TICKET GIVEAWAY: Circus Vargas Presenting Magikaria Extreme Comes to the OC! | @CircusVargas

Circus Vargas Presenting Magikaria Extreme is coming to Orange County April 24-28 (Westfield MainPlace) and May 1-19 (Irvine Spectrum) with an all new show!

Get ready for the ultimate entertainment extravaganza for all ages! Circus Vargas will debut its most mind-blowing, highly anticipated spectacular ever!

Ticket Giveaway: America's Family Pet Expo (AFPE) April 25- 27! | @FamilyPetExpo @OCFair

Pet Lovers, America’s Family Pet Expo (AFPE) is celebrating 25 years, and they're returning to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, April 25th – 27th! We went last year and we saw police dogs, dog shows, exotic reptiles, pet adoption opportunities and more! 

New this year is the Extreme Canines Dog Stunt Show. It's a high energy, fur-flying show with stunt dogs soaring for Frisbees, high jump flying through the air, jump roping, and running through obstacle courses. (Executive Producer Chris Perondi).

COUPON: 9th Annual International Children's Day Festival @AquariumPacific April 4-5!

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s ninth annual International Children’s Day Festival is a special festival for kids celebrating the amazing talents of children of all cultures featuring dance performances by:

• West African, 
• Mexican, 
• Pacific Islander, 
• Cambodian, 
• Chinese, 
• Korean, 
• Japanese, and 
• Persian dancers.

Also featured will be a children’s choir and martial arts demonstrations. 

TICKET GIVEAWAY: Knott's Berry Bloom Returns This Spring! | @Knotts #KnottsSpring

A festival celebrating Knott's favorite fruit - the boysenberry? We are SO THERE! This year marks the second annual Knott's Berry Bloom spring season which features giant displays of spring colored blooms, family-friendly activities, and gourmet food & wine tasting. NEW for 2014 celebrates the history of Knott's at the Ghost Town Boysenberry Festival! HOW DELICIOUS!

PREVENTION: Cozy’s So Cozy BOO! Shampoo and Conditioner Repels Lice | @CozyCutsforKids

Disclosure: We received product samples. All opinions are our own. 

Lice is NASTY! (So we heard anyway). The other day at preschool there was a notice on the classroom door that our kid may have been exposed to it, and it was to inform us that they took precaution to clean everything thoroughly in the classroom. Whew, that was close, but what if next time we weren't so lucky and our son brought it home with him? We can only imagine what a nightmare that will become. 

Recently we learned that there’s a new strain of lice — dubbed “super lice”— that is more resistant to over the counter lice treatments. That’s why Cozy Friedman, a mom of two and founder of Cozy's Cuts for Kids salons in New York City, recommends using preventative measures to scare away lice attacks, all summer long.

MOVIE GIVEAWAY: Walking With Dinosaurs The Movie Now in Blu-ray! | @FHEInsiders #WalkingwithDinosDVD #Printables

Disclosure: As a member of Fox Home Ent Insiders, we received a copy to review and one to giveaway. All opinions are our own. Prize will be fulfilled by sponsor. 

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS The Movie is now available on DVD and Blu-ray! 

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and BBC Earth Films invite you to bring home Walking with Dinosaurs The Movie, an awe-inspiring adventure 70 million years in the making.


We recently reviewed a Blu-ray copy of this movie and was in awe. The graphics is not only amazing in Blu-ray quality, it's educational! The movie starts out in modern day but then transitions right into story-telling mode of a baby dinosaur. Before you know it, you're along for the journey. The producer does a wonderful job of bringing the dinosaurs to life from start to finish. If you're big fans of dinosaurs, this movie will not disappoint!

NEW TRAVEL PRODUCT: Kuhi Comfort Travel Pillow | @KuhiComfort #Giveaway

When we travel, my go-to accessories are my travel pillow, travel tote, iPad, and my ear-buds. When we're traveling as a family of four, we're always torn between splitting up and getting two seats in front of each other OR a row with a fourth somewhere near. Last time we were in the air, I ended up in an aisle seat away from my family, and my neighbor took over our shared armrest. Fun right? I was really glad I had my mentioned go-to accessories to keep me off my neighbor and out of the aisles. 

Recently Kuhi Comfort sent me a sample of their new travel pillow. I love testing out travel products so was really excited when I received this pillow. Check it out...

Travel Light with MeFOTO SideKick360 Smartphone TriPod Adapter | @MeFOTOTripods #Photography

I received a product sample for my iPhone 5. 

