Inside the BODIES... The Exhibition: You'll Want to Stop Smoking | @BodiesExhibit #BodiesBuenaPark #PhotoGallery

We were invited to check out a NEW exhibit in Buena Park - BODIES... The Exhibition so I grabbed my sister-in-law Nhi who loves this stuff. She's also in the medical field so let's just say it added another level of experience for me. Usually we're rushing through events with kids in tow so this time around I was able to stop and reflect.

I've been told that this was a seriously rare opportunity to see in person and that you won't see in text books. Aren't we lucky that it's local? I made sure to take lots of pictures since the general public was not allowed to. I'll just highlight a few here, and you can see more in my photo gallery.

You might want to know it's not just looking at healthy muscles, bodies, and organs - some are diseased. It's fascinating! 

* * Warning: This post contains photos of real bodies. * *

Inside the NEW Buccaneer Cove PLUS a Giveaway! | @BoomersIrvine #BoomersIrvine #BuccCoveIrvine Giveaway ends 9/8

In case you've missed it, Buccaneer Cove at Boomers! Irvine is NOW OPEN! You might have seen the structure from the I-405 fwy near John Wayne Airport. Last week we were invited to a VIP event to celebrate the Grand Opening of the NEW Buccaneer Cove. Once we got there, we were greeted by pirates.

Fair Food at LA County Fair (Aug 30 - Sept 29) | @LACountyFair #fairfoodfun #lacountyfair #giveaway ends 9/8

I sent my friend Jaime to LA County Fair's Food Preview and this is what she reported... PLUS enter below for a chance to win tickets with parking!

The L.A. County Fair opens tomorrow, and we were invited to preview the fabulous fair food! We started with Chicken Charlie's. Their chicken kabob really surprised us - it was big and tasty. My whole family really enjoyed it.

Play Date: Inside The Reptile Zoo | @TheReptileZoo #thereptilezoo #photogallery #playdate

Last week, we had a play date at The Reptile Zoo. Once we got inside, the kids all gathered around a pond and wanted to feed the animals. For $3.25, you can choose between worms to feed the animals in the pond or a bag of veggies to feed the tortoises. I let my kids decide, and both chose the animals in the pond. Here's a picture of them picking them up with tongs and the animals swimming up to them.

Disney Planes Merchandise @DisneyD23 #DisneyPlanes #D23Expo #PhotoGallery

We saw Disney Planes during a media pre-screening and thought it was great. Dusty, a crop duster (who is afraid of heights), wants to change his fate and become a racer. There were lots of funny moments and fast flying-action. It's about an underdog who is often discouraged and ridiculed, but through his bravely and positive spirit, enters the world race, warm the hearts of his competition, and gained fans. Overall, the movie was fun to watch.

"It's not speed that wins racing, it's skill."

When we were at the D23 Expo, we stopped to check out some of the toys. You might have noticed them in stores already.

Inside Titanic The Experience Exhibit #Review | @RMS_Titanic_Inc #TitanicBuenaPark

Disclosure: We received media tickets to the exhibit to share a review with our readers. 

Last week, we went to visit the new Titanic The Experience exhibit in Buena Park.  I've seen the movie, tv movie, and some documentary, but seeing the exhibit in person was an enlightening experience. Once we got there, we were greeting by someone in character. She had an accent and was funny. I knew we were in for a unique experience when she handed us each "Boarding Passes."

29th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day Sat, Sept 21st |@cleanupday #CoastalCleanupDay

The California Coastal Commission recently announced the 29th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day (the state’s largest volunteer event) to take place on Saturday, September 21st, 2013. The event is expected to draw more than 70,000 volunteers who will remove the trash and marine debris accumulated on California’s beaches and inland shorelines over the past year at over 800 locations.

COUNTDOWN TO TRASH EXTINCTION
To raise awareness and prompt volunteers to register for the Cleanup, the Commission will launch a “Countdown to Trash Extinction” campaign on Friday, August 23rd. In the 29 days leading up to Coastal Cleanup Day, the Commission will post information on its Facebook page and Twitter feeds to enlist Californians in learning about the trash that litters our coast and inland shorelines:

• what it is, 
• why it’s so damaging to our aquatic and coastal environments, and 
• what they can do to help keep trash out of our environment throughout the year.

