The Balancing Act – Show Blog

Meet The Balancing Act Bloggers..

Lisa Cera - Fashionably Dressed

Lisa Cera is widely regarded as one of the country's most dynamic fashion stylists. She gained national attention with her first superstar client, Gloria Estefan. Lauded for her creative flair, stellar selections, and down-to-earth personality, Lisa soon became one of the most sought after stylists in the industry, regularly working with Hollywood's hottest celebrities, in addition to styling for premier magazines, television shows, music videos and numerous corporate advertisements. ... Read More

Michelle Villalobos - The Secrets of Success: Style, Skills & Substance For Women In Business

Michelle Villalobos teaches business concepts and skills to professionals – especially women – in a fun, entertaining way. Her most popular programs include: How to Communicate More Powerfully (Without Being A B****h); The Perfect 10 In Sales: The First 10 Seconds, The Next 10 Minutes & 10 Days Later; You´re Not Crazy, It´s Just Your Personality Type; and You: The (Online) Brand, among others. Michelle specializes in topics of interpersonal communication, productivity and personality type, and how to apply them effectively for marketing, sales, networking and team-building. ... Read More

Tracy Beckerman - Lost in Suburbia

Tracy Beckerman was living in New York City when her son was born, but a year later, they moved out to New Jersey for the fresh air and big hair. She remembers distinctly the first time she put her son down on grass and he cried. Actually, she did too. Many years later, they have all acclimated to life in the 'burbs, understand that the wild animal in their backyard is a woodchuck and not a beaver, and have figured out that all roads lead to the mall. In addition to blogging for The Balancing Act, Tracy writes the syndicated humor column, LOST IN SUBURBIA® which is carried weekly by over 400 newspapers in 25 states and reaches an audience of over 3.5 million readers. ... Read More

Harriet Shugarman

Like most of the Climate Mamas and Papas featured on ClimateMama.Com, Harriet has worn many hats over the course of her life. She has been a ski instructor in Western Canada, an orchard worker in Israel, and a member of her college sky diving club! Harriet has spent most of her professional career working as an economist, policy advocate and educator. Harriet worked with the Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario governments in Canada, and spent 13 years at the United Nations as a representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Harriet followed many of the United Nations environmental and sustainable development committees and conferences for the IMF – including the first UN Earth Summit - at United Nations headquarters in New York and around the world. ... Read More

52 Weeks with Karen Amster-Young and Pam Godwin

Pam began her career helping refugees from the former Soviet Union setting into life in America. She went on to get her Masters in Education and then taught public school in New York City for ten years, working first as a classroom teacher and later as a reading specialist.

Karen is a veteran of the marketing and public relations business, helping big brands and small companies get their moment in the spotlight. She founded her own firm, Amster-Young Public Relations in 1992 at age 26 and over the years has represented clients including FIJI Water, The American Cancer Society, The National Tabletop Associaton, and Federated Departement Stores. ... Read More

Charley & Tracy Vega-Simple Self Defense for Women®

Charley and Tracy Vega are the owners of Simple Self Defense for Women® a company that promotes the personal safety of women through their PBS TV Show, Guest Speaking, DVD's, and their very popular Seminars and Workshops. They specialize in self-defense for women from ages 9 to 91 with a focus on How to Simply Escape an Attack, NOT Stay and Fight! Charley & Tracy are the TV shows stars and hosts. ... Read More

Patty Leonard - Family Values Entertainment

Patty is first and foremost an experienced mother both to her teenage daughter and to her Labradoodle, Romeo (that's him in her picture). With a great passion for wholesome entertainment, Patty spearheaded the National Board of Mothers to establish a rigorous review process ensuring that your family's treasured time is enjoyed with Mom Reviewed & Mom Approved products. While Patty is most currently known for forging new ground with family friendly entertainment as the Founder of not only the National Board of Mothers, but also Family Values Cinema, her career started 25 years ago in the home video business. ... Read More

Georgio and Mikaela - Changing the Face of Beauty

Sophia Loren once said, "Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful." It is a philosophy Georgio and Mikaela Fernandez, Celebrity Makeup Artists and founders of LadyLash Studios, embrace and live by every day. Their passion for bringing out the beauty in others has parlayed into a cult-like following and their client list reads like the social registry of who´s–who around the world. From foreign royalty to Hollywood´s hottest, high–profile socialites to the girls next door, Georgio and Mikaela are the makeup mavericks challenging the standards and changing the face of beauty.... Read More

Matt Peregoy - The Real Matt Daddy

Matt Peregoy left his job as a retail store manager to stay at home with his little girl. His blog, The Real Matt Daddy, describes the good, the bad, and the hilarious things that happen to him as a stay-at-home parent. Matt also shares delicious recipes and honest reviews.... Read More

Mary Heston

Blogging for over 15 years, Mary founded StayatHomeMom.com, was a guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and has spoken to several groups on internet safety, social media and connecting families through technology. ... Read More

Vicki Davis

Vicki Davis is a full time teacher and mother of 3. As co-founder of the award winning Flat Classroom® Projects, she helps teachers around the world connect their classrooms in powerful ways that engage students. ... Read More

Nancy Flanders

Nancy is a part-time mom and full time writer to two little girls, one who has cystic fibrosis. She is a fundraiser, hospital advisory board member, contributing editor for parentingsquad.com, and contributor for several publications. ... Read More

Courtney Hutson

This SAHM (stay at home mommy) of four, ages 10, 7, 5, and 3 moved from California to Connecticut over the Winter of 2008. After suffering from SEVERE cabin fever and reading an article on Yahoo about "MOMMY BLOGGING", she hopped into action, creating "THE ONE BORED MOMMY BLOGSPOT".

Since then, the One Bored Mommy Blogspot has not only been a place for mommies & daddies (and even Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles) to come learn about the newest products & must haves for the family, but it's also become a community on Facebook (CLICK HERE) and a great place to go enter awesome giveaways, find discounts for your favorite stores and so much more!

Ginger Emas

Ginger is the author of the hilarious and helpful book, Back on Top: Fearless Dating After Divorce (Globe Pequot Press), which has inspired women all over the world to take their first high-heeled step back out into the dating world. She is known for her self-revealing humor and warm inspiration as a writer for Huffington Post, skirt! magazine and ShareWIK.com, and a motivational speaker for women in transition. ... Read More

Patricia Diesel - Keeping It Simple

Patricia Diesel has helped thousands of people get organized, improve the quality of their life and feel fabulous!

