The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California. #fieldtrip

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California make flower growing look easy.  They have been planting and growing Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers on a 50 Acre lot for 85 years. Over the years, they have produced 10 million flowers.  Only a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, this flower farm is beautiful to experience. The farm has several different attractions that are full of color such as the American Flag made from Flowers, the Sweet Pea Flower Maze, The Artist Garden, Cymbidium Orchid Greenhouse and the Historic Poinsettia Display.  Other fun attractions that many will enjoy include the Antique Tractor Wagon ride and the Carlsbad Mining activity for the kids.

On this visit, we started our tour with a tractor ride.  For an additional fee, we rode the entire field listening to fun facts about the farm.  It felt adventurous to just sit back and take in the view of all of the flowers with a beautiful Pacific Ocean back drop all at the same time. 

After our tractor ride, we headed straight for the Sweet Pea Maze passing the children's play area to smell our way out of maze.  This area is my favorite because the flowers smell so delicious.  It is hard not to want to cut some of the flowers.  The Sweet Peas are full of color and beauty so much so that you will want to plant your own.  This is a must smell and see attraction.  Watch out for the bees, butterflies and ladybugs, they visit this area the most.

Behind the Sweet Pea Maze, you will find the Poinsettia Display and Cymbidium Orchid greenhouse.  The Poinsettia display offers several different types of colors and styles that are in the same plant family.  The Orchid greenhouse is smaller but still it was interesting to see. 

Then, we headed up to the top of the hill to get close to the Giant Tecolote Ranunculus.  As we walked up the hill, we could see the different colors that decorate the 50 acres.  It was very exciting to see nature in full bloom.

Around the corner, along Palomar Airport Road, we saw a hillside with an American Flag made from Red, White and purple Petunias.  The strategically planted flowers are a tribute to the United States.  The hillside is approximately 300 ft by 170 ft in size and it can be seen from far away. 

As we walked out to leave for the day, we noticed that there was a mining activity that we all wanted to explore.  The kids had been obtaining stamps on their plant passports for activities completed and explored.  My oldest son gave me his plant passport and said, "Look Mom, it has a coupon for the mining activity."  We gladly took the coupon and proceeded to do some mining. 

As we left the flower fields, we headed towards the Pacific Ocean to experience more of San Diego.  It was a fun day just smelling the flowers. Our hope is that you find your way there one day and enjoy it just as much as we did. 

Boysenberry Festival Ends April 12th at Knott's Berry Farm

We had the best time at Knott's Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival. The food was amazing and the shows were fun and exciting. My family and I made some fun memories at the festival as well as tried new foods. The experience was one we won't soon forget. Let me share with you a few of our moments. 

Wine and Craft Brew Garden, located inside of Ghost Town’s Wilderness Dance Hall, sold an assortment of wine and craft brew labels, in addition to a variety of boysenberry inspired gourmet food. My favorite drink was the Boysenberry punch with fresh fruit and yummy crackers. 

The Boysenberry ICEE Float was delicious after a hot day at the park. I had two to cool myself down. Hubby had one and the kids shared one. Did I mention I loved the ICEE float! 

Deep fried Alligator with a Boysenberry aioli made for a hungry family of four was just right. After going on several rides we decided to stop and taste the other, other white meat. It tasted just like chicken! Yes, it was tasty and tender. 

Knott's offers a tasting card that allows you to try (6) food items for only $25.00.  This is a great deal for all who are visiting the park with the spirit of a foodie. I highly recommend purchasing at least one card and trying the Fried Alligator as well as the Spicy Boysenberry BBQ Wings.

We ate like kings and rode rides until nightfall.  Then, we danced until the park closed.  All of us danced to the most popular songs by the large fountain.  There was plenty of room for all of us to show off our mad dancing skills.  It was our first time watching our little kids turn into dancing machines.  Just like that, the night ended and we left to go home.  Our visit to Knott's Berry Farm proved to be a fun and memorable day. 

