Meet Heather, a mom of two, who is always on the go, & my good friend! An Orange Native, she is just finishing up a one year stint, living in the the windy city. She is always out & about with her kiddos, so I knew she was the perfect person to take on a tour of Chicago with kids.


Chicago is one of the most kid friendly big cities I have been to. I have been lucky enough to call Michigan Avenue or the “Magnificent Mile” home for the last 9 months, and I have loved every moment of it. There are so many fun things to do in Chicago I feel like I could easily write a book….Here are some of my absolute, favorite things to do in Chicago, with kids, in no particular order:

* Millennium Park: I just love this park and the tourist’s fascination with the “bean”…the funny thing is, whenever I take anyone to the bean, the whole way there they make fun of me. But, as soon as we are there, they are just as fascinated with it, as everyone else. It is really fun to take reflection pictures in it. If you are at the park during the summer bring the kids swimsuits or a change of clothes - there is a fun fountain to play in. And every evening they have free concerts at the amphitheatre… it really is fun to sit on the grass have a picnic dinner and listen to some music.
* The Art Institute: This is one of our favorite places. Located just south of Millennium Park, you can look at some amazing pieces of art. To keep my kids entertained we make up stories about the works of art. They have just recently opened the new Modern Wing there, and they have free art projects every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. for the kids. My kids LOVE this. Also, in the basement of the museum there is a Kraft Education Center for the kids where they can touch art, make art, and read tons of books. After you are done here you must stop by Sugar Bliss. This is honestly the one reason I work out every day! My personal favorites are: Red Velvet, Chocolate Peppermint, and really all of them are delicious. My kids’ favorite is the icing shots.
* Children’s Museum: This is my sons favorite place to be, and to tell you the truth I love it too. You can seriously play in here for hours. Located on Navy Pier, makes it convenient for a fun filled day! We spend a lot of time at Navy Pier where there is food, shopping, and lots of entertainment.
* Lincoln Park Zoo: An amazing zoo…it’s free too! I love this zoo. We spend many days walking around looking at all the animals. There is a little farm there as well, where you can get up close to a milking cows, and if you time it right, there is even a demonstration. This zoo is a must.
* Oz Park: After the zoo you should stop by Oz Park, one of the best parks in Chicago. I love those warm summer days playing on the playground. It is an amazing park. After your kids have played you should stop by Minnie’s. We have fallen in love with this little restaurant. Everything you order is “Minnie,” and you must try the original mini freeze.
* There are many other noteworthy museums…such as: The Museum of Science and Industry, the Aquarium, and The Field Museum each one so amazing…we really enjoy all the museums of the city.

Each day in Chicago is a fun adventure…we love walking around the city noticing all the different buildings. Be sure to show your kids the Tribune Tower where they have pieces of other famous buildings - they even have steel from the Twin Towers! & Of coures, the most important part in any city is to enjoy yourself.
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Thanks Heather! I'm ready to pack my bags, grab the kids & head to Chicago. Sounds like a perfect getaway! Sounds like there is so much to do, see & eat - my kind of city!

xoxo, K

We love Disneyland, but the summer heat and long lines can test even the most faithful of Disney fans. Here are a few places at Disneyland to stay cool and make the most of a Disneyland trip this summer:

1) Tiki Room (and pick up a Dole Whip)
2) Pirates of the Carribean
3) Blue Bayou
4) Space Mountain
5) Splash Mountain

Grab the beach chairs, pack a picnic dinner & bring the kids to Orange County Performing Arts Center's FREE for ALL Movie Mondays. For the next four Mondays, the OCPAC will be playing host as they screen several FREE movies, under the stars. The film starts at dusk (approximately 8pm), although you can start setting up at 5:30pm. "In continuing partnership with the Newport Beach Film Festival, a selection of the best short animated films from this year's festival will be shown prior to the main feature. So, don't forget the popcorn (although I'm told a limited amount of "munchies" will be available for purchase), & you might want to bring along a blanket or two. Here's what will be playing:

