Thursday, February 9, 2017

Valentine's Day in Orange County

Looking for some fun, family-friendly, even free Valentine's Day activities in Orange County? We've got a few for you!

Irvine Spectrum Center - OC Mom Blog Carousel Party



Bring the kids out to the Spectrum Mall for a variety of fun and free activities! From 10am to noon, February 14th at Carousel Court, expect face painting, live entertainment, crafts, free carousel rides, giveaways, and sweet treats!

Click here to get more info.

IKEA Costa Mesa - 2 Prime Rib Dinners for $14.99 + Free Photobooth

February 11th: The first 100 people through the door this Saturday will get 100 free tea lights! Plus, enjoy a fun, free muffin making workshop from 1pm-2pm in the Swedish Food Market.

February 12th: The first 100 people through the door this Sunday will receive a beautiful stainless steel bowl.



February 14th: Enjoy 2 prime rib dinners for just $14.99! The dinner includes Prime Rib, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, soup or side salad, one Apple cake to share, one bottle of Sparkling Fruit Juice (non-alcoholic) and 2 Champagne flute glasses to take home! (while supplies last) Available from 5pm - 8pm.

Click here to get all the details on all IKEA events.

Pressed Juicery - Free Juice!

Send a free mini juice to a friend and get a free mini juice for yourself. Hurry - You must get your juice by February 14th!


Locations: Fashion Island, Irvine Spectrum Center, Westcliff Plaza
Click here to send a "Juice Gram"

Do you know of a family-friendly Valentine's event coming up? Post info and a link if you have one in a comment below!

Friday, August 26, 2016

Habitat for Humanity - Students Get 20% Off!

Though the weather may still be screaming SUMMER, the days are surely getting shorter and the nights a lot cooler. We all have warm autumn-themed coffee drinks on the mind and suddenly the thought of snuggling up under a blanket on the couch with Intro to Molecular Biology actually sounds kind of nice.


Sleek desks and fun barstools? Yes!
Maybe I took it too far with that last one, but still, it is Back to School season and for that reason we're excited about Habitat for Humanity of Orange County's Back To School Sale.

The sale runs August 1st through August 31st. All you scholars can get 20% off your entire purchase with a valid student ID - Hurry!


But really, doesn't your pad need this papasan chair?!
Head to both the Anaheim ReStore and Santa Ana ReStore for this deal.

Shop for desks, chairs, sofas, dressers, artwork, entertainment centers, TVs, kitchen supplies, microwaves and more!
Cozy, classic mocha-colored couch. You could study on this, for sure!

Classic, sophisticated items like this cozy couch above are great, lasting pieces that will carry you into life after you graduate.




More info in the event flyer plus directions are below:





Anaheim Restore
Monday hours: 9am - 8pm
1656 Katella Ave
Anaheim, CA 92802


Santa Ana ReStore
Monday hours: 9am - 6pm
400 S. Village Way
Santa Ana, CA 92705





get your school on and give back!
-b

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Top 10 Easiest DIY Scarf Projects

I love scarves. I would wear them every season if I could.

But I can't... because hanging around SoCal on a summer day when it is 110 degrees in a scarf is not something any sane person would do... which means I might do it... but my husband usually talks me out of it so I don't suffer from heat exhaustion (he says he doesn't want to carry me back to the car if I faint, but that sounds like fun to me, except I guess I wouldn't be able to enjoy it being unconscious... I'm thinking about this too much).

Anyway, it's getting colder and we're planning on spending a lot of time up in the high desert and mountains over the winter to enjoy some snow. Super excited... more so about the scarves than the snow. Did I mention scarves?

Although I am friendly with my Brother sewing machine, and want to use it more (because it is awesome), I am still a novice and haven't taken the time to learn it's various functions. It typically comes out of its shell to help me with our last minute Halloween costumes.

So I thought, heck... I like scarves but I am lazy. Why not get a list of cool, EASY DIY scarf projects and just go bananas with it?


Here's a bunch of - 10, actually - scarf projects in order of easiest to most difficult (trust me, it's not that bad) with great accompanying tutorials:

1. No Sew T-Shirt Infinity Scarf

(via Honestly)

Turn any t-shirt into an infinity scarf! Get the biggest shirt you can find for this project. The local Goodwill store is also a good place to stop by if you don't happen to have a t-shirt you want to cut up on hand.

2. No Sew Blanket Scarf

(via Mom Advice)

This scarf has BIG impact. Blanket scarves are timeless and super practical. This project is so easy, you just can't screw it up!

3. Infinity Scarf/ Nursing Cover with No Sew Tape

(via Bean in Love Blog)

Let's say you have a good amount of fabric just waiting for a project but you're just not in the mood to sew. Hey, I can relate. Well, just pick up some no sew adhesive fabric tape and you're all set to craft up a beautiful infinity scarf that can also double as a chic nursing cover!

