Celebrate the Holidays @OCParks: Heritage Hill Historical Park, OC Zoo, Christmas Train, and More! #OCOrangeFriday

This information is brought to you by OC Parks. All opinions are our own. 

Photos Courtesy of OC Parks. Left: Heritage Hill Historical Park, 

Right: ​Betty the Beaver at OC Zoo. 

If you're looking for more ways to spend quality time with the family this holiday season, you don't have to look very far in Orange County. Some are inexpensive or free!  Start with this outdoor one at Irvine Regional Park on Orange Friday.

Mikhailovsky Ballet - The Flames of Paris @SegerstromArts 11/28-30! #SCFTA

 All opinions are our own. 

Segerstrom Center - Marat Shemiunov and Ekaterina Borchenko in
Mikhailovsky Ballet's The Flames of Paris - Photo by Stas Levshin

Mikhailovsky Ballet from St. Petersburg, Russia brings Paris, France to Orange County with The Flames of Paris! They will perform at Segerstrom Center for the Arts starting November 28th through November 30th. Let the 2014 - 2015 International Dance Series begin! This ballet has been know for it's theatrical component as well as the physical demands and advanced techniques that challenges the dancers throughout the performance. It is usually performed in excerpts, but thanks to the Mikhailovsky Ballet, we get to see the full production!

Tech Review: SANUS 4-in-1 iPad Mount

All opinions are our own. 

If you're looking for a hands-free option for your iPads, SANUS offers a 4-in-1 Mount with a swivel arm that works on desktops, under the kitchen cabinet, on the wall, or magnetic surface mounting. It came with all this hardware including the MagFit iPad case, and it was super easy to install. (I was able to put it together myself with a few simple tools).

Book Signing: "Elf on The Shelf" and "Elf Pets" Co-Author Chanda A. Bell at Barnes & Noble, Huntington Beach Dec 8! | @elfontheshelf

All opinions are our own. 

 

The beloved "The Elf on the Shelf®: A Christmas Tradition" has been a great tool to teach children to be on their best behavior thanks to scout elves who manages the naughty and nice list. This year, there's a new story to be told, "Elf Pets: A Reindeer Tradition," needs children to help raise Elf Reindeer's spirits to fly Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve!

TICKET GIVEAWAY: Aquarium of the Pacific's Holiday Treats 12/6-12/7 PLUS Kids Free Coupon!

All opinions are our own. Prize will be fulfilled by sponsor.

Santa Diver: Photo by Alex Lambert; Sea Lion with Holiday Treat: Photo by Robin Riggs

Celebrate the season and join the Aquarium of the Pacific for Holiday Treats on December 6th and 7th as Santa Diver delivers treats to the penguins, sea otters, seals, sea lions, birds, fish, and other animals! Families can enjoy holiday music, crafts, special presentations, unique photo opportunities, and more! 

Things to Note: 

Queen Mary's CHILL Opens November 21st! | @TheQueenMary #QueenMaryCHILL

Starting November 21st, the third annual CHILL at The Queen Mary is back again for more holiday cheer! CHILL tickets now include unlimited access to The Ice Kingdom, Tubing, Skating, and a visit on the Queen Mary!




Over two million pounds of ice is hand-carved into larger than life ice sculptures in the 14,000 square-foot Igloo called The Ice Kingdom (located inside the Queen Mary’s Dome). This year's Ice Kingdom features a California holiday theme complete with breaking waves, dancing dolphins, and a Surfing Santa. Other special features include frozen scenes from The Nutcracker, walk-through castles, sugar plum fairies, a life-sized candy cane forest, penguin village, and four ice slides off of a 30’ high replica of The Queen Mary!

Kayaking with Kids on Santa Catalina Island with Descanso Beach Ocean Sports #AvalonCA

One early morning in September, our family was invited to experience then share about a guided kayaking expedition on Santa Catalina Island in Avalon, California with Descanso Beach Ocean Sports. It was the perfect morning island vacation adventure as the waters were calm and clear. It was a short 15 minute walk from our hotel as we walked past the Catalina Casino to get to Descanso Beach. As they instructed beforehand, we dressed in our wet suits because we will be sitting in water, but they wanted us to be comfortable, so they also offered us water shoes, life jackets, and water pants. (Our kayaking tour was for 1.5 to 2 hours.)

