OC Family Alive in Wonderland

Super Scary Fun at Disneyland's Halloween Time

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 15:35:00 GMT

This year Disneyland Resorts is offering even more spooktacular fun during Halloween Time. It's one of my favorite times to visit the park because I love a good villain spotting and it's the one time a year you're sure to see them all. Now until Halloween night you can see Cruella, The Wicked Queen, Captain Hook, Jafar, and Ursula, they're all there.

There are lots of special things going on in the park for Halloween Time, let's see if I can get them all: over 300 jack-o-lanterns; an area that celebrates Dia de los Muertos; Space Mountain turns into Ghost Galaxy; and, of course, Jack Skellington transformations the Haunted Mansion into a "nightmare."

Even the windows of the shops are filled with orange and black Halloween decor (see the Whrrl below for photos). I don't remember Disneyland ever going this all-out for Halloween Time.

Maybe it's because for the first time in years Mickey's Halloween Party will be held in Disneyland (in the past few years it's been at Disney's California Adventure). Mickey's Party is a trick-or-treat shindig where families can dress up and prowl the park experiencing exclusive activities offered only at The Party.

Here's what's included in Mickey's Halloween Party:

* "Halloween Screams" fireworks show. This is hands-down the best fireworks show I've ever seen. I captured it all on video last year, though a little shaky, I had to hold the camera the WHOLE show and take photos, I still think it gives you an idea of how amazing it is. Halloween Screams, Part One. Halloween Screams, Part Two.

* Two Halloween Dance Parties. One in New Orleans Square's French Market hosted by Jack and Sally and one in Tomorrowland Terrance hosted by our favorite space ranger--Buzz Lightyear.

* Trick-or-treat candy stations throughout the park. (see photos below) Carla Carlyle, the Disneyland Show Director for Mickey's Halloween Party, assured me there are "a lot" more candy stations than there have been in the past. "Would you say 'twice as many?'" I asked her. "Just a whole lot more," she said with a smile. This is good news!

* Mickey's Character Cavalcade will run nightly and feature Disney characters all decked out in their Halloween Costumes.

* Special photo ops with Halloween-clad characters and those dastardly Disney Villains.

The party is only on Tuesday and Friday nights, staring Oct. 1 and ending Oct. 29th and then, naturally, on Halloween night.

The prices for Mickey's Halloween Party are as follows:

Online, advanced tickets: $49

Day of the event tickets: $54

Halloween night: $59

Again, this is a separately ticketed event, so even if you have an annual pass, you'll need to buy a ticket. You can go here to purchase your tickets.

I've packed the slideshow below with much more information--how to vote for your favorite Disney Villain, Special Halloween Treats, and photos galore! Happy Haunting!

More check-ins at Disneyland

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In 2008 I went to Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party at California Adventure with my kids. Here the video from that night. It's a little dark and before I shot in HD, but I think it gives you an idea and also documents my distain for Candy Corn. Which is legendary. Watch it here.

Toto, I don't think we belong in the toy aisle anymore

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 23:19:00 GMT

I don't get too fired up about many things, but if you've been reading my blog for awhile you know the trend of tramping-up our little girls really gets me ranting.

It's downright brazen the way some toy manufactures take the most innocent of childhood icons and activities and sexualizes them.

It really burns me.

Take a look at this Dorothy Doll from "Wizard of Oz." Am I wrong? Isn't "The Wizard of Oz" a children's story about a young girl's journey to get back home not a story of a Vegas escort service?

I'm cloudy.

This was in the toy aisle next to all the "special edition" Barbies at Target. My daughter picked it up and was clever enough to recognize Dorothy (who she adores) looked... "weird."

I looked up the Wizard of Oz Contemporary Dorothy Doll on Target's web site and here's the description...and, it's a good one:

Six-years-old? Couture? Flirty blue-and-white checked mini dress? Auntie Em would not approve. Maybe to some this looks like not such a big deal. But I'm telling you as a mom of a 9-year-old girl, it's becoming more and more prevalent. It's a fight now to keep our girls young and innocent, it's not the default any longer.

I feel better now. Nothing like a good rant, an email of complaint to Target and a Little House on the Prairie bedtime story to make a mom feel better.

Other things along this line that really peeved me:

It's begining to look a lot like a keggar.

Okay kids! Time to break out the French Maid costumes.

Vlog: The struggle of infertility

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 22:07:00 GMT

Some things are just hard to write about. I'm not embarrassed to talk about my infertility struggle. I'm not ashamed of it. It's just something I never talk about anymore since that part of my life has passed and, frankly, who wants to talk fallopian tubes and hormone injections unless you are absolutely forced to?

That's the thing about facing infertility--you're forced into it. You can't make your body do what you want, what other women's bodies seem to do with no effort at all. It's frustrating and leaves you feeling helpless and flawed.

