A great family resource at your doorstep. In the morning my mom and dad gather the Orange County Register from their driveway, lay it out on the table before them and methodically go through it, section by section. For more than 20 years it’s been as much a part of their morning routine as a …
Looking for a fun breakfast idea for Dad this Father’s Day? Try this twist on pancakes and package it up in a jar for a perfect homemade Father’s Day breakfast idea. Simply replace the liquid in a ready made pancake mix with beer. Yes, I said beer. It will add a nice savory and interesting …
I just got back from a family graduation in Texas where my nephew graduated from high school. As he gets ready to head out for college in a couple months, and all the preparations, it reminded me of something that parents often forget but must think about when their “baby” turns 18. As our high …
I’m beyond excited to offer you this wonderful giveaway from Jacques & Jill Macarons! Here’s a little bit about this unique company- Jacques & Jill Macarons was founded by friends Niki McConnell and Emma Flanders. Niki and Emma met while working as buyers for a leading luxury kitchen company. They immediately bonded over their …
I was lucky enough to be invited to the grand opening of A Hidden Vine on the Lake, a very cool wine bar on Lake Mission Viejo. It was not your run of the mill wine bar. A Hidden Vine focuses on small wine releases so their customers truly get to experience specialty wines from …
…and just like that it’s nearly summer. I feel totally surprised and caught off guard. Which is also how I felt a few nights ago when I was stung by a wayward bee while sitting on my couch at 9:15pm. It’s been a good 2 decades since my last bee sting. Jiminy Christmas, those little …
I love to wake up in the morning to farm fresh produce on my front porch. It makes getting out of bed so much easier – well, that and coffee – but still, I was excited to get out of bed this morning to see what good stuff I had waiting on my porch. I …
The Anaheim Ducks may have hung up their skates for the summer, but there is still plenty of hockey being played all over Orange County. The past two weekends have seen the Ducks host two of their largest youth hockey events, the sixth annual S.C.O.R.E. Street Hockey Shootout and the second annual i3 Roller Hockey …
Have you been to Knott’s Soak City? We actually haven’t ever, so the kids are beyond excited to soak up the scene, particularly with the toasty temps lately. If you’re interested in going, I have the scoop on what’s ahead. Of all the things to do with kids in Southern California, water parks top the list with …
“Take the Day Off” Happy MAMAS Day! We’re all busy, overworked and underpaid O-MAMAs, but the benefits are priceless! We have the most incredible job there is. But… One day a year, take a MOMent for yourself. Sleep in…go for a walk ALONE…read a book…whatever your guilty pleasure, because every day we do our jobs. …
It was a sunny, warm day. Perfect weather, I thought, for an afternoon at the ballpark. I got in my car, but I didn’t drive to Angel Stadium or the local Little League field. I headed out to what is probably my favorite ball field in all of Orange County. This ball field doesn’t have …
They’re super simple. To some, they may look like a weapon or a medieval torture device. It’s an exercise tool called a kettlebell. My workout buddy. It’s essentially a cannon ball with a thick metal handle on top that you swing and press and use in a variety of moves that challenge you (and torture you- …
Do you have a pet? Then we highly recommend bringing them to Top Dog Barkery in Corona del Mar. It is of the best places to get your pets healthy treats, gear and even clothes. The popular pet destination is hosting some fun upcoming events, and we hope to see you there! April 28th Barks …
Local Orange County realtors, Sandi Clark and Debbie Miller have become celebrity real estate agents with their appearances on the ground breaking television show “Leading The Field: World Class Experts Share Their Tips and Advice.” They have been making dreams of homeownership a dream to families all over Orange County and have been just recently …
The year, 2013, is finally here. The year I turn the BIG, 3-0. I have made a New Year’s Resolution to get into the best shape of my life, and I knew that was going to take a lot of hard work and dedication. A year ago, I went to a mother of twins conference …
Give me a high five, cuz I just threw my son the most awesome birthday party and it was the easiest party I’ve ever organized, and trust me, that’s a huge deal for a divorced mom of two. Here’s how I did it: I called Game Truck and gave my son his very first man …
I’ve been thinking a lot the last few days about the on going battle of the ‘Mommy Wars’ and frankly, the more I do so, the more inane it seems. You wonderful, caring, loving mothers fight about breastfeeding versus formula feeding. You fight about Stay at home, versus work at home, versus work at work. …
