OC Moms - A place for Mom's in Orange County

OC Moms Blog has moved!

2009-11-18T00:11:00Z

A little about OC Mom Mag.

Welcome to the NEW OC Mom Mag, a magazine....aka a Mamazine dedicated to Orange County Mom's. A place to grab a cup of coffee relax and read. There are so many Mom hats these days from morning sickness to mom-tini's, work to playgrounds, recipes to that favorite new pair of jeans...we want to have a place that captures it all.

OC Mom Mag offers Mom to Mom tips and advice, articles, recipes, resources, calendar of events, where to go and what to do and so much more.

Every Mom can post a blog, share their thoughts and advice, upload pictures and videos and connect with other OC Mom's.

It all started several years ago when we started OC Mom's Blog. So many friends made and ideas born the traffic and readers grew on OC Mom's Blog we knew it was time to evolve to the next level. OC Mom Mag is the next step. It is the go-to resource for Mom's in Orange County.

OC Mom Mag
The Only Magazine just for Mom at OCMomMag.com

Hello OC Moms!

2009-07-10T18:36:00Z

Hello OC Moms! I know, I know the new site is taking too long, but it's coming I promise.
I still want to share this give away with all of you, so check it out on OCEZINE.....

We will be up and running soon.

OC Mom's Blog is getting a facelift...well sort of

2009-03-26T01:07:00Z

We are fixing up the place!! We are on hold for the new and improved OC Mom's Blog coming soon...

If you would like to know when we re-launch email us at Mom@OCMomsblog.com

Thanks!

“It’s a Small World” Trivia by Bethany Sunny

2009-02-21T01:53:00Z

“It’s a Small World” Trivia

Disneyland opened its renovated and enhanced favorite ride “It’s a Small World.” It’s the song that once you hear you cannot forget for the rest of the day no matter how hard you try. It’s the ride that has captivated young and old for many years. So, with the new opening I thought it would be fun to share some trivia with you.

The "It's a small world" made its debut as an exhibit at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair.

It was part of the World’s Fair for 2 years and then was brought to Disneyland in May of 1966.
Mary Blair helped introduce modern art to Walt Disney and his Studio. It was her artistic style you see in It’s a Small World. All of the new characters and decorations added to this famous ride stayed true to Mary Blair’s original style.

Look for the new “Spirit of America” scene which has been added to the ride. I personally love to see changes in these familiar rides. Tell me how you like the new scene!

Are you ready for some extra fun? Can you find the 29 Disney and Disney·Pixar characters now represented in the ride? Enjoy hunting!

I hope to see you on the ride someday. Maybe we’ll find the 29 characters together. Comment to this post as you find them!

bethany@exclusivebaby.com

Disneynature earth Fun Facts

2009-02-09T01:46:00Z

Disneynature earth is coming to theaters April 22 (Earth Day) and I think I'm more excited than my kid's. Here are a bunch of fun facts to know before you go.

Disneynature earth Fun Facts

The humpback whales in the film migrate 4,000 miles from the warm waters of the tropics to the waters off Antarctica where they feed on krill and small fish.

To avoid getting separated and losing track of each other, mother grey whale and calf keep in contact by slapping their fins on the surface of the water.
Humpbacks sometimes feed on krill cooperatively using a method call “bubble netting.” A group of whales emit bubbles in a circle, which herds the krill together and forces them towards the surface at the center of the circle, making it easy for the whales to feed.
Humpback whales' very small eyes help them withstand the pressure of a deep sea dive.
Instead of teeth, a humpback whale has approximately 330 pairs of baleen plates, or fine brush-like structures, which strain krill from the water.
Humpback whale calves are able to swim within 30 minutes of being born. Calves drink about 160 gallons of milk a day.
Humpback whales are singers: their songs can last up to 10 minutes. Why or how humpback's sing is unknown, though it is possible it is related to communication and, in breeding season, to mating.

Polar Bears

The polar bear gets all the liquid it needs from its food -– its main source being the ringed seal -- so it has no need to drink water.
Polar bears will travel hundreds of miles in search of food and can swim 12 miles a day.
The polar bear is so well adapted to retaining heat that it can't run long distances because it would be in danger of overheating.
Polar bears are the largest land predator in the world. Males can grow up to about 8 feet and weigh up to 1,800 pounds.
Even with their mother's care, only 50% of the polar bear cubs survive their first year, and more are lost when they first leave their mother to make their way alone.
While waiting to catch seals, a polar bear will cover its black nose with its paw to make its white camouflage perfect.
The polar bears were filmed on Kong Karls Land, a group of islands between the Barents Sea and the Artic Ocean. Part of Norway, it is a land where the midnight sun lasts from April 20 to August 23, and the polar night lasts from October 26 to February 15.

Elephants

An adult elephant can eat over 300 pounds of food and drink 50 gallons of water a day.
Elephants' ears act as a cooling system. By holding them out in the wind or flapping them, the elephant can increase the movement of air over its ears and cool the blood running through them, thereby regulating its body heat.
It can take up to six months for an elephant calf to learn how to use its trunk to bring water up to its mouth.
In times of danger the adult elephants in a herd will form a ring around the young, facing out to protect them.
In the film the elephants spend weeks traveling across the Kalahari Desert to reach the abundant waters of the Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta, where the Okavango River empties into the desert.