She is the CEO & founder of Keep It Simple Now, a professional organizing & life coaching company and author of A Simple Guide to an Organized Life and Blissful Organization; A Guide to Simple Living. ... Read More

Alison Rhodes

Alison Rhodes, "The Safety Mom," is a nationally-recognized family safety and wellness expert. She is a frequent guest on national TV, the author of the highly acclaimed "Honey I Lost the Baby in the Produce Aisle! The Safety Mom's Guide to Childproofing Your Life," and a corporate spokesperson. Alison reaches millions of parents every month with advice on how to keep the entire family happy, safe and sane! ... Read More

Lela Davidson

Whether its PTA meetings or POA politics, Lela Davidson exposes the humor in every awkward moment of familial failure and maternal meltdown. She says what the rest of us are thinking. Her hilarious observations and subtle satire are always spot on. She's not afraid to reveal her screw-ups, along with fleeting delusional moments when she honestly believes she is the best mom/wife/neighbor/friend ever. She is the author of Blacklisted from the PTA (Jupiter Press, imprint of Wyatt-MacKenzie, 2011). Her writing is featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: New Moms and in family and parenting magazines throughout the United States and Canada. She blogs about marriage, motherhood, and life-after-40 at After the Bubbly. ... Read More

Amy Bellgardt

Amy Bellgardt is a work-at-home Oklahoma mom of two boys and wife to an insanely handsome jingle writer. In 2008, she started a blog, MomSpark.net, as a way to connect with fellow moms who were experiencing the same joys and challenges of parenting. Amy quickly found the community and support she needed in the social media and blogging world. ... Read More

Carley Knobloch - Digitwirl

Tech outfitter Carley Knobloch works with busy households, small businesses, and "solopreneurs" to remove the language barrier that exists between otherwise smart and high–functioning humans and the elusive modalities of modern technology. In other words, she speaks geek so you don't have to. Carley has helped hundreds of moms and professionals simplify and organize their systems. From chaotic family schedules to back-office platforms, Carley specializes in turning broken and disorganized workarounds into streamlined, efficient solutions.... Read More

Cindy Krischer Goodman - The Work Life Balancing Act

Cindy Krischer Goodman is CEO of BalanceGal, provider of news and advice on how to find balance between a successful career and fulfilling personal life. Her award-winning, nationally distributed column and blog, The Work Life Balancing Act, appears weekly in The Miami Herald and more than 100 newspapers.... Read More

Michelle and Debbie - O-Mama's Mamas

Michelle grew up in Rochester Hills, MI, raised by a single father. A graduate of the University of Michigan and former VP, Management Supervisor at Dailey & Associates Advertising in Los Angeles, CA, she left her advertising career when her first child was born in 1999. However, her professional skills overlapped into her role as a mother - every birthday party was approached like an integrated marketing campaign; every holiday assigned an innovative theme with broad family appeal.

Debbie Devine. Nothing is ordinary about this Southern California Republican. She grew up in Corona del Mar, CA, graduated from the University of Southern California, and was raised by parents who are still married after 45 years. Typical. But Debbie studied abroad, became fluent in Spanish, and spent her career years working for Telemundo, CNN en Espanol, and CNN International, where she helped launch television programs and networks in Spain, Mexico, and Turkey. Surprise!... Read More

Lisa Weber - Celebrity Baby Scoop

Celebrity Baby Scoop has become one of the hottest spots on the web for moms around the world to turn to for the latest on Hollywood´s hottest moms and dads, and how they juggle being a (famous) working mom or dad and your everyday parenting duties. And who do we have to thank for feeding our celebrity obsession, New Jersey native and mom, Lisa Weber.... Read More

Mary Ellen - Working Moms Only

MaryEllen Tribby is the proud Founder and CEO of WorkingMomsOnly.com, the world's leading newsletter and website for the empowerment of the working mom.

Prior to founding Working Moms Only, MaryEllen was widely recognized as Publisher & CEO of Early To Rise where she was responsible for growing the business from $8 million in sales to $26 million in just 15 months.... Read More

Rebecca Parsons

Rebecca E. Parsons, a Renaissance gal with designers eye and the gift o' gab, is the Chief Creative Force behind Cre8tive Compass Magazine, Cre8Tiva's Blog and Artistically Speaking Talk Show. Professional Blogger and Social Media Pioneer and Strategist, Rebecca has been blogging since 1999. Cre8tive Compass Magazine - Transforming Your Life into Art, is ALL about exploring, creating and most importantly LIVING the creative life. ... Read More

Nickell is the writer of a weekly parenting blog where he writes on topics such as bonding with your child, and what the father should expect during pregnancy and infancy. He writes from a father's perspective and keeps dad engaged throughout his children's lives. He also contributes to national talk shows and daytime television shows including "Good Morning L.A.," "Good Morning Texas," "Daytime TV," WZZM 13 and KSBI TV ... Read More

Alyssa Chirco with Parenting Squad

Alyssa Chirco is a freelance writer, parenting blogger, and mother of two from St. Louis. She has a degree in English Literature and Film and Media Studies. She spends her days playing Legos, diffusing sibling rivalry and hoping her house will magically clean itself if she ignores it long enough. And no, she does not believe she is wasting her education. ... Read More

Brandi Nathan and Terry Starr - My work Butterfly

Bradi Nathan is a mother to Jack and Drew, ages, 10 and 7. It may not surprise you to learn that Bradi strives to achieve her own work-life balance as the owner of a mommy-and-me company called For You Two. Before having children, she was the Advertising Manager at Marie Claire magazine in New York City. Prior to Marie Claire, Bradi worked at Town & Country magazine as the Beauty Advertising Director

Terry Starr is a mother to Danielle and Hunter, ages 15 and 10. Terry's full-time career in the Recruitment Marketing and Social Media field spans 30 years, including five years at monster.com. Since the onset of motherhood, Terry has had to make tough choices in order to find her own work/life flexibility. With travel, business meetings, and deadlines to meet, she still makes time for her kids' celebrations. Wherever her work takes her, she always makes sure to tell her kids everyday how much she loves them. ... Read More

Carol Roth - Unsolicited Business Advice

Carol Roth helps businesses grow and make more money. An investment banker, business strategist and deal maker, she has helped her clients, ranging from solopreneurs to multinational corporations, raise more than $1 billion in capital, complete hundreds of millions of dollars in M&A transactions, secure high-profile licensing and partnership deals and more. ... Read More

Dr. Lori – Antiques and Your Home

As seen on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart", NBC's "The Tonight Show", and entertaining guests onboard Celebrity Cruises' cruise ships around the world, internationally known and funny art and antiques appraiser, syndicated columnist, author, and award-winning TV personality and talk show host, Dr. Lori pulls no punches when she evaluates your flea market finds and sentimental family objects. ... Read More

Current Blog Posts

Allegiant Air: AT CHECK-IN, CUSTOMER SERVICE CHECKS OUT

May 15th, 2012

An incident today at the Greenville/Spartanburg airport between an Allegiant employee and a customer leaves me wondering, “Whatever happened to customer service?”

