Inland Empire Family Savvy Mom

Tantrums are purposeful

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 15:00:00 GMT

"Tantrums are purposeful"…that's what I keep telling myself when Savannah decides to throw herself on the floor, scream, kick her feet and shoot looks that could kill. How does a two-year-old child have so much bent up anger? I guess tantrums are just par for the course when it comes to the "terrible twos," but as a parent, I need to know how to manage these episodes without going mental myself.

Good To Go From Head To Toeis an initiative at Pretend City Children’s Museum that offers a ton of great classes and events to help parents like me better understand their child's development. This past Tuesday I participated in the Toddler Talk series offered by Good To Go From Head To Toe. The class is being taught by Dr. Ann Corwin, a.k.a “The Parenting Doctor”. During the first class, Dr. Corwin explored why children have tantrums and it made perfect sense. Little ones take in a lot during a day and don't process things or have the communication skills of adults so they release by melting down.

I guess we all meltdown at some point right? I have personally experienced some "big-kid" meltdowns that would make Savannah's tantrums more like relaxing therapy. I have had my fair share of tantrums that are well-worth a “time out” (can I take wine with me to "time out"?). ??In any case, handling tantrums can be stressful, emotionally challenging, tiring (those reading can fill in their descriptive adjectives here). As parents, we want to teach our children lessons in a loving, positive manner and it can be hard to do so when parties involved are frustrated and fragile. Dr. Corwin provided some great advise during the Toddler Talk series…

Try to recognize a tantrum before it occurs and distract by signing a song or reading a book, dancing, kicking a ball…
Children feel connected/loved through eye contact, touching, talking. Don't discipline with a combination of these because children will do the same action again to receive the same attention.
Many sleeping problems are associated with separation anxiety. Start playing hide-n-seek with your little ones to teach the idea that even though you are not visibly there, you love them.

Take a look at the video below and check out the many valuable offerings from Good To Go From Head To Toe by visiting www.begood2go.org.

Something savvy for the ladies

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:08:00 GMT

I like looking hip and up-to-date with the latest styles, but I am not willing to spend a fortune to do so (this "Savvy Mom" has to pay for childcare and that ain't cheap). I am more of a boutique shopper cause I love to find things that are different and not something that everyone else could find at Nordy's or one of the other big department stores. I also frequent boutiques cause they are smaller, more mom-and-pop like, and I like to support the small guy. But boutiques tend to carry names that run on the pricier side, so I always have to keep my eyes peeled for the best bargains and pay attention to when my favorite boutiques have sales.

About a year ago I met the loveliest ladies…Erin and April. This dynamic duo launched Boutiquing.com to bring together boutiques from around the county (and expanding beyond Orange County), providing them with a central portal where they could connect with customers like myself and promote their stores, sales, etc. The site started as more of a way for the consumer to find boutiques and Erin and April ran some great contests to help promote different shops and drive traffic to these locales during trying economic times.

Well, just recently the site has expanded to include: Sale Stalker – an e-commerce component of the site allowing users to shop more than 50 designers at 40-60% off retail prices with new items being added weekly. And the icing and sprinkles on the cake…FREE SHIPPING and a very liberal return policy. They had me at FREE SHIPPING. Plus, very cool feature, you can literally see how the pieces you may be interested look on via videos of models strutting tops, pants, skirts, etc. (kinda fun just watching these).

So, when thinking about that next dress for the party or hot accessory gift item, check out Boutiquing.com Sale Stalker.

WIN THIS SHIRT!!! Become a fan of Boutiquing.com on Facebook, share info about Sale Stalker on your Facebook profile, follow @Boutiquing on Twitter and Tweet away and comment on this blog post by telling me your favorite designer and one lucky person will win this super cute top from 3J Workshop (retail price $187). Winner will be selected on Wednesday, August 11th and I will contact you to get your selected size (S, M or L). Good Luck!

Another special perk for my readers…visit Boutiquing.com today and place your order. Enter the promo code: LAUNCH and get an additional 20% off already amazing sales prices.

Things that make me go hmmm...

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:25:00 GMT

I have been questioning a lot of things lately, some mundane, some just humorous and others a bit more complicated. I really want feedback on this post and am asking you, my readers, to share the things that make you go “hmmm?”

Health-Care Reform
OK, I may be Savvy Mom, but when it comes to all the intricate details of the latest health-care legislation, I admit to being confused and negligent about doing my due-diligence to uncover the facts and do the research to know how this reform will impact my family and all Americans. So, after reading the latest in the papers and online and finding myself still a little lost (I think even some of our media partners are lost when it comes to reporting on such a huge undertaking), I went to the most respectable of outlets to get the most simple answers. Still a lot to take in, but in a more straightforward way: Health Care for Dummies.You can also check out the most recent issue of Time Magazine.

