Published on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 by caryn
I remember the first time my daughter started dancing...It was during her first year of life and we were watching a music-focused show. My father used to tell my mother and I how much he loved when my daughter danced. I think he found it incredible that even as a baby, she could sense rhythm.
I don't often talk about it, but when I was in my teens and twenties, I... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 by caryn
[caption id="attachment_31321" align="aligncenter" width="574" caption="Photo Credit: Disney/Pixar"][/caption]
A female heroine with vibrant red ringlets...a fairy tale set deep in the Scottish Highlands...a quest to find the true meaning of courage...
This is Brave.
My passion for film and dream to visit the studio where some of our family's favorite animated film... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 by caryn
This year, The Disney Store will celebrate 25 years of helping families continue to experience the magic of Disney. The look and feel of the stores have changed over the years, allowing families a magical, immersive experience that includes a theater where children can watch their favorite Disney characters, magic mirrors, and a RIDEMAKERZ section to customize and p... Read More »
Published on Monday, March 26, 2012 by caryn
Most days, I am content if I've had a moment to wash and moisturize my face before going to bed, so you can assume that my skin care regimen is at best simple. Last week I gave you an inside look at my personal beauty regime, complete with the products I use, the areas I focus on, and the short cuts I take when I'm running out of time. Like my beauty regime, my sk... Read More »
Published on Monday, March 26, 2012 by caryn
What happens in a film is nothing short of magic. Regardless of the genre, a movie has a way of transporting an audience to another place and time...real or imagined.
This Friday, Relativity Media's modern take on the classic fairytale Snow White, will debut in theaters nationwide. Despite the fact that Mirror Mirror is based on the Brothers Grimm fairytale, the st... Read More »
Published on Sunday, March 25, 2012 by caryn
A winter storm and a child under the weather...what's a mom to do? After a batch of gluten-free, vegan chocolate chip cookies, a stack of books, and a little bit of Dora, we decided to get our craft on. I really shouldn't complain, since other parts of the country experience a lot worse with regards to weather, and I'm in awe of how those moms keep their children ... Read More »
Published on Saturday, March 24, 2012 by caryn
It was a beautiful, serene day in Carlsbad as we closed out day 6 of the LPGA Kia Classic. As I mentioned yesterday, I'm here at the La Costa Resort & Spa with Kia, getting to know the brand and getting my first experience with women's professional golf. I never imagined I would enjoy the sport as much as I have and I'm looking forward to another peaceful day ... Read More »
Published on Saturday, March 24, 2012 by caryn
What do you get a one-year old for his or her birthday? I've often struggled with that question, simply because during that second year of life, the transition from infancy to toddlerhood is profound. Developmentally, a 15 month old is much different than a 21 month old.
Last week, I introduced you to Bel Bambini, a specialty boutique featuring chic, designer m... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 23, 2012 by caryn
Travel has this way of opening up your eyes to see the world from a broader perspective. Some of my greatest memories were created while traveling with friends, family, and my husband.
It was the summer of 2006 and my husband and I were in the midst of an 8 week long backpacking adventure through Europe. We did things we never imagined we'd do, like sleeping in... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 23, 2012 by caryn
On Tuesday night, the Pantages Theatre, Hollywood's prominent venue for live theater and Broadway musicals, beared the semblances of a rock concert, as strobing lights and an emphatic band rocked the house! The five-time Tony Award-nominated show Rock of Ages, debuted for a second, limited run in Los Angeles this week, complete with big hair, ripped jeans, and a dos... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 23, 2012 by caryn
For the last year or so, both of my children have suffered from chronic ear infections. When you factor in my son's allergies and my daughter's slow weight gain during her first year or so of life, the result is that both of my children have been to the doctor a lot. As you can imagine, selecting a Pediatrician was difficult even before all of this. A child's doct... Read More »
Published on Thursday, March 22, 2012 by caryn
[caption id="attachment_31200" align="aligncenter" width="370" caption="Photo Credit: Kia Classic"][/caption]
