tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13680182450682036752012-01-04T13:13:23.880-08:00sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.comBlogger1771100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-28718266643843122732011-12-13T14:31:00.000-08:002011-12-16T03:12:12.739-08:00

Last weekend we were invited to experience Holidays at Disneyland, where Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure are transformed for the holidays. We've been lucky enough to have been guests at the park during this magical time before, but as I've mentioned my kids never, ever get tired of it and squeal at the spectacle as if it's their first time. If only they could bottle that emotion and

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-5364345790540094002011-12-08T03:40:00.000-08:002011-12-08T03:42:49.015-08:00

My teenagers are too old for this movie, but I know many of you out there with younger kids are going to have to give in to the begging, do your parental duty and take your little charges to see ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED.  So why not see it for FREE? 20th Century Fox has provided 50 guaranteed seats for my readers at an advanced screening of the film this Saturday, December 10. Use

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-36018931631080972432011-12-07T14:35:00.000-08:002011-12-07T14:39:02.482-08:00

My 13-year-old and her friend made this cute little stop-motion film about making pancakes. Why pancakes? Because pancakes are awesome and tasty. They used a still camera, painstakingly moving their props around in small increments and then shooting it frame by frame. It took them forever, much longer than it would take you to make a batch of pancakes in regular time. I think they even ate

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-84628811550023764712011-12-02T16:45:00.000-08:002011-12-02T16:51:01.146-08:00

I was invited to the opening night of The Joffrey Ballet's 'The Nutcracker' at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. And that's where I was last night, with my two teenagers in tow. When I first got the invite I knew I wanted to take my girls – it's one of those holiday traditions I always dreamed of doing with my kids but never had the opportunity. I have however, managed to keep up a tradition of

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-90581824481664874692011-11-30T14:12:00.000-08:002011-11-30T14:12:01.511-08:00

I realize I'm probably the last person on the planet to see 'The Muppets'. We had an invitation to see it a couple of weeks ago, but alas life and turkey preparations got in the way. My 13-year-old has already seen the movie and loved it and is determined to get the rest of the family on board, so we'll be going in the next week or so if she has her way. Which she always does – how is it that 13-

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-45557745995300809652011-11-22T16:25:00.000-08:002011-11-22T16:29:41.293-08:00

This is going to date me, but the first game I remember playing on a home gaming system was Super Mario Brothers. I'm talking about the original one that came out back in 1985, the one that you played on a system the size of a small car. I'd sit down, adjust my fanny pack and my leg warmers and settle in for a few hours trying to get Mario to collect those coins and mushrooms. Times were simpler

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-11800318853486764922011-11-14T07:00:00.000-08:002011-11-15T01:38:44.304-08:00

I'm not a big fan of country music. And when my 15-year-old daughter – a fan of everything from the most indie of bands to the most mainstream – started begging me to take her to a Lady Antebellum concert at the Troubadour a couple of months back, I may have made a snarky comment about them on Facebook. That prompted a few of my friends to suggest that I give the band a chance, with many of them

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-55500122385360288552011-11-08T08:00:00.000-08:002011-11-08T08:00:00.544-08:00

I'm totally suspicious of people knocking on my door. I automatically think it's either an axe murderer or a rug salesman, both of those being equally scary and equally unwelcome. Most people who want to get in touch with me would either text me or email me and would never dream of knocking on the door. Man, I guess I just gave permission to all the axe murderers and rug salesman to email me now.

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-91333546360236179262011-11-07T16:01:00.000-08:002011-11-07T16:05:13.387-08:00

Who knew my teenagers would be so excited to meet Winnie-The-Pooh? I was invited to a screening of Disney's new Winnie the Pooh movie at the El Capitan Theater as well as a pre-show character breakfast at the Disney Soda Fountain and Studio Store and I had initially thought I would pass it up – while my girls are still very much into Disneyland, I thought they'd roll their eyes at seeing an

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-35435768568235765102011-11-03T17:34:00.000-07:002011-11-03T17:34:46.092-07:00

Hear that? It's the sound of my teenagers jumping up and down and screaming. Oh look – now they're hugging the Wii and gazing at their Nintendo 3DS and saying, "OMIGOD can you BE any more awesome?" What's the reason for this love fest? Nintendo has announced that you'll soon be able to access Hulu Plus through the Wii and Nintendo 3DS consoles. So not only will my girls be able to watch (and

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-49925630666436918582011-10-31T03:18:00.000-07:002011-11-04T02:58:21.671-07:00

Did you know that teenagers love gum? Did you know that for a teenager, a pack of gum is like a secret weapon – if you pull out a pack of gum at school, not only will you have more friends than you can count, but a stick of gum can be traded for all sorts of wonderful things; paper, pencils, even entire lunches, according to my 13-year-old, who swears she doesn't know this information first hand.

