OC Family - Moms. Kids. Life. - (Alive in Wonderland)

Holding back feels like a move forward

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:14:00 GMT

We've decided to have our son Ben repeat Kindergarten.

I knew it was coming. I spend time in the class and I can see he's just a little bit...not behind...a little bit younger than the other boys. He's a good boy. He's a rule follower. He's a people pleaser. As his teacher started to tell us why she recommended it, the one word that kept coming up was "confidence."

That word spun around in my head for days. I started to use it as a bouncing board against everything he did. That's what he needed! He needed to strengthen his confidence. For a boy, I think confidence is especially crucial. It's a building block we wanted him to have moving forward.

So in a twist that only parenthood can deliver--holding him back is like a move forward.

You never hear a parent say, "I wish I wouldn't have held my kid back." Never heard that. What I do hear a lot is, "I wish I WOULD have listen to the Kindergarten teacher and held my son back." We don't see any downside in having him repeat his year. He just had his birthday and turned six-years-old, and at his party I got a little sad thinking these friends won't be in the same class with him next year. But then I remembered he didn't know most of those boys before he started school, and, let's face it, all boys need to seal their friendship is the willingness to use "bathroom words" freely, mutual love of LEGOS and the ability to take a good, hard punch in the arm without tattling.

I think it's silly that there is this cloud of shame that surrounds the decision to have your kid repeat a year. Parents shouldn't ever be ashamed of doing what is best for their kids. I see moms whispering the news to other moms in the registration line, but recently when one mom told me in a hushed voice they were thinking of following our suit and holding their son back, I let out a big, "good for you!" followed by a hug because a.) I'm a hugger, b.) I'm a believer in the big exaggerated gesture of support to other moms and, c.) I really like the mom and I'm happy to spend another year goofing off on field trips with her.

While I was out to lunch with some of my girlfriends the other day I told them and I got a high five from one of the gals. "You are doing the right thing," she said, having learned the hard way with her now college-aged son. My other friend, who's an eighth grade teacher said, "I see it all the time with boys in my grade. I can see how an extra year could have helped him."

I feel relieved having the decision behind us. My son already knows he will "do Kindergarten two times" and seems perfectly happy with the idea. Frankly, I think he's a little relieved, too.

A curious pear

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:26:00 GMT

The new issue of OC Family is out on the stands now!

Here's my column for March.

(Larry, me and Madison for our engagement photo. 1997.)

I always wonder how other couples’ relationships work--what they talk about, if they brush their teeth side-by-side in the mirror every morning, how they decide on big-ticket items. It's the little things couples do in public that make me stare and stand too close, trying to eavesdrop on their conversations.

Like at Trader Joe's the other day, a couple was standing in front of the boxed fruit. The man was holding a box of Asian Pears and the woman was diligently trying to pry the perfectly square plastic box open (despite the galvanized tape) in order to...touch them, I guess. Calmly, the man used his long (freakishly, btw) index finger to lift the side so she could...yes, yes, she wanted to touch them and when she did, she immediately shook her head and waved them away.

He picked up another box and they began another hushed and passionate conversation about--Asian Pears. I tried to hear what they were saying, pretending I cared deeply about the Clementines sitting next to the pears. But they were enormously secretive and careful not to let the rest of us know what was so flippin' interesting about--Asian Pears.

Naturally, this made me think about my husband Larry and me. I can't even imagine having a conversation that long about pears. I remember once having a pretty lengthy conversation about how much we loved cheese, but it was more because we were hungry. We started asking each other outrageous questions like, “If you could make a deal that you never could eat cheese again, but you would then be able to fly, would you?” Seriously, who would make that deal? Like, nobody, but that's the kind of thing Larry and I talk about.

So you can understand my fascination with this couple at Trader Joe's. Larry and I had lots of conversations about them. Asian Pears just seems like a very particular and much more sophisticated thing to talk about than cheese. I mean, we would have flown by those pears at breakneck speed and thrown them in our cart (period). No discussion.

It made me wonder if we’re missing out on something. Don't things like this make you speculate about how different other people’s lives are? Are they happier? Their kids more intelligent? I see couples on weekend mornings who’ve obviously been out with their baby joggers, sipping their lattes, the Times in hand, and I think, "Huh, are we the only ones who wave our children away on weekend mornings, muttering from under our pillows about cartoons and directing them to the special 'Saturday' cereal?"

I guess it comes down to perspective--appreciating who I am and what I value. Being able to say to myself, "We're a couple who sleeps in and gives our children sugary cereal on Saturdays." And, I suppose, accepting that Larry and I are the type of couple that talks about the couple who talks about the Asian Pears…and being okay with that. Which I most certainly am.

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What's really at the end of the rainbow?

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:18:00 GMT

Just as my kids suspected...

At the end of the rainbow you'll find a Happy Meal, soda, and McDonald's fries.

If you look closely, you can see it's a double rainbow and, just as I suspected, that rainbow ends at The Bellagio Spa.

Sounds about right.

*****

You can be my friend on Facebook. Really. I would like that.

Lazy Dog Cafe: Raising the woof in Irvine

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:40:00 GMT

Have you been to The Lazy Dog Cafe yet?

With its sixth location opening tonight in Irvine at The Marketplace, its quickly becoming an Orange County favorite. My family would drive all the way to the Lazy Dog in Orange (That's where this happened) just to chill in their casual dinning room and enjoy their casual, creative fare, and now my kids are excited to have one right in our neighborhood.

I attended the pre-opening party on Tuesday night and, with the help of Priscilla, made this video. If you're hungry, you might want to wait until after lunch to watch it-- obligatory delicious food shots and long, detailed descriptions of entrees abound.

I interviewed Executive Chef, Gabriel Caliendo, and tried to get him to go all "Kitchen Nightmare" on the cheerful staff, but no dice, he's too nice of a guy. He does go through some of the dishes with me and helps this non-foodie understand what it is that is going out to the eager guests.

***The Details***

The Lazy Dog Cafe opens tonight at 5:00 pm.

Their kids' meals "For The Little Dogs" is a flat $4.95 and includes a drink and build-your-own sundae (8-years-old and younger). They also offer a meal "For The Big Dogs" which will run you between $5-$8.

Heated patio seating is available, and yes, you can bring your pooch.

Their motto: Sit. Stay. Eat.

The important stuff: 21 beers on tap and a load of specialty cocktails including a ginormous, fishbowl Long Island Iced Tea called "Boston Tea Party." For Happy Hour details, go here.

So good, even cat lovers will love it.

Check out my Whrrl story.

"Oh, the places you'll go!"

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:29:00 GMT

Today is Dr. Seuss' birthday. His books are the ones we read over and over to our kids. His books are the ones I want to keep in their keepsake boxes. He is my favorite children's author.

"Oh, The Places You'll Go" is my all-time favorite Seuss books. The messages in this book are not just for kids, but motivating and downright inspirational for adults, too.

I took this photo on a deserted highway in Arizona with this verse from Dr. Seuss in mind (because I'm a mind-maker-upper).

*****

Check out John Lithgow narrating "Oh, The Places You'll Go."

Oh, please listen if you've never read the book.

Happy Birthday to my son, the tough guy

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:08:00 GMT

My son Ben turns six-yeas-old today. Raising a boy has been so much more fun than I ever expected it to be. I love this age because boys are still cuddly and sweet, but, at the same time, trying to figure out what it means to be a man--to be tough.

He spends hours with his army men, just like my brothers did. All the fancy schmancy toys and gadgets out there, but the old standards like Legos, army men and sometimes just some string and tape are his favorites.

This was the scene last night after his bath...

At least he was nice and clean for his birthday.

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Here are a few of my favorite stories about Ben over the years:

What nicknames do you have for your son?

Is there anything cooler than a four-year-old boy?

Rhetorical questions I ask my four-year-old everyday.

George, my dog, no likey the rain

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 10:23:00 GMT

For some "Rain" isn't news, but in Southern California rain is a screaming headline, a reason for breaking news tickers running at the bottom of the T.V. screen. "Rain" is covered with the same intensity as a natural disaster and for my dogs--George in particular--it IS a disaster. You would think I asked him to cuddle with a cat the way he looked at me when I asked him (very politely) to go outside and do his business in the rain.

First with the attitude.

Then once I got him out there, there was the overly dramatic and reproachful shaking.

After several attempts at running for the door, came the waiting it out. Both of us standing out in the rain to see whose more stubborn. Who could out stare the other. Who could stand in the rain the longest.

"George is getting upset."

Finally, probably due to my years living in San Francisco, and my umbrella, I won out and he finally gave in.

He then high-tailed-it back to the door.

*****

Captain EO returns to Disneyland!

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:21:00 GMT

After being away from Disneyland for 13 years, Captain EO returned yesterday to the Magic Eye Theatre in Tomorrowland and the fans turned out in droves to be among the first to see the spruced-up version of the 1986 original film.

I was lucky enough to be asked to attend the first official screening of the "4-D" musical space adventure staring the late Michael Jackson. You can watch my video of the day below, which includes interviews with original cast members and creators.

Although I wasn't allowed to film any of the actual Captain EO movie, I will tell you, it was just as much fun as I remember and the '80s vibe was pulsing throughout; with mullets, shoulder-padded spacesuits, and lots of glitter. It was, like, totally awesome!

If you must see more, here's my Whrrl Report from the day as well.

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Sex doesn't sell at Target. Here's why.

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:03:00 GMT

You can tell a lot about a trend or product by checking out the clearance aisle of Target. You can see that a certain type of battery-powered toy dog that barked constantly wasn't a big seller or coconut lip gloss or even oatmeal in a cup. I like to stalk the "loser" section because sometimes I can grab a bargain and, you know, I feel sort of sorry for some of the items.

Sometimes, a jaunt down the markdown row is just plain funny. It's snicker-to- yourself, pull- out- your- iPhone-and-take-pictures amusing. This week I thought it was interesting to see what remnants were leftover from Target's Valentine's Day fare.

It was clear, checking out the markdowns, that sex didn't sell very well this Valentine's Day at Target. I don't mean romantic things; like hearts filled with candy, cute cards with cunning innuendoes or stuffed bears in sweaters. I mean like, sex stuff...sexy stuff.

There was a plethora of these chocolate body stencil kits left over--two whole shelves that greeted you as you entered the section. Even with the cute love birds and sweet packaging it still musters-up images you'd rather not think about as your kids tug at your shirt and whine for a box of Goldfish or that they had to go to the bathroom.

Then there were a ton this Ed Hardy candy and popcorn, which isn't really sexy, but more just kinda wrong and just done-to-death. I simply enjoyed seeing them stacked one on top of the other with little red tags on the side, so I thought I would share.

They probably thought these bags of ONLY GREEN M&M's **wink** wink** were going to fly off the shelves, but you could have your pick of any one of the 50 or so bags left over. The "New color of LOVE" just didn't catch on I guess.

Then, there was the "sexy" stuff. Now, I buy almost all of my...(Ahem) undergarments...from Target, but garder belts and black lace, in my opinion, should be left the professionals...and by professional I mean Victoria's Secret.

Now before you all think I'm a.) being a snob or b.) being a prude, let me tell you why I think they didn't sell and why I wouldn't buy them--at Target.

The first and most obvious reason is the checkout situation at Target. I would just feel downright embarrassed to have the 18-year-old boy who dutifully scans my Sponge Bob toothpaste and Ziplock bags to come across some of these babies. It's almost not fair to the poor kid and not to mention my kids, who are almost always with me when I'm at Target, would be mortified.

And what about that? Having your milk, Excedrin, and Bic pens mingling around in the same basket as your lacy panties. Just seems all sorts of crazy to me. Especially now since my Target is going to start to carry fresh foods, which I'm altogether excited about, but solidifies my other point, and here it is: Do we really have to buy EVERYTHING we need in one place?

Aren't there somethings that deserve to be wrapped in scented tissue paper and handed to you in a little pink bag? I mean, after I took these pictures I priced the same sorts of items around (Note to Husband: that's the story behind my Google search history from today) and found they weren't that much more expensive--when on sale-- at the more traditionally "romantic" places. The kind of places with lower lighting, sales girls with measuring tapes flung around their necks, and classical music playing in the background.

The first time I saw these kind of adult-type things at Target I thought it was just me, but after seeing them with "Marked Down 50%" signs in front of them, I think others might feel the same way.

Another thing that didn't seem to sell this Valentine's Day: Cynicism. Which I think is sort of comforting in a way.

