Christmas Holiday Lights and more fun activities.

It is the Christmas holiday season and there are so many fun things to do with your family. One of our family traditions is to visit neighborhoods that have festive Christmas light displays. We usually stop by a local coffee shop and buy hot chocolate and cookies before we start the Christmas light tour. We are never disappointed by the Giant Santa or the thousands of twinkling little lights that decorate a single house. Some neighborhoods offer hot cocoa, churros and tamales as part of their celebration. On one of our previous visits, we were given candy canes. Yes, there are so many people out looking for Christmas light displays that sometimes it becomes a social gathering. We have met several kinds of homeowners that will come out and visit with us. It is a great experience for all of us. We highly recommend it as part of your holiday tradition. Here are a few light displays you can visit with your family.

Aliso Viejo

King Elder Lane

Bough Avenue 

Glenwood Community

43 Woodswallow Lane

Anaheim Hills

Bel Air Neighborhood (Santa Ana Road & Weir Canyon Rd.)

Anaheim

306 Barryknoll Street

151 S. Jeanine Way

2118 W. Minerva Avenue

Symphony St.

Balboa Island

327 Sapphire Avenue

Brea

515 Cedar Avenue

Birch Street

Buena Park

8073 Calendula Drive

Costa Mesa

3150 Bear Street

467 East 19th Street

Lilac & Santa Ana Avenue

77 Fair Drive (City Hall) – Peanut’s House

Codo De Caza

Gooseberry Court

Cypress

5208 Cumberland Drive

Dana Point

Monarch Beach Homes

Fountain Valley

16559 Euclid Mile Square Park

Brookhurst & Heil

18323 Stanislaus Street The roof of this place is CRAZY!

Fullerton

Woods and Amerige

Mountain View Avenue & Fullerton Creek Road

Sparkle Ball Street

Garden Grove

6531, 6541, 5521 Belgrave Avenue

12112 Wutzke Street

Huntington Beach

La Cresta Drive

Bolsa Chica Avenue 

16889 Algonquin Street 

La Cresta Drive

Ladera Ranch

Shively Street

Bramford Street

Laguna Hills

Mawson Drive

25276 Orellano Way

Laguna Niguel

Nellie Gail Road

Elder Court

5 Tunis

Lake Forest

22981 Belquest Drive

Ashbrook Street

Buckwood

24952 Greenbay Drive

Rimrock Street, Peachwood & Tamarisk (Trabuco Canyon & Lake Forest Drive)

Rushford Drive

25141 Steinway Circle

Mission Viejo

23446 Bolivar Street

Bough Avenue (Nightmare Before Christmas House)

Via Amistoso Street

21602 Criptana 

26152 Cordillera 

23446 Bolivar Street 

27093 Pinario 

Via Amistoso Street

Newport Beach

El Paseo Street on Lido Peninsula

Harbor Island Drive

Saphire Avenue

Rancho Santa Margarita

22 El Corazon

20 El Corzo (Candy Cane Land)

11 Twilight Lane

16 Calle Liberacion

Orange

451 N. Citrus Street

1431 North Shaffer Street

Locust & Glassell

Pine Street

7633 E. Saddlehill Trail

1767 N Lindenholz Street

584 S. Laurinda Lane,

Placentia

444 Normany 

Rancho Santa Margarita

22 El Corazon

20 El Corzo 

11 Twilight Lane

San Clemente

Talega Seaside Neighborhood

Talega Stella Mare Neighborhood

Trabuco Canyon

Wagon Wheel Neighborhood

23 Kingfisher Court

Tustin

Red Hill Avenue & Olwyn Drive

2351 Caper Tree Drive

1151 Windsor Lane

Westminster

Bolsa Chica & Westminster Boulevard

5755 Westminster Boulevard

Yorba Linda

East Lake Village We love these lights!!

