Giveaway! - jenerations baby

I received a sample of jenerations baby lotion and it is heavenly. My husband is disappointed that he can't win this giveaway, haha. And the best part: they're organic! The lotion is not greasy and has a wonderful scent. It contains shea butter and sweet almond oil.

jenerations baby has created body and hair care products for babies and children. These do not contain any sulfates or parabens. The line was created by mompreneur Jennifer Reilly and all products are completely hypoallergenic and physician-tested.

I have the duo set of lotion and shampoo to giveaway. Please post your email by Wednesday 11/11 noon to win!

http://www.jenerationsbaby.com

Halloween!

What will you be doing for Halloween? I'm a bit lazy to go trick or treating. Not every house in our neighborhood gives out candy, so I feel like I'm walking forever to get a nice pile of loot...I mean for Rachel to get a nice pile of candy. :-) Luckily, Rachel loves giving out candy and seeing all the kids in their costumes.

In the past, we've loved going to Rancho Los Alamitos for their fall festival. It's a wonderful event for the kids and it's all free. You just have to park at CSULB. The crafts are more geared for preschoolers and older, but the toddlers look so cute in the costume parade.

This year, we will be checking out the Day of the Dead festivities in San Pedro. This is the second year they are doing it and last year they had 2000 ghouls come out for the fun. And it was raining last year! Kids' activities start at 3pm.

For more details on these events (and more), go to my husband's column on Examiner.com!

Giveaway! - Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs DVD

I'm going to be doing some giveaways on my blog and this is the first one!

Please post your email if you want a chance to win. I will choose a winner by random on Friday, 10/30. Please enter by noon.

We haven't seen the first two movies, but this one was very cute. Rachel loved it and kept playing the Scrat shorts.

Get ready, for the dawn of a new age! Manny, Sid, Diego and Ellie are back for more pre-hysterical hijinks when Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs stomps onto Three-Disc Blu-ray Disc/DVD Combo Pack October 27 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. The third film in the outrageously popular Ice Age franchise, the sub-zero heroes return another wild and fun adventure. Scrat is still trying to nab the ever-elusive nut (while maybe finding true love); Manny and Ellie await the birth of their mini-mammoth; Diego the saber-toothed tiger wonders if he's growing too "soft" hanging with his pals and Sid the sloth gets into trouble when he creates his own makeshift family by hijacking some dinosaur eggs. On a mission to rescue the hapless Sid, the gang ventures into a mysterious underground world, where they have some close encounters with dinosaurs, battle flora and fauna, run amuck, and meet a relentless, one-eyed dino-hunting weasel named Buck. The coolest animated comedy of the year, Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs features hilarious performances from Ice Age veterans Ray Romano ("Everybody Loves Raymond"), John Leguizamo (The Happening), Denis Leary ("Rescue Me"), Queen Latifah (The Secret Life of Bees), Seann William Scott (Planet 51) and Josh Peck ("Drake & Josh"), along with newcomers Bill Hader (Forgetting Sarah Marshall), Kristen Wiig ("Saturday Night Live"), Jane Lynch ("Glee") and Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead).

Sunset Magazine for $5

From Amazon.com

Great deal! Too bad you can only order one subscription. :-)

http://www.amazon.com/Sunset-1-year/dp/B00005NIOW

Free pumpkin latte or ice blended

Friday, October 16
4-7pm

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Five locations in Long Beach
One per person

6344 Spring Street, LB 90808
1996 Ximeno Ave, LB 90814
1212 Bellflower Blvd, LB 90815
4105 S. Atlantic Ave, LB 90807
5760 East 7th St, LB 90803

Free antibiotics from Stater Bros.

Starting October 1st and so far no end date

Stater Bros.
10114 Adams Ave
Huntington Beach
714-593-3700

Stater Bros. pharmacies are offering up to a 14-day supply of selected generic antibiotics, as well as prescribed refills for FREE. All you have to do is bring in your valid prescription from your doctor.

http://www.staterbros.com

Costumes galore!

It's time to dress up your pumpkin! Or dress him as a pumpkin. :-) Parents.com has some great costume ideas. Everything from no sew to homemade to even pg costumes! Check them out here.

http://www.parents.com

Two Kids Eat Free - Boston Market

Through October 31
All Boston Market locations
No coupon necessary





Boston Market #1040
LAKEWOOD (W/NWC Candlewood @ Clark)
4895 Candlewood
Lakewood, CA 90712

Two kids eat free with $6 minimum purchase
Children must be present to claim their meals

http://www.bostonmarket.com

Flu shots

Everyday 10am-2pm, 3pm-6:30pm
$30

CVS Pharmacy
921 PCH
Seal Beach
562-598-0473

This is the only local CVS that has the flu shot for children 18mos-14 years. No appointment necessary.

Japan America Kite Festival

Sunday, October 4
11am-5pm

Seal Beach's 13th Annual Japan America Kite Festival
On the beach at Seal Beach pier
Free

Southern California's largest kiting event. Japanese cultural activities include sushi provided by Toro Sushi, traditional Japanese candy art, and demonstrations of Taiko drumming. Sport kite demonstrations and kite ballet. Giant show kites. Children can make their own kite.

http://www.kiteclub.org

3rd Annual Good Neighbor Festival

Saturday, September 26
10am-3pm
Free

Hosted by 5th District Councilmember, Gerrie Schipske
Good Neighbor Park
2800 Studebaker Rd.
Long Beach

Free food and drink, music by the Wonderelles, pie eating contest, penny arcade, more than 45 informational booths, free bike helmets, & games for kids.

"Kids can play several carnival games for 5 cents each and at the same time help El Dorado and Bach library branches," says Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske.
Pennies brought to the Good Neighbor Festival will be donated to the two branch libraries in the 5th District and used to purchase books and materials.

Sidewalk chalk contest for all ages
Registration is free. Please call (562) 570-6932 by September 24th to sign up. Prizes will be awarded in three age categories: Kids (7-12); Youth (13-17); and Adults (18 and older).

For more information, contact Office of Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, 562.570.6932.
http://www.longbeach.gov/civica/press/display.asp?layout=4&Entry=2600

Kids Eat Free

Wednesday, September 23
4pm-8pm


Free children's meal with the purchase of an adult entree

Participating Long Beach restaurants:
Johnny Rebs'
Gladstone's
Ruby's Diner
Yard House
El Pollo Loco
Corner Bakery - Lakewood

"Family Day is a great reminder for all of us to simply eat a meal with our loved ones," said First Lady Maria Shriver. "Every Californian should make time spent at the dinner table count, by teaching our children to choose and eat healthy, nutritious food. I want to thank the California Restaurant Association and their nearly 650 participating restaurants for their partnership in helping to spread our message to families throughout the state."

http://www.calrest.org/go/CRA/

Not Back to School?

I just wanted to post some general homeschooling info. Five years ago I knew nothing about homeschooling and actually had a negative opinion about it. However, it was a path that we found ourselves on and I just wanted to let other people know how it works in California.

First of all, the only legal homeschooling option in California is to have a credentialed teacher tutoring your child. That could get expensive quickly. However, there is a very easy alternative that alot of homeschoolers use in this state.