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Oh, but I do love Target. Especially the PJ's, which I have a well-documented addiction to. Check out my post: Taking aim at my Target Spending.

The Olympics and me

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:09:00 GMT

If there is one thing the Olympics has taught me, it's not the obvious, "reach for my dreams" or "I can defy the odds," or not even the words to the song "Simply the Best," it's taught me that I am inexcusably self-involved.

The Olympics aren't about ME. I know that.

They're about athletes achieving the highest level in their sport. They're about countries coming together to participate in an event that has spanned thousands of years. Thousands, I say! Hercules himself would be astounded at the spectacle of athletic mastery of the modern games.

So why do the Olympics just make me think about me?

When I watch the athletes' precision, grace and strength, I think, "Where do I fit in here? Why am I so staggeringly common?" Though I have to admit, the years of unrelenting practice, my aversion to competition, and a need to always be warm and dry immediately exclude me for any real attempt at greatness at the Winter Olympics. Still I wonder, if they had an Olympics for the average achiever, would I shine then?

Now there's a competition that doesn't make me want to fake an ankle sprain! I can picture it now, Bob Costas would interview me and ask me about my superior Kraft Macaroni and Cheese making ability. "You have an innate ability to mix just the right amount of milk and butter, how did you hone that skill?" He'd inquire as the fireplace crackled behind us. "Well Bob," I'd answer after a thoughtful moment of reflection, "You see, I was a latchkey child in the '70s and..."

Another question that haunts me when I watch the Olympics is this: What if the one thing in life I could do perfectly, my genius, was in sticking my landing in a vertical jump, but I never find that out because I haven't ever picked up a pair of skis in my life? The idea that I might have missed my calling pops up in almost every category of competition.

Watching the Olympics can be--if you like to torment yourself in these ways--the ultimate ghost-of-Christmas-past experience. "You should have listened to your seventh-grade P.E. teacher and played even though you had 'killer cramps'," the ghost shakes her head while we watch an old Super 8-scene of me hunched down on the sidelines of the handball court.

What if I have missed my opportunity of grandeur by not committing my life to be an Olympian? You hear the commentators all the time talk about how this or that athlete's body is perfectly proportioned for their sport. So, what is my body perfectly build for? I know it's not J.Crew swimming suits. I know it's not walking all day at Disneyland in flip flops. So what then?

The unanswerable questions just pile one on top of the other while "The Self-Involved" watches the Olympics.

I will say, there are the moments of pure brilliance and glory, when tears fill my eyes as the announcer is able to put into words the magnificence of the moment. When the broadcaster is able to capture the experience in a perfectly placed phrase and I think... "Drat! I shouldn't have dropped out of broadcasting school."

I'm doing it again, aren't I?

*****

Me aside, it has been amazing watching Olympic Hockey.

Jonas Hiller was magnificent last night. Read:

"Hiller Stellar. Canada wins in shoot out." from the OC Register.

Video: The Harlem Globetrotters and Big Easy

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:10:00 GMT

When I was about 10-years-old, my family went to see the Harlem Globetrotters at The Forum in Los Angeles. It was The Meadow Lark Lemon heydays of The Trotters and I remember my folks buying me a poster of him that hung in my room until it was finally replaced by U2, Duran Duran, and Adam Ant posters.

Remember the Globetrotters even had their own cartoon in the '70s? I thought they were hilarious and I remember loving how they played jokes on the audience and those silly Generals.

So, needless to say I was downright excited to take my kids to see them at the Honda Center for the first time this last Saturday. Then on top of that, I got to interview Big Easy, who is sorta like the Lemon of today. He was gracious and friendly...and irresistibly huggable--You'll see.

(Sorry about the sound, this was filmed on my Flip at a distance as the crew from another project I'm working on was filming the same interview.)

Here's my Whrrl about the day as well. Click anywhere on the story below to see it.

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You might remember, The Trotters are one of five males who have my permission to wear tank tops. Check out the full list here. All other men should steer clear of the dreaded tank.

Epic couples I've loved through my lifetime

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:33:00 GMT

For Valentine's Day, some epic couples I've loved through my lifetime...

Starting with Pepe Le Pew and the cat he thinks is a skunk:

Bob Newhart and his wife, Emily

The real/illustrated/real/illustrated...real couple from the

Ah Ha video "Take Me On:"

Lloyd and Diane from the movie "Say Anything:"

Larry and Suzanne:

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Just a reminder to my husband that I would like one of these for Valentine's Day, and he can skip the flowers, chocolates and other assorted hoopla. A nice card, cozying up to watch a hockey game and a caramel apple are what I'm looking forward to this V-day.

(Photo by moi)

First Flight not Jonas Bros at Honda Center

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:41:00 GMT

Joe Jonas didn't lace up and take the ice today at the Honda Center, but from the way those 15,000 kids screamed for two hours straight, you would have thought he was there with his siblings driving them half-mad. Susan Belknap, OC Family's Editor, and I spent the morning at The Anaheim Ducks First Flight Field Trip for Orange County students.

Check out my Whrrl to find out what it's all about. Maybe your kids have gone or will go when they're around the 4th grade. If they were there today, I have a question for you, "Were they hoarse when you picked them up?" My ears are still ringing...

*** More Ducks stuff from me***

Corey Perry fights robots

How not to act when meeting Ryan Getzlaf

Why I love hockey

My top five romantic comedies

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:52:00 GMT

My top five romantic comedies:

(Click the links to watch scenes from each.)

I guess I consider myself a romantic comedy connoisseur. Maybe even an expert...possibly an aficionado, for sure a snob. More than just casual 'date night' entertainment, I expect a lot from my romantic comedies.

The best test of a good romantic comedy is if the next day you still feel a residual warm, golden, syrupy sweetness in your heart that you can't quite pinpoint. It makes you want to throw your arms around your husband and laugh at his silly ways when he forgets to run the dishwasher, again.

A great one should make you not feel alone in your bedroom watching a movie on Lifetime at 1 a.m but instead that your heartbreak is part of some super corny, yet noble global sorority. A great on should leave you happy, hopeful and quoting memorable lines for years to come.

*****

How much does Dove soap rock?

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:10:00 GMT

Dove soap has been a constant in my life. My family growing up only used Dove; when I went away to college my mom would send it to me and my brother in San Francisco (making everything in the care package smell like it just took a shower) ; when I had my babies we bathed them in the sink using only Dove; and now, it's one of the only things I can buy at Costco with full assurance it will all get used.

Over the years, Dove has become even more of a hero for me with their "Campaign for Real Beauty,"The Dove Self-Esteem Fund," and of course, we've all seen those Dove Evolution commercials that got people talking about perceptions of beauty in advertising.

Oh and their their Pro-Age commercials is awesome, too.

I just watched their new "The Journey to Comfort" commercial for their Dove Men + Care line of products and I loved it too! I don't know if I can talk Larry into using his own line of "beauty products" (must think of better way to position it), but the way Dove has given back to us and championed women's self-esteem issues, makes me want to give it a shot. Plus this is just genius.

Makes you want to go out and HUG the man in your life, doesn't it? (Favorite parts: Go out with your friends, before you know it you'll have three. So funny.)

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Download their free True You! Mother/Daughter Self Esteem Guide here.

The new issue of OC Family features OC Mom Bloggers

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:06:00 GMT

I aspire to be the person my mom thinks I am. I try. When I see myself through my mom's eyes I look a little more successful, a little braver, and I'm definitely a better cook. She is my biggest cheerleader. I couldn't wait to show her the new cover of OC Family. I knew she and my dad were going to make a big deal about it and I'll admit it, I really wanted them to; still loving the approving vibe of my parents, even at 42-years-old. It makes me happy.

There's my mom. In the middle of Soup Plantation smiling with the cover. My dad had to approve the photo and I took about 5 until it showed her "beautiful eyes." He finally okayed this one.

I'd like to thank OC Family and Churm Media for believing not only in me, but in all of the bloggers here on the OC Family Web site. Your support and trust in us will serve to feed the creative fires and empower moms all over Orange County.

I'm enormously proud of the story OC Family ran about mom bloggers. Pick one up (or read it here), it features some of my favorite OC bloggers: Marcy, Aracely, Tina, Debbie, Beckey, and Kara-Noel. Check out the photo of Marcy on the first page. I begged her to let me take it, "Someday you're going to need some photos of yourself," I told her. She rolled her eyes and plopped herself down. I love it because it is so "her" and it was taken in one of our favorite places: Old Towne Orange. You should make a mental note now, if you ever go to lunch with me: Primp. I'm bringing my camera.

Check out my Whrrl from the day of the photo shoot. Tracie Spence, the photographer , is adorable, friendly, and just brilliant. You can check out her other photos on her website here.

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You can start your own blog, upload photos and videos and connect with other moms right here at OC Family. Click here for our OC Moms Network.

Anastasia Cafe in Laguna Beach

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:21:00 GMT

I spent this soggy morning with two friends having a very belated--my birthday is in December--birthday breakfast. My friend Eve took Jill and I out to Anastasia Cafe in Laguna Beach. I love venturing out in inclement weather, only the bravest and most hungry people were out and about in Laguna.

Check out my Whrrl story about our day...

Anyone else have any favorite rainy day spots in OC. Looks like we might be needing some ideas. Macry and Aracely both took us to Disneyland on a rainy day, maybe I'll try that this week.

Tweet-up at The Honda Center

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:05:00 GMT

There is almost nothing that gives me more joy than to introduce new folks to Ducks Hockey.

(Adam, Brad and Me at the game.)

***

On Wednesday night a group of about 20-25 Ducks fans met John T. Meyer from "Pick my NHL Team" at The Honda Center for the Ducks game against the Red Wings. His contest asked NHL Fans to vote on his site and the team with the most votes became his new favorite team. The Ducks, naturally, snatched the win and so John flew out here from...somewhere very cold, had his first In-n-Out Burger, and then attended a Tweet-up at the game to celebrate his new found Ducks' fanship and to cheer on the team we all love.

Blogger Adam Rogers, who's not new to hockey, he's Canadian, but new to the Ducks, came with hockey newbie Brad Lawson (Husband of blogger Kara-Noel) and we all sat together as I "helped" Brad better understand the game by throwing out random facts, player bios and NHL rules all night. Blogger McKay, another newbie, came along after Larry wasn't able to use his ticket due to his last minute trip to Washington D.C. You 'betcha I "helped" her understand the game a little better too.

(Some of the Ducks fans attending the Tweet-up. Go to my Ducks hockey list on Twitter to follow them.)

Of course I Twittered throughout the game and Larry was Twittering too from our nation's capital. My friend and fellow blogger, Debbie, sent me this screen shot of my Tweet, grousing about the beer line on level 400, followed by Larry's slightly more important and mature Tweet.

Hey, the line was long, okay? What can I say? We make it work.

(Saku Koivu warming up for the game.)

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More Honda Center news: The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to town next weekend, Feb. 13th for two shows. I'm going to the 7:00 and I'm excited about going backstage to interview "The Big Easy." He's promised to show me how to balance the ball on top of my finger; which has been a life-long dream ever since I saw The Trotters at The Forum when I was 10-years-old. Really.

Here's more info on the show and links to buying tickets.

Really? String bikini panties for little girls? Really?

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:00:00 GMT

I was at the Mecca of all stores, as far as my eight-year-old daughter is concerned, Justice, and I came across these little numbers: String bikini panties starting at size 4/5.

Sorry for the quality of photo, but as soon as I saw them I pulled out my iPhone and started covertly taking photos to show you. My daughter was very, very pleased. (Ahem. Not.) Does this feel wrong to you? Creepy even? I'm not referring to the day-glo, splatter paint, '80 throwback part of the panties, which is indeed creepy, I mean the idea of a little girl in "adult style" panties.

I know that no one is going to see them but me and her, but still, aren't some things just inherently wrong? Just the idea of them? Can't little girls just be little girls? I want my 4-10 year old to be wearing Hello Kitty underwear (Heck, I want to wear Hello Kitty underwear) or Barbie, or even...**grimace** Hannah Montana, but not string bikinis.

I guess the bottom line for me here is; I'm in no hurry to have my daughter grow up. She isn't getting her ears pierced until she's 12-years old, no make up until high school and I don't let her watch some of the same movies as her friends. Not that I think the parents who let their daughters do these things are bad or even doing their daughters a disservice, I'm just in no hurry....and I'm the mom. I guess it all comes down to that, if it feels wrong to me (oh, and her dad would flip) then that's a good enough reason for me.

