Friday, April 27, 2012

Green Chopsticks Food Tour


 April 13th - Writers Jamie, Jeanne , Taylor and my family go on a food tour!!!

My friends and I were invited to a very special place, " Green Chopsticks" which is headquartered in Alhambra, CA. We toured their kitchen where delicious dumplings are made in a state of the art facility.


In order to go inside the dumpling kitchen, we had go through a total body sanitizing process.  We washed our hands, put on our white sanitary coats, hair hats, and went through an air closet (to remove any unwanted particles on our body.)  Finally, we stepped into a cleaning agent to cleanse our shoes.  We were sanitized from top to bottom in a matter of minutes.

The temperature was North Pole cold.  Inside the facility, the floor was specially made for this state of the art kitchen to maintain a clean safe environment.  We were all impressed with how they cared about their food environment.  Finally, we made it inside to see how they made kitchen magic. 
The dumpling process was broken up in teams.  There was the dough making process, the fresh vegetables process, the fresh meat process and the final assembly to bring all the ingredients together.  The dough was in a roll and was placed in a heavy duty machine to cut the outside of dumpling. 
The vegetables consisted of green cabbage, onions, garlic and leek.  They were washed, cut and mixed with other ingredients such as soy sauce, sesame oil, evaporated cane juice, salt, oyster sauce and black pepper.  The meat was fresh and cut in the kitchen.  Nothing was pre-cut or frozen and nothing but fresh ingredients went into the dumplings.
 
After being assembled the dumplings were cooked on a special machine.  They were lined up and steamed.  We were able to sample the finished product as the dumplings marched on to be prepared for freezing and packaging.  The whole process taught us the care that went into preparing these delicious dumplings.

Green Chopsticks dumplings can be bought at Gourment Markets such as Gelson's Market, Bristol Farms, Wholesome Choice and Costco RoadShows.

Dumplings marching to the store near you!


Please visit their Facebook page to get updates and more information on this delicious product.http://www.facebook.com/greenchopsticks

Want to say thank you to Green Chopsticks for the food tour and Jamie for making it all happen.
Visit Jolly Tomato Blog - Jeanne , Minnesota Girl Transplanted Blog - Jamie and
Kampenlane Blog -  Taylor to learn more about the writers who went with me on this food tour. Happy Food touring!

Disclosure: I was not paid to tell others about this product. I did receive samples to take home and try out.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Fun Mini Field Trips in Irvine

Why fun mini Field Trips in Irvine?  Small neighborhood Field Trips aka Mini Field Trips produce a great benefit through the introduction of new foods, new experiences and new confidence about life. In this post I will briefly explain what we saw, tasted and experienced. I highly recommend you take a Mini Field Trip through your neighborhood or come to Irvine.


East Coast Bagel, OC Succulents and Super Irvine Market are among the most fun and educational places for kids to learn about food, cooking and plants. These businesses are located in Irvine, CA.  If you go to East Coast Bagel you will see bagels made with Spinach, jalapenos (hot) and then there is Bagel Everything. The bagels are made on site fresh everyday. The kids can see through the clear glass as they cook the wonderful bagels and they can smell it too. You can talk to the cook and get a sense that they cook the bagels with love. I loved eating their fresh bagels with a cup of coffee. There is limited seating, so I suggest you go early.  A hidden place in a large city.  I suggest you go and try the delicious bagels. Here is the address:
14370 Culver Dr # B Irvine, CA 92604
P.S.
East Coast Bagel is a small bagel business with lots of regular customers.
Super Irvine is a local market with lots of favorite foods of the locals and MiddleEastern Community. They have a clay oven which they use to bake fresh Lavash Bread. (Lavash is made with flour, water, and salt. The thickness of the bread varies and depends on how thin it's rolled out. Toasted sesame seeds and/or poppy seeds can be sprinkled on before baking.)

They have  fresh herbs and spices for your gourmet cooking or traditional Middle Eastern meal. I found that the prices were very reasonable and the food looked fresh. I bought some Lavash and made Lavash tacos. Carne Asada con Salsa. Lavash tasted like a tortilla for me. My kids loved the Lavash, because they saw how it was made. (It was cool to see a mile long pita coming out of the clay oven.)  The herbs I bought and peeled garlic were used almost on every single meal. Mint for my ice tea, cilantro for my salsa and Greens(small leaf with thick stem) for my vegetable stir fry. Our visit to Super Irvine helped us learn about Kosher, Middle Eastern Foods. The smell and the tastes were eye opening for us. It was a mini field trip that required our (5) senses (taste, smell, see, touch and hear).  It was great learning about Middle Eastern foods. Here is the address: 14120 Culver Dr # D, Irvine, CA 92604