Monday, July 13th: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Monday, July 20th: Annie
Monday, July 27th: Footloose
Monday, August 3rd: Mamma Mia

The movie screenings will be held on the Community Plaza at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 92626. For more information go HERE.

xoxo, K

So I can't take credit for these, C had been raving, non-stop, about her favorite new cookie recipe. When I realized she was baking up a batch nearly every single day, I decided I needed to whip some up for myself, & they definitely did not disappoint. If you want a cookie that is big, fat & chewy, just like something you'd buy at a fancy bakery, then this cookie is for you. Try them with a scoop of ice for some homemade ice cream sandwiches, or maybe a roasted marshmallow sandwiched between two cookies would be good, I bet!

Big, Fat, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour, "C" suggests you do 1 1/1 cups all-purpose flour & 1/2 cup whole wheat or oat flour (for oat flour simply grind up oatmeal in your blender)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, MELTED
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tb. vanilla extract
1 egg (room temperature)
1 egg yolk (room temperature)
2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

directions:
1. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl & set aside
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended.
3. Beat in the vanilla, egg and egg yolk until light and creamy.
4. Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon.
6. Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 45-2 hours (to counteract the melted butter)
6. Preheat oven to 325 degrees
7. Drop cookie dough 1/4 cup at a time onto cookies sheet, cookie sheet should be 3 inches apart (i did 9 cookies per pan)
8. Bake for 13-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden brown. This is the key! They might still seem gooey in the middle, but just let them cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them & they will be perfect. (Trust me, I'm speaking from experience, I overcooked my first batch.)

makes 18-20 cookies

Now grab a big glass of milk & enjoy. Oh! & You might want to double the recipe, because they go fast!

xoxo, K (& C too, considering she's the one that gave me the recipe in the first place!)

I've heard it said that there is no such thing as FREE legal advice... lucky for you, that isn't true! A local law firm, the Morgan Law Group is hosting a fabulous & FREE event "9 Easy Steps to Make Sure Your Kids Are Protected, No Matter What." Not only is the event FREE, they've even gone to the effort to hire childcare, so you can bring your kids, & they can play while the experts at the Morgan Law Group "take you by the hand and personally share with you how to make sure your kids can be totally protected, if the unthinkable should happen to you."

Sound like something you might be interested in? Then follow these 2 simple steps... step one, pick which of the following dates & times work best for you:

July 16th, 10:30-11:30am
Bears, Buddies & Toys
27911 La Paz Rd., Laguna Niguel

July 21st, 10:30-11:30am
Bears, Buddies & Toys
10061 Adams Ave., HB

July 22nd, 12-1pm
Cal Elite
22982 Avenida Empresa, Rancho Santa Margarita

After you've picked your date & time, RSVP your spot online HERE, or call (949)260-1400.

xoxo, K

Looking for something fun to do with the family? Need to get the kids out of the house? Check out this list of some of my favorite weekend happenings. (To see the entire list of weekend to-dos, go HERE.)

While I'm out of the "Orange County Bubble" this weekend (as I head to the TOMS Summer Sample Sale), I think I might just have to make a brief stop HERE, at the first annual Renegade Craft Fair in Los Angeles. The craft fair is taking place July 11 & 12th from 11am - 7pm at the California Market Center. Not sure what the Renegade Craft Fair is all about? Check out what their website has to say:

So be sure to check out this FREE event (although you do have to pay $10 for parking). Let's make sure there is a HUGE turnout, so it comes back next year. & Remember, buy handmade!
Here are all the details...

Date: Saturday & Sunday, July 11th and 12th
Time: 11am - 7pm
Location: California Market Center, directions & parking info HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Renegade Craft Fair

A while back we got to play hosts to an incredible giveaway from Michelle Photography. I don't know about you, but I was certainly jealous that our winner, Holly, scored a FREE photo session with Michelle. Check out how darling the pictures turned out...