*****

I think on the scale of modesty and sexual attitude I fall right in the middle. Elizabeth Esther wrote this great post--Why I've banned the Victoria's Secret Catalog from my house--and I've thought about it for a long time, because I do allow it in my house and I purchase items from it regularly.

I don't read it to my son at bedtime or anything, but I think it's appropriate for adults and it doesn't bother me or make me feel bad about myself. I think it lacks the raunchiness and intention of "soft porn" but I see her point about the "pornographic tide that seeks to hurt my children," I just don't think the VS Catalog falls under that category. What are your thoughts on Elizabeth's piece? I think this is all fascinating and good stuff for women to talk about. I think it's important.

Getting schooled by homework

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:25:00 GMT

I always hear how hard homework gets for kids (READ: parents) as they get older. As adding and subtracting give way to calculus and other more arduous academics that I won't even pretend to understand, I'm a little fearful that I won't be able to help my kids with their studies.

Take this as an example, I'm getting my son's homework back with corrections on the things that I helped him -- he's in kindergarten!

Take a look at the example on the right.

Okay, yes, that's obviously a "glass" not a "cup," my mistake. But that's an otter on the bottom right? ...not a gopher as I told my son, but an otter. Now, to me, an otter has a bigger tail, like in the cartoons when a otter pounds down things with his enormous, round tennis racket- sized tail--unfortunately, this is another problem, most of my knowledge of animal life comes from cartoons.

My fear is the gap of what I know and what they need to know is going to grow and grow and pretty soon, I'm just going to have to start to make things up...or send them to a tutor. (Yes, sending them to a tutor sounds more logical.) I absolutely LOVE my son's teacher and we had a very good laugh about this, but it spotlights a underlying issue for me: What if I can't help my kids the way I want and need to?

I wonder if some parents have to hit the books themselves as their kids get into the higher grades. Where is the line between helping your kids with their homework and actually doing their homework drawn? Any words of advice from parents with older kids? Can a child be successful in school if their parents don't understand what it is they are studying? Anyone else think that is clearly a gopher?

*****

Read my story about "helping" my daughter decide on what character she should be for her school project:

Be like me. Wait, no don't be like me!

Alive in Wonderland: Comic Strip

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:20:00 GMT

Alive in Wonderland

"The Tooth Fairy"

Thanks Toonlet!

*********************

Listen to what I'm listening to, check out my Blip.Fm Channel.

Ben meet the soap. Soap meet Ben

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:11:00 GMT

I've found that having a sense of humor with your kids, especially in dealing with the mundane parts of parenting, is a real sanity saver. Whenever I can muster up the creative energy and I feel it is going to break the tension or make something that's oh-so-boring, a little more fun I try to get my kids to giggle.

Read my

"Five ways to use '80s music to annoy your kids and entertain yourself."

Like, every time my son Ben takes a shower I go through the same scene with him and make a big deal about introducing him to the soap: "Ben, meet the soap," I say holding up the Dove to his sweet little face. "Soap, meet Ben." He's already perfected the feigned annoyed "Mooooooooooommy!" I continue, "Why don't you two spend some quality time together getting to know each other? I mean REALLY get to know each other."

(Eye roll)

I swear if I didn't remind him to use it, he wouldn't. Not that he's being naughty, it just would never occur to him to pick it up and slather it all over his body. So every night the formal introductions have to take place.

I think I get my sense of humor from my dad. He was always cracking jokes and pointing out the funny little moments in our family life. He was a BIG fan of Bill Cosby and I remember watching this stand-up bit, Bill Cosby Himself, as a kid with my dad and thinking it was funny. But now, it's pickin' hilarious. No wonder my dad laughed so hard when he watched it. This part in-particular reminds me of our nightly shower/bath routine.

Lesson for male readers: Purses 101

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:37:00 GMT

I thought I would take some time and have a little talk with male readers because there seems to be some confusion on this subject; I'm going to attempt to make this as clear and precise as possible.

This is a purse (or handbag)

This is a tote

This is a clutch

The purse or handbag, tote and clutch.

They are three totally different things and should never, under any circumstances, be lumped into one general group or category. Just as a for instance, totally spitballing here, you say to your wife or any other female in your life something like, "Look at all the purses you have!" while motioning furiously toward handbags, totes and clutches is a fashion fallacy and strikes confusion and evokes pity toward you in the heart of a girl.

And then to compare your wallets to our purses is just, well, not even logical. Each one--purse or handbag, tote and clutch-- has a very specific use and function and can't usually be interchanged. So the need for a woman to have "more than one" is crucial and I'm not even mentioning the issues of color, texture or style into the mix right now, just functionality. (Note: taking removable straps off a handbag does not make it a clutch. Nice try Larry.)

Don't just take my word for it. I have hard evidence that supports this fact. The following shots are from the "Blue Fly" and "Nordstrom's" websites.

Nordstrom! You can't argue with Nordstrom. They have eight selections, but I didn't want to overwhelm you with talk of hobos and messenger bags on the first lesson.

So, stay with me here: it's purses or handbags, totes and clutches. I'm glad we had this little talk. It's good to get things out in the open. If you're still confused, any gal would be happy to take you shopping with her to explain it all in full detail...what's that? You got? Great.

****

From my personal blog,

5 Tips/Factiods for Male Readers of Alive in Wonderland.

My best Tweet of the Week

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:21:00 GMT

OC Family Blogger, Marcy, has a blog link party on her personal web site every Saturday and if you're on Twitter--which after my last post I hope you are-- is a lot of fun. Post your best Tweet of the Week on your blog and let Marcy know you did it.

****

My Tweet of The Week came while sitting in the dentist chair on Wednesday. He had the oldies station playing and all of a sudden I heard, "Shout. Shout. Let it on out..." by Tear for Fears. Did I mention it was the OLDIES STATION! **Ahem** That station is for Tear's of a Clown, not Tears for Fears.

"These are the things I could (really) do without."

Oh, yeah, you don't want to miss more of this, follow me on Twitter.

Use Twitter as a tool in an emergency

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:32:00 GMT

We've had "weather" here in Orange County the last three days; actual pretty bright colors on the Dobbler map. We're not used to that and we're really not used to...wait, a tornado warning? That's right a real, "I don't think I'm in Kansas anymore," "cows flying through the air," "everyone in the basement," tornado warning was issued on Tuesday in Orange County.

I was driving home from an appointment in Long Beach and drove right through it, by the time I got to the tip of Irvine I decided to pull over and wait for the winds and madness to stop (READ: Go to In-N-Out ).

As I sat in my car, powering down my cheeseburger, I started looking for information on the conditions, but the only place I could find current info was on Twitter. The radio stations were in regular programing mode, but Twitter was brimming with updated road conditions, alerts and eyewitness reporting.

You know what the experience made me realize? I'm utterly unprepared for an emergency. I didn't have my kids' school phone number in my phone or know their emergency plan. I didn't have any AM or news channels programed on my radio--NHL Home Ice, '80 and Laugh USA, yes, but no news channels. But it didn't really matter because the "traditional" forms of media, radio and even local websites (ocregister.com was having technical difficulties) turned-in a dismal performance. But Twitter rocked it.

So here is my suggestion to you OC Moms: get yourself set-up on Twitter, even if it's just for emergency sake. I feel so strongly about this that I have even compiled a list, of OC Twitterers you should follow that will offer up-to-the-minute emergency updates:

@ocreggie (This is the Orange County Register's Twitter account and it was THE best source of info) @ocredcross, @Readyoc (Emergency Preparedness Campaign) @OCFA-PIO (Orange County Fire Authority), @KFIAM640, @OCSD (Orange County Sheriff Department), @quakeoc ,@OrangeCountyOA (Operational Area Emergency Center).

I also was filled-in on conditions throughout OC by regular 'ol people like me who usually use Twitter for things like posting pictures of my lunch or discussing the obvious awesomeness of Grease 2, but during an emergency, I was on the frontlines reporting about the situation in the parking lot of The Tustin Marketplace. You get 100 people or so doing that from around OC and you have a pretty good feel for what is happening in your county.

Twitter is free and easy to upload onto your phone. Yes, it's fun and frivolous on most days, but during an emergency, for extremely localized news, it's invaluable. I suggest you add it to your emergency preparedness plan.

***

If you're like me and your disaster preparedness plan consists only of getting a #2 with no onions and a large Diet Coke, then this might be helpful to you. I reached out to The Orange County Red Cross and asked Monica Ruzich, Disaster Specialist in Corporate and Community Education for some advice. Here's what she had to say:

"It's easy to forget, because things happen so infrequently here, but we in OC are as vulnerable to disaster as any other place in the world... but when it happens here we tend to do it Hollywood-blockbuster style. Just as parents work every day to provide for and protect their families, they need to work emergency and disaster preparedness into their routines."

-Supplies for kids -

"Include whatever they're used to such as teddy bears or comfort items and games. Also, many people view pets as family members so make sure to include pets when planning for disasters"

- Kids -

"Kids take their cues from us. Just as we protect them by teaching them to look both ways when they cross the street or to avoid talking to strangers, we can, in a matter-of-fact way, teach them what to do during an earthquake or other disaster, including how to call 9-1-1."

Here is the Red Cross' Official Disaster Preparedness Fast Fact Sheet.

I'd also suggest making sure you have the phone numbers and address of your kids' school (duh), plus any other place you might drop them off--like their Karate school or piano lesson--in your phone. If you're separated from your kids during a disaster the first thing on your mind will be to get in contact with them.

Disco Ducks at The Honda Center

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:58:00 GMT

Center Ice at The Honda Center was transformed into a discotech on Friday night as the Anaheim Ducks held their annual Casino Night, this year with a '70s Disco theme. Needless to say, because I'm a big fan of the Ducks and also quite fond of the decade that brought us Donna Summer, Lip Smackers and roller skating I was excited to go.

The idea of seeing the Ducks dressed up in Disco getups, while listening to The Bee Gee's and chatting with other Duck fans was, to quote a big phrase of that decade--DYNAMITE!

(Scott Niedermayer and me.)

The evening really was like a Boggie Wonderland with the players dressed in white leisure suits, satin shirts and puffy afro's and almost every guest decked out in some sort of glittery garment or funky threads. I think my video will give you the vibe of the night. It's fun to watch even if you're not a Ducks fan--for the John Travolta impersonator alone.

With over 700 guests in attendance, Anaheim Ducks "Center Ice Disco" raised money for Orange County's Orangewood Children's Foundation, which supports children in foster care by offering mentoring programs, scholarships and other activities. So all the getting down and boogying was all for a good cause.

I hope you can dig my Whrrl story from the night (Okay, stopping the bad '70s references now.)

****

You can click over to my personal site (here) for a little story about the night.

OC Family Bloggers are pampered at Pacific Waters Spa

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 14:52:00 GMT

I'm so proud of the group of bloggers OC Family has assembled right here on ocfamily.com. To read about how other bloggers are living their lives in this wonderful county gives me unspeakable joy, really! The only thing better than reading about them is actually getting a chance to spend time with them: In Real Life (IRL).

On Thursday night we got to do that! The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach invited us to come to their Pacific Waters Spa and chill as they treated us to mini facials, massages and hand treatments. We had a lesson on how to make "at home" foot scrubs and facial creams and they even sent us home with a bag of swag--all complimentary and just what we needed after the hustle and bussle of the holidays.

Take a look at our Whrrl Story below. Just click anywhere on the picture....

We had a great time laughing and giving each other the "Can you believe how lucky we are right now" look. You can be lucky too, just become a fan of Pacific Waters Spa on Facebook and write on their wall, "I became a fan of Pacific Waters after reading "Alive in Wonderland" and you will get 20 % off any 60 minute service.

******

Be like me! Wait, no, don't be like me!

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:13:00 GMT

Every third-grader at my daughter's school has to take part in a mock "Wax Museum" they have in the gym. My eight-year-old has to pick a character from history, dress-up like them and, as the kids from the school shuffles past, she tells about who she is and what she did to become famous. The only caveat is the person they portray has to be deceased, besides that they should just pick someone they admire.

Over dinner my daughter, Emily, and I started to discuss who she wanted to be, "I want to be someone who did something good for animals," she said over her fried calamari. "And of course a girl," she added. Sipping my Chardonny I said, "Let's see a girl who loved animals...How about Jane Goodall?!" Then I remembered and smirked a little as I said, "Oh, no wait, too bad, she's not dead."

