Walking With Dinosaurs – Last Chances!

I’m really excited that tomorrow I’ll be heading to The Honda Center in Anaheim to see one of the final performances of WALKING WITH DINOSAURS.  The original company of WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular, which has toured North America since July 2007, will play its final engagements at The Honda Center in Anaheim, CA September 1-5, followed by performances at The STAPLES Center in downtown Los Angeles, September 9-12.  The show originally played the Los Angeles area in 2008 with an unprecedented sold-out run at both venues.  WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular is based on the award-winning BBC Television Series.  In this production, seventeen roaring, snarling “live” dinosaurs mesmerize the audience as if they were back in the time when dinosaurs walked the earth. The dinosaurs are life-size, making the show so immense, it could only fit in arenas.  The “live” dinosaurs are actually a brilliant combination of technology and traditional theater arts like lighting, acting, scenery and puppetry.  The show is so enormous that they travel around North America in 25 trucks and production cost is $20 million.

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In WALKING WITH DINOSAURS, ten species are represented from the 200 million year reign of the dinosaurs.  Wow, 200 million years?  How do I explain that concept to Chip when I CAN HARDLY grasp it?  Anyway, I’m personally thrilled to see that the Stegosaurus, my favorite dinosaur, is in the show’s cast.  The show depicts the dinosaurs’ evolution which includes the climatic and tectonic changes that lead to the demise of many of the species.  It also shows how the carnivores and herbivores behaved.  The history of the world is played out with the splitting of the earth’s continents, and the transition from the arid desert of the Triassic period is given over to the lush green prairies and forces of the later Jurassic.  Oceans form, volcanoes erupt, a forest catches fire -- all leading to the impact of the massive comet, which struck the earth, and forced the extinction of the dinosaurs.  Apparently, all with a 35 minute first act, 20 minute intermission and a 35 minute second act!  I think I’m looking forward to it more than the kids?!

Review: I attended opening night with my 4 year old son, 5 year old boy/girl twin neighbors and their mom.  We were all enthralled by the show which is narrated by a rugged paleontologist who guides the audience through the 200 million year story.  Some young children may be frightened by the full sized, “real” dinosaurs.  Video is on the show’s site and it is recommended showing that to kids to get an idea of how they might feel at the show.  Our 3 kids were really into the show and asked lots of questions.  There are a few loud dinosaur roars that were tough on the toddler ears.  If you can afford it, the price of sitting closer to the dinosaurs is well worth it.  All seats are good and it may be wise to sit further back if little ones would be more comfortable away from a full grown, roaring T-Rex.  Overall, this is a show I highly recommend as being really fun for the whole family.  I wasn't feeling antsy or checking my watch, like I do at some of the "kiddie shows."  When the Stegosaurus came out during the Jurassic Period, it was like seeing Yo Gabba Gabba for me!  I leaned over to the kids and made sure they knew that was my favorite.  Who doesn't like dinosaurs?  Hot tip: Goldstar has half-priced tickets currently available on their site for The Staples Center shows.


Tickets are now on sale.  Honda Center tickets ($22.50-79.00) can be purchased at the Honda Center Box Office and at any Ticketmaster outlet, charge by phone 1-800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.  Tickets for STAPLES Center ($39-79.00) can be purchased at the STAPLES Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone 213-480-3232 or online at ticketmaster.com. For groups, contact the local arena directly.  For more information, please visit www.dinosaurlive.com. Video of the show is available on the site under “Meet The Dinos” tab in the middle of the front page.

Disclosure: I was given tickets to the show for review purposes and complimentary parking in the media lot.  No compensation was received.

Variety Power of Women

I am honored to have been chosen by Honda along with ten other amazing bloggers from all over the country to attend the Variety Power of Women Event in Beverly Hills on September, 30.  The funny thing is I live really close to Beverly Hills, so I guess I’m the ideal, all expenses paid, winner!  Variety has invited two of the bloggers to be Red Carpet Correspondents at the event to be chosen via a contest.  All eleven of us wrote what the Power of Women means to us and our essays are posted on Honda’s Facebook page.  The two bloggers whose essays receive the most votes will get to be the Red Carpet Correspondents.  Here is my essay and if you would like to vote for me, just go to the Honda contest page and click “vote”.  That’s it!  The voting period ends Thursday, August 26, 8:59pm PDT.  Thank you!

To me, “Power of Women” means harnessing the greatness of all the women who have gone before us, who have paved the way for us, the women of 2010. I’m not just referring to famous historic women. I mean all women: our mothers, grandmothers and their mothers and sisters. For every girl over the centuries who dreamed of creating something, there was at least one older female who supported her. Women supporting women, networking, mentoring and encouraging women and girls from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities is a key element of today’s Power of Women. As I look back over the story of my life, I can think of so many women, some who only played walk-on roles, but who inspired, influenced or continue to echo through me. I just know that we can continue the momentum for the women yet to come.

