OC Family Suburban Mama

We blog because we can

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:32:00 GMT

If you've been reading this blog, then you've probably read the other blogs as well. You know us as the OC FAMILY (fanfare please) MOM BLOGERS! Hear us roar.

A couple of weeks ago I attended this massive networking event called Connect OC and Neal Schaffer of Windmill Networking interviewed me about being, you guessed it, a Mom Blogger. Note: Towards the end, I mention Parents Connect but what I meant to say was Parent Bloggers Network - as a group through which companies could reach influential mom bloggers.

PS. Me thinks I smile too much but I hope you enjoyed the video.

Nurturing dreams at the Discovery Science Center

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:52:00 GMT

When I think of engineers, I think of bridges and highways. While those are definitely things that (civil) engineers do, there are other kinds of engineers too (computer, aerospace, environmental etc). From building toys to computers to jet engines from scratch, the field of engineering is vast and very interesting -- That's what Engineer's Day at Discovery Science Museum accomplished last week.

With hands-on demonstrations and special programs, engineers and friendly engineering students showed how math and science can help build a better world. There were giant cannons and trebuchets, a shuttle model made out of Knex .and a toothpick bridge making competition.

Toothpick bridges? I was intrigued -so my boys and I checked out the competition at the stage area of the science center. Only four entries - this shouldn't take long, I thought. My 4 y.o. was getting antsy. Who wants to go? first asked the host. Two brothers volunteered to test their bridge first. The engineer placed the load block and an "S" hook on the bridge. Then he hung a 5 gallon bucket on the hook. The idea was to see how much sand the bridge could hold. The winner was the bridge with the highest "Structure Stability Score," (load-to-weight capacity ratio). Slowly, the boys poured in scoops of sand into the bucket. One two three - holy cow! -- this was going to take longer than I thought. So we left and explored the other exhibits.

Later we bumped into the kids who built the toothpick bridge - their names were Jonathan, 12 and Daniel, 8. I asked them if they won the contest - and guess what - they did! Their bridge actually carried over 53 lbs of sand. Wow! To see pictures and learn more about these amazing kids(who by the way are homeschooled) , you can check out their mom Linda's blog.

We checked out the trebuchet for Pumpkin' Chunkin' and all the other regular exhibits. My boys built paper airplanes and foil boats and learned a little more about engineering that day. (Adding yet another option to their list of possible jobs in the future along with businessman, doctor, scientist, astronaut, rock star and movie actor).

If you're thinking about purchasing a museum membership, I tell you, the Science Center membership is really worthwhile. Next up at the Discovery Science Center: Bubblefest! Can't wait.

He blinded me with Science!

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:18:00 GMT

We've been in Science Fair mode over the past few weeks. My son has decided to experiment with Vitamin C and compare the vitamin C content of a vitamin C tablet, orange juice and an actual orange - no doubt inspired by his battle with the flu season and what seems to be an endless cold. We've just finished the experiment and it's on to the fun part (note sarcasm) - writing out the results and making 'em pretty so we can stick 'em on the ubiquitous poster board. (note to self: buy poster board)

For inspiration, we attended the Astounding Inventions Competition at Irvine Valley College a few weeks ago, where over 350 students in Irvine and Tustin school districts showcased their inventions. I don't know who won the actual contest, but let's just say our future's the real winner - so many innovative ideas from our fine young minds. A kindergartner invented a fever-indicating-headband (the headband changed color when you had a fever), another kid invented a LEGO sorter (something we all need), and there was even solar-powered iPOD speakers.

Astounding indeed. There were lots of other activities going on as well - a Mad Science show, exhibits, hands-on experiments and the Cal State Long Beach Mobile Science Museum.