Emily picked right up on it and with a smile said, "Oh. man! She's so awesome. I wish she were dead!" My son Ben chomped on his pizza and smiled as he looked back and forth at us. He didn't understand what we were talking about, but dead people always gets a five-year-old's attention.

"Rats! Well, when do you have to decide?" I encouraged her, "Maybe you'll get lucky and she'll qualify by that time." Then in mocked defeat she said, "Yeah, maybe."

We both giggled when my husband, Larry, came and joined us at the table. We filled him in on the conversation Emily and I both cracking-up at our own jokes. He started rattling off perfectly acceptable dead people, right off the top of his head: Dian Fossey, Amelia Earhart, Sacajawea. Emily and I just laughed as we shot down all sensible suggests and tried to get him to join in.

Here's the thing, my daughter is like me in a lot of ways. At eight, I can see her silly, nonsensical side start to bloom and I love it. But then, sometimes I think with complete dread, "Oh, man, she's just like me in a lot of ways." Because no one knows the downside of being like me better than...well...me.

I surely can't be the only parent who has sat in a parent-teacher conference and as the teacher starts to describe the child's "challenges," you realize she could be talking about you. Anyone? There you are, crammed into a tiny chair, nodding knowingly as the teacher goes down her list and you can just feel your spouse's stare in your direction. He knows. You know. She gets that from you.

I always thought I wanted my daughter to be like me. But all the good stuff only, thank you. I never thought about bad habits and frustrating struggles that as an adult I'm still trying to overcome. I didn't order those. But, it's just like everything else in parenting I guess, not all good, but not all that bad either.

And that night, as Emily and I tried to make Larry & Ben laugh, it was pretty good. "I know!" I said triumphantly, "I have the perfect person for you, she loved animals and she is dead--Leona Helmsly." That was it, Larry burst out laughing while my daughter just looked at me eagerly, "Who's she?"

***

The photo above is by me.

To see more of my photos with script, head over to my Flickr page.

Who's that Ruby's girl?

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 13:04:00 GMT

Who is this Ruby's girl with the Scrunchie in her hair and the red lips?

(Moment of silence for the Scrunchie, may it R.I.P.)

Yes, it's me. I was a Ruby's waitress from about 1988 - 1991 while I attended Orange Coast College. Ruby's at that stage was on its way to becoming the Orange County icon that it is today and I loved working there. As I state in my bio, it incorporated many of my favorite things: Being bossy; Red lipstick; and, chatting with strangers.

Not only that, the management was a stickler on cleanliness and keeping the work environment positive. We would spend hours after the restaurant closed scouring out the soft serve machine and running toothpicks around the tiny creases in the tables, scraping out any gook that might have accumulated there through the day--all to the swinging music of the '40s. Believe it or not, it was fun.

No, it was awesome.

Later in life, my husband and I owned our own restaurant in Santa Barbara and I implemented a lot of the principles I learned working at Ruby's to my own place. I hope the "kids" who worked for me came away with the same positive experience that I had at Ruby's.

Now that I'm a mom, Ruby's means something completely different to me than when I was in college. It's a family tradition to go, especially to the one at the end of the Huntington Beach Pier. My kids always urge me to tell the waitress that I used to be "one of them" and when I do, I feel a little pathetic, like I'm grasping at my glory days. "I used to work here," I stammer and the young girls smile politely. But my kids never tire of hearing stories about my days as a Ruby's girl.

Larry's twin brother was in town from New York this last weekend and we took him down to Ruby's for a little California sunshine and a Ruby's burger. Here is my Whrrl report about our trip. Click anywhere on the photo to start the story.

We are THAT family

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:57:00 GMT

Scene from my life:

Driving home yesterday (Yes, Jan 7th) I thought out loud, "We're the last ones in our neighborhood with our Christmas lights still up."

Upon hearing this, Ben, my five-year-old responded, "Yay, we win!"

Um, yeah, I said, "Yay! Team Broughton!"

It was then I realized we are THAT FAMILY. Oy.

*******

I recorded this quote on my Kid Quips Journal App courtesy of OC Family. You can download the app for a buck and keep track of those darn cute (embarrassing. revealing. awkward) things your kids say. You can also submit these little gems to OC Family here, and maybe they will appear in the next OC Family publication.

A night I won't ever forget

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:46:00 GMT

Last night was one of the most memorable of my life. Really!

I was given the opportunity to guest host "Ducks TV," the Anaheim Ducks online clips show, as part of a contest they're running this season. The winner will have the chance to appear in another video and interview an Anaheim Duck player. **Swoon**

It's probably become painfully clear by now, I'm a HUGE Ducks fan and this was like a dream come true for me to get a behind-the-scenes tour of The Honda Center, meet some of the people I've grown to adore in the organization and, one of my favorite parts, write the game highlights.

Follow me through the night in my Whrrl Story.

I was nervous yesterday leading up to the night taping. Fear of making a fool of myself, not being a seasoned enough fan, or achieving some sort of fiasco caught on tape that would end up on a sports blooper show, started to give me the jitters. But here's the fear that was bigger than all of those things--the fear of never trying and missing out on something great.

Then while eating lunch I read this quote in Steve Churm's (who I should mention is my boss) article in OC Metro (A Constant State of Change) and it was exactly what I needed to give me that little push:

I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying. --Michael Jordan

If I wouldn't have tried, I never would have had such an amazing experience. And, aside from all the hair flipping and head tossing I do, I think my segment turned out pretty good. I'm happy with it.

To watch it click here: Anaheim Ducks vs. The Detroit Red Wings on Ducks TV.

*********

If I'm chosen as one of the finalist, I will be asking you to vote for me for the win.

Stay tuned!

Here is my unofficial post about the night.

Do you lie to your kids?

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 22:57:00 GMT

The new OC Family is out and this is my column for January.

I lie to my kids all the time. I know I'm not supposed to lie. I teach my kids not to lie. But it's completely impossible to navigate the murky, treacherous waters of parenting without inserting a doozie of a fib every once in a while.

I'm not talking about the little white lies we tell to ease the pain of a lost pet (“Pumpkin ran off and got married”) or calm the anxiety of a worried little one on the way to the doctor. Or the ones that make their young world’s fun: like certain holiday visitors.

And every parent stretches the truth when it comes to how long five minutes is or what the consequences are if you cross your eyes for too long--these are all just "givens" in the big parenting book. (Which isn't issued by the way, but written hastily by parents as we go along...)

What I’m talking about here are flat-out whoppers that are told in the hopes of getting our kids to do what we want them to do. Lies that take death defying-leaps away from reality but ultimately, we believe, will benefit our children.

My biggest and longest running lie revolved around the culinary delight we all know as the grilled cheese sandwich, my favorite food in the whole wide world! But my daughter didn't like them. But I wanted to add grilled cheese in her exclusive repertoire of items she would eat.

One day, after once again refusing a grilled cheese, I asked her if she wanted me to make her a very special sandwich--A Camp Sandwich. Now usually, I explained, The Camp Sandwich can only be eaten while outdoors, next to an open fire. But I told her I could, “just this once,” make her a Camp Sandwich. And oh, she really wanted one, so I broke the rules and made her the perfect Camp Sandwich.

As she ate it I told her tale after bogus tale of how I used to eat them all the time when I was a little girl. How I used to sit around campsites with my brothers eating Camp Sandwiches, petting the bears, and listening to the wood fairies sing as they worked. I really laid it on thick.

"This is the best sandwich I've ever had!" she announced. Mission accomplished...until...she ordered a Camp Sandwich at Ruby's, and then at Red Robin and at... I think I have told every 20-year-old, uninterested server in Orange County the story of The Camp Sandwich.

The Camp Sandwich had a very long run as far as parental lies go. It lasted until my daughter was about six years old. That’s when her Aunt Jana finally (narked on me) told her the truth while spending the day at her house. My daughter hopped in the car and proudly proclaimed, "I know a Camp Sandwich is really just a grilled cheese!"

**Shrug**At least now she has a good story for her kids and I have a daughter who enjoys a good grilled cheese as much as I do.

________________

What about you? Do you lie to your kids? I have friends who say under no circumstances is it okay and others who have borrowed my tactics to use on their own kids.

Disney's "Give a day. Get a Disney day" is new for 2010

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 10:23:00 GMT

With the new year comes a new "What Will You Celebrate?" promotion from Disney Parks. They are offering a free ticket to anyone who volunteers with a participating organization. This will replace the "Free On Your Birthday" offer of 2009, and I think it's a clever way for Disney to inspire volunteerism.

Here is my video with an official Disney-type explaining everything you need to know about the new program:

Your free ticket starts with pre-registering at Disneyparks.com. Then just follow the instructions from there. Here's to a great 2010! Happy New Year!

*****

Obviously, I'm a little bit of a Disney-holic. Here is some of my photography from The Happiest Place on Earth. You can go to my Flickr Disneyland Set for more.

Roller skating: It's the new laundry!

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:57:00 GMT

I have fallen head over wheels in love with roller skating. This is how it began, I wrote this story for the Register on The OC Roller Girls a year or so ago and after attending a couple of practices and going to a few Roller Derby bouts, I started to get smitten with skating. Though not enough to be a roller derby girl, PLEASE ...me? I have weak ankles and a well-developed fear of girls pushing me to the ground.

But roller skating...remember roller skating? I grew up in Huntington Beach and in the early '80s I spent most of my time applying my roll-on lip gloss, feathering my hair, and skating to Earth, Wind & Fire at the Holiday Roller Rink in Fountain Valley. No girl was more dedicated to her roller skates than me. Every weekend I was there, the scent of Love's Baby Soft permeating from my satin jacket and rainbow shirt. I had my own white skates with big yellow wheels AND I had the '80s version of flair--pom-poms.

Yes, some of it was about the boys, but a lot of it was about the pom-poms.

Now, I'm a wife and mother of two kids--how can I work roller skating into my life? My friends will surely roll their eyes and toss the idea in to the growing heap of "things Suz got all excited about and quickly forgot." (That heap has cost me a bundle.) But, when I mentioned it to them they wanted to join in, and when I wrote about it on my personal blog, I got a huge response from moms all around the country. THEY WANTED ROLLER SKATES!

Geesh! Okay then. I ordered my roller skates and my husband got me the pom-poms for our anniversary.

Then I needed to find a place to skate. A girlfriend and I ended up with our daughters at The Holiday Roller Rink in Orange one Saturday morning for a quick lesson and then open skate. After my first spin around the rink it felt like my skates and I had never parted--it was just like 1981 again. My girlfriend, who hadn't been on her skates in (ahem) a long time, too, was having the same "Peggy Sue Got Married" moment.

As we heartlessly lapped our struggling seven-year-olds we sunk deeper and deeper into a nostalgic trance. The whole rink experience is largely unchanged and really geeky. They still do the hokey pokey, play Redlight/Greenlight, and blast Queen's "We will rock you" as everyone stomps their skates to the beat. Just to clarify, when I say "really geeky," I mean "totally awesome."

I admit, I did feel a little silly breaking out my skates in Newport one weekend to skate while my son rode his bike down the bike path. I mean, I am "of a certain age" when cute can be translated, to some, as pathetic, or just plain dorky. I did contemplate walking instead. But then I thought more about it and as I laced-up, fastened my hot pink helmet and straightened my "Hello Kitty" t-shirt I said (to myself), "This really makes me happy. I'm really beside myself with freakin' happiness right now."

And if being (fine, I'll say it) 42 years old has taught me anything, it's "Take any 'happy' you can get!" Great, now I really sound like a biddy, but it's true. I don't care if roller skating comes across as a clear grasp at my fleeting youth, I'm going to do it anyway--with flair!

***

Here's a video I made when I first got my roller skates over a year ago. I still go out with my kids on the street and skate.

Things they should call it besides Labor & Delivery

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 23:05:00 GMT

The new issue of OC Family will hit the stands this week with a feature about child labor and delivery. We asked our readers to submit their own stories, and I can't wait to read them. One of our very own bloggers, Rockin' Mama, can now add her own story since she had her second baby, Cate, last week.

Isn't she adorable? Don't you just love a sleeping newborn? You can read her beautiful post about her experience on Rockin' Mama's personal site. Congratulations, Caryn!

*****

Side note: I don't know, maybe it's just me, but Labor & Delivery sounds more like the back dock entrance to Macy's than the place where you go to have the most profound and meaningful event of your life.

So, here are my suggestions for new names to replace Labor & Delivery:

Pace & Push

Shock & Awww!