W. Oriente Drive 

18665 & 18974 Seabiscuit

4712 Via Del Rancho

Other Fun places

Rancho Cucamonga

 210 Freeway at Carnelian Street, police will direct you south on Carnelian, west on 19th Street, and north on Sapphire Street before letting you in to see the lights in the Thoroughbred and Jennet neighborhoods.

Riverside

Mission Inn Light 

3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501

Palm Springs 

Robolights Palm Springs Crazy Christmas Lights Display

Disclosure: Information was collected from different sources. See below to get more information on your local city Christmas lights. 
Sources:

https://www.dailybulletin.com/2018/12/06/visiting-thoroughbred-christmas-lights-this-year-heres-5-things-you-should-know/

https://www.orangecounty.net/html/christmas_lights.html

http://californiachristmaslights.com/MyCommunities.asp?c=Orange_County

https://www.costamesaca.gov/residents/annual-events/snoopy-house-holiday-display 

http://fullertonlightshow.azurewebsites.net/find_us.html

https://www.christmaslightfinder.com/

https://www.cityofrc.us/cityhall/police/news/holiday_lights/default.asp

Holiday Skating in Southern California

It is cold outside and it is time to practice ice skating. Southern California offers several public places to skate with your family and friends. Skating is a fun activity that will get your kids and yourself laughing and just having pure fun. Prices vary from place to place. We suggest calling ahead to find out the best time to skate and what is included with the price of admission. The average we have found is $20.00 per hour. Continue reading to get more information on local skating rinks. 

We are sharing a short list of Ice Rinks in Southern California. Our experience has been a positive one with The Rink in Irvine and the Spectrum. So, we recommend them if it is near you. We also enjoyed skating at the Pershing Square in Los Angeles last year during a very busy time and it was a fun social activity. 
For the best experience possible call ahead to get times and prices. Dress warm and wear gloves to keep your body protected from the cold. Continue reading to get more information on Skating in Southern California. 

Pershing Square

532 S. Olive St.

Los Angeles, 90013

https://holidayicerinkdowntownla.com/

www.laparks.org

Holiday On Ice

Irvine Spectrum

71 Fortune Drive

Irvine, CA 92618

(949) 753-5180

https://www.irvinespectrumcenter.com/entertainment/attractions/ice-rink

The Rinks - They have several locations in Southern California. Each one has their own schedule and events page. Please call ahead for prices and availability.

The Rink

3150 Barranca Pkwy

Irvine, CA 92606

https://irvineinline.therinks.com/general-info/directions/

Ice Town Riverside

10540 Magnolia Avenue

Riverside, CA • 92505

951.637.3070

https://www.icetownriverside.com/public-skating/open-skating-sessions/

Ontario Ice Skating Center

1225 West Holt Boulevard

Ontario, CA 91762-3639

(909) 986-0793

Moonlight Rollerway

5110 San Fernando Rd, Glendale, CA 91204

Southern California Children's Museum that offer holiday events.

Southern California is filled with great Children's Museums. These museums offer great holiday activities. Some offer Snow Days, Christmas activities, Hanukkah games and more. There are so many great opportunities to teach kids all ages about traditions, cultures and history. 

The Children's Museum, La Habra - They are offering Posadas, Christmas crafts and other hands on learning. 
LOCATION: 301 S Euclid St, La Habra, CA 90631

http://www.lhcm.org/

Kid's Space Museum in Pasadena - Snow Days are just around the corner. They offer a great play area that this extremely fun and filled with touch and feel items.
LOCATION:480 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103

https://www.kidspacemuseum.org/

Pretend City in Orange County - A great place to bring your toddler to play and explore. This week they are offering photos with Santa. Great place to bring a picnic lunch. Toddlers are encouraged to play until they fall asleep. 
LOCATION: 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618

https://www.pretendcity.org/

Discovery Cube aka Discovery Science Center - The Science of Gingerbread. This is a great time of the year to visit the museum. It offers so many hands-on activities as well as fun play areas. 
LOCATION: 2500 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92705

https://www.discoverycube.org/

Zimmerman Children's Museum - One of the most outstanding places a child under (8) years old can play and explore art and science. It is a must see this winter break. They are closed on Saturday's, so make sure to check their schedule before traveling to visit them. 
LOCATION: 6505 Wilshire Blvd #100, Los Angeles, CA 90048

http://zimmer.sharewell.org/

National Parks - Free Entrance Days for 2019

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks for 2019.

