Hanna Andersson Store Opening in Mission Viejo!

Last week I had the chance to co-host a fabulous evening at the brand new Hanna Andersson store at the Shops at Mission Viejo.   I had no idea I would fall in love with the brand!

I wasn't too familiar with the Hanna Andersson brand but knew by the reactions of my friends that this was a brand I had been missing out on! 

While at the event I had the chance to speak with the wonderful manager as well as many of the Hanna Andersson executives, truly wonderful people!  The manager explained that when she noticed that every other customer was buying at least one of the pajamas - that there was something to them.  They are just that fabulous. 

I had to see for myself so I bought a pair for my son and they are so soft & cozy.  I can see why everyone loves them and my son doesn't want to take them off!  And well, he looks so darn cute in them, I want to go back and buy him a pair in every pattern!

The quality is impeccable, so I don't mind paying a bit more than I normally would for clothes.   My youngest son is one to absolutely destroy clothes - so if I have to pay a bit more for clothes and actually have them last more than a few wearings, well I am sold!

Many of the Hanna Andersson clothes are made with eco-friendly fabrics, including eco-friendly cotton.  The quality of the garments is apparent from first touch.  They pride themselves on durability.

If you aren't familiar with the Hanna Andersson brand you can head to their website here.  They have a great selection of clothes for babies to 12 year olds in the store (adult sizes are on the website).

I absolutely loved the selection of adorable lunch totes, water bottles and thermal containers for kids lunches.

I always love perusing the baby clothes (even though my boys have long out grown those sizes).  It brings back so many memories of when my boys were babies.

These sleep sacks and layettes are an absolute must for all new babies!  My boys lived in them the first few weeks.

If you don't have little ones, be sure to stop by to find the perfect gift for a new baby.  The mom will be so appreciative!    Run, don't walk down to the new Hanna Andersson store at the Shops at Mission VIejo!

Do you have any Hanna Andersson pieces?  What's your favorite and why? 

Note:  This is a part of a compensated campaign, but as always opinions are 100% my own. #HannaAndersson

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Mom's Nite Out is Right Here at The Shops at Mission Viejo

Being a Mom is arguably the toughest job in the world, but the most rewarding.  With Mother's Day fast approaching, what would be more appropriate than a Mom's Nite Out at your local Mall?  You may have heard about the National Mom's Nite out events that occur once a year, but did you know that right here in South Orange County, The Shops at Mission Viejo have tons and tons of fantastic deals and other goodies for Moms?  This Thursday May 5th, many of your favorite stores at The Shops of Mission Viejo will be offering 20-50% of for Moms as well as other goodies (including free Strawberry Sundaes at Farrells, mini shoulder and neck massages at Aveeda... the list is WAY too long to list here!). 

Be sure to check in at center court between 5 pm and 7 pm for a current list of participating stores.  For more information on what other malls in your area are participating you can go here (note the Westminster Mall, Brea Mall and Laguna Hills Mall are also participating here in Orange County).

Treat yourself ... being a Mom is a tough job!

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Mad Hatter Easter Tea Party in Mission Viejo this Saturday

If you're in South County this coming Saturday April 16th and have an Alice in Wonderland fan, be sure to stop by the Kaleidoscope in Mission Viejo.  Between the hours of 10 am and Noon there will be several characters from Alice in Wonderland for the Mad Hatter Easter Tea Party.  There will be face painting, egg decorating and cupcakes.  There will also be the chance to win tickets to see the new movie Hop (in movie theaters now).

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Discounts on Toys at Toy Town, Ladera Ranch, CA

Toy Town in Ladera Ranch, CA (www.ToyTownInc.com) is offering a fantastic deal and I couldn’t help but share it!

They are selling two levels of Preferred Customer Club Cards, Gold and Platinum levels. The Gold Card costs $100 and you’ll receive 10% all purchases made with that card. The Platinum Card costs $250, but you receive 20% off all purchases made with that card! Both cards can be renewed and do not expire. The cards are now available until December 31st. Toy town will also be holding special shopping events and promotions for preferred customer club card holders!

This is a great way to support a locally owned business and save some money on your birthday and holiday shopping! This is just one more thing that makes Toy Town a great place to shop. My personal favorite is that you can pop in there last minute before a party, pick something out and they will wrap it (free of charge) or put it in a gift bag for you while they ring up your purchases. You'll be in and out of the store within minutes! They will also create the party favor bags for you if you are hosting a birthday party. Wow, what a time saver and headache reliever!

Thanks Toy Town!

Toy Town is located at 25632 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite B-5, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694

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Cox Sports Park, Ladera Ranch, CA

We love the Cox Sports Park in Ladera Ranch, California for a number of reasons. As a Mom, I like the park because it is off of the main road (Crown Valley Parkway), peaceful, yet not far from things. I also really like the park because it is fully covered, so you don’t have to worry about putting sunscreen on the kids, or running home to get it before going to the park. A downside to the park though, is the closest bathroom is quite a distance from the playground and certainly not convenient (it is located at the snack bar area where the four fields come together).

I have found this park is great to go to during the weekdays with the kids, I’d just be careful not to go during normal sporting event times, as it can get very congested with spillover parents/kids from the attached fields.

There is a water fountain at the playground and benches for the parents, as well as a large gazebo area available for reservations. The park is located directly across the street from a Burger King, Starbucks, Taco Mesa and Albertsons, so it is quite easy to pick up snacks, drinks and/or dinner to eat at the park. Parking is normally super easy, but again during busy soccer or baseball games, it could be a problem.