You can start your own private school. As you probably know, private schools are not regulated in terms of curriculum, number of days of school, teacher credentials, etc. Well, that makes it very easy for homeschooling. You fill out a form with the state in October, put together a notebook with a few pages indicating attendance, "course of study", and "teacher qualifications" and you're done. No one checks up on you, there are no testing regulations, and you get to decide how to educate your child.

If you feel you need a bit more guidance with homeschooling, there are a variety of ways to have someone else help you out.

Private School Programs can range from someone simply keeping your paperwork for you to a program that helps you with curriculum selection, providing classes, etc. Usually you pay a fee to join.

ISPs or charter schools are public school programs for homeschoolers. Although your child does not go to school everyday, he/she is still considered a public school student. These programs also range from pretty hands off (and actually provide you funds to buy curriculum or sign up for classes) to programs that are very strict on what curriculum you use and what your child is taught daily. These programs require standardized testing, although individual test scores do not have to be kept in your child's record.

For more info on homeschooling in California, you can visit http://www.californiahomeschool.net . If you want more specific info, feel free to contact me at hijola@yahoo.com .

LA County Fair - $1 admission - Labor Day weekend!

Didja think I disappeared? I am back after scrambling for a new job assignment. Keep fingers crossed that this one is a bit more permanent. Now, let's get back to our fun and friendly events in Long Beach and beyond!

===

Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7
$1 admission for everyone from 10am to 1pm
Regular prices apply after 1pm

LA County Fair
1101 W. McKinley Ave.
Pomona

All 22-ounce soft drinks are just $1 at all food and beverage stands from 1 to 4 p.m.
Carnival rides, games and select food items are just $1 from 4 to 7 p.m.

http://www.lacountyfair.com

Free food!

Offer good till 9/30

Schwan's Home Food Delivery

Click here to receive a $10 offer. Limited to the first 500,000 new customers. No obligation!

Schwan's provides a variety of delicious and easy-to-prepare meal options just a click away.

http://www.schwans.com

Shakespeare in the Park...for kids!

Saturday, August 22
11am and 1pm
Free

Bixby Park
130 Cherry Ave.
Long Beach

On Saturday, the Long Beach Shakespeare Company will perform a 45-minute, condensed version of William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” for children of all ages at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The story revolves around sorcerers and sea monsters on a deserted island. A narrator will help clarify the Old English being spoken by the actors. Directed by Cynthia Santos-DeCure. Bring a blanket!

http://www.lbshakespeare.org

Free concert at Eat Play Grow!

Friday, August 7
5:30pm & 7pm

Eat. Play. Grow.
4228 Atlantic Ave.
Long Beach
562-427-8600

Birdie's Playhouse
With their hip mix of wildlife originals and classic animal songs, Birdie's Playhouse gets the 1 to 6 year olds shaking their tail feathers!

http://www.eatplaygrow.com

Garden Concerts for Kids - The Getty Center

We love going to these every year!

Saturdays and Sundays
August 15 & 16: Recess Monkey
August 22 & 23: Trout Fishing in America
August 29 & 30: Justin Roberts
4-5:30pm

Free, no reservations required
Parking: $15

Getty Center
Central Garden
1200 Getty Center Dr.
Los Angeles

Enjoy the best of children's music in the great outdoors at Garden Concerts for Kids, offering three weekends of kid-tastic, sing-along fun in the Central Garden. Make it an afternoon—come early to browse the galleries, wander the gardens, and enjoy a picnic on the grass.

Picnics are welcome at Garden Concerts for Kids. Please make sure that your coolers or containers are no larger than 11 x 17 x 8 inches.

Blankets are permitted only on the lawns of the Central Garden. Please do not bring your own chairs.

The Getty provides blankets if you don't want to bring your own. :-)

http://www.getty.edu

Free treats on your birthday!

Here's a list of stuff you can get for free on your birthday:

http://www.freebirthdaytreats.com

P.S. Happy Birthday, Rachel!

National Day of the Cowboy

Saturday, July 25
10am-4pm

B&B Stables
10730 Artesia Blvd.
(Off Durmont St.)
Cerritos
714-292-3563

Adults $5
Kids Free
Fundraiser for the Ride Your Horse Therapeutic Riding Program

• Pony & horse rides


• Petting zoo


• Horse demonstrations


• Vendors, crafts, & artists


• Raffle prizes


• Long Beach Mounted Police


• Blacksmith and Wood Branding


• Barrels, Reining, & Roping


• Jumping


• Buffalo Soldiers


• US Territorial Marshals "Old West Reenactment"

http://www.rideyourhorse.com/

The Long Beach Food Cooperation

This is a yahoo group created to put together a community food buying network. There are various drop points for each co-op and members who sign up are required to pick up from a location in LB. Currently, there are groups that buy produce from Tanaka Farms, bulk/organic/natural foods from Azure Standard, citrus boxes from Ramona, CA, and grass-fed beef from J&J Ranch. There are occasionally other offers for avocadoes or fruit from members' own trees.

There is no obligation in joining and the various groups are not headed by the same person. Members are encouraged to come up with ideas for other buying opportunities.

Join at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LongBeachFoodCooperation

Tanaka Farms CSA
delivered on Mondays
$20/week
seasonal vegetables and fruit
http://www.tanakafarms.com
Contact: Beth G.

Azure Standard
drop is once a month
organic/bulk foods
http://www.azurestandard.com
Contact: Alexis

Citrus box
seasonal fruit from Ramona, CA
$25/box
drop is every other week on Mondays
Contact: Jenny S.

J&J Ranch CSA
grass-fed beef
every other month
Contact: Carrie

The OC Fair!

July 10 - August 9
Wednesday - Friday: noon - midnight
Saturday & Sunday: 10am - midnight
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays

OC Super Fair
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa
714-708-FAIR

Admission
General: $10
Children (6-12): $5
Kids (5 & under): FREE

Free admission and parking Noon - 1pm July 10th ONLY

Kids Free Thursday
Kids 12 and under receive free admission every Thursday. Valid all day.

We Care Wednesday
July 15 Noon - 6pm: One free admission ticket and one carnival ride with donation of
5 canned food items.
July 22 Noon - 6pm: One free admission/one carnival ride with donation of one NEW children's book for ages 5-9.
July 29 Noon - 6pm: One free admission/carnival ride with donation of one NEW toy valued at $8 or more.
August 5 Noon - 6pm: One free admission/ride with donation of one school item valued at $5 or more.

http://www.ocfair.com/2009/

Get Your Origami On!

Saturday, July 11
El Dorado Nature Center
Origami Outdoors
Bring the family and learn to create beautiful paper art inspired by nature.
$2/participant



Session 1 10am-11:30am (Families with children under 12)
Session 2 1pm-2:30pm (Families with children 13 and up)
Pre-registration is required
562-570-1745
http://www.lbparks.org/naturecenter

Sunday, July 12
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB
Origami Festival
10am-4pm
Adults $7
Children under 12 free
Some of the best origamitors (my word invention) attend
More than 40 experts from local and national origami clubs will present demonstrations and teach guests of all ages and skill levels.
http://www.csulb.edu/~jgarden

Family Artmaking Workshops - LBMA

Fridays, July 10 through August 28
1-3pm

Long Beach Museum of Art
2300 E. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach
562-439-2119
Free

Ralston Family Learning Center
The summer schedule has changed to every Friday afternoon.
Come get your hands dirty and your brains engaged!

