Coming Soon: Strictly Sail Long Beach!

From land to sea, Strictly Sail Long Beach is the Place for Families to Be!

Living in Southern California, water sports are a great way for family together time.

 Progressive Insurance Strictly Sail Long Beach returns to Rainbow Harbor, 

on Thursday, October 24 to Sunday, October 27th, 

offering people of all ages a chance to explore the fun of sailing and the boating lifestyle.

Whether you want to shop for the family’s new toy or purchase your dreamboat, 

learn to sail on an entry-level sailboat, on-land or in-water, kayak, 

or test the waters on a Stand up Paddleboard, 

Strictly Sail Long Beach has it all. 

Bring the kids for an afternoon of “fun in the sun” 

with activities geared for all ages and skill level. 

And, kids under 15 are FREE (with paid adult ticket).

Located in the center of Long Beach’s famed Shoreline Village, Strictly Sail Long Beach features:

- Already have a boat? Fred's Shed Interactive Learning Center: Participate in hands-on clinics 

and get DIY questions answered. Certified Marine Service Technician, Fred, offers up practical 

and professional advice on maintaining, repairing or upgrading your boat or engine.

- It’s a boaters’ shopping paradise: There is no better place to shop and compare the top brands 

of sailboats, sailing gear and accessories. The best deals on new and brokerage sailboats ranging 

in sizes from 6 feet to 76 feet can be found at Strictly Sail Long Beach.

- Discover Boating Hands-On Skills Training: On-the-water workshops, presented by Discover 

Boating, will take sailing skills up a notch for both new sailors and experienced captains. 

This year’s show features a full schedule of workshops 

including Fundamental Sailing Skills, Docking Under Power and Introduction to Catamarans.

- For the grown-ups, educational clinics and seminars: Experienced and novice sailors alike can 

benefit from the numerous educational sessions offered on and off the water at Strictly Sail 

Long Beach. Blue Water Sailing Magazine presents a complete schedule of free hourly seminars 

on topics including the basics of hoisting sails, boating safety and navigating by the stars.

 World renowned sailing pros will teach a number of immersive three-hour, 

half-day and full-day paid seminars and clinics, which include same day entry to the show. 

- Free sailing lesson – Sailing Simulator: Get a feel for the water without leaving shore. 

The highly advanced Discover Boating sailing simulator, 

featured at this year’s America’s Cup in San Francisco, recreates the movement of a boat under sail. 

With the help of a certified instructor, learn to use a tiller and feel how a boat reacts to wind and waves. 

- For moms, dads, kids – even grandparents! Try It Cove featuring on-water fun: 

Free hands-on, on-the-water, activities for all guests to enjoy. 

Try out entry-level sailboats, stand up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking and more. 

Visitors are encouraged to bring a suit and towel for Try It Cove activities. 

- 2nd Annual Cruising Outpost Cruisers’ Party – Saturday, October 26: 

— All sailors are invited to this dockside celebration featuring free beer and pizza, live music and prizes.

Admission: $10 for adults

Youth 15 and younger accompanied by an adult and active military with ID are free. 

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the box office (cash only). 

Show hours: Thursday and Friday 12pm-7:00pm; Saturday, 10:00am-7:00pm and Sunday, 10:00am-6:00pm. 

For more information call (714) 633-7581 or visit www.strictlysaillongbeach.com.

Check out Strictly Sail Long Beach on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news 

and show updates about guest speakers, seminars, exhibitors, giveaways and highlights!

Review: Orangetheory Fitness

Last week I had the opportunity to try out a new gym in Newport Beach.

As a non-exerciser, I was curious and a little intimidated to go!

From the moment I walked into Orangetheory Fitness, I felt at ease.

The staff are very friendly! They signed me in and gave me a heart monitor 

to strap around me under my clothing which tracked my progress during the workout.

Participants follow their heart rates and calories burned on TV screens throughout the session, 

with the goal of reaching the 'orange zone' -- aka maximum fat burning zone 

that stimulates metabolism, increases energy and improves endurance. 

Founded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2010 by exercise physiologist, Ellen Latham, 

Orangetheory combines treadmills, rowing machines, TRX weight bands and other exercises 

into a 60-minute, action-packed class where participants can burn up to 800-1,000 calories.  

The workout room was basic, with rowing machines, treadmills, and an open area for floor exercises.

You can choose to start the class on either the treadmill or the rowing machine.

The trainer begins the class, and then you rotate from one area to the next in groups.

Trainers are provided training on both the science of the OTF method 

(focusing on heart-rate-based interval training and the cause & effect of metabolic change through EPOC)

 as well as the coaching format of the workout through a fairly intensive training program 

called OT FIT (TM), which is now a NASM-accredited training certification.

In the open floor area, trainers lead you through strengthening exercises with free weights and ropes.

Every rotation, the exercise in the open floor area is different, providing variation 

to strengthen and tone your whole body and switch up your workout for fun!

The state-of-the-art treadmills are equipped with options for different grades to climb 

and different speeds for beginner to advanced workouts.

What I liked best about the workout was the ability to customize it to my own abilities.

Being a non-active person, I was able to participate fully and not feel like I was failing in any way.

The trainer encouraged me to push myself a little harder each rotation and up my goals to do my best!

I also really liked watching my progress on the screen provided by the heart monitor I wore.

It was rewarding to see how many calories I was burning and keep myself accountable 

as I saw I could push myself a little harder to make a difference in my workout.

It was fun to see my report they mailed to me after the class as well!

What's more is the proven result of interval training and what's called the 'EPOC' effect, 

or post-exercise oxygen consumption — which is the workout “after-burn” effect, 

meaning that Orangetheory participants burn 200-400 more calories 24-36 hours after the workout. 

How cool is that???

The Newport Beach studio is the first West Coast location for Orangetheory, 

with more planned throughout Orange County, San Diego and Los Angeles.

Pricing ranges from $12 - $30 per class, depending on the membership option selected by the member.  

They have multiple membership options to accommodate the varying needs of their clients.

For more info on a class near you, go to www.orangetheoryfitness.com

or visit them on Facebook!

Wow Me Wednesday #115

Welcome to the party!!

It's my favorite day of the week,

and I'm so excited to see all your fun projects!!

Grab the WOW button,

check out other entries that catch your eye,

and leave a little crafty comment love along the way!!

Ready, set, GO!!

<br /><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc405/laderalady/JaimeButtonWOW.jpg" border="0" />

GIVEAWAY: Red Shirt Kids Book!

This week we had the opportunity to review a great new book for kids,

Red Shirt Kids

by Bryce Clark and Kim B. Clark.

Bryce is the son who grew up listening to his dad Kim tell him fabulous 

adventure stories at bedtime about the kids in the magical red shirts.

Kim is the dad who told Bryce and his siblings bedtime stories,

and made up new adventures every night to entertain his own children!

Kim explains, "As long as I was going to tell all of these stories,

I decided to try to teach the children important principles.

I tried to weave in the stories principles like being a good friend, helping other people,

being a good brother or sister, telling the truth, oberying the law,

and having courage, patience, and kindness."

When Bryce grew up, he told these same stories to his own children

and has begun compiling them in the Red Shirt Kids series of books!

My son has been reading this fun book every day and thoroughly enjoying it!

He loves to come in and tell me what new adventure the kids have been on in that day's chapter!

This is what he says:

"I think this book is cool because I like the red shirts that give great powers to the kids.

I think it's amazing when Mike and Amy wear the red t-shirts!

I think it's fun when Mike and Amy have to find the lost kids."

The books are great because they do teach such great values 

while still appealing to the children and not sounding preachy. 

And this is only the first book!

I can't wait for the rest of the books to come out for my son to enjoy!

And now the BEST PART!!

You can WIN a book for your kids
plus a $75 gift card to Amazon!!

GOOD LUCK!!

Disclosure: We received this book for review purposes. All opinions are our own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Disney Junior Live on Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure

I took my kids to see Disney Junior Live on Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure 

at the Long Beach Terrace Theater this past weekend.