Behind the Scenes with Ken The Bug Guy @EpicTheMovie | @FHEInsiders @FoxHomeEnt #EpicDay

I sent my friend Jaime to Epic Media Day yesterday at Fox and this is what she reported...

Have your family seen Epic? We did, and my kids are excited it's out on DVD/Blu-Ray so we can see it again! Yesterday we went to a DVD release party at Fox Plaza to get a behind-the-scenes tour of some of the bugs that inspired the characters in Epic!

10th Annual Rock the House Concert @HOBAnaheim Benefiting @RMHC_SoCal August 21st! #CharityEvent

Southland families and music lovers are invited to attend the 10th annual Rock the House concert benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California for an evening of musical fun and entertainment. Featured performances include local talent, such as: 

• The Steve Plotkin Band, 
• Ukiah, The Drunken Saints, 
• Duct Tape and Beer, and 
• Los Rios Rock School, a year round Music/Rock Academy for students ages 5-17. 

House of Blues/Downtown Disney® District

1530 Disneyland Drive

Anaheim, CA 92802

Wed., Aug. 21, 2013 

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. 

Show starts at 6:30 p.m.

Blue Whale Excursion with Harbor Breeze Cruises and Aquarium of the Pacific | #LBWhales

A couple of weeks ago we were invited along with the media on a boat excursion on the new M/V Triumphant of Harbor Breeze Cruises with experts from the Aquarium of the Pacific to see endangered blue whales and explore current conservation issues.

The new specialized high-speed 150-passenger, 83-foot M/V Triumphant was christened on July 17, 2013. Here are some cool features:

• wrap-around exterior walkway on the main deck is wheelchair accessible, 
• the bow of the boat is constructed with tiered stadium-style padded seating,
• equipped with a snack bar and serving area, 
• sound system, 
• dance floor, and 
• a programmable LED lighting display in the cabin and on the exterior of the vessel.

NEW Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate and Princess Adventure @DisneyLive #LongBeach #Hollywood

Are your kids big Jake the Pirate or Sofia the Princess, fans? Well, Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate and Princess Adventure is coming to LA and I have the 411!

“The Feld Entertainment mission of providing quality live entertainment experiences that the entire family enjoys starts with Disney Live! because it is often a young fan’s first theatrical experience,” said producer Alana Feld. “Children everywhere are falling in love with Sofia and Jake, and we are thrilled to bring these popular Disney Junior characters to the stage for the first time ever."

Feld Entertainment, Inc., producers of Disney On Ice and Disney Live!, is taking top performing cable TV series for preschoolers to the stage in Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate and Princess Adventure. Featuring characters from the smash hits Sofia the First and Jake and the Never Land Pirates, this brand new production launched a 90-city national tour in July 2013.

Buccaneer Cove is Now Open @BoomersIrvine #BoomersIrvine

Buccaneer Cove at Boomers! Irvine is NOW OPEN!

In addition to go karts, miniature golf, and arcade games, guests can now make a splash at the brand new 20,000 square foot water play park located inside Boomers Family Entertainment Center.

The new Buccaneer Cove water wonderland is the largest water play structure in Orange County.  The area features four levels of water play with dozens of interactive water elements that are be fun for the whole family.

Ways to be ‘Epically Green’ - Epic DVD Release | #Review @FHEInsiders #EPICDay #Giveaway ends 9/1 #ad

As a member of Fox Home Ent Insiders, we received a Blu-ray copy of EPIC and I must say - Wow. The graphics were so amazing,  nicely detailed, and beautiful. A teenager enters a magical world of the forest and immediately fights off bad guys to try to save it from decay. It's fast-paced and action-packed which I liked. I was a little grossed out with the snail and slug, but it's in all good fun.

Every Blu-ray and DVD comes with the Epic Coloring and Storybook Builder app. The app will allow kids to create their own Epic story and share it with family and friends. You'll want to enter below for a chance to win a Blu-ray copy of your own. 

