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Read MoreWorld Premiere of Disney’s Aladdin
We attended the Aladdin premiere as a guest of Disney Aladdin is one of my daughter’s favorite stories of all-time. We got a chance to see the film last week, and she fell in love with the live action film just as much as the animated version. She loved the movie so much, and I was thrilled to surprise her with the news that we would see it again at the world premiere! She nearly fainted when I told her the night before that I would be picking her up early from school to attend the premiere. She immediately started going through her closet in search of the perfect dress to walk down the carpet wearing. The morning of the premiere, I picked my daughter up early from school, and we went to Los Angeles. We started at the DryBar, getting pampered with a fresh blow-out and curls. Once our hair was done, it was time to drive over to the El Capitan Theatre for the world premiere. The minute that we arrived at the El Capitan, you could feel the excitement in the air as fans were lined up along the street in hopes of getting a glimpse of their favorite celebrities. We got our tickets and then slowly made our way down the “purple” carpet. Cameras were flashing as we walked down the carpet, and my daughter was overwhelmed with happiness. It was one of her favorite red carpet premieres of all-time. While walking down the carpet, we bumped into Scott Weinger (the original voice of Aladdin). He was so kind and took a moment to take a selfie with my daughter. She was shaking from the excitement of getting to meet him. After the last celebrity arrived and the final pictures had been taken, it was time to take our seats in the theater to see the movie. The second that the movie started and the names appeared on the screen, the entire crowd cheered and clapped. I felt chills go down my spine. During the movie, we cried, and we laughed. Oh, how we laughed. Will Smith did a fantastic job as the Genie, and Naomi Scott delivered a stellar performance as Jasmine. The best part of the film was the music and the choreography done by Jamal Sims. The dance scenes were incredible, some of the best I have ever seen in a movie. After the film, everyone walked over to The Roosevelt Hotel,...
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Read MoreThe Dark Arts of Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios
Recently we were guests of Universal Studios Hollywood to watch the new show. Our entire family is major fans of Harry Potter, and visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the all-time favorite places to spend the day. When our family learned about The Dark Arts of Hogwarts Castle, we couldn’t wait to make plans to visit Universal Studios Hollywood. The minute that we stepped foot in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we were immersed in the magical world. Our first stop was to get a taste of the famous Butterbeer. Our family sipped on the refreshing drink while walking around the magical world. Then, we took a thrilling ride on the Flight of the Hippogriff. The magical creature took our family on an unforgettable flight high above Universal Studios Hollywood. Just when we thought we had experienced all the fun, we went into the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where we went on a thrilling adventure on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the entertainment and using our wand to bring different parts of the world to life. Finally, the time had come. The sun began to set, and we were about to experience the magic of The Dark Arts of Hogwarts Castle! The Dark Arts of Hogwarts Castle is a mix of lights, music and special effects show that projects on and around the Hogwarts Castle. The show happens in the evening and will be repeated several times to allow a large number of guests to experience the magic. The story of the show revolves around the Dementors, Death Eaters and other unspeakable creatures from Aragog and Mountain Trolls that cloak the castle with sinister images from the darker side of magic. At one point even Lord Voldemort himself makes an appearance. Eventually, the Patronus spell will save the castle. The music, the special effects, and even the projections are so imaginative and done well one gets easily transported back into the story of Harry Potter. The show lasts 8 minutes and is well worth the wait. There is a viewing area near Hogwarts castle that is roped off and provides an excellent viewing experience. The Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle will be a different tone than “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” and “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” as the tone will be darker with more intense...
