It's Our Blogiversary! Celebrate with Us! #LetsPlayOC

Tomorrow starts our first day of our online Blogiversary party. When I started blogging three years ago, I had no idea where I was headed and had no idea how much time goes into it. Three years ago, I was on a mission to share with other families all the fun things we have done around town, and all the time saving tips that we learned along the way. Who would have known that it would turn into something wonderful that families enjoy, and it's thanks to you all!

Did you know that I used to extreme coupon? Yes, I used to clip coupons, file them, watch weekly sales, stockpile, and had a general idea when coupons would reprint. I no longer have time to do it, but I still have the drive to save money and help others too.

Why do I do giveaways? Early on I was told not to be labeled as a "giveaway blog". Maybe it's because it attracts the wrong kind of readership, but the reason I do them is because it's my way of giving back to my fans. If I could have it my way, all of my readers will get a chance to do everything I get to do. Of course this is not possible, but if I can send at least one family or five families, I will always try (even if it means it will take extra time to set it up.)

Picture Perfect. How many photos do we all take in our lifetime? (A ton!) With the digital age, it certainly makes it easier. I still remember when I took photography classes at Santa Monica College, we still used film and drop them off at the labs for processing. (Yes, many, many moons ago.) Out of all the pictures we take, how many photos are useable? (It was a bit wasteful, but they were our memories so we couldn't throw them all out). I still take a ton of photos because I'm looking for the best angles, maybe someone blinked or looked away, and they need to be sharp not blurry. I believe photos should tell a story, and I feel rewarded when someone tells me they love it.

Thank you!
My Readers, thank you for your continued support. If you are new here, welcome! There are so many blogs out there, and I'm so happy you chose to follow mine. For the next 12 days, I have a very fun lineup of things that I love to do with my family around Orange County! Please join us! It is going to be overwhelming, but no worries, I will give you time to catch up. Make sure to sign up for our newsletters and follow us on your favorite platform. I'd love to hear from you!

XOXO,
Mary@LetsPlayOC

Ticket Giveaway for Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions @GreekTheatreLA July 11!

Forever fans of Pokémon can enjoy a video-game concert, Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions, coming to Greek Theatre, Los Angeles on Saturday, July 11th! The Pokémon Company International and Princeton Entertainment have announced that we're one in 30 stops of their tour across the U.S. to thrill fans of all ages with an orchestral concert of music from the beloved video game. Also, fans can catch, battle and trade Pokémon from their favorite games! (A European Tour is scheduled for Spring 2016.)

“Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions is a spectacular showcase of the memorable music that has been a hallmark of the Pokémon franchise for nearly 20 years,” said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing at The Pokémon Company International. “The concert series serves as a thank you to fans and an invitation to share our passion for Pokémon by reliving some of our fondest memories with the brand. We look forward to seeing fans of all ages enjoying this very special Pokémon orchestral event together.”

New Jalapeno Grilled Cheese Sandwiches at Boudin Bakery!

Ever wonder why Boudin Bakery's sourdough bread taste uniquely different from all the others? Last week we went to a grilled cheese sandwich sampling at Boudin's in Huntington Beach. We met with Corporate Chef Alan Skversky who explains to us that Boudin's sourdough bread has no yeast, contains only 4 ingredients, and is unique to San Francisco because of a bacteria that is only found in San Fran.


We sampled The Great Grilled Cheese (you can currently find it on the menu with or without bacon), the new Jalapeno Grilled Cheese, and the Grilled Brie with Apples & Fig (also currently on the menu and one of our favorites).

Review: #MINIONS Movie Coming to Theaters in RealD and IMAX July 10! #beedo

Have you ever wondered where Minions came from? Most recently we saw a pre-screening of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s new MINIONS Movie and learned just that.

Believe it or not, Minions have one goal, they want to find the biggest and baddest villain to serve. (I know right? Those cute little yellow creatures?) Even though they've been around a long time serving the most despicable Masters, they're not evil, they're very naive, and they have the hardest time keeping their Masters. When they don't have a Master, they go into a deep depression. (Awww)

Disney Pixar’s "Inside Out" at El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood #insideout

Disney•Pixar’s "Inside Out" is now showing at theaters everywhere! We saw a pre-screening of the movie at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood a few weeks ago and loved it! Before the movie, an organist performed to Disney's popular song tunes, but now through August 19, 2015, they will open with a "Music of Light" show which will include illuminations created by 3D Live along with live dancers choreographed by Dave Scott (resident choreographer on "So You Think You Can Dance!")