Gym Fashion
Maybe it’s 'cause I am old and married, but some of the ladies I see at the gym look like they just came from the MAC counter, had their hair styled and their breasts recently augmented (or at least the tops they wear want you to take notice of the money put there). The attire is crazy. Sometimes I feel like I’m not at the gym, but the Academy Awards of Gym Fashion. My standard attire for the gym: sports bra from Target, old tank top with a couple stains, any pair of shorts or yoga pants that are clean. What’s your take on this workout onesie? I mean, she can pull it off, but really?

Rings at the Park
I used to love these as a kid. I hate them now. They seriously hurt my hands and they are much harder than I thought (really need to focus on my upper-body workout). Maybe they were all the rage when I weighed 30 pounds, but now, no fun. I challenge you, go to the nearest park and give these a shot again. Tell me what you think of the rings now.

Love Spring. Hate Taxes.?
Who’s the evil villain who decided to make property taxes due on the 12th of April and income taxes due three days later? Nothing pairs better with little baby chicks and vibrant wild flowers than forking over hard-earned cash to the man. I don’t really like “the man”.

New Year’s Resolutions
They blow. I gave up wine during the week, and I ask myself every day “why”?

Cancer
Lost another friend this week to this disease. Have had too many loved ones taken too early by this and many others forever changed by it. I know challenges make you stronger, but I don’t think this is a challenge anyone should have to face. I am sick of waiting for a cure. I know that there are teams of medical and science professionals working extremely hard to find remedies and medications, but how many people do we have to lose during this time? I also want to extend my condolences to those who have lost someone to cancer and my prayers go out to those who may be fighting this disease and the loved ones fighting with them.

Belly Buttons
To end on a lighter note, this picture makes me go “hmmm” and at the same time makes me smile from ear to ear. I can hear Savannah asking her cousin Sia, “Do you have a button? I have a button.” What Savvy is contemplating is...what does the button do?

Dance like no one is watching – or don't

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:33:00 GMT

It was a normal weekday morning. After the usual routine: wake-up, 3-minute shower before Savannah wakes up, change Savannah, walk the dog, prepare breakfast for Savannah, feed the dog, pack Savannah’s trinkets for the day, get myself dressed and somewhat presentable and get us both out the door. This would be a good day, but most everyday there is a hick-up or two in the routine that throws the both of us off. This happened to be one of those days. Savannah just wasn’t a happy camper (I have never understood this saying – what’s there to be “happy” about when sleeping on the ground in the woods surrounded by creatures of the night)? Anyway, we finally got in the car (only 10 minutes late) to go to Berlyn’s house (she is the angel I have written about in past blogs who watches Miss Savannah) and the mood had not changed.

Now, I don’t care what anyone says, there is NOTHING worse than being stuck in a car with an irritated child. Seriously, no fun. So, I will do just about anything to make Savannah happy while in the car. On this certain day, it meant having a little dance party. So, I put on the gym mix and Ke$ha came on and we rocked out…the two of us with hands up signing loud and proud. I had probably gone about 5 miles when I pulled up to a stop light and next to me was Huntington Beach’s finest (cutest cops ever!). The officer asked me to roll down my window. My heart was racing and I was trying to think back to what I did…was I speeding, did I run a light, did I use my phone without my Bluetooth? I turned down the music a few octaves and rolled down the window (Savannah meanwhile is still rocking out in the backseat). The conversation went something like this…

HBPD: Mam, we have been following you from Warner and PCH.
Scared Mom: Uh huh.
HBPD: Do you know what you did?
Scared Mom: Not really.
HBPD: You gave us the best show we have seen in months (laughter).
Not so scared but more embarrassed Mom: OMG. Well, when you have an upset toddler in the backseat, you will do just about anything to get them to calm down and be happy. Does that make sense?
HBPD: Totally. I have a 2-year-old. Just please try to keep at least one hand on the wheel while rocking out.

Then the light turned green and my friends in blue were on their way and so was I, just with the music lowered and both hands on the wheel.

I wish I had documentation of this whole experience...video, photos, something, but I just have my memories and the HBPD have theirs. I have provided a little video of Miss Savvy rocking out to give you an idea of her moves.

What do you do in the car to entertain your kids? Any toys/games you think work really well to keep kids engaged while on long roadtrips? Anyone have dance parties in the car (if you do, take it from me, practice safe dancing)? Anyone have a similar story of being pulled over cause you were trying to entertain the little ones? Please share…I am truly hoping I am not alone.

Growing old gracefully and dealing with the lines

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:46:00 GMT

It was Friday night and I was in bed early. I set the alarm for 5 a.m. Tim and I knew we had to be up early to get a good spot in line. Tim left before the sun rose. I later met to relieve him. It was close to 9 a.m. when the line started moving and Savannah and I were able to turn in our registration form at the local preschool. Yes, just like many universities, our local preschool is impacted. With a slight drizzle intermixed with a little sunshine, moms and dads lined up to get placed on a waiting list. The whole experience made me think back to the many lines I have waited in throughout my lifetime and how these lines become more age-appropriate as time passes.

