Around Town

Weekend Happenings!

2010-12-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

Burbank Town Center Snow Day! - Dec. 11th - Fifteen tons of fresh snow, refreshments, music, and an ice sculptor make for a really cool day, on the AMC Walkway. 201 East Magnolia, Burbank 11am-2pm

Marina Del Rey Boat Parade! - Dec. 11th - 6pm - 8pm - Boat Parade kicks off with a fireworks display, launched from the jetty near the entrance to the main channel. All evening long, the boats circle the channel, decked out for the holidays on a grand scale. Each boat does three laps to show off the decorations, music, dancing, and other performances on board. The entire Marina offers great vista points, including the many restaurants with water views. Parking in all nearby county lots is free either evening. http://www.mdrboatparade.org/

Holiday Cookie Party! - Dec. 11th - 3:30pm - Kids and parents can make holiday cookies for the holidays. Advance registration is required. $35 Kids Space Childrens Museum - 480 N. Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena

Hollywood Christmas Parade

2010-11-20T12:47:00.000-08:00

2010 Hollywood Christmas Parade

benefiting Toys for Tots

When: Sunday, November 28th 6pm

Where: Starting on Hollywood Blvd. at Orange, the U-shaped parade route will travel east to vine, South on vine to Sunset Blvd. and West on Sunset back to Orange.

Larry King was announced Grand Marshall and other celebrities include Erik Estrada, Laura McKenzie, Sara Ramirez, Donna Mills, Sarah Drew.....and many more including the main man himself - Santa Claus!

Toys"R"Us Mom

2010-09-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

**Disclosure: I will received a gift card and goodie bag for my involvement in this promotion.

Who doesn't love spending time roaming around Toys"R"Us?? They seem to have been around for as long as I can remember and now when I take my own children we seem to spend hours looking and playing with some cool toys! We've all heard the saying "I want to be a Toys"R"Us kid" I'm sure we'll find our kids singing that phase the closer and closer we get to the holidays!

Now it's our turn! "I want to be a Toys"R"Us Mom" is the new hit phase and I'm singing it!! Yes, you sing it once, it's in your head for a while! LOL! Toys"R"Us will be celebrating Mom's at their Grand Opening next week, September 17th in Alhambra, CA. (Nationwide - so check the link below!)

Toys “R” Us is inviting Moms (and Dads, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Friends) to join the I want to be a Toys R Us Mom Promotion!

Locate a Grand Opening or Re-Opening near you by visiting I Want to Be a Toys R Us Mom. Find the state you live in, download your ‘secret coupon’ and redeem it on Grand Opening/Re-Opening Weekend to reveal your shopping discount.

If that is not enough, be one of the first 100 people though the door Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. of opening weekend to receive your free gift bag valued at over $100!

Hope to see you in Alhambra next week........

Toys"R"Us - Alhambra - Opens at 10am on September 17th
2500 W. Commonwealth Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91802

*The first 100 moms in-store beginning at 9:30am on the Friday of each Grand Opening weekend will receive a complementary gift bag. Limit one per customer. Available while supplies last.

Disney on Ice

2010-09-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

Disney on Ice presents Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey which takes audiences on a fun-filled tour to four exciting destinations filled with favorite Disney friends. With Mickey Mouse and Minne Mouse as tour guides, guests will visit the enchanting worlds of Disney's The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Peter Pan and Lilo and Stitch! Four of our favorite Disney movies!!

Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey will be at the Citizens Business Bank Area in Ontario from October 1st through the 3rd. Ticket prices start at only $16.00 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

We love attending the Disney on Ice show every year, in fact so much that it's become a family tradition. It's something the entire family will treasure for years and can be passed on from generation to generation! For more information visit http://disney.go.com/disneyonice/

Walking With Dinosaurs

2010-08-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

So we've all seen the commercial and have wondered - what is this all about??? I know I did. But what goes through my mind next is......is this appropriate for my youngest children who are five and seven years old? I have talked to a few who have attended this event in the past and said we have nothing to worry about...but she does not know my daughter :) LOL!! I'm so nervous at how she will react to the show when we go this coming week. I will have pictures and a full report on the show after we attend.

