Just Spotted

Toshiba Tall Ships Festival

C & K — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 07:05:40 +0000

The Tall Ships are sailing into Dana Point this week. Friday, September 10th – Sunday, September 12th you can explore the “majesty & wonder of tall ships through the smells, sounds and sights o real working tall ships” during the annual Tall Ships Festival in Dana Point.

Friday evening, the tall ships will parade into Dana Point as the sun sets. Viewing is available from the Dana Point headlands, above Dana Point Harbor & at the Old Cove Native Preserve, located behind the Ocean Institute. The remainder of the weekend will be filled two full days of ships, activities, music, food, cannon battles & even pirates. For a schedule of the weekend’s events & activities, go HERE. Some activities & tours require tickets, for pricing & more information go HERE.

Definitely fun for the whole family. I know my boys will love the cannon battles & pirate storytelling, & my hubby will get a kick out of touring all the different ships.

What: Dana Point Tall Ships Festival
When: Friday, September 10th – Sunday, September 12th
Where: Dana Point Harbor, for parking info go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via the tall ships festival.

“You’ve Just Been Spotted” OC Blog Award Nominees

C & K — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:17:09 +0000

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! We’ve had such an incredible response to our second annual “You’ve Just Been Spotted” Orange County Blog Awards. We received so many comments, emails, & tweets – it was amazing! We loved seeing some of our favorite sites nominated, but we were thrilled to be introduced to so many amazing, new-to-us sites. So, without further ado…. here is the GIANT list of nominees. Now that we’ve compiled all the nominees, the REAL fun is about to begin. Take a moment to the peruse the list. & While we realize that in the end you’ll be voting for HERE your favorite nominee in each category, be sure to check out some of the other sites – you never know, you just might stumble onto something new & fabulous, that will become your new “daily read.” & Before we announce the nominees, I’m just warning you – this list is ginormous! So please, please, please (with a cherry on top) don’t forget to vote HERE, if you don’t vote for your favorite, they might not win! & We definitely want to know, No! We NEED to know who truly is the best of the best. (Be sure to vote HERE before Sunday, September 12th at 11:59 pm, because after that, the “polls” will be closed.) Without further ado, the nominees are…

* Personal & Family Blogs (The winner of this category will represent the BEST personal/ family style blog in all of OC. And when I say personal/ family style blog, I mean the blogs that are on-line diaries, originally meant to be read by people’s personal family & friends)

* Kid & Family Sites (The winner of this category will represent the BEST kid & family-oriented sites in OC. You know, the site most geared to life for you & your little ones here in Orange County.)

* Creative Blogs (The winner of this category will represent the BEST crafty-ish & creatively inspired sites in OC. These are the sites that feature crafts, DIY, tutorials & more)

* Cooking & Baking Blogs (The winner of this category will represent the BEST cooking & baking sites in OC. You know, the sites that are filled with recipes & more, and just make you hungry looking at them.)

* Food & Restaurant Blogs (The winner of this category will represent the BEST food & restaurant sites in OC. And when I say food & restaurant blogs, I mean the ones that feature restaurant reviews & more.)

* Shopping & Beauty Blogs (The winner of this category will represent the BEST shopping & beauty sites in OC. These sites are full of shopping, fashion, & beauty inspiration.)

* Lifestyle & Design Blogs (The winner of this category will represent the BEST lifestyle & design sites in OC. You know, the sites featuring impeccable taste & style.)

* Photography Blogs (The winner of this category will represent the BEST photography sites in OC. We’re talking eye candy here… pretty, pretty pictures.)

* Business Oriented Blogs (The winner of this category will represent the BEST blogs about business in OC.)

* Local Business Blogs (The winner of this category will represent the BEST local business that blogs in OC.)

* Humor Blogs (The winner of this category will represent the BEST, funniest blog in OC. And when I say funny, I mean… as in sites that make you laugh – whether on purpose or not.)

* Disneyland Blogs (The winner of this category will represent the BEST Disneyland Blog. You know, the site that provide the best tips, tricks & other Disneyland related news.)

* Sports & Fitness Blogs (The winner of this category will represent the BEST blog about sports and/ or fitness. As in, sites about biking, running, swimming, exercising & more)

* Best Handmade in OC (The winner of this category will represent the BEST Etsy-ish, handmade shops locally owned & operated right here in the OC)

* Best OC Food Truck (Pretty self-explanatory, the winner of this category will represent the BEST food truck operating in Orange County)

* Local Micro-Blogger (The winner of this category will represent the BEST local micro-blogger. In plain English, that means you favorite friend twitter, yelp! or Facebook. These are the people that make can make you laugh, think, or promote good conversation, usually in 140 characters or less.)