My kids love Disney Junior shows, and were excited to see some of their favorite characters!

Before the show started, we were treated to a little performance from Doc McStuffins!

Mickey and Minnie appeared and sang all about pirates and princesses 

and then we were off to Royal Prep with Sofia and her friends!

After a bit of a magical mishap, Sofia discovers important things about true friendship!

There was a lengthy intermission, just right to take little ones out to stretch their busy legs

 and take a potty break before Jake and the Neverland Pirates!

Captain Hook was up to his usual tricks, and Jake showed him what a true friend is!

Your kids will love this show! 

It was interactive, and had everyone on their feet and singing along!

The next shows are coming this weekend to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood!

Get your tickets now!!

HOLLYWOOD

Dolby Theatre (6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA)

September 27th, 2013 (6:30pm), September 28th, 2013 (10:30am, 1:30pm, 4:30pm),

September 29th, 2013 (1:30pm, 4:30pm)

Ticket Prices: $25.00 / $30.00 / $45.00/ $70.00

To order tickets by phone: 800-745-3000

Online: www.ticketmaster.com

GIVEAWAY: Orange County International Auto Show! #OCAutoShow

Who loves the auto show??

In my house it causes much excitement!

And we're even more excited because it will be so close this time!

On Thursday, October 3 through Sunday, October 6, 

the 2014-Model Orange County International Auto Show will take over 

the Anaheim Convention Center with tons of family fun!

The convention center will be filled with more than 500 new vehicles and plenty of fun for all ages!

Children 12 and under are admitted free all show days 

when accompanied by a paying adult on Register Family Days, sponsored by the OC Register.

Returning to the Orange County International Auto Show, 

Camp Jeep Anaheim is the interactive adventure zone where professional 4x4 drivers 

share the experience of Jeep’s on and off-road capabilities with passengers. 

Children can ride along with their parents to experience the Jeep test track thrills with a professional driver 

or they can test drive in a mini-Power Jeep, and go for a climb up a 25’ rock climbing wall!

Bring the kids to test drive RIDEMAKERZ® customizable, radio-control cars 
on a fun, closed-circuit track on Friday, Saturday and Sunday! 
Plus, there will be great RIDEMAKERZ® giveaways, while supplies last.

Families, children and fans of the hit Nickelodeon show SpongeBob SquarePants 

will be treated to a special appearance by the 2014 SpongeBob Toyota Highlander!

This special SUV concept features a custom SpongeBob SquarePants-themed exterior 
and an interior design that captures all of the beloved character’s high-octane energy! 

Hank the Ford Robot will also entertain crowds in the Ford display!

New this year and ideal for the little ones is the Hometown Heroes Display 
presented by the OC Register. 

Kids can sit in and check out a variety of vehicles that keep the community safe, 

as well as meet the important people that drive them. 

From police cars to fire and rescue vehicles, an assortment of vehicles will be available 

for hands-on exploring from the Anaheim Police Department, Anaheim Fire Department 

and Anaheim Public Utilities Department, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Other auto show family highlights include a car-themed Scavenger Hunt 
for kids to embark on around the auto show for interactive fun!

This show kicks-off the 2014-model auto show season, offering showgoers the chance 

to compare hundreds of new models side by side from more than 35 manufacturers, 

as well as inspect engines, kick tires, count cup holders, check trunk space and take in that new car smell.

More than 100 vehicles will be available from more than a dozen manufacturers for test drives, 

including the chance to win a ride in a Lamborghini!

Orange County International Auto Show

Where: Anaheim Convention Center, located at 800 W. Katella Avenue in Anaheim. 

When: Thursday, October 3 through Sunday, October 6

Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., 

Friday, from 12 noon to 10 p.m., 

Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Admission: $12 for adults

$10 for senior citizens (62 and older) and military (w/any DOD ID)

KIDS ARE FREE when accompanied by an adult!!!