OC Succulents is located 3350 1/2 Warner Avenue, Irvine, CA 92606. It is a few blocks away from The District shops. It is a very organized clean garden supply business. It offers Succulent plants and Indoor plants. This well stocked garden store offers many styles of green friendly plant life. The kids will love looking through all the different types of plants with funny names. We bought the Jack plant and a Donkey's Tail succulent. (The owner gave my kids two small Rock plants.) Succulents are very easy to care for and to plant. My kids are now caring for two small succulents. I hope the plants stay alive. :)
Donkey's Tail Succulent

Rock Plant Succulent







Irvine has so many great places and so much to do that everyday is a new adventure for my kids and I.  There is so much to see that I will have to tell you more later. For now visit some of these fun places with your kids and go on a mini Field Trip. Happy Field Tripping!!!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Giveaway - Zimmer Children's Museum


GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED:  CONGRATS TO THE WINNERS!

Giveaway - One lucky winner will receive: One Week of Summer Camp at the Zimmer Children's Museum (Value $135.00)

I really support the Zimmer Children's Museum, because they are committed to making learning so much fun for children.  This month they have given me a One Week Pass for Summer Camp to giveaway to one lucky reader. I am so proud to offer this educational and exclusive offer to you! All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog or become a follower of this blog.  The winner will be picked from a drawing. You can enter once a day for the next 8 days. The giveaway will end April 24th, 2012. The winner will be announce on April 29th, 2012. 

If you have any questions, please email me: fieldtripmom@gmail.com

Zimmer Children's Museum:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Zimmer Children’s Museum is dedicated to teaching people about the BIG IDEAS of global citizenship, community responsibility, and cultural sensitivity. Our mission is to make a better society through interactive learning, creative self-expression and art experiences for children and families.

This year, the museum offers 3 distinct week-long, half-day summer sessions for 4 and 5 year olds that, through the power of play, will examine a unique perspective of the idea of responsibility. Though the focus of each camp session will vary, each camp day will include many activities that incorporate art, music & movement, and play that help to develop the whole child, including their social, emotional, and physical health and well-being.

Camp Information:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Camp at the Zimmer offers an in-depth hands-on opportunity to explore the BIG IDEAS of community responsibility, cultural sensitivity and global understanding. This year, the museum offers 3 distinct week-long, half-day summer sessions that, through the power of play, will examine a unique perspective of the idea of responsibility.
Teaching children responsibility is an essential part of early childhood development. Through the various play experiences at the Zimmer Children's Museum, children learn qualities such as respect, honesty, compassion, and integrity and develop an understanding of their responsibility to themselves, their family, their friends, and their community. These life lessons prepare children to contribute to the larger society in meaningful ways.

WHO: Ages: 4 years - 5 years *Must by 4 by camp start date

LOCATION: Zimmer Children's Museum
6505 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90048

COST: $135* per session
*Discounts available for members, siblings, and multiple session registration.
Financial Assistance is available for families who qualify. Please complete the Financial Assistance Request Form and submit with your application.

 Join us for one, two, or THREE weeks of summer camp!
Though the focus of each camp session will vary, each camp day will include many activities that incorporate art, music & movement, and play that help to develop the whole child, including their social, emotional, and physical health and well-being.

session 1: Responsibility to Self
Monday, June 25, 2012 – Friday, June 29, 2012
9:00am – 12:00pm
Understanding one’s self is at the core of being a responsible person. Campers will engage in individual and group activities to offer them opportunities and skills to better express themselves, build personal confidence, foster group cooperation, and more!





session 2: Responsibility to Each OtherMonday, July 9, 2012 – Friday, July 13, 2012
9:00am – 12:00pm

A successful community is made of people who feel a sense of responsibility to one another. Campers will use their imaginations to explore the roles of being a doctor, a firefighter, a teacher,and other members in their community to discover the importance of helping others.

session 3: Responsibility to Planet EarthMonday, July 23, 2012 – Friday, July 26, 2012
9:00am – 12:00pm
We’re digging deep and planting the seeds of understanding the importance of taking care of planet earth. Campers will explore nature and learn ways to recycle, reduce, and reuse through natural art materials, hands-on activities, and more!

How to Enroll:


*DISCOUNTS
Discounts available for members, siblings, and multiple session registration.
Deduct 10% for each of the following:






  • Siblings (Registering more than one child)




  • Multiple Sessions (Registering same child in more than one session of summer camp)





  • Museum Member


  • Please total applicable discounts prior to registration. Upon checkout, enter the following promotional code according to applicable discount:

    10% discount, enter CAMP10
    20% discount, enter CAMP20
    30% discount, enter CAMP30

    Discounts will be verified by museum staff.