If you're a golf afcionado, then you might be following the Kia Classic, a women's professional golf tournament currently being held at the La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California. As the name would suggest, Kia Motors is the title sponsor, and th... Read More »
Published on Thursday, March 22, 2012 by caryn
As much as I enjoy a warm vanilla latte or an ice blended mocha, it's my daily cup of tea that I look forward to in the morning to refresh and rejuvenate me or relax me in the evenings. I drink a lot of tea, and love that I can enjoy it hot or cold, with milk/cream/half & half or without. There are so many different types of tea, but my favorites include rooib... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 by caryn
As a mom to a child with food allergies, I've had to read, experiment and get creative in order to ensure my son is not only safe and nourished, but happy. If you think about it, food is very often an inherent aspect of gatherings and events. Every time we go out, whether it be to a play date with a friend or an afternoon at Disneyland, I have to think carefully ab... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 by caryn
A trusted friend recently introduced me to the 100 Thing Challenge, a means towards achieving a simpler life. The basic premise is to get rid of some stuff in order to free up time, space, and energy to invest in things that really matter (like relationships). I love it. And, since Spring is always an optimal time to clean and de-clutter, I am committing to the ch... Read More »
Published on Monday, March 19, 2012 by caryn
Fiercely Energetic...Emotionally Raw...Perfectly Executed - Rockin' Mama
[caption id="attachment_31147" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="Photo Credit: American Idiot"][/caption]
Last week, the Ahmanson Theatre debuted Green Day's American Idiot, a one-act musical sans dialogue, adapted from the rock band's concept album by the same name. The musical, whi... Read More »
Published on Monday, March 19, 2012 by caryn
I have never been one to have an involved, lengthy, or costly beauty regimen. Even as a single woman, I rarely spent more than 10 minutes on make-up, and my evening ritual consisted of washing my face. My hair is thick and curly, so every other day, I'd spend the 30-45 minutes required to straighten my hair.
As you can imagine, I don't have the time I once did.... Read More »
Published on Sunday, March 18, 2012 by caryn
My youngest recently turned two, signifying the end of the "baby" era...an era that has been bittersweet. I spent half of it wondering when it would get easier and the other half praying time would just stand still. But alas, unless something miraculous were to happen, my husband and I are pretty certain our cozy family of four is complete. That's not to say that ... Read More »
Published on Saturday, March 17, 2012 by caryn
Happy St. Patrick's Day! If you're local, head on down to Pretend City Children's Museum for their Family Fun and Wellness Fair! It's free!
... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 16, 2012 by caryn
Even at four, my son will remind me if we sit down to read a book and we've somehow forgotten to brush his teeth. Because I started modeling and instilling healthy oral care habits within my children when they were very young, they both enjoy brushing their teeth. If you remember, I recently participated in a month-long oral care challenge with Listerine and Reach... Read More »
Published on Thursday, March 15, 2012 by caryn
One of my daily struggles as a mom to a child that suffers from food allergies is creating easy, palatable dishes that my son will actually eat. Because he was diagnosed when he was around 2, he still remembers a time when he could eat foods like pizza and macaroni and cheese. While I work very hard to ensure my children are eating wholesome foods, I do allow them... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 by caryn
Why is it that the best tasting foods, are typically not the best foods for you? I'm dreaming of French fondue...and tiramisu! Definitely foods that are heavy and rich in fat and calories flavor. My husband and I are total foodies, which really just means we prefer great tasting food (who doesn't?). We don't tend to eat at fast food restaurant chains and strive to... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 by caryn
Earlier this week, I was on the phone with a friend. We were talking about my Vegan Cornbread recipe and how she hopes one day I'll write a mini cookbook or even an ebook. Considering the fact that I've just spent the last week trying (unsuccessfully might I add) to perfect a Vegan Peppermint Brownie recipe, I'm thinking I should stick to something I know...like nur... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 by caryn
In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, I decided to put a caffeinated twist on the classic Emerald Mint Milkshake created by McCormick. Because I like to get creative with my dishes, I've been working with the company for the past 2 years, utilizing their extracts and spices to add flavor to foods.
