Travel: Spring Break to Palm Springs, California | @PalmSpringsCA @RenaissancePS2

I recently shared tips about visiting the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with Kids.  As we were driving around Palm Springs, it reminded me a little of driving around LA with streets lined with palm trees.

(c) Let's Play OC!

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in the Winter with Kids | @PSTramway @PalmSpringsCA #SpringBreak

Waiting for the Tram (c) Let's Play OC!

 We've been wanting to take the kids to the snow this winter so last weekend we headed out to Palm Springs. It's almost a two hour drive from Orange County into the desert and located in the Inland Empire. Why a desert you may wonder? Because atop the mountains is this hidden gem called Mount San Jacinto State Park with a lush forest in the Summer and snow in the winter. Amazing!

2013 Easter Eggstravaganza @IrvineParkRR #Giveaway ends 3/10/13

Looking for a fun tradition to start with your munchkins? Next month kicks off Easter Egg Hunting Season at the Irvine Park Railroad. This is fun for the whole family or a fun play date.


Grab an Easter basket and let the Egg Hunt begin! It's not just for rabbits.

(c) Irvine Park Railroad

How to Enter a Rafflecopter Contest (with Screen Shots)

Do you know how to enter a Rafflecopter contest? If not, let me walk you through it. You can earn a few entries by just a few clicks and without having to enter in any additional information. You might want to know that even though some entries are optional, more entries = more chances of winning and some can be done daily for more entries. Easy right? Let's get started.

Step #1: Log in

You can log in via Facebook or log in using your email, but I like the Facebook option, because it's just one simple click, and it'll save you a few steps for the next entries. (NOTE: If you're already logged in, you won't see this box. You'll see Step #2.)

IMPORTANT: If you are using the Facebook log-in option, please make sure your email is updated on Facebook. If you win by "Liking" a Facebook Page entry, this email is the one we will use to notify you if you've won.

Step #2:  Click on
"Easy entry for all Let's Play OC! fans on Facebook [+3]"

This next step is super easy to earn a total of 3 entries. Note: depending on the Hosts, these numbers may vary. Let's do the first one. Click on "Easy entry for all Let's Play OC! fans on Facebook. [+3]"

Step #3:  CLICK the [Like] Button

If you're already following, the button should look grayed out as shown below.

Step #4:  CLICK the green [I'm a Fan!] Button

That's it! You just entered a giveaway with just 4 clicks!



Wasn't that super easy?? Tell me what you think.

Disclosure: I want all my readers to enter my giveaways so thought this would be a helpful way to teach them. All images (c) Let's Play OC! All opinions are my own.

NEW Big Air Tramopline Park! #LagunaHills @BigAirOC #Giveaway ends 3/17/13

How many of you know that there's a new trampoline park in Laguna Hills? Exciting right? You can thank me later. Just get out there and play!

(c) Big Air Trampoline Park

Moms Need TLC too | #NightofBeauty Fundraiser at Lotus Salon and Spa #Giveaway ends 3/10/13

This past Wednesday, I attended an exclusive "Night of Beauty" Fundraiser at Lotus Salon & Spa. I really believe Moms need to recharge on a regular basis so when I was invited and saw the list of services, I really wanted to go.

"Night of Beauty" 30-minute complimentary services included:

• Mini braid bar and blowouts
• Up-do styling
• Mini eyelash extentions
• Mini-facials
• Brow wax and shaping

NEW Scheduled Sensory Friendly Films by @AMCTheatres @AutismSociety

Thanks to AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society, families affected by autism and other disabilities can enjoy watching current movies which are sensory-friendly. They turn down the sound and brighten up the theater. What's also nice is there are no previews or advertisements, audience members can bring their own GFCF snacks, get up and dance, walk, and laugh out loud as the "Silence is Golden®" policy will not be enforced.

Wrightslaw Books Helped Me Navigate IEP's| An Event by @SDAutismSociety @CatamaranResort

Earlier this month, some friends of mine and I from Orange County took a mini-trip to San Diego to attend a Wrightslaw Special Education Law Seminar hosted by Autism Society San Diego. We were planning this for months because Wrightslaw Seminars are hardly ever in SoCal. The event was sold out within 2 months!

Don't worry - I'm not going to get into it with law terminology, because it might not pertain to you. I'm just going to share how these books have helped my journey and why this Seminar added value to having those books.

