By Cari Levin
The Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. It’s the one holiday I have never been disappointed by. At the mere mention of it my mind goes straight to perfect weather, kids running around and fireworks that light up the sky. I think it’s the one holiday that hasn’t lost its brilliance as I’ve grown older.

I would be a big liar if I didn’t admit that I look forward to 4th of July food as well. I’m one for the basics: hot dogs and hamburgers, corn on the cob and warm peach cobbler. (more…)

By Shirin Yadegar
A perfect family vacation is when everyone is happy. Rarely do you encounter a place that’s both fit for kids and adults. A place that isn’t too inandated by children, but welcoming to the little ones.

Last month, my husband, three children and myself stayed at the W hotel in Miami beach. It was sensational. The rooms are mainly suites with kitchens so you have plently of room and a stove to make eggs with a full refrigerator for milk and other goodies. (more…)

By Jennifer Brandt
It’s our day to shine and be pampered, but let’s be realistic it doesn’t always seem to work out that way so http://www.redtri.com is sharing their ideas of how you can spend a great Mother’s Day.
Get Mom-Spired
If you or your mom need some help in the home design department, we have a fun activity that will inspire you both. Tour the Pasadena Showcase House. The entire estate (pictured), from the front yard to the garage, is carefully styled and design by an interior design team. Rich, luxurious, and entirely beautiful, the showcase house is a fabulous way to spend the day (or evening!) in someone else’s home, where marveling with your mouth open is entirely appropriate. Tickets purchased in advance start at $30 and proceeds from your tickets support the LA Philharmonic, Walt Disney Concert Hall and local symphonic, cultural and educational programs for youth since 1948. (more…)

By Lisa Niver Rajna
April 22 is Earth Day. What will you do to celebrate our planet? With so many options out there, what will you choose? I’d like to share a few of my favorites that teach our children and show that we can make a difference. With snowfall last month in the San Fernando Valley for the first time in nearly fifty years, major earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand, Santiago, Chile and Haiti in the last year, and other environmental issues like the enormous volcanic eruption of Iceland, science is everywhere and a part of everything; it just depends what lens you use to look through. (more…)

May the Force be with You: Physical Science and your Child

By Lisa Niver Rajna, M.A. Ed.
The California Department of Education states “We are all born with natural curiosity about our world. Science is an extension of this curiosity. When we read about a new discovery, watch a bird fly, or think about how something works, we are doing science. When we pursue knowledge we are doing science.” Unfortunately many adults have at least one bad memory from Science Class. Others tell me, “I cannot volunteer in Science class, I am not good at science.” (more…)

By Erica Friedman
Valentine’s Day is always so sweet as it makes us take a moment to be grateful and acknowledge our loved ones. I find that doing the simple things always has the greatest impact. Make a card. Bake some cookies. Set the table for dinner and decorate the family room with hearts and kind words. To what extent you go, it’s all up to you. (more…)

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A New Service that helps you and your family save big on cool Los Angeles finds.
Family Finds is a brand new service that helps you and your family save up to 90% on all kinds of fun, tasty and cool things in your Los Angeles neighborhood. And, to celebrate their debut, they are giving away one $150 new member credit that is good towards any of the amazingly discounted local family-friendly deals on their website. Family Finds insists that Moms and Families should be able to save money while exploring their local Los Angeles neighborhood. (more…)

By Erica Friedman
Thanksgiving is the season for celebrating family and friends, which is why this holiday is my favorite. I always go the extra mile to make the festivities fun for kids and meaningful for everyone else.

I like to start setting the mood with decorations and preparations far in advance of actually sitting down to eat. After Halloween has shut down the scary season, I like to take my children to the local farm. We buy small pumpkins and other festive looking squashes. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to a local farm – just visit your local Trader Joe’s, which has really been getting into the holiday season. You can find pomegranates, small pumpkins, squashes, irregular pumpkins, twigs with small pumpkins on them and beautiful colored oversized leaves. You really do not have to go very far to gather a few items to enhance your table and buffet decor.
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