When choosing the topic of "Infertility Issues" for this weeks Vloggersations I knew it was going to be a tough one to tackle, but I was hoping that a few brave gals would volunteer to share their experience. Three did with the hope that by doing so, they would help other women who are going through infertility treatments or maybe just coming to the realization that it's an issue for them. I'm proud to be among such amazing women.

Some of the things we talk about in this Vloggersation are: the feelings associated with not being able to conceive; what not to say to a women who is going through infertility issues; and the two of us who have it behind us now give our advice and perspective.

Please take the time to watch this Vlog. It's our most honest one yet. Even if having a baby has been a piece of cake for you, this is still something a co-worker, sister-in-law or maybe even your child someday will face.

Win Tickets to see "Peter Pan" at OCPAC

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:41:00 GMT

Peter Pan is coming to The Orange County Performing Arts Center Sept. 28th through Nov. 21st, but this is "not Disney's Peter Pan." That's how Robert Butters (best last name ever), the show's producer, describes the adaptation of the original J M Barrie story.

Peter Pan will play in a state-of-the-art "360-degree" theatre built especially for the show on the grass outside OCPAC beside the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

He assures theatre-goers that "this is not just a children's story," that people of every age will love it, but warns that after his three-year-old son saw it, he refused to wear a shirt for weeks.

You see this Peter Pan is far from the waify, feather hat sporting, carrot top we are accustom to seeing. This Peter Pan is...well...more manly and has a modern edge. In fact all the characters are set in the present time and the show uses cutting edge technology.

Puppets, video, flying actors and a fully-orchestrated soundtrack all help tell the story of the boy who never grew up in a completely fresh and modern adaptation. The "360 Theatre" has three-times the projection size of an IMAX theatre and the audience is completely surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Peter Pan story.

Watch the video here from the London show.

Doesn't it look phenomenal?

I'm going to see Peter Pan on Sept. 30th with my daughter and I have two family-four-packs to giveaway to two readers. Please leave a comment here and I will pick a winner on Thursday, Sept23rd at noon via Random.org.

Jessie Flores and Bellakarma each won a four-pack of tickets! Cograts!

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The Lowdown

-- Peter Pan will play at The Orange County Performing Arts Center Sept. 28th through Nov. 21st.

-- For the schedule of shows and to buy tickets, click here.

-- Into Neverland is an added feature on weekend afternoons that offers a chance for the audience to get an exclusive opportunity to learn more about the history of Peter Pan, the 360-theatre and also an opportunity to learn more about the cast and producers. For tickets click here.

The Five Worst Selling Yankee Candles--Ever

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 12:10:00 GMT

Yep, I love a good Yankee Candle, but given my inability to follow the most basic fire safety rules and the budget restrictions heartlessly placed on me by my husband, I really shouldn't be buying them at all. I do, now and then, take a trip to this nifty little place called T.J. Maxx Home Goods. Heard of it?

(Sheesh, stop jumping up and down, okay, you've heard of it...)

I could easily drop over $10,000 there on bathmats, floral file folders and Yankee Candles--which are 1/4 the price--but some of the scents are a little...off. It made me think of what possibly the worst selling Yankee Candle scents have been. You know, like the "New Coke" of Yankee Candle scents. For today's Friday Five, here are my guesses.

1.) Microwaved Broccoli: America's favorite vegetable zapped of all its nutrients and permeating your entire house--every room, closet and media niche--for days.

2.) Your Brother's Room Growing Up: Harkening back to the days when your brother played football and your mom worked full-time, Your Brother's Room will leave you breathless.

3.) Wet Dog: Undeniably K-9.

4.) Motel Room A/C: The distinct scent you used to only be able to get when entering a cheap motel room mid-summer right after a smoker has checked out, now in a Yankee Candle.

5.) Desperation: Exclusive to Yankee Candle, now the smell of desperation isn't limited only to OC home sellers, reality show pitch meetings, and plastic surgeons' waiting rooms. Light a candle and have yourself a good cry.

Why they never made it is pretty clear.

More Friday Fives? Here ya go...

Five of the most troublesome crowd-walkers.

Five men who have my permission to wear tank tops.

Five song lyrics and their resulting legal action.

Frenchy's Great Escape!

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 09:18:00 GMT

Check out my story on the writer's collaborative blog--Smartly OC.

"Frenchy's Great Escape" is about a designer dog who saw her chance at freedom from the tyranny of fashion and Juicy hoodies and made a break for it. Can you blame her?

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Designer dog: $2,500, check … “Juicy” dog sweater: $45, check … Leather collar with matching leash from Muttropolis: $130, check … Dog tag to identify your dog in case she gets lost: $5, but wait…ummm, can’t find it.