By the Book - Huntington Beach Authors Festival

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 03:33:00 GMT

One of my favorite family-friendly events of the year is the Annual Authors Festival at the Huntington Beach Public Library. Now on it's 23rd year, the fest brought over 25 authors and illustrators to Huntington Beach, where they spent the day at schools in the area, reaching out to more than 15,000 local students in Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley. After the school visits, the authors went to the Central Library for a reception. Tables were set up and each author had a designated spot where they displayed their books and where they could meet and greet young library-goers. For many kids it was a chance to meet A REAL LIVE AUTHOR. They chattd and asked questions - about the books - about how to be a writer and sometimes the most random things. And yes, they got their books autographed which is always fun. At the event, there was also an awards' ceremony for the winners of the library's Amazing Beach Discovery writing and illustration contest.

Going by the kids' glowing faces, new books tucked under their arms, you think you've stepped into an alternate universe where books trump video games and authors and illustrators are the real celebrities. This year authors included: Brigitte Benchimol (Jadyn and the Magic Bubble), Deborah Turner (How Willy got his Wheels), Paul Brewer (Fartiste), Susan Casey (Kids Inventing), Amy Friedman (Tell Me a Story), and OC-based authors Chris Epting and Dawne Knobbe (Runaway Storm) among others.

Here are some highlights from the event:

Eat a rainbow and other health tips for your family

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:27:00 GMT

Eat your veggies. That's what you were told. There was never an option for me when I was growing up. You sat there till you finished what was on your plate. I was never asked whether I preferred broccoli to brussels sprouts, string beans to squash. That's just the way it was - you ate what you were served.

So how is it that my kids are growing up with a limited variety of food on their plates when they are presented with more choices? What a conundrum.

This year I vowed to eat healthier and exercise more. So what's new, right? Well this time I wanted to get my whole family involved. They don't know it of course but this suburbanmama's got some tricks up her sleeve. I am making the changes and getting everyone involved. It's hard to break old habits after all- eating junk food and indulging in passive weekend entertainment (watching movies, playing video games).So we are starting slowly but surely. First up: we've cut down on sugary snacks -- I've realized when you don't buy them - they won't eat them. They'll try to find them or ask for them but you say no and they'll survive. (Make that - WE'll survive - yes, I've got a sweet tooth too.) Out of sight out of mind. Also, we've been taking family walks and hikes, which have been so much fun. There are many outdoor fun (and free!) activities in and around Orange County. Check out some of our photos on Flickr.
***

Not too long ago, I attended a vitamin presentation, where I chatted with my friend Kelly, who is a Dr. Sears' certified L.E.A.N Coach. L.E.A.N stands for lifestyle, exercise, attitude and nutrition. Here are some health tips from Kelly:

My So-Called Life or why real life is like high school

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:22:00 GMT

I'm singing out loud. We were the kings and the queens of PROMIIIIISEEE...The windows are down and outside the sun is shining, the sky is a bright happy blue. This IS how a Monday should be. And I'm singing along to Jared Leto, whom I will forever think of as Jordan Catalano. Hah...my mind drifts. Jordan Catalano -- going by my penchant for teen things like Twilight, Glee and stuff I secretly watch on ABC Family (Cappie- swoon!) you'd think inside of me there was a teenage girl. I sometimes wonder if it's because I went to a girls' school and there were no boys and by watching these co-ed romps through high school I am living vicariously, if a little too late. After all, I was already in my 20s when I devoured everything on the WB before it became CW - Felicity, Dawson's Creek etc. There was the Gilmore Girls too but I identified with Rory more than Lorelei. So there. Am I the only one who feels this way?

Judging by other mamas' FB status' updates on whether they are on Team Edward vs. Team Jacob, I realize I am not so alone. It's weird. But then,when you really think about it -- maybe it's not. You realize life is a lot like High School - you've got your cliques and your stereotypes. Just check out the PTA or even the queue of parents at pick-up.

So what's the difference between High School and the Real World? I dunno - the responsibilities that come with it? The maturity and the intelligence to NOT judge people based on their looks or bank accounts, to break the stereotypes, to expand our circles.... Yes, yes...maybe.

