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All About lil o' Me

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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. :-)

Blog Archive

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Festival of Books USC FREE this weekend

USC Campus
Saturday April 30,10 am – 6 pm
Sunday, May 1, 10 am – 5 pm

USC, Exposition Blvd & S Figueroa St, Los Angeles
 
Admission FREE.

The 2011 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is where readers can meet their favorite authors, kids can watch children’s books come to life, and families can enjoy the fun of reading together. Cooking Stage, Children’s Stage, Panel Discussion, Music, Poetry, and more.

Nutrilite® Health and Fitness Expo and Kids’ Health & Fitness Expo

Costa Mesa
Friday & Saturday, April 29 & 30
OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
FREE

The Nutrilite® Health and Fitness Expo will be a 2-day extravaganza at the OC Fair & Event Center. The Expo will host a record numbers of vendors and attendees and they will also launched their Kids’ Health & Fitness Expo to coincide with the Kids Run the OC program.

 (If you have never done your homework on Nutrilite you are missing out. They are an awesome company with A++++ products. I personally think they are better than any other product out there.)

The Expo is free to attend, but there are parking fees for the Expo and for Race Day. There is a charge of $8.00 for Preferred Parking or $5.00 for General Parking on Friday and Saturday. Pre-paid race day parking can be purchased for $5.00 at the Nutrilite® Health and Fitness Expo.

Annual Arts Alive Festival- This weekend in Mission Viejo.

Mission Viejo

Annual Arts Alive Festival

Friday - Sunday, April 29 - Sunday, May 1
Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way at La Paz Rd, Mission Viejo
Artist from all over transform and capture amazing beauty of art using pastel chalk as the medium to blend onto asphalt as their canvases. With each artist’s techniques and their enthusiasm for the love of art you can truly experience the metamorphosis around you.

For more info. and directions click here.

The 5th Annual Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling- this weekend.

For directions and more info. click here! 

Sunday, May 1st 2011

Join us on Sunday, May 1, 2011 for a great weekend of family fun, excitement, and cycling action as part of the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling.

Our 5th annual Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling Professional Criterium will offer exciting race action around a dynamic downtown race course. We’ll have something for the entire family - kids races, vendor expo, food, beverage and fun!

The Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling - May 1st 2011, Be Here!!!

National Geographic Little Explorers Club at Pottery Barn Kids.

National Geographic has partnered with Pottery Barn Kids and is providing a great experience for the little ones! National Geographic is bringing the museum experience to Pottery Barn Kids Stores.

Children 3 and up will learn all about the Ocean and their creatures with three FREE special sessions. The fun events will feature hands on activities, crafts, quizzes and will be a great learning experience.
Each session spotlights a different sea creature
  • Saturday April 30th 10am: Sharks
  • Saturday May 21st 10am: Turtles
  • Wednesday June 8th 10am: World Ocean Day
Kids will receive a badge after attending each session and a special gift after attending all three.
For additional info head here.

Monday, April 25, 2011

The California Science Center- FREE FaMiLy FuN!

The California Science Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. 
 
Photo: IMAX audienceThe IMAX Theater is open daily. Please consult our movie times page or call 213-744-7400 for show information.
Admission to the Science Center's permanent exhibition galleries is FREE. Admission prices for the IMAX Theater are based on age group, and discounts are available for groups of 15 or more people. Ticket prices also apply to three Science Center attractions: the High Wire Bicycle and the Motion-Based Simulator.

Parking is $8 per car, $10 for buses, and $25 for oversize vehicles (cash only).* To reach the parking structure, turn west into Exposition Park on 39th Street from Figueroa and follow the signs. For more detailed information, see Map & Directions.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Mission Federal ArtWalk 4/30/11 – 5/01/11

Last year over 100,000 people attended this art walk. it's the LARGEST event in San diego and it's fun, free, educational, and just a short drive away.
Price: Free
Address: Little Italy neighborhood, San Diego
Phone Numbers: 619-615-1090

4/30/11 – 5/01/11 San Diego's original, Mission Federal ArtWalk is the largest art event in San Diego and is now in its 27th year. More than 300 visual artists from all over the world show and sell their art. 7 music and dance stages, interactive art for children and the picturesque background of hip and historic Little Italy make this event a must-do every spring in San Diego.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Keys Creek Lavender Farm


Keys Creek Lavender Farm:

OPENING DAY for 2011 falls on Friday, April 29th this year! 


