An exclusive interview with international designer Carrie Livingston.
Carrie Livingston shares her secrets on remodeling.
Question: My kids want a “grown up” tween room. Any suggestions for how I can give them what they want without spending a fortune?
Answer: When taking on a kids decorating project, allow your kids to be a part of the process. Kids are full of creativity and enthusiasm. Allowing them to be a part of the planning, shopping and work gives them the feeling that their opinion counts. Creating a budget and careful planning at the beginning with your kids, will give them a better understanding of what choices they can make during the process. Allowing them to be a part of creating a space that is a reflection of their own personal style and creativity and one that they can continue to evolve and grow into will give both the parent and child great pride. (more…)
Like many busy families in Los Angeles, my family used to frequent a certain kid friendly restaurant in our neighborhood several times per week. Each time we stood up at the end of our meal, I would guiltily eye four bright, virtually unused crayons sitting on the table, knowing that they shouldn’t be tossed in the trash. I started to keep our barely-used crayons, and built up a stash of thirty-two crayons within a month. As I did the math after noticing that many other families also left their crayons behind, I saw this as an opportunity to create a change, both for the environment and for kids who might not otherwise have access to something many of us take for granted. 
When you’ve been married for 12 years with four kids, Valentine’s Day becomes a day you celebrate as a family rather than a couple. I find it overpriced and “cheesy” to dine out on Valentine’s Day so spending it with the kids doing crafts and baking is a lot more fun.
For the past 11 years I have been a summer camp advisor helping families find great summer programs for their children. Parents want to find the best summer program and be ensured that their children have the most enjoyable and rewarding experience possible.
Bon Bon Gifts & La Tabella Presents
The new school year is in and with it the question of which activity to engage our children in. There’s lots of advertising for sports, dance, art, singing schools and more. The choices could be overwhelming and make our head spin, but the criteria for selection is actually quite simple. Give children what they want and most importantly what they need. 
Brentwood Gardens is hosting another amazing free family fun day for families on Sunday, September 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring your entire family for loads of fun. DJ Groovy David will be spinning. Anita will be doing free hair wraps and tattoos and there will be a fabulous clown creating balloons for your kids. It’s a great way to spend a few hours in the shade and then you can grab a bite upstairs at CPK or Daily Grill. If you’re not ready for dinner then head up to Riva for organic yogurt or fresh organic juice. It’s the only place where my kids actually drink the green juice because it’s sweet and delicious. 
The Zimmer Children’s Museum is the only museum dedicated specifically to kids and families in Los Angeles. An interactive space for learning, play, imagination, and exploration. Through the power of play, children will learn about human values such as respect for others, helping those in need, generosity, and creativity.