Friday, February 01, 2008

Belmont Shore Chocolate Festival

Saturday, February 2, 1-4 p.m.
Chocolate knows no age limits ...What's sweeter than girly-girls in butterfly wings? Chocolate, of course! And if a chocolate festival isn't a family-friendly event, we don't know what is! Of course, the sugar rush after the event might not be so friendly, but you can always follow the time-honored "one for you, three for me" ratio. After all, the kids just haven't had time to build up their chocolate tolerance the way you have. (If you feel guilty just enter them in the chocolate pie eating contest at 3:30 p.m.) Chocolate treats will be available in exchange for one to three tickets from more than 20 merchants along the stroller-friendly street. Books of 12 tickets will be sold for $10 in front of the Washington Mutual. Free, all ages; tickets required for samples· Second Street, Long Beach (map it!)· (562) 434-3066, www.belmontshore.com

Sparkling Bright

The perfect present for your littlest Valentine ...Little girls love nothing more than to feel like little ladies. This year, surprise your pretty, pretty princess with a glittery spa treatment at a girls-only shop like Sparkle Party and Glamour Shoppe. Sparkle's all-pink decor is the perfect place for a Valentine's "pedi-sage" or a glitter-laden princess hairstyle.

Want to get in on the relaxation-action? Try Boogaloos! While parents get the day spa treatment of their choice (like massages and facials!), the kids can play at the video game bar, watch a movie or pose for a professional photo shoot!Both shops offer a wide array of fancy treatments, including fancy up-dos, fancy makeup applications and fancy costumes for getting dressed up all fancy. Fancy that!

Sparkle Party and Glamour Shoppe· 8121 E. Wardlow Rd, Long Beach (map it!)· (562) 799-3688, http://www.sparklepartyshop.com/
Booglaoos· 217 N. Harbor Blvd, Fullerton (map it!)· (714) 922-4544, http://www.boogaloos-kids.com/