Published on Saturday, January 21, 2012 by caryn
I probably shouldn't admit that while I'm writing this post, I'm finishing the last few bites of an Artie Lange cupcake from Crumbs Bake Shop...the remnants of my birthday celebration. I'll have to work out at least double time this week to counter the butter, chocolate, and cream cheese that make this cupcake so decadent. And speaking of working out, it's the new y... Read More »
Published on Friday, January 13, 2012 by caryn
It's the third highest grossing film series of all time...a worldwide phenomenon...and now...the force is back! On display at Discovery Science Center. Who would have thought there was an actual science to this fictional universe with it's humanoid robots, landspeeders, and X-Wing Fighters? Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination is the first exhibition to displa... Read More »
Published on Friday, January 6, 2012 by caryn
Christmas is so last year! But since this is a photography series, I thought I'd share some of my favorite shots captured via iPhone last week at Knott's Merry Farm which is the park's holiday transformation.
Unfiltered
What have you “captured” this week? Share your photos below!
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... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 by caryn
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 Friday, December 30, 2011 by caryn
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 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Published on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 by caryn
Did you know that people have been camped out at stores across the country in anticipation of scoring some amazing deals this Black Friday? Having not shopped the Black Friday sales in years, I'm getting more and more excited about getting my holiday shopping started early and hopefully scoring some amazing deals.
One of the very first places I'll head to is The S... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 by caryn
If you're local, join Plum District this Sunday at Zoomars Petting Zoo for a tur-iffic event! This month marks the beginning of Gobble Wobble Days at the quaint, kid-friendly zoo with it's 20 year history and old-fashioned charm. Whether you're planning to join Plum District on Sunday, or spend another day enjoying the rides and activities, you'll want to snag their... Read More »