My boyfriend and I were in line to check in for our flight back to Ft. Lauderdale. There was a nice looking couple ahead of us and one Allegiant representative behind the counter. She was not tall but I could spy her behind the pens and fake flowers. She did not look up.
After a few minutes of waiting without a word, I asked the couple if they had been acknowledged yet. They said, “Yeah, they said, ‘If you’re going to Ft. Lauderdale you have to wait.’ They won’t check you in till 9:20. If you’re flying to Sanford though, that’s different.”

We waited a bit more. The Allegiant employee never said anything, nor did she look up. The line grew from 4 to 14 quickly, and 2 more Allegiant workers showed up behind the ticket counter. Neither one acknowledged the line. Then came a wave.
The couple ahead of us moved forward. Then, we were waved over. While we were checking in, a man, clearly hurried and harried, came up to the counter.
“Sanford?” he asked. “Did the flight to Sanford leave?”“It pushed back,” the attendant said flatly without looking up.“Can I get on it?”“No, the flight was closed ½ hour ago.”“But it doesn’t leave till 9:50,” he contested. It was 9:15ish.“The flight leaves at 9:30” she replied, still staring down at the computer.“Is there any way I can get on it?” he asked again.“No.”
“What should I do?” he asked, clearly upset.The attendant still did not look at him. “You can buy a ticket to Ft. Lauderdale or St. Pete,” she offered without the slightest atom of compassion.“#&*! U” responded the man who succumbed to dickishness.
My BF and I checked in, and got comfortable at the gate. About 20 minutes later I noticed an Allegiant plane just beyond the window. It was stopped just a few feet from our gate’s jetway. I asked the BF, “Are they towing that in? Is that our plane?” He was engrossed in something on his iPad and didn’t answer. I went back to my work.

A few minutes later, about 30 minutes since checking in, I looked back up. “Hey where’d the plane go?” I asked. From where I was sitting, I couldn’t see it. The BF went to the window. There was no plane! “That wasn’t out plane. That must’ve been the plane to Sanford,” he said.

I understand regulations and duties, but I don’t understand unnecessary rudeness. Perhaps airline employees should be trained on handling stressed out passengers who may miss or do miss their flights. Maybe the new fee for carry-on bags could go toward paying an airline concierge who could step up as needed. If airline employees practice dispensing bad news with a glimmer of humanity maybe passengers wouldn’t get so dickish.

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Q: I still can’t figure out if I should buy or lease a new car. I’m so confused by all these articles I read, can you break it down for me? Sarah

May 15th, 2012

Answer:

Yes Sarah, I can break it down fairly simply, I think. There are a few things that you need to take into account when buying or leasing a new car.

How many miles will I put on it? Leased cars come with a maximum amount of miles that you can drive it (10-12k a year is standard). If you go over, you’ll have to pay extra, and by extra I mean about $.15-.25 per mile. You can end up paying as much as $250. for each 1k miles you go over, which is very easy to do.

What kind of shape will I keep it in? When you return a leased car, it must be in the same perfect condition that you bought it in, if keeping it that way is going to be difficult then don’t lease. You will be responsible to fix it back up before you return it and that can be a very expensive proposition. Most dealerships offer a “ding protection” package for a fee, I’m not a big fan of laying out money for protection that you may or may not need. You might have much more than a “ding” that they don’t want to cover later.

Can I afford to have a new car every few years? After the lease time is over you will be returning the car. There’s usually a return fee and a few other fees to pay. You’ll be starting all over again with the fees that usually get paid up front, taxes etc. It’s true sometimes those get rolled into the lease amount, but you’re still paying them.

Do I even a need a NEW car? I’m not convinced you do but that’s you’re personal choice. I ALWAYS tell my customer’s to buy one that’s a year or 2 old and just come off of a lease and still in mint condition. You can save a ton of money and basically still have a new car. That’s just my opinion, you’ll do what want. But let me remind you, 1 or 2 year old cars still retain some of that new car smell and let’s face it, we all love that smell!

Questions: Dontgetwrenched@gmail.com

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Q: I noticed the check engine light on my car came on one day. I made an appointment to get the car checked. Now the check engine light is no longer on, should I just cancel the appointment? My car only has about 10k miles on it. Jon

May 15th, 2012

A: Hi Jon,

I’m of two minds on this subject. First thing to know in general, is that just because the light on the dashboard is off doesn’t mean that the problem is gone, it can be stored in the vehicle’s computer. My other mind says that a car with 10K on it shouldn’t be having an issue (of course that’s in a perfect world, we all know that they can and do have problems). Most of the time on a car that age it’s probably a simple gas cap issue (as in, someone didn’t tighten it correctly…..). My suggestion would be instead of schlepping to the dealer (even when it’s under warranty and therefore free it can still be an ordeal). Just go to one of those mass market auto parts stores that check it for free.

Simple, easy, done, no stress.

Questions: dontgetwrenched@gmail.com

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14 Celebrities Share Motherhood Joys, Stories & Moments

May 15th, 2012

CelebrityBabyScoop takes a look at some of our favorite celebrity moms from the world’s most famous ‘momager’ Kris Jenner, to new mom Jewel, to soon-to-be mom-of-four Tori Spelling, to one of our all-time favorites Alyson Hannigan, and gets their take on motherhood joys, stories and moments.

Kris Jenner:

The world’s most famous ‘momager’ Kris Jenner, mother-of-six, opened up about whether her most famous child, Kim Kardashian, is her favorite.

“At one point or another, every one of my kids is sure they have been the favorite,” Kris revealed. “I think it is common in all families. I would say that I love them all the same amount, but I love them differently. They have different needs and personalities, I try to relate to them on their terms.”

Tori Spelling:

Reality TV mama Tori Spelling shocked fans recently with the announcement of her fourth child on-the-way. The Beverly Hills, 90210 alum – already mom to son Liam, 5, and daughters Stella, 3, and Hattie, 6 months – opened up about the joys of raising a large family.

