Contact
Subscribe
Bookmark
-
0
Hairstyles Inspired by Snow White and the Hun...
Published on Friday, May 25, 2012 by caryn This is the year for fairy tale-inspired films, and in honor of Universal Pictures' soon-to-be released film Snow White and the Huntsman, I had an opportunity to meet with Jose Neira, owner of Jose Neira Salon and stylist at The Parker Hotel in Palm Springs. Neira has over 28 years of experience in hair artistry, and his salon offers traditional hair care and styli... Read More » -
6
Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Launch...
Published on Friday, May 25, 2012 by caryn For years, professionals in the hair care industry have discouraged the use of shampoo and conditioner on the scalp, unless of course the products are being used for something problematic, like dandruff. So when I was asked to try out a brand new line of hair care products designed to be used directly on the scalp, I was intrigued and a bit perplexed. The whole p... Read More » -
0
Memorial Weekend Sales On Totsy
Published on Friday, May 25, 2012 by caryn Like most holiday weekends, we're sticking close to home to spend some quality family time together. I love long weekends, particularly when a holiday is involved because I know that shops, restaurants and entertainment venues will often run special sales and deals. With summer just around the corner, I'm aspiring to update both of my kids' wardrobes, so a good a... Read More » -
4
Celebrate National Shoe Week at The Shops at ...
Published on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 by caryn "Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” ― Marilyn Monroe This week is National Shoe Week! Can you believe it? An entire week dedicated to my favorite accessory! I'm not the type of woman who spends extravagant amounts of money on "things" but a fashionable, well-fitting shoe is something I consider to be a valuable investment. T... Read More » -
9
Tips on Saving at the Grocery Store *Giveaway...
Published on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 by caryn It goes without saying that groceries comprise a major part of our budget. In order to save as much as possible, I cut coupons (when it makes sense), peruse each of our local stores' ads, comparison shop, and work hard not to deviate from "the list." If your local grocery store offers a club card or weekly deals via email, I recommend signing up as an additional w... Read More » -
6
iCapture: Monterey, California
Published on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 by caryn Time is more complex near the sea than in any other place, for in addition to the circling of the sun and the turning of the seasons, the waves beat out the passage of time on the rocks and the tides rise and fall as a great clepsydra - John Steinbeck, Tortilla Flat I've lived in Southern Calfornia my entire life, and traveled up and down the coast, yet there are pla... Read More » -
1
Bullseye! Archery 101 Inspired by Disney/Pix...
Published on Monday, May 21, 2012 by caryn Fact: Disney/Pixar's Brave was originally titled The Bear and the Bow, and after seeing this clip (which just happens to be my favorite scene in the film) you'll understand why: During my visit to Pixar Animation Studios, I actually spent a bit of time learning about archery from both the experts they brought in and Jim from Wired.com/GeekDad. Having ta... Read More » -
28
I Have Swimsuit Confidence!
Published on Monday, May 21, 2012 by caryn Ok, so I thought that if I was confident in my title, that might help allay some of my nervousness about posting photos of myself in a swimsuit on my site AND the Lands' End Facebook page! This week, May 21st through 25th, Lands' End and SELF Magazine launched the second-annual National Swimsuit Confidence Week, designed to celebrate women...real women...women with c... Read More » -
3
Disney/Pixar’s Brave: A Closer Look At ...
Published on Sunday, May 20, 2012 by caryn My husband studied film in college, so our ventures to the movies are always filled with unique commentary as he observes intricacies that would mostly go unnoticed among theatergoers. Although my passion for film began long before I met my husband, he has inspired me to go beyond the screen to delve into my favorite films. Anticipation for Disney/Pixar's latest ... Read More » -
0
Fashionable, Functional Fitnesswear From Macy...