Other Cast Members

- Millions of caribou undertake the world's longest land migration: some 2,000 miles.

- Grey wolves travel greater distances than any other land mammal except the caribou.

- Thousands of demoiselle cranes migrate from Mongolia to the warmer climates of India, over the highest mountain range on earth: the Himalayas. They can fly at altitudes up to 25,000 feet.

- Lions are the only cats to live socially in prides, and it is the lionesses in a pride that do most of the hunting.

- The cheetah is the world's fastest land animal. It can accelerate from zero to 40 miles per hour in three strides and to its full speed of 70 miles per hour in seconds.

- A Great White shark is the world's largest predatory fish. It can have around 3,000 teeth in its mouth at any one time. It is one of the few sharks that can jump fully out of the water.

- In the film, a troop of Chacma baboons can be seen delicately wading through the flooded Okavango Delta, where the Okavango River empties into the Kalahari Desert, as though they can't stand getting wet. They do, however, enjoy eating the tubors of aquatic plants. An average troop of baboons can consist of 20 to 80 individuals.

- Mandarin ducks build their nests in a hole in a tree up to 30 feet from the ground. When the eggs hatch, the mother calls the chicks from the ground. Each chick crawls out of the hole and launches itself into a free fall. Astonishingly all the chicks land – and sometimes bounce – unhurt and head for the nearest feeding ground.

- There are approximately 40 different Bird of Paradise species in Papua New Guinea, each with a different mating display. For his mating display, the male Six Plumed Bird of Paradise builds his dance floor, clearing a small patch of forest floor of leaves and twigs and pruning the surrounding branches of leaves. He wants all the visiting females to get a good look at his performance.

- During the approximately five years of filming the “earth,” the production captured 42 animal species on film.

- The earth is tilted at an angle of exactly 23.5 degrees to the sun. Without this tilt, the earth would be a very different planet. While there would still be climatic variations north to south caused by the varying concentration of solar energy reaching the planet's surface, there would be no seasons and no variation in the hours of daylight and darkness during the year.

- Tropical rainforests cover less than 3% of the planet's surface but are home to more than 50% of the world's species.

Here is a great educational packet to download:
http://disney.go.com/disneynature/medias/downloads/Earth_Activity_Guide-Web.pdf

Check out more at: http://disney.go.com/disneynature/

Thomas & Friends Live! Reminder

2009-02-03T17:56:00Z

All right OC Moms we still have some tickets for Thomas and Friends.. Give us a shout at Mom@OCMomsBlog.com for FREE Tickets. (4 Left)

Percy, James, Gordon – and, of course Thomas - are headed your way! Join these engine friends, Sir Topham Hatt and the townspeople of Sodor for a one-of-a-kind not-to-be-missed live entertainment experience: Thomas & Friends™ Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes To Town.

The 90-minute musical adventure, produced by HIT Entertainment and AEG/ThemeSTAR, includes brand-new singalong songs and a colorful cast of circus performers to tell the engaging story of how all the engines on the Island of Sodor must work together to prepare for the exciting event under the Big Top. Problems arise along the way, and Thomas has to prove he's a really useful engine once again. Thomas & Friends™ Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes To Town demonstrates the importance of friendship and cooperation as it gets young children dancing and singing along, creating lifelong memories for them and their families.

"We're thrilled to bring families an entertainment experience they can't find anywhere else," said Mark Avery, CEO, AEG/ThemeSTAR. "Thomas & Friends™ Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes To Town engages and captures kids' attention the way Thomas and his friends have captured their imagination for generations. Kids will never forget the fun they have at the show – and their parents will never forget the smiles it brings to their kids' faces. If a family can only see one live entertainment show this year, make it Thomas & Friends™ Live!"

Here is the Orange County Schedule
SEGERSTROM HALL IN COSTA MESA

Friday February 6 at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday February 7 at 11:00 a.m.

Saturday February 7 at 2:00 p.m.

Saturday February 7 at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday February 8 at 2:00 p.m.

Disneyland Resort Makes Annual Passes More Accessible and Affordable for Southern California Residents

2008-12-22T23:11:00Z

Just in time for the holidays, Southern California Residents Can Now Purchase Annual Passports through a New Monthly Payment Program

As Disneyland Resort celebrates the holiday gift-giving season, a newly launched Monthly Payment Program for Annual Passholders will make it easier for Southern California residents to have their own frequent Disneyland Resort celebrations in the year to come.

This new program lets Southern California residents enjoy the Disneyland Resort magic throughout the year with an Annual Passport, while paying in 12 monthly installments.
By selecting the payment option, Guests will pay for the cost of a 1-Day, 1-Park ticket upon purchase and will pay the remaining amount over the next 12 months, with no finance charges applied. For example, a Guest purchasing a Southern California Select Annual Passport for $134 would pay $69 at the time of purchase - with the remaining balance of $65 spread out over the next 12 months.

"Annual Passports provide a great entertainment value and flexibility for our Guests who make frequent visits to our parks throughout the year," said Jill Estorino, senior vice president of Marketing for the Disneyland Resort. "Through this new program, Guests can literally turn a one-day ticket into an Annual Pass for less than $6 a month.