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-8904176410052540042011-10-26T09:00:00.000-07:002011-10-26T04:05:54.426-07:00

As you may know by now, I hate Halloween. I don't like putting on a costume, I don't like going to Halloween parties and I'm not a huge fan of candy corn – so really, what is there left for me? But my kids (and to a certain degree my husband) are waaay into it, so every year I do my best to take part. I help with the costumes, I buy the candy, I throw up a few decorations – sure I complain

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-23344940677728632592011-10-25T22:25:00.000-07:002011-10-26T01:20:17.285-07:00

I have to admit that when I first got the invitation to the Cody Simpson concert at the House Of Blues in Downtown Disney last month I had no idea who he was. Was he another Disney protege? A Nickelodeon star? One of my daughter's friends having an elaborate birthday party? Which is why I initially ignored it, until I asked my 13-year-old if she wanted to go and she let out one of those little

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-69448741739339164802011-10-21T09:26:00.000-07:002011-10-24T20:41:16.664-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we were invited to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure to check out the park in all it's Halloween Time glory. I've said this before, but Disneyland is one of those places that my teenage daughters, 13 and 15, still get as excited about as when they were 3 and 5. What is it about this place that makes them squeal like a couple of toddlers in an all-you-can-eat ice

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-29296447661241779892011-10-17T16:24:00.000-07:002011-10-17T16:27:12.493-07:00

Recently I was invited to a screening of 'Sing Your Song,' the HBO documentary about Harry Belafonte that is airing tonight. Like me, you're probably most familiar with him because of the song 'Day-O.' You can listen to it here. Trust me, you'll be singing, "Daylight come and me wanna go home," for the rest of the day. You're welcome. But what I didn't know about Belafonte was what a passionate

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-53191525773366803332011-10-10T08:50:00.000-07:002011-10-10T10:35:23.471-07:00

Have you seen Dreamworks' Real Steel yet, the new movie starring the beautiful Hugh Jackman and an equally stunning robot? I have to admit, I'm a little partial because my husband worked on the ad campaign and had been raving about it for awhile. So I knew it was going to be good and apparently everyone else agrees – it just opened and is already number one, taking in $27.3 million this past

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-90853781646430969202011-09-27T10:26:00.000-07:002011-09-30T03:24:53.333-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to see the premiere of 'A Widow Of No Importance' at East West Players. I have to admit, the title of the play didn't exactly draw me in at first glance. Widow? No importance? Look, if I wanted to hear a story about someone sad with self-esteem issues I'd just record one of my talks I have with myself in the mirror. But I was wrong. 'A Widow Of No

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-56989043639946492011-09-26T12:38:00.000-07:002011-09-26T14:55:56.030-07:00

A couple of months ago I was invited to preview Iris, the new Cirque du Soleil show that premiered last night and will be taking up permanent residence at the beautiful Kodak Theatre in the Hollywood & Highland complex. I've written before about my love for Cirque du Soleil, and the fact that it will be in one place for an extended period of time (I hear the lease is for ten years) is good news

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-76820527068078897202011-07-29T18:45:00.000-07:002011-07-29T18:45:35.033-07:00

Tired of hearing about debt ceilings and deficits and defaults? Why not take a break, kick back with a non-partisan beer and play a few games on your Nintendo 3DS. Haven't had a chance to pick one of these beauties up? Well, this is your lucky day - Nintendo just announced they're dropping the suggested retail price for the Nintendo 3DS™ system to $169.99 (from $249.99.) This bill will no doubt

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-18670215607244840852011-07-27T08:00:00.000-07:002011-07-27T08:00:10.492-07:00

A few weeks ago the fantastic Got Milk? people invited me to a Summer Drinks event to share some of their favorite recipes for cool warm-weather drinks you can mix-up using milk. If you don't think milk is refreshing, then obviously you haven't tried this: That there is a Red Velvet Frappé, and yes it tastes as amazing as it looks. In fact, when I asked my daughter if she thought it tasted like

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-79933481261176511092011-07-25T09:00:00.000-07:002011-07-25T09:33:44.042-07:00

This post is part of a partnership with Allstate. One of my most vivid memories of a road trip with my kids happened over ten years ago while on a drive up to San Francisco. My husband and I had stopped for our fiftieth cup of coffee and we had gotten the girls, around five and three at the time, a couple of cookies. For some reason the two of them started bickering when we got back in the car

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-54925521633766355292011-06-27T10:00:00.000-07:002011-06-27T10:00:02.370-07:00

This post is part of a partnership with Allstate. My oldest daughter turned fifteen a couple of months ago, and as usual another year older brought another whole set of worries for me. This time it's sophmore boys, college planning, and what if Lady Gaga's next concert falls on the exact same day as the homecoming dance? (That last one is her worry, not mine.) But I have to say the thing that's

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-65887207651829609812011-06-09T09:04:00.000-07:002011-06-09T13:29:47.207-07:00

A few weeks ago I was invited to a breakfast hosted by Fair Trade USA to see a presentation by Ashley Koff, an author, registered dietitian and spokesperson for World Fair Trade Day (recognized on May 14 this year.) I have to admit that before meeting Ashley and hearing her speak, I had only associated Fair Trade with the coffee I've seen on the Starbucks order board. Well, that and the heated

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-59821001588886262682011-05-25T18:35:00.000-07:002011-05-25T18:37:15.479-07:00

Last weekend I attended the Circle X Theatre Co.'s production of 'The Chinese Massacre (Annotated)' at the Atwater Village Theatre. Written by acclaimed Los Angeles playwright Tom Jacobson and based on a historical incident, the play is set against the backdrop of a shameful, horrific incident in Los Angeles history – the 1871 mob lynching of 18 Chinese men and boys. Badly versed in history

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-77485226766353277992011-05-25T12:44:00.000-07:002011-05-25T13:51:22.684-07:00

Last week I was invited to a screening at DreamWorks Animation for a preview of the upcoming animated feature 'Kung Fu Panda 2'. There was fighting, betrayal, and the triumph of good over evil. But enough about the the post-screening blogger luncheon and the brawl over the last panini – let me tell you my thoughts about the movie. 'Kung Fu Panda 2' is definitely a worthy sequel to the first