 OPEN in May and June only from 10am to 4pm - FREE Walking Tours at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.


Each year they open their doors so that visitors may experience the incredible scent and glorious sights of lavender in bloom. Most of Their lavender blooms in May and June so it's then that we open from 10-4 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday to share this beauty with the public. We have distillation demonstrations, various speakers and vendors as well as classes and workshops.
Keys Creek Lavender Farm is located in northern San Diego County. The farm is San Diego's counties only USDA certified organic lavender farm.  About two dozen varieties of lavender are grown on the 8 acres lavender farm. After harvesting the lavender is processed into a variety of products which are available for purchase at the farm gift store. Lavender products include lavender infused pure honey, fragrance bags, essential oil, massage oil and just about any other item that can be made with lavender. The drive to Keys Creek Lavender Farm is an adventure its self. Once you turn off onto Keys Creek Road your going to wonder where is the place. You will need to travel about a mile an half on a bumpy dirt road before you see the lavender fields. Once you arrive you will know the trip was well worth it. The terrain of the farm is quite hilly and it may not be suitable for people with limited mobility. The farm gift shop is close to the parking area and they also have a golf cart to give you a ride if needed. Keys Creek Lavender Farm is a wonderful destination for a spring off the beaten path day trip.
Directions to Keys Creek Lavender Farm : ORANGE COUNTY: Take 1-5 South, exit Hwy 76 East. Go for 10 miles turn right at East Vista Way. Turn left at Gopher Canyon and go for 5 miles. Turn right at Champagne Blvd. (old Hwy 395) and turn left at Old Castle Rd. Take Old Castle Rd. for 5½ miles and at the bottom of the hill turn left at Lilac Rd. Go just over 2 miles and turn right at Old Lilac / Keys Creek Rd. (it's past a quaint farm stand). Continue forward to remain on Keys Creek Road and go for 1½ miles. Taking special care not to turn onto any other road or driveway. Follow the signs and you'll be just fine.  The Lavender Fields (12460 Keys Creek Rd.) is about 1.5 miles down on the left side. (760) 742-3844

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Easter at The Bren in Irvine.

Easter Sunday - April 24 - 8:30a & 11a - UC Irvine Bren Center - 100 Bren Center Drive

It's all free! It's fun! and It just might change your life!

For the Kids- Spectacular program on Easter Sunday for children from infants through 6th grade including energetic music, fun, engaging activities and the Bible-Time Marketplace where the Bible comes alive with dramatic skits and hands-on activities. This will be an Easter your children won't forget! The kids program runs concurrently with the Easter services in the main center at 8:30a and 11a.

For the adults/teens-For two thousand years Christianity has claimed an allegiance and a devotion to a risen Christ. This Easter at the Bren Center, Compass Bible Church is going to take a fresh look at that claim and reexamine the reasons Christians have staked their reputation and their lives on the assertion that Jesus of Nazareth actually rose from the dead. Did it really happen? Is there reasonable evidence? Does it even matter? Don’t miss this joyful gathering on the UCI campus as we investigate and celebrate the historic centerpiece of the Christian faith.

Would love to have you join me. Happy Easter!

To learn more click here.

SUPER!! EGGstravaganza Egg Hunt- FREE

THE HUNT IS ON! Friday,  April 22, 2011

South Orange County's most anticipated Easter egg hunt is back. Compass Bible Church returns again this year with bounce houses, big slide, balloon artist, face painting, balloons, goody bags, games, food and egg hunts for children of all ages.

Best of all...IT'S ALL FREE! So bring your whole family out for a morning you'll remember all year. This event is the biggest and best around. You'll be sorry you missed it.

“This annual event has been a great opportunity to get to know families in the community and provide a fun time for children and parents,” said Mike Fabarez, senior pastor of Compass Bible Church. “The event is supported by hundreds of volunteers from our church that love to come out and spend the morning watching the children of our community enjoy the Easter season.”

The EGGstravaganza will take place at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Hills, from from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

To Learn more click here.

