Popsicle Blog

5/21/13

Getting Ready for Summer with Land of Nod

this is sponsored post.

not only did i clean-up and rebrand this blog, i am also in the process of cleaning-up and re-organizing my life…my home included. the constant being-on-the-go has really taken a toll on the my home. and it doesn’t help that i’m a borderline hoarder (at least in the garage). well, it’s time to let go, clean house….in mind…in home…in life. i want to spend this summer relaxing at home, playing with the kids and taking a slower approach to life.

part of this process is creating a space the kids and i enjoy being in. i have to admit, a lot of the time, i take the kids out on the town to avoid cleaning up the house. but that will be happening a lot less this summer. i am creating a space we can all enjoy and also be happy in. i want the spaces around our home to be functional for different kinds of play….a playroom with arts and crafts….game center….backyard area etc. i am on the hunt for some functional furniture and fun decor.

when i heard the Land of Nod was opening a store in South Coast Plaza on May 31st, i nearly jumped for joy. i’ve been buying items from their catalog since my oldest as a baby. if you aren’t familiar with the store, you have probably heard of Crate and Barrel…and Land of Nod is their children’s line. their style is traditional with modern flare. if you been to my home, you would see i like playful quirky items in pops of colors. that pretty much sums up Land of Nod.

check out the inspiration boards i have created below. the boys love games and art, so i am going to focus on getting organized there first. i’ve got a few weeks to get this house in order before school ends so we can enjoy summah!!!!

and for the outside, i want to organize the garage and backyard to make it more functional for my kids to play and keep toys from being scattered all over the yard. we may…or may-not have gotten a notice from our homeowners association about toys all over the yard. but hey! at least my kids are outside playing. i really like the storage solutions below and the my kids would have fun with the toys. i have always wanted a teepee playhouse.

of course, i probably can’t get all the items on my wishlist, so i am entering the Land of Nod Win a Room Sweepstakes. it’s a $4,000 value, and if I won, all my dreams would come true ha! now if i can only wait for the store’s grand opening….look for me on the 31st of may.

keep up with the latest Land of Nod happenings…. facebook | twitter

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Land of Nod, but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NODinCA http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.”

Posted by jill | 5/21/13
7 Comments

5/20/13

A brand new day

as you can see, Sandy Toes and Popsicles has a new look! i’ve been blogging in this space for five years now and have only updated the blog once. a lot has changed for me in the last five years, and i figured with that, my blog needed a change.

WOW. that is all i can say. who knew i would still be blogging today. all starting from this simple post, where i began blogging my preparations for summer, and tips of free activities and offers i found around Orange County. i started this blog to share stuff with my personal friends. short and sweet.

life seemed so simple back then. i still remember that summer. it was milestone in my life. a kid just finishing kindergarten, a two-year old, a new set of school friends, and me….i was just trying to be an involved mom, learning along the way how best to raise my kids.

it was that summer that i realized i loved blogging. people….other than just my friends read my blog. i started to meet and connect with new persons i would never have met otherwise. blogging helped me get out of my comfort zone, made me get out of the house and out into my community, sharing the treasures of the OC with my kids.

who knew i would ever be a writer. not i.

forward to now.

Sandy Toes and Popsicles has evolved from that first summer of sharing deals and tips on having a frugal summer in SoCal. things like crafts, recipes, reviews, giveaways and printables have all made their way onto this blog. and as Sandy Toes and Popsicles has evolved….so have i.

so it is time to change Sandy Toes and Popsicles up a bit. i feel the need to bring my personal life into it more.

a lifestyle blog.

as my children have grown, they have desired to take life at a slower pace…and taking their cue, i need to slow down too. having a lazy day at home is perfectly acceptable to them. we have shared so much of Orange County on this blog and after years of enjoying every inch of Orange County, we. are. tired.

going forward with the Sandy Toes and Popsicles….we will still be sharing our adventures of living in Southern California, but look forward to us sharing it in a more personal light. more of me, more of my kids and more of LIFE.

what you will find on this blog….

