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Girl’s Night Out: “Serving”...
Published on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 by caryn This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Jennifer Q. Congrats! This post is sponsored by Serve from American Express. Sign up for Serve and receive $10 credit towards your first use. Comment below within the next 7 days for your chance to win an extra $100 credit to your account! Organizing a girl's night out was so easy wh... Read More » -
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Christmas Meal Solutions For Under $40
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. 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 » -
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Six Last Minute Gift Ideas They’ll Love
Published on Monday, December 19, 2011 by caryn We're less than one week away from Christmas...have you completed your holiday shopping? I've been shopping here and there since before Thanksgiving, however, I still have a few gifts that I need to pick up. 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 » -
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An Exclusive Look at War Horse
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 » -
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Get Local: The OC Fair New Year’s Eve B...
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! 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 » -
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Disney On Ice Presents Disney-Pixar’s T...
Published on Sunday, December 18, 2011 by caryn Tomorrow, Buzz, Woody, Jesse, and the gang will skate into Orange County! Disney On Ice Presents Disney-Pixar's Toy Story 3 at the Honda Center for a very limited run. 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 » -
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How the FoodSaver Vacuum Sealing System Helps...
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 » -
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Macy’s…Inspiring Hope through Mak...
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 » -
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Grinchmas Returns To Universal Studios Hollyw...
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 » -
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Stride Rite On Totsy
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. 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. 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 » -
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Get Local: A Sneak Peak At OVO from Cirque d...
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. OVO takes guests into the world of insects as they work, eat, play, and fight. I was reading about the show earlier this week and was very intrigued. This Saturday, Decembe... Read More » -
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A Visit With Santa
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 » -
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Rockin’ Holiday Gift Ideas From Ice
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. 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 » -
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Chipwrecked Sails Into Theaters Nationwide
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 » -
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Mary Poppins Live On Stage at The New Amsterd...
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. But just a short time ago, the area where The New Amsterdam Theatre is located, was a very different place. Many may not know that Disne... Read More » -
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Rockin’ Holiday Gift Ideas From 1-800-F...
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. If you're planning to attend a holiday pa... Read More » -
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The Most Popular Toys for the Holidays Reveal...
Published on Thursday, December 15, 2011 by caryn With less than 2 weeks before Christmas, I'm still putting the finishing touches on my holiday shopping. While I'm certain my children would be happy with almost any toy they receive, as a parent, it's difficult to sift through the vast amount of toys that line store shelves. Shine from Yahoo just revealed their latest Get It Guide, perfectly timed for the holida... Read More » -
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Rockin’ Gift Idea For Tots: Chuggington...
Published on Thursday, December 15, 2011 by caryn This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Lisa Weidknecht. Congrats! As a mom to a four year old boy, trains come highly recommended, not only because my son could spend quite a bit of time playing with them, but because they are relatively easy to clean up and encourage imagination and interactive play. Since the hit Disney Junior show Chu... Read More » -
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Emily Watson…On Motherhood, Balancing F...
Published on Thursday, December 15, 2011 by caryn As someone who is passionate about film, I find it intriguing to get additional insight via roundtable discussions with the artists and creative/production team. During my visit to New York City, Disney and DreamWorks arranged for a special group interview session with actress Emily Watson, who plays Albert's mother in the film War Horse, slated to be released this Ch... Read More » -
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Rockin’ Gift Idea For Techies: A Window...
Published on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 by caryn This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Katharine Davis. Congrats! As in previous years, tech gifts are topping the list of most popular items to buy for loved ones this year. And these days, tech gifts are no longer reserved for "men" per se, since there are a wide variety of female and kid-focused products on the market. As a mom and a... Read More » -
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Decadent Desserts From Nothing Bundt Cakes
Published on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 by caryn 'Tis the season for sweets and treats! Stores abound with baked goods this holiday season, however many are filled with preservatives, stabilizers, and ingredients only a scientist can read. We're nearing Christmas and if you simply don't have the time to bake something fabulous for your holiday gathering, check out the incredibly decadent cakes from Nothing Bun... Read More » -
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Knott’s Berry Farm…A Merry Holida...
