Pretend City Children’s Museum Pays Tribute to Our Country’s Service Men and Women with Free Military Admission on Veteran’s Day

November 9, 2011, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Snow White and the Huntsman

≪ Previous: Tofurky’s Thanksgiving Facebook Sweepstakes

$

0

0

WHAT:  PretendCity Children’s Museum will host members of the military and their immediate family with free admission on Veteran’s Day.  The museum will be open to everyone for a celebration in honor of American’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.  There will be fun activities and patriotic music playing throughout the day, and guests are all invited to wear red, white and blue to show their support and patriotism.  Members of the military are invited to wear their uniforms.

WHEN:  Friday, November 11, 2011 - 9:00am – 5:00pm.  GREAT LOCATION FOR LIVE SHOTS.

WHERE:  Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA.  Media parking available in front parking lot.

WHY:  This special day is an opportunity to honor the men and woman who have served our country.

INTERVIEW/PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES

·        Interviews with veterans and current military families

·        Thousands of men, women and children in a patriotic environment, dressed in military uniforms or patriotic colors.

COMPELLING VISUAL BACKDROP

Pretend City provides an amazing backdrop of a miniature city for children to have the ultimate pretend experience.  Designed after key landmarks in Orange County, the colorful city features everything a child can imagine from a Ralph's Grocery Store, a cafe, post office, library, the Newport Beach Pier, the Orange Circle, a doctor's office and so much more.  

About Pretend City Children’s Museum

Pretend City Children’s Museum is the first educational facility of its kind in the western United States representing a small, interconnected city designed to “build better brains” through purposeful play, hands-on learning experiences, role playing, and educational programming.  As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, it depends on community-based funding and guest support.  Through 17 interactive exhibits and activities guided by a highly trained professional staff, children learn foundational math, reading and science skills, while fostering curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, organization, teamwork, self-confidence and socialization.  The museum is a unique community resource where families, educators and community agencies come together to ensure that each child gains the experiences needed for a productive and fulfilling future.  Pretend City Children’s Museum is located at 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618. For more information, please visit www.pretendcity.org.

---

Snow White and the Huntsman

November 11, 2011, 9:43 pm

≫ Next: Thanksgiving Fun with The Muppets

≪ Previous: Pretend City Children’s Museum Pays Tribute to Our Country’s Service Men and Women with Free Military Admission on Veteran’s Day

$

0

0

Kirsten Stewart is back next June with an all-new movie - Snow White and the Huntsman. We're fans of her work so this one is a for-sure on our list of movies to watch next year. Plus, Chris Hemsworth did an awesome job in Thor and I can't wait to see how he does in this new movie.

Synopsis:
In the epic action-adventure, Kristen Stewart plays the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen (Oscar® winner Charlize Theron), who is out to destroy her. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with the huntsman (Chris Hemsworth, Thor) who was dispatched to kill her.

Thanksgiving Fun with The Muppets

November 12, 2011, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Thoughts on Crest and Oral-B's sponsored #HDASurvey

≪ Previous: Snow White and the Huntsman

$

0

0

Kermit, Fozzie and of course Swedish Chef wanted to make sure you were ready for Thanksgiving with some fun printables and a Kermit cupcake recipe!

Click on any of the images below to enlarge and print. Enjoy!

‘Like’ THE MUPPETS on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Muppets 

THE MUPPETS opens in theaters everywhere on November 23rd!

Thoughts on Crest and Oral-B's sponsored #HDASurvey

November 14, 2011, 7:41 am

≫ Next: WEST SIDE STORY: 50th Anniversary Edition is now on sale!

≪ Previous: Thanksgiving Fun with The Muppets

$

0

0

My son with his money-saving pearly whites

As a mom, I feel that I've done a pretty good job of raising our oldest kid so far. He clears his dish before leaving the table, he helps to put away the dishes and he has fabulous teeth. Seriously... he has these seemingly-perfect pearly whites that I still don't have, even after Invisalign. So when I read the findings of a recent survey lead by the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) and sponsored by Crest and Oral-B, I was astonished to find that we could very well be in the minority with regards to Hispanics and dental health.

Overall Survey Results
67% of U.S. Hispanics rate their overall oral health as "excellent"or "good"...yet two-thirds experienced at least one oral health issue in the past year. 

The survey found that when compared to the general population, many Hispanics in the U.S. are facing barriers to achieving better oral health. Specifically, the majority of U.S. Hispanics believe more information about good oral health habits, access to affordable oral health care, and more Hispanic and Spanish-speaking dentists and dental hygienists in their communities would help them in achieving better oral health.  

Unfortunately, I'm not surprised to see that such a disparity exists between the state of oral health among U.S. Hispanics versus the general population. In fact, I myself don't remember my family focusing too much on oral health beyond brushing our teeth. Braces were seen as a luxury and something that although I needed them, we just couldn't afford. I also found out the importance of flossing the hard way - with a dentist visit that ended with me getting three root canals. That's right parents - three!

As an adult, and a parent, I am now more conscious about how I treat my teeth as well as my son's. Thanks to great oral hygiene, he is still cavity-free and though brushing his teeth isn't his favorite thing to do, he will still happily accept a Waterpik session while standing on his Fisher-Price Step-with-Me Step Stool (which by the way, is a GREAT way to ensure that your kid has a two-minute tooth brushing).

In my humble opinion, the reason that so many Hispanics haven't achieved great oral health is because there is a failure in educating parents on the importance of healthy teeth and gums and the consequences of not having good oral health. For example, did you know that some studies suggest that poor oral health may be linked to other health complications such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes? Now if that isn't reason enough to start brushing and flossing, then I don't know what is. However, the reason I know this is because I read studies like this one and attend seminars that educate me on the proper way to achieve good oral health. Perhaps more exposure on this topic would help bring this issue to light in the Hispanic community.

For more information about the survey, please visit www.crestcomplete.com/study.

I wrote this post while participating in a compensated campaign with Procter & Gamble and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

WEST SIDE STORY: 50th Anniversary Edition is now on sale!

November 16, 2011, 8:00 am

≫ Next: WEST SIDE STORY - Un clásico en edición de lujo (SPANISH)

≪ Previous: Thoughts on Crest and Oral-B's sponsored #HDASurvey

$

0

0

West Side Story was one of the first musicals that I was introduced to in school and I fell in love with it. Because of its Latin characters and love story/tragedy, it has remained one of my favorites. We own the DVD edition that came in this cool red box and has a booklet inside with all kinds of West Side Story info. Our four year old has watched it and enjoyed the singing and dancing. I am so happy to see that it has been remastered and I can't wait to see it in it's Blu-ray glory this weekend.

More on West Side Story

Five decades after its historic debut, a timeless classic returns to dazzle audiences young and old. Based on the hit Broadway musical of the same name, the iconic film WEST SIDE STORY returns in brilliant Blu-ray form November 15, 2011 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. With a record-breaking ten Academy Awards^® including Best Picture, Best Directing and Best Scoring of a Musical Picture, the film took home more awards than any other movie-musical in the history of cinema. This monumental production, conceived and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, features the timeless lyrics of master American composer Stephen Sondheim, magnificent score by Leonard Bernstein and heartfelt book by playwright Arthur Laurents. WEST SIDE STORY: 50^th Anniversary Edition boasts hundreds of hours of restoration, new 7.1 digital audio, and a collection of bonus features spotlighting the thrilling songs and iconic dances of the original film.