crafts. i’m all about making and creating things. from crafting with kids, to gifts and decor, i am always creating something. i want to share more of what i do on the blog.

recipes. i may not be the best cook, but i can bake. i like making pretty desserts and fun family meals that are easy. i’m going to start sharing more of that.

printables. these happen to be some of my most popular posts. and they are probably what i am most known for. so lets make more!

me. i’d love to share some more of my personal thoughts and ideas on this space. since my kids are growing up, they are not always thrilled to be the spotlight of every post and photo.

and yes…

Orange County events. i will still be sharing upcoming events with all of you, BUT i am going to try to keep those great OC happenings in bi-weekly posts. their are plenty of new OC blogs that have minute by minute updates of every kind of activity you could ever imagine. they are great resources, and i don’t feel that my time and energy needs to be spent duplicating their efforts. on the sidebar, you will now see a link to the Orange County Events Calendar as well as a link to the archives of tips and resources to the best Orange County adventures.

and to my readers…

thanks for all the support throughout the years. it is so lovely to read the many comments and emails you leave me. it makes me happy when i can help others find the beauty in SoCal that i do. and creating projects that are fun for them to do too.

i look forward to many more years to come, as i hope you will enjoy the new Sandy Toes and Popsicles.

So what do you think? What brings you to this blog?

Posted by jill | 5/20/13
14 Comments

5/9/13

Sneak Peek at Knott’s Boardwalk Expansion

hey! do you know where i am? i’m behind the scenes at Knott’s Berry Farm’s Boardwalk Expansion project. you know how much i love Knott’s, so when they invited me to check out what is happening on the Knott’s Boardwalk, i was excited to check it out.

opening May 28th, Knott’s Berry Farm will be opening some new attractions along the Knott’s Boardwalk, including a roller coaster, two rides and the refurbished Timber Mountain Log Ride.

and the rides are going to be great, classic boardwalk carnival rides perfect for families. the Pacific Scrambler will be one of my kids favorites.

and the Surfside Gliders, which i never tried, look like so much fun.

and this. the Coast Rider is a unique rollercoaster that zig zags in the sky. i hear that it’s a lot faster than it looks. be prepared for a wild ride.

and lastly, one of Knott’s favorites, the Timber Mountain Log Ride open since 1969, has been getting a complete makeover. however it will keep it’s old time charm, but will now be furbished with robotic, life-like miners, animals and landscapes.

Knott’s is working round the clock to make our favorite log ride attraction and new and exciting pastime to share with our friends and family. here is a sneak peek of the action.

yep, not much to see yet, but i hear it’s going to be fantastic. so be sure to make plans to ride it this summer. the kiddies and i are super excited. we have this fun memory of riding it together. ha ha ha…they loved it!

and we can’t wait for the rest of the Knott’s Boardwalk to open either.

to keep up with Knott’s Berry Farm News, follow them.

facebook | twitter

{disclosure: this is not a sponsored post. i was invited by Knott’s for a complimentary tour to see what is happening with the Boardwalk Expansion. all thought and opinions are my own. }

Posted by jill | 5/9/13
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5/8/13

Swim Season is Almost Here.

summer is practically here, and with the recent warm weather here in Southern California, all my kids have been begging to go swimming. however, my youngest boy, Vann doesn’t know how to swim yet. he just turned 3 this month.

so when i was asked to be an ambassador for the SwimWays-Swim Steps Swim Team, i was really excited. SwimWays has a line of swim training products that help parents and swim instructors teach kids how to swim. from arm floaties to swim vests to goggles and kick boards, there are many different products to aid in teaching your child to swim.

something you probably didn’t know about me is, that i was a swim instructor for 10 years before i had kids. however, sometimes it is not easy to teach your own children how to swim. they much rather play with you and have fun…which is probably how it should be. i am hoping by using the SwimWays products while playing in the pool, along with tips on the teach-me-to-swim website, i will have this little guy swimming by the end of summer.

we will be starting off by using the SwimWays Swim Sweater to get used to the water, and the the SwimWays Swim Vest with foam inserts to help balance and support kids while they are swimming. i will be reporting updates on my little guys progress and i am excited to see how he does.

