Published on Thursday, September 29, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Roxann!
I don't look at cancer the same way anymore. Up until recently, I had never personally had experience with the disease that causes physical pain and emotional turmoil. Today, I'm a different person...different than even 2 months ago. When I hear the word cancer these days, I know the pain, suffering, and uncertai... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winner, Christine!
While much of the country is beginning to cool down, we're still warm and sunny here in Southern California (although lately only in the afternoons once the cloud cover has dissipated). Our winters tend to be mild and temperate, which means most people don't own heavy rain-wear, down jackets, or snow b... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 by caryn
When my son was first diagnosed with food allergies, I was completely overwhelmed. Of the foods he's allergic to, dairy, eggs, and soy have been the most challenging to substitute. Through research (both online and in stores), speaking to parents of children with food allergies, and consultation with my Pediatrician, we've been able to keep my son safe while st... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winner, Cherice!
While I don't enjoy or expose my children to much of what Halloween traditionally represented, I still allow them to engage in some of the more lighthearted activities like dressing up, carving a pumpkin, baking, and trick-or-treating. My son particularly enjoys dressing up like his favorite characters, ... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 by caryn
After watching the film Night at the Museum, I walked away thinking about all the places I'd like to visit "after hours." Wouldn't it be neat to visit Disneyland, a working theater, or the zoo after dark? I think San Diego Zoo Safari Park was one step ahead of the game when they developed their Roar and Snore Safari.
You may remember that I recently wrote brief... Read More »
Published on Monday, September 26, 2011 by caryn
I cannot believe we're already talking about Halloween! It feels like just a few weeks ago that the weather was warming up and the days were getting longer as we prepared for the beginning of summer. Halloween, for me, really solidifies the fact that fall is here and the holidays are approaching. While we don't particularly enjoy the very scary, dark aspects of Hallow... Read More »
Published on Sunday, September 25, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winner, Rebecca Peters!
Just last month, I was sitting in my room at the Real Whirled House, in awe (and somewhat antsy) of the thunder, lightning, rain, and wind that is typical of Michigan's summer storms. People who hear me talk about Southern California's temperate weather are always surprised that we don't get summe... Read More »
Published on Saturday, September 24, 2011 by caryn
It seems like the moment Back to School season starts, the countdown towards the holidays begins. I feel like we were just discussing the new school year and yet now we're beginning to talk about trick or treating and which Disney character my son is going to dress up as.
Last week, Jennifer Garner and Frigidaire kicked off their newest campaign in LA...Time to T... Read More »
Published on Friday, September 23, 2011 by caryn
Over the weekend, my husband and my father-in-law showed off their green thumbs and did some amazing work in our yard. They planted trees and flowers and just made the outside of our home look beautiful. It was a nice change, given the fact that most of our efforts have been focused on the interior of our home, which is where most of us spend our time.
I have to ... Read More »
Published on Thursday, September 22, 2011 by caryn
Even at 4, I'm teaching my son the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street, holding my hand and not running off, and generally adhering to some basic safety principles. He knows about "buckling up" and not going into the garage or the car unless I'm with him. Similarly, my husband and I are vigilant about ensuring our children's car seats are pr... Read More »
Published on Thursday, September 22, 2011 by caryn
I haven't told my son yet, but tomorrow, we're taking him to see Disney's Phineas & Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever! up in LA. My son is a huge fan of the hit Disney Channel show about two stepbrothers on summer vacation! We attended the Teal Carpet Premiere earlier this summer and he really enjoyed it.
The live show brings Phineas, Ferb, and the gang together ... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Margaret S. Congrats!
Both of my children tend to be grazers...they would snack all day long if allowed. While I definitely believe that smaller, frequent meals are optimal for adults and children, I have to ensure the house is stocked well with healthy foods so that my children can snack sensibly. ... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Debbie C. Congrats!
If you've met me in person, or seen photographs, you may not know that my hair is naturally curly. Before I had children, I spent a lot of time straightening my thick, curly, somewhat unruly hair. I really love the way it looks when I have the time to blow-dry and straighten ... Read More »
Published on Monday, September 19, 2011 by caryn
Up until a few weeks ago, I didn't really have a laundry regimen. We have a white basket that sits outside of our bedroom door and most of the time, all our clothing makes it's way in there. Laundry is one of those chores that I don't despise, but don't particularly enjoy. But if I did not do the laundry, it would not get done. My husband is such that I'll start... Read More »
Published on Monday, September 19, 2011 by caryn
So...I've heard of Secretary's Day...and Grandparent's Day...and even Tell a Joke Day. But this is the first that I've learned that there is an entire day dedicated to pirate speak. Today is the day when all of us should speak like pirates...Arrr! You can read all about the history of the day here and here.
The Disney Parks Blog was taken over by pirates toda... Read More »
Published on Monday, September 19, 2011 by caryn
We're knee-deep in the school season and as expected, many families are working through new schedules, after school activities, and homework. But some families, have their thoughts and efforts focused on a different issue...an issue many of us probably don't think about.
17 million. That is the number of children at risk of hunger in the US according to the USDA.... Read More »
Published on Monday, September 19, 2011 by caryn
[caption id="attachment_26990" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Photo Credit: Disneyland"][/caption]
Some days, it still very much feels like summer here in Southern California. We're still enjoying 80 degree weather in the Southland, although the days are definitely getting shorter. One of my favorite seasons at the Disneyland Resort is the Fall,... Read More »
Published on Sunday, September 18, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winners: McKim, Kimberly Meier, Trisha Lynn, & Jennifer T!
Earlier this year, Chuck E. Cheese's tested out their brand new pizza recipe right here in Southern California. This local test was initiated to see how it's customers would respond to the recipe which had not been changed in 30 years. You may remember that d... Read More »
Published on Friday, September 16, 2011 by caryn
[caption id="attachment_26971" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="Photo Credit: Disney"][/caption]
I was just 16 when I watched The Lion King at our local theater for the very first time. Hailed as one of the best films of all time, the 2D animated film depicts the story of Simba, a lion cub who flees the Pride Lands after the death of his father out of sha... Read More »
Published on Friday, September 16, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Becky M. Congrats!
Just a couple of weeks ago, my 1 1/2 year old daughter figured out how to remove all of her clothing, including her diaper. It's been a struggle to keep those velcro side tabs in place now that she's figured out how to remove them. As she nears 2, she's showing a few signs of po... Read More »