The Early Years
?In elementary school, after getting the call that the shipment had arrived, I remember waiting in a long line with my mom at Toys-R-Us to get my first Cabbage Patch Kid. While the line was long and my patience tested, I was excited the whole time and when I got my hands on Collette Bennett (that was the name on her papers), I was ecstatic!

In high school, I recall ditching classes (okay mom and dad, now you know…only 15 years later) to go wait in line at Tower Records to get Rolling Stones concert tickets. It was a lottery system and well worth every minute. I met some unique individuals and the concert at the Oakland Coliseum was phenomenal.

In college, the lines were mainly for bars and nightclubs. But I have to say I ran with a cute crowd and the lines (if any) went quickly and the memories I do have (while some are blurry) are priceless.

The Middle Years
?And now, I am waiting in lines for flu shots and to get my kid into a good preschool. Pretty exciting stuff. Wow, times have seriously changed or should I say, lines have changed. Now I find a different metaphoric message in “the fine lines of aging.” What lines will I find myself standing in down the road? What lines have you waited in for your kids? Please share...I am sure there are some funny stories out there.

A craving for crafts

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:14:00 GMT

If I had all the free time in the world or maybe just a few days all by my lonesome without the distractions of work, e-mail, phone, Twitter, Facebook, etc., I would love to just create. I have always loved to make things myself. Not sure when this started. I remember when I was in like junior high and high school I made jewelry (still have a stash of beads). Later I moved to painted tile message boards and recycling wine corks for corkboards. When I found out I was pregnant with Savannah, all my crafty projects centered around the little one inside. This is when I really took to sewing. I had sewn a few times before -- making duvet covers and blankets (basically anything square that did not require a pattern), but maybe it was the nesting instinct and hormone imbalance that made me go above and beyond.

The search for bedding for the baby room made me sick. Tim and I didn’t find out the sex, so bedding and decor had to remain gender-neutral and I just really wasn’t so into ducks, teddy bears and frogs. I had a vision and I was going to see to it that that vision came true. So, I pulled out the sewing machine and made Savannah’s bedding (the bumpers with removable pillows for washing, the crib skirt and the matching blanket). And they look darn good if I must say so myself and have lasted longer than I thought they would. Then Savannah came. She consumed me and still does. My free time was spent sleeping. My projects were put on the back burner. And when I went back to work, I could almost hear the sewing machine cry a little bit as I placed it in the garage for safe-keeping.

I still do some creative projects every now and then. I have made Savannah’s Halloween costumes. I made her dress for her 1st birthday. And recently I have been creating little movies featuring Savannah and gifting these DVDs to family and friends. Love iMovie.

Since I don’t have as much time to devote to projects as I would like, I just tell my sister-in-law Melanie what I am thinking and she churns out the goods. This sista is talented!
She recently made Savannah a board to grow on that turned out so amazing! I plan to put Savannah’s footprint on it each year and track her growth (we’ll see how into this she is when she is 16). She also made a super cute sign that hangs in her beach-theme room that reads, “She sells seashells by the seashore.”

Basically, she can customize and make anything you can think of. These signs are the perfect gift for that new couple’s home, to welcome that new bundle of joy, as a house-warming gift or just to add that special touch to a room in the house or office.

Check out the sites below and as a special for my readers…mention Savvy Mom and when you buy one, you get another half off. Need to place order by e-mailing signsoflove@cox.net to take advantage of this offer.
www.createsignsoflove.com
www.etsy.com/shop/createsignsoflove

What talents do you have? What projects are you currently working on? And if you are interested in a box of beads, let me know…my jewelry days are long over!

Valentine's gift tips for the men folk

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:19:00 GMT

I am writing this post for all those significant others out there who have no clue what to get that special someone in their lives this Valentine’s Day (Tim, this includes you and Valentine’s Day is this Sunday). Now, I am going to be totally upfront and honest. I have never been crazy about Valentine’s Day for the whole reason that all the “staple” gift items are not only unoriginal, but way overpriced on this one day. Tim one year got me all the “staple” items in a very fun and inexpensive way, which I was more than okay with and it still makes me laugh. He got the flowers and a card (a 2-fer considering the dozen roses was the picture on the card), candy (sour patch kids), jewelry (a candy ring) and a stuffed animal (small bear clasping a heart). I have always told him no roses on Valentine’s Day, get them the day after and save $50 (plus I really prefer orchids). Not too sound like a total grinch on Christmas, but I also hate going to a restaurant on Valentine’s Day. The PDA is obnoxious, the service stinks and again, you pay $45 for a bottle of wine you can get at Trader Joes for $7. So, with all that being said…here are some gift/date suggestions for a great Valentine’s Day. And to all the men reading (yes, you too Tim), the bolded red items pretty much guarantee a roll in the hay. I have provided some mood music too...

