Wordless Wednesday - South Coast Collection #CostaMesa #SoCo

 

 

Field Trip to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament - Buena Park

My family and I were invited to Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament for an afternoon of entertainment. I want to tell you about our journey into the Middle Ages via Medieval Times. It began at the will-call window with the kind clerk suggesting we visit their museum for a small fee. We said yes immediately to exploring their Middle Ages Museum called “The Museum of Torture”. It sounded interesting and educational to see Medieval exhibits. As we headed to the museum, a women dressed in traditional Middle Ages attire adorned all of us with blue crowns.

We were assigned Don Alberto Del Mau as our Knight for the tournament. This meant we would have to cheer and support our Knight into battle. Don Alberto Del Mau is a young squire who is renowned as a champion of the defenseless.  Armed with this knowledge, we set out to visit the Museum of Torture.   Inside the museum, we realized that living in the Middle ages was a terrible time for all who crossed Royalty.  We saw all sorts of weapons, punishment tools and a not so beautiful side of history.  The museum was very entertaining and brought a vast reality to the Middle Ages for us.  We quickly went to the court yard to enjoy the sun and the art on the walls. For a few moments we wandered through the castle where there are full suits of armor, weaponry and textiles lining the interior.  The castle had a gift shop, beverage counters, armor shop and windows to admire the horses in the stable...  Quickly; we were seated to see the Knights begin their tournament.  The trumpets sounded and the announcements began.  The servers began their journey to feed us a royal feast.   The King and Queen beckoned the staff to bring on the feast.  We were made to feel as though we were real royal guests attending a royal event. We felt welcomed by all of the details.  (Keep reading for a chance to win your very own tickets.)

Promptly served and hot from the oven was Oven Roasted Chicken, Garlic Bread, Tomato Bisque Soup, Herb-Roasted Potato, Spare Rib, a Pastry of the Castle for desert.  Drinks were Pepsi Ice Tea or water with the option of buying an alcoholic beverage.  (Vegetarian Menu available)

As the tournament continued on we are served a baby dragon (aka oven roasted chicken) and all of the fixings per person.  All of the food is to be eaten with your own bare hands as they did in the Middle Ages.  While we are eating, there is a great show happening.  White angelic horses dance and jump on command.  Music plays in the background and the audience cheers.  The Middle Ages comes to life before our eyes as the King’s army entertains the Royals. The tournament had so many details that when the Knights started to Joust, pieces of the wooden jousts flew through the air. Sparks flew through the air as swords clashed with one another in thunderous might.  The sound of the horses running made your heart pound because it felt as though they were going to land on your lap. Those knights had total control of the horses and not once did anyone make a mistake.  Throughout the show there was cheering for our knight and clapping, which made our afternoon full of excitement and adrenaline. Every section of the arena was a different color, eight in all, allowing for even more competition and excitement.  The combination of the tournament, the setting, food and atmosphere brought great enjoyment to all of us.  We left feeling as though we traveled through time and experienced Medieval history.  We had a great time.

Thank you Medieval Times for having us! The Field Trip Mom family encourages you to set off on an adventure of your own into the Middle Ages.  Family Blogger Special use Promo-Code 35BLOG Adult tickets are $35.95 and Children (12 & under) $29.95.  It's valid for all shows through June 30, 2013 at the Buena Park castle only.  Call 1-888-935-6878 and ask for discount code 35BLOG.  You can also visit their website:

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter:

Facebook

Twitter 

 

 Disclaimer: Sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Congratulations to our giveaway winner Kayla Armstrong!  This giveaway is our summer celebration and the one-year anniversary of their brand new show and menu at Medieval Times, Buena Park.  Kayla is receiving (4) Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Tickets!  Congratulations!!!  Keep visiting our website all summer long for additional giveaways and offers.

Red Cross is helping Oklahoma - #RedCross

 

 

All of us are heartbroken to learn of the devastation caused by the recent tornadoes. Our hearts go out to all the families and communities that have been affected by horrible disasters. Sending you prayer.

If you know someone who could use this information, please pass it on: 

Red Cross

The American Red Cross has several shelters open in Oklahoma and Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles have begun delivering hot meals throughout the affected areas. The Red Cross is also working to link loved ones in Moore who are OK through a website called Safe and Well. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, donate online, or donate by phone at 1-800-RED CROSS.