“With ‘Inside Out,’ we have an opportunity to now use a new technology from a company called 3D Live in which live dancers can dance among a 3D landscape from an LED-lit movie-sized backdrop,” said James Wood, operations and stage production for The El Capitan Theatre. “It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before!”

New Air and Luma Comfort Company Tour

About a month ago, some of the Luma Comfort & NewAir brand ambassadors and I went on a tour of the company's facility and to learn more about the brands and the products they offer. As brand ambassadors we occasionally receive products to test and share our experiences. Basically the company wants to offer every day products that we can use so it was an open discussion of what features we liked and what products we hope to see soon as they're constantly working on new and better products.

We learned about products like compact ice makers, outdoor misting fans, air fryers, pressure cookers, wine coolers, and quiet energy-efficient portable AC units. Stuff that even though I wasn't familiar with, after learning about them, I want it. Recently I testing one of their outdoor misting fans and like that I can use it with or without the hose. You can read more about it here: NewAir AF-520B 18 inch Outdoor Misting Fan Review

Expansion Now Complete at Discovery Cube OC! #NewattheCube

The expansion is now complete at the Discovery Cube Orange County! A few weeks ago, we attended the Expansion Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.  The front of the center was closed off to a special presentation. We learned about the generous donors and sponsors before balloons dropped and fireworks went off. It was pretty exciting!

Discovery Cube Orange County is a popular destination for school field trips and play dates to inspire, educate, and impact young minds in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as well as healthy living. Every year about 650,000 students and families visit the center. With 44,000 square feet of new building and exhibit space (including a new theater that can be transformed into exhibit space), you can imagine all the anticipation awaiting this expansion!

New Shows @Knotts This Summer! | #NewatKnotts #KnottsIronReef

Last weekend, we took the family to check out what's new at Knott's Berry Farm this summer. One word: SHOWS! There are several new shows at Knott's including a new ice show, new stunts show at Calico Square, and, of course, the new 4-D ride Voyage to Iron Reef!

Blockbuster Beagle performing at the Charles M. Schultz Theatre is classical Hollywood. There's new talent this year as well as veterans. The show is really fun to watch and the skaters are really athletic. Who doesn't love seeing Snoopy on ice? It's also a great way to beat the heat while at the park.

Summerfest Tour of Temecula Valley (Old Town and Wine Country) | #TemeculaValleyFAM @Visit_Temecula

Most recently a group of bloggers and I went on a Tour of Temecula with Visit Temecula Valley. We took a walking tour of Old Town Temecula, visited a couple of their wineries, and attended a Balloon Glow for their annual Balloon & Wine Festival. I haven't been to Old Town Temecula, and I really wanted to see what their Balloon & Wine Festival was all about. Believe it or not, in one afternoon we were able to visit seven stops within our "Walking Tour of Temecula" (all right before we checked in at our hotel). It was eventful, nonetheless, and we were in for a full day of fun!

Review: MOTOWN THE MUSICAL | Pre-Show Activities #MotownTour @SegerstromArts

This is written by Lisa C. We attended as media. All opinions are our own.
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If you’re looking for a fun, energy-packed evening, check out MOTOWN THE MUSICAL playing now at the Segerstrom Center of the Arts in Costa Mesa through June 28th!

Julius Thomas III as Berry Gordy (center right) and Cast of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL first national tour -
Photo by Joan Marcus

Review: Vionic Flip Flops with Orthaheel Technology | @vionicshoes #nationalflipflopday #flipflops

This Friday, June 19th is National Flip Flop Day! Vionic Shoes sent us some flip flops to try. At first, I was like, okay what's so great about these flip flops? After a week or so walking in them and taking them everywhere like to the beach, to the park, to the pool, and amusement parks, I am impressed! My flip flops are usually flat and after walking around all day at theme parks, (well you can imagine) my feet usually hurt, but not with my new Vionic sandals.

It's all in the design! Vionic flip flops, designed with Orthaheel Technology by a Podiatrist, hug the arch of our foot providing full support. Unless most sandals that are flat, the gravitational forces causes the arch of the foot to collapse, but with their supportive design, it can be reversed raising them back into their natural position and realigning the entire leg. They're the only sandals recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

I just love my new sandals. I also like that they're very durable and well-made. I ordered mine in the Tide II Toe Post Sandal in Bronze Metallic. Vionic carries many different varieties in styles and also come in other types of shoes for both men and women. For more information, please visit their website at www.vionicshoes.com.

Happy Blogiversary, Let's Play OC! Join us for 12 Days of Giveaways July 1-12! #LetsPlayOC

New Rewind Racers at Adventure City

A few weeks ago, we went to a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Rewind Racers at Adventure City. It was momentous, and then we all lined up to ride. The ride goes backwards, forwards, and then backwards again. We had a BLAST!

