Giveaways

One of our new sponsors Dantian Studio invited Susanne and I in last week to experience their unique fitness and wellness center in Costa Mesa to cultivate our “qi.” I was really intrigued by this studio, and wondered, what exactly does “dantian” mean and how exactly can I cultivate my “qi?”

After doing a little research, I learned “dantian“ means the energy center in the body and is sometimes referred to as the sea of qi. Hmmm…this tired mama could most definitely work on my dantian, which on some days manifests itself in a small puddle vs. a sea!

Dantian Studio is a place where Orange County locals can take a break from the daily grind to find their energy within. With a variety of amazing fitness classes, spa treatments, holistic therapies, their goal is to help you achieve harmony for both your physical and spiritual body.

Moms need a retreat like this. We deserve it. We need it. I would love for you to get the chance to try out this studio for yourself, enter to win a week of unlimited free classes below!

A Unique Orange County Fitness and Wellness Center

When you first walk in, you are immediately transported to another place. I am going to be honest, it was one of those mornings that was a little stressful to get the kids out the door. I arrived in a bit of a flurry, but when I entered the studio, calm entered my body. I took in the scent of burning candles, and for the first time that morning, I exhaled. I was taking some time to work on me. It felt amazing.

Dantian Studio Fitness Classes 

Our experience began with an 8am Power Pilates class.

Their fitness classes are small and intimate with a maximum of 8 people per class so you can receive individualized instruction. All classes are taken barefoot to focus on posture and alignment and prevent injury.

Classes include CrossCore 180, Sculpt, Bootcamp, Yoga, Pilates mat, Taji, Power Pilates and newly to be added, Prenatal Yoga, Mommy and Me Yoga, and Little Monkey Yoga for kids.  Coming at the end of this month, they will also offer childcare services for only + $5 per class.

I took a Power Pilates class taught by the owner, Jaime. I am a Pilates-lover. I have been doing it a little over two years now, but her class was unlike any class I have done. We did mat work, then moved to the CrossCore 180, which, let me tell you, was a kick ass workout, and she also mixed in bursts of cardio throughout. It was a total body workout. Loved every minute. Hard, not gonna lie, but such a good hard kind of workout. I am still sore as I type this!

 Dantian Special for Tiny Oranges Readers!

You can click here to see their class schedule.  You simply create a user account, then log in to view the schedule. The system also allows you to reserve your spot in classes online.

First class is typically 50% off, but for Tiny Oranges readers, with mention of this post, you can receive a free class now through May 31st, 2013. Call 714.668.0600 for details.

The entire facility was overflowing with positive energy and inspiring affirmations were written in chalk on every door. Each one made me smile.

My class was only the first part of my experience at Dantian Studio, after I had a massage, infrared body wrap and facial in store for me. Stay tuned for the spa details. Ladies, it was an unforgettable morning and experience. It’s a tough job to get to experience things like this and report back to you, but someone has to do it. Please don’t hate me.

Thank you Dantian Studio for finding my “qi” that day ~ my little puddle grew into a sea with happy waves that took me through the rest of my day with happy heart to share with my family. Me time goes a long way.

Hooray! It’s a Tiny Giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive a free week of unlimited fitness classes at Dantian Studio! No purchase necessary.

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[Disclosure: Dantian Studio is a Tiny Oranges Sponsor. We hope you will cultivate your qi there too.]

I have a Mother’s Day giveaway from the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa today and I am VERY EXCITED to give one of my mommy readers the chance to win! I spent Mother’s Day weekend last year at this resort with my family and it is one of my favorite memories of 2012.

You can read my review of the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa here. The grounds are beautiful, it has a fabulous pool and oversized jacuzzi the kids will love, and its own private walking entrance into LEGOLAND® California Resort!

We went to LEGOLAND® on Mother’s Day last year and it was surprisingly not crowded and a really fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day. Check the website for online pricing and special offers. I have also heard Burger King has LEGOLAND® coupons for a free child admission with full paid adult admission through June 30th, 2013.  Check your local store to see if they have them.

Now on to the giveaway!

One very lucky (deserving) mommy will get a chance to win a one night stay in a standard room at the Sheraton Carlsbad property on Saturday night, May 11th, 2013 (night before Mother’s Day) and a special complimentary Mother’s Day brunch at the delicious Twenty/20 Grill on May 12th. Brunch will be served between 11am – 3:30pm on Mother’s Day; reservations required.

No purchase necessary to enter. Contest will run through Sunday, May 5th, 2013, so get your entries in before then. GOOD LUCK!

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[Disclosure: My stay at the property in 2012 was complimentary to facilitate a review. We loved this resort - your family will too!]

Listen up mamas; I’m about to let you in on a little secret. One that I had pretty much filed away and forgotten about until I was invited to experience a custom facial by our lovely new sponsor, Skincare by Victoria - a little “me time” goes a LONG way.

One word. Heavenly. Absolutely heavenly (okay, that’s two words.)

Taking some much-deserved time and enjoying a bit of primping and pampering for yourself can recharge you for weeks.

You can recharge too, with a chance to enter to win a 60-minute custom facial from Victoria below! Make sure to enter AND forward this post to your hubby with a Mother’s Day is coming up (wink wink) reminder.

This darling Orange County spa is located in the Cannery Village in Newport, a charming French Chateau’esque retreat.

