Parents' Night Out: 'Safe Haven' + Premiere

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Get your tissues, folks. Safe Haven, starring Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough, could have you blubbering in your seat -- or possibly even ugly crying.

Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel on the red carpet.

I had the chance to attend the star-studded premiere of the film last week at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, and not only did I get a glimpse of Duhamel and Hough, I also caught sight of Ryan Seacrest, Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw, the last two even performing before the movie began.

Ryan Seacrest

Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook, Dear John), Safe Haven is a romantic thriller about a young woman (Hough) who shows up in a North Carolina town with secrets of her own. She slowly joins the community and is ready to settle down, but her past keeps trying to catch up with her. She meets a widowed store owner, Alex (Duhamel), who has two kids of his own, but who's the guy who can't seem to let her go?

Safe Haven is somewhat of a mystery. From the beginning, we know that Hough's character, Katie, is on the run. But why? Seems a relationship has gone south — way south — and we don't know if she's innocent or something much worse.

The love story in the film is sweet and (sometimes) fraught, as Katie holds her cards close. As she gets closer to Alex, it's easy to get caught up in their romance. (Definitely a date night film, parents!) But with Katie not being what she seems, are Alex and his kids at risk? And who's that friendly neighbor (Cobie Smulders) that keeps checking in on Katie?

Like I said, get some tissues, because those answers might have you reaching for more than just the popcorn.

The movie opens nationwide on Valentine's Day. Enjoy!

'Beautiful Creatures' Created by L.A. Moms

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Beautiful Creatures, the supernatural saga of teen romance that takes place down South, hits theaters today, and credit a pair of L.A. moms for dreaming up this tempestuous world.

And who do they give a lot of the credit to? Why, their kids, of course.

Kami Garcia, a former teacher who's mom to 5- and 8-year-old kids, and Margaret Stohl, a former videogame industry wizard with 11-, 17- and 19-year-old girls, are the masterminds behind this tale of forbidden friendship and sorcery—that is, the 600-page novel and subsequent franchise that was turned into a film.

The story centers on Ethan (Alden Ehrenreich), a popular South Carolina teen who can't seem to shake dreams of a mysterious girl on a Civil War battlefield. Arriving as a newbie to school one day is Lena (Alice Englert), who turns Ethan's world upside down. Turns out this mysterious young lady is a Caster (similar to a witch) who will be chosen for either good or evil on her 16th birthday. Yikes!

Add to this ultra-dramatic story sassy Southern characters portrayed in the Richard LaGravenese-directed film by Emma Thompson, Jeremy Irons and Viola Davis.

Both Garcia and Stohl are huge fans of young adult fiction as well as science fiction, which informed their writing. What also heavily influenced the story was input from their kids, mainly Stohl's teens.

Take a look at my conference-call interview with Garcia and Stohl on mom.me to see how they balanced motherhood with novel-writing -- and equally sassy teens.

'Mulan' Offers Up Girl Power at the El Capitan

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CC stands on Hollywood Boulevard outside the El Capitan. (The bleachers are for the Oscars, on Feb. 24.)

Out of all the Disney "princess" movies, Mulan is by far CC's favorite. In fact, she asked for a Mulan doll for Christmas (it was actually hard to find!), and she's memorized a couple of the songs—I've heard I'll Make a Man Out of You more than a few times from my car's back seat.

That's why I was so excited that the 1998 Disney film was coming to Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre. (It's playing through March 6.) CC and I gladly accepted an invitation to go and take a look. As expected, it was magical.

Of course we had to brave the packed stretch of Hollywood Boulevard that's overflowing with bleachers for this weekend's Oscars. There were tons of people out, passing through the pre-award show madness.

Once we got inside, I remembered just how amazing the theater is for kids—and adults, too. The organist was playing classic Disney songs. Kids and their parents were filing in, carrying popcorn and drinks, and we were even greeted by an usher from Berlin! (CC got to practice a few words.)

Mulan (Photo: (c) Disney)

Mulan was preceded by a fun dance performance by a costumed Mulan character. Capped off with a colorful pop of confetti, the pre-show was an especially entertaining way to settle in before the show.

