Followers

All About lil o' Me

My photo
Just call me your Budget Barista. I have been married for 20 years to the best man on this planet. He's sweet, caring, kind, but most of all he makes me laugh. We have Three adorable kids. A beautiful sweet pea girl, A 'superman' boy, and a love bug baby girl. We just love that we live where people vacation...where the ocean meets the sky. We live a wonderful life. I love my life and I thank Christ for giving it to me. Some random things about me are I enjoy baking, quilting, paper crafting, jewelry making, scrapbooking, and loving on my family. I am a Princess in the Kingdom of the King of Kings, diet coke drinking baby kisser. We are a homeschooling family but are part of a hybrid program where the children attend a 'classroom' 2 days a week and we do the rest at home. It's a blast. We also love to vacation and explore God's world around us. I think that's enough for now. :-)

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

4/02/11 – 4/03/11- Flower fields with a bonus of Art and Crafts weekend!

Price: $5-$10
4/02/11 – 4/03/11 The Flower Fields® is a 50-acre rainbow of beautiful ranunculus flowers set on a hillside that overlooks the striking Carlsbad, California coastline. We are located just off the Interstate 5 Freeway, approximately halfway between San Diego and Orange County. A leisurely stroll along the pathways of the flower fields from early March to early May provides you with the opportunity to experience colorful bands of ranunculus flowers up close, and to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. You will definitely want to bring a camera! In addition to the vivid bands of color, we invite you to stroll among our various themed gardens, through our All American Rose Selection and Walk of Fame gardens, a poinsettia display, and a one of a kind sweet pea maze.

Children of all ages are sure to enjoy a ride throughout the Flower Fields site on a large wagon pulled by antique tractors that are provided by the Vista Antique & Steam Engine Museum. The Flower Fields® is a great place to bring the family for a day of picnicking and enjoying our beautiful Southern California weather. Picnic tables are provided on site for your convenience. Throughout the season, we also hold a series of Special Events designed to entertain visitors of all ages.

We provide free parking, restroom facilities, and handicapped accessibility for the convenience of our guests.Please note that The Flower Fields® is a working ranch with dirt pathways, so we urge to you wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes. You may also want to bring a light sweater or jacket, as the weather can get breezy and cool at times. Most importantly, don't forget to bring your cameras, because there are sure to be many wonderful photo opportunities! For the protection of the flowers and for the health and safety of your pet, pets are not permitted inside the admissions gate.

www.theflowerfields.com

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Bubble fest is BACK!!

Come this time of year, you know who’s going to be in town. Well, besides the Easter Bunny.
Fan Yang and his son are back at Discovery Science Center starting Saturday, the ONLY West Coast stop on the Guinness World Record holder’s world tour this year!! Yang will perform four shows a day at the BubbleFest extravaganza that runs through April 11.

Fan Yang’s Mega Bubble Show — a $7 ticket separate from admission to the center — is a big part of BubbleFest, a look at the science, principles and mathematics behind bubbles.
How big? This big: Yang will attempt to set a world record Monday for “Most Military Personnel in a Bubble” on Military Appreciation Day when any military member in uniform (active, reserve, guard or retired) gets in FREE to Discovery Science Center and the bubble show.


For those of you who aren’t in the military — but like discounts — print a coupon for $5 off on a BubbleFest Super Ticket that includes admission, a bubble show ticket, Dino-Quest Game, a 4-D Movie ticket, and a beverage from the Taco Bell at Discovery Science Center.
Regular Super Ticket prices are $29.45 for adults and $26.45 for children 3-17.
If you’re on a budget, regular admission to the science center ($9.95 to $12.95) includes access to indoor and outdoor Bubble Learning Stations where you can figure out how to make BIG  bubbles, how to make bubbles last a long time, and how to touch the inside of a bubble, among other things.
And moms, Tuesday at 10 a.m. is Mommy and Me Bubble Play Day, offering group discount packages.

Kids (and adults) can get their pictures taken inside a bubble for an additional fee at BubbleFest.

