"In Mother Words" Tickets Giveaway!!!

You and a friend can join me at Geffen Playhouse on Sat. Feb. 19th @ 3pm for their very special event "Mom's Day Out"!

As moms we work VERY hard, and it's rare that we get an opportunity to take some time out and enjoy the company of other moms in a fun environment, so we're hoping you and a guest will join me for a special afternoon of entertainment featuring the new show, "In Mother Words." This show, written by some of contemporary theater's most talented voices, tackles the subject of motherhood in an eye-opening, hilarious and irresistible night of theater and makes its West Coast debut with award-winning actors Jane Kaczmarek, Saidah Arrika Ekulona and James Lecesne. As the program states, "Whether you are a parent, have a parent or ever want to become a parent, this play will elate and terrify equally - much like motherhood itself."

There will also be a food and drink reception following the show from 4:30pm to 7:30pm.I know I could use a drink.

Mandatory Entry: What TV mom do you admire?

Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):

1) Earn one additional entry by following my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
If you are already a follower leave it in a separate comment and it will count.
2) Earn one additional entry for following me on Twitter at bernadette923
If you are already a follower leave it in a separate comment and it will count.
3) Earn one additional entry for tweeting this contest (leave a link to your tweet as your comment).

Please follow all the rules or your entry will not count.

This contest is open until Tues, Feb. 15th at midnight. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment OR be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 48 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner.

Good luck!

Bern-Baby-Bern

Tiny Tot Tuesday at the El Capitan with "The Little Mermaid"

If you have a toddler and avoid the theaters because it's too dark and loud and your kid is too busy trying to cruise the aisles and asking questions during the movie then I have a solution for you!!!

Tiny Tot Tuesday at the El Capitan presents the Disney classic "The Little Mermaid" on January 25th! For this special screening the lights are slightly dimmed, the sound level reduced and the kids are encouraged to dance in the aisles if they get the urge. Parking is conveniently available across the street at Hollywood and Highland with validation.

AND they are offering a "Mommy" code discount to all my readers at $9.00 per ticket.

Don't miss this Disney classic at the historic El Capitan Theater! You'll be glad you did.

Bern-Baby-Bern

Young, Blonde and Beautiful AIN'T Got Nothin' on ME!!!

The past two days I've gone for a hike @ 6:45AM. I know, crazy but it's the only time I can get it in. Each day I've seen the sun come up and I relax and enjoy the beautiful sunrise while still holding my keys in the "in case an attacker comes out" position in between my fingers. BTW, both days Richard Grieco (AKA Johnny Depp's replacement on "21 Jump Street") has said good morning to me.

Towards the middle of my hike, which is done in a slow yet steady pace, I saw two blonde, beautiful...no stunning (they looked like they were Ford models) in their early 20's in their cute workout matching clothes probably Lulu Lemon or Lucky or just Hot and Young Workout Gear. As they jogged toward me I could hear their conversation:

Hot Girl 1: We should get breakfast...
Hot Girl 2: OMG, totally!!!
Hot Girl 1: You know what sounds good?

As they bounced away from me I couldn't hear the answer but just heard giggling as I slowly strolled away. I remember those days of just being care-free and flying by the seat of my pants. You wanna go hike? SURE!!!! Maybe get mani/pedi's after? Why not?!!! Never having to worry about nap schedules, laundry, dirty dishes in the sink because I was single and only had to worry about me, myself and I. BUT with all those responsibilities comes GREAT joy. Every time my daughter says, "I love you mommy" and wraps her arms around my neck all the work becomes worth it. When she asks to see "Beauty and the Beast" for the 187th time and chimes in during the "Be Our Guest" song when the candlestick says, "Don't believe me..." she yells with anticipation and excitement, "ASK THE DISHES!" then looks to see if I'm as excited as she is. I say to myself, who needs to have an open schedule for spontaneous hikes and mani/pedi's...not me.

I love where I am today as opposed to where I was in my early 20's. My life is richer and fuller. Sure there are some days where it's tough and I have to dig deep and say "just get through it". Good thing I have an extra large shovel.

Thanks for letting me share my random thought of the day.

Bern-Baby-Bern

Holidays at Disneyland

Celebrating "the most wonderful time of the year" in "the happiest place on earth" is an experience you don't want to miss. Holidays at Disneyland is here with more spirit than ever and I wanted to share some highlights from our amazing visit.


Our day started with cookies and hot chocolate at Aladdin's Oasis. Who doesn't like cookies and hot chocolate?! Especially if it's chocolate-covered and shaped in the form of a famous mouse (which btw was worth every calorie).


Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofy were on hand to pose for holiday photos which we took FULL advantage of. When the lines were empty my daughter went up simply for hugs and handshakes from her favorite clubhouse pals.


