What I'm Streaming: Parenthood, Seasons 1-5 (2010-14)

Momma Told Me: The best acting is real acting.

I know I watch a lot of really obscure and random shows sometimes; that's the beauty of living in an age where you have instant access to a near unlimited library. My readers are well aware that our household made the decision to ditch cable two years back- and we're still none the worse for it. With digital streaming through a Roku or other device you can often access most major networks content a day or two after it airs. With our busy life- we hardly have time to tune into a live show anyway, so it works out great.

Now, in 2010, when I had over 400 channels at my disposal, I was just as picky as ever as to what would get my time and attention. The 1990s show, re imagined by NBC, Parenthood was slow to grab my attention. I don't watch many shows that are real- and no, I don't mean Real Housewives of NJ or Survivor, I mean shows that tell stories of characters with real lives. Lives that could just as easily be yours or mine, lives that most certainly do belong to someone we know, if not us, ourselves. And that is the beauty within the painstakingly crafted drama, Parenthood. It is not just about parents- though it is about the generations of family one elderly couple, the Bravermans, have created. It is about all of the wonderful journeys we take along the way, the decisions we make, and those that are made for us, and how family may not always be defined.

If there was ever a TV show that wooed me so unsuspectingly, it has been Parenthood. I have watched it week by week for 5 seasons (and quite possibly what may have been the last.) Lucky for you, you do not need to hold your breath through the tumultuous twists and turns; you can stream it in it's entirety today. But, be warned, the emotions within this show are high and the feelings it may evoke are very real. You will laugh, you will cry (happy and sad tears), and you will triumph with each and every member of this amazing family. Babies will be born, emergencies will be conquered, loss will be share, and romance will most certainly always be complicated, unexpected, and very real.

I wish I could sum up the show with a simple plot- in truth it is kind of like watching several min stories that all intertwine. There will be moments where you are painfully glued to your television set, and others where you watch those rolling credits and wonder how the lessons could better apply to your own life. There is always something to be caught in the unexpected glance of a character to another, or the genuine facial expressions. And the Soundtrack- it is perhaps one of the strongest tools the show offers, with beautifully hand-picked music that plays on emotions without a single character's words. Having just watched what could be the show's final episode I am left a little sad, but ultimately forever grateful for the unique glimpse at real life, real family, real triumph, the all-star cast had to offer.

What Daughter Says: Sometimes the most we can hope to get from a TV show is a better appreciation of the struggles we've triumphed over and the certainty of love before us.

Bananguins and Penanas, Oh, My! A Simple Snack Solution

Momma Told Me: All you need is a little imagination.

As a kid I wasn't a particularly difficult eater. Getting child to try something new is really the majority of the battle, and my father had the "try a bite and I'll give you a piece of chocolate," bribe down well. With palettes that are still developing, childhood is widely regarded as an individual's most open time for flavor exploration. And, so long as you don't 'classify' what is being put in a child's mouth, you can typically convince them to sample foods they would otherwise have mental roadblocks to as an adult. One is much more likely to enjoy calamari when told it's chicken, than being handed a sushi menu 20 years later and presented with the information it is, in fact squid.

In any case, one of the toughest roadblocks to childhood nutrition is the identification of a food as a fruit or vegetable. Most children will prefer one food group heavily over the other. For me, I always loved the flavor of bananas, but was a highly texturally aware child. I did not like the feel of the actual raw banana mushing in my mouth; it always reminded me of Momma's hospital tapioca pudding. Momma's answer, with nearly any fruit, was to freeze it. Freezing things not only prolong the time it takes to consume them (when frozen,) but also seem to make foods instantly magical. Like a living fruit Popcicle, without all the added processing an flavors!

