tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27455037682752950172024-03-14T09:32:14.092-07:00L.A. StoryExploring Los Angeles one baby step at a time ...L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.comBlogger1399125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-65841920331095968362019-10-09T10:00:00.000-07:002019-10-09T11:43:44.524-07:00Disney Channel Series 'Gabby Duran' Takes Babysitting to a Whole New Level<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Gabby Duran & the Unsittables' / Photo via Disney Channel</td></tr>
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Gabby Duran has her work cut out for her.<br />
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The newest babysitter on the <a href="https://disneynow.com/all-shows/disney-channel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Disney Channel</a> block is a 13-year-old girl who's moved from Miami to the suburbs, where things are definitely not (as the kids say) "chill." Whether it's meeting new friends at school or living up to the instant successes of her newscaster mom and sharp little sister, Gabby (played by YouTube star Kylie Cantrall) is having a hard time feeling like she fits in.<br />
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But things take a turn for the weird — and much more exciting — when her school rebellion leads to the otherworldly job of babysitting ... wait for it ... aliens disguised as everyday kids.<br />
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<b>Gabby Duran & the Unsittables </b>premieres<b> </b>on Disney Channel and DisneyNOW on Friday, October 11 (9 p.m. ET/PT), and the kiddos and I had the chance to catch the first episode in the series and meet the cast at <a href="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Disneyland</a> on Sunday.<br />
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Besides the cast being totally adorable, we also had such a fun time checking out the show. Will kept asking when we could watch the second episode. (I think he really liked the colorful CGI aliens!)<br />
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The first episode featured Gabby trying to navigate her way through school — and home life, for that matter — with a lot of pluck and teenage cheek. She might be looking out for No. 1 at first, but she's totally resourceful in an emergency — especially when that emergency involves carbonation and what that might do to a burbling alien stomach.<br />
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While her principal, Principal Swift (yes, his first name is Principal, and he might have a few secrets) opens the door to this otherworldly, well, world, it looks like we'll get to meet a host of new aliens as the season progresses. And, from the looks of it, they'll all need some serious monitoring, especially from someone as scrappy as Gabby.<br />
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And while we wait for <b>Gabby Duran & the Unsittables</b> to premiere on Friday, we do know that the show is already planning for season two. Disney Channel has announced that it's picking up an additional season before Gabby officially meets her first alien. Talk about some serious girl power!<br />
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Be sure to tune in Friday, October 11 at 9 p.m.<br />
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<b>Cast:</b><br />
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Gabby Duran — Kylie Cantrall<br />
Principal Swift — Nathan Lovejoy<br />
Dina Duran (mom) — Valery Ortiz<br />
Olivia Duran (sister) — Coco Christo<br />
Wesley — Maxwell Acee Donovan<br />
Jeremy — Callan Farris<br />
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<i>(Note: Disneyland park admission was included in this press event.)</i>L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-40780217316201310512017-06-30T14:27:00.001-07:002017-06-30T14:27:26.317-07:00Coming Attraction: 'Marvel Universe Live! Ages of Heroes' at Staples Center<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Marvel Universe Live! Age of Heroes'</td></tr>
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It's time to get your superhero on!<br />
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"<a href="https://www.marveluniverselive.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Marvel Universe Live! Age of Heroes</b></span></a>" will be running, flying and flipping in to the Staples Center next weekend, with opening night scheduled for <b>Friday, July 7</b> at 7:30 p.m.<br />
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Watch as your favorite heroes and heroines from the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy join Spider-Man to defeat serious super villains in the battle of good versus evil.<br />
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Expect aerial stunts and colorful video projections to entertain the fam, as the characters band together to save the universe.<br />
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The SoCal leg of the tour kicks off in L.A., running through July 9, before heading to Ontario, Anaheim and later San Diego. (There are even two morning shows!)<br />
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<a href="https://www.axs.com/series/4311/marvel-universe-live-tickets?skin=staples" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Tickets start at $25!</span></a><br />
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<b>"Marvel Universe Live! Age of Heroes"</b><br />
Staples Center (July 7-9)<br />
1111 S. Figueroa<br />
Los Angeles, CA 90015<br />
213-742-7340<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="239" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WpCRWMXfXtQ?rel=0" width="425"></iframe>L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-7288877610019727682017-05-18T22:17:00.000-07:002017-05-18T22:17:40.934-07:00UNICEF Kid Power Event Inspires Los Angeles Families<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chewbacca and R2-D2 support UNICEF Kid Power at L.A. Live.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Getting to hang with Chewbacca and R2-D2 is pretty hard to beat, and the kiddos were super excited to do just that this past weekend to support <a href="https://unicefkidpower.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>UNICEF Kid Power</b></span></a> at L.A. Live.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Kids helping kids — that was the motto at the <a href="http://losangelesstory.blogspot.com/2017/05/coming-attraction-unicef-kid-power.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">downtown LA event</span></a>, which hosted tons of families, special guests and even a marching band. In an effort to both get kids more active and to help feed malnourished children around the globe, UNICEF created this arm of its organization to support those two worthy causes. Presenting sponsors of the event were Star Wars: A Force for Change and Target.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Inspiring kids to get active is the <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://unicefkidpower.org/store/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">UNICEF Kid Power Band</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> ($39.99), which tracks kids' activity that in turn unlocks funding that goes toward providing necessary Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food packets to children in severe need.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">"We are looking to get as many children active to empower them to help in global malnutrition, so essentially UNICEF Kid Power is about unleashing your inner hero for the benefit of kids all across the world," Amber Hill, UNICEF USA regional managing director, Southern California, tells L.A. Story.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">In addition to getting photo ops with the "Star Wars" guys, kids could also make their way through the Target maze, play in fun ball pits (Will liked this option) and hula hoop with "School of Rock" actress Jade Pettyjohn (that was CC's fave).</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">And knowing that we were helping other kids in the process only made it that much better.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">So what can families do to help?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">"Become active," Hill says. "Not only do we have the UNICEF Kid Power Band, but you can download the app and connect the app with your health kit on your phone, so you can participate as a family. And there's content and videos that take you on a virtual journey through the app, so you can continue to learn more about UNICEF and the children that you're helping across the globe. Literally every step can make an impact."</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-24661506354208481562017-05-09T22:40:00.000-07:002017-05-09T22:40:24.490-07:00Coming Attraction: UNICEF Kid Power Celebration at LA Live<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Kids and their families all over the Los Angeles area are invited to get active and save lives in a special <a href="https://unicefkidpower.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>UNICEF Kid Power Celebration</b></span></a> happening this Saturday, May 13, at LA Live.<br />
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Featuring a "Star Wars"-themed activity, a Target crazy maze, games and main stage entertainment, the action-packed event will encourage kids to channel their activity into unlocking 1 million Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) packets for malnourished children around the world.<br />
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How can you help? First off, join in the free event.<br />
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Also, to help inspire kids to get out and get active, the <a href="https://unicefkidpower.org/store/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">UNICEF Kid Power Band</span></a> ($39.99) tracks kids' activity (something greatly needed, as 1 in 4 American children aren't getting enough), which in turn unlocks funding that goes toward providing necessary RUTF packets to children in severe need around the globe.<br />
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Similar to a Fibit for kids, the band counts kids' steps, helps children set activity goals and also tells the time. It doesn't require a data plan, and there's no GPS tracking. Just sync it to your smartphone and let your kid run, jump and just play.<br />
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The UNICEF goal is to unlock 1 million RUTF packets in the month of May.<br />
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In addition to the activities, special guests will include Dartanyon Crockett, a UNICEF Kid Power champion and two-time Paralympic judo medalist; actors Joshua Rush, Jade Pettyjohn, Talitha Bateman and more.<br />
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So come on downtown! I bet never has activity felt so good!<br />
<a href="https://unicefkidpower.org/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="https://unicefkidpower.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>UNICEF Kid Power Celebration</b></span></a><br />
Saturday, May 13 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)<br />
Microsoft Square at LA Live<br />
800 W. Olympic Blvd.<br />
Los Angeles, CA 90015L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-76975086030988280882017-04-12T22:54:00.003-07:002017-04-12T22:54:27.675-07:00Hanging With Victoria Beckham at Her Target Style Launch Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CC and Will get a chance to say hi to fashion designer and mom Victoria Beckham.</td></tr>
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"Come on, Ladies and Gentleman!"<br />
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That's the friendly welcome CC, Will and I received from the super-charming fashion designer and mom Victoria Beckham when I asked if we could take a quick pic.<br />
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The kiddos and I drove up the lush and winding roads of Bel-Air to the famous Mohamed Hadid house earlier this month to celebrate the launch of <a href="http://www.target.com/c/victoria-beckham-for-target/-/N-4rgjd" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Beckham's limited edition collection at Target</b></span></a>. The line, which features dresses, tops and skirts for women and girls, as well as an adorable baby collection, launched on April 9—and let's just say, I've bought my fair share of items.<br />
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With celebs including Zoe Saldana, Naomie Harris (Will's current crush), Tiffani Thiessen and Jessica Alba in attendance, you can imagine just how amazing this party was.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoe Saldana and Naomie Harris</td></tr>
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In addition to the racks and racks of cute (and reasonably priced) clothing, there were fun activities for the kids (flower crowns and bunny masks) and even a colorful candy bar that Will kept going back to. There was even a gorgeous infinity pool with its own live mermaid. Only in L.A.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHGRV6Z7ePL_4YtRrq5zyznbukzHsBEQjUbyCs2Z7rLHf6-LPZI6JP-f5gYFvGY5RC6_8pmFTM818jpDkhxK26f2GsawIdsQ-Ac8Mf0cAwgyRM2JZpj7dIkF3qdNE8btR40n-MmSAe3M/s1600/cc-victoria-beckham-dress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHGRV6Z7ePL_4YtRrq5zyznbukzHsBEQjUbyCs2Z7rLHf6-LPZI6JP-f5gYFvGY5RC6_8pmFTM818jpDkhxK26f2GsawIdsQ-Ac8Mf0cAwgyRM2JZpj7dIkF3qdNE8btR40n-MmSAe3M/s400/cc-victoria-beckham-dress.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CC picks out a gorgeous dress from Victoria Beckham for Target.</td></tr>
