-Paint polish, while their parents are enjoying a spa treatment.

Hälth Spa founders, Heather Joseph and Suzy Alan, are deeply committed to integrating sustainable and responsible practices into all that they do and to helping philanthropic causes, both locally and globally. They are passionate about their responsibility to help others, especially children (the next generation of hälth-ë thinkers).

In addition to featuring products such as Feed and Chavez for Charity, that benefit worthy causes around the world in the Hälth Spa global boutique, Hälth Spa will dedicate 3% of all Hälth Spa branded products to local charities. Hälth Spa will also hold special events and offers to benefit local and global charities.

Hälth Spa will be open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am to 7pm & Sunday from 11am to 5pm. To make an appointment, please call: (949)-612-7038

For more information please visit: http://www.halthspa.com To stay up to date on Hälth Spa news and events, and win free services and products go to https://www.facebook.com/halthspa

This is not a sponsored post. I was provided with information to share with my readers. All opinions are 100% my own.

J. Jill Now Open at The Shops at Mission Viejo!

January 3, 2015 / Lifestyle, Shopping

Disclosure: I was invited to attend a media preview of the new J. Jill Store in The Shops at Mission Viejo and provided with a new “look” for me. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own. I love when the cooler weather shows up here in Southern California, which doesn’t always happen. I think this year is my year to take full advantage of a real winter though. When I was recently invited to attend a special event for the grand opening of the newest J. Jill store at The Shops at Mission Viejo, I couldn’t resist. I love the soft, fuzzy, comfy collections shown in their catalog and was excited for a chance to peek inside the new store and have some fun trying on some fun pieces in the dressing room!

When you first walk into the store, you won’t know what to touch first. There are so many soft sweaters and scarves, in beautiful colors and patterns. There are even chenille blankets! I couldn’t keep my hands off of them!

What I liked that the store is set up so that it’s easy to put together different looks by just grabbing a few pieces and mixing them up. You can create totally different looks each day with just a few basic pieces that are interchanged.

I loved the simplicity of being able to put on one of their solid tanks underneath any sweater or top I tried on and then pair it with some of their leggings or jeggings.

The Wearever collection are pieces are soft, knit pieces that are easy to care for and are virtually wrinkle-free. It’s especially perfect for women who travel.

I think I fell in love with this red Hailey Peacoat! I think every woman should have one of these in their closet, don’t you?

I had so much fun trying on all of these comfy pieces in the dressing room and snapped a few selfies of some of my favorite sweaters! I especially loved the sparkly necklaces that are paired with the black sweater. That’s actually the look I chose to take home.

Something else I learned about the company when I was at this event was about the J. Jill Compassion Fund. This fund is set up to provide support to community-based organizations that help disadvantaged and homeless women become self-sufficient. J. Jill recently donated $2,000 to their Compassion Fund partner, Laura’s House, which is an organization local to this newest J. Jill store location. The J. Jill Compassion Fund has donated over $6 million to over 60 organizations across the county since 2002. Wow!

J. Jill clothes are fashionable, high quality pieces and are perfect for moms like me who are always on the go. I am so happy there’s a J. Jill store in “my mall” now because I can go back and shop anytime I want to!

Connect with J.Jill on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

“Kids in the Kitchen” Cooking Class at Renaissance ClubSport in Aliso Viejo

December 31, 2014 / Lifestyle, Orange County

Emi and I were recently invited to attend a super fun kids event at Renaissance ClubSport. Located in Aliso Viejo, the club is Orange County’s premier health club. The club holds monthly “Kids in the Kitchen” cooking classes, designed for children ages 3 to 12, as part of their Kids’ World program. Classes and are taught by the club’s Executive Sous Chef and Sous Chef. Children in attendance got to experience a hands-on cooking lesson, in a small group setting. My daughter loved learning how to prepare apple turnovers and some very special chocolate chip cookies. She also enjoyed getting to use her hands to mix the ingredients. It was something exciting and different than just using an electric mixer, like we do at home.

Since we are so fortunate to have great winter weather here in Southern California, the class was held poolside. While the children were waiting for their culinary creations to bake in the club’s kitchen, they got to enjoy listening to a story and color with friends in a cabana.

When the Sous Chef brought out the children’s finished products, I could tell how proud Emily was to show me hers. She was anxious to eat them but knew that first I needed to snap a pic!

Renaissance ClubSport in Aliso Viejo is a super facility, built around a fitness center, which also includes a hotel, restaurant, sports bar, conference room, boutique, pool, and water slide area. We also received a brief tour of the entire Kids’ World area of the club, which is its own enclosed facility within the club. It’s a safe stimulating childcare environment for children 6 weeks-12 years old. There are so many fun activity choices for children with inside and outside areas to play.

All Renaissance ClubSport family members receive three hours of complimentary Kids World childcare per day, which means you have plenty of time to work out, enjoy lunch, or indulge in a spa treatment. Childcare is also available to hotel guests for a nominal fee while parents are on the premises. For more information about Renaissance ClubSport Kids World, click here.

Thanks for having us, Renaissance! We hope to come back again for some more fun at your club!

Connect with Renaissance ClubSport here and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

Ring in The New Year With Family Friendly Fun at Knott’s! #KnottsNYE

December 18, 2014 / Knott's, Orange County, SoCal Fun

Disclosure: I was invited by GigaSavvy to spend New Year’s Eve at Knott’s this year with my family. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

I cannot believe that it’s almost 2015! Where has the time gone this year? I love the holiday season and have been fortunate enough to fit in a ton of holiday activities this season. With it being the week before Christmas, I’m also already planning for New Year’s Eve! This year, our family is going to spend New Year’s Eve at Knott’s and I think you should too! Put on your party hats and get ready to ring in the New Year at Knott’s family-friendly New Year’s Eve event that offers something for everyone! Knott’s is a fun and safe options for families who want to ring in the New Year together.

Extended park hours (from 10 a.m. until 1 a.m.!), live entertainment, and a fireworks display are all included in the price of regular park admission! And if you have a 2015 Season Pass the value is even better, because each 2015 Season Pass includes one FREE visit in 2014 that can be used on New Year’s Eve! There’s still time to purchase Knott’s 2015 Season Passes (have you seen how low they’re priced at?) which also include a visit in 2014, and you could also use that 2014 visit for New Year’s Eve at Knott’s!

So what are YOUR plans for New Year’s Eve this year? Why not head over to Knott’s?