    Online (click links above) or download the registration form HERE and bring it in person to the
    Zimmer Children’s Museum
    (On the lobby level of the Jewish Federation Goldsmith Center)
    6505 Wilshire Blvd.,
    Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90048.

    QUESTIONS? Call Belinda at 323-761-8912

    Friday, April 13, 2012

    Hunger Hits Home on April 14th Food Network TV



    What if your neighbor was hungry and suffering in silence? What if he was only 10 years old. Hunger Hits Home is a documentary about our country and the kids who go hungry every day and every night. There is an estimated 1 in 5 kids who goes hungry everyday.  Food Network and Share Out Strength's No Kid Hungry have partnered to end childhood hunger by 2015.
                       
    This April 14th on the Food Network Channel a very important documentary will air "Hunger Hits Home".  Narrated by actor Jeff Bridges, who is the national spokesman for Share Our Strength 's No Kid Hungry Campaign. The documentary will show you who is going hungry and how they got there. The families in the documentary are not people holding signs on the sidewalk or living in a homeless shelter. They are families like yours and mine. They have a place to live and transportation. They have jobs and live in major cities. They are loving parents with the best intentions for their kids. But making hard decisions like buying fresh groceries is part of daily life, because of the current US economy. There are solutions to this horrible problem. Watch the documentary on April 14th on the Food Network Channel. Check your local listings to find the times. Watch and learn how you can make a difference!


    Our Children. Our Problem. Our Solution.

    Repost from Food Network Blog "Hunger Hits Home".

    Here are four ways to take action against childhood hunger today:
    1. Donate to local food pantries
    2. Support your school meal programs
    3. Call your local member of Congress and make it clear to them how important it is that they support programs to end hunger
    4.
    Be a Part of Share Our Strength’s Food Blogger Bake Sale on April 28
    Our friends are talking about hunger today, too. See what they have to say and tell us what you’re doing in the fight against hunger on Twitter by using the hashtag #pullupachair.


    Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensated for writing and sharing this wonderful event. I did have the pleasure of watching the documentary and forming my own opinions. All of my expressed opinions are all my own and not Food Network or Share Our Strength. Please watch and make a difference.


    Wednesday, April 11, 2012

    We Won the Liebster Award! :)


    My blogger friend Jamie from Minnesota Girl in LA blog awarded me the "Liebster Award.  This award is bestowed on blogs who have great value and deserve more attention.  I have never won a blogger award before, so of course I researched it (I am a geek).  I found that Liebster is German for dearest, beloved or favorite. Being someones favorite is something that makes me smile. I write to inspire others to get out and experience life with family. Combining travel with education is my passion. Not everyone can learn through reading only, therefore learning through hands on experience is key to finding your passion.
     
    It is an honor to receive this award and nominate other Bloggers for "Liebster Award. Here is my pick of (5) great Bloggers who deserve to be read:

    Alexis - North on Harper
     

    I hope that you will take a moment and read some of these amazing Blogs. As always I wish everyone  peace and friendship.


    Sincerely,

    Alma

    Monday, April 9, 2012

    Last Chance for Nuclear Cowboyz



    Can you believe April 15th is almost here? I can't believe it. Taxes and the last chance for Nuclear Cowboyz is April 15th! Want to have some fun with the kids on tax day? Head out to the Citizens Business Bank Arena and attend the Nuclear Cowboyz performance. You can purchase tickets online through Nuclear Cowboyz Events  or  CBBA (Citizens Business Bank Arena)

    Who: The Nuclear Cowboyz have an amazing website. Here is their about me:
    Legendary Nuclear Cowboyz FMX tribes, the Soldiers of Havoc and the Metal Mulisha® return for a never-before-seen action-packed North American tour, Nuclear Cowboyz 2012, that takes place in the war torn city of Los Angeles during the year 2150. The tale unfolds as the two tribes’ survival is threatened and besieged by an evil force, The Tempest and her electrifying Cyborg Army. Catapulted into the heart pounding fury and frenzied excitement are the sizzling Nuclear Cowgirlz®, whose allegiance to their tribes only intensifies the Tempest’s rage to destroy the Nuclear Cowboyz. The Soldiers of Havoc and the Metal Mulisha’s battle is fought through fearless freestyle gravity defying stunts, combined with outrageous pyrotechnic and laser displays synchronized to heavy metal, rock alternative and electronic dubstep music. (taken from their website)

    Nuclear Cowboyz


    Do not miss this great opportunity to see the Nuclear Cowboyz, otherwise you will have to travel outside the USA to see them. They are that popular!!!