  

The Red Cross currently has 4 shelters open at the following locations:

• St. Andrews Church, 2727 SW 119th Street, Oklahoma City
• Little Axe Resource Center, 1970 156th Ave. NE, Norman, OK 73026
• Carney Oklahoma Senior Center, 301 E. Maple, Carney, OK 74832
• Shawnee High School Athletic Center, 1001 N. Kennedy, Shawnee, OK 74801
• Moore Community Center, 201 S Howard, Moore, OK
• Newcastle Storm Shelter, 851 N Carr, Newscastle

These shelters will remain open throughout tonight.

Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles have begun delivering hot meals throughout the affected areas. We are also operating fixed feeding sites at the Little Axe Resource Center, the Carney Oklahoma Senior Center and in Shawnee at the Shawnee Expo Center located at 1700 W. Independence, Shawnee, OK 74804.

 

Additionally, Red Cross Disaster Assessment Teams are working throughout the affected areas to assess the extent of the damage.

Those affected by this event who need assistance are urged to contact our OKC office at (405) 228-9500.

 

Disclaimer: Not a sponsor post. Information Source was taken from the Red Cross and USA Today

Disney's "PLANES" - #SummerMovie

 This Summer, Disney's newest animated movie,  Planes, is coming to theatres. Based largely on the renderings of Cars, this movie is bound to please.  The Field Trip Mom family loved both "Cars" movies and are extremely excited to see the latest addition to the Disney Animation line up.  Here is a little preview of the movie.

Are you excited about this movie like we are?  Break out the box of crayons and print some free coloring pages for your kids and get ready for this sky high new blockbuster.  Click on the link below and enjoy soaring through the clouds with Field Trip Mom!  

 

Official Press Release:

From above the world of “Cars” comes “Disney’s Planes,” an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. “Disney’s Planes” takes off in theaters on Aug. 9, 2013

Go to Facebook and like Disney Plane Facebook page or  Disney's Twitter

Disclaimer: Not a sponsored post.

Happy to share free printables with all my loyal readers! Have fun coloring.

Looking ahead to Summer Field Trips. - #SummerFun

Planning for summer is important to secure memorable moments.  My family and I have been talking, planning and looking forward to exploring Southern California more this summer.  There are only thirty-five days until we are officially on vacation.  There is so much to do this summer that planning will be crucial to having amazing fun.  So far, we have our beach towels, swim gear and summer clothing ready to go at a moments notice.  The car has been serviced and new tires have been bought.  Now we have to pick where we will go.  There are a few places that we will re-visit and others that will be new experiences for all of us.  I wanted to share our personal list of places to visit and must see places this summer, here are just a few.

California Science Center - Lots of things to see and experience for kids. Keeping science on the mind during summer is helpful.  There are several exhibits that allow you to do hands on learning.  Don't forget the Space Shuttle exhibit.  
 

Discovery Science Center - This is located very close to Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm.  It is a great place to learn about the science of Hockey, smart food selections and has a dinosaur hunt.  Wear comfortable shoes because there is lots of walking.  You will need water too because the dinosaur hunt is outside.  Lots to see and explore.
 

Medieval Times - This is a show that engages the audience with knights in shining armor in a tournament and battle.  It is an experience that will promote questions and conversation about the Middle Ages.  There is so much to see and explore.  Costumes, food and tournament area  are all great for discussing what happened in the middle ages.

The Autry Museum - Enjoy panning for gold and learning about the Wild West.  The museum has many unique exhibits to see.  The kids will love the green room.  There they can ride a small mechanical horse and appear on a screen with scenes from a movie.  The museum has a small farmer's market on Saturdays with lots of yummy food. 
 

Knott's Berry Farm - You really need to get season passes for this fun amusement park to enjoy it all summer long.  It has lots of rides for all ages.  This summer new rides have arrived and some upgrades.  They have great shows, food and shops.  

Disneyland California - The parks are so large you will need a few days to see it all.  The parades and rides are so fun.  The lines during summer are long, so be patient and wear comfortable shoes.  I recommend that you try the Clam Chowder Bowl for dinner.  Don't forget to see the "It's a small world after all" ride.

The above is just a small list of fun places and things to do this summer.  They are places I have personally visited  and I highly recommend.  Now I am going to share with you a few places I want to see this summer.  Maybe  you will want to see them too:

The Bob Baker Marionettes - I want my kids to experience this fun show.  I was lucky during my childhood and my elementary school walked my entire class on a field trip here.  I have fond memories of this show and the whole day experience.