Come In Your Maternity Jeans & Leave In Your Maternity Jeans

Curses & Nurses

Pride & Preciousness

End Of One Thing & Beginning Of Another

It's not too late to see Christmas lights in OC!

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 07:52:00 GMT

We all know that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is to sing loud for all to hear, well, you can also pack your kids in the car and drive around one of the handful of OC neighborhoods that are decked out for the holidays.

It's not too late! Most of them are up and being jolly through Sunday.

For the last four years we have braved the tollroads and gone to a far-off land they call "Brea." It is beautiful there with rolling hills and the natives seem quite friendly. They also have a neighborhood called "Eaglehills" that I'm sure you can see from space--every house is lit up with Christmas lights.

Check out my Whrrl story for pictures and snark from last nights trip. Don't miss "Just Spotted's" list of Christmas lights in OC.

Disney on Ice at The Honda Center through Dec 27th

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:23:00 GMT

Disney on Ice is sort of a tradition in our family.

I found this photo of us from the 2002 show at The Honda Center when Emily was just one-year old. **sniff** sniff**

Last night we packed up the now eight-year-old and her brother and a bunch of their friends and headed out to see the "Worlds of Fantasy" show. We had a great time and after much consideration the kid's choose their annual souvenir--Giant Tinkerbell cup for Em and light-up glass for Ben. Nicely played I think. I still have that Jessie Doll from Toy Story sitting on the ledge in the picture. I put it in Emily's keepsake box.

Check out my Whrrl Story from the night that's loaded with photos from the show. (Click anywhere on the photo to enter.)

Disney on Ice "World of Fantasy" is performing at The Honda Center through the 27th and there are still tickets available from $17 - $74. Hightail it over to The Honda Center's Website for more info or call 1 (800) 745-3000.

******

Check out Julie's photo from the night on her blog, Angry Julie Monday.

I'm certain there's a good explanation

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:22:00 GMT

This cart with the same sign stands outside my son's kindergarten everyday.

Now, I'm certain there is a very good explanation for it. I know that someone will explain it to me and I would shake my head and say, "Oh, I didn't know that" like I do with most things that happen at my kids' school. I just think it's funny.

****

Want more school related stuff?

This is a video from last year on how I would say good-bye to Emily when I dropped her off at school.

I now drop both of them off and have added "I'm going to miss you like a child misses their blanket" (thank you Fergie), "get out there and take it" and also "Cerpe diem." They still don't thing it's at all funny.

Have fun storming the castle from Suzanne Broughton on Vimeo.

DStreet opens in Downtown Disney

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:03:00 GMT

DStreet opened in Downtown Disney this week. The concept behind Disney's latest shop is "Underground" Disney; with items from independent and Disney artist. The feel is meant to be industrial, urban and alternative. Everything from t-shirts, to jewelry to skateboards can be found in the space one door down from Disney Vault 28. It is also THE place to find Disney Vinylmation.

(Not a clue what Vinylmation is? Click here.)

My family and I headed down there today to see the new store and to meet a few of the artist who came out to sign Vinylmations and meet their admirers. There were plenty of Disney-types around to answer our questions and even a DJ (Who did a killer robot for us--very impressive). A fun time was had by all and we walked away with some Vinylmations for the kids for Christmas.

Here is my Whrrl Report about the day.

(Click anywhere on the picture below to see the story.)

More stories at DStreet in Downtown Disney

Check out my other Whrrl reports here:

-- The ESPN Zone in Anaheim

-- The OC Metro Hot 25 Party

-- The Honda Center: Ducks Opening Night

Who wants to go see Marcy in Expressing Motherhood?

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:01:00 GMT

My friend and OC Family Blogger, Marcy, is going to be in a stage show in January in LA. It's called Expressing Motherhood. It's a performance by bloggers, actors and comedians all telling their mom stories on stage. Sounds so scary to get on stage in front of all those people, but I know Marcy will nail it. We don't call her "Miss. 110%" for nothing.

I'm getting together a group of OC Bloggers and moms to go to the show on Jan 9th. If you're interested please email me at sbroughton@churmmedia.com. I can't flippin' wait to see Marcy's performance.

****

Marcy made this book using website Pixable for me for my birthday. It's filled with my photography.

I LOVE it!

And what a thoughtful gift.

Thanks, Marcy!

She is offering 50 free photo books to her readers. Head over and make yours.

****

Happy Birthday Girls!

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:04:00 GMT

My best girlfriends are identical twins and today is their birthday. They're only one year older than me, but I think they look great for their age.

Happy Birthday Girls!

Alright, fine...that's not really them, but here we are, with our friend Vicki at Mimi's.

Joyeux Anniversaire Filles!

Give your husband the gift of a good make-out session

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:08:00 GMT

With Christmas bearing down on us, now is the time you need some creative gift ideas. Let me help you with that one person that is hard to buy for: The Husband. I know he says, "Don't get me anything," but that's just just silly. You have to get him something and you want it to be something good, no? Something he'll use. Something like a mixed tape filled with nice make-out music.

These relics aren't what they appear to be--the mixed tape your boyfriend gave you in high school when you broke up with him--they are actually a slice of genius in this modern age. They are USB thumb drives that plug right into your computer, they are just dressed up like your old friend The Mixed Tape. (Go here to order.)

So, here is what I suggest: Make your husband a mixed tape with all of your favorite make-out songs and the promise to use it in the near future. No idea what tunes will set the mood? Here is my list of Top 10 Make-Out Songs Of All-Time.

1.) Led Zeppelin "All of my love"

2.) Roxy Music "More than this"

3.) Mazzy Star "Fade into you"

4.) When in Rome "The promise"

5.) Barry White "Never gonna give you up"

6.) Peter Gabriel "In your eyes"

7.) ColdPlay "The Scientist"

8.) Diana Krall "The look of love"

9.) Journey "Open arms"

10.) David Matthew Band "Crash into me"

******

Here's another gift idea, this one for the kiddos. The Anaheim Ducks are offering their Wild Wingers Kids Club Kits for for just $20!

This is good for even the mild hockey fan. It includes a GIANT poster of Corey Perry, a Ducks light-up pen, Ducks hat and coupons for free kids' meals, discounts to The Discovery Center, Knott's Barry Farm and just so much more. (Valued at $300.) Just type in the word "Holiday" when checking out.

My kids are Wild Wingers and included in the kit was a family open skate at The Honda Center. We went on Monday night. Here's my Whrrl story about it.

The seven dreadful party personalities

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 23:39:00 GMT

I would like to preface this list by saying that I like most people. I'm super stubborn that way. You can plop me down at a party next to nearly anyone and I will find something to talk about. I take pride in ferreting out their most redeeming qualities and actually think that is the best course of action at any social gathering. But some personalities traits are, let's all just face it, dreadful to encounter at a party.

With the holiday season upon us and the likelihood that you will be attending at least one party, I've made this list of the 7 most dreadful party personalities and how to handle them. I hope this helps and remember it's your party too!

The Crashing Bore

Favorite topics of conversation: Possible deadly reaction of buffet food to their medication. The “freaky” dream they had last night. How cool they were in high school.

How to handle: Play interested. To everything, shake your head and say, “That’s interesting.” (Note: This only works if your spouse knows that when you say something is "interesting," it means you think it’s not interesting.)

The Arrogant Real-Estate-Related Professional

Favorite topics of conversation: Their weekend house or boat at “The River.” How much they bought their house for in 1998. Wine.

How to handle: Play dumb. Act as if you haven’t ever heard of anything they are talking about. Do you mean the Santa Ana River? Where is Villa Park? Wine, I love Bartles and James, too! What's your favorite flavor?

The Salesman

Favorite topic of conversation: How much money you could make selling (fill in blank here). How much money they made last year selling (fill in blank here). How much money do you want to make?

How to handle: Say you and your spouse have more money than you could possible manage already. Say things like, “We're loaded” or “My husband makes so much money, I wouldn’t know what to do with any more.” Then blow your nose in a twenty dollar bill and throw it on the ground, just to drive the point home.

Minute-Detail Talker

Favorite topic of conversation: The difference between French goat cheese (or chèvre) and domestic sheep cheese. The thread count of the napkins and why I should care. How she wanted to bring her New Graphic Op Art Large Sabrina bag by Coach but was afraid the bold pattern would throw off her Dolce & Gabbana Satin Psychedelic Dress she got at….blah, blah, blah.

How to handle: Ask the waiter if they serve Mountain Dew, when they don’t (which they won’t in California) storm off in disgust and go sit at another table.

The Instant BFF (just add wine)

Favorite topics of conversation: Nothing seems off-limits. Should she break-up with her boyfriend of seven years? Will he EVER ask her to marry him? In-depth analysis of each of her boyfriend's friends. TMI is like a badge of honor to her.

How to handle: Dead straight honesty! Tell her EXACTLY what you think she should do. Give her a "take away" by sketching graphs and charts on a cocktail napkin. For instance a "Likelihood he is Cheating on You" graph or a chart of her reproductive capability over the next 15 years.

Person With Distracting Hair or Manner

Favorite topic of conversation: This person, has no outstanding personality fault, God bless 'em. They simply have something bewildering or annoying about them that makes it impossible to concentrate on whatever it is they are saying--like a really bad swipe over, a rogue bra strap, or a constant folding and unfolding of their napkin.

How to handle: Pretend you are in a scene from Napoleon Dynamite and this person is one of the "quirky" characters you're meant to embrace and quote lines from for years to come. Feel free to ramp up your own distracting manner and enjoy the party together.

Repetitive Insulter

Favorite topic of conversation: Endless prodding you to tell them when your baby is due, even though you insist you're not pregnant. Next, how much better you'd look if you weren't wearing red. Lastly, how weird they thought you were when they first met you.

How to handle: Smile. Go home and write about them on your blog.

****

Just the other evening Larry and I were at a party where I encountered more than one of these dreadful party personalities. By chance, someone had a video camera and caught us on tape:

Larry's so sweet to me.

Shop Heavenly Hostess in Orange

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:32:00 GMT

If you want to find a gift that will make the receiver think you are the most clever, stylish girl they know or that you perpetrate some death-deifying budget infractions just to get them something nice, Heavenly Hostess is a good shop for you.

Though she is known for her aprons, Cynthia's store in the Orange Circle (or Plaza) has a stunning aray of other beauteous house-y type things and she's an OC Mom herself, so it's like you're supporting your own kind when you shop there--just being helpful.

This is not, let me repeat, NOT the store to drag your poor, dutiful husband into to show him those "darling" dessert dishes. It will break his shopping tolerance barrier the moment the aroma of truckloads of candles and soaps hits his nose and he spies his first mannequin. Just send him over to Watson's for a milkshake, or, better idea, just go with girlfriends. Then you won't have to fiercely explain (justify) every purchase to your husband once you meet up with him for lunch and a Diet Coke.

If you don't have the luck to live near the Orange Circle (or plaza), you can frantically search for Heavenly Hostess products near you: HERE. Sadly, it probably won't give you the same thrill as the actual store.

My son gets busted by Santa

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:31:00 GMT

Every year we take our kids to see Santa at The Crystal Court. He's a good Santa, with a real beard with bright eyes that sparkle through his spectacles. If you've been there you know when you come out of the "North Pole" there is directly in front of you a See's Candy and a toy store. **crafty stinkers**

We told the kids we would go into the toy store, but under no circumstances, absolutely no way, don't even think about it, we were not going to buy them a toy. "Okay, okay we know, we know" they agreed, acting like we had some nerve even bringing it up.

Of course, Ben instantly attached himself to a cool, wind-up flashlight with his name colorfully painted across it ***crafty stinkers***

"Please! Please! I want it! Please!" Ben pleaded, big tears filling his eyes.

"No, Ben, we made a deal not a minute ago, we're just looking today," Larry said, so patiently.

After much discussion, failed negotiations, and a few threats we left the toy store empty handed. Ben was pouting--picture perfect pouting--with bottom lip firmly pressed almost to his nose, arms tightly crossed across his body, head hanging low.

Then Larry said, "What does Santa say? You better not WHAT, Ben?"

My daughter Emily, always with the answer to every question directed at her brother, chimed in, "POUT!" You'd Better not POUT!"

Then Larry motions, very casually, up to the exit door of the North Pole and there was Santa himself watching Ben--POUT! He waited until Ben looked up then he gave him a friendly wave, then the elf sitting next to him joined in.

You would have thought Ben had seen a ghost! He turned white, dropped his arms to his side and gingerly waved back to Santa and trying his best to give a smile he scurried out of Santa's sight.

