My original phone/video interview of tween/teen expert and author Rosalind Wiseman got discombobulated by YouTube, so I'm posting it one more time.
Here's the orginal post and the (hopefully) working video.
What is the most important message on the minds of tweens these days? That they matter and that they have a voice and want to be heard. That's what tween expert Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queens Bees & Wannabes (which inspired the movie Mean Girls), told me in a video/phone interview in April.
Wiseman offers words of advice to haggard parents such as me, who often finds herself mystified by this irrational, emotional creature that has taken over the body of my adorable little youngster. But the tween years are a critical window of opportunity for parents to be a helpful and credible source of support, she says, and can set the stage for guiding them through such issues as bullying and the lack of self-confidence.
The body image issues are also a major factor at this age, which is why Wiseman says she joined forces with DontFretTheSweat.com. The site includes a panel of parenting experts and provides tools for parents and kids to develop confidence, self-esteem, and self-reliance.
Associate Editor Ronna Mandel is guest blogging today about Pamper Me Fabulous ...
And now for the best news - the next Pamper Me Fabulous event will take place on October 10, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa so start making plans now! Getaway with your girlfriends and indulge. The premise is a simple one though not easy to pull off as effortlessly as the planners at Fresh Events so successfully do. Plan a day out with your BFFs, buy an all-inclusive entry fee and set up appointments for spa visits, hair cuts and other assorted beauty treatments by some of the top professionals in our town.
In addition to all the wonderful services available, there were a slew of cool vendors touting everything from sunglasses to snacks, clothing to candles, and at discounted prices to boot! And I can't forget to mention how much I enjoyed the informative breakout sessions where I heard experts speak about a variety of topics such as Healthy Aging Skin, The Truth About Collagen, how to Unwind with Reflexology and my personal fave, Top 12 Tips for Getting Organized. In other words, there is something for everyone!
To give you an idea of why you should plan on a day out at Pamper Me Fabulous, here is just a smattering of companies that participated:
Every time you block the cold wind from your shivering child, make sure he's fed and full before you ever get a bite, hoist him out of a mud hole or teach him an important survival skill like how to open a bag of goldfish crackers without scattering them everywhere, just know that you are biologically hardwired and not at all unique among animal mothers.
We've been positively obsessed with watching the LIFE BBC series that we TiVO'd on PBS (the 11-part set debuts on DVD on June 1), and I've learned more amazing cocktail party facts about the animal kingdom than I could ever hope to scour off the Internet. The BBC folks even put together a little mini-series dedicated to the moms who shoulder the survival of their species by taking their parenting duties as seriously as we humans do (and in some cases, more seriously).
So moms, give yourselves a pat on the back knowing that you're in good company – and that even tadpoles needs a mother's love.
Celebrate Mother’s Day in the bucolic splendor of the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, which will host its 12th annual Momentum Place. It’s an eye-opening afternoon of modern dance, acrobatics, juggling and performance art that is all said to be family friendly as well. The performers from the Dream World Cirque, Eye of Newt Circus and the Art Nouveau Dancers are scheduled to appear. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for students and $10 for kids 12 and younger. Picnickers are welcome and cushions are recommended for the bench seating at this outdoor amphitheatre. When: 2 p.m., Sun., May 9 Where: Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga Contact: 310-455-2322, www.theatricum.com
A Shakti Saturday
This weekend marks the conclusion of the 24th Street Theatre’s Saturday Explorer Series. In case you haven’t been traveling along with the theatrical explorers, the Series has made stops in Mexico, Brazil and the world of hip-hop. They will wrap up their cultural globe-trotting with a performance by the Shakti Dance Company. This L.A.-based troupe will share the sounds and dances of India, particularly the traditional Bharata Natyam style. Tickets cost $5. When: 1 p.m. Sat., May 8 Where: 24th Street Theatre, 1117 W. 24th St., L.A. Contact: 213-745-6516, theatre@24thstreet.org
All Aboard For National Train Day
Saturday’s National Train Day will be celebrated with a free festival takes place in downtown Los Angeles at Union Station, quite naturally. You can check out displays of train equipment, model trains and various Amtrak exhibits. The special Railroad Bracero exhibit will showcase Hispanic contributions to the American railroad system. Whether you love riding the rails or not, you can certainly enjoy a performance by the USC marching band as well as Playhouse Disney favorites Choo-Choo Soul (appropriately enough). When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., May 8 Where: Union Station, 800 North Alameda St., L.A. Contact: www.nationaltrainday.com
Deciding where to fete Mom with a feast can be a beast.
When my mom comes for a visit, there is rarely a spot in the Southland that she doesn't love. But when I ask her where she'd like to spend a special day, her answer is often a surprising "Downtown L.A."
Why? As locals we often see only its less attractive side, the inconvenient and overpriced parking and the sense that downtown feels like it's a world away sometimes. But as a veteran shopper, my mom sees another side: Bargains. She spends hours trolling the costume jewelry shops, the endless fabric stores and the clothing marts that are packed with all sorts of goodies, from handbags and suitcases to her primary obsession: shoes. There are bead stores, craft stores, bedding stores, junk stores, leather stores...
