April « 2009 « I Don’t Have Time for This

Archive for April, 2009

Take Mama Downtown

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

Whenever my mom comes out for a visit, she always asks – or rather demands – that we take a trek downtown. She easily looks past this slightly grittier, urban side of Los Angeles and rather focuses on the endless blocks of costume jewelry, clothing, bedding, craft supplies, fabric, food, attractions, toys and her favorite, assorted knick-knacks.

If you’re wondering how to create a memorable Mother’s Day (on May 10), consider these 10 nice little suggestions from the Downtown Center Business Improvement District (DCBID), many of which come with special offers:

Sample Downtown’s Culinary Delights: Celebrate Mother’s Day with brunch at the outdoor Blue Ribbon Garden at the Walt Disney Concert Hall or at the Grand Café at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel. You can also enjoy a special pre fixe dinner at Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine. The Grand Café and Roy’s have created special deals exclusively for the DCBID.
Delight in Afternoon Tea: Relax in the afternoon and enjoy the wonderful tradition of aromatic tea, delicious pastries and desserts, finger sandwiches and delightful conversation with your mom with exclusive DCBID packages at the Japanese American National Museum and SipTea. Treat her to Asian-inspired treats and tea at the museum or healthy, organic dishes at SipTea. The Millennium Biltmore Hotel is transforming its Rendezvous Court into a live garden for this special occasion and hosting tea for Mom.
Wine Tastings in the City: Test your knowledge of colors, flavors and smells of various wines at the San Antonio Winery, the last of the 100+ producing wineries that once lined the L.A. River Basin. The winery is offering an exclusive DCBID package that includes free wine tasting, a winery tour and a Mother’s Day menu as well as complimentary glass of sparkling wine. You can also treat Mom with a delicious brunch, created exclusively for DCBID, at the new Corkbar. Check out its wide selection of wines afterward.
Shop Til You Drop: Make mom feel like a VIP with exclusive DCBID offers at Tiara Café, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Store and the L.A. Philharmonic Store. Known as the Fashion District’s trendiest spot, Tiara is the place to be to savor fashionably gourmet and healthy courses. Also, receive a gift certificate for a personal shopping trip with Urban Shopping Adventures. End your tour of the MOCA at its store and receive a free gift or a 10% discount at the LA Phil Store by mentioning the DCBID.
Relax and Pamper: If your mom needs a day of relaxation, pamper her with spa services with the DCBID exclusive “Mother’s Day Mix-and-Match Spa Treatments” at the Hilton Checkers Spa on its sunny roof spa or indoors at its serene spa. Mix and match different 30-minute treatments for your mom and for yourself. If you’re planning to stay the night, just add a room for two at the very reasonable price of $149 per night, plus tax. Also, check out Neihule, a sophisticated urban oasis on Olive Street, and sign up for one of three different Mother’s Day spa packages, all exclusive to the DCBID. While being pampered, enjoy an assortment of teas and sandwiches.
Absorb the Arts: If your mom enjoys live theater and musical acts, surprise her with tickets to a classical concert, “Bronfman Plays Prokofiev,” at the Walt Disney Concert Hall or snap your fingers and tap your toes to “Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Weller Musical Show” at the Ahmanson Theatre.
Marvel at Rare, Museum Collections: If your mom likes to take in some history, modern or ancient, then she can peruse the new GRAMMY Museum, which offers an exciting and interactive celebration of the power of music. Mention DCBID on Mother’s Day, and moms get in for FREE when accompanied by their children. Nearby, learn about Dan Graham, a central figure in the development of contemporary art since the 1960s, with a free Mother’s Day tour of the “Dan Graham: Beyond” exhibit at MOCA. Or check out the Central Library and awe at the sketches, figure drawings and building renderings by Richard Neutra, one of modernism’s most important architects.
Dabble in Downtown’s Diversity: If Mom likes exploring, then hop on a nighttime bus tour of neon signs, movie marquees and permanent installations of contemporary neon art through Downtown and Hollywood, offered by the Museum of Neon Arts. Also, explore the rich architecture and history of the magnificent Biltmore Hotel, which was known in its early days as the “The Host of the Coast.” Over the years, the Biltmore played nonstop host to high society, international political figures, movie stars and royalty.
Pack a Picnic: If you’re looking for something low-key, then laze around on a grassy knoll at Elysian Park, a green haven right in the back yard of Downtown L.A. You can also try Downtown’s Vista Hermosa Park, which features walking trails, streams and picnic grounds amid native Mediterranean vegetation. Both are free! You can purchase a basket of goodies for a picnic at Ralphs Fresh Fare, Bottega Louie or any of the Famima locations in Downtown.
Downtown Getaways: For the mom who wants to stay and make a weekend of her trip to Downtown, several marquee hotels are offering DCBID exclusives. The Wilshire Grand is offering the “Just for You Package,” which includes an Executive Jr. Suite, $50 food and beverage credit and other amenities for just $229. At the Millennium Biltmore, whisk your mom away for a relaxing weekend in one of the Classic or Club Level rooms, from $239-$289. For quality time for both parents, check out the “French Kiss Package for Moms and Dads” at the Omni Hotel. The Omni is sealing the special getaway with champagne and French toast breakfast in bed.