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-51003428266535964682011-05-20T14:20:00.000-07:002011-05-20T14:24:11.281-07:00

Wednesday night I was lucky enough to be invited to East West Players for the opening of their latest production, 'Krunk Fu Battle Battle,' and I can emphatically say it was one of the most fun, energetic live shows I've seen in a long time. (Although I should qualify my statement with, "which didn't feature anyone I was related to," since my daughter's high school production of 'Moulin Rouge'

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-6202650135025939872011-05-16T07:00:00.000-07:002011-05-16T13:01:29.156-07:00

As you might have heard, some little film called Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is opening this Friday, March 20. I hear it stars some guy named Johnny Depp that's got my teenage daughters all in a hizzy. Take a look at the new movie – it looks awesome and has lots of pirates and boats: I don't know about you, but the hardest thing about going to the movies is deciding what to

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-24228377492371279562011-05-09T12:20:00.000-07:002011-05-09T12:26:58.251-07:00

Here's a typical eating scenario that takes place during my day: I start off pretty good, eating a healthy breakfast of cereal or oatmeal (with tons of coffee, of course, just to offset all that healthiness.) Sometimes I'll get crazy and have an egg, but usually it's whatever my kids are having since that would be what is already out on the counter and doesn't require any extra energy to prepare.

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-24605029418176515262011-05-02T16:34:00.000-07:002011-05-02T16:34:10.184-07:00

Last week I was invited to a screening of Disney's 'Prom,' although to be honest it wasn't exactly at the top of my list of movies to see. In fact, my 15-year-old didn't want to go at all, and my 12-year-old decided to come along and ask two of her friends only after she found out the screening was being held at a theater where they had previously seen a really cute boy working at the concession

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-11352483801843705982011-04-29T18:33:00.000-07:002011-04-29T18:42:45.742-07:00

A few weeks ago I was whisked up to Seattle by Nintendo and Brand About Town for a whirlwind, fun-packed weekend centered around the release of their brand new Nintendo 3DS. I was part of a group of over a hundred bloggers who were lucky enough to tour the Nintendo headquarters and get an in-depth introduction to their newest gaming device. I also came home with shiny new Nintendo 3DS – I was so

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-88274787963374364692011-04-28T08:00:00.000-07:002011-04-28T08:00:09.378-07:00

Ever want to run away and join the circus? That's how I feel every time I see a performance by Cirque du Soleil, and last week's Quidam show at the Long Beach Arena was no exception. Doesn't matter that I can't juggle, have horrendous balance and am afraid of heights – maybe I could just be the person who drives the van or who runs out for coffee. I think circus performers drink a lot of coffee.

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-10839703921282881202011-04-27T13:22:00.000-07:002011-04-27T13:57:47.743-07:00

A while back I was invited to a party introducing several new varieties of California wines from Fresh & Easy. I'm a big fan of their wines, and even though my local store doesn't carry alcohol I'll often drive to another location in another city just to stock up on my favorites. ('Stock up' makes me sound like some sort of wino who needs sixty bottles of liquor lined up in her pantry at all

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-54347181814796564892011-03-07T19:15:00.000-08:002011-03-07T19:35:44.562-08:00

Want a good laugh? How about a good mascara-smearing cry? I think I have the perfect girls' night out for you. I was recently invited to preview 'In Mother Words' which is currently playing at the beautiful Geffen Playhouse. More of a series of monologues rather than a play, 'In Mother Words' takes the audience through the phases of a parent's life from pregnancy through the empty-nest stage

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-24034526470162058982011-02-15T16:48:00.000-08:002011-02-15T16:48:49.492-08:00

Around the holidays I was invited to stay at the Disneyland Hotel while attending a blogger's event at Disneyland. In case you're not familiar with the hotel, it looks like this: Actually, that's not how it looks today - that's the picture that's been stuck in my mind since the 60's. Rattling around in there with Monkees songs and episodes of Leave It To Beaver.  [ MY BRAIN ] Here's how the

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-69225725175061702412011-02-14T01:11:00.000-08:002011-02-14T01:29:26.980-08:00

Sorry for the delay in picking a winner. I threw my back out (true story, I swear) and everytime I tried to sit up and do anything on my computer my back would feel like it was being rolled over by a tanker and I'd scream out in pain. And yes that's as sexy as it sounds. I used the magical List Randomizer at Random.org to swirl up the names of the entries, and this is the one that rose to the

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-77886222737517318282011-02-07T12:30:00.000-08:002011-02-07T12:38:39.892-08:00

I'm not sure if you heard, but there was this big football game on TV yesterday. I think a few people went to go see it in person at a big stadium, too, although I'm not sure why you would want to do that when the line for the bathroom is much shorter at home. (Sometimes they're cleaner, too. I said sometimes.) Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market offered to provide some food and drink for a Super

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-15207661250962057682011-02-01T13:32:00.000-08:002011-02-01T13:32:58.558-08:00

Need a little culture? How about a play about parenting written by a group of funny, witty women including a Pulitzer Prize winner and presented at the beautiful Geffen Playhouse? And how about if the tickets were free and also included a food and drink reception after the show? Okay then, read on! In Mother Words, written by some of contemporary theater’s most talented voices including Pulitzer

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-88727563475154711402011-01-31T16:00:00.000-08:002011-01-31T18:00:11.430-08:00

