Romantic Getaway Destination La Jolla
A weekend of culture, kisses and kayaks proves it: couples that paddle together stay together. By Randall Tierney An aerial view of La Jolla, with the breakwater in the foreground. This gem of a seaside village called La Jolla is endlessly scenic, with hilly ocean bluffs and sandy beaches, and cultured to the bone. Photo courtesy of Grande Colonial Hotel It’s late October, the week of our wedding anniversary, and my wife, Ronda, and I are on the beach in La Jolla listening to our guide’s instructions on how to “put in,” kayakspeak for the launch, jumping in and paddling...
Grandma’s Wisdom
Nika Shoemaker Machado and her mom Gretchen Shoemaker, also known as Nana Gretchen. Photo Credit: Ann Watson OC Moms share the parenting advice they learned from their moms. We ask prominent OC moms the parenting advice they got from their moms. Nika Shoemaker Machado opened Georgia’s Restaurant in 2014 at the Anaheim Packing District, bringing some Southern soul food to Orange County. And she couldn’t have done it without her mom. "Over the last 10 years, I’ve developed a new, deeper relationship with my mother, as she has reacquainted herself with her legacy recipes, and redefined her family history,” said...
Themed Summer Fun
Local theme parks offer families a great way to play, eat and ride together under the summer sun. Summer in Southern California is beaches, big movies…
Classes
Discover Orange County’s best in food, family fun, classes & more with our Readers’ Choice Awards. Celebrate community favorites chosen by locals.
Balance for Working Moms
Embark on a journey of work-life balance as a mom with Katy McInnes, a First 5 Orange County board member and the director of partnerships at Child Creativity Lab.
STEAM Camp Summer
Orange County offers a variety of summer camp options that explore science, tech, problem-solving and more. Carolina Garcia’s 9-year-old daughter is coding…
Small Wins, Big Love
Practice gratitude in special needs parenting. Parenting a child with special needs is both deeply meaningful and incredibly demanding. It requires strength…
Preparing for After Graduation
Q: [Teens] I can’t believe the start of senior year has arrived. It seems like it came so quickly -- I’m not sure who is less ready, our son or us! How do we know if he can be successful out in the world? A: One of the most important things to remember about raising children is that you’re not raising children. You’re raising adults. As high-school seniors decide where to attend college, parents are starting to realize that all their hovering and hand-holding may have done their teens a disservice. Can your kid manage their time effectively? Do their...
Learn & Grow 2017: Visitor Information
FREE Family Fun Event! Directions to Parenting OC's Learn & Grow 2017 at Discovery Cube Orange County. Check out Discovery Cube of Orange County What is Learn & Grow Expo? Learn & Grow Expo is a FREE EVENT where families can find over 60 exhibitors focusing on all aspects of healthy living—experts offering the tools and wisdom parents need to know to help them raise boys and girls with strong minds and bodies. There will be free health screenings, nutrition and fitness demonstrations, and lots of family fun—face painting, balloon art and strolling entertainment. Best of all, families who go...
Do Parents Have to Be Anti-Social (Media)?
Nearly everyone is connected to social media, whether to reach out to old friends or to stay in constant contact with new ones. For the past few years, researchers have been trying to figure out what impact that screen time is having on wellbeing, whether for our bodies or our minds. After one such study from the University of Michigan suggested Facebook may hurt our moods, even the New Yorker covered the topic, penning the article “How Facebook Makes Us Unhappy”. But as doctors already know, and the article noted, such comparisons are too simple. As a parent, you want...
Shade-Shade-Shade(s)
Although we might now spare a thought for a chance of rain, we know our sunny OC roots. Here are our favorite shades for the sporty girl-on-the-go. Oakley Radar EV Pitch Prizm Made in the OC Excited about Opening Day? Steal some of the player’s style with these sharp shades (you can even get MLB team-specific style) that are key for the wraparound PRIZM lens tech that fine-tunes vision for specific sports. We also love the sweat-proof features — evaporative cooling ventilation and no slip features that keep your glasses where they need to be. www.Oakley.com Maui Jim Nalani Perfect...