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CC and I picked out our favorites, and there were many. She loved the <a href="http://www.target.com/p/girls-blush-floral-jacquard-shift-dress-victoria-beckham-for-target/-/A-51666569" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">pink and white jacquard English lace dress</span></a> ($28), while I opted for the <a href="http://www.target.com/p/women-s-black-and-white-mod-shift-tulip-appliqu-233-dress-victoria-beckham-for-target/-/A-51672770" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">black and white mod shift</span></a> ($40) and the <a href="http://www.target.com/p/women-s-blue-stripe-poplin-gathered-waist-dress-victoria-beckham-for-target/-/A-51666439" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">blue and white striped poplin dress</span></a> ($35).<br />
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And who could resist this <a href="http://www.target.com/p/baby-blush-bee-collar-bodysuit-victoria-beckham-for-target/-/A-51674431" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">adorable collared bodysuit</span></a> ($13) for the kids' new baby cousin?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6u7m2SNZO3vq2h06yo3uSb8oQuRzhjh6TTncyuNOTBeRt86lToRffzk6vCbj24HT-Jv35v_T22A_N8ZIS2C37cE1Ai6PZDGhrapbIVdGKRVDJhfua-rT1jiDOjGAtLcC7TJMAdo-uPzI/s1600/victoria-beckham-target-onesie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6u7m2SNZO3vq2h06yo3uSb8oQuRzhjh6TTncyuNOTBeRt86lToRffzk6vCbj24HT-Jv35v_T22A_N8ZIS2C37cE1Ai6PZDGhrapbIVdGKRVDJhfua-rT1jiDOjGAtLcC7TJMAdo-uPzI/s320/victoria-beckham-target-onesie.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Of course, we eventually had to leave the dreamy estate and head back home, but it was a lovely day with the especially lovely mum Victoria Beckham.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYY7nWbaeyy-4cH3dwNSOnoZgJGQPsbHtqGOh50JYWpx9ravnS0QFoiZzZxaa6Rp1TfTOEXf5mWtemylvHPjBxpqHAXEIUjIKA8hbyVU34pikUHxaY_kknw3_shhSsUXKcakuZ8mzL0iM/s1600/bel-air-mohammed-hadid-house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYY7nWbaeyy-4cH3dwNSOnoZgJGQPsbHtqGOh50JYWpx9ravnS0QFoiZzZxaa6Rp1TfTOEXf5mWtemylvHPjBxpqHAXEIUjIKA8hbyVU34pikUHxaY_kknw3_shhSsUXKcakuZ8mzL0iM/s400/bel-air-mohammed-hadid-house.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-26833530664195793252017-02-07T21:30:00.001-08:002017-02-07T21:30:30.933-08:00That Time CC Got Starstruck While Meeting the 'Odd Squad' Cast<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsrwkC3F0tOnOetF0U71qRo4IYA-bpf65EuS3DmrymirybgnB4CoeS6CZ8Q5h0qfB05-2lJpdYNhecRfvnurPeR3h3mltQudEurWl0UCak9xx97sSQp2d2EHrnPSE8f1_AX09SU7McdY/s1600/PBS-Odd-Squad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsrwkC3F0tOnOetF0U71qRo4IYA-bpf65EuS3DmrymirybgnB4CoeS6CZ8Q5h0qfB05-2lJpdYNhecRfvnurPeR3h3mltQudEurWl0UCak9xx97sSQp2d2EHrnPSE8f1_AX09SU7McdY/s400/PBS-Odd-Squad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CC meeting the talented kids from PBS Kids series "Odd Squad."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.pbskids.org/" target="_blank"><b>PBS Kids</b></a> had big news to share at this year's Television Critics Association event at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena.<br />
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Starting January 16, the kid-friendly channel went 24/7 all over the country. Before, it was only part of the regular PBS programming, but the organization wanted to reach out to families whose kids thrived on access to the channel in the later weekday hours (when it was usually back to adult programming).<br />
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That's especially great for young children who don't have access to high-quality preschool and need that extra boost from educational shows like "Sesame Street" or "<a href="http://losangelesstory.blogspot.com/2015/01/coming-attraction-odd-squad-saves-world.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Odd Squad</span></a>."<br />
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Speaking of "Odd Squad," I had the chance to interview the kids from the show for <a href="http://mom.me/"><span style="color: blue;">Mom.me</span></a> (where I'm the senior editor), and I was able to bring CC, too. Honestly, that kind of blew her mind.<br />
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We talked to Ms. O (Millie Davis), Olympia (Anna Cathcart) and Otis (Isaac Kragten) during a Facebook Live broadcast and learned everything from their favorite episodes to what they dream about becoming when they grow up.<br />
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But before that, when CC and I got to the hotel, we happened to arrive at the registration desk at the same time as the "Odd Squad" trio, and CC let out an audible gasp. She almost couldn't speak, which is very rare for her.<br />
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Luckily, I was able to snap this adorable picture of the four of them! What a memory.<br />
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Check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/momdotme/videos/1198503753580997/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>our interview</b></span></a> on Mom.me's Facebook page.L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-9172971043812388182017-02-04T08:31:00.000-08:002017-02-04T08:31:01.581-08:00Ditching the Strip in Las Vegas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVuWLT50kwXM0ZdwbtUE4ftVn1UEiVeY953k5yz5vhljfuMpSM06XnpuVZ2wkrl45Pa7zJ4ydJQVLnk3T_cVLMXGsz06WYJUT5me6OkdL_pvpjOEEsxRs3SW-Nq-F5NKy9-JJf964pbM/s1600/seven-magic-mountains-us.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVuWLT50kwXM0ZdwbtUE4ftVn1UEiVeY953k5yz5vhljfuMpSM06XnpuVZ2wkrl45Pa7zJ4ydJQVLnk3T_cVLMXGsz06WYJUT5me6OkdL_pvpjOEEsxRs3SW-Nq-F5NKy9-JJf964pbM/s320/seven-magic-mountains-us.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CC, Will and I took a trip to Vegas and saw the Seven Magic Mountains.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wow, it's been a while, right?! I've got lots to catch you up on, so let's start here.<br />
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Over Christmas break near the end of 2016, CC, Will and I took a road trip to <a href="http://losangelesstory.blogspot.com/2008/09/vegas-baby.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Las Vegas</b></span></a> to visit a couple of our cousins. One of our cousins, who was basically my mom's BFF growing up, lives there, and her daughter was visiting.<br />
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We had the time (Ian was working), and I've been trying to make a point of seeing more family since we don't really have that in Los Angeles.<br />
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Well, we had such a great time, and we didn't even hit the Strip. Not once. We drove past it coming and going, but we didn't even catch a single fountain show at the Bellagio!<br />
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It was all about family and exploring nature — which is surprisingly pretty easy to do in Vegas.<br />
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In addition to the <a href="http://sevenmagicmountains.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Seven Magic Mountains</b></span></a> sculpture, which I'd been dying to see, the kids, my cousin and I hiked around <a href="http://www.birdandhike.com/Hike/Other_Areas/Lone_Mt/_Lone_Mt.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Lone Mountain</b></span></a>, which is basically a very large hill that you can hike around and to the top.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqitzP5wiSum_TrskY1duuEm2JcCjW-g0A1qRLUrrx2yp5RDdScpp1YUputdhIkc_6G35d2zV6N5U9jOHmgP4vGZjwB7R0-zebUivjsSDPFBDJGxWue41ZtB_yKuHLNY_Ntqxidg-sbg/s1600/lone-mountain.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqitzP5wiSum_TrskY1duuEm2JcCjW-g0A1qRLUrrx2yp5RDdScpp1YUputdhIkc_6G35d2zV6N5U9jOHmgP4vGZjwB7R0-zebUivjsSDPFBDJGxWue41ZtB_yKuHLNY_Ntqxidg-sbg/s320/lone-mountain.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking Lone Mountain.</td></tr>
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What I loved was that the kids were able to jump out of the car and go exploring. They were able to get their hands dirty and touch rocks and cacti on parched desert trails. Of course I had to remind them to not throw rocks at each other(!), but I loved watching them make their own trails and see what the landscape had to offer.<br />
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On our way out of town, about 20-30 minutes from the Strip, we pulled off the 15 and visited the colorful rock sculpture Seven Magic Mountains, created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9oDTA0h_tl0EDkeNa3hGMS8YSbe1ODr9M-rwIlKPV3647NLzztbSDUnsBoe1z2dxRMhxYReKuv9rxzOvZgxXs0WXw3TjvWRbnqysolII0YzsNQvUiuRQoIpNEdIEVXHM2edgsY9Z7vs/s1600/seven-magic-mountains.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9oDTA0h_tl0EDkeNa3hGMS8YSbe1ODr9M-rwIlKPV3647NLzztbSDUnsBoe1z2dxRMhxYReKuv9rxzOvZgxXs0WXw3TjvWRbnqysolII0YzsNQvUiuRQoIpNEdIEVXHM2edgsY9Z7vs/s400/seven-magic-mountains.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Techicolor totems rising from the ground, the seven rock sculptures are meant to be a symbol of the natural and the artificial coming together — kind of like Vegas itself. There's the natural desert landscape mingled with the artificial creation of a booming U.S. city and all of the (sometimes neon) accoutrements that come with it.<br />
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The sculptures, which you can see from the highway, are beautiful and accessible. Parking is easy, and don't forget water (just a good idea no matter where you are in the desert.) And they'll only be at their location until spring 2018!<br />
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Here's info from <a href="http://sevenmagicmountains.com/visit/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">the site</span></a> about getting there:<br />
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Los+Angeles,+CA/35.840879,-115.271394/@34.9473277,-117.4486116,9z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!4m7!1m5!1m1!1s0x80c2c75ddc27da13:0xe22fdf6f254608f4!2m2!1d-118.2436849!2d34.0522342!1m0" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff29ea; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">From Los Angeles</a>: Drive north on I-15 to Jean, NV (exit 12). Turn right (east) on NV-161 toward Las Vegas Blvd. Drive approximately 5 miles north on Las Vegas Blvd. and the artwork will appear on your right (east).</div>
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Please park in the onsite parking lot. Street parking is discouraged. No public transportation is available to the installation site.</div>
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It's definitely worth seeing!</div>
L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-1108786496341262132016-12-24T15:18:00.002-08:002016-12-24T15:18:41.615-08:00It's Snowing at Discovery Cube Los Angeles<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEXXlfgMppRqPqkedAk9mrZgmAKg0Ril6k5qkEVvKDoAIdLIbOmUIkx8TVpMq52hglGU2X8fIg4Th0Shvp6RU1UGHGx_5Ohx3g7SoD0UJr00V9B55WWipUkliYLikenQW9txD8HuNlQA/s1600/snow-slide-discovery-cube-la.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEXXlfgMppRqPqkedAk9mrZgmAKg0Ril6k5qkEVvKDoAIdLIbOmUIkx8TVpMq52hglGU2X8fIg4Th0Shvp6RU1UGHGx_5Ohx3g7SoD0UJr00V9B55WWipUkliYLikenQW9txD8HuNlQA/s320/snow-slide-discovery-cube-la.png" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will enjoys the snow slide at Discovery Cube LA's Winter Wonderfest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Who says there's no snow in L.A.?<br />
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<a href="http://la.discoverycube.org/exhibits/winter-wonderfest/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Discovery Cube Los Angeles</b></span></a> is bringing a winter wonderland to SoCal from now until January 8, 2017!<br />
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Be sure to bundle up and get there early, because the science center's "<a href="http://la.discoverycube.org/exhibits/winter-wonderfest/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Winter Wonderfest</span></a>" has four different slides and even an area where kids can make their own snowballs.<br />
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CC, Will and I had the chance to visit last weekend, and they had the best time. (Honestly, I should have bundled them up more — they wore sweatshirts and jeans — because it really does get chilly.)<br />
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In addition to the snowy playground, there are two sledding areas for kids. One is for younger kiddos (see above), and one is slightly larger for kids ages 6+.<br />
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There's also a 75-foot tubing tower that CC and I raced down. Check out the video below!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="239" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tFtB2Ro_HO8?rel=0" width="425"></iframe>
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Plus, enjoy daily holiday themed movies:</div>
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Frosty the Snowman 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm<br />
Toy Story that Time Forgot 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm,<br />
Rugrats Chanukah 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm<br />
How the Grinch Stole Christmas 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm</div>