Published on Saturday, May 19, 2012 by caryn Going to the gym requires forethought and planning, and very often, I'm heading there either before or after an event, activity or errand. To save time, I typically wear my workout clothing to and from the gym, so attire that is comfortable and stylish is a must. Macy's, one of my favorite go-to department stores for clothing, shoes, accessories, and makeup, releas... Read More » -
0
In Theaters May 25, 2012: Mighty Fine
Published on Friday, May 18, 2012 by caryn Abuse of words has been the great instrument of sophistry and chicanery, of party, faction, and division of society - John Adams I feel incredibly blessed to have grown up in a family where I knew that I was loved, supported, and respected. Even today, I consider my mother to be my best friend. No family is perfect, however, the scars of physical and emotional ... Read More » -
9
A Wee Bit of Scottish Culture: The Kilt
Published on Friday, May 18, 2012 by caryn As the traveler who has once been from home is wiser than he who has never left his own doorstep, so a knowledge of one other culture should sharpen our ability to scrutinize more steadily, to appreciate more lovingly, our own - Margaret Mead Edinburgh is the only other place my husband and I have called home. The people are warm and hospitable with a rich cultur... Read More » -
1
What To Expect When You’re Expecting Pr...
Published on Friday, May 18, 2012 by caryn To be pregnant is to be vitally alive, thoroughly woman, and undoubtedly inhabited - Anne Buchanan & Debra Klingsporn It's one of the first books an expectant woman receives and read by more than 90% of pregnant women who read a pregnancy book. With over 14.5 million copies in print, New York Times bestseller What to Expect When You’re Expecting. holds the ... Read More » -
4
National Learn To Swim Day Is Saturday, May 1...
Published on Friday, May 18, 2012 by caryn I don't talk about it often, but when I was a teenager, I had to be rescued from the Klamath River in Northern California. To say that was one of the scariest moments in my life is an understatement. Fear, panic, and helplessness set in as I found myself being carried by the river's strong current. I never formally learned to swim as a child, and while I wasn't afra... Read More » -
0
Paul Frank Teams Up With Babies R Us to Offer...
Published on Friday, May 18, 2012 by caryn If you are a parent who is a fan of the adorable and infamous Julius, the monkey that defines Paul Frank, you'll be happy to know that a brand new baby and kid-targeted line will debut at Babies R Us next week! Small Paul will feature apparel and accessories for children in sizes 0-5 T and includes everything from onesies and tees to backpacks, footwear, and plush.... Read More » -
0
How Skype Keeps Our Family Connected 2,000 Mi...
Published on Thursday, May 17, 2012 by caryn I remember when my husband and I announced to our families that we were expecting our first child. The joy and excitement that ensued was almost uncontainable. Both of our parents began talking about names, who our son would look like, what each one wanted to contribute and how often they'd get to see him. For my parents who lived close to us, it was easy to make ... Read More » -
0
In Theaters: What To Expect When You’re...
Published on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 by caryn Let us make pregnancy an occasion when we appreciate our female bodies - Merete Leonhardt-Lupa They say that a woman who goes on to have a second+ child does so because she forgets some of the discomfort and pain associated with pregnancy, labor, and delivery. It was quite the opposite for me as I recall each moment of joy, anticipation, fear, discomfort and uncer... Read More » -
0
Cirque Du Soleil Presents Totem
Published on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 by caryn For two hours, prepare to be mesmerized by the sheer talent of a group of artists that consistently defy natural laws. Cirque Du Soleil's infamous acrobatic troupe recently made it's arrival at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for a four-week run in a show that traces the evolution of mankind. Totem seeks to explore the various facets of evolution, including those proposed t... Read More » -
67
LA Moms Celebrate Pregnancy Awareness Month *...
Published on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 by caryn People often say that the reason a woman goes on to have a second child is that they forget the experience of pregnancy and childbirth. I don't necessarily believe that and in fact, I think the opposite is true. I remember very specific details about that moment when I found out I was pregnant with my son...his first cry...our first look into each other's eyes. ... Read More » -
0
“Preparense para el Sol” Summer Safety Tw...
Published on Monday, May 14, 2012 by caryn Can you feel it? Summer is almost here! We're loving the warmer weather and longer days and can't wait for beach days and play dates and the mini-vacations we have planned. A few weeks ago, I had an opportunity to work with Transitions to test out their adaptive lenses, which when exposed to sunlight, darken and preserve eye health by blocking 100 percent of ha... Read More » -
8
The 4th Annual On the Go Beauty Event Celebra...