* Favorite Local Blog (The winner of this category will represent the BEST overall of all Orange County’s local blogs & sites)

Angry Julie Monday
Blog Crush
Daytripping Mom
Double the Adventure
Fun Orange County Parks
Greer’s OC
Hip Moms who Work
I Heart Old Town
Life in Yorba Linda
O-Mama
OC Arts & Culture
OC Family
OC Mom Activites
OC Mommies
OC Register: Beach Blog
OC Register: The Mom Blog
Orange County Kids
Real OC Mom
Sandy Toes & Popsicles
Smartly
Surf City Family
The Glamorous Life Association
Tiny Oranges
Toddler Trails
Twenty Four at Heart

WHEW! That is one BIG list of ultra-fabulous, hard-to-choose-between nominees. Once you are ready to cast your votes & help us select the best & brightest blog stars of Orange County, you can go HERE to vote. Good luck to all of our nominees, & may the force be with you.

xoxo, C & K

Walking with Dinosaurs

C & K — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:36:51 +0000

We’ve already mentioned Walking with Dinosaurs before, but having now seen the show, I just want to say… it is A-MAZING! Seriously, that’s probably even an understatement. Definitely a must see. If you don’ already have tickets, buy them today! (Tickets range from $22.50 -$79 & can be purchased at the Honda Center Box Office, online at Ticketmaster or any Ticketmaster outlet.)

I took my 3 kids & I have to admit that I was a bit nervous. They are 5, 3 & 1 – I was worried that it would be too scary or over their heads. I couldn’t have been more wrong. From the moments the lights dimmed in the arena, ALL of my kids (including the baby) were absolutely captivated (although a bag of popcorn, a pretzel & a churro helped things for sure.) The show tells the story of the dinosaurs’ evolution, including climatic & environmental changes that earth went through. Right before your very eyes you watch as the earth’s continents split, amazing gardens grow, oceans forming, volcanoes erupt, forests catch on fire & of course – the infamous comet. You get to experience all this, live & in-person. Not to mention the 17 roaring, snarling “live” dinosaurs that will mesmerize you & your kids.

My kids LOVED it, heck, I LOVED it. They weren’t scared at all. There was lots of loud noises (um, roaring dinosaurs, hello?!), & the lighting fluctuated. But my kids didn’t seem to mind one bit. In fact, they were sitting on the edge of their sits, in absolute awe & amazement. In fact, as we left the arena, my boys were asking when we could see it again. The show is just about 2 hours long, with a perfectly placed intermission. & If you are worried about bedtime for your little ones, there are several showtimes available, including 11am, 1pm, 3pm & 5pm.

This experience is one that your entire family will be talking about for a long time. It’s perfect for kids & adults of all ages. It’s a fabulous opportunity that is both educational & entertaining. By the end of the performance you will have literally travelled through time, learning about the dinosaurs first hand

What: Walking with Dinosaurs

Where: Honda Center

When: Wednesday-Friday, September 1-3 at 7PM, Saturday, September 4 at 11 AM, 3 and 7PM, and Sunday, September 5 at 1 and 5 PM. The performance schedule at STAPLES Center is Thursday, September 9 at 7 PM, Friday, September 10 at 7 PM, Saturday, September 11 at 11 AM, 3 and 7 PM, and Sunday, September 12 at 11 AM and 3PM.

xoxo, K
image via Walking with Dinosaurs

No compensation, of any kind, was received for this post. Although, Just Spotted were invited guests to the Walking with Dinosaurs Grand Opening. However, we would have posted about Walking with Dinosaurs had we been invited or not & had already planned on posting about Walking with Dinosaurs. In the end, the opinions represented here are 100% those of Just Spotted, & were not influenced in any way… you & your kids REALLY are going to love Walking with Dinosaurs.

summer is not over – walk for the beach

C & K — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:40:40 +0000

School may be starting, if it hasn’t already, but that doesn’t mean that summer is necessarily over, or that it is time to abandon the beach. Hello?! We live in Orange County, where “going to the beach” is definitely a year-round activity.

On Saturday, September 18th you & your kids help Save Our Beach ensure that our beaches are around safe & clean for many, many more summers to come. This very special “Walk For the Beach” will feature FREE yoga, from 8-9am, a beach walk clean-up, from 9-11am starting at 15 1st street in Seal Beach, FREE boot camp, from 10-11am, a FREE “kids zone” including temporary tattoos, face painting, dig for buried treasure, coloring contest, & bounce house.

