The Big Day: A Child’s First Day of Kindergarten

The first day of kindergarten is a scary and exciting milestone not only for children but also for parents. It the beginning of a child’s 13 year educational journey. In this blog, we’ll delve into the heartwarming experience of a child’s first day of kindergarten, exploring the anticipation, emotions, and key takeaways from this memorable day.

  1. Preparations and Excitement: The days leading up to that first day bring a mix of emotions – excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. Children are excited to embark on a new chapter, making new friends, and discovering exciting things in the classroom. Parents, too, go through a roller coaster of emotions as they see their little ones take their first steps into the world of education.
  2. The Classroom Welcome: Stepping into the kindergarten classroom for the first time is an overwhelming experience for both children and parents. The colorful decorations, cubbies with name tags, and welcoming teachers create a warm and inviting environment. Children are often greeted with a big smile, hugs, and comforting words – a gesture that helps ease any anxiety or nervousness they might be feeling.
  3. Icebreakers and Fun Activities: Teachers realize the importance of making the first day enjoyable, engaging, and memorable for each child. They plan icebreakers and fun activities, allowing the children to get to know one another while fostering a sense of camaraderie. Games, circle time, show-and-tell, and exploring the classroom are common activities that help children start building connections with their peers.
  4. Learning Routines and Rules: The first day also lays the foundation for learning routines and establishing rules in the classroom. This might involve teaching children how to sit in a circle, hold a crayon properly, or listening attentively during circle time. These routines and rules not only help children understand expectations but also provide them with a sense of structure and order.
  5. Tackling Separation Anxiety: For many children, the first day of kindergarten might be their first time away from parents or caregivers for an extended period. Separation anxiety is common and needs to be handled delicately. Teachers often employ strategies such as distractions, engaging activities, and gentle reassurance to help little ones overcome any nervousness and build trust in their new surroundings.
  6. The Power of Parental Involvement: The first day of kindergarten also encourages parental involvement. Schools often organize orientations, meetings, or special events to facilitate communication between parents, teachers, and the school community. It’s a great opportunity for parents to ask questions, familiarize themselves with school policies, and share important information about their child.
  7. Reflections and Takeaways: As the first day of kindergarten comes to a close, parents and children reflect on the experience together. Celebrating the accomplishments, sharing stories of newfound friendships, and discussing any concerns or questions helps reinforce the positive aspects of the day and address any worries for the days to come.

A child’s first day of kindergarten is a pivotal moment that marks the beginning of a lifelong educational journey. It instills a spark of curiosity, creates lasting memories, and establishes a connection between the child, their classmates, and their teachers. By fostering a positive and nurturing environment, kindergarten lays the groundwork for future success in education, social interaction, and personal growth.

Anthony Paul live at Whisky a Go Go

May 12, 2017

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What an exciting night! Anthony Paul opening for Oingo Boingo at the famous Whisky A Go Go. Performing with him was Harley Shayne (guitar) and Jack Ford (drums).

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Rocking the house singing original songs from his Violet Skies EP – which you can purchase on iTunes and Amazon or stream on Spotify or iHeart Radio

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Friends Seyona, Gabby, Jeremy and Kyle joined them in the green room.

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Whisky a Go Go is an iconic music venue located on Sunset Strip in Hollywood. The club has been the launching pad for bands including The Doors, System of a Down, The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Steppenwolf, Van Halen, Johnny Rivers, Guns N’ Roses, Linkin Park and Mötley Crüe. In 2006, the venue was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (wikipedia)

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Later that night, we had an awesome time dancing to OINGO BOINO dance party!!!! Now, Oingo Boingo is my husband’s favorite band from the 90’s so he was SO excited to have his son open for them!!!

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Follow Anthony Paul Official for more adventures in Hollywood!

Anthony Paul website

What is your parenting style? Tiger, helicopter, snowplow, free range, etc……

Now more than ever, parents are judged for their parenting style. The decisions they make and the limits they place on their children is always a topic of conversation at play groups or anytime you get parents together.

You’re at the restaurant and you see a small child with an electronic device or a child jumping in and out of their chair, under the table and back up again laughing. A child has a temper tantrum in public and everyone throws on their judgment hat! How is mom going to handle this??