Published on Monday, May 14, 2012 by caryn Weekends in LA are always exciting, with no shortage of activities and events for families. Given the fact that we celebrated Mother's Day over the weekend, there were several celebrity events focused on honoring, celebrating, and pampering moms. On Saturday, we were invited to the Thompson Hotel in Beverly Hills for an afternoon of brunch and beauty, courtes... Read More » -
77
Professional Spring Cleaning With Stanley Ste...
Published on Sunday, May 13, 2012 by caryn Spring is the season where many are inspired to clean, reorganize, and even redecorate. There is something about the blooming of flowers, the longer days, and warmer weather that inspire change. After a wonderfully relaxing Mother's Day, the last thing I want to think about is cleaning the house. Yet, that's exactly what I'll be doing over the next couple of da... Read More » -
99
Celebrate Moms During May At Mimi’s Caf...
Published on Friday, May 11, 2012 by caryn With Mother's Day just a few days away, I've been thinking a lot about how I want to celebrate and recognize those moms in my life who have inspired me. I appreciate the fact that there is an annual day set aside each year just for this purpose, but too often the work moms do day in and day out goes unnoticed. Which is why Mimi's Month of Mom celebration resonates wit... Read More » -
0
Director Patricia Riggen, Eva Mendes, Cierra ...
Published on Friday, May 11, 2012 by caryn My tween and teen years were relatively uneventful. Growing up as an only child in a Puerto Rican family, my parents kept the lines of communication open. The attention they poured over me and the important life lessons they modeled ensured that I felt loved and respected, even if they were a bit overprotective. My parents set boundaries yet encouraged my independence... Read More » -
6
Makinson Island Through Photos
Published on Friday, May 11, 2012 by caryn To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment. ~Jane Austen Hiking...boating...ziplining... These are definitely not the types of activities that come to mind when I think about vacationing in Orlando. Florida is green, lush, and rich in plant and wildlife, yet many families never see beyond the gates of Orlando's ico... Read More » -
10
Adventure Seekers: Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
Published on Friday, May 11, 2012 by caryn And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair — Kahlil Gibran After a thrilling adventure that took me to new heights (hehe), an airboat ride through the Florida wetlands seemed like a relaxing way to take in some of the area's natural beauty. Last month, I found myself immersed in a variety of eco-adventu... Read More » -
15
Adventure Seekers: Ziplining With Florida Eco...
Published on Friday, May 11, 2012 by caryn Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover — Mark Twain [caption id="attachment_32290" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="Photo Credit: Florida EcoSafaris"][/caption] ... Read More » -
0
Girl In Progress…Celebrating the Mother...
Published on Thursday, May 10, 2012 by caryn There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one. – Jill Churchill On a weekend where we celebrate the moms in our lives comes a film that speaks to mothers and daughters, right where they're at. Girl In Progress opens in theaters nationwide on May 11th, perfectly timed for Mother's Day weekend, and at the heart of the film is a story a... Read More » -
147
Rockin’ Spring Recipes: Vegan Lemon Cup...
Published on Thursday, May 10, 2012 by caryn I love this time of year because the weather is warm, but tolerable, our garden is blooming with tomatoes and roses, and we have an abundance of sunlight for extended outdoor play. This time of year always seems to be full of gatherings and parties, and it seems like every week my son's preschool is celebrating something. Food allergies still dominate our lives, a... Read More » -
12
Family-Friendly Vacations at Global Resort Ho...
Published on Thursday, May 10, 2012 by caryn Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. - Helen Keller Have kids. Will travel. My husband and I began our marriage traveling. We honeymooned in Tahiti, backpacked Europe, and cruised the Mexican Riviera. Collectively, we've visited more than 15 countries. Before having children, my husband and I decided that we would continue to travel. Some of our ... Read More » -
5
Five Family-Friendly Features You’ll Lo...
