Latest Posts by seejaneexplore - Page 7

"Life is balance, and those who practice the art of balance succeed and are called wise." Ron Teeguarden

Winter Day Camp

Parents, do your kids need three days of planned activities the last few days of their Winter Break?  How about crafts, board games, movies on the big screen, sports tournaments and much more?

All this at Thomas Lasorda Jr. Field House in Yorba Linda, Ca.  For information call 714-961-7192.  Hurry!  Space is limited.

A Very Old Ant

What do you call a one-hundred-year-old ant?

Guilt-Free Halloween-and-Beyond Chocolate

Wow!  I can now eat chocolate without feeling guilty.  And, I can actually add nutrients to my body while enjoying this out-of-this-world pleasure. Here’s how: My GrandGirls and I made “Coco-a-Goji Truffles”!  No, they’re not the mushroom kind of truffles.  These are yummy chocolate truffles made with raw cacao powder. Here are pictures of the GrandGirls in the process of creating the truffles:

The 11-year old worked those truffles even with her arm in a cast!!

The finished product!! We had a great time together!  I had the opportunity to share with the Girls the knowledge of eating healthy chocolate treats that taste just as good, if not better, as processed chocolate treats with loads of chemicals. Thank you to http://www.momsincharge.org/ for the truffle recipe.

I wish you and your family a safe and healthy Halloween!!

A Shopping Buffet

I love going to food buffets. And, I love taking my GrandGirls. It’s fun to watch them make their selections. Now, if you’re a shopper, isn’t it just the best to have a huge selection of clothing and accessory stores?!  Well, come on down to the http://www.outletsatorange.com/ (formerly known as The Block at Orange), the ONLY outlet shopping mall in Orange County, California.  In other words, the Outlets is a kind of shopping buffet! I was recently invited to a TweetUp at the Outlets of Orange and was pleasantly surprised to see the plethora of beautiful and clean shops such as H&M, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, DKNY Company Store, Forever 21 and many more.  

I found the mall to be clean and chock full of shopping values as well as dining and entertainment venues all in one spot! Holiday shopping is in full swing so make the Outlets at Orange your one-stop shopping experience! Check out this cute Moto Jacket I found at the DKNY Company Store:

Happy Shopping!

I Missed a Prompting

I did it, again!  I missed a prompting to get in touch with someone who is very dear to me.

To start, my favorite doll as a child was the Dennis-the-Menace doll.  Here's a picture for those of you not familiar with this character: 

For some reason, I had to have this doll when I saw him in a drug store while shopping with my mom.  I ended up having 3 of them over a period of time. (As fate would have it, my husband's brother's name is Dennis.  AND, we named our son after his uncle!!)

I attended a Catholic elementary school in Indiana and was taught by nuns in full habit.  My fourth grade teacher, Sister Demetria, was my favorite.  I must have been quite obsessed with my Dennis-the-Menace doll because Sister Demetria gave me a report card for him!!  (This reminds me that I need to go through some paperwork to see if I still have the card)  I never forgot this act of kindness, creativity and generosity!

I had been in contact with Sister Demetria in the past few years and discovered her new name, Sister Marilyn Reiser.  We had some fun and engaging conversations via e-mail. I eventually lost contact yet had been thinking about her in the past few months.  My "to-do list" consisted of re-connecting with her.

Sadly, I learned that Sister Marilyn passed away on August 11, 2012.  My best friend from elementary school and I agreed that "Sister Demetria" went straight to Heaven!!

I’m not going to get too upset at myself for not contacting her before she died - I’m human.  No excuse but it’s the best one I have for now.  I would like for you to think about my story.  Hopefully, you will not let those promptings that you experience slip away.

Happy Birthday, Mom!!

Today, July 19, is her birthday.  Mine was yesterday so I always thought that I was her birthday present.  LOL!!

She did so much for my two sisters and me.  During the hot and humid summers of Northeast Indiana, she washed our bed sheets and hung them outside to dry.  I can still remember the glorious smell of fresh, clean sheets as I crawled into bed at night. 

We did not go out to eat except during Lent when we would go for a fish fry on Friday nights.  She cooked everything from scratch.  I watched her as she would stuff casing with fresh meat to create homemade Polish sausage.

