Helping With Hyundai

by with No Comment adventurecharitycommunityfamilyholidaysmom lifephilanthropy

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” – MLK

Ever since Corrine was little I’d try and do things with her that would teach her to be empathetic. I think one of the greatest things we can do for one another as humans (and to teach our children) is to practice empathy and selflessness. So whether it was donating some of her gifts to children less fortunate than her, serving meals at Thanksgiving, and mentoring children at The Mission together in downtown L.A., it was a way for us to give back to our community and practice gratitude even when we were struggling ourselves and graciousness didn’t come so easily.

I was a single mom, a teen mom… and I remember that even the smallest gestures of kindness made such a huge impact on my life. I worked two jobs when Corrine was little and on the weekends to make ends meet, I’d pull overtime where I’d bring her to work with me and I’d set her up in a sleeping bag near the foot of my desk. She’d watch SpongeBob (the ONE episode she had) on repeat while I’d work from 5am-noon. My manager Karen at the time was so wonderful to let me do that because over time was a privilege and she allowed me to do this for months.

Girlfriends of mine would bring extra lunch to work and share it with me, for Christmas my friends would give me gas gift cards and donate wrapping paper for me to wrap presents with… just a few of the sweetest things that would mean nothing to someone else meant everything to me. So I really try and teach my daughter to give back when and where she can because if we’re in the position to help someone, why wouldn’t we? They say it takes a village to raise a child, well it also takes a village to help keep your head up when you’re down and out. 2020 was a perfect reference point for that and we all came together to help one another. I’d love to keep that theme going.

You’ve seen on my Instagram how proud we are to be a part of the Los Angeles Hyundai fleet. My Kona boo and I bop around town, choosing a different organization to highlight and help each month. For December we partnered with Hyundai to provide infant and toddler essentials to the families in need at the Good Shepherd Shelter (to help end domestic violence and rebuild lives) and donate to the CHLA. For January I picked up your donations from all around the Los Angeles area to donate to the Good Shepherd Shelter (new and unused items) and to the Mission (used items and goods) and I just wanted say thank you for being a part of this with me.

You’ve helped to restore hope for individuals and families, provided essentials that we wouldn’t think twice about not having, and purged your closets for donations … I’m so honored to be a part of this community. Please join me in continuing on with this mission, for the month of February I’d love to pick up where we left off in November with the food drive. There are a lot of non-profit organizations around L.A. as I’m sure there are in your communities, so if you’re local email me or DM me! Let’s try and feed 100+ families together this month <3

Food, water, shelter, and safety … these are the things I believe to be a human right and the fact that so many go without in the world of abundance that we live in is just incomprehensible to me. So I’d love it if you’d help me by A) donating canned goods and non perishable food items for me to pick up B) list some of your favorite organizations that we can all help and highlight in the coming months and C) tell me what you’re doing in your local community that we can support you with.

Helping with Hyundai means helping in our communities, activating our neighborhoods to reach out and give back where we can. I appreciate you, I love that we’ve been doing this together, and I hope I get to see your smiling faces (through masks… smile with those eyes haha!) very soon as we make our way around town this month.

Was philanthropy something you learned as a child or something you got involved with more as an adult?

p.s. my email is [email protected] and my IG handle is here

It’s A Heluva Holiday To Give Back

by with No Comment familyfoodholidayholidayshostinglifestylemom lifeparty planningphilanthropy

to dip or double dip, that is the question

This post was sponsored by Heluva Good! Dip as part of an Influencer Activation, like always, all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

So chips and dips… I will use any portal necessary to get the biggest bite from my dip, anyone else with me on this???

I’m proud of my snacking skills, my hosting abilities, and how HUMBLE I sound right now haha I’m also really passionate about working with companies that are philanthropic. You’ve seen me talk about this during the release of my Gift Guides this month so you’ll understand why I’m proud to have teamed up with Heluva Good! Dips and Walmart today!