I was shopping with my family at The Spectrum one night and we eyed this adorable teacup Yorkie sniffing a potted palm. She was dragging her designer leash as she walked stiff and slow due to the thick pink hoodie”Juicy”sweater she was wearing. She was all by her lonesome. “Where is her mommy?” asked my dog-crazed daughter.

Everyone passing by the fancy dog looked at her, then we all looked at one another. I went right over and picked up the two-pound pooch and fumbled around for her tag. Yes, of course, I wanted to find her “mommy,” but more importantly, I secretly couldn’t WAIT to find out what her name was: Frenchy? Muffin buns? Couture?

Feeling around her neck…no…that’s a necklace. No…that’s her rhinestone charm. Incredible, she wasn’t wearing an ID tag. The whole package – dog and accessories – hovering around the three grand mark and she didn’t have on a five-buck tag? Now I was getting peeved.

This is exactly what’s wrong with the whole Paris Hilton & Tinkerbelldog thing. Dogs are looked at as accessories, not wet-nosed, bacon stealers that come with a load of responsibility. Adding to the potential of further feckless behavior, would-be owners can finance their pup purchase, really! Wells Fargo offers financing according to the sign in the window of Russo’s. Wonder if they have a fore(paws)closures problem? “Repo-Pet?” Totally pitching that as a reality show.

I felt like putting poor Frenchy (that’s the name I chose) in my pocket and taking her home with me. True, I have an upgraded “King Charles Spaniel” and she has been known to get dolled-up in a spring dress, but she has her tag, her shots, her daily vitamin and… um, okay, her own stroller. It’s not the pampering that is in question here, it’s the capricious, slave-to-fashion attitude some take when purchasing a trendy dog.

Looking around for her “mommy,” I spotted a gal casually peering out from the doorway of a nearby store. Surely this couldn’t be her dog. She looked as concerned as someone who misplaced their used tissue. “Is she yours?” I asked. “Oh, yes. I didn’t see her slip away,” said the not-even-attempting-to-act-concerned owner. She had price tags sticking out of her shirt and pants.

Obviously clever Frenchy saw her chance at freedom while her mom was slipping on a pair of jeans and ran as fast as her four-inch legs would take her. “You might want to get her an ID tag…” I said, oh-so indignantly as I reluctantly handed her over.

No answer came. No “thank you” either, now that I think about it. She simply scooped Frenchy up and walked back to her dressing room to continue her business, most likely stuffing the dog into her handbag.

Attention Frenchy! If you read Smartly OC (and who doesn’t?), I will be sitting outside The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at The Spectrum at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday waiting for you. Try to make another run for it…I have bacon….

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Dreaming of being a writer? Stories swirling around your head? You're the only one who knows how awesome you are? Share your talent. Submit your stories to Smartly OC by applying here.

CHOC Rocks with Ryan Seacrest and Radio Lollipop

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:50:00 GMT

Radio Lollipop is CHOC's in-house radio station that spins the tunes for patients and their families three nights a week. It's fueled entirely by volunteers and the belief that music is one of the best kinds of therapy. CHOC kids can come down to the lobby and do crafts with their brothers and sisters as they rock out or stay in their rooms and listen to the music.

Ryan Seacrest of KIIS FM and American Idol fame has been part of Radio Lollipop since it was built in the lobby of Children's Hospital of Orange County in 2006. Since then, he's come back every year with the crew of America's most popular morning radio program to broadcast live from Radio Lollipop to help raise money to keep it going.

So for Radio Lollipop's anniversary there is a red carpet, celebrity guests, live performances (this year by Emily Osment and Mike Posner) and lots and lots of smiles from the CHOC kids.

Here is my video from the day along with my interview with some of the patients, the parents and Ryan Seacrest. Please take the time to watch it and see the phenomenal work CHOC is doing for sick kids in Orange Cpunty and you'll have a new-found respect for Ryan Seacrest who does this work with his heart wide open.

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It's not in the video, but I spent time with him walking the floors of CHOC as he visited every sick kid that would see him in their room. This is tough stuff and certainly not something he has to do.

But there he was sitting and joking with the kids, hugging their parents, posing for pictures with friends and family, and trying his best to keep his own emotions contained and in check durning his time at CHOC.

Honestly, I couldn't stay with him and his group as he walked the floors. I was overcome by my emotions and had to excuse myself, go into the bathroom and cry--I don't know how the staff does it day after day. (Thank you CHOC!)

Seacrest said each year he drives home "in total silence" as he lets the magnitude of each family's situation finally sink in. He's now planning to build Radio Lollipops all over America. Ryan Seacrest is in my eyes now a true American Idol.

