Mom

Let It Snow at Four Seasons Westlake Village

I can’t believe this was my THIRD year in a row attending the Let It Snow event at the Four Seasons Westlake. See my other recaps here and here. I feel very lucky that I keep getting invited back. Woohoo! It’s become the perfect tradition to kick off the holiday season. This year was a little different because it was only Idris and I (Michael and Cyrus weren’t feeling great so they stayed behind). It actually worked out perfectly because Idris got 100% attention from me and we had non stop fun. Side note, I’ve been doing regular one on one dates with him in the past few months and it’s been wonderful for our relationship. Here’s what our itinerary looked like in case you’re thinking of doing this with your fam! 3:30pm: Check in. We were greeted with chocolates and champagne. (I’m currently in an intense bootcamp with my girl Lacey Stone, so I passed on all the naughty goodies, but I highly recommend indulging if you want!)
4pm: Let It Snow event. We were lucky to have VIP tickets so when we arrived we basically had the whole place to ourselves. We took pictures with Santa, made S’mores, rode the train a few times, jumped in the jumpy house, decorated cookies with Mrs. Clause, ate popcorn and danced around with the characters. It was perfection.5:30pm: Dinner. The lobby lounge offered a delicious buffet with a wide variety of healthy options. I ate salmon, sea bass, and an assortment of salads while Idris chowed down on pizza, almonds and grapes. YUM.
6:30pm: Game Room. Every Four Seasons I’ve ever stayed at has been super kid friendly- Westlake Village included! There is an entire game room section at this hotel. One for teens and one for youngsters like Idris. We played air hockey, built leggos, stacked Jenga and sat in bean bag chairs. 7:30pm: Bath time. Our room had an incredible bath and Idris enjoyed a long soak while playing with his toy cars of course. (We never leave the house without at least 6 toy cars.)
8:15pm: Movie in bed. We rented UP and lounged in bed while eating snacks and snuggling. This was my favorite
part! The beds was so comfy and I never wanted to leave.
NEXT DAY!
7:30am: Character breakfast. There was an adorable mini buffet set up at kids height so all the youngsters could get their own grub. Idris ate M&M’s dipped in ketchup (NOT my personal favorite) tator tots and a croissant. (I promise he consumes healthy food 90% of the time. We just went a little cray cray on this trip!) 8:30am. Pool. There’s a great indoor pool that families can enjoy. We splashed around for an hour working off a large portion of the calories we consumed. 10am. Playroom. One final stop in the playroom before heading back home.
11am. Until next year! We loaded up on water and coffee from the cafe and hit the road.
It’s the perfect family staycation and I know Idris had a blast. Big thank you to the Four Seasons for the incredible stay! Click here to find out more info on this event!

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Yoga Retreat With YogaOutlet!

Because I’m fabulous, and mostly because my lil sis works at YogaOutlet ( shout-out to SHIREEN!) I got invited to this incredible yoga retreat and it was everything I’ve ever wanted and more. Truth be told for years I’ve fantasized about going to a yoga retreat somewhere fabulous to drink green juice and stretch into the sunset- but I’ve never actually done it… until NOW! YogaOutlet’s first ever yoga retreat last month was at the goooorgeous Calamigos Ranch. How is that I’ve lived in LA for over 16 years and never been to Calamigos Ranch!?! (I’m spanking myself). Back to YogaOutlet. Want to know a little more about them? If your answer is YES, please keep reading. You can buy all your yoga apparel, gear and accessories from your favorite brands on their site at a killer price. Literally EVERY workout/yoga related thing I own is from YogaOutlet.com. Did someone say mesh ventilation pants!?! Or how about full toe yoga grip socks? Need to get your zen on with some crystals and sacred space hand hammered tibetan singing bowl? Yeah me too. I got to learn about the new arrivals and collections launching on YogaOutlet in the next few months and let me just tell you, you guys are NEVER going to want to wear “everyday” clothes again. SO- the whole point of this post is to a) tell you to shop on YogaOutlet.com for all your yoga needs! And 2) Go on a yoga retreat! It will do incredible things for your mind, body and soul.