Forest Lawn Museum - I have heard wonderful things about their exhibits.  Looking forward to experiencing award winning exhibits.

California LEGOLAND - They just opened a hotel in the park.  I have heard many great reviews of the place and my kids have it on their must do this summer.

I will be sharing more of fun places and field trip ideas in future posts that will make your summer special and memorable. Sign-up to get updates and  be the first to know what is happening in Southern California.

Disclaimer: You must wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen. Have a happy summer.
 

Summer Toys @Target by #OurGenerationDolls

Disclaimer: Sponsored post. Esther Rock shares her families personal experience with the OG Dolls. Product Review. Our Generation Dolls story by Esther Rock guest writer.

 

  

Our Generation Dolls have met the mark for us. While both my daughters (ages 6 and 3) were excited to open the doll and accessories, my six year old was particularly smitten. This darling doll named Hally came into our lives when I could barely tell anymore what my daughter liked to play with. She had left the preschool toys behind and was ready for something new. This doll is perfect for this new stage she is in and I expect she will actively enjoy this line well into

her tween years.

The details are abundant with these dolls. The faces, hairstyles and outfits are adorable. The 18" dolls will certainly last long enough to be passed down to little sisters or kept for memories sake. Several dolls have a story to tell, which comes with the doll in a hard cover chapter book as well as props pertinent to her story. The Hally doll came with the book "One Smart Cookie", a gym class outfit, a functional backpack, paper report card, a doll sized yet functional notebook, fortune cookie with fortune, and a Chinese take-out box. The price point is excellent. Dolls start at $18.99 (doll only) and go up to $31.99 for the ones that come with a book and accessories. We also received the R.V. Seeing You Camper ($60 retail) which has all my daughter needs to go on many adventures with her new "friend". There are many other reasonably priced accessories available that little girls will enjoy picking out to extend play in many areas of interest. One improvement in the line I would like to see would be more ethnic choices in the dolls. There are Caucasian dolls with many different hair and eye color combinations. There are also Latina and African American inspired dolls. However, there is certainly room to grow in this area. The other small issue I have is that while the doll and most accessories are durable, items like the paper report card, paper fortune in the fortune cookie and the take-out box are likely to be things that get lost or ruined quickly unless used with care. My girls loved that they were part of the package though, because details make playtime more immersive.

A few more things that I am particularly impressed with was the fact that for every purchase, whether a doll, accessory set or an outfit, 10 cents will go to the charity Free the Children's Power of a Girl Initiative. This cause helps to provide an education for girls in developing countries. Also, Our Generation Dolls cares about the environment.

 

They use recycled and earth friendly materials in the packaging. Finally, the Our Generation website shows girls who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. This is a great teaching moment to share with my daughter and encourage her to dream of not just what she might become but what is possible to do right now!

 

Sold @ Target

 Our Generation toys can be found online on their website or at your local Target Stores.

OG website: http://ogdolls.com/
Target: http://www.target.com/p/our-generation-dolls/-/A-13426772


Guest Writer: Esther Rock is a wonderful mother of (2) beautiful girls. Her days are filled with  endless fun and love for family. She reads, crafts and cooks meals.  When she is not taking care of her family, she loves to take her family to festivals around town. Her goal is to continue to learn and experience new things in her community. She was great for sharing her personal experience and I want to say thank you. Esther thank you so much!
 

**Pictures were shared by Esther Rock and Our Generation.

Invisalign Straight Talk - #INVStraightTalk

 

Pictures Courtesy of Invisalign

  

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. However all thoughts and opinions are all my own. updated 05/07/13

 

A few weeks ago I took my kids to the dentist for their annual check-up. The appointment was after school on the other side of town.  I drive a few extra miles because my kids love their dentist. The dentist and office personal are extremely friendly people.  Unfortunately, this visit the dentist found cavities and further work needed to be completed.  I felt horrible and sadden about my kids having to come back for treatment.  I knew that they would experience a little pain and some discomfort with the next treatment.  I thanked the Dentist and turned to make the next appointment.  Standing there the nurse came back to let me know that my older child would need an appointment for braces in about 6 months.  Thinking but saying out loud, “Metal braces?”  She wanted to let me know so that I could prepare for the expense and the journey associated with orthodontic work.  She said that most likely both kids would need braces, I went numb.  I said, “Okay”, like an automated message but I knew that braces meant pain.  The pain would be worse than treating a cavity.  Metal braces would require many tough appointments, worse than what they were used to with a regular dental visit.  I was saddened by the thought of metal braces.  By the time I drove home, my heart was heavy from the dental visit.  The ride must have been quiet because I don’t remember anyone talking.  That evening my husband and I discussed the dentist appoint with great detail.  When he heard me say “braces”, I saw the sadness on his face.  He clearly remembered the pain and the not eating after every orthodontic appointment from the tighten and adjustments made to his teeth.  Right away he told me about the soreness of his teeth and the uncomfortable appointments he had to endure.  From the sore teeth to the canker sores on his cheeks from the metal braces rubbing, to the rubber bands, headgear and other mouth appliances, he remembered it all.  We did not even discuss the expense as we were more wrapped up with the treatment what our children would need to endure with metal braces.  That night I remember thinking how I wished they did not have to wear braces and fell asleep with that wish in my head.

