Bug Bog Scavenger Hunt at Pretend City | Halloween Day Bug Bash @PretendCity's

This week I asked my friend Ruth to check out Bug Bog Scavenger Hunt at Pretend City and this is what she reported...

BUG BOG SCAVENGER HUNT

We were greeted by an Entomologist. (I was really surprised my son knew what he did and was excited to learn all about the different types of bugs). We were given a map and a bucket. (Very informative map btw with fun facts about the bugs). Bugs creep me out, but these ones were fake. Thank goodness!

NOW OPEN! NEW Play Area at Brea Mall | #NewBreaMall @ShopBreaMall #spon

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me for Brea Mall.

Last Saturday, we attended the Grand Opening of the NEW Simon Kidgits Club's Play Area at Brea Mall. The first 200 that checked in received a swag bag and yellow hard hats. As the crowd anxiously waited in line, I was able to capture this view from upstairs.

It resembles a lot like the one at Westminster Mall, doesn't it?  

My kids couldn't wait to get inside to play.

Break All the Rules w/ #SecondScreenLive: #TheNightmareBeforeChristmas @AMCTheatres @DisneylandDTD

Looking for something uniquely fun for Halloween? A few weeks ago, we attended a special media preview of Second Screen Live: The Nightmare Before Christmas (available now in select theaters). You may have recalled that we attended another one of these - Disney's Second Screen Live: Little Mermaid. It's where you break all the rules and bring your iPad to the movies to interact with the movie via an iPad app. What's that you say? I'll tell you all about it below.

TIP: This is REALLY important. You must download the app at home while you have WiFi. The app can be downloaded for free from the iTunes store. Just search for “Nightmare Before Christmas Second Screen Live” in iTunes or click on this link here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/disney-second-screen-live/id705337245?ls=1&mt=8

RECIPE: Leyna's Savory Pumpkin Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs | @KitchenAidUSA #Ad

This is sponsored content in partnership with @KitchenAidUSA and Niche Parent Network & Conference. All opinions are my own.

______________________________

KitchenAid® is hosting a Savor the Savings Event which gives customers up to a $1,000 cash back rebate via mail in a prepaid card when they purchase select KitchenAid® major appliances. This savory deal is just in time for the holidays and the season for pumpkin dishes. Your kitchen is going to need an upgrade. The sweetest part is that you’ll earn up to $1,000 to spend on your grocery list, more kitchen gadgets, or your holiday gift list!

We are blessed to have a professional chef in the family and to have my sister, Chef Leyna, prepare our Thanksgiving Dinner this year. She also loves KitchenAid appliances! If we upgrade our kitchen this year, Chef Leyna will be serving us this savory pumpkin holiday dish.  Get this recipe below! Enjoy! 

(c) Leyna's Kitchen

Leyna's Savory Pumpkin Spaghetti 

with Chicken Meatballs Recipe

We Had a Smurfy Time at #SmurfyHollow Halloween Party @SonyAnimation PLUS Pumpkin Templates

The other week Sony Pictures Animation along with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment celebrated THE SMURFS: THE LEGEND OF SMURFY HOLLOW on DVD and digital with a fun family day at Sony Pictures Animation.


We were invited with our families to come dressed in Halloween costumes for a Smurfy Halloween party!

A SMURFY CRAFT:

Once we checked in, we decorated our treat bags.

Knott's Scary Farm Instagram Photo Walk Tour @Knotts #ScaryFarm

A few weeks ago, we were invited to a special Knott's Scary Farm Instagram Photo Walk Tour and received a behind-the-scenes tour of the mazes, costuming, makeup, and historic tour. Oh Em Gee - even with the lights on it was scary!

When my husband dropped me off, my plan was to get some awesome Instagrams in and leave right before the it got dark. I looked up and saw a huge sign that read, "NOWHERE TO HIDE". Intimidating? Heck yeah! I'm thinking it's daylight and hoping for the best.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast Returns to @SegerstromArts, Jan 14 - 19, 2014 #SCFTA #BeOurGuestOC

Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the worldwide smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to the OC! Produced by NETworks Presentations, this theatrical production will come to life on stage at Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Segerstrom Hall from January 14 – 19, 2014, and they're bringing back the original design team!

