Easter is almost here and for families like ours, the season isn’t complete without a trip to the Shops at Mission Viejo to take photos with The Easter Bunny! It’s an annual tradition for us.
Guests can visit the Bunny at The Shops at Mission Viejo now through Saturday, March 26. The Bunny is located on the lower level, near Nordstrom. (Just look for the adorable garden setting that he sits in.) 
We actually reserved a spot with The Bunny online before heading over. It was so convenient and helped alleviate some of the wait time. Reserving a spot ahead of time is optional and guests may visit The Bunny anytime. To reserve your spot with The Bunny, click here. 
We love The Bunny at The Shops at Mission Viejo because he’s very interactive with all of the kids and we saw him waving to children in the mall when he wasn’t busy.. My daughter likes that he wears glasses, just like she does! 
The Bunny at “our mall” is also really fun and after we finished taking the photos for our package, he took a couple of extra fun ones with us. 
Noerr Programs runs the Bunny Photos and offers several options for photo packages available for purchase. It’s really easy to select your favorite pose and have them printed out in a package, right on the spot. 
Have you visited The Bunny yet? If not, you’ve still got a little bit of time left but make sure to get there before March 26 cause he’ll be hopping away after that!
The Shops at Mission Viejo
Six New Retailers to Join 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
Kidgits Boo Bash on 10/24 and Trick or Treating on Halloween at The Shops at Mission Viejo! @ShopsMV
Spiders, bats, black cats and more… Let’s see what Halloween has in store! Your favorite little ghosts and goblins are invited to The Shops at Mission Viejo for a fun and safe event at the Boo Bash on Saturday, October 24. Children of all ages are encouraged to sport their best Halloween costume to haunt The Shops at Mission Viejo in search of Halloween fun.
The Shops at Mission Viejo Halloween event, presented by the Simon Kidgits Club, takes place from 10a.m. to noon on the Lower Level, near H&M and Old Navy. You can join in on Halloween themed crafts, giveaways, and more. Get ready for spells and potions at an entertaining magic show from magicIAN, which starts at 10:30 a.m.
Families are also invited to return to The Shops at Mission Viejo for trick-or-treating at participating retailers on Saturday, October 31 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., though hours vary by retailer. Here is a list of participating retailers:
Mall Trick or Treating is from 10am to 7pm, on October 31. Here is a list of participating Retailers:
APEX by SUNGLASS HUT—- Candy
BANDEX WATCHES—- Candy
BEAUTY POINT—- Hair Serum
BRIGHTON COLLECTABLES—- Candy
BUILD-A-BEAR—- Candy
CARLTON HAIR—- Candy
THE CHILDREN”S PLACE—- Tattoos and Stickers
DESTINATION MATERNITY—- Candy
FARRELL’S ICE CREAM PARLOUR—- Candy
FAST FIX JEWELRY AND WATCH REPAIR—- Candy
FASHION NAILS—- Candy
FIRST CUTS 4 KIDS—- Candy
FRANCESCA’S COLLECTIONS—- Candy
GYMBOREE—- Stickers
IRENE’S STORY—- Candy
JANIE & JACK—- Stickers
LONDON COIN GALLERIES—- Foreign Coins and Candy
LUCKY BRAND CLOTHING—- Candy
LULU BELLA BOUTIQUE—- Candy
MICROSOFT—- Candy
MUSCLE BEACH—- Candy
OPTIMUS TOYS—- Candy
OPTOMETRY AT THE SHOPS—- Candy
RUBY’S DINER—- Candy
POTTERY BARN KIDS—- Goodies
SEE’S CANDY—- Candy
SKETCHERS—- Candy
SKIN 63—- Candy
STARBUCKS—- Candy
SWEET FACTORY—- Candy
TEAVANA—- Tea if in Costume
TOMMY BAHAMA—- Candy
TRUFFLE CAKE CO. —- Candy
THE WALKING COMPANY—- Candy
Guests can stop by Guest Services to pick up a flyer with specific store participation and information on candy distribution times of retailers.
Note: Toy weapons and costumes should be worn only during event hours and masks are allowed only on children 12 years old and younger.
Connect with The Shops at Mission Viejo on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
About Simon Kidgits Club:
The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3-8. The Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused for over a decade with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards and games.
This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own.
The Shops at Mission Viejo, Glamour, and GQ Invite You to “Make a Date With Style” at “LOOKBOOK LIVE” This Spring!