For now let me escape in my 30 seconds to Mars....

From Page to Screen: books vs. movies

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:10:00 GMT

They changed the ending on me and I'm not quite sure how I feel about that. I just read “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd which turned out to be a splendid read- not in any life-changing way but in a way that transported me to South Carolina in 1964. And then I saw the movie and though the actors did a pretty good job - it was hard to get past the fact that I knew them more as celebrities so that I wasn't thinking "Oh look August is being played by Queen Latifah and there's June played by Alicia Keys." It was more like - "Oh look it IS Queen Latifah, AND Alicia Keys, oh and wait for it - Jennifer Hudson." (Sometimes I miss the days of actors being actors and singers being singers - too much hyphenation going on...) What pleasantly surprised me was the casting of Paul Bettany as the dad, T. Ray-- it was a nice surprise as it made the character more "human" in a way - but I think that's just Paul Bettany (who I'll watch in ANYTHING).

So what about books to movies in general? It’s always a hit or miss. There a saying that good books make bad films. But that’s not always the case. Usually the books are always better because you can go deeper, interpret things a different way. Movies are confined to 2-3 hours so more often than not things are lost in translation. Sometimes you get lucky and the movies are as good as the books - think the Harry Potter series, although I must say some HP movies were better than the others but that’s another story.

The Twilight books were a fun read but surely having the actors embody the characters in the story took the series up a notch. The books were easy reads - not too serious (can you really take vampires seriously?) but fun in a high school sort of way. Who doesn't like reading about a doomed romance. Very classic Romeo and Juliet though the prose was rather how shall we say- prosaic. Watching the chemistry between the lead actors took it to another level and then there was the haunting soundtrack.

Sometimes the books are better than the movies. Off the top of my head, I can think of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants by Ann Brashares, and The Beach by Alex Garland (a personal fave in my 20s). I'm not sure if it was the screenplay, direction or casting that made these movies fail their source material but these are examples of poor movie adaptations. There are more and there are worse but I can't think of any at the moment.

And then there are the movies that are BETTER than the book: recently, The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger (a book I totally thought wasted my time despite the fact that I could sort of relate to the subject matter) and something older --The Outsiders by SE Hinton. (But I think that’s because I was a kid and I thought the Brat Pack were cool). And finally, there are movies based on books done just right, in which the movies didn’t EXACTLY mirror the book but captured it’s essence and in some cases, even enhanced the story and made you go back and read the book with deeper insight. My current favorites: Memoirs of a Geisha, The Namesake, and Trainspotting.

I could go on and wonder about such things as why most Jane Austen books turn out to be good movies or whether the Percy Jackson movie will do justice to the book. But it's raining outside and I've got some free time --so I think I'll grab a cup of coffee and curl up with a good book.

The Spa who loved me

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:26:00 GMT

Eons ago I had my first spa experience in the Philippines. It was a place called The Palm Garden and it was at the penthouse of the building I worked at -- I worked a few floors down for what was then a start-up magazine (now one of the established fashion magazines in the Philippines). It was all very Devil Wears Prada - so you can imagine my excitement when they needed someone to write about a spa.

Since I was just a lowly fashion assistant, I grabbed the opportunity to prove my writing skills. Little did I know that I was getting much much more. It turned out to be quite a life-changing experience! After trying most of the spa’s services – scrubs, wraps and of course, massages – there was no turning back – I became a SPA Junkie. From then on, and as long as time and finances allowed, I spa-d regularly – that was back when I was living in a house paid for by my parents, no kids, no car payments, late nights, long days. The spa was my refuge. When fancy spas were too costly, I turned to day spas and if I couldn’t afford that, a mani-pedi at the corner salon would soothe my soul. When I traveled around Asia and Australia, I tried out spas too. (Unfortunately nothing too exotic yet – like fish pedicures or Turkish Mud Baths.)