WAIT! One more thing before we part ways, I want to share a hilarious video collaboration that YogaOutlet recently released. If it doesn’t make you laugh, we really shouldn’t be friends.

Peace, love and yoga.

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How you feed your babies!

Friends Talk About Feeding

When I first became a mom, I had so many questions on repeat in my mind around feeding. Nursing, bottle feeding, formula—no matter how you do it, this uncertainty about the hows, whens and what if’s is just the beginning of this crazy ride.
I’ve found great comfort in my crew of fabulous mom friends. Sharing advice, hugs, tears and everything in between, we’ve always got each others’ backs. So I’m thrilled Walmart is giving me this opportunity to welcome you on this journey with us.

Supplies For Success
These days, there are so many great products to get you started with feeding your baby. With my first, I used a nursing pillow, pump and bottles. Another essential was a nursing cover, though with my second baby I just threw on a scarf or wore a big shirt. And nursing pads are a must-have (my fave brand is Lansinoh). Once you’ve leaked in public, you don’t make that mistake again!

Other reccos from my favorite moms include:
“Spoons, Bumbo, a baby food steamer/mixer and 1-ounce storage containers. For my first son, the Brest Friend nursing pillow worked great.”
-Angel

“I had an endless supply of nursing pads and nipple cream. I also had a giant electric breast pump (supplied free by La Leche League) for bringing bottles to the hospital for my second baby.
-Valerie

“When my first daughter started spitting up a lot I switched to a soy formula. I also fed both of my babies Gerber cereal and jarred baby food, later adding in mashed table food and a variety of finger foods.”
-Alayne

“I used mostly gear from boon—some cute spoons and a great high chair. When my daughter started feeding herself more, I had those little mesh bags you put frozen fruit in. She liked those.”
-Jaime

Would’ve Been Nice to Have…
One thing I wish I’d had was a portable pump. I’ve heard the Evenflow pump is great, and it really could have saved me a lot of rushing home to use my big pump. Curious to know what products other moms longed for?

“I wish the Munchkin sippy cup with a weighted straw had been around for my children. It works when held all kinds of ways, and is truly no-spill. Also, the silicone Mini Mat by EZPZ has a sectioned plate that is wonderful for a highchair tray or table.”
-Alayne

“I wish I had a high chair that attaches to actual tables. It allows the baby to be a part of dinnertime instead of separated from the family.”
-Angel

“Nine years ago, we didn’t have options like organic pouches of quinoa baby food. I definitely could have used those!”
-Jaime

Feeding Lessons Learned
My biggest takeaway is to be kind to yourself. With my first, I tried to nurse exclusively but was frustrated by my lack of milk. This made me constantly discouraged and unnecessarily disappointed in myself. By the time the second came around, I was way more relaxed and didn’t put any pressure on myself. In turn, I actually produced more milk. Isn’t it funny how the world works?

Here are more words of wisdom from moms who’ve been there (believe me):

“If you’re using a bottle, hold your baby as you would if you were breast feeding. This calm, one-to-one time is a perfect chance to make eye contact, talk softly and touch gently.”
-Alayne

“I fed on demand so I that I wouldn’t be stressed about scheduling. The twins eventually ate at the same time without me forcing it, which saved me so much time with feedings.”
-Angel

What Would I Do Differently?
I remember setting my alarm to wake up at 3am to pump because I read that your supply is highest at that time. The thought of that makes me laugh now. I would NEVER wake up to pump while my baby is sleeping. I would SLEEP!

So how would my crew do things differently with a do-over?

“I wish I had introduced my first son to more diverse flavors at a younger age. He’s now 7 and can’t stand the thought of eating a salad. With my 2 year-old twins, I allowed them to eat anything I was eating from 6 months. Now they eat raw greens without blinking!”
-Angel

“I would give myself full permission to supplement with formula, and not feel I have to make all of my baby’s food from scratch. Looking back, I see there is so much else that is more important. Like my sanity and centeredness as a mother!”
-Jaime

Notice some common themes? Invest in great products, skip the stress and most importantly, be good to yourself. Let’s keep the convo going in the comments below.