You can donate $5 to CHOC and Radio Lollipop by texting the word "CHOC" to 85944.

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For more photos from the day, check out my Whrrl report that was posted live from the event. The photo above was taken by the amazing photographer Christopher Wren.

Mom, you can let go now

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:28:00 GMT

This was a big summer for Emily, my nine-year old daughter. There were a lot of firsts, but the biggest first by far was letting her go with her brother outside to play by themselves.

This is the kind of thing that if you were to go back in a time machine to the '70s and to tell a mom "Hey, I let my 9-year old play outside by herself! Big day!" She would say, "Um, I've been letting my kids do that since they were 5." No big deal... and then she'd go back to watching Lawrence Welk or making Sloppy Joe's or something equally '70s-ish.

But in the '00s, letting your kids go outside and play unsupervised is a right of passage. It's a calculated parenting decision. It's a big flippin' deal.

When Emily struck out in our gated community with her brother to explore the wilds of the park across the street, the first thing I noticed was the sound of the cars. Once innocuous, every car I heard from my office window now sounded like it was going menacing and like it was going 100 MPH. Cars were now my enemies--out to get my kids. I was hyper-tuned in to the approaching rush of the car and after each passed I felt relieved...until the next one came down our street.

Emily passed the first "test" just fine, meeting all of our requirements: coming back when she said she would, with her brother, neither bleeding or crying. So they were allowed to go out on their Razor scooters the next time, then down to the park that's further down the path. With each trip out by themselves they proved they were ready for the challenge and I felt a little more relaxed.

The next leap was learning to ride her bike; Emily never couldn't do it without her training wheels. She was more focused on her roller skates and scooter. But, now two girls her age moved in next door (yay!) and since they were constantly on their bikes, there was a sudden urgency to learn how to ride hers.

I took her out to practice on her new bike she got back at Christmas, which is now almost too small for her. I held on to the back and she would give it a go--the standard learning to ride your bike scene. But, darn it if I had trouble letting go of the bike. I just kept running next to her thinking, "If I let go, she surely is going to biff it." I couldn't find it in me to unhand that white plastic seat.

Finally it got almost comical (read: pathetic) and as I was sprinting next to her, working up a pretty good sweat and tying not to get my toes run over, she turned her helmeted head toward me and said calmly, almost sympathetically, with a smile, "Mom, you can let go now. I got it."

But it's so hard!

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I am wondering: When did you let your kids go out and play by themselves?

The Three Disneyland Moms are here to help!

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:29:00 GMT

You might have noticed, I'm a big Disney fan. I write about it often here on my blog and over the past four years I have worked closely with Disneyland to bring readers the scoop on what's new at the Parks and delivered some pretty exclusive previews and happenings.

I've partnered with two other Disney fans, fellow bloggers and good friends to make a video series called "The Three Disneyland Moms." We make short video "TOP 5 Lists" about Disneyland; these are our favorite places, insider tips, and little-know facts about one of our favorite places in Orange County.

The Three Disneyland Moms are Marcy Massura from The Glamorous Life, Lisa Robertson from "Babes in Disneyland," and moi of here, OC Family.

I'll be posting some of the videos right here on my blog or you can become a fan on Facebook to keep up-to-date on our latests TOP 5 videos (or subscribe to our videos on YouTube). We know our Disneyland stuff and we want to share it with you--we love to share it actually. Love it.

Here is my first video: The TOP 5 Places to Escape the Crowds at Disneyland Resort. In it, I show you places you and your family where you can go to chill out when you're at the Parks.

Marcy's first video: TOP 5 Places on Main Street. In it, she shows you her favorite places on Main Street in Disneyland and also gives you a few tips...

Lisa's first video: TOP 5 Tips for First-Timers at Disneyland Resorts. In it, she gives you some great insider information that even Disneyland regulars might not know...

Next up?

My TOP 5 Special Treats at Disneyland Resort.

Lisa's TOP 5 Secret Facts about Disneyland.

Marcy's TOP 5 Best Photo Locations at Disneyland Resort.

Win 95th Anniversary Edition Raggedy Ann doll

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:41:00 GMT

Today is an old friend's birthday; Raggedy Ann turns 95 years old. She's lookin' good for her age and still holds the same sweet smile she did when I was a little girl.

My daughter got her first Raggedy Ann from her grandma when she was a newborn. Larry's mom was determined to find a Raggedy Ann for her new granddaughter and searched all over their small town until finally she found one in a shop window.

So the story went, she made Emily's grandpa stop in the middle of the street and back up to let her out so she could run in and get it. Both of Larry's parents have passed away now, but Emily still sleeps every night with the Raggedy Ann they got for her. (Pictured right.)