National Parks will be fee-free on (5) separate holidays. On five days in 2019, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. 

Mark your calendar for these entrance fee–free dates in 2019:

• January 21: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• April 20: First day of National Park Week
• August 25: National Park Service Birthday
• September 28: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

From the National Parks website: "National parks are America’s best idea, and there are more than 400 parks available to everyone, every day. The fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite, especially one of the national parks that normally charge an entrance fee. The others are free all the time. The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.

The annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass allows unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks that normally charge an entrance fee. There are also free or discounted passes available for senior citizens, current members of the military, families of fourth-grade students, and disabled citizens. Learn more about the variety of passes offered by the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series."

https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Each December 12th, the Mexican Catholic community celebrates the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This celebration commemorates the appearance of Mary to the Mexican peasant Juan Diego in 1531. The feast day is an important day for Mexican-American Catholics to celebrate their religious and cultural identity.  
Santiago de Compostela Catholic Church is hosting this amazing celebration beginning on December 11th, 2018 at 11 PM. There is midnight mass, Rosary, serenade, Aztec Dancers and Food.

Why you should attend this celebration. This is an important moment in history when our Mother spoke to the Indigenous people of Mexico to build a church in her honor. Watch this short video to find out more information on how the Catholic Church gained the trust of the Mexican people. 

You can attend any part of the celebration as your schedule allows. However, I 
highly recommend attending the mass. The Church is located at
21682 Lake Forest Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630 near Irvine Blvd (Trabuco Road) and  Lake Forest Drive. 

To find more Christmas Posdas, mass, prayer groups or  holiday celebrations make sure to visit the Orange County Diocese website:

https://www.rcbo.org/worship/#Parish%20Locator

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to get more information on things happening in Southern California. 

https://www.facebook.com/FieldtripmomFTM/

Celebrate Game Day with some amazing Corn Bread from Krusteaz

Game Day is time for family and friends, gathering around the television or tailgating at the local stadium before your team's big day.  It is a right of passage to put together a feast of comfort foods and snacks for everyone to enjoy.  What better way to compliment that secret chili recipe or top off your plate of boneless BBQ wings with corn bread from Krusteaz.

Krusteaz, manufacture of amazing pancake mix offers a whole line of corn bread and muffin mix including their new Fire Roasted Cornbread.  This new mix has a chili lime and cheese topping that will make any meal pop with flavor.  Super easy to make and the most delicious corn bread ever.  Simply add 1 egg, vegetable oil and milk to the box mix, blend it together well and pour it into your pre-greased baking pan.  You'll have delicious corn bread or muffins in 15 - 25 minutes.  

Time varies between muffins and bread loaf as well as oven types and the altitude you reside. 

With the holidays nearing, consider replacing your stuffing made on the stove for some Krusteaz cornbread stuffing made with love.  It's very simple.  Bake your corn bread and let sit in the open for a few days to dry out a bit.  The day of preparation, in a hot skillet, melt 1 cup of butter and saute 1 cup of celery diced 1/4" and 1 cup of white onion diced 1/4" cooking until the onions are translucent.  If you really want to kick it up, dice up a half of pound of bacon cooking separately from the veggies.  When the bacon is fully cook, drain any grease on a paper towel.