Ticket Giveaway! Disney on Ice - Let's Celebrate!

All opinions are our own. 

Disney on Ice - Let's Celebrate! presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt is coming and bringing more than 50 Disney characters from 16 beloved Disney stories! This performance will be filled with celebrations, holidays, and festivals around the world all on ice! Coming to Los Angeles, Orange County and Inland Empire - December 10th through January 4, 2015!

Ticket Giveaway! Phillip Phillips in Anaheim December 10th!

All opinions are our own. 

Phillip Phillips (plus special guest Saints of Valory) will be performing at the City National Grove of Anaheim on December 10th! You can listen to his hit song, "Raging Fire" below! His new single, “Unpack Your Heart,” is the second track released from the album.

Hummer Tour with Catalina Island East End Adventure | @VisitCatalina #Travel

This is a post written by me for Catalina Island East End Adventure. All opinions are our own. 

One of the memorable adventures we had on Santa Catalina Island recently was a 2-hour Hummer Tour with Catalina Island East End Adventure. As it took us on a restricted road to the other side of the island, we heard stories about the Wrigley family, interesting facts about the Catalina Island Conservancy, the plants, the healthy buffalo population on the island, and enjoyed breath-taking views we wouldn't have seen unless we hiked it. Did you know that the Conservancy protects 88% of Catalina Island? There is more than 62 miles of unspoiled beaches and undeveloped coastline in Southern California.  (Source: CatalinaConservancy.org)

Tech Review: iClever Himbox HB01 Bluetooth 4.0 Hands-Free Car Kit

We received a test sample of this product. All opinions are our own. 

Do you love your music and take it wherever you go? If you are like us, we like to jam to our music when we're in our cars too. Gone are the days when we burned CD's for our vehicles (well for most of us anyway). Now, we plug our players via the AUX connector and listen to it through our car speakers. iClever Himbox offers a bluetooth (hands-free) option. Just pair up your devices one time, and you no longer have to remember where you left that AUX adapter! It also comes with a dual USB car charger so that it doesn't take up your precious car adapter. (You can still charge your phone at the same time!)

DINING: Pippin-Themed Menu at Leatherby's Cafe Rouge | Patina Group Segerstrom Center #IsawPippin

PIPPIN The Musical is currently at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and next door at Leatherby's Cafe Rouge is a themed 3-Course dinner menu to compliment your theatrical experience!

PIPPIN Musical Now @SegerstromArts through 11/23! #ISawPippin #PippinTour

Opinions are my own. 

A friend and I went to media night of PIPPIN at Segerstrom Center for the Arts this week. We both love theater so this was a real treat for both of us as a night out.

Pippin (Kyle Dean Massey) is a Prince who is determined to find the meaning of his life, but it's not all what he thinks it should be, because after he gets what he wants, he is still left empty and unfulfilled. His Grandma aka Berth (Lucie Arnaz) tells him that he thinks too much and he should live in the moment. What's interesting about the performance is that it's a show within a show, and the Narrator (Leading Player: Sasha Allen) talks directly to us.  Also, the performers are not just singing and dancing, they're athletic and acrobatic! It's like a musical and circus all-in-one. It was really exciting to watch!

GIVEAWAY: How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Blu-ray/DVD! #DragonsInsiders #HTTYD2 #DragonsDay #Printables

All opinions are our own. 

How to Train Your Dragon 2 is now available in Blu-ray/DVD! We saw it when it was in the theaters and LOVED IT! We can't wait to watch it again and again in Blu-ray quality PLUS it has bonus features!

It's the second installment to the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy. If you haven't seen the first movie, you're not going to be completely lost as it starts with a short recap of the first film. If you thought the first movie was awesome, you will love this one too! The creative team did an amazing job aging the children and picking up where they left off PLUS you're in for a new adventure with Hiccup and his best friend Toothless as they find a way to stop Drago, a complete mad man.  Will they be able to settle it peacefully or will they have to battle it out? You'll have to watch and find out for yourself! Can I just add - when is the third one coming out??

