Archive for June, 2012
Friday Giveaway: $75 to Minted.Com
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Credit: Minted.Com
I’m going to be an auntie for the second time later this year(I”m sooo excited) and I’ve been looking around for invites for my sister’s baby shower that I will be hosting later on this year. Have you heard of minted.com? They are a global community of independent graphic designers and an online store that sells the best of the designs in their paper goods. They have everything from boy baby shower invitations to customizable children’s arts prints, wedding invites and more.
I’m looking forward to finding the perfect shower invitation and Minted.com wants to give you a special something too. Minted.Com will be giving away a $75 credit to Daytrippingmom readers for the product of your choice. Whether you are planning a baby shower or a birthday party, you’ll definitely find something original at Minted.Com
All you have to do is head over to Minted.com and let me know what you would like to use your credit on. That’s it! Giveaway ends on Saturday, July 8th at 11:59pm. Winner will be chosen at random. Good luck!
Disclosure: This is a compensated post. However all opinions are my own.
The OC Walk to Remember
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- OC Walk to Remember Press Conference
Last month I had the opportunity to attend a media event for a local organization that was founded to help support families that have lost a baby or babies during pregnancy or infancy. The OC Walk to Remember was founded by Krystin Von Rotz, who also happens to be a friend of mine, after the loss of her Joseph at birth. The foundation supports local hospitals and loss support groups by providing grieving parents with memory boxes and other helpful information.
The luncheon and press conference was held at the Orange Doubletree Hotel and honored the major sponsor of the walk this year, The Honest Company, co-founded by Jessica Alba and hospitals that support grieving parents. Jessica Alba was on hand to talk about her support for the organization and to also share about the Honest Company, which makes natural and eco-friendly products for infants and toddlers.
The work that the OC Walk to Remember is invaluable. I don’t know much about loss but I do know that many that have suffered it don’t know where to turn or who to talk about it to. The OC Walk to Remember works to help the grieving families and provide information, referrals and those precious memories to keep their sweet babies short memories.
The OC Walk to Remember will take place this year on Saturday, October 6th at the District at Tustin Legacy. For additional information about this great organization, to register for the walk or to volunteer for this great cause head here.
A Visit to the San Diego Botanic Garden
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- My kiddos loved this treehouse! We literally had to tear them away.
Last month, we were home on a weekend with no plans. We were looking for something to do as a family and my husband suggested that we visit somewhere mellow, where the kids could have fun and that wasn’t too far of a drive. He said do you know of any place that has a childrens’ gardens? I knew exactly the place we had to visit, the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. I had written about the Free Admission the first Tuesday of the month before but I really wanted to check it out for myself.
- I could sit by the waterfalls forever!
The San Diego Botanic Garden is a little slice of heaven in Encinitas. This 37 acre garden will transport you from a variety of climates. In one part of the garden you could be walking through drought resistant shrubbery and a short walk away be transported to a tropical rainforest.The San Diego Botanic Garden features numerous exhibits, including rare bamboo groves, desert gardens, a tropical rainforest, California native plants, Mediterranean climate landscapes, succulent gardens, an herb garden, firesafe landscaping, a subtropical fruit garden, and native coastal sage natural areas. It is a great place to unwind and relax. It’s also a fantastic place for the kiddos.
- The Hamilton Children’s Garden
The Hamilton Children’s Garden opened in June 2009 and is currently the largest interactive children’s garden in the West Coast. Let me tell you, it is so much fun! My kiddos absolutely loved the place. The kiddos will love exploring Toni’s Treehouse or making some music at the Garden Rhymes exhibit. Everything in the Hamilton Children’s Garden is designed for little people. It’s an outdoor wonderland!
My daughter loved the mountain stream area.
The kids also had a blast exploring the mountain stream area and the Earth Builders area. It’s the kind of place where kids have a great time exploring and learning hands on and fall asleep they minute they get in the car. The San Diego Botanic Gardens is the kind of place to make great memories and have good ole fashioned fun playing and learning all at the same time.