Published on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 by caryn Last week, I spent a weekend in New York and was fascinated at how festive the city looks this time of year. Unlike Southern California, where holiday decor is most often seen in specific stores and venues, the entire city of New York is "dressed up" for the season, with virtually no area left untouched. SoCal locals and visitors' best bet for experiencing the mag... Read More » -
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How We’re Giving Back This Season
Published on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 by caryn The holidays are always a time of reflection. Whether it's lifestyle, career, or family, I think back to what I'm proud of...what I've accomplished...and what I need to work on in the year to come. While I've always strived to give back, this year I made it a point to regularly donate items to charitable organizations as well as give to friends, family members, a... Read More » -
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Get Local: Christmas at Irvine Park Railroad
Published on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 by caryn Having grown up and lived in LA nearly my entire life, I can say without hesitancy that the OC has some of the most beautiful, well-kept parks in the Southland. Many of them are rich in history and offer much more than clean, safe places to play. 2011 marks the sixteenth year of the Christmas Train that's become a tradition at Irvine Park Railroad. ... Read More » -
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Get Local: Holiday Happenings at Newport Dune...
Published on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 by caryn Having grown up in Southern California, I'm always amazed at the things we haven't done and the places we've never visited. During this time of year, it seems like there are endless family-friendly activities surrounding the holiday season. Popular amongst families in the area, is the annual venture to see local displays of Christmas lights. Newport Dunes... Read More » -
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Rockin’ Gift Ideas on Totsy
Published on Monday, December 12, 2011 by caryn If you're still looking for inspiration on what to give friends and family members this year, check out the amazing sales currently live on Totsy this week. The private, invite-only shopping site offers incredible savings (up to 90% off retail) on trendy, boutique-ish brands for moms and tots and was recently named one of America's Most Promising Companies by Forbe... Read More » -
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Rockin’ Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Unde...
Published on Monday, December 12, 2011 by caryn I typically get so involved with shopping for friends and family that I end up scrambling last minute to fill stockings. And shopping for stocking stuffers is a challenge because I never want to buy anything just to fill a stocking, rather I prefer that it's useful and relevant to the recipient. Earlier this week I headed over to Walmart to see if I could fill a ... Read More » -
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Rockin’ Recipes: Gourmet Baked Ziti (Pl...
Published on Monday, December 12, 2011 by caryn This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Sassy. Congrats! In our household, pasta is the dish we resort to when we don't want to cook anything labor intensive or time consuming. By incorporating fresh veggies, ground turkey breast, and whole wheat pasta, the meal is nutritionally complete, yet flavorful so that my children still enjoy it. ... Read More » -
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Rockin’ Gift Idea For Foodies: Hickory ...
Published on Sunday, December 11, 2011 by caryn I love the creativity and diversity offered in gift baskets, and often gift them when I haven't received specific ideas from the recipient. As an only child, I spent each shopping season perusing our local malls for gift ideas with my mother. Without fail, we'd always end up in the seasonal Hickory Farms store location that opened each year for the holidays. Hi... Read More » -
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Get Local: Gingerbread House Decorating At Po...
Published on Sunday, December 11, 2011 by caryn Decorating gingerbread houses was a memorable tradition in my childhood home, and one I started with my son a few years back. Powell's Sweet Shoppe, our local candy store, which has this old-time look and feel to it, is offering pre-assembled cottages made from baked graham cracker to decorate this holiday season. For the past few years, we haven't bothered with h... Read More » -
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My Holiday Shopping Haul
Published on Saturday, December 10, 2011 by caryn As a young, single woman, I enjoyed browsing the sale racks at Macy's and trying on shoes at Steve Madden. These days, it's a rarity if I get an hour or two of uninterrupted time to myself, let alone some time to shop. Since my shopping ventures are almost always focused on my kids, my wardrobe is somewhat outdated. When I perused my closet for a dress that would ... Read More » -
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Experimenting With the FoodSaver Vacuum Seali...