I admit I have a problem when it comes to wine. I love the stuff. I grew up near the wine country and so I think that wine literally runs through my veins. While wine is not included in my new Paleo diet, I say if it’s made from grapes, it’s okay. I mean there’s …
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Actually Theodore Geisel, American author, poet, cartoonist, best known as Dr. Seuss, was born on March 2nd, 1904. His birth date may be tomorrow but today we celebrate Read Across America Day. Read Across America is an award-winning literacy program designed to get students excited about reading, founded by the National …
Hi friends! I had a dandy time at the Craft and Hobby Association’s Winter Conference this year. Have you ever wanted to make rad jewelry but don’t want to spend a fortune on all the jewelry making supplies? Me too! REALLY! I tried once and it didn’t have the best outcome. Well, Craft Attitude’s …
Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier? Do you wish getting a healthy meal on the table for your family was easier – less stressful – and you could save time and money too? Well, I have some great news for you! All of these wishes can become reality with a simple process …
Lets starts with you liking the IBOTTA link and signing up. http:// ibotta.com/r/Y65bA. It takes less than a minute and please come back to read this blog. It is not often that I personally get excited about about a new smart app anymore. Especially the ones that start out by promising to turn your grocery …
I’m back! I’ve been on maternity leave. Now I have three(!) kids to clothe from head to toe and want to do it without breaking the bank and while keeping them in style. So, I decided to visit a new place. Newport Kids is an upscale resale kids store. I visited the other day to …
As the weather cools off, nothing is as enticing as the scent of warm, melting chocolate. While we will be turning our attention to Christmas cookies and other treats… any day now… as soon as I get over my denial that it is already December, meanwhile think about enjoying some baking with a treat …
Your guide to booking camping spots in Orange County Now is the time to start thinking about any camping trips you would like to take this summer. I love camping, but I also prefer to stay close to home. There are plenty of choices in our own community of Orange County. But since most of …
Tomorrow, on Tuesday, November 27 from 9:30am-2:30pm, the Newport Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. (NCL) will host its annual Shopping With a Heart Annual Holiday Boutique, where 15% of the sales from that day will help raise funds for over 30 charities in Orange County that NCL supports. National Charity League, a mother-daughter philanthropic …
45 things I’d like to reflect on as I begin my 46th revolution around the sun: 1. Have you all seen this YouTube video about just how insignificant we really are? I wouldn’t have even put a dent in the Milky Way traveling at light speed, yet. 2. I liked FaceBook during this election year …
Lisa Ackerman worked in real estate site selection for almost 20 years, before retiring from her full-time career to volunteer her time with Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) and the families served by the mission. In July 2008 Lisa accepted a staff position as Executive Director of TACA. She has two children; Lauren (age 29) …
One of the most important things to consider when you’re into fitness is what you’re wearing. And we’re not just talking about looking cute (although that’s definitely a plus!). Whether you’re a runner, walker, Cross Fit-er, or gym class regular, you want clothes that not only fit well, but that are also: A. comfy B. …
It’s been one year since I’ve started CrossFit, and looking back at the progress I’ve made in and out of the gym is astonishing. It’s almost unbelievable to me to see where I was, and where I am now! I thought I would do a rundown of my accomplishments to really get it all out …
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. When searching for local fundraisers to promote I came across this event which will support a local mom of two with the overwhelming medical costs that have come with her recent breast cancer diagnosis. This Thursday October 4th, the vintage boutique Macalistaire at 1850 in Laguna Beach will be …
I love when people document things in a organized manner, like take pictures of their kid every first day of school in the same place holding the same thing. Or when they take a picture a month of their belly, or first year of a baby’s life. It is often hard to tell growth and …
Style Week Orange County was created to showcase emerging designers, notable style makers and fashion brands from Orange County. Some of the events will be held at The Irvine Spectrum, where Style Week was created, and there will be other events at Fashion Island in Newport Beach as well. “We are excited about the return …