Hilary Maiberger as Belle and the cast of Disney's Beauty and The Beast © Joan Marcus

"The theme of Beauty is about seeing past the exterior into the heart of someone, and this is reflected in the design for the show, which is about transparency and layers, seeing past one thing and into another.” - Director Rob Roth 

Celebrate the NEW Simon Mall Play Area @ShopBreaMall w/ Fun Factory Oct 26th #ShopBreaMall

The new Play Area is currently being installed will be unveiled during a grand opening celebration on Saturday, October 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. near Macy’s Court. The festivities are also meant to celebrate Brea Mall’s new Family Restrooms, which feature five changing stations, two nursing rooms and amenities for both adults and children. The family-style restrooms are located near the Play Area on the lower level.

The new Play Area, located on the lower level near Macy’s, will include:

• surrounding seating, 
• a play house featuring a chalk board, and 
• various cars, boats and plane play fixtures inspired by the Simon Kidgits Club characters. 

In celebration of the Play Area, the first 200 children to attend the grand opening event will receive a swag bag of goodies and can also enjoy crafts, giveaways and an appearance by Clifford the Big Red Dog. Radio Disney is also expected to bring the fun, with prizes, music and games.

Looking Younger with Professional Skincare @Lunagenics #Review #LunagenicsSkincare

My skin is known to look and feel dry, and at my age I have concerns of wrinkles and rings under my eyes. I'm afraid to look old! So when we were offered samples of Lunagenics Skincare products, of course, I said, YES!

Their Bio-Advanced Age Therapy Cream works while you sleep.

You might like that:

• There are no harmful glues. 
• It's 100% preservative free. 
• There are no parabens or GMO’s, sulfates, or synthetic dyes. 
• It protects skin from harmful elements. 
• It's has clinical active ingredients with proven lasting results. 

Believe it or not, people still think I'm in my early twenties, and I always get shocked reactions. Yes, I've been very fortunate, but I do have wrinkles and aging spots. I can't believe I'm showing you a close up of my wrinkles, but you normally wouldn't see them under my make-up or edited photos. Here you go... I am telling you I need this stuff~!!

TICKET GIVEAWAY: 2013 Day Out With Thomas at OERM | @OrangEmpireRail #DayOutWithThomas #DOWT

GET READY! Day Out With Thomas is making it's annual trip back to SoCal! Our favorite Number One Engine is set to roll into the Orange Empire Railway Museum in Perris, CA on Nov. 9,10,11, 16 and 17, 2013.

We went last year and it was so much fun! My kids loved it! All I can say is - come early and plan to be there the whole day. There's a ton of stuff to do (see below), and if you're going to make the trip out there, you'll want make the most of it. (Last year we came around lunch time and stayed til closing. I remembered racing through the end and still didn't get to experience everything. BUMMER!) 

Warner Bros. Spook-Tacular Family DVD GIVEAWAY #WBhalloween @WBHomeEnt

I'm working with Warner Bros. for this next DVD contest.


What is the best part about Halloween?

The pumpkin carving? The costumes? The free candy? All are amazing, but whether you are the bunch that loves dressing up and scaring the neighbors or you plan to stay-in, Warner Bros. has a line-up of Spook-Tacular Movies to get you in the holiday spirit.

From classics like It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown & Scooby-Doo The Goblin King to Adventure Time – Jake the Dad, you can count on a spook-tacular selection that the entire family can enjoy!

Before you and the kids take the neighborhood by storm, get in the Halloween Spirit by sharing some spooky stories! Download copies of the Spook-Tacular Story Time PDF, fire up the flashlights, and gather in a circle..... this Halloween it's STORY TIME! Perfect for kids ages 7 to 73!

It's a VamPirate's DinnerAdventure @PirateDinnerCA! #Review #PiratesDinnerAdventureCA #VamPirates

Last week we were invited to Pirate's Dinner Adventure Presents VamPirate's (vampire pirates). How spooky and appropriate for Halloween. I sent my sisters and this is what they reported...