Emily also has one (on the right) from her Aunt and now she has the 95th Anniversary Doll. They make quite the button-eyed threesome on her bed. Russ created the exclusive vintage inspired Raggedy Ann just for the occasion. The style and size are made to look like the original illustrations by Johnny Gruelle.

In honor of the old girl's birthday I'm giving away a special Anniversary Doll Package which includes; the vintage Raggedy Ann (pictured above middle), a anniversary edition Christmas ornament, and the original Raggedy Ann Stories book.

If you have a little girl (or know a little girl) you should enter. My daughter begged me for months for the new doll and loves her.

Please just leave a comment and I'll choose a winner on Thursday morning via Random.org. If you win I will email to let you know and then send you the doll via U.S. Mail.

To purchase the Raggedy Ann 95th Anniversary Edition Doll online, check it out on Amazon here.

This giveaway is closed! Keli you were chosen by random.org as the winner. I'll email you with the deets.

The Real Deal: The Truth About Baby Showers

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:47:00 GMT

Driving to my friend Jen's baby shower Emily, my daughter, turned down the radio and asked, "Why do they call it a baby shower, anyway?" Good question. "I think it's because when you become a new mom you don't get to take very many showers. So we throw mommies-to-be one big shower before the baby comes."

*Ba dum bum* No giggle. Nothing. She just blinked at me.

"Okay Sweetie," I told her, coming clean. "It's really because we shower the mom-to-be with gifts for the new baby."

This was Emily's first baby shower, and she's pumped, dolled up and brimming with questions. Then she asked what we're going to do at the shower. I tell her we'll open gifts, eat fancy snacks, play games. She perks right up at the games idea. "What kind of games?"

Now, I suppose I could tell her about the "The Baby Food" game, or "The Safety Pin" game, but I didn't. Maybe it was my unrelenting need to mess with my kids, or maybe it was the frappuccino talking, but I launched into a list of games that I think would much better reflect the true parenting experience:

The Eating Shameful Things Game: Shower guest are given a plate of pizza crusts, dried out mac and cheese, sticky Goldfish crackers and cold french fries. Whoever can eat it all the quickest scores the prize.

The Feign Sleeping Game: While all the guests are seated in a circle, one at a time they lie in the middle while everyone makes the loudest noises possible to try to wake them. Whoever can pretend they're sleeping the longest wins! This isn't recommended if it's a co-ed shower. The men smoke us everytime.

The Find Something to Wear Game: Place each player in front of a closet packed with clothes, but only a few things that actually fit them. Give them 30 seconds to find something to wear. All the current moms will gasp in sympathy as the mom-to-be reaches for the pre-pregnancy jeans.

As a mom who is ten years into her parenting gig I guess I feel a little, I don't know, jaded? No, not jaded, more like a wise old mommy sage--like Maggie Seaver or Claire Huxtable. (It really is sad all of my parenting role models come from '80s TV show.)

Whenever I go to a baby shower I feel the urge to help paint a picture of a more realistic parenting experience for the mom-to-be.

I want to bring the Pottery Barn Catalog and go through page by page. "See this?" pointing to the perfectly groomed children seated quietly around a (uncovered) pine table doing a craft, "This isn't real you know. You don't dress kids in satin and give them glue."

But, once we got to the shower, like always, my heart starts to melt. I'm swept up in it all, the music, the melon balls, the memories of my first shower and the hope and anticipation my husband and I had for the little girl about to enter our lives.

Just because the parenting isn't the same as we thought is was when we held up booties and footie jammies to oohs and aahs at our own shower, doesn't mean it's any less wondrous. Being a parent is better than you could ever imagine, impossible to explain, and will bring you immeasurable happiness and joy. So why not celebrate with cupcakes and a mountain of gifts?

Welcome to the Mom's Club, Jen. It's going to be fantastic. Just don't even think about reaching for those pre-pregnancy jeans just yet.

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This is my column in this month's OC Family. Here are some past printed posts by moi:

The Curious Pear:

About the couple a Trader Joe's who found a pear so very fascinating.

Surviving a Slumber Party.

About how I wanted to join in my daughter's slumber party festivities and she wouldn't let me.

All in Perspective.

Win tickets to "Walking With Dinosaurs" at Honda Center

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:14:00 GMT

Watch the video from last night.

Last night a colossal show came to the Honda Center. It was massive. It was enormous. It was "Walking With Dinosaurs--The Arena Spectacular" and it was one of the most unique and awe-inspiring live shows I've ever seen.

Based on the BBC TV series, the show runs under two-hours long (which includes a 20 minute intermission) and features 17 stunningly realistic, "live" dinosaurs along with running narrative by a J. Peterman-cald paleontologist.