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Pampering treatments
I recently went to the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa and got a small taste of all the services Pacific Waters Spa has to offer. You can’t go wrong with anything here! Go with the Double Up Couples Massage and then soak in the couples tub. And, if you can’t ditch the kids, the hotel is offering a Romancing the Family Package featuring complimentary Camp Hyatt for up to 2 kids , 20 percent off dinner at the Californian, 20 percent off in the spa, Champagne for mom and dad and cookies and milk for the kids. Price is $295 including room/tax/resort fee/parking and is valid through March 7th. Get more details at HB Hyatt.
If you don’t want to go that big, a nice massage, facial or even manicure/pedicure package would do.

Anything that comes in a little blue bag.
Nothing else needs to be said.

Wine tasting excursion
It doesn’t have to be a crazy trip to Napa or Sonoma (although this would DEFINITELY seal the deal), there are some great local places to go wine tasting. Make a date out of it. Hi-Time Wine Cellar even has some great tasting events specific to Valentine’s Day: www.hitimewine.net/winebar.asp
http://www.winestylesstore.com/
http://www.cdmwinegallery.com/
http://www.lagunacanyonwinery.com/
http://winelabnewport.com/

Mobile dinner and a movie
This is one of my personal favs. Tim and I have done this pretty much every Valentine’s Day and it is super fun. Pick up dinner from your favorite restaurant (we are big Wahoo’s fans), grab a nice bottle of wine and a movie. Pack some cozy blankets, pillows, wine glasses and laptop or portable DVD player and find a romantic place to take in the sights. (Recommend not parking in someone's personal residence).

Lingerie
Okay, this is totally a personal preference, but I am not into the super-sultry lace and bustier-type attire. Some of these ensembles look like you need directions to put them on. I would prefer a nice, soft tank and boy shorts myself. This set is from Victoria’s Secret and is only $29!

Kindle or iPad chock full of sappy romance novels
These are pretty darn cool (despite the name that Apple chose…I mean, couldn’t they have gone with iTab or something a little less related to a feminine product?). I love the fact that you can click on a word you don’t know the meaning of and it tells you on the spot. Put a few popular love stories (Nicholas Sparks) on there and you and your loved one can peruse a romantic novel together.

Magazine subscription
The magazine industry is hurting, but you can help. I love the mags I get…WIRED, Self, Shape. These are all great gift ideas because they just keep on giving and the receiver thinks of the giver each time he or she gets her monthly issue. Plus, a lot of mags offer specials for subscribers like 2-for-1 subscriptions (so you can give the gift to two significant others…shhh, secret is safe with me). Some good ones for Valentine’s Day: Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast, Self. http://www.magsdirect.com/

Valentine no-nos
Vermont Teddy Bears or any teddy bear or stuffed animal with a heart for that matter. PajamaGrams (who buys these?). Large boxes of chocolate. Gym membership (probably not the way to say I love you).

Anyway, I hope this gives some of you lost soles out there some ideas and to my hubby...you better not say I didn’t give you any ideas.

The votes have been tallied

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:46:00 GMT

This is a short and sweet posting. Flew back from the city by the bay yesterday with Savannah. The two of us went back to my old stomping grounds (good ol’ slowvato…Novato in Marin County) to visit Lita and Bobpa and celebrate my 23rd birthday. Okay, I may have turned 23 for like the X time (I am not giving it away), but age is only a number and I feel super young (I attribute this to the combo of consistent exercise and good wine)!

So, this post is really to announce my new title. What was really cool is that 116 people voted!!! Thank you!!! Drum roll please…?The winner with 46 votes is Savvy Mom. Followed by Marathon Mom with 41 votes and Fine Wine Mom with 29.

I LOVE my new title and think Savannah will be fond of it as well.

Take a look at my little Miss Savvy flaunting the latest in fashion accessories and posing for the camera. She’s so stinkin’ cute.

Savannah's first tornado

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:39:00 GMT

As I write this, I am in bed listening to the torrential downpour outside my window. My 100-pound mastiff-lab, Buddy, is curled up next to the bed (he normally sleeps on his own bed in the living room, but when it comes to extreme weather and loud noises, he is a total baby). For as long as I have lived in Orange County, I can’t remember such rains and intense winds. I mean, the National Weather Service has issued tornado warnings. Tornadoes! The advisory states that the safest place to be during a tornado is in a basement. Not too many homes in O.C. with basements, but those residents who do have them may be able to make a pretty dime in the next few days (I am going to start searching Craigslist for local basement-sharing opportunities).

Southern California in general is just not prepared for weather like this. Rain in itself is such a rarity that otherwise experienced drivers revert to 15-year-olds who just got their permits and are brake-happy. Gutters that probably have a capacity to hold a good 2 inches of rain become blocked and whole neighborhoods flood. I see people running frantically into their local Starbucks wearing flip-flops (wait, that was me). My family in Minnesota and brother in New Jersey are probably rolling with laughter – I'm sure our three days of rain are nothing compared to their months of heavy snow and blizzards.

