Archives for April 2019

Dana Point Harbor invites locals and visiting destination seekers to explore the abundance of ocean activities, dockside dining options, and shopping experiences the Harbor has to offer during spring break. Whether you are looking for adventure, fun, or relaxation this season, Dana Point Harbor offers something unique for everyone.

Popular spring activities in the Harbor include strolling along the water’s edge, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, ocean fishing, and whale watching trips. Activities abound both in and out of the water, so for those looking to enjoy the calm waters and wondrous sea creatures without getting wet, hop on one of the many whale watching excursions offered at the Harbor including Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, and Ocean Adventures. Add some relaxation to your spring break getaway by joining a class at I Heart Yoga, voted the #1 yoga studio in Dana Point. I Heart Yoga also hosts classes daily at Lantern Bay Park, with a picturesque view overlooking the Harbor.

As you are strolling through the Harbor you’re sure to find one-of-a-kind boutiques and shops filled with unexpected treasures. You won’t want to miss the sterling silver and gold jewelry handcrafted by artisans of the Navajo, Zuni, Hopi and Santo Domingo from The White Pelican and ocean-inspired jewelry, clothing, and gifts from Woody Hut. Other shopping delights include special cards, art collectibles, designer perfumes, clothing for men, women, and children, artisan chocolates, and specialty coffee and teas from around the world.

Spark your taste buds this spring break and enjoy one of the many eateries throughout the Harbor. From seasonal savory eats to indulgent sweets, there’s a pleasure for every palate. Sip hot coffee and read a book on the patio at Coffee Importers. Stop in and sip award-winning wines from Paso Robles at the recently opened Frisby Cellars Tasting Room. The 2017 Chardonnay has notes of honey crisp apple and lemon, perfect for spring! Indulge in a leisurely seaside brunch at one of Southern California’s premier restaurant destinations for Pacific Rim fusion cuisine, Wind & Sea. Enjoy sustainable and locally sourced seafood from Waterman’s Harbor, or the mesquite-grilled fresh catches at The Harbor Grill, and experience all of the delicious Harbor eateries with breathtaking water views.

Make sure to check out the only in-Harbor hotel, Dana Point Marina Inn, for overnight stays perfect for relaxation and an ideal location to extend your time at the Harbor.

Spend spring break at Dana Point Harbor and enjoy all of the adventure, fun, and relaxation available for the entire family. For more information visit DanaPointHarbor.com or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Credit:
Dana Point Harbor.

Hop on over to Del Amo Fashion for Easter celebrations and activities featuring the Easter Bunny. South Bay families will have the chance to participate in traditional and unique seasonal events including the Easter Bunny Photo Experience, Pet Photo Nights, Caring Bunny and an Easter Eggstravaganza.

The Bunny Photo Experience begins March 29 and runs through April 20. Children will have the chance to visit with the Bunny and take home a treasured snapshot of the fun occasion. Reserve FastPasses and skip the line by visiting www.simonbunny.com.

Del Amo Fashion Center also provides a sensory-friendly Caring Bunny event in association with Autism Speaks. Designed for families with all spectrums of special needs, Caring Bunny will occur on Sunday, April 7 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. prior to mall opening. Guests can also register in advance at simon.com/caringbunny. Many steps will be taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comforting environment for children’s cherished visit with the Bunny. The subdued environment is likely to include (specific elements or aesthetics may vary):

• Turning off in-mall music, stopping escalators located near the photo set, dimming the lights and shutting down fountains for the duration of the event.
• Eliminating queue lines through the use of a numbering system whereby guests approach the set when their number is called.
• Special activities geared toward the needs of guests during the ‘wait’ period.

The center’s Bunny Photo Experience will also share the heart of the Easter Bunny by collecting donations for Autism Speaks throughout the season.

The popular Pet Photo Night returns to the Easter Bunny Photo Experience on March 31 and April 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. Pet Photo nights are hosted after regular mall closing and the set gets an extensive cleaning following the event to remove any potential risk to allergy sufferers. 

On April 13, the center will host their annual Easter Eggstravaganza. From 12 to 2 p.m., the center’s Outdoor Village will transform into a spring activity zone with Easter-themed arts and crafts, a bunny petting zoo, sweet treats, lawn games and more. Families are encouraged to stop by the mall early for an Easter Egg Hunt.

In addition to their Easter Eggstravaganza, the center will host a Disney Jr. Playdate on April 13. Sing-a-longs, crafts giveaways and more based on Disney Junior will be held on the Outdoor Lawn from 12 to 2 p.m.

Credit: Del Amo Fashion Center/Simon

Explore Orange County’s agricultural past during the second annual Orange County Jamboree hosted by OC Parks and the Orange County Historical Commission.

On Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy a day of agricultural-themed crafts, a petting zoo, live music, pickling demonstrations, blacksmith and antique engine displays, a photo booth, tours of the park and more! Food will also be available for purchase.

Local historical societies will be on-site to help guests discover the rich history of Orange County and how to connect with historical resources in the local community. The event will also celebrate the centennial anniversary of the OC Historical Society.

Irvine Ranch Historic Park is a 16.5-acre special use park that retains 24 original ranch structures that represent the proud agricultural history of Orange County. Docent-led tours of the park will begin every hour starting at 10:30 a.m., with the last tour at 1:30 p.m.

Orange County Jamboree admission is free and adults and children of all ages are encouraged to attend and participate in the fun!

