U-Pick Strawberries: A fun activity for the whole family. #PYO

Strawberry season is now open and ripe for the picking. It is a very sweet adventure!!! In Southern California, we have several farms that offer the option to pick your own fruit to take home. The admission sometimes offers a fun wagon ride that drives you around the farm before you pick. One of those fun farms is Tanaka Farms. They are located in Irvine, California, right off the 405 freeway and Jeffrey. Follow the link to their site at 5380 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612 http://www.tanakafarms.com/ for more information

For those of you who can't make it to Irvine, there are plenty of other local strawberry farms who allow you to pick the fruit.  I have a few of their websites listed below.  Enjoy the berry good time!

http://kennysstrawberryfarm.com/
http://www.fieldtripmom.com/2016/06/local-farms-that-offer-pick-your-own.html
http://www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com/
http://southcoastfarms.com/u-pick-strawberries/
https://underwoodfamilyfarms.com/pick-your-own-blueberries/
#PYO

Brené Brown: Why Your Critics Aren't The Ones Who Count

Great TED X Talk video that will help you make 2018 a great year!!!

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” ― Theodore Roosevelt

Community Day Legoland California hosted by The Kid's College.

Legoland of California is partnering up with The Kid's College of San Diego. This once a year event offers discounted tickets to the community.  The tickets are $30.00 for adults and kids. Ticket pre-sales for this special day are sold through The Kid’s College  website prior to the event.  Log on to The Kid's College website at: http://thekidscollege.org/community-day-information/

Community Day at LEGOLAND® California
1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Sunday, March 4, 2018
11:00 am – 8:00 pm

Advance purchase is necessary to attend this event. Regular admission prices will be charged at the gate on the day of the event, $95.00 adults and $89.00 for children. Make sure to order them online via The Kid's College website to receive the special price of $30. While supplies last. 

The Kid's College is one of the largest and consistent enrichment organizations in North County San Diego, The Kid’s College currently serves over twenty elementary and middle schools in five districts in San Diego’s North County. In addition, we have provided GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) programs and camps, chorus and drama productions, ballroom dance for all 5th graders at a school, summer camps and supplemental enrichment programs for ASES programs and for educationally disadvantaged youth. In the 2012-2013 school year, we provided enrichment classes to over 5,000 students. In our 15+-year history, we have provided enrichment to over 60,000 student

Disclaimer: Not a sponsored post. Community announcement.

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad will open soon!

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad opens March 1st through May 13th, 2018. Many Southern California families will soon be flocking to the famous Flower Fields of Carlsbad. This working farm grows Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers for sale.  During their harvest season, they open it to the public. We visit every year as part of our Spring family field trips. Family conversations and sharing a picnic fill the day along with enjoying the beauty of the flowers.  This involves playing, riding a tractor and walking the entire field. It is an all-day event.

What you need to know before you travel:
Address: 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 920082018 Season: March 1 through May 13
Prices: $16.00 for Adults, $14.00 for Seniors 60+,
$8.00 for Children ages 3 – 10,
Children ages 2 and under are Free.

Season Passes: $35.00 for Adults, $30.00; Seniors 60+,
$18.00 for Children ages 3 – 10.
Wagon Rides: $5.00 for Adults,
$3.00 for Children ages 3 – 10.

-For the protection of the flowers and the health and safety of your pet, pets are not permitted.
-The Flower Fields are an alcohol and tobacco-free environment. Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted onsite.
-No Bicycles, hoverboards or drones are permitted.
-Wheelchairs are not provided.
-Parking is free.

One of the things we look forward to doing is walking through the fragrant Sweet Pea Maze. The sweet fragrance attracts honey bees, beetles, and other beautiful bugs. A slow walk will provide you with an unforgettable sight to see as bees search for pollen. You will want to take your time walking through this maze. Ignore the folks who run through it and miss the beauty.

The flower field gives us time to reflect and just clear our minds from the daily grind. It is one of our favorite things to do to welcome spring in Southern California. 

When we visit the Flower Fields in Carlsbad we usually bring water, fruit, and sandwiches because we enjoy eating under the sun and among the flowers. We bring extra money for snacks or shopping. Nearby you will find a large Outlet mall that will call your name. You can also go across the street and have a pizza at Costco. There are eateries in and around the outlet mall and across the street a little past Costco. 

The Carlsbad Premium Outlets, Carlsbad State Beach, Legoland, and Museum of Making Music are other fun things to do with your family in the local area. 

Presidential Libraries and Museum in Southern California.

Presidents' Day 2018 is coming February 19th. It is a great time to go and visit the local Presidential museum and library. Southern California is home the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, CA.  Home and birthplace to our former President. It is a great way to learn about history, politics and our government process. At the Richard Nixon Library and Museum, you will find the historical home where President Nixon grew-up, a retired Marine One helicopter, political advertisement of the 1960's and more. 