As an adult I still prefer to freeze my fruit today- only know I also have the added incentive of fruit being plain expensive to buy fresh, and the knowledge that fresh fruit spoils quickly if uneaten. One of my favorite ways to enjoy bananas are, naturally, dipped in chocolate and frozen. Of course I always have that twinge of guilt in the pit of my stomach as I munch through an entire banana encased in semi-sweet chocolate. So, when I saw these Chocolate Dipped Banana Penguins on Pinterest I knew I had to make them. Finally, the perfect compromise of sweet and healthy, whilst being perfectly adorable.

I could give you a recipe, but you really don't need one on these, do you? It's as easy as taking just ripened bananas (I prefer to freeze mine just as the peels begin to form brown spots,) cutting them in half, and freezing them. Leave the peels on, they will help preserve the color of your bananas; and be sure to seal them in a freezer safe bag. When you are ready to make your Pengnanas simply pull out a half cup of semi-sweet melting morsels, some candy eyes (from the local grocer's baking aisle), and some orange chocolate candy pieces. With the banana halves frozen, peel them and gently dunk the to half in the melted chocolate, rolling softly side by side to create the 'tuxedo' effect. Place your eyes and 'beak' on the soft melted chocolate, then drizzle a little dollop at the base and place your 'feet.' Make sure to keep your Penguins frozen until you're ready to serve them, and keep in mind that the moisture from thawing will eventually make the candy eyes ink 'bleed,' so eat them as fresh as possible from the freezer!

How do you re-imagine foods to make them more fun?

What Daughter Says: A little imagination goes a long way to make the daily fruits and veggies more appealing.

Starbucks Introduces Light Roast Blends For A More Developed Origin Flavor

Momma Told Me: The flavor's in the bean, not the bar.


If I asked a room full of people if they liked chocolate, the response would be pretty overwhelming. 'Chocolate,' like 'Coffee' is as much considered a flavor as it is a food or ingredient. That's because they both have been around for centuries. And, when I say 'Coffee' or 'Chocolate' there are likely some brands that instantly come to mind- Starbucks and Hershey's for example. But, while both of these brands manufacture these items, they are not the definition of them. In fact, as worldly popular as Hershey's is, and as premium as Starbucks is, real 'snobs' of these foods know there is much more than the mass production favored within these brands. Hershey's chocolate, you see, is actually 70% sugar, and less than 4% Cacoa (also called Cocoa).

Why are we discussing the purity of chocolate and coffee? Well, both rely on the distinct flavor of it's bean. A multi-origin bean product, whether chocolate or coffee, will have a less definitive flavor profile than a single origin bean which has had generations to take notes from the soil and environment it solely grows in. Fans of dark chocolate understand this concept very well- but did you know, in the coffee world, it is actually the opposite? A Light Roast coffee will often yield a stronger character and body of flavor than a darker roast. When the beans are less processed they tend to brew a more complex flavor that is actually higher in the bean's natural acidity, which many believe enhances coffee's inherent flavor.

Starbucks, which has long been hailed as a premium coffee brand, has also been criticized by coffee purists for over-processing their beans and delivering brews that are strong in flavor but muddled in authenticity. That is to say, you may love the Pumpkin Chai or Holiday Blend Starbucks Coffee, but you are really indulging in a brew equal to a flavored chocolate bar. It tastes delicious, but all of the 'extras' are really hiding the true flavor of the beans at the core. As an answer to this, the chain has introduced three unique Light Roast blends available in ground, VIA instant, and K-Cups. Don't be fooled, 'Light' Roast does not mean a less flavored coffee. In fact, while the drink is more mellow and better suited to cream sans sugar, the depth is actually more mature than your typical dark roast.

I had a chance to receive a box of the new Starbucks Veranda Blend as a BzzAgent and was immediately intrigued by the concept of a mellow coffee that revealed more flavor. My first sip of Veranda was quite surprising- I drink most of my coffee with lots of sugar, and had only used cream to balance out the acidity of the blend. I found the cup very drinkable, in fact it was actually preferred! There was a subtle nutty undertone and even a developed sense of cocoa I felt would actually go well over ice with a bit of honey. For someone who finds coffee too 'strong' to palette, this could be the perfect solution to a more mellow flavor that relies less on the sometimes bitter and charred taste of a darker roast.