"A good education is the most important gift you can give to your child."
- Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy

RECAP: 10th Annual Human Abilities Festival | @AquariumPacific #HumanAbilities

We checked out the 10th Annual Celebration of Human Abilities last month at the Aquarium of the Pacific and were simply amazed. Here are some things that we saw:

Special Days at Sky High Sports! @SkyHighSportsUS @SkyHighOntario #Giveaway ends 3/10/13

Did you know that Sky High Sports have Special Days for Special Needs Kids every month?

Every first Tuesday of each month (excluding Holidays) children with Special Needs can jump for only $5 (one caretaker per child may participate for free) during the hours of 3pm-6pm. Regular prices are $12/hour. 

Sky High Sports will be open to the public during these hours, but music will be turned off for the comfort of their guests.

Lottery Seats for WICKED Musical at Segerstrom Center - Only $25!

WICKED is finally here and it opens tonight at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts! If you're feeling lucky, take your chances to get tickets for only $25!

Patti Murin and Dee Roscioli as Glinda and Elphaba (2) (c) Joan Marcus

Here's How to Get Them:

On the day of each performance, a limited number of orchestra seats will be held for WICKED. Two and a half-hour prior to each performance, WICKED fans can come to the box office at Segerstrom Center and place their names in a lottery drum. Thirty minutes later, names are drawn for those seats which can be purchased for only $25, cash only.

Tix for 2013 @OCFair Shows and Performances avail Feb 23!

Tickets for the OC Fair performances and shows available starting February 23rd.

"The OC Fair has some rocking performances commemorating the 40th anniversaries of some of rock’s greatest artists and five nights of the popular demolition derbies for the 2013."

Dana Point Festival of Whales Need Contestants for Sand Sculpting Competition March 3rd @DPWhaleFest @OCParks

The Dana Point Festival of Whales is celebrating their 42nd Anniversary this year and they're looking for Sand Sculpting Entries.

"Bring the family and get ready for some fun in the sun and sand at the annual Whale of a Sand Sculpting Competition!"

A LEGO® Store Play Date #DowntownDisney

We were walking around Downtown Disney® District last night and a lightbulb went off in my head. Have you been to The LEGO® Store there? I kept thinking what a great place to visit for a play date. Here's why:

Fire breathing #dragon outside the @LegoStore #legos #downtowndisney

 (c) Let's Play OC on Instagram

Happy President's Day! I'm sharing my favorite quotes. #PresidentsDay #BestQuotes

Happy President's Day! As a tribute to so many wonderful leaders of this country, I'm sharing some of my favorite quotes. (Not listed in any particular order).

Theodore Roosevelt  
(1901–1909) 

"The only man who makes no mistake is the man who does nothing."

Franklin D. Roosevelt  

(1933–1945)

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

"A good leader can't get too far ahead of his followers."

"Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort."

Poncho Baby Nursing Cover (Review and Giveaway)| @PonchoBaby1 #Giveaway ends 3/10/13.

I was invited to check out the new Poncho Baby nursing covers and was pleasantly surprised.

(c) Poncho Baby Cover

What I liked:

• The fabric is soft. It's 100% premium imported muslin cotton.
• Colors are solid and neutral. It doesn't scream - Look at me! Look at me! Also, your baby won't be stimulated from bright patterns, because it's suppose to be neutral and calming while nursing.
• It covers your back. 
• It's breathable and not super thick.
• It's stylish. (It doesn't look like an apron and supposedly you can't tell it's a nursing cover.)
• It's multifunctional. You can use it as a blanket, stroller cover, or car seat canopy.  

Be “WILD AT HEART” @ the OC Zoo Feb 14-17 @OCParks #Valentines Specials

Take the whole family and learn more about the romantic and friendly animal couples of the zoo with special Valentine’s Day-themed presentations. 

The OC Zoo is inviting couples to be “Wild at Heart” and enjoy two-for-one zoo admissions to celebrate Valentine's Day from February 14th thru 17th. Couples, pairs and any party of two can take advantage of this special Valentine’s Day offer.

Photo Courtesy of OC Parks/OC Zoo.

Inside the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa | @CatamaranResort

Earlier this month, some of the ladies and I got together to take a short trip to San Diego to a Wrightslaw Seminar. (More on that coming up).

We stayed at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa which was also where the Seminar was held the next day. We'd thought this would be much more relaxing then driving down first thing in the morning at 6am. (It's almost a two hour drive with no traffic). PLUS it will give us a chance to have dinner and catch up.

