Happy Birthday Little Monkey

Can someone please tell me where the last 8 years went? I have no clue I took the advice to not rush life by,  I stopped and smelled the roses. I took the time yet time kept on racing by unable to be slowed just moving at the same pace. I captured moments that will forever be preserved in my heart in addition to pictures that freeze the past. My baby is 8 years old. 8, EIGHT, WOW its been an adventure and it continues to be. I am extremely blessed and thank God for all my boys, especially my middle monkey. He came into this world uncertain to all with his fate, not to God, he knew. My monkey was born 40 days early. He was born a fighter and with God's grace he continues to move forward like time at the same pace. Or with this monkey its more like light-speed!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LITTLE MONKEY. You turned my world upside down and I wouldn't want it any other way! MOMMY LOVES YOU!!!!!!

Mountain Mike's Pizza

The boys and I went to the Grand Opening at Mountain Mike’s Pizza in Laguna Hills. The pizza was yummy and the salad bar was equally impressive.They have an ALL-U-CAN-EAT-PIZZA & SALAD for Lunch: Monday - Friday 11-2pm and Wednesday for dinner, 5-8pm. 

My kids loved the game room!!!!

Its official they cut the ribbon and now we get to eat CAKE!

 

Hanna Andersson - Grand opening

Hanna Andersson, Who, what, where, when.....
Hanna Andersson is a children's clothing company that prides themselves with being high quality. I actually have never heard of of Hanna Andersson before, say "WHAT". Yes that is correct, I have lived in a bubble under rock and when a friend invited me to this event I was excited to see what all the fuss was about. I even got to chat with the CEO of Hanna Andersson, Adam who told me about the clothing line.

If that wasn't enough as he was telling me about their clothing line, 20 other moms chimed in ranting and raving about the clothes and how wonderful they are. How the cotton is so soft and how it keeps well over the years and how you can pass them down to your other children. I was able to see for myself on July 11th at the Grand Opening at Hanna Andersson.

I couldn't believe it, the clothes were soft, bright, and trendy. This is when I decided I have found a children's clothing store that stood behind their clothes with quality and it was actually "pass me down" worthy, an investment, cute clothes, and wallet friendly... need I say more? Knowing that thru the years they would keep and not look faded or worn "Insert cartwheel here" I am one happy mommy. They have a great selection of both boys and girls clothes. This was my favorite little girl outfit, as I have all boys It was nice to shop for my friends daughters. Look out world this says, "FASHIONISTA" all over it.

I met so many wonderful moms at this event ( Field Trip Mom, Chaos & Love, From One Mommy To Another, See Mom Work, Sugar Pop Ribbons, Maria T Bailey, to name a few) who were so excited about the grand opening, they were gracious to stop and let me snap a picture or two. They had some serious back to school shopping they were doing and they couldn't be interpreted for too long.

My friend and I quickly jumped on this bandwagon.

Hanna Andersson is my new sweet  indulgence for kids clothes and so were these treats.

What are you waiting for, I am sure you haven't lived in a bubble or under a rock like myself. So go to Hanna Andersson at the Shops of Mission Viejo.  Hanna Andersson now puts a smile one my face when I go clothes shopping for my boys. Thank you to my friend who popped my bubble and found me under the rock!

Laser Quest, GAME ON!

 

My son had his birthday party at Laser Quest and it was a blast. Upon arrival for our destination we were met by highly enthusiastic team leaders! 

 Each person in your party is given a card, once they get their cards they choose their code name. Ironically my son's name was CODE RED! Considering he is allergic to red dye I thought this was hilarious. 

As the boys waited to get the 411 on their mission, they enjoyed all the games in the lobby. The air hockey table was a hit.

 

 

 

 

My son couldn't hold in his enthusiasm as he saw his very own party room.

 

Here the kids are waiting for their instructions so they can create a plan to demolish the other team in laser tag.

After their debriefing and going over their score sheets, it was time for pizza and cake! Hip Hip Hooray for Laser Quest!

Laser Quest has something for everyone.

Laser Quest Mission Viejo features live action laser tag at its best. is the perfect choice for Birthdays, Youth Groups, Special Events, Fundraising, and Corporate Teambuilding. Check out what our Players' Club Members enjoy.

July 28th they have a JEDI overnighter, where you can play for 6 straight hours. May the force be with you!

I was very pleased with Laser Quest! My boys and their friends were extremely entertained and I was equally thrilled how exhausted they were when we left. As a mom on a budget this place works well with the wallet. In addition to having a party room, you get a "mommy's helper" personal party assistant who helps you with organizing the room. One of the many perks that I was extremely pleased with,  I was able to B.Y.O.F.


That's right I was able to bring in my OWN food. You do have an option to have pizza delivered  from the local pizza vendor. I choose not to. This hands down makes me love Laser Quest even more. Being a single mom on a budget, this is perfect. Other places allow you to bring in cake you just can't bring in hot food or sandwiches. They want the profit of an additional $4.00 per child, that adds up quickly and I simple can't afford that. I was so relieved that I could bring in FOOD no limitations on this, HOT OR COLD. I usually do cartwheels however I did a back-flip for this one!

LOVE this place and the prices!

OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL

Oz The Great and Powerful  ~ Disney's fantastical adventure has a release date of March 8, 2013. Three witches, a circus magician and hitting the jackpot, I don't think we are in Kansas any more. I can't wait to see this in theaters with my boys. Find out more by following OZ The Great and Powerful on twitter.