GIVEAWAY: Photo Package at New Santa HQ! | #SantaHQ #loveHGTV

Celebrate the holidays with a visit to the Santa HQ presented by HGTV. It's Christmas with a modern twist as Santa and his helpers get high tech. Scheduled to open at Lakewood Center November 8th and Los Cerritos Center on November 11th, your family can now add a little something extra to your holiday experience.

Naughty or Nice?
Are you on the Naughty or Nice List? Jump on the "Naughty O' Nice Meter" to find out!

GIVEAWAY: Creamistry Belmont Shore is Now Open! #CreamistryBelmont

All opinions are our own.

Creamistry in Belmont Shore celebrates their Grand Opening today as the newest location! Today (on Monday, November 10, 2014), there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12:30 pm, followed by FREE ICE CREAM from 3 to 5 pm PLUS all items will be 20% off regular price all day!

Creamisty Pictured: Cookies and Cream with Brownie. Churro with Nutella sauce, and Pineapple Sorbet.

Tips for Fashion Island's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony! @FashionIsland

All opinions are our own. 

Photo Courtesy of Fashion Island.

Mickey Mouse and his friends will once again kick off the holiday season at this year's Fashion Island Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 14th AND November 15th!  More than 10,000 guests are expected to attended each night as it's the only location in SoCal to feature the Disney friends in a tree lighting ceremony outside of Disneyland Resort! It's going to be so much fun as the tree lights up to Disney orchestrated music, a custom light display from Disneyland, and magical snowfall!

Happy 4th Birthday @BruxieWaffles! | Buffalo Chicken Bruxie | #BruxieWaffles #BruxieBirthday

This is a post written by me for Bruxie Waffles. All opinions are my own. 

Bruxie is celebrating their 4th birthday! The team got together to create and offer a new Buffalo Chicken Bruxie on the menu for a limited time (November 6th through 11th). It features Bruxie's popular fried chicken breast coated in Buffalo sauce and topped with coleslaw, buttermilk ranch, and crumbled blue cheese.

HOT TIP: For Veteran's Day,  all veterans with a military ID will receive a complimentary Buffalo Chicken Bruxie!

Buffalo Chicken Bruxie 

Celtic Woman - Home for Christmas, The Symphony Tour @SegerstromArts Mon, 12/15/14 #SCFTA

Irish music sensation Celtic Woman is returning to North America and will celebrate the holidays at Segerstrom Center for the Arts with Home for Christmas – The Symphony Tour on Monday, December 15!

Segerstrom - Celtic Woman: Mairéad Carlin, Lisa Lambe, Susan McFadden, Máiréad Nesbitt - Photo by Lili Forberg

Featuring the celestial vocals of Lisa Lambe, Susan McFadden and Mairéad Carlin, along with Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt, the performance promises to be an uplifting, festive, and family-friendly event. The blend of instrumentals and vocals is sure to dazzle. If you want a taste of Irish tradition and beauty with modern flair, this show should be on your concert list!

Langostino Lobster is Back at Rubio's | @RubiosTweets #Giveaway

Most recently we went to sample Rubio's Langostino Lobster Menu. Back for a limited time, fan favorites like the Langostino Lobster Burrito and Surf and Turf Two Taco Plate returns with a buttery basil sauce. New this year is the Langostino Lobster Enchiladas. They're all delicious and it's all a matter of preference how you like your lobster.

Discount Offer: Disney on Ice Presents Let's Celebrate! Dec. 10th - Jan. 4th!

This is written by me for Disney on Ice. All opinions are our own.

Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt, Disney on Ice - Let's Celebrate! will be here for the holidays! Bringing more than 50 Disney characters from 16 beloved Disney stories, this performance will be filled with celebrations, holidays, and festivals around the world all on ice! Coming to Los Angeles, Orange County and Inland Empire - December 10th through January 4, 2015!

3 New Holiday Popcorn Flavors at Gaslamp Popcorn

All opinions are our own. 