I love that we’re helping to raise awareness about 1) their delicious dips and 2) ’tis the season of giving and Heluva Good! Dip will be donating a portion of sales to Toys for Tots that will run through the remainder of the year. I mean, talk about my two favorite things teaming up … spreading dips and spreading joy.

Dips make for delicious snacks perfect for anytime aka when everyone is waiting for dinner to be made this holiday season, just set out some chips (and some pita, oh and some crackers too) and Heluva Good! Dips for them. This is a for sure crowd pleaser every time!

Easy snacking, a time to gather around the table and catch up with friends and family, chips and dip are nostalgic for me. During this time of year when we can’t be with our families due to the pandemic, it’s so wonderful to have some tradition here at home. My mom always had her favorites in the fridge and can you guess what it was? French Onion! That’s my go-to flavor as well, it’s so creamy and SO yummy.

If you’re passionate about benefitting great causes and supporting brands that are like minded, please join me in purchasing your Heluva Good! Dip at Walmart or Walmart.com (pssst available for pick up or Walmart grocery delivery) and help donate to Toys for Tots this month. How convenient and wonderful it is to do some good, simply by purchasing something your family will enjoy while helping to make someone else’s holiday just as wonderful.

It’s a Heluva Holiday to give back … see what I did there? 😉

Happy holidays from me and mine to you and yours <3

Staying On Track In 2020!

by with No Comment familyhealthholidayholidaysinspirationlifestylemotivationreviewswellness

I’ve partnered with Green Giant, Optimum Nutrition, vitafusion and L’il Critters as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Can you believe we’re already through January and walking firmly into the rest of the new decade?! We launched this year with goal sharing and our family’s resolutions for the year and I wanted to check in and see where we all are now that the first month of the 2020 is coming to a close <3 

To recap: our family wants to eat more meals together, eat healthier, be more active, and take our vitamins! I’m happy to report that we’ve been staying on track *praise hands* I went to our local Walmart at the start of this month and picked up some things that have helped us to stay focused and support our wellness goals. 

My top picks are the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein and Essential Amino Energy, the Green Giant Veggie Hash Browns, and vitafusion – with a shout out to the L’il Critters too! I hope you enter the Resolutions at Walmart Sweepstakes and do it with us. Here we gooo!

I mean, this Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein is Vanilla Ice Cream flavored, travel friendly (oh hai tumbler), perfect for in between meals, and it’s SO delicious that you can mix it with just water and go! This protein is so important with how often we’re working out and helps us meet our daily protein requirements. Win win.

Essential Amino Energy not only gives us energy and focus for those workouts, but also helps support muscle recovery … perfect for bootcamp heyyy. I love this Fruit Fusion flavor!

vitafusion Men and Women’s Gummy Vitamins have been such a yummy way for us to be nutritious and get our daily vitamins in. They are the #1 Gummy Vitamin Brand and the only gummy vitamin brand with “clinically proven absorption”. Sure, those are great facts but the fact that as adults we’re taking our vitamins daily … super win! 

The L’il Critters Children’s Gummy Vitamins are a perfect way to get you little ones to take their vitamins. They’re fun, taste great, and are this cute lil gummy bear shaped! There’s no artificial sweeteners or flavors in them, and is the only gummy vitamin brand with “doctor tested proven nutrient absorption”. Again, win win!

*For Vitamins C & D3 in products that contain those nutrients
**The ChefsBest Excellence Award is awarded to brands that surpass a quality standard established by independent professional chefs

Green Giant Veggie Hash Browns what I can say, these are crunchy and everything we love about has browns with one full serving of cauliflower in each serving. Corrine doesn’t even know that it’s an actual veggie hash brown, she just asks for them every day! Perfect as a breakfast side, grab and go snack, and free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives *where are those praise hands again* If you love these as much as we do, be sure to check out the other great Green Giant products at Walmart, like the Cauliflower Gnocchi!