Walking With Dinosaurs includes 15 life-sized dinosaurs sharing their story of their 200 million year domination of life on earth. I'm excited just as much as the boys are! Should be a fun, exciting and even educational!

Walking With Dinosaurs will be in Southern California September 1st through the 12Th making stops in both Orange County and Los Angeles. Visit www.dinosaurlive.com for ticket prices, dates and more information.

Mickey's Halloween Party

2010-08-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

Once school starts I start getting excited out the upcoming seasons! It's a very special time of year when many of us have so much going on as well as the fun events around Southern California. Have you had the opportunity to experience Halloween at the Disneyland Parks? I use to love to take my kids out around the neighborhood trick or treating. But in today's society it seems so unsafe and hardly anyone else it out anymore. This is a great alternative that the kids will love!!

Mickey's Halloween Party moves to Disneyland Park this year, it's previously been held inside California Adventure. I think this is a good move and it will be even more so enjoyed! This is a private event that closes the park for guests who hold a ticket to the event only. That makes it nice because it does not feel over crowded and you are actually able to enjoy the event.

Some fun and exciting changes have been made this year which include -

With the event being held inside Disneyland Park you'll have access to almost all the attractions including the themed out Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain.
Early Access - I love this!! They did not have this before, but now you will be able to enter the park a few hours early! How exciting!
More Treats - They have added more treat stations as well as more treats! Yummy!
Exclusive access to Halloween Screams - guests will have exclusive access to the very popular firework spectacular Halloween Screams.

Mickeys Halloween Party will be offered Halloween night and every Tuesday and Friday in October. For ticket prices, hours and more information visit the Disneyland website.

X-Games

2010-07-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

I get so mad at myself every year for not finding out about this until its too late and this year I did it again! The X Games are back in town - starting today through Sunday August 1st. I have two boys who are die hard skate fans and skaters themselves. I know it's last minute and thankfully I won a pair of tickets so will be attending Sunday's events. For those who would like to attend last minute here is the link where you can find more information - I would post it, but there is just so much going on I thought it would be easier if I just gave you the direct link :)

http://espn.go.com/action/xgames/summer/2010/

***If you can't make it in person, you can always watch it on TV - I know that's what my sons will be doing for the next few days!! Catch it on ESPN - check you local guide for times and channels. whoohoo - now I'm putting this on my calender for next year to make sure I'm going to be prepared!! LOL!!

The Circus is Back in Town!

2010-07-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Barnum's FUNundrum!
The All-New Extravaganza Roars Into The Southland
Celebrating the 200Th Anniversary of the Legendary P.T. Barnum

Los Angeles, Orange County & Inland Empire Engagements Run July 14 - August 8, 2010
Tickets on sale June 13Th

Ladies and Gentlemen...Children of all ages....The Greatest Show On Earth just got Greater with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Barnum's FUNundrum! Featuring 130 performers from six continents around the world, almost 100,000 pounds of performing pachyderms, 13 athletes on a Russian bar, seven motorcycle riders in a Globe of Steel, and more clowns than you can see with two eyes, Barnum's FUNundrum! is a super-sized spectacle so massive it took 200 years to arrive!

Produced by Feld Entertainment, Barnum's FUNundrum is performing at Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario, July 21-25Th; and the Honda Center, Anaheim, July 28Th through August 8Th. Priced from $12 to $100, tickets can be purchased at the arena box office, by phone at (800) 745-3000, all Ticketmaster locations, and online at Ticketmaster.com and Ringling.com.

One hour before showtime, families can meet the performers, get autographs, and see an amazing elephant that paints at the All Access Pre-show - FREE with a purchased ticket!

Ticket Information -

Prices: $12 (opening night); Circus Celebrity $100; Front Row $70; VIP $40 additional tickets range from $15, $20 & $25
Order online: www.ringling.com or www.ticketmaster.com
Order tickets by phone: 800-745-3000
All seats reserved
For group sales call Honda Center: (714) 704-2420; Citizens Business Bank Arena: (909) 244-5516

Southland Performance Schedule -

Inland Empire - Citizens Business Bank Arena: Wednesday, July 21 - Sunday, July 25
4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario, CA 91764

Orange County - Honda Center: Wednesday, July 28 - Sunday, August 8
2695 E. Katella, Anaheim, CA 92806

***Returning this summer is the special $48 Family Four Pack offer on select performances or $4 off single ticket prices on select shows. The discount can be redeemed online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000. To redeem us the discount code "MOM".