They Like to Move It, Move It
If you have a “bye-bye”baby who loves to be on the go, we have the solutions to keep them safe wherever you roam. Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children ride rear-facing until at least 2 years of age to drastically reduce injuries in the event of an accident, particularly in the head, neck and spine. This seat offers five inches of additional legroom for children to comfortably ride rear-facing longer, and accommodates up to 50lbs which is far higher than standard seats. $249, www.gracobaby.com Safe Ride 4 Kids’ Tummy Shield With studies showing auto...
V-Day Stay-Cays
When you want to get your Valentines on, skip the crowded airports and long security lines. A quick escape is just what the love doctor ordered for parents needing to decompress from the chaos of family life. The Ranch at Laguna Beach Coastal cool reigns at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, the newest south county private resort and luxury hotel. Secluded within a peaceful blend of canyon and sea, the authentic natural beauty permeates every detail of this unique property. This entry into the world of a Laguna local is literally off the beaten path. The attentive staff offers an...
Linda Vujnov: An Elephant Eventually Forgets
At some point we were only allowed to call our only daughter Mrs. Jumbo. This followed her obsession with the movie Dumbo and her compulsion to nurture a fictional elephant painted on a television screen. For Halloween she dressed as a newsboy, donning tweed boy pants, red suspenders, and a Scottish touring hat because “Elephants don’t dress up as elephants, silly,” she remarked. While most girls in the 1st grade had their bedroom strewn with princesses, all things glitter and fluffy, and closets bulging with tutus, and dresses that twirl, our girl was swooning over animals, not cute animals, ugly...
Holiday Gift Guide 2016
Activity Kits Kiss Naturals Kits Kids learn about what goes into lip balms when they mix beeswax, Shea butter and safflower oil to get the perfect formulation into a jar, or a twist-up tube. This all natural kids’ cosmetics line pulls back the curtain on what goes into beauty products like hair chalk, lip gloss and bath fizzies. $19, www.kissnaturals.com Personalize Your Riding Center This brand new, colorful playset includes rider, horses, numerous additional accessories. The riding school can be quickly and easily transformed into an open riding arena. And just like a real horse farm, it has troughs, saddle...
Addison’s “Princess in Black” Birthday
“Our experience with this store was fantastic. They definitely brought her favorite book character to life. We also called the publisher and asked for anything they might have had left over from the book launch and they mailed us free Princess in Black shirts for our guests. Albertsons printed the most recent book cover straight onto the cake, which looked fantastic. And our party favors were the actual book, “Princess in Black”. The store was very helpful in finding ideas for decor, crafts/games and local food vendors made the planning easy.” — Joy Carter, Mom Theme: “Princess in Black” a...
First Taste of Freedom
Q: [Teens & Tweens] My daughter has been in junior high for almost a month and suddenly has a lot more food choices open to her at school, where we aren’t around to monitor or advice. She’s used to our pretty healthy cupboards, and seems lethargic and appears to be putting on weight. I know puberty could be at play, but I found a handful of stashed sweets wrappers and sugary drink bottle stuffed in the pocket of her backpack, so I think it might be what she’s choosing at lunchtime. I don’t want to give her a complex about...
Home Alone Checklist
A new school year often brings new rules and new responsibilities your kids are deemed ready for. (Whether you are or not!) One of these milestones is the time when you decide your child can handle being alone at the house, before or after school, when work obligations cause scheduling conflicts. Here are a few helpful things that will give you peace of mind. Electrohome Alarm Clock If your day involves a long commute and starts before theirs, you might be relying on their phones to wake those sleepy, sleepy heads. Most digital media pros know the reason their heads...
Summer Boredom Buster
A Month of Weekday Fun Heading into month two of summer, you might have emptied your bag of tricks and fear the impending “I’m boooooored”s to come. Here’s a handy guide with a month worth of activities to help you fill those long empty weekdays with fun. (We suggest pooling resources with another three or four parents and create a schedule to keep the kids occupied without endless running.) Brain Drain 1. Mad Science Camp in Huntington Beach — Mad Science camps offer a daily combination of in-class discovery and exploration, outdoor games and physical activities, and hands-on applications of...
