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Westminster Mall

The Bunny Has Arrived at OC Simon Malls! Caring Bunny™ and Simon Kidgits Club Easter Events Are Coming, Too!

March 12, 2015 / Brea Mall, Family Fun, Lifestyle, Orange County, The Shops at Mission Viejo, Westminster Mall

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!

February 25, 2015 / Brea Mall, Family Fun, Lifestyle, Orange County, The Shops at Mission Viejo, Westminster Mall

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.

Annual Orchid Expo to Take Bloom at Westminster Mall February 13-15!

February 13, 2015 / Family Fun, Lifestyle, Orange County, Shopping, Westminster Mall

The Newport Harbor Orchid Society will host its 13th Annual Orchid Expo and Sale, this year themed “Orchids: Jewels of the Jungle,” February 13-15, at Westminster Mall.

The Expo, which is free and open to the public, will showcase thousands of high quality orchids in bloom from all over the world. Orchids are the largest family of flowering plants with over 35,000 known species and hybrids.

Without having to leave Southern California, show goers will be dazzled by the diversity and beauty of the orchids to be displayed by professional growers, area orchid societies, and individual hobbyists.

A large sales area will feature expert commercial growers who will be offering unique species and hybrids for sale. There will also be two potting workshops designed specifically for new growers, which are scheduled for Saturday, February 14, and Sunday, February 15. Registration is limited to the first 20 registrants for each class. To register, e-mail [email protected].

Judging of the plants will be conducted by accredited judges of the American Orchid Society and the Cymbidium Society of America, as well as by local society members. An exhibit of orchid art by members of the Westminster Mall’s Kidgits Club will also be on exhibit during the show.

Show admission and parking are free. Specific hours are as follows:

Friday February 13: 10am – 9pm
Saturday, February 14: 10am – 7pm
Sunday, February 15: 11am – 6pm

For more information visit http://www.nhosinfo.org/.

About The Newport Harbor Orchid Society:
Founded in 1979, the Newport Harbor Orchid Society has over 150 participating members who reside in Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside Counties. The organization’s primary mission is to foster the culture, cultivation, and conservation of orchids and to educate its members and the public about orchids. The society meets onthe third Tuesday of each month at the Neighborhood Community Center in Costa Mesa, 1845 Park Avenue. Guests and new members are welcome.

About Westminster Mall:
Westminster Mall is a modern shopping center that features some of the best names in retail including Macy’s, JC Penney, Sears, Target, Victoria’s Secret, PINK, Old Navy and more. In addition to more than 180 specialty stores with shops ranging from teen apparel to shoes to women’s apparel and jewelry, Westminster Mall also features exciting dining destinations such as Outback Steakhouse and TGI Fridays.In November 2008, Westminster Mall completed a multi-million dollar renovation. Included were brand new family restrooms, a first of its kind children’s fully soft play area, new interior and exterior directional signage. The entire lower level of the center was carpeted for guest’s shopping enjoyment and comfort. For a map and store listings, as well as directions, events and job listings, visit http://www.simon.com/mall/westminster-mall or call 714-898-2558.

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OC Simon Malls Will “Spread Love” By Giving Out Free Simon Giftcards to Select Shoppers! Get There!

December 5, 2014 / Lifestyle, Orange County

The Shops at Mission Viejo will be bringing to life its holiday ‘Spread Love’ campaign 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 by The Shops at Mission Viejo management teams.

“Our shoppers demonstrate time and again how generous they are by contributing to our local food and clothing drives, donating to Simon Youth Foundation®, and participating in our community events benefiting others,” said Patsy Sanquist, Director of Marketing and Business Development at The Shops at Mission Viejo. “On December 6, we want to say ‘thank you’ to our shoppers while tapping into that contagious spirit of generosity and encouraging Giftcard recipients to ‘Spread Love’ to other shoppers.”

So…who’s ready to head to the mall now? Will YOU be one of the lucky ones selected? How exciting is all of this?

Come Whip Up Some Fun with Kidgits Club’s Super Duper Lil’ Chefs at OC Simon Malls

May 15, 2014 / Uncategorized

Check out these upcoming family friendly events, Super Duper Lil Chefs, happening at Westminster Mall, Brea Mall and The Shops at Mission Viejo . The Simon Kidgits Club is dishing up a fun culinary experience for OC families to enjoy together. Pint-sized foodies will learn about the craft of cooking, with fun and educational food-inspired activities and giveaways. Kidgits Clubs crafts and activities are open to everyone, with members receiving premiums and giveaways.
Come whip up some fun with food at the following Simon Malls locations:
Westminster Mall: Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to noon in Target Court. Children can participate in cookie decorating and a teacup-balancing relay race.
Brea Mall: Saturday, May 24 from noon to 2 p.m. in Center Court. Children can make their own Sweet Treat Necklace and Pasta Art, as well as participate in Coloring Food Fun.
The Shops at Mission Viejo: Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to noon on the upper level, near the Children’s Play Area. Children can participate in cookie decorating and a teacup race.

The hands-on atmosphere of Simon Kidgits Club Super Duper Lil Chefs will engage both parents and children in exploring the endless imaginative possibilities of pairing creativity with cuisine. The event menu offers a variety of food-focused festivities ranging from cooking demonstrations to craft-making with meal items. The event is free and open to the public, however Simon Kidgits Club Members will receive a free Kidgits pizza plate and pizza cutter, while supplies last!
Please bring a non-perishable food item to the Westminster Mall and The Shops at Mission Viejo locations, to donate to a local hunger relief organization.
Additionally, Simon Kidgits Club® is teaming up with Lil Chefs presenting sponsor Warner Bros. Home Entertainment for the launch of Sophia Grace & Rosie’s Royal Adventure, coming to DVD, Blu-ray™ and Digital HD Tuesday, May 20. The super-cute, talented two-some of Sophia Grace and Rosie sang and danced their way to stardom on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and now families can see the little, lovable performers in their first original live-action movie. As part of the celebration, children can participate in a Tiara decorating craft.
“Simon Kidgits Club provides the community ongoing opportunities to enhance the shopping experience at Simon properties,” said Jayne Stilson, assistant vice president of business development for Simon Brand Ventures, the business-to-consumer division of Simon Property Group. “Lil Chefs events are designed to immerse families in discovering that enjoying food doesn’t have to be limited to meal time and make visiting the mall an even more memorable experience.”
The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3 to 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. Simon Kidgits Club programs have engaged more than 1.8 million parents and kids since its inception.
For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club and Simon Kidgits Club Super Duper Lil Chefs events, visit http://www.simon.com/kidgits.