The Awesome Ladies Who Made this Article (and My Sanity as a Mom) Possible…

Name: Angel Laketa Moore Tanksley
Occupation: Actress, Host, Speaker, Social Media Influencer
Ages of kid(s): 7 year-old and 2 year-old twins
How did you feed your baby/babies in the first year?
Breastmilk and solids

Name: Valerie Kiadeh
Occupation: Teacher / Curriculum Specialist
Ages of kid(s): 34 and 29 year-old daughters and 35 year-old son
How did you feed your baby/babies in the first year?
Breast milk, formula and solids for all babies.

Name: Alayne Stieglitz
Occupation: Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education
Ages of kid(s): 33 and 30 year-old daughters and 18 month-old granddaughter
How did you feed your baby/babies in the first year?
Breast milk, formula & solids for both babies.
Name: Jaime Morrison Curtis
Occupation: Author, Travel Writer, Mother
Ages of kid(s): 9 year-old girl
How did you feed your baby/babies in the first year?
Breast milk, formula and solids

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Stockfarm, Montana

When I was pregnant with Cyrus and barfing everyday I literally couldn’t wait to get to a place (and by “place” I mean in my sanity and overall well being) where I felt like a somewhat normal human. I’m happy to report that I’m getting close to that feeling again. Definitely not normal human status yet- but almost! One thing that’s always fueled my soul is traveling. I barely did any of it last year (due to miserable pregnancy and overall feeling of grossness, not to mention Zika f-ing up lots of travel spots!) Short story long, this summer I’ve been making up for it with so many great trips! (Santa Barbara, Chicago, Colorado, Montana and the Bay Area)

Last month my fam and I headed to Montana for five days of mountain fun. One of my childhood besties planned a perfect week for 10 couples and our 6 kids at a private resort called Stockfarm. There were 3 babies, two 3 year olds and a 6 year old. Sounds crazy, but in all honesty is was fabulous. Idris had built in buddies for the whole trip and that kept him completely occupied and SO HAPPY while Cyrus enjoyed staring at the other babies. I’ve never traveled with this many families before and I have to admit, I freaken loved it! Everyone helped out with each others kids and it made me feel like I was part of a little community. Oh and Montana is a gorgeous state. I went there last year for the first time on a mega road trip and fell in love. This time I was in a different, but equally stunning, place. I’m thinking Montana will be a new tradition for me and my crew. Enjoy the pics below!

Every night was filled with big group dinners, great food, wine, cocktails and incredible sunsets. Everyday was spent relaxing at the pool, cruising around in golf carts or doing something outdoors. A few things I’ve learned from this trip; traveling with such a big group of friends and their kids is SO FUN. Traveling felt easier in a big group. You can split the cost of babysitters and adults can take turns doing things with the kids. It’s a win win for everyone. Bring on the group family travel!

*Some of the pics are a hint blurry… I don’t have an instagram husband! BUT- we did have professional photos taken on this trip so be on the look out for them.

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Cookie Dough Pops! As seen on the Food Network

I had SO MUCH FUN being a guest on the show The Kitchen on the Food Network. I made cookie dough pops with a recipe that is beyond easy. It’s great to do with your kiddos. They don’t contain eggs or white flour, so you can eat it straight out of the bowl and not have any guilt. You can also get super creative with the toppings. Shake it up with pistachios, different types of cereal or sprinkles- endless opportunities! Below is my recipe and some pics.

Ingredients
2/3 cup butter at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups Almond Flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips
Toppings:
The topping possibilities are endless though! You can go in any direction you want.
Directions:
With an electric mixer or by hand, beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce and vanilla. Slowly add in the almond flower and salt. Mix in the chocolate chips. Rrefrigerate dough for at least 20 minutes to make it easier to scoop. Using a mini ice-cream scooper, scoop the dough into little balls. Roll the dough into each topping separately, add sticks and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
For the cereal toppings; place them in plastic bag and crush to get smaller pieces.

BIG THANK YOU to The Kitchen crew and all the Food Network peeps. I had a blast on the show and I hope to be back again soon.