The Shops at Mission Viejo invited you to ‘Make A Date With Style’ at LOOKBOOK Live, a spring fashion event taking place on Saturday, April 18 from noon to 5 p.m., on the lower level near Nordstrom. In collaboration with Glamour and GQ magazines. LOOKBOOK Live translates spring’s hottest fashion trends from the runway into real life styles, and shares where to shop for the looks you love – in the place where you love to shop. LOOKBOOK Live kicks off with eight pages of spring fashion trends in Glamour and GQ’s April issues and continues online at simon.com/lookbooklive with his-and-hers in-depth videos on how to wear spring’s best styles.
The LOOKBOOK Live Event Series will bring the best of spring fashion to The Shops at Mission Viejo, providing shoppers with one-on-one interactions and consultations with style experts, along with:
- Stage Events: Style experts from Glamour and GQ will showcase and discuss fashions worn by male and female models.
- Style Closets: Date-themed closets will feature his-and-her styles for different spring dates and occasions. Professional stylists will be on hand to help shoppers interpret which looks best fit their lifestyles, body types and budgets.
- Beauty Stations: Complimentary beauty and grooming touch-ups, tailored to the different style closets, will have shoppers date-ready in a flash.
- Style Challenges: Engaging activities held every hour that will challenge shoppers to pack a suitcase with their style picks for a selected destination. Style experts will choose the winning suitcases and winners will receive gift card prizes.
- Shop This Look: “Shop This Look” digital trend cards will be filled out on tablets by the style experts and emailed to shoppers so they can reference them via their mobile devices as they shop. Additionally, a special Gift With Purchase promotion on event day will reward shoppers who purchase their favorite looks at The Shops at Mission Viejo.
- Photo Booth: Snap a shot with your boyfriend, girlfriend or BFF and share on social media, or print and take it home as a style souvenir.
- Enter for a Chance to Win a $2,500 Shopping Spree: Shoppers who post a photo of their favorite spring look, inspired by these trends, to Twitter or Instagram using both #foundatsimon and #gqglamourcontestentry will be entered to win a $2,500 Simon shopping spree.
A special invitation-only VIP welcome lounge will be available during the LOOKBOOK Live event to local insiders, media and VIP guests, featuring light bites, refreshments and special access to tour the style and beauty stations.
During LOOKBOOK Live, The Shops at Mission Viejo will partner with Mission Hospital to honor four breast cancer survivors with a new head-to-toe look, including an outfit, hair and makeup makeover, courtesy of the center.
The presentation is meant to bring awareness to the 13th annual Think Pink Breast Health Wall of Honor that will be displayed this October at The Shops at Mission Viejo. Each year, shoppers have the opportunity to honor or remember a loved one by donating $25 to place a hand-written card on the Wall of Honor. Donations to underwrite the cost of a mammogram or diagnostic procedure ($100) for someone who could not otherwise afford it, are also encouraged.
Connect with The Shops at Mission Viejo on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Bunny Has Arrived at OC Simon Malls! Caring Bunny™ and Simon Kidgits Club Easter Events Are Coming, Too!
Spring has sprung! It’s my favorite time! One of the things that my daughtger and I enjoy doing together each spring is to go shopping for a special, new dress and then to visit the Bunny at The Shops at Mission Viejo for an annual photo! I love looking back at the photos from years past!
The Bunny Photo Experience begins this year at Brea Mall and The Shops at Mission Viejo on March 7 and on March 14 at the Westminster Mall. It runs through April 4 at all 3 Orange County Simon Mall locations. The Bunny Photo Experience gives children the chance to visit with the Bunny and take home a treasured snapshot of the fun occasion. The presenting sponsor for 2015 is Gymboree.
Hop on over for Bunny photos to the following locations:
- Brea Mall: Begins Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and runs through Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the lower level near the JCPenney win. For a full list of dates and times, click here.
- Westminster Mall: Begins Saturday, March 14 at 10 a.m. and runs through Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m. in Macy’s Court. For the full list of dates and times, click here.
- The Shops at Mission Viejo: Begins March 7 and runs through April 4 on the lower level near Nordstrom. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For the full list of dates and times, click here.
Save time and avoid the line with Bunny by Appointment! Now you can reserve your magical moment with Bunny online at http://simon.noerrbunny.com
In addition to regular mall hours for Bunny photos, Simon’s Caring Bunny™ event will offer families that have children with special needs a subdued environment to participate in the Bunny Photo Experience. Caring Bunny has been developed by Simon and is guided by AbilityPath.org, a national online resource hub and special needs community. Over 90 Simon properties will host the Caring Bunny this season. Promotional assistance for Caring Bunny has been provided by Autism Speaks.