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<b style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><span style="color: #222222;">Don't forget to check out the annual </span><a href="http://losangelesstory.blogspot.com/2015/11/step-by-step-gingerbread-house-for.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Science of Gingerbread</span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> exhibit (through January 1) and the cookie-decorating station! (Will, who's a sweet tooth, especially loved those.)</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.discoverycube.org/la/" style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Discovery Cube Los Angeles</span></a></span></b></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">11800 Foothill Blvd.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Los Angeles, CA 91342</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><a href="http://www.discoverycube.org/la/visit-the-cube/get-tickets/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Tickets</span></a>: $12.95 for general admission (adults and kids — online price). Kids ages 2 and under are free. Winter Wonderfest is an additional $7 per person (non-member) or $5 (member).</span>L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-36351109164970353842016-12-22T22:33:00.001-08:002016-12-22T22:33:35.267-08:00Coming Attraction: Cheryl Burke and Brian White Host the 57th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqzD_uJBPeSDAfgvsmW9fKkVqWBysncdabHzuoylD2GznfP2r0SST8dTOj_I6IICWIr4Wyo0mrGACBZHnXxQpPc_P_uvuC3EVRYOzISt6lvrdSx4MkqWABn4zAcsmrO0gYURxGW1mb4U/s1600/cheryl-burke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqzD_uJBPeSDAfgvsmW9fKkVqWBysncdabHzuoylD2GznfP2r0SST8dTOj_I6IICWIr4Wyo0mrGACBZHnXxQpPc_P_uvuC3EVRYOzISt6lvrdSx4MkqWABn4zAcsmrO0gYURxGW1mb4U/s1600/cheryl-burke.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1kPCeaLDx7dc03qoUrmhgXqQ8hisFvz35JHarYZjWk3iey3Ah9vV_MBkiKpPr2Gto_kQfddKWM8mad3ClwX6D6b7NiPNnyZ1fw3nH8phqddWmnWSeCvHlumeGAy8wrUeU6xjsMt-oYI/s1600/brian-white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1kPCeaLDx7dc03qoUrmhgXqQ8hisFvz35JHarYZjWk3iey3Ah9vV_MBkiKpPr2Gto_kQfddKWM8mad3ClwX6D6b7NiPNnyZ1fw3nH8phqddWmnWSeCvHlumeGAy8wrUeU6xjsMt-oYI/s1600/brian-white.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have to admit, I'm so excited for this time of year! One of the major L.A. events that makes Christmas and the holidays especially fantastic is the annual <a href="http://lacountyarts.org/holiday.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>L.A. County Holiday Celebration</b></span></a>, which takes place on Christmas Eve at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.<br />
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The 57th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration will feature Cheryl Burke of "Dancing With the Stars" fame and actor Brian White ("Scandal") as hosts, and once again the lineup of multicultural performers from around the county looks like a must-see.<br />
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CC and I have visited a few of the <a href="http://losangelesstory.blogspot.com/2013/12/coming-attraction-54th-annual-la-county.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">rehearsals</span></a> from past celebrations and attended the <a href="http://losangelesstory.blogspot.com/2010/12/la-holiday-celebration-new-la-story.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">actual performance</span></a> a few years ago. We had so much fun every time — especially getting a sneak peek of what's to come.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_28pTBvzREK6vjJLgCZAUNpS0ejlTdrbxNtJWyUVbKhnMmIYQ8JBTFcaE_EtJWiiL78w9TCBiYsba88HY_nehkJQNa9p63-T0TuA9SY62WvIm8hplEkB31fVH_e-uADCvSQhXeuP5oQ/s1600/HolCelebration1080x1080-F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_28pTBvzREK6vjJLgCZAUNpS0ejlTdrbxNtJWyUVbKhnMmIYQ8JBTFcaE_EtJWiiL78w9TCBiYsba88HY_nehkJQNa9p63-T0TuA9SY62WvIm8hplEkB31fVH_e-uADCvSQhXeuP5oQ/s400/HolCelebration1080x1080-F.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This year's lineup looks just as wonderful. Not only that, but the three-hour performance featuring more than 21 acts is completely free. Parking is even free! For those unable to attend, <span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://www.pbssocal.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">PBS SoCal</span></a> </b></span>will be airing the celebration live as well as multiple times after that (check info below).<br />
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Performers include <strong style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">with a folklórico dance from the region of Tabasco, Mexico; </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Harmonic Bronze Handbell Ensemble</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">, performing classical handbell repertoire that celebrates Christmas and Hanukkah; </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">QVLN</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> (</span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Q-Violin</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">), bringing his “Brazil meets Jimi Hendrix on an electric violin” stylings to the Christmas classic “Little Drummer Boy”; Latin jazz band </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Cuba L.A.</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">, performing selections from their Christmas CD, “Navidad Cubana”; </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Kayamanan Ng Lahi </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Philippine Folk Arts,</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> with festive dances from the provincial lowland/coastal region of the Philippines; and much more.</span><br />
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The event has been sponsored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors every year since 1959. What a tradition!<div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Both admission and parking are free (first come, first seated). Entertainment on the Music Center Plaza begins at 12:30 p.m.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">, and doors open at 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit <a href="http://holidaycelebration.org/">HolidayCelebration.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><strong>Saturday, December 24, 2016<br />3:00 PM - 6:00 PM</strong><br /><br />Admission is FREE<br />No reservations or tickets; first come, first seated.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Doors open at 2:30 PM.<br />Entertainment on the plaza begins at 12:30 PM.<br />You may come and go throughout the three-hour performance.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><strong>Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at The Music Center</strong>135 N. Grand Ave.<br />Los Angeles, CA 90012<br />Parking is FREE</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><strong>PBS SoCal KOCE:</strong>December 24 at 3:00 PM - LIVE<br />December 24 at 9:00 PM<br />December 25 at noon</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><strong>PBS SoCal Plus:</strong><br />December 25 at 3:00 AM<br />December 25 at 6:00 AM<br />December 25 at 7:00 PM<br />December 26 at 11:00 AM</span></div>
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L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-88884209829322465662016-12-19T21:35:00.001-08:002016-12-19T21:35:13.847-08:00Coming Attraction: 'Sing' Has Lots of Heart — and Soul<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Fnf-J82cJILMfRCBK2i9YTSW10OdVEcbri2qS1C0o4T7uriJFasFKYkH8E999N667dc_Q1FtMNSJ2gy8RYzz-2OnC2ZRd1OqzFiZ385r8StEBaKFWyYhURAf7-klTSDhx7tlHERiy_c/s1600/Sing-CC-Universal-Studios.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Fnf-J82cJILMfRCBK2i9YTSW10OdVEcbri2qS1C0o4T7uriJFasFKYkH8E999N667dc_Q1FtMNSJ2gy8RYzz-2OnC2ZRd1OqzFiZ385r8StEBaKFWyYhURAf7-klTSDhx7tlHERiy_c/s400/Sing-CC-Universal-Studios.png" width="397" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CC got her groove on at the "Sing" stage at Universal Studios Hollywood.</td></tr>
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CC has been waiting for "<a href="http://www.singmovie.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Sing</b></span></a>" to hit the big screen for months now, and last week we got to catch a screening of the sassy sing-along movie that hits theaters December 21. Let's just say this family-friendly movie has a lot of heart—and soul.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYJgFTc9bv8tTnd28HYIM7zuUrojAPe3Tz2dmjydqvQ2VhdPh4wKCCAjv5z64IJE1PZiegmJx-2f4RZ7bWJ3pSRVOrBG9oAK8lCTWsT7CU5GKIt1lPLE_aYOcNGHkwuGvWDMBhyphenhyphen6CTic/s1600/2441_MLUN_DS_S0075P0010_L_COMPO_RENDER_0517R.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYJgFTc9bv8tTnd28HYIM7zuUrojAPe3Tz2dmjydqvQ2VhdPh4wKCCAjv5z64IJE1PZiegmJx-2f4RZ7bWJ3pSRVOrBG9oAK8lCTWsT7CU5GKIt1lPLE_aYOcNGHkwuGvWDMBhyphenhyphen6CTic/s400/2441_MLUN_DS_S0075P0010_L_COMPO_RENDER_0517R.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you don't know the story, "Sing" centers on a good-natured showman of a koala named Buster Moon (voiced by Matthew McConaughey) whose theater has fallen on hard times, so he launches a singing contest to help revive his venue and career.<br />
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All kinds of animals flock to the auditions, and we get to hear all sorts of fun tunes in the process — everything from rap to pop to big band.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-5S1wQtq21re2yMpfegnT0CwRSuvn2yMrlHG5g2OVsWKsQ5YNRqAyilxbVWwI-OYAiRSV80MnJuGRel-sK9gmy44ViakQ7PyG00otydsZsHuIkjx3UBX0psDOwQTEcrRkEc05f1Zgm0/s1600/2441_TP6_00012R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-5S1wQtq21re2yMpfegnT0CwRSuvn2yMrlHG5g2OVsWKsQ5YNRqAyilxbVWwI-OYAiRSV80MnJuGRel-sK9gmy44ViakQ7PyG00otydsZsHuIkjx3UBX0psDOwQTEcrRkEc05f1Zgm0/s400/2441_TP6_00012R.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Buster then narrows the roster down to six contestants: Mike (Seth MacFarlane), a dapper mouse who's also got an attitude and something up his sleeve; Meena (Tori Kelly), a shy teen elephant who has a fantastic voice; Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), an overburdened mother with 25 little piglets; her partner, Gunther (Nick Kroll), a German-sounding pig who is sassy, sequined and hilarious; Johnny (Taron Egerton), a young gangster gorilla who's trying to get out of the family business; and Ash (Scarlett Johansson), a punk porcupine who's having more than a few issues with her self-centered boyfriend.<br />
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The PG-rated movie is both rousing and heartwarming. Right from the beginning, when Jennifer Hudson as a former star of Buster's theater belts out a kickass cover of the Beatles' "Golden Slumbers," CC (who's a huge Beatles fan) and I knew this was something special.<br />
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The story itself is inspiring, and don't be surprised if you find yourself singing along, too.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="239" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zD-4ak72kFM?rel=0" width="425"></iframe>L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-2203192191612039952016-12-14T23:26:00.003-08:002016-12-14T23:34:33.307-08:00Coming Attraction: Au Fudge + Platform Host Roller Disco Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEv44SA-15B3FbpSGMXgWg0gVWUGI-1iOwtL6V0NpHermN9ARoy64P2JfiUuZ4nrRDf_3PGY5gvEAf86vdOsYtpYZNKtdr6FaQsPRBNcl2gHY0j3465iJGVmECDhBlKz1jZonUcMoA8qg/s1600/platform-au-fudge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEv44SA-15B3FbpSGMXgWg0gVWUGI-1iOwtL6V0NpHermN9ARoy64P2JfiUuZ4nrRDf_3PGY5gvEAf86vdOsYtpYZNKtdr6FaQsPRBNcl2gHY0j3465iJGVmECDhBlKz1jZonUcMoA8qg/s640/platform-au-fudge.png" width="507" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-size: 11pt;">Who can pass up roller skates and pizza at <a href="http://www.platformla.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Platform</span></b></a> in Culver City?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-size: 11pt;">Join <a href="http://losangelesstory.blogspot.com/2016/05/tumble-leaf-celebrates-season-premiere.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Au Fudge</b></span></a> for their Winter Wonderland Roller Disco hosted by <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.platformla.com/&source=gmail&ust=1481872900239000&usg=AFQjCNGYUZD4k5d1Cx37bAVF-Rd2kFVg1g" href="http://www.platformla.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Platform</a> on <b>Saturday, December 17</b>.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-size: 11pt;">The rink will be open to the public from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1798152362" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">11 a.m. to 5 p.m.</span></span> You won’t want to miss Roberta's Pizza, Morrow Soft Goods, Lucy Michael Ceramics, Local & Lejos and more! </span><u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-size: 11pt;">CC, Will, Ian and I had such a great time at the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMMvw0pDGVU/?taken-by=laura_clark" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Au Fudge pumpkin patch</span></a> at Platform back in October. Can't wait to check out their latest joint event.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-size: 11pt;">When</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-size: 11pt;">: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1798152363" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday, December 17</span></span></span><u></u></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-size: 11pt;">Where</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-size: 11pt;">: 8850 Washington Blvd., Culver City</span><u></u></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-size: 11pt;">Time</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Avenir Book"; font-size: 11pt;">: 10AM<span class="m_910714531465065121gmail-m1768029283605129783gmail-m3491222404421866459gmail-aqj"> - 5PM</span></span></div>
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L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-50445244948644237282016-12-08T22:31:00.002-08:002016-12-08T22:31:41.537-08:00Celebrating CC's 10th Birthday Harry Potter-Style at Universal Studios Hollywood<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPP8FGScDePwj-QOIJ1AozCMA3pjklSh-OEfNDBYwFQozDr0yjAQL-yjW_3qhiqPzv-CM5CXyGopic1QsQCFSAGlqGlcudY1p1CrCFGtovJt_rPYQ6TugQMb7Mij3uenaOtSaUrYEXo8Q/s1600/CC-Harry-Potter-Universal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPP8FGScDePwj-QOIJ1AozCMA3pjklSh-OEfNDBYwFQozDr0yjAQL-yjW_3qhiqPzv-CM5CXyGopic1QsQCFSAGlqGlcudY1p1CrCFGtovJt_rPYQ6TugQMb7Mij3uenaOtSaUrYEXo8Q/s400/CC-Harry-Potter-Universal.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday fun at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!</td></tr>