To view more pictures from this fabulous photo shoot, be sure to check out our FACEBOOK page HERE. (& While you're there, don't forget to become a fan!)

xoxo, K
image via Michelle Photography

I am soooo HERE. Tons of styles of shoes will be on sale, starting at $15, (including vegan, canvas, styles you can't get in stores & more), plus Aviator Nation apparel & accessories. & Even though everything is on sale, TOMS is still donating a pair of shoes to a child in need for every every pair you purchase.

Here are all the details...

Date: Saturday, July 11th
Time: 10am - 7pm
Location: 3025 Olympic Blvd, Studio C, Santa Monica, CA 90404

xoxo, K
image via TOMS

Had a great time picking out my favorite finds at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last night with Lucy. Its so nice to have the latest fall looks without having to endure the crowds the day of the sale. Just contact your local Nordstrom and make an appointment for this week to shop with a personal shopper and you can pick up your order on July 15th. You can also pre-order the beauty exclusives of the sale online, so you make sure to get their great MAC set(items will ship the first official day of the sale, 7/17).

xoxo, C

It's no secret that I LOVE & ADORE Harveys. So does it really surprise you that I desperately want the newest addition to their purse collection? The real question is, which one to lust after.

xoxo, K
image via Harveys

Concerts, Action Sports Shows (featuring skateboarding, BMX, motorsports, mixed martial arts & bull riding) & the typical Carnival stuff: rides, games & food (I'm looking forward to the roasted corn & deep-fried Snickers bar). That's what the fair is all about. For more information go HERE. Before you plan your adventure, be sure to check out some of these great deals...


* FREE admission & parking on opening day, Friday, July 10th from Noon - 1pm
* FREE admission for active duty military, law enforcement & firefighters (with ID) plus one guest from 1pm - 6pm on opening day, Friday, July 10th
* Kids ages 12 & under are admitted FREE every Thursday
* $4 admission for those 60+, plus a FREE ferris wheel & merry-go-round rides every Friday
* FREE admission & one carnival ride with donation of 5 canned or dry food items on Wednesday, July 15th from Noon - 6 pm
* FREE admission & one carnival ride with the donation of 1 new children's books on Wednesday, July 22nd from Noon - 6 pm
* FREE admission & one carnival ride with donation of one new toy valued at $8+ on Wednesday, July 29th from Noon - 6 pm
* FREE admission & one carnival ride with donation of one school item valued at $5+ on Wednesday, August 5th from Noon - 6 pm
* Every Wednesday & Friday: Ride all the rides you want with the purchase of a $30 wristband. (valid until 8 pm)
* Every Thursday & Friday: $1 rides until 7 pm
* Want to go to the Fair every day, or at least several times? Purchase the Super Pass, it's basically a season ticket to the fair. $30 for adults, $20 for kids (6-12) & $25 for seniors.
* Sign up for OC Super Fair 5K run series & get a FREE Super Pass

What: The Orange County Super Fair
When: July 10 - August 9, 2009 (closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
Where: Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626

xoxo, K

xoxo, K
images & design via ana brandt photography

It's amazing to me, when I realize, that just a few short weeks ago my belly was very BIG & very, very round. I'm not usually very comfortable in front of the camera, but I am so glad a good friend talked me into encouraged me to do these pregnancy photos...

xoxo, K
images via ana brandt

This is one 4th of July block party you definitely don't want to miss! Boutique shopping, mimosas, half off designer jeans & free purses... what's not to love? 8 (yes! EIGHT) fantastic & fabulous boutiques have "banded together this weekend to offers some 4th of July boutiquing bargains." So get in the car, & drive down to South Laguna & check out all of the incredible deals offered at these boutiques: Black Flamingo, Blue Eye Girl, Scout 3, Tootsies Shoes, Stella, Bellabacci, Cielo, & Duo.