Published on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 by caryn For the past 6 months or so, we've been seriously looking at a handful of vehicles, in preparation for that day when my husband's SUV will permanently retire. One of the key attributes we look for in a vehicle is longevity, and given the fact that we tend to be quite brand loyal, we are proud to say that all 3 of our vehicles have transported our family over 100,000... Read More » -
65
Celebrate Mother’s Day With Elegant Bou...
Published on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 by caryn This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is by April Y. Congrats! Two weeks ago, our little family bundled up as the rain steadily fell in what we hope is the last storm of the season. In that short amount of time, our weather has warmed up drastically, and with it we've seen some of the most beautiful roses bloom in our garden. I love flow... Read More » -
15
Rockin’ Mama…3000 Posts and Five ...
Published on Monday, May 7, 2012 by caryn As I sit here, trying to get a grasp on the fact that I've written 3000 posts since I started this blog 5 years ago, I feel like the words should be eloquent...that this post should be insightful...or at the very least, interesting. Some of you have been here since the beginning...others maybe just happened upon the site for the very first time. Regardless, I value ea... Read More » -
6
Mother’s Day Brunch: Easy Mediterranean...
Published on Monday, May 7, 2012 by caryn With Mother's Day just one week away, I've been thinking about how to celebrate the special moms in my life, including my own mother. Sunday brunch has always been a tradition for us, but the restaurants in our area typically increase their prices and have long wait lists. Combine that with 2 small children and Mother's Day brunch at a fancy restaurant seems less re... Read More » -
0
Gift Ideas For Moms Who Love To Cook
Published on Monday, May 7, 2012 by caryn A few years ago, you wouldn't find me baking vegan cupcakes or whipping up a batch of gluten free tomato basil soup. In fact, I didn't really enjoy being in the kitchen unless I was baking simple dishes because I lacked confidence in my culinary skills. When my son was diagnosed with food allergies more than 2 years ago, I was inspired to find ways for him to enjoy ... Read More » -
0
Super Toys For My Little Super Hero!
Published on Sunday, May 6, 2012 by caryn It's only been in theaters for three days, yet Marvel's The Avengers set a new opening weekend box office record. The Sci-Fi action/adventure film that brings together some of the most notable super heroes in comic book history offers an engaging, on the edge of your seat cinematic experience. Even before the film was released, retailers across the country displ... Read More » -
0
Celebrating The Beauty and Joy of Pregnancy T...
Published on Saturday, May 5, 2012 by caryn Despite the wealth of information available on pregnancy, many women still feel alone and lack support during this beautiful, miraculous, joyous time. I am incredibly thankful that I wasn't the first in my network of friends and family members to experience pregnancy because I had a number of older, wiser, and more experienced women to look to for support and educat... Read More » -
0
Crest and Oral-B Launch Pro-Health Clinical L...
Published on Friday, May 4, 2012 by caryn As a mom, a nurse, and a woman, I'm incredibly passionate about health and wellness. Preventive care is very important to me and I strive to ensure that our family is eating a wholesome diet, getting plenty of outside physical activity, and obtaining annual screenings as recommended by our health care providers. For the past month, my husband and I committed to a... Read More » -
10
Marvel’s The Avengers Team Up For A Sen...
Published on Friday, May 4, 2012 by caryn I still believe in heroes - Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), The Avengers This is the film that comic book fans have long anticipated...the film where six of the most iconic Marvel Super Heroes join forces against an enemy so powerful, it will take their collaboration and collective strengths to defeat him. Marvel's The Avengers opened in theaters nationwide today,... Read More » -
66
Celebrating Mother-Daughter Relationships: Gi...
Published on Thursday, May 3, 2012 by caryn I love this time of year because it always seems like the studios wait for late Spring, early Summer to release the most anticipated films. Perfectly timed for Mother's Day comes a film about a single mom (Eva Mendes), who is too busy working and absorbed in her relationships to focus on her daughter. In an attempt to skip adolescence, Grace's daughter Ansiedad ... Read More » -
23
Rockin’ Mama Featured In National Walma...