The show is packed with facts, science and history all played out in spectacular sets and dumbfounding special effects. "Some people say science is boring," says the paleontologist. "But, it's really one big adventure." Your kids (and you) will feel the same way after seeing Walking with Dinosaurs. Science made fun? Priceless.

Walking with Dinosaurs is playing at the Honda Center now through Sunday and I have a family four-pack of tickets to give away for the 5 pm performance on Sunday night. Just leave a comment to enter and I will pick a winner tomorrow at 2:00 pm.

This contest is closed. Danny was chosen as the winner via Random.org.

There are still tickets available >>>> To see a list of the remaining shows and to buy tickets, click here.

What it's like being related to me

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:44:00 GMT

Today is my husband, Larry's, birthday and since he's a twin it's also his brother's birthday. That's how it works with twins. It does make some things easy, like remembering to pop a card in the mail to your spouse's sibling for his birthday.

That's the theory anyway.

I still manage not to get that bit right. I always wanted to be the type of person who at my funeral people would say, "She never forgot my birthday; every year there was a card in the mail from Suz. I'm sure going to miss that card." *lots of wailing and uncontrollable weeping*

I try. But it's not easy for me. Instead, I've settled for people saying, "She always had gum, every time I needed a stick of gum, Suz was there." It's good to have life goals.

So, since I didn't get a card for Barry I made him this "v-card" to wish him a happy birthday. I plan on keeping almost all of the promises I make to him. Pretty sure I will.

Well, after I made this I didn't want Larry to feel bad that I made Barry a video and not him (you know how twins are) so here is a video I made for Larry and posted it on his Facebook page.

(I didn't like any of the thumbnails Vimeo offered for this video so I used a photo from the movie "The Other Guys," just because I thought it was a funny movie. It has absolutely nothing to do with the video.)

Happy Birthday, guys. I'm lucking to have you both in my life :)

Love, Suz

Video: Food Trucks are for families too!

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:08:00 GMT

The food truck craze has taken off with the help of Twitter, Facebook and the Food Network show "The Great Food Truck Race," but you might think it's just for people who don't know what a Diaper Genie is or haven't ever strapped a whiny toddler in a car seat.

Not true.

Families can get a taste of the creative foods offered at all sorts of food trucks all around Orange County. I headed over to The Honda Center on Saturday for the first annual OC Foodie Fest with my kids and made this video showing you exactly how you can track down one of these restaurants on wheels. I also spaz out over a hand-crafted ding dong made by The Sweets Truck. Seriously delicious.

Calling all OC Dads! Be in OC Family Magazine!

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:25:00 GMT

The November OC Family is our "Dads Issue" and we're looking for OC Dads to feature in our pictorial spread. We want every type of dad represented: young tattooed dads, old tattooed dads, grandpas, stepdads, surfing dads, grouchy dads, coaching dads, geek dads, chef dads, all dads!

If you're an OC Dad, all you have to do is fill out this short survey and submit it. There's only, like, four questions. Super easy. Our Editor will then call you to arrange a photo shoot with other awesome OC Dads.

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Okay, now for the real way this is going to happen. OC Moms listen up!

You want a photo of your favorite OC Dad in the November issue, right? But you know if you send him this survey he'll NEVER fill it out, am I right? He is a guy after all.

So, here's what you do, email him these questions from the survey:

What has been the most rewarding thing about being a father?

What has surprised you most about fatherhood?

What has been your greatest challenge as a father?

Then YOU fill out the form send it to OC Family and schedule a haircut for him in the next few weeks.

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Okay, honestly, so here's how this is really, really going to happen. You ask him these questions casually over dinner then you fill out the form and send it in and schedule that haircut.

Not only will it honor him to be featured in OC Family, but your kids will get an absolute kick out of seeing him in print. Please take the time to submit the survey.

Join me in the Disneyland CHOC Walk!

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:14:00 GMT

Lemonade anyone?

My kids along with their neighborhood buddies set up a lemonade stand on the corner yesterday and raised almost $50 for CHOC Children's!

Selling only lemonade and iced tea, four kids were able to raise that kind of cash for OC's only all-children's hospital and donate it to its Change CHOC, Change the World Campaign. I know! I was so proud of each of them. Not to mention all of my neighbors who "tipped" well over the .25 cents the kids charged.

"We are going to raise the money using donations of all sizes. Don't think that you're $5 here and $10 there isn't helpful--it is!" Pam Brashear De Jong, CHOC's Marketing Manager told me a few months back. We were talking about ways CHOC was going to raise $125 million they need for the new CHOC tower under construction right now. When it's completed in 2013, CHOC will be able to attract even more world-class pediatric doctors and continue to serve the families of Orange County with the best care available.

For CHOC by the numbers and to hear about all the great things CHOC does for us, Read my post "Thank Goodness for CHOC."