The movie itself, about a young woman in China who must pretend to be a man to fight in the army against the Huns, is inspiring and a great source of girl-power inspiration for CC. I love that Mulan was so courageous and fought for what she believed in—making mistakes along the way, sure, but kicking some serious Hun bum.

Take a look, if you're looking for a fun outing with the kiddos. What I especially loved was that CC and I could get some good mother-daughter time in over the weekend. That's become a little rarer these days, and I don't want her to forget just how much I love being with her.

Mulan
El Capitan Theatre
Through March 6
6838 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Tickets: Starting at $10

Note: Press VIP tickets were provided.

Jimmy D's Breakfast Minis (GIVEAWAY CLOSED!)

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Is your schedule as packed as mine is? We tend to get super busy this time of year with family activities; Fall Festivals, Trick or Treating, or just playing outside in the cooler weather. Breakfast can be a free for all, especially on the weekends when we're trying to rush out the door. Jimmy Dean thought they could help me with that morning rush, and asked me to sample their new Jimmy D's Breakfast Minis.


Jimmy D's Breakfast Minis are cute little breakfast sandwiches featuring turkey sausage. Breakfast Minis contain 11 grams of protein and only 230 calories per serving, and are ready to eat in less than two minutes. Seriously! You just pop them in the microwave! Here is a shot of them fresh from the microwave:
They taste really great too! They're a perfect size for kids, or pair them with some yogurt or fresh fruit for yourself. I don't usually keep frozen breakfasts like this on hand, but if I know we have a crazy morning coming up I'd definitely buy Jimmy D's Breakfast Minis again. You can't beat the convenience factor, and I like that they offer a good amount of protein.

You'll also want to know that Jimmy Dean is hosting a fun sweepstakes on their Facebook page called “52 Ways to Deliver Great Days,” where each week for the next year Jimmy Dean is giving away a different prize (they change up the prize every Monday) to their fans who answer the question of the week about how they help deliver great days to their family and friends. To enter, visit their Facebook page (a text entry is worth 1 sweeps entry, photo is worth 5 sweeps entries and video is worth 10 sweeps entries).  

WIN IT!! 
Winner has been contacted. Thanks to all who entered!

One reader will win three coupons good for any Jimmy Dean product. Coupons expire 7/31/2012.

To enter, leave a comment letting me know what makes your morning rush so crazy. Are you scrambling to get to work? To get the kids off to school? Waking up too early with a newborn? 

Comments will close at midnight, November 6, 2011. A winner will be randomly selected and notified via e-mail on November 7, 2011. Winner will have 48-hours to claim their prize. If prize is not claimed within 48-hours it will be considered forfeited and a new winner will be selected. Open to US addresses only, please.

Keeping it real: I received complementary coupons for Jimmy Dean products for review and giveaway purposes.

Sam's Club and Chex Mix for the Holidays (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

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Who doesn't love Chex Mix? Well, okay...I don't. At least not the traditional kind. BUT! There are so many other varieties and other things to do with Chex that I do love! Like Muddy Buddies...Mmmmmmm I love those!

Sam's Club and Chex want to let you know that there are a TON of different ways to spice up your Chex Mix. They have an interesting idea they're calling a Sam´s Club Chex Party Mix-Change. It's like a cookie swap...but with Chex Mix! Sam's Club has everything you'll need for your party. And since most Chex Mix recipes can be made in fifteen minutes or so, you'll have more time to actually enjoy your party and guests!

Here is all you need to know to host a fabulous Sam's Club Chex Party Mix-Change:

• Set the date and spread the word. Announce your Chex Party Mix-Change using some of these festive invites.
• Mix it up. Use these mouth-watering Chex recipe cards including Chex Pumpkin Pie Crunch and Hot Buttered Yum Chex Mix and this shopping list to make party prep a snap.
• Share the fun. Use some of these easy tips & tricks to add some extra flare to your party and check out some of the packaging ideas so your guests don´t go home empty handed.

Visit ChexPartyMixChange.com for even more party-planning tips and be sure to also check out Sam´s Club, your one stop Chex spot that has everything you need to throw a Chex Party Mix-Change!