My Mom made fresh rhubarb pie which nurtured my love for rhubarb.  I picked peaches from peach trees in our backyard.  More pies and jellies!! 

Winter would come with deep snow covering the landscape.  Mom made sure we had layers of clothing to protect us from the harsh cold as we walked across the road to the Elks Country Club for our sledding and tobogganing.

Thank you, Mom, for my beautiful memories of childhood. Now, Rest in Peace!!

What Can a Child Do in Nature?

Hide in the bushes

Roll down a hill

Balance on a log

Run through open fields

Dig in the sand

Bicycle through a park

Climb a hill

Go on a picnic

For more ideas, check out www.greenheartsinc.org

Summer Art - Keep it Alive!!

I really love the art program at my GrandGirls' school.  Recently, I posted a story about the rewards I receive from being involved in the program.

So, now that we're on Summer break, I wanted to help my own GrandGirls' stay interested in art. We went shopping at http://www.joann.com/ and found these pictures on sale (coloring pens are provided):

Each girl selected her own picture to paint.  I'm telling you, we got home and the house was SO quiet as each started painting!! 

How will you help your kids, grandchildren, nieces, nephews keep art alive during their Summer break?  I would love to hear your ideas!!

Father's Day Conundrum

OK!  It's almost here.  Sunday, June 17, is Father's Day.  Have you selected a gift for your Dad?  If you buy him a tie, I understand.  There certainly are some gorgeous ties out there in stores.

How about adding a one-on-one customized adventure that you and your Dad can share?

To learn how to co-create a custom Passport with Dad, please visit my website, http://www.SeeJaneExplore.com

"I love little children, and it is not a slight thing when they, who are fresh from God, love us." Charles Dickens

How can others schools get involved with a program like "Picture Person"? This is a brilliant way to inspire our youth. Jane your impact on others speaks volumes, thank you for your contributions.

If a school is interested in the "Picture Person" program, I'd be happy to direct their representative to the appropriate person at my GrandGirls' school. 

I love what I do.  And, thank you for asking your question.

A Story About Why I Volunteer

Are you familiar with this Bible verse from Proverbs 3:27?  “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.”

Volunteering is a great opportunity to share whatever good each of us has.  When I volunteer, I feel happier.  Honestly, I don’t go into a volunteer position with the thought that it’s going to make me feel happy.  I really go because I want to share my good with others. For the past 6 years, I have volunteered at my three GrandGirls’ elementary school's art program, Picture Person.  The program is very active and supported by staff, wonderful parents and grandparents. We participate each month of the school year in the classroom.  A lesson includes introducing a famous artist’s biography; displaying his/her work with a print followed by a discussion; teaching key words that are relevant to the lesson; assisting the students with an art project that is related to the print; having music played while students are working on their art project; and sometimes a snack.  As you can imagine, there are several hours of preparation for each lesson. I recently received a beautifully decorated notebook from my GrandGirl’s fifth grade teacher.  In the notebook were pages on which each student wrote his/her message of gratitude for all the parents and grandparents who participate in the art program throughout the year. Here are some (there are 36 in the class) of the sentiments written by the students: “Hopefully, next year if they have Picture Person, I hope I get you guys.” “I don’t have a favorite lesson because you make every one fantastic!” “It must be very stressful doing the projects but you do it in a wonderful and positive spirit!” “I know I will remember doing art with you and learning about artists with you.” “All of you are good-hearted, patient, and give magnificently clear directions.  Our class is very lucky to have such wonderful people to help us learn art!!!” What do you think?  I think I’m coming back next school year to volunteer in the Picture Person program!!

Let's Talk Trains

I have fond memories of my Mom taking me on the train from our home in Indiana to downtown Chicago.  Ever since, I have loved the sound of a train whistle.

I've taken my GrandGirls on train trips:  some long, some short.  Each time on a train I feel so relaxed and comfortable. 

