Thursday, September 30, 2010

Bullying...Is It More Than Sticks and Stones?

Bullying...Is It More Than Sticks and Stones?
a guest post by Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC

Bullying is thought of as being an ordinary passage of growing up. We all remember being pelted with hurtful words. Some kids remember being beaten up on the playground. It was seldom taken seriously. When we hear the word "bully" we continue to think of it as not a big deal. However, bullying has changed. It is more than words or getting teased on the playground. It is inescapable harassment, physical assault, verbal abuse, and a constant barrage of cyber attacks that leave kids feeling defeated, fearful, and alone. 

According to Maureen Hackett, a mental health child advocate, youth are at fragile stages in their development of identity and self esteem. Their relationships with peers are an integral part of how they see themselves. The young victims look to their parents, teachers and other adults in their life for validation, appreciation and protection. When caretakers don't take bullying seriously or fail to help, the children are hurt further, intensifying the actual bullying experience.

What makes bullying particularly insidious is the lack of escape for children. Previously, youngsters were able to escape to their homes. Now the onslaught of cyber bullying continues even in a child's own room, behind closed doors.

What can we do to help with this crisis that happens every day, everywhere, to many children?

Warning signs your child is being bullied: 
1. She comes home with torn, damaged, or missing pieces of clothing, books, or other belongings.
2. She has unexplained cuts, bruises, and scratches.
3. She complains about not having friends.
4. She seems afraid of going to school, walking to and from school, riding the school bus, or taking part in organized activities with peers (such as clubs).
5. She has no interest in school or her grades. She begins to struggle with school.
6. She is weepy, sad, moody, or depressed when she comes home from school.
7. She complains frequently of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical ailments.
8. She experiences a loss of appetite or she may begin gaining weight.
9. She appears anxious and suffers from low self-esteem.
The best advice I can give parents regarding helping their children is the most important one: take it seriously. Do not minimize it; write everything down.

More tips for parents with children who are being bullied:
1. You need a plan and you need to make an appointment with your child's teacher. Share your plan with the teacher and make sure that it includes both school and home.
2. Invite your child to talk with a private or school counselor. Many counselors have ideas of how best to intervene using other resources. If your child has an out-of-school private counselor, encourage collaboration between the counselor and school teacher.
3. Limit your child's computer time. If your child has a cell phone, be aware of how much texting is taking place. Have her share threats she is receiving with you. Make sure you have a copy of these threats in case you need legal help.
4. If there is no improvement within a week, it is time to go to the principal (if the abuse is happening at school) or other person in charge.

Tips if you are the parent of a bully: 
1. Your child needs counseling and perhaps a professional assessment from a mental health professional. (Your whole family may be encouraged to attend). Bully behavior is learned and suggests that there may be a "bully mentor" in your home.
2. Make a doctor's appointment for your child. Sometimes children act out with impulsive and angry behaviors when there is something wrong with them medically (a hormone imbalance, for example).
3. Limit your child's ability to use the Internet and text. Set firmer limits at home.
4. Violence with your child does not stop the behavior. Indeed, it may make the bullying even more intense. Overprotecting your child and telling yourself that it is normal child behavior doesn't work either. There is nothing normal about hurting another child. You need to act and you need to do it now.

Behind every bully who is terrorizing another child, there is a parent who has ignored the bully's behaviors and decided that it will go away on its own. Bullying does not go away. It usually gets worse, and intervention on both the parent's behalf (the parents of the bully and the parents of the child being bullied) works best.

Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC, is a licensed psychotherapist and co-author with Janine J. Sherman, of Start Talking: A Girl's Guide for You and Your Mom About Health, Sex or Whatever. Read more about the book at www.StartTalkingBook.com and more about Rapini at www.maryjorapini.com.
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Start Talking features succinct yet lively answers, sample conversations, and real life stories to help open the door to better mother/daughter communication. Rapini and Sherman have compiled more than 113 questions girls (and their moms) routinely ask - or should be asking - about health, sex, body image, and dating.

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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

7 For All Mankind Warehouse Sale is Coming to LA!

Are you ready for it?  The 7 for All Mankind official warehouse sale will be open to the public this weekend at the LA Convention Center!  Running October 1-3 at the LA Convention Center, this is THE time to stock up on everyone's favorite jeans at up to 80% off.  Yes, you read that right!