For more specific information on the sales (including the "skinny" on where to get FREE parking) check out Boutiquing.com for the nitty gritty.

xoxo, K
image via Boutiquing.com

K and I are big phil & teds fans. We both have the classic stroller and love, love, love them, so when faced with how to survive on the beach with a baby I knew that phil & teds would come to the rescue again with some great piece of baby gear. I went online and found that they have the Traveller, a durable aluminum cot weighing less than six pounds.

I am happy to report that I took the Traveller to the beach today and it meets all of my requirements: portable (less than six pounds!!!), protective (comes with a UV shade), and on sale (Costco has it for $99). The baby loved being able to roll around without being covered in sand and even took a long nap on the beach in her cute cot. Set-up takes five minutes and if I can do it anyone over the age of eight should be able to put it together in four minutes (just remember to put the top section together first before attaching it to the legs). Thanks phil & teds for another great piece of baby gear.

xoxo, C

I think THESE cupcake pops are going to go to the tippity-top of my to-do list. Watching the fireworks will be an entirely new, entirely delicious experience as I nibble on one of these tasty creations. Thanks Bakerella!

xoxo, K
image via Bakerella

* Aliso Viejo 4th of July: Live Entertainment, Bounce Houses, Face Painting, Carnival Games and Low Level fireworks at dusk, Grand Park, 6 - 9:30pm.
* Anaheim Hills 4th of July Celebration: 5/10K Run & 2K Walk, Pancake Breakfast, Dog Show at Canyon High School. Food & Game Booths, Parade, Entertainment & fireworks at Peralta Park: 115 N. Pinney, Anaheim.
* Brea July 4th Country Fair: 7am -4:30pm at City Hall Park, 301 S. Brea Blvd.
* Cypress, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor & Seal Beach 4th of July Fireworks Spectucular: 11200 Lexington Dr., Los Alamitos, food, entertainment & fireworks. Gates open at 4pm.
* Dana Point Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Day long festivities & fireworks at 9pm.
* Dana Wharf Fireworks Cruises: Watch the fireworks from the water... dinner & fireworks or fireworks only cruises available.
* Dana Point St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort: 4th of July weekend specials for resort guests including stories & roasted marshmallows by the campfire, "Red, White & Blue BBQ", private fireworks show, and Sunday Champagne Brunch.
* Fullerton 4th of July Festival & Fireworks Show: Fullerton High School Stadium, from 5 pm - 9:30 pm. Live music, games, food & fireworks.
* Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade & Pier Festival: 5K Run, Pancake Breakfast, Parade, Pier Festival & fireworks.
* Irvine Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration & Concert on the Green: Irvine High School. Live bands, concession stands, balloon jumpers, face painting, games & fireworks. Admission required.
* Ladera Ranch: Community parade, live music, fun activities, food & fireworks.
* Laguna Hills Fourth of July Celebration: Laguna Hills Community Center & Sports Complex. Fun, food, carnival rides, live music, patriotic crafts and fireworks.
* Laguna Niguel 4th of July Celebration: Crown Valley Community Park, 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy., Laguna Niguel. 5K run, 10K run/walk & children's races. Pancake breakfast, free swim & fireworks.
* La Habra 4th of July Spectacular: La Habra High School Stadium. Games, food, activities & fireworks. Admission required.
* Lake Forest Pancake Breakfast & Parade
* Mission Viejo Fourth of July Street Faire & Fireworks: Olympiad & Marguerite, Mission Viejo. Food, games & fireworks.
* Newport Dunes Fireworks Extravaganza: Family fun, food & fireworks. Cost $50 per car (up to 5 people).
* Rancho Santa Margarita Star Spangled Spectacular: fames, live music, fireworks. Lago Santa Margarita.
* San Clemente July 4th Fireworks: San Clemente Pier, fireworks 9pm.
* San Juan Capistrano 4th of July Celebration: San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano. Live music, exhibit & food booths, demonstrations, beer/wine garden, petting zoo, rides & fireworks.
* Tustin July 4th Celebration: Tustin High School, 1171 El Camino Real, Tustin. Entertainment & fireworks.
* Yorba Linda 4th of July Spectacular: Veterans Park, 4756 Valley View St., Yorba Linda. Food, music, games and a fantastic fireworks show.