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Read MoreBest Restaurants in Orange County to Celebrate Mother’s Day
It’s time to treat mom like no other by spoiling her at one of the many special options Orange County’s leading hotels have created for this most exceptional lady. At the beach she can be wined and dined at Montage Laguna Beach’s annual Masterpiece Celebration Brunch, at Studio or The Loft. If she doesn’t want to get up too early, she can celebrate with afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge. If Newport Beach is more her style, then Fashion Island Hotel is the place to go with two delicious dining options: a garden party or brunch at Oak Grill. And for moms who want to be in the center of it all, Hotel Irvine is hosting Mother’s Day in The Backyard with fun for the entire family. Montage Laguna Beach 30801 Coast Highway Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 715-6420 www.montagehotels.com/lagunabeach Mother’s Day 2019 Masterpiece Celebration Sunday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The elaborate annual Masterpiece Celebration Brunch at Montage Laguna Beach has become a dining highlight of the year for many families and is always very special for newcomers. Brunch comes with a house Champagne toast, family photos, live entertainment and a special gift for mothers. Breakfast-centric stations offer eggs benedict, made-to-order omelets, lemon ricotta pancakes, French toast, smoked Santa Barbara salmon and more. There are antipasto selections, seasonal fruit and salads such as Wild Rice and asparagus salad with spinach and lemon-turmeric vinaigrette. The Sushi station has all the favorites. Seafood choices include poached prawns, cocktail crab claws and local rockfish ceviche. Plank-Roasted Salmon with a honey-cilantro-lime glaze and Prime Rib with Au Jus will be carved. In addition, hearty appetites are pleased with Grilled Swordfish, Roasted Mary’s Chicken, Saffron-Spring Pea Risotto and Seasonal Vegetable Medley. For the kids: cheese quesadillas, corn dogs, PB&J and other choices. Executive Pastry Chef Lee Smith always wows with his Dessert display. $175 per guest; $55 per child ages four to 12, includes service charge and tax. Reservations available by calling (949) 715-6420. Studio’s Mother’s Day Four-Course Brunch Sunday, May 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Montage Laguna Beach’s signature restaurant Studio is a SoCal dining showcase perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The first of four courses of Chef Benjamin Martinek’s Mother’s Day Brunch Tasting Menu is a choice of Hamachi Crudo with Asian pear, serrano chile, finger lime and myoga; Marinated Baby Tomato Salad with burrata, puffed wild rice, aged balsamic and lemon basil;...
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Read MoreMarvel’s Avengers: Endgame Teen Review
One of the most anticipated movies of this year, even of this century is Avengers: Endgame. Ever since Infinity War had come out a year ago, the whole world has been waiting for this movie. I have been counting down the days until I could see the film since the first trailer dropped. The Marvel Universe is something that I have grown up with. Avengers: Endgame is something that we have all been waiting for. Lucky for me my mom had a plus one and decided to take me on her screener day. I know that seeing the movie three days before it comes out might not seem like anything, but to me it was everything. Three days before the movie came out as practically seeing it with the stars. Now I can’t spoil anything for you because you need to go and experience it for yourself, but I can tell you how amazing it is and how much you ABSOLUTELY need to see this film. Everybody is lined up to see this film. I will tell you that it is definitely worth it. Even if you are not a Marvel fan, this movie will seriously change your life. It is so moving and conveys so many kind messages that you don’t have to be a Marvel fan to enjoy it and have big takeaways. I, for one, and am HUGE Marvel fan if I were going to see the movie as a person who has never watched Marvel before then I would still have so many things to take away. Another fantastic thing about this film was the score. Not only did the intensity of the film have me on my seat the entire time, but the music. The music of the film matched the mood perfectly. There were even some throwback songs from past movies that made me want to get out of my seat and dance. The score was intense, light, happy, and sad at all the same times. Avengers: Endgame is out in only two days! Twenty-four hours before your life will change forever. The Marvel Universe will forever be different. Don’t forget to get your tickets now if you don’t already have them. I know that I have 10pm tickets to see it again tonight. Do you? Like AVENGERS on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/avengers Follow AVENGERS on Twitter Follow AVENGERS on Instagram Ella is the OC Mom Blog teen blogger. She is an integrated arts student...
