Published on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 by caryn
Each year around this time, I evaluate how our family is doing in the area of sustainability. While we definitely think we're doing our part to reduce, reuse, recycle, and live a healthy lifestyle, there is always more that we can do. Since a large part of our carbon footprint comes from the stuff in our life, I'm always looking for eco versions of products we use... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winner, Kathy Luman!
I can finally see hints that Spring is on the horizon! It's time to trade in those winter coats and boots for spring threads! One of my favorite children's footwear companies launched their stylish new line, just in time for Spring. My daughter is finally old enough and mobile enough to require shoes... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Tammy D. Congrats!
The primary purpose of food is to sustain a person. But the culinary experience is so much more enjoyable when that food is rich in flavor. In general, the dishes offered at your typical chain restaurant are either bland or salty, and lacking in flavor. That is why my husband oft... Read More »
Published on Monday, April 18, 2011 by caryn
Young children like my son and daughter are fascinated with how learning how things work. One of our favorite places to engage in scientific discovery is at the Cube! The museum regularly changes out their exhibits to give children a variety of diverse learning experiences.
Last week, we were bubbling with excitement over Discovery Science Center's latest and m... Read More »
Published on Monday, April 18, 2011 by caryn
Quidam...a nameless passer-by, a solitary figure lingering on a street corner, a person rushing past and swallowed by the crowd
Fifteen years ago, Cirque du Soleil's Quidam premiered in Montreal, Canada. After a successful world tour, it's coming to Long Beach for just eight performances (over 5 days). I have yet to see the show, but here is a brief synopsis:
Young ... Read More »
Published on Sunday, April 17, 2011 by caryn
My husband and I have strived to set the precedent that the four of us will eat dinner together as a family every night. Mornings are rushed, and while we never skip breakfast, very often I'm taking bites here and there as I ready the kids for the day. We're separated for lunches, which leaves dinner as the only meal the four of us are together for.
Families th... Read More »
Published on Sunday, April 17, 2011 by caryn
Our annual visits to the Southeast inevitably include at least one trip to a Walmart Supercenter. I am not really sure why it's so difficult to find a Supercenter in our area, but the closest one is at least 30 minutes away. I get a little excited about visiting these particular stores because they include a grocery section so expansive, it's like a supermarket wa... Read More »
Published on Saturday, April 16, 2011 by caryn
I've been dyeing eggs for over 30 years without giving the age-old tradition a thought. As I deepen my shade of green living, I am rethinking this tradition because I have a difficult time wasting perfectly edible eggs. Traditional egg dying kits contain dyes which may be linked to hyperactivity in children, and therefore render a dozen or more boiled eggs inedibl... Read More »
Published on Saturday, April 16, 2011 by caryn
With Easter and Earth Day falling within the same month, I thought I'd venture along the road of sustainability for my children's baskets this year. While we believe that Easter is much more than bunnies, eggs, and candy, we have decided to celebrate with egg hunts, a family meal, and a basket while reinforcing the true meaning of the holiday within them.
For mos... Read More »
Published on Saturday, April 16, 2011 by caryn
Rising gas prices...cutbacks to school funding...job uncertainty... With the economy still struggling, I know that I am being vigilant about where we spend our money. Since I do a majority of our family's grocery shopping, I am the one who researches purchases, scrutinizes ads, and cuts coupons to save as much as I can. My husband often jokes that I spend way to... Read More »
Published on Friday, April 15, 2011 by caryn
In my younger, single years, I enjoyed scrap-booking. But because it's one of those hobbies that take precision, commitment, and time, I completed my last book on our family travels before I even met my husband. And while it's been many years since I've sat down to tell a story through photos, I still remember some of the basic techniques.
Wilton, the industry le... Read More »
Published on Friday, April 15, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Susan Varney, our winner!
[caption id="attachment_23690" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Photo Credit: benipop"][/caption]
Throughout the month of April, we're celebrating Earth Month here on Rockin' Mama with simply tips for living greener.
Earlier this month, I talked about incorporating organics into your... Read More »
Published on Thursday, April 14, 2011 by caryn
If you're SoCal centric and looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend, check out Day Out With Thomas: Leader of the Track Tour at the Fillmore & Western Railway Co. Thomas the Tank Engine has been stopping in cities all across the country for the last 16 years in this annual children's event, which is here in Southern California through ... Read More »
Published on Thursday, April 14, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Susan S. Congrats!
Since our weeks are filled with activities and work, the weekends are reserved for catching up on quality time. The four of us typically have dinner together and hang out at home for some much needed down time. As our children get older, I hope that we'll have regular movie and g... Read More »
Published on Thursday, April 14, 2011 by caryn
With Mother's Day approximately one month away, I'm thinking about how to celebrate the women in my life who I admire for their example to me as a mom. Personally, I prefer an experience over a tangible item when it comes to gift-giving and I know many women who share the sentiment. As a mom, I have very little time to myself. To give another mother a few hours ... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 by caryn
When my husband and I decided to get the Wii, we envisioned it being years before our children would be able to enjoy it. A majority of the games we own are for us...to keep our minds and our bodies active. But as I'm learning, there is no shortage of games targeted towards preschoolers just like my son.
[caption id="attachment_23341" align="aligncent... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winners Amy and Thomas!
Last month, I watched Bambi for the first time in years. There is something special about watching one of my childhood favorites with my son. The film, which was originally released in 1942, was digitally restored and available on Blu-ray. I encourage you to read my review if you haven't seen ... Read More »
Published on Monday, April 11, 2011 by caryn
It's almost intuitive...whole wheat ciabatta sliced, the bottom half layered with a pesto aioli, 2 slices of turkey breast, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, shredded carrots, olive oil, and red wine vinaigrette. The sandwich must be cold and sliced in two but not on the diagonal. Have you ever thought about the perfect sandwich?
I've teamed up with Hell... Read More »
Published on Monday, April 11, 2011 by caryn
If I stayed home with my son 24/7, he'd likely never experience another food-related allergic reaction. But that is completely unrealistic. There are times when even I find it difficult to find foods that my son can eat while we're out, so I'm not surprised when a new teacher or a fellow parent is confused. Apart from school or grandparents, my son has never bee... Read More »
Published on Monday, April 11, 2011 by caryn
Fans and loyal readers of the award-winning shopping and style magazine will be happy to learn that Lucky Kids Magazine debuted it's first issue, timed perfectly for Spring. The magazine, which targets moms of children between the ages of 0 and 12 focuses on design and fashion, offers "stylish, inspired ideas that make a mom's day easier, simpler, and a little bit c... Read More »