Field Trip Mom

Music and art are very important to a child's development. They offer great benefits such as helping to support creative thinking and self-expression. These are only two of the many benefits music and art provide our children. This summer the Hollywood Bowl is offering a multi- cultural music experience, "Summer Sounds World Music for Kids".   The event offers a small art workshop at 10am or 11am to help create a hands-on experience.  The four-week festival of world music and arts for children ages 3 to 9 takes place weekday mornings, beginning on Monday, July 7, and running weekdays until Friday, August 1, 2014. Bring 10 people to come with you and purchase the tickets to save $5.00 per person.*Groups of 10 or more coming to the same performance pay a discounted rate of $10 per person . Groups will not be seated until the entire group has arrived.   July 7-11 Traditional Irish Music with Chicago Reel Celebrating the spirit of Ireland and step dancing, t

Once a month, I get up super early and go Flea Market and   swap-meet  shopping.  The swap-meet / Flea market is a place where I can find unique items at great prices. They carry many different things depending on the location. The best part is that they are run by small business owners selling their goods or services in an open air market atmosphere, which means lots of great deals for me.    I go there with specific things in mind. My shopping categories include plants, clothing and gently used items. (A list of local flea markets and Swapmeet's can be found at the end of this post.) I went last weekend and I was pleasantly surprised at some new finds. I found these super fun leggings. I bought them to wear with a dress, it turns out they work better for exercising. I have been using them to exercise to ease the pain on my joints. The leggings keep your legs warm long after a workout and easy the pain of exercise. They come in many designs and colors. They are very easy

Recently, the Field Trip Mom Family was invited to join Knott's Berry Farm to experience their 3 star hotel . We spent one night at the hotel and one amazing day at Soak City Waterpark. Making this our first staycation of the year and spending some us time. The hotel offers great amenities and special meet and greet to guests. Continue reading to find out more... DISCLAIMER:  This was not a paid sponsored event however we received one nights accommodations in order to provide a review of our experience.  All opinions are solely that of Field Trip Mom.com and our personal experience.  

In a few short weeks, the kids will be out of school for the summer break. Studies show that kids have to be retaught a month's worth of previously learned information before they can start with newly introduced study materials. Reading is a vital component to keeping kids fresh during the summer, helping them with better grades in the fall.  Getting your kids motivated to read 20 to 30 minutes a day up to 5 days a week can be challenging, however we all spend at least this amount of time travelling to the grocery store or to your next field trip.  It's very easy to have your kids earn TV or video game time for the exchange of reading minutes. Your kids will really enjoy this Newberry Award winner, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH.  Learn more about this amazing book.

On a Saturday afternoon, I travelled to Turkey and the Mediterranean without getting on an airplane. Experience the cultures abroad in the vast food experiences we have in Southern California.  I visited the Doner G restaurant in Irvine, CA for lunch.  I was excited to meet up with friends there and try a new restaurant.  This restaurant is located in The Crossroad shopping center and what an experience it is.  Read on to learn more about this amazing eatery. Disclaimer: The food was complimentary for my review only.  I participated in a food event with other bloggers.  I did not receive compensation for this review and all thoughts and opinions are all my own.   

Blended starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore hits theaters May 23rd, 2014. Through a Warner Bros. Studios hosted event, I had a great opportunity to preview the movie and sit with the talent for a question and answer session last week.  The movie had me laughing and talking to the screen.  There are twists and turns that make you wiggle in your seat and bite your lower lip.  However, getting to Hollywood to watch the movie was an adventure in it self.  Find out what happened during my days' trip. Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.  I did receive admission to the movie preview.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Disclaimer: I received product for review. All Thoughts and opinions are all my own. Field Trips via DVD are adventures that require no travel and offer educational value.   This May 20 th , 2014, Disney Junior is releasing their latest Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVD , a popular TV show that airs daily here in Southern California. This special DVD may be used as a tool for parents, educators and caregivers to open the conversation on world travel and fun facts. 

My latest adventure in field trips was a visit to Bruxie: Gourmet Waffle Sandwich shop.  There are 7  Southern California locations and one Denver location to serve you.  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or Dessert...Bruxie has you covered with amazing sandwiches, salads and treats for everyone in your family.

Disclaimer: I received complimentary admission to review the park. All thoughts and opinions are all my own. Knott's Soak City Park is opening up this May 17th, 2014 in Buena Park. The water park is a 13 acres filled with fun activities. The rides and slides are inspired by the beach and surf towns of the 1950's in Southern California.  If you enjoy playing in the water and sun this is the place for you and your family to have a Staycation. It is only a few steps away from Knott's Berry Farm. This year Gold Season Passholders of Knott''s can use their card to get in for free to Soak City all summer long. A great savings for all who enjoy getting out and having fun.  

Cinco De Mayo is this weekend. It is NOT Mexican Independence Day. It is a celebration of the Mexican winning over the French Imperialism. The French marched towards Mexico City to battle and take over. At Puebla almost a 100 miles from Mexico city they were defeated and pushed out.  The French had approximately 6,000 troops and the Mexicans had  4,000 farmers armed with antiquated rifles and machetes. The fight was uneven, but Mexico defeated the French with Guerilla warfare tactics. The French were using Mexico as a way to make their way to the United States during it's civil war period to gain territory. May 5th, 1862 became very important to both sides because the French were not allowed to succeed with a takeover of territory.  Now we celebrate this great day to remember all of those who fought on our behave.

My neighborhood has a Casey's Cupcakes store only a block away from our school. It is the store that everyone talks about at school. Kids love to see parents carrying the pink bag filled with cupcakes to their classroom. Teachers love to see them as gifts from parents and their students.  Neighbors love to see another neighbor bring over cupcakes in those cute little boxes when they visit. Last week, my son had a classmate celebrate her birthday with Casey's Cupcakes and the entire class was over the moon happy.  From the library down the hall, I overheard whispers about the pink bag arriving in a classroom.  The kids made it sound like the cupcakes arrived magically by themselves.  The treats were handed out towards the end of the day to ensure everyone behaved themselves.  These sweet yummy treats made a regular afternoon seem like a magical moment.