Thanks to the wonderful people at Nintendo and BrandAboutTown, I was able to attend the launch party for the Nintendo 3DS in New York City. To say it was a wonderful trip is an understatement – let's just say when Nintendo launches something, they don't mess around. I'm still reeling from all of the excitement, the food and of course the blistering NYC cold. Did you know that it snows in New York

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-7958309466109141402011-01-27T21:05:00.000-08:002011-01-27T22:07:26.069-08:00

Around the holidays I was invited to experience the new Tea By The Sea at the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. I'm more of a coffee drinker, but I love going to tea – it's one of the few times I feel like my life takes on an air of civility. Plus, 'going to coffee' just doesn't have the same ring to it, and I never feel all that civilized when I'm knocking back coffee from a paper cup while

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-70449367376925969072011-01-07T16:25:00.000-08:002011-01-07T16:30:13.354-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I was having lunch with a friend and her 4-year-old son and she was desperately trying to keep him occupied while we tried to have a conversation. For some reason he wasn't feeling our discussion about belly flab and mood swings. So finally my friend whipped out her iPhone and cued up a couple of videos for him to watch. It's a dangerous idea to hand an expensive electronic

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-89817749017930158362010-12-22T16:00:00.000-08:002010-12-22T16:01:45.658-08:00

I got a box full of Holiday goodness from Fresh & Easy the other day. My 12-year-old insisted on staging a full-on photo shoot before we touched anything. It took awhile because the pine cones kept insisting we only shoot their 'good side.' We haven't had a chance to sample the Pumpkin Pecan Waffle & Pancake Mix yet, but the Hot Chocolate Bittersweet Chocolate Shavings were put to immediate use

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-64151390618540741022010-12-20T10:00:00.000-08:002010-12-20T10:00:03.330-08:00

This was originally posted on Uptake.com. Since there are only a few weeks left to see Disneyland in all its holiday splendor, it bears repeating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Okay, call me sappy, but one of the things that truly gets me in the seasonal mood is visiting Disneyland when they’re all decked out for the holidays. Well, that and my mom’s lime-green Jell-O, but that’s not for

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-1221968463376905812010-12-20T09:00:00.000-08:002010-12-20T14:48:32.432-08:00

A couple of weeks ago the lovely people at Got Milk? invited me to a Shake Up Holiday Cocktails With Milk event. While there I was introduced to someone who I think has what is possibly the best job on the planet: Professional mixologist Duggan McDonnell. Duggan travels around to various events partying and inventing cocktails. I'm sure it's more complicated than that but this is what I

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-21580106357918802142010-12-09T22:05:00.000-08:002010-12-09T22:07:19.504-08:00

One of the first times I realized that the Nintendo Wii was more than just a gaming system was when my oldest daughter's middle school started assigning P.E. homework. Intended to prepare them for the standardized testing for physical education that the district will implement soon, they're required to do a certain amount of cardio, strength training and stretching every week. She got permission

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-25830168199043084172010-12-04T17:44:00.000-08:002010-12-04T17:48:37.583-08:00

This arrived on my doorstep on the day before Thanksgiving, and in my frenzy of preparing for 26 people to descend on my house the next day I completely forgot to tell you about it. As usual, the people at Nintendo completely outdid themselves:   To introduce their new Donkey Kong Country Returns, they sent over a copy of the game, boxed up in a miniature crate and surrounded by rubber bananas.

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-76524069294804274562010-12-03T08:45:00.000-08:002010-12-03T08:51:29.880-08:00

You’ve heard me talk about Crimes Of The Heart before, the East West Players production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play. I’ve Twittered about it, raved about it on Facebook, maybe I even called you up on the phone to tell you about it. You probably didn’t answer when your caller ID told you who it was, but that’s beside the point. The show ends this weekend, so for those of you who haven’t

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-47573640442437444092010-11-23T07:51:00.000-08:002010-11-23T14:27:51.306-08:00

I have to confess right up front here that I'm not a big fan of frozen meals. The preservatives and artificial ingredients have always scared me - something is just not right if a chicken breast can stay in your freezer longer than that chicken was actually alive. That said, certain circumstances have made frozen food indispensable over the past year – an increased workload for both my husband

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-54856810576424671192010-11-22T16:42:00.000-08:002010-11-22T16:42:02.647-08:00

42 years ago today The Beatles released The White Album. While I sing Happy Birthday and go bake a cake, I'm going to listen to the recently reissued, remastered Band on the Run CD I received a few weeks back. For those of you not familiar with the third album from Paul McCartney and Wings, Rolling Stone named it one of the 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time. TAKE THAT JUSTIN BEAVER. I'm going to

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-23872646083526174162010-11-22T01:29:00.000-08:002010-11-22T14:25:58.394-08:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and LG Text Ed If you remember from my post a couple of weeks ago I mentioned that as part of my ongoing participation in the LG Text-Ed program I would be interviewing my daughters, ages 12 and 14, about their views on cell phone usage and safety. Lo and behold, the children were interviewed and it wasn't as painful as I thought. While their answers were

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-76710690191485161342010-11-11T15:03:00.000-08:002010-11-11T15:03:43.190-08:00

Hey winos! I mean wine connoisseurs! I'll be participating in a Fresh & Easy Wine Tasting on Twitter tonight at 7pm pst. Fresh & Easy has provided me with three holiday wines to sample, and I'll be talking about them in real time on TasteLive. You're probably thinking, "Who would want your opinion on wine? It's like asking a cat's opinion on seafood." Well, maybe so, but would a cat be able to