Elizabeth Peterson

simplehuman Steel Frame Dishrack

Don’t laugh.  You’d love this dishrack, too.  How long had I dealt with dishracks that basically got icky: rusty, moldy, messed up the counter, or just plain old gross?  Last year I attended a blogger tea hosted by simplehuman, a company that has products I was already using.  This past December, I reviewed their Tension Shower Caddy which I continue to love and still looks brand new.  simplehuman is already on my “companies with awesome stuff” list, so I was hopeful their line of dishracks would hold the answer to my prayers.  The simplehuman team was so kind to send me their Steel Frame Dishrack, $69.99, which is the largest of their dishracks.  I realize $70 may strike you as a lot to pay for a dishrack.  But, considering it’s something that you use daily and for most of us, several times a day, it makes sense to invest in a good one.  This one has everything covered, the stainless steel is fingerprint proof, the drip tray is extendable for when you have glasses hanging on the flip-out cup holders, the plate holder area allows you to customize with flip-up tines, the utensil holder has a bamboo knife block, the drain spout pivots so you can aim it to your sink.  The whole dishrack is customizable for either side of your sink, if you want to have it long or short alongside the sink and if you need to raise it for an overmount sink.  The whole thing comes apart easily so you can clean it all with soapy water or wash it in the top rack of your dishwasher.  No nasty crevices for icky stuff to get trapped!  How brilliant?  All this and it comes with a 5-year warranty. 

The main concept, I read is that you can leave it on your counter and have it still look nice in your kitchen because it hides dishes while drying.  I can see that working for people who KEEP UP with putting their dishes away.  I can.  I appreciate that if I could attain that and stay on top of that, I would have that look.  I personally appreciate that I can get backed up and still load it up and it lets me get away with it.  With the toddlers, I have a lot of stuff that I can’t put in the dishwasher, so I really use my dishrack a lot.  As you can see from my picture.  My hip 20-something babysitter even commented on how great the dishrack is the other day.  Yes, dear readers, we have a keeper.  Available at simplehuman.com, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Sur La Table.

South Coast Plaza = Mall Heaven

Not to dwell on the past, but to understand me a little better, it is worth telling you a little bit about my youth.  Growing up, the mall closest to my house was referred to as “the worst mall”.  Full of stores that had no relevance to me or my friends.  I would go there and wonder how I could be so unlucky.  Ironically, the mall located closest to my beach house was, if possible, an even worse mall.  That mall had wall to wall carpeting.  Need. I.  Say.  More?  I dreamed of growing up and living near a really great mall.  Ok, I realize I sound shallow and snobby.  Realize that: 1) this was me, as a kid, thinking these things, 2) of course I had other goals and 3) this is my blog and I can say whatever I want.

When I walk into South Coast Plaza I want to throw my arms in the air, twirl around and then lie on the marble floor and make snow angels.  Oh, my, mall!  How is it possible so much fabulous retail exists in one walkable locale?  I was really lucky to attend South Coast Plaza’s recent Blogger Event along with a number of LA and Orange County fashion and travel bloggers.  Our schedule kicked off in the VIP ACCESS Suite, located in the Saks Fifth Avenue wing on level 2.  VIP members receive free valet parking and membership in the suite which provides guests with a place to relax, store purchases and enjoy refreshments.  The suite also has a Zen Room and a Sports Lounge and is attended by a concierge who will handle personal requests including dining reservations and event tickets.  When I was in here I couldn’t help but think that certain people who get dragged to go shopping would love hanging out in the VIP ACCESS Suite whilst the other members of their party shopped!  We were briefed on our agenda, given our lovely canvas gift bags and {{{woosh}}} the fashionistas in the group swept me up and out the door towards our first stop, the Tumi Boutique.

As a multi-lingual, globetrotter, having lived in a few different countries, I have been on a search for the perfect piece of luggage since I got my first passport at age 5.  I suspect I’ll always be looking but I must say Tumi certainly sets the standard for innovation, creativity and understanding the needs of the modern traveler.  The staff at Tumi demonstrated packing techniques (see video) showing us how to use some of their packing accessories including the packing cubes and flat folding packs for optimum efficiency.  All the bloggers were thrilled when we found out Tumi was giving each of us a Just In Case Tote which is the perfect bag that zips up into its own pouch and turns into a sturdy, handy tote bag when you find out you “over-shopped” or were “over-swagged” and need an extra bag for the trip back home.  Tumi gets major stars for a really useful blogger gift!

