free Archives - Project Refined Life

24
Oct
2017

Building Kindness!

categories: Take Action/Serving Your Community

Image courtesy of Operation Warm Facebook page

Operation Warm Wishes Presents: Building Kindness! Sorry for such a short notice. Today, Tuesday, October 24th 2017 from 4pm to 6pm at Starbucks Coffee Larwin Square Shopping Center, 552 E First St, Tustin, CA – Join Operation Warm Wishes to help Build Kindness!

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Join Operation Warm Wishes, The Operation Warm Wishes Make It Happen Clubs, Brickshare Legos and the community as we build kindness and share it with children who are having a difficult time!

It’s going to be a fun and uplifting time for the entire family! All are invited! There will be Free hot chocolate, music, games, giveaways and so much more! Together we can make a difference!

For more information please call (714) 363-6621 or visit www.OperationWarmWishes.com

09
Jun
2017

Raspberry Jam at Discovery Cube

categories: STEM/STEAM

Discovery Cube Orange County invites families and educators to join in the fun of learning about coding!

A Raspberry Jam brings together people of all ages to experience coding with the Raspberry Pi™, the powerful bite-sized computer the size of a credit card. Created by Broadcom Engineer, Eben Upton, Raspberry Pi is all the rage with students, teachers, coding clubs and families because it is a user-friendly and super affordable way to experience the power of coding.

At the same time, the Raspberry Pi Foundation is holding its Picademy in Orange County. Raspberry Pi enthusiasts affiliated with the Raspberry Pi Foundation will be on hand to jam along with you! Plus, bring your own Raspberry Pi project to jam and win a COOKIES N’ π^CUBED giveaway every 15 minutes from our partners.

The event takes place on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 from 5:30 – 8:00 pm. Discovery Cube Orange County is located at 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

This event is FREE to registered guests – sign up ASAP! Space is limited.

Museum Day Live!

categories: Explore

Musuem Day Live! is an annual celebration of free admission to over 1,100 museum and cultural institutions nationwide. This fantastic event is hosted by Smithsonian magazine. provide entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket.

The Museum Day Live! ticket provides free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket on September 24, 2016. Each ticket provides admission for two people, per email address. My husband and I will both be signing up in order to get our family of four in.

STEP 1: To find a participating museum, click here.
STEP 2: To download a ticket, click here.

Where will your curiosity lead you on Museum Day Live!? Tag your visit on social media with @MuseumDay #BoundlessCuriosity #MuseumDayLive

04
Sep
2016

To find a location near you click here.

Offer must be redeemed simultaneously in a single visit and is subject to availability. Not valid for catering orders. May not be combined with other offers; additional restrictions may apply.

26
Aug
2016

Hikes & Bikes

categories: Explore

If for some reason you can’t make it out to visit one of our National Parks this weekend to celebrate our National Park’s 100th birthday, here’s a few local hikes and a intermediate bike ride you can take part in.

These guided hikes and the bike ride are all courtesy of our Orange County Parks and are all FREE – just cover the parking!

Saturday, August 27, 2106

Intermediate Bike Ride: Shoestring Canyon, Loma Ridge, to the Back Side of The Sinks – Irvine Ranch Open Space

Join a strenuous, extremely challenging early morning mountain bike ride through Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. Riders will visit the East Sinks Viewing Deck and gain beautiful vistas of Agua Chinon Canyon and beyond.

Pre-registration is required.
Driving directions will be provided after registration.
For more events in Limestone Canyon,click here.

Online Registration

Date:	8/27/2016
Time:	6:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Laurel Loop Geology Hike – Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Enjoy an afternoon of unspoiled canyon views and learn about the geology of this area. The rocks and fossils reveal fascinating stories about the park’s ancient environments. This will be a 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (600-ft. elevation gain).

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just south of El Toro Rd intersection).
For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri & (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun.
Parking: $3 per vehicle.

Online Registration

Date:	8/27/2016
Time:	8:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Walk with a Naturalist – O’Neill Regional Park

Join O’Neill Regional Park naturalists and learn about the animals and nature of Trabuco Canyon. This will be a light to moderate walk on mostly paved roads.

All ages welcome.
Fee: Free
Parking: $5 per vehicle

Event is conditional on the weather.