American history is in every room of this Presidential Library and Museum. As you walk through the halls, it is like walking back in time. Exhibits with fashion, a piece of the Berlin Wall, dishes from the personal kitchen of the first lady, black and white photographs and posters that were used in the political race back in the 1960's, all line the rooms. It all reminds us that time does not stop for us and change is just around the corner. 

Simi Valley is home to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. This elegant museum provides the opportunity to board Air Force One. Once you enter the retired Air Force One, the feeling of excitement will take over. We stood there saying, "This is where our President walked, sat down & ran our country. Our imagination runs to those Presidential moments. Inside the library, you and your family will discover private photos that uncover intimate moments with Mother Teresa and other important world leaders. Outside, there is a piece of the Berlin Wall that reminds you that peace is stronger than war. We recommend this museum for kids 12 years and older. A basic understanding of culture, politics, and government is recommended to enjoy the museum.

The Richard Nixon Library and Museum and The Ronald Reagan Library and Museum are both located right here in Southern California. They are both great places to visit history, politics and the past American culture. Seeing history and touching it makes for a better experience than just reading about it.
Please check with the museums for times and dates of operation. They are sometimes closed for special events. 

You can also visit other presidential libraries and museums throughout the United States. Here is a list of places you may want to visit this year:

Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum  - Kansas

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum  - Texas

William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum - Arkansas

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum   - Iowa

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum   - Massachusetts

Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum -  Illinois

William McKinley Museum and Presidential Library - Ohio

Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum   - New York

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum - Missouri

How Field Trips Boost Students’ Lifelong Success

Fostering lifelong success in education is as easy as visiting a local museum, library or cultural center. Family field trips are so important to a child's education because it's a hands-on activity that will remain in their minds forever. It is a bridge that helps young minds to understand what they are being taught in school. The family field trip is crucial in supporting history, math, reading and socializing. Benjamin Franklin said it best, "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." This year foster more family field trips that will help your child better understand what he/she is reading at school. The NEA supports field trips and encourages them as part of a child's education. Please take a minute to read what they have to say on the matter.

National Education Association - NEA 

Margy Natalie, acting onsite learning manager at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum, agrees: “Field trips give students the opportunity to learn in a natural environment and experience things first-hand and from primary resources, rather than texts; real objects rather than photos.” Carylann Assante, executive director for Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA) and SYTA Youth Foundation, seconds that notion. “Today's students are visual learners and a field trip lets them touch, feel, and listen to what they’re learning about, [which helps them] build on classroom instruction, gain a better understanding of topics, build cultural understanding and tolerance, and expose them to worlds outside their own.”

Read the entire article here: How Field Trips Boost Students’ Lifelong Success | NEA Member Benefits

Find a Lunar Celebration in Southern California 2018

Southern California offers many family field trip opportunities that help you learn about different cultures and traditions. January through February, Southern California will be filled with lots of Lunar Celebrations the year of the Dog 2018. Shopping malls, libraries, cities, and fairgrounds will decorate with large lanterns and red decorations to bring good luck into the new year.  We share a personal story of our experience along with places where you can go to celebrate this great holiday. 

Our first time attending a Lunar celebration was so many years ago at our local library. There was about a handful of people in the community room. The lion dance performers had traveled from Santa Barabara to Rancho Cucamonga(very far). With toddlers, we sat up front to make sure we were able to see. As the drums began to play the noise of people talking went dead listen and all you could hear was the drums. The lion/dragon stepped out and interacted with all the guests. It was impactful to be so close to the dragon. The experience left us speechless and interested in culture.  

The Lunar celebration, we attended, enriched our learning experience. We spring clean our home and give money to our kids. Of course, each family has their own way of celebrating with food and family gatherings. During the month of February, we will travel to the Asian Markets to buy tropical fruits. There are these yummy tropical fruits that we buy at our local Vietnamese market: Dragon Fruit, Rambutan, Jackfruit, and Lychee. All of these fruits are delicious and abundant here in California.

Ready to have fun at the local Lunar New Year celebration? We have a list of some locations that will be ringing in the Lunar New Year 2018:

Newport Beach - Fashion Island Shopping Center
Feb 17, 2018 • 1pm - 3pm • (949) 721-2000

Neiman Marcus/Bloomingdale's Courtyard
https://www.shopfashionisland.com/events/lunar-new-year-celebration-2018/

Orange County - Costa Mesa
Orange County Fair Grounds
February 16, 17, and 18th at the OC Fair Grounds. Tickets are $5-$12 depending on how many days you want to attend. 
https://tetfestival.org/

Bowers Museum - Santa Ana, CA 

February 4, 2018 11:00 am - 1:30 pm

Tickets: $25 Adults $20 kids 12 and older weekend 

Celebrate the Year of the Dog with exciting music, dance, and art of Asia. Fun activities for the entire family. Lion and dragon dances and Changing Faces master are featured.
Sponsored by The Nicholas Endowment

Location: Bowers Key Courtyard and Bowers Kidseum 
Ticket Info: FREE festival. 