"This program was based on feedback from our current Annual Passholders - and we're excited to provide them with this new option just in time for the holidays," added Estorino.

The Monthly Payment program for Annual Passports is offered only to Southern California residents within the 90000 and 93599 zip codes. All Annual Passport options are available through the program, including Premium, Deluxe, Southern California and Southern California Select Annual Passports. The program is available only at the ticket booths. Next year, it will be offered for online purchases.
About Annual Passports

The Annual Passport is an ideal and practical gift for anyone who visits the Resort more than two or three times per year. Along with admission to Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure, the Annual Passport entitles the Passholder to attend special Annual Passholder events, enjoy discounts at many Resort food locations and Downtown Disney vendors, take advantage of special rates at Disneyland Resort hotels, and receive regular updates on new events and Annual Passholder benefits through the exclusive Annual Passholder website, the collectible "Backstage Pass" newsletter and e-mail.   In 2008, Annual Passholder benefits included exclusive opportunities to preview the new Toy Story Mania and Innoventions Dream Home attractions, the Pixar Play Parade and the one-of-a-kind, money-can't buy Disneyland Dream Suite.

Disneyland Resort offers an Annual Pass option for every lifestyle and budget. The Premium Annual Passport is valid every day of the year. Other Annual Passports have "blockout dates" but entitle the bearer to purchase discounted "blockout day" tickets.

·    The $134 Southern California Select Annual Passport offers 170 pre-selected days of admission.
·    The $174 Southern California Annual Passport offers 215 pre-selected days of admission.
·    The $269 Deluxe Annual Passport offers 315 pre-selected days of admission.
·    The $389 Premium Annual Passport offers daily admission and includes parking in the Mickey & Friends parking structure off Disneyland Drive.

Village of Hope

2008-12-22T22:34:00Z

A single mother with young children is preparing to enjoy her family’s first Christmas off of the streets at the Village of Hope. Last Christmas this family faced a hard reality living in the family vehicle through the holidays. This year her children will enjoy a warm meal, presents and a safe place to sleep, celebrating Christmas the way children should be able to, at the Village of Hope homeless center.

The Village of Hope, a state-of-the-art facility for the homeless that recently celebrated its grand opening in September of 2008, is celebrating its first Christmas this year. The 200 formerly homeless residents, who come from all walks of life, are eager to celebrate the season away from a life of homelessness and struggle.

Each family taking refuge at this innovative facility has a unique story of triumph over poverty, addiction and circumstance. The Village of Hope will provide residents with vocational training, computer and life skills to prepare them for self sufficiency and the chance for a better life. These stories inspire viewers and remind them that in these times, the gift of giving is more important than ever.

To make a donation or inquire about volunteer opportunities, please contact The Village of Hope at (714) 247-4300 or log on to www.rescuemission.org. The Village of Hope functions solely on private donations and is always in need of donations including monetary, food and non-food items including diapers, laundry detergent, etc. The Village of Hope holds a collection of these items every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wonderland Bakery’s Gingerbread Cookie Featured on ABC’s ‘The View’ Whoopi Goldberg finds her “Favorite Gingerbread Cookie” in Wonderland

2008-12-16T01:46:00Z

Wonderland Bakery’s Gingerbread Cookie Featured on ABC’s ‘The View’ Whoopi Goldberg finds her “Favorite Gingerbread Cookie” in Wonderland .......

Wonderland Bakery, a specialty bakery with a fairy tale beginning, has won the heart of the mayor of Newport Beach, the governor of California and now Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of ABC’s ‘The View.’

Whoopi was on a mission to find “The Best Gingerbread Cookie” that was reminiscent of her childhood memory of this classic treat. There was a coast to coast search and taste test with the final results broadcast on ABC’s ‘The View,’ Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Whoopi officially declared ‘Wonderland Bakery’s Gingerbread Cookie’ as her favorite.

“This is it!” says Whoopi “I wanted him (gingerbread cookie) to have that groove when you eat him. Wonderland made the cookie with the right combination of gingerbread and raisins, I love this cookie!”

It will be a very Merry Christmas for Wonderland Bakery with an endorsement from Whoopi on ABC’s ‘The View’ which has an audience of 4.67 million viewers weekly.

Whoopi’s cookie was created by 23 year old, Chef Allyson Ames, co-founder of Wonderland Bakery. The story is as sweet and satisfying as her delectable cookies, cupcakes, cakes and desserts. Wonderland Bakery is just three years old, but already the young company is spreading its wings with the expansion of the Wonderland Bakery Collection and a line up of products inviting aspiring young chefs everywhere to get in on all the fun with her ‘Bake Memories at Home’ collection including Red Velvet cupcakes, gingerbread cookies, fudgy brownies and sugar cookies.

The new Wonderland Bakery Collection also features its star: the soft and cuddly Allyson Wonderland Bear by Gund. The animated talking bear that tells the dream-come-true story of Chef Allyson Ames. Wonderland Bakery is the first-ever animated bear partnership with Gund, one of America’s 50 most recognizable brands.

