Health/Wellness

The Yoga Cure for Busy Moms

Having the toughest job in the world sure can't be easy. Being a busy mom and wearing multiple hats is very hard, tiring and stressful. At the end of the day, I think that mothers are truly the hardest working individuals in this world. 

 I know how  hectic your schedules are and how much all that lifting of kiddies and running around  creates tension in your body and mind. Thankfully yoga can help!

Here is a multi-tasking routine that will create space in the spine, release tension in the shoulders and hips and bring your mind back to open, calm and centered, so you can have some space for yourself in there too!

Thanks for all you do! Without wonderful, caring and nurturing moms, none of us would be here! This routine takes about 5 minutes and will leave you feeling refreshed and energized for the rest of your day:

Standing side opener

Stand with your feet parallel to each other. Take a big, deep, inhale and lift your arms out and up overhead. Grab a hold of your left wrist with your right hand and gently lift up and over to get a nice release in your side. Stay here for 3 long, deep breaths and do the other side.

Standing forward bend shoulder opener

Start standing. Interlace your hands behind your back. Take a big inhale and lift your chest up. Exhale and gently fold forward over your legs letting your shoulders release. Bend your knees slightly to take the pressure off of your hamstrings. Stay here for 5 long, deep breaths and gently release and roll up to stand.

Pigeon

 

Come into a low lunge. Scoot your front foot over so your can lie your shin on the ground. Relax your hips on the ground. If you feel any pain in the knee, scoot your front foot closer toward you or sit up on a pillow to take the pressure off. Stay here for 10 long, deep breaths. Relax your torso forward and hang there for 20 long, deep breaths. Try the other side too!

Deep breaths and enjoy!

Entertainment

DISNEY ON ICE DARE TO DREAM!!!!!!!!!

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream takes adventure to new lengths with magical moments from Disney’s newest fairytales, Tangled and The Princess and the Frog, plus the timeless Cinderella.

If you have a little Prince or Princess you've probably read all the Disney stories over 10 times just like I have. Children experience magic every time they read and watch the Disney movies. The characters become they're heros and when you ask them what they want to be when they grow up 9 times out of 10  they want to be a Disney Prince or a Princess. 

Get ready for the entire family to let the good times roll when Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy follow three of Disney’s most inspirational princesses on their adventures to fulfill their dreams in   Feld Entertainment’s newest ice spectacular, Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream. Combining the contemporary stories of two modern-day princesses, Rapunzel and Tiana, with the classic elegance of Cinderella, Dare to Dream whisks audiences away on exciting journeys where dreams really do come true. 

Audiences begin their journey in New Orleans with Tiana as she strives to open a restaurant, and then travel with her to the bayou as she and Prince Naveen try to break their frog spell in order to turn back into humans. The trip continues to Cinderella’s kingdom for her search for true love, and joins Rapunzel as she discovers the world beyond her tower on her quest to see the floating lanterns. All of the Disney Princesses then come together for the first time on ice during the finale to welcome Rapunzel into their royal court in the ultimate princess experience.

Below is a direct link to Disney on ice website, where you will find all the different dates, times and schedules. This is a great gift for children for the holidays as well. 

http://disney.go.com/disneyonice/http://disney.go.com/disneyonice/

At Home

Unique Ornament Idea!!!!

Ok moms are you ready for this one? You're going to love this idea. Kids’ Christmas list in an ornament with the year. Imagine how cute it will be to go back and see what the children asked 
for years ago. Absolutely love this idea!

Entertainment

ICE STATION VALENCIA'S FAMILY SNOW DAYS
Date 12/09/2012 Day: Sunday Time: 1:30-4:30pm Address: (Ice Station Valencia) 27745 Smyth Drive, Valencia, CA 91355 Phone: 661-775-8686 Cost: Child: $12 / Adult: Free to Play, $5 for skate rentals
I wrote about the Ice Station's Family Snow days last week in my blog as well. This is a must this week if you didn't get the chance to go last week. Ice Station Valencia's Family Snow Days offer the best of the holidays. Featuring Ice Skating, Snow Play, Skating Performances, Hot Cocoa, FREE Skating Lessons, and More! Child Admission includes: Snow Play Area in their POND rink from 2-4pm (Play in snow with Shoes, No Skates), Ice Skating and Skate Rentals in their Olympic rink. Special Figure Skating Performances will be from 3:15-3:25 with Free Beginning Skating Lessons at 2:00pm and 3:30pm. My family had the opportunity to visit Ice Station last weekend. My children were ear to ear with smiles as they saw real snow in a ice rink. They had so much fun playing with snow that they even started to make a tiny little snow man. The icing on the cake was the surprise visit from Santa Claus and of course to go from playing with real snow to ice skating in a matter of minutes. For me it was the convenience of the double fun that my children had in one day and of course on sipping on Hot Cocoa and watching my little Princess learn to skate. The friendly staff and warm environment will definitely take us back to the Ice Station over and over for weeks and years to come.