Date:	8/27/2016
Time:	9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Guided Nature Hike – Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

Join the Park Ranger for a one mile nature hike in the beautiful Bell Canyon area of Caspers Wilderness Park. Hike lasts approximately one hour and is suitable for all ages.

Contact park office for hike updates.
Parking: $5 per vehicle (day use fee).
Meet at the Old Corral Day Use Area.

Date:	8/28/2016
Time:	8:00 AM – 9:15 AM

Bird Walk – Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Spot year-round and summer resident birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this 2-mile hike over uneven, sometimes steep terrain (up to 200-ft. elevation gain) through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States.

For ages 12 and up (minors must be accompanied by an adult).
Wear hiking or walking shoes and bring your binoculars. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).
For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri & (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun.
Parking: $3 per vehicle.

Online Registration

Date:	8/28/2016
Time:	8:00 AM – 10:30 AM

25
Aug
2016

Happy 100th Birthday National Park Service

categories: Explore

Today marks the 100th birthday of our National Park Service and they are inviting everyone to celebrate with special events and FREE admission to all of the 412 National Parks from today through Sunday, August 28th.

Our National Park Service is encouraging everyone to #FindYourPark and attend one of the special events they have planned.

We’ve been pretty busy this summer with our summer exploring trips. We’ve visited Sequoia and Kings Canyon as well as two trips to Yosemite. One of which included camping inside Yosemite National Park. The parks are all surrounded with beauty and wonder at every turn.

In Yosemite, we were able to go to sleep to the sound of Yosemite Falls in the background and wake up to look up at Half Dome. There is always so much to see and do in our National Parks and never enough time to finish exploring.

In addition to their special centennial programs offered through out the country this weekend, the NPS offers their Junior Ranger Program everyday as well as the special Girl Scout Ranger Program and the Scout Ranger Program for Boy Scouts.

If you have other plans this weekend – break them and go FindYourPark (EncuentraTuParque).

Don’t forget if you have a 4th grader – your entire family gets into the park for free for a full year with the Every Kid in a Park program.

Every Kid in a Park

26
Jul
2016

VBS

categories: Summer Series, Take Action/Serving Your Community

I know it’s late tonight but are you looking for something for the kids to do tomorrow? Why not send them to VBS for a couple of days. Calvary Church in Santa Ana offers FREE Vacation Bible School for kids through Friday, July 29, 2016 and they would love it if you brought your kids. This years theme is “The Cave”. (I love the theme this year).

They are always happy to accept kids, even if it’s just for a day! These are some of the things I LOVE about this VBS:

It’s FREE
They never turn a child away
They help local children without transportation get to and from VBS
They are very organized and loving with the children
They teach children about giving back

Every morning starts out by meeting in the main church, there’s a group of people who get the kids ready for their high energy day, with by games,, skits, singing, and praying together then the kids head to their classes where they have a bible based curriculum and then circulate in the campus and do crafts, play games, have a snack and then meet back up in the main church and end their day by another entertaining skit, singing and praying together. It feels like a rock concert in there and the kids love it!

vbs5

Children are encouraged to give back by contributing through the “Penny Project”. The kids bring in their “pennies” to fund a project to benefit the work of a missionary family. The kids will learn all about this family and what their pennies will help build or provide.

vbs2

VBS not only helps our children discover and grow closer to Christ, they also make friends and have memories and values to last a lifetime.

VBS1

If you want to bring the kids tomorrow just show up at Calvary Church located at 1010 N Tustin Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705, between 4th St. & Irvine Blvd.

The program begins at 9:00 am and is over at 12:30 pm and runs through Friday. You can show up around 8:30 -8:45 within a few minutes they’ll be signed up, assigned to a crew and ready to go! You can feel self assured in leaving your kids as everyone that is serving on the volunteer team has been full background screened.

They are looking forward to see your kids there tomorrow!

Find answers to common questions – VBS FAQ

13
Jul
2016

National Hot Dog Day

categories: Budget/Bargains/Deals

So, tomorrow 7/14/16 is National Hot Dog Day. I know…contain yourself. Although I’m not really a fan of hot dogs, this FREE hot dog giveaway caught my attention because they serve Turkey AND Veggie dogs, who knew!