I had the privilege of co-hosting a baby shower for a dear friend who was thrilled to find out her third child is going to be a girl. She’s the mom of two cute boys, so of course we had to throw her a fancy party with lots of pink. What’s the perfect theme to …
Since I have gone back to work the past four months has blown by. Life has become much more busy and hectic. Hubby and I are still trying to figure out a routine, a schedule, something to get us into a rhythm. Yet in all the craziness, in all the upheaval I have never been happier. I am so glad …
Buena Vista Street might be the sleeper hit of the 5-year expansion of Disney California Adventure. The new entrance and “main street” of Disney California Adventure feels like a romanticized 1920s Los Angeles — the LA that met Walt when he first came to California. I was able to catch a sneak peek at Buena …
From this month’s OC Family Craft Time page— written instructions, photos and places to shop for supplies! Off the cuff! Recycled paper bead cuff bracelet Here’s a bit of a different take with the tried-and-true paper beads. You can make a rad cuff bracelet using recycled paper – magazine pages, old books that are already …
Looking for summer style? Check out my column in this month’s June issue of OC Family Magazine, “Baby got style.” (Pgs. 34-35.) Eight fun fashions for head to toe baby looks, including a must-have bag for Moms. Story here: Baby got style By Debbie Lavdas The temps are up, and it’s so fun to …
Have you bought into the boot camp craze? Well, I did quite literally. A while back, I bought a Amazon deal for 25 Fitness Classes at Chalk Fitness in Placentia, Calif. I should preface this info with the fact that my wife joined a boot camp last fall and has gotten herself it to damn-good shape. So, when …
I’ve never been to Pageant of the Masters, so when I recently got asked if I wanted to go I replied with a hearty, “YES PLEASE!” and then there might have been a fist pump, and the backwards running-man dance move, made popular in the late 80′s, and possibly the watching of a certain Arrested …
We people are funny creatures. We love our routines, and familiarity feels so nice. But inevitably, we grow bored and frustrated and feel like we’ve gotten stuck in a rut. Sometimes, these feelings are harmless and those ruts are our healthy routines, but sometimes those ruts can be more destructive. Late night snacking that is …
I recently became aware of a great line of games and toys from an innovative company, Fat Brain Toys. The background on the company is kind of fun – they started out as an online retailer, carrying the top specialty brands and featuring the newest products. However, even with the thousands of skus that …
Do you feel wonder when you stare at an iPhone screen? Is there a sense of awe when you conquer the next level of a video game? Do you go to bed feeling gloriously exhausted, but immensely fulfilled and hopeful at the end of your day? When you’re a kid, shouldn’t all those feelings be …
Image via Tomkat Studio and HGTV Wondering how to make St. Patty’s special for your little leprechauns? Since the Irish holiday falls on a Saturday this year, I thought I’d share a few ideas to help you put a jig in your step without spending your pot of gold! Image via A Differentiated Kindergarten First, set the …
If you’re reading this blog, chances are I’m preaching to the choir but I thought I’d take this opportunity to make list of why I love living in Orange County and why I plan to put down deep roots here. 1. The Weather I can’t think of a place on Earth that has better weather …
Turkey recipes abound and its officially countdown time to the big day! I’ve ordered my Mary’s Free Rangeorganic turkey – all it takes is a phone call to Whole Foods – and I’ll pick it up next Monday so it has 2+ days to defrost in the refrigerator. So let’s talk turkey! Have you decided …
I don’t really have a clear idea of what it means when they say, “Woke up on the wrong side of the bed.” I do know that if my husband does not get enough sleep, there will be a lot of crankiness and confusion in the morning. He may have to spend the early morning …
Welcome back photogs to another installment of what makes a photo great. Last week we covered #2 – color and how color impacts a viewers eye. This week we are pulling in the 3rd component, composition. Compostion in itself is a rather big subject in photography. Good composition its paramount, it separates the photographs from the snapshots. I could probably …
Yep, that’s me there. At 16, in all my retainer-wearing, unplucked-eyebrow glory. I dug the photo up when Suz Broughton asked me to participate in a Vloggersation about what I would say to my 16-year-old self if I had a chance. I thought I’d share my thoughts here too. So I’m dedicating this one to …