The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Go ahead, slip this in your tween’s backpack or under your partner’s pillow, you won’t mind having to drop hints if you score these great gifts! For the Beachin’ Mama Flawless Coconut Tanning Serum No need to fry that skin, get a glow on the go by visiting one of the spray salons near you (locator at fakebake.com) or pick up some DIY serum to make the most of baby’s naptime. $31, www.fakebake.com Maui Jim Kupuna These bronze beauties not only make you look great, they’ll help you see great. The gloss copper frames are classy and bend to avoid...
Planning for Playdates
Q: [School-Aged] My second grader attends school in an inclusive classroom. Several of the kids have challenges and my son would like to invite them for playdates. I think it is great, but how can I pave the way for a successful time? I want to be sensitive, but also don’t want to offend the parents by assuming or asking questions about things to consider. Tips? A: Inviting classmates of all abilities to play with your child at your home is a wonderful idea! All of the children will benefit from play that will reinforce what they are already learning...
Dealing With Airborne Allergies
The number of people in Orange County who are affected by airborne allergies is much higher than you might think. In general, around 30% of adults and 40% of children live with respiratory allergies. In terms of other widespread respiratory issues, asthma is the most common chronic disease in children, and is the number reason why children miss school. Because of the wonderful climate, Orange County is covered in pollen year-round. Since there is no severe winter frost to kill off pollen, we are at a disadvantage compared to northeastern America. It’s usually worse in spring and fall, but it’s...
Date Night
Looking for some new ideas to show the love this Valentine’s? Here are a few spots in OC to amp up the romance… Babette’s Brunch Newport Beach | www.babettesnewportbeach.com Who says your date needs to involve an evening out? Kick off the day when babysitters abound with brunch in this chic fireside courtyard before strolling off the amazing Benedict (house cured salmon, crispy herbed fingerling potato and champagne hollandaise) or the Tuscan Quinoa Bowl (organic kale, sunny up eggs, toybox tomato and pesto) with a hike through Crystal Cove’s seaside bluff trails — plenty of spots to drop down to...
Mourning Kobe
How to listen to our kids when they lose their icon. When a child’s hero passes away, a part of their innocence is gone forever. When we lost Kobe Bryant, it was a striking reminder that life isn’t just a game. It sometimes is tragically and inexplicably taken away, never to be replaced. Our children often do not have the words or understanding of death and loss, let alone the awareness of the stages of grieving. On an otherwise average Sunday, Jan. 26, many of our local families’ lives changed forever. Kobe and his daughter, Gianna, were an integral part...
Summer-Only Attractions at SoCal Theme Parks
Walkabout with kangaroos, go under the sea with sharks, hang out with Western characters, Kung Fu with a panda, or pal around with Pixar characters—all at Southern California theme parks this summer. Here are seven summer-exclusive attractions and theme park additions for families to enjoy: 1. Walkabout Australia at the San Diego Safari Park in Escondido offers visitors a chance to walk through a more than three-acre area filled with kangaroos, wallabies and other critters from the Land Down Under. The walking tour emulates the Australian landscape as the ‘roos and other critters hop close by. 2. See sharks, and...
Knott’s Is Nutty with Its Annual Peanuts Celebration
Charles M. Schulz gave us some of the most recognized and beloved characters through his comic strip, “Peanuts.” You and your family can celebrate Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and good ol’ Charlie Brown at Knott’s Berry Farm’s Peanuts Celebration each weekend now through March 1. Look out for unique photo opportunities that let you step right into the “Peanuts” comic strip at the park’s main entrance and throughout Camp Snoopy. Rock out to family-friendly band The Jelly of the Month Club at the Calico Mine Stage for Woodstock’s Music Festival. Kids can pen their own comic strip at Peanuts Sketch School...
Private School Versus Public School
When it comes to choosing the right school for your child, there are a lot of aspects to consider that parents may find difficult to sort through. With so many choices within public and private sectors, however, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Having the option to choose what works best for your individual child’s needs allows you to feel comfortable with your decision and the chance for your child to soar. With a growing volume of magnet schools, charter schools, open enrollment policies and alternative schools, public schools offer a large selection of educational options. Private schools also...