Photo via thelifeofluxury.com

These days, going to the spa is a luxury and treat for this Suburban Mama. It is the one thing I ask for every birthday, anniversary and on Christmas – whether it’s a $25 Foot Reflexology treatment in Little Saigon or a $150 massage. The Spa for me is an escape, a chance to relax. But more importantly, I believe that when you take care of your body, your body takes care of you.

We all need a mental break. We need to treat ourselves well…and if it’s a really good spa – it affects your body, mind and yes, spirit. Hmmm kind of like the Pacific Waters Spa at the Hyatt Hotel in Huntington Beach. Speaking of which… Last Thursday night I had the most amazing time there, where I was pampered along with the OC Family Mom Bloggers (Hi Suz!) And let me tell you, it was AMAZING. It's funny how we sometimes take for granted the things that are in our own backyard! The staff was very friendly and professional, the surroundings serene. I think I’ve found a little piece of paradise here.

The Pacific Waters Spa offers guests the ultimate in relaxation with 17 treatment areas. They have massages, skin therapies, body wraps, scrubs and moisturizing facials using organic even a salon. Whew. I so know what I want for my birthday now. My husband says we should plan to go there for our anniversary (We’re celebrating our 10th this year). Finding a babysitter will be a challenge, but the Hyatt says to try out Camp Hyatt – which is a fun-filled camp for kids.

‘Nuff said. Can’t wait to go back.

But wait – there’s more.
As you are my friends, blog readers and photo fans, here's a special offer courtesy of the Hyatt.

Become a Facebook Fan of Hyatt and write on their wall
"I became a fan of Pacific Waters Spa after reading Suburban Mama's Blog."

And just for becoming a fan you will receive 20 % off any 60-minute treatment!!! Woot!!

This promotion ends January 31.

PS. The title of this blog entry was the same title I used for that first Spa article I wrote way back when.

Remembering Willy the Amazing Chihuahua

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 01:59:00 GMT

As a member of the Friends of the Children’s Library (FOTCL) of Huntington Beach, I support the Children's Department of the Huntington Beach Public Library by helping with various activities throughout the year, including special events like magic shows and the annual Festival of Folk Tales. The once a month meetings work out for me and I help out usually during events that my kids and I are attending anyway.

The FOTCL kicks off the new year with the Authors’ Festival on January 26th. It is a fun event that showcases various authors and their books. The event is free but it’s best to bring some money to purchase new books which your kids can get autographed. The authors and publishers come up with different ways to attract kids to their booth – whether it be free cookies, a craft or some other cool thing. For my kids, the best part is always getting to speak with REAL LIFE AUTHORS and sometimes meeting characters straight out of the book.
One of the regular participants of the festival is Deborah Turner and celeb-chihuahua Willy – from the book How Willy Got His Wheels. Sadly, this year, Willy will not be there because he passed away last month. He was 22 years old.

Willy's story has been told many times - how he was found in a cardboard box, paralyzed with his vocal chords severed and was living in an animal hospital until he was adopted by pet store owner Deborah Turner. He was even featured on the Animal Planet. Many school kids know Willy as the little doggy who got around on a K9cart (pet wheelchair) and love him even more or his sweetness and courage.

Here is a photo of my kids at last year's book fair at Willy's booth.

For his many fans, Wheely Willy will live on through his books. There will be a memorial for him on January 19th at Long Beach Animal Care Services.

R.I.P. Willy

An IKEA Playdate

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:42:00 GMT

SWEDISH MEATBALLS! As if that weren't enough motivations for me to get to IKEA, there’s the 99c breakfast, a great SALE and did I mention Smaland for kids? Sure you can get trapped in the maze of furniture but the free childcare is enough to make any purchase worth it. (Wait a minute, you do not even have to BUY anything to take advantage of the drop-off childcare.)