Register HERE by September 4th (cost is $25) & you’ll receive a “Keep It Clean t-shirt,” free parking & a starfish medal for participating. If you register after, the cost is $20 ($15 for kids 12 & under), but the t-shirt isn’t included. (All proceeds will help support Save Our Beach in their effort to keep our beach beautiful & educate other how they can help.)

xoxo, K

Orange International Street Fair

C & K — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:58:07 +0000

Every Labor Day Weekend, for over 30 years, the Orange International Street Fair takes over downtown Orange. With food, music, & dance from different countries and ethnicity’s from around the world, the Orange International Street Fair is definitely a cultural experience you don’t want to miss. & With every penny of the profits from the Street Fair going to non-profit charities, helping people here in our community, you can feel good about yourself by attending.

The event itself is FREE to attend, although each of the individual booths will have prices set for food, etc. & Although I always attend simply because of the food, there is so much more… Arts & Crafts vendors, tons of entertainment, as well as an entire “Children’s Village” with crafts and game booths designed for the “younger crowd.” If you are thinking of bringing the entire family, I’d suggest a day-time adventure. While the Street Fair is open late each night, from my own personal experience, I’ve found the days to be much more “family-friendly.”

What: 2010 Orange International Street Fair
When: Friday, September 3rd: 5-10pm, Saturday, September 4th: 10am-10pm, & Sunday, September 5th: 10am-10pm
Where: The Circle in Downtown Orange, directions & map HERE

xoxo, K
image via Orange International Street Fair

OC DinDin-A-GoGo

C & K — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 20:32:19 +0000

Orange County is quickly becoming food truck country & it is fabulous! The latest thing on the scene is the OC DinDin-A-GoGo which is promising to “revolutionize dinner one city at a time.”

Based on the wildly popular DinDin-A-GoGo that happens every Thursday evening at K1 Speed in Gardena (from 5:30-9pm), the OC version will be hosted by the Tropical Shave Ice Truck every Wednesday evening right here in Orange County, at K1 Speed in Irvine (from 5:30 – 9pm).

Each week the OC DinDin-A-GoGo will feature 2 -5 different trucks, in order to keep things “fresh.” (Kinda of like the OC Foodie Fest, but on a much smaller scale & there are no admission fees, so you can spend that extra money on food!) So bring your lawn chairs & some cash (not all of the trucks accept credit cards), & don’t forget your blankets & sweatshirts, because we can guarantee you’ll want to make an evening of it. Finally everyone in your family will be able to have exactly what they want for dinner. With multiple food trucks on site, you can be sure that there will be something for everyone to love.

What: OC DinDin-A-GoGo
When: Wednesday Evenings, 5:30-9pm
Where: K1 Speed Irvine, 17221 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, CA 92614

For a full recap of the very first OC DinDin-A-GoGo, check out Saturday Night Foodies.

xoxo, K
image via Saturday Night Foodies

Urban Kids Consignment Sale

C & K — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:21:08 +0000

Okay folks… summer is nearly over & school is about to start, or for some of you – has already started. That means, back-to-school shopping is in full swing, am I right? No worries! The Urban Kids Consignment Sale is coming to your rescue! This 3-day event is taking place in Orange County THIS Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Urban Kids Consignment has joined forces with local families that would like to sell their high quality, gently used children’s items at unbelievable discounts. What this means is that all of the items for sale are “in like new condition, yet sell for a fraction of their retail value.” Heck! They even go as far as inspecting items before putting them on the sales floor in order to guarantee such high standards!

The sale is happening this Friday, Saturday & Sunday. If you want a good selection, I’d suggest being there bright & early Friday morning. However, on Saturday, most items are an additional 25% off & on Sunday, most items are an additional 50% off. Ready to shop? Be sure these tips & tricks provided by Urban Kids Consignment:

Free Admission
We currently only accept Cash, Debit Cards, Visa, and Master Card
Sales tax will be charged on all items
The sale will be extremely busy. Be prepared you may be waiting in line
Please consider leaving your children at home! We do allow children at the sale, however for your convenience we strongly suggest you do not bring them. The sale will be extremely busy and it may be difficult to keep an eye on them and shop at the same time. If you do bring your child, they must stay at your side. Please do not bring large purses or diaper bags into the sale.
Any items that may be confused with a sales item will be tagged at the door.
Extra large shopping bags will be provided for your convenience. Please feel free to bring laundry baskets to keep your items in while you shop.
If you are purchasing a large item, have a volunteer place your name on the item and remove the ticket. Please make sure you are definitely purchasing the item before having the tag removed or the item held.
Please inspect each item you are purchasing carefully. Remember ALL SALES ARE FINAL!!
Sign up to consign or volunteer and shop first at our presale and first on 50% off days!
Come back for our 25% off day on Saturday, and our 50% off day on Sunday.
Bring a list of your kids measurements and a tape measurer. A quick way to check the length of pants is to measure a pair from home that fit using a piece of string. Cut the string so that it is the length of the pants from the waist to the bottom of the pants leg. If the pants at the sale are shorter than the string, you know that they will be floods on your child.
Trace your child’s foot on cardboard and bring it to slip into shoes.
We have made EVERY effort to ensure that no recalled items are in our sale, however you can check www.cpsc.com for information on recalled items.
If you have items your children have outgrown, consider being a consignor, You can sell your items, make extra cash, and be able to shop early at the consignors presale and 50% off sale.
Have you considered becoming a Volunteer? By volunteering you will have the opportunity to shop first (translation: get the best deals). You can volunteer 3 hour and 6 hour shifts and be the first to shop at our sale.