Orange County Jamboree 2019

Date: Saturday, April 13

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: Irvine Ranch Historic Park

Address: 13042 Old Myford Rd., Irvine, CA 92602

Website: www.ocparks.com/historic/irvineranch

Cost: Free

Parking: Free. Parking will be available at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, 51 Market Place, Irvine, CA 92602.

Public Contact: (714) 973-6607

Credit: OC Parks.

Spring Break might only be seven days long, but just one day in Little Tokyo provides endless possibilities for exploration and exposure to another culture without having to leave Los Angeles. With unlimited eateries, museums, exhibitions, and an outdoor walking retail district, Go Little Tokyo provides a convenient and budget-friendly adventure close to home. Experience an action-packed day of memorable experiences and immersive lessons suitable for kids and just as fun for adults and teens in tow. Go Little Tokyo presents a curated lesson plan of the top five reasons to Spring Break in one of LA’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

1. ARTS & CULTURE: Japan LA, a boutique anime culture shop, provides an insider’s look into the crossover of Japanese and Los Angeles pop culture. Venture through aisles full of toys, apparel, and accessories, and discover the gallery in the back of the store showcasing the best in “kawaii” (cute) art from all over the world. Continue on an art walk and stop by the “Moon Beholders” mural located at the end of the Japanese American National Museum’s Plaza. This larger than life mural by Katie Yamasaki is a hidden Instagram-worthy picture moment sure to make at-home friends jealous.
   
   
2. ECONOMICS: Subtract the costs of hotel and travel fees from long-distance spring break trips, and add that money back into your wallet by riding Metro to Little Tokyo. Conveniently located only a few steps away from the Gold Line’s Little Tokyo/Arts District station, Metro provides hassle-free travel and more money to spend on fun activities. Two children under the age of five may travel free with each fare-paying adult on Metro’s bus or rail.
   
   
3. ELECTIVE – Taste of Little Tokyo: Donuts are a delightful treat and definite crowd-pleaser, and newly opened Donatsu is a twist on the traditional. From flavors like Matcha-Pistachio and Churro, there isn’t a wrong choice at this vegan donut shop. Or, visit a Little Tokyo staple, serving the neighborhood for over 100 years and known for its family tradition and style, Fugetsu-Do is a Japanese confectionary that crafts delicious mochi and manju. Available till March 31st, try their spring special, sakura mochi inspired by the Japanese cherry blossoms.
   
   
4. HISTORY: The nationally declared Women’s History month takes place every March with International Women’s Day recognized on March 8. Holding that same spirit, the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) is celebrating Hinamatsuri (Girl’s Day) on March 3rd! Families are welcome to celebrate the happiness, growth, and good health of girls everywhere, with a fun-filled day of Culinary Arts, Cultural Arts, and Martial Arts; because girls kick too!
   
   
5. LIFE SKILLS: No longer are the days of Home Economics classes, and for that we are grateful—so are the women who own Leola Lace and Monkey Pants in Little Tokyo. Grab a new, chic dress or necklace from Leola Lace, loved for its high fashion styles at affordable prices. Monkey Pants, as eclectic as the name suggests, is home to the kids’ next cool look for school and authentic Japanese housewares for gift items.

Credit: Go Little Tokyo.

The kids will need to leave the nest, which is why overprotecting them can actually end up hurting them in the long run. You need to let go of your need to keep them close to keep them safe and instead give them all the tools they need to handle all kinds of emergencies on their own. Then, you need to trust them. Without that trust, it will be hard for them to gain the confidence they need to handle life’s problems on their own. You will always be there to support them, and you will always be their first call when they need help, but by following this guide, you can teach your kids how to be safe outside and what to do if there is an emergency.

Have Location Turned On

Most kids today will have a phone, and if they have a phone a good way to keep tabs on them is to have their location turned on. So long as you don’t pry into where they are, they should be fine with this, as it will help you know exactly where to find them if, say, they fell down off their bike and need you to pick them up.

Give Them Rules

When it comes to letting your kids out of the house on their own you need to give them strict rules so that they can learn to follow them. For example, one rule could be to always home before dinner, which is at a set time every day. If they are not back when you have asked, then restrict how much they can go out the next day. Consequences don’t need to be severe, but they do need to be consistent.

Trust Them

If you don’t trust them to take care of themselves, they won’t believe they can. Building up confidence is imperative during childhood, meaning as parents you need to teach them how to take care of themselves. You can then let them outside with the belief that they will take your words to heart.

Ensure They Know Their Neighborhood

Go on walks with them around their neighborhood so that they know all the streets and more importantly, always know how to get home.

Teach Them How to Respond in Emergencies

Teach them how to respond in emergencies by:

1.    Teaching Them First Aid

First aid is a great way to teach kids how dangerous injuries are, and how to minimize their damage. You yourself won’t be able to do this, so sign them up for a class when they are old enough.

2.    Teach Them What to Do

Drill them so that they know how to respond in emergencies, from calling 911, to what they should say, and so on.

3.    Let Them Know the Consequences

While you will be the one responsible for visiting 1800vincent.com to hire a personal injury lawyer so that your child can get as much compensation as possible to cover their medical bills and rehabilitation costs, that doesn’t mean they should be completely shielded from what could happen. Let them know the consequences, so they take their personal safety more seriously.

Children and teenagers need freedom to learn who they are and push their limits. It’s healthy and normal, but most do not want to get hurt. That’s why teaching them how to be responsible and what to do in an emergency can be the best thing you can do for them.