I, naturally, took this picture at that very moment. **crafty stinker***

****

One of my favorite Santa scenes is from the movie "Elf." He's definitely not a bright-eyed Santa, but one that smells like "beef and cheese." LOL! I love Buddy the Elf.

Orange County Daily Photo

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:39:00 GMT

"I started Orange County Daily Photo because I believe OC is brimming with beauty, charm, and interesting people and want to share these things through images and stories." That's my official introduction to OC Daily Photo.

(Banner designed by the wildly talented, OC designer Kirsten Wright.)

Orange County Daily Photo is a website that posts one photo a day from one of seven photographers from around Orange County. The idea is to get seven different perspectives of OC--one day at a time. Since we started posting our photos about six months ago I think we've compiled a great "view" of Orange County. Here is a taste:

My photo from Huntington Beach.

Tracey's photo from Lucky Strike in Orange.

Marcy's photo from Placentia.

Gregg's photo from The Wedge.

Susan's photo from the pet cemetery in HB.

Jeff's photo from Orange.

Blythe's photo from The Great Park.

Opps! How'd my photo of J.S. Giguere from the Anaheim Ducks get in here :)

You can become a fan of OC Daily Photo on Facebook and get a photo a day right in your news feed. You will also get information on our upcoming art show.

I love this county of ours and it's my total passion to share it with other people. I'm happy to be working with at least six other photographers who feel the same. If you love it too, please make OC Daily Photo a daily habit.

****

Are you an OC Mom with a passion for photography? Do you want to learn more about how to take great photos, even if it's just for your family? (Which, honestly, is THE most important reason.) Do you have a great camera and no clue how to use it?

Check out Anytime-Art Studios. Noel and Mali are two OC Moms who teach WORKSHOPS on photography. Here's info on how to sign up. One of their graduates even had a photo that graced the pages of OC Family!

VIDEO: Disneyland's Princess Tiana's Showboat Jubilee

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:11:00 GMT

My interview with Tiana from the Princes and The Frog and also more info on how Disneyland Park visitors can be part of the Tiana's

Showboat Jubilee!

Yesterday I spent the day with some of my favorite people, Marcy from The Glamorous Life, Lisa from Babes in Disneyland and a whole cast of other characters--as in Disney Characters--at a Press Event at Disneyland to kick off their holiday season, introduce the new show Tiana's Showboat Jamboree, and also to tell us a little more about Disney's "Give a Day, Get a Day at Disney" promotion for 2010.

I was able to shoot videos on all of these things, but wanted to start off with the Tiana's Showboat Jubilee! segment since my family and I got to participate in the show last weekend and I think it showcases my dorkiness the best.

In the video above I'm talking to Disneyland Resort's Andre Rivas about the new show and then watch me spaz out with the cast. I also added some clips from the day we got to be in the show--check out Larry on the tambourine. Andre gives you some tips on how you can get a spot in the show.

Click anywhere on the Whrrl story below to see my behind-the-scenes photos.

The new show is performed from the Mark Twain right on the River's of America. You can catch it from the shores of Pirate's Lair at Tom Sawyer's Island or from New Orleans Square. Tiana is the new Princess from the movie The Princess and The Frog, which comes out on Dec. 11th. As Andre said, if you want to take your family and be a part of the show, hang out by the Mark Twain dock and hour before show time and cast members will choose guests at random. So fun.

****

Here is my Whrrl from last weekend's blogger event which includes our trip on Tiana's Showboat Jubilee! ...and yes, I think I have more photos of me with Disney Characters than my kids...

Ways to amuse yourself at Starbucks

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:20:00 GMT

Peet's Coffee is my favorite coffee, but when circumstances make Starbucks more convenient (which is almost all the time because they're everywhere), this is how I make the trip worth it: When I order, I act like I have never stepped foot in a Starbucks in my life and need an enormous amount of help.

(Photo by me. Taken at the Starbucks on 17th Street in Tustin.)

-- At the counter I stammer, looking around in pure wonder, "Hmmm, what's popular here?"

-- The stunned barista usually says something like, "Hot or cold?"

-- To which I reply, "Oh, I don't want anything to eat, just a coffee."

-- The stumped, cashier most likely will say, "No, do you want a hot drink or cold drink?"

-- Then I spring a look like it's the first time I've ever heard of an ice cold java, "Oooo cold coffee? I'll have one of those."

You see where this is going? We go through the various choices--blended, on ice, caramel, vanilla, mocha, whipped cream--and with each suggestion I get more and more excited at the idea of it.

--"Great! I'll have a small iced mocha coffee," I finally say.

This is where it gets really fun.

--An employee at Starbucks must be mandated to NEVER utter the words "small," "medium" or "large," so they always repeat it back like this, "That will be a tall iced mocha."

--"Yes, a small iced mocha coffee," I 'repeat' back.

---"Okay, a tall iced mocha," they 'repeat' back.

(Hehehe...properly satisfied now.)

I always tip big for being such a jerk and I never do it if there is a big line--I'm not THAT mean. There are millions of ways to amuse yourself in Orange County. You just have to look for them.

****

Over on my personal blog I write about why I can't go to the Peet's near my house any more and I ask, "What is your Starbucks' name?" Mine's Suzie.

****

Oh, and here's a video I did from election day last year when Starbucks gave out free coffee if you voted. Wow, it's like I'm obsessed with Starbucks...

Tastes Like Liberty, Election Day, 2008 from Suzanne Broughton on Vimeo.

Have yourself a merry handmade Christmas

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:20:00 GMT

Have you heard of the Handmade Movement? You must have heard someone, somewhere utter the word "Etsy." If you aren't sure what it is, let me try to explain: right now, as I write this, all over the world artists blessed with different types of talents are working on something special, something unique and beautiful, something they will put up for sale on Etsy.

Etsy is a website hosting thousands of independent artist "shops" that showcase and sell their handmade treasures to people like you and me. It's FREE to browse Etsy as a buyer--which I couldn't more eagerly insist you do.

For the last three years I have bought my kids things from Etsy for Christmas. This year, it was the first place they wanted to look when making their Christmas lists.

I told them they could each pick out one Plushy (or stuffed animal) and here is what they came up with:

Ben picked out BoBo from Very Carey's Shop. Who could resist his cute face and sassy attitude?

I felt a little bad for Emily because she simply couldn't decide between Tiddlywinks' Charlotte the Cat...

Or this sock kitty named Derrik from Big Silly World, who I prefer because I'd really like to buy anything from a shop called Big Silly World.

Etsy doesn't just have kids' stuff. I'm lusting over a few things over there, myself. I love this necklace from The Romantic Garden.

And I would LOVE this print from Spread the Love for my office.

Oh, or this one from Studio Mela. All her stuff is great.

I've ordered so many things from Etsy, big and small, and it's always been a positive experience. I've even decorated my daughters room with art I bought from Etsy. These are from the shop The Black Apple.

So I urge you to support independent artists this year and buy something from Etsy, and have yourself a merry handmade Christmas now...

*****

What? You want to do even more good with your Christmas cash? Take a look at these adorable Holiday cards from The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, which is based right here in Orange County.

Each holiday card was created by a child who is an oncology patient and all the proceeds go directly to research. This Dancing Santa card was drawn by Brittany who is 10-year-old and has leukemia.

You can go here to see them all.

Successfully dodging my holiday responsibilities

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 07:56:00 GMT

We look like normal, grown women. We have jobs and pay property taxes. We swoon at Anthropologie, are secretly in love Jason Mraz...we have kids and husbands; all the outside appearances of being totally functional.

(Look at me up there with my mom and her Ambrosia Salad. I'm such a poser.)

But we have a secret: We've never prepared a holiday feast. We've never cooked the bird, stuffed it with dressing or prepared gravy from its drippings. That IS what gravy is made of, right? We wouldn't know what to do with a yam or a chalet; in fact, we would be hard pressed to point one out in the produce section of Pavillions.

I'm not going to pretend anymore. I know all you gals who slave the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas know I'm not pulling my weight: My mom and dad still makes it all! They make the big stuff at their house, pack it in their car and bring it to mine. We host both holidays every year, so I scrub the bathroom sinks, empty boxes of Wheat Thins onto a cheesed-up platter and light the candles, but I have never prepared the heavy weights.

The day before Thanksgiving you could have spotted me at the market stressing out, just like the other women. But they were panicked, clutching their neatly organized list, because they were out of fresh cranberries for their traditional sauce, while I was standing in Aisle 5 annoyed and saying (out loud) "What? Frick! They're out of Bugles!"

I know I'm not the only one either, I was confessing to my friend Lynne at the Ducks game on Wednesday night and she said, "Oh, I've never prepared anything either." She told me her mom asked her to make the potatoes this year but it occurred to her that her mom actually wanted her to BRING the potatoes. "I mean, I'm perfectly capable of buying a bag of potatoes," she explained, but after a frantic call to her mom, she was assured she already had potatoes and just wanted Lynne to mash them. **whew**

So I gained some courage to come right out and say it after realizing there might be other women living with the same shame: Hi, I'm Suzanne Broughton and I've successfully dodged preparing holiday meals my whole life...but I will drive around to four markets until I find Bugles.

*****

If you are just dying to know what Thanksgiving is like at my house, take a look at my Whrrl Story below:

Click anywhere on the box to see the story.

The cupcake IS the party with The Meringue Bake Shop

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:13:00 GMT

So, let me get this straight: The cupcake IS the party? Awesome.

Kristin from The Meringue Bake Shop told me about her cupcake parties one day while I was picking up these little treasures for another party we was having.

"The cupcake is the activity and, of course the dessert," Kristin told me. I was looking for something fun to do for Grace, my friend Tina's daughter's, for her fourth birthday party. "I think it's just crazy enough to work," I joked as I loaded the Ducks cupcakes in my car.

Kristin showed up at my house with the cupcakes already baked and ready to go. She had a dozen little Tupperwares filled with sprinkles, frosting and toppers. She even brought some candles. The kids got right in there and started to decorate the cupcakes as Kristin showed them how to do some fancy frosting maneuvers. Grace had a blast decorating four cupcakes and best of all--I didn't have to bake!

Read the story about my disastrous Earthquake Cake here.

If you want to have a cupcake party, you choose the theme, contact Kristin at The Meringue Bake Shop. She also will make you some of the most yummy cupcakes around for any party or even wedding. She's also one of the nicest gals in OC.

*****

Silly and pointless things I'm doing on my personal blog:

There's a place for them

Five men I've given permission to wear tank tops.

Anaheim Ducks: I won't quit you

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:22:00 GMT

Sometimes it's not easy being an Anaheim Ducks fan, but this season has been particularly brutal--and not the good, hockey kind of brutal. If you've been reading Alive in Wonderland for a while you know, I'm a big Ducks fan. Don't worry, this isn't all about hockey today, it's only MOSTLY about hockey.

(You can read the story I wrote for The OC Register about my first hockey game here.)

Okay, so this whole Ducks season seems to be swirling the drain and then this happens at Saturday night's game. A fight breaks out when our Captain, Scott Neidermayer, tosses a stick over the glass to a little girl. (Something the Ducks started doing this season after the game is over.)

Despicable right? But the big debate online is WHO is acting despicably? I don't want to get into that too much here, so let's just say EVERYONE involved--except the woman to the far right who is more concerned with her manicure, she has her priorities in order.

I don't like what happened, but it's not typical Duck fan fare and it bothers me how the anti-Hockey / Ducks / OC types have jumped on this incident as "proof" that hockey, the Ducks fans and Orange County are all just plain awful.

I have seen Ducks fans act with deft kindness to each other. Once a speeding puck hit a young boy in the face and ricochet into the lap of another fan. He walked across two aisles to give it to the red-faced, sobbing kid.

And what about the youngest fans? Recently I brought my five-year-old over to the tunnel the Ducks walk through on their way to the bench (That's his orange hat). As we waited for our team, about 6 boys lined the railings, boisterous and spazing out with anticipation and then the equipment manager rolled in the hockey sticks and put them right under the kids' dangling arms. They touched the sticks, ever so gently running their little fingers along each one, never saying a word, just in awe to be so close to sport they love. Only when the team finally came out did they raise their hands off the sticks--hoping to get a high five.

When I think of being a Ducks fan, I think of this video I shot last year during the playoffs when my favorite player--Corey Perry--scores. Check out my friend Cathy's face at the end--classic.

These are the real Ducks hockey fans. Sure, we "boooo" the refs, or we shout at Red Wings-jerseyed fans to sit down and shut-up during a game, we might scream "words of encouragement" to a Duck involved in a scuffle with another player on the ice, this IS hockey. Right?