The Red Chair Children's Production Company Presents 
                THE NUTCRACKER 2012

Sunday, December 9, 2012
Starts at 1:00PM and 6:30 PM  (2 DIFFERENT SHOW TIMES)

The Red Chair Children's Production Company presents its 7th annual performances of The Nutcracker at 1:00 and 6:30 pm. This timeless holiday ballet takes the audience on a magical journey on an enchanted Christmas Eve with a girl named Clara, whose toy nutcracker comes to life and whisks her away to the Land of the Sweets.

Unique among area Nutcracker productions, the Red Chair's production features young performers ages 5 to 18 in principal and supporting roles along with adults. Amidst lavish sets and glittering costumes, a cast of over 100 brings to life the enchanting storybook tale.

Running time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes with one intermission, and the performance is suitable for all ages. Photo/Video recording by patrons is not allowed.

The Red Chair is also offering an exclusive festive event: the LAND OF THE SWEETS, from 4:30 p to 5:30 pm prior to the evening performance. Enjoy an array of sumptuous holiday desserts sponsored by local merchants, seasonal beverages, live entertainment, plus photo opportunities with Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Nutcracker Prince, and Santa Claus. Tickets to the Land of the Sweets Party are $15 per person. PLEASE NOTE: A separate ticket is required for entry to the LAND OF THE SWEETS event, and if you purchase a ticket(s) for the LAND OF THE SWEETS event, you must also purchase a corresponding number of tickets for the 6:30 Nutcracker performance. A ticket to the 6:30 performance of The Nutcracker does NOT admit you to the LANDS OF THE SWEETS event, and a ticket to the LAND OF THE SWEETS event does NOT admit you to the 6:30 pmNutcracker performance.

To purchase tickets for the 12/09/11 4:30 pm LAND OF THE SWEETS, please select that event from the list of shows currently on sale..

Red Chair Children's Production Company is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 2005, that creates extraordinary theatre and dance experiences for children and youth. For more information about the Red Chair Children's Production Company, please call 818.640.4645 or visit www.redchairproductions.org

Any patron wishing additional information regarding the event and/or assistance with a ticket purchase may call the Alex Theatre Box Office at 818.243.2539 during its normal public hours or visit their website at: 

http://www.alextheatre.org/calendar/events/index.php?year=2012&month=12&day=9

Tickets:

ORCHESTRA     $28 / $24

TERRACE          $24

BALCONY          $18

CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY TEA AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, LOS ANGELES

Date: 12/07/2012 to 12/08/2012 Day: Friday Saturday Time: 3:30pm - 5:30pm Address: (WP24 at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles) 900 W. Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: (213)743-8824 Cost: $65 per adult, $50 per child excluding tax and gratuity

For your little Prince or Princess this will be the ultimate Holiday Tea experience. The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, a luxury boutique hotel located in the midst of the urban landscape of downtown Los Angeles, announces the launch of “Tea at the Top” – a series of specialty afternoon tea services enjoyed against a backdrop of breathtaking city views. Drawing inspiration from the long-standing tradition of afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton hotels around the world, “Tea at the Top” presents themed tea offerings at select times throughout the year, beginning with decadent afternoon tea menus inspired by the holiday season.  The Children’s Holiday Tea features a delicious child-friendly menu with items such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and mini ham and cheese croissants, along with cookies, hot chocolate, warm apple cider, and milkshakes. The special family-friendly tea will also showcase Carlton the Elf, The-Ritz Carlton’s holiday mascot, a special reading of The Lonesome Pine, a cherished children’s holiday book. SPACE EXPLORATION: MARS AND BEYOND
Date: 12/08/2012 Day: Saturday Time: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Address: (Caltech's Beckman Auditorium) 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena, CA 91125 Phone: 626-395-4652 Cost: $5.00 unreserved seating
Learn how NASA is pushing the boundaries of science and engineering in order to explore our solar system. In one of its busiest years ever, NASA has sent a truck-sized rover to Mars, is observing massive asteroids Vesta and Ceres with the Dawn satellite and more! This stunning movie will serve as the springboard for a lively discussion about the science behind the beauty and wonder of nature. Paul Anzel, a graduate student in the Division of Engineering and Applied Science at Caltech, will introduce the film and guide the post-screening discussion.