And that’s how I found myself with two mommy friends with our preschoolers and a baby in tow at IKEA Costa Mesa as soon as the doors opened. The kids were psyched to get to Smaland but we insisted that we have breakfast first. When we found out that the meatballs weren’t served till 11am (and it was already 10:30) we just hung around the kids’ area where the kids tested the furniture “Goldilocks-style.”

At the café, the kids settled into the play area while we sat next to it – so we could keep an eye on them. Pancakes, bacon, eggs and potatoes – yum! Endless coffee and yes, a side of meatballs.

By the time we were done with breakfast, we had just two things on our minds: For the kids: playing in the ball pit and mommies: shopping! Alas, when we got to Smaland they couldn’t take all three kids at the same time (they were at capacity) so they moped for a bit – and we figured we should’ve dropped them off FIRST and THEN had breakfast. Ah well, next time. There was still the shopping to take care of – my friend Mimi is on an ORGANIZATIONAL kick so we helped her pick out some things – luckily they had one of those Kiddie Kiosks with a computer so that kept the kids occupied for a while. I ended up buying a veggie peeler for 1.49 and a closet organizer for 6.99

As anyone in mommy world knows, time flies fast – and before too long it was time for us to pick up our bigger kids from school. The little ones were a little disappointed that they didn’t get to play in Smaland but that was soon forgotten when upon checkout they got $1 soft serve ice cream cones! We helped Mimi load her car up with her purchases including the dresser-she-had-to-build-herself-when-she-got-home “I didn’t think it would be so big!” she said.

The kids had fun and so did we mommies. It’s hard to beat a place like I-I-Ikea (say that like the Chia Pet jingle) – with its cheap eats and free childcare. Hey, that’s a date night idea! And speaking of IKEA and dates, I leave you with this fave scene of mine from the movie 500 Days of Summer.
I couldn’t embed the clip so please click on this link.

Note: IKEA Orange County is at 1475 South Coast Drive, Costa Mesa 92626
Enjoy a FREE BREAKFAST before you shop this weekend!

What are your New Year's Intentions?

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 10:14:00 GMT

230am and it's quiet through the house - the kids are asleep and the dishwasher's humming. I am enjoying the silence. I call this sacred moments - "mommy-time" when I can sit down, take a breath and hear myself think. Look, I can even put pen to paper and reflect on the year that's gone past.

It is the early morning of the last day of the year - the day before the start of a new decade. Wasn't it just yesterday we were worried about y2k?

Well, it's over. The decade. The crazy year that was 09. Looking back I will remember 2009 as the year of frugality (this is the year I learned to budget wisely and realize that there's just some thing's you don't need like fabric softener or brand-name paper products). It was the year of living simply and realizing what's truly important - the love of family, the support of friends and a nice cup of coffee.

I am not making any lofty new year's resolutions instead I am writing a list of INTENTIONS. Eat less, exercise more, pray, love - it's the same every year - anyhow we always seem to break those resolutions even before the first month is over. So I think instead of making promises we can't keep, we should DECLARE our INTENTIONS. Write them down on a slip of paper, keep it under your pillow or ceremoniously burn them and send them up to the heavens. BLOG about it, TWEET them to the world or just TELL A FRIEND. By doing this - we become ACCOUNTABLE! Together, let's make this year MAGNIFICENT!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, sweet OC Families! Here's a little something to make you smile.

PS. Want to read my New Year's intentions and perhaps share yours? Go on over to http://suburbanmamas.wordpress.com during your quiet time and let's chat over a nice cup of coffee (or tea, if you prefer.)

Baby Loves Disco Grows Up

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:15:00 GMT

It’s hard to believe it’s been 5 years since baby learned to love disco; and almost 3 years since this video was taken at my first ever Baby Loves Disco Event in Philadelphia.It was a cold afternoon on the last day of the year, when my boys and I and another couple and their little girl celebrated Noon Year’s eve at hip happening club Shampoo. The scene was wild and fun, the concept was new. I was an instant fan.