“When I had two, I looked at the situation differently,” Tori said. “Now that I have three, I look down and go, ‘I have a clan!’ It’s just so amazing to see the three lives we’ve created. I wish I had more time for exercise. I’m definitely busier with three, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Jewel:

Soulful singer Jewel, 37, welcomed her first child, son Kase, in July 2011 with rodeo star hubby Ty Murray. The new mom shared the joys of motherhood.

“I love it! I really love it!” Jewel gushed of motherhood. “We worked hard to get pregnant and we really feel blessed to do it. It really does feel like a privilege. We both marvel every day and it seems like we’ve been given a gift that will take the rest of our lives to unwrap because every day something new and exciting unfolds.”

Has motherhood been a huge adjustment for the You Were Meant for Me singer?

“Yes, it’s mind-altering!” she admitted. “You live your life – and especially as an older mom – you’ve established yourself, your ego, and everything according to who you’ve been before this. And then everything changes: your goals, your priorities, even what you have to juggle. It’s an amazing transformation. I just continue to have more and more respect for moms and for women in general.”

Brooke Burke-Charvet:

Dancing with the Stars host Brooke Burke-Charvet is mom to four beautiful kids: Neriah, 12, Sierra, 10, Rain, 5, and Shaya, 3. The busy mom talked about the power of connecting and sharing with other moms through her mommy blog ModernMom.

“[I love] the opportunity that sites like ours have is to share stories and exchange and learn from one another. That’s why I’m so passionate about being a mommy blogger because we have so many things in common no matter where we are and what our lives are like. We’re all raising a family and that’s our common denominator which is really powerful. And there’s a lot to learn woman-to-woman through the media.”

Mayim Bialik:

While she holds a PhD in neuroscience and an impressive acting resume, The Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik is most proud of being mom to sons Fred, 6, and Miles, 3 1/2. While the Blossom alum opened up about her new book Beyond the Sling and her controversial views on attachment parenting, she says being a mom is her greatest joy.

“Being a mom is my true passion,” Mayim said. “If I had to never work again – and in my industry you may never work again – that’s really the place where I feel I belong. As a mom.”

Alyson Hannigan:

She’s one of our favorite celebrity moms year-after-year. And now, How I Met Your Mother star Alyson Hannigan is expecting her second child with husband Alexis Denisof. The actress – who is already mom to 3-year-old daughter Satyana – talked about the joys of motherhood.

“There’s so many in a day,” said Alyson of her favorite mommy moments with her daughter. “It’s hard to choose any of them, but they’re all so special. I love her perspective on life and I love getting to be a part of her world. She’s just such a sweet, sweet person and I love the things that come out of her mouth. She’s just so full of personality and so lovely. [Motherhood is] just the greatest thing ever!”

Alyson also talked to us about the immeasurable impact that motherhood has made on her life.

“Having my daughter has filled a void I never knew was there,” Alyson said. “She has had more of an impact on me than anything else in my life. I never expected and only hope I am able reciprocate the joy she brings to me in her everyday life with the moments we share as a family.”

Elisabeth Hasselbeck:

Survivor alum Elisabeth Hasselbeck is co-host on The View and a best-selling author. But the mom-of-three kids – daughter Grace, 6, and sons Taylor, 4, and Isaiah, 2 – says none of it is possible without the help of her loving husband Tim. The 34-year-old mom discussed the challenges of juggling motherhood and her busy career.

“I mess something up every day,” Elisabeth admitted. “I work late into the night, sometimes into the next day, and I have a husband who ‘gets me’ enough to know that I will forget to make the bed and might leave every cabinet open in my morning tornado! Tim is the reason I can take on so much. I am only as capable because he does so much.”

Kellie Martin:

Life Goes On alum Kellie Martin is proud mom to 5-year-old daughter Maggie. The actress opened up to Celebrity Baby Scoop about her favorite part of motherhood.

“For me it’s discovering the world through her eyes and learning from her every day,” said Kellie on the joys of raising Maggie. “I just love being with her and spending my time with her. She’s the greatest thing that ever happened to me.”

Jodie Sweetin:

Full House alum Jodie Sweetin is mom to daughters Zoie, 4, and Beatrix, 1. But it hasn’t been an easy road for the 30-year-old actress. After battling addictions to alcohol and meth, Jodie shared how she was “able to turn everything around” and how motherhood has transformed her into “a better person and happier inside.”

“I went through some tough stuff and now I’m centered on mommy life,” Jodie said. “I was able to turn everything around. It’s been a really positive experience for me now. Motherhood changed my priorities. And you grow up a lot when you have kids — hopefully! For me, it was a huge motivator for me. I found myself becoming a different person; a better person and happier inside. I became happier with the simple things in life and I think that’s a direct result of being a mom and all the growth that has happened since then. For me, motherhood really helped change everything in my life, in a wonderful way.”

Melissa Gilbert:

We all loved her as Laura Ingalls on the beloved television series Little House on the Prairie. Now, Melissa Gilbert is all grown up and mom to four sons – Dakota, Michael, Sam, and Lee – whom she’d “rather hang out with more than anyone in the world.” The Dancing with the Stars contestant talked about the rewards of raising four sons.

“I have to say that the most rewarding part has been watching my sons grow into happy, successful, compassionate and confident men,” Melissa said. “Actually, I think I get the greatest rewards from learning from the mistakes I have made through the years. I know that when the boys can say to me, ‘Mom, that’s really unfair,’ or, ‘Mom, that hurts my feelings,’ I have a unique opportunity to tell them I’m sorry and change my behavior. My sons make me a better person.”

Rachel Zoe:

Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe is often seen out and about with her favorite accessory: her adorable 1-year-old son Skyler! The new mom gushed about the joys of motherhood.

“I’m the happiest I’ve been — ever!” said Rachel of the transformation of motherhood. “I’m happy all the time, nothing really gets me upset. You don’t sweat the small stuff anymore.”

Melissa Rycroft:

Reality TV mama has been open about her struggles with postpartum depression after welcoming her first child, daughter Ava, in February 2011. The new mom talked about adjusting to motherhood.

“I don’t know if you ever fully adjust to motherhood. It sort of becomes who you are and what you do,” Melissa said. “My life, literally, every minute of every day revolves around Ava and her schedule: ‘Is she hungry, or sleepy, or does she need to play?’ It’s about what can we do today as opposed to what am I going to do today.”

She added that free time can feel “awkward” and motherhood has “defined” her.

