New Christmas Shows at SeaWorld! #ChristmasAtSeaWorld

Last Friday, we attended a media preview of all the new Christmas Shows at SeaWorld San Diego. All the shows were approximately 20 minutes so there was plenty of time to see them all. Upon entering, we stopped by the Explorer's Reef and the children enjoyed visiting the cleaner fish. (Throughout the day, they kept asking to go back to get kissed by the fish.) You can also touch horseshoe crabs, sting rays, and bamboo sharks. They were still setting up Santa's Christmas Village when we walked by but it was scheduled to open the next day (November 21, 2015) with nightly singalongs to the Tree Lighting Ceremony with Mrs. Claus.

We then headed over to catch the Dolphin Island Christmas Show at Dolphins Stadium. It was a fun Christmas-themed show with a tropical twist! They were singing Christmas music with an "island" touch. The animals were amazing to watch as always. No one ever takes the "Soak Zone" signs seriously. It was hilarious to see audience members get splashed. I was glad it wasn't me. =) They also had island dancers.

New Fall/Winter Menu at Five Crowns with Wine Pairing #FC50

Most recently Darren and I went to a media menu tasting at Five Crowns Restaurant in Corona Del Mar. What a treat! They are celebrating their 50th Anniversary, and we were both in for a delicious evening tasting their new 5-course fall/winter menu with wine pairing.

For starters, their Butternut Squash Soup came with maple-glazed pancetta. It's perfect for those chilly days in SoCal. Suggested Pairing: MV Roederer Estate, Brut, Anderson Valley.

Things To Do in Newport Beach, California #EnrichYourSenses AD

How lucky are we to live in Southern California?! We have access to pretty much everything including beautiful beaches and plenty of things to do with our family! One of my favorite beach in Orange County is Newport Beach. I don't have to tell us locals that Newport Beach is home to the Lexus Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race, Newport Beach Film Festival, Restaurant Week, Newport Beach Independence Day on the Bay, Hyatt Regency Summer Concert Series, and the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. If you have family and friends visiting during the holidays and looking for something fun to do, see below for special holiday events in Newport Beach!

Ticket Giveaway + Coupon: Holiday Treats Festival 12/5-12/6 at Aquarium of the Pacific!

If you're looking for something fun to do with the family to kick off this holiday season, there are several. Here's one at the Aquarium of the Pacific for both December 5th and December 6th - It's their Holiday Treats Festival! Watch Santa Diver deliver an ocean of gifts to the animals including penguins, sea otters, seals, sea lions, lorikeets, and fish. Families can enjoy holiday music, crafts, special presentations, shopping, and more!

You might see snow in the Aquarium's Great Hall and if weather permits, snow play on the front lawn! The sea otters exhibit will be decked out for the “sea”son with their very own snowman. Guests can watch the sea otters savor candy cane-shaped ice treats and gourmet lobster tails - Awe.

Moonlight Madness/Black Friday Hours at Outlets at San Clemente!

This is a sponsored post. #OutletsSC

This past weekend we were shopping at the new Outlets at San Clemente. With deals like 40% off at the Tommy Hilfiger Outlet Store, it was the perfect opportunity to start shopping for Christmas. This year I have 18 kids to shop for (10 on my husband side and 6 on my side plus our two boys). Most of them are grown and have a ton of toys already so I like to designer clothing. This year I am blessed with a new nephew who is also my Godson. I got him a couple of dressy shirts in plaid and a pair of jeans. For my twin nephews, I thought it would be cute if they matched or had coordinating outfits. I know their mom doesn't want them to be too matchy matchy, but I grabbed matching striped shirts that are classic and they can dress it up or down, as well as pair it with khakis or with jeans.

Signature and Custom Donut Bar at poqet DONUTS in Irvine!

Orange County gets their first custom doughnut bar shop in Irvine! You may have noticed we were at the new poqet DONUTS (pronounced "pocket") tasting their signature donuts and customizing our own. What a unique concept! When I got there I was a little overwhelmed, and thought, "Oh man, it's going to be hard to decide on which one to try first," but they had some all cut up to bite-size pieces to sample, and my friends and I just started on one end then worked our way down. What surprised me the most were the Vegan ones. They were tasty!

poqetDONUTS offers a wide range of signature donuts that are uniquely delicious. It's hard to pick just one, because you will want to try them all! They offer flavors like Avocado, Maple Bacon, Campfire, PB & noJ, Cookies & Cream, Strawberry Fields Forever, Pumpkin Spice, Nutella, Tiramisu, Burnt Pistachio, Lemon Meringue, Cherry Red Velvet, Blueberry, Black & White, Vanilla Latte, Green Tea, Butter Salt, Vegan Strawberry, Vegan Blueberry, and more! Some are seasonal.