In these FREE drop-in workshops, adults and children will work together to create artworks inspired by art in the Museum's Collection or on exhibit in the Museum's galleries.

To see the list of events, go here.

http://www.lbma.org

Parents Night Out - Free!

Did you know Long Beach has our very own Shakespeare Festival? Yeah, me neither. :-)
And the best part is it's free. Find a babysitter and enjoy the show!

Julius Caesar

July 18, 19, 25, 26. August 1, 2, 8, 9.

At the Expo Building, 4321 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach.
Saturdays at 6:00 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM

Long Beach Shakespeare Company's FREE Summer Shakespeare Festival is back for its 11th Season!

Intrigue, conspiracy, murder... and a ghost! It's a power struggle--Roman style. On stage in the classic political thriller! William Shakespeare's JULIUS CAESAR . A glorious spectacle!

Julius Caesar is part of our annual FREE summer festival, so no tickets or reservations are required. However, if you would like to sit in our preferred seating area, please email us with the number of people in your party and we will hold a place for you. It's first come, first served seating, but the preferred seating area is limited in size, so reservations are recommended.

JULIUS CAESAR is playing July 18th through August 9th -- Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 2pm at the Expo Building, 4321 Atlantic in Bixby Knolls in Long Beach. It's festival seating: bring blankets or low-backed chairs to sit on. Bring a picnic or get a meal there! Food and beverages will be available on site!

http://www.lbshakespeare.org

Fourth of July displays

Celebrate the 4th at these local firework displays. All fireworks begin at 9pm.

Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy.
562-435-3511
view from any shoreline in Long Beach or San Pedro
http://www.queenmary.com

Party on the Pier
Belmont Pier
562-434-1542
Enjoy live music, a fish fry and BBQ, beer and wine gardens, boat rides on the shoreline.
Reserve seating for fireworks in advance. Go here for price and details.

Veteran's Stadium
5000 Lew Davis Drive
$10 adults, $7 kids (5-11) and seniors, under 5 free
Buy tickets until 5pm on July 4 at LB Fire Station #19, 3559 Clark Ave.
Demonstration by the LB Police K-9 and Helicopter divisions
Live band
Gates open at 5pm, entertainment starts at 6pm

Joint Forces Training Base
11200 Lexington Dr.
Los Alamitos
714-229-6700
Gates open at 2pm
Free admission and parking
Everyone over 16 years old must bring ID
Arrive by 7:30pm to gain entry
Food court, vendor fair, kids fun zone (additional fee), military displays, WW II re-enactment
Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged (no bleachers available this year)
No alcohol, dogs, fireworks, or motor homes

Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
562-590-3100
Enjoy the aquarium at night and get a fish-eye view of the Queen Mary fireworks.
Guests can choose special combo tickets to enjoy admission to the aquarium plus
an Independence Day BBQ buffet.
5-10pm
Dinner 6-8pm
Aquarium opens at 9am
Admission $29,95 adults, $11.95 child (3-11)
Aquarium + dinner: $31.75 adults $27 child
Advance reservations required for dinner
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org

Harbor Cruise
100 Aquarium Way Dock #2
Join Harbor Breeze Cruises for a spectacular fireworks display from the water
in beautiful Rainbow Harbor
7:30pm-10pm
$30
http://www.2seewhales.com

LB Municipal Band - Celebrating 100 years!

June 30th through August 14
All concerts start at 6:30pm

Take a musical tour through history with our own Municipal Band!

WEEK 1 - (June 30 - July 3)
1909-1924: In 1909 the City of Long Beach announces the formation of the Long Beach Municipal Band! Through these early years the music of George M. Cohan, George Gershwin and other composers from Tin Pan Alley had America singing. The Studio Band and Barbara Morrison kick off the summer in style.

Tuesday, June 30 Whaley Park
Wednesday, July 1 Los Cerritos
Thursday, July 2 Marine Stadium
Friday, July 3 El Dorado Park

See the rest of the schedule here.

http://www.lbparks.org

Free Ice Blended at Coffee Bean!

Wednesday, July 1
3-7pm

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
6344 Spring St.
Long Beach



Offer applies to the winning 12oz Ice Blended® drink only (Instant Karma).

http://www.coffeebean.com

Thursday night concerts in the park

Thursday nights at 6pm except for the August 16 show at Whaley park
Free

June 18 – Drake Park – Chyle
June 25 – Sliverado Park – Mambo Soul
July 2 – Admiral Kidd Park – Upstream
July 9 – Whaley Park – Fantastic Diamond
July 16 – Chavez Park – Charangoa
July 23 – Houghton Park – Cale’
July 30 – Stearns Champions Park – The Emperors
August 6 – DeForest Park – Alan Lightner Steel Drum Band
August 13 – Ramona – LA Bluescasters
August 16 – Whaley Park (4pm, Sunday) – Elm Street Band
August 20 – Somerset – The Emperors
August 27 – Silverado – The Durell Coleman Band

http://www.lbparks.org

Movies in the park!

Starts Friday, June 26th through September 2nd
Various parks around Long Beach
Movies start at dusk
Free




The first week's feature is Kung Fu Panda
6/29 - Signal Hill
6/29 - Stearns Champion
7/1 - Somerset

The rest of the line up is here.

http://www.lbparks.org

Summer Splashing!

Where to cool off this summer besides the beach?






Del Valle Park
5939 Henrilee St.
(corner of Arbor & Woodruff)
Lakewood
Wading pool for children 3-7 years old.
Open M, W, F, Sa, Su through Sept. 7
11am-4pm
Free

Sigler Park
7200 Plaza St.
Westminster
Splash Pad
Open daily through Sept. 7
Noon-5pm
Children not yet potty trained must wear swim diapers
Free

Seaside Lagoon
200 Portofino Way
Redondo Beach
Open daily 10am-5:45pm through Sept. 6
Closed July 3 & 4
$5 adults $4 children 2-17 under 2 free

Free coffee at Borders!

Valid through Thursday, June 18 - need coupon for offer.

Borders
2110 N. Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach
562-799-0486

Free 12-oz beverage from Seattle's Best Coffee
In-store only

Print coupon from here.

http://www.bordersmedia.com

Summer reading events at local libraries!

Various events will be going on all summer at our local libraries.


For instance:
Wed. 6/17 The Lizard Wizard at El Dorado 12:15pm
Thurs 6/18 Magician at North 4pm
Sat 6/27 Elementary Art at Dana 10:15am

For the whole list of events, click here.

http://www.lbpl.org

A Gift for Dad - Averyboo Arts

Saturday, June 20
2-3pm
$10/child or $17 to stay as long as you like

Averyboo Arts
3908 Atlantic Ave.
Long Beach
562-912-4800

Rocket, Robot or Racecar?