One of the flavors I don't use often enough is Peppermint. I love ... Read More »
Published on Monday, March 12, 2012 by caryn
Some mornings, I simply don't have time to wash, dry, and straighten my thick, curly, and somewhat unruly hair. Unlike some women, who can use any hair care product and still walk out of the house looking fabulous, I need professional products that will help me tame my mane. In the past, I've spent a lot of money on my hair care regimen. And then a few years bac... Read More »
Published on Monday, March 12, 2012 by caryn
Like many young girls in our country, I struggled on and off with issues relating to body image, confidence and self esteem through my teen and young adult years. I'm incredibly thankful to my mother who always managed to keep my grounded, mediating the influences I was being exposed to via television and magazines (to name a couple). If I had to name just one perso... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 9, 2012 by caryn
I don't think I have met a single mom who hasn't or isn't struggling to help their child(ren) learn to eat well. Like most children, my son is picky. Combine that with his food allergies and I find myself constantly racking my brain to come up with healthy, interesting foods that he'll actually eat.
Have you ever done something over-the-top to get your children... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 9, 2012 by caryn
It seems like it's been for-ever since I've written an iCapture post. Yesterday, we spent a lovely day with some friends at The Disneyland Resort. Because we're annual passholders, we don't often spend an entire day at the resort so yesterday was a treat! One of our favorite areas of the park is Mickey's Toontown, but we don't get over there enough. The"intera... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 9, 2012 by caryn
Two weeks ago, I stood on the red carpet, mingling with journalists and celebrities, in anticipation of the premiere of John Carter. The film, which is based on the book A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs, opens in theaters nationwide today.
Because film is one of my passions, I like to expand my repertoire of movie genres beyond romance, drama, action,... Read More »
Published on Thursday, March 8, 2012 by caryn
Most days, my life is pretty uneventful. School...grocery shopping...house-cleaning...meal preparation...meeting Ryan Seacrest at the American Idol Finalist Party in Los Angeles.
Ok...so maybe last week wasn't so typical and I likely won't have another quite like it. After a very event-filled week, it was nice to relax on the rooftop at The Grove overlooking LA w... Read More »
Published on Thursday, March 8, 2012 by caryn
Approximately five years ago, my husband and I were living in a 2 bedroom flat in Edinburgh, Scotland. I was working as a neonatal nurse while my husband picked up freelance work. I would schedule all of my work days together so that we could travel, and very often, we traveled by train or car throughout the UK. I loved going into London to shop and we actually sp... Read More »
Published on Thursday, March 8, 2012 by caryn
We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. After a long and restful night's sleep, the body craves nourishment...energy to prepare for the day's physical and mental activities. Research demonstrates that children who start their day off with a healthy breakfast are more likely to do better academically and behaviorally in school, are more li... Read More »
Published on Thursday, March 8, 2012 by caryn
I haven't baked in about a week and I was craving cornbread this morning...the sweet buttery version as opposed to the more savory, pair-with-chili variety. I knew my son would want to be able to eat it, but to be honest, I didn't think I could pull off a vegan version that would taste anything like the original. After experimenting a bit, I finally came up with o... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 by caryn
[caption id="attachment_30962" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Photo Credit: Crayola"][/caption]
Even at 2, my daughter spends quite a bit of time coloring quietly...thoughtfully. While she can't express what she's drawing, when she's finished a picture, she runs to me bubbling with excitement...proud of her creation. It was much later that my son showe... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 by caryn
[caption id="attachment_30956" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="Unconventional...and Messy!"][/caption]
I read What to Expect When You're Expecting, Baby Wise (it's actually called On Becoming Baby Wise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep), The Happiest Baby on the Block, and The Attachment Parenting Book, all in hopes of gleaning some wisdom on... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 by caryn
On the evening of February 28th, 2012 the city Los Angeles transformed itself into the biggest baby shower for the evening. Held at the Skirball Cultural Center and presented by Big City Moms in partnership with The Bump the biggest baby shower event was the place to be for expectant couples and new parents. With hundreds of baby product vendors, delicious food, yummy... Read More »
Published on Monday, March 5, 2012 by caryn
It probably wouldn't surprise you if I told you that as a young girl, I went through this stage where all I wanted to wear was Disney clothing. My favorite character was and still is Winnie the Pooh, and during my tween years, The Disney Store actually sold Classic Pooh clothing for young girls. I remember owning sweaters and even dresses that were printed or embroi... Read More »