The Caring Bunny program will be offered at Westminster Mall on Sunday, March 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Bunny Photo Experience. Many steps will be taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comforting environment for the children’s cherished visit with the Bunny. Reservations are required and can be made here for the Westminster Mall Caring Bunny event.
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.
Kidgits Club Easter Events
The Simon Kidgits Club® will also host special events, where kids can participate in various Easter activities and games. Participants will receive a special Easter keepsake to take home.
The egg-citing celebrations will take place at the following centers:
- Brea Mall: Hosting Kidgits Easter Hop Into Spring event on March 14 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Bunny Photo Experience set, on the lower level near JCPenney.
- Westminster Mall: Hosting Kidgits Eggcellent Easter Extravaganza event on March 28 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Target Court.
- The Shops at Mission Viejo: Hosting Kidgits Easter Eggstravaganza event on March 21 from 10 a.m. to noon on the lower level near Old Navy and H & M, where kids can participate in various activities, and spring-themed crafts, including special entertainment by Nick The Music Man and Jen The Fairy Dancer at 10:45 a.m.
The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children agees 3-8. The Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused for over a decade with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards, and games.
For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club, visit http://www.simon.com/kidgits/.
*some images provided by Simon.
Orange County Simon Malls Will Make Books Come to Life at Their Annual Simon Kidgits Club Book Blast Event on February 28!
On Saturday, February 28, the Simon Kidgits Club® at Brea Mall, Westminster Mall and The Shops at Mission Viejo are welcoming families to experience the magic of reading at the mall. Each of these Orange County Simon® malls is hosting an annual Book Blast event and inviting parents and children to bring books to life through special read-aloud sessions, giveaways and story-inspired activities. The events will be taking place at the following times and locations:
- The Shops at Mission Viejo: Event runs from 10 a.m. to noon on the center’s upper level near the Play Area. Book Blast event activities will kick off with an exciting read-aloud session of the “Olivia” book series, followed by a character appearance from “Olivia” herself, who will pose for photos with families. Children’s crafts and special retailer activities will be available as well.
- Westminster Mall: Event runs from 10 a.m. to noon on the center’s lower level in Target Court.
- Brea Mall: Event runs from noon to 2 p.m. in Center Court.
Simon is also teaming up with Better World Books to provide Kidgits Club members who attend the event with a pre-loved book and Kidgits seat cushion to take home, while supplies last. In addition, families are encouraged to bring a gently used book to the event at The Shops at Mission Viejo, to be donated to a local charity.
Simon Kidgits Club’s Book Blast will provide families the chance to make reading a fun, social experience with various kid-focused offerings. Book Blast event activities will kick off with an exciting read-aloud session presented by surprise guests from the community.
The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3-8. Since 2003, the Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards and games. Kidgits Club members receive a variety of goodies, including a Kidgits Club T-shirt, membership card, birthday card and gift, discounts and scheduled activities. For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club, click here.
J. Jill Now Open at The Shops at Mission Viejo!
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!
The Beautifully Updated Dining Pavilion at The Shops at Mission Viejo Isn’t Called a “Food Court” Anymore!
Dislcosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own!
A few months ago when I was walking around “My Mall”, The Shops at Mission Viejo, I noticed some changes going on in the area formerly known as “the Food Court”. I got really excited when I saw signs posted indicating that some stylish changes were happening to the area, transforming it into a “Dining Pavilion”! I love anything stylish and I LOVED that it was getting the new, more grown-up name “Dining Pavilion”, too!
This was just a rendering of how the space was intended to look but I swear I see myself sitting back there! (the one on her cell phone)
Renovations to the former food court began in August. Some of the features of the updated dining pavilion include a new layout, tile, furniture, and some new vendors, including a Starbucks!!! (coming soon) Meant to enhance the customer dining experience at the center, The Shops at Mission Viejo’s upgraded Dining Pavilion includes a color palette of warm, brown, and wood tones, accented by mosaic tiles and neutral tones that complement the darker wood details. Fresh orange and lime-colored furniture play off of the wood tones, displaying a contemporary and clean style. In addition to new flooring and lighting, the Dining Pavilion also showcases a more open layout that improves the flow of traffic and visibility throughout the dining area. Additional highlights include high bar top counters and electronic charging stations designed so guests can work on their laptops or charge their phones while they eat. Other touches include communal tables big enough to accommodate large families or groups wanting to sit together, which is helpful for large parties or birthdays, common for the family-oriented Shops at Mission Viejo. The entire area now displays a clean, contemporary look to complement the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired style of the mall’s overall architecture.