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-23227759523201367992010-11-08T11:54:00.001-08:002010-11-22T03:05:52.642-08:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and LG Text EdBecause I'm channeling my inner school teacher today, I'm going to start this post off with a little quiz. Then I'm going to ask your help with something. It's like being in biology class and then being asked to pound the chalkboard erasers. First the quiz: According to recent studies, 75% of kids from ages 12-17 own this: A. Justin Bieber

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-57864729607533118362010-11-05T09:05:00.000-07:002010-11-05T15:41:55.387-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to view a performance of threesixty° theatre's production of Peter Pan at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. This isn't just any play, though - the show combines actors with CGI technology, puppetry and a cleverly transforming stage into a theater-in-the round experience. In fact, it doesn't even take place inside the theater, but in a custom-built

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-59012206885941038812010-10-29T02:59:00.000-07:002010-10-29T03:03:21.519-07:00

When my oldest daughter was born, a friend's aunt gave me a 'mother's locket.' It was a gold-plated, oval-shaped pendant with 'MOM' spelled out in curlique letters and small pearls surrounding a space to put a photo of my baby. It was a keepsake of the miraculous birth of my first child. It was the ugliest thing I had ever seen. Of course I never told her that, and I did keep the pendant. In a

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-33088425711356334162010-10-22T18:58:00.000-07:002010-10-22T19:03:59.659-07:00

Last week I was invited to try out Wendy's new Pick 2, a new menu they're featuring that pairs one of their gourmet half-sized salads with your choice of one seven other menu items for $4.99. I agreed to check it out, mainly because I like food, and also it was a great chance to hang out with my friends Amy and Bernadette. They like food, too. They also like piña coladas and walks in the rain,

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-20581112904691542792010-10-14T14:45:00.000-07:002010-10-14T14:47:24.582-07:00

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and LG Text EdI admit it – my kids text and drive. Well, at least they text while I drive. If I have a message I HAVE to get out while I'm at the wheel, I hand them my phone and dictate what I want the text message to say. It's my new method during those times when I'm running five minutes late (very often) or need directions (rarely) or forget to tell my

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-83481568960954266532010-10-08T15:05:00.000-07:002010-10-08T15:08:51.301-07:00

Let me tell you a funny story. Well, it was funny at the time. Earlier this year my 14-year-old daughter and her friend, both big Saturday Night Live fans, talked my husband into taking them to see "MacGruber", the "MacGyver" parody that started off as an SNL skit and then inexplicably was stretched into a full-length feature film. Even though the movie was rated 'R' we had seen the skits and

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-26940779225291482012010-10-05T13:39:00.000-07:002010-10-05T14:05:53.667-07:00

By now you've already heard me talk, chat, post and Twitter about Mysterious Skin, the amazing, haunting play that is on stage at East West Players. You also know by now that the production stars my nephew as a young man who is convinced he was abducted by aliens as an 8-year-old boy, only to discover that his memories are actually tied to a devastating incident from his childhood. (I should add

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-12985972082593510362010-09-22T13:50:00.000-07:002010-09-23T00:20:18.476-07:00

This title comes courtesy of my 14-year-old, whose Facebook status after our trip to Disneyland on Saturday read: Had fun at Disneyland yesterday :) I just have to say that anyone born in the 90's MUST see World of Color at California Adventure. Was pathetically tearing up in every other scene. COME ON, THEY WERE PLAYING ALADDIN AND THE LION KING, AND JUST AROUND THE FREAKING RIVERBEND.Is that

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-23809187903202997022010-09-10T13:30:00.000-07:002010-09-10T16:31:33.630-07:00

A few weeks ago Nintendo sent over the new Dragon Quest game for the DS and as usual I just opened the package and handed the whole thing over to my 12-year-old. I can't even begin to understand these video games – it may as well have been a box filled with parts to build a pony. Although at least with a pony I could point out things I recognized, like 'ear' and 'bladder' before my daughter

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-91575382989753576282010-09-02T17:45:00.000-07:002010-09-02T17:49:43.340-07:00

What if you had strange, unsettling dreams that eventually led you to the bizarre delusion that you had been abducted by aliens? And what if that delusion led you to the painful realization that you had suffered an unspeakable childhood trauma? And what if someone wrote a play about it, and then cast my nephew as one of the two leads? I would ask you to go see it, of course. And then, if I was

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-72913479990022939762010-08-10T08:00:00.000-07:002010-08-10T02:24:31.365-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was invited by Snowcreek Resort to check out their properties and enjoy a weekend in Mammoth Lakes. The timing was perfect – it would be right around my anniversary, and what an awesome gift - the opportunity for my husband and I to celebrate our 17th year of marriage amongst the majestic Sierras and towering pines. Besides, the official gift for the 17th anniversary is

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-11405742782548726412010-08-10T07:30:00.000-07:002010-08-10T02:24:13.696-07:00

So what comes to mind when you think of eating at mountain resorts? Fried foods? Sandwiches? Digging up whatever's left over from inside the couch of your rental condo? Don't go there. We were recently invited by Snowcreek Resort in Mammoth Lakes to check out their properties and to get to know some local restaurants, and we were introduced to a couple of great places to eat that have fresh,

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-26354105443583523742010-08-05T03:00:00.000-07:002010-08-05T13:42:24.441-07:00