Lately I've been taking more pictures with my smartphone and less with my DSLR, because it's nice to travel light whenever possible. Recently I received a new toy to play with and took it to the park to have some fun. The MeFOTO SideKick360 is a tripod adapter for smartphones. It's super lightweight and compact while gripping my camera phone for a steady picture.

TRAVEL: Frisco Adventure Park | Snow Tubing in Frisco, Colorado @TownofFrisco

Disclosure: We received a media discount for reviewing purposes. All opinions are our own. 

Welcome to Part 4 of Our Snow Adventures in Colorado. One of activities on our list was snow tubing. Not far from Breckenridge is Frisco Adventure Park. I believe there are two locations you can snow tube in the area, however, my sister-in-law (aka the planner) did the research and even checked height restrictions! (Keystone's minimum height restriction was 42" and Frisco's was 36"). With our shortest person at 40", we went with the obvious choice.

DISCOUNT OFFER: Disney On Ice 100 Years of Magic #DisneyOnIce

Disney on Ice is coming to Ontario April 16 – April 20 and Long Beach April 23 – April 27 with 100 Years of Magic. 

Featuring more than 65 of Disney's captivating characters from 18 unforgettable Disney stories come to life in this commemorative celebration, produced by Feld Entertainment. In this lavish ice show, everyone's favorite sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, take audiences on a fun-filled adventure, sharing memories with Disney friends including Goofy & Donald Duck; the beloved Disney Princesses; Chip & Dale; Pinocchio & Jiminy Cricket; Belle & The Beast plus many more – and magical moments from Disney’s Aladdin, Mulan, The Lion King plus Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Toy Story!

Theatre: MAMMA MIA! Musical Arrives @SegerstromArts April 8 – 13, 2014 | Songs of ABBA #MammaMiaOC

We cannot wait for Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, when they return to Segerstrom Hall from April 8 – 13, 2014!

MAMMA MIA! North American Tour Cast
Photo by Kevin Thomas Garcia, 2013

Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA’s songs from “Dancing Queen” and “S.O.S.” to “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me,” MAMMA MIA! is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found. 

REVIEW: No One Likes Stinky Feet | New etnies Scout Shoes Plant a Tree, Decreases Odors

Disclosure: We received the following products to review. All opinions are our own. 

No one likes stinky feet so we were extremely excited to receive samples of the new etnies Scout shoes that are lightweight, and, with their new mesh design, will decrease the chances of odors.

MOVIE REVIEW: Muppets Most Wanted | #Printables #MuppetsMostWanted

The other night we took the family to a pre-screening of Disney's NEW Muppets Most Wanted movie. Right outside the theater, they had this pretty cool vault for a great photo op.

Being our first Muppets movie, we really didn't know what to expect, however, it didn't take long to understand that it's a musical, and you know how much we love musicals. In the opening number, we learn that it's their seventh sequel.

FUN FACT: "Muppets Most Wanted" is the seventh sequel to their original motion picture 1979's "The Muppet Movie". The new film is the eight movie in 35 years!

GIVEAWAY: Gaslamp Popcorn from San Diego! | @Gaslamp_Popcorn

Disclosure: We received the samples below to review. All opinions are our own. Prize will be fulfilled by sponsor. 

This product review is from San Diego, California. We love that Gaslamp Popcorn operates out of an energy efficient plant in California and that it's gluten-free! I took my samples to an office potluck and a family gathering. They come in three wonderful flavors: White Cheddar, Cinnamon Caramel, and Kettle Corn. They were delicious and a hit at both events! Now available in major retail shelves across the state or online, we think you'll agree after trying these that they make a great snack for whatever the occasion. Learn more below and enter for a chance to win 10 bags below! Good luck!

TRAVEL: Riding the Gold Runner Coaster @BreckenridgeMtn | @GoBreck #BreckBecause #SnowVaca

Welcome to Part 3 of our Snow Vacation Series in Breckenridge, Colorado. One of the attractions we really enjoyed was the Gold Runner Coaster located in Peak 8 of Breckenridge Mountain Resort.

Littles can ride in front as you coast along a scenic 2,500 ft ride. The best part is having complete control of your speed as you control the breaks.

DINING: Celebrating American Chocolate Week @WoodRanch

It's American Chocolate Week, and Wood Ranch had some unique chocolate items that we wanted to try like this Godiva Chocolate Martini.

Want the recipe? We've shared it below!