My son having fun "building" a house
The San Diego Botanic Garden is open daily from 9am to 5pm. It is closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Summer extended hours are available on Thursdays until 8pm. The Garden is Free on the first Tuesday of the month. Tuesday, July 3rd is the next Free day offered. Admission to the garden is $12 for adults, kids 3 to 12 are $6. Parking is $2 and if there are 4 or more people in the car the parking fee is waived. For additional info head here.
Keeping the Kiddos Busy – Open Play at your Favorite Indoor Party Place
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Credit: Robert O'Connor
Keeping kiddos busy during the summer can be hard. Our dad blogger Robert, shares a great idea when you’re looking for something to do to chase summer boredom away.
Sometimes it can be a challenge to get our kids away from the tv or any electronic device for even a couple hours. I believe that if we offer our kids an environment that has some exercise opportunities in a fun setting then they will put down the iPhones, computers, etc etc, even if it’s for just a little while.
Credit: Robert O'Connor
As parents of young children we have all spent many hours at the various indoor party places (pump it up, bounce u, seascape, scooter’s jungle, etc..) celebrating various young friends and relatives birthdays. What you may not know, is that most of these places have “open play” times where you can bring the kids in to play when there is not a party in progress.
My daughters favorite indoor play area for “open play” is Hullabaloos in Orange. On Monday and Tuesday nights from 5 to 8 pm your kids can enjoy the facilities for only $6. As an adult, if you just want to relax and supervise your child then you only have to pay the $6 for your child for up to 3 hours of play. Some of the activities at Hullabaloos are: inflatable jumper, air hockey, foosball, rock climbing wall, and more.
Hullabaloos is located at 1201 W. Katella Ave in Orange a couple of blocks from the Honda Center. For more info call 714 997-2789.
Credit: Robert O'Connor
I know many other places offer open play throughout Southern California. Check out your favorite place. I took the kiddos to Seascape in Anaheim hills earlier this week to combat some of the summer boredom and had a blast. Also keep an eye out on the deal sites such as groupon or plum district because you can usually buy a multi visit card for a great discount.
Our Paso Positivo Dance Party #Positivismo
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El Paso Positivo!
I shared with you last month, how excited I was to return as a Positivity Ambassador for the California Milk Processing Board. I’m honored to be a part of this exciting campaign! This past weekend I had the opportunity to host a summer block party.. aka a pool party with my kiddos and a few friends. We decided to feature fun family treats which included all the summer treats you could ever want cupcakes,watermelon, strawberries, and of course everyone’s favorite summer treat, ice cream!
Between the swimming and the dancing, I think we all burned about a thousand calories having fun. We actually made a short video of everyone partaking in el Paso Positivo. It’s a catchy song and I tell ya, I find myself humming it a few times a day.
I’m trying to get in shape and I’ve added this to my walking playlist. I’ve also known to dance around with the kiddos. El Paso Positivo is the perfect way to shape up during the summer. Just hit the play button and have a dance off! Or better yet, invite your friends and neighbors and have your own Paso Positivo Dance Party. For more shape up tips and #positivismo tips check out El Maestro Del Vaso Medio Lleno website or follow him on Facebook.
To download the Paso Positivo Song head here. Trust me it’s super fun to dance to!
This is part of a sponsored campaign with the California Milk Processor Board and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
A Mini Getaway at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa
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- We had a blast staying at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort!
Last month, we had the opportunity to spend a fun filled day at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa and boy were we in for quite the treat! Located in beautiful Carlsbad and only a short walk away from the Legoland Resort, this hotel has the amenities to make it the perfect family getaway or vacation. Our family had a very relaxing and fun time. It was great! We were able to rest in a fantastic room, enjoy the amenities and also have some fun in the sun.
- They loved every minute of our stay!
The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa was the perfect spot for our little weekend getaway. Like I mentioned earlier, the resort is only a short walk away from Legoland. The hotel offers a private entry to the park. This alone is fantastic, because you don’t have to pay for double parking and you are always a short walk away from your room. If you are a beach lover, you are in luck! The resort is only about a mile away from the beach. We had beautiful views of the ocean from our balcony.
We stayed in a standard room and it was beautiful! I couldn't get too many shots because the kids were jumping up and down before we could grab our camera.