In a separate bowl, crumble your corn bread into small chucks about the size of a crouton.  Add your onions, celery and bacon if desired.  Slowly add approximately 1 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water and toss until well coated.  The mixture should be moist but not wet enough to have standing broth in the bottom of the bowl.  Spoon the mixture into a 2 1/2 or 3 quart greased casserole dish and cover.  Bake on hte middle rake of a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Corn bread stuff is great for any event, dinner with the kids, game day or Thanksgiving Dinner.  Enjoy a slice of corn bread and butter for breakfast as an amazing alternative to toast or other muffin.  Pick up a box or two of Krusteaz Corn Bread and Muffin mix today!

**This is a paid sponsporship however all thoughts and opinions expressed are our own.

Kids can get free Legoland admission on their birthday in 2019.

To celebrate their 20th birthday, LEGOLAND® California is offering free child admission on your child's birthday starting in 2019**.  What a savings for families with young kids.

** This offer applies for kids under twelve only.

LEGOLAND® California opened it's doors in 1999 with 12 rides and the Mini-land themed walk through display. Today, the San Diego based entertainment park offers over 60 fun rides several shows and other great attractions.  They have also added an aquarium, water park and two amazing hotels. 

LEGOLAND® is a wonderful place to take kids to explore and connect through play and socializing. 

The LEGOLAND® park is offering a few new fun attractions coming in 2019. 

• The “Lego City 4D Movie: Officer in Pursuit” is an action-comedy short film with 4D special effects.  It debuts in the Spring in the Lego Showplace Theater.

• Toddlers will rejoice over the new changes to the Duplo Playtown play area.

• The Mini Land Stage - Will host a new “Lego Friends” live show with costumed characters, singing and dancing.

• An exclusive attraction geared toward the February release of “Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” is coming to the park in 2019.

While you are at the park, don't forget to get in line for Ninjago the Ride and the Deep Sea Adventure!

LEGOLAND® California Resort is a great way to enjoy sunny California with the kids.  There is a lot to see and do with several additional attractions coming in 2019, even more reason to plan your trip.  Start planning your child's birthday for next year now, book your stay and tickets today. 

Halloween Events in Orange County and surrounding areas.

Trick or Treat!!!! Halloween is the biggest holiday season for fun and candy. To help you celebrate the fall season we are sharing some of our favorite places and other events happening in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego cities.  These events are great opportunities to make family field trip memories. 

Orange County

Discovery Cube OrangeCounty - Spooky Science Discovery Cube will enchant everyone with  chemistry in the “Wizard of Ooze” stage show, observe and analyze characteristics of real and mythical creatures, and join in on the costume parade. Along with the programming above, the Cube will host five special costume themed weekends. You can purchase tickets online or at the door. Arrive early because it gets very busy. 
https://oc.discoverycube.org/exhibits/spooky-science/

Disneyland - Who doesn't love the beautiful decorated palace in Anaheim. Enjoy rides and characters through out the park. Purchase tickets online or at the park. Wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen. 
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/halloween-time-at-the-disneyland-resort/

Knott’s Berry Farm -   The scariest Haunting Halloween experience in Southern California with innovative thrills that can't be found anywhere else. With 14 haunted attractions and over 1,000 monsters lurking in the fog, Knott's Scary Farm is Where Nightmares Never End! 
https://www.knotts.com/play/scary-farm

OC Libraries - Orange County libraries are hosting many fun harvest and Halloween events during the week and weekend. Find a library near you by going to their website and attend their fun activities with your family.
http://www.ocpl.org/calendar

Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Fullerton -Trunk or Treat event. The community is invited to attend. We invite your family to join us from 6:00-8:00 pm, Saturday October 27th. Address is 1145 West Valencia Mesa Drive, Fullerton, CA 92833. Dress up and bring your family to this great event.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neighborhood-trunk-or-treat-tickets-51307357688

Boot Hill 2018 - A neighborhood home is turned into a haunted house. They are extremely busy up until Halloween. Closed on Halloween day. Donations accepted that benefit CHOC. It is great for Teenagers and young adults. Parking is super limited, so prepare to walk to get to the haunted house. Boot Hill is located at 16 Goldenrod in Irvine. Just off of E. Yale Loop and Springbrook. 
http://www.legendofboothill.com/pages/map.html