It’s all so confusing!
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This focus on different styles has developed some interesting labels. Tiger parent, free-range parent, helicopter parent, hipster parent, and now the SNOWPLOW parent. All of these styles have distinct ways to determine which style you lean towards.

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Tiger Parent (providing the best vs. being the best)
• Strict, rigid rules
• Demand excellence in academics
• Motivate their child to do their best
• Respect their parents and elders
• Goal is to have their children do their best which leads to success

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Free Range Parent
• Freedom without worrying about them
• Walking to school alone or ride the bus with very little supervision
• They will learn from their own experiences and mistakes
• Goal is to let them learn to make their own decisions

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Hipster Parent
• Organic foods are a priority
• Hybrid car is key, support the envirnoment
• Children are learning Yoga and meditation
• Re-defining traditional roles
• Foreign language immersion classes
• Artsy, musical, creative type

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Helicopter Parent (over protective)
• Kids are kept within site
• Close relationship with parents
• Know everything that is going on in their life
• Goal is to keep them safe

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Snowplow Parent

  • Clear all obstacles to clear the path of their prodigy
  • Interested in child’s education
  • Involved in the child’s life – even through college
  • Tries to avoid the child experiencing shame or a sense of failure

If you still don’t know where you fall, take one of the many quizzes online.
http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/quizzes/l/bl_prnt_style.htm
http://psychologytoday.tests.psychtests.com/take_test.php?idRegTest=3261
http://www.drphil.com/articles/article/154
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mikespohr/what-type-of-parent-are-you#3ml8nm1

But, what I think you’ll find is you are a little of MANY types depending on the age of your child, the birth order of your child, or just the stage of your parenting. You many move through stages and you most likely will never be the ONE WAY the entire time so STOP STRESSING!

Parents want one thing and this is for their child/ren to be happy! Happy in life, happy with their friends, and happy at school. Aside from your style of parenting, the best thing we can do is stop judging each other and just worry about our own family. There are so many topics that I hear parents discussing, comparing against each other, and seeking validation.  It’s not worth losing friends or arguing with family, just relax and do your best.

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These are topics for future blogs…………..

Judgmental parenting
• Large family vs. only child
• Dinner time (eat separately or at the dinner table together)
• TV/Electronic time
• Disposable diapers vs. cloth diapers
• Formula vs. breastfeeding
• Co-sleep vs. Sleeping on their own
• Rocking to sleep vs. crying to sleep
• Organic and fresh vs. convenient and fast

Sesame Street not suitable for children!

Who knew that Sesame Street, Volumes 1 and 2 have a warning to parents: “These early ‘Sesame Street’ episodes are intended for grown-ups, and may not suit the needs of today’s preschool child.” Not suitable for children?

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Ever since the 40th anniversary DVD of Sesame Street was released in 2000 parents were shocked to find a parental warning on the first episodes. What do you do? Withhold episodes of your child’s favorite character? Why the warning?

Episode 1 shows Sally, a young girl new to the neighborhood who is befriended by a teacher, Gordon, who leads her to his home, holding her hand, to meet his wife who offers her cookies if she comes back. What? They can’t show a stranger leading a young girl to his home?

He then introduces her to Big Bird. Did you know that before 1985, Snuffleupagus was only visible to Big Bird? He was apparently hallucinating; poor Big Bird may have had mental health issues. This may explain why he was afraid of Sally, thinking she was 8 feet tall when Gordon picked her up so he could see her in the first episode. Maybe that explains why Big Bird’s feathers got bigger as the season goes on.

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Gordon then proceeds to tell Sally the voice she hears singing is Ernie. He lives in the basement with his “friend” Bert. The video cuts to Bert calling Ernie a ding a ling for eating a cookie before diner and later, Ernie, who is taking a bath, calls for Bert to bring him a bar of soap. Uumm, OK?

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmVbeiOVvCk

Another scene shows Ernie relaxing while a thin monster wearing a fedora hat and a long trench coat slinks up to Ernie and while looking behind him again and again says he has an “8” for him. He tells Ernie that he looks like a smart guy and that he has something for him. When asked if he is a salesman, he says “something like that”.   A clear play off a drug dealer but of course, a young child doesn’t see that, or do they???