Debuting on Blu-ray & DVD August 20 

EPIC is also from the creators of Ice Age, The Croods, and Rio which explains why this film is so wonderful.  EPIC debuts on Blu-ray Combo Pack, Deluxe Edition Blu-ray, and DVD this August 20 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. 

Directed by Chris Wedge (The Ice Age Franchise) and featuring an amazing voice cast including Colin Farrell, Amanda Seyfried, Christoph Waltz, Jason Sudeikis, Steven Tyler, Pitbull, and Beyoncé, the blockbuster film comes home just in time to help families become one with nature and end the summer in Epic style.

This fun clip talks about Beyonce's character, Queen Tara, and how they designed her nature-inspired gown!

Lang Park in Laguna Beach #Park #PlayDate

If you're looking for a kid-friendly park that's close to the beaches, this one is located in Laguna Beach across the street from Treasure Island Beach or the Montage Resort. It's fenced in, has a tennis court, half basketball court, and lots of grass to run around.  You can see more of the park below.

Donate to @OCGoodwill @Angels Aug 16th and Get Free Tix @DiscoveryCube Eco Challenge #‎Donate4Good‬ ‪#‎EcoChallengeOC‬ ‪#‎TriplePlayOC‬

If you're heading to the Angels vs. Astros game tomorrow on Friday, August 16th, you might want to know that OC Goodwill will be hosting a clothing drive. Bring three bags of gently used clothing to donate right under the Big A and be among the first 250 donations to receive:

• TWO general admission tickets to the Discovery Science Center’s Eco Challenge Exhibit, 
• an Angels Baseball Coozie, and  
• a tax-deductible receipt from Goodwill.

Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel premieres Friday, Aug 16th | @DisneyChannelPR @DisneyD23 #D23Expo

Hanging out with my buddies - Phineas and Ferb. 

Last weekend we were at Disney's D23 Expo - The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.  One of the first thing we did was attend a special event for "Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel" which introduced Dr. Doofenshmirtz's Waffle-inator. Fans were invited to play "The Phineas and Ferb Waffle-inator Challenge" located in the Grand Plaza which was there all weekend.

To play the "The Phineas and Ferb Waffle-inator Challenge," fans are invited to man one of four colorful, full-scale "Waffe-inators" to unleash flying foam waffles and to move Phineas and Ferb up a towering screen, while outmaneuvering Dr. Doof's evil creations, to free a trapped Agent P before time runs out.

Healthy Vending Options by H.U.M.A.N. #Review PLUS a Giveaway ends 8/25 cc @HealthyVending

The other day we received samples from H.U.M.A.N. Healthy Vending. They were all gluten-free. 

• CLIF KIT's Organic Fruit & Nut Bar in peanut butter was soft and chewy. It's also GF, Soy Free, and Dairy Free. There's only four ingredients: organic dates, organic peanuts, organic almonds, and sea salt - amazingly good.

• Wonderful Brand Pistachios roasted and salted had a touch of salt  - love these!

• Kind Brand Nuts & Spices bars have whole nuts and spices. Each recipe provides all natural protein, fiber and only 5g of sugar (or less). Nothing artificial. I tried the Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar - my favorite!

• Angie's A Boom ChickaPop sea-salted popcorn is only 35 calories per cup. Ingredients are popcorn, sunflower oil, and sea salt. It was lightly salted and airy. You might also like that it's vegan, GF, certified Kosher, 100% whole grain, cholesterol free, no trans fat, and non-GMO verified.   

• Food Should Taste Good Brand jalapeno flavored tortilla chips had diced jalapeno and crushed red peppers. It's GF, has no MSG, all natural ingredients, vegan, cholesterol free, certified kosher, and has no trans fat. I have to show you the back of this bag. 

I am impressed by the list of natural ingredients.

How many of you have heard about the new USDA's guidelines for school vending machines?

On June 27th, the USDA announced its “Smart Snacks in School” guidelines, which affect the 100,000+ elementary, middle and high schools that accept assistance from the National School Lunch Program. The Smart Snacks in School rules affect “competitive foods,” which are so called because they compete with the lunch program. Competitive foods are snacks sold in vending machines, a la carte lunch lines and in student stores. 