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Harry Potter, Hogwarts and Hogsmeade were popular topics on Sunday, as CC and I celebrated her 10th birthday mother-daughter style at the <a href="http://losangelesstory.blogspot.com/2015/09/universal-studios-hollywood-counts-down.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Wizarding World of Harry Potter</span></a> at <a href="http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Universal Studios Hollywood</span></a>.<br />
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The Boy Wizard has been a popular theme around our house after I finally convinced CC to start reading the series this summer. It took some convincing—she was a little gun shy (wand shy?) after having caught a glimpse of the first movie a few years ago and getting pretty scared.<br />
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My trick? I just started reading it to her at night, and about 30 pages in, she was like, "Ok, Mom. I've got this. I'll take it from here." Now, she's already on Book 6, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."<br />
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(And yep, I am patting myself on the back right now.)<br />
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So after her blow-out Harry Potter birthday party on Saturday with Will, our neighbors and kids from her class, I surprised her with a trip to Universal—and we loved it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNe5V3pOmz7K1FYtp7-0EtlQU2iVrNg1oHRVhGD9IXEzf6fg2fv1rkHxtKJCDEDHzn0KrKPHo6tGupPz4gaWKn3h0SvAiwivmO-54a2-Mj8WU1mqoLuGCdZyq8vhPa_2nSLaIpd6O1Cc/s1600/Honeydukes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNe5V3pOmz7K1FYtp7-0EtlQU2iVrNg1oHRVhGD9IXEzf6fg2fv1rkHxtKJCDEDHzn0KrKPHo6tGupPz4gaWKn3h0SvAiwivmO-54a2-Mj8WU1mqoLuGCdZyq8vhPa_2nSLaIpd6O1Cc/s400/Honeydukes.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honeydukes for candy</td></tr>
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Our first stop was Honeydukes, the adorable candy shop that offers everything from chocolate frogs, jelly slugs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, chocolate wands and butterbeer fudge. Yes and yes. What a magical little shop! Let's just say, we didn't leave empty-handed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DTULkVZLeOXZfiWFhtN23jKA-K0HE1ANyDz-5gBfelpJ-WDxBgM7pyxTpQAa3xk8iWDDxus26nLLQb6FnNdRvBXZikA79nyMUw1Q3_0jdln7nwg_Pwkd5qFYQR0L1k6kIDjqMJnvcIM/s1600/CC-Hogwarts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DTULkVZLeOXZfiWFhtN23jKA-K0HE1ANyDz-5gBfelpJ-WDxBgM7pyxTpQAa3xk8iWDDxus26nLLQb6FnNdRvBXZikA79nyMUw1Q3_0jdln7nwg_Pwkd5qFYQR0L1k6kIDjqMJnvcIM/s400/CC-Hogwarts.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hogwarts!</td></tr>
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Next, it was off to Hogwarts to check out Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey! The ride is beyond cool, but waiting in line has never been so bearable. As you wait to board, you're taken through a tour of Hogwarts that includes Dumbledore's office, the Gryffindor lounge and the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. With talking portraits and moving books, you feel completely immersed in the Hogwarts world.<br />
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The ride itself is like nothing I've ever experienced. (I know that sounds like an exaggeration, but it's true.) You sit in a pod of four seats, which takes you flying over Hogwarts, narrowly escaping dragons, dementors and a huge whomping willow. Not only that, but as you watch larger-than-life screens, you feel as if you're actually flying over the school of witchcraft and wizardry. It's amazing!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSpzxzLOLO6GpWAPrdZQzIVGg69z6FHLjINKaw5dD14_CNs4xcvJnVUu5uJ6gLdRswWIDMsBlowVdmEkqfz9dD0iacjpQYUnDgyDBLrgOXK9ETUuEzkbajIZyauECt_C2r_W7rOQ4WWw/s1600/Frog-Choir-CC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSpzxzLOLO6GpWAPrdZQzIVGg69z6FHLjINKaw5dD14_CNs4xcvJnVUu5uJ6gLdRswWIDMsBlowVdmEkqfz9dD0iacjpQYUnDgyDBLrgOXK9ETUuEzkbajIZyauECt_C2r_W7rOQ4WWw/s400/Frog-Choir-CC.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CC and the Frog Choir</td></tr>
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While we wandered around Hogsmeade afterward, we came upon the Frog Choir, featuring singers from each house (Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin and CC's own Hufflepuff), and CC was completely smitten by the singing frogs. I mean, who wouldn't be? And we had to get a pic.<br />
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We had such a fantastic day, and we can't wait to go back. And, as an L.A. resident it's especially easy. I bought the <a href="https://store.universalstudioshollywood.com/PurchaseTickets.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">California Neighbor Pass</span></a> ($119 per ticket online), which allows us to come back as many times as we want for the next nine months! Amazing! (Of course, blackout dates apply.)<br />
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And trust me, we'll definitely be going back.<br />
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<a href="http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Universal Studios Hollywood</b></span></a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">100 Universal City Plaza</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Universal City, Calif. 91608</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Tickets: $99 and up</span>L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-17921054816675991602016-11-30T22:04:00.000-08:002016-11-30T22:17:05.151-08:00Sprout Channel Hosts Magical Holiday Party at Universal Studios<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PWgq0n_mQwcKVwdREWdDPkEetm7zST8KXaYd0rZy62qao2l24e2Z3ZaGUicPlG0iYnLxOe4onzWHnj-xFFZ5NVjLpzmiUpV3d4s3shyphenhyphenDmrASO_viKtRZtmrNC4-9r6r5qGSze9X2MPg/s1600/sprout-channel-holidays-unwrapped.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PWgq0n_mQwcKVwdREWdDPkEetm7zST8KXaYd0rZy62qao2l24e2Z3ZaGUicPlG0iYnLxOe4onzWHnj-xFFZ5NVjLpzmiUpV3d4s3shyphenhyphenDmrASO_viKtRZtmrNC4-9r6r5qGSze9X2MPg/s320/sprout-channel-holidays-unwrapped.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kiddos and I enjoy a little holiday time with Sprout at Universal Studios!</td></tr>
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The snow was falling and the hot chocolate was flowing at <a href="http://www.sproutonline.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Sprout</b></span></a>'s "Holidays Unwrapped" celebration at <a href="http://losangelesstory.blogspot.com/2014/12/grinchmas-arrives-at-universal-studios.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Universal Studios</span></a>.<br />
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Just before Thanksgiving, the preschool-focused channel hosted an awesome shindig, complete with an indoor ice rink, live performances from Sprout friends Carly Ciarrocchi, Tim Kubart, and a special appearance from Chica!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pKjnUFIxYGpGYpl8hTOnPJ0m2ZLrTs-W731qOntqKb-t5zgNghfNpjCSC32fMHW6JgheWWiPbqDKKKJ4zfMm20WLyrriBiFFmMi2OVG-cro-NGOMb731bvSU56kq_QuoFQEGHKU5FaM/s1600/will-sprout-channel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pKjnUFIxYGpGYpl8hTOnPJ0m2ZLrTs-W731qOntqKb-t5zgNghfNpjCSC32fMHW6JgheWWiPbqDKKKJ4zfMm20WLyrriBiFFmMi2OVG-cro-NGOMb731bvSU56kq_QuoFQEGHKU5FaM/s320/will-sprout-channel.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will goes crazy over the magical indoor snow.</td></tr>
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The singing, dancing and crafting fun helped usher in a huge shout-out to <a href="http://www.sproutonline.com/sprouts-holidays-unwrapped" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Sprout's holiday programming</span></a>, which features several new seasonal episodes of popular shows.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzssxDhyBbyUqFA6olVGbJjAubzpgGNYMYx-t7vz_kVlKxM-1Vad9re6IXTFv2SAc5NQ1FsvokgfZ0MucdzlAVCJwFOxTr_WiqWNHxHiPQ2qF63MD6ST6DhyeSxJYcNQcB0PkX9p267H8/s1600/sprout-chica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzssxDhyBbyUqFA6olVGbJjAubzpgGNYMYx-t7vz_kVlKxM-1Vad9re6IXTFv2SAc5NQ1FsvokgfZ0MucdzlAVCJwFOxTr_WiqWNHxHiPQ2qF63MD6ST6DhyeSxJYcNQcB0PkX9p267H8/s320/sprout-chica.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will and I got to meet Chica and friends!</td></tr>
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Check out what Sprout has planned for this holiday season!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"><b>"<a href="http://www.sproutonline.com/shows/terrific-trucks" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Terrific Trucks Save Christmas</span></a>"</b> — In this Sprout original holiday special, the Terrific Trucks are handed their biggest job yet. This live-action series finds the five trucks banding together to fight back against a bullish businessman who wants to ruin Christmas by preventing the local town’s hundred-year-old Christmas tree raising tradition.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhdsHy0dxwjuP3pDodM8MJaRvVBnRPF-wXkGrc2tQla1tpR0W9PZVJ7odlvdKwR41z34NB3FZDbCjeP5O7aiFcBkNczlF__lOzqDUKA7WCfm6ZjvilWWQsEz0Qc5RYtfn8SIXNIx1yW4/s1600/Sprout_HolidaySpecials_NW.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhdsHy0dxwjuP3pDodM8MJaRvVBnRPF-wXkGrc2tQla1tpR0W9PZVJ7odlvdKwR41z34NB3FZDbCjeP5O7aiFcBkNczlF__lOzqDUKA7WCfm6ZjvilWWQsEz0Qc5RYtfn8SIXNIx1yW4/s400/Sprout_HolidaySpecials_NW.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">"<b><a href="http://www.sproutonline.com/shows/ninas-world" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Nina's World: Hanukkah Adventure</span></a></b>" — Nina and friends learn about Hanukkah and celebrate their first snow storm in the city. Actress <a href="http://losangelesstory.blogspot.com/2010/10/mayim-bialik-loves-being-green.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Mayim Bialik</span></a> plays Jennifer Goldstein, who leads Nina, Carlos and Chelsea in a city-wide search for oil to help make Hanukkah treats and to light the community menorah with while teaching the kids about the true story of Hanukkah.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWSxNUfar3k5oCbzH-t5B1RvEUnp0NEuk-3BFPBlOvx8_uGQrcHkEndGdp9vDZwAj7kMo5okybVvgko3C-UDdMKgVP2iiRkdRcZEW3jIr72aYrYUJF_B4HqaIOTvoedHCQYs7x474FjM/s1600/Sprout_HolidaySpecials_RRTD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWSxNUfar3k5oCbzH-t5B1RvEUnp0NEuk-3BFPBlOvx8_uGQrcHkEndGdp9vDZwAj7kMo5okybVvgko3C-UDdMKgVP2iiRkdRcZEW3jIr72aYrYUJF_B4HqaIOTvoedHCQYs7x474FjM/s400/Sprout_HolidaySpecials_RRTD.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">"<a href="http://www.sproutonline.com/shows/ruff-ruff-tweet-and-dave" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Ruff-Ruff, Tweet and Dave, a Christmas Adventure</span></b></a>" — Ruff-Ruff, Tweet and Dave find Santa’s hat and set off to return it to him, to save Christmas Day. For without his hat, Santa can’t drive his sleigh and won’t be able to deliver anyone any presents. Along the way, they help their friends have a perfect Christmas, by singing them a special Christmas song and decorating their tree.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">"<b>Noddy Toyland Detective: The Case of the Snow Mystery</b>" — How can Noddy make it snow in Toyland on Christmas Day? Noddy needs to investigate right away. "Noddy Toyland Detective: The Case of the Snow Mystery" was co-produced by DreamWorks Animation and Gaumont Animation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">"<b><a href="http://www.sproutonline.com/watch/holiday-tree" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Dot.: The Holiday Tree</span></a></b>" — Dot is horrified to discover she’s accidentally gotten rid of all the decorations for the town tree. She works round the clock to make new ones and discovers the joy that comes with giving and sharing. “A Song for Everyone”: Dot and her friends work together to write a song for the Winter Concert that will speak to the entire town, regardless of what holiday they celebrate, but their performance is threatened by a snow storm. "Dot." is a new original series based on the book by bestselling author Randi Zuckerberg, and is produced by Industrial Brothers in association with The Jim Henson Company and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.</span>L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-55616817436203083012016-10-26T22:24:00.000-07:002016-10-26T22:24:37.398-07:00Spooky Science Meets LEGO: Travel Adventure at Discovery Cube Los Angeles<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Jmtl99hTMcdTsffDtzkJWhaV-D1lmccK_2KfYi7MZoSI_iIdzJpxCFlfZ7yv36ci8HdPuxtQCFHVP8ObffrwSFGrQu8vWwwV5jND5YaP4g6WIozbEA4Ypgy0Mt9U_e1v96C46mu5js4/s1600/dcla-hay-maze.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Jmtl99hTMcdTsffDtzkJWhaV-D1lmccK_2KfYi7MZoSI_iIdzJpxCFlfZ7yv36ci8HdPuxtQCFHVP8ObffrwSFGrQu8vWwwV5jND5YaP4g6WIozbEA4Ypgy0Mt9U_e1v96C46mu5js4/s320/dcla-hay-maze.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CC and Will enjoy tractors, pumpkins and a hay maze at Discovery Cube LA.</td></tr>
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Halloween is almost here, and there's lots of spooky fun happening at <a href="http://www.discoverycube.org/la/"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Discovery Cube Los Angeles</b></span></a>!<br />
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Not only is the science center offering up hay-bale mazes and pumpkins, but the Cube also has animals on hand to observe and—sometimes—touch. You can find a snake, maybe hairless rats (if you're lucky ... or not so lucky, depending on how you look at it), snakeskin and turtle shells. The snake is off limits for touching, just FYI.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48d9NYnPqPUS41UJoMfKHVKxgReQDwL4wP9fNDI4gUGQaYXNoO1Al9ZIAzxWgJIbx6_E36aZtzvWaIJRWtWJHEWmBzGflD01dC9FE5d9227poCensJxIWCSw-KHR2o1lm3ZwDNJLaeHU/s1600/dcla-pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48d9NYnPqPUS41UJoMfKHVKxgReQDwL4wP9fNDI4gUGQaYXNoO1Al9ZIAzxWgJIbx6_E36aZtzvWaIJRWtWJHEWmBzGflD01dC9FE5d9227poCensJxIWCSw-KHR2o1lm3ZwDNJLaeHU/s400/dcla-pumpkin.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Halloween!</td></tr>