Sensory-Friendly Birthday Party at We Rock the Spectrum Laguna Hills #WeRockLagunaHills

Did you know that Laguna Hills has a unique sensory gym for children called We Rock The Spectrum Kid's Gym (WRTS)? Lisa had her twin's birthday party there recently, and she wrote all about it below!

Birthday parties are often anticipated with joy and excitement by children. But for autism families, planning a birthday party for kids on the spectrum is often a stressful event. As a mom with kids on the autism spectrum, I can personally relate. For our kids, social gatherings are often punctuated by hyperactive behaviors, sensory difficulties or mother-of-all meltdowns. Forcing our kids to socialize with their peers and family at a party that requires language and communication skills often leads to an emotional outburst or meltdown for the kids and a giant headache for the parents. Therefore, birthday parties are usually small family occasions at our home.

Enter the Annual Gingerbread Competition at Discovery Cube OC!

This is a sponsored post. #DiscoveryCubeMoms

Do you love building Gingerbread Houses with your family? Are you really creative and like to go all fancy? Enter the Annual Gingerbread Competition at Discovery Cube! Every year local companies, schools, families and organizations are invited to build their own creations and enter. It doesn't have to be a house. It can be a barn, church, castle, or a structure. Entries will be judged on imagination, construction, decoration detail, use of gingerbread, color and adherence to guidelines.

Progressive Dinner Walk at Anaheim GardenWalk #agwdinearound

Looking for a new way to enjoy a night out with friends or a date night? Most recently a group of blogger friends and I went on a Progressive Dinner Walk at Anaheim GardenWalk. We started off with drinks and appetizers at Roy's Restaurant and PF Chang's, then headed over to Bubba Gump for entrees, and ended up at FiRE + iCE Grill for desserts. Read all about below!

Albertsons Deal: Buy Gift Cards, Get $15 OFF Plus a Giveaway! #ALBSWYHoliday15

This is a sponsored post. 

Have you started budgeting for holiday shopping and looking for deals? Do you like to gift or use Gift Cards? Well, Albertsons/Safeway stores have a gift card deal right now which you can stock up on Gift Cards and receive a $15 coupon on your next purchase at Albertsons and Safeway stores - It's like getting Free groceries! When it comes to shopping for the holidays, I'll take all the savings I can get. Savvy shoppers know how to double or even triple dip on the savings and buy gift cards BEFORE they shop or dine to save even more! Here's how it works...

Is Laser Hair Removal for You? @CosmetiCare #CosmetiCareMoms AD

This is a sponsored post. #CosmetiCareMoms

Do you have unwanted hair and wonder if laser hair removal is for you? Well, as a CosmetiCare Moms Ambassador, we get to try some of the MedSpa services at CosmetiCare then share our experiences. My husband has thick coarse facial hair, and he suffers from ingrown hairs on his neck. It's often hard to shave around his Adam's apple, and sometimes it looks bumpy, red, and sore. At times it's so deep that I have to help him break the skin with a needle to get to it. Well, lately we've been thinking about getting him some laser hair treatment for relief and a permanent solution. Lucky for us, CosmetiCare was willing to take on the challenge. Darren has had two treatments. (6-8 is recommended.)

DVD Giveaway: Santa's Little Helper | #SantasInsiders

Disclosure: As a FHE Insider, I received a copy of the movie, and one to give away to one lucky reader.

After Dax loses his job and hits rock bottom for being the biggest jerk, you wouldn't think that Santa saw potential in him and sent an elf to recruit him for Santa's second-in-command. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and WWE Studios presents SANTA'S LITTLER HELPER in this comical and modern day holiday movie starring WWE Superstar Mike "The Miz" Mizanin, WWE Diva Paige, and AnnaLynne McCord. Available on DVD and Digital HD on Tuesday, November 17th!

Musical Review: 42nd Street at SegerstromCenter for the Arts

Disclosure: We attended as media.

It was such a treat to attend the opening performance of 42nd STREET at Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa. If you like tap dancing, this show delivers in grand style. The production captured the whole atmosphere of the 1930’s perfectly from costumes to scenery.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Caitlin Ehlinger as Peggy Sawyer (center) and the
Company of 42nd Street Photo by Chris Bennion

Tree Lighting Ceremony and Concert at New Outlets at San Clemente, Sat 11/14 PLUS Gift Card Giveaway!

This is a sponsored post. #OutletsSC

The new Outlets at San Clemente is officially open! It's Orange County's very first ocean-facing outdoor outlet shopping & dining destination! Today we went to the Ribbon-cutting ceremony, and it was exciting! Some stores were already open, some were still moving in, and we were told there is a walking trail that takes you down to the beach!