A Father’s Day creative reuse project for Dad & his little one(s). We’ll have all the makings to create a Rocket, Robot or Racecar.

Please RSVP.

OR

Come anytime during the week and make Dad (or Grandpa) a heartfelt gift and card during Open Studio hours. Stay as long as you like.

$17

Open Studio Hours
Tues 2-5pm
Wed 10:30am-1pm, 2-5pm
Thurs 2-5pm
Fri 10:30am-1pm, 2-5pm

http://www.averybooarts.com

Celebrate the Summer Solstice!

Saturday, June 20
6pm
Free

The 2nd Annual Summer Solstice Stroll
Rancho Los Cerritos
4600 Virginia Road
Long Beach

Friends of the Rancho will be providing delicious summer treats for everyone after the stroll on the lawn. Enjoy ice cream, watermelon, cookies, and tasty drinks to kick off the summer right. Free tours of the rancho property also available. Sorry, no dogs allowed for this event.

http://www.rancholoscerritos.org

===

June 19-21
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Free

Live H2O United by Love
Belmont Shore Beach

This FREE, three-day edu-taining festival will present Dr. Masaru Emoto, Dr. Len Horowitz, and many other world renowned speakers, celebrities, performers, artists, fire dancers, drummers, and native tribes. Musicians will tune their instruments to the old Solfeggio scale frequency of 528Hz, the healing frequency of Love, proven by genetic biochemists to positively affect us. Children and parents alike will enjoy interactive, empowering, inspirational and fun-filled children's programs, presenters and vendors. You will have the opportunity to experience an eco-village, as well as many vendors supporting green technology, and mind/body/health awareness. Participants will have an opportunity to listen to panel discussions regarding issues of water pollution and solutions for the cleaning of the world's bodies of water as well as drinking water. You will also see some of the best drinking water filters available!

http://www.liveh2ounitedbylove.net/

Free Hot Dog On A Stick!

Monday, June 15
5-8pm
Free

Hot Dog On A Stick
Lakewood Mall

You know you want one. :-)

http://www.hotdogonastick.com

New Mom Expo - Anaheim

Saturday & Sunday
June 13-14
10am-5pm

Anaheim Convention Center
800 W. Katella Ave.
Anaheim
714-765-8950

adults: $10 at the door, $7.50 online
children: under 14 free

Find the latest on baby gear. Also, featuring speakers on everything from breastfeeding to prenatal fitness to homeschooling.

http://www.newmomexpo.com

Eat.Play.Grow - Free preview!

June 8-12 M-F 10am-4pm
June 16-18 T-Th 4pm-8pm
Free

Eat.Play.Grow.
4228 Atlantic Ave.
562-427-8600

Parking in rear.

A new playspace is opening in Bixby Knolls. Eat.Play.Grow is an indoor play area, cafe, and retail space.

Check out a video here.

Art at the Pike!

Sundays, June 7, 14, & 21
Noon-3pm
Free

The Pike
95 South Pine Ave.



Children's Painting Party inspired by Romero Britoo's work:

June 7: Kids can create whimsical garden sticks
June 14: Kids can paint a pet dish
June 21: Kids can create a special gift for dad

All painting parties will be located next to the Britto Sculpture Garden (on the corner of Shoreline Dirve and Pine Ave.)

The traveling art exhibition will showcase twelve of Romero Britto's vivid and whimsical monumental sculptures May 28 - June 21, 2009.

http://www.thepikeatlongbeach.com

Wrigley River Run & Tadpole Trot!

Saturday, June 6

10K - $30 8:15am
5K - $30 7:30am
Kids Tadpole Trot 1K - $5 9:30am
5K Walk and Stroller Run - $30 7:30am

Register before Saturday
Run a flat, fast course through Wrigley Village and on the L.A. River bike path.
Ribbons are given to all children participating in the Tadpole Trot.

http://www.wrigleyriverrun.com

Cherry Picking! - Leona Valley

June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14
8am-5pm
Call to verify open dates.

Amber's Farm
9300 Leona Ave.
Leona Valley
661-270-1919

No entry fee. Cherries are $3.25/lb.
June 6th is the Cherry Festival so the road will be closed 10am-noon.

http://www.ambersfarm.com

Spring Festival - Rancho Los Cerritos

Sunday, May 31
12:30pm - 4:30pm

Rancho Los Cerriots Historic Site
4600 Virginia Road
Long Beach
562-570-1755

Adults: $5
Kids (4-12) $3, under 4 free

Step back 100 years at Rancho Los Cerritos to experience the dynamic Victorian era, complete with live music, dancing, unusual entertainment, and even a May pole dance! Participate in period activities such as ice cream making; butter churning, Victorian-era games and crafts designed especially for the children.

http://www.rancholoscerritos.org

Christmas in May! - Downtown LA

Memorial Weekend
May 22-25
Friday-Sunday: 9am-9pm
Monday: 9am-6pm
Free

Los Angeles Union Station
800 N. Alameda St.
Los Angeles

A 40-city train tour promoting Disney's 3-D film, A Christmas Carol, starring Jim Carrey, which opens November 2009.

Set amidst a snowy backdrop-complete with all of the sights and sounds of Christmas including carolers, decorations, giveaways and many more surprises in each of the 40 cities. This family event is for guests of all ages and is free to the public.

Among the highlights of the tour are authentic artifacts on loan from the Charles Dickens Museum of London; artwork, costumes and props from the film; demonstrations of performance capture technology; and a chance to morph your face into one of the film's characters using HP TouchSmart PCs. At each stop along the way, a state-of-the-art Disney Digital 3D Theatre will be erected, where guests can get a sneak peek of "Disney's A Christmas Carol" and see other exclusive behind-the-scenes materials from the movie.

For more info: http://www.mickeynews.com/News/DisplayPressRelease.asp_Q_id_E_5119Train

Butterfly Ball - El Dorado Nature Center

Wednesday, May 20
10am - 11:30am
$5 per parent-child pair

El Dorado Nature Center
7550 E. Spring St.
562-570-1745

Pre-registration is required
Parent participation class for children ages 2-5 years

You are cordially invited to attend the Butterfly Ball. Be sure to wear your wings as we dance amongst the flowers, indulge in “nectar tasting”, and create a picture of our beauty to share with all.

http://www.longbeach.gov/naturecenter/

Free Summer Movies - Regal Theatres

Throughout the summer
Tuesday and Wednesday 10am

Long Beach Stadium 26 & IMAX
7501 East Carson
562-429-3321

06/23/2009-06/24/2009 Space Chimps (G)
Igor (PG)
06/30/2009-07/01/2009 The Tale Of Despereaux (G)
Nim's Island (PG)
07/07/2009-07/08/2009 Horton Hears A Who (G)
Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)
07/14/2009-07/15/2009 Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G)
Surf's Up (PG)
07/21/2009-07/22/2009 Charlotte's Web (G)
Kung Fu Panda (PG)
07/28/2009-07/29/2009 Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G)
Inkheart (PG)
08/04/2009-08/05/2009 Everyone's Hero (G)
Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)
08/11/2009-08/12/2009 Doogal (G)
Hotel For Dogs (PG)

REG Free Family Film Festival Beginning June 2009!
When school’s out, kids around the country visit selected Regal theatres for the Free Family Film Festival. It’s a fun-filled nine weeks of movies for kids and parents. Since 1991, Regal has provided this service to the community, and best of all it’s FREE!