Children riding a bike without a helmet, a depressed Oscar, and a monster who only eats cookies and smokes a pipe. Maybe that’s why he is so hungry? Ha Ha

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Producers of Sesame Street worry about the messagse these early episode send and the sensitive parents of today. Parents today are a lot more protective than the parents of the 70s.

A funny video clip of YouTubers watching an early Sesame Street episode and reacting to Kermit the Frog who looks all innocent and sweet and then gets really mad and just yells and screams at Cookie Monster for eating the plate. Using words like “stupid, nobody will play with you, big fat stupid rotten monster”. It’s verbal abuse and Cookie Monster feels really bad but ends up eating another Styrofoam plate. Not a message that is approved for today’s children. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmVbeiOVvCk

201 episodes later Sesame Street still has the same original theme song which is awesome but their content seems to be a lot more censored.  I don’t know, the majority of Generation X seemed to turn out ok, or maybe not since they’re the over protective parents of today and yes, I am one of them too!

However, I honestly after watching the episodes didn’t see them that alarming but found this so interesting and hope you do too!

Swingers!

Saturday night, my family was attending a friend’s showcase in Los Angeles when we ended up at a diner she recommended called Swingers. Hollywood Swingers Diner is located @ 8020 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles.

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 A hot spot for late customers hungry after their night out at the many theaters in the area and a filming location for Knocked Up and Romy and Michelle, this place is cool.

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The place looks and feels like an old school diner. Tons of booths for comfortable seating, lots of windows looking out onto Beverly Blvd., and a long counter.

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Although the look at feel is that of a true diner, the food is not. Its high quality, tasty options, and fresh ingredients make it a great place for a throw-back feeling with modern day food.

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Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Customers were enjoying pancakes, quinoa burgers, seared ahi, egg burritos, Swingers salad, etc. and the menu with many vegan and vegetarian options.  In fact, look at this interesting vegan cheesecake promo.

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 Since we had just had dinner, we stopped in for cupcakes and coffee.  Peanut butter and chocolate cupcake.  Now, my mom is the most amazing baker I know so my standards are very high.  The cake was a little dry but had great peanut butter flavor, the chocolate frosting was not as creamy as I like it, a little thick but again had good flavor.  My husband’s vanilla on vanilla cupcake was moist and lighter so maybe I should have asked which cupcakes were the freshest. 

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It’s hard for me to find a cupcake that truly impresses me, still searching to find one that measures up to my mom’s cupcakes. (Mom’s cupcakes below)

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Hollywood Swingers Diner is a great location. Right next to the Beverly Laurel Motor Hotel which has a Best Western feel but recently renovated and in a prime location. The hotel is clean, offers microwaves and refrigerators in the rooms, and a small swimming pool. Although I have never stayed there, the reviews are good. http://beverlylaurelmotorhotel.com/ The location is fantastic, within walking distance to the CBS Studio, The Farmer’s Market, The Grove, and a lot of restaurants and shopping.

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So, if you’re from out of town and want a cool, local place to stay and don’t want to spend a lot of money. Stay in this area, visit Swingers and pick up a T-Shirt. 

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Pasadena collects change for the homeless

   Pasadena, CA

Real Change Movement (http://realchangemovement.org/)  is what everyone is talking about lately.  Not a charity, an initiative raising awareness about the homeless problem in Pasadena.  There are currently 700 homeless persons in Pasadena alone and rising in Los Angeles County by 16% over the past two years.

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Joining together, the City of Pasadena, Business Improvement Districts, the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, Flintridge Center, East West Bank, Art Center College of Design, and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles have all worked to bring bright orange recycled parking meters displaying a large happy face and slogans “Homes for Homeless” and “Powered by Change” to Pasadena, CA.  It’s a first of its kind in Los Angeles County.