Published on Thursday, May 3, 2012 by caryn Most days, our lives are quite uneventful. My husband goes to work, my son goes to preschool, and my daughter and I spend time together doing everything from reading and playing to napping and errands. When I started this blog nearly five years ago, I never imagined I'd be doing the kinds of things I've been doing, particularly as of late. From traveling across t... Read More » -
275
Mitsubishi Introduces It’s New 100% Ele...
Published on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 by caryn I remember when a gallon of gas was just under $2. With prices just over $4 and no sign of a reprieve, efficiency will definitely play a significant role in our future car purchasing decisions. While we haven't spent a lot of time researching available options, my husband and I will be looking for a car that's affordable, reliable, efficient, and environmentally f... Read More » -
6
Celebrate Family With Free Sprinkles Cupcakes...
Published on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 by caryn Did you know that today is Brothers and Sisters Day? I had no idea! The day was created to celebrate that special bond between siblings. In anticipation of Dreamworks' latest film, People Like Us, Sprinkles has teamed up to celebrate family by hosting a series of events leading up to the film's June 29th release date. Just visit any of the ten Sprinkles locatio... Read More » -
6
A Visit to the Walt Disney Family Musuem
Published on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 by caryn Always remember that this whole thing was started by a mouse. Walt Disney It's almost hard to comprehend that every single magical, memorable Disney moment began with this simple idea. But Walt Disney was brilliant...he was a visionary artist...a storyteller... Oh how I'd love to tap into his creative mind. Late last year, I picked up a rectangular brochure at D23... Read More » -
86
Marvel’s The Avengers *Giveaway*
Published on Monday, April 30, 2012 by caryn This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Lia. Congrats! Superheroes are all the rage, and with Marvel’s The Avengers set to assemble this Friday, my son and his friends are gearing up for what is projected to be one of the biggest opening weekends! I'm heading out to LA tonight to see a sneak peek of the film, and will have the 411 inclu... Read More » -
5
My Not So Green Thumb and 5 Things I Learned ...
Published on Monday, April 30, 2012 by caryn Growing a garden takes time, effort, and commitment. Earlier this month, my kids and I planted carrots and lettuce, utilizing the Kids Garden Starter set we received from Seeds of Change. Knowing that I was going to be out of town much of the month, I put the hubby on garden duty, reminding him of the need to water and generally just keep an eye on the plants to m... Read More » -
17
Pairings: Sour Cream Coffee Cake + Iced Coffe...
Published on Monday, April 30, 2012 by caryn When people talk about pairing foods, they're typically referring to the pairing of wine with food. Since I don't drink alcohol, I typically pair foods with other foods/drinks. For example, during the holidays, I'll often order a Gingerbread Latte with a spice cake at my local coffee shop. I also do this with iced coffee, and in recent months, my complimentary foo... Read More » -
0
Walmart…Innovator and Leader in Sustain...
Published on Monday, April 30, 2012 by caryn We don't want to sit back. We want to lead. That's the Walmart way of working - Walmart President and CEO Mike Duke One of the things I particularly enjoy about being part of the Walmart Moms Program, is the opportunity to highlight the corporation's greener products and sustainable initiatives. One of my two tracks is sustainability, and every month, I peruse the... Read More » -
24
iCapture: Disney’s Art of Animation Res...
Published on Sunday, April 29, 2012 by caryn So much of my love for Disney is tied to the films I've been watching with my family and my children for years. I've just spent four days in Orlando, attending the third annual Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. The invite-only conference brought together parenting bloggers from across the world to celebrate their love for Disney and their passion for this onli... Read More » -
2
Walmart Introduces New Gaming Experience With...
Published on Sunday, April 29, 2012 by caryn This week, the highly anticipated film Marvel's The Avengers opens in theaters nationwide! My father just loved The Incredible Hulk and as a child, I often sat with him, enthralled with this ginormous creature possessing superhuman strength (did you know this was a television series?). To celebrate the release, Walmart just released a free app, that offers fans a n... Read More »