Look online for more information or call Compass Bible Church at 949-540-0699.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

12th Annual Topanga Earth Day

Saturday & Sunday, April 23 - 24 10:00am til Sunset.
Topanga Community Club Fair Grounds, 1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga
An authentic annual gathering of Musical performances, Guest speakers, a Gallery of ecological artists, Non-profit organizations, complimentary Workshops; biodegradable & sustainable solutions, innovative environmental demonstration area, Composting, Water conservation, Native planting, Organic Food Gardening, Primitive skills & Living by example, Ecological products and services, Alternative energy, Healing arts, Organic food & beverages (vegetarian only), and a free Bio-diesel shuttle. Topanga Earth Day is a gathering for all ages, all cultures, and all families.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

7th Annual “Best of Plein Air”

Laguna Beach   Thursday, April 7 – Friday, May 6, 2011
The Esther Wells Collection, 1390 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach
FREE

LPAPA in collaboration with The Esther Wells Collection presents the 2011 Best of Plein Air Artists.

Friday, April 15, 2011

FREE Campfire fun at Caspers Wilderness Park in SJC every Sat. night!

You don’t have to camp out to take your kids to the Saturday night campfire at  Caspers Wilderness Park in San Juan Capistrano.

There is a $5 day use fee at the park, so bring a picnic and watch the sunset before the campfire show, then enjoy some smores while you gaze at the star studded sky.
The show runs EVERY Saturday night.
Here’s the information from the park’s website: 
Campfire Program-  7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Come join a ranger for an hour of fun and learning about Caspers Wilderness Park. Our Campfire program may include a slide presentation, wilderness safety, games and activities for children, animal adaptations, skins and skulls, a live animal demonstration and a chance to visit the Nature Center. Topics may vary weekly. Camping not necessary, day use fee applies.

Event Fee: Free
Parking Fee: $5.00 Day Use Fee
Age: All Ages

Caspers Wilderness Park
33401 Ortega Hwy.( P. O. Box 395)
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
949.923.2210 or (949)923-2207

Click here to learn more and see all the activities they offer
For more information visit here or call 949-923-2210.
Caspers Wilderness Park is located at 33401 Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano.

FREE Spring Gardening Workshop

Irvine,  Saturday, April 16, 10:00 am – 12:00 Noon
Orange County Great Park, Sand Canyon Ave and Marine Way, Irvine
Free Parking & Admission
Herbs – From the Garden to the Table – Fresh vegetables are even tastier when flavored with herbs fresh from the garden! Spice up your culinary adventures with the addition of herbs harvested just before they’re used.

Also at an Armstrong Garden center near you:  

Container Veggies
Saturday, April 16, 9am
Container gardening is easy and is a great way to get nutritious and fresh veggies for your family. We’ll demonstrate and discuss how to plant and care for a wide range of your favorite veggies.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

National Park FREE admission Days

National Park Free admission Days

All National Parks are offering free admission on select days for 2011. California parks include Channel Islands National Park Ventura, CA National Park, Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Redwood National Parks, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Yosemite National Park.

The following are free days, National Park week April 16-24, June 21 fist day of summer, September 24 public land day and November 11-13 Veterans Day weekend.

Glass Bead Making Competition

Orange, Saturday, April 16, 10 am - 4 pm
Coatings by Sandberg, 628 N. Eckhoff, Orange
Admission FREE, Donations for some activities
Talented bead artists the SoCal Flamesurfers work their flaming torches melting colorful glass to create unique glass art for 6 continuous hours to benefit the children’s arts-in-medicine nonprofit Beads of Courage. See how glass beads are made. Shop. Make a bracelet. Enter a raffle. Sponsor a bead for a sick child.

The farm is free, but the rooms not...Oceanside's farm with bed and breakfast.

OK, this one might be more for mom and dad then for the whole family. 

Blue Heron Farm Bed & Breakfast The major attraction is the peacefulness and beauty of the farm itself. Located seven miles east of the Oceanside Pier.

The Blue Heron Farm Bed & Breakfast, is located on an organic farm, nestled in the hills,
7 miles east of the Oceanside Pier, in a lovely, little-known agricultural area, in Fallbrook, California.



Our Hacienda style B&B has decks, patios and a tree-shaded lawn for relaxation, as well as walks through the farm and along riparian areas.
Deer and coyotes are frequent visitors, and bobcats occasionally drop by.
(Please click on smaller photos to enlarge.)






The beautiful gardens and natural settings are perfect for small, intimate
weddings or retreats. Perhaps the major attraction is the  peacefulness and beauty of the farm itself. It adjoins Camp Pendleton, which is the last large expanse of chaparral and coastal habitat in Southern California.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

FREE Annual Earth Day Whale Fest Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu

Annual Earth Day Whale Fest Leo Carrillo State Park

Sunday April 17, 2011
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
“Earth Day Whale Fest!”