Selected G & PG movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. First-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer.

Tickets for our 2009 Free Family Film Festival are exclusively available at select theatres’ box office on the day of the show.

http://www.regmovies.com

Summer camps

Here is a great list of local summer camps.

http://www.examiner.com/x-9782-Long-Beach-Homeschooling-Examiner~y2009m5d14-Long-Beach-summer-camps

Long Beach Parks & Rec
Summer Day Camps
Various parks around the city
M-F 9am-4pm
June 15 – August 21
Ages 5-12
Aquatic day camps available
Science Adventures
El Dorado Park – West
2700 Studebaker Rd.
Week long day camps starting June 22 to August 28
Full and half-day camps available
YMCA
Week long day camps
Grades K-6
Lego camp available at the Los Altos location
June 16 – August 29
Kick It Up
8129 E. Wardlow Rd.
Broadway Camp: Grades 1-6   July 6-10 9am-3pm
Once Upon a Dream: Ages 4-7   Wed & Thurs in July & Aug 9am-noon
Dance and Cheer Clinic: Grades 1-8 Aug 24-28 9am-3pm
Inspyr Arts
3910 E. 4th St.
Week long art camps (anime, figure drawing, etc.)
June 22 – August 14
Grades 1 and up
Rancho Los Cerritos
Half day, week long day camps
July 6-24, 9:30am-noon
Ages 6-11
$50/week

Camp Fire USA
7070 Carson St.
Week long day camps
Sports, cooking, crafts, & optional overnight camping
History camp
Grades K-9
Science2U
Seal Beach – north of pier
Marine biology camps
May 25 – August 21
Alpert JCC
3801 E. Willow St.
Day camps: 3-5 days/week
Half day specialty camps: Legos, Cooking, Rockets, etc.
Grades 1 and up

Long Beach Shakespeare Company
4250 ½ Atlantic Blvd.
Summer drama camp
One week sessions throughout the summer
International City Theatre
300 E. Ocean Blvd.
Summer Youth Conservatory
Ages 7-15
Six weeks: July 6-August 13
M-Th 9am-1pm

And more camps:
http://www.examiner.com/x-9782-Long-Beach-Homeschooling-Examiner~y2009m5d30-Long-Beach-summer-camps-II


CSULB
“California State University, Long Beach is proud to offer a variety of summer camps to boys and girls of all ages and ability levels. Held throughout the summer months on our beautiful campus, students are able to experience sports, academics, leadership and friendships all at one of the most prestigious campus in the country.”
Averyboo Arts
Tues. & Thurs., 2p-4p  “An afternoon club for kids age 4-12. Encourage a friend to join too & spend lazy summer days together making art! Your membership includes 4 activity days of your choice & lots more goodies! Join anytime between now and August 1st; must pre-register at least one week before your activity day.”

Art Smart Studio

Continue reading on Examiner.com Long Beach summer camps II - Los Angeles Homeschooling | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/long-beach-summer-camps-ii#ixzz1t1R6SYrw

Paint & Glaze
T-W-Th 10am-noon
$50/week
http://www.paintnglaze.com

Chess Camp
Project Oasis
Elise's Tea Room, Bixby Knolls
T/Th 2-4pm $16/week
http://www.project-oasis.org

Cypress CC Kids College
Everything from singing to reading
http://sce.c.ca.us/programs/kidscollege

Long Beach Marine Institute
Ocean Adventure Camp
Summer Day Camp
Ages 5-12
http://www.longbeachmarine.org

Strawberry Festivals - Near and Far

Saturday & Sunday, May 16-17

Strawberry Meadows of College Park
3250 South Rose Avenue
Oxnard

Admission $12
Children (5-12) $5
Kids 4 and under are free

Free shuttle service
Parking $5

Beyond the bountiful berries served every imaginable way, wherever you go on the Festival grounds you’ll find multiple ways to ripen your experience with participation. From the free rides and shows in Strawberryland to the exhibits and presentations in the Strawberry Promenade, and more, everything is always sweeter when strawberries are the main ingredients.

Musical groups
Arts & Crafts
Strawberryland for kids
and an appearance by Strawberry Shortcake (of course!)

http://www.strawberry-fest.org

===

Memorial Weekend
May 22-25

Friday 1pm-10pm
Saturday & Sunday 10am-10pm
Monday 10am-9pm
Free!

The Village Green
between Euclid & Main Sts.
Garden Grove
Carnival rides (for a fee) for kids and adults
Parade celebrities include: Cloris Leachman, Chris Warren Jr. (High School Musical), Shanica Knowles (Hannah Montana)
Parade begins Saturday at 10am at Ninth & Chapman

http://www.strawberryfestival.org

Armed Forces Day Parade - Torrance

Saturday, May 16
1:30pm


Torrance Blvd.
between Crenshaw & Madrona

Torrance's 50th annual Armed Forces Day Parade, the nation's longest-running military parade sponsored by a city and the only major military parade in Southern California, will be held Saturday. Activities begin Friday with military exhibits on display, including aircraft, vehicles and support equipment, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Del Amo Fashion Center. Exhibits continue through the weekend until 3 p.m. Sunday.

http://www.ci.torrance.ca.us/ArmedForcesDay.htm

Preschools

This is a list of local preschools that were recommended by LB parents.

Petite Montessori
http://www.petitemontessori.vpweb.com/
In-home preschool
South of Lakewood Mall
562-425-8205

LBCC Child Development Centers
http://childrencenter.lbcc.edu/ChildCareInfo.cfm
Starts at 2.5 years/Drop-off program
PCH & LCC campuses

Plaza Preschool (co-op)
Wardlow Park
562-421-5448

Maple Village School
http://www.maplevillageschool.org/
562-331-5905

Little Sunshine House
1814 E. 7th Street
Long Beach
562-435-1300
http://www.littlesunshinehouse.com

JCC
3801 East Willow St.
Long Beach
562-426-7601
http://www.alpertjcc.org
18+ months

Colorado Lagoon Playgroup (co-op)
5119 East Colorado Street
Long Beach
562-498-1663
http://lagoonplaygroup.wordpress.com/about

Little Lamb Christian Child Care
4000 Green Ave.
Los Alamitos
562-493-4841
offer potty training and accept 2-5 year olds

The Little Red Playhouse
Los Al/Seal Beach area
Veronica 562-493-0543

North Huntington Beach Community Nursery School
(NHBCNS)
Attachment parenting friendly
(714) 846-2713

Little Owl Preschool
Bixby Knolls
Reggio philosophy/play based
http://littleowlpreschool.com/

Belmont Heights Church Preschool
http://www.bhcpkids.com/

St. Barnabas Preschool
California Heights
3955 Orange Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90807
(562) 424-7476

Lakewood Christian Preschool
First Baptist Lakewood Church
http://www.lakewoodchristianschools.com/preschool

Cal Heights United Methodist Children's Center (CHUMCC)
corner of Orange Avenue and Bixby Road
3759 Orange Avenue
Long Beach CA 90807
562.595.1996 

California Heights Parent Participation Nursery School 

Somerset Park in the toddler play area.