Wake Up to a Winder Farms Home Delivery #Review @WinderFarms1 #ad

Last month, Winder Farms, a premier home delivery grocery company, hosted a free Old Fashioned Fair at Tanaka Farms to debut their services in Orange County. We attended their media event which was also held at Tanaka Farms a few days before. We listened to an informative introduction to the company, went on a wagon tour of Tanaka's organic farm, sampled produce on the wagon ride, then enjoyed a nice healthy lunch with their products.

Rise of the Sea Dragon at Pirate's Dinner Adventure | @PirateDinnerCA #Review #PiratesDinnerAdventure

A few weeks ago, we were invited to a Pirate's Dinner Adventure in Buena Park. We've always wanted to go here so, of course, we said, Yes!!

When we arrived, we were handed an orange piece of paper with our table number to hand to our server. The orange is also our "pirate" color and team. Other colors are available and we were offered different pirate gear for purchase. We got our boys pirate bandannas for $3 each. (See picture below).

Here's a hot tip: There's a pre-show in the waiting area. You'll want to stand as closely as possible to the bar on the far left side. Then once your pirate appears, you'll want to follow right behind him for the best seating.

OC Simon Kidgits Back-to-School Events @ShopBreaMall @ShopsMV @ShopWestminster

Orange County families are invited to score an "A+" in preparedness and entertainment with Simon Kidgits Club®’s annual Back-to-School event. Join Simon Malls for a special celebration to help young students and parents across the the country 'make the grade' even before the school year begins at one of the malls below:

• Brea Mall - Saturday, August 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. near Center Court
• Westminster Mall - Saturday, August 24, from 10 a.m. to noon in Macy’s Court
• The Shops at Mission Viejo - Saturday, August 24, from 10 a.m. to noon near the updated Children’s Play Area

Deloris in SISTER ACT is Fabulous,Baby! @SegerstromArts @SisterActTour #SisterActOC #Review

We received media tickets to SISTER ACT's Grand Opening night at Segerstrom Center so I sent my sister-in-law Nhi this week. She took her friend Carolina for a Girl's Night Out for her birthday and her first Broadway musical experience. Here is what they thought:

"Carolina and I had a blast!! The plot was right on and they chose actors who closely matched the movie. I thought it perfectly translated on stage. I loved the acting and vocals. The actors delivered an intensely high energy performance, and I especially loved it when all the nuns sang together. The stage was set up perfectly, and it was beautifully choreographed. The costumes also made a lasting impression. In short, SISTER ACT is recommended for someone looking for a ridiculously fun and groovy time." - Nhi

Thanks for sharing, Nhi. Now, when my friend Jenn told me her date cancelled on her for the following night's performance and I was her back up, of course, I said - YES!!

Before (or after the show), look for "Stage a Screen" where you can learn about SISTER ACT's timeline.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of Titanic The Experience and Bodies... The Exhibition #TitanicBuenaPark #BodiesBuenaPark

In case you've missed it, two new exhibits: BODIES... The Exhibition and Titanic the Experience opened in OC last week! I sent my sister Nhi to the ribbon-cutting ceremony and here's what she reported...

August 1, 2013 marked the grand opening to Buena Park’s newest attractions: Titanic the Experience and Bodies... The Exhibition. In the morning, we enjoyed refreshments from Starbucks while anxiously awaiting the Grand Opening. The attractions are located on Beach Boulevard in the heart of Buena Park’s entertainment district occupies the former Movieland Wax Museum which closed its doors in October 2005.

Shark Talk Adventure at SEA LIFE Aquarium | @SEALIFEAquarium @SharkWeek #SharkWeek

I sent my friend Jaime to a Shark Talk at SEA LIFE Aquarium this week for Shark Week. Here's what happened...

Have you been watching Shark Week on Discovery Channel? It's fascinating and terrifying all at the same time! We were invited to SEA LIFE Aquarium at the Legoland California Resort in Carlsbad to learn more about these amazing creatures!

Splash Kingdom Waterpark #Review PLUS a Giveaway | @SplashKingdomCa #Redlands ends 8/21

I sent my friend Ferly to Splash Kingdom Waterpark in Redlands, CA and here's what happened...

