Inland Empire Family - Moms. Kids. Life. - (Domestic Chicky)

Fallin' for Fall...

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:02:00 GMT

I know it's hard to imagine chilly weather, shorter days and pumpkins right now, but fall will be here before you know it, and you can NEVER be too prepared, right?

To me Fall means yummy apples and pumpkins and what's the one thing they have in common? PIES! Oak Glen of course is the center of the inland empire universe as far as apple pies go - but you can also go up and pick blackberries and apples, press cider, and take in a little bit of living history.

One of my kids favorite Fall events is Mickey's Trick or Treat at the Disneyland Resort - we're really excited because this year the event is taking place at Disneyland! If you have annual passes for Disneyland, you can buy your tickets now and have them for October.

Lastly, if classic cars are your passion (or your husbands!), you can never go wrong with the Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernardino, this year from September 16-19. This marks the 21st year of the event, and you will never see more cool cars in one place - the event draws over half a million people from all over the world.

It's not too soon to think about fall - heck, I am already making notes for Christmas!

Aprons - not just for baking anymore!

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:19:00 GMT

Once upon a time, aprons were seen as a sign as an old-fashioned symbol -a literal expression of being tied to the kitchen, tied to the home.

Fortunately for us, today Aprons are worn by everyone, and their function is as important as their looks!
One of the most fabulous Apronistas is right here in our backyard - Cynthia Wadell of Heavenly Hostess not only lives in Southern California, she has a shop in Downtown Orange!

She has Aprons for every taste - From the simple cotton half apron (it's reversible too!)

To over-the-top organza frippery

Aprons are not only functional, they are a fun accessory for today's modern domestic goddesses!

Ending Spring Break Boredom

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:58:00 GMT

It's that time again - the home stretch before summer. If your kids are like mine, it doesn't take long before boredom sets in. The end of the first week is about the time when I have run out of ideas, and they have grown weary of hearing "no, you CAN'T play computer games all day!" So now it's time to get creative.

Local activities - our area has some great museums and libraries a short drive away, and many have storytimes and activities for kids of all ages. Most also have newsletters you can sign up for that have special deals and events.

Scavenger hunts - you can make these as simple or complex as you want, or even get REALLY creative and use the hunt to your advantage by making some of the steps a mini chore your kids can easily accomplish. Sounds like a win/win to me!

Alternately, having your kids help you in the kitchen can not only help create a budding chef, but can teach math through fractions and measurements. There is always a good time for cookies!!

If your kids are into crafts, you can find a ton of great projects and activities at The Crafty Crow, kaboose and Family Fun. I keep a big container in the garage with craft supplies - paper, glitter (of course!), felt, pipe cleaners, play doh, paints, scissors, markers and other goodies. I also keep a oilcloth tablecloth to put on the table or floor to minimize (notice I didn't say eliminate) the mess.

Finally, if it's warm enough, just go outside! Teach your kids the games YOU used to love! Show them how to catch bugs or show off your crazy hopscotch skills - the sunshine and exercise will do you all a world of good!

Flea Market 101

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:19:00 GMT

One of my favorite things to do on a Sunday morning is to get up (fairly) early, grab a coffee and go to one of the many Flea Markets in the area. There is a flea market for every weekend of the month, and one for every personality.

San Bernardino Flea Market – every Sunday
This one is every Sunday, and is located at the National Orange Show Fairgrounds. Some mix of new and old, but not much in the way of antiques or fantastic shabby finds. Admission and parking are free.

Rose Bowl Flea Market – 2nd Sunday
The Granddaddy of all Flea Markets is the Rose Bowl Flea Market (4 decades!) - Held the 2nd Sunday of every month, we are talking acres and acres of flea market goodness. This is where you'll find the handmade, the vintage and antique, the shabby, the chic, the rich and the famous. Admission is $8 after 9am, and goes up the earlier you get there. You need comfy shoes for this one!!

Long Beach Flea Market - 3rd Sunday
This is one of my favorite Flea Markets, mostly because I never come home empty handed from there. It’s all antiques, collectibles, and vintage items, and there are prices for every pocketbook. I have found everything from old record albums to vintage aprons and utensils. Admission is $5 after 6:30 am.

Pasadena City College Flea Market - 1st Sunday
This flea market is a lot of fun mostly because it’s smaller than the others but there is still a lot to see. This is a great one to go to if you are into vintage vinyl – over 70 record vendors alone! Admission is FREE!

OC Marketplace – every Sunday
If you can’t find it here, you can’t find it anywhere. Farm fresh produce, cars, entertainment, arts& crafts, activities for the kids…it’s like going to the fair every week! This one is a bit more commercial than the others, but you can’t beat paying $2 for a days worth of fun!

Melrose Trading Post – Every Sunday
This treasure is located at Fairfax High School on the corner of Melrose and Fairfax Avenues. Small, cozy, but filled with the hip, vintage and kitschy.

What to Bring
Cash – bring lots of ones, fives and tens
Tape Measure – you never know when an oversized item might want to come home with you, or you need to measure an unmarked item of clothing
Notebook – for inspiration, measurements, writing down numbers, vendor names, and notes for next time
Water – you will need it!
Snacks – one thing flea markets are not known for is inexpensive (or healthy) food options
Sunscreen – It’s easy to lose track of time – don’t get burned!
Camera – for inspiration, checking marks on antique items, capturing your day, or sneaking a shot of the celebrity at the booth next to you!

I know there are many more local flea markets I didn’t mention, but feel free to add more in the comments below!

The modern homemaker?

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT

I love vintage commercials, and as soon as I saw this one I knew I had to share it - listen to the narrator's voice - it makes housework sound SOO appealing, doesn't it?

Can you believe - burners that heat up??

Winter Beauty Treats

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:03:00 GMT

Just because we don't have below freezing temperatures doesn't mean we don't need a boost once in awhile for our skin - here are some of my favorite treats:

St. Ives Daily Dermabrasion - Gently removes dead skin cells to reveal softer skin - babies never had it so good!!

Love Oatmeal Baths but hate paying for those little packets? Grind your own, or put 1/2 cup of old-fashioned oatmeal in a cheesecloth and float it in your bath - you can even scrub your skin with it!

Olay Thermal Pedicure - a self heating treat for your feet - feels strange, but makes your feet feel yummy! It's like getting a mini pedicure each time you use it!

I love Burt's Bees products all year round, but their Lip Shimmers are great for winter - they are soothing to dry lips, add a touch of color and smell delish!!

Oak Glen - it's not just for Apples

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:41:00 GMT

Many people know the Oak Glen area as one of the best areas to get orchard-fresh apples and as a great place to escape the heat of Southern California. What many don't realize is that Oak Glen has much more to offer in the holiday season.

Most of the restaurants that make those amazing apple pies in the fall also take orders for Christmas pies. Law's Coffee Shop, Los Rios Rancho and Apple Annies all make delicious pies, cider and other treats for your at-home celebrations.

Riley's Farm entertains with a Dickensenian-style Christmas with hearty foods, Hayrides and seasonal entertainment.

There are many shops up in Oak Glen that offer all manner of handmade treats, unique new and vintage collectibles, and gifts for everyone on your list.

But my favorite reason of all, and the reason I enjoy living so close to Oak Glen is in the picture above. I love having a place so close by where I can experience all 4 seasons of the year, including the occasional snowfall.