To learn more about the artists, click here

Friday, March 25, 2011

Earth Hour 2011

Earth Hour 2011

Go Beyond the Hour

On March 26, 2011, turn off your lights at 8:30 pm for Earth Hour, a worldwide collective display of commitment to protect the one thing that unites us all - the planet.
Every year Earth Hour asks individuals, businesses and communities worldwide to show their commitment to the environment. This Earth Hour, we hope you will turn off your lights. But when the lights go back on, we want you to go beyond the hour and think about what you can change in your daily life that will benefit the planet. Let’s work together to create a better future. Our actions can add up.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

FREE sailing and SUP boarding event this week and weekend in Long Beach

Watch this FREE Sailing event from the Belmont Pier. 90 Races over five days – Daily Noon to 5pm.

‘Sail and Savor’ Tasting Event – Friday night.

Finals on Sat 3/26 with Vendor Expo. Sponsored by Friedmans.
The 47th annual running of the Congressional Cup, one of the oldest and most prestigious match race sailing events in the world, is scheduled March 22-26 (Tuesday through Saturday). The one-on-one match race format, as used in the America’s Cup, is raced over a short course with intense action as close as physically possible to spectators on the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier.

Admission to the pier is FREE and open to the public, with limited grandstand seating. Snacks, refreshments and comfort stations are available. For most of its history, the Congressional Cup has been the only Grade 1 match race regatta sailed in the United States. Each boat sails against every other boat at least twice in a round-robin format, starting at five-minute intervals, for 90 total races over five days to determine the four semifinalists. The final four will race for the event’s unique prize—the Crimson Blazer—on Saturday. Racing starts daily at 12 noon and usually runs until 5 p.m. The boats, provided by the Long Beach Sailing Foundation, are identical Catalina 37s, with crews of six. There are no technical advantages. Close calls and extreme boat maneuvering in the pre-start sequence are essential in establishing the lead advantage at the start. Follow the thrilling action of these world-class athletes with live commentary!

Additional Festivities:
Sail and Savor – Featuring some of the best local restaurants, a tasting event will be held on the Belmont Pier Friday night March 25th 2011 starting at 5:00pm. Tickets can be purchased that evening for $20 Adult. Entertainment by The Wilsons.

Con Cup SUP – LBYC is proud to add Stand Up Paddle boarding to the Congressional Cup Program. Saturday March 26th 9:00am at the Belmont Pier. The first Con Cup SUP race will consist of a two mile (four laps) stand up paddle race around the Belmont Pier. The racers will be within yards of the pier during the entire race.

Finals & Vendor Expo – There will also be a vendor expo set up on the Pier during the exciting Finals on Saturday March 26th at 11:00am.

FREE California Visitor's guide.

The California Travel & Tourism Commission (CTTC) just released its 2011 California Official State Visitor's Guide and Travel Planner, the ultimate dream guide for planning an unforgettable California getaway.


"Our annual Visitor's Guide is both a glossy travel magazine with compelling editorial, and a practical detailed guidebook," announced Caroline Beteta, CTTC president and CEO. "Visitors will find the best ways to explore the wonders of the Golden State, from our glorious beaches and mountains, lush wine country and abundant farmlands to dramatic deserts, dynamic cities and fun ways to play. No matter what your interests, California has something for everyone."


This revised 204-page edition, distributed free to visitors around the world, includes 36 all-new trip ideas with detailed planning maps and eye-popping photography. Plus, each page reveals where locals go to discover, enjoy and play throughout the state, making the 2011 Visitor's Guide the essential travel tool for exploring California's 12 distinct regions, each with its own unique character and attractions. Readers will also get a free pull-out Official State Map with all-new roundups of California discoveries – wet and wild theme park rides, surfing hot spots, elegant missions and much more.


The 2011 Visitor's Guide also includes full-color features on activities and destinations, including adventures along the Central Coast; perfect San Francisco and L.A. vacations for three types of travelers: newlyweds, young families and empty nesters; hidden gems in California's High Sierra trio of national parks – Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon; pet-friendly fun in picture-perfect Carmel; and favorite local foods, artisanal products and award-winning wines from the editors at Sunset magazine.