1500 E. Carson

Long Beach, CA 90807 

Isabel Patterson, CSULB
- students are guaranteed a spot at Minnie Gant Elementary

Park Church Preschool (formerly known as Singing Fountain)
Audrey Bill
562.430.6570
3655 N Norwalk Blvd
Long Beach 90808 

Sun n Fun Creative Playgroup - co op in Seal Beach
http://snfn.org/default.aspx

KidWorks - Belmont Heights

3621 E Broadway

Long Beach, CA90803

562-438-4904

http://www.kidworkspreschool.com/

Rossmoor Children's Center
http://www.rossmoorpreschool.com/Welcome.html
Los Alamitos

Edgewater Preschool
on Atherton between Bellflower & Clark 

Los Altos United Methodist Preschool

5950 E Willow Street

Long Beach, CA 90815

Postage rate increase - today

Prices for domestic and international postage went up today.

In case you don't have Forever stamps, first class stamps are now 44 cents and postcards are 28 cents.

http://www.usps.com

Green Long Beach! Festival

Saturday, May 9
9am - 10pm
Free

East Village Arts District
Intersection of 1st Street and Linden Avenue

Four stages of entertainment with 64 bands, musicians, performers, artists, poets, speakers, kids activities, almost 100 booths and vendors, and 35 East Village businesses hosting an event or offering discounts to festival goers.

Organic foods and farmer's market. Workshops and classes held throughout the Village. Green parade at 3pm.

Bring your own reusable water container and tote bag. Bring your old cell phones for recycling (Village Cellular on 4th). Take the bus. Ride your bike to get a free tune-up. Bring your t-shirt after 4pm and get a $5 festival screen print.

http://www.greenlb.org

Free Mother's Day Concert

Sunday, May 10
3pm
Free

Bay Shore Church
5100 E. The Toledo
Long Beach

RSVP now for a free 90-Minute Mother's Day Concert of Professional Opera, Piano & Harp

This event is hosted by Justin Rudd and his nonprofit 501c3 Community Action Team (CAT) and is supported, in whole, by funds raised at their Long Beach Turkey Trot 5K/10K and Haute Dog Parades.

PARKING
Free lot on the corner of The Toledo & Granada Ave. We also encourage carpooling and public transit.

Repertoire

THE CONCERT WILL include: soprano solo of Bach/Gounod's "Ave Maria" with harp; soprano/tenor duet of "Libiamo" from La Traviata; piano performances will include some Rachmaninoff Preludes. Tenor solos will include, "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz," from Das Land des Lachelns by Lehar; and "Recondita Harmonia," from Tosca by Puccini. Music subject to modification.

Limit four tickets per person. All seats are reserved, and we do expect a sell-out.

RSVP by sending an email to Justin@JustinRudd.com with your first and last name and number of guests in your party with the words Opera RSVP in the subject line. You will receive a confirmation.

Older children are welcome, but must have a ticket. As a courtesy to other patrons and the performers, please bear in mind that it is not appropriate for small children to attend this event where silence is a prerequisite for full enjoyment of the artistic experience. Babies in arms are not permitted in all cases.

http://www.justinrudd.com

National Train Day - Union Station

Saturday, May 9
10am-3pm
Free

Union Station
800 N. Alameda St.
Downtown LA

National Train Day is a celebration for all trainiacs, especially our little engineers. Bring your kids and enjoy appearances by The Radio Disney Road Crew where kids – and former kids – can enjoy music, a dance party, interactive games, and receive giveaways. Magicians, face painters and educational hands-on activities will also be onsite, including interaction with real Amtrak employees such as train engineers and conductors.

11:00AM - 1:00PM: Radio Disney's Rockin' Road Crew
11:30AM, 1:00PM & 2:00PM: Amtrak Ambassadors' Corner: Get to know the crews that make Amtrak run

Live music
10:30am - Chana
1pm - Matt Costa

TRAIN EQUIPMENT DISPLAYS*
10:00AM - 2:30PM: See the trains up close and personal with displays that include historic private cars, freight cars and Amtrak equipment. In Los Angeles, you can view:
Overland Trail
Scottish Thistle
GM & O 50
Steam Locomotive
Operation Lifesaver Wrapped Locomotive
Superliner Diner
Superliner Sightseer Lounge
Superliner “Empire” Sleeper
Surfliner Coach Car
* Train car equipment list is subject to change

http://www.nationaltrainday.com

Free Iced Coffee - Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Thursday, May 7
4-8pm

On Thursday, May 7th from 4-8pm*, enjoy a complimentary Iced Coffee at your neighborhood The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®!

For every Iced Coffee that we give away at our Southern California locations, we’ll donate $0.25 to Big Sunday, a leading nonprofit organization that mobilizes and empowers volunteers to help make their communities stronger, happier and healthier.

* Check your local store for closing times. Offer valid only at participating The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® retail locations in CA and AZ, exclude Ralphs locations. Valid only on May 7, 2009 from 4-8pm. Offer applies to 12oz Iced Coffee only. No substitutions.

http://www.coffeebean.com

Family Nightlife Walk - El Dorado Nature Center

May 5, June 9, July 7, August 4, September 8
7-9pm
$3

El Dorado Nature Center
7550 E. Spring St.

Bring the kids to the Nature Center for a naturalist-led walk on the trails.

Pre-registration required.
562-570-1745

http://www.longbeach.gov/naturecenter

Disneyland 3-day Summer Fun Pass - $99

Just in time for summer, the Disneyland Resort announces a valuable ticket offer – the 3-Day Summer Fun Pass, available exclusively for residents of Southern California and Northern Baja.

With this special ticket, local residents can play at the Disneyland Resort for three days within a 45-day period, for just $99. Guests who live in zip codes 90000 through 93599, and 21000-22999, will be able to enter both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, enjoying three days of fun for only $33 per day.

The 3-day Summer Fun Pass is available for sale at Disneyland.com, Disney Stores and at the Disneyland Resort box office. Resident ID is required. To skip ticket lines and enjoy straight-to-the-gate convenience, the 3-Day Summer Fun Pass is also sold at local supermarket and retail chains such as Vons, Albertsons, Ralphs, Stater Bros., Food 4 Less, Gelsons, Dearden’s and Toys ‘R’ Us.

Since the first use of the pass must be between June 1 and August 23, 2009, it’s just the ticket for local residents to see Disneyland Resort in a whole new light during SUMMER NIGHTASTIC! Nighttime shows and parades come to life – bigger, better and brighter in this special summer event. Spectacular, state-of-the-art effects, plus an all-new fireworks show highlight the sparkling summer entertainment that runs June 12 through August 23.

http://www.disneyland.com

Working From Home

Working from home is desirable for a lot of people, but there doesn't seem to be many legitimate opportunities.

This is one site I've come across that seems to have good info.

Home-Based Working Moms

Free Comic Book Day!

Saturday, May 2nd
Check store hours
Free

Free Comic Book Day is a single day - the first Saturday in May - when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely FREE* to anyone who comes into their stores.

