Mattel's Toy Story Color Splash Boat & Buddies *Giveaway*

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CC, before she rips open the Mattel Toy Story boxes.

UPDATE: Congrats to Barbara, who won the Mattel Toy Story Color Splash goodies!

Bath time -- or pool time, for that matter, here in sunny SoCal -- is way more fun when you have toys to create splashy stories with. In fact, CC loves to put on a show anytime she needs to put soap to water.

That's why it was extra fun for her to receive Mattel's Toy Story Color Splash Boat (SRP: $19.99) and two Toy Story Color Splash Buddies Two-Packs (SRP: $8.99 each), as part of Mattel's Disney Insider Program, to help create imaginative aquatic adventures come bath time. She was able to try out these fun, color-changing toys and introduce a mini Buzz Lightyear, Partysaurus Rex and a particularly grumpy-looking octopus to her brand of bath-time fun.



Kids can definitely get creative with these toys, as CC did, inventing rescue stories and dividing the figures up into separate teams.

While the figures change color depending on the temperature of the water, the boat itself features flashing LED lights (what kind of party doesn't have flashing lights?), a rescue dinghy that doubles as a water scoop, a trap door and a squirting rubber ducky -- not to mention a squiddy dreadlocked Partysaurus Rex himself. (Check out a sneak peek of the upcoming toon, coming this fall.)

*** GIVEAWAY ***
I'm giving away 1 Mattel Toy Story Color Splash Boat and 2 Color Splash Buddies packs, courtesy of Mattel.

To enter, please leave a comment describing your child's favorite bath-time adventure.

For more chances to win, follow me on Twitter and retweet this giveaway. I'm at @la_story. Or you can "Like" the L.A. Story Facebook page and share the giveaway.

Just be sure to leave extra comments telling me you did so.

Good luck, and I will announce the winner on Friday, Nov. 9!

Coming Attraction: 'Littlest Pet Shop' Premieres on The Hub + 'My Little Pony'

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'Littlest Pet Shop' on The Hub

The Hub has an exciting Saturday planned -- for those kids, including my own little girl, who are crazy about a certain group of ponies, as well as a new herd of colorful, talking creatures.

In addition to airing the season premiere of My Little Pony Friendship is Magic (Saturday at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT), The Hub will premiere a new series, Littlest Pet Shop (Saturday at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT).

CC and I caught a sneak peek of Littlest Pet Shop, and it looks like a clever and colorful Saturday morning addition. The show centers on Blythe Baxter, a little girl who has moved to the Manhattan-esque big city with her pilot dad (sans mom, but that goes unexplained). Blythe is precocious and very sure of herself -- a positive trait I love for my daughter to see.

In fact, when she bumps into a couple of "mean girls," she stands up for herself from the get-go. Talk about a great example for little girls.

Blythe and her father move into an apartment above the Littlest Pet Shop, which is in danger of closing. In the opening two episodes, this fashion-forward little girl discovers that she can talk to the little critters -- which include a monkey, dog, gecko, hedgehog (not a porcupine!) and a skunk -- and that they need her help.

But can Blythe help save the pet shop?

The show is gorgeously animated, with candy-colored animals, cityscapes and fashion. It definitely pops off the screen. What's also interesting is the pairing of Littlest Pet Shop alongside My Little Pony. Both shows seem to have the same smart-girl sensibilities. That is, they're headlined by clever girls who aren't afraid to show off their smarts -- or their (often dry) senses of humor. They're also confident enough to put friends in their place, should they go off track.

CC enjoyed the episodes -- and especially loved when Littlest Pet Shop dog Zoe burst out into song. Look forward to checking out more!

Free Screening: 'Dino Time'

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Just in case you missed catching a movie with the kiddos over the long weekend, here's your chance to snag a sneak peek of Dino Time, from Clarius Entertainment, for free!

While the animated kids' film doesn't hit theaters until Dec. 7, you can take the kiddos to an advanced screening tomorrow night in Burbank. (See info below.)