The rooms feature very comfortable beds, flat screen televisions and complimentary high speed internet! A hotel always wins me over with free wi-fi! There is plenty of room to spread your stuff around and yummy smelling bath products. Ahh but I bet you’re wondering, what about the pool and the grounds? They were wonderful!
The pool was heated to perfection!
The pool is heated year round and was the perfect temperature. You can lounge and enjoy poolside service or join in on the aquatic fun. My kiddos had a blast in the main pool and also warming up in the jacuzzi. We spent a beautiful day lounging in the sun.
The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa is also home to a world class spa and home to Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar. You are also only about an exit away from the Carlsbad outlets and many family restaurants.
Make sure to take advantage of the Summer Memories Metrolink Package which includes accommodations, round trip Metrolink tickets, transportations, kids eat free, DVD Player and two tickets to Legoland. For additional info head here.
I hope you enjoyed your stay as much as we did! Have fun!
Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. A complimentary night stay was provided to aid in the review.
Free Apple Movie Making Camp
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I have two budding filmmakers at home. My kiddos love taking my camera or iPad and making dozens of movies a day. They love apple products and if they were older I would to have them participate in the Free Apple Movie Making Camps.
Apple stores across the country are offering free movie making camps. At Apple Camp, kids ages 8-12 learn how to shoot their own footage, create an original song in GarageBand on an iPad, and put it all together in iMovie on a Mac. This free workshop, held at Apple Retail Stores, spans three days and ends with campers debuting their masterpieces at the Apple Camp Film Festival. Space is limited and workshops fill up quickly, so sign up now for a super-creative adventure.
It looks like almost all apple stores are participating. I tried to find one locally that had spaces available and it looks like the apple store at the American at Brand in Glendale has many spots, while the store in Brea has no open spots. It just varies by location but it’s worth the shot. Looks like a super fun thing to do with the older kiddos.
Cars Land at Disney California Adventure
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- Cars Land is here!!!
My husband Mike is a Disneyland fanatic. He grew up in Anaheim and has been an annual passholder since he was in third grade (1984) and has been going on a weekly basis since he was eight! He loves everything about the park and honest to goodness, going to Disneyland with him is always fun, because he knows so much about it. When we first started dating, almost 15 years ago, I was your average Disneyland fan. I grew up going to Disneyland as a special occasion and had many great memories of going every other year as a family. That soon changed when Mike and I started dating and I became a full fledged Disneyland fanatic.
You have to check out Cars Land at night. It's a totally different experience than daytime.
When we were first dating, Disney California Adventure was still under construction, and I loved watching it be build and come to life. I think maybe because I watched it be built, I have such a strong connection to it, but it truly is my favorite Disney park. It’s smaller and well I think it’s just fun. In 2007 it was announced that DCA would be undergoing a “rebirth” and a new land would be added to the park based on the Pixar movie Cars. I couldn’t wait until Cars Land was open and last Friday, Cars Land made it’s long awaited debut to the public.
- Cars Land!
I had the opportunity to attend a special sneak peek on Wednesday evening and the park closed it’s doors to the public all day Thursday and allowed media and their families to truly savor a day at the newly revamped Disney California Adventure Park. I have to tell you that the first time I walked through Radiator Springs, I almost wanted to cry. It literally looks like the little town of Radiator Springs, has come to life. No detail was spared. Cars Land is like nothing you have ever seen before. It is a child’s dream come true.
Radiator Springs Racers is my new favorite ride of all time!
Cars Land boasts 3 new rides, Radiator Springs Racers, Luigi’s Flying Tires, and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. The theming on the rides is absolutely perfect and they are so fun to experience. My kiddos squealed in delight and have been bugging me all weekend long with the million dollar question, “When will we go back to Cars Land Mom”? The rides are all super fun but hands down, Radiator Springs Racers is out of this world fun. I’ve been to Walt Disney World and the other theme parks in Orlando and pretty much experienced every attraction imaginable and nothing comes close to Radiator Springs Racers. It is hands downs the best ride I have ever experienced! As expected, it’s going to have some long lines, but here’s a trick if you have older kids or if you are planning on going with friends or on a date, make sure to take advantage of the Single Rider Line as your wait in line will be significantly cut! I was able to get on within 5 minutes although there was an almost hour wait to get in line. It’s similar to the single rider line found at Soarin Over California and Splash Mountain.