“The few times that I have had a bit of free time during the day, I’ve sat at home and said to myself, ‘Well this feels awkward!’ I’m so used to having this little one around me that I almost don’t know what to do with myself when I don’t have her. I guess motherhood has just become me and defined me.”

Nancy O’Dell:

Mother’s Day isn’t always easy for everyone! Entertainment Tonight correspondent Nancy O’Dell admits that she loves celebrating the special day with her 4 1/2-year-old daughter Ashby and stepsons Tyler and Carson, but she misses sharing in the joy with her late mother Betty.

Nancy has been open about “some sadness” that comes along with Mother’s Day.

“While Mother’s Day is an incredible day for me as a mother myself, there is some sadness that comes along with it because my sweet mom is not around anymore,” Nancy said. “I used to love to send her the most sentimental cards for Mother’s Day. Every Mother’s Day, I would always send her some sort of gift, so this past Mother’s Day I made a donation in honor of her to Betty’s Battle, a foundation started along with Muscular Dystrophy Association in honor of my mom. It is our hope, through research, that some day other families won’t have to go through what my family did as we saw my mother battle the horrific disease of ALS.”

Kristi Yamaguchi:

Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi opened up to Celebrity Baby Scoop about the joys of raising her daughters Keara, 8, and Emma, 6.

“The girls are at such a fun, active stage right now,” Kristi said. “They love helping me on my books. In fact, Keara actually came up with the name for the main character, Poppy the pig. Emma now says Poppy is her best friend. Kids in general have such great imaginations. It’s fun for me to hear their ideas and how they think a story should go.

Celebrity Baby Scoop is one of the most popular blogs on the topic and the foremost provider of everything celebrity-baby, featuring baby fashion, baby names, baby trends and up-to-the-minute celebrity baby gossipand pics. Get all the latest news, updates, and photos about Hollywood’s most beloved celebrity moms, dads and their babies. Who’s the latest Tinseltown baby? Who’s due next and who just announced a pregnancy? It’s all on Celebrity Baby Scoop.

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Join A Party! 2012 Chick Lit Author Blog Hop Begins Today

May 14th, 2012

Did you know that May is International Chick Lit Month? I have to confess, I didn’t. But as soon as I found out, I had to be a part of the celebration!

Chick Lit, Chick Lit, Chick Lit. I said it fast the other day, excited to be part of a newly formed author blog hop honoring Chick Lit that begins on May 14^th. I should have enunciated clearer.

“Are you talking about that gum, chicklets?”

I rolled my eyes thinking of the candy-coated gum. When will I learn to slow down when I speak?

“No, I am talking about writing, books, you know, Chick Lit.” I formed the two words carefully.

We’ve all heard the term Chick Lit but do we really know what the genre covers? Some people give it a bad rap.

“Romantic fluff. I never read it.” A friend of mine had her nose up in the air.

“Well you read my memoir, my widow story, and loved it. That’s Chick Lit too, you know.”

“Really?”

Yes, really.

Let’s talk briefly about this misunderstood genre.

Chick Lit books are mainly written by women for women. The characters range from early twenties to past middle age. The stories, whether fiction or non-fiction memoir, have a light, personal, and humorous tone to them. They revolve around issues real women have in their daily lives: romance, dating, jobs, friendships, jealousy, weight, family. Chick Lit can be frothy, it can be deadly serious in topic.

Is there a difference between regular women’s fiction and Chick Lit? The answer is a big “yes”. Chick Lit books are written in a personal, confiding tone. It is like having a good friend talk about her life over a cup of tea. Humor plays an important role in the delivery of the plot. At the end of the book, the reader feels she has been on a journey with someone she has gotten to know. They have laughed and cried together.

Tracie Banister, author of “Blame It On The Fame”, decided it was time to give this underappreciated genre a bit of promotion. She pulled thirty-four authors together to celebrate a week of Chick Lit writing complete with a grand prize and e-book giveaways on each of the author blogs. I am excited to be included in this great event!

Start on Tracie’s blog http://traciebanister.blogspot.com/ . You can link to the other authors on this hop from her blog. Each blog has a secret word in italics, collect all thirty-four and you are entered in a drawing for a $150 Sephora gift certificate. Leave a comment on every blog and you might win an e-book. Directions are clear on how to proceed once you hit the first blog.

You might be surprised to find some of your favorite books and movies fall under the heading Chick Lit.

Happy reading and happy blog hopping!

Barbara Barth

CEO of Life

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Fun Themes-Fun Times

May 14th, 2012

Scanning the events this week, I noticed that many of them have amusing names or themes. We celebrate silly in this country in many ways. Usually it has something to do with the area where the event is taking place. For example, take the Artichoke and Rhubarb Festivals. I mean seriously, naming events after fruit and vegetables? But to these locales it’s the most natural thing in the world because they put these locations on the map!

There is an event about frog jumping; the Calabasas Fair and Frog Jumping Contest. That’s right, I said frog jumping! Guess what? There is also a Hamvention which has nothing to do with hams. In Asbury Park they have an event called the Bamboozle Festival. The technical definition of bamboozle means to cheat or confuse someone but not this event. It is one of the top music events at the Jersey shore all season. In addition to the 100 other acts appearing over the weekend, Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters and Blink 182 will also make an appearance. Hardly a bamboozle to me!

This Saturday feature’s The Preakness Race, which in horse racing circles is known as Part II of the Triple Crown. Wonderful race, fabulous fanfare and absolutely no crown! Next up is the Walleye Rodeo which had me scratching my head. How do you ride a fish? But no worries. It’s just the name for a series of fishing competitions. Additionally this weekend the DoWop and DoDah festivals take place. I am not sure what a DoWop or DoDah is but, you will have lots of fun finding out exactly what they mean. All these fun themes are really fun events!

For honorable mention this go round we have a few events that I think are worth checking out. The Art Show in Beverly Hills, the Spokane Lilac Festival, the Cleveland Asian Fest, the Radio 92.9 Earthfest in Boston, the East Lansing Art Fest, Bay to Breakers in San Francisco and the Jubilee CityFest in Montgomery AL.

As I always say, make time to spend with family and friends and do something fun this weekend. If there is nothing on this list near you, please use the search box above to find things taking place in your backyard. And remember, there is nothing wrong with being silly!

Please Note: One of the world’s finest Impressionist, Post Impressionist and Modern art collections, the legendary collection of The Barnes Foundation, gets a new home and celebrates it’s opening on May 19th. It will not be officially open to the public until the final week of May. If you are planning to be in Philadelphia any time soon, please make arrangements to visit. It is extraordinary.