Tumi Boutique Southcoast Blogger Event from Liz Peterson on Vimeo.

Next stop was Spa Nordstrom Escape for a Blogger Bronzing Session using St. Tropez air-brush spray tanning process.  We had our faces done and I was really impressed with how quickly the results appeared and how natural it looked.  The tan lasts for several days and can be maintained for weeks with at home application of the St. Tropez products.  The spa offers a menu of services and is a really nice offering that I had no idea existed at Nordstroms.  The staff is really warm and friendly and gave us tours of the treatment rooms.  I noted that they have showering facilities which is a nice amenity to have available for clients.  All tanned and refreshed, but, sadly, no time to shop for shoes…We did a fashionista march to our next destination: Henri Bendel.

I can’t say it any better than HenriBendel.com describes themselves: “Henri Bendel is a girls’ playground, where Bendel girls go to find the new and the next in accessories, cosmetics and gifts.”  You know how you felt when you were about 8 and walked into a candy store?  Ok, now you get it.  The other thing is that things there can be splurge-y, yet at the same time, incredibly practical.  Plus the price points allow absolutely anyone to have something from Henri Bendel.  I personally was digging the “Disturbed Stripe” Collection, especially the The Disturbed Stripe Beach Towel.  I want that towel.  Will someone please give me one?  I’m not picky, but if you are asking, I’d like the one with the red trim.  Thanks.  The Travel Candle Collection is coming back by popular demand at the end of this month.  Available in stores and online, in scents like Lemon Verbena, Peony and Vanilla Bean and only $15, it’s a nice way to bring a travel friendly candle on your summer vacation.  I could have spent hours in Henri Bendel, but we needed to continue our mall crawl.

Next stop: Intimacy, bra fit stylists.  The newly opened boutique is part of a chain of “life changing” stores that help women find the right bra, show them how to care of their bra and often transform them physically and mentally.  I don’t know the exact statistic, but I’ve heard that something like more than half of all women wear the wrong size bra.  At Intimacy, the associates are highly trained in their product lines, made up mostly of European brands and work to figure out what your lifestyle and wardrobe needs are.  Then figure out what bras are right for you.  Pretty cool.  They also have sports bras, tanks with built-bras, all kinds of bra accessories and laundry care products.  Quite a brilliant concept to find exactly the right bra.

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My blogger pal, Rockin’ Mama and I made a quick stop into Molten Brown, the British based chain that carries personal care products like soap, shampoos and body washes as well as candles and room sprays.  They gave us a cute little sample pack of body lotion, bath and shower gel and liquid handwash.  With names like Coco de Mer, Wilde Fairyfleur and Naran Ji, you really have to visit to revel in the cocktail scents the Molten Brown geniuses have created.  On a funny note, I asked the staff where they had other stores and they said only in New York.  A few days later, I was in New York for the Kelly Ripa Ovarian Cancer Benefit Event and found a Molten Brown a block from my hotel.  I ducked in for a quick purchase.  I’m not a huge fan of heavy perfumes, but I do love shower gels.  Molten Brown scents are perfectly scented and yummy!

All the bloggers met up at AnQi by Crustacean, the restaurant owned by the An family of the famous Crustacean restaurant in Beverly Hills, of which I am a fan.  We sipped cocktails and had a delicious special menu that was prepared for us.  Then the restaurant lights dimmed and the catwalk lights brightened and the La Perla Summer Fashion Show began.  La Perla is best known for lingerie, but they do have a line of bathing suits and cover ups.  It was lovely to have Elizabeth An, third-generation of The House of An, stop by our table for a chat.  I knew about the “secret kitchen” in Crustacean and asked if there was one at AnQi.  She confirmed that they did indeed have on there as well.  It was so nice of AnQi to give all the bloggers gift certificates to return to AnQi for another visit.  I can’t wait to take Surfer Guy.

Well, what a day we had at the best mall ever possibly imagined.  South Coast Plaza is a destination mall…People travel from all over the world to shop there.  I’m so lucky I’m just a quick minivan jaunt away from a childhood dream realized: a really great mall.  For my readers who aren’t as lucky as I am, there are some hotel packages being offered this summer in partnership with South Coast Plaza: The Montage Laguna Beach is offering the Shopping Spree Special and The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel has the Pack Your Bags Shopping Package.  For full details on South Coast Plaza, visit SouthCoastPlaza.com.  I’d like to thank South Coast Plaza for inviting me to this excellent event and for the lovely “South Coast Plaza Loves Bloggers” gift bag I was given.  I love South Coast Plaza back!

Photo Credits: Caryn Bailey of Rockin’ Mama and Crush Studios

I’m a BlogLuxe Awards Finalist!