Don’t get me wrong, I like a little rain every once in a while, but really, I live in Orange County for the 362 days of sunshine per year (give or take). I love to be outdoors, so this type of weather puts a little damper on my mood, and I think Savannah senses this and also gets a little case of condo fever. (I would call it cabin fever, but we live in a condo, and I would rather be in a cabin watching the snow dump and being first on the mountain.)

With that, do any of you have any suggestions for some rainy-day activities? Any ideas for fun games or crafty projects when you can’t go outside? Please share and stay safe: It is forecasted to get worse over the next couple days.

CBS2 Tornado documentation
Weather forecast

Have you kept to your New Year’s resolution?

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:13:00 GMT

So, I have been pretty darn diligent when it comes to my New Year’s resolutions. This year I really put some thought into my goals and also took some sound advice – think small change, not huge, global change. It is much easier to take baby steps and complete the climb than commit to running full-steam to the top. So, here were my small baby steps (resolutions) for 2010:

Give up wine during the week (my weekend officially starts on Thursday night)
Train consistently and run my first half marathon in 2010
Accept the things I cannot change or control (more of a personal conflict I need to work on)

Anyway, here is my progress report:

I have been very good about giving up my one, major vice during the week – wine. It has been hard, but I have filled the void with straight, hard moonshine. Kidding. This resolution is not only good on the liver, but also helps save some money. Plus, I really enjoy the bottles, I mean glasses, I consume on the weekend. It is only the second week of January, so we’ll see how long I last.
I am really enjoying my runs. I have never been a big fan of running, but lately I look forward to hitting the pavement for a good workout. I think it may have something to do with just being by myself, just me and my tunes (or bad music my husband calls it), leaving all other cares in the dust. I have gotten up to close to 10 miles now and just the other day sent in my registration for the O.C. Half Marathon in May.
OK, this is the hardest one. I really need to work on accepting the things I cannot change or control. I have a lot on my plate in the coming months, especially with my husband opening his own business last month. This year may be a challenge, but I need to go into it with a positive attitude and accept what comes at me. Challenge makes us stronger and learning to just go with the flow will help me maintain sanity.

So, where are you at with your New Year’s resolutions? And, as parents, do any of you ask your kids to make resolutions? Savannah is a bit too young to understand giving something up just yet. I am working with her on giving up eating crayons. But, for those of you with older children, can you share some of their past resolutions or maybe just ask them this: If they had to give something up in 2010, what would it be? I bet you will get some funny answers.

Good luck to all of you who are trying to stick to your resolutions. Some are harder than others. Just keep telling yourself,
“I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me."

Stockings are hung and this mom is done

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:59:00 GMT

Christmas is just two days away, and I am feeling good. I am done. No more last-minute shopping trips, parking-lot battles and long lines. Just thinking of hitting up Target makes me feel anxious and a little sick to my stomach (the sick to my stomach thing could also be attributed to the cookies I had for breakfast this morning. The kitchen at work is a death trap, I tell you). I am really excited for Christmas this year. At 19 months, Savannah is in awe of the lights, the tree, the presents: She truly is as excited as a kid at Christmas. Just seeing the joy she has makes me all giddy inside too. We visited Santa the other day, and while she was a little curious as to why she got thrown into a stranger’s lap, she was accepting of the whole thing. I got some great photos (her niece on the other hand was a little more apprehensive). Her favorite three words now are “Ho, ho, ho.”

I also have to applaud myself for not going overboard. Savannah has one present to open on Christmas Eve – the classic novel, "The Night Before Christmas" – and a couple small gifts from Santa (even Santa and the elves have felt the strain of this turbulent economy). Seeing how much she loves empty boxes and ribbon, I really could have done less and she would be just as happy!

So now, I get to sit back and relax. I get some time off from work to just BE. I get to play with Savannah and enjoy good times with family and friends. From my family to yours, wishing you all a most happy and safe holiday.

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Hurts my heart

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:03:00 GMT

This morning at the gym (so proud of myself for actually getting out of a warm, cozy bed to visit my old friend the gym at 5:30 a.m.) I opened the paper (yes, the paper) to read of the tragic case of the two young girls whose lives were taken way too early. This was a local San Clemente family. Before I read this, I was planning to blog about something more humorous, but I couldn’t shake the hurt and confusion about how anyone could do something like this? These two little girls were so beautiful, innocent and loving…just at the beginning of their lives.
They were like the daughters or sons we all have. The youngest was just months older than my Savannah. I really just needed to get the feelings of disgust, anger, disappointment and sadness off my chest. Children are not meant to experience harm. As parents we should do all we can to keep them safe and show them love. Please share how you feel.

Full story: www.ocregister.com/news/-224561--.html?