What Daughter Says: Try coffee a little closer to what nature intended with the natural flavors of Starbucks Light Blends.

Instagram For Beginners: 4 Tips To Photo Fame

1. What Is Instagram?

If you're anything like me you are resistant against, tooth and nail fighting, every new social media platform that seems to roll out. I'm an early adopter, by nature, but when you work with social media for a living you have to be cautious as to what you'll invest your time into. It seems like there's a new social sharing system popping up every week and nobody has time to try and learn them all. This is why it took me a little while to 'jump' on the Instagram bandwagon and embrace Instagram as a form of social sharing and networking.

If we're gonna be honest, Instagram is still very much a playground for me. It's kind of like an abridged version of Pinterest- I can hop on and browse hundreds of random images from my phone, anywhere in the world. It's a visual playground, but much more simple than Pinterest (and still growing in popularity). Many companies are now requiring bloggers to post to Instagram OR Vine for short content syndication. As the platform grows it might be a good time to look into growing your own following and working on shaping the content you create to appeal to a target audience.

While I, personally, use Instagram as a personal account at this time, many accounts do wildly well under a niche focus. Abstract and Pet accounts are some of the most popular and viewed on the platform, as well as #NoFilter shots that boast intriguing photography without alteration. So what is Instagram? It's essentially a fast post platform to share a single image to your followers, or an unrestricted worldwide audience, with unlimited characters of text.

2. Who Are You on Instagram?

Like so many major social media platforms today you can easy sign up for a free Instagram account on your computer, tablet, or other mobile device. Unfortunately, you will find the app itself is where you can access your count most directly and interact with the apps functions. There isn't full online PC functionality at this time as Instagram was designed to be a mobile platform.

For personal accounts feel free to post whatever tickles your fancy, just know that the average person will not care to see what you ate for breakfast or the bumper to bumper traffic on your way to work. Posting photos with interesting hashtags will certainly help get your content seen, no matter the subject matter, but this really is a visual platform and what you see is the most immediate impact when browsing. If you're looking to gain followers there are a few simple guidelines:

• Define your photo stream with 2-3 key topics of focus. Your followers will either follow you for the style of photography you shoot, or the subject matter that frequently appears. My personal Instagram is typically food/recipe and pet focused. If you're looking to create your own theme why not start posting an outfit of the day or even a day-by-day photo journal of the changing seasons, or a growing plant?
• You get what you give. I'm still a small fish in a big Instagram pond, but I've doubled my followers this week by searching out people who use the same hashtags I use often. This is a great way to find people who may also enjoy your photo stream. Follow them and a reported 85% of active Instagram users say they return follows. Liking photos that are of similar theme and interest to yours are a great way to get the attention of new potential followers as well!
• Learn the art of hashtags. There's no secret formula, but there are hashtags that people are known to search for, and even follow, religiously. #NoFilter, #CatsOfInstagram, #DogsOfInstagram, #PhotoOfTheDay, #Selfie, and #Followback are among some of the top trending tags for 2014. When in doubt, toss in more hastags- there is no character limit, but be careful not to overdue it. Studies show hashtags should be limited to no ore than 15-17 characters, and shorter hashtags get more searches.

3. How Do They Get Those Photos?

For several months I spent most of my Instagram time envious of the amazing photos I'd see in my stream. I'd wonder what phones were creating these beautifully staged and filtered images- did they have a paid subscription to Instagram with some sort of fancy features? The answer is no- In fact, you'd be surprised just how many photos you see on Instagram weren't taken with a phone at all! As an Android user I've discovered I can upload images to my Google+ profile (even as private) and pull them through my phone (linked to my Google+ account) to share directly to Instagram.