This “brilliant” (The New Republic) film under the direction of Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, sets the ageless story of Romeo and Juliet against a backdrop of gang warfare in 1950’s New York. A love affair is fated for tragedy amidst the vicious rivalry between two street gangs – the Jets and the Sharks. When Jets member Tony (Richard Beymer) falls for Maria (Natalie Wood), the sister of the Sharks leader, it is more than these two warring gangs can handle.  As tension mounts, a battle to the death ensues and innocent blood is shed in a heartbreaking finale.

Featuring the beloved songs “Maria,” “America,” “Tonight,” and “I Feel Pretty,”
WEST SIDE STORY: 50^th Anniversary Edition showcases rousing performances by
Best Supporting Actress^® winner Rita Moreno, Best Supporting Actor^® winner George Chakiris and Russ Tamblyn. The Blu-ray will be available in a Limited Edition 4-Disc Boxed Set featuring 2 disc Blu-ray, newly-restored DVD, Tribute CD and collectible memorabilia, as well as a 2-disc Collector’s Edition Blu-ray + newly-restored DVD. Prebook is September 7.

WEST SIDE STORY 50^th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Special Features

• ALL-NEW:  Pow! The Dances of West Side Story - cast members, contemporary filmmakers, dancers and choreographers analyze and illuminate the film’s famous dance sequences.

• Prologue
• Dance At the Gym
• Tony and Maria’s Cha Cha
• America
• The Rumble
• Maria’s Roof Dance
• Cool
• ALL-NEW: A Place for Us: West Side Story’s Legacy – a look back at the iconic film and the impact it has all over the world
• Creation and Innovation
• A Timeless Vision
• Song Specific Commentary by Lyricist Stephen Sondheim
• Prologue
• The Jet Song
• Something’s Coming
• Dance At the Gym
• Maria
• America
• Tonight
• Gee, Officer Krupke
• I Feel Pretty
• One Hand, One Heart
• Quintet
• Somewhere
• Cool
• A Boy Like That / I Have A Love
• Music Machine –allows viewers to go straight to their favorite musical numbers
• West Side Memories
• Storyboard to Film Comparison Montage
• Trailers
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Original Issue Trailer
• Reissue Trailer
• Animated Trailer

WEST SIDE STORY - Un clásico en edición de lujo (SPANISH)

November 16, 2011, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Which Muppet Are You? Quiz

≪ Previous: WEST SIDE STORY: 50th Anniversary Edition is now on sale!

$

0

0

Cinco décadas después de su histórico estreno, un clásico intemporal vuelve para fascinar al público de todas las edades. Basada en el exitoso musical de Broadway del mismo nombre, el icónico filme WEST SIDE STORY vuelve en brillante formato Blu-ray, el 15 de noviembre de 2011, producido por Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Rompiendo todos los récords con 10 Premios de la Academia® que incluyen Mejor Película, Mejor Dirección y Mejor Banda de Sonido de un Musical, fue el filme que más premios obtuvo en la historia del cine. Ésta producción monumental, concebida y coreografiada por Jerome Robbins, presenta las eternas canciones del gran compositor estadounidense Stephen Sondheim, la música magnífica de Leonard Bernstein y el conmovedor texto del dramaturgo Arthur Laurents.

WEST SIDE STORY: 50th Anniversary Edition exhibe las fantásticas actuaciones de los Ganadores al Oscar® a la Mejor Actriz de Reparto, Rita Moreno, y al Mejor Actor de Reparto, George Chakiris y Russ Tamblyn. El disco Blu-ray estará disponible en edición limitada en una caja conteniendo 4 discos: 2 discos Blu-ray, un recientemente restaurado DVD, un CD de homenaje y recuerdos para coleccionar, así como una edición para coleccionar de dos discos Blu-ray, más el DVD recién restaurado.

Which Muppet Are You? Quiz

November 18, 2011, 11:15 pm

≫ Next: 3rd Annual Tiny Prints Talent Search Contest

≪ Previous: WEST SIDE STORY - Un clásico en edición de lujo (SPANISH)

$

0

0

This is a cute way to get your kids in The Muppets spirit. It comes out this Wednesday, November 23rd! The Hubster and my oldest are lucky enough to get to watch it on Monday. I honestly wish I was going with them. Amy Adams is hilarious and I'm sure she's going to be great in this movie. Do you have plans on watching Disney's The Muppets this coming week?

Now, it’s time to answer that all-important question: WHICH MUPPET ARE YOU?

Don’t worry, this won’t involve turning green or growing fur, all you have to do to find out is answer the following questions:

Question 1: What do your co-workers often find in your e-mails?

A)   Hi ho! A simple and friendly greeting.

B)   A joke. They may not need it, but they’re going to read it!

C)   A demand, a self-flattering remark, and a reference to yourself in the third person.

D)   LOTS!! OF CAPITAL!!! LETTERS! AND EXCLAMATION!! POINTS!!

E)   An insult.

Question 2: It’s Friday night! What are you up to?

A)   Getting together with friends. (Hoping, just this once, they don’t get too out of hand.)

B)   Knock-knocking on the comedy club’s door.

C)   Making a scene, with a paparazzi entourage.

D)   DRUMS! ROCK AND ROLL!....BUNNIES! 

E)   In the balcony, hurling overripe produce.

Question 3: What brightens your day?

A)   When you can get your friends to agree on something.

B)   When someone laughs at your joke! 

C)   A mirror.

D)   NOISE!

E)   Getting annoyed at bright days.

Question 4: How many Facebook friends do you have?

A)   You like to hang out with your friends in person. You’re not so sure about this Facebook thing.

B)   Well, if you count the guy who likes your weekly Funny Friday posts. (Kermit, is that you?)

C)   They don’t have numbers that go that high, sweetie.

D)   LOTS!

E)   One. (Sits next to you.)

Question 5:  What is your favorite color?

A)   Swamp green

B)   Custard Pie White

C)   Pink is the perfect color. But gold and diamonds are close.

D)   Any color, as long as it’s… LOUD!

E)   Red. As in “after we watched that last act, we’re seeing red!”

Question 6: Which film is the diamond of your DVD collection?

A)   Disney’s “The Muppets” (Even if You Say So Yourself) 

B)   “A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To This Question”

C)   “Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner) at Tiffany’s”

D)   “Rock & Roll High School!”

E)   What’s a DVD?

Question 7: If you could switch lives with anybody for one day, who would it be?

A)   Prince William. What you would give for a kiss from Kate! (And great security from lurking pigs.)

B)   Jason Segel. A funny man. People actually laugh at his jokes.

C)   Yourself. (By the way, most A-list actresses pick you in response to this question.)

D)   Keith Richards.