CTTC is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state's travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $87.7 billion annually in California, support jobs for 881,000 Californians and generate $5.3 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about CTTC and for a free California Visitor's Guide as well as California Road Trips 2011, go to www.VisitCalifornia.com.

Angel Stadium of Anaheim with a behind the scenes tour! for $2-3.00 a person.

Come visit Angel Stadium of Anaheim with a behind the scenes tour!
Stadium Tours:
The "behind-the-scenes" tour is both an enjoyable and educational experience. You will be invited to view areas that are normally restricted to the public. The complete tour includes a visit to the following areas: Press Box, Press Conference Room, Clubhouse, and Dugout.
Angel StadiumTours will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Angel Stadium is wheelchair accessible if there is a need. Tour routes may change without notice depending on availability of areas in the stadium. The maximum number for tours is 40 people. We ask that you have 1 chaperone for every 10 kids in the tour group.
Fee for Tours:
$3 for adults and $2 for children.
Location:
Angel Stadium
2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, 92806
Tours meet just outside the Home Plate Gate in between the red hats.
Time of Tour:
During the Angels off-season, tours take place every Tuesday (with the exception of holidays) at 9:30 a.m, 11 a.m., and 1 p.m.
During the season, tours are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. when the team is out of town. Tours are not offered on dates when the Angels have a home game.
Arrangements:
Advanced reservations are required for tours. Reservations accepted by phone; one-month advance notice is suggested. A limited number of walk up spots may be available for each tour session, but please note that walk up space is limited to a first come first served basis.
Team Store:
The Angels' Team Store is open for groups to make purchases after their tour.
To make reservations, please call Angels Baseball Community Relations at (714) 940-2070.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Free Photo Contact Cards:
Offer valid for a limited time only. No coupon code necessary. Receive one free set of 50 Mommy Cards. Discount automatically applies at Checkout. Offer excludes Shipping charges. Regular pricing applies to any additional Mommy Card sets in your order. No substitutions, transfer rights or cash equivalents will be given. We reserve the right to modify or discontinue promotions at any time.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

To download your free The Biggest Loser and SUBWAY© Workout Mix - Wake Up and Workout, please enter a valid email address below.


Your download will begin after you press the Submit Email button.

FREE 5x7 Photo Book (reg. $9.99)


FREE 5x7 Photo Book (reg. $9.99):
Offer valid for a limited time. No coupon required. Receive one FREE 14-page Small Photo Book (regularly $9.99). Offer does not apply to additional pages in your book. Discount will automatically be applied at checkout, not including sales tax or shipping fees. May not be combined with other offers. No substitutions, transfer rights, or cash equivalents will be given. We reserve the right to modify or discontinue promotions at any time. You do have to pay 1.99 for S&H.

Tanaka farms now open! Great, fun, and educational farm for all to enjoy!

Tanaka Farms - U-pick Strawberries, pumpkins Vegetables and fruit stand. Guided wagon ride around the farm on special occasions. A real farm in Irvine California. Fun place to visit for kids. You can take a strawberry tour or even stay for a cookout! On weekends reservations are not required but during weekdays you should call to book your tour.  My kids love this farm and they can't ever seem to eat enough of those sweet, juicy, and luscious strawberries. If you go, eat one for me!
 
Tanaka Farms is a short drive from the 5 freeway along University Drive in Irvine. Take the road into Strawberry Hills golf course and you are there. On your left you will see the farm fields and to the right is the produce stand. Tanaka farm is one of the few remaining family operations left in the OC. During season you will find organic strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon and pumpkins. Tractor pulled farm tours are a popular family activity letting you see different fruits and vegetables growing in the fields. While on the farm tour visitors get a chance to taste some of the fruits and vegetables right off the vine. Kids really enjoy the ride and it is also a great learning experience for them. Reservations are recommended for the tours especially for groups. Tanaka farms is a a little piece of Orange County past that still thrives in the urban sprawl. 