Beverly Hills Art Show: Affaire in the Gardens

May 19, 2012 – May 20, 2012

Beverly Gardens Park Beverly Hills, CA US 90209

Since 1974, juried art show with only the highest quality work shown by over 200 artists. Browse through thousands of affordable artworks amid the gardens; savor the fine food trucks; the wine and beer gardens; live music; and special exhibits. Inexpensive parking is plentiful in many City parking structures located just south of Santa Monica Boulevard.
43,000 Attendees

East Lansing Art Festival

May 19, 2012 – May 20, 2012

East Lansing-Downtown East Lansing, MI US 48823

Since 1964. The East Lansing Art Festival is a two-day arts and cultural event held in the downtown city streets of East Lansing featuring juried fine art and fine craft exhibition and marketplace with more than 200 artists from across North America. This event is ranked as one of the top 100 fine art festivals in the nation! Come enjoy free educational arts and cultural experiences in our Children’s Activities Area as well as top-notch live musical performances on two stages and international fair from local restaurants in our food court.
75,000 Attendees

Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee

May 17, 2012 – May 20, 2012

Calaveras County Fairgrounds Angels Camp, CA US 95222

Since 1928, features fun for the entire family including world-famous jumping frog contest, childrens parade, entertainment, livestock and 4-H competitions, art exhibits, professional rodeo, destruction derby, fireworks and a variety of food.
42,000 Attendees

Spokane Lilac Festival and Armed Forces Torchlight Parade

May 19, 2012

Downtown Spokane, WA US 99299

Since 1938, the Spokane Lilac Festival is a city-wide celebration highlighted by the annual Lilac Festival Torchlight Parade. Other events include, amateur golf tournament, junior lilac parade, air show and the largest timed foot race in the world. The parade starts on Washington and finishes on Spokane Falls.
200,000 Attendees

Rhubarb Festival

May 18, 2012 – May 19, 2012

Kitchen Kettle Village Intercourse, PA US 17534

Since 1984, it’s the way we welcome spring in Lancaster county with lots of food, games and entertainment to celebrate the wonderful rhubarb crop. Watch our rhubarb car racing derby, play rhubarb pick-up sticks and taste delicious rhubarb pies and treats.
10,000 Attendees

Jubilee Cityfest

May 18, 2012 – May 19, 2012

Downtown Montgomery, AL US 36104

Features music and entertainment on 3 sound stages featuring over 35 bands playing a wide variety of music, a wide variety of food, 8k run, 2 mile fun run/walk, artfest features jewelry, pottery, international crafts and more.
136,000 Attendees

Castroville Artichoke Festival

May 19, 2012 – May 20, 2012

McDougall Street Castroville, CA US 95012

Since 1959, this event features a 10k run, arts and crafts, two days of music, childrens activities, parade, exhibits, pre 1975 car show, cooking demonstrations, field trips and games. Artichokes fried, sautéed, grilled, marinated, pickled, fresh, and creamed in soup. Plus foods from the many ethnic groups that give this area its character. COOKING DEMOS: The area’s finest showcase the versatility and unique techniques for preparing and using artichokes. WINE TASTING: Sample the best from the area’s award winning producers. ARTS and CRAFTS: Unique gifts and apparel crafted by artisans from throughout the country. Plus artichoke souvenirs galore!
20,000 Attendees

Radio 92.9 EarthFest

May 19, 2012

Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade Boston, MA US 02114

Since 1993. The annual Radio 92.9 EarthFest will return to DCR’s Hatch Memorial Shell in Boston with a stellar line-up that includes Third Eye Blind, The Spin Doctors, Switchfoot, and Eve 6. Presented by Whole Foods Market, the family-friendly festival is the largest free radio station concert in the country, showcasing national and local music acts, environmentally friendly products and local non-profit environmental organizations. The Radio 92.9 EarthFest will also include music and activities in Kids’ Planet – an interactive area designed specifically with families in mind. The Kid’s Planet area will also feature environmental activities, educational displays and other activities planned for children under the age of 12. . The 2012 Radio 92.9 EarthFest is committed to offering festival goers an opportunity to learn how they can make a difference and help save Planet Earth. The festival will feature exhibits and environmental displays, staffed by sponsors and non-profit environmental organizations from New England. Nearly two dozen companies will sample earth-friendly products along with demonstrations and other interactive activities, the MBTA’s hybrid bus will be on display, free bike valet will be offered by MassBike, Casella Waste Systems will manage a comprehensive recycling program onsite and in the Eco-Pavilion dozens of local environmental groups and agencies will be on-site to educate attendees on how to be green.
100,000 Attendees

Hamvention

May 18, 2012 – May 20, 2012

Hara Silver Arena Dayton, OH US 45415

Since 1953, this event features educational forums, exhibits of amateur radio, educational speaker and presentations of internationally recognized awards. Sponsored by the Dayton Amateur Radio Association.
26,000 Attendees

Walleye Rodeo

May 17, 2012 – May 20, 2012

Canton Lake Canton, OK US 73724

Since 1968, four-day fishing derby. Annual event with prizes given for: top 5 largest Walleye, total pounds of Walleye for all four days, largest fish caught in 10 different species, daily sweepstake prizes, special “Out of Staters Day” on Saturday and a children’s fishing derby for ages 12 and under on Sunday from 8am-noon.
75,000 Attendees

Do Dah Day

May 19, 2012

Rhodes Park Birmingham, AL US 35203

Since 1980, Do Dah Day is the south’s number one Dog and Animal Festival and,one of Birmingham’s best-loved events! The parade winds down Highland Ave. beginning at 11:01am on Saturday with the bands kicking off in the park around noon. And don’t miss out on the festivities at Do Dah Eve on Friday night,at Nana Funks in Lakeview. Party starts at 7:01pm Fundraiser for Humane Shelter. This is a great fun event. Also activities at Caldwell Park.
50,000 Attendees

Preakness Stakes

May 19, 2012

Pimlico Race Course Baltimore, MD US 21215

Since 1873, the second race in the triple crown of racing. The race is for three year olds, 1 3/16 mile race.
90,000 Attendees

Bay to Breakers Race and Zazzle B2B Final Mile Festival

May 20, 2012

Downtown Financial District San Francisco, CA US 94133

Since 1912. One of the largest races of its kind in the world for a total length of 12K. The Zazzle Bay to Breakers Final Mile festival will be located along MLK Drive between the Great Highway and 41st Avenue. Entertainment, food and activities.
175,000 Attendees

