I'm At The OC Latina Moms & Surf And Sunshine!

So excited to share I'm a contributor at The OC Latina Moms!  I am thrilled to share my favorite places in Orange County and learn more about the hot spot I live in!  If there's anything you want me to write about, let me know!  I hit publish on my first article there last week and feeling right at home. 

I had an epiphany this year that soup is one of my favorite foods.  Making good ramen broth is an art form, you need patience to create the depth and richness for what is basically a delicate base.  Gomen Ramen delivers on that promise of authenticity, the environment itself is homely, making me feel right at home on some random street in Japan while never leaving Orange County.  Read my post at The OC Latina Moms here.

I also had the unique opportunity to cover an event for another blog and had a blast - I think stepping out of my comfort zone and little bubble here is the motivation I needed!  

I always assumed the food in TV and movies were… inedible.  That those dishes had to be plastic food props that were painted really really well. Wrong! I recently spent the day in Food Stylist Chris Oliver’s kitchen learning tips and tricks on how to make that magic happen for the camera. Chris Oliver is the master at making food on-camera ready and delicious, having recently been featured on Disney’s Saving Mr. Banks.  Read my post at Surf and Sunshine here.

Ingredients: A Love Story At Whole Foods Huntington Beach On 2/11

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post for Whole Foods Market Huntington Beach.  All thoughts are my own.

My husband Chris has always been sweet on Valentine's Day.  His love of the day made me love it too.  We are cheesy and go out for lunch or dinner, he brings me roses.  Those are some of the ingredients to our love story.  Whole Foods Market Huntington Beach knows how important love stories are and is kicking off Valentine's Day with a very sweet event on Tuesday, February 11th from 6-8pm

You will be treated to tastings and there will be an in-store raffle to win tickets for a Valentine's dinner for two! 

•Specialty Experience the sweet heat of Pepperlane sweet and hot fruit spreads paired with tangy goat cheese selected by our Cheese Specialist. While you're at it, meet our Wine and Beer Specialists and sample their Valentine's favorites

•Grocery Try the decadent combination of fresh nuts from our bulk section paired with California Rancher's Cajun seasoning and just the right amount of sweetness in Mike Keller's Hog Wild Nut Brittle

•Bakery Indulge in fresh baked Chantilly fruit cake with sweet and savory butter cream

•Meat Savor layers of flavor with chicken wellingtons served alongside Meat Educator Scott's in-house made Smokehouse Habanero Aioli

•Prepared Foods Sample Chef Nick's play on culinary seduction with his roasted asparagus salad with lemon, basil, and crisp quinoa with fresh green goddess dressing

•Produce Discover new realms of sweet and spicy snacking with Nercy's tempting mango, pineapple, and habanero guacamole

•Seafood Experience briny bliss with our fresh shucked oysters and kick them up a notch with a splash of La Pan's Et Tu Brute Bloody Mary Mix

•Whole Body Really get things started by adding a little maca to the mix with Whole Body Team Leader Danny's in-house made maca balls

Mmmm!  I am excited to sample all of the above but you can find me in the Bakery Dept. ~ the Chantilly fruit cake is calling my name!  Which food is calling your name?

My Whole Foods Market is social!  Check out other upcoming events:

• Every Friday in February, Whole Foods Market Huntington Beach is featuring live jazz in its 24 tap craft beer bar, Woody's Surf City Grill from 6-9pm.
• Saturday, February 22nd from 12-4pm, join Edzon and his Seafood Team as they fillet whole fresh fish to order.  As always, we cook, we clean, we do it for FREE!  

Stay in the know by following Whole Foods Market Huntington Beach on Twitter / Facebook

New Children's Play Area At Brea Mall

Last month was full of fun for Halloween but one of the best things I have ever experienced in my life was the balloon drop for the grand opening of the new children's play area at Brea Mall.  It definitely makes my top ten list of awesome things I experienced this year.  And trust me, I've done some awesome things this year.  My child who loves Brea Mall for the Apple store, Game Stop and Auntie Anne's now has another reason to beg me to take him to the mall - the new play area has comfy, surrounding seating and get this - charging stations.  Add that to the mall's free wifi and I am sold!