E)   Don Rickles

Now count up all of your answers for each letter.

·         If you got the most As, you’re KERMIT! You’re loyal, professional and humble. Your friends mean the world to you – even if they sometimes drive you crazy.

·         If you got the most Bs, you’re FOZZIE BEAR! You live to make others laugh. Or chuckle. Or at least chortle and maybe smile a little. 

·         If you got the most Cs, you’re MISS PIGGY! You are self-confident A diva who is not afraid to shine. You enjoy being admired. Actually, you demand it! 

·         If you got the most Ds, you’re ANIMAL! You live for Rock & Roll, big loud parties and bigger louder drums. You’re also fond of bunny rabbits.

·         If you got the most Es, you’re STATLER AND WALDORF, those two old hecklers in the balcony.  You have strong opinions which you share at every opportunity.

3rd Annual Tiny Prints Talent Search Contest

November 19, 2011, 12:19 am

≫ Next: Curious George Holiday Spectacular on #PBS

≪ Previous: Which Muppet Are You? Quiz

$

0

0

Enter for a chance to win the grand prize of $1,000 cash, plus a $500 Tiny Prints gift certificate, what a perfect prize just in time for the Holiday season! In the Tiny Prints Talent Search Contest they are looking for the cutest photos in the following categories:

• Cutest Baby (From ages of 0-24 months) 
• Cutest Kid (From ages of 25 months - 10 years old) 
• Cutest Family 
• Cutest Couple 
• Cutest Pet and Owner 

After the entry period is over, Tiny Prints will open up the contest to the entire Community to vote for their favorites and determine the winners! Hurry! The entry deadline has been extended to November 21st!

You can enter the Tiny Print Talent Search Contest via Facebook or on the Tiny Prints website. For Official Rules, click here.

---

Curious George Holiday Spectacular on #PBS

November 19, 2011, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Free Coffee for Those Who Work the Busiest Shopping Day of the Year #blackfriday

≪ Previous: 3rd Annual Tiny Prints Talent Search Contest

$

0

0

Before you dig into your turkey this coming Thursday, PBS wants to send a reminder to tune in to watch the broadcast premiere of the original Curious George movie, which will air as part of the CURIOUS GEORGE Holiday Spectacular on Wednesday, November 23^rd (the day before Thanksgiving!).  PBS KIDS is excited to share the Holiday Spectacular with you and your family this holiday season and maybe start a new holiday tradition.

The three-part-movie on-air event starts with Curious George, featuring the voices of Will Ferrell, Drew Barrymore and Dick Van Dyke, as well as the music of Jack Johnson, followed by Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey and Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas. Encore presentations of the Holiday Spectacular will air on PBS KIDS throughout Thanksgiving weekend (check local listings).

Free Coffee for Those Who Work the Busiest Shopping Day of the Year #blackfriday

November 22, 2011, 8:52 pm

≫ Next: Seattle's Best Coffee entregara café gratuito a aquellos que no tienen el dia Libre {SPANISH} #blackfriday

≪ Previous: Curious George Holiday Spectacular on #PBS

$

0

0

I'm going Black Friday shopping in the wee hours before dawn and I'll be thinking of all the hard workers who arrived before I did to ensure that the shelves are stocked and all those who will lead me to the last item of its kind just in the nick of time. Seattle's Best Coffee thinks about these hard workers too and this is why they're giving away 100,000 FREE coffee samples - available now through Nov.27th, 2011 at 11:59p.m. Pacific Time.

How People Working on Black Friday Can Claim Their Free Coffee
People who will be working on Black Friday can visit the Seattle’s Best Coffee Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/seattlesbestcoffee) beginning Friday, Nov. 18 to request a free sample. The first 100,000 people to participate will receive a free sample of Level 3 coffee mailed to their home. Level 3 is a smooth complex coffee that’s exclusively for everyone. Each sample brews a 10-cup pot of deliciousness. Seattle’s Best Coffee knows there are plenty of non-retail employees at work on Black Friday, like police, fire and medical workers, who are all welcome to free coffee too.

Something for Shoppers Too
There is a Black Friday deal on the Seattle’s Best Coffee Facebook page for Black Friday shoppers too -- a $2 off coupon for the Level of their choice, which can be redeemed at grocery stores and mass retailers.

About the Seattle’s Best Coffee Level System
The Seattle’s Best Coffee Level System delivers great tasting, premium coffee with an expanded blend offering in conjunction with an innovative and bold new packaging concept. The Level System’s unique array of numbers and vivid colors tell consumers exactly what they want to know: which type of coffee fits their taste profile. Seattle’s Best Coffee is the first brand in the coffee category to offer this unique approach; consumers can easily choose from a selection of blends from a bright, crisp Level 1 to a bold, dark and intense Level 5. Each Level represents a finely tuned recipe crafted from decades of roasting experience, blended from beans carefully chosen for their nuances and characteristics, and carrying the hallmark taste of Seattle’s Best Coffee: velvety, round and smooth.


I received a complimentary sample of coffee in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

Seattle's Best Coffee entregara café gratuito a aquellos que no tienen el dia Libre {SPANISH} #blackfriday

November 22, 2011, 9:07 pm

≫ Next: Gabriel Iglesias Stand-Up Revolution DVD {GIVEAWAY}

≪ Previous: Free Coffee for Those Who Work the Busiest Shopping Day of the Year #blackfriday

$

0

0

QUE: Seattle’s Best Coffee está dando un incentivo a aquellos que estarán trabajando duro este Viernes Negro: café gratuito entregado en la puerta de su casa. Las primeras 100,000 personas que participen recibirán una muestra gratis de nivel 3 del café enviado por correo a su casa. Nivel 3 es un café suave complejo que es exclusivamente para todos los gustos. Cada muestra sirve 10 tazas de exquisitez.

COMO: Los trabajadores del Viernes Negro pueden obtener su café gratis con los siguientes tres pasos:

• Presione “Like” en la pagina de Facebook de Seattle’s Best Coffee, www.facebook.com/seattlesbestcoffee 
• Llene su nombre y dirección 
• Ansiosamente espere a que su muestra de Seattle’s Best Coffee llegue a su buzón Atención 

 Compradores del Viernes Negro: También hay una oferta del Viernes Negro para ustedes – un cupón de $2 de descuento en nuestros cafés, disponible en supermercados y distribuidores.

PORQUE: Con algunas tiendas que abrirán sus puertas tan pronto como la noche de Acción de Gracias este año, Seattle’s Best quiere que aquellos que trabajan en el campo de ventas al por menor o relacionado se sientan apreciados al darles una taza deliciosa del café con la esperanza de hacer que sus días festivos sean un poco más brillantes.

CUANDO: Desde ahora hasta el 27 de noviembre a las 11:59 PM hora del Pacifico.