“We are honored to be selected as ‘Whoopi’s Favorite Cookie,’” says Ames. “Some of my best memories when I was young was baking with my mom and creating desserts for my friends. Now I am living my dream in Wonderland helping others celebrate with yummy treats including Whoopi and her family and friends.”

In addition to setting trends in cupcakes, cookies and confections, Wonderland Bakery has built a strong brand and a loyal following. Expansion plans for 2009 whimsically crafted point of sale displays for nationwide retailers and airport stores. Each display will include bake at home mixes, aprons, tea sets, cupcake purses, clothing and the animated talking Allyson Wonderland Bear by Gund.

Want to make your own Gingerbread? Here is the recipe for Disneyland's Gingerbread direct from their Pastry Chef Jean-Marc Viallet. See the delicious details on OCfoodies

Come on Mom's get the Holiday Spirit at Disneyland!! The Merriest Of Holiday Celebrations Make Spirits Brighter Than Ever At Disneyland Resort

2008-12-05T17:58:00Z

The Merriest Of Holiday Celebrations Make Spirits Brighter Than Ever At Disneyland Resort

When it comes to celebrating the magic and sparkle of the holidays, there’s no place like the Disneyland Resort, the Merriest Place on Earth. From November 21 through January 4, the annual Disneyland Resort holiday celebration will be more dazzling than ever.

Guests will enjoy the return of the holiday’s most popular offerings as well as be immersed in new entertainment at both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks.

Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, first introduced in 2007, will be decorated even more elaborately this holiday season with additional snowdrifts and icicles. After dark, a sensational new holiday lighting and special effects show will carry the magic of the holidays from the Castle all the way to the Christmas Tree in Town Square. And, for the first time in 53 years, the Christmas Tree will be completely artificial, which enables Disneyland to present a holiday light show like no other with more than 62,000 energy-efficient LED lights.

The Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle presentation unfolds throughout the evening in three acts, each of them featuring a touch of winter snow on Main Street, U.S.A. The finale of the show includes the legendary “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks show, which takes guests on a journey of sights and sounds of the season and ends with a touching rendition of “White Christmas” along with a climactic snowfall swirling down on Main Street, U.S.A., “small world mall” and New Orleans Square.

New this year, just in time for the holidays and for the first time in seven years, guests will walk through the iconic home of Sleeping Beauty. A “reawakened” Sleeping Beauty Castle show tells the story of “Sleeping Beauty” in a style reminiscent of the Disneyland Castle walkthrough of earlier years, but enhanced with 21st-century special effects.

Themed entertainment, sparkling decorations and tasty treats add festive warmth to holiday fun at both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. Guests can also book guided holiday tours that provide expedited entry into the “it’s a small world” holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday, VIP seating for the Disneyland “A Christmas Fantasy” parade and entertaining information about the history behind Disneyland holiday traditions. For information and reservations guests can visit Disneyland City Hall or call (714) 781-4400.

Other returning holiday favorites at Disneyland park include:
•  Santa’s Reindeer Round-up, which transforms Big Thunder Ranch into a “West Pole” getaway where Santa can unwind with Mrs. Claus and his team of reindeer. Kids and their families will chat with St. Nick, see real reindeer grazing in a corral, play some reindeer games, create take-home Yuletide souvenirs and join in holiday line dances with music from a Western trio.

•  “A Christmas Fantasy” parade will be presented November 21 through January 4 on Main Street, U.S.A. This ever-popular procession depicts an enchanting collection of holiday scenes, music and a cast of Disney characters and performers in Yuletide vignettes.

• Haunted Mansion Holiday presents a madcap celebration as the traditions of Halloween and Christmas collide. The ghoulish but well-meaning Jack Skellington from the film Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas has come to the Haunted Mansion to transform it with his skewed vision of the holidays.

•  “it’s a small world” holiday transforms “it’s a small world” into a worldwide celebration of the season, boasting more than 300,000 glittering lights on its facade.

Disney’s California Adventure celebrates the season with fanciful park-wide decorations and lively entertainment.
• Guests approaching the park will immediately get in the holiday mood as they encounter the iconic “CALIFORNIA” letters transformed to appear as swirling red and white peppermint sticks.

•  “a bug’s land” transforms as Flik and his bug buddies spread giant Christmas lights and oversized ornaments throughout their realm.

•  The holiday scene at Paradise Bay includes a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, hundreds of sparking lights on nearby trees, and lampposts decorated with seasonal wreaths.
The Downtown Disney District and the Disneyland Resort hotels will join in the merriment with twinkling lights and ornaments, special entertainment and holiday dining.

Just in time for the holidays, new entertainment comes to life in both parks. At Disney’s California Adventure, the daily “Pixar Play Parade” is joined three times each day by performances of the energetic, traveling rock and dance concert show, “High School Musical 3: Senior Year – Right Here! Right Now!” Also new to Disney’s California Adventure is the Blue Sky Cellar, a Walt Disney Imagineers’ workshop that offers guests a preview of new attractions coming to the park over the next few years.

At Disneyland, in addition to the reopening of the doors to Sleeping Beauty Castle, guests have a new opportunity to explore the world of Tinker Bell inside Pixie Hollow, a magical place where visitors meet “Tink” and her pixie friends.