When I walked in, I was greeted by the owner, Victoria, an experienced and gentle licensed esthetician who has been practicing for 13 years, and just celebrated her grand opening in this location in February.

A cozy fire was already lit (perfect for the chilly April morning), candles were burning, soft music was playing, fresh roses were set out…and I felt all of the stress of wrangling the kids to school, fade.

This delightful spa is a quiet and peaceful one-room sanctuary that has all of the feminine touches and subtle elegance of someone’s home. I changed into a fluffy white wrap, cuddled into the heated and cushy massage bed, and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my custom one-hour facial.

I was exfoliated, soothed with lotions, gently scrubbed, moisturized, and massaged, complete with soft cucumber eye pads and warm towel wraps.

Victoria asked me about my skin care routine, if I had any concerns, answered some of my skin questions.Has anybody else’s skin changed after they’ve had babies? Well, mine has! She was very knowledgeable in addressing the reasons. Then she let me know that this was my “me time.” We could chat (which we did – so nice to make a new friend!) or I could relax and enjoy the quiet…whatever I wanted.

She explained that she is all about improving the quality of her client’s skin, while letting them unwind and relax and enjoy some pampering. And, I needed it!

Victoria offers a variety of custom and specialty facials for all skin types, ranging from her mini facial (if you can only squeeze in a half hour), to her brightening facial or back facial, microdermabrasion and more…plus waxing and tinting services. She uses top-of-the-line skin products by Epicuren, which are only sold by medical doctors and licensed estheticians.

Don’t know which treatment to indulge in? Just ask her! She can recommend the perfect spa service for you – and right in time for Mother’s Day! So, treat yourself…or your own mama, best friend or aunt…to the perfect pampering experience. And, tell her I said hello!

Oh, and make sure to arrive a few minutes early to nab a good parking spot (metered spots available and they take credit cards!), and maybe even walk around this fun little area – so much to see and enjoy.

Hooray! It’s a Tiny Giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive a 60-minute brightening facial

(a $125 value!)

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Disclosure: I was graciously treated to this one-hour facial, complimentary – Skincare by Victoria is a Tiny Oranges Sponsor…and we are SO glad she is! We hope your spa experience is just as fabulous!)

With the arrival of spring, I know many mamas are starting towards summer activity planning, so please let me tell you about one of the best summer camps in Orange County for kids: Team OC Summer Camp.  Team OC has been a longtime friend and Sponsor of Tiny Oranges and today I have a giveaway for one week of half day summer camp for a lucky kiddo, make sure to enter below!

Team OC Summer Camp is the perfect opportunity for your child to enjoy the incredible offerings of the state-of-the-art facility with a wide range of activities to keep children moving and having fun!

The experienced counselors provide instruction for gymnastics, cheer, dance and trampoline. In addition, campers will be able to participate in a ton of fun activities like an inflatable obstacle course, zip-line, rock wall, water activities, games and arts & crafts.

Team OC Summer Camps run weekly with five sessions in June, July and August with the option of a Half Day or Full Day Program. Click here to download a brochure with dates and pricing.

Certain weeks are open to preschoolers (ages 3-4); and all camp sessions are open to boys and girls ages 5 – 12.

You can sign up by the week, or purchase a 5-Day PLAY or 10-Day FUN pass which can be used for participation on any five or 10 days of camp within a designated month with 48-hour advance reservation. I love the flexibility this offers.  Click HERE for pricing.

My oldest daughter takes gymnastics at Team OC, and she has taken their camps in the past and loved them. Your kids will too!

Special early bird pricing is going on now if you register by April 30th.

www.teamocfun.com/camps

Hooray! It’s a Tiny Giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive one free week for one camper of Half Day Camp at Team OC! Winner may choose their choice of week (subject to availability) with advance reservations. Please click HERE to make sure the week of choice fits the age of your child. Good luck!
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[Disclosure: Team OC is a Tiny Oranges Sponsor]

The Easter Bunny has arrived at Irvine Park Railroad where your little cottontails can visit now through Saturday, March 30th at their annual Easter Eggstravaganza! I have tickets to giveaway below, make sure to enter. Thank you Easter Bunny!

Here are the festivities going on at this fun OC family Easter event!

Easter Egg Hunt 

Each day, there are Easter egg hunts organized by age and times. We went on Sunday and it was VERY well run.  More than enough for everyone and the girls had so much fun!

The eggs will be filled with candy, stickers, free train tickets and more.

Each hunt will be limited to a certain number of children so that all kids can find eggs. Bring your own Easter basket or purchase one there. The egg hunts may sell out, arrive early and get your wristband for your time of choice!

Meet the Easter Bunny

For the cost of a $10.00, children can meet and have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny. Each additional photo is $6.00. The Bunny is there weekends from 10am – 5pm and weekdays from 10am – 4pm.

Egg-cellent Activities

There will be other activities to enjoy during the Easter Eggstravaganza including train rides, hay rides, a moon bounce, Easter cookie decorating, carnival games, picture stands, face painting, and a lot more. Please visit www.irvineparkrailroad.com for details and costs.

Irvine Park Railroad opens daily at 10:00 AM. Irvine Park Railroad is located at 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869.
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Disclosure: My family received complimentary media tickets to attend this event.