Their holiday decors are already up, and they're getting ready for their Grand Opening Tree Lighting Ceremony this Saturday, 11/14 at 5pm! With 18 years in the making, the outlet is finally getting about 70 retailers which includes brands like Calvin Klein, Cole Haan, Columbia Sportswear, GUESS, H&M, Levi’s, Nike, PUMA, Tilly’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour and White House Black Market. For eateries, there will be a Panera Bread, Ruby's Diner, and Starbucks.

DEAL: Niagara Conservation Home Depot Rebate Event with Irvine Ranch Water District - 11/14 #HelpSaveWater

This is a sponsored post. #HelpSaveWater

Have you been thinking you want to do more to help the drought here in California? Do you live in Irvine or Lake Forest and want to learn how to help save water? Join Niagara Conservation and Irvine Ranch Water District this Saturday, November 14th (8-12 pm) for a special demonstration at Home Depot in Irvine!

Niagara Conservation along with Irvine Ranch Water District and Home Depot are asking residents of Lake Forest and Irvine to help reach their goal of saving 1,000,000 gallons of water. Did you know it's as simple as switching to a high-efficiency toilet? You could reduce your water bill up to 60% without change in use or behavior. I attended the one last Saturday, and it was very informative! Look for their tent in the parking lot!

DEAL: Dell Inspiron Black 15.6" Laptop at Walmart PLUS a Giveaway! #UpgradeWithIntel AD

Sponsored post by Lunchbox. This post is for my participation in the Intel Program. 

This year my son in the third grade will be taking tests via computer, and we've been looking for an affordable way to get him a laptop or computer so he can practice his typing skills. Walmart has a really good deal right now for Dell Inspiron Black 15.6" Laptops. I was just on Walmart's website, and the Dell Inspiron 15.6" laptop starts at $319 (rolled back from $399) with 4GB of memory/500GB hard drive. They're pretty affordable right now if you need an upgrade.

Dell Inspiron Black 15.6 Laptop

Here are other features the laptop comes with:

• 15.6" LED-backlit touchscreen with HD resolution
• 720p webcam
• 3-in-1 memory card reader
• Bluetooth 4.0
• 1 x USB 3.0 ports, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 
• 1 x HDMI port, 
• 1 x headphone/microphone jack, 
• 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port
• 4-cell battery for up to 6 h 33 min battery life

New Festive Holiday Menu @DennysDiner! #DennysDiners AD

This is a sponsored post. #DennysDiners

Are you feeling festive for the holidays? Do you need more holiday cheer? Well, we went to Denny's Diner for a tasting, and they have a fun new holiday menu right now that includes Rudolph Pancakes, Pumpkin Pecan Pie Pancakes, a Santa's Milk & Cookies shake and more!

Pumpkin Pecan Pie Pancakes

It includes two pumpkin pancakes with glazed pecans topped with pecan pie sauce, two eggs, hash browns and your choice of two bacon strips or two sausage links, OR just get it by itself. (My husband couldn't eat it fast enough!)

Product Review: Green SuperFood @AmazingGrass #MomsMeet #AmazingGrass

I have been looking for an easier way to include more greens in my daily diet. Last month, I received samples of Amazing Grass Green SuperFood from Moms Meet which came with a shaker. One packet offers a supplement of alkalizing greens which help balance ph levels and naturally aids digestion. All you do is mix 1 packet with 8 or more ounces of water, juice, or to another beverage and shake well.

Review: Cirque du Soleil's KURIOS - Cabinet of Curiosities

Disclosure: We attended as media. 

You may have noticed that Cirque du Soleil's KURIOS is in town. My family and I saw the show under the big top at OC Fair & Event Center and loved it! The act opens with an upbeat performance of singing and synchronized drumming. KURIOS - Cabinet of Curiosities tells a story about an inventor while showcasing a creative way of retelling the inventive past. It's whimsical, theatrical, funny, and highly entertaining. You'll see things that will change your perspective of the norm, defy gravity, and so much more. It's all the acts you would see in a circus with a modern twist! We all watched in anticipation, and it was very impressive.

We saw things like a juggler performing in mid-air, an aerial dancer incorporates a bike as part of her act done elegantly and gracefully, and three extremely flexible and strong beautiful contortionists. One of the memorable balancing acts was with an aviator. On cylinders that rolled left to right, he took off his jacket, goes higher, jumps backward and forwards all while on a swing that moved back and forth!

REVIEW: Sensory-Friendly ROOM ON THE BROOM @SegerstromArts #SCFTA

Going to the movies or theatre can be fun and exciting, but for families who have kids with autism, the event can be scary and frustrating. Many kids with autism have sensory issues which make bright lights or loud music overwhelming. Thankfully, Segerstrom Center for the Arts is now offering new sensory-friendly performances for families with autism or sensory sensitivity. Last month, I was invited to attend the first one in their series with my family, Room on the Broom. Upon entering, we received these handouts. (They are like the kid's version of the Playlist.)