Celebrating Cetaceans and Community!

The 15th Annual Earth Day Whale Fest will be held at Leo Carrillo State Park (Located at 35000 West Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California 90265).

This event celebrates the annual migration of the California gray whale and its successful return from the brink of extinction. Whale appreciation and environmental awareness are the themes of the day. Live entertainment, environmental conservation information booths, whale-watching stations, arts and crafts for children, activities,
music and food are all a part of the day’s events. Experienced naturalists will be on hand to help participants spot and identify gray whales and bottlenose dolphins right from the beach!

Festival Admission is FREE! Parking for the public is $12.

Sponsored by the Santa Monica Mountains Natural History Association and California State Parks.

For more information contact: info@earthdaywhalefest.org or visit the
website www.earthdaywhalefest.org

FREE! Family Day at the Beall

Irvine, Saturday, April 16, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Children and families of all ages are invited to enjoy free, hands-on art and science activities at UC Irvine’s Beall Center Family Day. Admission is free and open to the public. And because UC Irvine is having a campus wide celebration on April 16, parking is also free.

The event offers a “kid-friendly” introduction to new media art relating to the Beall Center’s current exhibit, “Inflatable Bodies.”  The Beall Center Family Day will include interesting art projects, and amazing hands-on demonstration by local high-tech companies in manufacturing, engineering, and design.  The Optics Institute of Southern California will present their “Artricks-Optricks” program, which teaches principles of light, vision, and other optical phenomena in a fun and engaging way.  Additional guests include UC Irvine’s MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement) Program from the Henry Samueli School of Engineering, and Irvine’s Mathobotix, an organization who uses the motivational effects of robotics to excite generations of children to study science and technology.
 
(Note Alternate Parking available at Mesa Court Parking Structure. Interactive Campus Map: http://www.uci.edu/campusmap/ )

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Malibu Bluffs Park- 13th Chumash Day Powwow and Inter-Tribal Gathering

Malibu Bluffs Park- 13th Chumash Day Powwow and Inter-Tribal Gathering

Saturday, April 16, 11:00 am - 7:30 pm
Sunday, April 17, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Malibu Bluffs Park, 24250 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
Admission FREE
A Malibu tradition for over 13 years, event includes: Native Food, Native American Arts & Crafts, Music, Dancing & Entertainment, Children’s Activities, Storytelling and more.

FREE tickets to Long Beach Grand Prix on FRIDAY only!!

The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach will fire through the streets of downtown Long Beach with weekend-long action. Races will take center stage on the historic 1.97-mile, 11-turn seaside street circuit.

Free tickets to Long Beach Grand Prix

Want some free tickets to Friday events at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, which will be held April 16-18 in downtown Long Beach?  The free tickets are for Friday, April 16.
This saves you $25 off the normal price for Friday admission and unreserved seats.
Thanks to Tamiya America, Inc. which is offering the freebies.
Click here to sign up for the free printable coupon to get in to the Long Beach Grand Prix Friday
Now, here's the bad news.
Friday is a qualifying day for the race, so you're not going to see the full race that day.
But here's the good news:  It's still fun!
Click here to see the daily schedule for the Grand Prix events, by day.
You'll get to see the Indycars, get right up close to the track and hear them vroom past us (wear earplugs!), but you don't have to sit there all day long.
Then, you can go into the Long Beach Convention Center, where there was an ultra groovy "Lifestyle Expo" gearhead car show going on, where the kids  can sit in race cars, and you'll get to look at all sorts of interesting auto-related stuff that you'll never see otherwise.
The kids might get posters and other freebies, and, all in all, it will be a fun time. For FREE, except for parking.  I would recommend going early, though, because the expo gets crowded.

America’s Family Pet Expo

Costa Mesa
Friday-Sunday, April 15-17
OC Fair & Event Center - 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Fri. 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. • Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. • Sun. 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
 
General Admission $12.00, seniors $10.00, children 6-12 $6.00, kids 5 yrs. and under are FREE (click below for $2.00 off discount by buying tickets online)

Parking is $5 

The 22nd annual America’s Family Pet Expo will return to the OC Fair & Event Center. The expo provides a weekend of entertainment for Southern California residents with animal performances, stage shows, shopping and the chance to interact with nearly 100 breeds of dogs, cats, birds, fish, llamas, reptiles, pigs, rats, mice, rabbits and exotic animals to hold, learn about and adopt.