First of all, forgive me for using a Vanilla Ice quote in my title, but I thought it was a great way to show my enthusiasm for the amazing weekend I had as guests of Yahoo! for their first ever Yahoo! Motherboard Summit. Word! Also, it did remind me of a crazy karaoke night I had while I was there – I don't think I sang any Vanilla Ice, but I do remember belting out 'California Gurls' at the top

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-78927572304737628022010-08-02T02:35:00.000-07:002010-08-02T02:38:52.147-07:00

A few weeks ago Nintendo threw me a fantastic party to help me get the word out to my friends about their partnership with Netflix. Did you know you can stream movies and TV shows straight from your Netflix queue through your Wii and watch them on your TV? Well, did you? Yes, it's amazing but don't ask me how it works – like my explanation for everything else I don't have a clue about, I'll just

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-68371022352603384322010-07-07T12:55:00.000-07:002010-07-07T13:01:27.690-07:00

A few weeks ago I was invited to attend the A Time For Heroes Celebrity Picnic put on by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation. What a great day, filled with activities, games and celebrities -- David Duchovney, Billy Crystal, Joel McHale, Dick Van Dyke and Carmen Electra were just a few that I saw. I was invited by my friends at Kodak, who were one of the sponsors of the event and

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-81517984908482245022010-07-01T13:40:00.000-07:002010-07-01T13:44:49.809-07:00

Last weekend was a momentous occasion, one of great beginnings and the promise of hope. One that lifted my spirits and helped me look to the future with a renewed sense of well being. No, I'm not referring to my 14-year-old graduating from middle school, I'm talking about the start of grilling season! Not that it wasn't great seeing my beautiful daughter walk across that stage and into the next

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-43391546902501750692010-06-29T09:00:00.000-07:002010-06-29T13:56:43.718-07:00

It's no secret that between the two Anaheim parks, California Adventure is the scruffy little sister to it's more glamorous sibling, Disneyland. The Magic Kingdom has better clothes, better hair and let's face it -- probably gets all the cute guys.   But I think all that is about to change with 'World Of Color,' the elaborate nighttime water show that just opened at California Adventure. A few

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-84090225682443496332010-06-29T03:50:00.000-07:002010-06-29T03:56:53.032-07:00

We're just starting the second week of summer vacation over here at Casa Sweatpants, and I'm not sure who's happier, me or the kids. Those last few weeks of school were so brutal that I think we all deserve a medal for surviving it, and we got something even better -- Nintendo sent over a copy of Super Mario Galaxy 2! They also sent over some freeze dried ice cream and some Tang to go with the

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-54139088047843436392010-06-02T02:00:00.000-07:002010-06-02T02:42:43.923-07:00

A few weeks ago I was invited to a food tasting hosted by Cindy Liu founder and chef of Loo Hoo's Asian Comfort Food. Is that the greatest name or what? When we met I was going to ask her if it was a nod to Cindy Loo Hoo from 'The Grinch Who Stole Christmas' but before I could say anything she put a delicious, icy cold Lychee martini in my hand and then I totally forgot what I was going to say.

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-84589183804672884852010-05-28T15:15:00.000-07:002010-06-23T12:09:20.131-07:00

A couple of months ago I was invited to attend a taping of a commercial that chef Bobby Flay was doing for Hellmann's. I had to cancel the morning of the shoot because one of my kids was sick, but Kathleen, the coordinator, was nice enough to send me a copy of Flay's new book Bobby Flay's Burgers Fries and Shakes. I'm just getting around to checking it out now because I wanted to get some

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-8347964681988855012010-05-25T13:15:00.000-07:002010-06-02T12:36:47.755-07:00

I almost didn't attend last week's opening night festivities of 'The Road to Saigon' at East West Players. I had gotten my dates mixed up and mistakenly agreed to attend a screening on that same night of 'Killers,' the upcoming thriller starring Ashton Kutcher. But while the chance to see Ashton shirtless was tempting, I did the right thing and decided to see 'The Road to Saigon' since that

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-17744980750778856512010-05-18T12:38:00.000-07:002010-05-28T02:48:34.813-07:00

I've written before about my daughters' refusal to go to summer camp when they were younger. While most kids were spending their days learning about science or new soccer moves, mine were content to stay home and spend those long hot summer days watching me work. Although I can't say I blame them -- there is something magical about the way I hunch over my keyboard. But all that changed one

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-27751849651146704352010-05-17T16:25:00.000-07:002010-05-19T13:22:35.926-07:00

One of the most common complaints I hear about Disneyland is the lack of good, reasonably priced food. My answer is usually, "Hey, you don't go to Disneyland for the food, people. That's like saying you go to the beach for their clean bathrooms." Of course, there's always the one smartass that says why yes -- they actually do prefer the beach bathrooms to their one at home, but sometimes my

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-7105588861045166492010-05-12T18:30:00.000-07:002010-05-12T18:34:33.720-07:00

Summer's coming, and if your kids are anything like mine they're looking forward to spending an unhealthy amount of time sitting on the couch watching TV and eating Doritos. Well, they're going to have to fight me for a seat, but that's beside the point -- kids should be doing something constructive with their days, right? I say a visit to the Discovery Science Center to see a 4-D movie, or walk

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-87061459057371346242010-05-06T14:01:00.000-07:002010-05-19T13:21:09.108-07:00

Last Saturday I was invited by Kimberly Clayton Blaine (TheGoToMom) along with six other bloggers to be guests of the Montage Laguna Beach for a little pre-Mother's Day pampering. I can barely type that without crying because it was such an amazing day I'm having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that it's over. It's like the lover that you leave behind and then end up begging for them to

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-53021537041906385992010-05-05T17:02:00.000-07:002010-05-19T13:24:38.723-07:00

A few weeks ago I was invited to a blogger's luncheon hosted by Child's Play Communications. The event took place in the beautiful courtyard of the Shade Hotel in sunny Manhattan Beach, and while there we had to dine on a delicious buffet of amazing food, drink refreshing "Momosas" and then receive wonderful products from a variety of companies. I also had my makeup done and then ate ice cream.