Preparing for Camps
With some preparation, parents can ready children for a successful camp experience. In recent years, there has been an increase in awareness on the need to expose children to camping activities. Exposing children to camps increases their sense of self-reliance, ambition, adventure, optimism and self-esteem. Camps offer unique opportunities that enable children with varying abilities to distance themselves from daily stressors. Such a favorable environment enables children to explore their individuality. Gaining in-depth insights about themselves increases their sense of autonomy and responsibility. Children often spend most of their formative years in the same neighborhoods, reducing the diversity of their...
Healthy Food for Healthy Pets
While most brands are labeled healthy, experts disagree. You want your pet to have a long, healthy life, and you do your best to accomplish this. So maybe you have a checklist: Daily walks? Check. Regular grooming and dental cleanings? Check. Annual physicals? Check. Quality pet food? Check? As with humans, good nutrition is a big part of health. And while many pet food brands say they are healthy, some pet owners and industry experts disagree. “Pets were never meant to eat little brown pellets,” said Shawn Buckley, founder of Orange County-based JustFoodForDogs, which makes food fit for humans fresh...
The Prentice School
The Prentice School is designed for students with language-based learning disabilities, including dyslexia, and co-occurring conditions like ADHD. Located on a beautiful 6.6 acre campus in the central Orange County foothills, Prentice offers a premiere educational environment for our students. Our research-based, multisensory teaching methods focus on how students learn. Our innovative program is common-core aligned and includes Orton-Gillingham Structured Literacy, ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies/History, Social Communications, Social-Emotional Learning and PE. www.prentice.org | 714-538-4511
Readers’ Choice Awards Winners — 2023
Congrats to all the places, services, schools, and more that our readers have chosen as the best around Orange County for the 21st annual Readers’ Choice Awards
Top Teachers & Employees 2022 Winners Announced
Learning During the Pandemic is challenging every educator, administrator and school employee, not to mention the parents and students. The COVID Pandemic is the most disruptive force of our time, bringing health and safety concerns along with the pressure to continue quality education through a patchwork schedule and a hybrid model of in-class and online learning. All school workers and teachers are heroes this year, so it was difficult to find the very best of 2021-2022. In honoring the top, we honor all. Top Teacher - Top 10 Teachers - Top 25 Teachers Top Employee - Top 10 Employees Top...
Best Beaches in OC
Family fun in the sun! Find the best family friendly beaches that Orange County has to offer. 1. Huntington Beach Once you’re on the beach sand, it’s no surprise that dogs and their owners love Huntington. Known as “Surf City USA” Huntington Beach is a popular spot among tourists and locals alike. Big crowds can often be found on the pier with local artisan markets, tons of restaurants and other large events like the annual US Open of Surfing. Ideal for animal lovers, the 1.5-mile stretch on Pacific Coast Highway between Goldenwest and Seapoint streets is designated for dogs with...
10 Picks for Summer Fun
Start your summer off right with some of our favorite options for family fun in Orange County. Take a Family Hike Crystal Cove TrailsCrystal Cove State Park has
Dealing with School Anxiety
How do I help my young child with anxiety about starting school this fall? Ages 2-6: Are you stressed about your little one starting school?
Animal Appreciation
How can I teach my young child to respect, observe and appreciate wildlife at zoos and while in nature? There are many ways to help children respect wildlife.
Environmentally Safe Products
These safer versions of simple products will help you and your family to be more environmentally conscious, healthy and happy. Talking Telescope Does your child yearn to live among the stars? Encourage your own version of Elon Musk with this talking telescope, which contains twenty-four fascinating images and facts to encourage them to explore our galaxy and beyond. With this telescope it’ll only be a matter of time before they fire their own car into space… $49.99, educationalinsights.com Play and Learn: Compost Kit Want to teach your child about composting and the importance of buying biodegradable products? Nancy B’s Science...
Back-to-School Items for Mom & Dad for Home, Office and More
Yanoda Memo Board Let’s face it: Back-to-school can get hectic. Make life simple and never forget another dance recital or PTA meeting with this gorgeous gold-framed Yanoda Memo Board. Featuring a calendar, notes and to-do section, there’s room for the whole family’s busy schedule, and the white board format makes it easy to erase and change items as needed. Best of all, Yanoda Memo Boards are made from recycled materials, which makes them a win for your family and the environment. That’s a no-brainer in our book. $49.98, vistaframes.com Jamber Mugs Say goodbye to burns and spills and start your...