This Saturday, May 12, 2012, Amtrak is celebrating trains by hosting National Train Day.  Check out this link to see where you can participate in fun activities for young and old, enjoy interactive exhibits and more:  http://www.simon.com/holidaypromo/mno.aspx

If you have a train story you would like to share with me, I'd love to hear it.  Please e-mail me at janesaunders@me.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

"You are worried about seeing him spend his early years in doing nothing. What! Is it nothing to be happy? Nothing to skip, play, and run around all day long? Never in his life will he be so busy again." ~Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile, 1762

Mother's Day present or presence?

I miss my Mom.  I think I’ll always miss her.  Even though I can’t celebrate with her earthly body, I will honor her in my prayers and in my  daily conversations with her. The annual celebration of honoring our mothers is approaching.  What are you planning for your mom? I would guess that your presence will mean more to her than a present.  So, why not start planning an adventure with her?  Maybe you could take her on a hike followed by lunch or dinner.  There are numerous hiking trails in Orange and L.A. Counties offering various ability and experience levels.  OR if she's not geographically close, what about a virtual tour with video on your camera? Or, how about painting a piece of pottery together?  It goes without saying that you would have lunch together! If you need some ideas, please visit my website, http://www.SeeJaneExplore.com to learn how you and I can co-create a custom passport to select just the right activity for you and your mom, grandmother, sister, or mother to be, or grandma to be and anyone in between!

I look forward to working with you!

Cooking Class with My Daughter

What fun it is to experience a cooking class and sample the dishes that were created by the chef!

My daughter and I had a great time together at a class sponsored by Williams-Sonoma with their chef, Jonathan Dye who was very engaging.  Even though he had a few "hiccups (forgot the butter for 'tomato butter')", he sailed right through the presentation with grace.  By the way, the class was held at the Fullerton Arboretum's Green Scene.  A staff member from the Arboretum came to the rescue with some butter!

Check out this entree called Roasted Chicken with Tomato Butter (thanks, Fullerton Arboretum for saving the day!) that Chef Jonathan created:

It tasted divine!

You know, I'm always finding cooking classes and other events and activities in Orange and Los Angeles Counties, Ca.  So, if you want to save time finding those special events, check out my website, http://www.SeeJaneExplore.com to learn how we can co-create a custom passport so you and your family, or, maybe you and your date or friend can spend quality time together exploring new adventures.

Family Easter Traditions

My great-grandparents came from Poland with their twelve children.  They passed down many beloved traditions that became part of my childhood.  I now share those traditions with my GrandGirls so they will have the experiences throughout their lives.

A special tradition that I really love is the Easter basket blessing that takes place on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.  Folks bring their baskets filled with their Easter foods.  Click here for more information about this tradition.

This past Holy Saturday, I brought my GrandGirls to the Polish church for the blessing.  The Girls had planted real grass in their baskets.  Here's what they looked like: 

And, we brought favorite breads that were devoured on Easter Sunday.

Do you have any treasured traditions that you celebrate on certain holidays?  I look forward to learning about new traditions.

Tell us more about unique spring break explorations for "tweens" in Orange County.

See Jane Explore has a flair for finding wonderfulicious events and activities in Orange County for "tweens".  I work with all "tweens" to find the event/activity that he or she finds truly exhilarating (that's a fancy word for "exciting").

So, please hop over to my website, http://www.SeeJaneExplore.com to see how to co-create a customized passport for upcoming Spring break explorations.  I look forward to working with "tweens".  NOTE:  http://www.See Jane Explore.com specializes in low-cost and no-cost events and activities in Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

Date Night for Dad and Mom

"There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage."  ~Martin Luther

Do you plan a weekly date night with your spouse?  Check out what inspiringmoms.com say about the importance of date night for dads and moms:  http://www.inspiringmoms.com/date-night-movie-tina-fey-steve-carell-date-night-important/

I can work with you to create a fun-filled date night at a customized low-cost, no-cost location in Orange or Los Angeles County.  Please visit http://www.seejanexplore.com to see how to create a passport for a date night.

I look forward to working with you!

A Romantic and Adventurous Walk in the Moonlight

Charmlee Full Moon Hike Thursday, March 8, 6 pm Charmlee Wilderness Park, 2577 Encinal Canyon Road, Malibu FREE Enjoy the mountains, meadow, and an ocean overlook as the moon lights our way. Bring a flashlight and meet at upper parking lot. Rain cancels. Reservations required: 310-317-1364. $4 parking fee.