I believe being a good fan of any sport is very much like being in a (albeit sometime disfunction) relationship. When things start to go badly, you might get angry, you might mumble passive aggressive, momsolobic answers when asked where you want to go for dinner, maybe you text your girlfriend and moan about the lack of effort on your loved ones part, but you don't just bail when things get tough.

In fact, I would go so far as to say this is the time to get all dolled up in your jersey, lace up your lucky converse (we need it) and head out to the next game in support of the team. Hockey is a phenomenal sport with a rich tradition and the Ducks organization in particular is committed to the youth of OC and to our community. Three clowns and wayward stick won't stop me from being a fan.

Read my story "Why I love hockey."

So this is a very, very long intro into what I wanted to say: I'm proud to be a Ducks Fan. Even with all the losing, the decision to axe the organist, the stupid penalties, and the random melee, I won't quit you.

Oh, look at that? I lied, that was ALL about hockey, sorry.

******

Here are some of my favorite Ducks blogs:

Ducks and Pucks

Adam Brady's Ducks Blog

He shoots, he scores...

Ducks Fan Zone

The NHL Arena--Ducks

The Ducks Blog at the OC Register.

Check out my Ducks photos on Flickr.

OC Family Bloggers invade etnies!

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:31:00 GMT

This week etnies, the OC-based action sports footwear and apparel maker, invited a whole load of mom bloggers (and a dad blogger) to their headquarters in Lake Forest to learn more about the company, tour the facilities and meet the founder and CEO, former professional skateboarder, Pierre Andre Senizergues.

(Click anywhere on the Whrrl Story above to see our pictures and hear our comments from the tour.)

I'm supportive of any company that sees the value of the mom blogger and who understands our needs--childcare, Diet Coke and discount shopping were all provided. It was fun to get an inside look at how much research and actual science goes into making a great pair of skateboarding shoes.

etnies products are irrefutably swank and smartly made, but what impressed me most were the people of etnies. Everyone I met was gracious, helpful and I got the feeling they were all just happy to be there doing their job. As in most cases, I believe this kind of company spirit starts at the top--with the leader.

Pierre's passion (which again, was felt in the staff as well) for quality, innovated footwear for the sport he obviously loves was infectious and I found myself interested in the biochemics of skateboarding shoes, etnies patented cushioning technology, and the 2,500 cycles each prototype of shoe endures in the Ollie / Kickflip Test Machine.

I guess that's why I spent a lot of time in this video listening to Pierre talk about how he got where he is today and what motivates him. I get downright giddy about people with a purpose, don't you? (And it's not just his French accent, but all the mom bloggers agreed that there is nothing cuter than hearing a man with a French accent say, "Babies.") He is also wildly committed to the environment, but I will let Green Mom cover that for you.

Hope you enjoy the video:

OC Family Mom Bloggers tour etnies headquarters from Suzanne Broughton on Vimeo.

Here are some links to the other bloggers write-ups on the day so far:

Marcy at "The Glamorous Life." See the special etnies promotion on her blog.

Marisa at "Generic OC-Related Witty Blog." Who wrote about etnies "Grow with me" line of shoe and also their other kids' shoes.

Kristin at "New Mom." She has a great video on her blog from the day.

Kara-Noel at "Eli's Lids." Excellent photos Kara!

Adam the "Reluctant Stay At Home Dad."

What Disneyland means to Orange County

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:49:00 GMT

I hosted the first Alive in Wonderland Radio show last Friday. Yep, after talking to Kim Porrazzo on Family Radio (OC Family's very own show) a few weeks ago, I became obsessed with getting my own show--turns out to be pretty easy to do through Blogtalkradio.

The Alive in Wonderland Radio Show will be all about Orange County. The OC we love. Local talk about our county: the people who are lucky enough to live here; the places we like to go, and the things we like to do. I have millions of ideas for topics, but the first one was "What Disneyland means to Orange County Residents."

I rounded up a few of my friends, all with Disneyland blogs, to help me through my first show. Marcy Massura from The Daily Disney, Aracely Worley from Kids and Mice and Lisa Robertson from Babes in Disneyland all joined the discussion. (Thanks gals!)

We talked about ways the annual pass has changed the way we experience Disneyland, how our kids see Disneyland differently than we did, and of course, we talked about our favorite D-land food.

To listen to the show, click here and the show will start automatically.

The Alive in Wonderland Radio Show will be on every Friday--starting Dec 4th--at 11:30 am. (Taking time to work out the sound issues.)

The guest on my next show will be Chris Epting, author of "Vanishing Orange County." We will talk about the Orange County that stands only in our memories now. Listen in to us as we reminisce about our favorite old spots--think The Golden Bear and Lion Country Safari.

Kelly from Just Spotted will also come on every show and give us the lowdown on what's happening in OC that weekend.

Here's a short video by Chris on what remains of Lion Country Safari in Irvine.

You can follow me on Twitter or be my friend on Facebook to get updates on all things Alive in Wonderland.

Girls in glasses

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:58:00 GMT

"Boys don't make passes at girls who wear glasses," Dorothy Parker.

I'm totally fine with that.

Looking geeky wasn't my hesitation for going to the eye doctor and, undoubtedly, being prescribed reading glasses. I wasn't hampered by the thought of being unattractive to anyone, least of all boys. Just being completely transparent here, glasses equaled "OLD" to me. I'm forty one and though I'm happier now than any of my previous decades, I just didn't want to have to be reminded of my age every time I had to see...anything.

The signs were there; the little things like not being able to read price tags (which has cost me dearly) or seeing the food I was eating (which has also cost me dearly). Though these were annoying, they were manageable.

Yes, it was embarrassing when I realized I had been wearing room spray instead of perfume for the last six months--unable to read the label--but, I just acted like I was aware it was room spray to the counter gal at Planet Beauty. "Oh, I know, room spray lasts so much longer than perfume, you should totally try it." **Whew** Bullet dodged.

But then there was the constant text messages and emails sent from my iPhone, each one greeting the recipient as "Ho" (instead of the intended "Hi"). Like this: "Ho, What are you doing after you pick up the kids? Let's Chik 'o Lay!" After being accused of going "Irvine Ghetto" by more than one friend, I thought it was best I hightail it down to Costco and get my eyes checked.

It was obvious the optometrists had seen my kind before. With a smirk she said, "How long have you been unable to see?" Fumbling around in my purse for gum--by touch of course, not even bothering to LOOK for it--I finally confess, "A very, very long time." She gave me the Dr. Drew I'm-here-to-help-you-through-this look and went down the list of all the things wrong with my eyesight, all the reasons laser surgery or contacts won't work for my problems and then wrote out my prescription and pointed me to the glasses section next to the big screen TV's.

I picked out dark, traditional frames, going for the Wonder Women (Diana Prince) look. You remember "working girl" Linda Carter with the glasses, tight-bunned hair, and starched white shirt? Really! That was the look I was going for. I think that makes me pretty immature, no? Which puts this whole glasses thing in a paradox of me being both very juvenile and (approaching) middle aged. And that is an irony only a 41-year old could appreciate.

****

For other stories like this one, 12 to be exact, please read my CONFESSIONS series on my personal blog.

KIDS EAT FREE OC: Sundays at "A" Restaurant

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:22:00 GMT

One thing we want to do here at The OC Family Blogs is bring you local news and happenings in Orange County, and who better to report it all to you than a bunch of Mom Bloggers? We're out there anyway and we like to share our ideas and opinions-- very much so! Given this, I'm going to kick off a series called "Kids Eat Free OC" and the other bloggers can join in.

Last night my family and I went to "A" Restaurant in Newport Beach for their Kids Eat Free night. Check out the Whrrl story above by clicking anywhere on the photo. Maybe you've never been to "A" (Formally Arches) to eat, but you've probably driven by a million times--right on PCH next to Hoag.

Swanky, but friendly and casual, "A's" is a fun restaurant for the kids because it feels a little fancy, the kids can get dressed up and have a Shirley Temple, but parents can wear jeans and a t-shirt.

I recommend it, though it's still a little pricey if you get cocktails and an appetizer--which we did on both counts, thank you--it's well worth the cash. We all had a great time.

*****

UNRELATED TO THIS POST YOUTUBE VIDEO TIME

My daughter and I were crying we were laughing so hard at this hockey commercial.

"Loser. Loser. Best Baby in the World!"...So funny.

The lone mom blogger at OC Metro's Hot 25 Party

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:27:00 GMT

This week Larry, my husband, and I attended OC Metro's Hot 25 Party at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach. OC Metro is published by the same company, Churm Media, as OC Family and so I was graciously invited as the unofficial representative of the OC Family Mom Bloggers.

Honoring OC's "Best and Brightest" of the professional world, is a pretty awesome thing OC Metro has been doing for 20 years. And it was quite a swanky party with a "red carpet" type entrance and food, drinks and lively conversations everywhere.

At these functions I sometimes feel only half grown up. Part of me says, "Yes, it is totally appropriate that I am here." The other half has the urge to help clear the table and follow the wait staff through the kitchen door, out to the back alley where we would sit on empty vegetable crates chatting about our annoying roommates.

Being a blogger helps me through these festivities because it gives me something to do--take pictures, Tweet, take notes on little things people say or do. It me busy and Larry has become accustom to me "working" while we're out. He usually ends up knowing people he can talk to and he has not problem fitting right in with all the grown-ups.

So at the Hot 25 Party, as usual, I'm walking around with my head buried in my iPhone creating this Whrrl (Click anywhere on the box below for my story):

After taking the first few photos and notes I sidled up right next to Larry, without looking up from my phone, and stood closely next to him, joining the circle of party-goers he was talking to. After about a minute I looked up and realized I didn't recognize anyone in the group and I was a little confused. So, I looked to my tall husband in his light beige jacket for introductions only...wait... **confusion**...that's not my husband.

It was honoree Tim McFerran of Maloof Skateboarding. At 6-foot, 8-inches HE WAS the tallest one in the room, a distinction usually held by my 6-foot, 6-inch husband. He just stared at me while I stuttered, drink in hand, looking, I'm sure, like a complete idiot, I finally say, "Oh sorry, I thought you were my husband." Which really only served to deepen my embarrassment. He just gave me a look that, in my mind, I interpret as, "My, isn't she charming." But really is probably more like, "I hope someone is looking after this poor girl."

And someone was. The really funny thing is Larry had been watching me the whole time. He thought the whole episode was hilarious. It never once entered his mind that me cozying up to another man at a party would be anything other than me being a dork. I suppose that's a good thing.

*****

Getting all dressed up and going out with my guy made me think of this song by Joe Jackson "Steppin' Out."

"We'll be steppin' out."

*****

The photo above I snapped of Kristen at the party. If you want to see more of my photography you can go to my Flickr page.

Win a behind the scenes tour at etnies!

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:16:00 GMT

Come join the OC Family bloggers for a behind the scenes look into etnies, the skateboarder owned, global action sports footwear and appear company. On Tuesday, November 17 etnies has invited us to join them at their headquarters in Lake Forest to see how their shoes are made, with a tour of their Sole Technology Institute, and meet with founder and former World Champion Skateboarder Pierre Andre Senizergues who will talk to us about his company and its commitment to the environment.

We will be treated to lunch with the etnies Brand Team and then, this is where it gets really good, we will have access to the company store which offers wholesale prices on etnies items.

So, let’s go over this again; it’s a behind the scenes tour of one of hottest brands produced right here in OC, hang with Pierre Andre Senizergues, be treated to lunch and then shop the company store at a discount! Who’s in?

Just leave a comment here (one per reader) with your email address inside the body of the comment or you can email your entry to momsquad@churmmedia.com. I will choose a reader at the end of the day Friday. Good luck, Dude.

Childcare is available.

10 Things Mommy wishes she could stop doing

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:14:00 GMT

1.) Regretting ever wearing overalls in public, pregnant or not.

2.) Believing these evil lies perpetrated by The Pottery Barn Kids Catalog: Every home has its own separate playroom for kids; every category of toy deserves to have its own $64 chalkboard-labeled, color-coordinated basket, and perfectly groomed children will sit nicely and draw all day long.

3.) Stop wishing there really were a place called "Lazytown" and longing to go there--especially if Sportacus is there. (Meow!)

4.) Saying, "Hi Hungry, I'm Mommy," every time my kids say they're hungry. It was only mildly funny the first few times.

