July 2011
2 posts
1 tag
Pals for Life
I still have my favorite stuffed animal from childhood. He’s a raggedy, strange, little dog named Poppy. He was (and is!) one of my most cherished possessions. He was by my side all through childhood, and even when I went through tough times as an adult, there was Poppy, happy to listen and snuggle. Yes, I did bring him to college with me. Don’t act shocked, he learned a lot at Yale.
My...
4 tags
Required Summer Reading
Do you remember when you were in school and had a required summer reading list for the summer? Call me crazy, but I really miss it. I remember sitting under a tree barefoot scaring myself half to death over my latest Nancy Drew book. Or hiding out in my room all day, no one bothering me until dinnertime, reading The Catcher in the Rye. It was kind of a luxury, that required summer reading...
June 2011
1 post
May 2011
2 posts
1 tag
Cool Rider
Ever since I found out I was going to have a little girl, I’ve been beyond excited for the moment when she would learn to ride a bicycle. I clearly remember my dad racing behind me as I pedaled with all my might and all my courage, terrified that he would let go, yet giddy with the idea that I could do it all by myself. It is one of the most important and poignant moments in a child’s life.
...
2 tags
Bonjour, Mes Amis!
I love anything French. I love croissants, the Eiffel Tower, champagne, Degas…. And I so hoped that my daughter would aspire to be a little Francophile too. Of course, like any proper 4 year old, if I said let’s read “Le Petit Prince,” she would insist on “Clifford,” and if I suggested an éclair, she would insist on—actually she’s good with éclairs (who isn’t?).
My family is full of...
April 2011
6 posts
Kellie,
Thank you for your work on behalf of those of us with autoimmune disorders. I am in the unfortunate situation of apparently having those genes on both sides of my family, so I guess I was kind of doomed to develop at least one (or the 4 I have developed). Once I knew the extent of what was going on with my health, I was relieved that my only child is a boy, given how predominantly...
3 tags
Happy Easter... Cookies!
Growing up at my house we made my mom’s frosted sour cream cookies for every holiday; we just altered the decorations and cookie cutters depending on the occasion.
Today, my daughter and I continued the tradition by making some delicious Easter cookies. They are so good and remind me of my childhood. Oh, and don’t tell my mom, but I’ve improved the frosting recipe. Shhhhh!
Kellie’s Mom’s...
3 tags
Earth Day to a Four Year Old
When I was a kid we didn’t have an Earth Day. Although, I suppose if we had it back then, we might not need it today.
I didn’t know anything about recycling until I was in high school, and then it was just the crazy neighbors down the street who recycled soda cans to make some extra cash. In college I started using the scratchy recycled paper tissues and cleaning my dorm with vinegar and...
4 tags
Put a Bow Tie on that Cauliflower!
I have a major obsession with pasta, probably because I can always get my kid to eat it. Even when she’s tired or grumpy, put a little pasta in front of her, and presto. Lately I’ve been experimenting with combining vegetables that my kid claims to hate with her favorite pasta shapes. So, the following recipe is a happy marriage between cauliflower (not a fave) with adorable bow tie pasta (a...
1 tag
When You Gotta Go... Again
Ever try sneaking out of the house without saying goodbye to your kid? Just don’t want the waterworks, the tantrums, the “you said you’d never leave mes?” Yes, saying goodbye, even when you’ll be gone only 20 minutes, can be a rather unpleasant affair. I get it. I didn’t want to do it either, but just recently, now that my daughter is 4 years old, I’ve started reaping the...
carrymesouth00 asked: Kellie-
My husband & I moved our family to Alaska 21 years ago and the girls grew up on Kellie Martin movies. I have tried to get every DVD that you were in sometimes to no avail. Do you have any suggestions to where I could purchase all of your movies? When the girls come home we always curl up with our blankets and a Kellie Martin movie.
-Carrie
My husband & I moved our family to Alaska 21 years ago and the girls grew up on Kellie Martin movies. I have tried to get every DVD that you were in sometimes to no avail. Do you have any suggestions to where I could purchase all of your movies? When the girls come home we always curl up with our blankets and a Kellie Martin movie.
-Carrie
March 2011
3 posts
1 tag
Rosemary Olive Bread Recipe
I’ve made this bread 3 times and am finally getting it right. This recipe is super straight forward. Make sure all your ingredients are fresh, especially the yeast. Seriously, the smell of this homemade bread just makes you happy to be alive!
This recipe is from an amazing cooking/baking teacher, Carol Cotner Thompson. Please check out her fantastic...
3 tags
Helping Kids Process a Disaster
Around the time of the New Zealand earthquake, we started putting together our earthquake kit. Way overdue, I know, considering we live in Los Angeles.
I hadn’t planned on including my 4 year old in the kit preparations. Why scare her? Did I really want to sit her down and tell her that sometimes, out of the blue, the ground beneath her can start shaking… violently? It seemed like worry that...
1 tag
WatchCrazy Thursday night!