General admission to Bowers Museum and Kidseum is free on Festival Sundays for Members and Santa Ana residents only.

Bowers Museum

2002 North Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
714-567-3600
Website@bowers.org
www.bowers.org

Los Angeles

January 28th, 2018
Lunar Celebration Year of the Dog.
The Grove 

Join us to celebrate the Year of the Dog at The Grove and The Original Farmers Market. Enjoy traditional festivities like Lion and Dragon Dances as well as musical performances, culinary demonstrations, arts & crafts, pet-friendly activities and so much more! Don’t miss this fantastic cultural experience for the whole family. 

https://thegrovela.com/events/lunar-new-year-celebration/

Chinatown Los Angeles February 17th, 2018 Downtown Golden Dragon Parade
http://www.lachinesechamber.org/calendar/2017/2/4/2017-la-golden-dragon-parade

City of Commerce 
Citadel Outlets 
During the month of February, shoppers will have the chance to enjoy festive red and gold lanterns, twinkling lights and an authentic 17-ft Chinese pagoda decorating Center Court.
Friday, February 16, and Saturday, February 17, from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, live dancers, and artists from the Los Angeles Chinese Cultural Center will perform Chinese dragon dances, folk dances and traditional songs and drum ceremonies.

https://www.citadeloutlets.com/event/7th-annual-lunar-new-year-celebration/2145501484/

Monterey Park

http://www.montereypark.ca.gov/669/Lunar-New-Year-Festival

Time:

2/3/2018 (Sat.) 10:00 am-9:00 pm
2/4/2018 (Sun.) 10:00 am-7:00 pm

Location: Los Angeles County

5 blocks along Garvey Avenue, Monterey Park, CA.

(Between Garfield Ave. & Alhambra Ave.)

http://lunarnewyears.com/activities/

PERFORMANCES & ENTERTAINMENT ON FEB 3, 2018

LION DANCE/秉公堂舞獅表演

GREETING FROM DISNEY MYSTERY GUEST 迪士尼神秘嘉賓

MARIACHI LOS PLATEADOS 墨西哥異國演奏

COOKING TIME 美食家林慧懿時間

PERFORMANCES & ENTERTAINMENT ON FEB 4, 2018

TINY TOTS DANCING ACTS (FAIRWAY EDUCATION CENTER 惠兒園兒童表演)

KIDS DANCE (GRACE DANCING STUDIO)

LION DANCE(秉公堂舞獅表演)

LA CLASSIC CHINESE ORCHESTRA (洛杉磯古箏國樂社)

GREETING FROM DISNEY MYSTERY GUEST 迪士尼神秘嘉賓

CHINESE TRADITIONAL DANCE (張肇壯華裔樂舞)

LINE DANCE (金龄排舞)

FOLK DANCE (土風舞社年節舞)

YOUNG GENERATION DANCING ARTS (DANCERS WORLD PRODUCTION DWP即興創作舞蹈)

SAXOPHONE SOLO (薩克斯風獨奏)

SPONSORTIME (US BANK)

CHINESE MUSIC (唐生國樂社)

ADVANCE MARTIAL ARTS (精武堂中國武術訓練中心)

MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE PERFORMANCE (中東舞表演)

THE YEAR OF THE DOG'S SPECIAL (PET'S SHOWTIME 寵物大比拼)

DIABOLO ACTS (神奇扯鈴)

LITTLE STAR DANCING ARTS (STAR FACTORY ACTING & MUSIC ACADEMY 星工廠藝術學院)

SINGER'S LIVE BAND FROM LA VOICE (尹星智樂隊表演)

LUCKY DRAWING (世界日報大抽獎)

Exotic Food

48 food booths featuring food from Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and other countries

Lunar New Year Festival 2018 -San Diego

Tết Festival 狗年春节游园会
@ SDCCU Stadium
9449 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
FRI FEB 9 * 5 PM – 10 PM
SAT FEB 10 * 11 AM – 10 PM
SUN FEB 11 * 11 AM – 8 PM
Opening ceremony – Saturday FEB 10th
Lion dance troupes are on-site throughout the day, every day.
FREE PARKING
FREE ADMISSION for anyone wearing a *complete* military uniform!!
FREE carnival ride with every admission ticket purchases
FREE entry for everyone who born in the year of the Dog…bring your ID
30,000 zodiac charms giveaway while supplies last!
http://lunarnewyearfestival.org/

Find More fun things to do on our Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter.

More about the celebration... The Huffington Post: Lunar New Year is not just for the Chinese. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lunar-new-year-explained_us_588bde8de4b0b065cbbc13db

Chinese New Year Tale by Panda Express