We then grabbed front row seats to view the special holiday parade "A Christmas Fantasy". Some of our all time favorite Disney characters such as Woody, Buzz, Belle, Pooh and even ice-skating Mickey and Minnie rode on gigantic colorful floats blowing kisses and spreading holiday cheer to all the guests including my speechless two year old.



My husband was on video duty (as you can see from the photos below) so he got very up close and personal to some dancing reindeer and hungry chipmunks.



If you're a fan of Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" then you won't want to miss The Haunted Mansion. The inside is decked out from top to bottom with spooky decorations from this all-time favorite classic!


When the sun sets the REAL magic begins!!! Lights, lights and more lights appear all over the park. The sight of the glowing magic castle is simply breathtaking! It's A Small World is colorful and even used as a backdrop for cartoons that appear every hour on the hour. Last but not least every inch of Main Street is lit up with colorful lights and a spectacular glowing Christmas tree.



It's A Small World has always been my favorite ride in the park so I was excited to see it transformed to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season.


Before we knew it the fireworks spectacular "Believe...In Holiday Magic" lit up the sky. The best part of the show was the snowfall in Tomorrowland immediately after the fireworks finale. The look on my daughter's face as she felt it fall from above was priceless. I have to admit I did get a little misty-eyed watching daddy and baby giggle as they tried to catch drops of snowfall in her tiny hands.

Holidays at Disneyland is going on now until January 2, 2011. Make this season extra special by celebrating it on the happiest place on earth and creating priceless memories that you'll remember for years to come. I know annual passes will be going on "my" wish list to Santa.


Thank you Disney for making our "Holidays at Disneyland" so magical!!!

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post. I was given tickets to attend the event and the views expressed are my personal and honest opinion.

"Tea By the Sea" at the Getty Villa

When someone mentions the word "tea" I automatically assume they mean a mug microwaved on high for 2 minutes with a bag of Lipton dipped in it. So it's safe to assume I've never exerienced a proper "tea" dining experience until recently.


Last Wednesday I attended the Getty Villa's "Tea By The Sea" with some fellow mom bloggers in the Pacific Palisades. Our day started with a fascinating tour of Mr. Getty's former home which was built to replicate the Roman country house Villa dei Papirit. The architecture, artwork and landscaping were absolutely amazing.


Our tour guide Eric then led us into the gardens where we smelled fragrant citron, apricot and olive trees. I learned that tarragon is known to have foot-healing properties and that Cleopatra was rumored to have been poisoned by a basket of figs.


After the tour it was time for tea!!! And this wasn't just any tea this tea was a custom aromatic blend which is only avaiable at the Getty Villa. We dined on savory panini sandwiches, tea breads, port-infused cheese, fresh and dried fruit then finished off the meal with gourmet tarts and Mrs. Garrett's famous carrot cake.


Definitely a great way to have my first (but definitely not my last) "tea" experience.

The Getty Villa's "Tea by the Sea" is available every Thursday at 1pm in the Founders Room @ $36 per person. Click on this link to book your reservation today and prepare for the tea experience of you're life. You'll leave there saying "Lipton who?".

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post. I was invited to preview the event and the views expressed are my personal and honest opinion. And even after this experience I still enjoy a good cup of microwaved Lipton tea.

Disney Interactive Studios Holiday Event at The Victorian

My daughter has recently become obsessed with everything Disney. She sleeps with Minnie, travels with Mickey and wears the ears almost on a daily basis. So when I was invited to the Disney Interactive Studios Holiday event at the Victorian I packed up Mickey along with a couple of friends and headed down to Santa Monica.

The first thing we did was take holiday photos with elf ears, candy canes and even "Santa Paws". That is definitely a real dog. Apparently my daughter doesn't share the same fear as her mama because she kept trying to lay her head on him.

Up next were the video games. "Tangled" seemed to be the favorite even before the movie was released. There was also Epic Mickey and belting out the tunes to Black Eyed Peas' "Boom Boom Pow" on Sing It!





We took a break to decorate some holiday cookies. My daughter apparently thought the sugar cookie was fine without the decoration because she took a bite immediately after it was handed to her.


The girls also got a chance to get creative by decorating Christmas ornaments and drawing some masterpieces.



I snuck over to the Family.com station to get some great ideas such as making my own Disney holiday gift tags.


Displayed were some of the exciting holiday releases such as Sorcerer's Apprentice, Toy Story 3, Santa Paws and some familiar classics like Fantasia, A Christmas Carol and my favorite Beauty and the Beast.


We had a fabulous time and left with great gift ideas for the whole family. I know most of them are going on our Christmas wish list to Santa. Thanks Disney!

MOM Discount for Disney on Ice "Let's Celebrate"!

For all you moms out there make sure to use this special discount to see Disney on Ice! "Let's Celebrate". You don't want to miss this celebration with all your Disney favorites on ICE!!!


Hope to see you all there!!!