February 2011
2 posts
3 tags
High Tea and the Little Beatnik
My daughter’s school does a high tea every Spring. Kids learn about manners, waltz a little, and, most importantly, they dress up. I mean seriously dress up, like in the fanciest gown they own. My four year-old loves to dress up and play pretend, possibly more than any other type of play. And, she has quite a legion of fancy dresses that she puts into rotation a few times a day.
So, imagine...
mysouthernheart asked: Hi, Kellie!
Thought you might like to know that I have featured you on my blog this week: http://www.mysouthernheart.com
By the way, I loved SMOOCH!
Blessings,
Dianne
Thought you might like to know that I have featured you on my blog this week: http://www.mysouthernheart.com
By the way, I loved SMOOCH!
Blessings,
Dianne
January 2011
3 posts
meme4thought asked: Hi Kellie!! Are you still directing?
Sneak peek at my new movie "Smooch"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqflG6KtGqo&feature=share
2 tags
“Maggie, Dr. King’s Birthday is More Than Just a...
I asked my daughter if her teachers had spoken to the class about today’s holiday. She said: “No, but I don’t have to go to school. Yay!” I was about to launch into a “this is why we need to know about Martin Luther King Jr.” speech when I paused because I didn’t know how to explain his impact to a four year old. To explain the importance of Dr. King, I would have to tell her about what our...
December 2010
29 posts
Coffee and a Muffin
Having muffins with my family at our local coffee shop this morning, I noticed a homeless woman looking through the window. She seemed to want a cup of coffee, which we were happy to get for her. As I moved to the door, a man approached the woman and gently led her inside. He had the same idea. At the counter he asked her what she would like to order. “Just a cup of coffee,” was her reply. ...
#ExtremeGiving Day 25: Christmas Dinner and...
I can’t sing but I can cook. On Christmas Day, my ExtremeGiving was to make a feast for our friends and to keep my singing voice mercifully low during our caroling.
Here’s the menu of food:
Green Herb Dip with Vegetables
Parmesan and Thyme Crackers
Butternut Squash Apple Soup
Portabella Mushroom Lasagna
Green Beans
Goat Cheese Beet Salad
Gingerbread Cookies
Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice...
#ExtremeGiving Day 24: Prayer
We went to a beautiful church service on Christmas Eve. It was quiet, filled with candles and was a nice time to stop for a moment and remember why we celebrate Christmas. I’ve been so caught up in baking and shopping and the stress of this holiday season that I often forget to really count my blessings. So on Christmas Eve I stopped to pray—to give thanks and to ask for a few things that our...
#ExtremeGiving Day 23: Cinnamon Rolls for Grandma
My grandma is 86 years old and has a wicked sweet tooth. Whenever I see her I try to bake something delicious for her. For Christmas I thought the cinnamon rolls I learned how to bake in my baking class would be just the thing. And they were, she went mad for them.
1 tag
#ExtremeGiving Day 22: Disneyland
If there is one thing more fun than Christmas, it might be Disneyland. Am I right? For today’s ExtremeGiving my family gave another family passes to D-land. They’ve lived in Southern California, relocated from Guatemala, for many years but have yet to visit the Happiest Place on Earth. Christmas + Disneyland = Joy Overload!
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#ExtremeGiving Day 21: The Children's Nature...
Living in Southern California (when it’s not pouring!) is pretty awesome in the winter. Even in January we can go for hikes in the mountains around here and not take much more than a sweatshirt. With all the noise of modern life, it’s essential to get out into nature and just turn off the world. I’ve been trying to teach my daughter how important the natural world is to our...
ExtremeGiving Day 20: Cookies for Teachers
My daughter has amazing preschool teachers. I’m not quite sure how to thank them for all the work they’ve done, but I’m gonna try. First, with a gift certificate to a local restaurant and second, with my family recipe for Christmas cookies. Basically I’m going to make sure they have a bunch of food this holiday. Food is good, am I right?
Kellie’s Mom’s Sour Cream Cookies
3 ¼ cup all-purpose...
#ExtremeGiving Day 19: Croissants for Christmas
I love croissants. And I love Christmas. Really, it’s a beautiful combination. Today I made croissants then my daughter and I took them to the neighbors.
1 tag
#ExtremeGiving Day 18: The Painted Turtle
The Painted Turtle is one of Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Camps for seriously ill children. They provide a safe and fun experience for kids and their families who deserve a chance to get away and take a break. ”The Painted Turtle offers an exhilarating, challenging, and nurturing array of traditional summer camp recreational activities, seamlessly intertwined with programs that...
1 tag
#ExtremeGiving Day 17: Friends of the Family Part...
Today we participated in the “Family to Family” Holiday Program through Friends of the Family here in Los Angles. Friends of the Family provides aid and services to disadvantaged families 365 days a year, but around the holidays they ask members of their community to bring a little extra cheer.
Since ExtremeGiving is not about just spending $$, I asked my own family to gather gifts...
#ExtremeGiving Day 16: Preschool Christmas Show
I volunteered to help out with the Winter Show at my daughter’s preschool today. Cuteness overload.