Legos Are Not Just for Children

I recently took my GrandGirls to a free event where they spent time creating artwork from Legos.  These 3 Girls have lots of experience with Legos since their Dad, my son, played with them endlessly when he was young.  He has passed this skill on to his Girls. Here is a picture of The Black Pearl which they built together during Christmas break:  Now, when we were at the free event, I watched the Girls meticulously select parts as they began building.  After a while, I wanted to test my building skills.  So, here’s my finished product:

Most likely I won’t create anything much more detailed in the future but I had fun participating.  And, I certainly won't make a living creating Lego art even though some people do.  Don't believe me?  Check out this video: http://youtu.be/flG-eJpjsLM

Have you, as an adult, ever created anything with Legos?

My 7-year old Fashionista Grand Niece sporting the latest in shoes!

I love your stories about artists from OC to LA and beyond. Any new artist spots in OC? Or artist sightings?

Thank you!  There is a new spot for families, singles and anyone in between to access their inner artists.  Please visit my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SeeJaneExplore?ref=tn_tnmn and check out pictures of my GrandGirls and GrandNiece painting a mural at a fabulous new OC art spot.

My Big Sister and the Train Horn

My gifted and beautiful sister, who was thirteen years older, died three years ago yesterday, February 19. 

She lived in the Northern California mountains.  Very close to her home were train tracks.  When we talked on the phone and the train would blow its horn, we would stop talking so that I could listen.  I loved trains because they reminded me of special times during my childhood when my mom and I would take the train into Chicago from our home in Indiana.  Chicago was the "big city" to us living in a small town.  I felt so special on that train!

I've been especially tuned into the sound of the train horn in the distance from our home.  There is comfort in that sound because of what my sister and I shared during our phone conversations. 

In the recent past, I've explored locally with my GrandGirls via train trips. I experienced that special feeling again as the trips were the first time for them on a train!  One of the best parts of those trips is hearing the train horn as we rolled along.

There are tastes, tunes, smells and sounds that awaken good memories.  Is there a sound that brings you a little comfort?

Follow Thee to a Tweet Seat on Broadway

Recently I posted about my Tweet Seat at Wynonna's concert in Hobbs, New Mexico.  What a great way to get the word out about a live performance!  I took my “job” very seriously.  After all, I was responsible to tweet every 15 minutes during Wy’s (yes, that’s how her followers refer to her) performance in exchange for a ticket. Folks who could not be there wanted to know a plethora of details such as what she was wearing, what she was singing, how she was interacting with the audience and any detail that I observed.

I came across another opportunity for a “Tweet Seat”, this time on Broadway, which I absolutely love.  Been there a few times.  I make sure that with each visit I see at least 2-3 live productions.  Do you love Broadway?

So, here’s the deal:  you have the opportunity to win a ticket to see “Godspell” on Broadway in return for tweeting during the production.  Unfortunately, I’m unable to go.  However, I hope that you’ll take advantage of this fabulous offer.  Click to see what it’s all about http://www.godspell.com/news/2012/02/tweet-seat-performance/

Be sure to let me know if you’re going to be Tweeting!

As a player, it says everything about you if you made the Hall of Fame. But, then again, boy... there's something about winning a Super Bowl. Terry Bradshaw

Follow Your Heart "26 Miles Across the Sea"

Do you remember the song "26 Miles Across the Sea"?  Well, for the really young people AND for the "young at heart", you can listen here http://youtu.be/kXWeJ6V-aow

You'll discover from the song, the reference is to Catalina Island, the island of "romance, romance, romance, romance." 

So, why not take your loved one there for Valentine's Day?!!  Here's a fun activity on Catalina that's geared towards families, singles, and anyone in between:  http://kayakcatalinaisland.com/  Should be a great day by the water!!

Watch my blog for more places to celebrate Valentine's Day in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Where do you plan to celebrate the Super Bowl in Irvine?

I'm going to be at The Yard House in Irvine. I've checked their menu and the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich is calling to me! And, there are food selections for Kids, gluten sensitive and anyone in between.