Cleveland Asian Festival

May 19, 2012 – May 20, 2012

Asia Plaza in Asia Town Cleveland, OH US 44114

Featuring authentic Asian foods and merchandise, local and national performing artists, a children’s activities area, games, competitions, and a health pavilion that focuses on free screenings and health education. Live cultural performances, martial art demonstrations, Sumo Wrestling (inflatable), Egg Roll and Sushi Eating Contests, Children’s craft, DDR, and merchandise exhibitors! Free Admission, Free Parking at CSU lots on E. 24th Street.
50,000 Attendees

DoWop Festival

May 19, 2012

Santini Marina Plaza Fort Myers Beach, FL US 33931

The Do Wop Festival at Santini Marina Plaza will be a blow out event to end an amazing ‘season’ of events at Santini Marina Plaza. Everyone is welcome and the event is free! Baby Boomers, come ready to DANCE! There will be a shag AND a swing (jitterbug) contest at noon with attendee applause determining the grand prize winners in the shag and swing (jitterbug) divisions. If you’d like to be entered in the contest, e mail Bonnie bonnie@thefishtalemarina.com and we’ll save you a place on the “dance floor”! D.J Larry will be spinning 50′s and 60′s tunes all day long, 30+ Artsy Vendors and the Restaurants of Santini will be serving gourmet Noshes!

Maria can be reached directly at eventsblog@eventcrazy.com or visit her website at www.eventcrazy.com
Copyright © 1998-2012 Events Media Network, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Photos are copyright of their respective owners.

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Celebrate Mom’s This Week!

May 11th, 2012

This week we celebrate Mother’s Day. I mention it in case my sons read my blog so they will remember to buy me something nice. Just kidding. I am actually writing this blog as sort of a tribute to mom’s with the events that I have selected.

I can verify that being a mom can be a very tough job. Your joy is overwhelming but your tasks are overwhelming as well. So let’s see what we have … Well first up there is that ever popular ritual of waking kids up for school or church that endears mom’s to their children. So there is a connection with another wake up expert as we feature an event in Broken Arrow OK called Rooster Days. ( see where I am going here?). In addition I highlight this week the Olde York Street Fair for those times when she screamed at you not to play in the street or to hold her hand while crossing. Or how about the Walla Walla Wash-ington Balloon Stampede which reminds me of the all the fun times getting my sons to wash up. (ok it’s a stretch but help me out here I have to work with what I have). Or better yet there is the Buggy Festival in Carthage NC reminding us of all the times that mom did her best to impersonate a taxi driver.

Of course there is the cooking over the years of all of those 1000’s of meals. To that end you might want to take her out to eat so she doesn’t have too cook. The events I have here have a food-centric theme. They include Taste of Alpharetta in GA, No Bull BBQ Cook-Off in Morgan Hill , CA and Poultry Fest in Batesberg-Leesville SC.

Now Mom gets a bad rap for being the one that always has to make you do the things that you dislike. So at times mom might be less than charming. Perhaps a visit to the Yell Fest in Dardanelle AR or the Texas Crab Festival in Crystal Beach might not be the best Mother’s Day present. I would make it a point however to tell her NOT to make an inference from the names of the events that you have chosen. Good luck with that one. My mom would see right through it!

In your youth, you made some wonderful (cough cough) art projects. During that time, mom was always so happy to hang them on the fridge for all to see the work of the next DaVinci. Now that you are older, you might cut her some slack and take her to see some real artists at these wonderful art events. Featured this week are the Art for All Fest in Lawton OK, Artisphere in Greenville SC and Art in the Arbor in Louisville KY. I bet the artists’ mothers are selling their children’s old artwork to make a tidy profit that they lovingly stored over the years. My mom has mine in the attic or filed under “T” years ago I am sure.

And if you are just looking for some nice events that mom might enjoy simply because it’s time she gets to spend with you, try the Sweet Auburn Springfest in Atlanta and the Cherry Blossom Festival and Parade in Barberton OH.

Well that concludes our Mother’s Day themed events this week. And I can do without the collective “Thank God!”. Unless of course if it is followed by “for Mother’s everywhere!” If there isn’t anything on this list that you think your mom would like to attend, please use the search box above and find something in your backyard. Happy Mother’s Day all!

Arts for All Festival

May 11, 2012 – May 13, 2012

Shepler Park Lawton, OK US 73558

Since 1981, fine arts festival with local and professional entertainment, children’s area with hands-on activities and a variety of food booths, 80 booths. Through the years, our little festival has grown into a large fine arts juried show, and artists across the United States clearly indicate that the Arts for All Festival in Lawton has become a highly sought after event for artists on a national level. Artists representing many states display in mediums of photography, pottery, sculpture, painting, jewelry, and more. Accompanying the wonderful array of visual arts are the art of cuisine. Entertainment is featured on two stages by our local children’s groups, schools, and dance studios. Takes place on the South side of Gore Boulevard, Between 4th Street and 5th Street.
30,000 Attendees

Cherry Blossom Festival and Parade

May 11, 2012 – May 13, 2012

Downtown Barberton, OH US 44203

Since 1958, features rides, food, dunk tank, inflatable bounce house, penny search, live music, cherry pie eating contest, fishing derby, childrens activities, hula hoop and ring toss contests, vendors and exhibitors, crafts, petting zoo and more. Parade is Saturday at 10am at the corner of 21st and Wooster Road West. *In the unlikely event that we have severe weather the Band will be canceled. Kids events will move under the Big Tent. Rides and vendors will stay open unless severe weather becomes dangerous.
120,000 Attendees

Texas Crab Festival

May 11, 2012 – May 13, 2012

Gregory Park Crystal Beach Crystal Beach, TX US 77650

Since 1986, features continuous live entertainment, dancing under a covered pavilion, food and craft booths, crab and seafood cookoff, crab races, crablegs contests, carnival and entertainment for the entire family.
10,000+ Attendees

Yell Fest

May 11, 2012 – May 12, 2012

Veterans Riverfront Park Dardanelle, AR US 72834

Since 1989, features yelling contest, ugly dog contest, carnival, arts and crafts, food, 5k run, horseshoes, commercial displays, live entertainment, antique car display, pageants and fireworks.
35,000 Attendees

Poultry Festival

May 10, 2012 – May 12, 2012

Leesville Business District Batesburg Leesville, SC US 29070

Since 1987, chicken-calling contests are fun things to see after you sample the food especially the fried chicken, browse the car show, dance teams, carnival, roadrace, volleyball, parade, 5K road race, almost 120 craft and 30 food vendors, live musical entertainment and fireworks on Saturday night.
100,000 Attendees