Gabriel Iglesias Stand-Up Revolution DVD {GIVEAWAY}

November 23, 2011, 8:53 pm

≫ Next: Black Friday shopping at the Westminster Mall #BlackFriday #ShopWestminster

≪ Previous: Seattle's Best Coffee entregara café gratuito a aquellos que no tienen el dia Libre {SPANISH} #blackfriday

$

0

0

“GABRIEL IGLESIAS PRESENTS STAND-UP REVOLUTION” DVD was released on November 15. This DVD includes an uncensored two disc set featuring over 40 minutes of new material from GABRIEL IGLESIAS, the incredibly popular and hilarious Latino standup comedian and actor, and his funniest comedian friends, plus music from three-time Grammy® award-winning house band OZOMATLI.

Gabriel Iglesias is one of the most recognized and best selling comedians of our day. He is not only widely known from his new show on Comedy Central, but also from his many appearances on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Tonight Show with Conan, Conan, the Late Late Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and his wide-selling last DVD I’m not Fat, I’m Fluffy.

- GIVEAWAY -

Mandatory Entry

Living Mi Vida Loca is giving away a copy of Gabriel Iglesias Stand-Up Revolution on DVD. To enter, simply leave a comment letting me what you like most about Gabriel Iglesias.

Get more entries by doing any of these items below - please leave a separate comment for each entry. Contest entry MUST be done first.

Additional Entries

Become a fan of Living Mi Vida Loca on Facebook.

Become a public follower of Living Mi Vida Loca via Google Friend Connect.

Follow Living Mi Vida Loca on Twitter. Tweet about this giveaway and include a link to this post, @PattieCordova and the hashtag #GabrielIglesias. Post the link to the tweet on a separate comment in this post.

Share the news about this giveaway in a blog post and leave a comment here with a link.

Leave a comment on another post on this blog and leave a comment here with a link.

The fine print

Contest open to U.S. Residents over 18 years of age
Contest will end on Wednesday, November 30th at 8pm PST.
I will use random.org to pick the winner.
Contest winner will be notified via email. If winner fails to reply within 48 hours with mailing information, a new winner will be chosen using the same method as above.
Prize will be shipped by product representative.

I received a copy of  Gabriel Iglesias Stand-Up Revolution on DVD in exchange for this post. My thoughts and opinions were not compromised in any way.

Black Friday shopping at the Westminster Mall #BlackFriday #ShopWestminster

November 26, 2011, 9:08 pm

≫ Next: SleepBuddy Review and {GIVEAWAY} #SleepBuddy

≪ Previous: Gabriel Iglesias Stand-Up Revolution DVD {GIVEAWAY}

$

0

0

The Westminster Mall

We took our kids with us to our annual Black Friday shopping trip. This time, we headed into the Westminster Mall because 1) it has tons of shops that we frequent, 2) it has a Target which is a must-visit shop on Black Friday and 3) we had valet parking along with complimentary entrance into the Rejuvenation Station.

It was my five month old son's first Black Friday and he took it like a champ. We walked into the mall at around 7 a.m. Knowing that we would be walking around for hours, we took our stroller in with us and it turned out to be a double-blessing because not only was he able to take a nap while we shopped, it also turned out to be the easiest way to tote around our goodies.

My five month old son and I - waiting outside of The Children's Place

Our first stop was Guest Services. My son showed the man working the counter his Kidgits card and spun for his prize. Since his birthday is next week, he also received his annual Kidgits birthday gift. This year he received a reusable Kidgits bag, some sticky noodle toy, a jump rope and bubbles. This is why I cannot emphasize enough why their $5 Kidgits membership is a MUST-HAVE if you shop at any Simon mall. It was at guest services where I also pulled up the Simon Mall app on my phone. Having their directory at our fingertips was a lifesaver (and timesaver)!

Justice's Angry Birds display

We headed into our Black Friday shopping spree with only one goal in mind - purchase gifts for ourselves. Yes, it does sound a little selfish but I am of the frugal kind so I shop for Christmas gifts year round. We had but a few people still on our Christmas shopping list so we decided to take this opportunity and spoil ourselves. As it turned out, we used a good portion of our budget on Angry Birds merchandise which will come in handy this Saturday when we host my son's Angry Birds birthday party.

Justice was offering 40% off their entire store. We purchased Angry Birds gummies to be used as prizes. Having two boys, this was my first time in this store. I was personally in love with all the pink and the girls in there were fun to talk too.

We also stopped by Amy's Hallmark where they had Angry Birds plushies on sale - buy one, get one 50% off. What luck! We let our son choose two out and just like that, our Angry Birds plushies collection was started.

Like last year, we had The Children's Place on our list to visit because they offer 30% off their entire store - including clearance. My four year old is in desperate need of some pants. He has outgrown all of his jeans and I love buying from The Children's Place. Their adjustable waist is awesome and their pants always seem to run longer than other brands. Having even one extra inch means that he can wear them longer. So anyway, we walked out of there with some pants, a Darth Vader shirt and a pair of shoes. My favorite buy? The shoes. They were on clearance and so I ended up paying only $6 for them! What a score.

It was around this time that we all started getting kinda cranky. It was time for the Rejuvenation Station. We strapped on our VIP bracelets and settled into some comfy chairs with our Coke (for me), coffee (for the Hubster) and water (for our son). We snacked on donuts, bananas and yogurt bites. It's AMAZING what a little food in the belly does. I nursed the little one and minutes later, we were pumped up and ready to give the mall another go.

Rejuvenation Station

We shopped a few other stores and ended with Target. We were expecting a madhouse, but it was pretty tame. We picked up a few necessities, as well as a pair of throw pillows ($10) and a rechargeable Oral-B toothbrush ($30 after a $10 coupon and Black Friday deal). The toothbrush was on the Hubster's wish list and originally priced at $79. Another good score.

An escalator for the carts at Target

We had a fabulous Black Friday. The fact that so many stores opened late the day before meant that the crowd had thinned out by the time we headed out in the morning. It was stress-free experience and shopping at the Westminster Mall made it convenient. We parked the car once and shopped at tons of stores.

How was your Black Friday?

I received a gift card from Westminster Mall, valet parking and access to the Rejuvenation Station to facilitate my back-to-school shopping. This post do not necessarily represent Simon Property Group's positions, strategies or opinions

SleepBuddy Review and {GIVEAWAY} #SleepBuddy

December 1, 2011, 11:01 am

≫ Next: Sweet Secret Recipe and Essay Contest | Dulce Secretos Concurso de Recetas y Ensayos

≪ Previous: Black Friday shopping at the Westminster Mall #BlackFriday #ShopWestminster

$

0

0

I was given the opportunity to try the SleepBuddy with my three year old, but it confused him. See, I had already been doing a tactic of my own - stay in your bed until the sun comes out. Coupled with the SleepBuddy and their "stay in your bed until the light goes off" tactic... well, it just got really confusing. So instead, my friend who also has a three year old tried it out for me.