4. Easy Scarf ReStyle

(via Maria Torti)

Some scarves are just 100% practicality and 0% fashion-forward. While we don't wear them we won't throw them away either, because they're useful and someone might use them... one day. It's time to take those scarves out of the bottom drawer and refashion them so you make good use of all their practical warmth and newly found style.

5. Finger-Knit Infinity Scarf

(via Handimania)

Finger knitting isn't as hard as it sounds. Try it out with this project and you'll be surprised at what beautiful things you can create. The trick to this DIY is to use jumbo-size, thick yarn.

6. American Apparel Knock-Off Circle Scarf

(via Come On, Ilene!)

A dear friend of mine gifted me an American Apparel Circle Scarf for my birthday one year and I seriously cherish it as the prized garment it is (hugs, Cheryl!). I'm thinking I need more... so maybe I'll make some with this DIY. Just a bit of sewing gets you serious results, here.

7. Simple Sew Scarf Dress Conversion

(via Kelly Hicks Design)

Sometimes while at a thrift store I stumble upon a frumpy-style dress or skirt with an amazing print. I can't resist purchasing the item, even if it isn't in my size or anything I'm likely to wear. It's a weakness, I know... but this DIY gives me hope! I can just turn those items into a scarf I will treasure. Win-win!

8. Flannel Pajama Pants into Infinity Scarf DIY

(via Instructables & brittanyMakes)


We all have them - don't lie! Sometimes they pile up as holiday gifts or they get a tear and you HAVE to buy another pair otherwise... how will you survive?! Now you can turn 'em into a stylish, warm scarf with just a few, easy seams.

9. DIY Lace Infinity Scarf

(via Mary's Crafts & Quilts)

Lace! On a scarf! This is for someone with a little extra sewing experience, but I think I might try it anyway - still an easy project for a beginner.

10. DIY Team Spirit Scarf

(via VMG206)

For you sports fans and game-goers, this project is for you! You might need to make one for the whole family, so plan ahead with this one. This DIY requires some basic sewing knowledge but, oh boy, will you look like a true fan!


stay warm!
-b

Monday, September 14, 2015

Fest of Ales - Have Your Beer and Drink it Too

One of Orange County's top fun and festive activities is fast approaching - the legendary "Fest of Ales" in Anaheim taking place on September 19th from 12pm to 4pm.


Beer and cupcakes, can there be anything better?? (Image via OC Fest of Ales)

There will be 40 breweries present! However, the beer-lovers event isn't just for sipping on a variety of delicious brews. Attendees will enjoy unlimited gourmet food tastings in addition to the ale. Nearly 20 restaurants will be on-hand to help you even out the experience.


Something bacony and delicious (Image via OC Fest of Ales)
All the fun will be happening in Downtown Anaheim. Some of this year's event's proceeds will go towards Cops4Kids and Downtown Anaheim Association non-profit organizations.


Here's a promotional video from 2013 to give you an idea of how all the fun comes together:


For entertainment, The Rayford Brothers will be playing their sweet tunes from 12:20pm to 4:00pm.


I know what you're thinking... this guy must be the same guy from the video above. 
Sorry... We're not sure.
(Image via OC Fest of Ales)

Buy your tickets in advance at FestofAles.com!


(Center Street Promenade and Lemon Street)
201 Center Street Promenade
Anaheim, CA 92805

(Image via OC Fest of Ales)
-b

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Style Week OC is Back!

Fall fashion is here with Style Week OC. The very trendy event is taking place at 3 different locations in Orange County during the dates of September 10th through 19th. It's going to be a lot of fun!

(image via Style Week OC)

What to expect: tons of fun fashion shows, shopping parties, style and beauty presentations, swag, celebrity sightings (speculation) and more.

Where to go and When:

Some highlighted events:

Nick Verreos of Project Runway fame is again hosting the esteemed Celebrity Cruises Design Competition! The competition is Sept. 12th, 7pm at Fashion Island. The event is free and open to the public. FIDM design graduates compete with their best garments, stunning the audience with their unique voice.

True to the California lifestyle, the Surf + Action Sports Showcase will be a fun event for the outdoorsy and outgoing. The event will celebrate "20 years of style from OC’s iconic fashion brands including Hurley and Vans." Head to the Irvine Spectrum Center on Sept. 18th at 7pm.

The Neiman Marcus Children's Show will feature cute little guys and gals strutting in adorable fashion from brands such as Kenzo, Kate Spade, Little Marc Jacobs, Chloe and more. The show takes place at Fashion Island on Sept. 12th at 12pm. This is a free event.


Here's a teaser from last year's event with Nick Verreos himself:



With plenty of free fun there is no reason to miss these events. Limited seating will be available for fashion shows open to the public so get there early. Fun, fun!


See you there!
-b