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The meters are recycled from the Los Angeles transportation department, funded by East West Bank and designed by the amazing students at the Art Center College of Design.  Bright orange so you take notice and the big happy face make you want to give the change in your pocket or swipe your credit card.  No limit and 100% goes to services designed to prevent and end homelessness. All donations put in the meter will be collected by the Flintridge Center and put into the United Way’s “Funders Collaborative” program.  http://www.designmattersatartcenter.org/proj/real-change-movement/

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 To show support, Pasadena City College students created a very cool dance video. Roberta Shaw, PCC dance teacher, choreographed the routine that PCC dance students performed.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW56AvAqQXI

Supporters of this initiative like the idea because they know where they money is going and a community together can make a bigger impact.  Some people state they are afraid to approach the homeless or they have a fear that they are supporting alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes addictions when they give money directly.  However, not everyone feels that way.  Mark Anderson, 64, panhandles to feed his children – he’d rather people give it directly to him and other homeless people, rather than to the city which he doesn’t feel helps him.   http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/social-affairs/20140813/real-change-movement-aims-to-help-pasadena-homeless-with-new-donation-meters

 

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As of today, multiple meters have been installed all around Pasadena.  Join me by stopping by to drop in a few coins; however, I will continue to also give to the ladies and gentlemen on the streets. 

Here is a list of the locations:

Summer Concert Series @ The Grove

ARE YOU LOOKING OR FREE MUSIC CONCERTS?

One of the best places to go for free summer music is The Grove.  The Grove is an outdoor shopping venue located at 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA.  A place to shop, dine, watch a movie, watch people, or enjoy a night of FREE music! http://www.thegrovela.com

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July 9, 2014 @ 7:30 started out the first night of Summer Concerts presented by Citibank and it was a blast!  If you missed it, you’ll want to come next week for sure!  If you are a Citibank card member you have special privileges that includes a VIP area front stage, a Meet and Greet afterwards, and an open bar.  Thanks, Citibank!

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We arrived just before Big Data took the stage, got a glass of wine, and found our spot on the grass.  I felt bad standing in front of the audience, smashed up against the white boundary gates, standing there for who knows how long.   Here is a picture of me and my husband and son at the concert.

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Honestly, I had never heard of Big Data before tonight but looked them up and learned they are an electronic project, not a band, exploring the relationship between man and machine.  Hum…..interesting.  Their producer, Alan Wilkis, is also an electronic drummer.  The music was loud and the crowd seemed to like their sound, if you live on the East Coast you’ll find them on tour this summer and fall.  www.bigdata.fm  Since the concert, their hit song DANGEROUS hit #3 on the Billboards Alternative Song charts and I hear it on the radio all the time.   Very cool!

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BIG DATA is a paranoid electronic music project from the Internet, formed out of a general distrust for technology and The Cloud (despite a growing dependence on them). Helmed by producer, ALAN WILKIS, Big Data aims to explore the relationship between man and machine, and how the internet has reshaped the human experience. (wikipedia.com)

After a short break, another glass of wine, Magic Man took the stage and the crowd went wild! With 12K Twitter followers and 7K Instagram followers, they were bound to have a good turnout.

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A 5-piece band from Massachusetts and signed with Columbia records, Magic Man feature indie pop, danceable songs.  Formed in 2010 by childhood friends, Alex Caplow and Sam Vanderhoop Lee and later grew to Gabe, Justine, and Joey.  Alex had so much energy and enthusiasm it made the show awesome and the 45 minutes fly by!!

What I loved the most about Alex was after the VIP meet and greet and photos on the red carpet, he went out to the fans still waiting and took a long time talking, taking selfies, and signing autographs and you could tell that he absolutely loved his fans!  #impressed #standupguy

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If you want to see Magic Man, check out their website (www.magicmanmusic.com) for tour dates with shows on the West Coast in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Anaheim, San Diego and MORE and across the USA hitting Texas and the East Coast with cities such as Atlanta, Columbus, Pittsburg, Philadelphia and many more!

A few more free concerts coming up!  Don’t miss out before summer is over.

 

FREE SUMMER CONCERTS BEGIN….

Downtown Pasadena came alive with music at their annual Make Music Pasadena Festival. With 5 large outdoor stages featuring over 40 bands and 24 venues (hair salons, restaurants, bars, coffee houses, and retail stores) with 60+ bands playing their tunes, it was 12 hours of fun!!! #makemusicpasadena http://www.makemusicpasadena.org/program.php

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What is one of the best things about this event???? It’s FREE! Yes, FREE!  If you missed it this year, join me and more than 50,000 others next year!  Or, stay tuned for additional free concerts around Pasadena and Los Angeles this summer!