She often won't take the time to eat, but the rest of us demand good grub after a day sifting through cheap sunglasses in Santee Alley. So if you want to plan a successful day out in downtown L.A., consider cashing in on the shopping bargains then splurging on a great brunch. The Downtown Center Business Improvement District compiled this mouth-watering video as well as this annual list of top brunch spots:
Mother’s Day Brunch at Café Pinot. Dine al fresco on the olive tree-lined patio or in the dining room with large windows and natural light. Menu highlights include salmon cobb salad, ricotta pancakes with strawberry confit and Fuji apple crumble with cinnamon ice cream. Three-course menu; $35.50 adults, $15 for kids 12 and under.
Bottomless Mimosas at Ciudad. Get this exclusive deal by mentioning DowntownLA.com: bottomless mimosas for $4.50 for mom. Prix fixe menu highlights include mango, avocado and Greek yogurt salad with wildflower honey and Marcona almonds; mini brie and spot prawn quesadillas; artichoke and goat cheese quiche; and chimichurri roasted prime rib. All moms receive a packet of heirloom lettuce organic seeds from Earthbound Farms. Three-course menu; $39.
Mom’s Day Off at Grand Café. Salute your family’s favorite chef with a champagne buffet at Grand Café at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel. Menu items include carving of beef baron, shrimp caesar salad and traditional fish and chips as well as a decadent dessert station featuring dolce de leche flan or tiramisu parfait. All mothers receive a gift. $31.50; all inclusive, including a glass of champagne.
Checkers Downtown Brunch: Moms Eat Free. No matter what mom chooses to eat at Checkers Downtown, it’s free on Mother’s Day.The menu includes buttermilk pancakes filled with strawberries, blueberries or bananas and walnuts; open-faced fried egg sandwich on grilled sourdough with prosciutto, stewed tomatoes and arugula; Maine lobster risotto; and grilled Colorado Lamb Loin with ranch Gordo heirloom bean ragout. Prices range from $9-$31.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Kendall’s. This classic brasserie with contemporary flourishes serves brasserie cuisine with inspired seafood dishes and updated French favorites. Mother’s Day menu highlights include Maine lobster bisque, classic croquet monsieur, Alsacienne tart flambé, and strawberry pistachio sable Breton with pistachio cream and red rose coulis. Buffet; $35 adults, $15 for kids under 12.
Mother’s Day Brunch in Smeraldi’s. The Millennium Biltmore Hotel is offering a lavish affair for Mother’s Day at its restaurant, Smeraldi’s, featuring made-to-order brunch entrees, fresh seafood, chef-attended carving stations, an assortment of fruit and salads, a selection of Biltmore desserts and champagne. $49 adults, $25 kids.
Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea in the Rendezvous Court. If mom prefers something a little lighter than brunch, then try elegant tea in the Rendezvous Court at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. It includes a selection of assorted tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Devonshire cream and jam, desserts, choice of tea and champagne. $35 adults, $25 kids.
Mother’s Day at the Blue Ribbon Garden Walt Disney Concert Hall. Celebrate mom in Walt Disney Concert Hall’s beautiful one-acre garden 34 feet above Hope Street. Dine among flowering trees and views of the city. Menu highlights include crispy crab cakes, caramelized onion-pear tarts, smoked salmon crêpes, stuffed French toast and a complimentary glass of champagne for mom. Two seatings: 10:30 am and 12:30 pm; buffet; $58 adults, $15 for kids under 12.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Patina. Savor contemporary French cuisine at the Michelin-starred Patina and enjoy a selection of wines from around the world. Three-course menu; $49 adults, $29 for kids 12 and under.
Family-style Brunch at The Restaurant at The Standard. Enjoy a prix-fixe Mother’s Day brunch at The Standard. Toast mom with a choice of “ma”tini or “mom”osa, and enjoy a generous spread for the table: berry “mezze,” Greek yogurt with ricotta and honey; Farmer’s Market veg & cheese scramble; mom’s kickass fried chicken, waffles and grain mustard-maple; smoked salmon “flat bread;” Meyer lemon-crème fraiche; home fries, redbliss potatoes and caramelized onion; and bottomless buttermilk pancakes. $30 per person.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion. This special three-course Mother’s Day menu comes with a bonus – moms receive a $20 gift card to use on their next visit. The restaurant features Hawaiian fusion cuisine: Yamaguchi Sushi and a menu featuring a selection of fresh fish, delicious appetizers and intriguing entrées, combined with signature cocktails and a cutting-edge wine list. $30-$49 adults; $12.95 kids.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Zucca. For a Mother’s Day celebration with Italian fare, treat mom to Zucca Ristorante and enjoy handmade roasted pumpkin tortellini with butter and sage, Italian frittata and poached eggs over Fontina cheese bruschetta. Three-course menu; $35 adults; $15 for kids 12 and under.
Friday, May 7, 2010 at 02:11PM 
In addition to all the wonderful services available, there were a slew of cool vendors touting everything from sunglasses to snacks, clothing to candles, and at discounted prices to boot! And I can't forget to mention how much I enjoyed the informative breakout sessions where I heard experts speak about a variety of topics such as Healthy Aging Skin, The Truth About Collagen, how to Unwind with Reflexology and my personal fave, Top 12 Tips for Getting Organized. In other words, there is something for everyone!
To give you an idea of why you should plan on a day out at Pamper Me Fabulous, here is just a smattering of companies that participated: