Thursday, May 25, 2017

Marvel Universe Live! Announces "Age of Heroes" featuring Guardians of the Galaxy

The Epic Marvel Super Hero Experience Premieres in Los Angeles on July 7. Tickets on sale now!


With everything we've heard about Guardians of the Galaxy at Disney California Adventure, I've been wondering how to give Benny some Drax, Rocket Racoon and Groot action. My son is still too young to ride the high-speed attraction, but he's not too young for a Marvel-themed live-action show at the Staples Center this summer....yay!

Super hero action, thrills and drama will soar, smash and burst into arenas across the country starting with the debut of the all-new action-packed adventure Marvel Universe LIVE! Age of Heroes.  The iconic Marvel Super Heroes Spider-Man and The Avengers are joined by the Guardians of the Galaxy, including Star-Lord, Gamora, Groot, Rocket and Drax, in a legendary battle to defend the universe from evil.  



The newest production from Feld Entertainment, the world’s leading producer of live touring family entertainment, will make it’s world premiere in Los Angeles at STAPLES Center on July 7, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now and you can purchases yours by visiting:  MarvelUniverseLIVE

Hope to see you there! 


Friday, May 19, 2017

The Oaks at Ojai, A Great Place to Celebrate Mother's Day Year-Round!

This is a sponsored post. I received hotel accommodations & spa treatments at the Oaks at Ojai in exchange for a review on this blog. All opinions are my own.

 
I'm still catching up on all the Mother's Day photos that were posted by friends, family and beloved acquaintances on social media last weekend. I see gorgeous pictures of moms and grandmas and kids hugging their family's matriarchs and suddenly I begin to think it's not a bad idea to consider celebrating moms more often!
Why does Mother's Day have to be limited to a single day of the year, right!?
Note to all: it's ok to spoil us as often as you'd like!
In all seriousness, I think it's important to show moms small tokens of appreciation throughout the year. It doesn't have to be lavish. Simple things like notes and letters are very endearing.
Another unique idea is to take mom away for a weekend. And I have the perfect place for that: The Oaks at Ojai Hotel & Spa.


I recently spent some time there and the whole experience was enriching and unique.
Located about 90 miles from Los Angeles, the Oaks at Ojai encompasses all the elements of a wellness retreat for women.
For starters, no cell phones are allowed. Can you imagine? It's digital detox at its best.
All meals and snacks are included with your overnight stay and the menu promotes a clean diet plan, with meals usually under 350 calories. Just think lots of organic vegetables, salads, clean protein and flavorful sauces. Dessert usually means fresh fruit.



There is a gym, a sauna, a pool, aerobics classes, yoga and healthy afternoon snacks are served daily.


There are wellness workshops, seminars, mountain hikes, meditation courses and even nearby wine tasting rooms for those who care to walk a block over and discover Downtown Ojai.

Some rooms have outdoor courtyards with gorgeous mountain views.


Lush landscapes decorate the grounds and then there's the Spa.
During my Spa appointment, I was treated to a Signature Facial using Skin Authority products.
It was sooo great, the type of spa experience that makes a woman swear she'll never wear make-up again just so she can keep her face looking so fresh and so clean.


The Oaks at Ojai is owned Sheila Cluff, a woman who has lived her life promoting physical activity and good health. Cluff, also known as the "grandmother of aerobics" was one of the first female entrepreneurs to combine the idea of fitness and nutrition as an attractive package for a destination getaway. Her book "Living Your Dream" is sold inside the hotel's gift shop... and it makes for a fabulous read in a serene atmosphere, away from the pressures and temptations of social media and constant cell phone use.
I plan on making more trips to the Oaks at Ojai. It's a great way to spend quality time with mom and rediscover yourself.  I will give you an opportunity to refocus, recharge and relax.

The Oaks at Ojai
122 E. Ojai Ave.
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-5573.

Have a great weekend (getaway)!

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Denim Mother's Day Inspo from 'Kut from the Kloth'

 How a mommy date with my son turned into a Mother's Day outfit idea!

