Food Review/Giveaway: Family Dining at Michael's Pizzeria - Long Beach | @TrueNaplesPizza

Did you know? At Michael's Pizzeria, kids can roll out their own pizzas! This unique hands-on experience is complimentary for all families, and my kids loved it!

As our kids were busy working on their pizzas (it's always a bonus when our kids are entertained when we eat out), we were able to read over the menu at a comfortable pace.

Theatre: I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE @SegerstromArts 3/18 - 3/23 #OCLovesLucy #SCFTA

Fans of I Love Lucy can enjoy a fun live theater experience right here in Orange County at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts for a national tour of I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE - March 18th thru March 23rd!

Joanna Daniels as Ethel and Sirena Irwin as Lucy in I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE (Photo by JustinBarbin.com)

An “out-of-body experience for Lucy fans” according to Showbiz Chicago. 

I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE takes audience members back to 1952 as members of the Desilu Playhouse studio audience where they await the filming of two hilarious and oh-so-familiar I LOVE LUCY episodes, “The Benefit” and “Lucy Has Her Eyes Examined.” 

NOW OPEN: New Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour in BuenaPark! @FarrellsIsBack #FarrellsBuenaPark

This past weekend, we attended a VIP preview of the new Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park. Mustaches and ice cream? How can we say, No?

Upon arrival, we were greeted by friendly staff and their neighbors - The Knights of Medieval Times. What a nice surprise!

Educational: Irvine Park Railroad’s Fourth Grade California History Education Program | @IrvineParkRR

I've got the 411 on this year's Fourth Grade California History Education Program!

Photo Courtesy of Irvine Park Railroad. 

Take a trip back in time with Irvine Park Railroad’s 2014 Fourth Grade California History Education Program. This fun program – created by teachers, for teachers - is a hands-on learning experience and meets the State of California curriculum requirements for fourth grade history/social science. Parents and kids can experience this fun-filled field trip on their public day, Saturday, March 8th! (Reservations required). 

RECAP: Ehrmann's New MIXIM on "The Love Boat" | @ehrmannusa #MIXIMLOVE #ad

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post written by me for Ehrmann MIXIM.

On Valentine's Day this year, The Queen Mary turned pink, and we were there to witness the launch of the new MIXIM™ heart-shaped Greek Yogurt and a Guinness World Record to be broken for a good cause (Children's Heart Foundation).

 
(Photos Courtesy of Ehrmann MIXIM)


This free event was open to the public, but you had to RSVP for tickets.

FOOD REVIEW/GIVEAWAY: Dining @GaufreeIrvine Artisan Waffle Sandwiches

I was invited to a tasting event at Gaufree (pronounced Go Free) in Irvine. Being an Irvine resident, I was excited to try a new place out for lunch, especially one that served local, farm fresh, and organic produce.

I ordered the organic buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, homemade pure cane sugar natural lemonade, and for dessert - the Brussels Street waffle with chocolate sauce and raspberry Coulis.

DVD GIVEAWAY: Strawberry Shortcake - Berry Big Help! | @FHEInsiders #BerryBigHelp

Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Big Help is out on DVD today with special features including “Sunshine Girls” Music Video and Printable Coloring Pages. (I'm sharing one below).

It's time for everyone to help out as best they can in these three delightful Strawberry Shortcake episodes:

• It's Strawberry to the rescue in "Babysitter Blues" when the princess asks her to look after a very special Baby Berrykin;

• Orange and Lemon take on the role of "Fashion Elves" in "A Stitch of Time" to help Raspberry with her fashion design dreams; and

• There's no place like home when Orange adopts a bitty fish that turns out to be a homesick tadpole. 

Join in the sparkly fun as the girls learn that lending a helping hand can be a berry big deal indeed!

WIZARD OF OZ: "There's No Place Like Home" | #WizardOC @SegerstromArts @YellowBrickRoad

Last week, a girlfriend and I had plans for a night out which included Happy Hour and theater tickets to see a classic production of THE WIZARD OF OZ at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in OC. We could not wait!

Photo Op located on the 2nd Floor at The Wizard of Oz - Segerstrom Center. 

