for beautiful, random, sweet, heroic moments caught on camera.
Take time to focus on all the good in our world during this Thanksgiving holiday!
Yummy Yummy Wiggles Ticket Giveaway!
June 12, 2012 By 19 Comments
The Wiggles have a special place in my heart. I was sad to learn that after 21 years of performing together, Red Wiggle Murray Cook, Yellow Wiggle Greg Page and Purple Wiggle Jeff Fatt have decided to stop performing with the group. This year’s summer tour will be the last opportunity for families in LA to see the four original Wiggles on stage together.
There are only two shows here in LA – at The Wiltern on Sunday, July 15th – 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM.
Ticket Giveaway:
I have four tickets to giveaway for the LA show on the 15th at 11:30 am. Woo hoo!
The Rules:
To enter to win, please leave a comment here within the blog about why you want to win the four tickets.
If you’d like get an extra entry, Tweet this message: I just entered to win @MBMomBlogger @TheWiggles ticket giveaway and you should too: http://wp.me/p1rGlf-LC. For each Tweet, you’ll get one extra entry.
Winners will be chosen using Random.org on Wednesday, June 27th at 5:00.
Good luck!!!
Please Help the Redondo Beach Fire Department Win a New Kitchen!
February 16, 2012 By 13 Comments
How cute are these guys? And how gross is that kitchen?
Please take a moment to support the guys who give up so much to take care of our community! Click on this link to vote!
How to Save a Life
January 14, 2012 By 15 Comments
It’s been an amazing week. I may have helped to find a kidney donor for my husband’s Uncle by posting this on my Facebook page:
See that? Eight minutes short minutes after I posted the link to David Goldman’s Facebook Page dedicated to helping him find a living kidney donor, my friend Michelle popped up and offered to get tested. Just like that.
The next morning, Michelle called the University of Minnesota and offered to get tested on behalf of David. Since then, Michelle has done a lot of research. She knows what she’s in for as a donor. More important, she truly believes that this was “meant to be.” She’s still waiting for her test to arrive, so we have no news to share other than the fact that we are are still waiting. We’re new to the waiting game for this process, but David isn’t.
David is a writer, and he’s blogged about what it’s like to wait, and wait, on a transplant. As David says, the waiting harder for his family – his wife, Deb, and his son, Lenny.
In the meantime, if you’d like to get tested (it’s a very simple initial first test) you can do so by calling University of Minnesota Transplant Center at 1-800-328-5465 and select option 1. Tell them you want to donate to David Goldman. They’ll just ask you a few simple questions and send you a kit to bring to your doc. All costs are covered by David’s insurance company. Who knows? Perhaps you’ll be a match. Maybe you won’t. Karma will be on your side on this one. I know that.
I’m excited about this process. I pray that Michelle will be able to be a donor for Uncle David. And if it’s not Michelle, maybe it will be you. I hope this is the beginning of the end of a very beautiful story. I hope.
Holiday Sweetness: We’re Gifting a Christmas Tree!
December 15, 2011 By 2 Comments
I’m a member of MomsLA, the most incredible group of Mom Bloggers in California. Or anywhere, for that matter. (Yes, I’m biased!) Through them, I’ve been given the opportunity to give someone a gift of $50.00 from Stoneyfield as part of their #sweetitude campaign.
What is “sweetitude?”
Well, to me, it’s about having the ability to do something “sweet” for someone who needs a bit of sweet in their life.
Today, the kids and I are buying a Christmas Tree!
It’s not for us, we’re Jewish. We’re buying a Christmas Tree for some of our best family friends. They are going through a tough patch. They are moving, short on funds, and short on holiday spirit. They have small children and this year, there is no tree in the house. Until tonight… when we gift them with the tree! Pictures coming soon…
Thank you to Stonyfield & MomsLA!
*Disclosure: I was given $50 by Stonyfield to give away as part of their #Sweetitude program for the Holidays.”
