Just Say 'No' to Pot(lucks)

I know it's too late for this year's midterm elections, but I am hoping I can just slightly alter one of today's proposed amendments: Instead of legalizing certain substances, I propose this instead: Let's make pot(lucks) illegal.

I'll rally local politicians and activate citizens after this year's holiday season, when this insidious issue is fresh on the minds of everyone who's had to combine cold pizza with a green bean salad. Sure, I won't want to spend $140 million of my own fortune, but I feel as though this problem, which strikes deep into our schools and homes, can finally be brought out into the daylight where we can make mincemeat out of it (and that's something you should NEVER bring to a potluck).

I understand how they happen. A friend decides to host a spur-of-the-moment party and doesn't have time to run to Gelsons for the fabulous deli tray. One mom on the fringe is trying to single-handedly put together a gathering to celebrate the many cultures that make up the kindergarten kids and their parents. But Korean kimchi just isn't going to mix very well with that bucket of KFC that I hastily had to resort to after working late the previous evening and scrambling just to get myself to the gathering – thus, not very accurately representing my "culture" (really!).

Don't get me wrong. I love all food from all cultures (even Kentucky). I believe my children should experience and come to appreciate such delicacies as oxtail soup, squid stir fry and curries of every color. But all in the same meal?

Aside from the mishmash of culinary styles that are forced to come together on one plate, how about the utter assault on the concept of a well-planned and prepared meal wherein the appetizer whets your appetite for the salad, which provides a perfect precursor to the main dish? Or gosh, I'd just settle for, "Hey, this stuff kind of goes together OK and isn't going to make my stomach stage a revolt."

And I've bought the bill of goods that goes with these potlucks: "It's cheaper," "more convenient" and – yes, "easy." I don't have all the answers, and the solutions are complicated and can be expensive. When the host doesn't have the time, then what? Caterer? Food truck? A big pizza parlor bill? And even I'll admit that good things can come from potlucks. In fact, my children's elementary school threw a potluck that was so massive that I could've put together a menu of several different complementary dishes from 13 countries – and some of the dishes were phenomenal.

And maybe I'm just bitter about the fact that if I sacrifice my "free" time to prepare a dish or a meal, then I want to be able to serve it to an appreciative crowd – not just for the accolades but for the spirit of sharing food and getting to know people, which is what eating together is supposed to be all about.

So please, everyone, until I can get this on next year's ballot, just remember: Say "no" to potlucks.

A Scary Thought: Sugar-Free Halloween

These days, we rarely indulge in fast food, try to buy organic broccoli, don't put "Hostess Ding Dongs" on the grocery list and in general try to not keep a constant stream of M&Ms flowing into the lunchboxes. I often offer my kids cantaloupe for dessert, buy the super-lean hamburger meat and use whole-wheat bread for sandwiches (even though I really want that buttery, white-flour Kaiser roll).

So please ... I beg of you: Allow my children and I to enjoy our Halloween candy in peace. I promise I won't eat 13 Hershey's miniatures in one sitting. I will send my kids immediately to their toothbrushes post-Laffy Taffy and make sure they spend extra time on their molars. Fear mongers of the world, please stop frightening the world's mothers into foisting pencils and temporary tattoos into those adorable pumpkin-shaped trick-or-treat buckets in lieu of Smarties and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Kids (or perhaps their parents) work really hard on those costumes; give them a "treat" and skip the "sneak them a high-fiber snack" trick.

As it is, we've gotten good about making sure our kids are prepared for the more realistic and immediate dangers of trick-or-treating: Dark sidewalks and busy streets. We've equipped them with glow sticks; high-beam, megawatt LED flashlights; reflectors on their backs, fronts and shoes; GPS tracking systems and a helicopter that flies overhead to shine a spotlight on their path.

But is candy really more evil than that gruesome Jason costume or scarier than the 12-year-old girl dressed like a trampy Brittney Spears? No, I don't think so.

I know, I know. Childhood obesity is a serious problem in this country, and I can't argue with the statistics. But it's not Halloween that led to the major health epidemic. Bad eating habits start at home, and we have to begin with the basics of serving fruits and vegetables, limiting candy and promoting active play. I was, in fact, horrified the day I found out my son had recently traded his healthy, well-balanced lunch for the chocolate sandwich in his friend's bag. Not casting aspersions, knowing that it can be difficult to pack a perfect lunch every day for my two kids. But a chocolate sandwich? (Perhaps that's a kid who should be limited to apples for Halloween.)

As parents, we all must confront several fears and dangers and worries when it comes to our kids. But on Oct. 31, I'm going to throw caution aside and allow my kids to eat some candy. And if I catch you putting a sticker – or heaven forbid, a granola bar – into the trick-or-trick bags, I will be forced to haunt you.

Holiday Shopping? Yes, It's Time

I know it's a bit early, but I have a New Year's resolution to make right now that might actually do me and my stress level some real benefit: I am going to begin my holiday shopping earlier this year.

Don't laugh.

This year I resolve to stop the cursing at Amazon's "Express" shipping option prices. No more picking through picked-over shelves at Target. No more choosing the ridiculously overpriced item just to "get it over with." I'm making my list, baby, and with any luck, I won't have to check it more than twice.

Why the sudden bout of sensibility? Well, I'm not going to admit to any hidden agendas here, but it didn't hurt that I just got wind of some pretty good shopping/travel packages in San Diego for this fall and winter travel season. Yes, I can combine two of my favorite things: Shopping, and getting the heck out of town! Some offer better deals than others, but there's nothing like a change of scenery to put me in a generous mood.

Check out these cool packages; visit the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau site for more information.