Danielle Wade as Dorothy and Jamie McKnight as Scarecrow - The Wizard of Oz
Photos by Cylla Von Tiedemann ©2013 Canadian Cast

Danielle Wade makes a wonderful Dorothy, and we loved watching the classic film come to life. Listening to Professor Marvel (Jay Brazeau) from Wonders of the World talk about all his amazing travels makes me want to see them too! Scarecrow (Jamie McKnight) made us laugh out loud (loved him), and even though The Wicked Witch of the West (Jacquelyn Piro Donovan) was frightful and REALLY wanted those shoes, the audience loved her!

Share the Love This Valentine's Day at Elements Massage | @CostaMesaETM

We all need a little R&R from time to time and so I thought it would be nice to celebrate Valentine's this year with a couple's massage at Elements Therapeutic Massage in Costa Mesa. They are currently running a special - 55 minute same room massages for $159*. You might like that it includes champagne and chocolates! LOVE!!

Elements Therapeutic Massage Costa Mesa. Photo by LetsPlayOC.com.

* Special pricing valid 2/13/14 thru 2/18/14.

February Highlights at Pretend City Children's Museum | @PretendCity #COUPON

Lots of fun things going on this month. Here are a few for Pretend City!

Friday, February 14: Celebrate Valentine’s Day
This year, Pretend City Children’s Museum will share some hearty history with your family to help teach more about this holiday through hands-on, educational and fun activities:

• Sensational Story Time: What better way to celebrate the day than with The Kissing Hand, a story about the love of family! 
• Poetry Play: Poetry is another language used to express love and it only needs a few words. By 2 years of age, your child can express themselves in simple words. Hear what your child has to say when they use these words to create a love poem.
• Symbols in a Second: Hearts, Cupids, and Roses – oh my! During this holiday, many symbols are seen in the community that represents Valentine’s Day. Let your little cupid learn more about these symbols and what they represent. 
• Good to Go Game: Pin the arrow on the heart and watch your child turn into cupid as they try to pin the arrow on the heart.

Happy 18th Anniversary, Irvine Park Railroad! They're Rolling Back Prices Feb 22-23! | @IrvineParkRR #GIVEAWAY

Come celebrate Irvine Park Railroad’s 18th Anniversary on Saturday, February 22nd and Sunday, February 23rd. As a way of thanking their loyal customers, they're rolling back prices to their original 1996 prices… including $2.00 train rides!

Photo Courtesy of Irvine Park Railroad.

Irvine Park Railroad takes passengers on a 12-minute ride through scenic Irvine Regional Park. The engineer narrates the ride pointing out all of the history inside of the 114 year-old park.

FREE EVENT: MIXIM Love Boat at Queen Mary | @EhrmannUSA #MIXIMLOVE #ad

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post written by me for Ehrmann MIXIM. 

YOU'RE INVITED!

Enjoy heart-shaped fireworks and free entertainment at The Queen Mary, aka The Love Boat, when it goes pink on Valentine's Day to celebrate the launch of the new MIXIM heart-shaped yogurt! This is a public family-friendly event and there will be two attempts to set the Guinness World Records to benefit Children's Heart Foundation!  You'll get FREE entry to The Queen Mary and yogurt samples when you mention MIXIM. 

Are you feeling the love yet? Guests will also enjoy a free concert by popular Journey tribute band, Don't Stop Believin'!

FREE ADMISSIONS to Nixon Library on Presidents Day! @nixonfoundation

Looking for something educational you can do with the kids on President's Day? On Monday, February 17th, get FREE admissions to the Nixon Library all day and meet Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt! Also, the first 100 guests will enjoy a free slice of cherry pie!

 

Photo Courtesy of Richard Nixon Foundation.

Limited Time Offer: Save $5 Off Per Person at All Boomers! | #usfg @boomersirvine @boomersfv

Here's an exclusive coupon good at any Boomers! family entertainment center. For a limited time, download the coupon and save $5 OFF per person!

Disclosure: We will receive media passes for reviewing purposes. All opinions are our own. 