We are busy sampling Gaslamp Popcorn's new holiday flavors! It comes in Apple Crumble Pie, Holiday Cookie, and Pumpkin Spice Pie! The Holiday Cookie has a hint of salt and sweet, and the Apple Crumble Pie is lightly sweetened with tart apples and cinnamon. They're quite addicting and great for snacking! (We're saving the Pumpkin Spice Pie for the next holiday family gathering.)

Movie Review: Disney's Big Hero 6 | #BigHero6 #MeetBaymax

Last week we went to a pre-screening of the new Disney movie, "Big Hero 6", and LOVED it! From the team behind "Frozen" and "Wreck-It Ralph", Walt Disney Animation Studios don't disappoint.

It's a heart-felt story about a talented boy (Hiro Hamada) that have lost his way, but after visiting his brother's talented school, found a reason to go back to school. He is then introduced to his brother's genius invention, a loveable medic-robot (Baymax), who is designed to provide medical assistance.

The film is comical, creative, adventurous, and visually stunning! Who would have thought San Fransokyo ever existed? (San Fran + Tokyo = Amazing!)

When tragedy befalls, Hiro transforms his geeky friends into heroes calling themselves, “Big Hero 6.” You'll have to watch it yourself to find out what happens!

GIVEAWAY: Christmas Train Package + Tree at Irvine Park Railroad! @IrvineParkRR #ChristmasTrain

This is a post written by me for Irvine Park Railroad. All opinions are our own. 

Photo Courtesy of  Irvine Park Railroad. 

It's a festive time of year! NEW at Irvine Park Railroad this year is their Christmas Tree Ranch! Open daily at 10 am beginning Friday, November 28th (the day after Thanksgiving) through Tuesday, December 23rd, families can choose between Douglas fir, Noble fir, and Grand fir trees ranging in height from 4' to 12'. Also available for purchase are Christmas tree stands, preservatives, tree disposal bags, wreaths, and garland. A staff member will help you load your tree on your car!

Before or after you purchase your tree, you can take the family on the Christmas Train to see Santa (timed tickets are required!) or visit the Santa's Village by the train station.  Activities will be open weekends ONLY until December 15th when they open daily. It's a very popular time of year and pre-ordering tickets online is encouraged! Other activities include:

Carmel Valley: Inside Holman Ranch Vineyard Destination | #Travel #CarmelValley #TT

Last October, we took a road trip to the Central Coast of California to Holman Ranch Vineyards in Carmel Valley, California to attend a media tour. Located about 12 miles inland from the Pacific Coast, it was an easy drive over from the City of Carmel (you can also get there from Monterey or US-101).  Once you arrive to Carmel Valley, you will have access to various winery tasting rooms from different vineyards within close proximity from each other. It is a really cute town and a great option for wine tasting!

Holman Ranch is actually a private residence and all visits are by appointment only. You are either there for a special event such as a wedding, a corporate event, retreat, or you were invited (we were invited to a private press tour of the ranch).

Dunkin' Donuts New Croissant Donuts PLUS a Giveaway! #CroissantDonut @DunkinDonuts

This is a post written by me for Dunkin' Donuts. All opinions are my own.

Today Dunkin' Donuts launched their new Croissant Donut! 12 lucky members of its DD Perks® loyalty program will be honored with a special Croissant Donut tasting at a Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant in his or her market during the first week of November. As such, the Dunkin’ team honored Downey resident Joanne Tolen.

At each tasting, the DD Perks member will have the chance to be among the first to try the new treat, and Croissant Donuts will be offered free to the first 500 guests while supplies last. As another way to say thank you, each of the selected DD Perks members will also receive $500 in Dunkin’ Donuts Cards, so he or she can keep running with Croissant Donuts and their favorite Dunkin’ Donuts food and beverages into the New Year. LUCKY!

Highlights of EEK! At The Greek! 2014

This is a post written by Cynthia Duarte. All opinions are our own. 

The Halloween season has ended, but I just have to tell you about my new favorite thing to do in Los Angeles. If you are in the So Cal area around this time, it is a definite must. On October 25, 2014, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles presented EEK! At The Greek! It is such a great experience for the whole family and we can't wait to go back again next year.