Holiday Gift Guide: Flap Happy & Kai Bean Kids/Discount Code & Giveaway
December 13, 2011 By 18 Comments
My holiday gift guide wouldn’t be complete without featuring two of my new favorite children’s clothing lines: Flap Happy & Kai Bean Kids.
Flap Happy is a Southern California based company. According to their website, “Flap Happy hats and fashion are available in non-chemically-treated UPF50+ fabrics, so they offer worry-free sun protection for even the smallest fashionista.” Flap Happy hats make great gifts! We were sent a hat and an outfit for my daughter Ryann to test out – she loved it! The styles are fun, comfy and sun-safe. What more could a mom in SoCal ask for?
Kai Bean Kids is a clothing line also made entirely in SoCal. Kai Bean is a fashion forward line which combines the latest trends in contemporary menswear with a laid back California lifestyle.
Comprised of the softest garment dyed cottons including French Terry, Thermal Waffle Knit and Combed, Ringspun Jersey, as well as silky soft rayon, the collection is available in sizes 6/12 month – 12 years.
My son was sent this shirt to try out:
I love it! (And so does he!) I call it his “man-shirt.” It’s soft and cozy and yet stylish.
Kai Bean Kids & Flap Happy have kindly offered a special discount on their clothing for readers of Manhattan Beach Momma. They will give you 10% off when you use the discount code MBMom1!
In addition, they are going to giveaway one Flap Happy Product, and one Kai Bean Kids shirt. Woo hoo!
To enter to win, please do the following:
1.) Leave a comment here about which product you’d like to win and why.
2.) For extra entries, go like Kai Bean Kids Facebook page and then leave a comment here that you liked their page.
3.) Then go like Flap Happy’s Facebook page and leave a comment here that you liked their page.
Two winners will be chosen on Friday, December 16th at 5:00 pm PST using Random. org. Good luck!
* I was not compensated for this review & post. I was sent one outfit for my daughter from Flap Happy and a shirt for my son from Kai Bean Kids.
Isn’t There Some Kind of Code of Ethics For Handicapable People?
October 31, 2011 By 35 Comments
It seems that after my latest surgery, I am now becoming an advocate for those who use walkers, crutches and scooters thanks to my visit to Target in Manhattan Beach this morning.
First, let me make it clear that I love Target. The one in Manhattan Beach has a Starbucks in it. The only thing that could make it better is if they built a wine bar for tastings while you shop. But I digress…
We are having a little Halloween gathering tonight. Small. Thanks to my surgery. But here I am looking at the bright side of things – I’m just thankful I can participate. I rented a scooter to help me make my way through the neighborhood. I took it to the parade this morning at the kids school – it rocks! The downside? It’s really heavy. So we chose not load it into the car because our Target has a row of motorized carts on display as you walk in the front door. I envisioned myself happily shopping at Target, cruising around, with my giant Earl Grey Tea from Starbucks in hand, perusing the sale items and picking up last minute stuff for the shindig tonight.
BAM! NOT GONNA HAPPEN! My fantasies came crumbling down after realizing that all the scooters were not charged (or broken) today. And guess what? As we were fiddling around with them trying to get them to work, a woman, who could walk, but had a cane, came and took THE ONLY MOTORIZED CART THAT WORKED. I was pissed.
The management came over, found one cart with a charge left on it. I got in, headed for the dollar isle for prizes for the costume contest and my cart died. EPIC FAIL #2. And guess what? While I sat there waiting for my mom to track down another manager to help, the woman who took the ONE MOTORIZED CART THAT WORKED could be seen jaunting around in the clothing section – WALKING! Her cane was sitting in her basket, upside down. Grrrrr….
Eventually, they pulled out an old-school wheelchair (without even pedals to rest my broken leg on) so I could be pushed through the store. Okay, here I go, trying to look at the bright side of things again – at least I could shop. My leg is now in major pain after holding it up so it wouldn’t hit the floor as we shopped, but whatever, you can’t be too picky at Target, I guess, and I have pain meds. Lucky me!