Adventure City is celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year! They have 16 rides, shows and attractions. Surprisingly for a theme park its size, it's loaded with things to do for all ages. Most of them adults can ride too! We took a ride on the Giggle Wheel, watched a comedy show, flew on the Balloon Racers, took a train ride around the park on the Adventure City Express, cranked it out on the Crank and Roll, ran around the Rain Room to cool off, played in the arcade, stopped to pet the animals in the petting zoo, and more!

New Jenni Kayne's Exclusive Collection @PotteryBarnKids! #JenniKaynexPBK

Most recently we went to a launch party in Los Angeles for Designer Jenni Kayne's new collection coming to Pottery Barn Kids!

We enjoyed lunch, face-painting, balloon twisting, framing our masterpieces, and ran around enjoying her beautiful collection like this Teepee.

Giveaway: HUMPBACK WHALES IMAX Movie Prize Pack! @MacFreeFilms

A wonderful IMAX film is coming to California Science Center July 3rd! If you love learning about whales, HUMPBACK WHALES takes an in-depth look of these wonderful majestic creatures in their natural environment. Captured for the first time with IMAX® 3D cameras, this film is narrated by two-time Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor, and explores the waters of Alaska, Hawaii, and the remote islands of Tonga. We will learn how these whales communicate, sing, feed, play, and take care of their young. You will not believe the footage! (Watch the trailer below!)

"HUMPBACK WHALES is an extraordinary journey into the mysterious world of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring marine mammals. Join a team of researchers as they unlock the secrets of the humpback and find out why humpbacks are the most acrobatic of all whales, why they sing their haunting songs, and why these intelligent 55-foot, 50-ton animals migrate up to 10,000 miles round-trip every year."

New Hershey's-Inspired Summer Milk Shakes @RubysDiner | #RubysSummerShakes

You may have noticed that we were out sampling Ruby's Diner's three new Hershey's-inspired shakes this summer: Kit Kat, Heath Bar, and Double Chocolate milk shakes. Well, it's available starting today!!

The kids had fun building their classic cars and putting fun stickers on them. Kid's Meals at Ruby's offers several classic diner choices, a beverage, and a side of french fries (0g of trans fat), applesauce, or sliced apples. (Click on the link for the full menu).

 

Theater/Review: Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg - Up and Down (West Coast Premiere) #SCFTA

This is written by Carolina Gonzalez. We attended as media. All opinions are our own.
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The West Coast Premiere of Boris Eifman’s Up and Down (performed by The Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg) was just here in Orange County, and it was the perfect date night. I grew up dancing to ballet, and it was a great way to introduce my favorite dance to my boyfriend as it was his first time. When Friday night arrived, we were so excited and could hardly wait to spend our evening at the Segerstrom Center of the Arts.

Dmitry Fisher as Buddy and Lyubov Andreyeva as Patient - Eifman Ballet's Up and Down
Photo by Michael Khoury

Nine Naturals Skincare Products - 100% Plant Based

We received some Nine Naturals skincare products to sample. Nine Naturals is a line of 100% plant based skincare products designed with pregnant and new mother's in mind, but it's safe for the whole family! All their products are free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, and synthetic fragrances. You can never be too safe when it comes to protecting yourself and your family from toxic chemicals.

 

Hello Kitty's SuperCute Friendship Festival Now in LA through 6/14/15! #HelloCitty #HKFestival

 
Last night we went to a media preview of Hello Kitty's SuperCute Friendship Festival in Los Angeles. Now until Sunday, you can join in on the fun as Hello Kitty and her supercute friends take the stage in several live performances. It's more than just a show, because you can walk around "Hello City" and visit the many interactive exhibits, take photo opps, enjoy Hello Kitty art, fashion and stock up on event-exclusive merchandise!

Hint: there is a "Meet and Greet" in the back of the forum between shows where I got this super awesome photo with Hello Kitty!

Review/Giveaway: Natural Skincare Products @CitrusClear

I received a sample of Citrus Clear Sensitive Wash and their Sensitive Moisturizer and loved it! I have combination skin where it's oily in the t-zones, and I try not to use anything on my face, because I'm afraid it will clog my pores and cause breakouts. I don't have breakouts too often, but when I do, it takes a while to heal. (It makes me cringe when I have to apply makeup or concealer to cover it up which makes it even worse.) My skincare daily routine is usually washing my face in the morning, applying a moisturizer, and washing my face again right before bedtime. But guess what, my cleansers dry out my skin. Dry skin = wrinkles, and the worst part is forgetting the night creams to prevent wrinkles.