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-59934404967143267712010-05-05T00:50:00.000-07:002010-05-06T01:10:44.546-07:00

Last week my daughters and I were invited to an event that combined three of their favorite things: Field trips, meeting celebrities, and getting out of school early. Technically the field trip wasn't theirs -- the event was to kick off Lunchables "Field Trips For All" program, and Kevin Jonas was the celebrity they got to meet. I had to pull them out of school an hour early in order to make the

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-87868174510307672212010-04-28T16:15:00.000-07:002010-04-29T01:18:53.934-07:00

I'm not sure if you know this, but we're right in the middle of BritWeek, a celebration of British lifestyle and culture taking place in California. It was started by producer Nigel Lythgoe a few years ago and is being marked by events taking place from April 20 through May 9 in Southern California and San Francisco. I know, technically that's two weeks so it should really be called BritWeeks.

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-73376680924650409102010-04-28T02:54:00.000-07:002010-04-28T03:16:50.696-07:00

It's a proven fact -- kids like museums. Well, they like jellybeans, too, but museums are better for them. And one of the best children's museums in Los Angeles is the Zimmer Children's Museum. What kid wouldn't like a place with interactive exhibits like a giant pinball machine and a flight simulator, and its own Main Street where they can cook a meal at a cafe, work as a grocer at the corner

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-36223608764161097102010-04-26T03:14:00.000-07:002010-06-01T01:51:54.558-07:00

A winner has been picked -- see below! I hate Mondays. Who's with me? Well, here's something that might help you pull the day out of the toilet -- the chance to win an awesome prize! Remember I told you about my fabulous Wii Fit™ Plus yoga party hosted by Nintendo? And remember I told you I’d be giving away a Wii™ system and a copy of the Wii Fit Plus video game? Well, seeing as I only lie about

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-25386223779808940822010-04-19T19:19:00.000-07:002010-04-21T16:36:28.656-07:00

I love parties. Also? I love food. Apparently Fresh & Easy is aware of this because a couple of weeks ago they invited me out to their headquarters for a tasting party for their new line of healthy entrees, eatwell. I along with a bunch of other bloggers were treated to an incredible meal consisting of dishes from their new line, and I'm here to tell you that along with tasting good, they're good

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-24413498403266000912010-04-13T02:58:00.000-07:002010-04-13T03:59:46.386-07:00

I love getting products to review, but my favorite has got to be coffee makers. I've gotten a few, and it's safe to say I don't think I've ever met a coffee maker I didn't like. There's something instantly appealing about a machine that dispenses my favorite beverage at the touch of a button, and without smacking its gum or glaring at me when I ask for extra foam.A few weeks ago I was sent the

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-45761204258244283752010-03-09T13:01:00.001-08:002010-05-05T03:34:49.800-07:00

In addition to thanking the Academy, God, my agent and my lawyers, I would definitely have to thank the following people in my Oscar speech. Also, unlike Sandra Bullock when she won her award, I'm definitely thanking my husband.KodakMy once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Academy Awards would not be possible without Kodak and the wonderful people I've met who work there. You people would win the award

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-69223581455554113632010-03-05T01:15:00.000-08:002010-03-05T01:19:29.705-08:00

What's better than raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens? How about a pair of sneakers that shape up your butt and a cupcake that tastes like a Cinnabon? These are just a couple of the cool products we got to check out at the fantastic LA/OC Moms Blog party thrown by the SV Moms Group a couple of weekends ago. Not only did we get to enjoy the beautiful surroundings at the Ritz Carlton Laguna

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-10565020877525071902010-02-23T15:28:00.000-08:002010-02-23T15:30:37.081-08:00

I don't really consider myself a 'cultured' drinker. My favorite drink is the über-girly Cosmopolitan and I usually choose wine based on its nicely designed label rather than its woodsy undertones. So don't go trying to impress me with your 200-year-old Bordeaux because I'm more likely to go for that one over there, the one with the pretty curlicue font and the picture of a cat on the front.But

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-40596524524128437412010-02-18T00:28:00.000-08:002010-02-18T11:27:24.968-08:00

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Electrolux.I’ll be the first to admit I’m not going to ever win any baking contests. I consider myself a fairly accomplished cook — I can sauté and flambé my way through a dinner menu — but am flummoxed when it comes to desserts. I say if God intended people to bake He wouldn’t have invented frozen pound cake.I have an especially contentious

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-84987757973951734642010-02-12T08:00:00.000-08:002010-02-12T08:03:08.708-08:00

I've written here before about my deep, abiding love of Fresh & Easy Market, so when I received a big box of Valentine's gifts from them a couple of weeks ago it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, like getting that special Valentine from the boy I had a crush on in 7th grade. Well, actually he didn't know I existed so instead of a Valentine I think I may have gotten a blank stare and a

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-6233930900650064712010-02-08T09:00:00.000-08:002010-05-19T13:26:14.957-07:00