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Read MorePop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration at Downtown Disney
We visited Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration as a guest of Disney The all-new Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration is an Instagrammers dream come true. The Disneyland Resort recognizes how much Disney lovers enjoy capturing memorable photos, and they created the ultimate Disney photo Pop-Up at Downtown Disney District. Creative photography is one of my favorite hobbies, and I was thrilled to attend a sneak peek of Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration at Downtown Disney. The minute that I arrived at the Downtown Disney District, I couldn’t wait to experience the Pop-Up. I brought one of my dearest friends along with me who also shares a love for photography, and we started our visit at the Downtown Disney District by sipping on a refreshing ice tea from Starbucks. We caught up on what we had missed since the last time we have gotten together while waiting for our time to experience the Pop-Up. Finally, it was time for our scheduled time to experience Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration. We checked in at the front desk and were guided into a plush waiting room. In the waiting room, there are comfortable couches, interactive stations to keep the kids busy and some fun photo opportunities. When it was time for our group to begin the experience a friendly guide brought us to the first room. In the first room, it is all about love. There is an adorable Minnie Mouse bow couch to capture a photo, a wall where you can blow a kiss, and fun giant yellow ears to pretend are on your head. My favorite was the love wall that is all about the love that Mickey and Minnie share for one another. Then, in the second room, you’ll become immersed into the world of Steamboat Willie. The black and white room has a photo opportunity featuring the boat the Mickey loves to take out to sea, a giant wall of mini Mickey Mouse plush, and you’ll be able to fly high in the sky with Mickey in his plane. (Take a moment to look at the plush wall and see if you can spot the one Minnie Mouse plush!) After a black and white Disney dream, we again entered into a world full of Disney love. The next room featured a beautiful wall where all your favorite Disney friends are holding hands, Pluto’s dog house and a Daisy Duck topiary with a love mural in the background. For...
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Read MoreReservations to Visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge invites guests on a journey to a galaxy far, far away, where families can live their own Star Wars adventures. This epic new land will immerse guests in iconic stories like never before, pushing boundaries and transporting guests to a place where beloved Star Wars stories come to life. When Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opens It all begins May 31st at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, and today they announced that no-cost reservations to visit the land will be available May 2nd.* Guests looking to confirm a reservation today can book a stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel between May 31 and June 23, 2019.* Opening Day Details On opening day for phase one, guests will become part of the story at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge as they sample galactic food and beverages, explore an intriguing collection of merchant shops and take the controls on the most famous ship in the galaxy aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Guests will engage in missions, games and in-queue experiences while visiting Black Spire Outpost and using the Play Disney Parks mobile app. These interactions throughout the land will make Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge one of the most engaging and captivating guest experiences in Disney Parks history. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reservations For guests planning to be among the first to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, details about making reservations are available on the Disney Parks Blog. There is no additional cost to make a reservation, but reservations are subject to availability. When to Register Specific details on how to make reservations will be available on the Disney Parks Blog and Disneyland.com on May 2nd at 8 a.m. PT. You must have a Disney Account to register for a reservation so be sure to create one before registration opens at 10 a.m. PT. Disneyland Resort Hotel Reservations Guests looking to guarantee a reservation to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge today can get one by staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel between May 31 and June 23, 2019. Click here to book your stay or call (714) 520-5060 now! *Guests staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel between May 31 and June 23, 2019 will receive a designated reservation to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay. One reservation per registered Guest. Each Guest is required to have valid theme park admission. If the hotel reservation is cancelled, the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation will be cancelled. Access to certain experiences...
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Read MoreFive SoCal Family Weekend Road Trips
Sponsored by Alamo Travel is one of the best gifts a parent can give to their child. I try to travel as much as possible with my children. The only downside to traveling often is how expensive it can be, especially for larger families. The best way to travel on a budget is to travel by car. Living in Southern California, there are many great travel destinations nearby and conveniently located near a few major airports such as LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) and SAN (San Diego International Airport). These are our top five favorite places to take our families near SoCal. Lake Arrowhead Just a short drive to the San Bernardino Mountains, and you’ll find yourself in a wonderland. Lake Arrowhead is a short drive from the top ski resorts in the area, and the Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa offers family-friendly accommodations. If you plan to travel in Summer, Fall or Spring, you’ll get to experience hiking, water skiing, boat riding and more. There is so much for families to experience in Lake Arrowhead during all the seasons of the year. Las Vegas My favorite thing about taking our family to Las Vegas is the journey there. Take your family on the old route 66 to Las Vegas. You’ll be able to see Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, take a stop at Western American Railroad Museum, and get some jerky at Alien Jerky. Instead of staying on the strip where partying is happening, stay at Lake Las Vegas where your family can relax and bond together in the serene setting. Santa Barbara Just a short drive outside of Los Angeles is beautiful beaches and rolling hills. Your family can glamp at El Capitan or stay in one of the plush beachside resorts. You’ll find some of the best food in Santa Barbara, and lots of hiking trails to keep the kids active. If you want to keep the budget small on this trip, bring a tent and rent a campsite right on the beach! Palm Springs There is something for everyone to enjoy in Palm Springs. Your family can spend the day at the pool, go golfing or take the Aerial Tram up to play with some snow. Take one day of your trip to explore the Salton Sea. You’ll get to visit the Banana Museum, Salvation Mountain, and Slab City. Don’t forget your camera as your family goes back in time exploring the abandoned town. Joshua Tree...