World’s Largest Pet and Pet Product Expo Returns to Orange County With New Aquatic Experience and Performances By JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Show and Medieval Times Horse Show
New to the 2011 show is the Aquatic Experience, an innovative exhibit of 1,000-gallons filled with fish from different regions of the world. Dozens of freshwater fish, saltwater fish and live plants will be donated by Segrest Farms, the world’s largest wholesale, ornamental fish distributor.


Chili cook off, car show and 25 acres of plants, flowers, and trees? NICe

Simpson's "Garden Town" Nursery - large selection of plants, picnics, tour of antique cars and trucks, livestock viewing, ornamentals, herbs, cactus and succulents, fruit, shade trees, and palm trees. Over 25 acres of plants, trees, flowers, cars, and more.

On April 16th though you can enjoy the Nursery AND and chili cook out and car show.  The vent is FREE to the public but their might be some costs for activities and food. Avoid the food costs by packing your picnic basket. 


Easter Eggstravaganza at Irvine park

Meet the Easter bunny, go on an egg hunt, Take a train ride or hay ride, bounce in the bunnie bounce house, decorate an Easter cookie, play carnival games, face painting, and MUCH more all at the Irvine park. 
For more info. and dates click here

Other Irvine Regional Park Activities and Concessions

While you’re at the park enjoying the spectacular Easter event, enjoy the many other activities and concessions inside of Irvine Regional Park:

  • Bike Rentals
  • Paddleboat Rentals
  • Pony Rides
  • The Orange County Zoo
  • Full Snack Bars with Hot Food and Cold Drinks

Monday, April 11, 2011

Bates Nut Farm arts, crafts, and cars all in one location this weekend.

This weekend you can visit the Bates Nut Farm  and get a bonus. They are hosting a craft and cars festival too this weekend. Read below to learn more.


In 1921, Gilbert and Beatrice Bates moved their nutty family to the beautiful, picturesque oak filled valley of Valley Center, where they purchased the Walnut Slope Ranch. They raised their family of 5 boys, complete with geese, ducks, goats, horses, rabbits, sheep, tractor, plows and all sorts of old fashioned farm things. Little did Gilbert know that 80 years later his family farm would provide joy and pleasure for 5 generations of his family, but also for the thousands of visitors from around the world that make that special trip to the Bates farm each year.  Bates started out producing and selling walnuts and over the years have expanded to selling a variety of nuts from all over the world. Today you can buy almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, cashews and peanuts. Nuts sold at Bates are roasted and packaged on site to ensure freshness. Bates Nut Farm also a fudge shop and candy counter, which has a tasty selection of regular as well as sugar free candy. 

Next door to the main store in the original barn in the Farmer’s Daughter store with gifts and collectable's. Bates Nut Farm has something for everyone and a perfect destination for a day trip. 


 "Spring Crafts & Cars"
Saturday & Sunday
April 16th (crafts) -17th (cars)
9-5 both days.
Also both days:
Lion's Club Pancake Breakfast...
7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
$6.00 Adults / $5.00 Children
The best breakfast around!!

An interesting nearby side trip is The Palomar Observatory is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is no admission charge to visit the observatory or see the 200-inch Hale Telescope from the visitors gallery.


I-5 SOUTH OR NORTH TO HWY 78
Take Hwy 78 east to city of Escondido. Freeway will end at Broadway. Turn right on Broadway, go 2 traffic lights to Washington. Turn left on Washington and travel approximately 2 1/2 miles to the traffic light at El Norte Parkway. Turn right on El Norte Parkway.  Travel to Valley Parkway and turn left on Valley Parkway, continue 6 miles - it will go up hill gradually (currently under construction). At first traffic light - Woods Valley Road, turn right. Continue on Woods Valley Road for approximately 3.5 miles. Bates Nut Farm is on the left. 
760-749-3333

Saturday, April 9, 2011

4/17/11- EarthFair in Balboa Park, San Diego

Price: Free
Address: Balboa Park- San Diego, Ca
Phone Numbers: (858) 272-7370
4/17/11- 10:am-5pmThe annual EarthFair in Balboa Park is the largest free annual environmental fair in the world. Each year, the EarthFair draws around 70,000 visitors. Produced by 400 volunteers, EarthFair features more than 350 exhibitors, special theme areas, a Food Pavilion, a special Kids’ Activity Area, three entertainment venues, the Children’s Earth Parade, the eARTh Gallery art show, and the Cleaner Car Concourse.