Features of the new play area which is located on the lower level in front of Macy's:  a play house featuring a chalk board, and various cars, boats and plane play fixtures inspired by the Simon Kidgits Club characters.   The new area also has new Family Restrooms, which feature five changing stations, two nursing rooms and amenities for both adults and children.

There are a lot of fun things happening - stay informed by following Brea Mall on Twitter and Facebook!

November 8: Santa's arrival (ribbon cutting for the new Santa's set and storytime and snacks with Santa's Elf at the new Play Area)

My Kids Are Champions For Kids

I hate to admit that there was a time in my life that I was too consumed with our lives and/or oblivious to the fact that there are homeless kids right here in America.  Don't get me wrong, I see poverty daily in my own neighborhood but kids living on the streets or in cars?  I was blind to it.  I never thought that this could happen here but sadly, it does.  I subscribe to the theory my parents raised me on - if you have a roof over your head, clothes on your back and food in your tummy you are more than good.  I hate that some kids don't have simple necessities or access to things like... water.  Food is a luxury to some, not the newest tech gadgets, toys or pricey shoes.  We don't have a lot of money but my kids are champions for kids - they enjoy giving and that makes them my superheroes.  It's important to teach our children that giving makes you feel good.  Each one, teach one!    

Ask yourself and be honest, are you doing enough for your community?  Spin Into Action with Spinbrush!

Here are some SIMPLE Service Project tips from Champions for Kids! 

GATHER your community to collect fun toys and colorful children’s items (like books, games, blankets, and toothbrushes)!

COUNT the number of items you collected and take photos!

DONATE the items to a local hospital, shelter, or foster care agency in your community to give kids hope, comfort and fun in challenging situations.

DOUBLE your impact by reporting your project at championsforkids.org/share during the month of July 2013. Let us know how many people were involved and how many items you collected, and Spinbrush® will make a matching donation of up to 1,000 Tooth Tunes™ toothbrushes (total) through Champions for Kids to help children in need!

I enlisted the help of my 7 year old Duke and we went shopping at Walmart to stock up on Spinbrush!  For each one you buy, Spinbrush will make a matching donation!  We bought crayons, coloring books, games, toys and puzzles!  Duke was so excited to deliver them to our local charity, Mary's Kitchen in Orange, CA because he knows that it is helping kids just like him!  Mary's Kitchen provides breakfast, hot lunch and a sack meal to the homeless of Orange County from Monday-Saturday.  Showers are also available Monday-Saturday.  We chose Mary's Kitchen because we have been helping our local homeless for the past couple years and continue to support our community.

Duke enjoys being a Champion for Kids because he loves being a kid that helps other kids!

Slater's 50/50 Is GOOD.

What this post needs is scratch & sniff and a lickable screen.  I wish I could just gleep you some yummy goodness that is Slater's 50/50.  The powers that be invited me to a sneak peek of the new menu debuting on July 1st.  If you haven't been to Slater's 50/50 - just know that they are generous and gracious.  This was actually my 3rd visit to the Huntington Beach restaurant in a week.  I'm a fan but my husband Chris is the superfan.  He wanted Peanut Butter & Jellousy for his Birthday and then again when meeting up with out of town friends.  He was supposed to be my +1 but he got sick and I was so sad he couldn't join in on all the fun!  I ended up having a blast with Ruby, Becky and Jennie.  

Slater's 50/50 owner and founder Scott Slater welcoming us!

Kale & Quinoa Salad - The only healthy offering on the sneak peek menu and I appreciated it. The lemon tahini dressing woke up my palate!

Twice Grilled Cheese - If you look to food for comfort, this sandwich is for you.  It is like a warm, loving hug from your grandma.  I love hugs from my grandma!

Twice Grilled Cheese and Tomato Basil Soup - I'm only going to say it once so listen up!  This tomato basil soup is phenomenal.  I had to stop Slater's 50/50 owner and founder Scott Slater and ask him if this was the real deal.  It is.  Made in-house with fresh everythang.  It is thick and warm, I loved dipping my sandwich in it!

The Old Timey - The classic American burger with Sterling Silver ground beef, American cheese, thick cut bacon, grilled onions, green leaf lettuce, tomato and 1000 island dressing on white brioche.
There's burgers and then there's BURGERS.  I usually design my own burger at Slater's 50/50 because that's fun but if there was a burger I'd order straight off the menu, this would be it.  It isn't just a classic American burger - it is a great American burger.