Above: Check out my son at 1:14 – while his older rocked out he mostly stared at the lights.

Below:

Years later in Orange County he started dancing too – those are my boys to the left of the screen doing those John Travolta moves at 1:22 (via Jazz It Up Photo)

From a little party in Philadelphia, Baby Loves Disco spread throughout the nation and eventually became an international sensation. I happily got involved as a volunteer at the first OC BLD at the Shark Club in Costa Mesa. It was even there that I launched my photography business (Thanks Andrea!) and where I met the most awesome mommies like Andrea, Arianne, and Blythe in Orange County. (We had just moved from New Jersey, you see.)

My kids are little too big for BLD now but we’re still in search of an alternative family-oriented music-themed party! Recently I received news from the BLD Head Honchos Heather and Andy through their newsletter that Baby Loves Disco will be undergoing changes in 2010 --instead of monthly dance parties in different US cities, they will become a touring entity – yup, like a band or circus. BLD will take the show on the road.

Bring on the changes, like all our babies, this one’s growing up.

Too Late for Holiday Photos? Go Elf Yourself!

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:18:00 GMT

Crunch time! If you haven’t gone to one of the mall studios or had your photos done by a professional photographer yet, then you’re probably scrambling to find that one awesome picture taken of you and your whole family that you can print from your home computer. I know. That’s what I did and came up with a really cool picture that someone took of our family on my birthday in July!

The ironic thing is that I’m a photographer myself and I’ve taken lots of family holiday photos since October. Talk about foresight! These families probably had their photos printed and mailed right after Thanksgiving.

One of the coolest photo sessions I had this year was with Ms. Sharon and her grandkids – every year she gathers her grandkids and creates a scene from the Bible. Last year, she did the Nativity and this year, I was hired to photograph her six grandchildren as shepherds and angels. It took much patience and coordination but we pulled it off – it was a lot of fun to shoot and I think the family members (including the parents who acted as stylists, baby wranglers and props people) had a good time too.

Here it is:

Note: The Mutschler Grandkids' ages range from 3 months old to 11 years old.

With Christmas just a few days away, you still have time to take that holiday photo (surely you can squeeze it in can’t ya?) – get creative and use your home printer or take your images to the nearest digital lab (Costco, Walmart, Target etc.) You can also upload your image to a photo site like Shutterfly.com or Snapfish.com or Kodakgallery.com and pick them up at one of their outlets. I uploaded mine to Snapfish and picked up at Walmart. It’s too late to have the cards shipped. And mailing them is quite another matter…

But there is ALWAYS email right? You could email your friends and family your yearly newsletter with a few pictures or you could have some fun and do one of the following.

ELF YOURSELF

The guys at Jib Jab have done it again. The dancing elves are back. Remember you can upload up to five elves. Check me out as an elf getting my disco groove on. (Something you will never see me do in real life. :) )

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/zGvTG4rp8OuTTZGQ

MAKE A COOL SLIDESHOW

You can use SLIDE.COM and set your images to the latest pop and rock tunes.

Check out SMILEBOX.COM where you can in their words “Share life’s moments in minutes.” Get creative – make an ecard or a slideshow with music.

And finally, this is something cool for the kiddies.

Go to http://portablenorthpole.tv and create a personalized message from the man himself, Santa, to your kids. I made a message for my boys and they came out fantastic!

Have a great Christmas everyone! Let me know about the coolest and most unusual cards you receive this year. Visit me on Facebook, Twitter or drop me a note at Suburban Mama's Contact Page.

Experience the Holidays the Disney Way

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 02:25:00 GMT

You know those families who are all about Mickey and everything Disney? Well, we’re not one of them. In fact, my boys haven’t even seen ALL the Disney animated movies (sacrilege!) nor have we purchased an annual pass to Disneyland. Nevertheless, it’s hard to escape the magic of the mouse (we watch him daily and join his clubhouse on TV after all). And it’s even harder to deny the fact that Disneyland is the happiest place on earth.