Special for Kids
In our Childrens’ Activity Area you’ll find crafts, games, face painting, storytelling, and a hands-on activities for children of all ages. Activities are intended to educate, entertain and inspire youth, in the spirit of Earth Day. This year, participants will learn to make paper, find out about recycling, make gift cards from recycled materials, and learn how to visit wild areas without disturbing the environment. Our Children’s Stage features youth-oriented performances throughout the day.

Entertainment
EarthFair will feature three stages. We’ve already mentioned the Children’s Stage, featuring music, song and storytelling aimed at the younger set. The Moon Stage (at Park and Presidents Way) will feature a variety of contemporary music by local artists. The Folk Music Stage (by the U.N. building), hosted by the San Diego Folk Music Heritage Society, will feature some of our city’s finest folk music artists.

eHome
Our eHome exhibit area showcases products and technologies that can make your home more environmentally sustainable. If you're building a new structure, or adding to an existing home, alternative home-building technologies, such as straw bale and steel-frame construction, will be of interest. Find out about energy- and resource-saving products and materials, like energy-efficient appliances and low-E windows. A wide variety of solar electric systems – available now, to help you get off the grid – will be shown.

eARTh Gallery
The eARTh Gallery features works by artists using recycled materials or showing depictions of "Endangered Spaces" in San Diego County. The artwork will be presented next to the Children's Area in the Pan American Plaza (close to the Auto Museum).

Food Pavilion
Tired of the nitrate-filled hot dogs and sugar-loaded sodas you usually get at large public events? Then step right up to our Food Pavilion for a change of pace. You'll find out-of-the-ordinary vegetarian fare that will make you wish it was available in the park all year long.

Children's Earth Parade
The Children's Earth Parade (All Species Welcome) starts at 10:30 am by the Spanish Village and marches through the Park to the Children's Area in the Pan American Plaza. Participants are invited to dress up as endangered species, present their favorite earth-friendly messages.

Cleaner Car Concourse
The Cleaner Car Concourse features vehicles of all descriptions that all run on alternative fuels (hybrids included). This isn't just “the future”: these are vehicles being used on the road today. The vehicles will be on display in the Pan American Plaza. Do you have a vehicle that belongs in the show? Click here for more information, and to register on-line.

Stuff to Buy
You'll see lots of stuff to buy at EarthFair. As in previous years, non-profit organizations are free to sell goods and services to support their operations. In fact, for many of the smaller non-profits, EarthFair can be a significant source of funding for their activities. So, if you want to get some holiday gifts real early, you can make sure your money will be going to a cause you want to support. We will also allow for-profit organizations to sell environmentally-beneficial goods and services.

Getting There
Sixty- to seventy-thousand people can create real transportation problems. If you arrive after about 10:30 am, there is often no CAR parking close to the Park.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Indian Point Ostrich Ranch- this one is a full day trip!

SO you're gonna have to get up early for this one, BUT what fun it will be...

Indian Point Ostrich Ranch Visitors always welcome. 60 acre mountain side ranch and a separate 20 acre farm. The ranch opened to the public for tours in 1997.

Nestled in the hills of the Cummings Valley area of Tehachapi, California, Indian Point Ostrich Ranch is surrounded by breathtaking vistas and scenic landscapes. Visitors enjoy taking tours of the Ostrich Ranch and observing the ostrich in their natural environment. Everyone is captivated by their inquisitive behavior. Tour the ranch and get up close to the largest bird on earth!

Indian Point Ostrich Ranch also supplies delicious ostrich meat all over Kern County and Los Angeles County. Browse thier website for ostrich facts, great ostrich recipes and try some of our luxurious ostrich lotions. Have fun !

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

2/04/11 – 9/18/11 WINGS OF GOLD: CORONADO AND NAVAL AVIATION

Wings of Gold: The Coronado Historical Association will participate in a national celebration of the Centennial of Naval Aviation with the unveiling of a themed museum exhibit, Wings of Gold: Coronado and Naval Aviation. An original pilot's uniform, the helmet of one the first female naval aviators. More...
Price: $4 donation suggested.
2/04/11 – 9/18/11 WINGS OF GOLD: CORONADO AND NAVAL AVIATION, at the Coronado Museum of History and Art, as part of the national celebration of 100 years of Naval Aviation. Explores Naval Aviation’s origins 100 years ago on a sandy, scrub-covered island in San Diego Bay, which forever changed military history. Includes rare photographs, artifacts including an early pilot license signed by Orville Wright, and video about the heroes and pioneering events that transpired on the Crown Isle.