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CC and Will were eager to check out the pint-sized tractors and hay maze. There is even a little farmers' market with everything from wooden produce to a cute little stand.<br />
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The "Spooky Science" attraction, which runs on the weekends and on Halloween day, is accompanied by a the super-cool and interactive <a href="http://www.discoverycube.org/la/exhibits/lego-travel-adventure/"><span style="color: blue;">LEGO: Travel Adventure</span></a> exhibit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeaE8Wl0DAIsUPUhCplsGY2M3-GFd4i3-8r1ITbZY5DP54C17-T7VpcRtiqVhNi2d5F5k48mKRfci-23pvK2p2hpE9qIP_q8BQxmzqGFSGhTsTbhddtQYZpRScGZ2mK4YMc9zSrxd8Bk/s1600/dcla-lego.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeaE8Wl0DAIsUPUhCplsGY2M3-GFd4i3-8r1ITbZY5DP54C17-T7VpcRtiqVhNi2d5F5k48mKRfci-23pvK2p2hpE9qIP_q8BQxmzqGFSGhTsTbhddtQYZpRScGZ2mK4YMc9zSrxd8Bk/s400/dcla-lego.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids can pretend to drive this awesome LEGO race car.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Running through January 16, the LEGO exhibit is a must-see for kids.<br />
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Not only can they build their own creations with barrels full of LEGO bricks, they can also pretend to drive in LEGO race cars. You can also catch cool LEGO re-creations of the Titanic and early Ford cars in display cases.<br />
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Will even built his own LEGO car to race down steep tracks.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7m_cint4vmvpFTDCi5FpSIL1cd3JhxJubcBMWraU5cDtf9El4YELCp-HsFwJd9YEmBbHhA7Cjg6E_IsaQEH7mUBLrEXN0edl6HsxiBwB1IqFBdmAR_leStpkQWi2vhh_qhxVTcZrlWw/s1600/will-lego-race.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7m_cint4vmvpFTDCi5FpSIL1cd3JhxJubcBMWraU5cDtf9El4YELCp-HsFwJd9YEmBbHhA7Cjg6E_IsaQEH7mUBLrEXN0edl6HsxiBwB1IqFBdmAR_leStpkQWi2vhh_qhxVTcZrlWw/s400/will-lego-race.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will races his LEGO car!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The kids will enjoy getting to stretch their imagination, and parents will love the LEGO-made hot rod photo op.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">
<b style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><a href="http://www.discoverycube.org/la/" style="color: #888888; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Discovery Cube Los Angeles</span></a></b></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">11800 Foothill Blvd.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Los Angeles, CA 91342</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><a href="http://www.discoverycube.org/la/visit-the-cube/get-tickets/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Tickets</span></a>: $17.95 for adults; $12.95 for kids. Kids ages 2 and under are free. 4D movie: $3 for adults and children; $2 for Discovery Cube members</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><a href="http://www.discoverycube.org/la/visit-the-cube/get-tickets/"><span style="color: blue;">SPECIAL ONLINE PRICE</span></a><span style="color: #222222;">: $12.95 for adults and children</span></span>L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-5460640872863579362016-10-08T09:45:00.002-07:002016-10-08T09:45:44.020-07:00Coming Attraction: The 2016 Rose Run 5K and Kids' 1K Fun Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33TcWPL4Xja6rSJmAuHPHsOS02vsDAgtyiIfOKdgYYMy1FgA6SsKnazQ3U1BCJrp_gd39_kBLymmAshC6iX3wvV_7WYSWR55VMhJ5me0ssJgEgYLscowNM8TZ2gOc5aVEKfI6JMngKd4/s1600/rose-run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33TcWPL4Xja6rSJmAuHPHsOS02vsDAgtyiIfOKdgYYMy1FgA6SsKnazQ3U1BCJrp_gd39_kBLymmAshC6iX3wvV_7WYSWR55VMhJ5me0ssJgEgYLscowNM8TZ2gOc5aVEKfI6JMngKd4/s400/rose-run.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you're looking for something family-friendly and fun that will also benefit a worthy cause, sign up for and/or donate to the <a href="http://www.theroserun.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>2016 Rose Run</b></span></a> benefiting the Disney Family Cancer Center.<br />
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The race kicks off tomorrow, October 9, at 7:30 a.m.<br />
<br />
Most of us have had some connection to cancer, whether it's a family member, a friend or even ourselves.<br />
<br />
My friend and fellow blogger <a href="http://losangelesstory.blogspot.com/2011/04/giveaway-tickets-expressing-motherhood.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Jessica Cribbs</span></a>, who runs <a href="http://burbankmom.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Burbank Mom</span></a> and co-created Expressing Motherhood, lost her mother to breast cancer in 2009. She then created the <a href="http://www.theroserun.com/soar-foundation.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Strength of a Rose Foundation</span></a>, named after her mother, to help benefit cancer research.<br />
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The proceeds from this year's Los Angeles Rose Run will go directly to the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center in Burbank to help with the purchase of one of three Tomography Machines for the center. The "Tomo" machine is a 3D imaging machine used for the early detection of breast cancer, with a 41% increase in breast cancer detection.<br />
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You can still sign up at <a href="http://www.theroserun.com/"><span style="color: blue;">TheRoseRun.com</span></a>!<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />WHAT: The Rose Run 5k Run/Walk & 1k Kids’ Fun Run</strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>Trail run around the golf course in Griffith Park<br />Wellness Fair from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_511979843" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:30am-10am</span></span> </strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; min-height: 14px;">
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>WHEN:<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_511979844" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday, October 9th, 2016 7:30am</span></span></strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; min-height: 14px;">
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>WHERE:Crystal Springs Picnic Area, Griffith Park </strong></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>SPONSORS: </strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>A Runner’s Circle, Moms In Motion, Providence Saint Joseph Foundation, </strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>Belmont Village Senior Living, Shakey’s Pizzaria, Logix Federal Credit Union, </strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>Run Kids Run LA , BurbankMom.com </strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>REGISTRATION:</strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>You can register as an individual or start/join a team. </strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>5k Run/Walk $35 ($40 Same Day)</strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>1k Kids’ Run $15 ($20 Same Day) </strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>$2 team discount per registrant</strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; min-height: 14px;">
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>INFORMATION:</strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>Registration and all event information can be found at TheRoseRun.com </strong></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA: </strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>Twitter/Instagram @TheRoseRun</strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>Facebook @TheRoseRunLA </strong></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>#RoseRunLA2016</strong></span></div>
L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-56518193242080759662016-09-29T19:31:00.002-07:002016-09-29T19:31:52.636-07:00Coming Attraction: Boo at the L.A. Zoo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.laurastegman.com/GL-BooGorilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.laurastegman.com/GL-BooGorilla.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gorilla checks out a pumpkin during Boo at the L.A. Zoo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We've been looking forward to Halloween for quite a while now. Actually, my kids have been looking forward to it since last November, planning out Halloween costumes before they even took off the ones they were wearing!<br />
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That's why we're so excited about the annual <a href="http://losangelesstory.blogspot.com/2015/10/boo-at-la-zoo-scares-up-family-friendly.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Boo at the L.A. Zoo</b></span></a> event, which kicks off October 1 and runs through Halloween.<br />
<br />
Featuring spooky caves filled with projections of creepy-crawly spiders and snakes (projections being the key word here!) as well as a cornstalk maze, pumpkin-carving demos and a "Mad Science Fire and Ice" show, this year's Boo at the L.A. Zoo looks just as amazing as years before.<br />
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And we haven't even mentioned the animals yet!<br />
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Gorillas, hippos and other zoo residents will be dining on pumpkins, while the carnivores will dine on ... well, what carnivores dine on best ... so parental discretion is advised.<br />
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This year, the <a href="http://www.lazoo.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens</span></a> also offers up:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">On the weekends of October 22-23 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">29-30, the Zoo partners with Disney to add activities and giveaways previewing the upcoming release of the animated film </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Moana</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">. Stations from KIND Healthy Snacks, the LA Federal Credit Union, and ScholarShare add to the Halloween happenings throughout the month. BOO AT THE L.A. ZOO's Halloween bash concludes October 29-30, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">with traditional trick-or-treat stations throughout the grounds and special costume character meet-and-greets with PJ Masks and Peppa Pig. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.3333px;">Be sure to scare up some fun!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">"</span><a href="http://www.lazoo.org/boo" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Boo at the L.A. Zoo</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">5333 Zoo Drive</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Los Angeles, CA 90027</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Tickets: Adults ($20); Children 2-12 ($15); Children Under 2 (Free)</span>L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-78810960186837926972016-09-27T21:54:00.001-07:002016-09-27T21:54:43.853-07:00That Time I Got Obsessed With 'Fixer Upper' and Traveled to Magnolia Market, aka the Silos, in Waco, Texas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgYVaV0dUgM3qlJiDYxT1dQKeHWdWY5YyJFmePIaUe_zTv1sx5zKjK5nwEtPgBuKChc8uIQsBYtfXHcC4gvGtbUadS7KJZLOeN_T1aE3NjBqpXGyGoFYlDC2nix9QMrimXvqrs30S4Ms/s1600/miles-to-magnolia.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgYVaV0dUgM3qlJiDYxT1dQKeHWdWY5YyJFmePIaUe_zTv1sx5zKjK5nwEtPgBuKChc8uIQsBYtfXHcC4gvGtbUadS7KJZLOeN_T1aE3NjBqpXGyGoFYlDC2nix9QMrimXvqrs30S4Ms/s320/miles-to-magnolia.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More than 1,000 miles from Los Angeles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's almost as if I've been living under a rock, apparently, but I finally discovered the incredible phenomenon that is "<a href="http://www.hgtv.com/shows/fixer-upper" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Fixer Upper</span></a>" earlier this year. And I've been hooked ever since.<br />
<br />
Like, seriously hooked.<br />
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I have <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/losangelesstory/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Pinterest</span></a> to thank, actually. It all started when the ultimate vision board/social-media site recommended a photo of something called a "<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/162481499034629797/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Barndominium</span></a>," which turned out to be a renovated Texas barn given new life by the uber-talented construction-design duo Chip and Joanna Gaines.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOkuqw24ykELctuQXb3wR-mdH4wJ__48Qqh0cftWM882Hr3DMlYaqgsuX_50FGLhnEjCOmWrZ0uH9ioSFe1x6sQc-nWkDm7vYpuIg3q0Nx7yV_IJ8Yli_4lbVgphpfw5_EMFV_dGuNZ4/s1600/chip-joanna-gaines.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOkuqw24ykELctuQXb3wR-mdH4wJ__48Qqh0cftWM882Hr3DMlYaqgsuX_50FGLhnEjCOmWrZ0uH9ioSFe1x6sQc-nWkDm7vYpuIg3q0Nx7yV_IJ8Yli_4lbVgphpfw5_EMFV_dGuNZ4/s320/chip-joanna-gaines.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joanna and Chip Gaines (Photo credit: HGTV)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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That's when my TV-viewing life as I knew it completely changed — and when I became even more obsessed with HGTV. (Who knew that was possible?) Not to mention, when I suddenly wanted to pack up and move to Waco. (There were real tears when I compared those home prices to the Los Angeles market.)<br />
<br />
I quickly binge-watched the first two seasons of "Fixer Upper" on Netflix and then bought the third season on iTunes. Who was this charming, down-to-earth couple from Waco, Texas, with the hilarious husband, super-stylish wife and adorable kids? And those goats?! They kind of had me at the baby goats.<br />