Almond Joy - You know what's better than a milkshake?  An ADULT MILKSHAKE!  This is glorious heaven in a cup.  You keep sipping and sipping and it hits you.  Back in my day, we called drinks like this a "one hitter quitter".  Sooo good that it creeps up on ya!  The toasted coconut on the top is heaven sent.  Kissed by angels.  Yeah!

Scott Slater telling us about the return of The 'Merica burger this July.  100% bacon patty and not the famous 50/50 split.  The bacon pretzel buns are made specially for them.  Nothing says America like bacon everythang.  Bacon on bacon on bacon.  The burger tastes like breakfast but breakfast for any time of the day - I love the egg and cheese.  It's good stuff.

The 'Merica Burger in all of it's American glory.

This is what the backside of 'Merica looks like.  YUM!

S'mores - Just so you know, you can get all of these ADULT MILKSHAKES without the adult.  This is good stuff.  It was gone in 20 seconds.  No really.  Slater's 50/50 also let us sample the Bananas Foster adult milkshake but the picture didn't come out right.  It has fresh bananas in it and was good stuff.

Bacon Blondie - I was beyond stuffed when dessert came around.  But let me tell you, this is what dreams are made of.  Blonde brownies with bacon and peanut butter and topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup, OH MY!  Just so you know, this was sample size.  The actual size was insane.  You could probably split it with four people.  I had to take mine home and you bet I had it for breakfast.  SO SO GOOD.


Slater's 50/50 is only in Southern California for now.  Their 6th location in Rancho Cucamonga opens on July 1st.   They are incredibly involved in the community and have tons of fun things lined up at all of their locations.  They have an incredible happy hour:
Mon – Fri: 3pm – 6pm
Sun-Thurs: 10pm – close
$3.50 well drinks, house wine, select appetizers, domestic beers and select craft beers.

Even though Slater's 50/50 invited me as their guest to sample their new menu, all thoughts are my own.  It really is good stuff.

Macy's Summer Food Truck Tour

You know I love Macy's events and had to (HAD TO!) share the Macy's Summer Food Truck Tour with you - This Summer Macy's will take to the highways and back roads of America serving up the best of America's cuisine created by icons of the Macy's Culinary Council: featuring hot dogs and ice cream for FREE!  Don't you just love Macy's?!  I do!  

You can find the truck right outside the Macy's South Coast Plaza Women's Department - Enjoy!  

Saturday, May 18 at 1 PM

Macy's South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, CA

Macy's Summer Food Truck Tour will also be stopping in these cities - get your food on!

Saturday, June 1 at Noon

Macy's Memorial City, Houston, TX

Saturday, June 22 at TBD

Macy's Woodland Hills, Tulsa, OK

Saturday, June 29 at TBD

Macy's Marketplace, Rochester, NY

This post is sponsored by Everywhere Society.  

Knott's Berry Farm Timber Mountain Log Ride Opens May 30th

I know the Knott's Berry Farm Boardwalk announcement was exciting but even more exciting is news about my favorite ride at Knott's Berry Farm!!!  The Calico Log Ride!  It has and always will be my favorite.  There is just nothing like it.  It is a true classic.  The Calico Log Ride opened on July 11, 1969 with screen legend John Wayne.  This year the newly renovated ride will open with a new name Timber Mountain Log Ride and upgrades.  Garner Holt Productions of San Bernardino is working with the Knott's team to upgrade all the ride figures and sets as well as add new scenes and characters to enhance the ride experience while still maintaining the original theming and storyline of the attraction.

I'll be honest.  Ever since I became a parent, I don't really do "scary" rides anymore.  I've discussed this with other parents and they feel the same.  That being said, I am so excited to ride the log ride! 

Congratulations Knott's Berry Farm! 

The original sketch by Calico Log Ride designer Bud Hurlbut    

Bud Hurlbut and Walter Knott

The Knott's - Cordelia and Walter Knott with John Wayne! Cordelia is christening the ride with a bottle of boysenberry!

Over the years...

One of the new scenes!

Making figures at Garner Holt Productions

I was AMAZED at how realistic the figure and animals look - Excellent work Garner Holt Productions! 