Many 'pro' Instagram users also have a variety of photo editing applications on their mobile device they pre-treat and save photo files with. There is a treasure trove of photo editing apps in the Google Play and iTunes store, and many of them are completely free to use. One of my personal favorite types of photo editors is Color Splash. With several different programmers and applications, the Color Splash style apps will allow you to paint out color, to turn an image to black and white, to leave a dramatic pop of color on focus elements!

4. What do people want to see?

At the end of the day your Instagram feed should still represent you and your interests. However, you'd be surprised what photos tend to get more hearts than others. Often it's not that adorable photo of your son with his face smeared in spaghetti (though kids work on every platform, right?)- it's more likely to be that unique mirror image of the clouds over the water at the harbor, or the duro-tone photo of contrasting colors that requires a second look. Just remember, no matter what you're putting on Instagram, try and develop a theme, and a community will surely follow. 

In fact, if you are in an Instagram rut, there are thousands of photo communities and Photo-A-Day groups you can join up just be searching. Photo-A-Day challenges can not only grow your network with follows from other participants, but also help develop a theme in your photo stream as well!

Bucket List Tuesday: #71 Hot Air Balloon Flight

Momma Told Me: Life's too short, not to fly!

I'd like to think I was born with a healthy respect for heights, but there is something intoxicating about the dream of being able to fly. And, barring parachuting from a plane (which I'm sure is quite a rush, but is also over in 25 seconds) or paragliding, I suspect a Hot Air Balloon Ride allows for maximum exposure to the experience of sailing among clouds unobstructed. Then there's my natural gravitation towards things that are multicolored; add one rainbow hued 250lb piece of canvas (known as the envelope), and I'm in heaven. Sure, sure, it 'could' be one of those scenarios where I'm holding onto someone terrified during liftoff, but I'm certain a Hot Air Balloon Flight is one experience I have to check off my Bucket List.

How does one book themselves a ride on one of these 70' tall monstrosities? You don't just have a network of friends who own them, right? Believe it or not, the majority of the hot air balloons owned and operated are actually by private parties who travel the country attending Hot Air Balloon Festivals and renting out time and rides to cover their journey. You may recall my previous two years of coverage on our local Santa Paula Balloon and Wine Festival. At that event over 40 balloons were fired up and displayed for the general public to photograph and see up close. The event stretched through two giant fields and was surrounded by craft and food vendors as the balloons lit up just before dusk and continued into twilight. Some lucky, and patient, attendees had the option of standing in the baskets while the operator fired up the canvas. Sabrina (11) spend days after in awe, and remarking how 'exciting' the roaring fuel flame was just feet from her head.

Believe it or not you can book a Hot Air Balloon ride pretty much anywhere in the country- naturally, you or the owner may have to travel to a suitable lift location (depending on your locale) and this can raise the costs. For those living in Southern California, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, or Arizona there are several great established organizations that can book you an hour long flight for about $139 a person. It's certainly not your average trip to the theme park, but the price is more than reasonable for a once in a lifetime, intimate, experience with a loved one for a birthday or celebration.

There are actually several packages typically offered for hot air balloon flight experiences. With the emergence of several online 'Experience Gift' companies, you can often be part of a larger 'bulk' sale of discounted flights and get a great deal. If timing is not important off season flights can also be quite affordable and often include a champagne toast and pre-flight meal! Ideally, someday, I'll be able to take a short drive up to Napa Valley and enjoy a few days wine tasting followed by a romantic balloon flight. I know, I know, I'm lucky to have such a treasure trove of experiences in my backyard.

Would you ever consider, or have you taken, a hot air balloon flight?


What Daughter Says: There are many ways to soar through the clouds, but few as perfect to take it all in.

Become Part Of A Living Kaleidoscope On The Color Run's 2014 Tour!

Momma Told Me: Live life in full color.