Hot Dog On A Stick will celebrate this glorious day by giving away 1 FREE Turkey Dog or 1 FREE Veggie dog per person. Great for a quick-lunch and I’m curious about the Veggie Dog. The last time I tried Veggie dogs was about 15 years ago and it was so bad, my dog didn’t even want it (true story) BUT I hear there have been major changes to veggie dogs since then. I’m willing to give it a shot.

To get your free corn dog – find a location near you by clicking here

Image courtesy of HotDogonaStick facebook page

28
Apr
2016

Rockin’ Family Fun Night!

categories: Budget/Bargains/Deals, Family fun

Image Courtesy of RockinJumpSantaAna Facebook page

Join Rockin’ Jump as they host their first ever Rockin’ Family Fun Fair, tonight, Thursday, April 28th from 4:00pm-8:00pm.

The Event is FREE to attend! Bring your family and friends and enjoy a memorable night together at Rockin’ Jump.

Meet local, family-friendly vendors who will spoil you with products and services. They’ll be raffling off a Family 4-pack of jump time and the chance to win some FREE SWAG from the follow companies:

Newport Landing Sportfishing & Whale Watching
CodeRev Kids
Front Porch Pops
K1 Speed
Chick-fil-A Bristol and MacArthur
School of Rock Tustin
OC Animal Care
The Arts & Learning Conservatory
American Martial Arts Academy
Silver Stirrup Riding Academy
Australian Swim School
Sender One Climbing
Brain Builders Educational Programs

The first 25 attendees will receive VIP SWAG BAGS with free jump time and other discounts from our vendors! Don’t miss our Family Night deal – 4 jumpers for 1 hour, 1 large pizza, & 1 pitcher of soda for just $30!

When: Tonght, Thursday, April 28, 2016 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Rockin’ Jump, 1411 Village Way, Santa Ana, CA
Cost: FREE

12
Apr
2016

Free Cone Day!

categories: Budget/Bargains/Deals

free-cone-day

Today is FREE Cone Day!!! It’s no secret that Ice Cream is one my weaknesses and today it’s FREE! Ben & Jerry’s invites everyone to enjoy a FREE cone. They even encourage you to get back in line for another!

Did you know that Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavors contain 100% non-GMO ingredients? For maximum effect on Free Cone Day 2016, try one of their fruit-infused flavors, like Strawberry Cheesecake or Cherry Garcia, yum!!!

Since 1979, Free Cone Day is Ben & Jerry’s way of thanking their fans for being awesome! The FREE cone’s start being served at noon today through 8:00 pm – So start thinking about which flavor (or flavor’s) you’re going to get.

Tag: free

Operation Warm Wishes Presents: Building Kindness! Sorry for such a short notice. Today, Tuesday, October 24th 2017 from 4pm to 6pm at Starbucks Coffee Larwin Square Shopping Center, 552 E First St, Tustin, CA – Join Operation Warm Wishes to help Build Kindness!

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Join Operation Warm Wishes, The Operation Warm Wishes Make It Happen Clubs, Brickshare Legos and the community as we build kindness and share it with children who are having a difficult time!

It’s going to be a fun and uplifting time for the entire family! All are invited! There will be Free hot chocolate, music, games, giveaways and so much more! Together we can make a difference!

For more information please call (714) 363-6621 or visit www.OperationWarmWishes.com

Discovery Cube Orange County invites families and educators to join in the fun of learning about coding!

The event takes place on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 from 5:30 – 8:00 pm. Discovery Cube Orange County is located at 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

This event is FREE to registered guests – sign up ASAP! Space is limited.

Musuem Day Live! is an annual celebration of free admission to over 1,100 museum and cultural institutions nationwide. This fantastic event is hosted by Smithsonian magazine. provide entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket.

The Museum Day Live! ticket provides free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket on September 24, 2016. Each ticket provides admission for two people, per email address. My husband and I will both be signing up in order to get our family of four in.

Where will your curiosity lead you on Museum Day Live!? Tag your visit on social media with @MuseumDay #BoundlessCuriosity #MuseumDayLive

When your out and about it’s hard to find healthy meals – especially for kids. The choices always come down to a very processed chicken nugget or a burger. I forget that Chipotle offers healthy, quick, cost effective meals for the entire family.

