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Category : LA Local

UGG shopping Collage

This last weekend I had the pleasure of going to the UGG store here in Los Angeles at The Grove. I got to see their new Spring/Summer lines and try on shoes. Yes, I was in my own personal heaven. However, the best part was that not only did I get to take home a pair of shoes, but my whole family got to take home a pair of shoes too. Given the fact that they are my children, they were very excited about this. We were lucky enough to be greeted with wonderful staff, and had a great time at the UGG store.

Our Picks Collage

Family of UGG Shoes

I got the Lauri in Harissa (as you can see above I had a hard deciding on color). My husband got the Reefton in Grizzly. He stepped out of his comfort zone, and actually surprised himself with his choice. The boys got the Johnny Shark in Seal and the Mycah in Indigo. Lastly, my daughter got the Laela in Bubblegum.

LA Zoo entrance

Taking Our Shoes Out For a Spin

We didn’t go home though. We took our UGG shoes out for a spin to the Los Angeles Zoo. Whats a better way to celebrate the Moroccan Safari inspiration of the UGG Spring/Summer line then the zoo right?

boys at the map

We arrive at the zoo and my boys, who each had to have their own copies of the maps, stopped at the huge life sized maps to map our course and navigate where we should go first. My husband and I were dumbfounded by the fact that they had maps in their hands, but still had to stop at the “big one” to make sure we went the right way. Then we remember that is the whole point of fun time at the zoo.

at the flamingos

Our first stop was the flamingos. Wow are they loud creatures.

me & A @ flamingos

The Comfort of UGG

Well as you can see the shoes I got are wedges. Anyone who has been to the LA Zoo will think I’m nuts. It’s a very hilly zoo, and on top of that we had epic heat. However, I have to tell you that I did not regret my decision for one moment. I couldn’t control the heat, but my comfort climbing hills in my wedges was great. As a matter of fact I only changed into my flip flops on the way down because it was steep and I really felt like I would fall. My feet started to hurt once my flip flops were on. I wished I hadn’t changed my shoes.

at the zoo

Our zoo adventure was a fun day with kids happily climbing hills and never complaining about their feet hurting all the live long day. We saw the zebras, and my daughter said “look it’s Marty” (she’s referring to the zebra in Madagascar). We saw the giraffes and there was a baby giraffe. It was so cute! Did you know that giraffes are born at 6′ tall? The new elephant exhibit is beautiful, and they did a fantastic job. We even got a glimpse at the tigers playing ball in the water.

Not only did we get some great shoes, and have a fun family day, but my kids have not stopped wearing their shoes since. Every time they’ve had to put on shoes they’ve gone to get their UGG shoes. Now those are some comfortable shoes.

Disclosure: Not only was my family outfitted with a pair of shoes, but I was supplied with tickets for us to go to the zoo. However, the opinion above is my own, and I thank UGG for our shoes, and fun day at the zoo.

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I just recently wrote about how much I LOVE to run around the Rose Bowl loop and how it’s become my personal grieving ground.  Nothing is a better stress reliever and mental distraction than working up a sweat.  So when I heard about Stadium Fitness, a company that does group fitness classes inside the Rose Bowl,  I had to check them out!  They invited /challenged me to a class, and I am certainly not one to turn down a challenge so I went and officially got my butt kicked.  I’m in good physical shape but WOW did those stairs and lunges kill me.  Ladies, if you want buns of steel this is the place for you.

We started inside the Rose Bowl with a warm up and some stretching then we ran the stairs.  The 6:00pm class I took was prime sunset time and even though I was running up and down the stairs huffing and puffing at least the view of the mountains was spectacular.  Then we took it out in front of the stadium for some more sprints, leg work with added weights.  Last but not least we went down inside the locker rooms for some core work on mats.  I am not a huge football fan but I thought it was pretty cool to be working out in the fancy locker room.  This was by far one of the best full body workouts I had done in a very long time.

The owners of Stadium Fitness are David and Jodie, an energetic couple who greet everyone by name, shake their hands, ask about their kids, or how their day was.  It was like working out with one big happy family.  They were so encouraging and supportive, you can tell that they really love what they do.  David and Jodi have a real passion for helping others live a healthier lifestyle.  All the members were super friendly and encouraging as well, you can feel the team comradery.  They even have Stadium Fitness get togethers outside of the classes and they also organize team 5K’s and 1/2 marathons.