I hope my go-to products that have helped keep us on track as a family so far this year also inspire you! You can shop all of these products at Walmart and enter the Resolutions at Walmart Sweepstakes! 

Here’s all the Sweepstakes Information you’ll need:

  • Enter for a chance to win a gym membership for a year!
  • Entries valid from December 28th 2019 – February 24th, 2020
  • Limit one prize per person or household.  Only one valid entry per person over the sweepstakes 
  • Visit WalmartResolutions.com for full terms and conditions

Tell me, how are your goals going this year so far? Any tips and tricks you wanna share with us? Please do, and remember we’ve got this! <3

 

 

 

Delivering Smiles This Holiday Season – A Family Tradition

by with No Comment communityfamilyGift Guidegift ideasholidayholidaysphilanthropyshoppingspecial occassions

This post is sponsored by Amazon, however all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Tis the season… the season of holiday celebrations, family time, and sharing traditions. So I want to share with you what this ‘season’ means to me and my family and what some of our traditions are.

This is my favorite time of year because it’s the one time that most of my family is in the same state, under the same roof. It happens only once a year, and it’s such a special time for us all to reconnect and spend time doing things that are traditional to our family. Traditions are so significant, they bridge time and distance and link generations. 

Every member of our family contributes to activating the rest of us to be philanthropic, especially this time of year, and we also all contribute to burning at least one thing for dinner… but of course. This year, it was my dad’s turn. This is my dad, Michael, he’s one of my heroes. He is a veteran, a loving husband, and humble father. This year he asked us to volunteer at the VA so most of us will be volunteering our time in person, but those unable to join us will also be participating in a different way! Amazon makes it easy to give back to organizations we collectively love and support. This way, we’re all in it together.

Our family realizes that a lot of families go without many of the things we take for granted this time of year and aren’t able to give back in this way, so it’s a privilege for us to come together and give back – and it brings us closer as a result. We also realize that we’re connecting to an entire community of families that give back with Amazon this holiday season.

Want in on all the feel good? Well, there are three really easy ways to do it, my personal favorite being through AmazonSmile Charity Lists. You can browse by cause or search for an organization’s needs and the items you purchase are donated and delivered directly to the charity. I love this method because it takes the guessing out of it for us, we simply see what they need and we’re able to purchase those items for them directly.  

You can also donate a portion of the purchase price of your eligible products on Amazon to the charity of your choice with AmazonSmile by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com –  and if you have an Alexa-enabled device, you can donate with Alexa to a registered charity simply by saying “Alexa, I want to make a donation.” Choices like this really do make it rewarding to give back when and where you’re able.  

The organization near and dear to us is the Best Friends Animal Society. We chose to purchase items for them, shopping from their list as they are a part of the AmazonSmile Charity List. As a home that has adopted two fur babies, BFAS has a mission that resonates so closely with our family. Their mission statement is, “Best friends – save them all.” They believe that just because cats and dogs don’t have a safe place to call home doesn’t mean they should be euthanized. They work closely with volunteers, shelters, rescue groups, and other animal welfare organizations to educate communities and encourage them to adopt, donate, spread the word, and volunteer to help reach their goals. 

Philanthropy practiced this way allows all members of our family to be connected, and I hope you join us in this tradition! Encourage your family members to contribute to your communities in person and virtually. Amazon makes it so easy to give back to charities you love. Start a new tradition that’s timeless and that connects your family the way it does ours, and please let me know which organizations you’ll be #DeliveringSmiles to so we can check them out! 

Happy holidays from me and mine to you and yours <3

 

 

 

Suck It Up Buttercup – A Lesson In Saving Your Damn Self

by with One Comment familyfitnesslifestylemental healthmom lifemotivationparenting

I grew up with three dads. It’s a beautiful story and I love all my dads, they each play a different role in my life. The daddio who raised me was my Drill Sergeant dad. He raised us on tough love and discipline, we were like little soldiers with chores and rules, and we lived on military bases for most of my life- you get the picture.