There isn't a better time of year to stock up on the selection of over 30,000 pieces of pure luxury like tops, sweaters, jeans, shorts, skirts and jackets.  During the period of October 1-3, the venue will be open from10am-8pm and you are encouraged (but not required) to register in advance to speed up the registration at the door.  You can go here to register.

After Los Angeles, the 7 for All Mankind Warehouse Sale will be making stops in San Francisco (October 8-10), New York City (October 14-17) and Chicago (October 22-24).

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Star Wars - Clone Wars Adventures is Fun for the Whole Family!

So Star Wars really is life around our house.  I'm not going to go in to details but let's just say I bet our selection of Star Wars toys beats most (this is going to have my friends rolling on the floor laughing).  The Star Wars Clone Wars animated cartoon is DVR'd every week around here and when I found out that the much anticipated online world of Clone Wars Adventures was opening up, I had a sneaking suspicion my kids would be all over it! 

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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

LulyBoo Baby Lounge Now at Target.com!

I fell in love with the LulyBoo the very first time I saw it!  I recently found out that they have now started selling them on Target.com in fun new fabrics, you can check them out here.   You can also check out my post about the LulyBoo baby lounger here to see why I think it's the perfect baby shower gift!

Be sure to also check out their line of baby blankets.  What is unique about the blankets is that they are the all-in-one (a texture for every preference).  They are extremely versatile and also make a great gift for any newborn.  Love them!

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Monday, September 27, 2010

Discount Tickets to See Beauty and the Beast at El Capitan!



© Disney

I've been a huge Disney movie fan since as far back as I can remember, so I'm SO excited to share this cool deal with YOU, readers of OCMomActivities.com!  OCMomActivities.com readers can head up to the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood to catch the Beauty and the Beast Sing-a-long for a special rate of $9 each.  You can take advantage of this discount for any Tiny Tot Tuesday or Monday through Friday (September 27 - Oct 7th). To take advantage of this deal, enter the code "OC Mom Activities" when purchasing your tickets here

Each performance features a special appearance by Belle.  On select days, El Capitan guests may enjoy Breakfast with Belle at the Disney’s Soda Fountain & Studio Store, and then see the 10:45am movie! Seating is limited and reservations are required. 

© Disney



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Best Halloween Events for Families in Southern Callifornia

We are now entering in to my favorite time of year - Halloween and Christmas!  It's easy to get overwhelmed with the number of family fun Halloween events we have in Southern California, so here's a quick list of fun events to help you not miss out on some of the biggest ones. 

    Brick-or-Treat at Legoland California
  • Brick-or-Treat at Legoland California (in Carlsbad).  Runs weekends in October.  Admission is included in admission to the park (but the event runs from 5-9pm).  There are treat stations as well as fun Halloween themed events throughout the park. You can go here for more information.
Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld San Diego
  • Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld San Diego.  We attended this one last year and love it (check out the post here).  Admission is included with entrance to the park.  There are trick or treat stations (with fun not just your normal candy handouts), activity stations, and several of the shows have Halloween spin to them. You can go here for more information on it.
  • Mickey's Trick or Treat at Disneyland
  • Mickey's Trick or Treat at Disneyland.  There's little doubt that Disneyland knows how to go all out for holidays and Halloween is no exception.  With ride theme overlays on Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion and more, you're sure to have an amazing time trick or treating through the park. This is a special event and special tickets must be purchased (even passholders must purchase).  It runs most Tuesdays & Fridays throughout October. Read my post about it here or go here to buy tickets.

    Knotts Halloween Haunt
    
  • Halloween Haunt at Knott's "Scary" Farm (in Buena Park). Running on select nights starting at the end of September through the end of October, you can find everything from mazes and other spooks to get your Halloween thrills.  (Note this is not an event recommended for kids under 13). You need to purchase a separate event ticket for this and you can go here to learn more.
  • 
    Snoopy's Costume Party
    