For more information on Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey visit www.Ringling.com

OC Foodie Fest

2010-07-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

Orange County’s first gourmet food truck event taking place Saturday, August 28Th at the Honda Center in Anaheim. The one-day event will be the ultimate foodie destination, featuring the best in popular mobile eats combined with a unique forum to showcase local entertainment & shopping to help support local charities.

The entire event is made to accommodate families and/or individuals. The entertainment includes local bands & dance performances, that they've hand-selected to be enjoyable for people of all ages. The kid's area sounds great because one of their charity partners, Pretend City Children's Museum, is basically going to bring their fun learning environment to a pop-up location within the event. It will be enclosed in a shaded tent, where kids can run around and enjoy kid-focused entertainment such as face painters, etc. This kid's area is free!

Once inside, it really depends on the individual because it's an a la cart environment. You can go inside and just enjoy the entertainment and walk around the shopping booths. Or pick and choose from our variety of food ranging from $1-$5 an item (with the exception of the $10 meals from Cart for a Cause where all proceeds benefit Meals On Wheels.

The event is open to the general public and there is a ticket charge for entry. Here are the details

General Admission
Price: Adult - $12.00 | Child Under 12 - $ 6.00
Children 3 & under are FREE with paid admission.

Includes:
• Access to 50 gourmet food trucks w/ special event menu & pricing
• Entertainment from 6 Local OC Bands, 3 Dance Crew & DJ Performances
• Local Shopping Vendors
• Kid's Entertainment Area
• Interactive Artist's Area
• Free Packaged Snack Samples

VIP Admission
Price: Adult - $50.00 | Child Under 12 - $ 8.00
Children 3 & under are FREE with paid admission.

Includes All The Above, PLUS:
• Limited to 350 guests
• Exclusive early event entry
• Exclusive VIP gate Entry
• Exclusive beer & wine bar
• Fully-tented VIP Area with preferred view of the entertainment stage
• Free tasting samples throughout the day from food truck sponsors
• Free snack bar stocked by Popchips & Kind Bars
• Free beverage ticket for the beer & wine bar
• Free bottled Fiji water
• Gift bag stuffed with free goodies

**Families can buy a family four pack special for only $30!! Visit www.ocfoodiefest.com for more information

MLB Fan Fest 2010

2010-05-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

World's Largest Interactive Baseball Theme Park
Over 450,000 sq ft of baseball interactives and exhibits
July 9 - 13 at the Anaheim Convention Center

$30 - Adults
$25 - Children 2-12

Family packs are also available starting at $90

For more information visit by clicking on the link below

MLB Fan Fest 2010

Fiesta Broadway

2010-04-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

This is the largest Latino event in the nation's largest Latino market - Fiesta Broadway. We have been once before - and the streets literally get full with people. It is so much fun to go and celebrate the Latino Heritage. They have food, arts, games, freebies, performers and so much more! When we went a couple years ago I remember it was scorching hot - so remember your sun screen. Also I would advise to get there very early - before the event's starting time to find a parking spot. Try to find a parking spot at one end of the fiesta - that way you can go down one side and walk back down the other.

21st Annual Fiesta Broadway
Sunday, April 25Th, 2010
24 sq. blocks of Downtown Los Angeles
The largest "Cinco De Mayo" celebration in the world

For more information, list of performers, map & directions visit
www.hprala.org

2010-03-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

Citadel Outlets Easter Event

Families are invited for FREE Easter Bunny photos. Customers can bring their own cameras for pictures or receive a free emailed family photo. The outlet shopping center will also host Easter treats for kids and a coloring station.