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Read MoreBubblefest is Bigger and Better than Ever
We attended Bubblefest as a guest of Discovery Cube OC Each year Discovery Cube OC has a beautiful bubble exhibit and show called Bubblefest. This show runs now through April 21, 2019. This year’s ultimate laser and bubble show are done by the talented Deni Yang and his equally talented sister Melody. It was her second year doing bubble fest with Deni at the Discovery Cube OC, and I can tell you, it was amazing. I have seen this show many times before, and each time I love it more. There is so much visually to see during the laser and bubble show. My kids have all loved it each and every time we have gone too. While you are at Bubblefest, in the Mega Bubble Courtyard, you can go to different interactive spaces. My kids, husband and I had a blast here. Judging by the long line, the water spheres were the biggest hit amongst the guests at this event. I took my youngest two kiddos this year, so they were too small for the spheres, but they did play in all the other areas. My two year old even went through the blow-up obstacle course. In the Bubblefest Zone, you can learn cool bubble science topics like elasticity, air pressure, and even surface tension. During the show, you will also learn some cool facts. Did you know, that blowing soap bubbles works better on a cool cloudy day with a chance of rain than it does on a hot sunny day? I didn’t, but after the explanation of why, I got it and will probably always remember this fact. Who knows, maybe someday when I am on Jeopardy (big dreamer here), it will come in handy haha. I would say the laser and bubble show is something you have to see at least once. The smiles and giggles coming from everyone are always heartwarming. I feel like a little kid the second the show starts and the lights dim. When all the bubbles come flying about, enveloping the stage and flying all around you, there is just something so magical that brings me right back to my childhood. This show is truly for all ages. My husband is really into laser shows, and that part of the show was his favorite. It was a great mixture of both elements. The music, lights, and bubbles were all great. Melody did a fantastic job with the lasers. Deni always...
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World Premiere of Disney’s Aladdin
We attended the Aladdin premiere as a guest of Disney Aladdin is one of my daughter’s favorite stories of all-time. We got a chance to see the film last week, and she fell in love with the live action film just as much as the animated version. She loved the movie so much, and I was thrilled to surprise her with the news that we would see it again at the world premiere! She nearly fainted when I told her the night before that I would be picking her up early from school to attend the premiere. She immediately started going through her closet in search of the perfect dress to walk down the carpet wearing. The morning of the premiere, I picked my daughter up early from school, and we went to Los Angeles. We started at the DryBar, getting pampered with a fresh blow-out and curls. Once our hair was done, it was time to drive over to the El Capitan Theatre for the world premiere. The minute that we arrived at the El Capitan, you could feel the excitement in the air as fans were lined up along the street in hopes of getting a glimpse of their favorite celebrities. We got our tickets and then slowly made our way down...
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Epic Family Staycation at The Pacific Edge Hotel
We stayed as a guest of the venue It has been a couple of years since we last had a family getaway to the Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach, and when I noticed the temperatures were getting warmer, I immediately jumped at the chance to stay near the beach for the weekend. The weather was perfect, the hotel was plush, the food was incredible, which made our weekend one of the best family staycations that we have had in a long time. We arrived on a Friday evening after the kids were done with school, and my husband was done with work. We checked into our room just in time to enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Pacific ocean. The kids squealed with delight while watching dolphins jumping in the waves while the sun slowly disappeared on the horizon. We took our shoes off and walked down to the beach for an evening walk before dinner. Our family bond became stronger than ever before as my husband, and I walked hand in hand while talking about our week with the kids splashing their toes in the water. Before returning to our room for the evening, we walked next door to Driftwood Kitchen for dinner. My husband sunk his taste buds into a juicy...