Tanaka Farms also has a produce stand on site selling fresh organic produce. Tanaka Farms produce stand is open Weekdays 9am-6pm and Weekends 9am-5pm.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

3/20/11- Free Family Art Day in Oceanside

Price: FREE
3/20/11 At FREE Family Art Day children and their parents work closely in the artistic process designing small works of art that reflect concepts and themes from the exhibitions on view. All art activities and exhibitions on view are free to the public. There will be three activities to engage children of all ages. No art experience is required for the art activities. Healthy refreshments are provided. On display in the museum is Botanicals: The Photography of Imogen Cunningham, Islands of Color: Polynesian Quilts, Combs: Asia, Africa and Oceania, and Affirmations of Spirit: Carolyn Guild. Kid friendly docent tours will be available.

Free Family Art Day is made possible by Rady Children’s Hospital and the James Irvine Foundation

COSTA MESA - Model Train Rides.

 
Public ride days are on the  3rd Saturday and Sunday
of each month from 10:00 am till 3:30 pm
Cost: Free admission. 
Location: 2480 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa, CA. 
Call: (949) 54-TRAINS. ocmetrains.org


Public ride days are on the  3rd Saturday and Sunday

of each month from 10:00 am till 3:30 pm

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Are you a teacher? Want to get a FREE annual pass to Sea World?

Yeah for teachers!! Sea world is giving you a GREAT thank you gift for all you do to train, guide, love, and care for the next generation. Here are the details of what you'll need.

Present the original eVoucher (that you print out after filling in some info on their site) at the Will Call/Travel Voucher window at the SeaWorld San Diego main entrance WITH a valid California Driver's License or state-issued Identification card, a valid school ID and a recent paycheck stub (within 30 days). This eVoucher may not be copied, transferred or resold. Photocopies will not be accepted. Voucher must be redeemed at SeaWorld San Diego Will Call/Travel Voucher window for your 2011 Fun Card.



Original eVoucher must be redeemed at SeaWorld San Diego Will Call/Travel Voucher window with required documents prior to entering the park. This eVoucher will be converted to the 2011 Fun Card upon verification of documents. This eVoucher is non-transferable. The 2011 Fun Card is not valid for redemption or admission on 5/29, 7/3, 7/4 and 9/4/2011, and expires 12/31/2011. Tickets and Passes are non-refundable. 

Now for all you homeschooling moms I am gonna make a phone call and see If we can get in on this deal too.
Check back in a couple days to see what I learn.

3/19/11 Science family day- FREE

Price: FREE gallery admission, $8.50 per IMAX Film
3/19/11- Celebrate the opening of the Fleet’s newest exhibition “Cellular Journey,” sponsored by the Life Technologies Foundation, and participate in hands-on cell explorations. Activities just for preschoolers will be hosted in the newly remodeled “Kid City” exhibition.

Meet Dr. Joshua Wurman from the new IMAX film TORNADO ALLEY and see the Doppler on Wheels (DOW) created by Dr. Wurman to observe tornadoes, hurricanes and other phenomena from close range.

And don’t miss the newly released IMAX® film TORNADO ALLEY starring Sean Casey of Storm Chasers and the researchers of VORTEX 2. Test your knowledge of storms and weather with “Tornado Trivia” where you could win cool prizes from the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.

FREE gallery admission, all ages, all day. $8.50 per IMAX film, all ages, all day. Special activities will take place from 11AM to 3PM.

Price: $2 with admission
3/19/11 Slide into the Fleet Science Center’s Discovery Lab for Slime Science! Be prepared to get dirty with gak, goop, and oozing observations! Special activities are only $2 with admission and perfect for kids ages 5-12. Don’t let this deal slip through your hands; available Saturdays in March only.