Sensory-Friendly Room on the Broom. Photo by Lisa at LetsPlayOC.

Farrell’s Free THANK YOU Sundae for Veterans Past and Present Nov 9-13! #ThankYouSundae @FarrellsisBack

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour has a special treat for military men and women this month! Veterans, if you stop in a Farrell's Monday, November 9th through Friday, November 13th, you'll get a FREE Red, White, and Blue "Thank You" Sundae! No purchase is necessary. Available for past or present military personnel. A valid Military ID is required, and it's for dine-in only. We'll be stopping by to check it out too!

Win This! New 2015 Peanuts Flying Ace Keepsake Ornament at Hallmark!

We can't wait to see the new THE PEANUTS MOVIE which opens today! Hallmark has a wonderful new selection of PEANUTS keepsake items, and they sent us a sample of their 2015 Peanuts Flying Ace Keepsake Ornament which we absolutely love.

Easy 4-Step DIY Pumpkin Planter Centerpiece! #ArmstrongGarden

Wondering what to do with all your uncarved pumpkins from last month? I have an easy project for you to try. Last month, I was at Armstrong Garden Center, and they challenged me to make a pumpkin planter with some mum plants. If you know me, I do not have a green thumb so was a little discouraged, but was willing to give it a try. Well, I have to tell you it was super easy, and if I can do it, anyone can do it. How about making a pumpkin planter centerpiece for your next fall party? They're really fun and festive. Note: It will last about 48 hours.

Ticket Giveaway! 20th Annual Christmas Train Event at Irvine Park Railroad!

Disclosure: I will be attending a media preview.

Are you ready to celebrate the holiday season? I am still recovering from all the fun we had in October, but to kick off this most joyous time of the year, I'm happy to offer you this next holiday activity package! Can you think of some holiday traditions you celebrate every year? Well, for us, we've added new ones along the way. Since my kids still believe in Santa, we take them to visit Santa all season long. One of the best memories I have is taking a Christmas Train to the North Pole to see Santa at Irvine Park Railroad. Where else can you do this in Orange County?

3 New Fall Menu Items at Boudin SF Bakery #CelebrateNewCravings

Cooler weathers are finally here! It is feeling like Fall at last! Feeling hungry? Most recently I went to a Tasting Event at Boudin Bakery to learn about their new fall items and wine selections. I didn't even know they have wine. Did you? If your location carries them, Happy Hour starts at 4:30 pm til closing every day!

New Roasted Butternut Squash & Kale Salad

If a delicious salad is what you're looking for, their new Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Salad comes with roasted butternut squash, red quinoa, dried cranberries, romaine lettuce, Tuscan kale, feta cheese, and a honey mustard dressing. It is quite large though and good for sharing. If you want, you can add chicken for an additional fee. I really enjoyed this salad! 

Ham 'N Brie on Focaccia

If the salad is too large, you can pair it with a half sandwich or soup. Their new Ham 'N Brie on Rosemary Focaccia is a great option. It comes with applewood smoked ham, Brie, arugula, cranberry dijon, and is served with rosemary focaccia bread. It's one of our favorite new items on the menu!

42nd STREET @SegerstromArts (11/10-11/22)! #SCFTA #42ndStreet

Disclosure: I will be attending a media preview.

If you're a fan of classical musical films, 42nd STREET is coming to Sergerstrom Centers for the Arts in Costa Mesa November 10 - 22, 2015! It's directed by co-author Mark Bramble and choreographed by Randy Skinner (the team that staged the 2001 Tony Award winning Best Revival).

Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Caitlin Ehlinger as Peggy Sawyer (center) and the Company of 42nd Street
Photo by Chris Bennion

Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley's 1933 movie, 42nd STREET tells the story of a young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who leaves her hometown and comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical, Pretty Lady. When the leading lady breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star. Songs include “We’re In The Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off To Buffalo,” “Dames,” “I Only Have Eyes For You,” and “42nd Street.”

Ticket Giveaway: 14th Annual Autumn Festival + Coupon Offer @AquariumPacific!

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Come celebrate the diversity of Asian cultures this weekend at Aquarium of the Pacific's Autumn Festival featuring Moon Festival of China, Maturi or Harvest Festival of Japan, Chuseok of Korea, as well as the Mid-Autumn Festival of the Philippines. Enjoy live music, dance performances, cultural art exhibits, storytelling, and traditional crafts this Saturday and Sunday, November 7-8, 2015.