Featuring voice talent from Jane Lynch (she's everywhere these days!), Melanie Griffith, Rob Schneider and Stephen and William Baldwin, Dino Time is about three kids -- Ernie, Julia and Max -- who accidentally turn on a time machine in Max's dad's workshop and head back in time 65 million years. The kids are adopted by a friendly dinosaur family, which tries to protect them from the grumpier dinos, while the kids' parents try to find a way back for them.

Here's where and how you and the kids can see the film: Go to www.gofobo.com/rsvp to download free tickets with the code LAMOMS41RL

DINO TIMETuesday, November 136:30pmAMC Burbank 16125 East Palm AvenueBurbank, CA 91502

Let me know what you think!

Happy Birthday, CC! You're 6!

To contact us Click HERE

Happy Birthday, my little bear! I can't believe it's been six years since I first laid eyes on you.

I want you to know that you are a true joy and a shining light in your daddy's and my eyes. You're growing up to be such a kind, thoughtful and brilliant little girl.

You've gone through so many changes this year, and you've handled them all with such grace -- as you have with other changes in your little life.

I'm proud of you and love you more than you will ever know.

'Ice Age: Continental Drift' DVD Review

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Our toothy prehistoric heroes are back for a fourth installment in Ice Age: Continental Drift, and the Blu-ray/DVD ($39.99) is hitting store shelves on December 11.

CC and I had the chance to dive into the icy adventure on DVD, courtesy of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, and this incarnation of the popular Blue Sky Studios film franchise has families breaking apart -- along with the ice -- and learning what it takes to adjust to a few growing pains.

Manny (voiced by Ray Romano), Diego (Denis Leary) and Sid (John Leguizamo) hit the high seas when the continent starts to break apart, but not before Manny gets a dose of teenage embarrassment and frustration, courtesy of his daughter, Peaches (Keke Palmer), who's trying to impress a cute boy, er, woolly mammoth (Drake).

The trio of friends encounter a rag-tag group of pirates, led by a ruthless gorilla (Peter Dinklage) with a toothy grin that could use a few Crest White Strips. Using their wits to outsmart these marauders, Manny, Diego and Sid must find a way to reunite the herd -- all while dealing with Sid's seemingly senile grandmother (Wanda Sykes).

CC enjoyed the icy adventure, and for me it's always fun to check out the voice cast. (I especially love John Leguizamo's Sid!) That, and Scrat. That poor prehistoric squirrel can't ever seem to get that acorn -- and the clever ways he always misses it is a fun trademark of the series.

The movie itself is light and a fun weekend distraction. Older kids should be able to empathize with the challenges of being a teenager and dealing with an especially protective parent. Younger kids will love the colorful animation and the silly crew of animals.


For those of you in Los Angeles, the Beverly Center is hosting an Ice Age Ice Palace display through the holidays. The 30-foot dome will offer footage from the movie, as well as falling snow and a light show.

Enjoy!

Coming Attraction: 'Littlest Pet Shop' Premieres on The Hub + 'My Little Pony'

To contact us Click HERE

'Littlest Pet Shop' on The Hub

The Hub has an exciting Saturday planned -- for those kids, including my own little girl, who are crazy about a certain group of ponies, as well as a new herd of colorful, talking creatures.

In addition to airing the season premiere of My Little Pony Friendship is Magic (Saturday at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT), The Hub will premiere a new series, Littlest Pet Shop (Saturday at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT).

CC and I caught a sneak peek of Littlest Pet Shop, and it looks like a clever and colorful Saturday morning addition. The show centers on Blythe Baxter, a little girl who has moved to the Manhattan-esque big city with her pilot dad (sans mom, but that goes unexplained). Blythe is precocious and very sure of herself -- a positive trait I love for my daughter to see.

In fact, when she bumps into a couple of "mean girls," she stands up for herself from the get-go. Talk about a great example for little girls.

Blythe and her father move into an apartment above the Littlest Pet Shop, which is in danger of closing. In the opening two episodes, this fashion-forward little girl discovers that she can talk to the little critters -- which include a monkey, dog, gecko, hedgehog (not a porcupine!) and a skunk -- and that they need her help.