Wax on Wax off

A couple of weeks ago I called EUROPEAN WAX CENTER.  All their staff is very friendly and professional. I asked a lot of questions and they were as sweet as can be. After my 45 minute 5 minute conversation on the phone I booked an appointment and was ready to try it out.

As soon as I walked in, I felt very comfortable and relaxed with their decor and friendly staff.

I started looking around and liked seeing familiar magazine articles talking about EUROPEAN WAX CENTER.

They also have a full service product line for all your WAXING needs.

When in was my turn I was given the royal treatment, that isn't a service you pay for you just get it!

I had to get a picture of them mixing the wax and trust me they don't double dip, I kept checking. They use a new stick every time.

If you are looking for a place that is clean and friendly EUROPEAN WAX CENTER is the place to go. They are extremely professional, patient, will answer all questions, and they are very patient, after all they had the greatest pleasure of dealing with me. I will never go anywhere else again. Fast and friendly service with a reasonable price.

As a gift to all my readers who live in south orange county, they offered me a special deal for you. YOU HAVE TO DO TWO THINGS

1) When you call you have to say Adrianne Grant referred you
2) You have to be a FIRST TIME GUEST to EUROPEAN WAX CENTER

WOMEN:
Free Bikini Line, Eye Brow or  Under Arm

MEN:
Free Eye Brow, Ear or Nose

What are you waiting for, call them 949-297-4730 ( Remember to say Adrianne Grant referred you to get the deal)

Check it out and let me know what you think!

We had a grand time at the Grand Pacific Palisades

After our long day at LEGOLAND we were ready to lay our head down and call it a night. We decided to stay at the Grand Pacific Palisades in Carlsbad, which was particularly convenient as it is less than five minutes away from LEGOLAND. 

As exhausted as they were from our fun-filled day, the boys perked up as soon as we entered the stunning hotel lobby. In fact, it had the same effect on me.  The place was amazing and so beautiful and that for the first time the realization set in that I was really on vacation. 

As we checked in the gentleman at the front desk told us about the amenities. We received 15% off any purchases made at the kiosk booth, he shared information regarding the buffet breakfast at the Karl Strauss Brewery, located just steps away in the hotel parking lot. While waiting, I noticed a family next to us checking out games and movies for their room. Of course, the boys noticed that, too and immediately asked in we could play a board game and rent a movie. This from two children who only moments ago complained of exhaustion and begged me to push them on the luggage cart up to the lobby. In addition to the ambiance, I'm guessing that the cool, refreshing strawberry water that they drank from the beverage dispenser in the lobby contributed to their newly discovered second wind.

Have you ever been to a hotel only to discover that the pictures on the website look nothing like your room?  That's certainly not the case here. The pictures I saw when reserving my room didn’t do justice to this property and I don’t think mine will either. You will just have to experience this one for yourself - and you will be happy you did.

We stayed in the One Bedroom Villa Suite with an ocean view.  The sofa also converted into a full size sleeper, which, along with the HDTV and fireplace mesmerized my children.

We had a full kitchen including an oven, sink, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, toaster, can opene.  Best of all, it was fully stocked with every utensil along with had pots and pans, mixing bowls, cups, dishes, you name it they had it. Every detail was covered down to the ice in the freezer.

I don’t ever want to check out, can I live here PLEASE?

On the counter was a welcome basket filled with goodies including coffee, tea, popcorn and hot chocolate.

After we I rummaged thru the gift basket my kids and I were off to explore the rest of our Villa Suite

This cute little towel creature welcomed me into the room

This was the view from our room

They had a patio table and chairs to enjoy the view or

My little one immediately claimed the lounge chair as his own.

In addition to the beautiful rooms, the resort has a recreation room, a game room, laundry room, tot lot, and two fabulous pools. One pool is for the guests 18 years and older and the other pool is for the younger guests to enjoy and includes a water play area with a slide, water spouts, and a raining mushroom (as my boys call it). 

The adult pool

They also have cabanas for rent, lounge chairs, work out room, and refreshment area to buy ice cream.  I swear I thought I was dreaming. There are different activities each day such as face painting, health and wellness consultations, shuffle board, farmers market, ice cream sundaes, poolside bingo, sand art, in room movie night, craft time, palisades gold outing, root beer floats...I could go on and on. This is such a family friendly resort!

For those of you staying in the Villa Suites they have terrific barbecue areas surrounded by such beautiful plants.

The ambiance of the hotel along with the smell of the ocean air puts you in such a great mood. 

No matter where you are on the property you can’t help but feel relaxed and happy. They have something for everyone in your family. In addition, the staff is extremely accommodating and every one of them walks around smiling. 

Upon arriving home from our visit (as Mommy’s law has it) I realized that I had forgotten my littlest tot's life-jacket. I called the hotel and housekeeping confirmed it was there.  They told me it was no problem and that they'd be happy to ship it to me via UPS. I did have to pay the shipping (which is to be expected), but it it was worth it and I was so happy they were able to do this for me.

If you just want a little getaway to relax and keep the family occupied and happy this is the spot. In fact, my only regret was that we chose to stay for just one night. We were sad to check out, however the breakfast buffet kind of made up for it 

As mentioned before I stayed in the one bedroom villa suite, which is in the condo section. However, they do have a hotel on the property as well.  The Grand Pacific Palisades has 12 locations in California and Hawaii.  After this stay I must say that I certainly plan to visit all of them!

To all of the staff at the Grand Pacific Palisades: Thank you so much for such a great visit!