I love color. I can think of few things that can make me quite literally giddy as fast as something splashed with beautiful, vivid, bright colors. Whether it's cupcake frosting, a fluffy new comforter, a pair of neon short shorts, or a rainbow stacked desk organizer- it's hard not to smile when you're surrounded with such unexpected pops of pure color. So, naturally, I wanted no, needed, to be a part of the 'fun run' revolution of 'color running' that has swept the population worldwide. The practice of non-competitive 5k treks which douse the participants in colored corn starch and culminate in a color orgy (don't worry, the intermingling of colors and people is entirely family friendly), has become THE thing for the non athletic aspiring such as myself. Of course, seasoned runners participate too, in fact, even infants in strollers sport temporary tattoos and tutus as they parade through the event!

But let's be real- there are a LOT of these types of events springing up. It seems every week I see one of my friends of family has shared a flyer for an upcoming neon night run, color walk, dance-a-thon, or Spartan race. The world of fun runs is big, my friends; and even within the color-racing genre, you have many choices. My answer? Do them all if you can- however, if you cannot, there is one race I have whole-heatedly endorsed without any sponsorship, across several blog posts in the past. As someone who has many local friends who have attended as many as 4 different color race events, I know that The Color Run is the only place for 100% professional and color jam-packed fun. Don't be fooled by imitators my friends, go to an official The Color Run event, they're the originals, and each year they find a way to keep making it better.

New for 2014, The Color Run's one year only Kaleidoscope Tour there will be more color than ever before with a 'living kaleidoscope' participants can actually walk through (I am dying to see this!) and more event stations throughout the race route. Every registered runner will also be able to score an awesome swag bag of merchandise including a Color Block Headband, Temporary Tattoos, T-Shirt, and brand new Shoulder Bag! I am very excited about the new swag for all registered runners, as the shoulder bag design is absolutely gorgeous- I only wish that The Color Run would add an extra charge for each runner to elect to buy an additional color packet. Last year we decided to begin dousing before the event began, and would have loved to have an additional packet for the after-party too.

You see all of the photos in your friend's Facebook feed and wonder what The Color Run is really about, right? Maybe you're on the fence, or you've heard about some 'muddy' color experiences. In my opinion, this event is as colorful as you make it. Find a 2014 Kaleidoscope Tour date in a city near you, register on the VIP list (and pay as low as $25 per person!), and begin planning your big day. Go crazy plan hair styles, makeup, outfits, face paint- it's all about you, whether you're running solo or in a giant team of friends and family. You will see everything at The Color Run, so don't feel afraid to let your creative side flow! Do keep in mind any clothing or accessories may be tinted of stained by the food-grade-safe dye infused with the corn starch color- and sweating or water may make colors bleed or become mucky (it happens.) Whether you come out looking like a promo-photo, or a muddy mess, the event is a blast, and the fun is only limited by your mentality!

The Color Run is coming to my local city October 18, 2014- and I am crazy anxious. You will undoubtedly hear about my outfit planning and torturous countdown over the next 6 months! But a The Color Run event could be coming to your town as soon as within the next few weeks, so be sure to check the current event listings to check for the next local race and register with code COLOR5OFF to save $5 on your event registration. If you don't see your local big city listed yet, get on the email VIP list to be notified as soon as the dates are announced. I'll see you all on the colored pavement!

What Daughter Says: Stay colorful, my friends.

Blog POP! Bio Bubble Pets Aquarium Review + Premium Bio Bubble Giveaway~ 4/25

 Hop along to all of the great Blog POP! Spring Fling giveaway on the official LINKY here!
Momma Told Me: Go swim with the fish.


Are you ready to see how our Bio Bubble Aquarium turned out?