For you youngsters out there, the title of my post comes from the 80's band Frankie Goes To Hollywood. And it seemed appropriate given the fact that relax is all we were required to do when I and a bunch of other bloggers were invited out to a decadent day at the Pacific Waters Spa at the Huntington Hyatt. And it looks like my 80's reference is right-on seeing as our visit consisted of pampering

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-29954861043457552362010-01-25T10:00:00.000-08:002010-02-26T12:39:39.439-08:00

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Lincoln.I drive a five-year-old minivan and let’s face it — no one ever stops me to ask about my car. And even if they did, instead of telling them about my mpg or how it goes from zero to sixty in fifteen minutes, I’m more likely to show them the collection of petrified french fries and year-old juice boxes laying in the back seat. That’s when the

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com134tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-74475413171986127922009-12-18T03:10:00.000-08:002010-05-19T13:27:25.747-07:00

A couple of weeks ago my daughters and I were invited to the Got Milk Holiday Lattes party at one of my favorite places, La Pain Quotidien. (Don't worry - I can't pronounce it, either.) I have to admit I wasn't in the most festive mood - it had been a hectic workday and I was feeling the pressure of the holidays bearing down on me - the usual stress of too much to do and too little time. Oh, and

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-48715454816657348232009-12-15T08:25:00.000-08:002009-12-15T08:25:14.670-08:00

I was at a party a couple of weeks ago and had to interrupt a conversation to take a call on my iPhone from one of my daughters. They were staying home alone for the first time, so I wanted to make sure they hadn't set the house on fire or weren't having any wild parties. Or if they were having a party to remind them not to eat all the Fritos - I hate coming home from a night out and not having

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-58635296669179848922009-12-08T12:21:00.000-08:002009-12-16T01:44:26.429-08:00

Update: 12/16 - The winner has been picked! See below.Last weekend we were invited by Dolby to check out their Surround Sound Truck and be their guests at the Black Crowes concert at Club Nokia. Hard to resist, especially since my husband and I have been eager to check out the scene at LA Live, the new entertainment complex adjacent to the Staples Center. A little Dolby demo, a little rock and

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-21312195997536349152009-12-04T13:36:00.000-08:002010-05-19T13:12:14.298-07:00

On the Saturday before Thanksgiving we were invited to Disneyland for the Holiday Celebration for Parent Bloggers. I know it sounds like a crazy time to go, but it actually worked in my favor since it prevented me from sitting around and obsessing about the 30 people that would be coming over to my house for turkey and the eight-pounds of mashed potatoes I was going to have to prepare.Eight hours

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-26605403766822322062009-12-03T20:30:00.000-08:002010-02-12T01:02:54.586-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I came home from running errands and found two big boxes on my doorstep. I've mentioned before about my paranoia and how I once mistook a package from Apple for an explosive device sent to me by an evil entity, so you can imagine my suspicion at discovering two mysterious parcels waiting for me. I had my iPhone at the ready, prepared to call 911 at a moment's notice.

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-10239609753363799932009-11-25T09:00:00.000-08:002009-11-25T09:00:01.841-08:00

A few weeks ago my daughters and I went to the EA Games Winter Gaming Wonderland event. This was the first holiday-themed party we were invited to, so the excitement level was high. Let's face it - once you have kids, the holidays and video games go hand-in-hand. Like juice boxes and pretzels. Know what else goes hand-in-hand once you have kids? Room cleaning and whining. Just thought I'd get

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-58868439147108172172009-11-18T08:00:00.000-08:002009-11-18T08:00:00.123-08:00

I just wrote a guest post on Momicillin, a new site that features reviews and articles written by parents, intended to "help cure what ills the everyday (or any-day) Mom." I decided to write a review on something that has been saving my sanity at dinnertime lately, a line of meatless products. It's true - there was a time I considered a tofu hotdog sacrilegious, but I've had to change my tune

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-3774335204727622132009-11-16T13:00:00.000-08:002009-11-16T13:03:53.173-08:00

I love throwing parties, but anyone who knows me is familiar with the torture I put myself through - the agonizing over detail, the hours of preparation - and that's just putting together the vegetable tray. So I was pretty excited when Nintendo and Brand About Town contacted me about throwing a yoga party and told me they'd be doing all the work - I told them that was a fabulous idea, but I

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-80627373839691449062009-10-30T08:00:00.000-07:002009-10-30T08:00:02.183-07:00

Congratulations to the Gonzalez family - looking forward to meeting all of you! I'll be contacting you soon with details. Thanks to everyone who entered!

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-10464858166655954392009-10-29T16:43:00.000-07:002009-10-29T17:08:48.849-07:00

Thanks to everyone for your entries! Here are the five finalists - I will now leave it up to the all-powerful random.org to pick a winner tonight, and will announce the winner on my blog tomorrow morning. (Seriously, you all deserve to win so I'm glad it's not up to me!)1) Scott, Christine and Malia Goldman"Together we can show the world (well at the least the world within the Disneyland Resort

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1368018245068203675.post-16787387523624557802009-10-21T01:46:00.000-07:002009-10-25T23:29:12.973-07:00

DEADLINE EXTENDED! You now have until 11:59pm on Wednesday, October 28 to submit your entries! A couple of weeks ago I wrote about a cool VIP trip I took to Disneyland where my family and I got to check out all of the Halloween attractions and activities going on at the park. Well, I must have made a really good impression because the people at Disneyland have invited me to another event on

sweatpantsmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02501471972355692992noreply@blogger.com0