To conclude, I want to apologize to my little Savannah who had to face a little pain this morning. We both got our N1H1 today. She was not entirely happy about it, but the cheese crackers seemed to make her smile. I love you Savannah Layne.
Below, Savannah with her bestest friend, Buddy.

I follow the simplicity parenting model

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:43:00 GMT

A recent TIME magazine cover story focused on the case against over-parenting and how “helicopter” parents came to be.

Helicopter parents: moms and dads who hover over their children. These are the parents so obsessed with their children’s safety and success that parenting has morphed into a form of product development.

I decided to reflect on how I felt about the whole over-parenting thing by highlighting a few areas of the article and adding my two cents.

To protect our kids and keep them at bay, the Kinderkord was invented. These are the leashes that allow “three full feet of freedom for both you and your child.” It’s the “three full feet of freedom” that makes me laugh! I’ve already had the fearful experience of thinking Savannah was lost, so I understand where the idea came from. But I just for some reason can’t imagine walking my daughter the same way I do my dog.

“Less is more; hovering is dangerous; failure is fruitful. If you want your children to succeed, learn to leave them alone. When you lighten up, they fly higher.” I personally think this is my exact motto on parenting. I know my parents did the best they could. They had me in sports, extracurricular activities, etc. They also knew how to guide me without over-cramping. Yes, I have experienced failure and know there were times when I wished I had made a different choice, but all of that made me who I am, and I turned out okay. Thanks, Mom and Dad.

"Kids need free time. They need space to not be entertained or distracted. Boredom takes away the noise and leaves them with time to think, invent their own games and be creative.” So, the next time your kids tell you that they are bored, tell them it is good for them; it develops character.

“People feel there’s somehow a secret formula for parenting and if we read enough books, spend enough money and drive ourselves hard enough, we’ll find it and all will be O.K.” We are all different. Kids are all different. There is no one-size-fits-all to parenting. Sometimes I truly wish there was. I take some strategies from my family, get suggestions from friends, but ultimately, Tim and I are learning a little more every day about who Savannah is and who we are as parents.

Read the story and let me know what kind of parent you are.

Black Friday madness

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:29:00 GMT

So, who is crazy enough to battle the crowds on Black Friday? I have never done it myself and this morning I got a text from a neighbor… "going to Toys R Us at midnight on Thursday, want to come?" At midnight? Seriously? It used to be 8 a.m., then 6 a.m. and now many stores open at 4 a.m. But midnight? This drive for consumption is crazy and at the same time I am a little compelled. Here are some of the deals I have heard of…?

Carters is offering 60% off all items in the store. I think they open at midnight. Their ads read something like, “You shop while the pops watch (them sleep)”.
www.carters.com

Toys R Us opens at midnight and if you want to stock up on holiday gifts while saving some cash, this would be the opportunity. www.toysrus.com

Best Buy is always supposed to have some huge deals. Tim really wants a HDTV (yes, we don’t have one yet) and we may have to check out the offers at Best Buy.
www.bestbuy.com

Target opens at 5 a.m. and has great deals across the board…who doesn’t love Target? www.target.com

Walmart also opens at 5 a.m. with some serious deals on electronics. www.walmart.com

I’ve also heard about Fry’s Electronics, KOHLS, Macy’s. Make sure you know the hours at your local malls if you plan on braving the crowds.

Please share the deals you’ve found and if you plan on camping out this year, what advise do you have for the first-timers? Have a great Thanksgiving and celebrate all that you are thankful for. See below for what I am thankful for...

Sweet treat for little feet (and mommy too)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:21:00 GMT

So yesterday I spent a portion of the day away from the office and took Miss Savannah to a special event for mommies hosted by etnies, the skate company headquartered in Lake Forest. The team at etnies was fabulous, professional and fun, and the firm thought of everything to make this event enjoyable for both parent and child. On-site child care was provided, and Savannah had no problem saying “later” to mom when she saw her new-found friends partaking in all the fun activities offered. And lunch was amazing, complete with chicken fingers and mac & cheese for the little ones (Savvy’s favorites).

Before today, I had no idea that so much study and technology went into making a pair of skate shoes. These guys really do some serious footwork (no pun intended) when it comes to putting out a quality product that meets the needs of skaters. I am no skater, and for some reason don’t see myself getting crazy with a skateboard at my old age, but I respect the sport and now have an even-greater appreciation for the culture. I do however snowboard and love my ThirtyTwo boots. I even plan on getting a new pair this season (hint to my husband who better read this).

But, the draw today was etnies’ new Grow with Me shoes for toddlers. These are so cool. The shoes are not only designed to give your little tricycle motors that extra stability they need when first getting their feet under them, but they have an insert that can be removed to extend the life of the shoe and reduce the impact on mommy’s pocketbook. Seriously, Savannah is only 1 and one-half, and she has gone through way too many shoes. I picked up two pair today, and I hope they last Miss Savvy at least a few months.