Participating stores in LB:

PULP FICTION
4501 E CARSON STREET #104
LONG BEACH, CA
(562) 496-3343

AMAZING COMICS & CARDS
EMAIL: AMAZINGCOMICS@ATT.NET
5555 STEARNS STREET SUITE 103
LONG BEACH, CA
(562) 493-4427

METROPOLIS
16509 BELLFLOWER BLVD.
BELLFLOWER, CA
(562) 263-0277

http://www.freecomicbookday.com

Cinco de Mayo - MOLAA

Sunday, May 3rd
Noon - 5pm
Free

Museum of Latin American Art
628 Alamitos Avenue
Long Beach
562-216-4108

Join MOLAA as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo with

Free Art Workshops for the entire family!
Storytelling throughout the day!
Performances by: Alina Mendez Dance Academy, Wilson High School Ballet Folklorico, Mariachi Relampago, Nueva Antequena, Paso de Oro Dance Company, Mariachi Divas

And a special performance by Lorenzo Negrete!

For more info education@molaa.org

http://www.molaa.org

Children's Cultural Festival

Sunday, May 3rd
Noon - 4pm

Long Beach Museum of Art
2300 E. Ocean Blvd.
562-439-2119

FREE gallery admission, music, storytelling, and craft-making booths from around the world. Live performances from artists representing a variety of cultures.

Metered parking available in the beach access lot on Junipero St, off Ocean Blvd, below the Museum.

Family-friendly food available for purchase from Claire's Café.

http://www.lbma.org

JPL Open House - Pasadena

Saturday and Sunday
May 2nd and 3rd
9am-5pm both days
Free

Jet Propulsion Laboratory
4800 Oak Grove, Pasadena
818-354-0112

This popular event celebrates JPL's accomplishments with exhibits and demonstrations about the Laboratory's ongoing research and space exploration. Many of the Lab's scientists and engineers are on hand to answer questions about how spacecraft are sent to other planets, how scientists utilize space technologies to explore Earth and how researchers are searching for planets beyond the solar system.

The Open House is a fun and educational experience for children too, with special hands-on activities designed for kids.

JPL is located at 4800 Oak Grove Drive in Pasadena, off the 210 (Foothill) Freeway at the Berkshire Avenue/Oak Grove Drive exit. Parking is available near the Oak Grove main gate and the eastern boundary of JPL, accessible from Windsor Avenue via the Arroyo Boulevard exit off the 210 Freeway.

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov

31 Cent Scoop Night - Baskin Robbins

Wednesday, April 29
5pm-10pm

Join us for 31 Cent Scoop Night at Baskin-Robbins®
and help us honor America’s firefighters with a $100,000
donation to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
National Junior Firefighter Program.

Participating stores will reduce prices of small ice cream
scoops to 31 cents*. At some locations, you may also have
an opportunity to make a donation to local fire charities.

http://www.baskinrobbins.com

Kaleidoscope - CSULB

Saturday, April 25
11am-5pm
Free

CSULB
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach
562-985-2288

The Kaleidoscope Festival, one of Southern California's most popular family-oriented celebrations since 1985, will take place on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). Admission and parking are free.

This colorful and diverse annual event attracts more than 30,000 individuals throughout the day with activities taking place from one end of the campus to the other. More than 120 student clubs and vendor booths are scheduled to participate.

"Kaleidoscope 2009 will be as exciting as ever," said Lee Vail, the event's director. "We are pleased that Engineering Day is back in full swing. The ASI Fun Zone, push cart races, sports clinics, Greek Row, Children's Day, and the Anachranistic Society (our own Medieval Village) combined with over 100 vendors and cultural booths make this a day you will not want to miss."

Among this year's scheduled events are four stages with live entertainment; Engineering Day, where visitors can learn about engineering science with hands-on demonstrations; a Health and Safety Awareness Fair; Children's Day, a celebration of children all around the world as they join together in multicultural dance, music, song and acrobatics; Greek Row, where campus fraternities and sororities provide fun activities such as making candy leis, face painting and drawings; and the ASI Fun Zone, where individuals will have a chance to climb a rock wall, challenge friends in the obstacle course or bungee run challenge, show skills at the hoop shot and dunk tank or just enjoy the giant slide.

There will also be a Multicultural Village and International Marketplace, boasting a wide variety of foods, arts and crafts, handmade and costume jewelry. The CSULB Alumni Pavilion will also be displaying CSULB historic memorabilia.

Making its return to Kaleidoscope will be the Push Cart Grand Prix. This year's race is sponsored by the Division of Student Services, Red Bull Soapbox Derby and Frog's Fitness at CSULB. Participants will compete for fastest time, best theme and best team spirit. All participants are from student clubs and organizations from various CSULB departments.

http://www.csulb.edu

LA Times Festival of Books - UCLA

Saturday, April 25, 10am-6pm
Sunday, April 26, 10am-5pm

Our family enjoys attending this event every year. Humongous festival for book lovers and lots of entertainment for the kids. You only have to pay for parking($9).

There are alot of author panels that are free, but you need to get a ticket through ticketmaster.com.

Children entertainers this year: Yo Gabba, Gabba with DJ Lance, Choo-Choo Soul, Justin Roberts, & the International Children's Choir of Long Beach.

Free Cone Day - Ben & Jerry's

Tuesday, April 21
Noon - 8pm


Local shop:
Long Beach Towne Center
7559 Carson Street
(at the 605 fwy)
562-627-0051

As a way to thank our customers for their support and to celebrate 31 years of scooping the chunkiest, funkiest ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet, Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops are happily giving it away!

Maybe it’s time for you to try a new flavor that you’ve been wondering about without commiting your hard earned dollars or it’s time for you to enjoy an old favorite and savor in the deliciousness that is free ice cream? Hey, either way it’s time for you to come on in!

Around the world, Scoop Shops are opening their doors from noon to 8:00 pm, to serve up a free scoop of your favorite flavor. Please check with your local Scoop Shop for more info!

Grab a pal and come on down to have some good, ’scream fun on us!

http://www.benandjerrys.com

Baby & Tween Celebration - Free passes

Hello all!

I have a pass for two free tickets to the Baby & Tween Celebration at the Los Angeles Convention on April 25 and 26th. I can't use them, so let me know if you want to go. Just post a comment with your email -- Rachel will pick the winner randomly. :-)

Baby & Tween Celebration - Los Angeles
April 25 10am-6pm
April 26 11am-5pm

LA Convention Center, South Hall, Hall K
Parking $12

A fun, fresh day for hip, new moms, trendy tots, and totally cool tweens!

Tween Lounge powered by Radio Disney AM 1110
Whimsical Partyscapes
Enriching Entertainment
Spectacular Speakers
Opulent Giveaways
Exquisite Exhibitors

http://www.seascapeproductions.com

Free day at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach!