Creative Design Director Bill Butler of Garner Holt answering questions in Scene 6 of Timber Mountain Log Ride

The outside of the Log Ride was drained - never realized how deep it really is!


Disclosure:  I was invited to a media preview and hard hat tour.

Knott's Boardwalk Opens Memorial Day Weekend

I live in Buena Park so we're always driving by Knott's Berry Farm.  Even after all these years I still get excited to see the Knott's skyline.  Last year I noticed that Perilous Plunge was closed and wondered what would be coming in!  Turns out Knott's was super busy revitalizing the Boardwalk!  The area will further enhance the feeling of strolling down a colorful California Boardwalk fun zone filled with amusement rides, games, and fun food offerings.  Opening on May 25th for Memorial Day weekend are THREE new rides!  The new Coast Rider will have everyone clinging to the handrails as they ascend 52 feet for a harrowing journey down a 1,339 foot track filled with hairpin turns, twists and spins.  The Surfside Gliders let guests take the ride into their own hands as they pilot their two-man aircraft for a bird's eye view of the entire Boardwalk area.  Rounding out the trio of attractions is the Pacific Scrambler where everyone gets caught in the spin.  AND Knott's Boardwalk will be optimized for an exciting nighttime experience!

My family is so excited to visit Knott's Berry Farm this Summer!  

Congratulations Knott's!

Here's the mockup of Knott's Boardwalk at night!

Logos for Coast Rider and Pacific Scrambler

Look it's my buddy Snoopy!  We were standing on the base for Pacific Scrambler.  Hard to imagine that in a month there will be a ride there!  

The white and orange attraction is Coast Rider!


To take advantage of all the new offerings and experience all of Knott's Farm Fresh Fun, the park is selling 2013 Season Passes for only $72 or 6 easy payments of $12 for a limited time.  As a Season Pass holder, guests receive:

Unlimited visits for the entire 2013 season
No blackout dates.  That's right, no blackout dates.
Discounts at select food and merchandise locations
Discounts of Halloween Haunt tickets
Early ride time on select rides during Summer
Other great Season Pass perks and surprises throughout the year!

To purchase passes and find additional information on all Knott's Berry Farm has to offer, visit www.knotts.com

Disclosure:  I was invited to a media preview and hard hat tour.

Our Mom & Son Date: Anaheim Ducks Game!

Monday was the first time I ever attended a Anaheim Ducks game as a guest.  I've watched as an employee from the vomitory through the years...  but nothing - nothing compares to sitting in a seat as a fan.  Especially when it's Ducks vs. cross-town rivals Los Angeles Kings.  Our tickets weren't for the nosebleed section either.  I had prime seating.  It was a dream come true.  Special for all those reasons and special for another reason... a date with my 7 year old!  He's a funny kid.  He was joking about hockey before the game but I think he's a new fan.  

We let loose.  We yelled, we chanted "Beat LA!" "Let's go Ducks!", We stood up and cheered.  We  smiled.  A LOT.  The game was a nailbiter.  Every time the Ducks would score a goal - Kings would return with a goal too.  It went into overtime but our Ducks won!!!  Still #1 in the West!  It was a good time.  We couldn't stop talking about the game and convinced my husband that we have to take the whole family to a game!

The Smile Generation is a proud sponsor of the Anaheim Ducks for the 2013 National Hockey League season. As part of the sponsorship, the Smile Generation makes a donation to the Ducks Foundation for every Ducks goal scored during their home games at the Honda Center.

Throughout the season, Ducks fans can also visit the Smile Generation table during select home games at the Honda Center, and be treated to t-shirts, lip balm and other Smile Generation branded giveaways.

Get Social with Smile Generation:  @smilegen on Twitter /  The Smile Generation on Facebook

Duke could not get over how cool the Ducks blimp was.

There's our banners!  A 2013 banner would sure look nice up there!

The Ducks came out to Imagine Dragons "Radioactive" song.  Our family is huge fans of that song!

During the first intermission, The Smile Generation had the Smile Cam! up and so many people were excited!  Huge smiles from everyone!

We snuck away to visit some of my coworkers and ran into Wildwing!  YAY!!!

Big Smiles!!!

Disclosure: I attended the game as a guest of The Smile Generation. I received tickets, a t-shirt and a gift card. The opinions are completely my own and based on my experience