Expanded hours at both Disneyland Resort theme parks will extend the holiday fun. For more information about holidays at the Disneyland Resort, and to send Disneyland Resort e-card holiday greetings to friends and relatives, visit www.disneyland.com/holidays

Disney's High School Musical the Ice Tour is coming to Orange County

2008-11-23T03:32:00Z

Disney's High School Musical the Ice Tour is coming to Orange County - We have tickets to give away!

High School Musical-mania reaches new heights when Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour skates into the Southland December 18 through January 4. The only production to showcase the story, music and choreography of both hit Disney Channel Original Movies, The Ice Tour will now feature a high-energy High School Musical 3: Senior Year Special Bonus Experience, exclusive to Ice Tour ticketholders. The video and live-action bonus pre-show experience includes behind-the-scenes footage from the new movie High School Musical 3: Senior Year and a one-of-a-kind sing-a-long dance party.

Tickets on sale now!

The Ice Tour, produced by Feld Entertainment, Inc. and Kenny Ortega, spotlights popular East High Wildcat story and musical moments, including 11 Billboard Hot 100 hit songs from the Emmy® Award-winning Disney Channel Original Movies. In this modern day Romeo and Juliet fable, world and national skating champions portray the popular characters with a combination of the movies’ dance moves and ice skating choreography that includes spins, jumps and pairs skating.

The Ice Tour is the only way for Wildcat fans to experience the pep, pop, drama and dazzle of the first two “High School Musical’ movies live, plus an exclusive High School Musical 3 pre-show feature that will rock the arena. The complimentary Special Bonus Experience includes High School Musical 3: Senior Year behind-the-scenes footage, music videos and cast member interviews. Kenny Ortega introduces this exciting feature via video screen, and families are treated to a one-of-a-kind experience as movie and Ice Tour choreographer Chucky Klapow joins Kenny on screen to provide a High School Musical 3: Senior Year dance lesson. Fans will be rocking in the aisles to the new movie’s anthem song as skaters demonstrate the hot new steps on ice.

Klapow, a Los Angeles native and choreographer for The Ice Tour and all three High School Musical movies, joins forces with world-renowned ice choreographer and fellow Angeleno Cindy Stuart. To accomplish the infusion of dance and ice moves, Klapow and Stuart designed routines in which skaters perform the films’ dance steps with their upper body while executing skating techniques with the lower body.

“I had never skated before, so it was really important for me to learn so I could be on the ice with the skaters alongside Cindy,” says Klapow. “We began by teaching the entire cast the choreography from the films on the floor before we moved to the ice, to see what worked and what didn’t.”

The result is the hottest show on ice!

Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour is produced by Kenny Ortega, the Emmy® Award-winning director of “High School Musical,” “High School Musical 2,” and High School Musical 3: Senior Year, and father and daughter team Kenneth Feld and Nicole Feld. They are supported by an award-winning creative team, including Tony® Award-winning director Jeff Calhoun, writer Peter Barsocchini, Emmy® Award-winning production designer Jeremy Railton, lighting designer Patrick Woodroffe, Emmy® Award-winning costume designer Erin “Topaz” Lareau, Emmy® Award-winning choreographer Charles “Chucky” Klapow and skating choreographer Cindy Stuart.

The phenomenon is so hot that:

Disney's "High School Musical" premiered in January 2006 on Disney Channel U.S. and posted the highest ever ratings for a Disney Channel Original Movie at the time. It went on to become a smash hit internationally, airing on 27 Disney Channels and free-to-air broadcasters worldwide.
It has reached over 255 million viewers in over 20 languages across 100 countries including India, China and Russia. It was also the first TV movie to be offered on the iTunes Music Store.
The "High School Musical" soundtrack was the #1 album of 2006 and was the year's #1 TV movie on DVD. It delivered licensed amateur and professional touring stage productions, a best-selling junior novel, a popular consumer products franchise at mass retailers, a themed show at Disneyland Parks and Resorts in Anaheim, Orlando, Paris and Hong Kong, a sold-out 42 date arena concert tour in North America and Latin America, and a popular touring ice show around the world.

The movie won two Emmy® Awards, a DGA Award, an Imagen Award, a Director's Guild of America Award, and a Billboard Music Award (Soundtrack of the Year). Its critically acclaimed sequel "High School Musical 2" ranks as the #1 basic cable telecast of all time (18.6 million viewers for its August 17, 2007 premiere) and thus far has been seen by over 293 million total viewers, in 24 languages, around the world. The "High School Musical 2" soundtrack is triple Platinum and its DVD release was the top-selling TV property on DVD for 2007.

Walt Disney Pictures presents High School Musical 3: Senior Year released in theaters October 24, 2008.
A brand-new live experience, High School Musical 3: Senior Year—Right Here! Right Now! rocks through both Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida and Disneyland® Resort in California starting October 24, featuring songs from Walt Disney Pictures’ High School Musical 3: Senior Year.

The storyline features friends from rival cliques who bond over school, sports and music while learning about love, the power of friendship and the wonder of being true to themselves. In the first act, a New Years Eve party ignites a passion for singing when East High’s hoops star Troy meets the beautiful and brainy Gabriella. Together they audition for the school’s upcoming musical. The skates start to fly when their friends Chad and Taylor think they should stick to the status quo, and the school’s top theatrical, show tune siblings Ryan and Sharpay scheme for the lead roles. Their worlds and their school turn upside down when signature hip-hop moves meet dramatic skating on the ice.