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(Apparently, you can take the girl out of Oklahoma, send her to Massachusetts, Germany, New York and Los Angeles, but ...)<br />
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So when it came time to make our annual summer visit to Oklahoma, I decided to fly into Dallas, as I had done earlier this year when <a href="http://losangelesstory.blogspot.com/2016/02/my-mom.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">my mom passed away</span></a>. Not only could I visit my <a href="http://losangelesstory.blogspot.com/2009/06/gas-from-fort-worth-to-oklahoma-city.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">BFF Barbara</span></a>, I could also drive down to Waco and visit the Silos, aka <a href="https://magnoliamarket.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Magnolia Market</span></a>, the downtown Waco oasis that is the creative brainchild of my new TV BFFs, Chip and Jo.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAoIZ7g-uKaNwzLoNgZMzTWTtk36-4eCN6bHQ2ChnaV7zH8GPFCMkYTt2whDZJ9x_cPbgowWGaATuyN0cxM3ze3ji35ISU1uzr62FrB1qrfFUkc-A4pGX1WZSUc3fj8HQBElOKmXIWNQ/s1600/The-Silos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAoIZ7g-uKaNwzLoNgZMzTWTtk36-4eCN6bHQ2ChnaV7zH8GPFCMkYTt2whDZJ9x_cPbgowWGaATuyN0cxM3ze3ji35ISU1uzr62FrB1qrfFUkc-A4pGX1WZSUc3fj8HQBElOKmXIWNQ/s320/The-Silos.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Silos at Magnolia Market in Waco, Texas.</td></tr>
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Once we arrived, I have to admit I was stunned. What Chip and Jo (yes, I call them that even though we've never met) have built in this smallish Texas town is gorgeous and homey, aspirational and huge. It's simply stunning — a field of dreams come true before your very eyes.<br />
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That sounds like a lot of embellishment, but honestly it's not. Watching this adorable married couple renovate home after home while still trying to grow their dreams — and to see that come to fruition — it's pretty amazing.<br />
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There's a large green space that faces stage area (pictured above with the white tables) that is so inviting. There are swings and baskets of balls and frisbees for the kids. You might hear Harry Connick Jr. or Michael Buble on the overhead speakers. CC and Will could have stayed there for hours. And we practically did. But that was after we took a very special tour, shopped and indulged in a couple of decadent Magnolia cupcakes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHBURUSrwhs-yie9Tq6roS7wH8ZOPbdV4RFqzV1fAOPIJAbVAaYu690RzgVwPDR06JvNwfFjLmFjsz2b5LOGtBK6OEfi_QH-O6TPVRAXr-DrGy4lUX7YbqnmsWnuyprfH4aSwxDy7Xl4/s1600/CC-Will-Silos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHBURUSrwhs-yie9Tq6roS7wH8ZOPbdV4RFqzV1fAOPIJAbVAaYu690RzgVwPDR06JvNwfFjLmFjsz2b5LOGtBK6OEfi_QH-O6TPVRAXr-DrGy4lUX7YbqnmsWnuyprfH4aSwxDy7Xl4/s320/CC-Will-Silos.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We even got the chance to check out Chip's office — and his oversized heads!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0VwCX6rA-vK9faTI7Jst7-f1-YUNY0tTAspjTsupGWA924bQ2_E6FMAy-Hoi2grUXNDSgYT24aQTgHDCjNrmKkcaylTNqk_LRxLZFNiblDfOqjRToUvXYZVpj2aNol40Jlqrhl4N_YY/s1600/chips-office.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0VwCX6rA-vK9faTI7Jst7-f1-YUNY0tTAspjTsupGWA924bQ2_E6FMAy-Hoi2grUXNDSgYT24aQTgHDCjNrmKkcaylTNqk_LRxLZFNiblDfOqjRToUvXYZVpj2aNol40Jlqrhl4N_YY/s320/chips-office.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying these guys on for size!</td></tr>
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Speaking of shopping, there is a lot of stuff to buy — I snagged this <a href="https://shop.magnoliamarket.com/collections/jewelry/products/leather-bracelet" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">gorgeous bracelet</span></a> + of course a <a href="https://shop.magnoliamarket.com/collections/apparel/products/shiplap-t-shirt" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">#shiplap</span></a> T-shirt — and there are a lot of people who want to buy it. Basically, it was packed.<br />
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We learned that there are, on average, about 25,000 visitors to the silos each week. Week! Sometimes that number climbs to 30,000. And they're from all over the world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRnmJuzBq9S3qZ0u-WzRW5qQZePSqLvYZDQhJMbKaA0Kw3LfzFc3qs9yse6lwmiIuAb27bXeJhdjkBd3bw2Pw0xEsQn6g4aNl5Y1xKVZYUPddZSUvmics3yboYzPTWW6QODshOBEpcDs/s1600/magnolia-silos-cupcakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRnmJuzBq9S3qZ0u-WzRW5qQZePSqLvYZDQhJMbKaA0Kw3LfzFc3qs9yse6lwmiIuAb27bXeJhdjkBd3bw2Pw0xEsQn6g4aNl5Y1xKVZYUPddZSUvmics3yboYzPTWW6QODshOBEpcDs/s320/magnolia-silos-cupcakes.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More cupcakes, please. Do you see that icing?!</td></tr>
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Watching "Fixer Upper," which is about to kick off its fourth season, you feel as if you're growing alongside Chip and Jo, watching them take risks and succeed at every turn. It's truly inspiring.<br />
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Not only have they built this amazing downtown attraction — making Waco a destination city to people around the globe — they also have <a href="https://magnoliamarket.com/book/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">a book</span></a> and a magazine coming out this fall. (Of course, I've already pre-ordered. Don't be ridiculous.) You also might know that Joanna now has a furniture line, rugs, a paint line and a wallpaper line.<br />
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And this woman has four kids! (That's one way to feel super lazy.)<br />
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So, as I not-so-patiently await season four, the book and the magazine, I really revel in our trip down to Waco — and hope to go again.<br />
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Because there's nothing like seeing a dream come true that makes you want to fulfill your own even faster.L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-10416806534206665812016-09-26T11:45:00.003-07:002016-09-26T11:45:43.909-07:00Happy First Day of 4th Grade ... a Little Late<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoNovtYOu7r9EV-_J_uFTjnSWkYAduTYOVZfAsqiF_7QrRH-F-3vNzl6LuzegMT8PWoCrO7I80cTlY9GTn1zJ-qMHIq5E-29eUtyvPgdZxKV1D4gRCWLJxFVGOmTyTBI0USYaUN6me_A/s1600/first-day-4th-grade.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoNovtYOu7r9EV-_J_uFTjnSWkYAduTYOVZfAsqiF_7QrRH-F-3vNzl6LuzegMT8PWoCrO7I80cTlY9GTn1zJ-qMHIq5E-29eUtyvPgdZxKV1D4gRCWLJxFVGOmTyTBI0USYaUN6me_A/s320/first-day-4th-grade.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for 4th grade!</td></tr>
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Ok, so this is definitely a #laterpost. CC officially started 4th grade in late August, but it's been such a whirlwind I can barely keep up!<br />
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In fact, how is October just around the corner? Like days away!<br />
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CC had a fantastic summer, by the way. She went to Minecraft camp, soccer camp, <a href="http://www.ecostation.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Star Eco Station</span></a> camp and her fave, <a href="http://steveandkatescamp.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Steve & Kate's</span></a> camp. Wow — I got tired just writing all of that. Yes, summer is a juggle for us since both Ian and I work, but CC really was living the dream. Heck, I wanted to go to camp!<br />
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It was funny, though. CC was definitely ready to get back to her usual routine once summer had wound down. She was especially excited about school when she saw that her new teacher had decorated the classroom in all things Dory. (The kiddos loved "Finding Dory!") It's amazing what blue tang decor can do for your child's #BTS enthusiasm.<br />
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So far, so good!<br />
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I do have some fun news, which I'll post more about tomorrow. CC, Will and I visited the <a href="https://magnoliamarket.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Magnolia Market</span></a> Silos (of "<a href="http://www.hgtv.com/shows/fixer-upper" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Fixer Upper</span></a>" fame) in Waco when we visited family and friends in Oklahoma and Texas this year.<br />
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We went for Labor Day weekend, and the Magnolia empire did not disappoint. You guys. I'm obsessed!<br />
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Stay tuned for more details about our trip tomorrow! (We actually got to tour Chip Gaines' office!)<br />
<br />L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-8495582379201219102016-09-13T22:25:00.000-07:002016-09-13T22:25:30.455-07:00'Turtle Vision 3D' Now Playing at Discovery Cube Los Angeles<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBHKGAvV67V5OCGZdSAiRMSvxJZbYqFihK_YYrfHgGzmEOIrpOgY2LpRAV-yjUQdYBF0pnAdq0Ojo08YNTE8D6S5VVk5IgIJKJ08dyuFYAP_iOqLCbMkU7-CgicfgoNpgcsYMbJGHZmo/s1600/turtle-vision-3D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBHKGAvV67V5OCGZdSAiRMSvxJZbYqFihK_YYrfHgGzmEOIrpOgY2LpRAV-yjUQdYBF0pnAdq0Ojo08YNTE8D6S5VVk5IgIJKJ08dyuFYAP_iOqLCbMkU7-CgicfgoNpgcsYMbJGHZmo/s400/turtle-vision-3D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Turtle Vision 3D' is now playing at Discovery Cube LA's 4D theater.</td></tr>
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If you want to give your kiddos an entertaining and eco-friendly taste of 3D fun, check out "<a href="http://www.discoverycube.org/la/exhibits/4dtheater/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Turtle Vision</span></a>," now playing at <a href="http://www.discoverycube.org/la/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Discovery Cube Los Angeles</b></span></a>.<br />
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The 3D tale follows a sea turtle named Sammy and his adventures swimming all over the globe. Not only does he make new friends on his journey through places like Antarctica and the Amazon, but he also discovers what can happen when our oceans become polluted.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiFIqj3v4eR-Uz6keRxQqtpDhU4LDDNq3eI8Wn5oNT4PSUx_0etVKFitbGo1ArnzEyC1cqvkK5mmaLijqropi6fJTCfkfkbFAeIKYSdl00vY82R-WiHcv1w_7H9Qh3yS3wVKbY1QFqVg/s1600/turtle-vision-dcla.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiFIqj3v4eR-Uz6keRxQqtpDhU4LDDNq3eI8Wn5oNT4PSUx_0etVKFitbGo1ArnzEyC1cqvkK5mmaLijqropi6fJTCfkfkbFAeIKYSdl00vY82R-WiHcv1w_7H9Qh3yS3wVKbY1QFqVg/s400/turtle-vision-dcla.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CC and Will check out what's on offer in DCLA's 4D theater.</td></tr>
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Playing in Discovery Cube's 4D theater — which I learned means that the space is capable of offering extra effects like flashing lights and changes in temperature — "Turtle Vision" is such a perfect film to offer in 3D. First off, it's short — less than 30 minutes — so kiddos can get back to engaging in hands-on fun at the museum. Next, the visuals are so rich and colorful, both CC and Will were reaching out, trying to grab the on-screen fish.<br />
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"I'm touching him! I'm touching him!" Will yelled out a few times.<br />
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Not only that, but the theater is super kid-friendly, so you won't get any grumpy stares. All of the parents seem to get it. Shout-outs will happen!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1qWzyztCQORT5qIU0ZVrOr1MBPjQ1YuXLTvgqN6pepsaE8H2wvmVxTf1L51bYF-jrJpnPWYl3qXFf_J0E-nGCSkrLqIlTvzH-Ug_7VQQTKqp-H30fqagSDvgAod_09wYGnzt-xcGgcQ/s1600/dcla-4d-theater.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1qWzyztCQORT5qIU0ZVrOr1MBPjQ1YuXLTvgqN6pepsaE8H2wvmVxTf1L51bYF-jrJpnPWYl3qXFf_J0E-nGCSkrLqIlTvzH-Ug_7VQQTKqp-H30fqagSDvgAod_09wYGnzt-xcGgcQ/s320/dcla-4d-theater.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3D glasses time!</td></tr>
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"Turtle Vision" is also a positive film. While it does touch on issues such as devastating oil spills, it's also quick to point out just how helpful humans can be when they rescue animals like Sammy.<br />
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And on these hot SoCal days, the theater's air conditioning isn't bad, either!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">
<b style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><a href="http://www.discoverycube.org/la/" style="color: #888888; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Discovery Cube Los Angeles</span></a></b></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">11800 Foothill Blvd.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Los Angeles, CA 91342</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><a href="http://www.discoverycube.org/la/visit-the-cube/get-tickets/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Tickets</span></a>: $17.95 for adults; $12.95 for kids. Kids ages 2 and under are free. 4D movie: $3 for adults and children; $2 for Discovery Cube members</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><i>(Disclosure: I am being compensated for this post in my position as a #DiscoveryCubeMoms LA Ambassador. All opinions, however, are my own.)</i></b>L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-42365879371649989522016-08-29T11:41:00.001-07:002016-08-29T11:42:47.598-07:00We Got Our Vacay On in Cabo San Lucas at the Lovely Pueblo Bonito Blanco Resort<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrHnXAFIgxYTe8Vh-1xSKruOBOWn7SNP6kltwWnRf2AQ_DDv6wqNQIU0TpG8w1EJ4WqQ-AayQv6yPBPZIWgIxbGhahMueFzpT1RKWDVnXrtikJDiyKVNzYXXVPOTSk89EozCEHgsXIug/s1600/cabo-family-photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrHnXAFIgxYTe8Vh-1xSKruOBOWn7SNP6kltwWnRf2AQ_DDv6wqNQIU0TpG8w1EJ4WqQ-AayQv6yPBPZIWgIxbGhahMueFzpT1RKWDVnXrtikJDiyKVNzYXXVPOTSk89EozCEHgsXIug/s400/cabo-family-photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a glass-bottom boat out to see the famous arch in Cabo San Lucas.</td></tr>