So, I would like to once again thank the team at etnies. You rock. And, just in time for the holidays, etnies has passed on a couple cool deals for my readers. Pick up some stuff for your kids (that includes hubbies and significant others) today.

Get $10 off for every $40 spent at etnies.com and get FREE shipping. Use promo code: ETNIES FAMILY. Promo runs from Nov. 17 to Dec. 4.

Also, the retailers below will be giving an etnies tote with purchase of etnies shoes:

Newport Shoe Bootery (Shoe Box) in Fashion Island
Urban Feet in Los Angeles
Powder & Sun in the Inland Empire

Visit etnies.com for information on Grow with Me and more.

Do you send a holiday brag letter?

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:23:00 GMT

You know what I am talking about: the lengthy two-plus pages, single-spaced 10-point-font novels that explore every detail of your family’s life? Some of these can be hilarious. You know, the one about little Johnnie who got let go from his job at the local paper and is now on-track for a management position at Hot Dog on a Stick. OK, it may not be exactly that situation, but you get my drift. Then there are the picture-perfect family letters that boast about who is excelling in their careers, who has the cutest children and where future travels are planned. Some of these letters make me laugh a little bit and make me just a little sick – not sure if it is jealousy, envy or the occasional bad writing. But, there are also the cards and letters that brag with tact and provide me with the 4-1-1 on relatives and friends who I rarely hear from. With all the letters I have received in the past, I should compile a guide (using examples) on “How to Write the Acceptable Holiday Family Brag Letter.”

I always think of these creative ideas of what I want to do for a holiday card, and then I overload myself with projects. So this year I went the easy route: the family picture holiday card. I so wanted to turn the Bushes into a Wii family, just didn’t happen (still may attempt). The family picture proved to be much easier, and I love the way it turned out. I hired Shoots & Giggles photography to take the photos. The company specializes in children and family photography and truly capture the most amazing moments. When it comes to taking family photos, it can be fun and easy or extremely painful. These girls make it fun and easy for all involved, and the photos are super. I talked with one of the girls, and for readers of this blog they are offering $50 off holiday sessions, 15 percent off custom holiday cards and 20 percent off canvas orders.

I am sharing some of the photos from a recent session with my little Savannah who turns 18 months on Saturday, the 14th. Time seriously does fly by ... even more reason to take lots and lots of pictures.

My little monster

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:16:00 GMT

I can’t believe that Halloween is around the corner. You know what that means: The holiday madness will begin shortly after. Literally, the day after Halloween the spooky décor and candy corn are cleared out (best time to stock up on treats) to make way for stockings and candy canes. In between we can’t forget the cornucopias and pilgrims. But right now, all I can think about is one holiday at a time – and that holiday is Halloween.

Halloween and all the festivities that go along with it have definitely changed since Miss Savannah came along. Costume parties have taken on a more family-friendly approach and the sexy witch and naughty nurse have been traded out for more conservative or creative costume ideas. Not so much drinking and more trick-or-treating.

Last year my little Savannah was a mouse for Halloween. I worked with Savannah’s Ama to handmake her adorable costume, which she wore for a total of one hour.

Recently, Berlyn disguised her as a skunk, which was adorable, but who loves a skunk? This year, I am making her costume again (I have no idea where I find the time for these things!).

Savannah’s favorite TV show (and one of mine too) is "Yo Gabba Gabba." She loves the crazy characters, the music, and when it’s time to dance, she and I both get down with the Gabba gang. So, this year Savannah is so excited to be DJ Lance Rock for Halloween (see adorable photo of another little DJ Lance). We’ll see how the costume turns out – wish me luck.

I also wanted to share some fun, safe and inexpensive (some are free) festivities around Orange County for families to take part in. Please share others you know of.

Pancakes and Pumpkins at South Coast Plaza: Oct. 25, 8-11 a.m.
The Friends of CASA present a Halloween Extravaganza that includes a scrumptious pancake breakfast, trick or treating, arts & crafts, animal shows, opportunity prizes and more. Children come in costume. The event benefits abused and neglected children who are served by CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) programs of Orange County. Near Crate & Barrel.

Tanaka Farms in Irvine: (Yes, a farm in Irvine! Tell the kids – Irvine used to be all farm at one time.) So fun! Went a couple weekends ago. Take a look at all the cute stuff for kids: tanakafarms.com.

Check out Inland Empire Family's Halloween Directory.

Read for the Record

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:25:00 GMT

Today, October 8th, is Read for the Record. Read for the Record is an international event put on by Jumpstart and the Pearson Foundation that aims to get children and families to read the same book, on the same day in communities across the globe. The book chosen this year to be read around the world is Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. This truly is a classic. Even if you don’t have kids, you are probably somewhat familiar with this fuzzy creature that could care less about sugar intake or overdosing on carbs. If you have never heard the story, take a minute to sit back and enjoy a reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

There are many events going on around Orange County today celebrating Read for the Record and many ways you can get involved. Take a look…

How can one participate in Read for the Record?