The second act takes place during the Wildcats’ favorite time of year – summer vacation! Sharpay’s determination to steal Troy’s affection brings the Wildcats together at the Lava Springs Country Club. Their dream of scoring summer jobs at the fancy club turns into their worst nightmare when Sharpay helps Troy chase his collegiate basketball dreams and in turn, causes him to chase away his best friends. The summer talent show brings Sharpay and the Wildcats to a showdown for the coveted Star Dazzle award, until she gets the group banned from performing altogether. When Gabriella and Troy confront her, she learns a new lesson in friendship, and the summer ends on a high note for all.

Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour is Feld Entertainment’s 28th ice show and the company’s largest undertaking to date. In the first year alone, the show has traveled to more than 100 cities throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe and Australia and played to more than 4 million people. By the end of 2008, High School Musical: The Ice Tour’s three separate touring units will have traveled to more than 25 countries worldwide, including: England, the United States, New Zealand, Sweden, Canada, Singapore, Italy, Colombia, Malaysia, Argentina, Spain and
France. The show has been touring since September 2007.

SOUTHLAND SHOW SCHEDULE ON SALE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9

STAPLES Center: December 18-21, 2008
Thursday, December 18th, 7:30 PM
Friday, December 19th, 11:00 AM and 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 20th, 12:00 PM , 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 21st, 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM

Honda Center: December 23-28, 2008
Tuesday, December 23rd, 7:30 PM
Wednesday, December 24th (Christmas Eve), 6:00 PM
Thursday, December 25th, (Christmas Day) 6:00 PM
Friday, December 26th, 10:30 AM and 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 27th, 12:00 PM , 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 28th, 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM

Long Beach Arena – January 2-4, 2009
Friday, January 2nd, 7:30 PM
Saturday, January 3rd, 12:00PM, 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Sunday, January 4th, 12:00PM, 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM

Ticket Prices: $65.00 Front Row/ $40.00 V.I.P./ $25.00/ $20.00/ $16.00
To order tickets by phone or online: 213-480-3232 or 714-740-2000 or visit www.highschoolmusicaltheicetour.com.

Want tickets?
Either comment below with the correct email address or email us at mom@ocmomsblog.com and tell us why your family has to see High School Musical on ice...We have enough tickets for 2 OC family's..

Knott’s Merry Farm Invites Everyone to “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

2008-11-16T22:57:00Z

Knott’s Merry Farm Invites Everyone to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Before you know it Christmas vacation will be here. Knott's is a festive and fun place for the whole family to enjoy this Holiday season...

Knott’s Berry Farm will magically transform into Knott’s Merry Farm this holiday season as they present “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with seasonal entertainment, spectacular decorations including a 65 foot tall Christmas tree, and a colorful Christmas parade starting Thanksgiving day and running through December 30, 2008.

“A Peanuts’ Holiday Parade” offers seven elaborately themed floats featuring the Peanuts Gang and accompanied by students from Orange County Song and Dance Company. Children and adults alike will be able to get into the holiday spirit along with CHARLIE BROWN, LUCY, LINUS, SALLY, SCHROEDER and of course SNOOPY, as they ready for the holidays. Join them as they partake in all the holiday festivities including candy making, tree trimming, and even toy building! “A Peanuts’ Holiday Parade” will run November 27-30; December 5-7, 12-14, 20-23, 26-30, 2008 and January 1 – 3, 2009.

Also in the spirit of the season, Knott’s Merry Farm is proud to present the ice spectacular, “Snoopy’s Cool Christmas.” The show, performed in the 2,100-seat Charles M. Schulz Theatre, is hosted by the famous skating Beagle and features Knott’s ensemble skaters, dazzling sets, colorful costumes and plenty of surprises. “Snoopy’s Cool Christmas” will be presented November 27-30; December 5-7, 12-16, 18-24 and 26-30, 2008. The show and parade are included with regular Park admission and available to Christmas Crafts Village guests for a nominal additional charge.

Knott’s 1880s Ghost Town will again be transformed into Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, inviting mall-weary guests to explore one-of-a-kind treasures created by more than 100 artisans in a Victorian holiday wonderland of strolling carolers, musical groups, community choirs and lavish holiday decorations.

Adding to the unique Village atmosphere are live performances of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and O’Henry’s “A Gift of the Magi” in the Bird Cage Theatre.

Elf Mountain Christmas is also back. The world famous Timber Mountain Log Ride has once again been transformed this holiday season giving guests an up-close and-personal view into the world of Santa’s Elves. Sneak a peak as Santa’s helpers get ready for Santa’s busiest day of the year. Rich with lights, music and the merriest of times, this attraction will remain open until Jan. 4, 2009.

Experience the wonder of “Berry Merry Lights,” as hundreds of thousands of twinkling white and multicolored lights, adorning Knott’s historic Ghost Town and Camp Snoopy, merrily light up the nighttime sky from dusk to Park closing.