Get this SPECIAL PROMO for Aquarium of the Pacific @DennysDiner in SoCal | @AquariumPacific

Denny's Restaurants throughout Southern California is currently carrying coupons to the Aquarium of the Pacific! You can get - One free child admission with the purchase of one full-price adult to the aquarium - a $15 savings!!

This week we took the family to our local Denny's for dinner and checked it out.

We like how their kid's menu have colored pictures which makes it so much easier for the littles to decide what they wanted to eat.

It's never too late in the day to order breakfast so my son ordered the chocolate chip pancakes which included a bacon strip, sausage link, and scrambled eggs.

TRAVEL TIPS: SnowMobiling with Good Times Adventure | @SnowmobileBreck @GoBreck #BreckBecause #SnowVaca

Welcome to our second installment of our snow vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado. One of the adventures we loved while in Breckenridge was snowmobiling with Good Times Adventure! At times, we felt we were Narnia riding through the woods with a flurry of snow hitting our faces. It was magical and the best part of it all was reaching the Georgia Pass and Continental Divide at 11,585 feet elevation. Here are some highlights... Enjoy!

Snowmobiles at Good Times Adventure. Photo by LetsPlayOC.com.

TRAVEL: Our Family Snow Vacation Itinerary - Breckenridge, Colorado | @GoBreck #BreckBecause

Today, we're kicking off a Travel Series of our Snow Vacation to Breckenridge, Colorado. You may have seen the pictures we've shared and curious to know how we decided on Breckenridge. EASY. We had family headed there so when we were playing around with the idea, we found round-trip tickets for a smokin' deal at $175* via South West Airlines! (To compare, most national round-trip tickets average around $400 these days plus luggage - so yes, we were STOKED!)

*Note: This was an airline special that we stumbled upon. Your search results may vary. 

Flying over Colorado. Photo by LetsPlayOC.com.

I'm usually the planner in our group, so I find it refreshing to let others take the lead. If you know my sister-in-law, she's hardcore with her itinerary all mapped out months in advance. We just came along for the ride. Check out our adventure-packed itinerary below. You won't believe how much we've accomplished in just 4 DAYS of Travel! (2 Days for Travel, 2 Days of Activities).

TICKET GIVEAWAY: @DisneyOnIce Celebrates 100 Years of Magic!

How fun is this!! Join Disney On Ice in SoCal as they celebrate 100 Years of Magic! You and your family will enjoy beautifully choreographed skating, breathtaking production numbers, stunning costumes, and toe-tapping songs on a tour of favorite Disney moments.

MOVIE GIVEAWAY: The Book Thief | @FHEInsiders #BookThiefDigitalLibrary

The Book Thief will be available on Blu-ray/DVD March 11th!

Based on the beloved best-selling book comes an “extremely moving” (Leonard Maltin, Indiewire) story of a girl who transforms the lives of those around her during World War II, Germany. 

TICKET GIVEAWAY: 2014 Easter Eggstravaganza (Mar 29 - April 19) @IrvineParkRR

EASTER is a big month for us like Christmas and Halloween. With a ton of things to do locally, we celebrate it all month-long. Our kids LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! Here's one that your kids will enjoy at Irvine Park Railroad! Grab your Easter baskets and cameras as our kids will go on an age-appropriate egg hunt. Offered on both weekends and weekdays, the 2014 Easter Eggstravaganza will make the perfect play date with friends. Please find more info below and enter our giveaway for a chance to win activity tickets!

Photo Courtesy of Irvine Park Railroad. 

The Easter Bunny will arrive at Irvine Park Railroad for their annual Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 29th through Saturday, April 19th!

St. Paddy's Day at OC Zoo - Sat, March 15th (10 am - 4 pm)! | @OCParks #FamilyFriendly

OC families can celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the animals at OC Zoo on Saturday, March 15th (10 am to 4 pm). St. Paddy's Day-themed toys and treats will be given to the animals, and children can create a special craft to take home. 

Our Top 5 Family Fun Moments @Knotts Berry Farm | #KnottsPass

As you know, we frequent Knott's Berry Farm. Not only is it local and down the street from us, it's affordable and our kids love it! Here are Our Top 5 Family Fun Moments at Knott's (not in order of preference):

Showing Our #DisneySide @ Home Celebration

Disclosure: We received complimentary items to host a Disney Side home celebration party, but we picked up some things of our own. All opinions are our own. 

We were recently selected to host a fun Disney Side party. We knew we were in for a real treat when a luggage filled with Disney goodies arrived for the party. We could hardly wait!