    Where: Citizens Business Bank Arena
    Citizens Business Bank Arena link
    4000 E. Ontario Center Parkway
    Ontario, CA 91764
    (909) 244-5500
    When: April 13th -15th (Last Chance to see them in the US)

    VIP Info:

    Experience Nuclear Cowboyz with a VIP Fallout Zone ticket. A VERY limited number of tickets are set aside for the BIGGEST Nuclear Cowboyz fans. Each VIP Fallout Zone ticket includes: Premium seating, admission to a private meet & greet with the stars of Nuclear Cowboyz where you will be presented with a commemorative VIP Fallout Zone credential and poster. ONLY VIP Fallout Zone ticket holders will be able to take part in the meet & greet. It’s the ultimate VIP experience. Don’t wait as these seats are extremely limited and will go fast.

    Disclosure: I was not paid to tell others about this event. I did receive complimentary tickets to attend the show. I will be attending, because my family has demanded I do. All opinions are my own and I look forward to making memories with my family at this popular event. I hope to see you there!!!

    Tuesday, April 3, 2012

    Grandparents and the Discovery Science Center

    
    My in-laws/grandparents came to visit us all the way from Minnesota. We took them to the Discovery Science Center and had a super terrific memorable time. We first took them to the Cloud Ring, Pin Wall and Rock Wall. The kids showed them how easy it was to climb the rock wall. We then tried to get them to try the BED OF NEEDLES(3,500 sharp nails), but the grandparents said "NO"! We moved to the upstairs to the Eco Challenge, where we found their favorite exhibits. Here is where it got interesting! Who knew that grocery shopping, trash throwing and virtual art was a favorite of my in-laws/grandparents and my kids (Eco Challenge).
    My in-laws/Grandma and Grandpa had a trash battle with their grand kids. Here the challenge was to sort trash by it's correct catagory, which are recyclables, household, hazardous waste, including e-waste, green/yard waste.  There is a race to win the challenge by sorting  waste by their catagory. Everytime you correctly sort waste your trash truck moves (see picture above) and you move towards winning the challenge. The person with the most correct answers(waste sort) wins the race. We were all working fast and laughing. None of us really knew our waste catagory, so we began to laugh at one another. It was lots of fun and yet it was educational. All of us learned as we raced to win the challenge. 


    Grocery shopping with grandma was just as fun as throwing trash (Eco Challenge). Here answering questions about Eco friendly products was the game. The kids taught grandma that if she answered them all correct there was a prize! Grandma had to learn the earth friendly products to earn her prize. A silver coin was the prize my kids had their eye on. There is a photo opportunity at the end of the grocery challenge. Trying to find where to stand to get a great picture is always the fun part of that experience.  My in-laws were tired after  throwing trash and grocery shopping (Eco Challenge).  They sat by the large beautiful window over looking the city next to the grocery store.



    Sitting near the large windows over looking the city. They found a virtual crafting station. It was a virtual game that allowed us to make virtual crafts. The virtual supplies were papertowel roll holder, toothpicks, rice and caps. It was like a craft supply store inside a large TV. It was so easy to use that my in-laws/grandparents started playing with the kids. We split into team Granma and team grandpa or girls vs. boys. It was really a very fun moment to experience. My in-laws were very engaged in the project and tried their hardest to come up with creative crafts. We spent a large amount of time creating in a virtual world. There was no mess and no craft to take home. Just the memory of having fun with the grandparents/in-laws.


    The day was very special for all of us. What made it so special was that we all learned something new to apply in our everyday lives. Another benefit is that the in-laws/grandparents got to experience a fun field trip with their grandkids and have great memories to cherish. I am sure now that they have gone home to Minnesota, they will look at these pictures and smile.

    To: Grandma and Grandpa we miss you and hope you come back soon!!! We had a blast on all of our adventures!!! See you soon!!!  :)

    Monday, April 2, 2012

    Field Trip Alert - L.A. County Fair




    logo
    Field Trip Alert - L.A. County Fair is having sign-ups for their Field Trip program. The field trips takes place in September.  The FairKids Field Trips is a California State standards-based field trip. It is for preschool through 8th grade students, public, private and home schools, and will take place Wednesday through Friday, Sept. 5 - 28, and parking and admission are absolutely free of charge. The field trip starts at 9 a.m. and does not open to the public until 12 p.m. This gives FairKids 3 hours on grounds without the public. Parking and admission is at Gate 9 off of White Ave.
    To learn more just click on this link: http://www.lacountyfair.com/2012/educationcommunity/fairKids.asp


    Sign up for the kids competition and get in the spirit of the fair.
    http://www.lacountyfair.com/2012/entertainment/competitions_AmericasKids.asp