Published on Monday, October 31, 2011 by caryn
Shopping in my 20's as a single, working woman was something I looked forward to. I strived to keep up to date with the latest fashions, and typically reserved some of my paycheck each month to purchase a new pair of shoes or a new wardrobe staple. I could run into our local mall quickly if I knew exactly what I wanted, or leisurely browse and have lunch if I had mo... Read More »
Published on Monday, October 31, 2011 by caryn
September was the month when my life was forever changed. Because my father's illness timed out when I was planning my son's birthday party, I held off, hoping for the best. But His ways are not my ways, and we finally celebrated my son's 4th birthday over the weekend.
I've planned enough birthday parties to know that during this particular season of my life, I... Read More »
Published on Monday, October 31, 2011 by caryn
At just one year old, The Hub is currently airing in over 60 million homes nationwide, which to me is quite impressive. We were at the launch of the network around this time last year, which is a joint venture between Discovery Communications and Hasbro. There is something unique and different about The Hub, which features several shows I grew up with which have b... Read More »
Published on Sunday, October 30, 2011 by caryn
It's been a pretty hectic month for both the hubby and I, and believe it or not, this weekend was the first time we spent it together as a family! After a relaxing two days in San Diego (more on that soon), we celebrated my son's 4th birthday (more on why we waited so long also coming soon) and then ended the day with dinner, popcorn, and a family-friendly movie. ... Read More »
Published on Sunday, October 30, 2011 by caryn
Over the past year, I've become increasingly attune to the hunger problem that our nation is facing. In a country with such affluence, it pains me to know that every single day, 1 in 6 Americans face hunger. Do you know 6 people? I do...and if I do the math correctly, that means someone I know right now is at risk for or already facing hunger....even if it's not o... Read More »
Published on Sunday, October 30, 2011 by caryn
Since Halloween falls on a Monday this year, there is an entire weekend available for crafting, baking, decorating, and celebrating. I love to bake and I'm probably better at it than I am at cooking, but sometimes I need a little inspiration when it comes to decorating. Disney Family and Family Fun are my go-to resources, particularly when I want to create something ... Read More »
Published on Friday, October 28, 2011 by caryn
I have to admit that I always wanted a trampoline as a child. I knew several friends who's parents owned them and could not get enough jumping fun in. Trampolines have changed a lot since my childhood days...and for the better. Parents can purchase more compact trampolines to fit in smaller spaces, enclosed trampolines for younger tots, and trampolines that also int... Read More »
Published on Thursday, October 27, 2011 by caryn
Tradition has it that parents and children trick or treat, attend a party or visit a pumpkin patch during this time of year. But have you ever thought about going to the zoo?
This Saturday, October 29th, families can visit the Orange County Zoo for a unique trick or treat experience. Zootacular, which is geared towards children 12 and under, will feature activiti... Read More »
Published on Thursday, October 27, 2011 by caryn
Since Halloween falls on a Monday this year, both of my children's school parties will be held during the day which means I'll be busy this weekend working on something creative to bring in. I love peeking at Celebrate With Hershey each season for inspiration on recipes and crafts. Like these Pumpkin Favor Pouches which would make an awesome "thank you" gift. Here... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Kerry. Congrats!
Like most boys, my son's favorite toys are those with wheels and those that allow him to use his creativity (i.e. blocks, LEGOS, etc.). There are nights when I still find one of his wheeled vehicles next to him at night on his pillow. The holiday season is just around the corner and... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 by caryn
Halloween is less than one week away! Do you have plans to trick or treat? Attend a Halloween party? Bake up something warm and delicious at home? Craft? Carve pumpkins? We've actually been celebrating most of the month in a variety of different ways. We've crafted, baked, carved pumpkins, trick or treated (already!), and visited our local pumpkin patch. We'... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 by caryn
Earlier this fall, I was introduced to a fantastic company that just happens to be based right here in Southern California. Educational Insights makes a wide variety of toys, games, and educational products with appeal to parents, teachers, and children. In November, I'll be launching my holiday gift guide and featuring the company and some of it's products.
You ... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 by caryn
After a short heat wave here in Southern California, I've been waking up to cooler, overcast mornings only to end the day with brisk, chilly evenings. I purchased my first holiday coffee drink this morning and by 7pm, it's already dark. It's Fall, and in just a few weeks, Daylight Savings will end and our days will get even shorter.
On November 6th, those state... Read More »
Published on Monday, October 24, 2011 by caryn
One of the most utilized appliances in my kitchen is my slow cooker. Even when I don't want to cook, I can throw a few ingredients together into the Crock-Pot and the finished product is still an amazing dish that my family enjoys. I've made everything from soups and chili to enchiladas and Spinach Artichoke Dip in my slow cooker.
Awhile back I was asked to sha... Read More »
Published on Monday, October 24, 2011 by caryn
Even at 4, my son still gets distracted when we're out in public, often running to look at something interesting or exciting. Each and every time we're out, I remind him the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street, holding my hand, and staying close by.
October is International Walk to School Month, initiated to increase physical activity among... Read More »
Published on Monday, October 24, 2011 by caryn
At the beginning of the year, I made a commitment to cook more meals in and eat less meals out. It's way too easy to stop by one of our local restaurants to dine in or pick up something for dinner. Not only is eating out more expensive and typically higher in fat, calories, and sodium, it creates a different family dynamic surrounding meal time. There is somethi... Read More »
Published on Sunday, October 23, 2011 by caryn
[caption id="attachment_27741" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Photo Credit: hirekatsu"][/caption]
There are so many things I love about the Fall season...
Red, yellow, and orange leaves
A new season of my favorite shows
The approaching holiday season
The freedom to wear boots
Brisk evenings
Pumpkin Pie (and cheesecake, and muffins,... Read More »
Published on Sunday, October 23, 2011 by caryn
There is something about the cooler weather and shorter days that gets me in the baking mood. It's been quite dreary here in Southern California, which means it's really the perfect weather to bake! I ventured to make traditional cupcakes and cookies this weekend, which I'm certain my husband is quite happy about, given my recent delve into the world of vegan cookin... Read More »
Published on Sunday, October 23, 2011 by caryn
Halloween is just one week away, and I imagine there will be parties, get-togethers, and a host of spooky events this week. Over the weekend, I spent time baking and getting the house ready for the Fall season. We made cookies and cupcakes, trialed some Thanksgiving recipes, and dabbled in some vegan pumpkin pie. This week I'll have a ton of recipes and ideas fo... Read More »