1100 Orange Ave, Coronado. 619-435-7242.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Zoomars Petting Zoo for only 5.00!

Llama at Zoomars
Zoomars Petting Zoo and Bird Park has over 100 friendly animals to pet, feed, love and learn from. Zoomars is open every day from 10am to 5pm, rain or shine. For more information and admission costs ($6.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids) to www.zoomars.com.

Take the train or drive to 31691 Los rios St. San Juan Capistrano  949-831-6650

Monday, April 4, 2011

Did you get your Mommy sticker today?

I have read this a couple times and each time get a kick out of it, so...

Kids get stickers for doing good things or doing things right, so why not moms? Childcare is relentless, and no one tells you when you're doing a good job. Here's a typical day and all the things I've done that deserve at least a sticker. Don't you think? What about you?

Today, I...

    * Managed to find a G-rated word to shout after Stubbing my pinky toe!
    * Snagged front-row seats for the hottest shows in town: the FREE movie in the park series!
    * Extracted my toddler from the park without bribery, muscle power, or the kind of negotiation skills you might see on Deal or No Deal.
    * Used the stop-and-go traffic I was stuck in as an opportunity to retrieve various toys, pacifiers, balled-up socks, and bottles as they rolled under my feet.
    * Shaved BOTH of my legs...and my armpits-- on the same day, no less.
    * Transferred a sleeping child from the car to the crib without stepping on any squeaky toys, or legos!, or banging my knee on the car seat..
    * Resisted the urge to jump off a bridge after I cleaned up the 50th mess made by my toddler today.
    * Forced a smile when my son picked all the dandelions in the backyard, brought them in the house and began to blow all those seedlings all over my house!
    * Didn't eat the brownies that were calling my name. Well, not all of them. Just the middle ones.
    * Got the "air pane" to fly into the "hanger" over and over again, until all the veggies were gone.
    * Saved my daughters beloved blankie from falling into the large, murky puddle in the back yard.
    * Made breakfast, lunch, and dinner (in the same day no less!). My kids can't even do that. I am a super hero!

Here's my take on:  Excerpted from You're a Good Mom by Jen Singer (2008).

Sunday, April 3, 2011

2011 OC Fair Culinary Competitions.

Culinary Competions at the Fair 

Saturday & Sunday, April 9-10, 10:30 am - 3:00 pm
OC Fair  and Event Center , 100 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa
FREE Event. 
Reservations required. 
Parking $5.

For the first time, the OC Fair is offering free classes to assist people interested in competing in the 2011 OC Fair Culinary Competitions. Local professionals will offer tips and techniques on the principles of canning, baking basics and the art of decorating cakes. Classes are suitable for people 12 and older. Class size is limited and reservations are required.

Youth EXPO April 8-10th at the OC fair grounds.

Apr 08, 2011 - Apr 10, 2011
Youth Expo 2011

Location:
OC Fair & Event Center

Event Description:
Days Hours Friday (Field Trip Day)  9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Price: Admission: FREE
Parking: $5 (Field Trip Day - Fri., April 8: FREE parking for busses and cars.)

About this event Youth Expo 2011 invites local children and their families, schools and youth groups to show they are "Barn To Be Wild" at this annual event featuring exhibits, entertainment, activities and other fun stuff for the whole family.

Gardenfest- San Clemente

The 2011 Gardenfest is coming soon (April 9th, 2011 8am-4pm), the  attached flyer can be printed and sent to anyone you think would like to attend. 

If you have a garden or want to start one, now's the time to learn how to make it the best it can be.
Saturday, the San Clemente Garden Club will present Gardenfest 2011, a FREE event from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the San Clemente Communty Center, corner of Avenida Del Mar and Calle Seville.

There will be plant sales, a flea market (gently used garden items), a silent auction, an art competition, a floral-design contest, a funky-container contest, activities for children and more.

There will be demonstrations of such things as rainwater harvesting, square-foot gardening, tool sharpening and care and dealing with butterflies and native habitat.

The garden club produces the event in partnership with the city and the San Clemente Art Association. Proceeds help the club provide scholarships and perform civic beautification.