We parked in the Delacey Parking Facility in between Colorado and Green Street on S. De Lacey Street.  We like the location of this garage because it’s easy to find but many people found street parking too.  We quickly noticed such a great vibe of artists everywhere. There were a variety of musicians (I love the look of musicians and you can spot one a block away), families, couples, friends, and lots of dogs everywhere!  Music was non-stop and changed genre with every block.

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We started out our day walking 1 mile down Colorado Street to Pasadena Playhouse district eclectic stage where we found my son’s music teacher and wife. Standing in the blazing hot sun, the sweat began to take over. Yuck!   After lunch, sa we walked back to the main stage down in the heart of the Old Towne, I jokingly told my son they really should have a free shuttle taking people from stage to stage because of the 1 mile distance.   Just then, we saw this sign!   We had a good laugh and just kept on walking.   We will take the bus next year. LOL

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We made our way down to Stage 1 – Old Pasadena Indie Rock Stage where we enjoyed the music of Yuna.   An Indie-Pop, alternative musician/singer.   My first thought was how faithful her fans are, standing in the blazing hot sun but then quickly realized the stage was facing this bright, hot sun and how dedicated these artists are to endure the heat while giving an all-out performance!  True Super Stars.  Learn more about Yuna at http://www.yunamusic.com/ photos by buzzbands.la

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After a quick water and coffee break we walked up a few blocks to the Levitt Pavilion Pasadena Memorial Park.  An awesome outdoor amphitheater style stage with a large grassy area.  Yea!  We get to sit down and relax and enjoy “The Record Company” on stage.  A group of 3 musicians on tour this summer, check out their schedule and buy a ticket! www.facebook.com/therecordcompany.  Photos by buzzbands.la

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After meeting up with a few more friends, we ended our night at The Vertical Wine Bistro.  A beautiful wine bar in Old Towne Pasadena.  Owned by Gale Anne Hurd, a TV/Film producer known best for the Terminator series and Aliens, her bistro is just gorgeous.  Their Shishito Peppers are amazing, in fact, everything we ordered was delicious!

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Can I say it’s an awesome experience to have a full day promoting and enjoying local musicians? It’s too bad there isn’t more music in Old Town Pasadena the other 364 days.  However, we will be back again next year, along with 50,000 others!

DO YOU WANT FREE CONCERTS ALL SUMMER LONG?

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LEVITT PAVILION – 100 FREE concerts EVERY Wednesdays – Sundays all SUMMER long in Pasadena and Los Angeles. Grab your lawn chair, picnic and friends for a night of music. www.levittpavillions.org

THE ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET – Every Thursday and Friday night until August 29, the Market’s West Patio have the best jazz and eclectic musicians beginning at 7pm. Shop the market and enjoy some awesome music. You might see some local celebrities too!

http://www.farmersmarketla.com/events/eventDetail/Summer-Music-Series/36

THE GROVE – Citibank’s summer concert series brings out a large crowds for FREE “big name” concerts under the stars. #andygrammer #tonyorlando

http://www.thegrovela.com/event_promo.php?id_promo=1415

100 FREE THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES ALL SUMMER LONG! http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/blog/100-free-things-do-los-angeles-free-summer-concerts

#free #summer #losangeles #thegrove #pasadena #music #farmersmarket #levittpavilion #stage #musicians #concerts

 

 

 

 

Child hunger is real!

Viola Davis, a Tony award winning and two time Oscar nominated actress (#KingHedleyII #thehelp, #endersgame), talks about child hunger and how you can help.