  • Snoopy's Costume Party at Knott's Berry Farm. Running weekends in October and it's included with park admission.  There are special shows, trick or treating, dance parties and more.  You can go here for more information about it.
  • © Discovery Science Center
  • Spooky Science - Bug Invasion at the Discovery Science Center (Santa Ana). Running through October, you can find giant bugs (animatronics), remote controlled bugs, learning stations and more.  This is included with the price of admission.  Go here for more information.
  • Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.  Running now through the end of October there is the Terror Tram, ScareZones, mazes and other spooks throughout the park.  This is not included with regular admission to the park but is also not recommended for kids under 13.  Go here for more information.
  • Spooky Sleepover at the San Diego Zoo
  • Spooky Sleepovers at the San Diego Zoo. Running special Saturday Nights at the Zoo you can purchase tickets to sleep over at the zoo where you will have the chance to trick or treat, have a costume parade, sit around the campfire and take special adventures throughout the Zoo.  You'll even get a special goodbag on your way home the next day.  This is not included with admission to the park.  You can go here for more information.
  • 
    San Diego Safari Park Pumpkin Parties
    
  • Roar & Snoar Pumpkin Parties at the Safari Park (formerly known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park).  They have a number of family Halloween sleepovers scheduled throughout the month go here for more information about the evenings.  The Safari Park is also hosting a creepy crawly festival on select days throughout October. The sleepovers are not included in regular admission.  You can go here for more information.

 (If I've missed your favorite or you you know of one you want added to this list, send me an email OCMomActivities [at] gmail [dot] com).

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Thursday, September 23, 2010

Love Olympic Figure Skating?

Figure skating has always been one of my favorite winter sports to watch (especially during the Olympics).  Unfortunately I've yet to go to the Olympics to be able to watch in person, but I've always wanted to!  So... what would be the next best thing?  You guessed it!   Going to the 2010 All That Skate LA event at Staples Center!  It will be at Staples Center Saturday October 2, 2010 at 7:00 pm and Sunday October 3, 2010 at 3:00 pm.

You'll have the chance to see an all-star cast of many of the best figure skaters in the world.  Here's just a few:
Yuna Kim (Korea) Reigning Olympic Champion and 2009 World Champion; Michelle Kwan (USA) Five-time World Champion, Nine-Time U.S. Champion and Two-Time Olympic Medalist; Shen Xue & Zhao Hongbo (China) 2010 Olympic Pair Champions; Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir (Canada) 2010 Olympic Dance Champions; Stephane Lambiel (Switzerland) Two-Time World Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist; Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy (Germany) Two-time World Champions and Olympic Bronze Medalists; Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto (USA) Olympic Silver Medalists and Four-Time World Medalists; Brian Joubert (France) World Champion and Three-Time European Champion; Johnny Weir (USA) Three-Time U.S. Champion and World Bronze Medalist, and Ashley Wagner (USA) Two-Time U. S. Bronze Medalist and NHK Trophy Bronze Medalist.

Want to go?  Tickets are now on sale so head over here to buy tickets at directly from Staples Center, Ticketmaster, at www.AllThatSkate.com or call 800.745.3000.  It's sure to be an amazing evening!

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Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Organic meats delivered to your door?

We recently watched the movie Food, inc.  If you haven't seen it, you've most likely at least heard about it.  You've probably also heard that it will forever affect the way you look at our food supply, some people I know have even become vegetarians after watching it.  One thing I took away from the movie is the need to be more aware of where my food was coming from.  I've always had a love for gardening so I personally made a commitment to cultivating more of our fruits and vegetables whenever possible.  That wasn't a tough choice for me, have you ever tasted the difference between a vine ripened tomato and a standard store bought tomato?  It's like night and day.

I admit I've always had vegetarian tendencies, but I do love the occasional delicious hamburger, hot dog or steak.  So my struggle was to find a way to feel better about the beef I fed my family.  In the movie Food inc., they profiled an Organic sustainable cattle farmer who is going back to the way cattle ranching used to be.  I've had the privilege of connecting with another rancher who believes in 100% grass fed cows, no steroids, no antibiotics and good old fashioned fresh air!  What's even better is that you can order the meats directly from him and they arrive at your door, perfectly frozen (no worries about freezer burn because of the way they are sealed, packed and shipped).  For the record, this is who Jamie Oliver's people called when they were in town and needed a supply of meat!   Rocky Mountain Organic Meats sent me a package to sample the products and I was floored to see how fresh the meat was, but it also arrived still completely frozen and perfect.
This is the actual package that arrived!