(c) Let's Play OC!

Support "Operation SKYFALL" Tues, Feb 12th! | @OpGratitude @FoxHomeEnt @themoviejam #Skyfall

On Tuesday, February 12th, 7,000 Care Packages will be sent to active duty soldiers overseas. Operation Gratitude together with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment partnered to launch "Operation SKYFALL" in honor of the release of SKYFALL's Blu-ray and DVD release this day.

"SKYFALL is the most popular Bond film ever made and an action-packed film like this can really boost morale with our troops overseas,” said Operation Gratitude founder Carolyn Blashek. “Operation Gratitude has been supporting our servicemen and women for 10 years and this partnership was a great opportunity to provide some much needed entertainment along with toiletries and personal letters that our Military heroes greatly enjoy.”

GIVEAWAY: Explore Pretend City's Line-up for February 2013!

You'll be pleasantly surprised with all the events going on at Pretend City this month. I've highlighted a few: Chinese New Year, Mardi Gras, Valentine's Day and Family Autism Night. Which one are you most interested in? Also, don't miss the opportunity to win tickets below.

 All You Need is Love

"The love, affection, and attention from parents, friends, and family members are by far the most influential factors in children’s social-emotional growth. This month, Pretend City’s engaging activities give parents, friends and families the opportunity to share love, support, and guidance with the young children in their lives." - Pretend City

Happy Lunar New Year!

Lunar New Year this year falls on Sunday, February 10, 2013. In the Chinese Zodiac, it's now the Year of the Snake! Festivities always start the weekend it is closest to.

(c) TetFestival.org

Here are the different ways to say Happy New Year:

Gift @KelleysKookies for Valentine's Day! #Giveaway ends 2/10/13.

I walked into Kelley's Kookies to check out their Valentine's Day Selection and also to purchase gift sets for Lunar New Year.

If you're in the area, they have a FREE Tasting Party this Saturday, February 9th at their Stanton Location. Check it out!

On that day only, they will also be giving out these to each guest - their best seller, Macadamia Chocolate Chip ($5 value).

Learn 4th Grade California History @IrvineParkRR

This February through April, take an educational field trip to Irvine Park Railroad to learn California History. 

4th Grade California History Education Program 
Home School and Public Days  

Custom-Made DreamCatcher's @WeightedBlanket #Giveaway ends 3/3/13

If you or someone you know have sensory needs, you won't want to miss this opportunity to win a weighted blanket (or product) below. They also make nice gifts. 

I received a 7 lb. twin blanket from DreamCatcher^TM for my 5 year old son to review last week and upon receiving the package, I was immediately impressed. You can tell it was packaged with care. These blankets are durable and 100% custom-made. The weights are evenly distributed with their quilting technique.

This was embroidered at the bottom righthand corner of our blanket.

The weight was calculated by my son's height and weight. Eileen was very helpful. I chose a medium blue that fits the theme of his room and he can grow into with years to come.

Irvine Park Railroad's 17th Anniversary Celebration! #Giveaway ends 2/24/13.

Save the Date!

Irvine Park Railroad turns 17 this month and they're rolling back prices to their original 1996 prices!

(c) Irvine Park Railroad

17th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, February 23rd and Sunday, February 24th

"Love is Patient, Love is Kind"

In the spirit of the Month of Love, I share my favorite bible verse which was also read at our wedding and at mass this Sunday:

(c) Let's Play OC!

I Corinthians 13:1-13

The most popular verses are 4-7, which begin "Love is patient, love is kind."

(1) If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
(2) If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
(3) And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

TRAVEL: French Market Place, Dining at Mr. B's Bistro, and Best Pralines from Southern Candy Makers in New Orleans

Take a walk through America's oldest city market - the French Market in New Orleans, Louisiana. It's like a swap meet or flea market and you can get all your souvenirs for New Orleans here. They're already a bargain, but don't forget to negotiate.

Celebrate CHOC Childrens NEW South Tower today Sat, 2/2 1-4pm! #ChocTower

Today, stop by and check out CHOC Children's new South Tower Celebration from 1-4pm. Lots of entertainment lined up. Free parking information in the link. Coming up soon, I'll share reviews of the tower.

(c) Toddler Trails

"Be our special guest for our Community Festival and Celebration, including music, entertainment, fun family activities, tours, special guests and refreshments."