Published on Saturday, January 23, 2010 by caryn
If you remember from some of my earlier posts, one of my "resolutions" for 2010 is to get organized. My goal is to go paperless and eliminate the things in our household that are not being used and taking up space. I can list off projects in each room that I'd love to accomplish this year. While our house is in no way "small," I definitely find it challenging to... Read More »
Published on Thursday, January 21, 2010 by caryn
As a green mama, passionate about my childrens' safety and the environment they're growing up in, I'm always open to hearing about companies who have taken steps to provide consumers with eco-friendly products. Toting a reusable bag is one small way we can make a difference. Over the years, I've managed to collect a handful of reusable totes. Some are thin and p... Read More »
Published on Thursday, January 21, 2010 by caryn
I never imagined the baby and toddler stuff would consume our home. Despite the fact that I told everyone not to buy us much more than a few outfits, we've still managed to accumulate a lot of gear...gear that takes up a lot of space in our home. I've tried to eliminate the duplicates and utilize smaller, space-saving options when possible.
When my son was a ba... Read More »
Published on Thursday, January 21, 2010 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Lily Kwan!
Because I *mostly* stay at home with my children, you will see me at any given moment with tussled hair and juice (or fill in the blank with the toddler substance of choice) stains on my clothes. I have a closet full of gorgeous clothing and shoes that I don't usually get to wear because I'm a mom...a stay-at-home... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 by caryn
Some women splurge on designer handbags or expensive jewelry. While I do appreciate those things (and would never turn them down...hint hint hubby), I'd purchase a gorgeous pair of shoes over both of those items on any day. My husband is always trying to bribe persuade me to get rid of some of my shoes. And to be honest, I've had some of the shoes in my closet s... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Sand our winner!Pearls, when made well, are one of the most beautiful stones. I don't own a lot of "real" jewelry except for my wedding rings, a necklace my husband bought for Mother's Day, and a bracelet my Father bought when I graduated college. However, I have my "list" of pieces I'd love to own some day. J... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by caryn
Ok...so I don't normally blog specifically about contests. And I've thought about how to do more of that...promote YOU and your writing and your contests...because you are all so talented and have so much to offer other bloggers. I had started a column (Saturday Stroll) that I definitely need to continue in the new year. But I digressed. Amanda (from Mommy Man... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Sammie. Congrats!
I've been watching the previews for the romantic movies scheduled to come out for Valentine's Day...And checking out the romantic weekend getaway specials that we won't be able to take advantage of...and getting a bit nostalgic for the days when my husband and I could steal aw... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by caryn
I was JUST talking to my husband about how many shoes I have. We were watching a video of a celebrity who took viewers on a tour of her home, including her giant-sized ROOM of a shoe closet. I told Jason that he could never say anything about the number of shoes I own again (ha!). Over the years I've managed to collect a lot of shoes. And because I live in Sou... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by caryn
We've been eating out a lot lately. What can I say? We're in survival mode. I always prefer a home-cooked meal, but I'm still getting a handle on this infant/toddler schedule, so I'm giving myself a tiny break from the kitchen. El Pollo Loco, a restaurant chain my husband and I have eaten at on numerous occasions, is now offering sirloin steak. Their new menu ... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by caryn
It's a cold, winter day in Southern California, and the perfect season to take the family to see Disney On Ice. Worlds of Fantasy is finishing up it's Southern California run in San Diego from January 27-31 at the San Diego Sports Arena. If you remember, I was supposed to take our little boy to see this right before Christmas, but 2 days before the show I went int... Read More »
Published on Monday, January 18, 2010 by caryn
When my son was a baby, he had a lot of fussy moments. He didn't sleep through the night until I stopped breastfeeding (at almost 15 months) and to this day he still wakes up every now and then. I tried most things people suggested...routines and schedules, books, etc. But I was determined not to let him cry it out, so my husband and I had our share of sleepless... Read More »
Published on Monday, January 18, 2010 by caryn
Four weeks ago (today), I had a baby. It's been a long four weeks, but I'm finally starting to feel like some version of myself (minus several days weeks of sleep).
Last week, I did something I haven't done in a very long time. I joined my fellow OC Family bloggers at the Pacific Waters Spa and spent the evening relaxing (shocking right?). Located at one of t... Read More »
Published on Sunday, January 17, 2010 by caryn
When I was pregnant with both of my children, I remember people telling me that I glowed. I truly believe that is because I was so happy to be pregnant, (despite the fact that I had some difficulties during both pregnancies) because I didn't feel beautiful at all. I mostly felt big and awkward.
Four weeks ago, our baby girl was born...healthy and beautiful and ... Read More »
Published on Sunday, January 17, 2010 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Kathy Pease!
Late last year, my son received a play kitchen from Step 2 that he plays with almost daily. He's 2 1/2 and loves pretending to cook in his kitchen (among a variety of other activities involving pretend play). He also loves cooking with mommy in the "real" kitchen. Of all the toys we've reviewed and purchased... Read More »
Published on Sunday, January 17, 2010 by caryn
Last fall, I had an opportunity to preview some of the newest and most popular baby items on the market at LA's Plan a Baby Event. One of the companies represented was Prince Lionheart, a family-owned company offering products for babies and tots. Many of their latest products were on display, including their new washPOD.
When my son was a baby, I bought a regu... Read More »
Published on Saturday, January 16, 2010 by caryn
I remember someone once told me that babies learning to walk, ideally should do so barefoot. Now that works at home...on carpet...without dangers or obstacles. But I also believe babies and tots learning how to walk require sufficient support. Soft, leather shoes are as close to walking barefoot as you can get.
Last year, I introduced you to Pediped Footwear. T... Read More »
Published on Friday, January 15, 2010 by caryn
As a busy mom of two, it's not uncommon for me to either skip meals (bad!) or go way too many hours in between meals. I'm always open to trying new foods, provided they are healthy and natural. Smoothies are one of the things I love to make and give my son for snack time. I like making smoothies at home because I can control the ingredients I use. However, I a... Read More »
Published on Friday, January 15, 2010 by caryn
I've sat down numerous times in the past several days, struggling to write posts that need to get written. Yes, I've managed to get posts up...but I'm seriously struggling with the need to talk about stuff when people in Haiti are suffering so tremendously. The photographs, videos, and knowledge of how people live in that part of the world, disturbs me. I know i... Read More »
Published on Friday, January 15, 2010 by caryn
I remember our weekly trips to Claim Jumper as a single adult in our church youth group. The casual, family friendly restaurant offers American-style cuisine and boasts generous portions. As you know, I'm not one that regularly indulges in convenience foods. But every now and then, it's nice to take a break from my Betty Crocker duties.
Many restaurants offer... Read More »