Tags: Downtown L.A., Mother's Day
Posted in Cool Thing to Do, Travel | No Comments »

On the Road Again

Friday, April 24th, 2009

The last time I had to travel without Kate and Jack, they scarcely seemed to notice I was gone. Granted, it was a brief getaway. But still, I’m not sure whether I should take comfort from that or feel hurt that they weren’t clinging to my legs as I dragged my suitcase to the car.

Most of us do feel a pang of guilt when we have to travel, which seems to become even more acute once I find myself reclining peacefully in a quiet hotel room to watch a grownup TV show. I miss them terribly (and I know they miss me … or I’m pretty sure, anyway), but in a way, I feel as though I bring them back a better mom in the process. It might sound like justification, but as my kids’ major source of guidance through their lives, I show them the world through my eyes. If I’m not seeing the world, then their scope is limited, too.

Not surprisingly, you’ll find some good resources out there that can help manage the guilt and other stuff associated with our business (and pleasure) travels that don’t include the kids.

Tom Daly, an Atlanta-based marketing executive, is the editor of the Traveling Parent, an informative and well-written blog that offers help, resources, good anecdotes and the voices of other traveling parents. Check out the brief Q&A he did with me.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

E-Coupon Clipping

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

couponsherpa1 Brace yourself: I’m going to give you a peek inside Carolyn’s purse. Among the critical items such as wallet and six shades of lip gloss are: one pair of boys’ Thomas the Tank sunglasses, one broken bracelet, 37 hair clips, three “emergency” lollipops, a battery, and about a pound of coupons. The great irony is that I am much more likely to use Jack’s sunglasses and eat his lollipop way before I’d use one of those coupons.

And why? Because I NEVER EVER EVER remember that I have them when I’m making that purchase that I’m making because I went to some store specifically because I had a coupon.

Enter a new iPhone application that I can really get behind: the Coupon Sherpa. Just scan the list of stores and find the offer that suits your purchase. You can email it to yourself and print it out or merely show the clerk your iPhone so she can scan it or get the number. The reviews are somewhat mixed on the results of handing over your phone to the person taking your cash, but the technology will catch up with them before long, I’m sure of it.

And in honor of Earth Day and all the paper saving you can do (and so we can all clean out our purses!), you can get the app for free through Friday, April 25. After that, it’s $1.99.

Tags: saving money, Testing!
Posted in Cool Thing to Do, Tips | No Comments »

Tea Party Time

Monday, April 20th, 2009

Looking for a good excuse for a road trip after tax time? Check out the week-long tea party that is being held not in protest but to celebrate this long-honored beverage – and positive vibes.