Here's the story-line:

"Vampire hunters Randolph & Kate are there to forewarn the costume-clad guests of the dangers lurking in the haunted Secret Cove. Unfortunately, their cries of despair go unheard, as Captain Sebastian the Black and his horde of Vampire Pirates crash the Ball and take Randolph and Kate captive. The VamPirates take them aboard their ghostly ship, where they will prepare them as their midnight snack! Will Randolph and Kate escape the perils of the VamPirates appetite?" - Pirate's Dinner Adventure 

Top DreamWorks Characters to Watch This Halloween #ShrekTheMusical #MonstersvsAliens #KungFuPanda @FHEInsiders

Halloween is fast approaching and with the weather cooling off, it's the perfect time of year for a family movie night in. DreamWorks released three family-friendly films on DVD this month. Here are the Top DreamWorks Characters to Watch this Halloween... ENJOY! 

Highlights of Spooky Science @DiscoveryCube #SpookyScience

Continued from Ripley's Believe It or Not at Discovery Science Center ...


Who doesn't love Halloween??  We think of mixing potions, dressing up, decorating, getting treats, and having a little spooky fun!

Discovery Science Center has combined all of our favorite things about Halloween into a limited time exhibit called Spooky Science! Great for families of all ages, they amaze us with Elephant toothpaste, green slime, and color changing liquids!  We also decorated pumpkins, ran through a 3D maze, and had fun with science!

Giving the Gift of Sleep @Pampers PLUS a Giveaway! #DDDivas #DivasSleep #Sponsored

In celebration of Pampers new and improved diapers with superior overnight dryness and protection, a select few had the pleasure of giving the "Gift of Sleep" to a family or baby in the community. When Double Duty Divas selected me to give someone the "Gift of Sleep" from Pampers, I could hardly contain my excitement! I knew who exactly could use the love and went to work on a gift basket right away.



OUR MISSION:

We were given a $100 gift card to shop and give the "Gift of Sleep" to a family or baby in our community. It could be a pillow for dad, pj's, a blanket, a date night, or whatever we'd like. Here's what I picked up...

Ripley's Believe It or Not @DiscoveryCube #ScienceRipleys

Last week we were invited to attend a media preview of two new exhibits at the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana - Spooky Science (now thru November 2nd) and Ripley's Believe It or Not (now thru January 4, 2014). They're here just in time for Halloween. We sent our friend Kirstin and this is what she reported...

Ripley's Believe it or Not 's traveling exhibit brings back many memories as a child watching the fascinating oddities of Earth coming to life on my TV.  My children have never had the wonder of seeing the freaky and fascinating world that is not the normal.

Visiting Dark Harbor at The Queen Mary | @QMDarkHarbor #QMDarkHarbor

Not too long ago, we attended a media event for Queen Mary's Dark Harbor. You know I'm scared of monsters, but because it was daytime and an introduction to the monsters, I agreed to go. Once we got there, we took this fun picture by The Queen Mary.

RECAP: World Heart Day with GUARDaHEART @guardaheartorg #targetingheartdisease #worldheartday2013

A few weeks ago for the World Heart Federation's World Heart Day, we attended a special red-carpet event hosted by GUARDaHEART, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting heart disease through awareness and prevention.

With Leyna @LeynasKitchen.

World Heart Day, celebrated on September 29th each year, was created in 2000 to inform people around the globe that heart disease is the world’s leading cause of death, claiming 17.3 million lives each year and the numbers are rising. By 2030, it is expected that 23 million people will die from heart disease annually - that is more than the population of Australia.

The black tie James Bond-themed event focused on “Targeting Heart Disease” and highlighted actions to reduce the risk of heart disease with this message: “LEARN. DETECT. PREVENT.”

Vote for Your Favorite Flavor @Yogurtland and Enter to Win a GC! #YogurtlandFCAs #Giveaway

It's the first-ever Fan Choice Awards by Yogurtland! Yogurtland fans can vote for their favorite flavor of the year with the winners returning to the flavor line-up in January. The nine flavorful categories include:

• Best Sorbet, 
• Best Newcomer, 
• Best of Bakery, 
• Most Exotic, 
• Most Refreshing, 
• Best Chocolate, 
• Best “Bring It Back” Flavor, 
• Best Tart, and 
• Best all Around.

This is the first time fans will be able to choose the lead flavors and each vote is also an entry to win a flavor award of your own – a $20 Yogurtland gift card!!

RECAP: Kid-friendly Fun @Knotts #CampSpooky #CampSnoopy #PhotoGallery

Last weekend, we were invited to attend a media preview of Camp Spooky at Knott's Berry Farm. We all geared up for some Halloween Fun and a day with friends.