• The Westin Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego is offering the Macy's Package, which includes one night of accommodations and a $100 Macy's Gift Card. Rates start at $199, plus tax (offer is based on availability, blackout dates apply, and reservations require a nonrefundable prepayment; through Dec. 31). Use promotional code CMY.


• Downtown San Diego's luxurious US GRANT hotel is offering the Bloomingdale's Holiday Shopping package, which includes two nights of accommodations, daily breakfast for two at the Grant Grill, a $100 Bloomingdale's gift card plus 10% shopping discount at Bloomingdale's in San Diego's Fashion Valley shopping center, a consultation with a Bloomingdale's 'At Your Service Personal Stylist' and after-shopping specialty cocktail and appetizer at the Grant Grill. Rates start at $500, plus tax (blackout dates apply; through Dec. 31).


• The iconic Hotel del Coronado is offering the Holiday Stocking Stuffer package, which includes one night of accommodations, a $75 resort credit valid at resort boutiques and 50% off self-parking. Rates start at $299, plus tax and $25 resort fee (based on availability, blackout dates apply; Nov. 20-Jan. 1).


• The Westin San Diego in downtown San Diego is offering the Holiday Cheer package, which includes one night of accommodations, a $50 gift card to nearby Westfield Horton Plaza shopping mall, complimentary gift wrapping for up to five boxed gifts and seasonal cocktail and appetizer. Package is $179, plus tax (based on availability, blackout dates apply; Nov. 18-Jan. 1). Use promotional code HOLISHOP.

See you at the mall ... soon.

What Gives?

It's been an indulgent week for me. Twice – that's TWO times – in one week I've gone out with a girlfriend to do nothing other than to chat about life and laugh about the craziness of said life. No working, no networking, no agendas, no playdates ... just good old-fashioned girl time. And it was greaaaaaat.

Ironically, while enjoying some rare time away from our busy schedules, one of my girlfriends and I ended up talking about the things we have shelved, sacrificed and put away for a time while we tend to the demanding tasks of raising our kiddos. Of course, the bottom line is that we wouldn't trade our lives now for the lives we had BC (Before Children), but still those things continue to circle overhead like a hawk – high enough not to get in the way but still well within visual range.

Here's how it broke down in my mind:

The foofy stuff that I can no longer wear/find/afford/deal with:

• ridiculous undergarments


• shoes my mother would not approve of


• going to the grocery store just to buy expensive cheese


• expensive cheese


• showers in which I used all the hot water


• the "thinking time" I had in the mornings where I'd gather my thoughts


• Oh, and my thoughts

The stuff that makes me feel guilty that I can no longer do:

• massive holiday card mailings with personal notes


• thank-you cards with personal notes


• personal notes


• returning phone calls


• gifts for the Sparkletts guy during the holidays


• inviting people over to eat expensive cheese

The critical stuff that I've tried – and must for my sanity – recapture

• time with my hair dresser


• not rescheduling doctor's appointments for the 88th time


• dates with my spouse that require us to not dress like Mom or Dad and that also involve reservations of some sort – and possibly ridiculous undergarments (for me)

Of course, life is about moving forward and making changes, and with those changes come new priorities and plans. If I've got to give up holiday-card lists to play Battleship with my son, then I think that's a fair trade, even if that means my Sparkletts guy doesn't get a card or a gift this year. But if I can squeeze in a night out with a friend here and there, then that would be greaaaatt.

What's on your lists?

How To Survive the L.A. County Fair

While I continue to struggle to "Find Time For This," Calendar Editor Michael Berick helps me out with these great tips for attending the L.A. County Fair, which wraps up this weekend:

The L.A. County Fair is a real Southern California treat. Packing Pomona's Fairplex each fall with carnival rides and games, fried food and cold drinks, animals and people. It's something to make sure that you experience at least once, if not more so. We ventured out there during its opening weekend. Here are tips based on our experiences.

Arrive early. Not only does this give more time at the Fair, but it also let you enjoy some time before it gets too hot. Plus you can usually find a pretty decent parking spot in the general parking lot so you don't have too long of a walk at the end of a day spent walking.

A nice way to start your day is by going on their sky lift, which offers a fantastic aerial view of the fair and lets you pick out some spots you want to go to. It is also good to do in the morning before temperatures heat up.

Another nice thing to do if it looks like it will be a hot day is to get over to the Hot Dog On A Stick stand and buy a big souvenir glass of lemonade, which you can refill throughout the day at a discounted price.

Among the best rides were the giant Ferris wheel (well worth the ticket price) and the faux canoe water ride (very refreshing, particularly after a long wait in line). On the other hand, the Ghost Pirate – a blink-and-you-are-done ride – definitely wasn't worth its tickets.

The "best" carnival game (if "best" equals "easiest to get a prize") would be the Pop the Balloon game since it's a pretty simple to win a prize (although it isn't much of one). Conversely, there are a lot of shoot-a-basketball game booths, but I didn't see one person win one of the fine jerseys that they have hanging up – so don't get your hopes up too high at these games. Maybe it's because the fine print on their signs state that something to the effect that the basketball hoops aren't regulation size.

Another big attraction at the fair is the food, and there is plenty of it. We didn't go whole hog during our day there, but we did order up some BBQ and roasted corn on the cob for lunch, where were pretty good fair grub. The main disappointment was a soggy piece of spanakopita, while the big highlight was the deep-fried Klondike Bar that we got at Chicken Charlie's. It was warm and crispy on the outside and soft and cool on the inside.

While you can try to cover the entire fair in one day, it's nice just to be more relaxed about it, and stroll around and see what you can discover. One of the most memorable things we did was to stop at the Hollywood Aerial Arts setup. Our 8-year-old daughter got to go up and swing from a trapeze, which was a thrill for all of us. Although we didn't see everything (the Pig Races will have to be for another visit), it was a full and fun day.