Blogging For Good

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Have You Heard? South Coast Loves Bloggers!

I learned how to shop from my mom. As a former New Yorker, she’d buy a new outfit every week during her time as a single woman.  Shopping was (and still is) our “thing.”  I grew up in LA, where there was no shortage of malls.  But on those weekends when we would make the trek down the OC, I had to visit South Coast Plaza.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of joining some of the most renowned LA and OC Fashion and Beauty Bloggers for a tour de plaza (South Coast, that is).  I have frequented this mall numerous times, but never quite this way.

The mall is unlike any other mall I’ve frequented (and I’ve been to malls all over the world).  The mall is actually a tourist destination and draws crowds from all over the world.  With over 250 boutiques, award-winning restaurants, , and spas, South Coast Plaza is internationally recognized as a premier shopping destination.  Where else will you find Oscal de la Renta, Tiffany & Co., and Diesel all under one roof?

Upon arrival, we were greeted with a light lunch and red velvet cupcakes made by Cat Cora in their VIP Access Suite.  VIP members receive free valet parking and free membership into the suite, which provides guests with a place to relax, store packages, and enjoy refreshments.  The suite features a Sports Lounge and a Zen room and is staffed by a Concierge who will provide complimentary refreshments/snacks, and attend to personal requests for restaurant and theater reservations.

After spending some time learning more about what’s new at the plaza, we headed over to our first stop…Tumi Boutique.  I’m passionate about travel and have visited nearly 20 countries across the globe.  Children have placed a minor stint in our global travel, but we still manage to take several U.S. vacations every year.

Tumi, “the leading brand of luxury travel, business, and lifestyle accessories,” offered several tips on packing like a “jet-setting pro.”  I always try to pack way too much with too little space and end up getting bogged down with luggage.  They sent us home with their Just In Case Tote, which will come in handy at BlogHer this year.  This lightweight, foldable tote comes in it’s own zip pouch and can be packed and used to bring home swag souvenirs or other items picked up along the way.  Additionally, they offer a variety of accessories like Packing Cubes and and Flat Folding Packs that help maximize space and keep things organized.

Now that we know how to pack, it’s time to figure out what to pack. If you’re a hip, New York woman, you shop at Henri Bendel.  This “girls’ playground” features chic, fashion-forward accessories, cosmetics, and gifts.  I could have easily taken home one of each!  But a few of their travel products stood out as must-haves.  Their Mini Flat Iron & Travel Pouch can be carried on or packed in your suitcase and comes in a heat-resistant pouch with a magnetic closure (brilliant!).  Their Tweezerman Set includes both fine point and slant tip tweezers in a suede and leather pouch.  This SoCal girl (that never wears socks) adores their Rivet Print Flip Flops.  They come in five fun colors and can be worn for beach days, summer nights out, or at the airport.  And speaking of beach days, I like their Disturbed Stripe Beach Towels.  Not only are they super-soft (I felt one!), they look fabulous.  They’re also huge!

While it still doesn’t feel like summer (what’s up with June gloom in July?), soon the heat will be upon us and I’ll be breaking out the tank tops and sundresses.  While I’m still in nursing bras, soon I hope to return back to a time where I could adapt my bra to my outfit (instead of the other way around).  If you’re one of the 85% of women who are wearing the wrong size bra, you must check out Intimacy (which just opened at South Coast Plaza in May).  Not only will they help you find a bra that really fits (they have over 90 bra sizes), they’ll identify bras that match your body type, wardrobe and style.

So once you’ve packed for the occasion, it’s time to ensure that you look good.  Our next stop was at Spa Nordstrom for a bronzing session.  With olive-colored skin, I thought it best to sit this one down. I did manage to capture Elizabeth getting her glow-on.  For $55, you can have a healthy glowing tan without sun or UV exposure.  It’s airbrushed on, takes seconds, and actually looks quite natural.

Before we ate the most incredible meal at one of the most impressive restaurants I’ve ever frequented, I browsed a few of their new stores.  Molton Brown, which originated in London, sells plant-based make-up, hair, body, skin and grooming products.  Their bath and body products smell incredible (without being too strong) and leave my skin feeling fresh and vibrant.  With over 100 tea varieties, Teavana tops my list of favorite tea venues.  And while I was there, I had to get my Williams-Sonoma fix. Their South Coast locations is one of the biggest in the LA/OC area.  Although I didn’t get an opportunity to visit, Free People (sister to Urban Outfitters) is now open.  The store is known for fresh, feminine fashion with vintage appeal.

Our day concluded with dinner at AnQi by Crustacean and a fashion show created with La Perla, specifically for the event.  This gourmet bistro and noodle bar features artfully presented Asian fusion cuisine.  They created a special menu for us, and I was very impressed with the taste and presentation of the food.