I decided to test the burgers out on my husband.  His reaction was priceless... he immediately commented that it was the best, freshest meat he had ever tasted!  (He's brutally honest when it comes to things like this too!)  The steaks were amazing, as well as the hot dogs and ground meat.  We also got the chance to sample the beef sticks.  Well, ok... I got to sample one and my husband snagged the rest, promising me they were delicious but that they were all his.  They just didn't have the normal preservative filled taste that beef sticks tend to have.

I was sold.  So it's going to take a little more logistic planning on my part, but I plan on purchasing as much of my beef that I cook for my family from Rocky Mountain Organic Meats as I can.  The prices are very reasonable and the far superior taste of the meat makes the extra planning steps worth it in my opinion. 

So enough about MY opinion of how much better the meat tastes from Rocky Mountain Organic Meats... let's have a giveaway!!!  Rocky Mountain Organic Meats is generously offering the 10 pounds organic burger patty package to one lucky reader! 

The giveaway will go until October 8th, 2010 at 11:59pm and is only open to residents of the contiguous U.S.  When leaving comments, be sure I have a way to contact you, I reserve the right to pick another winner if I am not able to contact the winner in a reasonable amount of time.  The winner will be picked using Random.org.

Mandatory first entry: Head over to the Rocky Mountain Organic Meats website and tell us what product you'd like to try most. (this is allowed once per day until the giveaway closes)

How to enter:
  • Subscribe to email feed or other feed subscription for OCMomActivities.com (or if you already are, just say that) 
  • Become a Fan of Rocky Mountain Organic Meats or OCMomActivities on Facebook (say so if you already are)
  • Follow Rocky Mountain Organic Meats or OCMomActivities on Twitter (1 extra entry)
  • Mention/link this giveaway in a blog post or tweet about it (1 extra entry each allowed once per day until the giveaway ends) 
  • Go comment on another post on OCMomActivities.com then come back and comment on this one saying you did it (this is an unlimited number of extra entries as long as you do the extra commenting!)

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Alpha and Omega Activity Set

And the winner of the Alpha and Omega activity set is:

CSeppala said...
I follow you on Twitter! CSeppala@aol.com

Please send me an email -> OCMomActivities at gmail dot com  Congrats!!!

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Monday, September 20, 2010

The Happiest Race on Earth!

I'm so excited to share this guest post from Julie Campbell...
14,000 runners from all 50 states and 15 countries participated in Disneyland’s 5th Annual Half Marathon on Sunday, September 5th. The weekend kicked off with a Health Expo held at the Disneyland Hotel where participants picked up their packets including shirts and D tags for timing purposes.

My family and I drove over from Phoenix, Arizona to meet up with my sister’s family, my brother’s family and our extended family (about 30 in all) on Friday. On Saturday, our family explored California Adventure and then had an awesome dinner at Goofy’s kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel where Disney characters mingle and take pictures with everyone.  The food was great and it was very kid friendly!  I highly recommend it!

The morning of the race, I met up with my brother and sister in the hall of our hotel, Disneyland’s Paradise Pier Hotel at 4:45a.m. to walk to the start of the race near Downtown Disney. A lot of runners dressed up as Disney characters. Krisse and I dressed as Minnie (me)and Cinderella (Krisse). The race started at 6:00a.m. with Mickey and Minnie waving us on! Our brother, Matt, was in the first wave of runners, Corral ‘E’. My sister, Krisse, and I were in Corral ‘E’. We met a lot of really nice people and had such a great time! The course took us through Disney’s California Adventure Park, Disneyland, and the Anaheim A’s ball park. The crowd support was amazing! We even stopped along the way to have our pictures taken with Lilo & Stitch and Cruella DeVille.  With half a mile to go, Krisse and I spotted our families sporting their personalized Mickey shirts reading “Mom’s ChEAR Squad”.  The finish line was near Downtown Disney and everyone that finished the 13.1 miles in under 3 ½ hours received this awesome, commemorative finisher’s medal. 

I will definitely run the Disneyland Half Marathon again next year! It was so much fun that I’m trying to convince my sister to come with me to Florida to run the Walt Disney World Marathon in January . What do you say Krisse?