A trip to Knott’s Merry Farm would not be complete without a visit with the man of the hour – Santa! Stop by Santa’s Headquarters for a little one-on-one with the big guy. Here, in Santa’s cozy hideaway, kids can share their wish lists with St. Nick, and Mom and Dad can take home a picture of the occasion (photo requires additional fee).

Village guests can also indulge in the ultimate comfort foods with Knott’s world-famous holiday treats, including fresh-baked pies, cakes, cookies, muffins and gingerbread men, as well as daily specials and the legendary cooking at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. For an all you can eat buffet, try Joe Cool’s Backyard BBQ Holiday Style starting November 22 and running Saturdays and Sundays through December 28. For only $18.00 for adults and $14.00 for seniors (62+) and $10.00 for kids (3-11), you can partake of a holiday feast that includes Mrs. Knott’s famous fried chicken, roast turkey, vegetarian lasagna, roast beef, mashed potatoes, boysenberry pie and much more! For reservations, call 1-800-PICNICS.

Another holiday treat is “Snoopy’s Calico Christmas Tree Lighting” each evening in Calico Square. Join SNOOPY, LUCY, LINUS, SALLY and CHARLIE BROWN as they host a song-and-dance show complete with carolers and a Christmas sing-along then light a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The Peanuts gang is also featured in their very own live musical show, “Winter Wonderland” shown daily in Camp Snoopy.

Merry Farm guests can combine their holiday treats with Knott’s blockbuster rides. The legendary GhostRider®, the ultimate wooden sleigh ride; 30-story Supreme Scream®, the world’s tallest descending thrill ride; Silver Bullet, the longest and tallest suspended coaster in the West and Knott’s newest addition, Pony Express, all deliver a thrill this holiday season.

Knott’s Merry Farm admission covers all Christmas Crafts Village and in-park shows and activities, including the ice show, “Snoopy’s Cool Christmas,” and all regular rides, shows and attractions including Silver Bullet, GhostRider®, Supreme Scream® and XceleratorSM. Adult residents of Southern California zip codes 90000 through 93599 pay just $41.99 and kids (3-11) and seniors (62+) are just $22.99. Special discount coupons are also available at participating McDonald’s offering admission for $34.99 for adults starting November 24 through January 4, 2008.

Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village is included with regular Knott’s Berry Farm admission daily. Monday through Friday guests may purchase Crafts Village only tickets; $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (62+) and $5 for kids (3-11). Village guests can enjoy the ice show, “Snoopy’s Cool Christmas,” or take a spin on GhostRider for nominal fees.

Knott’s opens daily at 10 a.m. The park closes Dec. 25 to allow its employees to spend Christmas with their families. For information about the day you plan to visit and available discounts, call (714) 220-5200 or click on www.knotts.com.

The newest and very cool community for OC foodies

2008-11-16T22:53:00Z

The newest and very cool community for OC foodies
Hi Mom's hope you are all doing well in these crazy holiday days! I know I've been horrible about posting lately...sorry. I've been working behind the scenes on some great new events coming to Orange County in 2009. For instance Orange County Restaurant Week, Happy Hour Week and Kid's Restaurant Week...

I'm sooo excited about all of these, you know LA and San Diego have had Restaurant Weeks for years, it's about time OC catches up. The OC Restaurant Association is bringing all these to OC, of course I'll have tons more to tell you as the days approach. It seriously cannot happen fast enough, what can be better than eating at a discount? Okay shopping at a discount is a close second. In the mean time I thought I'd share with you OCfoodies.com. OCfoodies is the online community for Orange County foodies. The OC food scene covering restaurants, menus, recipes & everything delicious. This is a GREAT place to start groups, discussions, blogs, whatever you like about Kid and Family friendly dining or recipes...or just regular foodie talk.

Join...It's FREE www.ocfoodies.com

Irvine Animal Care Center’s Second Annual Home for the Holidays Adoption Event

2008-11-16T21:48:00Z

Make your Family a little BIGGER with a new pet for the Holidays...

Question: What does global warming have to do with a cat population explosion?

Answer: A lot! With the earth’s temperature increasing, we have experienced longer dry summer months which have led to a longer mating season for cats, resulting in thousands of additional kittens. This population explosion has resulted in drastically overcrowded shelters and rescues, thus straining resources and leading to higher euthanasia rates.

The Irvine Animal Care Center is trying to address its own cat overpopulation issues by hosting a Home for the Holidays adoption event on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Numerous other rescue groups from Orange County and surrounding areas will be participating as well, bringing over 200 homeless dogs and puppies. Plus, Santa Claus will be on hand for pictures with children and pets. There will also be food, vendors, a silent auction, raffle and a pet toy booth. It will be great holiday fun for the entire family.

The Irvine Animal Care Center will also offer special discounted adoption rates for its more than 300 dogs, cats and rabbits. The shelter currently has over 200 cats. The average for this time of year is about 60.

Home for the Holidays is presented by Ralph’s Grocery. Pets are welcome; admission is free.

The Shelter is located at 6443 Oak Canyon Road in Irvine. For more information, go to www.irvineshelter.org or call 949-724-7740.