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3 Perfect Days At The Broadmoor

My love for The Broadmoor has been very well documented over the past few years. From my first trip there with a girlfriend, to my second with my husband and mom, my third with Idris and now my fourth with the hubs, Idris AND Cyrus. I’d like to say I’m a Broadmoor pro by now, but the truth is I haven’t even scratched the surface of the activities, amenities and adventures that still await me at this beautiful property in Colorado Springs. Check out my 3 perfect days (with TWO KIDS) at The Broadmoor.

FRIDAY: From LAX we hopped on a 2 hour flight and arrived at the Colorado Springs airport. This airport is TINY, which means your bags come out fast and it’s super easy to fly in and out of. We took a cab and drove 20ish minutes to The Broadmoor. The property is massive and basically feels like a perfect small town. Our room was located in the West building with a beautiful lake view. We immediately headed to La Tavern in the main building for lunch and enjoyed a seafood tower with a glass of champagne. In my professional opinion, the more champagne you drink the easier it will be to deal with your kiddos! Then we made our way to PLAY for bowling, apps and more cocktails. Idris LOVED bowling. We had the kids concierge at the resort set us up with an in-room babysitter for the night so Michael and I could enjoy an adult dinner at Colorado’s only Forbes five star and AAA five diamond restaurant, The Penrose Room. Max Robbins, just joined as head chef from the French Laundry. Need I say more? To say we indulged in everything this fabulous restaurant had to offer would be an understatement. Caviar? Yes! Australian Truffle Pasta? Why Yes. Deconstructed lemon meringue? I thought you’d never ask. It was truly a memorable dining experience complete with wine, live music and stunning views. We had every intention of getting another drink at the hotel bar in the main lobby, but our comfy beds were calling our name instead. The boys enjoyed games with the sitter, a movie and kid-friendly in room dining. Perfect evening all around.

SATURDAY: We started our day by grabbing a light breakfast from Natural Epicurean. They offer things like gluten-free, flax seed muffins, hard boiled eggs, spinach quiche with feta and fresh juices. Yes, yes and more yes. With all the healthy, fresh, portable meal options, this spot proved to be our go-to for grab and go. You guys probably know by now I’m all about my spas. Not one to pass up the opportunity for a pamper sesh, I booked an 80 minute massage while Michael went swimming with the kiddos in the indoor (mellow) spa pool. Back to the spa, the lounge is incredible with stunning views of Cheyenne mountain, a full steam, sauna and every amenity a luxury spa has to offer. It was basically the mother ship, calling me home. For lunch we picked up a light salad from Natural Epicurean and headed to the outdoor pool. The outdoor pool is complete with a kiddie wading pool, jacuzzi and TWO super fun water slides. We spent the afternoon relaxing and feeling like a kids again going down the water slide multiple times. We took a quick break and rented a small boat to take out on the lake for a fun adventure with the boys. Once we freshened up, we were ready for dinner at Ristorante Del Lago. If you order pizza, which we always seem to do, this restaurant will teach kids how to make it themselves with the guidance of a chef! It’s absolutely adorable and an absolute must. We finished the evening with a stroll around the property and stop by the playground so Idris could get his last set of wiggles out before we called it a day.

SUNDAY: We picked up breaky again from Natural Epicurean (I told you we went there a bunch!) and enjoyed it on our balcony. All Idris wanted to do was head back to the pool- so that’s what we did! We set up shop there and relaxed for the first half of the day. After many trips down the waterside, a light lunch and a family nap we took the shuttle to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. It’s about a mile off property and such a treat. We were greeted by about 14 Giraffes and Idris even had a chance to feed them. It was AWESOME. After an hour and half of trekking around the zoo it was time for cocktails and apps at the Golden Bee. This is such a fun place. After a few beers, deep fried pickles, potato wedges and lots of laughs later we headed to the Asian pop up restaurant at the Natural Epicurean. (In case you’re wondering, I was wearing shorts with a forgiving waist.) Here we shared a variety of delicious dishes with an asian influence. After dinner it was time for our walk around the property and a stop by the playground. Since the weather was perfect that night, we opted for a nightcap along the lake too.