But can Blythe help save the pet shop?

The show is gorgeously animated, with candy-colored animals, cityscapes and fashion. It definitely pops off the screen. What's also interesting is the pairing of Littlest Pet Shop alongside My Little Pony. Both shows seem to have the same smart-girl sensibilities. That is, they're headlined by clever girls who aren't afraid to show off their smarts -- or their (often dry) senses of humor. They're also confident enough to put friends in their place, should they go off track.

CC enjoyed the episodes -- and especially loved when Littlest Pet Shop dog Zoe burst out into song. Look forward to checking out more!

Free Screening: 'Dino Time'

To contact us Click HERE

Just in case you missed catching a movie with the kiddos over the long weekend, here's your chance to snag a sneak peek of Dino Time, from Clarius Entertainment, for free!

While the animated kids' film doesn't hit theaters until Dec. 7, you can take the kiddos to an advanced screening tomorrow night in Burbank. (See info below.)

Featuring voice talent from Jane Lynch (she's everywhere these days!), Melanie Griffith, Rob Schneider and Stephen and William Baldwin, Dino Time is about three kids -- Ernie, Julia and Max -- who accidentally turn on a time machine in Max's dad's workshop and head back in time 65 million years. The kids are adopted by a friendly dinosaur family, which tries to protect them from the grumpier dinos, while the kids' parents try to find a way back for them.

Here's where and how you and the kids can see the film: Go to www.gofobo.com/rsvp to download free tickets with the code LAMOMS41RL

DINO TIMETuesday, November 136:30pmAMC Burbank 16125 East Palm AvenueBurbank, CA 91502

Let me know what you think!

Happy Birthday, CC! You're 6!

To contact us Click HERE

Happy Birthday, my little bear! I can't believe it's been six years since I first laid eyes on you.

I want you to know that you are a true joy and a shining light in your daddy's and my eyes. You're growing up to be such a kind, thoughtful and brilliant little girl.

You've gone through so many changes this year, and you've handled them all with such grace -- as you have with other changes in your little life.

I'm proud of you and love you more than you will ever know.

'Ice Age: Continental Drift' DVD Review

To contact us Click HERE

Our toothy prehistoric heroes are back for a fourth installment in Ice Age: Continental Drift, and the Blu-ray/DVD ($39.99) is hitting store shelves on December 11.

CC and I had the chance to dive into the icy adventure on DVD, courtesy of 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, and this incarnation of the popular Blue Sky Studios film franchise has families breaking apart -- along with the ice -- and learning what it takes to adjust to a few growing pains.

Manny (voiced by Ray Romano), Diego (Denis Leary) and Sid (John Leguizamo) hit the high seas when the continent starts to break apart, but not before Manny gets a dose of teenage embarrassment and frustration, courtesy of his daughter, Peaches (Keke Palmer), who's trying to impress a cute boy, er, woolly mammoth (Drake).

The trio of friends encounter a rag-tag group of pirates, led by a ruthless gorilla (Peter Dinklage) with a toothy grin that could use a few Crest White Strips. Using their wits to outsmart these marauders, Manny, Diego and Sid must find a way to reunite the herd -- all while dealing with Sid's seemingly senile grandmother (Wanda Sykes).

CC enjoyed the icy adventure, and for me it's always fun to check out the voice cast. (I especially love John Leguizamo's Sid!) That, and Scrat. That poor prehistoric squirrel can't ever seem to get that acorn -- and the clever ways he always misses it is a fun trademark of the series.

The movie itself is light and a fun weekend distraction. Older kids should be able to empathize with the challenges of being a teenager and dealing with an especially protective parent. Younger kids will love the colorful animation and the silly crew of animals.


For those of you in Los Angeles, the Beverly Center is hosting an Ice Age Ice Palace display through the holidays. The 30-foot dome will offer footage from the movie, as well as falling snow and a light show.

Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

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Hope you have a very Happy New Year! Last night, Ian and I stayed in with CC and Baby Will. We had fun making mini donuts (thank you, CC, for that awesome Christmas present!) and toasting 2013.

We started a great tradition at dinner last night, going around and saying what we were each thankful for in 2012 and what we hoped for in 2013.

Just to share mine (in chronological order):

I was thankful that I could have a very adventurous and special mother-daughter trip with CC to Berlin.

I was thankful that, although Ian's been injured this year, it's given him more time at home with the fam.

And, of course, I'm thankful for our new baby.

When I've thought about goals for this blog in years past, I've always thought about how I could write more, do more and see more.

While I'd still like to do more and see more -- and introduce so much of L.A. to Baby Will, just as I did with CC -- writing more might be kind of a challenge. I'm realizing just how all-consuming two children can be. It's amazing -- I love it -- but it means that I'm not able to blog as often.

Maybe after he sleeps through the night, I can get back to a more regular schedule. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the kiddos and will share that as often as I can here at L.A. Story.

Thanks again so much for reading and sharing in my adventures in motherhood!

Monthly Fitness Motivation with cute apparel from pvBody

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The holidays are definitely in full swing around our household.  We had hubby's office party at our home last night and the big Christmas dance is tomorrow.  Lots of yummies baked and consumed along the way has left me thinking I better squeeze in a workout sometime today.  As a mommy of 5, I often struggle to find the time.  The key for me is treating myself to occasional workout related incentives like a new pair of yoga pants.  So I can't tell you how excited I was to find out I could just have these motivational treats automatically sent to me once a month.  

A clever company called pvBody offers a subscription workout wear service.  Items are handpicked for  members based on the info they provide via a simple style quiz.  Each month subscribers receive one top and one bottom from high end workout brands. Since Pv.body has built relationships with many of the manufactures of biggest names, it is able to provide subscribers with around $100-150 worth of workout wear once a month for $49.95 including shipping.



I had the chance to try the service this past month and I was impressed with the quality of both items I received.  My items arrived in a cute hot pink bubble mailer.  Inside was a Nux brand cami style black top that had a nice light level of compression stretch in it.  This top retails for around $42 on the Nux brand website.  The pants were a blue gray performance legging from Americal Apparel.  They are a nice stretch nylon fabric that wasn't too thick nor too thin.  The pants retail for $48.

I'm normally more of a boot leg yoga pant or track pants kind of girl, but I really needed a pair of fitted pants I could layer under ski pants or even jeans for freezing outdoor activities so these were deemed keepers.  However if something doesn't fit properly or just isn't you, subscribers can send items back free of charge within the contiguous United States.  You can find full details about how returns work here.

Signing up for pvBody gets you a $15 Lululemon gift card, plus 25% off your first month subscription.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy: pvBody is easy. Take the quiz, sign up and boom, an awesome package arrives at your door each month with a hand picked outfit for you!

 Every outfit is styled just for you by a pvBody expert.  Each month you receive an outfit worth $150, but you pay just $49.95. You’re getting great, quality pieces for a fraction of the retail cost thanks to the relationships pvBody has built.

pvBody is not just another clothing company, but a lifestyle brand. Their blog is a great place to check out tips and tricks for healthy, delicious meals and at home workouts.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of pv.body. The opinions and text are all mine.  I was provided with a 1 month subscription to aid in the writing of this post.

Juicy Juice Fruitfuls

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Holiday family fun is in full swing with visits to my parents home on the agenda.  While packing up appetizers and desserts to bring, I'll be tossing in some Juicy Juice Fruitfuls as well.  My mom is great, but her idea of making sure she has drinks for the kids is buying the half sized cans of soda.  Sugary soda being about the last thing my cookie and cupcake gobbling kids need as a hydrating refreshment, but honestly a lot of the fruit juices aren't exactly the better alternative.