NEW Disney Store Opening at The Promenade in Temecula, California! @DisneyStore @TemeculaMall

On Saturday, October 12, Disney Store will celebrate the grand opening of its newly-designed store at The Promenade in Temecula, Calif. The new Disney Store will “Create Magical Moments for Guests of all ages” through immersive experiences, including:

(Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Disney)

• a Disney Princess castle, 
• magical trees, and 
• the Disney Store Theater featuring the latest in Disney entertainment. 

Unique to Temecula, as guests enter the store and look above, they will see a customized skyline with iconic Disney storytelling scenes and local landmarks.

The first 500 guests to attend the Grand Opening celebration will receive a free gift, and from noon to 4 p.m. a meet and greet with Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie will take place in Center Court, with an opportunity for guests to take photos with the characters*.

*Characters alternate every 30 minutes. Character appearances are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

SPECIAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE FOR BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

Free Shark Lagoon Nights Fridays @AquariumPacific

Where can you touch sharks, listen to live music by local bands, and enjoy a night out with your family, friends for FREE? The Aquarium of the Pacific invites you to Shark Lagoon Nights where you can dance, shop, and learn about sharks.

Haunted Hollywood Sports #Review | @HauntedHSP @GiantSportz #HauntedHSP

I'm scared of zombies and dark places so when Haunted Hollywood Sports invited me out, I sent my friend Angela (who loves this kind of stuff!) and this is what she reported...

Do you like thrills? What about chills? Does picking up a paintball gun and blasting some zombies sound like a fun night to you? Then you would absolutely love Haunted Hollywood Sports at the Hollywood Sports complex in Bellflower.

TICKET GIVEAWAY: Adventures of Alvin Sputnik Deep Sea Explorer @SegerstromArts #SCFTA

Segerstrom Center’s Family Explorer Series will start off the season with The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer as performed by master storyteller Tim Watts and the Perth Theatre Company on October 18 – 20 in Samueli Theater. With its skillful blend of technology and multimedia, this multi-award-winning, one-man, micro-epic puppet show shares the poignant story of enduring love and the world’s end.

The New York Times describes it as, “…an endearing Australian solo show told in stick-figure animation and puppetry... akin to a theatrical Wall-E." 

Home Delivery of Chocolate Milk and Cookies via @WinderFarms - YES PLEASE! #ChocolateMilkDay #Review #Giveaway

Last week, a wonderful surprise arrived at our door step. Can you guess what's inside this insulated grocery bag from Winder Farms?

Family Dining Experience at Dominique's Kitchen | #Review @DominiquesKtchn #dominiqueskitchen

We were invited to have a family dinner at Dominique's Kitchen, a Euro-French restaurant. It wasn't as intimidating as I thought it would be. About a week ago, we ventured out of OC to Redondo Beach. I was a little nervous, because my young kids are wild, but I was reassured that families are welcomed. My first reactions were this place is really trendy and nice inside. (Also, hope my kids don't break anything). We received a warm greeting from Liza, the owner/Hostess, and she was seen walking around making sure guests were comfortable. She came to our table at least three to five times throughout the evening and was super sweet.

New Bug Bog Adventure at Pretend City and October Highlights @PretendCity

UPDATE: Get this coupon and save $1 OFF General Admissions to Halloween Bug Bash at Pretend City on Thursday, October 31st 10 - 5pm!

FAMILIES BEWARE: the bugs have invaded Pretend City! Bright and busy bugs have made their creepy, crawly way over to the museum’s craggy cave, grassy meadow and frightful farm shed.

October Highlights include:

Friday, October 4 – October 31: Bug Bog Scavenger Hunt

Bug Bog Scavenger Hunt is a new interactive scavenger-haunt exhibit opening October 4th. Eight dazzling and busy bug-filled areas will engage children in discovering and learning about various insects and bugs. Each experience includes a collection of bug trading cards for the learning to continue at home. The Bug Bog experience is $3 per child with paid Pretend City admission. There is also a haunting Halloween extravaganza at the end of the month!

Tech Tuesday: RAVPower 2600mAh Lipstick Battery Charger #Review #Giveaway

I received a compact Lipstick 2600mAh Battery Charger from RAVPower to test, and of course, I had to have it in hot pink! (It also comes in black or silver.) It's super light, chic, affordable, and has a built-in flashlight which is pretty cool. You might like that it's about the same length as my iPhone 5.