What you need to know about the SleepBuddy
The SleepBuddy is a complete sleep system that helps parents and caregivers teach healthy sleep habits to children ages 18 months to 6 years old. SleepBuddy is ideal for use with children who are still sleeping in a crib and moving to a bed within 1-2 months, currently transitioning from crib to bed or have already made the move but are not staying in bed through the night. The main feature of SleepBuddy is a soft blue light that sits on a table or dresser. The light stays on when children are to stay in bed. When the light turns off, children know they can get out of bed. In addition to the light, the SleepBuddy system also includes:

• A children's story to introduce the SleepBuddy idea to kids, encourage quality interaction, and reinforce healthy sleep habits
• A rewards chart to track and reward progress
• An easy-to-use parent's guide that provides a step-by-step approach towards sleep success

The Review
We've used the Sleep Buddy system for the past week to help our 3-year-old to stay in his bed all night. He naps in his own bed just fine, but he has been switching between our bed and his bed at night.

The first night of the SleepBuddy system, my son was very excited to have it. I took it out and explained how it works. We read "A Bedtime Surprise" and soon after he was very excited to see that the SleepBuddy light had turned on. With the SleepBuddy on, my son noticed the light was a pretty blue (very evening sky-like) but he said "Mamma, I wanted a red one." He climbed into bed and talked about how cool his Sleep Buddy was. He fell asleep staring at the light.

Around 1am, he woke up and started yelling for me. I went into his room and showed him that the SleepBuddy light was still on, so it was not yet time to get up. He went back to sleep relatively quickly. He did this a few more times until finally at 7:30 am, the Sleep Buddy light went off and he said "that means I can get up, right?" Every night for the last week has pretty much been like this first night. We are using positive reinforcement but it does not yet seem to be having an effect. All good things take time so I am hopeful that with continued use, this system will eventually work for us.

The Good: The SleepBuddy system is well-thought out, and has a comforting appeal as both a night light and an encouragement tool. It feels sturdy and is easy to put on a dresser or other flat surface. It's also aesthetically pleasing and does not look out of place in a child's room. The book is cute, well illustrated, not too long, and gives a simple explanation in a fun way. The incentive chart with stickers is great for kids that like to see how they are making progress, and of course, parents can individualize it any way they wish. The functionality of the SleepBuddy as a both a night-light and a silent alarm clock is very creative.

The Not-So-Good: I had a tough time programming the SleepBuddy. It's nothing like programming an alarm clock, and the directions in the Guide and on the unit are not step-by-step. Several times I hit "set" only to have it all blank out on me and had to start over. It is very frustrating. I didn't even attempt to program separate nap and night hours. I could not get it to dim either. It does not seem to have an internal battery back-up, although it is supposed to, according to the website. Every time I unplug it and plug it back in, I have to reset the whole thing...again.

In regards to the power cord, if you have safety covers over your outlets (we have Safety 1st - the kind with the spring-back faceplates) you may need to remove them. The prongs on the SleepBuddy cord were too short to make a good outlet contact with the safety plate in place, and I couldn't get it to stay lit. I finally took off the safety plate.

Also, the cover for the programming well is supposed to be child-proof, but my 3-year old opened it after just a few tries and turned it off.

Overall: The SleepBuddy system is a good idea. I just happen to have a very strong-willed child so it may or may not work for me as it has for others. It would be great if the SleepBuddy could be personalized by coming in other colors or have a changeable light cover. It would be great if the price was lowered too. 

SleepBuddy ($34.95)

Find out more about the SleepBuddy on their website (http://sleepbuddy.com), Facebook page or Twitter (@SleepBuddy).

- Discount Code -

SleepBuddy has generously provided my readers a discount code which you can use when you order the SleepBuddy from their website. Use code momselect and receive $5 off your purchase - making it only $35.95 shipped!

- GIVEAWAY -

Mandatory Entry

Living Mi Vida Loca is giving away a SleepBuddy to one lucky reader. To enter, simply leave a comment letting me know what tactics you have used to help your child sleep through the night.

Get more entries by doing any of these items below - please leave a separate comment for each entry. Contest entry MUST be done first.

Additional Entries

Become a fan of Living Mi Vida Loca on Facebook.

Become a public follower of Living Mi Vida Loca via Google Friend Connect.

Follow Living Mi Vida Loca on Twitter. Tweet about this giveaway and include a link to this post, @PattieCordova and the hashtag #SleepBuddy. Post the link to the tweet on a separate comment in this post.

Share the news about this giveaway in a blog post and leave a comment here with a link.

Leave a comment on another post on this blog and leave a comment here with a link.

The fine print

Contest open to U.S. Residents over 18 years of age
Contest will end on Thursday, December 15th 30th at 8pm PST.
I will use random.org to pick the winner.
Contest winner will be notified via email. If winner fails to reply within 48 hours with mailing information, a new winner will be chosen using the same method as above.
Prize will be shipped by product representative.

I received a SleepBuddy to facilitate this review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this post were not compromised in any way.

Sweet Secret Recipe and Essay Contest | Dulce Secretos Concurso de Recetas y Ensayos

December 3, 2011, 6:56 am

≫ Next: Holiday Time at Heritage Hill Historical Park #HeritageHillHolidays

≪ Previous: SleepBuddy Review and {GIVEAWAY} #SleepBuddy

$

0

0

The secret is out! According to the Eagle Brand® survey conducted by Kelton Research, 95 percent of surveyed Americans agree a secret ingredient can change an entire dish. For nearly a third of surveyed bakers, that secret is sweetened condensed milk, as 32 percent of respondents typically keep sweetened condensed milk on hand in their pantry. To help share this secret, the maker of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk is launching the Eagle Brand Sweet Secret Recipe and Essay Contest with a chance to win $10,000 towards a “sweet secret” wish.


Now through December 7, 2011, home bakers are invited to enter the “Sweet Secret” contest by submitting an original dessert recipe – along with an essay of 100 words or less describing why Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk is the “sweet secret” ingredient in the recipe – in English at www.EagleBrand.com or in Spanish at www.MarcaEagle.com. Entrants can submit their delicious dessert recipes using at least one 14-ounce can of any variety of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk in one of five categories - fudge, cheesecake, pie, cookie bar or other.

“Sharing recipes is a great way to start new traditions among friends and families,” said Maribeth Badertscher, Vice President, Corporate Communications, The J.M. Smucker Company. “The ‘Sweet Secret’ contest was inspired by the many ways Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk plays a role in memorable holiday traditions, and we are excited to celebrate the holiday baking season by sharing the most creative entries with everyone.”

About Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk 
About Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk is the go-to sweet secret ingredient for preparing countless holiday recipes. It is a special blend of milk and sugar that can be used to create a foolproof “base” for a variety of desserts. When combined with acidic fruit juice, such as lemon juice, sweetened condensed milk thickens – without heating – to form velvety pie fillings, puddings and other desserts. It also caramelizes evenly and easily – just empty in saucepan, heat and stir per directions on can.

The Eagle Brand Sweet Secret Recipe and Essay Contest ends on December 7, 2011. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 18 years and older. Void where prohibited. For details and complete Official Rules, visit www.EagleBrand.com or www.MarcaEagle.com.