I didn’t know this until I was much older, but there were a lot of lessons there in the things he’d say to us. LOL the story of everyone’s childhood eh? So I looked up the literal definition of, “suck it up” because it was something I’d hear on the daily. It read: Accept a hardship

Suck it up Miss Priss he’d say

My dad used to tell my siblings and I to suck it up and I was referred to as, ‘Miss Priss’. I was girly and I loved raiding my mom’s makeup bag and wearing her jewelry. I’d prance around in her stilettos before I even knew how to walk properly in them, and my sister and I would have fashion shows- we’d even dress up my brother! I thought I was a Princess. Some things never change 😉

I’m the oldest of three and I’d think to myself, ‘why do I have to be tough like my brother and why do I have to be in charge of everyone?’. I’d get into a lot of trouble if my brother or sister got into trouble so we looked out for one another, we were the three best friends that anyone’s ever had. And I’ve taken that phrase and have said it out loud to my self, I’ve said it to my daughter, I’ve even said it to my puppers when they look at their kibble like ‘wtf’. I was taught to be tough so I thought everyone else should be too. It’s the way I parented.

to accept something is to give it consent

I don’t necessarily consent to anything in life that has sharpened my edges. But I’ve learned from all of them, I’ve let some of that shit go (literally balled those moments up in my fist and dropped em out my window, and onto the freeway), and moved on from anything that didn’t grow me. I used to resent it when I was told to suck it up, it made me feel like I wasn’t given permission to hurt or feel. But it wasn’t that at all, I just wasn’t given permission to whine about it. “Why waste your energy on something out of your control?”… ummm couldn’t my dad have just said that? I was and I am allowed to hurt, to feel, and to be emotional. I just won’t whine about it… for long any way.

We don’t have to accept anything. But we can use things that would usually bid resistance and instead apply them to be the driving force behind what keeps us moving. Think of it like this: we are in control . . . of nothing. How we react is everything and if we can just take all the bullshit, all the wrenches that get thrown in our (very overly controlled) plans, the interactions with mean people and all the suck-ass situations in life, and if we can just “suck it up” for a moment- I’ve realized that there’s more that’ll keep you going than there are things that’ll knock you down baby.

I’m grateful for never being saved

When no one comes to save you, you become fully aware that you don’t need anyone to save you. You understand clearly that you can save your gahtdamn self. And I did. And you will. And you have. Read that again <3

Can you think of moments in your life where you actually saved your own ass from something and thought, “f*ck, I’ve totally got this.”? Click through to see the sweetest best friends that anyone’s ever had <3

 

Back To School – Lunch Ideas!

by with No Comment back to schoolDIYfamilyfoodhealthmom life

We were always the kids in school who got cafeteria breakfasts and lunches because it was FREE! I think that is the exact moment in my life when I became obsessed with packaged foods LOL I’m not kidding, I love cafeteria food, airplane food, gas station food… maybe I just love food. That could be it too.

But I’d always envied the kids whose parents packed them a Lunchable, with a juice box, and a treat. Well baby is all grown up and thank goodness as an adult I can just relive all those moments and make them MY WAY! You want chocolate for lunch?! No problem!

 


Packing an adult version of the Lunchables is super easy- you basically deconstruct a sandwich 😉 Throw in some nuts + a treat and you’re ready to go!

So the deal is, I really try to have a lean protein, complex carb, and healthy fat at every meal. Emphasis on ‘try’. Sometimes it doesn’t happen and I’m eating a protein bar or a a bento box from Starbies. I know the ‘lean protein, complex blah blah blah‘ is all I talk about, but it’s true! It’s how I help ensure I’m getting in all my nutrients AND helps me be flexible for when I want pizza or a dessert. Or both.