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This special event was hosted at the Sofitel Luxery Hotel in Beverly Hills by Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein, AKA “The Moms” out of New York City, who partnered with Safeway Foundation and the EIF in support of their program.  These are two beautiful women who spend their time educating America on parenting and being a mom. Visit their website to learn more about their efforts.  www.themoms.com

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I always find it fun to travel to Beverly Hills.  The mirage of luxury cars and beautiful mansions is breathtaking.  Not the typical Mercedes, BMWs, and Lexus’ but Bentleys, Jaguars, and Ferraris, wow!  Arriving at the Sofitel Hotel, we were greeted by the friendly valet staff who promptly guided me to the room.   This hotel is just beautiful!  With many seating areas adorned with the leather furniture, dark wood, and modern structure, it’s very welcoming and comfortable.  Hotel rooms start at $199.00 per night.  That was, honestly, a nice surprise to me! I am definitely referring people to this hotel, upscale look and feel for a reasonable price, my kind of place!

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I entered a room full of beautiful women! Wow! Mommy bloggers, authors, writers, TV personalities, and a dad blogger too! Cool.  It was so nice to see so many people supporting such a great cause.  I was invited by my friend Christina Simon (far right in photo), author of “Beyond the Brochure” – http://beyondthebrochurela.com.  She was so nice and introduced me to a lot of people.  Including, Sarah Maizes, author, parenting and lifestyle expert.  Check out her fun children’s books! http://www.sarahmaizes.com.  Everyone I met was so nice and friendly and they all really appreciated being there.

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After a short time of mingling and networking, drinking coffee and tea, and sampling an assortment of pastries, our hosts Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein introduced the key speakers from Safeway and HungerIs who gave a brief talk about their program and then introduced the beautiful Viola Davis who began to share her amazing but sad childhood stories.

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She talked about growing up hungry, every day!  She lived in poverty, in a building next to her elementary school with boarded windows, no electricity, no food, sometimes no running water and RATS! “Big rats”, Viola said.  She talked about how shameful it felt when she was looking for food in the trash or picking up food off the street but she was so hungry she had to feel the shame and just do it.  She sometimes could eat at her friend’s house and she did get free lunch.  A meal she was thankful to receive every day.

Did you know that 1 in 5 children are hungry every day???  That is astonishing.   Viola wanted to send a message that we should not define people by their environment or what is given to them.  There are brilliant children among us.  There are creative and brave children among us who are never seen because of their environment.  She shared about her second grade teacher.  “She saw me instead of turning away, and that changed everything”, Viola said.  “I am so grateful to her for her love and support and as I hear myself talking, I think, how did I get here??”  Viola’s humility is one of the most beautiful things about her.

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One of Viola’s favorite quotes: “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” – Joseph Campbell

I am so grateful to have been invited to this is amazing event.  Hearing from Viola made me tear up, again and again.  She really touched my heart.  I was a fan before, loved her performance in The Help and Never Back Down and now I am a fan of her heart! (photo of me, Viola, and my son, Anthony).  What can YOU do to help? Visit www.hungeris.com and do whatever you can financially.  what else? Talk about it, share about today.

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#violadavis #hungeris #safeway #hunger #children #charity #beverlyhills #sofitelhotel

Supporting the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation

42nd Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation Family Fun Day and Celebrity Golf Tournament – hosted by Denns Quaid

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My family had an amazing day with fantastic people, delicious food and drinks, at a beautiful Brookside golf club in Pasadena for a much deserved foundation! My teen son, a musician and actor, was invited to attend so he could network and meet others in the industry while supporting a great foundation.  Wow! What an opportunity!  We happily said yes and in all honesty, I was very excited to go!

ABOUT THE LAPD Memorial Fund (from their site)

During the tournament, corporate sponsors are paired with celebrities and officers for a fun filled day of golf, great food, awards and camaraderie in a festive open house atmosphere that includes thirty Department displays and is attended by 15,000-20,000 spectators. Each year, over thirty celebrities from the sports, television and movie industry participate in the Los Angeles Police-Celebrity Golf Tournament.

This year the venue was Brookside Golf Club @ 1133 Rosemont Avenue in Pasadena, CA.  http://brooksidegc.com/  Brookside was established in 1942 and hosts many weddings, parties, charity events, and tournaments.  A 36 hole course surrounded by hills and trees, it’s a relaxing way to spend the day. Drop by their restaurant anytime, no reservations required.

The day started with a long row of vendors and police vehicles setting up for the families, the clubhouse prepping for the arrival of the VIPs and Celebrities to walk the red carpet (not literally red) and get photographed, the bagpipe band warming up, and the golf carts getting staged for the “send off”.