After using Citrus Clear's Sensitive Wash for a couple of weeks, I noticed my skin looks healthier without the dryness, and my friends notice too! Designed for sensitive skin, their organic citrus ingredients provide a hypoallergenic, gentle wash with amino acids and Vitamin C. Following the wash, I apply the Sensitive Moisturizer which has a soft pink grapefruit scent. It's also hypoallergenic and chemical free which can be used after both cleansing. Besides being all natural, can I just say they both smell great! With the soft Tahitian lime scent from the wash, the Sensitive Wash gives me a burst of energy in the morning and light aromatherapy before bedtime. I am impressed!

Remodeled Discovery Cube OC Grand Opening 6/11/15 - Membership Giveaway! #NewAtTheCube

Photo Courtesy of Discovery Cube Orange County

Last night we attended a special media preview of the newly remodeled and expanded Discovery Cube Orange County which officially opens tomorrow June 11th! The popular destination for school field trips is now 44,000 square-foot of fun interactive science exhibits, themed science-adventures and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) with focus on appreciating the smallest ecosystems on earth to the largest exploration of the cosmos! It features a new 10,000 square-foot Julianne Argyros Showcase Theater and Exhibition Hall with the flexibility to transform from a 500-seat theater into an exhibition space (currently housing the Sherlock Holmes Exhibit) PLUS a new healthy Bean Sprout Café.  They have so much to offer that we couldn't see it all in the two hours that we were there!

Ticket Giveaway! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Circus XTREME!

Disclosure: We will be attending as media. 

The circus is coming to SoCal and we have tickets to give away! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Circus XTREME will be performing at the STAPLES CENTER (Los Angeles), Citizens Business Bank Arena (Ontario), and Honda Center (Anaheim). One lucky reader will win two ticket vouchers good for a week day show (excludes Friday night and weekends). Please note that they will need to be redeemed for assigned seats so if you win, you'll want to convert them as soon as possible at the box office for the best selection. At that time, you can purchase additional tickets if you need them. Enter below for a chance to win!

New LEGO® Friends Heartlake City @LEGOLAND_CA! #LEGOLANDfriends #LEGOLANDCA

Most recently we attended a media preview of the new LEGO® Friends Heartlake City. Based on the LEGO toy line, LEGO Friends Mia, Emma, Stephanie, Andrea and Olivia bring their world to life at LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad, California! There's a new stage, carousel, building station, fountain, new restaurants and more!

Free to Play This Summer | #FreeToBe NEW all free clear with OXY! | @all_laundry #ad

I don't know if you guys remember when my son was born. He had eczema on his cheeks and elbows for about a year. Although it looked rashy and seemed irritated, looking back - he was still precious to us and our “handsome” little guy. 

Babies are super sensitive, and we never know if they’re going to have an allergic reaction or skin irritations to lotions and detergent, etc., which is why it is suggested to go fragrance-free and unscented for at least the first month or so. We are especially careful when we are around other newborns too so that we're not the cause of their skin irritants. We would never be invited back so I make sure I'm not wearing perfume or lotions.

Our Billy Beez Birthday Party at Anaheim @TheGardenWalk! #BBKIDZ

This is written by Thomas K. We received a media rate. All opinions are our own.

Recently our family had the opportunity to host our son's 7th birthday party at Billy Beez in Anaheim. Billy Beez is a fairly new venue located in the Anaheim Garden Walk plaza, offering 17,000 square feet of slides, obstacle courses, and more for all ages. Our two kids (5 and 7) love it here as there is so much to do, and parents can join in the fun as well!

We have been back here several times since Mary told us to check it out as a possible location for a birthday party. The kids are hooked! On our first visit, we were greeted by a friendly staff member that helped us understand the pricing and rules. The basic rules are that socks are required, and NO GUM ALLOWED! Once paid, they provide you with a bracelet and you're in! There are two separate areas containing tables and chairs, a small concession area, open racks for shoes and belongings, and benches throughout for those that just want to watch our kids have a blast.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Circus XTREME | Get $15 Tickets Opening Night!

Disclosure: We are going as media. All opinions are our own. Photos are copyrighted and used with permission.

The circus is coming to town! Ringling Bros. never ceases to amaze with a new production - Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Circus XTREME. They don't call it, "The Greatest Show On Earth®" for nothing. New this year are Xtreme Sports, Caravan of Camels, Bungee Skydivers, World's Youngest Human Cannonball, and Mongolian Marvels. It's coming to the STAPLES Center, Citizens Business Bank Arena, and Honda Center July 9 thru August 2nd. Get all the details below!