Be counted: Read The Very Hungry Caterpillar to any little ones you know. To make sure you are counted, pledge to read today at www.readfortherecord.org
Buy your book: Visit a bookstore near you or go to www.readfortherecord.org to buy a limited edition of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Print coupons for Barnes & Noble stores at www.earlyliteracyprogramoc.org to get special discounts and support ELP.
Sponsor a book: Help jumpstart a child’s library. Visit www.readfortherecord.org for more details.
Come out to local events in the OC
Westfield Main Place Mall from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Barnes and Noble, Metro Point – 901 South Coast Drive Costa Mesa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pretend City Children’s Museum – 29 Hubble Irvine
Readings take place today at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. with fun book-themed activities, prizes and more. Bring a new or used book to help build another child’s library and be entered to win a $100 Pretend City store gift certificate.

Learn more by visiting:
www.earlyliteracyprogramoc.org
www.ocfamily.com/t-WHAT_TO_DO.aspx

Growing older but not up

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:23:00 GMT

So, this morning my hubby (the one featured in this month’s cover story for OC Family) asked me if he was old. Just like that, no beating around the bush, just “am I old?” He is so not the type to care, but I think both of us are noticing age creeping up on us at an all-too-fast pace. Time is seriously flying by. Savannah is approaching 17 months and is no longer a baby, but a very opinionated toddler. I am running at full steam at work, and Tim is opening his own business in exactly 60 days (he has a running countdown on his Facebook profile). Needless to say, we have a lot going on and stress plays a big part in how you take care of yourself – your whole self – body, mind and soul. And yes, we are getting older, and yes, I do see the lines, but these are memory lines, and I am taking them with dignity. But, I too read about the latest in skin care, have wondered about Botox and would not say no to someone offering me the secret anti-aging potion we are all on the quest for.

That being said, the other day I went to get a demo of the Nu Skin Galvanic Spa System. Tim got to be pampered first (yes, the male of the house), and he raved about it and referred me to Karen. Who could say no to a free facial? Plus, this meant I got to get out of the house and have some free time for myself. So, I went into the demo graciously and with an open mind.

I love getting facials, but they seriously add up. At about $100 a pop, I only really get maybe a couple a year, if that. But I love the way my skin feels after I leave. So, the system Karen used is like having your own personal facial service at home. You massage gels into your skin using the Galvanic device, which sends negative and positive currents to tighten the skin and remove impurities. Okay, I am no esthetician, so to get all the answers, visit stay-youthful.spabeautyathome.com.

Karen did the treatment on one side of my face to show the difference, and it was AMAZING. The one side of my face felt so smooth and the skin was firmer. The area around my eyes was where I saw the greatest difference. This system is sweet, and it is very relaxing, and you only need to perform the treatments twice a week for just 10 minutes (I could do an hour personally). So, while sitting watching "The Office," give yourself a facial (maybe not "The Office" – Michael’s antics may not make for the most soothing environment).

Take a look at the video and then go see Karen for a demo: You WILL feel the same way and will probably want to bring the whole kit and caboodle home with you.

And Tim, you are looking just as handsome as the first day I met you, and like Buffett says, “You may be growing older, but not up.” You are my smokin’ hot “distinguished” lifeguard husband and soon-to-be business owner. I love you and sure, you can use the spa treatment, too.

Karen has offered a special to readers of this blog: The Galvanic Spa System retails for $388. It includes the Galvanic Spa with four different conductors (facial, body, hair and spot corrector), one tube of body shaping gel, two boxes of ageLOC gel and four pairs of pretreatment and treatment vials in one box. OC Family blog readers get the whole package at wholesale, which is $285 (plus tax & shipping). Call Karen at 714.488.4388 or visit stay-youthful.spabeautyathome.com.

One busy mommy

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:13:00 GMT

Does it seem like days go by way too fast to anyone else? I feel like I can’t keep up. I will apologize upfront for not keeping current on my blogs about Savannah. Work has been very demanding, and Savannah seems even busier these days than ever. She is exploring everything, everywhere, and nothing can hold her back. My mom is in town this week helping to watch Miss Savannah while Tim’s parents are traveling the world, and when I got home yesterday after work she admitted to being exhausted. Savannah is like the energizer bunny: She keeps going and going and going. It is hard to believe she is 16 months now. Before I know it, she really will be 18 and leaving for college (hoping mommy and daddy can afford it by then; start your 529 plans now, my friends).

Anyway, question for all you parents out there. When do you start potty training, and can you share some methods that worked best for you? I am planning now so that I can get Savannah into pre-preschool. She can start at two, but needs to be potty trained. I am thinking she is just too young to start now, but I may be wrong. I brought her little potty into the house the other day, and she does like to sit on it, but she also likes to store mommy’s jewelry in it. Please tell me what worked for you and share some funny stories if you have them!