This year, my son will finally be able to swim, so we’re gearing up to prepare for warm sunny days in the pool and at the beach. After cleaning out my son’s drawers, I realized that none of his swim shorts or rash guards fit him anymore, so I added that to the list along with some natural, eco-friendly sunscreen.  Armed with a $50 gift card, I headed over to my local mall, The Shops at Mission Viejo, to see what kid-friendly deals I could find.

Our first stop, like most days, was The Disney Store.  The store was filled with summer toys and apparel featuring kids’ favorite characters and princesses.  We found Toy Story Swimwear, Rapunzel Beach Towels, and much much more.  But my son wanted Spider-Man everything and of course, the store was out of stock in the size we needed.

Our next stop was Pottery Barn Kids, and surprisingly, we found a small summer section with Spider Man Beach Towels in a variety of sizes.  We opted or the smaller size which is perfect for my 4 year old.  With their 25% summer sale, we only spent $15.20.    At present, they have a small summer section filled with beach towels, totes, and outdoor toys.  One of the things I persoally like about the store is the fact that they carry The Very Hungry Caterpillar skin care line.  I was hoping to pick up some natural sunscreen but they were out at the time.

Since we still needed to purchase swimsuits, I headed over to Old Navy.  The store typically has an expansive children’s section and their prices just can’t be beat.  We headed straight to the summer section and found the very last pair of Spider Man Swim Shorts for my son.  We also managed to purchase a Spider-Man Rash Guard.  The total cost for both items was just $30.94.  With tax, I was just under $50!

Through April 7th, you can take your children to The Shops at Mission Viejo for photos with the Easter Bunny and and a life-sized standee of E.B., the rabbit from HOP who dreams of becoming a rock star drummer.  While waiting for photos, families can view clips from the new movie which was released on March 23rd on Blu-ray and DVD.  For more information, just visit their Facebook Page.

How do you prepare for summer?  What are your outdoor must-haves?

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. A Simon Malls Gift Card was provided by Simon Malls to help facilitate this review and this post does not necessarily represent Simon Property Group’s positions, strategies or opinion

Photo Credit: Rockin’ Mama

]]> http://rockinmama.net/2012/03/fun-in-the-sun-how-were-preparing-for-summer/feed/ 0 http://rockinmama.net/2012/03/rockin-first-birthday-gifts-for-girls-from-bel-bambini/ http://rockinmama.net/2012/03/rockin-first-birthday-gifts-for-girls-from-bel-bambini/#comments Sat, 24 Mar 2012 15:04:47 +0000 caryn http://rockinmama.net/?p=31220 What do you get a one-year old for his or her birthday?  I’ve often struggled with that question, simply because during that second year of life, the transition from infancy to toddlerhood is profound.  Developmentally, a 15 month old is much different than a 21 month old.

Last week, I introduced you to Bel Bambini, a specialty boutique featuring chic, designer must-haves for moms and babes.  During our exclusive store preview, each blogger put together a theme-focused shopping guide, many of which are featured on the Newport Beach boutique’s blog.  I’m so excited to share with you my First Birthday Gift recommendations for girls!

This weekend, Bel Bambini will open it’s doors to the public for the ultimate grand opening celebration.  The weekend’s activities will include music, children’s entertainment, food, raffles, and much more.  You can find out more information here.

No compensation was received for this post.  I attended a media event and received a gift bag and gift certificate.  My children also participated in the fashion show.  All opinions remain my own.

Profuse thanks to Ciaran from Momfluential who organized a fabulously chic event!

Photo Credit: Bel Bambini

A few weeks ago, Bel Bambini opened it’s doors to a group of LA and OC bloggers for a store preview and fashion show.  The upscale baby boutique is the destination store for expectant and new parents, offering a wide variety of products for the new baby, the toddler and even the preschooler.  As you would expect, the boutique carries the best products from reputable designer brands including Stokke, Bloom, DwellStudio, Bugaboo, PUJ, and many more.  The Newport Beach location, which spans 10,000 square feet on two levels, features exclusive and couture children’s apparel, a shoe department, a private mommy lounge.  The boutique also offers concierge services including baby registry, baby shower and special event planning, custom design furniture, and more.  Visually, the store is just beautiful.  The products are arranged by key periods in a baby/child’s life (i.e. feeding, play, sleep, bathtime, etc.), which makes it very easy for parents to shop and find what they’re looking for.

Photo Credit: Bel Bambini

While visiting the store, both of my children participated in the fashion show.  My daughter wore Roberto Cavalli and my son wore Ben Sherman.

Photo Credit: Bel Bambini

We also did something very unique that I’m excited to share with you once it’s complete.  Each of us embarked on a scavenger hunt of sorts.  We were given a variety of themes to choose from and then browsed the store looking for our top picks.  I selected 1st Birthday Gifts for Girls and Eco-Friendly Baby Must Haves.  Stay tuned for my quick picks!