you can purchase your own SwimWays® products online. use this SwimWays coupon for a discount.

facebook | twitter

{ disclosure: this is not a sponsored post. as an ambassador of SwimWays, i receive product for reveiw purposes. all thoughts and opinions are my own. }

Posted by jill | 5/8/13
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5/6/13

Berry Jam Teacher Appreciation Gift | printable

it’s that time of year again, time for teacher appreciation week. if you have been searching the internet for something to give your teacher, here is an idea that is simple and yummy. how about giving your teacher a jar of homemade jam.

i made these for my kid’s teachers on the last day of school last year, and they were a big hit. i made their everyday teachers large jars of jam, and other teacher helpers and workers around the school got small jars of jam.

freezer jam is super simple to make. all you need is strawberries, sugar, and a box of Sure-jell (comes in a yellow box). follow the directions for the freezer jam. i use my blender to puree the 2 cups of strawberries. make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. one box makes approximately two large mason jars or 5 small mason jars of jam.

and there is no wrapping necessary. i have include the free berry jam printable for you to use. just print it onto cardstock and place it between the jar lids. you can also tie a ribbon with a card to top. there are too option to choose from, “Thanks for being a BERRY nice teacher” and “Thanks for being BERRY sweet.”

click here for the free teacher gift printable

enjoy!

Posted by jill | 5/6/13
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5/4/13

Get Ready for Soak City at Knott’s

the weather is getting hotter here in Orange County, which only means it’s time to go to fun places like Knott’s Soak City!!!! and you don’t have to wait much longer because Soak City opens May 18th! our family have been invited to Soak City on opening weekend, and we can hardley wait.

Soak City is one of my favorite things to do with kids in Southern California. what’s more fun than enjoying a fun filled day of waterslides, water play, family time & fun in the OC sun. there is something for everyone to do.

be sure to try Banzai Falls…..

and if you are daring, the Pacific Plunge….yikes!

you can chill out at the Tidal Wave Bay….

and your littles can play in the Gremmie Lagoon, made just for kiddies under 54″ tall.

all of my kiddies loved playing at the Beach House. every couple minutes a gazillion gallons of water pours onto everyone. there are water cannons, waterslides and water features to explore and interact with.

and me…my favorite is the Lazy River. just my pace, nice and chill.

when planning your day at Soak City, make buy your tickets online to get the best price, and make sure to bring towels. you can rent one a family sized cabanas, perfect if you need to get out of the sun. outside food is permitted, and Soak City also offers great food and beverages at their snack bars. i love Soak City because it is really clean, the life guards were very attentive to the water and i don’t have complaints from any of my kiddies the entire day because it is so fun!

wanna head over to Soak City this summer? Soak City will be open through May 18th through September 15th. don’t forget your sunscreen….you will need it.

click here for hours & dates

go here for ticket and annual passes. hurry, these prices go up May 27, 2013

here is your chance to win 2-tickets to Knott’s Soak City! enter below via rafflecopter AND leave a comment in the comment field beneath it. contest runs until May 14th at midnight. tickets are provided by our contributor GigaSavvy.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{disclaimer: this is not a sponsored post. my and the kiddies were invited to Soak City to review the park complimentary. All opinions expressed are mine.}

Posted by jill | 5/4/13
24 Comments

4/29/13

Events for Kids and Families in Orange County 4/29 – 5/5

Sandy Toes and Popsicles Orange County Event Calendar

April 29th – May 5th, 2013

things sure have been quiet over here on the blog lately. why? i guess because of many things. sometimes life gets in the way, spring break, birthdays and family comes first. besides launching my new site The Rockin’ Boys Club, i have been trying to re-organize and set my family’s life on the right track.