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New Disney’s Live Action Aladdin Film Review
We attended a screening as a guest of Disney One of my all-time favorite princesses is Princess Jasmine. Some of my first memories are waking up really early and dressing up like her to go to Disneyland. When I found out that in the lineup for this years Disney Film Aladdin was going to be one of them, I freaked out and knew I had to go see it! My mom told me that we would be attending an...
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FREE Football Summer Camp
NFL DE and member of 2003 and 2004 USC National Championship teams, Frostee Rucker will host The Camp of Champions, his second annual free youth football camp June 29 in his hometown of Tustin at Tustin High School. Frostee will be joined by his NFL friends and fellow USC alumni for this half-day camp open to football players, ages 9-14. All participants will receive a t-shirt, lunch and hands-on instruction. Official camp sponsors that align with giving back to...
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Universal Studios Hollywood’s Popular California Neighbor Pass
Get ready for “Jurassic World—The Ride” opening this summer at Universal Studios Hollywood with the popular California Neighbor Pass, offering guests a premium opportunity to experience more than 175 days of up close and personal encounters with the ferocious Tyrannosaurus rex and behemoth Mosasaurus for $149. With over 175 day of limitless fun at the unbeatable price of $149, the California Neighbor Pass is the ultimate ticket to an epic adrenaline rush with every visit to Universal Studios Hollywood....
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Discover A Whole New World In Disney’s Aladdin
We attended as a guest of Disney’s Aladdin One of the most beloved stories of all time is retold in the all-new live action film, Aladdin. The film is one of the most magical films that I have seen all year, and I couldn’t wait to talk with the cast about how they made this film so special. I arrived in LA the day after seeing the movie and sat down with the cast to talk about the making...
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Sessions West Coast Deli to open at Macy’s Fashion Island
Known for its inspired, chef-crafted sandwiches, Sessions West Coast Deli has announced that its fourth location is set to open at Macy’s Fashion Island in September 2019. The new restaurant will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu that focuses on its signature sandwiches, burgers, breakfast, small plates and gourmet salads. Additionally, Sessions will feature full barista service, as well as kombucha, craft beer and wine on tap. Since...
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Why It’s A Great Idea to Get Out the House and Travel with Your Little One Now and Then
Everyone knows that there is far more to traveling than seaside sunsets and delicious food, but what about traveling with your little one? With 64% of millennial families have been on at least one vacation in the last year, follow the trend and find out why it’s a great idea to step outside and go traveling with your little one. You’ll create some incredible memories together From the moment your little one was born, there will have been moments...
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Bell Pepper Pizza Recipe
Do you have a picky eater? I know that I sure do in my house. Getting my youngest to eat vegetables is always a challenge, and I have to be extra creative to get nutrition into his growing body. Melissa’s Produce provided me with some beautiful stripy peppers this week, and I decided to try making bell pepper pizzas out of them. Guess what? My picky eater ate every bite! What I love about this recipe is that it...
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Caramelized Onion and Swiss Chard Pasta Recipe
One of my favorite things to do in the kitchen is to caramelize onions. It is so relaxing, and it makes my home smell amazing. While at Melissa’s Produce this week, they sent me home with some beautiful organic onions and fresh swiss chard. I couldn’t wait to cook something with the fresh produce when I got home. Swiss Chard Nutrition Swiss chard is a great leafy green to incorporate into your kid’s diet. It is packed full of...
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Official Teaser of Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
The new teaser trailer for “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” a sequel to the global box-office hit “Maleficent,” has arrived. Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning reprise their roles as the dark fairy Maleficent and Princess Aurora, respectively, two characters from the studio’s animated classic “Sleeping Beauty,” whose untold story was brought to life on screen in 2014’s “Maleficent,” and are joined by Michelle Pfeiffer, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sam Riley, Harris Dickinson, Ed Skrein, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville. Be...
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Learn About Bugs and Butterflies at Riley Wilderness Park
The County of Orange and OC Parks invite you to spend a day outdoors and learn all about the critters of the earth at Riley Wilderness Park’s free, family-friendly Bugs and Butterflies event on Sunday June 2nd, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Riley Wilderness Park’s incredible butterfly garden will be open for up-close tours with nature’s daintiest fliers, while insect experts give out tips and tricks on how to attract these and other plant-friendly critters to your garden...