More about Julie Brock Campbell:
Julie went to the University of Arizona, where she studied Media Arts and Spanish. She is the co-creator/owner of Kids Love Spanish, the award-winning DVD series teaching children Spanish (check out her website here). She is business partners with her sister and best friend, Krisse Brock Kelly. Julie is the proud Mommy of four beautiful boys: Brock, Morgan, Hayden and Keegan. Julie resides with her family in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Friday, September 17, 2010

The PERFECT Specialty Coffee at Home - I'm in love!

As you all know I'm a HUGE fan of mochas.  So when I had the opportunity to try out a Tassimo T20 by Bosch, I was excited beyond belief, but a little worried that the coffee at home would be good but not take the place of my daily premium coffee habit.  I can now say with 1000% percent honesty and can't underline enough how in-love with this machine I am (if you saw my tweets on Twitter the day I tried it out, you'd know I'm not kidding!)!  Yes, I was provided with a sample package of the Gevalia Espresso Cappuccino package but loved it so much that I ran out the very same afternoon to get more packages because I knew this was going to become a staple drink for me.  

It was simple, quick and foolproof to make an amazing espresso (or mocha in my case). Using one T-disc for the espresso (it's easy to dilute the espresso to make amazing cup of coffee using the same T-disc), one milk T-disc and some of my favorite mocha powder from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.  Hands down it made a comparable (if not better) than the majority of coffee houses I have been to (including many BIG chains).  Can I underscore that about a bazillion times? 

I've since gone out and bought iced coffee T-discs, hot chocolate T-discs and I am anxious to continue to try more out.  For Chai Tea lovers, they have Chai Tea T-discs.  Besides the amazing cups of espresso it makes, I was totally impressed by the fact that the Tassimo by Bosch uses a bar code scanner to scan a bar code on each T-disc so it makes the perfect cup (of whatever you are making) every time.  Coffee machines have made an evolutionary jump!

Friends of ours have the Keurig machine and as far as I have tasted, the Tassimo by Bosch makes a far superior cup of coffee, espresso or other specialty drink.  I'm guessing one trick is in the milk T-discs because they are filled with real milk as opposed to the powder you find in the other types of coffee machines.  The Tassimo by Bosch may be a tad more expensive, but in the long run I think I'd get far more value out of the Tassimo by Bosch because of the amount of money I'll save in future coffee house purchases! 

Have you tried the Tassimo by Bosch?   Do you have a favorite recipe?

You can find the Tassimo by Bosch at Target and many other locations.  You can also "like" them on Facebook or find them on Twitter.

(*Note I was provided a Tassimo T20 by Bosch to facilitate this review, but almost immediately went out and bought more refills because I am that in love with this product!)

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Thursday, September 16, 2010

Countrytime Lemonade - A fun addition to water in school lunches!

Summer is coming to an end.  The school year has begun and I'm starting to settle back in to my lunch packing "groove".  In our house it's a rare occasion when I pack a juice box or other type of sugary drink in my kids lunches.  They mostly drink water ( & milk).  To be eco-friendly we've gotten the stainless steel reusable water bottles and fill them with water.  One of my favorite things to do is surprise the kids with a flavoring in the water.  One of the favorites I keep on hand is the Countrytime Lemonade mix.  I add a couple spoonfuls and the kids love it!  It's just a fun little surprise when they take a sip of their drinks and a reminder of Summer fun.  I love putting those surprises in their lunches.  We love the Raspberry Lemonade flavor!

What kinds of treats (healthy or not) do you find yourself adding to your kids lunches?


(* Note I received a sample of Countrytime to facilitate writing this post, but it's something I have purchased many many times!)

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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Wordless Wednesday... A Disneyland Treat

Wordless Wednesday...

One of our favorite treats at Disneyland - the Cinnamon Crisps from Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland.  What's your favorite treat at Disneyland/California Adventure?

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Monday, September 13, 2010

Guess I have a freakish pain tolerance...

Yep.  I'm going to blame this one on my parents (genetics?).  You see apparently I am "one of those"... one of those people that can walk around for weeks with a broken bone and have no idea!  Two weeks to be exact (I think).  Here's the backstory:

A couple weeks ago I noticed that it was getting tough to put my wedding ring on.  I chalked it up to summer bloating.  But it didn't improve.  It got worse until the point when I couldn't put my wedding ring on anymore.  I figured something was up but have been so busy I didn't really have time to figure out what. My finger felt odd, but certainly not what I would describe as pain.  But there was a funny bump on the area that was swollen.