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Stadium Fitness offers a variety of class times throughout the week and you can pay as you go, buy session packages or become a monthly member.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 6:00am, 8:30am
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday at 6:00pm
Tuesday, Thursday at 6:30pm

Not only did I LOVE working out with Stadium Fitness but I just love that this great entrepreneurial couple is succeeding.  They have created such a warm and comfortable atmosphere for anyone to comes to take a class. No matter what shape or size.  They really care about their members and take pride in giving them the best that they can.

Their business is growing!  After working out with Stadium Fitness they went and opened up a Yoga Studio, they invited me to take a class.  I went, of course.  I’ll never turn down Yoga. I’ve been a little out of practice but the yoga class was awesome too!

Check the website for the class schedule or email them for more details.

Stadium Yoga
990 S Arroyo Parkway, #4
Pasadena, California 91105
[email protected]
626-355-4913

 

Stadium Fitness is a true City Gem in Pasadena, CA.  
If you live in the area you should really give it a try!
StadiumFitness.com

 


Disclosure:  I was invited to take the classes for free in order for my honest and authentic feedback..  Nothing more was expected of me.  All my savvy thoughts and sassy opinions are my own.

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The holidays are finally here, but you wouldn’t know it with our sunny California temps and clear sky. My husband is from Colorado, and when he moved her over ten years ago, that’s all he could talk about. There are no seasons in Southern California. Okay, there are, but not like he’s used too. And when you’re from a place where snow equals the holidays, you’re bound to feel a little blue on an 80 degree Christmas Eve.

But that doesn’t mean we are lacking in holiday cheer. If you’re looking for a spot to bundle up and sip hot cocoa, here are eight places where you can get your ice-skating on in and around the Los Angeles area. Yep, ice rinks in the middle of So Cal.

Pershing Square Ice Rink

Downtown, Los Angeles

Monday thru Thursday 12 pm to 10 pm

Friday thru Sunday 10 am to 10 pm

$6 per one-hour skate session

$2 for skate rental

Third Street Promenade  – Ice at Santa Monica

Santa Monica, CA

Check online for holiday and daily schedules

$12  skate rental includes one hour free skate

CHILL at the Queen Mary

Long Beach, CA

Ice Skating, Tubing, Winter Wonderland and Santa’s Toy Shop

Check online for schedules

Prices vary per attraction

The Rink at Hyatt Regency Century Plaza

Century City, CA

$10 per hour or $20 for a full day

Daily schedule varies

Holiday Ice Rink in Culver City

Culver City, CA

$10 admission and $4 skate rental

Schedule varies by week

Moms, share your favorite Los Angeles area holiday hot spots below!

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If you live in Los Angeles, you know there is no shortage of good food. And no time is that more true than during the holidays. During these crisp fall months, it seems that everywhere you turn, you can find tasty pumpkin treats – a mainstay of the pre-Thanksgiving season. Here are a few of my favorite pumpkin picks from around the ‘hood.

Mashti Malones

1525 N. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90028

There’s a reason the ice cream at Mashti Malone’s is continuously voted the best in Los Angeles. They specialize in exotic ice cream flavors such as rosewater saffron, cardamom, and mango ginger. But, this time of year, you can find their highly anticipated pumpkin ice cream. To say it’s creamy is an understatement. The cool concoction is handmade by the pint, and flavored with deep pumpkin pie spices – fresh pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. The color is beautiful. Once you’re done, check out their exotic array of Persian treats and candies.

Photo courtesy of Yelp user Andrew Y.

Sprinkles

9635 South Santa Monica Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The Sprinkles phenomenon is here to stay. And, this decedent pumpkin cupcake is no exception to the dozens of other delicious flavors offered by the chain. A rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting off sets the pumpkin pie spiced cake. Every bite is a sweet fall treat.  If you get there after closing time, there’s no need to panic. You can pick up a pumpkin cupcake through Sprinkle’s popular cupcake ATM. If you haven’t tried it the ATM, it’s worth the experience. But, pick your day wisely because these pumpkin beauties are only available Wednesdays and Fridays

Kay and Dave’s

Three Southern California locations

Photo courtesy of Yelp user W.L.

I remember my first Kay and Dave’s pumpkin margarita, like it was yesterday. Wait, it was yesterday. But, I can’t wait to have another of these deliciously fresh beverages. And while a pumpkin margarita or mojito might seem a bit odd, the flavor combination is crave-worthy. The pumpkin flavor is slight, but enough to offset the natural spiciness of the tequila. If you’re interested in dessert, the pumpkin flan is a rich, thick custard treat. If you haven’t visited this fresh Mexican eatery, now is a good time. Choose from Culver City, Pacific Palisades and Brentwood locations.