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Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar in Santa Rosa
Eat more pie. Because “Pie not”? When visiting Santa Rosa, we had an unforgettable dinner at Bollywood Bar & Clay Oven. After dinner we noticed that a new pie bar had just opened next door, so we went in to check it out before walking down to The Jade Room Wine Bar for a nightcap. The minute that we walked into the store, the aroma tantalized our tastebuds. They feature a select amount of freshly baked pies and ice...
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Kaleido Kids Summer Events
Local youngsters can enjoy a variety of free activities and entertainment at Kaleidoscope this summer, when the center’s annual Kaleido Kids Summer Events return on Tuesday, June 18. Held in Kaleidoscope’s event space inside Union Market Mission Viejo, the fun events are every Tuesday from 11:30am – 12:30pm, June 18th through July 23rd. The Kaleido Kids events are 11:30am – 12:30pm with the following schedule: June 18: Toy Story, including a meet and greet, sing along and photos with...
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3rd Annual CASA Pinwheel Project
CASA-OC and Junior Kids for CASA will be displaying 3,100 pinwheels representing the number of children in the Orange County foster care system on Saturday, May 11th at Fashion Island in conjunction with Foster Care Awareness Month happening in May. YOU can sponsor a pinwheel for only $5 or with a donation of $25+ receive a benefit card to receive discounts at select stores at Fashion Island valid from May 9th – 16th. Junior Kids for CASA is...
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Andrei’s New Seasonal Cocktails Make a Splash
The bold, vibrant colors and fresh flavors of the season take center stage on Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails’ new Spring/Summer specialty cocktails. Guests will be able to partake in more than a dozen cocktails that are as visually appealing as they are pleasing to the palate. As with all menu items at Andrei’s, these new cocktails will benefit many charitable causes and organizations, as the restaurant donates 100% of its net profits through The Andrei Foundation. Among the...
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The Sandman Hotel: A Modern Boutique Hotel in The Heart of Wine Country
We stayed at The Sandman Hotel as a guest Surrounded by grape-laden vineyards and spectacular scenery is the boutique Sandman Hotel that blends gracious hospitality and contemporary amenities. The stylish sanctuary ensures a pampered stay for families in the quiet town of Santa Rosa. When I first arrived at The Sandman Hotel, I fell in love with the distinctive character of the hotel. The check-in process was seamless, and I found myself in the zen-like guest room within minutes...
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The Queen Mary’s BBQ & Chili Waterfront Cook-Off
Guests are invited to indulge at the Queen Mary’s new Waterfront Cook-Off on Saturday, May 11th from 12 – 5 p.m., for an afternoon full of barbecue and chili samplings, beer tasting, eating contests, DJ’s, lawn games, and more. Guest will be able to purchase tasting tickets and savor samples from some of the best BBQ pitmasters and the nation’s best chili teams, all competing to win state championship prizes and the highly coveted People’s Choice Awards. Waterfront Cook-Off...
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2019 CASA Celebration of Children Black & White Ball
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County, held their annual Celebration of Children Black & White Ball, on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the Hotel Irvine in Irvine, CA. 405 guests were in attendance to support CASA’s mission of serving abused, abandoned, and neglected children in Orange County with a trained and supported volunteer advocate. This year’s Gala had a net of over $1,300,000 and serves as the fifth year in a row that CASA has exceeded in...
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The Queen Mary 2019 Summer Movie Series
The Queen Mary is proud to present the 2019 Summer Movie Series, welcoming the community to sit back, set up a picnic with friends and family, and soak up the silver screen under the summer night sky. Each movie night will offer guests an immersive cinematic experience with assorted food trucks themed to the film, full bars for those age 21 and over, and the legendary ship and Long Beach Harbor as backdrops. Taking place on select Thursday nights...
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Memorial Day Fun at the Newport Dunes
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is pleased to present a Memorial Day weekend filled with family friendly activities and special events Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27, 2019. From kids to adults, country music fans to watersports enthusiasts, all will find the perfect way to kick off the summer at Newport Dunes. Newport Dunes Water Park On Friday, May 24, Newport Dunes will open their beachfront Inflatable Water Park to the public seasonally through Labor Day weekend. Four new...
