Summer Sounds World Music for Kids and Art Workshop at the Hollywood Bowl.

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, this collective of internationally renowned artists – fiddle, banjo, guitar, keyboard, vocals and a duo of step dancers – performs riveting jigs and reels with heel-stomping energy.

July 14-18

Classical Indian to Bollywood Music with MKM BollyStars

Featuring the unique sounds, colors and movement of India, this music-and-dance ensemble gives an exciting look at India’s culture, from north to south, from yesterday to today.

July 21-25

West African Music with Babá Ken & The Nigerian Brothers

With enchanting voices and a harmonious mix of acoustic and electric instruments, these musicians perform a program ranging from West African folk melodies to ’50s and ’60s highlife music, with vivacious soul and infectious grooves.

July 28 – August 1

Salsa and Latin Jazz with The Louie Cruz Beltran Latin Jazz Ensemble

Infused with percolating percussion, catchy refrains and searing horn arrangements, this ensemble dances through the music of Latin America with tantalizing Afro-Cuban rhythms and a passion for fun.

Ticket information:

2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Tickets are $15.00 per person or $12.00 per person for all four events and $10.00 for groups of 10 or more. Purchase online or by phone: Hollywood Bowl (323) 850-2000

Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post. Information listed here is from the Hollywood Bowl. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Swap Meet and Flea Market Shopping in Southern California.

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 to wash and dry. They can be worn as leggings under a dress, exercise attire with a pair of shorts over them or under a pair of jeans to keep warm. The price was great at only 3 pairs of leggings for $10.00. In a large commercial store they may run $29.00 each or so depending on the season. I bought three to add to my winter wardrobe.

Then, there were the succulent plants and Tulip bulbs for my small garden. I purchased 3 small succulent plants for $5.00 and the Tulip bulbs were 3 for $10.00. These same plants are prices much higher at the local nursery, if they even have the same selection in stock. The person selling them owns a nursery based out of San Marcos in San Diego County.  San Diego County is well known for great nurseries.  I did not have to drive 50 miles to get the quality and selection that is being sold at my local swap meet.  The plants were a great buy and the person who sold them to me took the time to explain how to care for them. The bonus in Swap meet shopping is you deal directly with the owner of the business. This allows you more buying power to receive deals or discounts when buy in large quantities. 

As I was leaving with my purchases, I noticed a large crowd and was drawn to it immediately. Once I got up close, I saw that there were gently used books, CD’s and DVD’s for sale.  I was a little shy about asking for the price because there were no prices posted. (Look for posted prices.) When there is no price on the product it makes me feel as though they might be overpricing it; otherwise why would they hide it?  The sales person said, “Most books $1.00”.  Okay, I turned around and started looking for the $1.00 books to see if they would interest me. Not one book for me, but for my kids I found several. Books like Geronimo Stilton and Pokémon. Then I saw the gently used DVD’s and found 2 great ones for my kids from School House Rock and Because of Winn-Dixie. I think my total at that booth was $10.00 for two movies and 8 books.  Although I didn't find anything this time for myself, there are thousands of book titles on the tables in boxes.  I am sure a true book enthusiast would find a couple to add to their collection.

Going to the Swap-meet has its ups and downs. One of the downs is that there are no refunds or guarantees of any kind. You buy items with the “AS-IS” disclaimer.  This means you get what you get and do not complain.  Vendors do not give any kind of guarantee like in a traditional store.  Another thing to consider is that it’s like a treasure hunt.  One weekend you might find lots of great stuff only to find out the following weekend your vendor decided to go elsewhere.  Most of the vendors deal in cash.  Like 75 percent of them deal in cash only because it costs too much money to operate with a fancy Debit card/MasterCard machine.  Bring cash and small bills are preferred to make the transactions easier and faster. There are ATM machines on site.  You will find no parking if you arrive after 8am because swap meet people are early risers. 

The best part in swap-meet shopping is that you get to enjoy the outdoors of Southern California, while finding great deals on food, fashion and plants. If you do not find anything to buy for your home then do not forget to try out the fresh fruit sold in the food section. Sometimes they have the Coco and corn vendors selling fresh healthy treats to eat. My favorite is the Coconut drink and eats station at Orange Coast College Swap meet.

Southern California has many Swap Meet / Flea Markets that are open on the weekends. Some of them are opened every weekend and others once a month. Please call before you plan on visiting to check dates and times. Here is a list of a few that I find fun and interesting.

Golden West College -Located at 15744 Golden West St. in Huntington Beach, CA  92647

Orange Coast College - Located at 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Orange County Market Place - Located at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 

Rose Bowl Swap Meet  Once a month -  Located 1001 Rose Bowl Drive Pasadena, CA 91103

San Bernardino Outdoor Market - Located 689 S E St, San Bernardino, CA 92408

Want to find a swap meet near you than here is a few links that will help locate them. 

California Swap Meet Association.  

So Cal Flea Markets

Knott's Berry Farm Hotel Buena Park, California

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.

 

Summer Reading with Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh

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.

Doner G Turkish & Mediterranean Grill Crossroads Shopping Center in Irvine, CA

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 - Interview with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore - My Field Trip to Hollywood

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.

Mickey Mouse Around the Clubhouse World - Field Trip via DVD

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. 

Bruxie Waffle Sandwich for Lunch with a Friend.

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.

Knotts Berry Farm Gold Season Passholders save money on Soak City Park admission making it a great staycation.

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 Mexican Holiday

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.

Casey's Cupcakes makes the Young and Young at Heart Smile.

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.