This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
Did you know that 1 out of 6 children in Orange County are at risk of hunger each day? That is a statistic that hurts my heart. This time of year is referred to by many as “the most wonderful time of year” and yet, there are many local families that will spend the holidays homeless and hungry. 
You can help raise awareness about homelessness in Orange County by attending the 5th Annual Festival of Trees and Tree Auction on November 30, 2018 at Park Place Irvine from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. The event is an annual effort by South County Outreach to raise funds to help the homeless in our community, The funds raised through Festival of Trees help South County Outreach housing programs continue to provide over 20,000 nights to shelter to working poor and homeless families in Orange County every year. Last year, South County Outreach was able to raise $85,000 from the Festival of Trees event. That’s amazing! They’re hoping to raise even more this year’s event with the help of the Festival of Trees’ guests and sponsors.
Guests in attendance at the Festival of Trees will come together on November 30, 2018, for this beautiful event which will be held outside among sparkling lights and a cascading staircase. Come expecting delicious provisions, carolers, and a lively auction in which the spectacularly sponsored and decorated trees will be bid on and won to support the cause. There will be Dicken’s children carolers performing, as well as a choir from JSerra High School. Guests in attendance will be able to capture memories from the evening in a photo booth with backdrops.
The Christmas trees for this wonderful event will be elaborately decorated by sponsoring individuals, organizations or businesses. In past years, many of the trees have also had “under-tree” gifts; such as tours of Pixar, trips to the Magic Castle, spa days, expensive wines, high tech goods, etc.
“Stars of Hope” will also be auctioned off at the event at $1,000, $500, and $100. These are Swarovski crystal star ornaments and would make a beautiful gift option for anyone on your list. Each tree on display will be decorated with a unique theme and include some of the following:
- Midnight Christmas
- The Christmas Train
- The Reason for the Season
- Harry Potter Holiday
- Santa’s Toy Shop
- Christmas at the Beach
- World Peace Wishes
- Disney’s Very Merry Christmas
- Marvel-ous Christmas
- Wizard of Oz
These gorgeous trees will be on display at Park Place Irvine from November 17-30 and are open to the public for viewing. If you can’t make it to the Festival of Trees event, be sure to stop by Park Place beginning November 17, where the elaborately decorated trees will be on display. Cast your vote and let us know which tree is your favorite!
Won’t you considering joining South County Outreach this year for the Festival of Trees? It’s a true event for hope. Tickets for this year’s Festival of Trees are $125 per person, with a discounted price for groups of 10+. You can purchase yours HERE. For information about the event or to sponsor a tree, please visit HERE.
The Festival of Trees will be held at
Park Place Irvine
3347 Michelson, Irvine, CA
South County Outreach is a local non-profit and has been established for over 28 years and provides fresh food to nearly 3,000 residents every month, They’ve also housed 30 homeless families over this last year. Other efforts they make in the community include a Holiday Toy Drive, Support a Senior, Adopt a Family and more.
Images and logo are property of South County Outreach and used with permission.
I’m a busy mom and a first grade teacher. Not only do I have worry about keeping myself healthy, I also have to make sure my family does too. My daughter carries a full academic load at school and also competes in sports after school. It seems like kids these days have a lot of stress and are faced with having to balance their schoolwork and their extra curricular activities. It’s a lot to juggle which can have an impact on their immune health.
This year, I’m coming out the gate prepared for cold season! One of the the best ways to do so is to boost your immune health and I’m going to make sure both myself, my husband and my teen, have the proper nutrients we need. With the help of
Rainbow Light vitamins and gummies contain vital, immune-boosting nutrients needed by growing pre-teens and teens and since they also have formulas for women and men, our entire family can have that extra defense this cold and flu season.
One of the things I appreciate about Rainbow Light
It’s so easy to make Rainbow Light multivitamins a regular part of our morning routine. I just set them in a ramekin, right next to breakfast. There’s also a Rainbow Light Women’s One, which is a formula created just for women, so I take mine at the same time my daughter does These vitamins include a blend of fruits, vegetables and probiotics, so as you can see, they’re designed to help boost immune health.
Make sure to add Rainbow Light multivitamins to your fall essentials this year including these varieties:
With the help of Rainbow Light daily vitamins, I know my family and I will be getting all the necessary nutrients we need and also be more energized and ready to face the cold season this year. Do you or your teens take multivitamins? Share with me in the comments down below.
Well, let me introduce you to Basic Invite, the “go-to” site for all of your holiday card needs. Basic Invite allows you to create Truly Custom cards and invitations. This season they’re offering over 500
1. Try Before You Buy
2. SO Many Colors to Choose From
3. 40 Different Envelope Colors + Address Capturing Service
4. No Envelope Licking Required
5. Basic Invite’s “Love it Guarantee”
Basic Invite offers such beautiful custom holiday cards at unbeatable prices and value. Plus, they offer other great, innovative products found nowhere else. For more ideas, you can check out Basic Invite’s Inspiration Gallery
I think new kitchen appliances are my weakness, especially when there’s smart technology involved. Have you seen LG’s exclusive line of Matte Black Stainless Steel Appliances at
These LG smart kitchen appliances are Wi-Fi and voice-enabled which allows you to control your kitchen appliances remotely! Talk about making your life easier! From changing settings, to checking the status or even turning appliances on or off, LG appliances have such great smart technology.