1 tag
#ExtremeGiving Day 15: Holiday Cards
I’m sending greetings to friends, old and new. While I love me some Twitter and Facebook, I’m very loyal to old fashioned holiday cards.
And you know what I really love about this extremegiving? If you read this, I just sent you my holiday card too!
#ExtremeGiving Day 14: Banana Bread
It’s pretty simple. My 4 year old and I made banana bread to take to our neighbors. It’s a recipe from my baking teacher’s blog: CarolCotnerThompson.blogspot.com. The bread turned out perfectly and it could not have been easier to follow. I highly recommend you make two loaves asap—one for your neighbors and one for you!
1 tag
#ExtremeGiving Day 13: Friends of the Family
Today I adopted a family through Friends of the Family, Los Angeles. It’s a single mom with two kids, so I’ve got some work to do to get things put together for them. To make the gift special, I’ve enlisted help from my mom and decided that this will be a multi-day project. Will post photos and keep you updated!
For more info on this organization visit: fofca.org
1 tag
#ExtremeGiving Day 12: Bet Tzedek
The House of Justice or Bet Tzedek provides free legal assistance to people who would otherwise not have access to the legal system. They work with issues including elder abuse and neglect, patients’ rights, and Holocaust reparations. Today my extremegiving is in support of the good work the lawyers and volunteers do to help the needy and impoverished of Los Angeles.
1 tag
ExtremeGiving Day 11: TreePeople
I’m a treehugger. Trees make life in a city a lot sweeter.
TreePeople is a fantastic nonprofit that is dedicated to expanding the tree canopy thereby creating a sustainable future for Los Angeles. Their mission is to “inspire, engage, and support people to take personal responsibility for the urban environment, making it safe, healthy, fun and sustainable and to share the process as a model...
1 tag
#ExtremeGiving Day 10: American Cancer Society
My friend, Kim, is running her second Los Angeles Marathon to raise money for the American Cancer Society. There’s not one person I know whose life hasn’t been affected by cancer. Simply put, we can’t do enough to raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society and all the good work they do.
So, my extremegiving today is to help Kim embark on her marathon journey. I’ll be thinking of...
1 tag
#ExtremeGiving Day 9: Food Pantry
Food. A simple, basic necessity, yet many families don’t know where their next meal is coming from. My extremegiving for today was to donate canned goods to a local food pantry that feeds 400 families per week. I’m planning on making this a habit and not just a special thing I do for the holidays. If each one of us just gave one grocery bag of food to our local food pantry each...
1 tag
ExtremeGiving Day 8: KCRW
Here in Los Angeles, there is a fantastic local radio station, KCRW. I have it on every time I get in the car, and I even listen to it online in the house while I’m cooking. This station plays the greatest alternative, undiscovered music, NPR news, and my favorite show “The World” from Public Radio International. KCRW exists only though listener support, and I am an avid...
ExtremeGiving Day 7: Oh, Christmas Tree
Christmas tree + our local church = #extremegiving day 6. Our church has a Christmas tree lot each year where all the proceeds go to to the church and its community outreach programs. So, we got ourselves a huge noble fir that just barely fits in our living room. Deck those halls!
2 tags
3 tags
ExtremeGiving Day 5: Soldiers' Angels
I had a partner in crime for today’s extremegiving. Melissa Joan Hart and I decided to bring some holiday cheer to our soldiers serving abroad. We both feel blessed to be surrounded by our families at this time of year and wanted to send a little bit of home to those who are away from their families. So, we bought a bunch of soap, movies, Top Ramen, toothbrushes, chewing gum, beef jerky, a...
1 tag
ExtremeGiving Day 3: Covenant House, Los Angeles
I’m cleaning out my closet, searching for warm jackets, hats and scarves to give to the kids at Covenant House Los Angeles. Covenant House provides food, shelter, immediate crisis care, and other important services to homeless and runaway kids in 19 cities in America.
Volunteers literally get in a van and drive to the most dangerous neighborhoods in search of kids living on the street....
ExtremeGiving Day 2: Adopt-a-Family
My daughter’s school has a drive every December to raise money for families in need in our town. So, today my daughter and I ran over to Ralphs to get a gift card for the family we are adopting. I can’t take any credit for the idea (which is a great one), but I still hope that, for this family, our gift will make a few meals a little easier to come by.
1 tag
ExtremeGiving Day 1: Baby2Baby
If you have a baby, you need baby gear. Stocking up on that gear is one of the exciting parts of preparing for parenthood. But for a lot of families out there, buying it can be a financial hardship, and that’s where organizations like Baby2Baby come in.
When the founders of Baby2Baby, who are all moms, found themselves with more kid stuff than they knew what to do with, they decided to create an...
November 2010
4 posts
Extreme Holiday Giving!
I’m issuing a challenge to all of you for this holiday season: Do at least one thing each day during the month of December that gives back to your community, brightens someone’s day, and/or makes the world a better place. I tried to do this last December to show my daughter what the holidays are really about, but I only got to December 3 (lame!). I thought maybe this year with some...