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

I Heart Orange County, California. #IheartOC

In celebration of their 25th anniversary, The Orange County Community Foundation is asking everyone in your community for help in raising funds that will benefit over 350 local charities.  Their goal is to raise $2 million dollars for Orange County non-profit organizations in a 30 hour period.  

The hope is to inspire our community to come together with an extra-mile of giving in support of the exemplary work of local nonprofits. Giving Day starts on Tuesday, April 21 at 6 a.m. through Wednesday, April 22 at noon. There is a minimum donation of $25.00 dollars, however there is no maximum donation. You may also give to multiple non-profit organizations of your choice. All donations are tax deductible via a secure site at iheartOC.org.

To help you spread the word about this amazing event. OCCF has added a giveaway that anyone can enter for a chance to win $150.00 to grant to your favorite non-profit charity. Contest runs until April 20th, 2015 at 8:00 am. There is (4) ways you can enter.

(1) Follow OCCF on Twitter https://twitter.com/ocCommunityFdn
(2) Send out a tweet about our awesome event.
(3) Visit OCCF's Facebook Page
(4) Post a photo of hearts. (Get creative with nature or your own hands.) 
Click on the RAFFLECOPTER to link up to the giveaway:

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Find out more information by visiting their social media pages. 
https://www.facebook.com/OCCommunityFdn
https://twitter.com/ocCommunityFdn
http://instagram.com/occommunityfdn
https://iheartoc.org/#giveaway

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

Tart Cherries the super fruit!

Cheribundi sent us samples of their delicious Tart cherry juice a few weeks back to try. What I found when I read about this SUPER FRUIT was that it adds great benefits to one's  health.

For example, Tart Cherries have been known to be Super Fruits packed with antioxidants. This red delicious fruit is a natural sleeping aid because it contains melatonin. Consuming tart cherries also may help reduce inflammation in the body.

While Cherries can be found only in the summer in Southern California.   The juice Cheribundi is available all year round.

My Opinion:

I have been drinking and cooking with it for the past 5 days. So far, it has helped me feel energized. I consume one throughout the day. The best part is there are no seeds to deal with or big messes! I have made frozen smoothies and Ice Tea drinks. The other day I tried to add it to my chicken BBQ marinate, but the kids accidentally drank the last of the Cheribundi juice. It turns out this juice is a favorite after playing handball and getting a heavy workout.

Overall my opinion on drinking Cheribundi  is that it's delicious and great for a growing family. I recommend only drinking one 8oz glass per day with a healthy balanced meal.

Disclosure: If you are diabetic, please check with your doctor before adding it to your diet. #sponsored #Cheribundi

All thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Aquarium of the Pacific's Noche De Estrellas

Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting a Latin-themed Late Night event, "Noche De Estrellas".  The night will have Latin music, dance and food. Come Friday, March 27, 2015 from 6:30pm until 10:30pm and dance Cumbia, Salsa and Rock En Espanol.
The price of admission is only $14.95 for the Latin Adventure. In addition, the aquarium will have over 11,000 animals that you can see and some you can touch. 

March 27, 2015

Live Bands you can expect to see at the event: Sonsoles and Raskahuele
& DJ Quinto Sol

Live Dancing you will experience: Aztec dance with Danza Azteca Cultural Ketzaliztli

Activities- crafts with the Museum of Latin American art, and bilingual educational programs, including an underwater SCUBA diving show, scavenger hunt with prizes, ocean-related activities, drought education with Mujeres de La Tierra, and more—all offered in both English and Spanish. Mexican dishes and refreshments will also be available for guests to purchase.

The Aquarium of the Pacific, a nonprofit institution, celebrates the largest and most diverse body of water: the Pacific Ocean. Great place for families to explore and learn together about one our most important resources.

Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza.