One rainy Saturday, we ventured into Mickey’s land and got lost in the magic.I was grateful to participate in their Family Media Day. What a great way to get into the holiday spirit.First we were treated to a little party at Aladdin’s Oasis where I bumped into fellow OC Family blogger @angryjulie and members of the Latino press.I chatted with one mama who said she worked for Reuters and when I mentioned I blogged and contributed to OC Family Magazine, she said “Es en Espanol?”“No todavia,” I replied.(paging Churm Media).

They’ve got the place all decked out for the holidays. So if you are feeling a little bah-humbug, get thee to Disneyland and get into the spirit.You can’t miss with the holiday transformations of “Haunted Mansion” and “It’s a Small World;” the giant tree on Main Street; the Christmas Fantasy Parade and hello, Santa and his Reindeer at Frontierland.

We made the mistake of riding Splash Mountain first – we ended up being wet and cold the rest of the day. But it was fun! Then it was time to split up – my hubby and 8 year old son took off for the bigger rides like Space Mountain and Matterhorn, while my four year old and I explored Fantasyland where we rode the train, Dumbo, Pinocchio, and the Carousel. When we were in the teacups, we had a great view of the Parade! (Hubby text messaged that they were still waiting in line!)

Our rendezvous point was Toontown where we snacked on hotdogs and got ready for our final destination: “It’s a Small World.”What a perfect end to our day and a great start to the season.

Next week: Disney on Ice* at the Honda Center.Hmmm…before long we may just turn out to be one of those families. Hotdiggitydog!

*PS. Special discount code on Disney on Ice tickets. Check out my blog.

December at the O.C. Zoo and Irvine Regional Park

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:44:00 GMT

Recently a few OC Family Bloggers and I with kids in tow got a special behind-the-scenes look at the goings-on at the Orange County Zoo located inside the Irvine Regional Park. If you haven't been - you are totally missing out. It's one of our favorite places to visit, it's inexpensive and a great way to commune with nature.

At the zoo, we met the bears Yoyo and Nacho, the mountain lion, the screech owl and other cool creatures. There's even a petting zoo inside though it was closing by the time we got there. The zoo is open 10am - 3pm.

There is also an awesome Nature Center that shows the history of Orange County as well as flora and fauna native to our area. You don't have to wait till your kids' 3rd Grade Orange County Report to visit!!!

Note: This Saturday Dec. 19th Saturday there'll be some Christmas fun at
the Zoo - the animals will have some holiday treats, Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be on hand, along with crafts and face painting. And speaking of Santa, remember that the Christmas train runs till Dec. 23rd.

Santa Claus is coming to Orange County

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:23:00 GMT

I didn’t grow up with Santa Claus. Being raised Catholic meant that we focused more on the Birth of Jesus as the reason for Christmas. Add to that, coming from an Asian country, the idea of a white bearded man dressed in red and bearing gifts was a bit foreign. Plus we didn’t have chimneys.

When my eldest son was born, we made sure he had all the traditional Christmas trappings – Jesus born in a manger, and yes, Santa Claus. Our house in Southern New Jersey had a chimney so surely Santa had a way into our home to deliver presents – and to get to the cookies we had lovingly baked from scratch. We prepared reindeer food out of oats and tinsel and scattered it outside the front door. We even had a picture taken with Santa at the mall!

I stuck Christmas cards and photos onto the fridge and one day my then 2.5 y.o. son observed that the Santa in his photos was different from the Santa in Amanda’s photo. That was tricky. I explained that these were “assistant Santas” and that the real Santa was in the North Pole. He wrote a letter to Santa but I don’t think my explanation really satisfied him. It seems he went on “believing” for our sake and naturally, for the presents. I didn’t think he “believed” again until his baby brother was born two years later. It was as if Santa became “real” again and sharing the customs and traditions with his brother brought this mystery back to life.

