Elena B in the OC -

Throwing A Party Fit for a Princess with Dole’s Tribute to Disney’s Ultimate Princess Celebration

Disclaimer: I am an official ambassador for Dole. Dole provided me with product samples and or prize merchandise for the purpose of this post, as well as compensation for my time. As always, all opinions expressed are mine. To know me is to know I love all things Disney Princesses. From Ariel’s unwavering curiosity to Moana’s strong determination, Snow White’s gentle kindness and Cinderella’s hopefulness, …

Fun

Fall Festivities In and Around OC

Fall is here in Orange County and one thing is for certain – it’s time for pumpkins, sweaters and fall festivities! . While last year many events were cancelled, this year local favorites are back offering a little fun for everyone. Keep in mind, due to COVID-19, things could change without notice so be sure to check the event host’s website for more information. Anaheim …

Fun Uncategorized

Happy Reopening Day Baseball Fans

For me and my family, our love for baseball runs deep. We spend weekends at little league games and weeknights under the major league ballpark lights. For as long as I can remember, Angel Stadium has only been a 15 minute drive from my house. I’ve celebrated birthdays and anniversaries, and this year, we kicked-off summer with the Angels “reopening” day. Angel games are a …

Family Health

To all my healing mothers this Mother’s Day

It was almost a year and a half after my son was born. I was experiencing crippling anxiety every morning before work, at work, after work and even weekends. It always hit my chest first, then slowly spread up my shoulders, through my arms and to my fingers, leaving my hands trembling and my lungs gasping. My stomach would ache, my knees would get wobbly …

Health

Getting Bikini Ready with Marukan Organic Apple Cider Vinegars

*This post is brought to you in partnership with Marukan. I received free product for my honest review.* As anyone who has been around me for five minutes knows, I’m going to Hawaii in May! Hawaii is my happy place. And I love to live in my bikini but after having two babies, I will admit, I’ve been feeling a little self-conscious about sporting a …

Health

How to get a free COVID-19 antibody test

Like everyone else, I have a COVID story. Back in March, my family came down with coronavirus symptoms. First it was my son with a fever, cough, runny nose and tummy ache. His fever was high – 103.9 – but this was early in the pandemic so his pediatrician told us it was likely a common respiratory virus (duh) and to stay home and rest. …

Family Health

Now We’re (All) Cooking with Dole Food Company & Disney

Like so many families on Thanksgiving break, I was looking for fun and creative ways to keep my preschooler occupied that didn’t involve more screen time. Luckily, the awesome team at Dole Food Company launched the “Now We’re (All) Cooking” campaign inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Ratatouille. The program aims to help busy families like mine with recipes even the most novice little chefs (aka …

Family

The Thanksgiving that taught us what it means to be grateful

Thanksgiving 2020. At this point it feels trite to call it unprecedented but, well, it is. At least for our living memory. I’ll admit, I tend to take this holiday for granted. In the scheme of things, I celebrate it as the unofficial kick-off to Christmas. I usually spend the weekend traveling to NorCal to spend time with my in-laws, visiting wine country and indulging …

Family

He Still Surprises Me

It was July 2018. Halfway through a pretty ordinary year after one heck of rollercoaster one. My husband and I had been married for four years but together for 10 and I had just hit a wall where I really felt like I was the only one putting in any effort to make things feel special. Between our first kid turning two, a new job …

Personal

Learning to make lemonade

It’s Labor Day weekend and we’re three quarters through one hell of a year. If you would have told me that 2020 would include a global pandemic, the largest civil rights movement in my lifetime, fire tornadoes, murder hornets and UFOs, I would tell you to take a break from Facebook. But alas, we’re here in September and I assure you that all of those …