First, let's catch up the newcomers- What exactly is a Bio Bubble? Well, it's a lot of things really. It's an aviary, a hamster penthouse, a Chameleon Cantina, a turtle haven, a hermit habitat- yes, it truly can be any and all of those things. The only thing limiting your Bio Bubble is your imagination. If you have a small range pet, it can likely make itself at home inside one of the world's most unique consumer pet habitats, the Bio Bubble. This extraordinary animal habitat is ever expanding and features an array of accessories to suit your pet's needs. Currently there are 4 different models, the Terra, Wonder Bubble, and Aquarium- through the fourth, the Bio Bubble Premium can transition easily into any of the other three with a few accessories and a little imagination!

We decided to dip our toes in the Bio Bubble Aquarium to start. It actually can transition into a semi-aquatic, or even dry habitat, like the other units, but comes with a filter and pump accessory As well as the much needed Dome Gasket to withstand water pressure and keep liquids in place when expanding for cleaning. The Aquarium does come with a bottom plug, should you decide to relocate your fish and try your hand at insects, lizards, or whatnot. With the addition of a simple mesh, clear, or cage riser you can easily turn a Bio Bubble Aquarium into a rodent habitat, or even a butterfly sanctuary.

Of course one of the things I love most about the Aquarium conversion is the unique 360 degree 'dome' style tank that looks as if an aquarium is literally sprouting form your table. But how do you get all that water in there- and how do you clean it? It's really quite simple, and ingenious! With the patented expandable sleeve, that tucks away in the base, you can release expand the unit to create an easily accessible tank for cleaning and maneuvering. There are two 'pinching' locks on either side of the base which will pop the sleeve up when depressed. Next, carefully unsnap the four locking arms, and lift up the Dome.

Your tank vie is now similar to the above! Of course there are a few things to keep in mind when working in and around the expanded aquarium. The accordion style walls are supported by plastic hinges that do tend to feel the weight of the lid when the tank is full. If you plan to keep the tank at it's maximum water capacity enlist a second set of hands when expanding and removing the dome, or you might have some spill over. Also, keep in mind that if you put additional decorations, or even your hand, in the tank while it is full this will displace water. Lastly, be mindful of small tank inhabitants when collapsing the tank back to 'Dome' mode. Small fish and creatures might be hanging out in the folds of the sleeve, or near the tuck-away gap at the bottom. Always count heads before closing! See our complete Bio Bubble Aquarium set-up post here.

Again, when setting up any tank, it's best to organize all of your decorations ahead of time, before bringing fish home or filling with water. Keep in mind the dome had a convex top that gets narrow around the sides, in height. Close the dome before adding water to ensure all tank decorations will clear. You should also prepare your tank's water the day before picking up it's residents. Not only does water need to be treated (salt or fresh) for nitrates and chlorine, but you will need room temperature water and gradual acclimation before introducing the inhabitants to their new home. The Bio Bubble Aquarium holds 3 gallons of water, and should house no more than 3-4 (2" full grown) fish or inhabitants. Consider the community as whole when shopping for fish and be sure to talk to an expert about fish size and compatibility. (And, remember only one gender, unless you want baby fish!)

I purchased our aquarium decorations on Amazon, as they were cheaper than the big brand pet store. We themed our tank, much like Gary' (the Bet fish.) Our Spongebob theme really came together with the commercial merchandise, but we found there was no 'rock' to represent Patrick's home. I happened to find a 'coconut' home in the hermit crab section of our local pet store that covered up the filter nicely, while still allowing air flow and filtration. We also adopted a 'Mr. Krabs' who enjoys climbing on everything, in particular to the top of Squidward's house- and one living Moss Ball (affectionately named 'Squishy'.) Having live plants in your aquarium helps the oxygen content to keep the tank cleaner as a whole. You may buy a Bio Bubble habitat, online, at Wayfair.

What Daughter Says: With the Bio Bubble Aquarium you'll be able to get close and personal with your aquatic pets, without getting wet!

One Blog POP! fan will win a Bio Bubble Premium kit including LED caplight accessories, filters, and more!

Hop along to all of the great Blog POP! Spring Fling giveaway on the official LINKY here!