As I sat there in the doctors office last Friday afternoon, the doctor was baffled.  She said it had characteristics of being broken, but my lack of pain just didn't make sense... but sure enough the x-ray came back with a fracture right in that location!   As she sat there giving me my diagnosis, the way she looked at me was priceless.  It just didn't make sense that I wasn't in pain to her.  I guess I can no longer say I've never had a broken bone...

I guess that explains why I was able to calmly walk in to the hospital 7.5 centimeters dilated with my youngest.  The nurse actually told me they would probably send me home because I didn't physically appear to be far enough in to labor.  She panicked when she realized how advanced I was. 

So I guess the signs have always been there... I have a freakish pain tolerance.  And I still have absolutely no idea how or when I actually broke this finger!

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Friday, September 10, 2010

Alpha and Omega in 3D [Giveaway!]

My boys are very excited to see Alpha & Omega (in 3D) when it gets to theaters next week - September 17th, 2010.  The video clips we've seen look pretty funny and tell the tale of two wolves named Kate (Alpha) and Humphrey (Omega).  Kate and Humphrey are taken by park rangers halfway across the county and the movie is about their quest to find their way home.  The movie stars Justin Long, Hayden Panettiere, Dennis Hopper and , Danny Glover and Christina Ricci.  You can also head over here for fun activities, downloads, games, galleries and videos about the movie.
To celebrate the release of the movie we're giving away an Alpha & Omega Activity set to one luck reader!  (The prize pack will include an Activity & Coloring Book, Alpha Ears, Bookmark, Poster and Alpha & Omega DS games.)  This giveaway will end at 12 noon on September 17th, 2010.  Please be sure I have a way to contact you, and if I'm not able to reach you within a reasonable amount of time I reserve the right to give the prize to someone else.

  • Let me know why you are excited to see Alpha and Omega in theaters.
  • Subscribe to email feed or other feed subscription for OCMomActivities.com (or if you already are, just say that) 
  • Become a Fan of OCMomActivities on Facebook or Alpha and Omega or say so if you already are (1 extra recommendation for each friend you recommend OCMomActivities)
  • Follow OCMomActivities on Twitter (1 extra entry)
  • Mention/link this giveaway in a blog post or tweet about it (1 extra entry each allowed once per day until the giveaway ends) 
  • Go comment on another post on OCMomActivities.com then come back and comment on this one saying you did it (this is an unlimited number of extra entries as long as you do the extra commenting!)

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More Free Drinks at Coffee Bean!

Fabulous Yet Frugal Friday (and well because I love Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ...)

This Tuesday (September 14th, 2010) between the hours of 4 and 7pm head over to your nearest Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for a complimentary 12 oz. Classic Pumpkin or Cinnamon French Toast Latte or Ice Blended Drink.

For your nearest Coffee Bean & Tea location or more information go here.

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Thursday, September 9, 2010

Whole Foods is turning 30!

Mark your calendars!  On September 17th, Whole Foods is celebrating it's 30th Birthday! From 6-8 pm at the Whole Foods Market (just off Jamboree in Tustin - 2847 Park Avenue, Tustin).  This event is open to the public.

There will be a number of your favorite Whole Foods vendors in attendance as well as a number of special products throughout the store.  Enjoy a number of free samples throughout the store (including cheese, charcuterie, raw food bar, drinks and live entertainment.  There will even be a fun sweepstakes for an all expenses trip to Muir Glen.  For more information about Whole Foods you can go here.

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Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Wordless Wednesday ... Lego Space Shuttles?

Wordless Wednesday...

Well... because I have been given due notice that the above is the Lego holiday project this year to assemble (spotted at the Lego Store in Downtown Disney).  Believe me... I'll have my bulk supply of crazy glue ready to go.

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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Winner of the LA County Fair Tickets!

Congratulations!  Here's the winner of the LA County Fair tickets!

cynmaesSeptember 1, 2010 8:19 PM  

I loved coming to the fair as a child and I can't WAIT for my kids to start making their own fun memories of coming to the fair! That, and I'm dying to try all the deep fried anything food!!! LOL
Send me an email with your contact info so we can get the tickets sent out to you!  Have fun!