The Blue Tea Company is having a tea party the week of April 20 at its San Luis Obisbo headquarters at 793 Higuera St., adding a slightly different twist to the recent tax-protest tea parties.

Blue Tea, which is brewed from the blue heart wood from a tree grown in Mexico and known for its medicinal properties, has been the tea of choice at L.A. galas and fundraisers for the LAPD, the Screen Actors Guild and L.A.’s Best afterschool program. The tea is comprised of a blend of malva, cyanus, lavender and palo azul (which gives the tea its blue hue).

“This is a wonderful way to get the benefits of our tea to the public,” says Dave Reyes, one member of the brother team who founded the herbal tea company. “My brother John and I are family men and were always involved in programs to help kids. Our goal is to help create a colorful but incredibly healthy product that gets young people away from junk food and drugs and violence and channeled towards a good-tasting beverage for their health.”

I’ll drink to that.

Tags: Letters to the Editor, tea
Posted in Cool Thing to Do, Nifty Products | No Comments »

Around the Globe

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

If you’re thinking the Earth’s just a big blue marble, you should probably check out “Cool Globes – Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet.” This public art display includes 50 7-foot-tall, 2,000-pound globes that have each been designed by schoolchildren and artists to portray the plight of our planet.

Originally conceived by a mom of four, the exhibit started in Chicago and has toured Washington, D.C., San Francisco and San Diego before landing in Los Angeles’ Expo Park just in time for Earth Day, April 22. The globes will stay here through July before beginning their European tour.

Tags: Cool Globes exhibit, global warming
Posted in Cool Thing to Do | No Comments »

Bottle That!

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

The Disney Store is digging in to do its part for the Earth, targeting those pesky plastic water bottles as just one way to slow down pollution.

And on Earth Day (April 22), Disney Stores are planning some interesting activities and initiatives, such as:

Recycling is Magic Project: On Earth Day, shoppers are invited to join in the recycling fun by bringing in three empty plastic bottles to recycle. While supplies last, guests will receive a free reusable water bottle (an $8.50 value).
New apparel made from recycled water bottles. Shoppers can purchase a soft, wrinkle-resistant shirt and reusable tote made from recycled plastic water bottles.
In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, Disney Store and Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund have planted 96,000 trees to help The Nature Conservancy reach its goal of planting a billion trees by 2015 in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s most endangered rain forests. One tree is planted for each reusable tote bag produced. The tote bags feature a special Earth Day design, are made from 100 percent recycled materials and retail for $2.50 each.
Murals expressing what Earth Day means to local Boys & Girls Clubs of America children will be on display in Disney Store windows beginning April 13.

Tags: Disney, Earth Day
Posted in Cool Thing to Do | No Comments »

Got Questions? Get Answers!

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

How effective is “grounding” as punishment for a tween? Why is my child refusing to do her homework until the last minute? My 3-year-old is manipulating me! We can’t get through a meal without a sibling battle …

Parenting issues: We all have ‘em! Send me yours, and I’ll find an expert to give you some advice. We can’t fix everything, but I know I rely on an extensive group of moms, sisters, therapists, friends, etc. to help me navigate these often-difficult parenting waters. And L.A. Parent family therapist-on-call Tony Malinda had some great suggestions for my friend (see below).

So e-mail me your questions/issues/dilemmas at carolyn.graham@parenthood.com because believe me, we’re all in this parenting boat together!

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Ask the Therapist: Tantrums in Tweens

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

I recently received an email from a friend of mine chronicling some “daughter drama.” We both have 8-year-old girls, and both seem to be going through a renewed tantrum stage. I forwarded her plight along to Tony Malinda, an L.A.-based family therapist who wrote “Your Parenting To-Do List” in the March issue. I thought it might be helpful to share this with fellow parents!

She writes:

Do you have an article on this?