What: Urban Kids Consignment Sale

When: Friday, August 27th from 10am – 7pm, Saturday, August 28th from 10am – 4pm (most items are 25% off) & Sunday, August 29th from 10am – 2pm (most items are 50% off).

Where: 5300 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720

xoxo, K

p.s. While it’s too late to sell your stuff at this sale, don’t worry. Another sale is happening soon (rumor has it, there will be an October sale), so go HERE to find out how & why to be a “consignor.”

images via Urban Kids Consignment

“Endless Summer” Cookout & Movie

C & K — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:54:15 +0000

Join Ruby’s Diner in celebrating the “Endless Summer” TONIGHT, at the Huntington Beach Pier. There will be a burger cookout with RubyBurgers and soda or water for $5 (100% of the profits will be donated to ChildHelp a national non-profit dedicated to helping victims of child abuse & neglect), a custom-made longboard & skateboard giveaway, & a screening of the original 1966 movie “Endless Summer.”

Burgers go on sale at 6pm & the movie starts at 7:30pm – don’t forget your beach chairs & blankets, because you’ll be watching the movie under the open sky with the crashing waves in the background. Director Bruce Brown, Robert August (star of “Endless Summer 2″) & the Ruby Cavanaugh will be on hand signing autographs.

xoxo, K
image via Ruby’s Diners

milk & honey warehouse sale

C & K — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:16:06 +0000

Oh baby! Milk and Honey is having a warehouse sale this Thursday, Friday & Saturday! Boutique clothing will be 50% off (for 0-6 years). All clothing will be $5-15!

What: Milk and Honey Warehouse Sales
When: Thursday & Friday, August 26th, 27th & 28th – 9am – 5pm (Thursday & Friday), 9am – 12pm (Saturday)
Where: 5488 McFadden Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Forms of Payment Accepted: Cash & Credit Cards

xoxo, K
image via Milk and Honey

Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland

C & K — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:43:51 +0000

Most kids look forward all year, to trick-or-treating. What’s not to love? Costumes & candy all rolled into one fun-filled night? The only thing that could possibly top that, would be trick-or-treating at the happiest place on Earth. Well now you can! Mickey’s Halloween Party is now happening at the Disneyland Park. This “not-so-scary” party encourages your little ghosts & goblins to join their favorite Disney characters for an evening filled with lively music, trick-or-treating, crafts & activities, and lots of other Halloween games & fun. C & I take our kids every year & they LOVE it.

This year’s Mickey’s Halloween Party is sure to be better than ever. With a new party location, this means Mickey’s Halloween Party will have longer hours (up to 3 more hours of fun), additional trick-or-treat stations, access to nearly all of the Disneyland Park attractions (including Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy & Haunted Mansion Holiday), even more dance parties & character photo locations, creepy crafts & activities for the whole family, and “exclusive offerings including Halloween Screams Fireworks.”

Yep! You read that correctly. If you are a HUGE fan of the Halloween Screams Firework Show that debuted last year at the Disneyland Park (like we are), then we hate to be the ones to tell you, but… attending Mickey’s Halloween Party is the only way to see the amazing fireworks show this year. The Disneyland Park will have a seprate weekend fireworks show for guests, but if you want to see Halloween Screams, then you better buy your Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets now.

Event Dates: October 1st, 5th, 8th, 12th, 15th, 19th, 22nd, 26th, 29th, & 31st

Times: Tuesday Nights 6-11pm, Fridays & Halloween Night 7pm-12am (although, you can gain access to the park before it closes to the general public beginning at 3pm on Tuesdays & 4pm on Fridays & on Halloween)

Advance Purchase Prices: $49 for October 1st, 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th

Day-of-Event Ticket Prices: $54 for October 1st, 5th, 8th, 12th, 15th, 19th, 22nd & 26th; $59 for October 29th & 31st

* Annual Passholders pay $44 on advanced purchases, on select days!

Buy tickets HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Disneyland