Published on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 by caryn
One of my favorite local outings is a visit to Santa Ana's Discovery Science Center. The 59,000 square foot museum was designed to spark children's natural curiousity with it's permanent and seasonal interactive exhibits. For the last 10+ years, the museum has been working to educate and increase awareness, understanding and appreciation of science, math, and tech... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 by caryn
As soon as November 1st comes around, stores magically transform into their holiday alter-identities. It's sheer brilliance when a mall or shopping center offers holiday activities, because it gives parents the freedom to bring children shopping with them if they choose.
A week ago, I spent some time at South Coast Plaza taking part in their holiday activities. ... Read More »
Published on Monday, November 29, 2010 by caryn
Last month, I told you about Eggland's Best's commitment to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure by stamping the organization's pink ribbon and a pink EB stamp on all eggs during the fall of 2010. I recently invited some friends over to learn more about Eggland's Best and their efforts. I baked some treats and we got together for a girl's night in.
Here is some of... Read More »
Published on Monday, November 29, 2010 by caryn
Once upon a single life without kids, I would often have people tell me that I looked like Norah Jones. To be honest, I don't really see it (she's much prettier than I am), but I humbly accepted those compliments. The very first time I heard this, I didn't know who Norah Jones was. So I did some research and started listening to one of her albums. I was hooked.Â... Read More »
Published on Monday, November 29, 2010 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed.Thanks for stopping by. The winners are Homeng (Beauty) and Melanie Hinojosa (Fashion). Congrats!
With Christmas just 3 weeks away, gift-giving is at the forefront of our minds. Most of my gift ideas are practical, useful items that won't break the bank.
I was recently introduced to Kymaro, a company offering health and beauty essenti... Read More »
Published on Monday, November 29, 2010 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is R Hicks. Congrats!
On November 30th, Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films will release The Sorcerer's Apprentice on DVD and Blu-ray. I haven't seen the film yet, but here is a brief synopsis from the site:
A fun, modern-day adventure follows Dave, just an average college student, ... Read More »
Published on Sunday, November 28, 2010 by caryn
In my three + years of being a mom, I've owned at least 5 diaper bags. Some have been used until they've fallen apart (literally). Others are gathering dust in my closet because they were not practical or functional for toting around everything necessary for a baby and a toddler.
Clic-It is a diaper bag system that makes it easy to organize the things you need fo... Read More »
Published on Sunday, November 28, 2010 by caryn
If you were on Twitter last night, you may have seen my tweet about Snapfish's Black Friday deals today! As a Snapfish Select, I have the latest information on the deep deals and discounts you'll find this post-Thanksgiving weekend.
Today only, save 60% (WOW!) on popular holiday gifts including Snowflake ornaments, all collage posters, address labels, magnets, ... Read More »
Published on Saturday, November 27, 2010 by caryn
You may have guessed that I'm a bit of a health nut. Before I had kids, I'd run several times a week. These days, while I'm not as active as I should be, I still try to get in regular exercise by walking with the kids or dancing on the Wii. I also strive to eat a healthy diet by avoiding excess salt, trans fats, cholesterol, and other artificial ingredients. D... Read More »
Published on Saturday, November 27, 2010 by caryn
For two months, I've been anxiously waiting to tell you about Disney's modern-day take on Rapunzel. After several years in the making, Tangled premiered in theaters nationwide earlier this week. Disney's 50th animated feature, presented in Disney Digital 3D, follows the adventurous tale of a girl taken hostage as a baby for her magical hair.
Two months ago, I a... Read More »
Published on Friday, November 26, 2010 by caryn
We're in the heart of winter and while it doesn't typically get that cold in Southern California, we've been seeing temperatures in the 40's at night. Southern California weather is somewhat erratic, particularly at this time of year, and while there are days we all need a jacket, how much use it will get depends on the year.  If I also take into consideration th... Read More »
Published on Thursday, November 25, 2010 by caryn
Last year, around this time, we took our little boy to see Disney On Ice:Â Worlds of Fantasy. The winter just seems like the perfect time to see a show involving ice skating.
On December 15th, Disney On Ice skates into Southern California for a three-week run which will include performances at Staples Center, Honda Center, Citizens Business Bank Arena and Long Bea... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 by caryn
Thanks to American Express for sponsoring my writing today about small businesses.  American Express is presenting Small Business Saturday, a way to honor the local merchants who are the backbone of the economy, this Saturday, November 27. They're offering statement credits to people who shop at small businesses, advertising for small-business owners, ... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 by caryn
Earlier this week, I told you about the Disney Interactive Studios' new video game releases. Many of their new releases are based on popular Disney movies and shows. One of my son's favorite Disney movies is Disney/Pixar Cars so you can imagine his excitement about getting a chance to play Cars Toon: Mater's Tall Tales on our Wii.
The game was inspired by D... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 by caryn
This week, our family will gather to catch up and spend some time together. If you can believe it, my husband and I will unplug and focus on making the most of the weekend. Ironically this post is about social media...so before you unplug for Thanksgiving (and I do encourage you to do that), check out the new Giving Thanks Facebook App, developed by ToonUps.
Whil... Read More »
Published on Monday, November 22, 2010 by caryn
Did you know that the average Thanksgiving meal costs $43 (American Farm Bureau)? With Thanksgiving just a few days away, many of you will be shopping, cooking, and baking in preparation for the big day. Because our economy is uncertain, many of us spend time researching prices, cutting coupons, and finding ways to get the most out of our money. There isn't a sh... Read More »
Published on Monday, November 22, 2010 by caryn
I watch very little television and absolutely no daytime television unless I'm sick in bed. Because I'm so busy with family, work, and life, I can't justify spending an hour or more in front of the television unless I'm multi-tasking. Most daytime television includes over dramatized soap operas, less-than-thrilling game shows, and the local news. But ther... Read More »
Published on Monday, November 22, 2010 by caryn
Some of my most cherished holiday memories are those spent at Disneyland. My parents have photos of me as a two year old little girl, donning Mickey Ears and a big smile. I'm recreating those memories with my children, one of which is an annual visit to the resort during the holidays. From the Town Square Christmas Tree that towers above Main Street to the snowfal... Read More »
Published on Sunday, November 21, 2010 by caryn
When I was a child, my mother told me that taking a shower when I was sick would only make me feel worse. Twenty + years later, it seems funny to me, despite the fact that I know her intentions were all good. I have actually found the opposite to be true. When I'm sick in bed, feeling miserable, I force myself to take a shower. There is something about making ... Read More »
Published on Sunday, November 21, 2010 by caryn
Yes...It's still me. Caryn...You may not have known that I'm Latina. I'm one of those girls who grew up assimilated from a very early age. I regret not soaking in as much as I could during my 3 years of high school Spanish and wish I would have grown up bilingual.  But beyond language, I long to re connect with my cultural heritage because through and through, ... Read More »