This summer, South Coast Plaza is offering two specials you may be interested in checking out:

1. Pack Your Bags Shopping Package (Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel):  Includes one-night accommodation with welcome amenity, Hotel Valet, $100 South Coast Plaza Gift Certificate, Complimentary Valet Parking, one-hour personal shopper/image consultant, ACCESS VIP Suite, and VIP Savings Passport (rates start at $525).

2.  Shopping Spree Special (Montage Laguna Beach):  Includes two-night, ocean-view accommodations, daily breakfast, VIP shopping excursion, VIP savings passport and passes to ACCESS VIP Suite (rates start at $545).

No compensation was received for this post.  I was invited to a media event and given a gift bag at the event.

What’s Next at the Disneyland Resort?

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been making the most of our Disneyland annual passes before the summer season is in full swing. The resort is always bustling with newness and innovation, while still retaining it’s history…it’s familiarity.

A few weeks ago, I attended the resorts media briefing and got a glimpse of what’s to come.

World of Color is drawing audiences from all over the world (I actually spoke to a girl from Australia on holiday one of the days we were visiting) with it’s powerful fountains, larger-than-life projections, lasers, fire, music, and special effects. (Year-round)

The Disneyland resort’s summer line-up includes Fantasmic! with its new dragon, Magical fireworks starring Tinker Bell and Dumbo (we’ve seen this every night for the past month), Tomorrowland Terrace TLT Dance Club, and Pixie Hollow Enchantment.  (Now through August 29, 2010)  In the fall, Rapunzel (who will star in the upcoming animated feature Tangled) will greet guests in Fantasyland.

Disney California Adventure Park is all aglow with the colorful, exciting entertainment of Glow Fest.  (Now through August 22, 2010).

Looking ahead, Disney Cruise Line will move to Southern California (yes…I’m jumping up and down).  The Disney Wonder will make regular sailings to Alaska from Vancouver and to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles.  The most exciting news is that kids (under the age of 17) are free from January 23 to March 20, 2011 on seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera (must be accompanied by two full-fare paying guests).

2011 will also bring The Little Mermaid to Disney California Adventure Park with it’s immersive, under the sea experience called Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.  And in 2012, Cars Land makes it’s debut.  I saw the model for this at D23 and I can’t even imagine how incredible it’s going to be.  The 12-acre expansion will include 3 new attractions.

I like to stay up-to-date with what’s happening with the park, so I’ll post updates as they come.

Just a glimpse at what a media briefing is like at the Disneyland Resort.

Photo Credit: Copyright Disney. Used with permission. No unauthorized use.

No compensation was received for this post.

Gourmet Recipes With Ingredients That Might Surprise You

Last month, I had the privilege of attending a media event hosted by Gerber.  I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the brand and meet with one of their nutrition experts.  My daughter has been eating solids for about a month now and just loves to eat.  And just like her brother, she prefers fruits over veggies.  Fortunately, Gerber offers a wide variety of Organic purees for her developmental stage.

At the event, Gerber served up a variety of light bites, utilizing their products.  I never would have guessed the recipes featured Gerber baby food because the foods were yummy!  Here are a few Gerber-inspired recipes that would make great appetizers for summer parties and picnics:

Veggie Harvest Hummus

Makes: 3 cups

Ingredients:

2 cans (15 ounces or 4 cups) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

One 2-pack of Gerber SmartNourish 2nd Foods Organic Famer’s Market Blend With Mixed Grains

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Fresh chopped parsley (garnish)

Directions: Place garbanzo beans, baby food, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and red pepper into blender or food processor and blend for 1 minute until smooth.  For greater texture, reduce blending time by half.

Garnish with parsley.

Serve with raw vegetables, pita triangles and crackers.

“Just Peachy” Ice Cream

Makes:  8 1/2 cup servings

Ingredients:

Four 2 packs of Gerber NatureSelect 2nd Foods Peaches

1/2 cup heavy Whipping Cream

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:  Combine cream, sugar, and two containers of peaches in a small sauce pan.  Heat on low until sugar just dissolves (do not boil).  Chill.  Add remainder of peaches to cream mixture.  Pour into ice cream machine.  Freeze until creamy.  Transfer to a plastic container and freeze until hard.

Squash & Carrot Bisque

Makes: 10 4 ounce portions

Ingredients:

3-4 TBSP olive oil

1 medium size finely chopped onion

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

1/8 tsp. red cayenne pepper

1/8 tsp. ginger

1 tsp. Knorr chicken powder seasoning

1 tsp. salt

10 tsp. sour cream (if desired for garnish)

Three 2 packs of Gerber NatureSelect 2nd Foods Squash

One 2 pack of Gerber NatureSelect 2nd Foods Carrots

Real Parmesan cheese shredded to sprinkle on top

Directions:  Heat olive oil over medium heat and saute onion. Turn down to low heat and add the purees.  Mix.  At this point, it is suggested to use a whisk as a blending tool.  Add the spices and salt. Whisk well.  Turn to medium heat and continue mixing.  Take the pot with sauce off the heat.  Add one TBSP of sour cream and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tropical Medley Fruit Dip

Makes:  2 cups

Ingredients:

1 8 ounce pkg. Neufchatel cheese, softened

One 2 pack of Gerber NatureSelect 2nd Foods Banana Orange Medley

1 TBSP honey

1 tsp. grated orange peel

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:  Place cream cheese, baby food, honey, orange peel, and vanilla in medium bowl.  Beat for 1 minute or until smooth.  Serve with fresh fruit slices at room temperature.