White Chocolate Apricot Swirl Cheesecake

{Spanish}

¡Se ha develado el secreto! Según la encuesta de Eagle Brand® realizada por Kelton Research, el 95 por ciento de los estadounidenses encuestados reconocen que un ingrediente secreto puede cambiar un plato por completo. Para casi un tercio de los panaderos encuestados, ese secreto es la leche condensada azucarada, como lo demuestra el 32 por ciento de los participantes que siempre tienen leche condensada azucarada en sus despensas. Para divulgar el secreto, el elaborador de la leche condensada Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk lanza el Concurso de ensayos y recetas de dulces secretos de Eagle Brand® que nos brinda la oportunidad de ganar $10,000 para hacer realidad un dulce deseo secreto.

Desde ahora hasta el 7 de diciembre de 2011, invitamos a los panaderos aficionados a participar en el concurso “Dulces Secretos” enviando una receta de postre original, junto con un ensayo de 100 palabras o menos que describa por qué la leche condensada Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk es el ingrediente “dulce secreto” de la receta, en inglés a www.EagleBrand.com o en español a www.MarcaEagle.com. Los participantes pueden enviar sus deliciosas recetas de postre, que incluyan una lata de 14 onzas—como mínimo—de cualquier variedad de leche condensada Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk, e ingresarlas en cualquiera de las cinco categorías: caramelo blando, cheesecake, pastel, barrita u otro.

“Compartir nuestras recetas es una maravillosa manera de comenzar nuevas tradiciones entre amigos y familiares”, dijo Maribeth Badertscher, vicepresidenta de Comunicación Corporativa de J.M. Smucker Company. “La leche condensada Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk juega un rol memorable en las tradiciones de las fiestas, lo que nos inspiró a organizar el concurso Dulces Secretos y a celebrar compartiendo las recetas más creativas la época del año en que horneamos platos festivos”.

La leche condensada Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk es el ingrediente dulce secreto indispensable para preparar un sinfín de platos festivos. Su combinación especial de leche y azúcar hace que este producto pueda ser utilizado como una base infalible en una variedad de postres. Al mezclarla con jugo de frutas ácidas, como el jugo de limón, la leche condensada se espesa—sin necesidad de calentarla—para convertirse en un relleno aterciopelado para pasteles, pudines y otros postres. Otra de sus ventajas es la facilidad con la que se carameliza adquiriendo una textura homogénea. Para comprobarlo, solo basta con verter el contenido de una lata en una cacerola y seguir las instrucciones en la lata.

El Concurso de Ensayos y Recetas de Dulces Secretos de Eagle Brand® finaliza el 7 de diciembre de 2011. Abierto a residentes legales de los 50 Estados Unidos y D.C., de 18 años de edad o más. Nulo donde esté prohibido. Para obtener más detalles y las reglas oficiales completas, visita www.EagleBrand.com o www.MarcaEagle.com. 

This is not a compensated post. I received an Eagle Brand gift set to facilitate my contest entry.

---

Holiday Time at Heritage Hill Historical Park #HeritageHillHolidays

December 3, 2011, 7:11 am

≫ Next: 2nd OC Fair New Year's Eve Block Pre-Party

≪ Previous: Sweet Secret Recipe and Essay Contest | Dulce Secretos Concurso de Recetas y Ensayos

$

0

0

Image Source

In Orange County and looking for a family event to attend today? Check out the 30th Annual Victorian Christmas at Heritage Hill. I've lived in Orange County all of my life and this year was my first time visiting Heritage Hill and learning about their annual events. I was invited to a sneaky-peek of their upcoming holiday events on Wednesday and the kids and I came out being huge fans.

Every building at Heritage Hill is beautifully lit in Christmas lights - even the outhouse! It's beautiful, serene and really takes you back in time.

30th Annual Victorian Christmas

December 3, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Festive holiday entertainment, children’s crafts, historical exhibits, handicraft vendors, tours through decorated historic buildings staffed by our docents, refreshments and visits with Santa. Join us as we celebrate the 30th year of this event!
Event Fee: $4 for adults and $3 for children
More info here.

And if you're not busy next week, check out their Candlelight Tour next week too.

Candlelight Tour 

December 10, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Two enchanting evenings with luminaria lit paths, historic buildings aglow with holiday lighting, strolls through restored historical buildings adorned in period décor and staffed by our docents, Victorian carolers, live entertainment in each building, storytellers, visits with Santa, refreshments.
Event Fee: $4 for adults and $3 for children

About Heritage Hill
Heritage Hill Historical Park is composed of 4.1 acres, four historic buildings and associated structures for maintenance and public restrooms. The fully restored and furnished historic buildings span the early history of the Saddleback Valley and El Toro area from the Mexican Rancho era (Serrano Adobe, circa 1863), to the founding of the town of El Toro (El Toro Grammar School, 1890; St. George's Episcopal Mission, 1891), through the citrus farming days of the early twentieth century (Harvey Bennett Ranch House, 1908).

Guided tours through the buildings are provided for the public Wednesday through Sunday. The tours offer an interpretation of Saddleback area history through the artifacts, events and people associated with each building.

Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road
Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534
(949)923-2230 or (949)923-2232

p.s. there is LOTS of parking.

p.p.s. Search #HeritageHillHolidays for tweets sent out during this event by myself and other bloggers

2nd OC Fair New Year's Eve Block Pre-Party

December 10, 2011, 8:36 pm

≫ Next: OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party Ticket {GIVEAWAY}

≪ Previous: Holiday Time at Heritage Hill Historical Park #HeritageHillHolidays

$

0

0

Christmas isn't here yet but New Year's Eve is already on my mind. What will you be doing this year? We'll be hitting up two spectacular events. First up will be the Ring in the Noon Year! New Year’s Eve Celebration at Pretend City. After that, we'll come home to rest up for our next event, the Great Park Family New Year's Eve party. As you can obviously tell, our celebrations will include our kids and we wouldn't have it any other way. However, as they grow older, it would be GREAT to attend some adult events - like the one taking place at the OC Fair and Event Center. They're even getting the party started early with the FREE Pre-Party Event on Wednesday, December 14th.

The OC Fair & Event Center is throwing a preview party to give guests a taste of the official OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party on December 31. The preview party will feature free admission and parking, plus gourmet food trucks, a DJ and cash bar outside the Pacific Amphitheater Box Office on December 14 from 5:30-9 p.m. Also, guests who donate a new, unwrapped toy (valued at $15 or more) to the evening’s Toy Drive (benefiting Share Our Selves) will receive $5 off a general admission Block Party ticket ($35 with discount, night-of preview only).

The preview party on December 14 will feature a sampling of the gourmet food trucks participating in the New Year’s Eve Block Party, including Baconmania, The Burnt Truck, Crepes Bonaparte, Piaggio On Wheels, Sexy Burger, Garlicscapes, Taco Maria, Sweet E’s Bake Shop, Shortstop BBQ, Munchee5, Tornado Potato, ChunkNChip and Rolling Sushi Van. Food and beverage prices vary.

This is not a paid post. My thoughts and opinions were not compromised in any way.

OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party Ticket {GIVEAWAY}

December 11, 2011, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Visiting Santa Claus at Westminster Mall #ShopWestminster

≪ Previous: 2nd OC Fair New Year's Eve Block Pre-Party

$

0

0

This year’s OC Fair New Year's Eve Block Party will be held at the OC Fair Grounds in Costa Mesa on Saturday, December 31, 2011 from 7:30pm – 1:30am

The New Year’s Eve Block Party will offer live tribute band entertainment by the decade, a large gathering of gourmet food trucks, a casino, a midnight fireworks show and more.  General admission is $40 and includes admission to the event and all live entertainment. General parking is $10 ($20 for preferred). There is also a combination package that includes a 2012 OC Fair Super Pass with a Block Party general admission ticket for $55. Additional charges apply for food, beverages, casino and rides.

Tickets and parking are available on Ticketmaster.com. The Super Pass combo package is available on ocfair.com/blockparty. Tickets, parking and the combo package are also available from the on-site box office, which is open Wednesday 3-9 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

So who's coming to the party? I'll name a few:

Entertainment: Bands

Britain’s Finest * Wild Child * The Who Revue * Elton: The Early Years * Space Oddity * TNT * Rio * The Cured * Flashback Heart Attack * Green ToDay * The Joshua Tree * Vitology

Food

Taco Maria * Crepes Boneparte * Brats Berlin * Piaggio * The Greasy Weiner * Calbi * Rolling Sushi * Rancho A Go Go BBQ * Sexy Burger * California Grill Truck * Sweet E’s * Bacon Mania * The Burnt Truck * M5 * Short Stop BBQ * TaNota * My Tornado Potato

Visit the OC Fair website for more information. Find them on Twitter under @OCFair and on Facebook here.

- GIVEAWAY -

Mandatory Entry

Living Mi Vida Loca is giving away a pair of tickets to the New Year's Eve Block Party. To enter, simply visit their website and let me know what you're most looking to seeing/eating/doing at the New Year's Eve Party.

Get more entries by doing any of these items below - please leave a separate comment for each entry. Contest entry MUST be done first.

Additional Entries

Become a fan of Living Mi Vida Loca on Facebook.

Become a public follower of Living Mi Vida Loca via Google Friend Connect.

Follow Living Mi Vida Loca on Twitter. Tweet about this giveaway and include a link to this post, @PattieCordova and @OCFair. Post the link to the tweet on a separate comment in this post.

Share the news about this giveaway in a blog post and leave a comment here with a link.

Leave a comment on another post on this blog and leave a comment here with a link.

The fine print

Contest open to U.S. Residents over 18 years of age
Contest will end on Wednesday, December 21st at 8pm PST.
I will use random.org to pick the winner.
Contest winner will be notified via email. If winner fails to reply within 48 hours with mailing information, a new winner will be chosen using the same method as above.
Prize will be shipped by me.

This is not a paid post. My thoughts and opinions were not compromised in any way.

Visiting Santa Claus at Westminster Mall #ShopWestminster

December 12, 2011, 8:00 am

≫ Next: December Activities at Pretend City

≪ Previous: OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party Ticket {GIVEAWAY}

$

0

0

This was our first time visiting Santa at Westminster Mall. I figured my son was old enough now to truly get into Santa and this seemed like such a classic thing to do. I myself never visited Santa when I was little so I missed out on all these great experiences. Anyhow, not having done this before, I was expecting huge lines, crying and screaming kids and most unfortunately, a Santa who didn't look like Santa. Boy was I surprised at our experience!

We walked up to Santa's cottage in front of Macy's around 11:30 and there was no line. We walked up to Santa's cottage and my four year old got a chance to talk to Santa and tell him what he wants for Christmas - a Fisher-Price Batman GeoTrax. Very specific, right? This Santa was very authentic looking - including a long white beard and long white hair. And to tell you the truth, it didn't look like he had to work too much on the stuffing. He looked GREAT!

His helpers were dressed in red shirts and black pants so it's easy to find them if you need any help. I should also let you know that you don't need to purchase pictures in order to visit Santa and every kid who chats with him will get a small candy cane.

The photographer took about ten pictures until we finally got one where both the kids were smiling, no one was blinking and looked very traditional. The photographer really worked with the kids to get a good picture and Santa was picture perfect the entire time. Also, because we purchased pictures I also got a chance to take a few with my camera phone. The nice part was that I got the chance to take the pictures with my phone before the photographer started taking his. This eliminated the kids being confused as to where to look.

We received our pictures super quick. Our package was composed of four wallets and one larger picture (a 4x6, I think) and it came out to $26.93 after tax. There was a nice display (see above) at the front by the cash register with other goodies that you could purchase to enhance your portraits.

We had a great first experience visiting Santa. We loved the attention that we received, how accommodating the staff was and how great Santa looked. We'll be back next year to take pictures again. Also, can I also just say that I much prefer the traditional Santa as opposed to "surfer" Santa? You know which one I'm talking about, right? The Santa dressed in board shorts and has a surfboard with him. So not traditional and so not my style.

If you're interested in visiting Santa this year, I highly recommend visiting him at the Westminster Mall. Santa hours are listed below.

Santa Hours

December 2- December 16:
Friday: 10am - 8:30pm
Saturday: 10am - 7pm
Sunday: 11am - 6pm
Mon- Thur: 10am - 8pm

December 17- December 22:
Saturday: 10am - 8:30pm
Sunday: 11am - 8pm
Mon- Wed: 10am - 8:30pm
Thursday: 9am - 8:30pm

December 23: 

9am - 8:30pm

December 24:  

8am - 6pm

While we were there, we also stopped by Macy's to write to Santa and ensure that he knew that our son had been a good boy and that he was crossing his fingers for the new Geotrax set. There were free postcards available at the red desk with the Santa mail box conveniently located right next to it. So easy-peasy to do. I hope Macy's does this again next year.

By the way, Victoria's Secret is giving away a FREE plush doggie with every PINK purchase. While supplies last.

About Westminster Mall 

The Westminster Mall is a modern shopping center whose unique symmetrical exterior is surpassed only by its beautiful interior. Its anchors Macy's, JCPenney, Sears and Target rank in the top percent of their companies' regional stores.  Westminster Mall also has more than 180 specialty stores, including Ann Taylor Loft, Bath & Body Works, a flagship Charlotte Russe, The Disney Store, Gap, and Old Navy, just to name a few.

In November 2008, Westminster Mall completed a multi-million dollar renovation. Included were brand new family restrooms, a first of its kind children’s fully soft play area, soft seating vignettes, elegant planters throughout the mall, new interior and exterior directional signage. The mall entrance drives are landscaped with full king palm trees for a beautiful drive into the center. Our new state-of-the art theatrical lighting, contemporary remodeled cafe with new Italian furniture and redesigned restrooms with new amenities and fixtures were created to enhance your shopping experience. The entire lower level of the center is carpeted for guest enjoyment and comfort. Automatic sliding doors were installed at each of the main entrances for an easier stride into the mall.