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Well, hello, Cabo!<br />
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Ian, the kids and I took a family vacation down to <b>Cabo San Lucas</b> earlier this month, and it was the perfect getaway — short plane flight (two-ish hours from LAX), different country and culture, and a gorgeous, all-inclusive resort once we landed.<br />
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Everything was just as beautiful as we'd remembered — Ian and I went last year for our 10th anniversary — and the kids can't wait to go back.<br />
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Honestly, I'd been dying for a vacation. We hadn't really taken one since last year, and we were seriously due. The kids had been bummed when Ian and I went by ourselves last year, and we were eager to show them just how amazing Cabo can be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-_BcTRsWSy1Lg623Hvu3P75T6849XxyVOxu3ByBTt16Zjq9Ou9s3zHL-KSjqB4dxdkIrITmbV2J33P3aQXBMqAW3iP_lJnGHgldgq5qruVkI9fZTYuf4xT3LPxLoitwK7UYUIkicxOM/s1600/pueblo-bonito-blanco.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-_BcTRsWSy1Lg623Hvu3P75T6849XxyVOxu3ByBTt16Zjq9Ou9s3zHL-KSjqB4dxdkIrITmbV2J33P3aQXBMqAW3iP_lJnGHgldgq5qruVkI9fZTYuf4xT3LPxLoitwK7UYUIkicxOM/s400/pueblo-bonito-blanco.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gorgeous Pueblo Bonito Blanco in Cabo San Lucas.</td></tr>
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The short plane flight was perfect for our fidgety kiddos. While they did color and read, that only lasted about three minutes before sibling bickering and boredom set in. Two hours is really manageable for that.<br />
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Once we landed, we took a shuttle from the airport in San Jose del Cabo to our resort, the gorgeous <a href="http://www.pueblobonito.com/resorts/los-cabos" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Pueblo Bonito Blanco</b></span></a>, in Cabo San Lucas. That took about 45 minutes, which was great for just relaxing, taking in the desert scenery (which CC compared to Palm Springs), and watching Will fall asleep.<br />
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Once we arrived at our Mediterranean-style digs just after noon, we were ready for our (all-inclusive) lunch, drinks and pool time. (What's great is that there's also pool-side pottery, so the kids were able to get creative and bring home gifts for family.)<br />
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We had stayed last year at sister resort <a href="http://www.pueblobonito.com/resorts/pacifica" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Pueblo Bonito Pacifica</span></b></a> (all-inclusive and adults only), and we knew we wanted to stay in the Pueblo Bonito family. The Blanco is right on the water, has fish and turtle ponds, and you can dine at the neighboring <a href="http://www.pueblobonito.com/resorts/rose" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Pueblo Bonito Rose</b></span></a> as part of your package. It was just too beautiful and easy to pass up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VjfTOtmWWlH6mwqFUlQmMpxw8L_ofRN8IpMAe4ZECU77-J4LanJuksidtC_GzcZHQQ5j9rbW6IaezOJzvFJazmCYjtad_MXJQBra3zNv_RBNj_-FrkusrAJMfCmZN9WEcnxCpYdbEX8/s1600/blanco-balcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VjfTOtmWWlH6mwqFUlQmMpxw8L_ofRN8IpMAe4ZECU77-J4LanJuksidtC_GzcZHQQ5j9rbW6IaezOJzvFJazmCYjtad_MXJQBra3zNv_RBNj_-FrkusrAJMfCmZN9WEcnxCpYdbEX8/s320/blanco-balcony.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CC admires the view — and the flamingos — from our balcony.</td></tr>
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While I was ready to spend a long weekend by the pool, rediscovering the joys of being lazy, Ian and the kids were ready for action. Ian took CC jet-skiing, which she loved.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovf5hf-3adQ1b7dSNNaXWzFFHiVui1BaOnqHPrKfOiNu4Y8oY3Z-dfk8MWqqzYanM-LMf3GEglfzGgf6kEjq14vSonaauuOxlTnKAskUDKq2JjPqso6binmYJGYMHgBViaIqp_H-4Ydg/s1600/cabo-jet-ski.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovf5hf-3adQ1b7dSNNaXWzFFHiVui1BaOnqHPrKfOiNu4Y8oY3Z-dfk8MWqqzYanM-LMf3GEglfzGgf6kEjq14vSonaauuOxlTnKAskUDKq2JjPqso6binmYJGYMHgBViaIqp_H-4Ydg/s320/cabo-jet-ski.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jet ski time!</td></tr>
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We also walked into town to explore shops, the marina and random street Zumba. The kids couldn't pass up the #Cabo sign!<br />
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We also took a glass-bottom boat out to El Arco, or the arch, at Land's End. Our captain even stopped at the lovely Lover's Beach (the rough, choppy Divorce Beach is on the other side) for us to jump out and have a quick swim.<br />
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The trip was just what we needed. I love Los Angeles, but honestly it's nice to escape once in a while. And when it's so easy, it's so worth it. I would totally recommend the all-inclusive option, too. We didn't have to worry about money and just ate and drank whenever we wanted. Definitely a plus, if you want to go that route.<br />
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Needless to say, we'll definitely be going back.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last night in Cabo.</td></tr>
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<br />L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-60572207707959275242016-08-02T23:12:00.002-07:002016-08-02T23:12:56.847-07:00Skirball Cultural Center Spotlights the Sounds of Los Angeles<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Las Colibri, the all-female mariachi band, performs at the Skirball Cultural Center.</td></tr>
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Summer is in full swing, and what better way to enjoy the season than with an outdoor concert that celebrates our city and its many cultures?<br />
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<a href="http://www.skirball.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Skirball Cultural Center</b></span></a>, nestled into a hill just off the 405 and perhaps better known for its popular <a href="http://losangelesstory.blogspot.com/2009/06/noahs-ark-we-almost-missed-boat.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Noah's Ark</span></a> exhibit, kicked off its Family Amphitheater Performance series in June and offers up fun concerts on Saturdays and Sundays through September 4.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFB-qNN4htQL78HlxMHTbJ5zxpWb0pAxb2L840rOoGzACrLn0nOIrVlFUrnsRmJCYTS4hyphenhyphens71TCdEsvF_R9rz_Xx7nWAYVX6z_WWvW3UJ5MQlGOeiVDwFz3s-9e_DqwIgl6LU2YlRO8u0/s1600/sounds-sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFB-qNN4htQL78HlxMHTbJ5zxpWb0pAxb2L840rOoGzACrLn0nOIrVlFUrnsRmJCYTS4hyphenhyphens71TCdEsvF_R9rz_Xx7nWAYVX6z_WWvW3UJ5MQlGOeiVDwFz3s-9e_DqwIgl6LU2YlRO8u0/s320/sounds-sign.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sounds of Our City series</td></tr>
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CC, Will and I checked out the series over the weekend and had the opportunity to hear <a href="http://colibrient.com/las-colibri/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Las Colibri</span></a>, an all-female mariachi string ensemble that's all about girl power. They are amazing. I loved listening to their gorgeous harmonies, the festive songs and those stringed instruments. Wow!<br />
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Not only that, but kids were encouraged to get up and dance. Parents, too! The scene was relaxed and inviting, and the ladies even asked everyone up for a Spanish-language version of "London Bridge." I scooped up my sometime-shy Will and walked him under that hand-held bridge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKg-dDT9v8qCHqmDzeD4Bjuy9HWTdOYQM3eqyVDj9K2lTEueBAfeEVtJq0Py3B35Hqe7QUCzlcI9PVXHV-IAvnaTMT6TGHmMi8itkX2BRutSv5XMWsgHbybrWuqzTpX5qKtR1lmf39xkA/s1600/las-colibri-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKg-dDT9v8qCHqmDzeD4Bjuy9HWTdOYQM3eqyVDj9K2lTEueBAfeEVtJq0Py3B35Hqe7QUCzlcI9PVXHV-IAvnaTMT6TGHmMi8itkX2BRutSv5XMWsgHbybrWuqzTpX5qKtR1lmf39xkA/s320/las-colibri-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Las Colibri, which means "The Hummingbirds"</td></tr>
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Some other performers in the series include Leftover Cuties, a noir-pop group from Venice (Aug. 6); Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band (Aug. 14); String Harmonies (Aug. 21); and more! Performances are included in the price of admission, and you have two opportunities each day to see them — 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on the day of their performances.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI40y3zRHwzK7Nef82FbGlvpHy1JchcIEXRO2A6OXdMx8SfLVx-2pvyFG8FyI6zAr57fvGJqkTBmw3PxyEVPtbXw62S7WKlKUAaUsjiP7429ZQyk_ieKL7P6kwRm4PG0qyV5kMNNmL5_o/s1600/skirball-selfie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI40y3zRHwzK7Nef82FbGlvpHy1JchcIEXRO2A6OXdMx8SfLVx-2pvyFG8FyI6zAr57fvGJqkTBmw3PxyEVPtbXw62S7WKlKUAaUsjiP7429ZQyk_ieKL7P6kwRm4PG0qyV5kMNNmL5_o/s320/skirball-selfie.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skirball selfie with CC and Will.</td></tr>
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And while you're there, don't forget to check out Noah's Ark and current exhibit "<a href="http://www.skirball.org/exhibitions/chasing-dreams-baseball-and-becoming-american" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Chasing Dreams: Baseball and Becoming American</span></a>."<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><a href="http://www.skirball.org/" style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">Skirball Cultural Center</a> </b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Los Angeles, CA 90049</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Tickets: $12 (general); $9 (seniors, students, children over 12); $7 (children ages 2-12); Free (kiddos under 2)</span></div>
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L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-17648852251873543632016-07-29T05:00:00.000-07:002016-07-28T23:33:49.399-07:00Friday Finds: Epic! Online Library for Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQaaPKIs10xwOzcFXQtmNNARFq3CbMZPQAMh60jNK8DoyZTVITWMLzbFcbXPtxWwaJCQyF_oCKDFoa_AMh90VWUucPuZsj8aTCmA2Q84Pu8ORPOOCH9V0r0syXVFGiT2zQGijxLtR18w/s1600/epic-topics.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQaaPKIs10xwOzcFXQtmNNARFq3CbMZPQAMh60jNK8DoyZTVITWMLzbFcbXPtxWwaJCQyF_oCKDFoa_AMh90VWUucPuZsj8aTCmA2Q84Pu8ORPOOCH9V0r0syXVFGiT2zQGijxLtR18w/s400/epic-topics.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
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Whether you're worried about summer brain drain or ready to get your kids prepped for their next year of school, there's a cool app and website that makes reading extra fun for the smartphone set.<br />
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<a href="https://www.getepic.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Epic!</span></b></a> is an online library that offers more than 15,000 children's e-books for kids ages 12 and under. It's pretty, well, epic!<br />
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CC talked about Epic! a lot last year during 3rd grade. Her teacher used it in school, and one of her friends read books from it all the time. So when I had the opportunity to check it out, I jumped at the chance.<br />
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The service, which costs $4.99 per month for unlimited access, is bright, user-friendly and organizes the books into different categories and age groups. There are topics such as Fantasy & Magic, Animals (which CC loves) and Historical Fiction. Not only that, but kids who are pre-readers can also get in on the action with favorites such as "Goodnight Moon" and "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" at their fingertips. (That's good news for Will!)<br />
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Epic! also has a large selection of award winners, too.<br />
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While we've used it mostly on my phone, you can get Epic! on all iOS and Android devices, as well as on laptops and desktops, too, via the Web.<br />
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What I love as a parent is that I get weekly updates that chart what CC is reading -- book titles, how many pages and minutes she's read. It gives me such a great idea of what she likes and how she can further challenge herself.<br />
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What she loves are the variety of books, the easy-to-read graphics, the fun characters that accompany badges and rewards for all of the books she's read. I even got a reading certificate emailed to me to print and give to her.<br />
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Epic! offers kids lots of incentives to keep on reading -- which is exactly what I want to keep her motivated for 4th grade and to hit the ground running on her first day of school!L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-49481259452631248122016-07-18T23:14:00.001-07:002016-07-18T23:14:42.709-07:00Getting Eco-Educated at Discovery Cube Los Angeles's Inspector Training Course<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying some summertime fun at Discovery Cube Los Angeles</td></tr>
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While summertime might mean lazy days at the pool or lounging on the couch with a great read, another fun option is to head over to <a href="http://www.discoverycube.org/la/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Discovery Cube Los Angeles</b></span></a> for a little science- and eco-friendly fun.<br />