Trader Joe’s

Various Southern California locations

Trader Joe’s is Los Angeles’ one stop shop for healthy eats and pumpkin everything – pumpkin bread, pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin coffee, pumpkin pancake mix and more. You can also pick up actual pumpkins, in all shapes and sizes, for super cheap. It’s enough to make your head explode if you’re a lover all things pumpkin this time of year. My new favorite is their warm and inviting pumpkin spice rooibos tea. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like the brightly colored tin it comes in too.

So, moms, where do you get your pumpkin fix in Los Angeles this time of year?

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Last week my Mom was in town visiting from Minnesota, we hit up Disneyland and shopped until we dropped and then, she was finally able to experience one of my blogging benefits.  I was able to take her behind the scenes at Dancing with the Stars.  She is a DIE HARD FAN.  If there was a fan contest my Mom would be in the running for sure.   She loves it.

We didn’t get to actually watch the show from the audience but we were backstage in the press viewing area with all the entertainment reporters.  Which was actually pretty fun to hear all their commentary and my Moms.

My Mom didn’t really care where she watched the show, she was excited just to be in the same building as all the stars.   She was also shocked and star struck when Giles came walking in to say hello to all the press.  I thought I was going to have to hold her down.   And out of my Moms mouth comes,  ”O.M.G. – what is he doing?  He is so good looking!”

We did not get any up close and personal interviews but my Mom did get to stand on the dance floor and see where all the hot dancing goes down.  She also got to see some of the stars as they were being interviewed after the show.

My Mom gets very excited to watch her favorites and the way she talks about them you’d think she was best friends with these people.  Here is my Mom’s Dancing with the Stars favorites, least favorites and this seasons predictions

Me:  How many years have you been watching DWTS?  How many shows have you missed?
Mom:  Since the first show aired.  None!!  I’ve watched all of them.

Me:  Who is your all time favorite star that has been on?
Andrea:  Apollo or Shawn Johnson

Me:  Who are you rooting for this season?
Mom:  Shawn Johnson

Me:  Who is the best looking guy on the show?
Andrea:  Max

Me:  Who is your favorite professional female dancer on the show.
Mom:   I loved that Julianne she was my favorite, but she’s not doing it anymore because she’s moved on to bigger things {sigh}.  And she’s dating Ryan Seacrest.  I like Cheryl Burke.

Me:  Who is your favorite judge?
Mom:  I like Len.  I think Bruno is just too silly.

Me:  Who do you not care for this year?
Mom:  I don’t care for Pamela Anderson or the cheetah girl, I don’t know what her name is.

Me:  Who do you think will win the Mirror Ball Trophy?
Mom:  Shawn Johnson

Me:  Favorite dance of the season?
Mom:  Anything Shawn does he he.

Me:  What is your favorite type of dance?
Mom:  I like the Jive, I don’ t really like the Waltz’s.

Me:  Have you or have you not told me to not call you during Dancing with the Stars?
Mom:  Yes, I have told you that.

So there you have it, Dancing with the Stars according to my Mom.  One of these chairs should definitely be reserved for her.

 

Who’s your favorite?  Who do you think will take home the Mirror Ball Trophy? 

 

Thanks to A T & T Exclusives for inviting us.

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I took the kids to an advanced screening of the new Disney movie by Tim Burton, Frankenweenie.  And while I am still on the fence about this movie, the kids liked it.  They were not overly enthusiastic about the movie at first, but when I asked them, they did both indeed said they liked it.  I was actually kinda shocked that they said yes.  I didn’t really ave any expectations or any real knowledge of what this movie was about.  I knew it was Tim Burton and I just assumed it was Halloweenish.

On the way to the screening my daughter kept asking “Is it all in black & white”, and I was like – “I have no idea….?” Then she pretty much told me that she was certain it was all in black and white.  Clearly, she knew way more about this movie than I did.

Frankenweenie is essentially a story about a boy, Victor and his dog Sparky.  {spoiler alert}  Sparky dies.  The movie is about bringing him back to life and all that happens after that.