Mom Bloggers Emerge as Crucial to a Brand's Success

2008-10-30T04:49:00Z

Today, a highly articulate, passionate, and educated group is strongly influencing the opinions and purchasing decisions of millions of moms in an unprecedented way. A diverse group of online mom bloggers is moving the conversation about products and services from the kitchen table to the Internet and, for the first time, successful companies are taking note.

National mom marketing agency, Mom Central Consulting, has just released an extensive 55-page trend report, illuminating the Power of Mom Bloggers. Mom Central, the country's premier voice for the mom marketplace, has delved into the tremendous viral power of this group and their ability to influence the success of a brand or company. The study, which was just completed, includes in-depth interviews with nearly 300 of the most influential and popular mom bloggers along with surveys of 495 Moms nationwide. Mom Central CEO Stacy DeBroff says, "Every day, we work with hundreds of Mom Bloggers, both in terms of research as well as running extensive blog tours for corporations. We wanted to share an elusive insider's perspective into these Mom bloggers-who exactly they are and how they build powerful brand awareness and influence consumer behavior."

Some key findings:
-- 96% of Moms value recommendations they find on Mom Blogs
-- Over 78% of Mom Bloggers now review products and services
-- 94% of Moms rely on other Moms to make purchasing decisions
-- More than 60% of Mom Bloggers consider making money important and want more connectivity with companies
-- 37% of Mom Bloggers have been contacted as resources for the press

The researchers at Mom Central asked mom bloggers to describe why they blog, their financial motivations, how much time they devote to blogging, their personal and professional backgrounds, and their interactions with brands. Mom Central's Vice President of Research Tracey Hope-Ross says, "We wanted to delve deep into what motivates mom bloggers and why they represent such an untapped viral force for both corporations and causes. We were surprised by our findings and are excited to share these valuable insights."

For additional information on the Mom Blogger trend report, contact Tracey Hope-Ross VP Research | Mom Central, Inc. tracey@momcentral.com

Doctors Say Play is More Than Just Fun and Games

2008-10-27T02:20:00Z

"Play experts" urge parents to recognize the importance of healthy play

What was once considered child's play is now a key factor in healthy child development. Board games and interactive play are considered essential in leading a balanced life, according to a clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

And Chief Funster and co-founder of SimplyFun, Gail DeGiulio says the importance of healthy play goes beyond just fun – it’s imperative to be included in daily routines. According to the 2007 AAP report, "Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive and emotional strength."

Today, video games and digital entertainment compete with traditional forms of play, such as board games, puzzles, and imaginative toys. According to DeGiulio, face-to-face, real interaction between family and friends through traditional tabletop games reinforces life’s most important lessons.

"When you play a board game, conversations naturally take place while a child’s communication skills are being developed. For parents, there is nothing that can replace those special teaching moments," DeGiulio said.

Healthy play is not just vital for kids. Play is for families and adults as well, DeGiulio says. "Families that play together, stay together – that’s our belief. There is irreplaceable bonding, positive interaction, and life lessons taking place during play. Children can learn family values, and a family’s identity can be discovered through play. For adults, play brings much-needed balance and down time, while deepening social relationships."

SimplyFun's mission is to "promote the importance of play and create lifelong memories that enhance the quality of life for its consultants, customers and employees." The company focuses on a series of guiding principles that include: healthy play at all ages must be fun, promote face-to-face interaction, foster social skills and other important learning, and the play experience must be enjoyable over and over again. In short, play should enhance the experience of living.

For more information on the importance of play and SimplyFun, please visit www.simplyfun.com. For more information on the American Academy of Pediatrics and their report titled "The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development," please visit www.aap.org/pressroom/play-public.htm.

Want to play?

2008-10-05T20:26:00Z

Want to play?

I love to play. Who doesn’t? We don’t get enough play time these days, specially for moms. With the last Exclusive Baby Cruise of 2008 only two weeks away we thought it would be fun to play a game!

On our April cruise we were delighted to have a celebrity on board. The boat was all a twitter about her appearance. She enjoyed shopping, talking and spending a day with her mother and cousin. Megan of Mommy Shots Photography caught them having a ball on the Exclusive Baby Cruise. We caught them enjoying a mini-massage from Dr. Jennifer Angell with Adjust4Kids, shopping from our boutique of hip and chic baby accessories from Patricia Ann Designs and La Tee Da and being amazed at Oopsy Daisy’s no-rinse shampoo (no water needed – yahoo)!

So who was this mystery person? Enquiring minds want to know! Well, it wouldn’t be any fun to just tell you so let’s play a game. Besides, by playing a game we get to give away prizes! What is more fun than giving away gifts? Winning them – duh! So come play. It’s simple.

Guess who the celebrity is from the picture. Think you’ve got it? Then click on the picture and tell us who you think it is. If you guess right then you’ll receive a fabulous discounted shopping spree! But what if I guess wrong? No worries, you’ll still be able to shop with a few perks thrown in.

So what are you waiting for? Let the guessing begin! Click to Play

Want to join other hip moms of the OC on the Exclusive Baby Cruise? Then jump on over to www.ExclusiveBabyCruise.com and register today. The last boat of 2008 sets sail on:

Sunday, October 19 | 1:00pm – 3:30pm | Newport Harbor
Tickets only $30