Follow the signs for convention center parking, located on West Street, 

just south of Katella (more than 5,500 parking spaces available). 

Off-site parking and a free shuttle to the show will be available on weekends. 

Attendees will receive a FREE one-year subscription to Motor Trend magazine (a $12 value) 

with each online ticket order or box office purchase. 

Advance E-tickets can be purchased on the official auto show website, www.AutoShowOC.com.

Disclosure: We will receive media tickets to this event. 

All opinions are our own. All images are copyrighted and used with permission.

AND NOW FOR THE MOST EXCITING PART!!

YOU CAN WIN TICKETS!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Talk Like A Pirate Day at Krispy Kreme!

Today is one happy day in our house.

In fact, it's probably one of the happiest!

We are donut lovers and connoisseurs 

and we are heading to Krispy Kreme

for National Talk Like A Pirate Day! 

Just say a pirate phrase and get a donut, or go all crazy pirate costume and get 1 dozen!!

I think you know which option we will choose.

Happy Donut Day to you from Krispy Kreme!

Wow Me Wednesday #114

Welcome to the party!!

It's my favorite day of the week,

and I'm so excited to see all your fun projects!!

Grab the WOW button,

check out other entries that catch your eye,

and leave a little crafty comment love along the way!!

Ready, set, GO!!

<br /><a href="http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc405/laderalady/JaimeButtonWOW.jpg" border="0" />

Aquarium of the Pacific: Magellanic Baby Penguins on Exhibit and a BOGO!

Last week we went to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach!

We love the Aquarium and were even more excited because we were there to see the baby Magellanic penguins!

That morning, the first penguin chicks born at the Aquarium were released into

The June Keyes Penguin Habitat with their parents, Roxy and Floyd!

The babies have grown so much since they were born several weeks ago!

Already they are starting to resemble their parents, though they are still gray.

They were loving the water, diving in and out.

Named by the Portugese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, these penguins are native to Argentina and Chile,

and prefer a more temperate climate like we have here in Southern California!

The baby girl penguin is named Heidi, but you can help name the baby boy penguin during a live auction 

at the Aquarium of the Pacific's tenth annual Sea Fare fundraiser on Saturday, October 19th! 

This fun event benefits the Aquarium's education, conservation, and animal care programs! 

Tickets are $125 per person and include gourmet food and beverages, an open bar and more!

For more info go to www.aquariumofpacific.org/seafare or call (562) 437-FISH.

We loved the whole penguin exhibit! The kids loved seeing the different sized penguins and the life-size models!

My kids were fascinated by the interactive touch-screens 

which taught them all about the different species of penguins all over the world!

My son could have spent all day in that spot!

One of our other favorite exhibits was the shark egg cases. 

We loved seeing the eggs developing inside their cases, and knowing when they would hatch!

The kids loved seeing the sharks swimming around during feeding time!

There were so many hands-on exhibits that my daughter loved!

This anemone bed was so beautiful and there were so many different creatures to touch!

The kids also enjoyed petting the rays and sharks.

Feeding the lorikeets in Lorikeet Forest was definitely one of the highlights of our day!

The kids were delighted at the bright colors and interaction with these beautiful birds!

All the exhibits at the Aquarium of the Pacific are beautiful and interesting.

We thought these seadragons were some of the most amazing examples of camouflage in the ocean!

We can't wait to go back again and I bet you would love to come too!

The Aquarium is open from 9AM to 6PM daily.

ADMISSION

$25.95 for Adults 12+

$22.95 for Seniors 62+ 

$14.95 for children 3-11

FREE for kids under 3!

SPECIAL FALL DISCOUNT!

Fall weekdays are the perfect time to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific. 

Summer crowds are gone and school field trip season is not yet in full swing. Available Monday through Friday through October 31…

Buy an adult ticket and receive a child ticket free!

http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/web_coupon/information/p-blgr

And be sure to check in on Foursquare when you go! 

The first two people to do so each day get to go behind the scenes of the penguin exhibit!

For more info please visit: www.aquariumofpacific.org or call (562) 590-3100.