Why would you ever need a flashlight? Well, for emergency situations of course! You never know when you're about to walk through a dark maze for Halloween or if you need extra lighting to take a picture. I love it! You can check the battery status with one button as well as use the flashlight by holding down the button. Four lights mean fully charged. One light means low, etc.

Alamitos Back Bay Long Beach

See ya, Summer, and, hello, Fall!

Since it was the last day of summer I decided to plan a little get together to enjoy the day with some of our friends and their kids. Let me tell you about this little spot I've been coming to with my parents since I was a kid. My dad used to take us here when my brother and I were real little. This was a perfect location for our family, it allowed my dad to get his fishing in, and it offered an area for my brother and I to play in the water. Not only was this the perfect spot for our family, but is was also very private since there weren't too many people who knew about these spots.

Before all the new homes in this area, there were more secret spots, but since the real estate boom, these little gems are disappearing. For example, we used to be able to fish in between the homes that had their backyards facing the back bay, but those areas are now off limits. The location we've recently found is not as secluded, but it's just as good!

MOVIE TIME with The Croods Movie and Friends | @FHEInsiders #TheCroodsDVD

As a Fox Home Ent Insiders, we're celebrating the Blu-ray/DVD release of The Croods Movie. A selected few were invited to host a pre-screening party of the movie, and well, you know my answer was, YES!! Our morning started out with a shipment filled with little surprises for our guests. I was super excited to see these blue bags when I opened our box. 

RSVP Info for Camp Jeep and Chrysler Group Drive @OCAutoShow (Oct 3-6) | #OCAutoShow

Chrysler Group LLC. is bringing both on and off road excitement to the OC Auto Show 2013 at Camp Jeep and Chrysler Group Drive!  The Camp Jeep experience will incorporate obstacles that simulate the capability standards of Jeep vehicles, with ground clearance, traction, stability, articulation and suspension, allowing consumers to experience Jeep vehicles to the fullest. The Jeep test track includes logs, stumps, an angled drive-over and other Jeep Trail Rated terrains. Meanwhile, the Chrysler Group Drive will offer a unique, low pressure test drive opportunity for brand and auto enthusiasts to get behind the wheel of its renowned lineup of vehicles.

Happy National Taco Day! Celebrate with a Rubio's #Giveaway! @RubiosTweets #NationalTacoDay

It's National Taco Day and Rubio's, the restaurant known for their fish tacos, seafood dishes, and a devotion to the ocean, is celebrating its Coastal Trio which include the Original Fish Taco, Salsa Verde Shrimp Taco and the Regal Springs ® Tilapia Taco. PLUS they're giving Let's Play OC! readers the chance to come in and try its craveable menu options fresh from the grill with a giveaway!

Halo Moments: LA Angels Partners Up with St. Joseph Health | @halo_moments #HaloMoments

The Los Angeles Angels partnered up with St. Joseph Health to recognize and promote the special moments and local heroes in SoCal that make a difference in our lives every day with two projects: “St. Joseph Health Heroes” and “Halo Moments”.

“Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing’s certain: We love the ones who pitch in for a better community,” said Angels catcher Chris Iannetta, who is supporting the awareness and recognition campaign. “Baseball players are looked upon by many fans as heroes, but the true heroes are the people who give selflessly of themselves to make their communities better for all. So go to halomoments.com and nominate your community hero today.”

Great Fun at Irvine Park Railroad's Pumpkin Patch 2013 | #Recap #Giveaway @IrvineParkRR #IrvineParkRailroad

We were invited to a media preview of Irvine Park Railroad's Pumpkin Patch this past weekend and, of course, we said, YES! We love that park and visit it frequently throughout the year. (They also host Christmas Train and Easter Eggstravaganza). Here are some highlights of our visit...

We entered the Great Pumpkin Contest. Free to enter and if we guess the weight correctly, we can win that bad boy!

GIVEAWAY: Enter to win a DRIA Nursing Cover #Review @DriaCover

I'm a proud auntie-to-be to twin nephews and a niece so when DRIA Cover asked me to review their nursing covers, of course, I said, Yes! Nursing covers make the perfect baby shower gift especially stylish and trendy ones like this one. For this review, I sent it to my sister Kim who now has a toddler and this is what she reported... you'll also want to enter to win one below!