Patio and Garden Dining with Kids @SideDoorCDM, Corona Del Mar | #ToddlerTuesday

Last week we were invited to a fabulous dinner at SideDoor in Corona Del Mar for Toddler Tuesday. It is usually very stressful dining with small children, because we're rushing through dinner and hoping we don't disturb other diners. Wouldn't it be nice to enjoy fine dining and not feel judged? Well, SideDoor (located next door to Five Crowns) wants us to eat out again, because on Tuesday evenings, they reserved the whole patio and garden area for families!

On Tuesdays after 4:30 pm, stop by and tell the hostess you're there for "Toddler Tuesday." You don't need a reservation as walk-ins are welcome. Come as you are, because it's casual dining. You're in for a delicious dinner with fine food and drinks PLUS Kid's Meals are $5!  Children can choose chicken fingers with french fries, grilled cheese sandwich with celery sticks, pasta, or hot dog with chips (beverage included).

Giveaway @DelTaco! New Epic Grilled Chicken Avocado Burrito! #EpicAvocado #Epic #UnFreshingBelievable

Starting today, Del Taco will offer another fresh ingredient at an UnFreshing Believable® value -  Hass avocados! You can enjoy them in the new Epic Grilled Chicken Avocado Burrito or add them to any existing menu item. More details below!

Kick Off Your Summer with a Free Kraft Cookbook! | #CookingUpSummer #Kraft #ad

Sponsored post by Lunchbox. #CookingUpSummer #Kraft

Summer is here and as we count down to the last days of school, I'm stressing out over meal planning. In a couple of weeks, we will be on a family camping trip and need ideas what food to pack and will be sharing. The 4th of July will soon be here too, are we hosting or will we bring a potluck item? We'll also be at the beach this summer and hope to do a bonfire. Bonfires are really fun and with proper planning and coordination, we're not all bringing the same things to share.

Lucky for us Kraft has a FREE summer cookbook! Just browsing through it, it looks easy for me to follow, the photos are beautiful, and I'm inspired. I want you to check out their beautiful summer PHILADELPHIA Fruit Pizza. It takes only 15 minutes to prepare, the crust bakes for 14 minutes, needs refrigerating for 2 hours, and serves 12. It will make the perfect dessert piece to any BBQ or party! Also, take a look at their Queso Burgers. It takes 20 minutes to prep and serves 6. You'll need ground sirloin, VELVEETA, RO*TEL diced tomatoes & green chilies, lettuce, a large tomato, and, of course, hamburger buns. The cookbook has recipes for picnics, cook-offs, parties and more so download the free Kraft “Kick-Off Your Summer” cookbook today! Let me know what you try or want to try. Enjoy!

Hello Kitty's Supercute Friendship Festival Coming to LA (June 12-14)! | #HKFestival #HelloCity @HelloKittyFest

The iconic Hello Kitty, created to inspire happiness around the world, is going on her first ever live North American tour: Hello Kitty’s Supercute Friendship Festival! Hello Kitty and her supercute friends Dear Daniel®, My Melody®, Badtz-Maru®, Keroppi®, Chococat® and PurinTM will feature in live performances and DJ-driven dance sequences, as well as interactive exhibits, animation, art, fashion, photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and more!

Hello Kitty's Supercute Friendship Festival - Photo Courtesy of Sanrio.

Rubio's Coastal Grill's New Redesigned Store

Rubio's has a new look! Their newly redesigned store in Laguna Niguel is one in 45 that underwent an ocean-inspired transformation. My family and I checked it out, and it looks... Nice. The first thing I noticed was a bench centrally located in the lobby for those ordering To-Go. Everything just seems nicer including woodwork around the salsa bar, more ocean-themed artwork, new delicious lemonades, and a more comfortable, inviting dining room with natural woods. 

Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg: Up and Down (West Coast Premiere) 6/5–6/7 @SegerstromArts #SCFTA

 Disclosure: We will attend a performance as media.

Dmitry Fisher as Buddy and Lyubov Andreyeva as Patient - Eifman Ballet's Up and Down - Photo by Michael Khoury

This week the Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg returns to Segerstrom Center of the Arts with it's West Coast Premiere of Up and Down. With music from Alban Berg, Franz Schubert and George Gershwin, this ballet takes us on a journey into Sigmund Freud’s view of the unconscious mind through a rocky love story in the 1920’s and is destroyed by the deep psychological complications between a woman and man. This is the Eifman Ballet’s eighth visit to the Center.