This coming weekend, March 24th and 25th, Bel Bambini will celebrate the official grand opening of it’s second boutique location in Newport Beach. This free celebration event is paced full of amazing activities including children’s entertainment, music, food, gifts with purchase, store discounts, and a ton of giveaways.  For a complete run down of the weekend’s events, just visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post.  I attended a media event and received a gift bag and gift certificate.  My children also participated in the fashion show.  All opinions remain my own.

Profuse thanks to Ciaran from Momfluential who organized a fabulously chic event!

Last week, my children and I headed over to see the brand new show that recently made it’s debut at Medieval Times.  The last time I attended a dinner show at the Buena Park Castle, I was in my 20s, so I was excited to see what had changed.

It’s been five years since the longest running dinner attraction has made any changes to its show, which has been seen by more than 50 million people in the US and Canada.  Taking suggestions from their guests via Facebook and their website, Medieval Times spent two years working on the show to give guests the action they crave.  While the experience still feels very familiar, the show, including the story, has changed.  Live jousting, sword fights, horsemanship, and falconry comprise the show where guests are taking back to Medieval Times.  Guests are still divided into teams according to color and rallied to cheer for one of the six Knights of the Realm.

The show is exciting and colorful, filled with spectacular displays of jousting and horsemanship.  Both of my children enjoyed my show, but I would say that it was most appropriate for my almost 5 year old son, who very much “got into the show.”

Here is what you need to know before you visit Medieval Times:

1.  The show runs for 2 hours.  Keep that in mind with regards to your children and whether or not they can sit through the show.

2.  Children under the age of 3 are admitted without charge, but must sit on an adult’s lap.  While the show is not scary, there are periods of darkness and action scenes that might be perceived as loud to infants and toddlers.

3.  Seating is assigned on a first come basis so be sure to arrive early.  Castle doors open 90 minutes prior to show time and guests can enjoy the festivities (visit the gift shop, grab a drink, visit the museum of torture, observe the master falconer and his birds of prey up close, watch knighting ceremonies before the show) that go on in the Hall of Arms.

4.  Although the four-course meal is utensil-less, parents can request utensils for their children.  If you have dietary preferences or food allergies, be certain to speak with your server as vegetarian meals are available and he/she can check to see if a food contains an allergen.

Along with a new score, lighting, choreography, costumes, and dressage elements, guests will notice that the menu has changed.  The upgraded meal, which remains utensil-free, includes a flavorful Tomato Bisque, warm Focaccia bread, Oven Roasted Chicken, BBQ Spare Rib, Herb-Basted Potato, and a Braided Apple Strudel.  The portions are extremely generous and despite the amount of people the venue is feeding, I still found the meal to be delicious and well-prepared.

To celebrate the debut of the new show, Medieval Times is offering several deals and discounts.  At present, you can use the code “newshow” to receive adult admission for $44.95 and child admission for $29.95.

If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day Couple’s Package, check out their package which includes the following ($99 February 10th through 14th):

2 admissions to the Dinner & Tournament Show

2 admissions to the Castle Dungeon Museum

1 photo in a Souvenir Frame

Valentine Scroll

Split of Champagne with 2 souvenir glasses

Long stem sweetheart rose

2 cheering flags

For more information about the show, or to view their current offers, just visit the website.

No compensation was received for this post. Media tickets provided.

Photo Credit: Medieval Times, Rockin’ Mama

It’s the season of love, and all month long, Knott’s Berry Farm is celebrating! Twogether is Better is the perfect description for this celebration where doing things together is simply just better!  And to show you (as if you needed convincing ) Knott’s is offering incredible savings this month when you bring someone with you to the park.  Just invite a friend, your significant other, your child or anyone else you’d like to spend the day with at Knott’s and they’ll receive admission to the park for $34.99 during the month of February (if you are a Season Pass holder you can bring a friend for $24.99).  If you visit on the 29th (which is Leap Day), you’ll receive admission to the park for just $29!

Last weekend, my son and I had a “date” together at the park and enjoyed all of the love-themed festivities.  We had a “lovely” breakfast that warmed our “hearts” before watching a special performance of their brand new show called Love Is In the Air, Charlie Brown.

The show, which performs at the Camp Snoopy Theatre, starts Linus, Lucy, and Charlie Brown in this fun-filled musical story about which takes place on Valentine’s Day.  Who will be invited to the Valentine’s Day Dance? Who will receive a Valentine?  Find out in this adorable, entertaining and engaging show (see map for showtimes).

Next stop?  Cupid’s Craft Corner, located in Camp Snoopy where my son made a very special Valentine for Charlie Brown. During the month, children under the age of 11 can create tissue paper bouquets, paper Valentines and Peanut’s coloring pages (only on weekends).  The temporary station also houses Target of Love where kids can test out their skills tossing bean bags (for a nominal fee).