Hi everyone! Ferly here and I am so happy to share the fun time we had at Splash Kingdom Waterpark in Redlands, CA. Summer just isn't summer without some splashy fun, so we were more than happy to play and cool off at Splash Kingdom. In the Inland Empire, it can get pretty hot compared to the rest of Southern California, but we knew we were in for a cooler than cool time when we were greeted with this...

Pretend City's 4th Birthday and "When I Grow Up Day" Aug 23rd | @PretendCity

This month Pretend City turns four! With everyone going back-to-school soon, this month Pretend City focuses on what makes us great - our communities and our future careers. Special programming is designed to strengthen children's understanding of their community and the people who help us every day.

Whether it’s growing up to be a firefighter, dentist, chef, doctor or an athlete, join Pretend City as they inspire children to think about all the things they can do when they grow up!  Celebrate with them as they welcome special guests from the community.

When I Grow Up Day

Friday, August 23rd

10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Happy Birthday, Pretend City!

Dr. Doofenshmirtz's "The Waffle-inator" Debuts @DisneyD23 #D23Expo

Disclosure: We will attend D23 as a member of the media. All opinions are our own.

Dr. Doofenshmirtz from Phineas and Ferb is primed to take over Disney's D23 Expo with his most wacky invention yet - "The Waffle-inator".

It's a spectacular 40-foot high interactive game, combining physical and digital worlds (and simulated waffles) in an epic showdown to free Agent P from the clutches of Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Families can hop aboard and wield the life-size invention to play "The Phineas and Ferb Waffle-inator Challenge" over three days at Disney's D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center Friday, August 9 - Sunday, August 11!

Tour KinderCare's Open House on August 13th | @KinderCare #TourKinderCare #ad

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of KinderCare.

I think you know that I have a child with special needs. He may look typical, but when he was younger, he had major speech delays. He's always going to have some delays with social skills as one of them, but it would have been worse if we didn't do anything about it. When he was younger, as part of our early intervention program, parent training and participation was encouraged. I want to share how easy it is to incorporate learning into every day things. (I still have notes). Here are two.

Our Learning Moments
Today both of my sons were playing with their cars. I had them stop to sort them by colors, then had them point as they counted them aloud for each color. This teaches them exploration and logic by counting objects - so easy. Another easy thing you can do is sing songs like The Alphabet Song, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and Itsy Bitsy Spider daily - it will help them with their memory. Pause at the end of each sentence so they can fill in the blanks.

GlitterTots Sparkle Screen #Review cc @SparkleScreen

We received some GlitterTots Sparkle Screen in the mail so I asked my friend Jaime to try some on her daughter and tell me what she thinks. Here's what she thought:

Photo of the Week: Baby Bamboo Shark Egg @AquariumPacific #SharkWeek

Shark Week starts today. In honor of Shark Week, this photo of the week is of a Baby Bamboo Shark Egg from the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California.  Photo by Mary Tran.

RECAP: CUPS Grand Opening @ShopWestminster | @CUPSfroyo #froyo #Giveaways end 8/18

My yummy creation at CUPS Frozen Yogurt, Westminster Mall. - Mary

Last month we went to the grand opening of CUPS Frozen Yogurt at Westminster Mall. At the grand opening (which was open to the public), we were all treated to FREE frozen yogurt by CUPS all night long. Check out our photo gallery below and you'll want to enter to win one of the gift cards too. NOTE: This is CUPS first location outside of New York and New Jersey.

"CUPS is a fun, quirky frozen yogurt shop offering expertly crafted frozen yogurt products with 24 flavors and over 50 toppings."

Free Marine Science Class for Special Needs Children #LongBeach

Please share this great opportunity with families you know. Free Marine Science Classes are offered for Children with Special Needs by Long Beach free school held at the Aquarium of the Pacific this summer. Join them for 1.5 hours to explore the ocean's habitat that are native to Southern California's Coast.

This class is designed for children with special needs. Students need to bring their own chaperone. Chaperones do not need to register separately.

Currently, the Ocean Habitats class is designed to cover a variety of ages and interests level from ages 3 to probably 16 or 17. Their resident professor, Andrea Villines, created the class as a way for children to attend with their parent/guardian and hopes to eventually design a series of classes to cover a wider age range.