It's Grinchmas Winter Wonderland at Universal Studios Hollywood!!!!!!

The Grinchmas Winter Wonderland includes blankets of real snow, refreshed daily, nightly lighting of the twisted Grinchmas Tree with a sing-along and reading of Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. There will be visits with Cindy Lou Who and Max the Dog as well as the Grinch himself, and performances by the Whoville Whos. The Studio tour will also visit the original sets from the movie Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas where characters will reenact memorable moments.

The Grinch will rule Universal Studios December 8-9, and 15-31, 2012.  Locals and frequent visitors may be interested in the current Buy a Day, Get a Year ticket promotion or get 2 Days for a Discounted 1-Day Price.

Universal Studios will be open on Christmas day.

Marina del Rey 50th Boat Parade

Saturday, December 8th, 2012  5:55PM FIREWORKS - 6:00PM PARADE!!!!

Have an unforgettable evening in Marina Del Rey and enjoy seeing beautiful boats designed with Christmas Decor. You will see glowing, highly decorated vessels for applause and kudos. There are several good viewing spots for the parade, including Fisherman's Village and Burton Chace Park.

At Home

Today we bring you some UNIQUE ideas for decorating your Home for the holidays.
We have put together some Unique, modern, chic, trendy and fun ideas. Take a look.

I created this for my daughter, and on the poll to the right wrote her name and called it "----- World"
It was very cute and was a great conversation piece with our guests :)

Love how classy and exquisite this decor looks

What a great idea to decorate your house with presents. Love this.

Simple and cute.

Elegance at it's best. Gives you an idea of how to bring colors together for an overall WOW!!!

Chic 

Love this upside down Christmas Tree. It's probably the most UNIQUE decoration you can ever do in your house. Love it.

White Elegance

Mirrors add another level of class in any decor.

Simple yet very original

This decor shows that ornaments are not just for the trees. They are great to decorate the table with; In vases, on the table and on plates.

At Home

How cute is this Christmas Centerpiece idea? Must try!!!

Food/Cooking

                                         SANTA HAT BROWNIES

Aren’t these Santa Hat Brownies just so cute? I was looking for a fun and simple holiday treat and I came across this recipe. They’re so good and easy to make, especially since I bought Trader Joe’s Ready to Bake brownie mix (just pour the ready-made brownie batter in an 8X8 pan and bake for 22-25 minutes). You can use ready-made brownie bites or bake a pan of your favorite brownies. I whipped up some vanilla-mascarpone buttercream to simulate the white trim on the hats.  Voila!  A festive dessert to get everyone into the spirit of the holidays.  It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here!

Santa Hat Brownies
Yields 12-16 brownies

Ingredients:
1 pan of your favorite brownies, cooled and cut into desired size and shape (I used a round cutter)
12-16 small strawberries, cleaned and hulled
vanilla-mascarpone buttercream (recipe below)

Mascarpone Buttercream
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
8 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature
2-1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
pinch of salt

Method:

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat butter and mascarpone cheese until light and creamy, about 2 minutes.  Add vanilla extract and salt.  Add 2-1/2 cups of sugar, half a cup at a time and continue beating until smooth.  Add more sugar, if needed to reach desired consistency and sweetness.

To assemble, pipe a ring of vanilla buttercream on top of each brownie.  Cut off the base of a strawberry so it is flat and place it upside down on each brownie, pushing slightly to secure in place.  Top the tip of the strawberry with a dot of buttercream to finish the santa hat.