In other news, Gerber is currently conducting a Photo Search.  Gerber Generation judges are looking for photos of children from birth to preschool that demonstrate expression, charm, and uniqueness.  The child who’s photo best meets the above criteria will receive the grand prize of a $25,000 scholarship and have an opportunity to star in a Gerber advertisement.

To enter, simply visit Gerber and upload a picture of your child under the appropriate Start Healthy, Stay Healthy Milestone Symbol.  Approximately one month after submission and approval, parents can ask friends, family members etc. to vote for their child’s picture in the Gerber Generation gallery.  There will also be opportunities to win monthly prizes including a Flip Slide HD video camera and a featured spot on the Gerber site.  Parents can enter a different photo each month through November 30, 2010.  Voting is open until December 31, 2010 and the grand prize winner will be announced around January 10, 2011.

No compensation was received for this post.

Relax in Luxury at the InterContinental Montelucia Resort

As someone who’s traveled all over the world, it’s pretty rare for me to stay in a luxury hotel.  As long as a facility is clean and quiet, I’m content.  However, when my husband and I want to go away by ourselves…we try to stay in quaint bed and breakfasts or spa resorts.

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to stay at the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona.  This was actually my second experience staying at an InterContinental Resort, as we spent several nights of our honeymoon at their resort in Moorea.  Their Scottsdale resort is “inspired by the rich history, white-washed villages and sun-drenched hills of Spain’s Andalusia region and is reminiscent of a charming European town square with arching entryways, splashing fountains and floral walkways.”  The beauty of the resort coupled with the picturesque Camelback Mountain makes for a serene visit.  The resort is centrally located and I only wish I had a few more days to enjoy Scottsdale.

Before I had children, I would regularly go to the spa for a facial or a massage.  While I still enjoy pampering, it’s not as easy with two little ones.  The Montelucia has an amazingly spacious Moroccan-inspired spa which features 19 treatment rooms, a lavish lounge, a private rooftop pool terrace, and a top-of-the-line fitness center.  The Joya Spa is quiet and peaceful and I enjoyed lounging on their “beds.”  I have no idea what type of massage I had, but I do know that I was beyond relaxed (I fell asleep).   I’d go back just for that massage!  At present, they are offering a summer spa menu.   If you do visit the Joya Spa, be sure to lounge in their exclusive Hammam warming room which features iridescent heated seats and rose water mist.

From evening turn-down service to incredibly attentive room service, the resort scores 5 stars for hospitality as far as I’m concerned.  While I wouldn’t immediately think to bring my children to the Montelucia, the resort actually welcomes families.  Their Planet Trekkers Kids Club (designed for children ages 5-12) is an interactive day camp with indoor and outdoor activities including treasure hunts, Wild West-style balloon show-downs, and Saturday night pajama parties.  Each day is different and the price varies, depending on how long the child stays.  If you decide to eat at Prado (a restaurant on the property) or receive a treatment at the Joya Spa, children can enjoy complimentary hours in the Planet Trekkers Kids Club.  Parents should also take note that children under 10 eat free anywhere on the property…yet another reason to reconsider leaving the kids at home.

Now through September 6, 2010, the Montelucia is offering several Summer Stay Packages which will help you make the most of your time (and resources) at the resort.

No compensation was received for this post. Bosch sponsored my trip which included flight, hotel, and meals.

The Ultimate Sale for Aspiring Cake Decorators

For just under 3 weeks out of the year, Wilton, who in many ways sets the standard for cake decorating and food crafting, holds a Tent Sale that draws crowds from all over the country.  With savings of up to 75% on over 3,000 items, aspiring crafters and decorators can score sweet deals on cake decorating and baking supplies and kitchen and paper craft products.  Just a few of the companies represented include Copco, EK Success Brands, and K & Company.

Two weeks ago, I was among the first to shop with Wilton employees, and scored some fabulous deals on everything from the Cars cake pan I’m going to use for my son’s upcoming birthday party, to a set of replacement knives for those that have dulled from years of use.