Monday, March 14, 2011

5th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival 3/19/11

Price:
Festival is FREE with paid admission to Garden which for adults is $4.00, kids are FREE.
3/19/11- The Japanese Friendship Garden will host its 5th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, March 19th from 10am-4pm. The festival is FREE  with admission to the Garden. The Garden will also participate in Balboa Park Family Day and offer children 17 & under FREE admission with a paid adult admission. Tickets for food and games will be sold separately.

One of the most beautiful seasons in the Garden is spring when the cherry trees blossom into delightful pink clouds. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Garden while enjoying delicious Japanese food, arts and crafts, unique gifts, entertainment, cultural demonstrations and the crowning of a new Little Miss Sakura. Guided docent tours will be provided into the Garden's expansion site which will lead to the home of over 150 enchanting cherry trees blossoming with brilliant pink flowers for everyone's enjoyment and endless photo opportunities. The Garden will also crown a new Little Miss Sakura. Ten young girls will compete for the title of Little Miss Sakura and will be the representative of the Garden at various community and cultural events. They will compete in a song and dance performance and interview.

Currently, there are 150 Cherry Blossom trees located throughout the existing site and future expansion. The trees were donated by the Asakawa Family who were the original inhabitants of the original tea house from the 1915 World Exposition in Balboa Park. The Cherry Blossom Festival is among a number of fundraising and cultural events that the Garden will hold for the expansion project. Currently, the Garden sits on two and a half acres. Upon completion of the expansion project to its complete eleven acres, the Garden will become one of the largest public Japanese-style gardens in the United States. The Japanese Friendship Garden is located in the heart of San Diego’s historic Balboa Park. Our mission is to provide a Japanese Garden dedicated to the well being of all people which offers educational programs that encourage understanding of the Japanese heritage among people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

My Name according to a 2 year old.

Every mom does it. Plays the what does...(fill in the blank with an animal) say game with their preschooler.  The duck says quack, the bird says chirp. As my son had been learning that all the animals had sounds. He mastered them, so i began to get creative. What dose the bunny say...you scrunch up your nose and try to make it wiggle, saying nothing. What does the baby say? Wah, wah.  Then you go into names.  What's this, point to duck and ask it's name. Duck! he says.

Go through tons of books asking for names.  He masters that pretty good, then I begin asking him what's your sisters name? He answers right. What's the baby's name? He answers right. What's papa's name? He answers right. What's your name? He answers right. Now here's where it gets toooo cute for words.  What's mama's name? He answers with his big blue eyes and his darling little boy voice....Shweethard....aka sweetheart!  I think I melted that day.  It's a day I won't forget, I just wish i had it recorded with his sweet little voice. Some times I wish life was on "record" mode all the time.  We could save the moments we like and delete the ones we don't. What a great DVD that would make, huh?

Stefani AKA Shweethard

Thursday, March 10, 2011

5th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival on Mar. 13th

Three South Orange County based Irish dance schools, all of which have produced regional, national and international champions, will bring a bit of Irish and Scottish culture to the stage during the 5th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival on Sunday, March 13 at the Orange County Market Place in Costa Mesa, the weekend swap meet at the O. C. Fair & Event Center. The Festival runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is included in admission. All entertainment is included with swap meet admission, which is $2, or free for ages 12 and under.
 
Each school will perform twice on the Westside Stage during the day long celebration, with each academy in distinctive colorful costumes showcasing their styles of jigs, reels, and soft and hard shoe dance numbers.
 
On another stage (ACE Stage presented by KSBR radio) electric cellist Marston Smith of Malibu will perform old Celtic favorites from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Smith uses a unique six stringed electric cello of his own design mounted on medieval battle armor to play what he calls songs of epic romanticism. He has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, at Cirque du Soleil, in Las Vegas casinos and at several international jazz festivals.
 
Strolling entertainment includes Celtic attired stilt walker Joy Halverson of Mission Viejo from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Jeff Abbit of Irvine as Abbit the Average Leprechaun performing Irish magic and comedy from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
 
Green mint ice cream and green lemonade will also be offered.
 
Thanks Trippen for the info.!
 