Brianna’s teacher called me today. Tells me she is having tantrums every time she asks her to do something, falling out and crying. She keeps refusing to take tests, and when she does, she answers only two or three of the questions.

Am I a bad mom? What is going on? I want to freak out! When she is at home, no tantrums lately and she does her homework fine. I just don’t get it!

HELLLLLLLLLLP!!!!

Tony Malinda replies:

Let’s start with the premise that kids act out for a reason 100% of the time and that reason is most often to get ATTENTION, ATTENTION, ATTENTION. And if kids cannot get attention in a positive way, they will absolutely and unrelentingly get it in a negative way. So here are some steps to try first:

1) Encourage Brianna to put words to how she is feeling and why. Don’t accept blame and criticism; try to get her to describe the situation and the feelings she has during that situation. Let her know that you have heard her then help her come up with creative ways to deal with her frustration without causing trouble in the classroom. Do not entertain blaming others e.g., Blame teacher, blame teaching methodology, blame other students.

2) Use rewards and consequences to decrease negative behaviors and increase positive ones.
“Brianna, if you can go 5 whole days (or three if that’s too much to ask) without Mom hearing from school in any way, you can have: a) Extended play date with friend, b) Movie of choice with Mom, c) Dinner at restaurant of choice with Mom. (This can vary depending on what she likes.) Do not offer material rewards; it sets an unhealthy precedent.
If Mom does hear from the school by phone, mouth or note, Brianna will lose all screens and playdates for the rest of that day and the following day.

3) Trust the school to handle the behavior within their system and try to stay out of it unless the school is insisting on your involvement. For example, if Brianna has to serve detention or sit in the principal’s office during lunch or miss a field trip, so be it. And try to stay neutral when consequences are given by saying “You chose to behave badly, now you need to deal with your consequence.”

Remember that the goal is to teach Brianna how to communicate effectively, self regulate, self advocate, tolerate frustration, control anger, delay gratification, manage frustration and be flexible in situations that she does not agree with or like. This sounds like a lot but the alternative is to teach her that she can get her way if only she throws a tantrum.

If this does not work then the problem may be more severe and need a more intensive team approach. I will be glad to help if that is the case.

The “Road less traveled” approach to parenting will pay off in the long run but the “path of least resistance” approach to parenting will come back to haunt us.

– Tony Malinda, M.A., M.F.T.

Tags: tantrums, tweens
Posted in Kid Management, Tips | No Comments »

Open, Sesame!

Monday, April 6th, 2009

Find out about snot, muscles, poop and healthy eating at the Sesame Street Presents: “The Body” exhibit, now occupying the child-friendly space across from the California Pizza Kitchen at Hollywood and Highland.

Jack and I took a Sunday afternoon trek over with L.A. Parent graphic designer Terresa Burgess and her energetic 1-1/2-year-old daughter Teagan.

The pair played in the obstacle course, learned about the journey of food through the intestines and got sprayed with “snot” from the giant nose at the mucous display. Teagan and Jack really liked Baby Bear’s Mini Mart and Mr. Hooper’s Store, where they practiced putting together their own well-balanced meals.

Teagan also liked the calm Elmo’s World room, where she found a comfy bean-bag chair to watch Elmo videos. Jack spent a significant amount of time at the Rub-A-Dub Tub, where Ernie and Rubber Ducky show why cleanliness is important (a good lesson for little boys!).

Elmo arrived in time for photos with both Jack and Teagan before we headed out for lunch. Kevin Clash, who portrays the voice of Elmo, was scheduled to appear, but both kids had tuckered themselves out on the exhibits. So we headed to the outdoor fountains, where the kids played and cooled off – discovering that being outside and playing is good for your body, too!

Sesame Street Presents: “The Body” is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekends through April 26 (with additional spring break hours on April 8-9 and 15-16). Tickets cost $10 per child and include one adult admission (additional adult ticket is $5).