New at The Shops at Mission Viejo: Magellan's #Travel Supplies | @ShopsMV #ad

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me for The Shops at Mission Viejo. All opinions are my own. All images by LetsPlayOC.com.

Last weekend, I checked out the new Magellan's Travel Supplies store at The Shops at Mission Viejo. It was more than I expected. There were lots of every thing for every use you can imagine. Also, the store is deep so it's larger than it appears from the outside. 

Knott's for the Cure 2014 Press Conference Breakfast with Susan Komen Orange County | @Knotts @KomenOC #KnottsPink

Last week we attended a Press Conference for the launch of Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen partnership with Knott's Berry Farm. Starting February 1st thru March 31st, guests will be able to enjoy a discounted pink ticket price that will also raise funds for breast cancer awareness, services, and research!

As you enter the park, there's a photo opp next to the windmill to show your support. (Make sure you use hashtag #KnottsPink when tagging your pictures.) I love that Snoopy and Lucy are also sporting their pink!

Pre-Show Activities for THE WIZARD OF OZ @SegerstromArts #WizardOC #SCFTA

The Wizard of Oz musical opens this week at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and we thought you'd like to know the Pre-Show Activities offered before the show. WE CANNOT WAIT!!

Danielle Wade as Dorothy and Robin Evan Willis as Glinda - The Wizard of Oz Photos by Cylla Von Tiedemann
©2013 Canadian Cast

All pre-show activities will take place one hour prior to each performance and will include:

• The Yellow Brick Road to Oz where guests can write down on paper made bricks what they would ask the great and powerful Wizard if they had the courage and the chance.

FOOD REVIEW: Two New Burritos at Rubio's! | @RubiosTweets

When we think about Rubio’s we think about their fresh and always yummy fish tacos, but there are new items on the menu and it’s as fresh and delicious as the original tacos. Introducing, the Ancho Citrus Shrimp Burrito and the revamped fan favorite, Burrito Especial. This Saturday night my family and I decided to go for a healthy but flavorful dinner, so we decided to go to Rubio’s and try their new items. 

Ancho Citrus Shrimp Burrito. Photo by @CaroinLACity

That Ancho Citrus Shrimp Burrito was to die for!!! It was beautiful combination of flavors in your mouth and the shrimp was nice and juicy. Any shrimp lover will enjoy this dish. It features pan-seared shrimp, basted in ancho chiles, garlic, cilantro, a blend of canola and olive oil and lime. 

Recap: Hamburg Ballett's LILIOM @SegerstromArts is a Masterpiece #SCFTA

Disclosure: We received media tickets for reviewing purposes. All opinions are our own. Images are copyrighted and used with permission. 

Carsten Jung and Alina Cojocaru in The Hamburg Ballett's Liliom by John Neumeier. Photo by Holger Badekow

Great creativity and magic was created on stage last night at the Segerstrom Center of the Arts in Costa Mesa. It was Friday and I had a date night with my mom to see Hamburg's Ballett's Liliom. In the past, my mom and I have always loved watching ballet together and so we were very excited for this mother-daughter bonding opportunity.

Beautiful artistry and technique was portrayed by all the dancers last night. There was no need for dialogue, because the story was effortlessly illustrated through the facial expressions and beautiful movement of the dancers. Have you ever seen heaven and earth portrayed onstage at the same time? You will have to see it to believe it!

5 Ways to Get Fit with Your Friends from FREE BIRDS via Trainer Chris Powell #FreeBirdsDVD #Giveaway

My kids and I were watching FREE BIRDS last night on Blu-ray and loved the movie! The movie is about finding the courage to stand up for yourself and protect the people you love. (Well in this case "the flock" - we need to keep the flock safe and off the Thanksgiving Day table!) Without giving away the ending, it involves a time machine, early settlers, very cute poults (see below), and athletic turkeys that like to flex their feathers. Prepare yourself to laugh, because it's a funny movie!

FREE BIRDS is now on Blu-ray/DVD and as a Fox Home Ent Insider, I have one to giveaway to a Let's Play OC! fan!

BONUS: Enjoy the "Get Fit" Tips below from TV Trainer Chris Powell.