Boo at the Santa Ana Zoo - A "Merry not Scary" family friendly event where everyone is encouraged to come in costume (no balloons)! One of the safest places for children (ages 2-12) to trick-or-treat for Halloween enjoying goodies from 10 Stations. https://www.santaanazoo.org/boo.htm

Night at the Surfing Museum- October 26th, 2018 Hear local ghost stories and lore including eye witness accounts of locals who claim to have witnessed the spirit of Duke Kahanamoko body surfing near the HB pier, plus unexplained events at the haunted Surfing Museum, as well as ghostly sightings at the nearby Shorebreak Hotel. Tickets $25 pre-sale / $30 at the door if available

https://hauntedorange.webs.com/night-at-the-surfing-museum

Los Angeles 

BOO AT THE L.A. ZOO October 27 and 28 - Trick-or-treating – Find treat stations throughout the Zoo, with treats and bags courtesy of 99 Cents Only Stores! Available while supplies last!!! 

https://www.lazoo.org/boo/

HORROR MADE HERE - WARNER BROS.- HORROR MADE HERE: A FESTIVAL OF FRIGHTS -This Halloween season The Conjuring, Freddy vs. Jason, The Exorcist, and from the DC Universe, Batman: Arkham Asylum. https://www.wbstudiotour.com/horror-made-here

Universal Studios – Movie Studio that invented the horror genre brings to life the most twisted scary experience ever. You will face your scariest moments. HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS (Now through Nov. 3, 2018) https://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/

Six Flags Magic Mountain – Super Scary!!! https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/special-events/fright-fest-night#ref42946

LOS ANGELES HAUNTED HAYRIDE - THE OLD ZOO (through OCT. 31, 2018)

https://www.losangeleshauntedhayride.com/

DARK HARBOR - QUEEN MARY (through Nov. 2, 2018) - Scary and haunted!!!!  

https://www.queenmary.com/calendar-of-events/dark-harbor/home/

OLVERA STREET - October 25 thru November 2 at 7:00pm

Traditional Mayan Blessing/Soul Cleansing takes place before and after the procession. Procession includes: Grupo Tartalejos – an indigenous Aztec group leading the procession with incense and ceremonial blessing.  Parade of “Living Muertos” – particpants dress up as skeletons in colorful traditional, and not-so-traditional costumes. Procession leads to nightly ceremony in the Kiosko, where the loved ones of a merchant family or special community member is chosen to be honored. Free sweet bread and champurrado are given to all in attendance

https://www.olveraevents.com/day-of-the-dead-olvera-street 

San Diego 

Legoland - offers party nights. Candy Stations, costume contest and meet and greet characters. Kids will love this fun Halloween Brick or Treat Nights. 
https://www.legoland.com/california/legoland-california/buy-tickets/tickets/tickets-page/

Nightmare on Normal Street -This event is 21+ and attendees must present a valid ID upon entry.https://www.fabuloushillcrest.com/nightmare-on-normal

Balboa Park Halloween Family Day -The Balboa Park Halloween Family Day on October 27, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., features dozens of free craft projects for kids, Day of the Dead-themed displays and activities, costume contests and parades, carnival games with prizes, live entertainment, and food trucks. Participating museums also offer free admission to children 12 and under with paying adult.
https://balboaparkconservancy.org/project/halloween/

Trick-or-Treat on India Street- FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018 FROM 5:30PM TO 7:30PM -Little ghouls, witches and goblins storm through the streets at Little Italy’s annual Trick-or-Treat on India Street, taking place this year on Friday, October 26th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Piazza della Famiglia.

Families are encouraged to bring their little monsters out in costume attire to this fun and safe Halloween event to enjoy traditional trick-or-treating, as Little Italy businesses along historic India Street open their doors to give out candy and Halloween treats. Sweet and spooky fun will be had by kids of all ages at this beloved Halloween tradition!