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As soon as we arrived, we were escorted through the golf carts, weaving in and out, looking for Mr. George Lopez.  I heard a familiar voice and had to pop over and say hi to Frank Buckley.  Watching him every morning on KTLA makes me feel like I know him.  It’s the best morning news show!  http://ktla.com/bio/frank-buckley/#axzz33QRzyp73

We quickly stopped and said hi to Quinton Aaron (Blindside) and then finally found Mr. Lopez and got a quick hello and picture before jumping out of the way of the carts as they headed out to their first hole.

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We headed to the clubhouse and found a friend (Tiffany Rose) photographing the red carpet.   You can find Tiffany at most Hollywood events.  Not only is she excellent at her craft, she is the sweetest person.  I highly recommend checking out her page.  We snapped a few photos and grabbed some breakfast and water and relaxed for a few minutes.  http://www.trosephotos.com/

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The signing tent was a popular place for families to meet, take photos, and get signatures of their favorite celebrities.  Nathan Kress, best known from iCarly, was so nice and signed for fans and took pictures for over an hour!   Other celebrities we saw in the tent spending time with fans were Najee De-Tiege, Matt Burch, Danny Boy, and Mil Mascaras (Luche Libre Wrestler) who wore his mask all day and into the night!  That’s dedication. (Nathan Kress and Anthony in photo)OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

It got a little busy with the crowds when Danny Trejo and Carl Weathers showed up at the VIP entrance.  They were quickly surrounded with fans and security moved them to the Police Memorial Wall.  After 15 minutes and a large crowd growing bigger and bigger by the minute, they were both escorted to the shaded signature tent where they signed and took pictures for over an hour!!! Both men were so very nice and friendly to their fans.

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My husband and I sat back and enjoyed “people watching” from the restaurant’s patio, watching as each cart stopped and the golfers came in for some food and drinks and then headed out again.  My son was out and about cruising around, saying hi to people.  He’d pop back in now and again to check in and relax, grab some food and water, and then head out again.  The endless food was provided by Outback Steakhouse and it was delicious!

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During one of his pop-ins Raymond Cruz came by with his lunch and Anthony pointed at him “Breaking Bad, my favorite show!!”  He was chill and stopped to chat and take  a picture.  A few minutes later he came by and said someone just said to him “What’s Breaking Bad, I don’t know that show…”  We all got a huge laugh at that!

IMG_1822Around 5:00 pm, the carts were all lined up for the night, and many celebrities were making their way into the clubhouse, signing autographs and taking photos along the way.  The Gala Reception included a silent auction, a live auction, and an amazing dinner.  The salmon was really delicious!

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We had a great time laughing and chatting with friends.  One of my new friends, Cindy Rocker, aka Diva Rocker Glam, can be found at http://divarockerglam.com/.  Her furniture showroom, located in the heart of the Sunset Strip, shows her talent of having an eye for design and her photos are proof how she pulls it all together for unique and tailored looks for some of the biggest rock stars. I am looking forward to visiting her showroom very soon!  Also in this picture is Quinton Aaron, aka “Big Mike” from the Blindside.

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We ran into Anne-Marie Johnson and when she saw Anthony she immediately remembered him, laughingly smacked on the arm saying “You’re the Plate Spinner”!  They worked together a few month ago on See Dad Run and it was so cool seeing her again.

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Another friend we made during dinner was Brandon Molale.  He is best known from Mr. Deeds, Dodgeball, Gangster Squad, The Longest Yard and actually, just too many to list.  He was so much fun to hang out with.  He is hilarious and a stand-up guy, the time just flew by.  They event raised a lot of money for the foundation and everyone had a lot of fun.  I’d say it was a big success!

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We ended the night with saying goodbye, until next time.  Sending a huge thank you to Raffles for the invite!  We had a great day.

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Link to the flyer of golf line up:

http://www.lapmf.org/2014%20LAPD%20Golf%20Celebrity%20Confirmations.pdf

Brochure:

http://www.lapmf.org/109261%20LAPD%20Memorial%20Foundation%20-%20sponsors%20brochure.pdf