First of all, it is an honor just to be nominated. But then to receive enough votes to put me in the top five vote getters in the category “Blogs We Learned The Most From”?  Well, I’m humbled.  It’s often a lonely blogger existence, late in the night, just me, my computer and an occasional opossum wandering by the window.  To whomever nominated me: thank you!  To everyone who voted: Thank you!  I hope I helped a bit, changed it up some and had something for everyone.  The e-mail informing me that I am a finalist began: Congratulations! Based on reader votes, you are a finalist for the 2010 BlogLuxe Awards!  Thank you for writing such organized/amazing/beautiful/hilarious/inspiring/fun/over the edge/tasty/downright awesome blogs!  Two winners from each category chosen by our VIP "Academy" will be announced at the Avery SocialLuxe Lounge in New York City on August 5, 2010. The Avery SocialLuxe Lounge takes place the night before BlogHer 2010 the big annual blogging conference that is being held this year in New York City.  I wonder if winners have to make speeches?  I’d like to thank the academy, my first writing teacher Mrs. Mayo, my…

Do Good Day

Today I teamed up with six other Los Angeles area mom bloggers on the first ever “Do Good Day” sponsored by 77kids by American Eagle and The Motherhood.  Do Good Day was held today in 11 cities across the country each with 7 mom bloggers and their children (thus the 77 and their kids, cool, eh?) did various community service projects and pay it forward acts of goodness in their communities.  Our team, made up of Aracely, Caryn, Ciaran, Linda, Liz, Stephanie, several of our kids and myself set up at Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach which is a popular beach destination for parents and their young kids.  Our Do Good Day project was having kids make Get Well cards for kids at The Children’s Hospital of Orange County.  We had four big tables set up with colorful cards, envelopes, ink stamps, stickers, crayons, markers and pens.  Kids of all ages were able to make a card for another kid and have a blast doing it.

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When the kids finished their cards, they “posted” them into a basket and received a $1 bill from 77kids along with a list of 7 good things to do with a dollar and on the other side of the paper was a list of good deeds to do for free.  It was really nice to see almost every kid listen as we explained what was being handed to them even though they were supposed to be off having a fun beach day.  Then, the kids were given rewards for participating in Do Good Day.  We on the LA team were thrilled to have two fabulous sponsors join forces with us on Do Good Day: Ruby’s Diner, a chain with a location right in Seaside Lagoon, give each child who made a Get Well card a kid’s milk shake as well as a coupon for a free kid’s meal.  Cold Stone Creamery, the chain of ice cream shops, donated $5 gift cards that were given to each child who made a Get Well card.  What a fabulously fun and successful day we had!  I love it when everything comes together and just works.  Especially when it means doing good and keeping the good moving on.  Here is a link to the news story of our event in The Daily Breeze newspaper.  To find out what happened on Do Good Day in the other 10 cities, check out The Motherhood Do Good Day Circle.

Disclosure: I am being compensated by 77kids by American Eagle and The Motherhood for my participation in Do Good Day.  I am not being compensated for this post.

Childproofing My Toyota Sienna

Childproofing the Car from Kimberlee Mitchell on Vimeo.

When Kimberlee Mitchell, Child Safety Expert & Professional Childproofer, came with the Safety 1st Squad to childproof my house, she also childproofed my minivan.  We shot a quick video to go with this post to get you started thinking about keeping your family safe on the road.  I think it’s amazing that there is so much that we don’t realize when it comes to safety and preventing injuries in our family cars.  Here are some of Kimberlee’s key tips: eliminate projectiles, ensure you have your car seats properly installed, make sure you have the right car seat for your child, do not use your cell phone while driving, use techniques to prevent forgetting your baby in the car, hide your keys from kids.  For complete information please read Kimberlee’s blog post Childproofing the Car.

I have a big interest in car seats and consider myself to be really knowledgeable about them and about installation.  Here is a link to a Time.com blog post about a AAA/Dorel Juvenile Group survey (Dorel is the parent company of Safety 1st) that shows most parents don’t know the height and age requirements for car seats.  Further, and most alarmingly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 75% of car seats are not properly installed!  I learned how to install a car seat properly before Chip was born by meeting with a car seat tech who went over the specifics with me.  I’ve since taken advantage of any opportunity to speak with a police officer at a child safety event and opportunities like working with Kimberlee and Safety 1st.  Believe me, if I can learn how to install a car seat correctly, anyone can.  Kimberlee has a blog post, Car Seat Confusion: Which direction? Which location? When do they outgrow it?  Her post also includes a tv segment she shot on San Diego Living showing the proper installation of car seats in a Toyota Sienna.  She shows us some some good tips, including using a pool noodle to get a good install.  Now buckle up and be safe!