Thursday, April 16
Admission is free to Thursday events - no ticket required

11am: Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame Induction (Pine Ave. at Convention Center)
3pm: Lifestyle Expo opens (Convention Center)
3-4pm: American Le Mans Series (ALMS) practice
3-10pm: RaceMania at Shoreline Village. Live music, go-karting, and driver competitions.
5pm-5:45pm: ALMS practice
6pm: Lifestyle Expo closes
6-9pm: Free admission to Shark Lagoon - Aquarium of the Pacific
6:30pm: Tecate "Thursday Thunder on Pine" (Pine Ave. between Broadway and 4th). Features freestyle motocross, BMX, live music, and the Miss Toyota Grand Prix Pageant.
6:30pm: Tuner Thursday at the Pike features a pit stop contest, as well as cars and drivers of the Formula Drift Championship.

Day Out with Thomas - Fillmore

April 17-19 and April 24-26

Fillmore & Western Railway Company
250 Central Avenue
Fillmore

Trains leave almost every hour.
Please note the time chosen when you purchase your tickets.

Tickets are $18 for ages 2 & up
Use code EMB to get $2 off!

Day Out With Thomas™ offers an opportunity for children and their grownups to take a 25 minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine™ and to meet Sir Topham Hatt™, the Controller of the Railway. Every event includes Thomas & Friends™ storytelling, a viewing station for Thomas & Friends videos, temporary tattoos, and Build with LEGO® DUPLO® Bricks in the Imagination Station. The activities on site at Day Out With Thomas™ are for you and your children to enjoy for several hours or more. Please plan your arrival times accordingly. You should arrive no later than one hour before your scheduled train departure. Activities, concessions, and Gift Shop are open from 9:30AM to 4:00PM on the dates of the events.

http://www.fwry.com

Easter Egg Hunt - Los Alamitos

The city of Long Beach will not be having egg hunts this year, but this one is in nearby Los Al.




Saturday, April 11
9am - noon
FREE

Laurel Park
10862 Bloomfield Ave.
Los Alamitos
(corner of Katella)

The City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department and Revolution Church invite you to an Egg-citing adventure at the annual Spring Carnival and Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at Laurel Park, 10862 Bloomfield Ave. from 9:00am to 12:00pm. This year's annual event is sponsored by Revolution Church and is FREE to the community and is themed "Scrambled - one mixed up Egg Hunt and Spring Carnival." The event is for the entire family! "Scrambled" will feature a free pancake breakfast from 9am to 10am, inflatables, carnival games, family fun games, the Easter Bunny and three different egg hunt areas for children ages 1-12 years old. Bring your camera and the entire family to Laurel Park for a great community event! For additional information, please contact the Los Alamitos Recreation & Community Services Dept. at 562-430-1073.

Bubblefest - Santa Ana

Daily, April 4-19, 2009
Showtimes: 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, & 3:30pm

Discovery Science Center
2500 North Main Street
Santa Ana
714-542-CUBE

Admission to the Science Center and Bubblefest
Adult: $17.95
Child (3-17): $14.95
Children 2 and under: free

Join us for Bubblefest in 2009! Discovery Science Center "bubbles" into Spring Break with BubbleFest XIII, April 4 - 19, 2009. The mysteries of bubbles are revealed as guests explore the sciences behind the amazing and colorful world of bubbles. Hands-on bubble activities demonstrate a bubble's science and math principles (such as surface tension, elasticity, air pressure, molecular properties, and geometric properties), while Fan Yang's Mega Bubble Show puts those theories to the ultimate test.

http://www.discoverycube.org

Spring Break Workshops - El Dorado Nature Center

Monday, April 13 - Friday, April 17

El Dorado Nature Center
7550 E. Spring St.
Long Beach

$9/class
Pre-registration is required
562-570-1745

Join us for vacation fun at the Nature Center.
Morning sessions from 9:30-11:30am are for K-1st Grade students.
Afternoon sessions for 2nd-4th Grade students.

Monday, April 13: Potions, Lotions and Strange Plant Notions

Did you know there’s a hidden rainbow in flowers, or that certain leaves repel insects? Discover the mysterious world of plant and potions as we conduct experiments out on the trail.

Tuesday, April 14: Party at the Pond
The Nature Center pond is a happenin’ place, so come join the fun. All your friends will be there- turtles, frogs, fish and insects. Be ready to explore the world of the pond and see what all the buzz is about.

Wednesday, April 15: Butterfly Bonanza
Come experience the magical lifecycle of the butterfly. Reminisce about youthful days as a caterpillar, create your own wearable wings, and spend some time fluttering, floating and flying amongst the flowers.

Thursday, April 16: Yoga for Kids
Coyote pose, Rabbit pose, Tree pose-Movement and fun, stretching and strengthening. We’ll walk the trails looking for animals, listening to stories and having fun with animal and nature yoga poses.

Friday, April 17: Gone Fishing
Gather items in nature to make a pole and see what’s biting. Dip your net into the lake and see what critters you may discover. Observe birds and other animals’ unique way of catching fish.

http://www.longbeach.gov/naturecenter

Strawberry Tours - Irvine

Daily until June 21

Tanaka Farms
5380 3/4 University Dr.
Irvine
714-968-6588

Weekdays: reservations required
Weekends: reservations not required

Saturday/Sunday: 9:30am, 11am, 1pm, & 2:30pm
Arrive 15 minutes before your selected tour time.

$13/person, kids under 2 are free
Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

In an hour-long tour, visitors take a wagon ride around 30 acres of Tanaka Farm land to gain insight on how different fruits and vegetables are grown. The mini-agriculture lesson continues with a sampling of vegetables and fruits that are picked along the way.

The tour culminates with strawberry picking, an activity open to kids and adult participants. Best of all, you get to eat what you pick!

http://www.tanakafarms.com

The Wildflowers of Southern California

Did you know SoCal has amazing wildflower fields every spring? The Wildflower Hotline will report the best spots for viewing wildflowers. 818-768-3533

See where the Golden State gets it's name. The Poppy Reserve in Lancaster is one of the best places to see Golden Poppies.

The Poppy Festival is April 25-26 in Lancaster.

Joshua Tree National Park is another good place for viewing. Check out the 29 Palms/Oasis Visitor Center. There is a paved walkway behind the building for little ones to run. The West entrance has another visitor's center and plenty of places to eat. The ranger station gives you a good map and can tell you where to find wildflowers.

Visions ~ Voices

Saturday, March 7
1pm-4pm
FREE

Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch & Gardens
6400 Bixby Hill Rd.
Long Beach

Visions of Care ~ Voices of Childhood
This tribute to the Long Beach Day Nursery’s 97 Years of dedicated quality child care recognizes Florence Bixby’s founding of the Nursery. The display of historic materials will feature ongoing children’s story times throughout the day. Families are encouraged to share a story they treasure or bring treasures to share that make their childhood memorable.

For more information, call Michael Powers at (562) 430-9694
http://www.rancholosalamitos.com

From lbpost.com:
VISIONS~VOICES is a weeklong and citywide festival from March 6-14 merging the former Smithsonian Week with Long Beach Reads One Book. Presented by the Arts Council for Long Beach in partnership with the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, the celebration of arts and literature numbers more than 50 arts, culture and literary arts events. VISIONS~VOICES will showcase personal stories and experiences through storytelling, oral history, spoken word, visual arts, performance and literature.