 

One week later I attended a meeting introducing me to a new product called  "Invisalign”.  I saw the product and was immediately fond of it.   As I sat there listening to the dentist speak about the product, it brought me so much relief.  I sighed with thankfulness that there was an alternative to metal braces.   Invisalign is a clear plastic aligner that helps straighten teeth. It is an alternative to metal braces.  As I continued to hear the benefits of this dental product; I realized that my wish had been answered.  I could see my family benefiting from Invisalign.  Here are a few benefits that had me saying yes to Invisalign:

• Invisalign reduces pain, because they use a clear plastic to treat your mouth.
• Invisalign gives you straighter teeth for healthy gums.
• Treats a wide variety of cases – crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, deep bite and open bite.
• You can eat all foods, because Invisalign is removable.
• You can brush your teeth and floss normally.  You won’t get discolored teeth, because you have metal sitting on top of your teeth 24/7.
• Cost is similar to braces around $5000.00. Talk to your local provider for pricing on your specific treatment.
• Office visits are only (4) to (6) weeks 
• A beautiful smile, because Invisalign straightens your teeth with continuous use.

So many great benefits, but are there any negatives to using Invisalign I asked myself.  Upon doing research on the product, the only one I found was that you will have to make sure you don’t lose the Invisalign Aligners because you need continuous use for it to be successful.   So keeping your Invisalign Aligners in your mouth consistently is a must for it to work.   When you talk to your dentist about this product make sure you ask about what happens if you lose them. Have a plan for replacements to avoid delays in the treatment.  You may also want to take the assessment online to find out if this product is right for you. Click on Invisalign Assessment right now and find out.

 

By now you are probably thinking “my teenager will lose their Invisalign like I use to lose my retainers.”  The Invisalign people have developed a program for teenagers to have up (6) free replacement Invisalign aligners.  The company understands that things happen and teenagers may need more replacements, so they have developed Invisalign Teens for this reason. 

 

The best part is that the Invisalign is a clear plastic with no ugly metal wires in your mouth.  Just think, no metal wires broken from eating poking you in the cheek, no metal rubbing causing canker sores, and easy to put in and take out retainers for eating and brushing your teeth.  There is no metal taste, no avoiding carbonated drinks and no soreness for days after your orthodontic appointment due to the aggressive tightening of metal braces.  I encourage you to do your own research and find out more about Invisalign.  I hope you find this information helpful.

To find out more information, please visit:

Invisalign Homepage: http://shout.lt/gmt1

Invisalign Doctor Locator: http://shout.lt/gmt5

Invisalign Smile Assessment: http://shout.lt/gmtQ

 

Invisalign Website: http://shout.lt/gmt1

 

Invisalign on Twitter: http://shout.lt/gmtX

 

Invisalign on Facebook: http://shout.lt/gmYK

 

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.  This is not medical advice.  As with all articles we write, the Field Trip Mom family recommends you seek advice from only a qualified, doctor, dentist or orthodontist before making a decision.  Please email me if you have any questions.

 

 

 

 

 

Not a Wordless Wednesday - #Weddingtree

I can not begin to tell you how much I love trees.... One day on a family field trip we ran into this tree that sits right across from Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistrano and Mission San Juan Capistrano. There we stood watching a beautiful wedding take place. That is when our family began to discuss that this tree is a witness to all the great moments that the Basilica has to offer. There in plain sight sits this amazing tree offering shade to anyone who will stop and take in a moment. This wonderful tree probably has many stories to tell of brides, grooms, baptisms and all the Catholic celebrations. 

What a beautiful tree!!!