xoxo, K

Get your tickets now for Cirque du Soleil. The excitement begins January 10, 2010 under the Grand Chapiteau (fancy name for big top) at the Orange County Great Park. But don't dilly dally too long, the show will only be here a few short weeks, until January 31st, 2010. Buy your tickets HERE, you definitely don't want to miss out on all the acrobatics. (& If you just can't wait until January, then you could always check out their show in October, up in Santa Monica.)

xoxo, K
image via Cirque du Soleil

Good food can make a great Fourth of July amazing, so here are some delicious recipes for you to try this year:

Potato Salad courtesy of the Pioneer Woman
Alton Brown's Spicy Beef Kabobs
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Martha Stewart's Romaine, Avocado, and Corn Salad
The Barefoot Contessa's Strawberry Country Cake (top it with blueberries and strawberries to make it festive)

What are you cookin' up this Fourth of July?

xoxo, C

Monday nights this summer (until August 24th), from 4-9pm, any car will pay just $60 for up to eight guests safely seated, with a seatbelt, in a single vehicle. (Parking is an additional $10 & if your car holds more than 8 safely seated, each additional guest is just $5 per person.) Wow! What a deal! (Evening admission is usually $19.95.) More information HERE (under Events).

xoxo, K

Summer is in full swing and the OC has plenty of great spots to visit to make the most of your summer. I try to plan great local summer day trips or staycations that last for just a few hours, so everyone has a good time. One of my favorite spots to visit with the kids is San Juan Capistrano.


1. Start your day off at Zoomar's for some fun with animals

2. Stop to watch the trains as you head over the tracks to lunch



3. Shooby dooby over to Ruby's for a good burger and a yummy shake with the kids

Do you have any favorite southern California day trips with kids? Do tell!

xoxo, C

Looking for something fun to do with the family? Need to get the kids out of the house? Check out this list of some of my favorite weekend happenings. (To see the entire list of weekend to-dos, go HERE.)

Friday, June 26th:
* Wild Tales at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15 am. Story telling fun. After the story, learn more about the natural history of the bay through crafts and nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-7.
* Brea Films in the Park: Movie Starts at Dusk. FREE admission, Arovista Park: The Iron Giant
* City of Dana Point Movies in the Park: Movie starts at 8pm, FREE admission, Lantern Bay Park: Charlotte's Web
* Shakespeare by the Sea: Love's Labour's Lost starts at 8pm, pre-show starts at 7:30pm, FREE admission. Point Fermin Park, San Pedro.

Saturday, June 27th:
* Muzeo Bizarre Guitar Competition
* Science of the Circus
*Movie on the Beach, Movie starts at sunset. Newport Dunes Resort: Horton Hears a Who
* Shakespeare by the Sea: As You Like It starts at 8pm, pre-show starts at 7:30pm, FREE admission. Point Fermin Park, San Pedro.

Sunday, June 28th:
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
* City of Dana Point Summer Concerts in the Park, 4:30-6pm. Heritage Park, FREE.
* City of Lake Forest's Summer Concert Series, 5:30-7:30pm, Pittsford Park, FREE.

xoxo, K

Did you know the circus is coming to town? Yep! Yep! It will be here from July 15th - July 26th, but more on that later. Today I want to tell you about an event happening at the Discovery Science Center this Saturday, June 27th (which just so happens to be my birthday, in case you were wondering). Anyway, THIS event sounds like it's going to be awesome...

What makes clowns such talented jugglers, unicyclers and stilt walkers? Is it the big red nose? Nope! Believe it or not, it's an understanding of basic science principles that make them pros at these challenging, wacky stunts!