As you can imagine, with any Tim Burton film, you can expect it to be kind of dark and gloomy.  My kids are six and eight and while I knew the eight-year old would be fine, my six year old can tend to get a little scared, but to my surprise he was fine too.  It does move a little slower than most animated films, but that is because they used a process called “stop-motion animation”, which according to the film makers helps to “respect the simplicity of the story and adds depth and texture to it’s presentation”.  There were also over 200 puppets created for this movie including 18 Victors and 15 Sparkys.  A little Inside scoop – they used real human hair for all the puppets.

I was also a little concerned about the dog dying, my kids are a little sensitive to death because of their grandpa’s recent passing – but it wasn’t a problem, no tears were shed.  The style of this movie is very much a classic horror flick from the 50′s with a true Frankenstein style and some fun references.  The cast of characters are a bunch of odd balls that will make you laugh, because there just so odd, it’s funny.

I say see it.   However I do not recommend this movie for kids under the age of five and only if they are a mature five. It’s something different and unexpected.  So, while it might not be my favorite Disney movie, I do respect the artistic film quality and appreciate the quirky style and humor.

Are you taking the kids to see this movie?

After you see the movie you might want to make some Frankenweenie- inspired Spooky Treats

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A few weeks ago I was sent on another ivillage adventure, this time to be an audience member of the new Jeff Probst Show which starts today! I invited my good friend Sarah from MomsLA to join me to see what all the buzz was about.  Watch as we take you behind the scenes of what it’s like to be an audience member at the Jeff Probst Show.  Let’s just say,  this was not your typical TV show taping experience, two words:  Party. Room.

If you are in the LA area and would like to be an audience member,  just go to JeffProbst.com and make your reservation!

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I come from a long line of Disney geeks, so when I received an invitation to attend the grand opening of the first-ever Disney Baby Store at the Americana at Brand in Glendale, I was over the moon. Not only was the event a totally star-studded occasion (Ali Landry, Allison Sweeney, The Guncles, Kenny Logins and more), but it also marked one of the largest baby showers ever put on in Los Angeles history.  The highlight? Disney partnered with the non-profit Operation Shower to treat 20 expectant military moms to Disney themed shower games, a gourmet brunch, and deluxe shopping sprees.

If there’s a new baby in your family, you’ll want to visit the store asap. And if you’re even toying with the idea of having another baby, you’ll go gaga over the cute prints and fabrics. The premiere Disney Baby Store provides an exclusive array of products to help families celebrate baby’s magical moments such as playtime, bath time, on-the-go, getting ready, mealtime, dressing baby, baby’s first, and in the nursery. In addition to shopping at the store, guests can find all the Disney Baby products in the new online boutique at DisneyStore.com/disneybaby.

Here are a few of my favorite Disney Baby Store looks and products:

  • Super soft and sweet Disney Cuddly Bodysuits, that give a modern twist to old school Disney favorites like Minnie Mouse and Friends, The Lion King, Monsters Inc., and more.
  • Adorable Tigger onesies and matching hats complete with plush Winnie the Pooh Slippers. I only wish they made these slippers in adult sizes!
  • Super charged Lightning McQueen faux leather jackets, perfect for your pint sized pit crew at home.
  • Stylish metallic diaper bags have as much room as they do style.
  • Finding Nemo bath toys and Winnie the Pooh bathrobes make bath time a blast.
  • Lion King themed play mats boast colorful patterns and toys.

Moms, what are you new favorite looks from the first ever Disney Baby Store?

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There are certain Hollywood moms that I respect and adore.  Alison Sweeney is one of them.  So I was pleasantly surprised when I showed up to the grand opening of the first ever Disney Baby Store and found out that she was the official Disney Mom host for the day.  Disney chose well.  Not to mention, as a stylish Mom I loved the outfit she was rockin’  - a classic vintage Mickey T and leather pants with stiletto boots. Clearly a Mom who hasn’t lost her style to motherhood.

Other celebrity Moms in attendance were Samantha Harris, Jennifer Aspen, Marissa Jaret Winkur, Aly Laundry and Leigh-Allyn Baker and two dads that we also adore The Guncles, Scout Masterson and Hill Horn.  Another wonderful surprise was my friends from Operation Shower were also there!  Disney partnered with Operations Shower to treat military Moms to a magical baby shower and a $250 shopping spree in the store!




I was one of the first inside the store to get a tour of the Disney Baby Store and was able to chat it up with Alison Sweeney who shopped the store with both of her kids.  Her was daughter dressed as the cutest Cinderella.