Snoozing to Success
(Photo Courtesy of Leo Rivas on Unsplash) Learn how catching some Zzzs can help you and your kids have a productive new year. There is no doubt that getting enough quality sleep is essential for overall physical and mental health. We could come up with a slogan-based sleep recommendation: “Eight (or more) hours is enough” for school-aged children (with a throwback to a popular ‘70s TV show). However, getting those eight hours can be quite elusive, and the quality of sleep is important as well. As we close out 2022 and usher in the new year, let’s offer some tips...
Keeping Children Safe Online During COVID-19
[caption id="attachment_36173" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash[/caption] Q: [All Ages] With the shelter-in-place, my kids are online all the time. How do I balance their distance learning needs with the usual concerns of too much screen time? Yes, it is a reality — school is out for the rest of the academic year due to COVID-19. It’s a hard pill to swallow for parents and students alike, as we are all learning how to do things differently. Distance learning will present us all with formidable challenges, but with a little guidance we can help us all make...
Practical Mindfulness
(Photo Courtesy of Canva) Learn how to create a mindful household for your child for parenting in unprecedented times. Is mindfulness possible in the chaos? It's the question that every parent asks. Life comes at us fast when we're helping our kids navigate the stress of school, socializing, family dynamics and the world at large while juggling our own professional and personal battles daily. Our ideal of living in a calm, emotionally connected house is often sacrificed to the realities of just how much we have on our plates. There's a secret that so many parents miss. Mindfulness happens best...
Goodwill Haunting
(Photo Courtesy of Goodwill of Orange County) In a costume quandary? Pop some cash at the thrift shop down the road. Most people probably didn’t know there was an official day for it, but National Costume Swap Day is the second Saturday of October. Something many parents have already become proficient at, Costume Swap Day offers up the idea of a money-smart and eco-friendly way to celebrate Halloween. “Halloween has been Goodwill’s biggest shopping season of the year for decades,” says Eric Smissen, Goodwill of Orange County’s director of Employee & Brand Engagement. “Especially with a look you’re going to...
The Return of Pumpkin Palooza
A Pumpkin Dance Party Extravaganza is at the center of Pumpkin Palooza II, returning to Discovery Cube in October. The fall fun event is full of activities.
South Coast Repertory: Alice’s Wonderland
In this pop and hip-hop musical, Alice is a brilliant, passionate teen who dreams of making the world better by creating a video game called “Wonderland.”
Preparing for Camp
Here’s what you need to know about summer camp for kids. It’s never too early to begin thinking about summer camps. From day camp to overnight programs
Summer Camp Success
How Special Needs Camps Adapted to a Pandemic Two years of pandemic transformed everyday normal moments in life into the annoyingly and sometimes comically difficult. We often complained. We grumbled. We worried how we would do things. Then somehow we just got on with it. Life can be like that every day for kids with physical or cognitive disabilities. Yet, they must learn at an early age just how to get on with it as well. These lessons in adaptation, grace and dignity can become much more complicated in a pandemic. And teaching kids with special needs during a pandemic...
Family Staycation Guide
(Photo Courtesy of Dana Point Marina Inn) From north to south Orange County, here’s your guide to fun family travel while staying local. North Buena Park From Knott’s Berry Farm and Soak City to Medieval Times and Pirates Dinner Adventure, there’s no lack of things to do in this busy city. Knott’s Hotel offer several packages for those wishing to stay a night or two. The Summer Nights Vacation Package is themed around the park’s summer entertainment and food. Summer at Knott’s is running now through Sept. 5 and includes activities both day and night — from the interactive Ghost...
Stay Water Safe
Learn some important tips for keeping your kids safe around the water this summer. In the next few months, families will be heading out to the beach.
Fairmont North Tustin Breaks Ground on Expansion to Meet Growing Need
Fairmont North Tustin has long been recognized for its exceptional academic outcomes, including its students achieving some of the highest test scores in OC.
Fall into Mindfulness
Follow this parent’s guide to embracing presence and peace this fall season. As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, fall presents an opportunity
Halloween Spooktaculars
Have a scary good time at all the fun Halloween events and pumpkin patches in and around Orange County.