Dear Readers,

 

We are so excited to have received several opportunities for sponsored giveaways. It is with great joy that we are announcing a Facebook contest that expires March 12th at 5pm. You must go to Field Trip Mom Facebook page and leave a comment, telling me why you would like to visit the Irvine Park Railroad. This great sponsored giveaway is to help bring attention to the wonderful Easter Eggstravaganza at the park. Just leave a comment to be entered for a chance to win.  All entries must be in by 5pm this Thursday to be entered. It's a 48 hour giveaway extravaganza! Make sure to like our page as well as Irvine Park Railroad.  

 

Giveaway package includes the following:

Enter for a chance to win tickets for Irvine Park Railroad.
6 Tickets (which can be used to ride the train OR participate in Easter Eggstravaganza activities)
1 Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park surrey rental (excludes the double surrey)
1 Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park paddle boat rental
The approximate value of this prize package is $70.00

Post by Field Trip Mom.

Address: Irvine Regional Pk, 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869
(714) 997-3968
Photocredit: Irvine Park Railroad.

Creamistry - Customize your Ice Cream

Serving nothing but the freshest ingredients, Creamistry offers several base cream and sorbet opinions including over 40+ flavors and 50+ mix ins and toppings.  Every order is made to order, there is no pre-made containers to scoop from and no chance of stale, freezer burnt ice cream served. 

Disclaimer:  We received no monetary compensation for this post.  Creamistry sponsored our family to try out a variety of ice creams of our choice free of charge in exchange for this post.  All opinions are our own.

Creamistry hand crafts all of your ice cream dreams to order with fresh premium cream, organic cream or non-diary sorbets.  A specially trained creamologist, pours the finest dairy or non-dairy into a large mixing bowl and adds your choice mix ins.  Next, they head over to the specialized creamery mixing station.  Then the magic truly happens, Creamistry starts mixing your ingredients together and sprays in the -321 degree liquid Nitrogen.  As the Nitrogen mixes with the air, it begins to evaporate causing a plume of vapor around the mixer.  The flash freezing process is so cold the cream molecules stay very small without forming ice crystals.  This process creates the softest, creamiest ice cream with amazingly fresh ingredients.  It's like getting hand churned ice cream at Grandmas house without the 2 hour wait and the tired arm from winding the churn.

We all wanted to experience our own unique taste and everyone was excited to order.  Among the choices included coffee premium ice cream with Heath Bar mixed in, Oreo cookies and premium cream with a Kit Kat topping, salted carmel premium ice cream with chocolate chips and pretzels laddened on top and a Dole pineapple sorbet topped with marchino cherries.  Soft and creamy, every flavor was our favorite.  Options included the ability to make your ice cream into a divine shake or add a waffle or brownie to your bowl. 

The ice cream is reasonably priced for the quality you receive.  Big portions are ideal for sharing a large size bowl between friends and the small is perfect for individuals wanting to customize to their own unique tastes.  The ice cream is full of flavor, fresh and silky to eat.  Your won't be disappointed in the experience.  If you are a fan of frozen yogurt, Hawaiian shaved ice or premium hand churned ice creams, you must try Creamistry.

 As part of the offer, the great people at Creamistry wanted to offer our readers the opportunity to win a gift card to try out this incredible ice cream.  Enter to win your chance at winning this gift card and take your family to the newest and freshest ice cream store.


Store Locations
Long Belmont Shore - 4725 E. 2nd Street, Long Beach, CA 90803
Cerritos - 11442 South Street, Cerritos, CA 90703
Irvine - 3972 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92606
Corona - 2150 California Ave. #105, Corona, CA 92881
Rowland Heights-1390 Fullerton Rd. Ste 104, Rowland Heights, CA 91748
Costa Mesa -1870 Harbor Blvd. Ste 104, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 (coming soon)
Mission Viejo - 27730 Santa Margarita Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (coming soon)
Beverly Hills -253 S. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (coming soon)



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