BUT…i have some news. Sandy Toes & Popsicles is getting a new look. plus, there will be some changes that i hope will inspire my writing and out look on this blog. i am excited to share them with you really soon. in the meantime, here are some great events happening in Orange County this week. enjoy!

click here for this week’s
weekly Orange County event calendar

featured events
wednesday, May 1, 2013
Sea Tales
Can a Fish Fly? have you ever heard of a flying fish? Carl has! read about his adventures and then make our own flying fish, sing songs and play outside with bubbles!
cost: $5 for members; $7 for non-members
time: 10:00 – 11:00am (Check-in 9:45am)
registration required: 949.675.8915 or email explorocean.org

thursday, May 2, 2013
Tideland Tykes – Critter Caregivers
join the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff for a fun-filled parent and child experience that may include arts and crafts, story telling, hands-on activities or outdoor nature walks. kids will enjoy an exciting outdoor experience!
ages: 2-8
time: 10:30 – 11:30am
cost: $5 per student • parking free
registration required: (949) 923-2275 or unbic@ocparks.com

friday, May 3, 2013
Family Fitness Fridays
the whole family can enjoy free fitness classes at the Orange County Great Park. choose from Parent and Me or CrossFit Kids.
ages: all
time: 10:00 – 11:00am & 4:00 – 5:00pm
cost: free
registration required: events@ocgp.org

saturday, May 4, 2013
Home Depot Kids Workshop
the whole family can enjoy free fitness classes at the Orange County Great Park. choose from Parent and Me or CrossFit Kids.
ages: kids
time: 9:00 – noon (while supplies last)
cost: free

sunday, May 5, 2013
Tidepool Walk to Pelican Point
enjoy a 0.5 low tide at Crystal Cove State Park where a volunteer will lead a guided tidepool walk to Pelican Point. a volunteer will help identify animals and describe some awesome adaptations. please meet at Pelican Point parking lot #2, at the top of the boardwalk near the parking lot (PCH coastward at Newport Coast, right at kiosk to first lot.)
cost: free
time: noon
parking: $15 day‐use fee

Posted by jill | 4/29/13
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4/29/13

Disney On Ice Presents Treasure Trove Discount Code

if you haven’t got you tickets yet for Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove, it’s not too late! use coupon code MOM for a discount. this show has all your favorites from Pater Pan, Alice and Wonderland to the Lion King. the show runs from May 1st – May 12th, 2013.

Posted by jill | 4/29/13
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4/16/13

Billy Elliot the Musical at the Segerstrom

have you been tutu bombed? tutus are popping up all over Orange County in celebration of the award winning Billy Elliot the Musical opening at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts tonight! from April 16 – 28, 2013, OC audiences can enjoy this favorite musical based on the international smash – hit film Billy Elliot. featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical has earned critical acclaim around the world and was the winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Billy Elliot the Musical is the joyous celebration of one boy’s journey to make his dreams come true. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that inspires his family and his whole community and changes his life forever.

wanna go? here’s the info….

Billy Elliot

April 16 – 28, 2013

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

times

tuesday – friday • 7:30 p.m.

saturdays • 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.

sundays • 1:00 and 6:30 p.m.

tickets

start at $20.00 per person

purchase at the Box Office, 600 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626

open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

online – SCFTA.org • phone (714) 556-2787

Posted by jill | 4/16/13
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4/12/13

The Wiz performed by Orange County Kids!

the McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts has another amazing show coming up THIS weekend The Wiz. a rock and roll, soul based musical based on the musical “The Wizard of OZ.” it just happens to be one of my favorites.

i attended their last performance of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and was AMAZED at the talent of these kids. they could pass as professionals. if you have a child interested in getting into acting or stage performance, this is the perfect chance to inspire them. they could even join this group in their next performance.

The Wiz

performed by the McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts

Saturday, April 13th at 7:00 p.m. & Sunday, April 14th at 2:00 | 7:00 p.m.

Yorba Linda Forum Theatre

4175 Fairmont Blvd. Yorba Linda, CA 92886

tickets

general price $16 | student/senior price $14

group rates: $10 each if purchasing 10 or more for one performance*

to reserve your tickets (also available at the door)

www.seatyourself.biz/mccoyrigbyarts

*call 714.779.3545