A couple weeks ago, we had a fun impromptu family outing to the Van Buren Drive-In Movie Theatre in Riverside just outside of the OC. I've been wanting to take the kids to a drive-in movie for a long time, but either there weren't and good family shows playing, we didn't have the time, or the weather wasn't...
Billy Beez Play House at the Anaheim Garden Walk
i've had so many emails and friends asking about Billy Beez at the Anaheim Garden Walk, that i knew that the boys and i needed to check it out. i had no idea on what to expect, and figured it was an indoor bounce house place with play structures for kids to explore. but it actually...
Where to Get Giant Pizza in Orange County, CA
Where to get a giant pizza in Orange County, CA. Ever since i shared photos of my son's birthday party last month, I've had so many emails and Facebook messages asking me "where did you get that GIANT PIZZA?" With that much interest, I knew I had to write post about where I got these HUGE PIZZAS!...
10 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Take Your Kids to Adventure Playground
After 8 years of sharing fun places to go in Orange County, I've decided to stop promoting a particular summer attraction. I've have received numerous emails throughout the years about why it is not a great place to take kids, and I have finally been convinced to side with the naysayers. Adventure Playground in Huntington Beach is...
Farm to Table Events at Manassero Farms OC
last month, i was invited by Manassero Farms to attend one of their Breakfast in the Barn events that they host monthly. i have been to a few of their produce stands around Orange County, but i had not known that they hold special events like Breakfast in the Barn, Farm to Fork Cooking Classes, Dinners...
My Visit to Orchard Supply Hardware: My Neighborhood Hardware Store
when i was younger, i remember going to Orchard Supply Hardware with my parents, back then it was known as OSH. but since then, i don't remember ever going to an Orchard Supply Hardware. so when they invited me to come tour their store, i was very interested to see what sets Orchard apart from...
10 Orange County Family Outings for $30
i get requests from readers all the time asking for affordable family activities in Orange County. things have changed a lot since i began this blog over 7 years ago. there used to be plenty of free activities to do in the OC, but many of those free places have now added parking charges or admission...
A Visit to the Endeavor Space Shuttle at the California Science Center
last weekend, we made an impromptu trip to the California Science Center to check out the Endeavor Space Shuttle. we haven't ever been to the California Science Center before and have been trying to get over there to see the space shuttle ever since it arrived here from Florida. it ended up being such a...
Family Dinner on the Beach with Sessions West Coast Deli
sometimes you got to get out of the house and get outside to enjoy the sunshine. that's exactly what we did monday night. the house was fully clean inside...including the kitchen (for once!) and i had had a not so great day with my anxiety getting the best of me. we needed to get out...
Where to Buy the Best Bulk Popsicles in the OC
I have a thing for popsicles. I love them....how they taste, how they're cold and refreshing and especially how fun and colorful they are. A treat on a stick, what's better than that??? In fact...that's probably why I named my blog "Sandy Toes and Popsicles!" And what I really love is a good old fashion...
Fun at the Camelot Golfland Water Slides
(The Camelot Golfland Waterslides are currently permanently closed as of 2022.) With summer coming to the end, and I running out of ideas on how to entertain the kiddies, I decided we needed to get out of the house and try something new. I've been wanting to take my kids to the Camelot Golfland Water...
Menchie's Frozen Yogurt in Laguna Niguel | Giveaway
This is a sponsored post on behalf Menchie's Laguna Niguel.there's new frozen yogurt store in the OC…it's Menchie's Frozen Yogurt in Laguna Niguel...and you are going to want to try it! it is some of the best frozen yogurt i've had…no joke. especially the fruit flavors, they taste so fresh.plus, there are many things that are...
Orange County Museum of Art | Free Second Sundays
did you know the Orange County has it's own art museum? the Orange County Museum of Art is located in Newport Beach near Fashion Island, and has been there since 1962. it is known for it exhibits of contemporary art that have been created by Orange County locals presently and from the past. it's collection includes...
Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market
last week, Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market opened its 8th Southern California store right here in Orange County…in Costa Mesa to be exact. Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market is known for their seasonal offerings, and farm fresh produce that come from local farmers all over SoCal. they promote sustainable farming, and specialize in artisan food and drink. while...
Funtopia Kids Indoor Rock Climbing in Orange County
last week we had the opportunity to check out Funtopia at Sender One in Santa Ana…and WOW, it was so AWESOME, and i didn't even know it existed until now. Funtopia is an indoor, interactive center filled with climbing themed challenges for kids and adults. the colorful obstacles and energetic staff makes climbing super fun and...
Family Fun at Holiday Skate Center
the other day the kids were out of school and i had this crazy idea to take them roller skating at Holiday Skate Center. how fun would that be?!! well, it probably would have been a lot of fun if my kids knew how to skate….or if they were a little more athletic…or something or...
Ideas for a Family Trip to Hollywood
now that Halloween is over (which i am very happy about), i am ready to get organized and start planning for the holidays. by planning for the holidays, i also am including the fact that i have holiday guests to entertain…as well as my kiddies who will have THREE WEEKS off of school. we always...
Cupcake Decorating Parties at Casey's Cupcakes Party Room
a couple of weeks ago we were invited to a princess and prince party at Casey's Cupcakes. you may remember me writing about Casey's Cupcakes before, and how you can have cupcake decorating parties at their stores. that is exactly what we did at the princess and prince party. Casey's Cupcakes Shops are fabulously decorated,...
Buccaneer Cove at Boomers! in Irvine
CLOSED: It's no longer open. Have you heard? Boomers! Irvine has opened a new irvine water park called Buccaneer Cove. a pirate's oasis full of splashing fun and 4 different water slides for all to enjoy. Buccaneer Cove is located off the 405 freeway at Culver within Boomers!. we took the kiddies there this weekend...
Pacific Marine Mammal Center
Did you know there is a seal and sea lion rescue center in Orange County? The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is located in Laguna Beach. It's purpose is to rescue and rehabilitate seals and sea lions when they are found hurt. The center also helps release these beautiful animal back into the wild and does...