Runaway with the circus on June 27th as Discovery Science Center and Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey presents Science of the Circus! Each 30-minute presentation will feature circus tricks and stunts along with the scientific principles at play behind each skill. Real circus clowns will demonstrate how these scientific principles play a major role in their performances and enable them to put on unique and thrilling shows.

Think you can master the science of The Greatest Show on Earth? Test your skills at scarf juggling, bubble tricks, and balancing objects during each show!

Show Times are Saturday, June 27th at 11 am, 12:30 pm, 2 pm, & 3:30 pm. & While your at the museum be sure to check out the latest exhibitions: Robots & Us and Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home.

xoxo, K

We are so excited that Cafe Rio is coming to the OC! For those of you who can't wait for them to open their doors you can whip up a little Cafe Rio at home with the help of Tried and Trues. I love just making the dressing because it compliments any southwestern type salad.

xoxo, C

We're always on the lookout for a good deal, especially these days. Slowly but surely, we're pulling together a list of FREE (or at least, really cheap) Orange County summer activities... things to do & places to go with the kiddos. So, what are your favorite FREE summertime activities? We'd love to edit our list to include all your favs.

* AMC Summer Movie Camp ($1 G & PG movies at 10am every Wednesday)
* FREE Family Film Festival (G & PG movies at 10am every Tuesday & Wednesdays at Regal theaters)
* Movies in the Park
* Movies on the Beach
* Monday Movies at the OCPAC
* Everyday $1-ish Movies
* Shakespeare by the Sea
* Summer Concert Series
* Kids Bowl Free (shoe rental required)
* Swimming pools, Lagoons & Water Gardens at Pearson Park in Anaheim
* Water Features at Walnut Grove Park in Anaheim
* Swimming Pool at City Hall Park in Brea
* Swimming Pool at Henry Bolsseranc Park in Buena Park
* Wading Pool at Carl Brenner Park in Buena Park
* Spray Pool at Larwin Park in Buena Park
* Swimming Pool at William Peak Park in Buena Park
* Spray Pool at Adlena Park in Fullerton
* Interactive Fountain at Downtown Plaza in Fullerton
* Spray Pool at J. Francis "Pep" Lemon Park in Fullerton
* Wading Pool at Valencia Park in Fullerton
* Water Feature at Pioneer Road Park in Tustin

My dad was a huge golfer & from the looks of things, I'd guess my boys are going to spending lots of time out on the links as well. I'm thinking I might have to sign them up for THIS golf camp... it's perfect for my boys! They'll learn about all the fundamentals of golf: putting, chipping, rules & even etiquette (my dad would be so proud).

Think your pint-sized golfer might be interested in going to camp too? Then you'll definitely want to check out Amy Connelly's (she's the SMCHS Varsity Golf Coach & the 2008 OC Register's Golf Coach of the Year) Youth Golf Camps. She's offering a summer program for kids 4-12 years old, July 6th-10th. For more information & to register go HERE.

Do your kids (or maybe your hubby) dream of being a rock star when they grow up? If the answer is "yes," then this is one event you don't want to miss! The museum Muzeo is hosting the Bizarre Guitar competition, in honor of their Bizarre Beasts exhibition that just recently opened.

The Bizarre Guitar event (and by "bizarre" they mean "FUN," for kids of all ages to enjoy) takes place THIS Saturday, June 27th from 10am - 4pm. & Trust me, the Muzeo is taking this competition seriously... there are prizes involved! Participants will receive prize points for the following: attendance (love that! you get points just for signing in!), completing a Guitar Hero Song (a list of pre-determined songs will be available), wearing a monster rocker costume (please, please, please send us pictures!), answering Bizarre Beasts & How to Make a Monster trivia questions & for bringing a friend along. Prizes will range from Muzeo tickets for future exhibitions, Muzeo totes, cool posters & top scoring participants will be entered into a $100 grand prize drawing! Pre-registration is recommended (you can register HERE), although walk-ins are welcome too!