Yes, they are getting help from some heavy hitters, but I encourage other OC families, schools and organizations to help CHOC in the building of their new tower.

Ways you can help:

Donate online: Any amount by clicking here.

Sponsor your own CHOC fundraising event: Click here to get the deets.

Join me and my family as we walk at Disneyland on Oct. 17th in the 20th annual CHOC Walk! My kids and I joined my dear friend Lisa's team--Babes in Disneyland (named after her blog). The goal for our group is to raise $500 for CHOC.

Over 15,000 people will stroll right through Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure and Downtown Disney in a fun and super breezy 5K walk. It's going to be a blast and we'd love you to come. Join us by clicking here. If you can't make it to the walk, you can donate to my page here.

Lisa's son Connor might only be a few months old, but he wants you to join us at The CHOC walk, too. He made this video telling us all about it.

Grace and Poise at a Nail Salon

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:33:00 GMT

To me, going to the nail salon is a little respite. A bastion of twenty-five dollar luxury. A place I go to read the People magazine, the very magazine I sneer at my friends for reading. I sit on my beige vinyl throne and flip through the pages thinking smugly, “I am so glad I don’t find this remotely interesting…” But just try to pry it from my freshly soaked hands.

Sadly, my last trip to my favorite salon was infiltrated by a woman driving a VERY large black Escalade and sporting a brown velvet sweatsuit. She came in with kinetic energy courtesy of her Frappuccino and was escorted to the chair next to mine for her mani/pedi. While I tried to decide between “ElePhantastic Pink” or “Big Apple Red,” another woman outside the salon caught my eye.

She was attempting to open her car door to get behind the wheel of her cream Camry. She was polite about it, making every effort not to ding the Escalade that slid in barely one foot away from her driver’s side. Finally accepting defeat, she sweetly peeked her head into the salon, “Is that anyone’s Escalade out there? I can’t get into my car.”

Ms. Frappy Velvet Mani/Pedi pitched forward, looked at the thin valley between the two cars and said (brace yourself), “You can squeeze in.” The whole place stopped–no buffing, no scrubbing, no removing unwanted calluses–frozen with shock. “I tried, but I can’t squeeze in,” she said nicely without a trace of sarcasm.

She looked exactly like a updated version of Mrs. Kravitz from Bewitched, but with a softness about her Samantha’s neighbor could never muster. I’m telling you she had a rudeness shield the size of a 1976 Buick.

Bamm!

Deflected!

“Could you possibly move it when you have a chance?” She suggested with a smile. “I think you can make it in, I’m going to be a while,” she motioned dramatically to her (I suspect webbed) hands and feet that were covered with plastic bags. Then she looked at me with a “get-a-load-of-her” look. I just sunk my head deeper into the glossy pages of my People, truly afraid of someone so mean.

This is my theory. My “how the world would work if I were in charge” mandate: Cars should be handed out according to driving record, skill and human decency. If you are a good driver, who is kind and generous, you get a big beautiful black Escalade – totally cherry, with shiny rims and all. If you are a disgraceful driver, a lousy parker, and a disdainful person with perception problems rendering you unable to perceive a space is too small for your car, you get an old Ford Pinto with a wire hanger for an antenna and faded stuffed animals piled in the back window.

But, the world doesn’t work that way…I’ll bet you wish Mrs. K did a Carrie Underwood “Before He Cheats” on the Escalade. I know the whole place was waiting for it. But she’s bigger than that. Mrs. Kavitz just walked out to her car and crawled in through the passenger’s side and drove away.

Her grace and poise in the face of severe rudeness was remarkable. Inspirational even. Ms. Frappy Velvet Mani/Pedi wasn’t worth ruining her beautiful sunny Saturday morning.

*****

This story was my first contribution to the writer's collaborative web site called Smartly. (See orginal post with comments, here.) If you're an aspiring writer or just have some stories you'd like to tell, you can submit an application to become a Smartly writer.

Smartly Orange County already has some great writers, maybe you're next. I think it's a great opportunity for moms (or dads) out there who have always wanted to write, but don't have time for their own blog, this might be a first step. Good luck!

Video: A Day at Pelican Hill Resort

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:45:00 GMT

A Day at Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Coast.

Spending a day at Newport Coast's The Pelican Hill Resort might sound like a fast train to guiltville for most moms, but did you know they have a "resort" for your kids, too? Camp Pelican, which I kept calling Club Penguin (you know why), offers kids their own pool, craft room, outdoor activities and video games galore.

For a fee your kiddos will have four hours of Club Penguin Camp Pelican time while you kick it in the Resort's spa. The unique thing about Pelican Hill is that after you enjoy the spa you and your kids can partake in all the hotel's facilities for the day without an additional fee.

And partake we did!