Published on Saturday, December 10, 2011 by caryn The end of the year is always a time to reflect...to think about what I aspired to accomplish, whether it be related to lifestyle, health, career, or family. This year I've been highly focused on eating healthier and cooking more meals in, to curb some of my tendencies to eat out. As you can imagine, prepared foods (whether in-stores or in a restaurant) are more e... Read More » -
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iCapture: New York City Holidays in Pictures
Published on Friday, December 9, 2011 by caryn As for New York City, it is a place apart. There is not its match in any other country in the world. Pearl S. Buck New York City is one of my favorite cities in the world...glitzy and glamourous...whimsical and sentimental...contemporary yet historic. There are not many cities I'd want to live in, outside of Southern California. But oh how I'd love to spend a year... Read More » -
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Holiday Gift Ideas from The Home Depot *Givea...
Published on Friday, December 9, 2011 by caryn This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Adrienne. Congrats! The person that should be the easiest to shop for is actually one of my biggest challenges. My husband of almost seven years is a "no-fuss" type of guy, and my requests for gift ideas typically result in the same response..."anything would be fine." Without a lot of direction, I... Read More » -
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The Toy Guy’s Top Holiday Recommendatio...
Published on Friday, December 9, 2011 by caryn This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Annmarie W. Congrats! Toys, toys and more toys! Newpapers, television ads, and stores are filled with educational, electronic, and even eccentric toys, hoping to make it home to a special boy or girl. I peruse the ads and glean wisdom from my children, hoping to pick out a few that they'll play ... Read More » -
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My Acting Debut and a Very Special Alvin and ...
Published on Thursday, December 8, 2011 by caryn For the past week or so, I've been on both coasts, covering press junkets for some holiday films you're certain to enjoy. Perhaps the greatest films are released during this season, when friends and family members are aspiring to spend quality time together. On December 16th, Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-wrecked debuts on the big screen. This adorably heartwar... Read More » -
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Home Decor Holiday Gift Idea: Wax Warmers fro...
Published on Thursday, December 8, 2011 by caryn In my childhood home, my parents made a big deal about decorating and prepping for the holidays. The day after Thanksgiving we were trimming the tree, drinking eggnog, and hanging the stockings for the season. Because my children are young, our decor accents are scaled down, although we still ensure our tree is lighted and decorated festively for the season. It's... Read More » -
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Free and Discounted Admission To Knott’...
Published on Thursday, December 8, 2011 by caryn Last week, the hubby and the kids spent an adventure-filled day at Knott's Merry Farm, and I can't wait to share with you our favorite highlights from the day. But since we're in right in the midst of the holiday fun, I thought I'd share a fantastic deal and opportunity to give back. Once again, Knott's will collect hundreds of toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve ... Read More » -
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War Horse Premieres in New York City
Published on Thursday, December 8, 2011 by caryn Somewhere during my teen years, our smallish family of three made it a tradition to see a movie on Christmas Day. We'd wake up early, grab breakfast (out, of course) and head to the theater for that film...that much anticipated holiday film of the season. This year, I expect War Horse to be that film. Unlike most red carpet premieres, traditionally held in Los ... Read More » -
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Toddler Tech: Infantino HappiTaps Beary Happi
Published on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 by caryn When I first purchased my iPhone, I vowed not to let my children near it, for a variety of reasons, mostly though to keep them from breaking it. I've since invested in a variety of cases, in the hopes of avoiding a catastrophe. My kids' favorite though, is the soft, bear-shaped case developed by Infantino. The reputable baby brand, known for their smartly-designed... Read More » -
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How Savvy Are You When It Comes to Holiday Sa...