After we had experienced a few rides, including our very first ride on the Butterfield Stagecoach, it was time for a snack!

My son and I headed over to the Ghost Town Bakery for some chocolate covered marshmallows and strawberries.  The Chocolate Dipping Station is only open on weekends during the month of February so be sure you don’t miss this special treat.

And speaking of food, the park will offer several “Twogether is Better” deals including two fresh pies for just $14 and a heart healthy menu featuring Char Grilled Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos, Thai Barbecue Salmon Salad, and a Mediterranean Chicken Wrap. For details on the park’s food specials, just visit the website.

February is the month where we celebrate the ones we love. It’s an important month for another reason…it’s Heart Awareness Month. Knott’s Berry Farm has teamed up with the American Heart Association for “Knott’s Has Heart.”  Guests can donate $1, $5, or $10 at the ticket booth and send a special Valentine to Charlie Brown. Proceeds will go to the Orange County American Heart Association to assist with ongoing medical research and education efforts.

For more information about Twogether is Better, a very special month-long celebration at Knott’s Berry Farm, visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post. Admission to the park was provided which helped facilitate this review.

About a week and a half ago, I did some serious sweating cardiovascular fitness and strength training at Barry’s Bootcamp.  In my 30+ years, I’ve taken countless fitness classes…but none like this one.  Is there any exercise regime you’re doing right now that will result in burning as many as 1000 calories in an hour?

For the last fourteen years, Barry’s Bootcamp has been delivering “The Best Workout in the World.” Much like boot camp, characterized by discipline and structure, this one hour class combines interval cardiovascular routines on the treadmill with strength training using free weights.  What’s interesting about the workouts is that they actually change each day to help achieve optimal results.   If you were to attend a class each day, you’d work different parts of your body, which is something that is quite unique and sets the workout apart from others. The workouts can vary from two 30 minute segments to four 15 minute segments and this constant transition between cardiovascular and strength training is why it’s effective in helping to improve the cardiovascular system resulting in weight loss and muscle strength.

I took a one hour class, and to be honest, it was hard!  I’m not at my optimal fitness level, however, I do work out so I was a bit surprised at how intense the class was. But I LOVED the burn I felt in my abs the next day and I actually felt really good after the class…energized.  The class is meant to be challenging but not impossible, and much like any workout, you can and should tailor it to your fitness level. If you prefer to walk versus run, you should.  You can also opt for lighter weights if necessary.  The workout can definitely be adapted to your personal and current level of fitness and there is much room to advance and see results.

The class I attended just happened to be led by celebrity trainer Derek Degrazio, who’s helped people like Britney Spears achieve real results.  He was energetic, motivating, but serious about helping each of us achieve results…even in just one class.

At present, you’ll find classes in select cities across the globe including Los Angeles, Orange County (Irvine), San Diego, New York City, Nashville, London, and Bergen, Norway. For information regarding class times and prices, just visit Barry’s Bootcamp.

No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to sweat it out with Derek Degrazio at Barry’s Bootcamp.

It’s the third highest grossing film series of all time…a worldwide phenomenon…and now…the force is back! On display at Discovery Science Center. Who would have thought there was an actual science to this fictional universe with it’s humanoid robots, landspeeders, and X-Wing Fighters? Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination is the first exhibition to display costumes and props from all six Star Wars films with real-world technologies. And the verdict is? It’s out of this world!

Through April 15th, families can see the exhibit at Orange County’s leading venue for hands-on scientific discovery, education, and fun.  Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination explores the fantasy technologies depicted in the series, the science behind them, and current research that may one day lead to real-life versions of those technologies.

The exhibit is divided into two areas: Getting Around, which focuses on transportation in the film series as well as new and future modes of travel, and Robots and People, which explores the relationship between robots and humans both on screen and in the real world.

This is an exhibit that truly has an appeal for children and adults. Children will enjoy climbing into a hovercraft and levitating for a few moments, building and creating a levitating vehicle with magnets and LEGOs, designing facial expressions for a an emotional robot, and more.  Fans will particularly enjoy the authentic props and costumes on display.  And speaking of fans, Discovery Science Center will host a series of fun-filled, themed Fan Days. The first one will take place this Saturday, January 14th from 11 am to 3 pm and will feature the opportunity to meet the Clone Troopers from the Cartoon Network’s popular series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, spin the prize wheel, and pose in front of a Clone Wars green screen backdrop for a souvenir photo.  Bonus: Children between the ages of 3 and 14 will get into the museum for free if they wear a Star Wars costume on any Fan Day (with a paid adult admission).

For additional information on ticketing, upcoming Fan Days, and more, just visit Discovery Science Center.

No compensation was received for this post. Media tickets to the exhibit were provided which helped facilitate this review.

Photo Credit: Rockin’ Mama

 Shot with an iPhone, filtered with Instagram.

Unfiltered

What have you “captured” this week?  Share your photos below!