Published on Friday, April 27, 2012 by caryn
It wasn't until I spent some time last year working on several campaigns with Child Hunger Ends Here, that I realized the scope of our nation's hunger problem. And while the numbers are astounding, particularly given the fact that we live in a country of affluence, it wasn't until I actually volunteered at our local food bank that I began to understand the scope and... Read More »
Published on Thursday, April 26, 2012 by caryn
Between my husband and I, we own a ton of DVDs. We love film and each of us have our favorites...those movies we can watch over and over again and never tire of. You can imagine that some of those DVDs are quite old, and having watched them for years, are showing signs of age.
Last week, Walmart introduced a brand new service called Disc To Digital, which offer... Read More »
Published on Monday, April 23, 2012 by caryn
In a country of such affluence, it's astounding to me that today, in 2012, more than 50 million Americans do not know where their next meal will come from. Hunger isn't a statistic in a third world country...it's an unfortunate reality here in the US. Even in Orange County, home to some of the most wealthy, sees 456,000 people at risk every month.
This Spring, Wa... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 by caryn
Spring is in full swing, and after last week's shopping trip, I'm feeling more confident about my updated wardrobe. Bold, vibrant colors, floral prints and even polka dots are on trend this season. With fashion trends constantly evolving, updating my wardrobe to stay current can get pricey. That's why I absolutely love The Fitting Room, a place where women young a... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 by caryn
I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.
-T.S. Eliot
After spending a few days away from home, I FINALLY got my iced coffee fix! A few weeks ago, I decided to give up my frou frou iced coffee habit and replace those +$4 drinks with my own using International Delight Iced Coffee. I'm a regular frequenter of places like Starbucks and Peet's, and because I ... Read More »
Published on Sunday, April 15, 2012 by caryn
"Mommy, mommy!" my son called to me as we were walking back to our car together after a day at our local science museum. "That hurts the ea-rth!" He picks up the wrapper that had fallen out of the stroller and rushes it over to me, concerned. Even at 4, he understands some basic concepts of environmental responsibility.
It wasn't until I had children that I r... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 by caryn
Warning: This recipe is not low-fat, gluten-free, vegan, etc. etc. But it's delicious!
Confession: I have a sweet tooth. But like most of my tastes in food, I don't just like any sweet dessert. It has to be rich and decadent...Chocolate is just the icing on the cake and definitely a bonus.
Approximately 2 months ago, Walmart introduced a new product called Bis... Read More »
Published on Monday, April 9, 2012 by caryn
I remember when I was first introduced to Kinect for Xbox 360 and how difficult it was to get my head around the concept of controller-free gaming. I loved the idea and how innovative it was, but wasn't sure how that would translate into the gaming experience. We've had our system for 2 years and what I've found is that playing video games is an active, engaging exp... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 by caryn
My husband and I have the type of coffee habits that require serious budgeting (and restraint). In fact, one week I calculated how much both of us were spending on coffee at our local shops and realized that we could have bought a myriad of other things with that money...like groceries!
While my husband is content with plain iced coffee, I am a frou frou coffee d... Read More »
Published on Saturday, March 31, 2012 by caryn
Every year, my children receive at least one Easter basket and likely two or three. The baskets vary and might be plastic and already filled or wood/wicker filled with items that have been hand-selected. The problem with receiving even one basket a year is that they add up...and then retire to their storage place never to be looked at again.
This year I endeavore... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 30, 2012 by caryn
With Easter approximately one week away, we're starting to think about how we'll celebrate the holiday. Traditionally, we've attended church and then enjoyed brunch out as a family. Dining at any restaurant on Easter Sunday can be quite expensive (and a little hectic with two small children), if you can manage to get a reservation. To save money and our sanity, ... 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 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 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 Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by caryn
Happy Valentine's Day! Today I took my sweet kids to their preschool for a special Friendship party, made them comfort food for lunch, since it was cold here in Southern California, and oversaw their card-decorating. We rounded out the evening with this delicious Vegan Apple Spice Cake, made with Pinata apples.
Ingredients:
3 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking p... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 by caryn
Have you ever wondered how a product ends up on the shelves at Walmart? I can imagine that getting Walmart to sell the product you've worked hard to develop would take your business to an entirely new level.
For the very first time, Walmart has announced an innovative new contest called Get On the Shelf. The nationwide search is on to find the latest "it" produ... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 by caryn
One of my favorite ways to celebrate a holiday (even if it's a minor one) is to bake. I love experimenting with recipes and exercising my creative side. This year, I thought I'd combine my love for baking with my somewhat crafty side and experiment with some DIY Cookie Mixes neatly packed inside a jar.
This isn't an entirely original idea, but I thought I'd put a... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 by caryn
I have to admit that I'm a bit in awe of the Twilight sensation. If you're unfamiliar with the books or films (as I was up until just a bit ago), they focus on Bella, a teenage girl who falls in love with a 104 year old vampire. At present, there are a series of five films which are based on the four Twilight series novels by author Stephenie Meyer. I've yet to re... Read More »
Published on Monday, December 26, 2011 by caryn
[caption id="attachment_29401" align="alignright" width="199" caption="Photo Credit: jade007"][/caption]
After a weekend of sharing, conversing, eating, and relaxing, it's time for a post holiday clean-up. While I strive to "clean" while I'm prepping and cooking, I reserve the "deep clean" for after the guests have left. This also gives me an opportunity to start... Read More »
Published on Friday, December 23, 2011 by caryn
Earlier this week, I shared my plans for our Christmas meal. Along with a ham we received from Walmart, I'll be serving vegan apple and butternut squash soup, scalloped potatoes, salad, bread, and a prepared dessert. Easy! As opposed to Thanksgiving, where the hubby and I went all out, going so far as to make even the cranberry sauce from scratch, Sunday's meal ... Read More »