So if you are looking to get a photo with the Man around Orange County one of these days, you could go to the mall or you could check out one of these cool events.

Take the night train and meet Santa. At the Irvine Park Railroad, activities include riding the Christmas train, story time with Mrs. Claus, games, and more.

This next event is in Long Beach but my fabulous friends Laura and Tracy organized it and it’s for a good cause. It’s more intimate than the other Santa sightings – with lots of activities beyond the usual photo op.

The fundraiser is Sunday, December 6th from 6 - 8 PM. 100% proceeds go to Breast Cancer Angels. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.AnEveningwithSanta.com.

An Evening with Santa

Another cool Santa sighting will be at the Orange County Market Place at the Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. On Saturday November 28th, Santa Claus will arrive in a red 1929 Ford Roadster assisted by “Twinkie the Elf.” There will also be a toy and clothing drive that weekend. Bring a new toy or new clothing (unwrapped) for free admission, and a free 4X6" photo with Santa on day of your visit.

Of course, if you want to meet the man and the Mouse, hop on over to Disneyland and head on over to Big Thunder Ranch to hang out with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

END

*Check out a special holiday song at Suburban Mama's blog

The new mommy uniform according to a celebrity stylist

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:50:00 GMT

This weekend I got the chance to meet celebrity stylist Sam Saboura (of Extreme Makeover fame) at a meet and greet event at Coldwater Creek in Seal Beach.

Okay, so Coldwater Creek isn’t top of mind when shopping for me but when Sam started making over store shoppers, I watched with admiration. Many of the women I met at the event were over 70 and they looked amazing.

It wasn’t the clothes they were wearing but their youthful spirit. But it took Sam’s style suggestions to TRANSFORM them – with a little color here and an accessory there – the change was instant. Unlike some so-called celeb stylists Sam wasn't mean or flamboyant. He was real and down-to-earth. His style tips were realistic and doable.

I didn’t get a makeover myself but I did manage to ask Sam for some style tips for mommies. (Here’s a video – which I so painstakingly edited myself – woot! Let me know what you think.)

Give up those Juicy sweatsuits and try some leggings and tunic tops. You can be comfy and stylish at the same time.

Do mothers lose their identities?

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:20:00 GMT

During our “meeting” at Peet’s Coffee Sunday morning, we thought of making a video to No Doubt’s “I’m Just a Girl” after seeing these guys belt out the Backstreet Boys.

I don’t know how we’ll pull it off exactly but it’s one of those crazy things that come up when you get some mommy bloggers together. I feel so fortunate to be part of remarkable group of creative, intelligent and funny bunch of women! Oh yes, it so happens that we are all moms too.

Isn’t it sad that too often women who have children forget that they were, CAN be and ARE creative, intelligent, funny and awesome. Those sleepless nights and shower-less days take its toll and you look into a mirror and you don’t recognize the person staring back at you. On bad days like these, you feel like a shell of your former self. On a good day you catch a glimpse of your child and suddenly you realize your purpose and you see life full of endless possibilities.

Motherhood is one of those things that despite all its wonderful aspects shakes you to your core – and makes you wonder about your identity. It makes you want to find, redefine and assert who you are inside. “What were you in a previous life?” I often ask mommies I meet – and of course they launch into their previous jobs – BK (before kids). But we are more than our jobs.

In my past life, I’ve been a teacher and TV producer. I’ve worked in the fields of fashion, publishing and radio. And through it all I’ve felt what kept me grounded was knowing what it was I was good at and what it was I enjoyed. My own struggle has been more about finding my purpose rather than discovering my identity.

What was it all for? What am I working towards? In a nutshell, I want to be the best wife to my husband and the best mom to my kids. But don’t we all?

In the words of Wanda Sykes, “I’ma Be Me.”