Some ideas for quick and easy back to school lunches for yourself, your kiddo, or your college student is:

  • deconstructed sandwich + veggies + almond butter bar + assorted nuts
  • pb&j + fruit + chocolate (this is from Trader Joe’s and one entire bar is 100 cals) – not that I’m counting, but if you were, there you have it <3
  • tuna salad + corn & black bean medley + leafy green friends
  • almond butter + rice cakes + fruit
  • yakisoba noodles + veggies + peanuts on top or sunflower seeds  (only thing not pictured. we actually at them for lunch and Joe didn’t know it was for this post *face palm)

If you or your kiddo is a picky eater, swap out the boring fruit they won’t eat for blueberries or strawberries. Corrine would eat those without fail while she avoided her green beans. She also really loved fried rice instead of yakisoba noodles so try that too! Mac and cheese and hotdogs were a staple in my daughter’s child hood (and still are lets be real) because as long as she was eating I didn’t care what it was. She was EATING … hallelu!

Are you ready for back to school season to begin? Next week I’ll share my back to school easy outfits! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things To Do In Redondo Beach – Our Staycation

by with No Comment familyleisuretravel

This stud muffin puffin and I celebrated our two year anniversary this past weekend <3 For our actual anniversary he was in Croatia so we to spend time together when he got back we headed to the beach!

My brother in law travels each summer and is awesome to open his home to us every year, so off to Redondo Beach we went. Since this is our second year spending a few weekends at one of our favorite places, I wanted to share with you our favorite things to do in Redondo Beach. This isn’t your typical, “go to the beach, walk the pier, find a park, sit at the library, grab a drink, have a some food…”… duh! lol

Yes do all of those things! Walk the pier, enjoy all of the shops, restaurants, and pubs. Rent some bikes, explore all the surrounding beaches, hop on a paddle board, and shop til ya drop! But besides the usual beachin’ stuff, here’s what we especially love about our time in Redondo Beach.

Hit up a local spot! The best Thai food can be found at Siam I Am, a small local restaurant that we love! We walk there every time and when I say small, I mean tiny but mighty. It probably only has 4 tables on the inside but it’s got the most authentic recipes, the most welcoming staff, and the yummiest food! Psst and super reasonably priced.

Must haves! Don’t leave without Thai Tea from Yum Thai Bistro! It’s creamy, it’s sweet, it’s the best! You can grab dessert next door too at Handel’s! It’s homemade yogurt and ice cream and one of the best in town

Pick an afternoon to shop around and cheers at all the places you pass because tipsy shopping is FUNS haha

Pack a picnic! There’s so many walkable spots around the Redondo Beach pier to grab a bite but we love to pack our our picnic (ahem I bought a picnic basket specifically for this reason). We pack snacks, wine, more snacks, and of course SPF. My go to is to pack champs but it’s pretty loud to do

Thennn walk the pier, enjoy all the local shops (there’s vintage shopping around too!), soak up the sun, and relax <3

What we love most is being able to walk to the beach from my brother-in-law’s place, picking fresh produce from his garden, cooking meals together, enjoying sake on the patio…just being outside and being together. Taking some time to be still, connect, and get drunk! haha did I mention that tipsy shopping is super funs?

Will you be hitting up the beach this summer? Or are you a pool type of person? Have you visited Redondo Beach? 

 

 

 

 

My Mother’s Day

by with No Comment familyholidaystravel

When Joe and Corrine asked me what I wanted to do for Mother’s Day I told them I wanted to just chill at home and do whatever they wanted to do. I don’t know why I do this thing, but whenever it’s supposed to be a day about me (i.e. birthdays and holidays) I freeze up and want to do whatever everyone else wants to do. I love attention, don’t get me wrong … it’s the decision making part that I don’t love!