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We made a special trip to check out the science museum's <a href="http://www.discoverycube.org/la/exhibits/inspector-training-course/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Inspector Training Course</span></a>, an exhibit that features a replica house and a hands-on game that has kids and grown-ups alike learning how to conserve energy and resources at home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRRHAX6bJyoC8z1OhyHatWlBbGWR7BC34pD5WOeea_NK3dksIfw8beXI4auXvdxryKY1JbpYs5DH2pFRw_80JlgKnSlLd5iO-vNmhFP1W10YWUlCvGkGyIhiK2eGfaqMZD1ZEEfVxbog/s1600/discovery-cube-house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRRHAX6bJyoC8z1OhyHatWlBbGWR7BC34pD5WOeea_NK3dksIfw8beXI4auXvdxryKY1JbpYs5DH2pFRw_80JlgKnSlLd5iO-vNmhFP1W10YWUlCvGkGyIhiK2eGfaqMZD1ZEEfVxbog/s400/discovery-cube-house.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The eco-friendly California Craftsman inside Discovery Cube LA.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Will and CC loved being in charge of their own touch pads -- aka inspector belts -- that they picked up just outside the house. The trivia-based scavenger-hunt game is super kid-friendly and even offers different options, depending on the age of the child. (Will was in the under-5 category.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOFw0QeLZLJ7BcJMxuowud1EQBIp5DMDwuLKOgRfE2bg1dl_dHhS-GpOKztI0TSVhbyhAXc9cErrnW2uHDXNor48a6dTZWIH90bs-SSxLYeFucrYYBDeQJPdiSFv8aK64GgmrReuUBbM/s1600/discovery-cube-inspector.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOFw0QeLZLJ7BcJMxuowud1EQBIp5DMDwuLKOgRfE2bg1dl_dHhS-GpOKztI0TSVhbyhAXc9cErrnW2uHDXNor48a6dTZWIH90bs-SSxLYeFucrYYBDeQJPdiSFv8aK64GgmrReuUBbM/s400/discovery-cube-inspector.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CC sizes up the available games.</td></tr>
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Once the kids got their pads and selected their age group and games, they were off and running. First, Will had to find the rain barrel that collects rain water to be used for watering plants or grass. That way, we don't waste water (especially in a drought!).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjXxF03Mirgv_6xstRocUACcLkl38LiBtJwhldBItVg8pN3WbSjGp12ZywYkqNc6wQfrgJxc9ruonthZ-K0R3qN0hTyZnZs9n1NqHF9nkIX5KaI_0vkKOqUk5Xz1nAErUQMkHakg3JgY/s1600/discovery-cube-will-rain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjXxF03Mirgv_6xstRocUACcLkl38LiBtJwhldBItVg8pN3WbSjGp12ZywYkqNc6wQfrgJxc9ruonthZ-K0R3qN0hTyZnZs9n1NqHF9nkIX5KaI_0vkKOqUk5Xz1nAErUQMkHakg3JgY/s400/discovery-cube-will-rain.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will discovers the rain barrel.</td></tr>
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The game has kids exploring different spaces in the house, sending them searching for items in places like the kitchen, garage, bathroom and back yard. After that, they answer trivia questions about everything from low-pressure shower heads and low-flow toilets to how much energy different light bulbs use. It's really a cool game and makes everyone reconsider just how much energy they use.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JdmQUzwKl-_SwgcyJBVyy72iS8uW79_uOdZuRfLseCnc7n2341ANi6PTegD-_4-1A1E9v3VRhA3T_Tm9MRz3vSTQRwix3QF-P4VPRK2PRZ6bFgK2pLH9AW9wBED7_Um3fI4mltYff7Q/s1600/discovery-cube-shower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JdmQUzwKl-_SwgcyJBVyy72iS8uW79_uOdZuRfLseCnc7n2341ANi6PTegD-_4-1A1E9v3VRhA3T_Tm9MRz3vSTQRwix3QF-P4VPRK2PRZ6bFgK2pLH9AW9wBED7_Um3fI4mltYff7Q/s400/discovery-cube-shower.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will loved pushing the button that made the shower splash (recycled) water.</td></tr>
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The realism and hands-on aspect of the game makes it extra-fun for kids while also giving them a real-world example of how things like shower heads work. (Part of me also kind of wanted to live in this house, mainly because there was no clutter!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQ5yOvAiDdG_Cftb3X4Rw2PMTA_POhFWQ2K0zITWTZ2B7f89qMESNtW4-r7KsZOSPb2CgPeE2Rd85gmi8cu1gcu1ZCXaVtzx1nnGUz1kIxKyPWMVGJkEc-ohIQiGB_kUL4aXz9erfw4Q/s1600/discovery-cube-light-bulbs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQ5yOvAiDdG_Cftb3X4Rw2PMTA_POhFWQ2K0zITWTZ2B7f89qMESNtW4-r7KsZOSPb2CgPeE2Rd85gmi8cu1gcu1ZCXaVtzx1nnGUz1kIxKyPWMVGJkEc-ohIQiGB_kUL4aXz9erfw4Q/s400/discovery-cube-light-bulbs.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We find out which bulb uses the most energy to light up.</td></tr>
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While I spent most of my time walking around with Will and reading out the questions for him (he is only 3 after all), CC was able to be independent and search out her own clues. And they were both thrilled to become Super Inspectors after the game. I love that Discovery Cube celebrates kids' successes by placing their digital pictures on the wall. Great thinking!<br />
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<b>We were also able to connect what we learned at the Inspector Training Course with what we're doing at home to be eco-friendly:</b><br />
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* We have a recycling bin right next to the trash can, and the kids have learned what's trash and what can be re-used.<br />
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* We donate clothes and books every month, so that other kids can re-use what CC and Will have outgrown.<br />
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* We have an adorable air plant that CC has named Prince. He requires literally a spray of water per week.<br />
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* We turn off the water while we're brushing our teeth.<br />
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* And we buy energy-efficient light bulbs, have low-flow toilets and low-pressure shower heads.<br />
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What a great experience for the family!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">
<b style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><a href="http://www.discoverycube.org/la/" style="color: #888888; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Discovery Cube Los Angeles</span></a></b></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">11800 Foothill Blvd.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Los Angeles, CA 91342</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><a href="http://www.discoverycube.org/la/visit-the-cube/get-tickets/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Tickets</span></a><span style="color: #222222;">: $12.95 for adults and kids through Labor Day. Kids ages 2 and under are free.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><i>(Disclosure: I am being compensated for this post in my position as a #DiscoveryCubeMoms LA Ambassador. All opinions, however, are my own.)</i></b>L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-66253423682734007672016-07-04T09:43:00.002-07:002016-07-04T09:43:23.226-07:00Happy 4th of July 2016!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYDNZ3eAxUrv_2VLm8yrWcrOUrXenuxOt0a1NpZrC9XcSIMACuulyY19xFsbGvzVaM8jkF2h7ullLgWVJIdrE7pfx4uXUa7YWU4waopbhCYbN-X3C2PSkvxmLgT2JJFk-11X1-iahpYo/s1600/Americanflags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYDNZ3eAxUrv_2VLm8yrWcrOUrXenuxOt0a1NpZrC9XcSIMACuulyY19xFsbGvzVaM8jkF2h7ullLgWVJIdrE7pfx4uXUa7YWU4waopbhCYbN-X3C2PSkvxmLgT2JJFk-11X1-iahpYo/s400/Americanflags.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July! We'll be heading down to the beach to celebrate, but if you're looking for places to see fireworks, the <a href="http://guides.latimes.com/where-can-i-see-fourth-july-fireworks-la/#29" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">L.A. Times has a few suggestions</span></a>.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Image via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_States" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Wikipedia</span></a></i></span>L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2745503768275295017.post-23027456002465003102016-06-09T23:21:00.002-07:002016-06-09T23:21:58.205-07:00Pair of Thieves Hosts Adorable Father's Day Party at Au Fudge<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd27CAHIzWP5sdRM5noGB4kR77BrYSq6MrzAf2z8To30SvfstnQIu3Wt5jyrIL3lO0RJX7Iz-o6SWLf-Ix6ooiRsQxSVnSB5nDx-7eFsV27pMohnDOp5_HTZpHG2M22NB5W4ACmBP-24/s1600/alan-stuart-cash-warren-lc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd27CAHIzWP5sdRM5noGB4kR77BrYSq6MrzAf2z8To30SvfstnQIu3Wt5jyrIL3lO0RJX7Iz-o6SWLf-Ix6ooiRsQxSVnSB5nDx-7eFsV27pMohnDOp5_HTZpHG2M22NB5W4ACmBP-24/s320/alan-stuart-cash-warren-lc.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surrounded by Pair of Thieves partners Alan Stuart (l) and Cash Warren.</td></tr>
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Father's Day is almost here, and what better way to celebrate early than with Ian, the kiddos and fun-loving dad + kid sock brand <a href="http://www.pairofthieves.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Pair of Thieves</b></span></a>?<br />
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So Ian and Will got adorably matchy-matchy last Sunday, and the fam headed over to <a href="http://www.aufudge.com/" target="_blank">Au Fudge</a> in West Hollywood to enjoy the festivities and meet founder and dad <a href="http://mom.me/entertainment/24398-cash-warren-first-dad-talk-balancing-fatherhood-and-work/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Cash Warren</span></a>, as well as his business partner Alan Stuart and wife, actress & Honest Co. boss <a href="http://losangelesstory.blogspot.com/2011/08/jessica-alba-talks-spy-kids-all-time-in.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Jessica Alba</span></a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJMzhHy75hS4g6I176eHikF7RZ013lD0TSTIr6Hx6qggy7ZkVh_9x3T-pcBrpLQyyqByayAlYbQGIdINUesCtn20WhBQ63z6f8eG_yhBVBLl82U2rfyiDgztEtPcL9MvzA0O3zN7Ftoc/s1600/matching-socks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJMzhHy75hS4g6I176eHikF7RZ013lD0TSTIr6Hx6qggy7ZkVh_9x3T-pcBrpLQyyqByayAlYbQGIdINUesCtn20WhBQ63z6f8eG_yhBVBLl82U2rfyiDgztEtPcL9MvzA0O3zN7Ftoc/s320/matching-socks.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian and Will wear matching Pair of Thieves socks.</td></tr>
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While the kiddos enjoyed decorating cookies and making little bouquets from <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.thebouqs.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">The Bouqs</span></a> </span>— not to mention hanging with this awesome bear! — I was able to chat with Cash and Alan, and show them just how much we loved their cool socks!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeKHkydCI5viFN7EFePitRBUmbS82BrrHhjV2OQ7xeYYgN5xhnECt4xfP2WmQ7d9VZh8hxowtH9v0EUS9lFbH6KSqwdHeQRFKSKK3l0dRsaYJ1nfLbTZ-N5jdkBd0cSCDltyJQcohdFs/s1600/pair-of-thieves-bear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeKHkydCI5viFN7EFePitRBUmbS82BrrHhjV2OQ7xeYYgN5xhnECt4xfP2WmQ7d9VZh8hxowtH9v0EUS9lFbH6KSqwdHeQRFKSKK3l0dRsaYJ1nfLbTZ-N5jdkBd0cSCDltyJQcohdFs/s320/pair-of-thieves-bear.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will really wants to hang with that bear.</td></tr>
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Love that Pair of Thieves has taken sock design to the next level. Guys in Los Angeles definitely love to make a statement with their socks — even if they're wearing something, shall we say, less than awesome everywhere else. But what I love most is that kids — boys and girls — can match with their dad. It's pretty cute.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBFt0ZcVg8Clj4880NPKVlQr1w33wPeDjGS_Hg-3UzLfFeX9-Vto0Ctofe6PkXlehrdw3iMvhHZhF37y40F68sKBtVAevJ2YzSO_AoCSKIaCFJ7wz1e4ed_pCbD0atPFWOkY12SkPKFo/s1600/pair-of-thieves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBFt0ZcVg8Clj4880NPKVlQr1w33wPeDjGS_Hg-3UzLfFeX9-Vto0Ctofe6PkXlehrdw3iMvhHZhF37y40F68sKBtVAevJ2YzSO_AoCSKIaCFJ7wz1e4ed_pCbD0atPFWOkY12SkPKFo/s320/pair-of-thieves.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pair of Thieves socks are available online and at Target.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Speaking of kids, Cash's daughters were at the party, too, along with their mom, Jessica Alba.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvCjUUWObGYtvRcGAZBh_6kVfi1IiXunZ2Aj7CpyZAE3_eSm4eEz2EiTjMwGNayKUn2AqRCUd5shZOqy5MI2zr-JrBvBzhALBRmMaWfUVEFobUJuxwHmiL2me6KdhCkYQKMaV8_RMSC4/s1600/cash-warren-jessica-alba-family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvCjUUWObGYtvRcGAZBh_6kVfi1IiXunZ2Aj7CpyZAE3_eSm4eEz2EiTjMwGNayKUn2AqRCUd5shZOqy5MI2zr-JrBvBzhALBRmMaWfUVEFobUJuxwHmiL2me6KdhCkYQKMaV8_RMSC4/s400/cash-warren-jessica-alba-family.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cash Warren, Jessica Alba and daughters Haven (l) and Honor.</td></tr>
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Had the chance to speak with Jessica for a few minutes, and she was so sweet — a real champion of her husband.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4vkoTPFCmrdj05L-HZnLsUjrs4fKmwJHiT3E8CMMqn7Z2yQ2Kpkorffog_3bUdKu8k1TjsMaUGbCVOcxTXmO47AG2prYskT35wY3NUxvTAf9_Flx-rDb_nZe92SaGR9fKS6Qy-VWwnE/s1600/jessica-alba-lc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4vkoTPFCmrdj05L-HZnLsUjrs4fKmwJHiT3E8CMMqn7Z2yQ2Kpkorffog_3bUdKu8k1TjsMaUGbCVOcxTXmO47AG2prYskT35wY3NUxvTAf9_Flx-rDb_nZe92SaGR9fKS6Qy-VWwnE/s320/jessica-alba-lc.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom bonding with Jessica Alba.</td></tr>
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So if you're still on the hunt for Father's Day gifts, check out Pair of Thieves. In addition to fun socks, they've also launched a high-performance men's underwear line. And what does high performance mean? According to the site, it's form-fitting but breathable, or in guy speak: "the best present you can buy your junk." Ha!L.A. Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992083991838666654noreply@blogger.com0