Walla Walla Balloon Stampede

May 11, 2012 – May 13, 2012

Walla Walla County Fairgrounds Walla Walla, WA US 99362

Since 1975, 50 hot air balloons, skydivers, entertainment, food, dancers, memorabilia, arts and crafts booths, spectacular niteglow and activities for all ages.
55,000 Attendees

Rooster Days

May 10, 2012 – May 13, 2012

Central Park Broken Arrow, OK US 74014

Since 1933, Intense, action packed, kid friendly, incredible music and great fun only begins to describe the Broken Arrow Rooster Day’s festival. Parade, carnival, arts and crafts show, trade fair, rodeo, grandstand entertainment and a miss chick contest.
100,000 Attendees

Buggy Festival

May 12, 2012

Nancy Kiser Park Carthage, NC US 28327

Since 1989. The Buggy Festival is held each year to commemorate the famous Tyson and Jones Buggy Factory that, from the mid-1800′s to the 1920′s, produced the carriages that were essential to life in rural North Carolina. The Carthage Buggy Festival will promises to be the biggest and best yet. The Buggy Festival has grown into one of the biggest and best known festivals in the region.
20,000 Attendees

Olde York Street Fair

May 13, 2012

Downtown York, PA US 17315

Since 1975, over 300 craft and food vendors in 10 block area, kid’s fun block and 6 entertainment stages. The Olde York Street Fair has been a Mother’s Day tradition for more than 35 years featuring 150 artisans and food vendors as well as live entertainment and strolling performers that will fill the air with music. The Kid’s Fun Block is always a hit with rides and games for the kids to enjoy. Streets closed: Market Street from Newberry to Pine, and George Street from King to Philly.
50,000 Attendees

Taste of Alpharetta

May 10, 2012

Alpharetta City Hall Alpharetta, GA US 30004

Taste of Alpharetta has become an annual tradition for festival-goers, families and food connoisseurs for years. Make reservations on your calendar to dine in Historic Downtown Alpharetta at over 50 restaurants in one fun night. Sample delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts from the top menus in town. Enjoy culinary demonstrations, activities and entertainment to please every palette. Free Admission. Food tickets are purchased and restaurants participating in the Taste will charge for food sample. With the Taste of Alpharetta moving back to the historic downtown streets, our Music Stage will have current retro-themed bands. A separate Culinary Stage will pair top area chefs against one another in contests. Party with metro Atlanta radio stations. Play at the Fun Zones. Come out and enjoy Alpharetta’s premier dining experience!
70,000 Attendees

Sweet Auburn Springfest

May 11, 2012 – May 13, 2012

Sweet Auburn Avenue Historical District Atlanta, GA US 30303

One of the largest street festivals in the Southeast including 10 stages of entertainment, artist market, Atrium of Sweet Auburn Bridal Show, Atlanta Urban Media Makers Film Screenings, Business and Technology Expo, Butler Street Y Family Fitness, Parade of Cultures, Seniors Pavilion, KidsFantastic fun zone, health and fitness pavilion, home buyers showcase, international vendors marketplace and Sweet Auburn Literary Festival.
200,000 Attendees

Art in the Arbor

May 12, 2012 – May 13, 2012

Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church Grounds Louisville, KY US 40299

Since 1968. Art in the Arbor is one of the region’s oldest, continuously operating fine art and crafts festivals. It is held on the lovely wooded grounds behind Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church. The festival features 100+ artists selected by a professional jury, and attracts thousands of visitors the weekend after the Kentucky Derby. Art in the Arbor showcases not only talented visual artists, but also musical entertainment on a live stage throughout the weekend. A picnic area and wine garden is adjacent, so all can enjoy the show. The festival is proud to feature KY Proud food and crafts vendors. Art in the Arbor is the perfect place to bring all the family. The festival boasts one of the best Kids’ Crafts Booth and offers interactive games and art projects for the whole family. Shop for unique gifts in every form of art and craft available.
10,000 Attendees

Artisphere

May 11, 2012 – May 13, 2012

Falls Park on the Reedy Greenville, SC US 29601

The Artisphere Festival includes indoor and outdoor performances and visual arts exhibitions throughout the West End of downtown Greenville. Festival activities will include: An Artist Row of 100 visual artists, including national and local artists selling their work; Artists of the Upstate, a collaboration with the Metropolitan Arts Council that showcases work by local artists; Outdoor Stages with an array of performances by local, national and international artists; Art in Action Stage, featuring Brian Olsen’s paintin to music; Kidsphere chilren’s area, which provides hands-on arts opportunities for young people; A special area highlighting local restaurants called the “Arts Café” Temporary public art installations including street murals and bridge banners Despite its short history,
75,000+ Attendees

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Waiting in Line? No Problem With a Little Pre-Planning!

May 11th, 2012

Long lines and toddlers seem to go together like eggs and ice cream. But that doesn’t always have to be the case. Here are a few tricks I’ve developed throughout the years that can help make waiting in a long line fun for both you and your kids.

A Bag of Tricks: I’ve learned to keep a few fun items (read: things to distract my kids!) in my backpack at all times. For babies – the usual suspects like pacifiers, stuffed animals, and their favorite blanket can help take the edge off. For toddlers, we bring out the big guns – things like a small pack of crayons and a notepad, plain paper and sheets of stickers, and age-appropriate puzzles and mazes. Getting a toddlers’ creative juices flowing can sometimes help to keep their attention for up to 30 minutes – which should hopefully get through that long line!

Game Time: Vocal and visual games are great for toddlers. One of our family favorites is “I spy with my little eye…” This game requires children to use their surroundings. If you are unfamiliar with the game, the rules are fairly simple: You or your child will go first and pick something out of the crowd; you’ll say, “I spy with my little eye something purple.” And you or your child will then have to guess until the (in this case) purple item has been spotted. Then you switch turns. Another game we love to play is Simon Says; playing this game in line can allow children to get a little bit of energy out while listening to instructions and paying attention; it’s sure to get lots of smiles and giggles – and, who knows, maybe others within the line will participate too!

Sustenance: Don’t forget to have plenty of snacks and beverages on hand at all times. Your child might get grumpy because they are not only bored, but they’re hungry too. Being armed with portable snacks at all times can be a lifesaver. Healthy snacks that pack easily include bananas, crackers, Cherios, apple slices, string cheese, bottle water and juice boxes.

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