On Saturday, December 6, I attended the public Dining Pavilion Celebration to celebrate all of these wonderful changes.It was an all day event that featured festive holiday music including live entertainment, a face painter and a balloon artist. The first 250 guests at the event received swag bags filled with retailer goodies and food coupons. Giveaways were also held every hour during the event. Mall shoppers enjoyed samples and special offers from Dining Pavilion eateries, which included Blaze Pizza, Charley’s Grilled Subs, Great Khan’s, Muscle Beach Lemonade & Hot Dogs, Panda Express, Paradise Bakery & Café, Rubios Baja Grill, Ruby Thai, Sarku Japan, and Smashburger.
I really love the finished look of how the entire space turned out. I love how open and how bright it is with natural lighting coming from the ceiling area. The couches set up with a coffee table in between them allow for families to gather and have an intimate conversation while enjoying some food and drinks. The comfy chairs provide resting areas for dads who don’t want to trek through the mall with their daughters who are on a shopping mission or even moms who are trying to grab a quick bite to eat while feeding their infants. The high bar top counters with barstools are welcoming for single shoppers or even a couple of girlfriends who are lunching in the middle of their day. It is just such a bright and cheery space now, more than it was before.
This is Emi’s new favorite spot to read in the mall!
Now let’s get back to the part where I mentioned a Starbucks coming soon though! Yep, it’s all very excited as The Shops at Mission Viejo is preparing for 700 square-foot standalone Starbucks with café-like seating! It’s set to join the center next year, on the upper level in the Dining Pavilion. I squealed in excitement when I saw the area where it’s going to be! It was almost like “my mall” gave me the best Christmas present ever, putting this sign under the tree! I cannot wait for Spring 2015 now!
Connect with The Shops at Mission Viejo on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram too!
Kidgits Holiday Event AND Updated Dining Pavilion Grand Opening Celebration at The Shops at Mission Viejo! #NewDiningPavilion
The Shops at Mission Viejo invites Orange County-area kids and parents to celebrate the season and spread holiday cheer at Simon Kidgits Club’s® annual Holiday Extravaganza!, on Saturday, December 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the lower level, near Forever 21, sponsored this season by the popular animated movie The Boxtrolls coming this holiday season on Digital HD from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.
The Shops at Mission Viejo will offer kids the chance to get festive while they venture above ground and transform everyday treasures into Holiday adventures during the Simon Kidgits Club Holiday Extravaganza! There will be plenty of holiday crafts and Boxtrolls activities including:
- Gift Box Creation – Upon arrival, kids will get a box where they can add their magic touches and decorate for the holidays. This is a perfect little treasure box to keep for themselves or to give to someone special this holiday season.
- Viewing – Watch a trailer from The Boxtrolls movie.
- Ornaments – Children will receive a snowflake ornament in which they can insert their favorite Boxtroll image or make their own and hang on heir tree.
- Letter to Santa – Kids can craft their wish list and deliver personally to Santa.
The Kidgits event will be followed up on December 6 with a celebration of the grand re-opening of the center’s updated Dining Pavilion. Renovations to the former food court began in August and will culminate in a public Dining Pavilion Celebration on Saturday, December 6. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Shoppers can get their fill of samples and special offers from Dining Pavilion eateries, which include Blaze Pizza, Charley’s Grilled Subs, Great Khan’s, Muscle Beach Lemonade & Hot Dogs, Panda Express, Paradise Bakery & Café, Rubios Baja Grill, Ruby Thai, Sarku Japan, and Smashburger. (In addition, The Shops at Mission Viejo is preparing for 700 square-foot standalone Starbucks with café-like seating, which is set to join the center next year, on the upper level in the Dining Pavilion. An additional food vendor is slated to be announced in 2015.) With festive holiday music playing throughout, the Dining Pavilion Celebration will also include live entertainment, a face painter and balloon artist. The first 250 guests will score swag bags filled with retailer goodies, while supplies last. Giveaways will be held every hour as well.
Did I also mention that The Shops at Mission Viejo management teams will also be bringing its holiday ‘Spread Love’ campaign to life on December 6 by surprising randomly selected shoppers with free Simon Giftcards®? The event will encourage the giving spirit of the holidays by offering the lucky shoppers two cards, one to keep and one to share with a fellow shopper. The Simon Giftcards will be distributed at random. I guess that means you should just walk up and down the mall all day, right?
So it looks like I’ll be seeing you all at “my mall” for these events, right? If you see me, come say “hi”!
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