Teen and Tween Blog Post This fall come check out some new attractions like Legoland’s newest rides and get your parents to go with you! A big part of making the most of every day is finding new ways to have fun. Sometimes your parents need more fun, too! We’ve got two great ideas in California and Kentucky, and I’ll bet there are great places where you live as well. New rides at Legoland, and a visit to Star Wars Miniland. My son Joey takes you to see the newest Ninjago rides and his favorite places in Miniland. I…
Great things and Giveaways, Author Interviews in September
Here’s a quick video update about wonderful things coming, starting TOMORROW! With Shannon Messenger’s interview about Keeper of the Lost Cities Series for middle grade and her young adult series as well. Later this month we’ll see Sara Ella and learn more about having a creative life with Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart’s new book, Life Creative. We’ll dive deep with updates about bullying and what you can do to not feel so helpless if it happens, how to diagnose it with young ones too. Sign up for the blog and my first giveaway, wonderful swag from Shannon Messenger and…
Get Ready For A Sparkling September
September is our kick-off month for three blog themes to encourage, embolden, and inspire you, and some sparkle not to miss at Disneyland before the end of their 60th Anniversary Diamond Days celebration. Late August Note: As a gemologist, I’m always on the lookout for something beautiful to see. Pictured above is some sparkle not to miss at Disneyland before the 60th anniversary is over on September 5, 2016. Make sure to stop by The Disney Gallery right as you enter Disneyland to view this spectacular castle and some other gorgeous gems with Swarovski crystals. There are also fascinating paintings…
A Dog with Diamonds
A Dog with Diamonds? An intriguing curse? A miserable queen? Could so much adventure be wrapped up in the Hope Diamond? This may sound like a storyline for Raiders of the Lost Ark, except this all involves one very famous gemstone called the Hope Diamond. It is an extraordinary deep blue color and weighs 45.53 carats. It was brought from India to Europe in the 17th century, when it was known as the Tavernier Blue and sold to King Louis XIV of France. It came to be considered bad luck for all its subsequent possessors, including Maria Antoinette, Lord Francis…
Refocus and Rebuild With Fun!
Fairy Tales at Once Upon A Time If you love fairy tales, here’s a wonderful exhibit coming up at the Bowers Museum for kids, called Kidseum, in Orange County, California. Pretend you’re in the book Anasi and the Talking Melon, or play a harpsichord in Beauty and the Beast. Then turn a corner, and it the Cinderella coach and a slide that looks like a castle and Jack and the Beanstalk, and more. It starts April 16th and run for the summer through August 28, 2016. For more information, see the website here. Chinese Gardens at Huntington Library in Pasadena…
Seven Things Audrey Hepburn Taught Me With Her Pink Prowess
Audrey Hepburn will always be remembered for her grace, candor, wit, and infectious smile. She could wear jewels like a princess and had some fun things to say. Recently I found this quote and thought that about summed it up: Growing up watching her classic movies, and her iconic style, she taught me a few key lessons in life. How to smile – My Fair Lady – a modern retelling of Cinderella, with a Cockney twist as a young girl struggles to be transformed act like a refined lady. How to have more fun in life – Roman Holiday –…
Enjoy Some Wonder This May
Photo: Charlotte Bird With May just around the corner, I thought it was time for some wonder on display! Faeries remind me of the simplicity of childhood, and also keeping open to wonder in life. I was a lot like this little girl growing up, looking for the stars winking in the sky, waiting for something amazing to happen, or wishing all my stuffed animals would come alive at night. One May tradition I want to try this year is leaving flower bouquets on neighbors or friends’ doors. Precious! Photo: lfvaustin.blogspot.com Host a Faerie party! Some gardens and locations have…
Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff
It’s been a full time lately, with big challenges, and neat opportunities, too. But it’s very tiring. And we’ve been battling the spring colds. Now, I’m finding such refreshment in the simple things. Walks in the park, blossoms on trees, cool breezes with bike rides. Flying a kite. Sometimes during a hectic season, it’s nice to slow down and enjoy the moment. It takes a settled soul to look for that pause, and leave room for reflection. Some of my favorite moments lately: Smelling the flowers at gorgeous gardens Sipping wine with my favorite guy Silly moments with games Stepping…
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