The park is located at: 27623 Crown Valley Parkway, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694

Helpful links:
- http://www.coxsportspark.com/

- http://www.laderalife.com

Things To Do
Mission Viejo

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Dinner at the Red Bucket aka Terramor Water Park in Ladera Ranch

Last night I took my boys to do one of my favorite things… dinnertime at the Terramor Water Park in Ladera Ranch (aka the Red Bucket). We’ve found that going at 5:00 pm makes for a very enjoyable time as the crowds from a busy (and hot!) day at the water park are beginning to dissipate. The park closes at 7:00 pm (but for a reason I have yet to figure out they don’t actually blow the whistle and kick everyone out until 7:12 pm…). Going at this time is much less crowded; the sun isn’t as hot and with the park closing at 7, makes it much easier to convince the kids it is time to leave!

Also be aware if you are planning your arrival, departure and eating times, that there is a mandatory safety break every hour on the hour for exactly 10 minutes (also gives the Lifeguards a needed break). As a Mom, this is great because it gives you the opportunity to get more sunscreen on the kids during the day, give them some snacks, bathroom break or just an easy opportunity to exit without as much complaining from the kids!

Do be aware the if you go during the days (even weekdays) that the park can fill-up and you may not be able to find free chairs, so put a couple folding chairs in your car to use just in case. I’ve also see people bring their own easy up shade tent to set up on the grassy areas surrounding the park.

I like to bring a collection of snacks because the kids always get hungry, even if we aren’t going at a mealtime. PB & J sandwiches are always great. Washed grapes, cheese & crackers, cut fruit and carrot sticks are always great snacks to bring. Be sure to bring water or something to drink.

Other misc. info:
-There are four lifeguards on duty.

-You can reserve the covered picnic tables on weekends for birthday parties (must be a Ladera Resident)

-You need to be a Ladera resident (or accompanied by one) to enter the water park. Admission is always free.

-The water park is just after the third roundabout coming down O’Neill from Crown Valley Parkway. It will be hard to miss and on the right hand side.

-There are bathrooms, showers, first aid and vending machines on site (snack & drink).

-The deepest part of the pool is only about 2 feet!

Things To Do
Mission Viejo

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Florence Joyner Olympiad Park, Mission Viejo

Florence Joyner Olympiad Park, Mission Viejo

Why we love it: The creativity of the design of the park is fantastic. The kids have a great time and there are seemingly endless areas for the kids to explore. There are quite a few shaded areas but the swings in particular are in full sun. There are tic tac toe boards, a large corkscrew slide, clubhouses and other neat park structures I have not seen at other parks. There was even a giant enclosed cave-like area with dinosaur etchings inside.

Be sure to bring: Lots of sunscreen, water and a few snacks for the kids. If it is your first time going to the park, plan on staying there for at least an hour, because kids have so many areas to explore. There are restrooms, but as always- bring hand sanitizer! There are also shaded picnic benches.

Appeals to: Kids of all ages and sizes. There are copious amounts of shade for babies, little clubhouses for toddlers and some of the neatest climbing structures I have ever seen for older kids! There are lots of walking paths, so bring a jogging stroller and go for a good trek in the mornings or evenings. There is also a large field adjoining the park for outdoor sports.

Directions: It’s easily accessed off of Alicia Parkway near Lake Mission Viejo, at the intersection of Olympiad road and Alicia Parkway. The entrance is about a block down Olympiad. 22760 Olympiad Road, Mission Viejo
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Mission+Viejo,+CA&ie=UTF8&ll=33.631987,-117.632675&spn=0.025691,0.036221&z=15&iwloc=addr&om=1

Things To Do
Mission Viejo

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Terramor Aquatic Park, Ladera Ranch

Terramor Aquatic Park, Ladera Ranch

Why we love it: The kids have endless fun and are watched closely by the multiple life guards stationed around the water. The lifeguards do an outstanding job of keeping kids from running or otherwise getting themselves hurt. There are lounge chairs and tables set up around the water, so unless you have very young children (under age 3), parents can comfortably sit around the edge of the pool without worry. The deepest point of the pool is 18 inches.

Be sure to bring: Ladera Ranch Access card is required, so if you don’t live in the area- you must attend with someone who does. Lots of sunscreen, several towels, snacks and water are a must! Pool toys are not allowed (they aren’t necessary because the kids have plenty to explore on the elaborate structure), but I would recommend water sandals for tender feet. Children under age 4 are required to wear plastic underwear (provided by the facility) for hygiene reasons. If it’s a hot day and/or a weekend you should also consider bringing your own folding chairs and shade. Vending machines and restroom facilities are also on site.

Appeals to: Children of all ages. There’s a beach entry at all sides of the pool so even the youngest children have a safe area to splash around. For older children there are water blasters, steering wheels and other activities on the structure. The giant red bucket also slowly fills with water and dumps on to a roof that inundates the eagerly waiting children below- which also seems to be a congregating point for many of the older children. At the top of every hour there is a mandatory 10 minute “safety break,” in which the staff do a quick check of the pool to be sure there aren’t any surprises in the water. The safety break also provides a much needed break for younger children to drink some water and snack.

Location: 26281 O’Neill Drive, (Mission Viejo) Ladera Ranch. Take Crown Valley Parkway then turn right (south) on O’Neill. The Terramor Aquatic Park will be on your right and it is easily identified by the giant red bucket visible from O’Neill Drive. See link for exact map of the area- http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&geocode=&q=&near=26281+O%E2%80%99Neill+Drive,++Mission+Viejo,+CA&ie=UTF8&ll=33.552769,-117.646966&spn=0.023676,0.034461&z=15&om=1

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