I just can’t help myself – helping my first-grader with his homework makes me feel like a genius. Well, maybe not a genius but a bit like Alex Trebek at a primary school spelling bee: “I’m sorry,” I’d say [cue my pity face]. “The correct answer is t-r-o-u-b-l-e.” Then I like to show off a …
I was watching my girls laughing and interacting on the floor, while I was sitting on the couch with my laptop in front of me and phone in my hand, so it was very fitting when I came across an article that almost brought me to tears. How to Miss a Childhood by Hands Free Mama. …
Autism spectrum disorders don’t just affect our children—they affect the entire family. When a child is diagnosed with autism, mom or dad takes on the difficult role of caregiver, taxi to regular appointments, therapies and IEP meetings—as well learning how to become a lifetime legal advocate for their son or daughter. And unfortunately, as much …
You don’t have to travel to Spain to learn how to cook Spanish Tapas. The Savory Spice Shop, home of the most exotic spices in Orange County, is hosting a Spanish Tapas class in Corona del Mar. Last month I took a Moroccan cooking class at the Savory Spice Shop that inspired me to explore …
Ever since I made the switch from liquid face wash to bar soap from LUSH, I’ve been looking for ways to make my cleanser last. At around $13.00 for a pie-shaped slice of soap, it’s not something I want to wash down the drain every time someone turns the shower on. Should I just slice …
This post is part of a monthly series entitled The M.O.M (Month of Mom) Series. Okay, we all know I have a problem when it comes to wine. I can’t get enough of it. Growing up near the vineyards of Sonoma County, I think that my body needs wine – it’s in my blood. I …
I hope you all had an amazing mother’s day weekend. The books I featured in this month’s OC FAMILY magazine included elephant moms, stepmothers and grandmothers. But when you really start to think about it, what does it mean to be a mom? It means being kind, loving and nurturing — and this is a …
Are you a Whole Foods fanatic? The newest South OC store at 23932 Aliso Creek Road opens Wednesday. It’s OC’s fourth Whole Foods Market. I’ve been press-visiting since the hard-hat tour to check in on the progress and talk with the Laguna Niguel team. Time flies, as the big day is here. You’ll find when you …
Oh the cooking I’ve done this week. Hang onto your hats, it’s going to be a culinarily exciting week. And I’m pretty sure I just made up the word culinarily. Do I get something for that? Anyway, I’m thrilled about what’s been coming out of the kitchen lately so stay tuned!! What’s cooking this week? …
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 …
I have been observing for the last 2-3 weeks, commercials on TV suggest a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, a beautiful card, and of course the hubby if you have one, should really buy some sort of gift, preferably jewelry. We have been trained that these traditions are what validate us the other 364 days of …
Magical things are growing at the San Diego Zoo for Mother’s day. The zoo will be hosting a special Garden Festival until May 13th, where visitors can participate in fun gardening activities. There will be zookeeper talks, scavenger hunts, face painting, food sampling, and more! Visitors can reserve a special Bugs & Bloom VIP tour …
“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. …
As the newest OC Family fashion/lifestyle blogger, I am thrilled to begin blogging about all things style, beauty, fitness, and of course, motherhood! With Mother’s Day is quickly approaching, and thinking back to all the things our moms have done for us, we of course want to give her only the best and treat her …
It’s wild what people think of, isn’t it? some innovative mom or dad was undoubtedly juggling a baby and a diaper bag too far, too long and was probably about dropping both. You can imagine it, as we’ve all been there when the diaper bag keeps slipping off your shoulder and you’re repositioning the baby …
It’s a big weekend for all the mom’s out there on Mother’s Day. When it comes to gift-giving, I definitely like to give and receive gifts that are personal. And when they are handcrafted, it makes it all the more special! There is still time to make a crafty Mother’s Day gift. So today I …
Shh…. Let’s not talk about the fact that I haven’t blogged in a very very long time. Let’s pretend it never happened, k? So I caught a blog post about 50 Rules for Dads of Daughter that was inspired or written out of this blog. So I took a look around, and saw a couple …
With school almost out and summer fast approaching, our family will be spending more time out at the Big A. Our girls know that summertime means the beach, swimming and Angel games, so to get them ready, we’ve signed them up again this season for the Junior Angels Kids Club. For only $18, it’s the …
Last week, I was getting ready for a party and opened my makeup drawer. I think I let out an audible sigh when I looked down at it all – drug store makeup, department store makeup, organic makeup, makeup that I know better than to wear, and some makeup that I think dates back to …