My kids and I spent the day at Pelican Hill and made a video to tempt you to go. It's dreamy and fancy, just like a day spent at Pelican Hill. I double dog dare you not to make a reservation after watching it.

******

Note: The music in this video may sound like (my beloved) Billie Holiday, but it's actually a modern singer called Medeleine Peyroux. She's fantastic.

Win Family 4-Pack to Wild Rivers Waterpark!

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 18:12:00 GMT

Summer isn't over yet, but the humdrums have set in haven't they? Me thinks it's the perfect time to go to Wild Rivers, no? I have a family four pack of tickets to giveaway. Just leave a comment here and I'll pick a winner (via Random.org) on Wednesday.

Summer just isn't summer without hitting Wild Rivers Waterpark at least once. My kids are back in school in one week. I know! So we are planning on going the very last day before they get back to the grind. Maybe we'll see you there...

This contest is closed. Noah congrats on winning the family four-pack! I'll be giving away two Raggedy Ann anniversary editions in a few days. They are adorable. Check back and enter to win. Thanks! Suz

5 Troublesome Crowd-Walkers Identified

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:31:00 GMT

Doesn't is seem like during summer you spend a lot of time in crowds: the OC Fair; Disneyland; the Beach? Walking through tight spaces with loads of people jammed in together is challenging to your nerves and hazardous to your feet.

In today's Friday Five, I identify the most troublesome of all crowd walkers. We've all been guilty of being at least one of them at some point. I'm the worst #4 ever.

1.) The Sudden Stopper. This person seems like they're cruising along just fine and then *BAM* for no reason at all they suddenly stop--leaving a trail of bumping and cursing behind them. Sadly, there is no cure for The Sudden Stopper.

2.) The AboutFacer: A hybrid of the Sudden Stopper, these people will stop on a dime, pivot and start walking the other direction. This is the most problematic of all the crowd walkers because you find yourself face-to-face with the aggravator. Please try to watch your language around the kids. (Note to self, really.)

3.) The Red Rover Walkers: These people insist on holding hands with their entire extended family while walking through a crowd. On an emotional level I totally understand, but on a practical level, can't they see the peeved wake of people they are creating? Surely that can't be good for the family's morale and destroys any good will that would come from holding hands.

4.) The Searcher: You really should pity this group the most. These are the people who, while walking amongst a sea of people, suddenly have something they absolutely MUST find at that very moment. They search their purse, their phones for that email, their backpacks, their strollers, right in the middle of friggin' crowd. These are really the most pathetic of all the troublesome crowd people because they usually never find what they are looking for--in the larger, existential sort of way I mean.

5.) The Stroller People: Okay, not to bash on moms with strollers. I was one for years. I know how hard it is; the dirty looks; the tight spaces; the need to have a place to hang your shopping bags and hold your Diet Coke. I get it. But some of the stroller people need to remember they are pushing a stroller, not a bulldozer. For the reputation of parents everywhere, please remember to be polite and accept there are just some places your stroller (God bless it) can't go. If you are a stroller person, please smile and say "Thank you" when people let you by, remember you're a mom with a stroller, not the Queen of England.

****

Other Friday Fives

Five of the most troublesome meeting personalties identified.

Five men who have my permission to wear tank tops.

OC Family Alive in Wonderland

Super Scary Fun at Disneyland's Halloween Time

Toto, I don't think we belong in the toy aisle anymore

Vlog: The struggle of infertility

Win Tickets to see "Peter Pan" at OCPAC

The Five Worst Selling Yankee Candles--Ever

Frenchy's Great Escape!

Check out my story on the writer's collaborative blog--Smartly OC."Frenchy's Great Escape" is about a designer dog who saw her chance at freedom from the tyranny of fashion and Juicy hoodies and made a break for it. Can you blame her?

CHOC Rocks with Ryan Seacrest and Radio Lollipop

Mom, you can let go now

The Three Disneyland Moms are here to help!

Win 95th Anniversary Edition Raggedy Ann doll

The Real Deal: The Truth About Baby Showers

Win tickets to "Walking With Dinosaurs" at Honda Center

What it's like being related to me

Video: Food Trucks are for families too!

Calling all OC Dads! Be in OC Family Magazine!

What has surprised you most about fatherhood?

What has been your greatest challenge as a father?

Join me in the Disneyland CHOC Walk!

Grace and Poise at a Nail Salon

Video: A Day at Pelican Hill Resort

Win Family 4-Pack to Wild Rivers Waterpark!

5 Troublesome Crowd-Walkers Identified

Check out my story on the writer's collaborative blog--Smartly OC.

"Frenchy's Great Escape" is about a designer dog who saw her chance at freedom from the tyranny of fashion and Juicy hoodies and made a break for it. Can you blame her?