This grand World of Disney makeover touched every feature and function in the store, as if the Fairy Godmother outfitted the store herself. From displays to signage to lighting and much, much more, the new World of Disney creates an exciting, dynamic shopping experience where the products are the stars and guests discover magical Disney storytelling wherever they look.
The major transformation includes with the store’s exterior, featuring new marquees and magical window displays. When guests step inside, they discover an open, loft-style atmosphere with such great visibility they may even fall in love with an item from across the room. The merchandise also serves as décor in the new World of Disney. In one area, a giant Mickey Mouse Club ear hat beckons guests to the new Mickey Mouse Club Collection. Several spaces throughout the store will change regularly, showcasing the newest and hottest Disney offerings of the season. When new displays debut, their stunning impact will leave guests feeling as if an entire section of the store was reimagined all over again.
Complementing these displays are enchanted flourishes inspired by the history of the Walt
When making purchases, eagle-eyed guests may notice the store’s sales counters are inspired by the desks and furniture used by animators of generations past.
The new World of Disney is more than a retail experience – it’s truly a Disney experience.
Unveiled earlier in October was a new Mickey Mouse Club Collection with apparel and accessories featuring a vintage Mickey Mouse from the original television show. Also revealed with the store’s grand reopening is the Nordic-inspired Disney Parks Holiday Collection 2018, complete with Disney-themed holiday décor, ornaments, apparel and more.
World of Disney stores at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World now offer guests the option to purchase new reusable bags, rather than use plastic bags. This program is part of The Walt Disney Company’s global commitment toward significant single-use plastic reduction by mid-2019. Featuring artwork of beloved Disney characters, these reusable bags are offered in three sizes for a nominal fee. Traditional plastic bags are still available upon request at no charge.
I know it’s still Fall and the Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch is still open, but it’s time to start planning for Santa visits and photos with everyone’s favorite bearded guy! Irvine Park Railroad’s Christmas Train is Orange County’s best place to visit and celebrate the season with family and friends! This year, Irvine Park Railroad’s Christmas Train will be open beginning Friday, November 30th through Sunday, December 23rd.
The Santa Train
Christmas Train Tickets
At the North Pole, where Santa’s Train drops off, visitors may purchase coffee, hot chocolate, freshly-popped popcorn, hot pretzels, and cookies from Santa’s Snack Shop. (A more extensive menu is available at the main train station.)
After visiting with Santa, hop back aboard the train and enjoy the colorful Christmas lights and decorations, as well as the magical “Tunnel of Lights”, on the ride back to the station.
Other Activities at Irvine Park Railroad in Santa’s Village
Please note: Prices for activities vary.
Parking 











All of the Knott’s Spooky Farm fun is included with regular park admission or your 2018 Season Pass. If you aren’t a current Knott’s Season Pass holder, now is the best time of the year to grab yours for 2019! A Knott’s Season Pass has no blackout dates plus allows you to enjoy early entry to select rides during the summer and special discounts on food & merchandise,

Knott’s Spooky Farm runs weekends September 29 – October 28 and on Halloween Day. Hours vary from day to day so check out their daily calendar
Knott’s Scary Farm only happens at night after the regular Knott’s Berry Farm Park is closed. The Park is fully transformed into “Scary Farm” and comes alive with more than 1,000 horrifying creatures lurking in the fog and hiding in every corner. haunted houses, mazes and attractions, sinister shows, a dozen thrill rides in the dark and more!
Each night at Knott’s Scary Farm is unique as monsters spill out onto the streets and turn theme park midways into terrifying scare zones. From the world famous Ghost Town Streets to the Boardwalk area filled with evil clowns, there’s nowhere to hide in Knott’s Scary Farm. It’s where nightmares never end! So, if you’re curious about how exactly you can gain early access to Knott’s Scary Farm, there is a way, so lean in while I spill.
The Knott’s Scary Farm BOO-fet Grants Guests Early Access to the Park
Our friends over at
Add on Fast & Fright Lane to Your Knott’s Scary Farm Ticket 
This year, Knott’s Scary Farm runs select Thursday – Sunday nights through October 31. There are also 2 Wednesday evening dates on October 24 and October 31. The event hours are as follows:
To view the Knott’s Scary Farm calendar with remaining 2018 event dates, please go