Bill & Scout brought their daughter Simone and were loading up on all things Minnie!  Minnie Mouse is Simone’s favorite character.

See, celebrities are just like us, they shop the Disney Baby Store;)

 



Ali Laundry, another lovely celebrity Mom who could not be nicer and beyond gorgeous.  She happily allowed me to take photos of her and her son playing in the Disney Playtime tent.

My Disney Baby Store Pick:

**See more inside the store and enter to WIN the $200 Gift Bag

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Being a nanny is definitely a hard job, but it is also a rewarding career for many people looking for flexibility and financial stability in today’s tough economy. And let’s face it; if you’ve ever had a nanny for your children, you know that they become a close and important part of your daily life. As parents, we entrust the lives of our children with them on a daily basis and our reward is seeing happy, smiling faces upon our return.

We sat down with ABC Family star Amanda Averill, who currently stars as herself on the new hit reality series Beverly Hills Nannies. She talks with us about life as a nanny in one of the country’s most affluent neighborhoods, and how you can start prepping now for a smoother back to school season. 

1. What is the easiest way to have a drama free morning before helping the kids get out the door to school?

Nighttime preparation!  Lunches packed, clothes picked out, toothbrushes ready, cereal bowls on the table.  An extra five minutes at night preparing for the following school day not only saves you time but MELTDOWNS before 7am.  As a parent, set your alarm 15 minutes earlier then normal so you can be ready for the kids when they wake up.  Easy breezy mornings!

2. What three things are always in your kids’ lunch boxes and why? 

I always make sure to have a fruit, a vegetable and a protein!  Brain food for kiddies! Turkey/hummus wraps, “ants on a log” (celery with peanut butter and raisins), or chicken strips with fun dips are great for lunch.  Lunch should be fun for kids.  I always like to spice up the ole’ brown bag.  Use cookie cutters to cut shapes into sandwiches.   Or, make fruit kebabs instead of an apple.  The more fun the lunch, the fuller the bellies, the happier children!  I also like to put in a little note for the child readers of the family.  It’s thoughtful, and always puts a smile on a child’s face.  And as far as dessert is concerned, I grew up in a household where some nights we had dessert and some we didn’t.  It was never a big deal and never expected.  So once in a while when I got a cookie in my lunch box it was so exciting and very special.
3. How do you handle after school melt downs and overall grumpy behavior?

I have noticed that kids really need a moment to decompress after school.  They need to zone out.  Hold off on bombarding your child with questions about their school day for about 30 minutes.  Let them have a snack, play with a toy, play a game on the computer, go up to their room, etc.  After they have a second to transition back into family life, I can guarantee they will come running downstairs to talk about their day.
4. Is there a difference between babysitting kids from Beverly Hills versus other kids? 

Honestly, not a whole lot!  Kids all have very similar needs.  They want to be happy, loved and kept busy!  If there would be any difference between Beverly Hills and somewhere else I would have to say it would probably be in the toy department.  I’ve noticed children from Beverly Hills have an over abundance of toys, electronics, iPads, video games, Play Stations, etc., whereas somewhere else in the country a family might have only one of these toys.  Kids in Beverly Hills have them all and in three different colors.  I, however, have noticed that kids get sick of toys regardless how much money they cost.  A child might play with the box the truck came in far longer than the actual truck.  Kids are creative. They don’t need bells and whistles to have fun.
5. Fashion! What are the kids wearing this fall? Do you see a trend in what the girls/boys are wearing? We’re sure you’ve gotten a sneak peek at some of their new clothes!

I about dropped Xander when I saw a baby Dior dress far costlier than my prom dress!  I think baby fashion trends reflect what the parents are trending.  If the mom loves Marc Jacobs, then I am sure she will melt over Baby Marc Jacobs hats and dresses.  Who wouldn’t?
6. And finally, what is the hardest part of your job and the best part of your job? 

The hardest part of the job is also the best part of the job.  I get a chance to take a step into another family’s fantastic Beverly Hills life!  It’s almost as if nannies live double lives here in Beverly Hills.  Some days, I wish I never had to leave their homes and I could move in to the spare “wing” of the house.  And then there are some days I am counting down the minutes until I can run back to my little life in my one bedroom apartment.  There are no shortages of interesting situations being a nanny in Beverly Hills!  It’s a fun way to spend my days, and the kids are adorable to boot!

You can catch new episodes of Beverly Hills Nannies every Tuesday on ABC Family at 8/9 p.m. central.

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