Published on Sunday, March 4, 2012 by caryn
After a very busy week, I was quite content to lounge on the couch this afternoon, watching the shows that have been accumulating on my DVR. Despite our warmer than usual daytime weather, our nights are still chilly with temperatures dropping down into the 40s! This evening, I warmed up with Serta's cozy new Sleep to Go Fleece blanket, which is officially replacin... Read More »
Published on Sunday, March 4, 2012 by caryn
I've often been described as crunchy...especially given the fact that I'm from Southern California. If you've read my blog, you know that my journey to becoming more environmentally responsible was inspired by my children. No one person can do everything, but every person can do something and that is the philosophy that my husband and I try to live by. Some of the thi... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 2, 2012 by caryn
Today is the day! Universal Pictures' The Lorax debuts in theaters nationwide on the day that Dr. Seuss would have turned 108. You've read my review...and got an inside look at the film from the the perspective of Betty White and Danny DeVito! But did you know that Seventh Generation has partnered with the film to feature limited edition Lorax prints on all of the... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 2, 2012 by caryn
It was all so mysterious...the compelling invite, written to include just enough information to draw you in...the clues (aka the workout gear) and instructions (invitation) that were sent (as in mailed) just prior to the event. Even as I approached The Montalban in Los Angeles, I still didn't exactly know what I'd be doing for six whole hours. All I really knew wa... Read More »
Published on Thursday, March 1, 2012 by caryn
About a year ago, my son really started becoming interested in superheros. You might remember that he dressed as Spiderman for Halloween last year. He wore that costume as much as I would let him that entire month before Halloween. His fascination with superheros continued and he's been collecting several action figures in the last few months. So you can imagine... Read More »
Published on Thursday, March 1, 2012 by caryn
My journey towards environmental responsibility began when I found out I was pregnant with my son nearly 5 years ago. Not only was I concerned about how my son would be affected by what I consumed and was exposed to, it was at that time that I realized the importance of taking care of our environment for him...and his children...and subsequent generations.
We're ... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 by caryn
A properly fitted shoe, designed specifically with a child's foot in mind, is integral to helping a child learn to walk and achieve healthy foot development. Some experts say that a child should actually learn to walk barefoot, if possible. But given the fact that this isn't always a safe or feasible option when outside of the home, we've found that a soft, flexible s... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 by caryn
After a very mild winter and only a handful of rainy days, I am beginning to see the early signs of Spring. The days are getting a bit longer and we've had plenty of sunshine...perfect for enjoying the outdoors. We've already had our first official playdate of the season and my son, in particular is gearing up for a Spring and Summer filled with running, jumping, cl... Read More »
Published on Monday, February 27, 2012 by caryn
For years we've known that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The very meaning of the word, when broken down, is simply to "break the fast." Have you ever thought about how long that stint is from dinner to breakfast? In our home, it's as many as 12 hours! For children, who depend on the regular intake of nutrient-rich foods, the negative effects c... Read More »
Published on Monday, February 27, 2012 by caryn
I remember the days when I had ample time to primp and ready myself for the day. My hair alone can take 30-45 minutes if I'm planning on using the flat iron, so you can imagine how much time I'd spend making myself presentable before I had children. As a busy mother of two, I'm lucky if I can get just a little bit of make-up on before heading out the door. On thos... Read More »
Published on Monday, February 27, 2012 by caryn
She has a list of accomplishments that include seven Emmy Awards and her iconic role as Rose on The Golden Girls. She is an actress, comedian, singer, author, and television personality...a legend. So when I asked Betty White what she has accomplished that she is most proud of, my admiration of her was taken up a notch as she cited her work with the Morris Animal ... Read More »
Published on Sunday, February 26, 2012 by caryn
It's Oscar weekend and here is what I wore to a Red Carpet Viewing Party earlier today:
A Black Strapless Tube Pant Suit from Express
Black heels
A faux diamond necklace
A pair of silver teardrop earrings from Nice Jewelry
The look was completed by Celebrity Makeup Artist Terri Apanasewicz. What do you think?
[caption id="attachment_30797" align="a... Read More »
Published on Saturday, February 25, 2012 by caryn
It's a big weekend here in Los Angeles! The 84th Annual Academy Awards is this Sunday and I'm getting myself ready for a star-studded viewing event (stay tuned for details!). I'm almost certain of my outfit and shoes, and will have my makeup done professionally. But what about the most important part of my look? My skin!
Thanks to Murad, I've been testing o... Read More »