From this month’s OC Family Craft Time Page— the Cardboard Space Rocket project! To Infinity & beyond: Cardboard Space Rocket These easy rockets use discarded paper towel tubes. Using some paint, craft foam and your imagination, you and your child can create a fun space adventure! This project a little bit of adult help with …
A friend recently commented that she had misplaced her Super Mom cape. I chuckled as I read her post –boy, could I relate to that statement! Sometimes it seems like all of us Moms must have super powers –juggling motherhood, our spouse or significant other, our homes, work, exercise, errands and all those other items …
There is something about gift giving that can be really fun for the one giving the gift if the right amount of thought is put in to the present. With Mother’s Day fast approaching, I thought that it would be a great opportunity to compile a list of gift ideas for the Fit Mom in …
Mommy guilt. I think all of us feel it at one point or another, right? I always feel it when I buy one kid something. I feel like I am going to give the other one a complex (aka envision them on a therapists couch in about 15 years), so I feel the need to …
It’s not easy, this weight loss thing. It’s also not easy to blog about this weight loss thing, especially when the weight loss itself isn’t going that great. Hard to think of topics and inspiration and motivation for writing about losing weight when I’ve lost the motivation to actually do it. There are a few …
Before every birthday I get excited to plan and create something special for my kids. One of my favorite ideas is to incorporate pictures into the event. It’s easy, inexpensive and will add a personal touch to any party! 1. Pick a picture. For Cy’s beach birthday party I chose one of him at the …
Yesterday I plopped my booty down in a Bobbi Brown make up chair looking for some new Bobbi Brown make up. It has been eons since a department store make over has been applied. Back in the day my pick was Dior. Skin painted whiter than a fishes underbelly with black caterpillar eyebrows and ultra …
The Tony Award-winning musical, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is set on December 4, 1956, when an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together for an impromptu jam session at the Sun Records recording studio, owned by record producer, Sam Phillips. He was responsible for launching the careers …
A few months ago, I wrote about my six-year old daughter’s interest in learning how to play ice hockey. We signed her up for the Learn to Play program supported by USA Hockey at KHS Ice Arena in Anaheim. I thought it was time for an update on how she’s doing… Each time I get …
The way I feed my children has changed and evolved immensely over the last seven years. One thing, however, has remained the same; I am always working towards balancing both healthy and fun foods that they can enjoy in moderation. I am constantly inspired by different styles of eating and I usually take bits and pieces from other people and then make choices …
Walking around New York for a week with a seven year old was adventuresome and active. We never ran out of things to see and do, and walked 50 blocks a day on average. Carrying around a huge camera was not only cumbersome but unnecessary when you can slip a 4.5 inch, 4.9 ounce phone …
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 …
Before you answer, you might want to read. My wife and I are faced with a conundrum. It is one we knew we’d have to face, but now we differ on how to handle it. We live near a wooded park, and there are obviously carnivorous critters out there. We’ve lost two cats to coyotes a couple …
Guess what just came in my inbox? Disney has officially announced the date of the opening of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure. They are putting the peddle to the medal to have the expansion completed by June 15, 2012! Anyone else just mark this date on their calendar with a …
Last week was my first week back to work and it was…ummm…good. It really was good but also very strange and gave me mixed butterfly feelings. I loved catching up with old friends, meeting new people that I am sure will be friends, and getting comfortable in my new digs. Pretty nice office huh? I …
The papers are in my hand and the ink on the signature is barely dry. I’m sending Berlyn to private school for kindergarden. My reasons are multi-numeral. When I think about the amounts of teaching philosophies out there my brian feels like it was extracted from my skull and put into the washing machine on …
After 12 easy years, it’s time to get my gun out. The enemy? Teenage punks –errrr– boys. Like many parents, I have the luxury of raising kids of both genders. While they each come with their own challenges, I will say that I’m much more apprehensive as a dad when it comes to my daughter. …
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 …
Katie Nguyen is a local entrepreneur, having started a fashion line for kids called Kangacoo that was one of three children’s lines presented at OC Fashion Week. Billed as “where the runway meets the playground”, Kangacoo features fun and whimsical pieces that are also wearable and washable. Kangacoo is a national brand with show rooms …
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 …
