Published on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 by caryn
I have been exploring Tropicana's "Juicy Rewards" in search of something to splurge on (thanks Mom Central and Tropicana!). As a mom, I don't pamper myself nearly as much as I'd like to. Before children (and a husband), I made it a priority to get manicures/pedicures, facials, and massages. That might sound a bit indulgent, but in all honesty, it's all about sel... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 by caryn
As I raise my two beautiful babies...I can't help but think back to my own childhood. I grew up as an only child, so I spent a lot of time with my mom baking, playing with dolls and games, and doing "projects." Every year we'd decorate Easter eggs (I'd of course have to go find them too!). While my parents always emphasized the real meaning of Easter, I still re... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 by caryn
When my husband and I met, over 6 years ago, he'd tease me about always carrying around a plastic water bottle. These days I've *mostly* ditched the plastic water bottle habit in favor of my PUR Water Pitcher.
Bottled water poses no benefits over tap water, so it makes sense to filter your tap water if you're able. I'm not a fan of the taste of straight tap wat... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Linda (#58). Congrats!Snapfish, a company I've worked with for over 2 years, is celebrating it's 10th birthday on April 1st! To celebrate, the company is proud to announce the release of Snapfish Publisher, a program which will "allow designers and developers to create, share and sell thei... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 by caryn
When it comes to meals that I have to cook, simple is preferable. I'm never been particularly savvy in the kitchen and juggling two small children just complicates things. I strive to offer home-cooked meals made from natural ingredients. Because we don't eat any red meat or pork, I'm always looking for innovative ways to prepare meals that are wholesome, palata... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 by caryn
There are times like today, when my son was watching a remastered version of Here Comes Peter Cottontail, that I feel just a bit old. At the same time, a sense of nostalgia washes over me as I watch this film that I watched with my mom as a child.
Here Comes Peter Cottontail is all about a bunny who's goal is to save Easter for children everywhere. He races through... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 by caryn
I thoroughly enjoy baking...and it's rubbing off on my son. We have this "cooking" game that we play...and some mornings I'll hear him "making" recipes. "First we need the flour...then we need the sugar...then we need..." Listening to my son get excited about "baking" warms my heart (hehe!).
We eat a lot of applesauce...regularly...daily. And that's not som... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 by caryn
Writing, for me, is a passion...and outlet of sorts for a bit of creative expression and unleashing of the thoughts and feelings I can't verbally express. When I'm struggling with the frustration of how to deal with my toddler's strong will and independence...or how to comfort a friend who's world was turned upside down just a few weeks ago by life...or how to chang... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 by caryn
You may have noticed that I don't often review children's music CDs...with good reason. I'd much rather have my children listen to classical music for nap time or upbeat oldies in the car. It's important to me that I instill within them a lifelong love for music, since the benefits are numerous.
Having traveled all over the world, I've been exposed to a number ... Read More »
Published on Monday, March 29, 2010 by caryn
"Anywhere's a playground...."
My son is at an age where pretend play prevails. When I'm in the kitchen preparing a meal or nursing my daughter, I giggle at his conversations with "Thomas," Light Queen (aka Lightning McQueen), and Hal (the moose). He's an imaginative, inquisitive little boy who loves to play (as he should!). Things that "move" are his favorite... Read More »
Published on Monday, March 29, 2010 by caryn
One of my favorite baby shower gift ideas comes from a company called The Baby Bunch. Last month I showed you their incredible Baby Bunch Bouquets. The founders set out to create "a beautiful gift that appeared exciting and unusual upon first glance yet offered parents’ functional pieces such as onesies, hats and bibs that they would need to help them throug... Read More »
Published on Monday, March 29, 2010 by caryn
Last winter, my son and I finally went in to a Build-A-Bear store for the experience of building his own furry friend! He still talks about the movie Holly and Hal starred in, likes to dress and undress them (complete with mismatched shoes), and snuggle with at least one of them at night.
Every season/holiday, Build-A-Bear offers themed stuffed animals and outfit... Read More »
Published on Monday, March 29, 2010 by caryn
Every holiday gathering we've done since our daughter was born 3 months ago has been scaled down. With my husband's hectic schedule and my responsibilities at home with the kids, we simply don't have the time for elaborate holiday gatherings. This Sunday, we'll attend church in the morning and then come home for a relaxing, low-key day at home with our 2 beautiful... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 26, 2010 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winners are Donna C. (BitDefender) and debp (Bejeweled). Congrats!
A little over a month ago, I had the privilege of joining the hippest bloggers in Los Angeles and Orange County for an amazing spring party, hosted by the SV Moms Group and sponsored by BitDefender and 20 other sponsors. I recently s... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 26, 2010 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winners Carol #13 and Amanda #18!
Two years ago, when I started my blog (on blogspot), I had no idea that it would evolve into the site it is today. I started a blog to keep my family members across the country in the know and up to date with the happenings of our family. I had no idea I would meet celebrities or serve... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 26, 2010 by caryn
If you're going to be in LA this weekend, do check out what looks to be an amazing pampering event by women for women! Pamper Me Fabulous is THE spa, beauty, shopping, eating, relaxing event of the year. More than 10 top-notch spas and beauty companies from Los Angeles and Southern California will be offering Pamper Me Fabulous guests mini spa & beauty... Read More »
Published on Thursday, March 25, 2010 by caryn
When my son was a baby, my goal was to make all of his baby food. I never imagined he wouldn't actually eat what I made him. Cooking for a toddler is even more challenging than preparing baby food. He's 2 1/2 and very assertive about what he does and doesn't like. Both my husband and I strive to provide homecooked meals, but there are times when I just want ea... Read More »
Published on Thursday, March 25, 2010 by caryn
So I've spoken to Drew Barrymore on the phone, Skyped with Jeff Corwin, and met Dr. Alan Greene in person without my husband batting an eye (because men don't typically do that sort of thing anyway). But when I told him I was going to meet Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay, he was a tad bit jealous...in a good way, of course.
Bobby Flay teamed up with Hellmann's and Best... Read More »
Published on Thursday, March 25, 2010 by caryn
"You're so good green!" I can't tell you how often I hear that. And really, my husband and I are just doing what we can to create a non-toxic home for our children and preserve the precious resources we still have left. You can find me over at Orange County Moms Blog talking about living in The Green Bubble.... Read More »
Published on Thursday, March 25, 2010 by caryn
Last month I shared with you a bit about Bumble Bee's BeeWell For Life program (formerly titled BeeWell Miles). To recap, BeeWell For Life offers resources and tools to motivate and help you achieve a healthy, active lifestyle.
If you decide to sign up for the site (which is free and provides a wealth of information), be sure to log the miles you walk, run or bik... Read More »