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Seasons 52 in Costa Mesa is a Must for Foodies

The evening began with this amazing Black Mission Fig and Chevre flatbread and I knew we were in for a treat.  Clifford Pleu has done a masterful job creating a seasonally inspired, healthy yet sophisticated menu.  Seasons 52 features wood-fire grilling, brick oven cooking and absolutely no fryers.

I also tasted the Goat Cheese Ravioli, Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon

 and stuffed artichoke... 
 It was all absolutely amazing!

Dessert was served in small shot glasses and was absolutely scrumptious.  I  would have thought the Mocha Macchiato would be my favorite, but the Key Lime Pie and Meyer Lemon Pound Cake ended up being my favorites if I had to name my favorites (but they were all delicious!!!).

Nestles next to Bloomingdales on the outside of South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, Seasons 52 Fresh Grill is is now open.  Serving up absolutely mouthwatering dishes (at less than 475 calories each!), you're sure to find something if not many dishes you'll fall in love with.  If you have food allergies or other diet restrictions you'll find the staff and menu to be refreshing and easy to still find something fantastic.  You'll also find that the prices are very reasonable with the entrees ranging in price from $12.75-$26.95.  Note that there is also complimentary valet parking.

Seasons 52 is perfect for a date night or girls night out.  There's nightly entertainment at the piano bar starting at 6:00 pm and you'll frequently find internationally known pianist/singer/songwriter Charlie Sleeth filling the bar with music.

You can also find other Seasons 52 locations in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and coming soon to Arizona, Texas, Florida (Coral Gables), Indiana and Maryland.  For more information you can go here.  I was treated to a media preview evening to sample the menu to facilitate the writing of this post.

Seasons 52 is located at 3333 Bristol Avenue Suite #2802, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626 and (714) 437-5252.  You can also find Seasons 52 on Facebook and Twitter.

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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Book a Duffy Boat Cruise - 50% off (great deal but HURRY)

Going out boating brings back a lot of memories from my childhood.  (I spent a lot of time cruising around the world as a kid, but we'll save those stories for another post..) 

When I saw the weekly Screamin Deal I knew I had to share it with you guys!  For $67 (almost 50% savings!) you can purchase and book a cruise around Newport Harbor on a Duffy Boat!  That's hard to beat and a guaranteed fun adventure for your family.  Head on over here to take advantage of this amazing deal, but hurry because this deal is only available for another 6 hours...

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LA County Fair Giveaway!

Spending hours at the county fair was something I always looked forward to as a kid.  Sure, the $20 I would bring as my spending money doesn't go as far anymore, but the county fair has sure changed in what it has to offer!

At this year's LA County Fair you can experience everything from the famous deep fried PB & J to the LA in Ice exhibit (where you can see some famous Los Angeles landmarks carved out of ice) to checking out the Our Body: The Universe Within exhibit to the traditional county fair rides.  Did you know you can partake in trapeze lessons at the fair?  I sure didn't!  I also heard there are going to be life sized dinosaurs...

So who wants to win a family four pack of tickets?  I've got a family four pack of tickets to giveaway!  This one ends quickly, so don't miss out!

The giveaway will go until Saturday September 4th, 2010 at 12 am midnight and is only open to residents of the contiguous U.S. When leaving comments, be sure I have a way to contact you, I reserve the right to pick another winner if I am not able to contact the winner in a reasonable amount of time. The winner will be picked using Random.org.

Mandatory first entry:
Tell us what you are looking forward to most about the LA County Fair this year!

Additional Entries:
•Subscribe to email feed or other feed subscription for OCMomActivities.com (or if you already are, just say that)



•Become a Fan of OCMomActivities or LA County Fair on Facebook or say so if you already are (1 extra recommendation for each friend you recommend OCMomActivities)


•Follow OCMomActivities or LA County Fair on Twitter (1 extra entry)


•Mention/link this giveaway in a blog post or tweet about it (1 extra entry each allowed once per day until the giveaway ends)


•Go comment on another post on OCMomActivities.com then come back and comment on this one saying you did it (this is an unlimited number of extra entries as long as you do the extra commenting!)

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