So here’s my question: isn’t there some kind of code of ethics for us gimpy people? The lady who had the cane but could walk was older than me. So, does the fact that she was older zero out the fact that she could walk? Does the fact that I will be able to walk eventually zero out my pissed-offness? Perhaps she has to have that cane forever. If it’s a temporary ailment like mine, does it (do you?) matter less in a situation like this because it’s not permanent?
Here I go looking at the bright side of things again – Have a happy and safe Halloween. I’m thankful I get to spend the night with my kids, my mom and eventually my husband. And, we’ll be surrounded by some of our lovely friends from the neighborhood.
Blessed, I am!
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Giveaway
October 15, 2011 By 20 Comments
Happiness is… a Peanuts Halloween!
Can you believe that it’s been 45 years since Linus first sat patiently in the pumpkin patch awaiting a visit from the Great Pumpkin? (Wow, I’m old!)
Halloween wouldn’t be the same without watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! The Peanuts Gang always makes me smile.
I hope this giveaway makes you, smile, too! Check this out:
The prize package features an adorable Snoopy sock puppet from Hallmark Gold Crown Stores: a DVD from Warner Home Video of the beloved TV special, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown; a men’s and kids tee from Logotel; two books from Publishing International; a mini-globe from Running Press; a coloring book and crayons from Dalmation Press; and assorted candy (not shown).
Woo hoo, right? If you’d like to enter to win, leave a comment here and tell me which Peanuts character you love the most, and why.
Me? I’ll always have a thing for Snoopy & Woodstock. Those two are a dynamic duo!
Winner will be chosen using Random.org on Saturday, October 22nd at 5 pm.
Good luck!
* I was not compensated for this post.
South Bay & LA Holiday Gift Guide/12 Days of Giveaways
October 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Today, the kids and I are hanging up Halloween decorations and planning on a visit to the pumpkin patch later in the day. And yet, my mind is focused solidly on the Christmas holidays. Why?
I’m putting together a holiday gift guide that will be featured here on Manhattan Beach Momma. I will be focusing on South Bay & LA based companies. “Shop Local” will be my theme. (Internet based companies are okay, if you are pay for sales tax here in California.)
I will also be hosting a 12 day-long giveaway, with a give-away a day. It will be CRAZY fun, I promise!
The Holiday Gift Guide will be supported and promoted using Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Reddit, Google+, StumbledUpon & Digg.
If you have a product you’d like me to include in my guide, or if you’d like to participate in the 12 Days of Giveaways, please contact me at dlagoldberg@mac.com.
About my readers:
Manhattan Beach Momma readers are educated, upper-middle class and/or wealthier women in the age range of 35-44. Most readers live in Los Angeles. They are tech-savvy moms who shop for gifts for their children, husbands, friends and extended family.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Happy Birthday, Jen Levinson (aka Jen’s List)
October 7, 2011 By 1 Comment
Today, I’m using my blog to wish a dear friend Happy Birthday!
Many of you living Los Angeles may subscribe to her daily emails – Jen’s List. If you don’t, you should. Go here to do so, now!
Jen’s List provides subscribers with tips, tricks and leads on all things relevant to life in SoCal. You’ll find nanny leads. Recipes. Ideas for ways to get your kids to eat healthier. Houses for rent. Houses for sale. Computer experts. Community fundraisers. The list (pun intended) goes on and on.
Besides being an amazing resource for many people, she is also an incredibly generous person. She uses her power wisely. For example, she chooses to help a lot of non-profits and organizations in need by helping to spread the word about their fundraisers.
And, then, there’s Kristy Kaplon. Kristy, a young mom of a darling toddler, and pregnant with twins, lost her husband who was tragically shot and killed by an acquaintance. Jen has been instrumental in helping to organize many fundraisers on behalf of the Kaplon family. The one we did through Fresh Brothers together was very successful.
Again, helping Kristy is just one of the many amazing philanthropic efforts that Jen takes on. She’s just incredible.
And, oh, I forgot to mention this – she is the mom of five kids! She has two sets of identical boy twins, too.
So Happy Birthday, my friend! You are an inspiration to me.
XO
Find Jen on Twitter: @JenLevinson
Website: www.JensList.com
