On Saturday we continued another fall tradition—going to the Great Park to trick or treat and pick out pumpkins.  This year was a little different because you had to RSVP for tickets and the event is going on every Saturday in October.  I like how this event motivates me to get the kids’ costumes done early.  In case you cannot tell, n is a shark, and k is a hula girl.

Here’s a shot of n’s “fin”.  A lot of the girl volunteers were exclaiming about n’s costume being homemade.  It made me happy that they appreciated my effort.

One tip is to arrive early if you want a large pumpkin, since there is a limited supply. 

The prizes for the carnival games were not as good this year, since there was a punch card which you redeem for a small prize at the end.  In previous years, the kids picked prizes at every game.  The trick or treating was also not as good—less candy, including gross marshmallow pops made in China.  One plus was that parking was free (previously $10), and the kids each had to donate five cans of food to a local food bank, which is a good cause in my book. 

We ventured into the new gallery space and came upon a hidden kids craft corner called “Trash for Learning”.  The idea is that the kids are supposed to come up with their own art projects using the neatly organized bins of recycled materials.  This was a little too unstructured for my liking, but the kids had fun.  They ended up taking some supplies home and it definitely kept them entertained for a while. 

In continuing our quest for free shaved snow, we went to the grand opening of Fluff Ice in Irvine after the fire station.  We arrived before the opening, but there was a small crowd already starting to form.  Service was pretty slow, partly because they did not have a menu visible to the people in line in the beginning.  k and D ordered mango with mango, n ordered strawberry snow with mango topping and I ordered green tea snow with egg pudding topping.  The mango was a little under ripe and my snow seemed a little too melty, but it was free, so I should not complain!

And they have a cute cups, always a plus in my book!

On another note, we celebrated National Sausage Pizza Day for dinner (from Costco).

It has become an October tradition for us to visit the Orange County Fire Authority’s Open House event.  It is convenient, free, and fun, so we continue to go.  We have the scheduling down to a science: arrive at least 15 minutes before the 10:00 start time so we can park in the main parking lot, head straight for the fire engine ride towards the back, collect freebies from the various booths, go to the arts and craft station, and stand in line for the free hot dog lunch (usually starts at 11:30). 

For the past couple of years, Salvation Army has provided free Krispy Kreme donuts.

Thank you to all of the firefighters who put their lives on the line to keep our community safe!

Last week, D and I had a weeknight date night at the Irvine Marriott.  Yelp sponsored the event as a fundraiser for CHOC.  There were drinks and appetizers in a cool outdoor space.  There was a DJ, but the music was questionable.  Food highlights included sushi, summer rolls, and a fancy grilled cheese.  I was looking forward to chef-prepared s’mores, but they had mini churros instead. 

The peanut sauce was so good!  Too bad they ran out and did not replenish it for a long time. 

I always enjoy shopping at Trader Joe’s, but this time of the year is my favorite…pumpkin time!  Trader Joe’s has really amped up their pumpkin selection in recent years, and it is always fun to see what they come up with.  The newest Fearless Flyer highlights so many pumpkin products.  Is it weird that I think that the Fearless Flyer is perfect bedtime reading? 

I could not resist buying a few mini gourds/pumpkins, 69 cents-99 cents.  I added some found pine cones to make a little autumnal centerpiece.  As you can see, I restrained myself and only bought the pumpkin toaster pastries and pumpkin joe-joes.  I have read good reviews on both items, so we will see.  I was really looking forward to trying the pumpkin mochi ice cream but my local TJ’s did not have it in stock.  I guess that means a return trip in the near future!

We took a whirlwind trip to San Jose last weekend so that D could run the San Jose Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon.  We also managed to see D’s family and have dinner with our friends.  D’s cousin and his wife graciously let us crash at their place Friday and Saturday nights.  I feel bad for not taking more pictures.  I just was not in a picture-taking mood, I guess.

We waited until k was let out of school to leave.  This was strange to us, since we usually leave before sun up.

This sums up why we usually leave early!  We ended up arriving in Santa Clara at around 9:45 p.m., about seven hours of driving. 

On Saturday morning, D picked up his race bib at the San Jose Convention Center. 

Had to make a stop at the photo booth.

Stopped in at the Mazda booth and scored a few goodies (not as much as Vegas, though!)

We woke up bright and early to accompany D on race day.  We hung out in the lobby of The Fairmont.  I did not realize this tree was made out of chocolate until n said that he could smell it.

I was excited to see this Muji store, until I read that it did not open until 11:00 a.m. (after we were leaving—darn!)

