Published on Thursday, January 12, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
2012 Resolutions...
1. Cut out all sugar from my diet. Eat less sugar.
2. Buy all organics. Do my homework and buy the organic versions of those foods that are most important.
3. Work out 3-5 times a week. Start going to the gym.
4. Lose weight. See number 1 and 3.
5. Get more sleep. Get uninterrupted sleep.
6. Spend more time together as a fam... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
It was 8:00 and we'd just finished dinner and story time. Daddy was on his way upstairs with the kids for their bedtime routine and I was headed off to the kitchen to start baking. You may not know this about me, but I find baking incredibly relaxing. It's what I do to unwind, relax, and regroup. Alone.
Just thirty minutes prior, I had set butter out on the cou... Read More »
Published on Monday, January 9, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
Having lived in Southern California my entire life, I often overlook the beauty that surrounds me. Just a few miles to the south lies the Pacific Ocean and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Drive approximately 2 hours northeast and you'll find a slew of ski resorts. And directly east? Pure bliss!
Over the holidays, my husband and I managed to sne... Read More »
Published on Sunday, January 8, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
Up until a few years ago, there wasn't a lot of discussion regarding gluten intolerance and celiac disease. People I know suffered and underwent a series of tests before being diagnosed with the autoimmune disease. I can't even imagine how difficult it would be to completely eliminate gluten from my diet. Yet, the alternative, suffering with uncomfortable and de... Read More »
Published on Sunday, January 8, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
As someone who not only suffers from allergies, but has a husband, a child, and a mother who also suffer from allergies, I am always looking for ways to minimize exacerbations. One of the most important steps we take is to eliminate exposure to triggers, particularly those that are synthetic like toxic cleaning solutions, perfumes, candles, air fresheners, etc. I ... Read More »
Published on Thursday, January 5, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Robin Q. Congrats!
It's Friday night and nobody wants to cook. After shopping, prepping, and cooking meals all week, the very last thing I want to do on a Friday night is whip up something elaborate. It's way too easy (and definitely more expensive) to stop at one of our local restaurants and pick... Read More »
Published on Thursday, January 5, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
I wish I could say that on January 1st, I stopped dipping into our chocolate stash, frequenting my favorite coffee shop for a latte, or eating grilled cheese. We haven't even completed the first week of January and I've done all of those things. However, that doesn't mean my goals to lose 23 pounds won't be realized this year.
The start of the new year brings hope ... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
You might have guessed that I thoroughly enjoy trying new products and services. Unlike some, who prefer to stick with one brand of makeup, shampoo, fill-in-the-blank, I like to venture to see if perhaps there might be something better. The trade-off to that adventurous side in me is the chance that I won't like said product or service, thereby wasting the money inv... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.
-Edith Lovejoy Pierce
The new year is all about fresh starts...a chance to set new goals...an opportunity to transform habits...an endeavor to a new you.
Living in Southern California, it's easy ... Read More »
Published on Sunday, January 1, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
On the east coast, the ball drops on New Year's Eve. On the west coast, locals and tourists camp out in Pasadena for the Rose Parade. Since New Year's Day falls on a Sunday this year, the iconic parade will take place on Monday! Much like in previous years, my sweet little family will snuggle on the couch to watch the parade from the comfort of home.
If you're ... Read More »
Published on Sunday, January 1, 2012 by Caryn Bailey
From the moment the show opened, I was captivated... Light and sound...picture and motion...make believe and reality converge into Cirque du Soleil's most imaginative show to date. Iris, which was specifically created for the city where it all began, debuted for an extensive run this past Fall at LA's historic Kodak Theatre. Much like Mystère, La Nouba, Wintuk, a... Read More »
Published on Saturday, December 31, 2011 by Caryn Bailey
With the start of the new year comes the decision we've been putting off for some time...the decision to purchase a new automobile. If our family grew by just one, we would have no choice but to invest in a minivan. But given the fact that we're the typical two child American family, there are a number of vehicle options that would meet our needs for comfort, perf... Read More »
Published on Saturday, December 31, 2011 by Caryn Bailey
As someone with a passion for the arts, I'm always intrigued by the intricate details that go into a live production. One of the most unique experiences to date was a private tour and walk through of the New Amsterdam Theatre, which is the current home of Mary Poppins on Broadway. Built in the early 1900's, the theater is the oldest venue on Broadway (along with... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 30, 2011 by Caryn Bailey
I know that my husband and I don't get in nearly the time together that we want and need. Busy schedules, small children, and life just seem to get in the way. But like all relationships, togetherness, conversation, and a bit of laughter are the "fuel" necessary to sustain it.
Plum District currently has a deal that will get you two Fandango movie tickets and a... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 30, 2011 by Caryn Bailey
Over the past few years, I've developed this incredible passion for photography. Since purchasing the iPhone earlier this year, I've come to rely on it's 5-megapixels camera for those brilliant, unexpected moments when my official camera is at home. Surprisingly, the iPhone camera takes some incredible photos...photos that I've actually used on this site because they ... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 30, 2011 by Caryn Bailey
One week ago, the film inspired by the true story of a man who bought a zoo opened in theaters nationwide. We Bought A Zoo, the poignant, inspirational film that is capturing hearts across the country, was written by Aline Brosh Mckenna, the accomplished storyteller who's work includes The Devil Wears Prada, 27 Dresses, and I Don't Know How She Does It. During my vis... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 30, 2011 by Caryn Bailey
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Cher@Mom and More. Congrats!
Who would have thought that having a child would be so disruptive to one's sleep? Even after four and a half years, I'm still struggling through nights of interrupted sleep. Fortunately, those interruptions are temporary!
Sleep is truly a complex physiologic process, ... Read More »
Published on Thursday, December 29, 2011 by Caryn Bailey
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Jennifer Marie. Congrats!
If you can believe it, I have yet to bake a holiday cookie this season! Shh! But the year is not over which means I still have time to get my bake on. Sugar cookies are a staple during this time of year, and while in and of themselves perfectly delectable, they can alwa... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 by Caryn Bailey
My closest friends and family know that breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. If given the option, I'd choose breakfast for lunch or dinner each and every time. Pancakes, waffles, omelets...all foods I love along with my son. Unfortunately, because he suffers from food allergies, he can't eat any of them, along with a number of other breakfast foods. Having... Read More »