I found a wide variety of baking, decorating, kitchen, and crafting supplies at incredible prices.  Items were well-organized and I found that each item was stocked sufficiently (although I did attend prior to opening day).  For $150, I was able to purchase the above plus a cast iron pizza pan, a set of Mario Batali bowls, some kitchen gadgets, a Copco Tea Kettle, and some miscellaneous decorating supplies.  Most of the items for sale were current, which is important to me, considering I am planning on using their latest year book as my decorating guide.

While the event is held in Woodridge, Illinois, many people will and do travel from all over the country (I heard stories of tour buses stopping at the sale).  If you happen to be in the Chicago area through June 22, 2010, check out the Wilton Tent Sale.
HOURS:
Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Weekends: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Located At:
2240 W. 75th Street
Woodridge, IL 60517

No compensation was received for this post.  I was invited to the Wilton Mom ReTreat which included travel, accommodations, and products.

RIDEMAKERZ Cruzes To Downtown Disney

Experiences (as opposed to “things”) are very important to our family.  On any given day you’ll find us at the park, the store (because shopping is an everyday experience), a museum or Disneyland.  This past week was busy…but in so many good ways.  On Wednesday, RIDEMAKERZ, “the first-ever customizing shop for one-of-a-kind radio control cars,” reopened at Downtown Disney in Anaheim, CA.  RIDEMAKERZ actually made a limited debut at Downtown Disney last Fall, which won them recognition as Worldwide Retail Store of the Year by Chain Store Age magazine.  But just before it opened at noon that day, some local bloggers had an opportunity to get a first-look at the store that offers over 649 million ways to build a car.

Gleaning inspiration from it’s neighbor (Build-A-Bear), RIDEMAKERZ offers children a unique, immersive experience…and the result is very much like the real thing.  Adults and children, boys and girls, will enjoy the process of customizing their ride.  After choozing from one of 70 models which include a Corvette, an F-250, and a MINI Cooper S, it’s time to get creative.  Street or Monster? Free-Wheel or Radio-Control? Everything from the wheelz and treadz to the lights and spoilers can be customized.

“Building” your unique car is actually quite simple and takes not time, given the electric tools stationed in the RZ Pit.  Once your ride is to your satisfaction, take it home in a RZ CRUIZECASE.

If you don’t happen to live in one of the six cities that houses a RIDEMAKERZ store, parents and children can participate in their online experience.

RIDEZ are priced from $10 to $32 depending on the body and paint scheme desired.  If you’d like a Radio-Control car, there is an additional $25 tagged on to that price.  Individual custom accessories range in price from $2 to $15.

Head on over to RIDEMAKERZ at Downtown Disney this weekend for their buy one, get one free offer on stock cars.

No compensation was received for this post.  I received a gift certificate to create my own RIDEZ, courtesy of the company.

Wordless Wednesday: Where in the World is Rockin’ Mama?

This week, I’m in the Windy City with 6 other bloggers learning all about the fine art of cake decorating!  Stay tuned…I’ll be in “class” all day and hope to share lots of tips and tricks!

The ultra hip and modern Aloft Hotel

Emilie and Shannon

Tanya getting her tech on

Christine rockin’ her baby bump

Cake decorators in training

Wilton invited me to a blog event and  my expenses including flight, accommodations, and meals.

OffPrice Shopping Challenge

It’s rare for me to purchase something that isn’t on sale (unless it’s a pair of really cute shoes that I must have).  I do a lot of research and price comparison.  And I shop at offprice retailers.

Earlier this week, I had an opportunity to shop at California’s 8th AJWright location before it opened to the public on Thursday.  AJWright is a sister in the TJX family of stores and sells off-price family apparel, home fashions, footwear, and more.  Prices are typically 20-70% below regular prices.  The representative who gave us a store tour described the three stores as follows:

T.J. Maxx can be likened to shopping at Banana Republic, Marshalls to Gap, and AJWright to Old Navy.

Viewing the three stores in this way helped guide me as I navigated the store.

AJWright Opens in Norwalk, CA

When it comes to shopping, I rarely every buy anything that isn’t on sale (unless I really, really have to own it).  I research, price compare, and bargain shop whenever possible.  AJWright, a leading off-price retailer is celebrating the Grand Opening of it’s Norwalk location this Thursday, May 20.  The store boasts fabulous deals (up to 70 percent off) on brand-name family apparel and footwear, accessories, home essentials, giftware, toys, and more. 

On May 20, the first 100 customers will receive a $20 gift care before the store opens at 8 am (open, open, open…).  You will also have the opportunity to participate in a real model search to be the next face of AJWright (be sure to visit the Norwalk Plaza on Saturday, May 29 from 11 am to 4 pm).

Tomorrow, I am heading over to the store for a sneak peek shopping event along with Elizabeth, Amanda, Kari, Mel, and Ashley.  You can follow us on Twitter (#AJWLA) to see what bargains we scored!

No compensation was received for this post.  I will be attending a blogger shopping event tomorrow.

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