Last week I attended the MultiCulti Mixer in Brentwood that was hosted by my friend Sonia Smith-Kang. She is the owner of Mixed Up Clothing. I have always been interested in the topic of multiculturalism. You see, while growing up in Simi Valley in the late 70’s & 80’s, my cultural heritage has (and continues to) always come into question. I look Asian, but people were always confused by my last (maiden) name of “Valdez.” Simi Valley did not … [Read more...]
101 Movies to See Before You Grow Up Is a Must-Read!
As a mom I am very aware of the entertainment options that are available to my family. I am very cognizant of the fact that pop culture (while I am slightly obsessed with it) may not contain the best messages for my daughter. As parents, we have to decide as a family what is appropriate for our kids to watch or listen to on the radio. Let’s face it, we live in a streaming society, where all of our television or movie demands can be instantly … [Read more...]
Cocktails for Cougars and Cowgirls – Recipe Book + Giveaway!
I remember reading somewhere a long time ago that a proper hostess should always have a cocktail drink recipe at the ready for home entertaining. So when I received the new book “Cocktails for Cougars and Cowgirls: Simple and Delicious Drinks for Every Woman” I thought this might be my chance to learn a new drink recipe. The book contains cocktail recipes for every drink occasion. But first…here’s a little background on the authors of … [Read more...]
Time for Three CD Review + Giveaway
I was recently introduced to the band, Time for Three (Tf3). The members of Time For Three are Nick Kendall - Violin, Zach De Pue - Violin & Ranaan Meyer - Double Bass. They are classically trained string musicians who perform classical music from Bach & Brahms, but then during that same concert will play songs from contemporary artists such as Katy Perry, Kanye West & Justin Timberlake. In fact, it is Time for Three's cover of the … [Read more...]
CD Review + Giveaway: Unrepentant Geraldines by Tori Amos
I’ve been a fan of Tori Amos since her Little Earthquakes days, back when I was in college & listening to KROQ radio station 24/7. The song Silent All These Years has such a great melody & those haunting lyrics…just beautiful! Fast forward 20-something years later & people are still listening to Tori’s music. Tori’s latest album Unrepentant Geraldines is vintage Tori, her lilting voice accompanied by that great piano music. I … [Read more...]
On My Way to School – Book Review and Signing
Sometimes it’s a challenge to get our little ones adjusted to the idea of returning to school. Many kids are going back this month or right after Labor Day weekend. There’s a book called On My Way to School that is just perfect for kids between the ages of 3-7 years old that will encourage them to look forward to school by just using their imagination! The book is about a little girl named Livi who does not want to go to school. She would … [Read more...]