This Sunday - April 4Th from 1-4pm

Citadel Outlets

Los Angeles, CA

Located off interstate 5 at Atlantic Blvd. North

Monster Jam 2010

2010-01-24T20:38:00.000-08:00

Advanced Auto Parts
Monster Jam 2010

Big O Tires and Metro PCS present the Advanced Auto Parts Monster Jam brought to you by Ford Trucks. This is a great event for the entire family - even if you think you may not be into this kind of thing - this will change your mind!!! After seeing this show it will become something your family looks forward to year after year. I have not been for many years, but remember taking my oldest son there when he was elementary age. The ohhs and awww's you get from the kids are just enough to make it worth while. We will be taking our family again this year and will post pictures with a review after we attend the show. I hope you will join me in what is some really great affordable family entertainment. It's exciting, breath taking and most of all just plain FUN!!

Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Anaheim, CA
Jan 30Th & Feb 6Th
Gates open at 5pm
Tickets start at only $10

For more information and to find out when the Monster Jam will be near you, visit www.monsterjam.com/showList ***Discount coupons are available while supplies last at participating Big O Tires

2010-01-11T19:29:00.000-08:00

2010 Riverside Air Show

18Th Annual Air Show
March 27Th 9am - 4pm
Admission is FREE!!

This is a one day event held at the Riverside Airport located at 6951 Flight Rd, Riverside, Ca. More than 200 aircraft displays, a pancake breakfast starting at 7am for a $5.00 fee, fun for the kids, lots of food and exhibits, and a skydiving aerobatics show! The show will start at 9am and end at 4pm.

LA Auto Show

2009-12-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

The LA Auto Show makes it's debut this weekend in Los Angeles at the Convention Center Downtown. I have actually never made it but have always wanted to go! This weekend I will be there with my family to bring you our experience of the all new Kids Fun Zone. This is a new part of the auto show that will be on weekends only starting December 5Th. The Kids Fun Zone will be open from 9am - 8pm and will feature a variety of interactive activities for kids 12 and under including kids Jeep driving course, bounce houses, face painting and so much more. I love that the LA Auto show is now making it much more family oriented.

Los Angeles Auto Show
Dec. 4th - 13th
LA Convention Center

Click here for admission, hours and directions

Tree Lighting November 21st

2009-11-20T22:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas Tree Lighting
Sat, Nov 21st, 2009 5pm
Join The Citadel Outlets as they light their 90 ft. Christmas Tree

Hosted by
Hot 92.3's Victor Zaragoza
Fox 11 Personality Rick Lazano

Live Performance by
High School Musical Star Ashley Tisdale
Grammy Award Winning R&B Group All-4-One
Cymphonique
Disney Channel's "Gretchen" of Phineas and Ferb.
and a special appearance from
Santa Claus

**The Citadel Outlets are off the 5 freeway at 100 Citadel Drive, Los Angeles, CA For more information call 323-888-1724

Sports Authority Event

2009-11-18T10:10:00.000-08:00

Sports Authority is teaming up with Nintendo to create a new way to experience fitness gaming. This is only the beginning to allow Sports Authority to sell the Wii gaming consoles, Wii Fit and the Wii Board. To launch this special partnership, the Sports Authority will host the "We know fit. We know fun" event at 102 of their stores nationwide. Each store will have an area with a demo unit and knowledgeable trainers to help customers try the Wii Fit Plus before they buy.

Come meet "The Biggest Loser" star Jillian Michael's as she participates in the worlds largest "Wii Fit Plus" demonstration featuring 102 people. Lots of items to be given away including Wii Fit Boards, Jillian's new game "Fitness Ultimatum 2010" as well as other items from Sports Authority, Nike, and Nintendo!

The Sports Authority
3610 Torrance Blvd, Torrance
Thursday, November 19Th starting at 9:30 AM

Spending the Holidays at Disneyland

2009-10-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how excited I am that the holidays are finally here! I love this time of year, and the warmth that it gives you inside. Disneyland just put up their holiday site and it's so beautiful!! The first chance we get, I can't wait to go. When we go, I will make sure to take lots of pictures and share them with you all. In the mean time you can get a feel of what it is like inside Disneyland during the holidays by visiting Holidays at Disneyland. See Sleeping Beauty's Castle lit up for the holidays with more than 50,000 lights! You can also find information on where to find Santa and his reindeer in Frontierland. It's been years since I have been to Disneyland during the holdiays. I am so excited now that we have our passes that I am sure we will make several trips there this holiday season.

Holidays at Disneyland starts November 13th through January 3rd, 2010