So instead of staying home and working for the day like I’d suggested *eye roll, umm haalllooo we do this every day*, they whisked me away on a lil road trip to Ventura where we hit the beach, had some yummy brunch, walked around town, and made new memories together <3

Corrine will forever be my baby. We hold hands, she sits on my lap, and she lets me snuggle her in public. Joe loves our bond and gives us our space and then joins in on the love fest for family hugs <3

I hope all mamas feel loved and celebrated. Those like me who get to hold their babies, those with angel babies, those who have strained relationships, those who long to be mamas, those who’ve lost their mama, pet mamas … you’re all so special.

How did you spend your day yesterday? Happy Mother’s Day from me to you

 

 

 

 

Corrine’s Side Of Things

by with 2 Comments family

Do you have many memories as a child in regards to struggle?
Yes. Looking back, I realize we did struggle. However, at the time I was none the wiser. I reflect now and understand that my mom was a single parent working to make ends meet on her own. I had no concept of that at the time. I was still in elementary school, so I was oblivious to any sort of financial struggle. Yes, we did live in an apartment with minimal furniture for awhile (think, mattress on the floor and tv with no stand, lol) but in my mind, I was living it up. After all, I had a warm place to sleep, a full tummy and my beloved collection of cd’s and books, lol. My mom never gave me any indication that she was struggling. I got a $100 shopping spree at target for my birthday one year, which is super rad to receive at any age, really. I’d still be stoked if I got that today, like yes please?! But I think that’s just the kind of kid I was. I didn’t have much to compare my living situation to and I wasn’t giving too much thought to anything besides my latest crushes and friends at school. In retrospect I understand now.From your perspective how were those struggles defined and how do you think it affected your relationship with your mom?
I was so young, I didn’t know what to do besides go with the flow. We were both just coping and being glad that we weren’t homeless. It did draw us closer together because we spent a lot of our time together. I also think I sensed the stress my mom was under, not to the fullest extent obviously, but I understood. Being so young and placed in that situation is confusing, because I found myself attempting to overcompensate to ensure my mom’s happiness and be as little of a problem as possible for her. It’s a personality trait I’ve carried with me, but it’s not always a good thing. So I’m currently trying to unlearn it.What did you think about Joe when you first met him?
I was 12, I didn’t think much besides, “wow, what a nice guy.”

Do you think dynamics have changed since Joe and your mom got married? How so?
I think the dynamics have changed more so within their relationship as a couple and how they tackle issues together. I do however feel closer to Joe and he makes it a point to let me know that I can count on him for whatever, always. He lets me know I’m loved and supported and can go to him for anything. That’s something that has shifted after they got married, whereas before he was a little bit more distant, haha. I don’t blame him, it was probs v confusing.

Did you have any fears in your mom remarrying? Did you think you’d have less time with her?
No, not at all actually. The thought never even crossed my mind and I didn’t expect much to change. I never worried because their relationship never gave me a reason to think we’d spend less time together.

What’s some advice you’d give a single parent about parenting that you think you’ve learned that’s helped you and your mom stay close through life’s ups and downs?
I think being close with your parent(s) stems from your bond with them. My mom and I have always been close because that’s just who my mom is and how she taught me to be! She’s open minded, fearlessly accepting and always wants to hear about my perspectives, opinions and experiences in life, that goes for Joe too. I’m so lucky to have parents who allow me to express myself freely, and own my feelings and beliefs as an individual. I think one of the worst things you can do as a parent is to not let your kid(s) be genuinely themselves in their identity and interests.  I am who I am and accept myself and others because my mom never passed judgement onto me when I wanted to listen to different types of music or express an interest in conventionally strange topics. I think the best thing you can teach anyone whether you’re parenting or not is to practice compassion, with an openness to understand the world and the different experiences you can have within it. My mom never limited me to who I could be or the experiences I could have, and I am so grateful that she helped shape me into the dynamic person that I am today.

It makes me so happy to share answers to questions like this from Corrine. It’s so special to hear her side of things on some topics, thank you so much for sending in your questions and we look forward to doing this more often with you this year <3

What other things should we talk about, what you like to know? What are some questions you have for us individually or as a family? Please and thank you xoxo