Here are the details...
What: Bizarre Guitar competition at The Muzeo
Where: 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805
When: Saturday, June 27th, 2009, 10am - 4pm
Cost: Museum admission & contest participation is $13 for adults & $9 for children (12 & under)

xoxo, K
image via The Muzeo

Loooooove this idea from Dandee. Grab a six pack of IBC, make some creative labels and write reasons why the gift recipient is incredible, and deliver. Easy, thoughtful, and can be used for so many occassions. Click here for more detailed instructions.

xoxo, C

Now that I have kids I need a swimsuit that can stay on and hold me in at the same time. The quality and style of a swimsuit makes such a difference, which is why K and I love Pearl. But here are some other ideas if you are still looking for a fabulous suit:



1. Anthropologie 2. Urban Outfitters 3. Urban Outfitters 4. JCrew

xoxo, C

Meet Elise... She's tall, blonde & beautiful, a typical California girl. Besides training for triathlons, her other passion in life (other than her cute hubby of course!) is cupcakes. Maybe you've read her blog The Cupcake Activist? If you haven't already, you really should check it out. The entire blog is dedicated to all things cupcakes - visits to cupcake bakeries, stories about cupcakes, reviews of cupcakes and even adventures in cupcake baking. & Although Elise reviews cupcakes everywhere & anywhere (she was recently on the cupcake hunt in Italy), she is an Orange County local & therefore the perfect person to give us the low-down in the best cupcakes in Orange County...

Looking for a cupcake? Well, you are in luck because cupcakes can be found everywhere! I've spotted them at Starbucks, my grocery store, and my favorite restaurants. The real question is, what are you looking for in a cupcake?

If you are an indecisive person, then you might want to avoid Sprinkles. Sprinkles lists 23 different flavors on their website, which they sell on different days of the week. They sell their top cupcakes daily, such as Dark Chocolate, Red Velvet, and Vanilla, but you should check the calendar before you go to see what's being offered for the day.

Sprinkles does a great job at offering specialty cupcake flavors for every season and holiday. Currently they are offering a Key Lime cupcake in honor of the start of summer. Only available from June 12-21. Their cupcakes sell for $3.25 each. Don't forget the milk!

My Favorites: Pumpkin, Chocolate Coconut, and Red Velvet.


It almost seems strange that a grocery store would be one of my top places for cupcakes, but my taste buds don't lie. Bristol Farms has fantastic cupcakes! And let's not forget...huge! Bristol Farm's cupcakes are $3.00, but worth every penny. The frosting is piled high and the cake is moist. Their cupcakes are refrigerated so I suggest waiting 30 minutes before devouring.

Favorite: Chocolate Coconut


It's always exciting to see a non-corporate cupcake shop pop up! The Perfect Circle opened earlier this year in Orange and has been very successful. It shows off it's charm with a light-blue showroom displaying pictures of Audrey Hepburn and the Eiffel Tower. And let's not forget what's important: the cupcakes! I was thrilled to have a small-town cupcakery in my neighborhood, but even more excited with how good their cupcakes are.

The Perfect Circle closes early and sometimes run out of cupcakes before the end of the day. Don't let this happen to you! Check back often, as they have new flavors popping up frequently. Their cupcakes are $3.00. Support your local cupcake shop!

Favorites: Red Velvet and Snickerdoodle



I fell in love with SusieCakes on my first visit there! They have a great selection of cupcakes, along with other amazing treats (chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and cake)! My favorite part of their cupcakes (besides the incredible taste) is that they are frosting-filled. This means that they have an extra shot of frosting in the middle of the cupcake. SusieCakes cupcakes are $3.00 each and oh-so-delicious!

Favorites: too many!...Banana, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Gingerbread, Red Velvet. I've actually never had a cupcake I didn't like from SusieCakes!

Check back with my blog often as I post new reviews of cupcake shops frequently. I am the Cupcake Activist: fighting for the cupcake cause.
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