Things To Do on Memorial Day In Inland Empire

Five members of my immediate family  have served in the Armed Forces, including the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force. During the Memorial Day weekend our family supports local events that honor the service of our fallen heroes and their families, it’s a family tradition.

Whether you are looking for an opportunity to give back by placing flags on fallen heroes or taking your family to the local city parade or memorial day ceremony, there are several options for families to choose from.   In honor of our fallen heroes and the men, women and families who are currently serving our country, we compiled a list of the best local memorial day events for our friends and neighbors.

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MENIFEE: Memorial Day Ceremony:  The ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 26 at 12 noon-1PM, at the Veterans Memorial in Wheatfield Park at the corner of La Piedra and Menifee roads. Military families along with the entire Menifee community are invited.  Wheatfield Park 30627 Menifee Road  Menifee, CA 92584

MORENO VALLEY:  Memorial Day activities. Parade 9:30, Ceremony 2pm. Moreno Valley patriots are invited to make Monday, May 26- Memorial Day special with two events to honor the veterans and their families. Memorial Day activities include a heart stirring parade in the morning and a memorable community gathering at the Moreno Valley Veteran’s Memorial in the afternoon.  West Coast Thunder Motorcycle Parade: 9:30 a.m., Sunnymead Boulevard. between Frederick Street and Heacock Street.

MURRIETA: City of Murrieta Memorial Day service.  Ceremony 8am.  Time Square park adjacent to Veterans Memorial.

NORCO:  Memorial Day Classic Car Show to honor veterans: Monday, May 26 2pm-5pm at Bobs Big Boy restaurant 3521 Hamner, Norco.

RIVERSIDE:  Join West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Bike Run. Proceeds will benefit the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee via the West Coast Thunder.

RIVERSIDE:  A Flag For Every Hero:  Join the Riverside National Cemetery at 8am to place a flag on every heroes grave.  Meet at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater.  Starts at 8am promptly and ends around 11am.  22495 Van Buren, Riverside.

TEMECULA: Remember our Bravest at Temecula Civic Center:   Monday, May 26 at 8:00am. Remember our heroes with a procession along Main Street featuring scouts, military personnel and patriotic music followed by a small ceremony on the steps of the Civic Center. Wear your red, white and blue and don’t forget your flag.  Location:  Main Street, Old Town Temecula 8:00-9:30am.

TEMECULA: Temecula Berry Company 2 for 1:  Monday, May 26  Temecula Berry Company would like to offer military members (veterans included) and their immediate family a 2 for 1 at the farm. Pick 2 pints and pay for 1. Please have a military ID available at check out.

Color Fun Fest 5k in San Bernardino

We had an amazing day at the Color Fun Fest 5k in San Bernardino! This was my second 5k and funnest yet!

One of the things I loved about the Color Run is that it incorporates music, dancing and food. We were able to fuel up before the run with street tacos and energy drinks. It is also an event that all family members can participate in. Looking forward to our next 5k!

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The Color Fun Fest 5k donated a portion of their proceeds to Free Arts for Abused Children & Flight Light for Cystic Fibrosis Flight nonprofits. Check out www.colorfunfest5k.com for an event near you and additional details.

Best Mother’s Day Ideas For Inland Empire Moms

Mother’s Day is next Sunday, May 11, and locally there are some great ways to show your love and appreciation for hard-working Mom.   The Inland Empire is full of small businesses offering ways to shower her with love and appreciation.  Whether you go out or stay in, shower her with gifts or put all your love into something homemade, here are some ideas for Mother’s Day plans for any budget.
A gift from the heart
Commemorate her time as a mother by having all of the kids pitch in on a project. Have everyone hand-draw a card featuring their favorite memories. Trace everyone’s hands on top of another in different colors to freeze the moment in time, or bribe them with ice cream to get them to all smile at the came at the same time and put it in a lovely photo frame for her workstation.  Even better- let her put on a nice shirt and some lipstick and get her in the shot too!
Photo advice- pick a neutral background, dress them in similar colors and, if they refuse to sit still, incorporate favorite toys to frame them.

Photo advice- pick a neutral background, dress them in similar colors and, if they refuse to sit still, incorporate favorite toys to frame them.
Spa Day
Actually, mom would like to get covered in mud and lay out in the sun to dry. Give her the gift of an afternoon to Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona where she can coat herself in mud and enjoy several bubbling pools before relaxing under a shady tree.
Admission $46-64, spa treatments extra, GlenIvy.com
 Flowers are always nice
Skip ordering from the florist (unless you have a favorite shop- support local business!) and go to your local farmer’s market the day before. Find fresh local blooms at great prices- grab a couple bunches and make a one-of-a-kind bouquet for her to put in a favorite vase (or look for a pretty one at a local thrift store). Temecula Old Town Farmers Market 8 am-12:30  Facebook
Give her the night off
Give mom the night off and round up the kids for cooking dinner. Make a favorite or just do something easy – just be sure to clean up the kitchen and load the dishwasher while she is watches her favorite Netflix show.
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Sweets for the Sweet
Give her a treat to enjoy, by herself, in a comfortable spot (hopefully) far away from fighting kids and crying babies. Casey’s Cupcakes, which started by the Mission Inn in Riverside and was the 2011 Cupcake Wars winner, is featuring an almond-raspberry cupcake this month. The shop also has gluten-free and sugar-free versions available. From $3.50 CaseysCupcake.com
Fill the Air with Love
Treat mom to some scented candles. Is she a latte lover? Try a candle from Bennett Candle in Redlands. Does she love her morning coffee? Try one named after local favorite shop Augie’s Coffee. Or give her a four-piece sampler in a rustic box she can set out and enjoy even without the wicks lit! Prices vary from $9-$45. BennettCandle.com
 
Time Out
Let mom take a book and go to the local coffee shop to read a couple chapters or relax in the bath with the door locked (no knocking). Make sure that she comes back from her break to the house looking at least as nice as she left it – get the kids to chip in on a couple chores around the house so they don’t demolish the living room while’s she’s relaxing.
Any more ideas? What are your favorite ways to treat your mom on Mother’s Day?

Starbucks Grand Opening In Temecula

A new Starbucks opened up in Temecula on Winchester and Ynez a couple weeks ago. The new Starbucks store boasts a new look and is strategically located next to the freeway for a quick stop before your commute. The newly upgraded facility also has some curb appeal and adds to the beauty of the area.

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As a Technology centered mom, I judge a coffee store by their hot strong coffee, free WiFi and electrical outlets.  I counted almost 60 outlets in the new Starbucks, comfortable seating and several tables. The outdoor seating area is also very spacious. The Americanos are awesome here, as always and we have no complaints about the WiFi.  The staff is also very friendly and the ambiance provides a great atmosphere for meetups with friends, college student or neighbors waiting out the traffic.  We will definitely miss the old location, but love the added amenities of the new location.

If you’re visiting Temecula, make sure to stop buy and check out the new Family approved Starbucks. We love it!