Our schedule doesn't allow us time to host a party, but I sure to plan to make some Chex Mix for our holiday road trips! I think it would even make a great Christmas Eve snack! I'm leaning towards the Chex Peanut Butter and Chocolate Blast!. Which sound good to you?

******************************WIN IT!!!*************************************
Winner has been notified. Thanks to all who entered!


One of you will win a prize pack that will get you well on your way to hosting your own party. You'll win a $25 Sam's Club gift card and a big Sam's Club size box of Chex.

To enter, leave a comment letting me know your favorite thing to do with Chex.

Comments will close at midnight EST December 20, 2011. A winner will be randomly selected and notified on December 21, 2011. Winner will have 48-hours to claim their prize. If not claimed, prize will be considered to be forfeited and a new winner will be selected. Open to US addresses only, please.

Keeping it real: We received the prize pack pictured above for review purposes. Disclosure: The Sam´s Club gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by Sam´s Club, Chex Party Mix and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

The Yellow Balloon Children's Salon in Westwood is a Cut Above

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CC strikes a dramatic pose in front of the candy machines at The Yellow Balloon.

Nestled into a row of businesses along Westwood Boulevard is a bright yellow door that opens to reveal a kid-friendly salon full of toys, chatty parents and welcoming stylists. The Yellow Balloon is an adorable shop that, admittedly, you might miss if you're not looking for it.

But step inside, and you'll realize why it's been a Los Angeles favorite for more than 40 years.

While the actual cut is important to me when it comes to CC's hair, there are so many more elements that make a great experience. Did the stylist listen? Was s/he nice to my child? Did everyone make us feel at home? Were there toys for kids if we had to wait (which we didn't have to)?

The Yellow Balloon gets a thumbs up for all of that -- and another high-five for having tons of games (vintage Star Wars pinball machine! 10 cent stationary motorcycle rides!) that could even appeal to parents as well.

I chatted with the new owner, Dadli Yashar, who invited CC and me in for a visit and a cut. Having grown up in LA and gone to The Yellow Balloon as a child, this young, design-minded Angeleno was a natural choice when the original owners decided to sell a year and a half ago. At the re-opening, she even hosted an animal petting zoo for the kiddos.

Yashar said it was important to her to keep an element of the past -- note the vintage toys! -- while also looking toward the future with small updates like new seats. But what's really important is keeping the neighborhood feel, one that welcomes kids and their parents before and even after the cut (which, for kids, is $25 and $35+ for adults).

And speaking of the cut, it was lovely. CC asked if she could have just a little trim because she's trying to grow out her hair. The stylist was kind and very accommodating, even giving her a couple of barrettes that she could take home.

After the cut, CC felt so at home that she didn't want to leave. That's what lots of toys -- and lots of kids -- will do.

The Yellow Balloon
2009 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310-475-1241
Monday-Saturday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

'My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic: Adventures in the Crystal Empire' Review

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The latest DVD installment from My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, released by Shout! Factory Kids in December, is a new favorite for CC.

In Adventures in the Crystal Empire, the ponies, led by bookish Twilight Sparkle, embark on another adventure that once again pits light forces against the darker ones looming over Equestria (is that the draw for the Bronie crew?), and it's up to the brave ponies—and Spike—to save the day.

In the two-part episode, the Crystal Empire is a magical place that appears in the arctic north of Equestria. The crystal ponies, not so crystal-like in the beginning, are downtrodden because of an evil overlord pony that's controlling their world.

Princess Celestia asks Twilight Sparkle to lead the charge, along with pony friends including Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack and Fluttershy, to bring happiness back to the kingdom.

CC was completely entranced, watching as the ponies tried, made mistakes and, ultimately, *spoiler alert* saved the day.

At one point, I asked who the pink pony was. (I blame baby brain for my forgetfulness.)

CC looked at me, exasperated, and said, "Pinkie Pie! Don't you know your ponies?!"

Her favorite, though, is Fluttershy.

"Why do you like Fluttershy so much?" I asked.

"Because she's so sweet and shy," CC said.

That surprised me, given how boisterous CC is.

Regardless, the ponies came through once again, teaching CC about persistence, confidence and friendship.