Since I’m always looking for good deals – this FREEBIE from Chipolte will help remind me to visit Chipotle when we’re on the go (and maybe some Sunday’s when I just don’t want to cook).

Every Sunday in September, kids can eat for FREE with the purchase of a burrito, bowl, order of tacos, or salad. The Free kid’s meal offer is valid only for kids 12 and under through the month of September

To find a location near you click here.

If for some reason you can’t make it out to visit one of our National Parks this weekend to celebrate our National Park’s 100th birthday, here’s a few local hikes and a intermediate bike ride you can take part in.

These guided hikes and the bike ride are all courtesy of our Orange County Parks and are all FREE – just cover the parking!

Saturday, August 27, 2106

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Today marks the 100th birthday of our National Park Service and they are inviting everyone to celebrate with special events and FREE admission to all of the 412 National Parks from today through Sunday, August 28th.

Our National Park Service is encouraging everyone to #FindYourPark and attend one of the special events they have planned.

We’ve been pretty busy this summer with our summer exploring trips. We’ve visited Sequoia and Kings Canyon as well as two trips to Yosemite. One of which included camping inside Yosemite National Park. The parks are all surrounded with beauty and wonder at every turn.

In Yosemite, we were able to go to sleep to the sound of Yosemite Falls in the background and wake up to look up at Half Dome. There is always so much to see and do in our National Parks and never enough time to finish exploring.

In addition to their special centennial programs offered through out the country this weekend, the NPS offers their Junior Ranger Program everyday as well as the special Girl Scout Ranger Program and the Scout Ranger Program for Boy Scouts.

If you have other plans this weekend – break them and go FindYourPark (EncuentraTuParque).

Don’t forget if you have a 4th grader – your entire family gets into the park for free for a full year with the Every Kid in a Park program.

They are always happy to accept kids, even if it’s just for a day! These are some of the things I LOVE about this VBS:

It’s FREE

They never turn a child away

They help local children without transportation get to and from VBS

They are very organized and loving with the children

They teach children about giving back

Children are encouraged to give back by contributing through the “Penny Project”. The kids bring in their “pennies” to fund a project to benefit the work of a missionary family. The kids will learn all about this family and what their pennies will help build or provide.

VBS not only helps our children discover and grow closer to Christ, they also make friends and have memories and values to last a lifetime.

If you want to bring the kids tomorrow just show up at Calvary Church located at 1010 N Tustin Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705, between 4th St. & Irvine Blvd.

They are looking forward to see your kids there tomorrow!

So, tomorrow 7/14/16 is National Hot Dog Day. I know…contain yourself. Although I’m not really a fan of hot dogs, this FREE hot dog giveaway caught my attention because they serve Turkey AND Veggie dogs, who knew!

To get your free corn dog – find a location near you by clicking here

Join Rockin’ Jump as they host their first ever Rockin’ Family Fun Fair, tonight, Thursday, April 28th from 4:00pm-8:00pm.

The Event is FREE to attend! Bring your family and friends and enjoy a memorable night together at Rockin’ Jump.

Meet local, family-friendly vendors who will spoil you with products and services. They’ll be raffling off a Family 4-pack of jump time and the chance to win some FREE SWAG from the follow companies:

The first 25 attendees will receive VIP SWAG BAGS with free jump time and other discounts from our vendors! Don’t miss our Family Night deal – 4 jumpers for 1 hour, 1 large pizza, & 1 pitcher of soda for just $30!

Today is FREE Cone Day!!! It’s no secret that Ice Cream is one my weaknesses and today it’s FREE! Ben & Jerry’s invites everyone to enjoy a FREE cone. They even encourage you to get back in line for another!

Did you know that Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavors contain 100% non-GMO ingredients? For maximum effect on Free Cone Day 2016, try one of their fruit-infused flavors, like Strawberry Cheesecake or Cherry Garcia, yum!!!

Since 1979, Free Cone Day is Ben & Jerry’s way of thanking their fans for being awesome! The FREE cone’s start being served at noon today through 8:00 pm – So start thinking about which flavor (or flavor’s) you’re going to get.

Click here to find your local Ben & Jerry’s