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FREE Children’s Ticket to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
Segerstrom Center for the Arts has a special Kids Night on Broadway for the opening night of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Tuesday, May 28 at 7:30 p.m. With the purchase of one full-price ticket, parents can receive a second ticket FREE for children. Ticket prices start at $29. Use code OOMPA when purchasing. Charlie and The Chocolate Factory Pre-Show Activities Children and families are also encouraged to arrive early and enjoy pre-show activities in the...
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Fourth Annual Heartbeat of Mexico Festival
From the brightest minds in the field of Mexican cultural studies to the brightest stars in the world of Latin entertainment, the Musco Center for the Art’s Fourth Annual Heartbeat of Mexico Festival will offer a greatly expanded cast and calendar on the Chapman University campus in Orange over Memorial Weekend, May 23-26, 2019. It is a free day-long family-friendly outdoor celebration with music, dance, crafts for kids and food, and three nights of music headliners: superstar duo Jesse...
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Celebrating The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part
We attended The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part as a guest Recently The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part made its debut in movie theaters everywhere. I made sure to tell my brothers the minute I saw the trailer, and we couldn’t wait until we could go see it. When we went to see the movie, it blew our minds! Recently, we learned that it is coming soon to Blu Ray and DVD, and we knew we had...
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Bollywood Bar & Clay Oven in Santa Rosa
We dined at Bollywood Bar & Clay Oven as a guest of Santa Rosa One of my favorite restaurants that I visited while in Santa Rosa was the Bollywood Bar & Clay Oven. The restaurant is a short drive from The Sandman Hotel, and offers guests authentic Indian cuisine with an upscale ambiance. The minute that I walked into the restaurant I felt like I was in a restaurant located in Manhattan. The space blends rustic elements, like unfinished...
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The Jade Room Wine Bar & Oysterette
We visited The Jade Room as a guest of Santa Rosa On our last night visiting Santa Rosa, we went on an epicurean adventure at Bollywood Bar & Clay Oven and then walked over to The Jade Room Wine Bar & Oysterette to have a nightcap before returning to our hotel, The Sandman. The chic wine bar is new to Downtown Santa Rosa and is a hot spot for locals and visitors. The minute that we walked into the...
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Must-Have Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration Merchandise
We visited Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration as a guest of Disney The all-new Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration at Downtown Disney is such a fun experience. When I went, I felt immersed into a magical world of Disney and was able to capture so many fun photos to share on my social media channels. After experiencing the all-new pop-up photo exhibit, guests have the opportunity to get some limited-time merchandise. The store is filled with many fun items...
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The Dark Arts of Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios
Recently we were guests of Universal Studios Hollywood to watch the new show. Our entire family is major fans of Harry Potter, and visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the all-time favorite places to spend the day. When our family learned about The Dark Arts of Hogwarts Castle, we couldn’t wait to make plans to visit Universal Studios Hollywood. The minute that we stepped foot in The Wizarding World of Harry...
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Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails New Spring Menu
Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails has welcomed Spring with new menu items that reflect that colors and flavors of the season. The restaurant, known for its commitment to donating 100% of its net profits to benefit many charitable causes and organizations through The Andrei Foundation, celebrates the cultural diversity of California cuisine, while incorporating the flavors and freshness of the Mediterranean. Among the new items added by Andrei’s Executive Chef Porfirio Gomez are: Double Dip Duo – Cilantro-Green Pea...
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Best Restaurants in Orange County to Celebrate Mother’s Day
It’s time to treat mom like no other by spoiling her at one of the many special options Orange County’s leading hotels have created for this most exceptional lady. At the beach she can be wined and dined at Montage Laguna Beach’s annual Masterpiece Celebration Brunch, at Studio or The Loft. If she doesn’t want to get up too early, she can celebrate with afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge. If Newport Beach is more her style, then Fashion...
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Making Gluten-Free Weeknight Meals Easy with the Instant Pot
Have you ever used an Instant Pot before? I remember getting one for Christmas a year ago when everyone was talking about the Instant Pot. However, after seeing kitchen horror stories as a child come to life in my mother’s kitchen with her pressure cooker, I never seemed to take it out of the box. When our friends at Melissa’s Produce invited me to learn more about The Gluten-Free Instant Pot cookbook, I was curious to learn more. I...
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