Published on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 by caryn This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winners are Heather H and Georgia. Congrats! This is perhaps my favorite time of year. It's been brisk here in Southern California, and it's truly starting to feel like Christmas. And while I'm busy prepping our home, shopping for friends and family, and exploring my inner foodie, I've also got safety on the ... Read More » -
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Easy Ways to Make Your Holiday Party a Succes...
Published on Monday, December 5, 2011 by caryn My husband and I love opening our home to friends and family, particularly during the holidays when we can include a festive meal. We enjoy exploring our foodie sides, experimenting with new recipes or fresh takes on the familiar. While we've had many opportunities to host people at our home, it's not often that we plan a formal party, given the fact that our children... Read More » -
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Holiday Magic at the Disneyland Resort
Published on Monday, December 5, 2011 by caryn It seems like only yesterday that we were carving pumpkins...baking pies...remembering all that we have to be thankful for. With less than a month before Christmas, we're getting festive...trimming the tree...shopping for friends and family...exploring the foodie within...and immersing ourselves in the magic of Disney. The Disneyland Resort has been transformed... Read More » -
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Struggling To Find The Perfect Gift? Let Shop...
Published on Monday, December 5, 2011 by caryn It's the season of giving, and while I found some incredible deals on Black Friday, I'm still struggling to find gifts for a handful of friends and family members. Interestingly enough, my greatest shopping challenges include finding gifts for close friends and family. When you've been shopping for the same person for years, it requires a bit of creativity to gift... Read More » -
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Bring It On: The Musical
Published on Monday, December 5, 2011 by caryn One of my favorite memories as a young, single woman were those last minute, impromptu visits to the theater (alone, at that). I've always been drawn to the arts, particularly musical theater, and at that time, dreamed of one day seeing a show on Broadway or in London. I've since seen numerous shows both on Broadway and in London, and while both are renowned for t... Read More » -
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The Toys Skate Into Southern California
Published on Monday, December 5, 2011 by caryn One of our family's favorite Disney films is Toy Story 3, and very soon, Buzz, Woody, and the gang will be skating into Southern California for a spectacular production on ice. Toy Story 3 will come to life in the rink as the gang re-enact moments from the Disney/Pixar trilogy. Newcomers Ken and Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear will also make an appearance in this live prod... Read More » -
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How Schools Across the Country Are Making a D...
Published on Friday, December 2, 2011 by caryn As we approach the holidays, our family's focus shifts towards togetherness, tradition, food, and gift-giving. Every place I visit offers visual reminders of the holiday season. For those living in insecure households, this might be one of the most difficult times of the year, particularly because there is such an emphasis on food and "things." This year, I'm findi... Read More » -
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OVO Family Days
Published on Friday, December 2, 2011 by caryn If you'll be in the LA area this weekend, I definitely recommend checking out OVO Family Days, tomorrow December 3rd from 10 am to 1 pm. As you know, we're huge fans of Cirque du Soleil, and in advance of their upcoming winter performances under the big top in Santa Monica, they're hosting a day of face painting, chalk and balloon artists, interactive exhibits and m... Read More » -
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DIY Coffee Lover’s Gift Basket For Unde...
Published on Friday, December 2, 2011 by caryn This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Katie. Congrats! When I'm looking to be creative or simply gift something personal for a friend or family member, I'll often put together a themed basket. Baskets can simplify gift-giving, since the theme of the basket determines what types of items will be included. My husband is a definite coffe... Read More » -
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Celebrate Christmas at Heritage Hill Historic...
Published on Friday, December 2, 2011 by caryn Despite the fact that I've lived in Southern California my entire life, I still find myself discovering something new on a regular basis. There is something about having kids that has stimulated my desire to explore and venture out. Perhaps it's because I want to show them the world...or at least this tiny corner of the world where we live. Or perhaps it's because... Read More »