Annual Festival of Whales Sand Sculpting Competition - Sun, Mar 2 @DPWhaleFest

The annual Festival of Whales Sand Sculpting Competition will be on Sunday, March 2 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor.

Photo Courtesy of OC Parks. 

No experience is necessary and the event is open to all ages. The contest is a day of fun in the sun and creativity for families, friends and serious sand sculpting enthusiasts. Sculpting creation areas are limited to 20 plots of 15’ x 15’ each – it's first come, first serve! Choose one of five categories: Castles, Whales and Ocean Creatures, Pirates and Ships, Woodies and Surfboards, or Patriotic Emblems. 

GIVEAWAY: Two New Girl Scout Cookies! | @GirlScoutsOC #NationalGirlScoutCookieWeekend #OneMoreBox

Disclosure: We received cookies to sample. All opinions are our own. Prize will be fulfilled by Girl Scouts of OC. Images are copyrighted and used with permission. 

Girl Scout Cookie Weekend kicks off this weekend - February 7 and 8th! Girl Scouts across Orange County will begin a time honored annual tradition, selling the nation’s favorite cookies to friends and neighbors. Excitement around this year’s cookie sale is particularly high. Girl Scouts of Orange County is unveiling two brand new cookies: Cranberry Citrus Crisps (made with whole grain) and Orange County is one of just 20 councils nationwide that are running the pilot of the Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Shortbread.

Check out the Girl Scout Cookie Menu below! 
Which one is your favorite?

Shopping for Smartphone Accessories at Best Buy | #OneBuyForAll @BestBuy #shop #cbias

Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #CollectiveBias

The other day I went shopping for phone accessories at Best Buy. I needed car accessories like a holder for my phone since I use it for GPS, but I also wanted to check out lenses and covers. Oh boy was I in for a surprise and more. I initially thought, "ok, let's go check out the pink covers," and wow, look at the selection. Here is one side of the aisle just for iPhone.  

Happy Pork Rind Appreciation Day PLUS a Giveaway! | @Gridiron_Greats @RudolphFoods

Disclosure: We received the samples below. All opinions are my own. 

It's the Third Annual Pork Rind Appreciation Day! When you watch the Superbowl this year, you might want to grab a bag of Rudolph Food's Pork Rinds. I'll tell you why.

Last year, Rudolph Foods donated $10,000 to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, Inc., supporting retired NFL players in need. Rudolph Foods is once again supporting the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund this year.

The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund’s mission is to assist retired NFL players in need, who were pioneers of the game and who have greatly contributed to the NFL’s status as the most popular sport in America. GGAF provides hands-on assistance to help retired players and their families deal with hardships they face after football. The services include medical assistance, transportation costs for medical evaluations and surgeries, housing assistance, financial assistance for utilities, medication, and coordination of services for food, automotive payments and childcare.

Media Preview of Renaissance Club Sport | @ClubSportAV (UPDATED)

We were recently invited to spend an afternoon at the Renaissance Club Sport in Aliso Viejo. They offered complimentary childcare at Kid's World while we worked out or during spa services. To our surprise, it was quite large. They separated the kids into two age groups which we liked. (ClubKid is designated for children ages six weeks through five years, and is subdivided within by smaller age groups. KidFit is structured for ages 5-12.)

Kids World. Photo Courtesy of at Renaissance Club Sport Aliso Viejo.

Our kids did not hesitate to leave our side to play. The area pictured above is for ClubKid while they had a separate area for older kids where they did crafts, gaming, etc. (Note: Kid's World is complimentary to all club members.) On our tour of the facility, we visited their work out studios, basketball court, and equipment room.

Don't Miss Your Meds with The MedCenter System #ad

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The MedCenter System. 

All opinions are our own. 

Are you having a hard time keeping track of all your medication? Then this talking system by The MedCenter System might be for you.

Prescription medicines are an important component of health management, however a growing volume of research indicates a disturbing trend in consumer noncompliance. Millions of Americans do not take their medicines correctly. People simply forget to take them, are confused about the proper dosage and timing, or lack the personal organization to carry out the daily task.