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

They Came from Outer Space – A NASA Space Exploration Exhibition

They Came from Outer Space – A NASA Space Exploration Exhibition

Exhibit Runs through March 27
Casa Romantica Cultural Center - 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente
Tickets: Adults $5, children 12 and under are $3.00
 
Presented in conjunction with NASA – the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
This fun and educational exhibition for the whole family is presented through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The exhibition explores how many of the everyday products we all use were developed for the space program. It includes the story of manned space flight, a look at the food that was designed for use in outer space, an authentic Apollo space suit, equipment used by astronauts that can be handled, plus photographs of space walks, the international space station and stunning photographs from the Hubble Space Telescope.
Opening Day Event 1-4 p.m.
• Exhibition Viewing
• Space Food
• Live Music by the Space Aliens
• Fun Activities for the kids
Adults $5
Children 12 and under $3
Family Pack $12 (two adults & two children)

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Girl Scouts get FREE ice cream at Farrell's!

Girl Scouts who wear their uniforms into the restaurant can get a special FREE sundae at Farrell’s Ice Cream parlours in Mission Viejo and Santa Clarita next week, from Mon. March 7, 2011 to Fri. March 11, 2011.
This is part of a special Girl Scout Appreciation Week. 

Their girl scout sundae has a brownie, ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, sprinkles and a bright red cherry on top. Sounds like a hoot and I’m sure it’s calorie free.

I wish when I was a girl scout someone gave me sundae for all those hundreds of boxes of cookies I sold!I wonder if my vest still fits?! LOL.

Also, the Mission Viejo location is holding a FUNdraiser for the Girl Scouts of Orange County the same week. Anyone who brings in a Girl Scout of Orange County FUNdraising flyer will have 15% of their entire bill donated back to the Girl Scouts of Orange County.
Click here to go to the Farrell’s restaurant website

Monday, March 7, 2011

Kite Party in Hunington beach Mar. 12-13, 2011

Get front row seats or sand to this fun family event.

Annual Huntington Beach Kite Party

Huntington City Beach
1 Main Street  Huntington Beach, CA  92648
Phone: 714-536-3630

Dates & Times:

March 12 - March 13, 2011; both days (11 a.m.)
Some of the best professional kite fliers in the country converge on Huntington Beach to show their skills, not to mention their colorful stunt kites, for this annual family-friendly festival.
 
Kite fliers are by invitation only, but beach goers will have a front row seat for this fabulous event.
 
Kites will be available for purchase and the public is invited to fly their kits outside the roped-off kite arenas on the beach.

Directions:   This event takes place north of the pier.   Map this Location

Cost: FREE to spectators           Parking: Beach parking, bring quarters just in case. 
 
Be sure to bring chairs, towels, sunscreen, camera, lunch and maybe your own kite!

Click here for all the info.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Dana Point Restaurant Week March 4th - 13th, 2011

Special Offers to Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Dana Point Festival of Whales 

DO you like to eat out, but find that it's too costly. Well this week Dana point is offering you a bargain.

Mar. 5-6 & Mar. 12-13 Dana Point Festival of Whales!

Welcome to the Dana Point Festival of Whales!  We’re celebrating our 40th anniversary this year and hope you’ll be able to join us for BOTH fun-packed weekends.  Our Calendar of Events provides you with a daily listing of all that’s going on, including location, time and a short description of the event.  You can also download and print a map to help you navigate, and please remember that programs and maps are available throughout the Harbor and on all of the FREE Festival shuttles that transport you to each and every Festival event.

DP festival of whales

Don't forget that it's also:

Dana Point Restaurant Week
March 4th - 13th, 2011

click here to learn more about restaurant week 

Saturday, March 5, 2011

ALL your children can get in FREE to the Legoland's sealife aquarium on Wed.

You pay for yourself (and any other adults) and all your children get in FREE!! You do need one coupon for every child you have. Children under 2 get in free anyway, but for every child over that, click on coupon and print out a coupon for EACH one and they'll get in FREE!! This Wed. is the Last Wed. you can use it! Have fun and maybe I'll see you there...