A funny thing happened when I took my son to Au Fudge last weekend for a special “MommyAndMe—Create Salon” hosted by LA-based clothing company Kut from the Kloth.
During the week leading to the event, I shared with Benny that he would be having an opportunity to design a denim jacket for mama. Benny said he was going to decorate my jacket with glitter and purple colors and butterflies and sprinkles— basically everything he figured I’d like to hear.
Details from the "MommyAndMe-- Create Salon" hosted by Kut from the Kloth at Au Fudge.
Then on the day of the event, as we sat down to begin decorating my cool denim jacket, Benny turned into a total minimalist! He placed only three patches on the top left corner above the jacket's pocket. The back was a little more elaborate with three sequin hearts. It was adorable, although I'll be honest-- I'm the type of mom that loves a lot of color and patterns and ornate things (go figure). It turns out, Benny was more interested in visiting the restaurant’s backroom arcade than embellishing my jacket! He basically squeezed a few globs of glue on some patches and was quickly "done" and ready for the next adventure. This was too funny. All I could think of was a phrase I've been repeating since Benny's younger brother was born: “boys will be boys!”


The unique Kut from the Kloth event was an opportunity for kids to interact with one another and spend a lovely afternoon designing a gift for mom. There were goodies and desserts and a book reading by Sara Aspinall. There were also several jackets for moms to choose from, something which opened my eyes to the company, whose clothing items I’ve often seen at large department stores like Nordstrom and Macy’s but never tried.

Kut from the Kloth offers a unique reward program called "Your Style Rewards". It's how the company rewards its customers for shopping and sharing their Kut from the Kloth items on social media. The way it works is, you become a member by creating an account on the company's website. You refer friends, post product reviews and share on your social media channels in order to gain points. For every 2,500 points earned, you get a $15 discount on your next order! They have adorable dresses and tops and their jeans come in all different cuts and styles.

The jacket Benny decorated for me is so comfortable! It's a Kut from the Kloth Amelia Denim Jacket (Sweet Wash) and now that I look at it again, I'm actually happy and very endeared with how it turned out. As a matter of fact, I plan on styling it with a fun dress on Sunday. I'll make sure to post some pictures...
Thanks for reading and Happy Mother's Day!

Saturday, May 6, 2017

UNICEF KID POWER to Celebrate Kid Power Month next Saturday!

UNICEF USA is hosting an fun afternoon on Saturday, May 13 to encourage children and families to get active!


Only one in four American kids gets enough exercise, according to the United Nations' Children's Fund, UNICEF. 
On the other hand, nearly one in four children globally, is malnourished. 
The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports the organization's work through fundraising, advocacy and education, working together for a common goal: to reach a time when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. 
As a mom of two little boys, I love this idea. I support this cause and I hope you do too!
This month, UNICEF Kid Power, a growing movement of kids and families activating their inner heroes, to end global malnutrition, is asking families around the country to Show the World Your Kid Power
Specifically, next Saturday, May 13th UNICEF USA will host an activity packed afternoon of games and entertainment in Downtown LA, to encourage children and families to get active and save lives!  
Saturday's event will feature a Star Wars inspired activity, a Target crazy maze, a main stage entertainment line-up and much more.

When: Saturday, May 13, 2017
Where: Microsoft Square at LA Live
Address: 800 W. Olympic Blvd. / Los Angeles, CA 90015
Time: 11:00am - 4:00pm


In 2015, UNICEF launched UNICEF Kid Power fitness bands, which display the number of steps taken by kids as well as the number of points earned. Program supporters convert students’ points into monetary donations toward the purchase of therapeutic food. A full day of physical activity—12,000 steps—translates into five Kid Power Points. Every five Kid Power Points earned results in one packet of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food for children with severe acute malnutrition.
I encourage parents to purchase a Kid Power fitness band and bring it along to Saturday's event!


When: Saturday, May 13, 2017

Where: Microsoft Square at LA Live

Address: 800 W. Olympic Blvd. / Los Angeles, CA 90015

Time: 11:00am - 4:00pm


Hope to see you there!