Editor’s Picks: July 2020
PICK OF THE MONTH: Knott's California Marketplace Knott’s Berry Farm’s first public “attraction” was its roadside stand, so it makes sense that, during its 100th anniversary, Knott’s re-opens its Marketplace first while exiting its pandemic hiatus. Folks now can go to Marketplace stores and restaurants (like Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, Peanuts Headquarters, Candy Parlour, and The Knott’s Berry Market and Bakery) — and perhaps more of the park will be open too by the time you read this. Knott’s is following state and CDC health guidelines and has implemented safety measures at the Marketplace — including that all employees...
Editor’s Picks: August 2018
Pick of the Month The OC Fair Don’t let the summer pass you by without a visit to the OC Fair. With a theme of “Free Your Inner Farmer” this year, it’s the perfect time to teach your little ones more about agriculture. Wander over to Centennial Farm for photos of the adorable baby piglets and the energetic goats. Also, among the new attractions are the Selfie Pop-Up Museum and the nerve-wracking Daredevils & Wheels stunt show. And of course, there’s carnival rides and games, live performances, action sports events, agricultural demonstrations and animal competitions. You definitely don’t want to...
Tutor Help
Katherine Dang is a local college student helping kids experiencing homelessness through education…
Looking Forward to 2025
Stefan Bean, provides answers to questions on everything from AI to mental health in education for the 2025 school year and beyond…
David Fenstermaker – Top Teacher 2025
David Fenstermaker loves teaching — and it shows. As activities director at Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, student participation and dance attendance…
Stay Golden
The Golden Gate Bridge as seen from the historic Armory. It's a little tricky to find this spot, but it pays off with a unique angle of the City's signature monument. The Rise of the Golden State Is Told in the Storied Streets of San Francisco San Francisco is our editor’s choice for best road-trip getaway for a number of reasons. It’s world-class in its museums, monuments, architecture, dining, its parks and its setting. Parents looking for an enrichment vacation to share with their fifth-grader, or a kids-free retreat to rekindle romance can find both in this multi-faceted jewel of...
Readers’ Choice Awards – 2025
From Family Fun to Education and Camps, see the Readers’ Choice Award Winners for 2025!
Maximizing the Annual School Physical
How can I get the most out of my child’s school physical? The school physical is more than just a routine doctor’s appointment. It’s a great way to get your child’s school year off to a healthy start. School physicals, or well-child exams, offer a golden opportunity to share information and listen to your child. They also allow your physician to evaluate your child’s growth and development, screen for common childhood conditions and make sure their immunizations are up to date. Annual or school physicals should be more than checking off a form. You can get a form checked off,...
Wander with Wonder
(Photo Courtesy of iStock) How to practice mindful parenting on the road. Traveling with children can be both a delightful adventure and a daunting challenge. As parents, we often find ourselves juggling the logistics of packing, planning and navigating the unpredictable nature of kids on the go. However, mindful parenting can transform these chaotic journeys into enriching experiences that foster connection, curiosity and joy. In this article, we explore how to embrace the spirit of wanderlust while cultivating a mindful approach to parenting on the road. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination In our fast-paced lives, it is easy...
Health, Lifestyle & Beauty
Discover Orange County’s best in food, family fun, classes & more with our Readers’ Choice Awards. Celebrate community favorites chosen by locals.
School Listings
Stratford School We are committed to connecting students with our unique futures. We offer an unparalleled education that inspires children to be creative problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders. We approach the learning experience by infusing a strong liberal arts curriculum with STEAM inspired learning....[SEE MORE] Multiple locations stratfordschools.com Heritage Oak Private Education For more than 50 years, Heritage Oak Private School has inspired future leaders with an advanced, well-rounded curriculum and a focus on character development. From foreign language starting in Pre-K, violin classes beginning in first grade, and cotillion starting in second grade, Heritage Oak’s enriched curriculum promotes responsibility, collaboration,...
Circus Arts
Orange County aerial arts classes and camps teach kids to soar to new heights with silks, hammocks and other equipment. Eight-year-old Jessie Payne expertly…
Child Care for Special Needs
Get tips for choosing the care that best supports your child’s needs. As a parent, choosing the right child care is one of the most important decisions you’ll…
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