Maps of participating businesses will be available as the trick-or-treat fun happens at the Piazza della Famiglia on India and W. Date Streets.

https://www.littleitalysd.com/events/trick-or-treat-on-india-street

Halloween around San Diego - Find more activities in San Diego
https://www.sandiego.org/search/site.aspx?q=halloween

Orange County Park is hosting fun activities.

Orange County is full of fun and sometimes free activities. Today, we are sharing a few of the upcoming events. To see more fun events, please visit our Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/FieldtripmomFTM/

Kream Kong Ice Cream is making people happy one scoop at a time.

This summer was filled with adventure and lots of great food. Recently, we were invited to a media event for Kream Kong Ice Cream, an organic ice cream truck.  My family and I were so excited to attend the event's secret location because we had heard so many great things about this organic ice cream.  We jumped in the car and fought through rush hour traffic to enjoy this fantastic treat! 

When we arrived, the ice cream flavors available included vanilla, cookies & cream, and strawberry. Kreme Kong offers other flavors on a rotating schedule. Some of these flavors include Ube, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Red Velvet, Avocado, Cookie Butter, Matcha, and Banana Cream Pie. 

For our visit, we chose the Organic Strawberry and Cookies & Cream ice cream.  Kream Kong hosts some incredibly yummy toppings.  Our cream included Cinnamon Toast Crunch, crushed Oreos, Fruity Pebbles, and chocolate sauce.  Delicious ice cream with amazing toppings will bring the kid out in everyone.

To find out more information on where to find them, follow them on Facebook.  Look under their events page for their scheduled locations.  Check out these upcoming events:  

Halloween Fest in Villa Park on October 27th from 4 PM to 7:30 PM.  Location: Villa Park Towncenter 17801 Santiago Blvd. Villa Park, CA.

Also, Come out for Street Food Tuesday, Oct 30th from 5 - 9:30 PM.  Kream Kong will be located at 5800 Lincoln Ave. Cypress, CA.

Arrive early to ensure you get the best selection of flavor combinations!

Facebook: /KreamKongIceCream
Instagram: @kreamkongicecream
Twitter: @KreamKongIC

Borrego Springs Serpent Sculpture road trip.

Artistst, Ricardo Breceda, has brought to life giant metal sculptures that reside in the open land of Borrego Springs. These works of art are giant size. Some are about 350-feet long and approximately 40-feet tall. They are impressive to see first-hand. Photos do not do just to the art pieces just sitting in the middle of sand. A well planned road trip is necessary to visit all 130 full-sized metal sculptures.  We visited a few on a one trip. After the trip, we were left with wanting to visit again. Continue reading to get more information on how to plan your road trip. 

Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce and visitor center offers information these beautiful works of art. Make sure to stop by their office to get information on where to eat and a map of the 130 free standing steel sculptures. 

Borrego Springs at night is beautiful.  Just look at these beautiful images that were captured this past spring. 

Directions to Borrego Springs Dragon/ Serpent location: 

1624 Borrego Springs Rd, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Sky Art Desert Sculpture Garden Galleta Meadows Estate, location:

1299 Borrego Springs Rd, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Borrego Springs Scorpion Sculpture location:

700-898 Big Horn Rd, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Giant Eagle sculpture location:

3800-3898 Anzio Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Make sure to check weather conditions before traveling to Anza Borrego Desert.

Road trips can sometimes have a few surprises. We suggest to pack a lunch and snacks as well as making sure you have enough gasoline in your vehicle. Have fun exploring Southern California this holiday season. 

Solvang, Old Mission Santa Inez and one Ostrich farm.

Solvang, California located north of Santa Barbara is a beautiful weekend trip to take your family. The city is well-known for their Danish-style architecture, food, and shops.  It is also host to a beautiful Spanish mission.

The Old Mission Santa Ines was built in the early 1800's Franciscan Church and welcomes all. Besides having great architecture and rich history, Solvang is home to an Emu and Ostrich farm which is a must see. Your kids will love this place but it is great fun for the whole family.