5.) Trying to get my kids to like The Brady Bunch just because I want to watch it.

6.) Driving half way across town. passing two Targets, to go to the one that has a Starbucks.

7.) Thinking that if I call it "having a picnic in the car," that eating fast food I bought for my kids at the drive thru is less disgraceful.

8.) Avoiding my kid's principal due to my lingering adolescent fear of authority figures.

9.) Cursing the person who invented "skinny jeans."

10.) Referring to myself as "mommy."

??????

Follow me on Twitter or be my friend on Facebook for up to the minute nonsense.

Good times at the Buddy Walk!

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:31:00 GMT

Yesterday, my family and I participated in the Orange County Down Syndrome Association's "Buddy Walk" at Angels Stadium. Recently I reconnected with an old friend Scott through Facebook. He and his wife Kari have a daughter, Sadie, who was born with Down Syndrome. When Scott told me about the Buddy Walk, I signed up my family to join their team--Sadie's Supercrew.

We had a blast partaking in the food and games, running the bases on the field, walking round the stadium, and then watching a live performance by The English Beat. That's right, THE ENGLISH BEAT! You can watch this video of them signing "Twist and Crawl." They still sound great, no? I had to have my husband take the camera because I couldn't hold still--had to dance.

The English Beat "Twist and Crawl" from Suzanne Broughton on Vimeo.

You can also check out my Whrrl story for a play-by-play of the day. Just click anywhere on the photo below:

At the end of the day, this is pretty much how my family ended up on Angel Field. It was a good day and all for a good cause.

*******

Scott and I worked together at Kentucky Fried Chicken in Huntington Beach years (and years) ago. You can read my story about those days below. Warning: It contains a pretty gross confession regarding a lost band-aid and a KFC biscuit. You've been warned.

"What was your first job? Mine was working at Kentucky Fried Chicken."

Dear Baby Einstein, you can keep the cash!

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:31:00 GMT

“I’m Julie Clark, founder of Baby Einstein…”

More women have gotten naked to the sound of Julie’s voice than to the sound of Barry White, Marvin Gaye and Steve Perry’s voice combined. Why? That is how every Baby Einstein video begins and it is the cue for a lot of moms that it is time to take a shower. I would pop in Baby Mozart or Baby Beethoven just to get a break from my little bundle of joy, not because I really believed my kid would grow up to be genius.

Last week Disney, who bought the Baby Einstein brand from Julie Clark in 2001, is offering a refund to consumers of the video series because—surprise—it won’t make your baby smarter. The FTC says this in their statement, “There’s no credible evidence that screen media can educate infants.”

Yeah, we kinda knew that already FTC, but have you ever gone four weeks without shaving your legs or eight hours without talking to another adult? I thought not…I liked Baby Einstein and used it strictly for the thrill of being clean. It was a benefit to me to not look like a swamp monster when my husband came home from work. That was the value. Give us moms a little credit here FTC, “educating infants” wasn’t the goal here, Sillies.

I suppose the alternative to Baby Einstein would have been letting my baby stare out the window for 20 minutes or play with my hair dryer and bobby pins until I was done freshening up, but, to be honest, I kinda liked those little puppets and the music of Baby Einstein served as the soundtrack to my little respite from momminess.

It’s not like I plopped my baby in front of the tube for hours on end (well, there was that one day…) and thought I was doing her a solid by giving her a jump start on her education: Moving her well ahead of her diaper-clad friends. I always knew it was just a distraction, a little amusement for her while mommy "got ready."

Compared to the other “screen media” like Barney and The Wiggles, Baby Einstein was bearable to watch and the music was…well, classical. The only thing that annoyed me about the video series was the fact that I didn’t think of it myself, market it, and sell it to Disney for millions.

So, you might have clued in, I won’t be cashing in on Disney’s offer to refund my money. In fact, I want to give a BIG shout out to Disney and especially Julie Clark for keeping me clean and (occasionally) coifed during the baby years—Thanks! Oh, and Julie, if you ever put out your own CD, please do a duet with Steve Perry, women around the nation will go wild for it!

*****

This was my daughter's favorite "scene" from Baby Einstein. I can still hear her little laugh when he sticks out his tongue. That's worth $15.00--right? You can also check out the gals on The View back me up on this issue.

Momologie gives daily inspiration

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:59:00 GMT

Have you heard of Momologie? It’s a new web site and daily newsletter created by two moms who used to work for Martha—is a last name really necessary—Stewart. They’ve struck out on their own and have created something special for the mom who likes a little panache between doing the dishes and Swiffering the floor.

I’m loving getting their daily dose of inspiration on a host of topics that all fall within the mommy-shere: recipes; decorating, entertaining, and of course, shoes! I’m not the overly domestic type, but I like seeing what my house or dinner could look like if I gave it even the slightest effort. It inspires me to care a little more about my homestead--which is a start at least.

You can sign-up for their newsletter, akin to Daily Candy, or just bookmark the Momologie web site. I’m loving their positive attitude and cheerful design. PLUS, I have confirmed with them you won’t ever see anything there about Kate and John—ever! Yaya!

********

Another daily online stop I make is Peace, Love and Momminess. Debbie's Orange County site has everything a mom needs to decompress and "breathe easier." She is also one of OC Family's Mom Bloggers and, I'm proud to say, a very good friend of mine. Here we are at Disneyland this past Halloween with our gal Minnie. I'm sporting my Peace, Love and Momminess T-shirt Deb gave me. Debbie is the one on the left...

*****

You can also sign up for OC Family's newsletter by simply clicking here.

Oh, the Laundry Gods are exacting their revenge on me

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:16:00 GMT

I think I may have irrevocably angered the Laundry Gods throughout my life, to the point now, they are determinedly seeking revenge on me. I thought if I confess my former laundry sins, maybe they can be forgiven and I can FINALLY get caught up:

1.) As a young girl I would throw perfectly clean, folded clothes back into the laundry hamper to avoid having to hang them up.

2.) I would toss my dirty Kentucky Fried Chicken polyester uniform into the family's communal hamper, even though this was forbidden because the stale grease smell would get forever embedded in my brother's "Angel Flights"and OP Shorts.

3.) As a teenager I would obsessively wash my new 501s over and over again until they were just the right shade of blue, blatantly abusing the washing machine as my own personal fashion tool.

4.) 1985. Self-made Acid Wash Jeans. Deeply sorry.

5.) As a college student I did a lot of "selfish loads," consisting of just my jeans and towels, even though my roommates stuff was "right there."

6.) As a young mother I NEVER got to the dryer before the cycle stopped, setting the clothes with deep, unironable wrinkles. So I would repeatedly re-run the dryer cycle in the hopes that the clothes would tumble-out all of their wrinkles (and also giving myself time to take a nap instead of folding onesies.)

7.) Once, about a year ago, I braggadociously said, "I am totally caught up with the laundry!" (The Laundry Gods HATE pride in any form, especially from a housewife. It is the worst form of blasphemy.)

I am truly sorry for my past infractions and someday I hope to at least see the bottom of my family's hamper--I know it is down there somewhere.

****

For music to do laundry by, listen to my BLIP.fm Channel. Just click on the link and press play. Today I'm letting the guys serenade me as I fluff and fold.

**** Photo by Keen Kellie on Flickr***

The Post Halloween Tradition

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:44:00 GMT

The day after Halloween involves the time honored tradition of tallying up the goods and assimilating them into our lives and is, in some ways, just as fun as the actual act of trick-or-treating. The process played out in households all over the country on November 1st, usually looks something like this:

THE DUMPING:

This is the most exhilarating part of the morning. Just letting the booty spill all over the living room floor. Anytime you're allowed to make a mess and get rewarded with candy is a win-win for a kid.

THE SURVEY:

Now is the time to get a good look at the treats to see what they have to work with.

THE SORTING:

Snickers with the Snickers. Starburst with the Starburst. Getting things in order is an important step in the ritual, especially for the budding type "A" kid. No mingling chocolate with chewy candy or lollypops--everything has its place. George, our dog, supervises patiently.

THE DADDY TAX:

This is levied in order to keep Dads from having to stoop to begging for, or worse, "borrowing" candy from their kids. It should be always paid cheerfully to avoid a heavy fine (sincerity not a requirement) .

THE NEGOTIATIONS:

This is a very, very tricky business that has ramifications that could last a lifetime. I still get fired-up thinking about the raw deal I got from my older brother involving a dubious trade I was talked into of one of my Reese's (a Halloween "E" Ticket) for two of his Bit-O-Honeys. **fume**

If your child is going to have a successful career as an attorney, or possibly in politics, it will become clear the day after Halloween during negotiations.

(Note daughter is still wearing her costume. Nice touch.)

THE TRADES:

I didn't want to get involved, but a Twizzler for a King Size Butterfinger? Another case of the older sibling getting the better deal. **sigh**

And so it goes...The Post Halloween Ritual is over. All that's left now, after the biggest sugar grab of the year, is the squirreling away of the candy. But no doubt, you’ll hear some version of this question from your kids: "Mom, can we get an Icee?"

******

Now you're asking yourself, "Who is this Suzanne Broughton?" Go to my bio and learn 30 Random Things About Me.

Watch my Halloween Dance Party video

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:15:00 GMT

My eight-year-old daughter, Emily, and I made this Halloween dance party video just for kicks. It’s silly and fun and that’s just the way we like things!

*****

On another Halloween note, I made this video last year at Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party in California Adventure. If you haven’t been before, it’s a blast and my kids were in heaven romping around in their costumes and trick-or-treating in the park.

Warning, this video starts off LOUD! You might want to adjust the volume…

Mickey's Trick-or -Treat Party at California Adventure from Suzanne Broughton on Vimeo.

It was a fun night. The only issue I had was the overabundance of Candy Corn imagery. You can read my story, "Candy Corn: Oh, the horror of it!" on my personal blog and weigh in on the hotly contested Candy Corn issue.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!!!

You're so Orange County. Why, thank you!

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:43:00 GMT

“You're soooo Orange County."

Have you ever had anyone say that to you? I have, lots of times. And I always reply with an earnest and cheerful "Thank you!" Followed by a playful--yet hard--punch to the arm.

You see, I'm kind of an Orange County enthusiast, a cheerleader for our fair County. I hail from Huntington Beach, and even though I lived in San Francisco through my 20s (in a self-righteous attempt to escape the "Orange Curtain,") I came running back home as soon as my husband and I started our family. To me, O.C. was the best place to raise our kids.

Though Orange County has come into its own in the last couple of years--no longer looked upon as L.A.'s dorky cousin--our new popularity has come at a price, and no one has paid that price more dearly than the O.C. housewife: And I mean the REAL O.C. housewives.

The notion that Orange County is all BMWs, Botox and bikinis rings a little true, but O.C. offers so much more than our image suggests. So when OC Family asked me to join the team as lead Mom Blogger, it was a dream come true for me. It was a chance to get real and flaunt some of the great things Orange County has to offer.

But what really made my toes tingle was the opportunity to bring on other O.C. Mom Bloggers to join the domestic soirée. That's 18 different moms sharing their stories, offering suggestions, pitching fits, and basically showing off their awesomeness right here at ocfamily.com.

Our goal is simple: Take back the good name of the O.C. Housewife and of our County (Oh, and world domination...oops, perhaps now I've said too much).

Some of our Mom Bloggers are business owners, some are addicted to Disneyland or energy drinks. Some have kids with special needs or who speak with British accents, and others are just trying to figure how much longer they can get away with wearing their Clash t-shirt and Doc Martens before it just seems like a pathetic grasp at fleeting youth.

If you think we want to keep all this to ourselves, you're dead wrong, sister. We like to share, and we would love it if you would come share, too, at ocfamily.com. With this mix of gals, you’re sure to find somewhere to jump in and connect.

Sometimes it’s easy to grumble about Orange County, but I believe we’re blessed to live in a place where we can go to the beach on Christmas Day, have winning sports teams (Go Ducks!), can hear half a dozen languages walking through The Spectrum, and whose residents truly care about each other. Our kids have every opportunity in O.C. to grow-up and become whatever they want to be. (Okay, putting away my O.C. pom-poms now.)

So the next time someone says, "You're soooo Orange County," just smile and say, "Thank you so much!" But don't forget to follow it with that playful--yet hard-- punch to the arm.

*******

Please follow me on Twitter, or become my friend on Facebook, or, if you really don't want to miss a thing, you can visit my personal Web site.

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The photo above was taken by the lovely and talented Dana Sipper of Sipper Photography.