Published on Thursday, December 22, 2011 by caryn
Today, I'll be finishing up the remainder of my Christmas shopping so that I'll have at least a couple of days to wrap, cook, and relax! Yes, I'm one of those last minute, procrastinator types, hoping stores will still be stocked with gifts for friends and family members. Â If you're still shopping for the holidays and in need of some gift ideas, check out jcpenney'sÂ... Read More »
Published on Thursday, December 22, 2011 by caryn
It's the season of entertaining and holiday parties. Â I've been shopping and prepping for our upcoming family dinner and I'm happy to say that we're nearly done (minus the cooking part, of course). Â What's going to be particularly tricky about this year's Christmas celebration is the fact that the hubby and I will be cooking the meal in someone else's home! Â Sinc... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 by caryn
After four grocery stores, I think I'm finally done shopping for our Christmas meal! Â Once again, the hubby and I are going to prepare our family's holiday dinner. Â As enjoyable as this time of year is, entertaining can be stressful. Â Who better than Food Network star Giada DeLaurentiis to offer some tips on easing the stress of holiday entertaining? She recommends... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 by caryn
'Tis the season to bake! Â This is the time of year when sweet treats abound. Â I absolutely love to bake, and while I do enjoy the occasional dessert, the true joy of baking is sharing those delicacies with friends and family.
Around this time last year, I participated in a very special cookie exchange in the "sweetest place on earth" with the sweetest kids. Â For... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Jennifer Q. Congrats!
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Organizing a girl's night out was so easy wh... Read More »
Published on Monday, December 19, 2011 by caryn
Once again, my husband and I will don our aprons to prep and cook our family's Christmas dinner. Â Since we almost always have turkey for Thanksgiving, we opt for ham. Not only is it easier and quicker to prepare, it goes well with pretty much anything.
This year, my husband and I decided on the following menu to accompany the ham:
Scalloped Potatoes
Butternu... Read More »
Published on Monday, December 19, 2011 by caryn
We're less than one week away from Christmas...have you completed your holiday shopping? Â I've been shopping here and there since before Thanksgiving, however, I still have a few gifts that I need to pick up. Â Part of my last minute holiday shopping is due to procrastination. However, I've also been waiting to purchase a few items in hopes that they'll go on sale.
... Read More »
Published on Monday, December 19, 2011 by caryn
On Christmas Day, the incredible story about a young soldier who is separated from the horse he raised and trained will debut in theaters nationwide. War Horse, a powerful film that will move you and change the way you think about relationships, has already been nominated for a Golden Globe in the category of Best Motion Picture-Drama and I predict that many more n... Read More »
Published on Monday, December 19, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Darcy McDonald. Congrats!
In less than 2 weeks, we'll be ringing in the new year! Â In previous years, we have spent our New Year's Eve quietly at home with our littles. But this year, the hubby and I are getting a babysitter so that we can actually enjoy a some time out together as a couple.
If y... Read More »
Published on Sunday, December 18, 2011 by caryn
Tomorrow, Buzz, Woody, Jesse, and the gang will skate into Orange County! Â Disney On Ice Presents Disney-Pixar's Toy Story 3 at the Honda Center for a very limited run. Â Through Christmas, you can see the ice spectacular as moments from all three films are re-enacted in the rink.
Here are the dates for the remaining Southern California performances of Disney O... Read More »
Published on Sunday, December 18, 2011 by caryn
Periodically, my husband and I will re-evaluate our finances to determine where we can cut our spending to save money. Inevitably food is one of our biggest expenses, particularly since we purchase organic, locally grown, sustainable foods. Very often the fresh fruits and vegetables we purchase go bad before we've had a chance to use them, which unfortunately is a w... Read More »
Published on Saturday, December 17, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Laurie Harrison. Congrats!
In the midst of the shopping rush and holiday parties, I'm reminded of and sensitive to the fact that this season isn't always "magical" for those who may be struggling financially, physically, or emotionally. This is the time of year when charitable organizations reach... Read More »
Published on Saturday, December 17, 2011 by caryn
Only in Hollywood will you find snow-covered streets and a 60 foot tree with a twist. The Grinch, Max, and the Who-ville Whos once again return to Universal Studios Hollywood to celebrate Grinchmas!
Last weekend, the park was brimming with guests eager to begin the holiday season. Grinchmas, which runs continuously from December 17th through January 1st, 2012, is... Read More »
Published on Saturday, December 17, 2011 by caryn
One of our favorite children's shoe brands is currently on sale for the next three days over on Totsy. Â My children learned to walk in Stride Rite shoes and I wore them as a child, a testament to the quality and longevity of the company. Â The premise behind each shoe is understanding how children walk and grow. The result is a line of shoes that are flexible and r... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 16, 2011 by caryn
In January, Cirque du Soleil's OVO will debut under the big top at the Santa Monica Pier. If there is any show that would be appropriate for children, I would venture to say it's this one. Â OVO takes guests into the world of insects as they work, eat, play, and fight. Â I was reading about the show earlier this week and was very intrigued.
This Saturday, Decembe... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 16, 2011 by caryn
A visit with Santa has always been a tradition in both or our families, so it only seemed natural that we would start the same tradition with our own children. Who would have thought though, that both of my children, at various points in their lives, would actually be afraid of the genteel man with a beard?
This year, for the very first time, both of my children ... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 16, 2011 by caryn
If there is one gift I'd love to receive but would never ask for or purchase for myself, it would be jewelry. Â When I was younger and had more free time, I would carefully plan my outfits to include even the tiniest details, such as what earrings would go well with a particular blouse or dress. These days, I'm a bit more careful about the jewelry I wear, mostly becau... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 16, 2011 by caryn
The holiday season is an ideal time for the release of new films. Vacations and school breaks offer families increased amounts of time to spend together. And in a season where the days are shorter and often much cooler, families are seeking indoor activities that offer entertainment and a relaxed stint from the hustle and bustle of the season.
Today, Chipwrecke... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 16, 2011 by caryn
There is nothing quite like the experience of seeing a musical live on stage in New York City. On any given night (minus the "dark" days) the theaters on Broadway are bustling with locals and visitors with a passion for the arts. Â But just a short time ago, the area where The New Amsterdam Theatre is located, was a very different place. Â Many may not know that Disne... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 16, 2011 by caryn
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is clenna in NH. Congrats!
While it goes without question that flowers are a staple gift idea for holidays such as Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, I don't always think to gift arrangements for the holidays, despite the fact that they are lovely and fragrant. Â If you're planning to attend a holiday pa... Read More »