Located at: OSTRICHLAND USA

610 E Highway 246

Solvang, CA 93463

(805) 686-9696

The farm is host to Ostriches & Emus which will reach out to you for food. In the shop, you can purchase a bowl of feed for the feeding.  I do not recommend kids younger than 10 years old to feed the birds because Ostriches do bite.  They are also very aggressive eaters. Make sure you follow the rules and watch your children at all times. Warning: Kids will not want to leave.

The Emus are slightly smaller birds but have a Jurassic Park / Dinosaur quality to them.  These birds have a signature growl and can run extremely fast!  Listen for their signature call.  If you have ever been to a chicken or turkey farm, you can tell by the signature smell in the air.  This farm was very clean, no odor and very fun to feed the birds.

Ostriches lay eggs the size of cantaloupe melon.  These eggs are full of protein, have more egg whites than chicken eggs and hold the equivalent of 20 large eggs.  The shell is very thick and hard to crack, unlike a chicken egg. We spoke to the farm owners who tell us how healthy and delicious Ostrich eggs are.  Take a trip to the City of Solvang and make sure to visit the Ostrichland USA Ostrich Farm.

For more information:https://www.solvangusa.com/

Homemade Hummus Summer Recipe.

It is hot this summer and dips and salads are a welcome meal. PBS Foods has this easy recipe for hummus. When I look for easy to do recipes, I usually go to PBS Foods. I wanted to share this easy recipe. Click to get the full instructions: Homemade Hummus: Make a big batch of homemade hummus to share with friends and family. 

Ingredients you will need and might already have in your kitchen.

1 pound garbanzo beans, soaked overnight in cool water

3 small garlic cloves, peeled 

1/2 cup water 

1/4 cup tahini 

Juice from 1 1/2 lemons

Salt to taste (about 1 tablespoons) 

1/4 cup olive oil, plus more as a garnish

food processor or blender

 See the complete receipe at PBS Food.

Disclosure: This is from PBS Foods. The ingredients are different than the original recipe less salt and garlic. Please visit PBS Foods to get the complete process. 

California Citrus State Historic Park family field trip.

Our family field trip to the California Citrus State Historic Park proved to be very informative. Did you know that citrus has a rich history and its origin is Asia? Citrus traveled by boat to Brazil, California, Florida, and even parts of Europe during the seventeen hundreds (1700-1799 AD). Two rare citrus finds include species named Buddha's Hand and the Yellow Tiger Lemon. At this historic park, you will find these rare types of citrus. The parks' museum and visitor's center offers citrus history as well as samples of the different types of fruit. 

California is great for growing Buddha Hand Citrus. The park has a few trees that are located near the front of the museum. The fruit cannot be found in local groceries stores.  

While in the museum, volunteers share slices of the oranges, lemons, and grapefruit that grow on the grounds. Make sure to stop by the sampling table and taste all of them. They are sweet and very yummy. It is best you stop there first before walking around the orange groves because picking the fruit is not allowed. So get your fill of citrus inside at the museum. 

The park is about 240 acres big and perfect to hike, picnic and just relax. It is recommended that you check the weather as it can get very hot. When we visited it was 91 degrees and it was a little warm. We drove to the corner to buy oranges and water to stay cool.

California Citrus State Historic Park is located at:
9400 Dufferin Ave Riverside, CA 92503
Tip: Bring cash for entrance fee $5.00. Across the street, they sell oranges and beverages but is cash only. Wear comfortable shoes and check the weather before traveling. 
You can visit their website at http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=649 or call them at 951-780-6222. For more information on booking their facility for Weddings and parties, call 951-515-6689.  More information can be found on their website.
Source: 
https://californiacitruspark.com/
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=649
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2017/02/explore-food-citrus-genetics/

Ongoing research - https://ucrtoday.ucr.edu/46428