 I received a gift card from Westminster Mall to facilitate our Santa experience. This post do not necessarily represent Simon Property Group's positions, strategies or opinions

December Activities at Pretend City

December 13, 2011, 7:17 pm

≫ Next: Family Guy - Volume 9 is out in stores! / Volumen 9 llega a las tiendas

≪ Previous: Visiting Santa Claus at Westminster Mall #ShopWestminster

$

0

0

We love Pretend City. It's this great place in Irvine, CA that is tailored made for kids - a small city that has a library, grocery store, beach, farm, police station, restaurant and lots of other great places. There are special spots for infants where they can crawl around and even stick toys in their mouth because coincidentally, there are bins where you can throw in soiled toys. Anyhow, if you're in the area, I highly recommend you visit Pretend City. By the way, you're welcome to bring in your own food if you want to save some serious money on snacks and drinks. 

The calendar of December events is posted below. Take a look and stop by Pretend City for a visit!

Free Health Screenings- Wednesdays (10am-12 noon)

Before the start of a fresh year, ensure your child is in tip-top shape to enter 2012

by taking advantage of our free health screenings throughout the month.

• Wednesday, December 7: Speech & Language Screenings

• Wednesday, December 14: Fine & Gross Motor Screenings

• Wednesday, December 14: Feeding & Eating (Oral Motor) Screenings

RSVP: First come, first served.  Space is limited.

CHOC Toy Drive Harley Pick up - Friday, December 9^th (12 noon)

Join us for a special visit from Harley Davidson riders as the come to Pretend City to pick up all of the toys we’ve collected for the children at CHOC Children’s Hospital. Watch your child’s eyes light up as Santa comes riding in on his motorcycle. The sound of a huge pack of motorcycles cruising around the corner is one your child will surely remember! They’ll even have a chance to come out and look at the motorcycles up close. 

Fee: Free; museum admission neither required nor included

Balancing the Holidays Workshop - Tuesday, December 13^th (6-7pm)

The holidays can be a very stressful time of year for many families. This workshop, lead by Dr. Selena, will assist you in balancing the holidays, both socially and culturally. Orange County is an area that contains many multi-cultural and multi-denominational families. Balancing the traditions at home as well as in the community can be challenging. We will discuss solutions for families that will enable all to feel like they can honor their traditions, yet celebrate others, and overall have a wonderful holiday season.  In addition, all participants will be entered into a raffle to win educational developmentally appropriate toys to celebrate the season.

Las Posadas Celebration- Friday, December 16^th (All Day)

This day marks our annual kick-off to Las Posadas celebration. Come celebrate the first day of this 9-day celebration through special activities, which will allow your children to have a better understanding of the history of this celebration. Activities of the day will include:

• Let’s Move: Piñata Party – Help your child work on their swing while they learn more about a common holiday tradition. 
• Colorful Cultures: Posada Placemat – On the 9th day of Las Posadas families will gather for a feast. Make sure you are prepared with your very own placemat. 
• Sensational Story Time: Uno, Dos, Tres Posada – Practice your counting in the fun tale that counts down this special holiday. 
• Symbols in a Second: Star Piñata – Join us to make your very own piñata and learn why the most common piñata shape during Las Posadas is a 5-pointed star. 

Hanukkah Celebration - Wednesday, December 21^st (All Day)

Happy Hanukkah! This is a special time of celebration and learning! There are many symbols associated with Hanukkah. This is your opportunity to come and learn more about many of these symbols. Engaging activities are sure to have your little ones delighted while wanting to learn more about this special holiday. Some activities are:

• “Good To Go” Game: Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel - The dreidel is painted with letters, gimel, hey, nun, and shin which are written on the sides. Learn and play this traditional game while your 4-year-old works on cognitive skills including counting, symbol identification, and following commands. 
• Colorful Cultures: Smart Art Star of David – Use your creativity and new knowledge of this holiday to make your very own Star of David ornament. 

Hanukkah Olive Press Workshop - Wednesday, December 21^st (11:30am)  

At Pretend City step back in time as you pretend to be a group of Macabees. Children will utilize their fine motor skills to refine the olive oil needed for the Menorah while they: 

• Pit fresh olives and squeeze them with a hand press. 
• Strain and then spin the extract in a centrifuge to separate the pure oil. 
• Fashion a wick out of cotton for use with the oil when lighting the Menorah. 

As an added bonus, each child will have the opportunity to create Hanukkah sand art and make their very own Menorah.

RSVP: Online registration through Event Brite 

Christmas Celebration - Friday, December 23^rd (All Day)

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way…over to Pretend City for this Christmas celebration! This Christmas festival will have you and your child wanting to keep those musical notes and dancing feet jingling throughout the city! Don’t miss out! 

• Music & Movement: 11:00a.m. Christmas Concert presented by Young Music Company
• Symbols in a Second: Meet & Greet with Santa – There’s only a few days left before Christmas!  Make sure to come and let Santa know what your Christmas wish is while he shares a bit of history with you about his origin.
• Cooking Up Cultures: Crunchy Christmas Tree – This Christmas tree isn’t just for looks, but for eating too! As we learn how the Christmas tree came to be, you will enjoy working on those hand and finger skills to create an edible tree. 
• Let’s Move: Rudolph’s Race – When Santa called upon Rudolph they were in a race to save Christmas. Get moving in your Rudolph gear to beat the Christmas clock!  

Kwanza Begins - Monday, December 26^th (10am-3pm)

Kwanzaa is a Pan-African holiday that was created to reconnect African-Americans to their African roots.  The name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza”, meaning the first fruits of the harvest. In honor of this holiday, guests will learn about the Nguzu Saba (“seven principles of blackness”) through creative hands-on art projects, videos, and interactive story times featuring African cloths, drumming, and traditional dolls.  

Ring in the Noon Year! New Year’s Eve Celebration- Dec 31^st (10am-12 noon)

Spend this New Year’s Eve ringing in the New Year Pretend City style! Today will be the day for family and friends to gather at Pretend City to celebrate the New Year. Festivities of the day will include:

• Let’s Move: Rockin’Dance Party – Ever hour as we countdown to the “Noon Year” we will have a dance party! Featuring the latest and greatest in party songs you will enjoy moving and grooving in the Orange Plaza.
• Colorful Cultures: What New Years is complete without the traditional party wear! Join us in the art studio to find color decorations to signify your New Year’s Resolution. 
• Sensational Story Time: The Night Before New Years – It’s the night before New Year’s and all through the house…? Come find out during this story time followed by a fun streamer making activity!
• 12:00p.m. Ring in the Noon Year! Join us in Orange Plaza as we ring in the New Year at Noon! This party comes complete with a countdown, ball drop, and dancing!

About Pretend City Children’s Museum

Pretend City Children’s Museum is the first educational facility of its kind in the western United States representing a small, interconnected city designed to “build better brains” through purposeful play, hands-on learning experiences, role playing, and educational programming.  As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, it depends on community-based funding and guest support.  Through 17 interactive exhibits and activities guided by a highly trained professional staff, children learn foundational math, reading and science skills, while fostering curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, organization, teamwork, self-confidence and socialization.  The museum is a unique community resource where families, educators and community agencies come together to ensure that each child gains the experiences needed for a productive and fulfilling future.  Pretend City Children’s Museum is located at 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618. For more information, please visit www.pretendcity.org.