D and I had VIP bracelets for the VIP lounge at McCormick & Schmicks.  Luckily, they said kids under 8 could come in for free.  k just made it!  The continental breakfast was ok, but D did not want to eat too much pre-race.  He was able to forego the long lines at the port-a-potties and use the restaurant bathroom, though, so that was worth it!  We were also able to pick any entrée from the brunch menu after the race, which was the best perk of all!  I had salmon, D had an omelet, the kids had eggs and bacon, and D’s co-worker (who also ran the race) had eggs benedict. 

The start line.

I had to yell out to D a couple of times to get his attention along the race course.  The spectator next to me said “He’s focused!”  D is very serious when he runs.  Look at that woman in front of him smiling away—haha.

The kids and I wandered the streets of San Jose while D ran.  There are some nice parts, and some not-so-nice parts, which is the case with most cities, I guess.

D ended up running the half marathon in 1:49:18, his second best time for that distance.  That was really good, considering the race did not start until 8:00 a.m., and it was a warm day!  The headliner band was Echosmith, but we missed them–“I wish that I could be like the cool kids”.

Yesterday was my birthday.  It was not an especially eventful day, but that’s ok.  D and I celebrated both of our birthdays last weekend with my parents and sisters, bro-in-law and nephew.  My mom even made a hedgehog cake! 

D and I actually celebrated our birthday all last month by redeeming our various birthday promotional coupons.  I thought I would highlight the deals I have found.

Red Robin: We are both members of the Red Royalty club, which gives you one free hamburger during your birthday month.  The best part is that they allow you to have separate checks at one table, so we can each receive our free hamburger during the same visit.  It is also good for the grilled chicken sandwiches.

Jersey Mike’s: Free regular sandwich and drink.  The catch is that you have to redeem on your exact birthday.  Good deal. 

Starbucks: Register your rewards card, and you get one free drink of your choice.  This is the one time we will order a “Venti” and split it.

Jamba Juice: They have a new club where you enter your phone number at the cash register (register online).  I received a free small smoothie, which I gave to the kids to split.

Which Which: Free regular sandwich.  For some reason, we always end up ordering the chicken cordon bleu, even though there are so many options.

Rubios: Free entrée up to $7.  I paid $1 extra for the Classico Shrimp burrito.  We also used the free kids meal coupons we received through the reading program at the library.  Go on Tuesday night for the $1.50 fish tacos, and you have a deal!

The best part is that the prior four restaurants are all in a row at our local shopping center! 

El Pollo Loco: Free 2 piece chicken meal or chicken salad.  We opted for the 2 piece meal with rice, beans and tortillas. 

Veggie Grill: Free entrée.  I like the Thai Chik’n Salad.  We also had the Kale Caesar.

Jerry’s Dogs: Free Jerry’s Signature Dog.  I like how they have upgraded the buns.

Corner Bakery: Free dessert.  I like the lemonade bundt cake with blueberries.

Capriotti’s: Free brownie.  Not really worth it, but I was right next door anyway.

Baja Fresh: Buy a large drink, get a chicken or carnitas burrito.  We had the chicken, which was a little dry. 

Togo’s: Buy a regular drink, get a 6” sandwich.  I like the turkey avocado sandwich. 

Nothing Bundt Cakes: Free bundtlet. 

Baskin Robbins: Free ice cream cone.  Shared blueberry cheesecake with the kids. 

Del Taco: Free shake—chocolate, vanilla or strawberry. 

Godiva Rewards: $10 certificate, no minimum purchase.  I was able to pick three bars of chocolate for free!

Panera: Free pastry.  We have not redeemed ours yet.

Einstein’s: Free breakfast sandwich with drink purchase.  Have yet to redeem. 

Breugger’s bagels: Free bagel and cream cheese with drink purchase.  Not really worth it, since I see this coupon all of the time in the newspaper. 

Ben and Jerry’s: Free scoop, have yet to redeem. 

Yogurtland: Free 3 oz.  Not too special, since there are coupons that are a better deal. 

I would be interested to hear about any other birthday deals people know of. 

I took n along for a tour of Whole Foods.  We signed up through my new favorite site: www.greenmomsmeet.com.  The tour filled up fast online, but only one other mother/son duo showed up besides us!  I thought our tour guide did a great job of highlighting the quality of the food at Whole Foods, while also emphasizing the value that can be found.  I have to admit, I do not go to Whole Foods too often, mainly due to my perception that it is pricey.  I think Whole Foods is trying to get away from its reputation of being “Whole Paycheck”.

It has been a while since I have visited Whole Foods.  I had forgotten how impressive their selection is, especially its prepared foods area.  We were also given a reusable shopping bag with a few samples, which was nice.  The tour brought Whole Foods back into my radar, and I hope they can continue to thrive as a business committed to local, organic, healthy, sustainable food.