The kids recently sampled Juicy Juice Fruitfuls and while they didn't taste a difference, I was glad to see them all consuming something with a whole serving of fruit and a lot less sugar.  The all natural Juicy Juice Fruitfuls come in 4 flavors; apple quench, berry cherry burst, orange strawberry blast, and punch splash.  My kids like Apple Quench the best after tasting all four and I like that Fruitfuls contain 35% less sugar than most other fruit juices.

Hopefully Santa likes Juicy Juice Fruitfuls in Apple too, because that's what my twins have decided to leave out for Mr. Claus this year.

Would you like a $1 off coupon for Juicy Juice Fruitfuls?  Click here.
This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Juicy Juice. I was compensated for posting, but all opinions are 100% mine.

Felix Brand iPad & Tablet Stands (Giveaway)

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Tablets, iPads, Kindles, Nooks, and other devices are making countless appearances on Holiday wish lists of both kids and adults.  Also on those same lists are accessory items for those devices such as cases, headphones, and stands.

In my case, a stand for my devices are a must.  I use a stand to easily view recipes in my kitchen, to watch Hulu at my desk, and to display a photo slide show when I am entertaining guests.



My kids all like to use stands too and I have found that the stands with the most character are the ones everyone seems to grab first.  The brand Felix happens to be the creator of two fun stands called TwoHands and MonkeyDo.  Both designs target iPad, e-reader, and tablet users as the first stands with personality.  Each features hands that hold the device and both can accommodate portrait or landscape viewing at various angles.  The main difference betwen the two is that the TwoHands stand has a fold-up portable design best suited for travel and the MonkeyDo incorporates monkey toes to provide an anchor for the cute stand. 
MonkeyDo and TwoHands are now available for $19.99 at Staples and Staples.com throughout the holiday season.
Giveaway:  1 lucky reader will win a MonkeyDo stand for their device.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  I was provided with samples of the products mentioned to aid in the writing of this post and for giveaway.  All opinions are my own.

Elizabeth & Clarke: Women's Shirts by Seasonal Subscription Box

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I venture to guess that I'm not the only woman out there who when pressed to sum up her average day first thinks of the word "busy".  In fact, it's become common place for me to multi task by buying wardrobe items at super stores and throwing them in the same cart as the chicken breasts I plan to cook for dinner.  And while those items might be fine for carpooling and the gym, I find myself frantically hunting for things when I have an occasion that calls for something not completely lame.


What I really needed was someone each season to send me a few new designer quality neutral pieces without the expensive price tag of course.  And guess what?  Someone did just that.  There is a fabulous online business called Elizabeth & Clarke that will send you between 1-3 shirts per season based on what package you select.

I found the quality of each shirt to very high end and the styles to be of similar fashion to brands like Theory and James Perse.  In fact I loved that each of the 3 samples I received were modern enough that I didn't look like a frump, but still mommy of 5 appropriate.  My favorite from the winter collection was a black flowy blouse dubbed the Bronte.

And the pricing is incredible too.  Prices run between only $20-$30 per shirt depending on which package you choose.

Need a last minute gift?  They even have gift cards.

Disclosure:  I received all 3 shorts from the winter collection to aid in my review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Last Stop: The Children's Place

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We are down to the wire now.  Last day to grab gifts and dress-up clothes before you head to your holiday celebrations.  One of my final stops was at The Children's Place where I grabbed the twins dress-up clothes for Christmas, a couple fleece shirts for our ski trip, and a few fun long sleeve t-shirts that will make great last minute gifts.

I also grabbed Christmas Eve Pajamas and some spare socks and underwear which make great stocking stuffers.


Here's a few of my fun apparel finds:

• The twin's Christmas day outfit is a Gray V-neck Sweater layered over a Long Sleeve Red Plaid Shirt.    We don't get too dressy so I plan to have the twins wear this with their plaid-cuffed jeans I purchased at The Children's Place this fall (similar to these).
• Fleece zip-ups for our ski trip
• Transformer Long Sleeve T-shirt
• Angry Birds Long Sleeve T-shirt

Disclosure:  The Children's Place provided me with a gift card to aid in this review.  All opinions are my own.