Flo's V8 Cafe at night!
Cars Land also is home to the Cozy Cone Motel, which features cone themed snacks that are out of this world! You have to try the frozen apple drink and the chili cone carne is absolutely delish! I’ll be writing a bit more about the Cozy Cone Motel on a later post, because honestly, it deserves it’s own post! It’s that good. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, you can head over to Flo’s V8 Cafe, which features classic American drive up dinner cuisine, like the kind you find on Route 66. I tried some of the delicious offerings and just like the Cozy Cone Motel, it deserves it’s own post!
Cars Land is also home to some super fun shops that include Fillmore’s Taste in, which features fresh fruit and snacks, Sarges Surplus Hut which has some fun souvenirs along with Radiator Springs Curios.
Hard to believe this is Anaheim!
I could go on and on about how amazing Cars Land is, but honestly you have to see it for yourself! I promise you will not be disappointed. I found myself constantly telling my husband I can’t believe that we are in Anaheim! You really will be transported to Radiator Springs and another world. It is an incredibly fun place and the new Disney California Adventure will knock your socks off!
I’ll be covering more of the new changes and additions in the upcoming weeks to come, so stay tuned!
Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. I was invited to the Disneyland Resort along with my family to experience the resort and aid in the review.
Discovery Science Center’s Wildlife Rescue
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- One of the many booths set up to learn about Wildlife Rescue
Our Dad Blogger and Contributor Robert had the opportunity to experience a special peek at the Discovery Science Center’s newest exhibit, Wildlife Rescue and shares all about it.
Robert stayed about ten feet away from this lizard, but Ava wanted to get up close
If its an animal and it crawls, slithers, hops, or just looks cute, chances are that they are being featured currently at the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana.
Ava and her favorite frog
As an added bonus, with any ticket purchased to the Discovery Science Center between now and September 3rd you will receive a FREE ticket to the Santa Ana Zoo and the OC Zoo.
June 16-17: The Great Outdoors Weekend
June 23-24: Lizards, Toads, and Snakes, Oh My!
June 30-July 8: The Dog Days of Summer
July 9-15: Cats Rule, Dogs Drool!
Wildlife Rescue exhibit will be on display until September 3rd. You don’t want to miss it!
Disclosure: This is not a compensated post. Complimentary tickets were provided to aid in the review of the exhibit.
My new favorite sandwich! Yummo! Perfect for summer lunches #ThintoWin
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Credit: Sargento
Last month I posted about how I participated in the “Thin to Win” Challenge by Sargento. The challenge was to simplify and “thin out” or life. My challenge was using music to help unwind on my commute and on my many daytrips with the kiddos. I can happily report that even my kiddos now ask to play the “relaxing” music because it helps them relax and mellow out, which in turns makes my commute very enjoyable!
I’ve also challenged myself to thin out other areas of my life, including “thinning out” some of the staples in our diet. One of the simplest and also tastiest ways is by incorporating Sargento’s Ultra Thin Sliced Cheeses in our sandwiches. We tried several of Sargento’s Ultra Thin Sliced Cheeses and recipes and hands down our favorite was the Harvest Turkey and Apple Panini. It is so EASY to make, good for you and so yummy! The kids gobbled it up and not only did it taste good, it also made me feel good that the sandwich was made with good stuff.
Sargento's Ultra Thin Cheddar
We substituted our regularly sliced cheese with Sargento’s Ulra Thin Cheddar, which is only 45 calories, and the kiddos did not notice a thin. The cheese is just as tasty but without the extra calories. It is the perfect way to thin out our lunches and it will become a constant rotation in our summer lunches.
To learn more about the challenge and for other delicious recipes head here.
Fun little giveaway: How do you plan to thin out your lives? Leave a comment and enter to win 3 coupons to try out the new cheese. You’re going to love it! Giveaway ends next Sunday, June 17th at 11:59pm. Winner selected at random. Good luck!
