As a woman and a mom on my journey to black belt, it is my passion to share my new found empowerment and skills with my gal pals. Karate & Kocktails creates a fun and safe environment to tackle some serious topics that include how predators behave and how we can decode their “act” and defend ourselves from a worst case scenario. We cover way more in the Dojo than I can put in a video. My hope is that all who see this video are inspired to find a self defense class and take charge of their lives. Please pass it on!

My mom would always tell me to be extra aware on days when I was frazzled. That observation and advice saved my life. Self-defense begins with Awareness. Women are perfect targets because we are soooo nurturing and trusting. We want to help any poor soul who comes along. Predators KNOW this and look for signs of vulnerability. As Moms and Women, we want to do the right and helpful thing. BUT if we are aware of a predator’s keen observations of our behavior, we could instantly decode his dramatic script and make the life saving choice. This is not a fun topic. But it is what it is. So let’s get powered up to STOP him dead in his tracks! Take time each day before you leave the house to get centered and grounded. If you are frazzled and can’t pull it together, it may be a day best spent in the privacy and safety of your own home. And please don’t drive your car in that frazzled state of mind. Awareness. Pass it on.

Working the Red (actually green) carpet of the HOP world premiere for TheGoToMom.TV was more than just dazzling stars!  It was inspiring!  The movie was gorgeous to watch, acted to perfection and an amazing story that riveted us at every turn.  Our “take” on the Green Carpet was a bit unique. We found the “actors” had more to say about advocating against animal cruelty and that the screenwriter started his craft as a kid.  Just like US!  We are grateful to be inspired to stay on our creative path of inspiration and follow our dreams.  Our rating: Two Thumbs UP!

Our lives are like a show. We get to write it, produce it and play it out for our utmost joy! It is no wonder we fell in love with Kelly Lester’s Show “Let’s Do Lunch!” on Easylunchboxes.com. Turns out, my daughter responds to great old fashioned entertainment. Because of this show, she now packs her own lunch for school the night before. True Story. Thank you Kelly! http://www.easylunchboxes.com/

Sometimes videos have no point. Just like CANDY. (Charlie & the Chocolate Factory reference) And just so you know, I VLOG even when I wake up with a busted blood vessel in my eye. I think it is a good look for me. Creates sympathy. Wait… did someone mention CANDY? Oh… yes. We LOVE the Double Rainbow Guy on YouTube! Wait, this Vlog is a helpful parenting video for entertainment on a budget. When your kids are bored with Disneyland…or your wallet is empty from said land.

I am not a parenting or child behavior expert. I have “Go To” Peeps for that and they know who they are. But I couldn’t wait to share this amazing thing that happened when my daughter discovered the electric fan for the first time when our air conditioning went out. I just found her in the hallway and grabbed my video camera. I did not script her. Does the fan have mysterious powers over our children? You be the judge. And please feel free to share your personal experiences.

How do you take the “mystique” out of defending yourself from violent predators? Well…I put my favorite gal pals in the Dojo with my Sensei and several other amazing black belts. The result is women learning how to defend themselves in a non-threatening place of complete support. Having FUN with it helps alleviate the “fear” of an attack and allows the participants to access their inner power. Then we go out for Sushi and Kocktails and some much needed “Girl Time”. SERIOUS FUN… Seriously ready for anything.

In the studio with Michael & CC getting the form down for the last song “My Kitschy Kitschy Girl” on my “Life is the Party” project. Elizabeth was home from school with a bad cough. Notice the rag around her neck keeping it warm with VICKS! Can you guess who I wrote that song about?

We don’t just watch movies together, we watch them a hundred times until we have every cool line memorized. There are some real gems in movies that we translate into our lives. We call it “Cartoon Wisdom”. I LOVE when these quotes come out of my daughter’s mouth “out of the blue”. Can you guess which animated feature Elizabeth’s quote is from?

Le Chat Romantique et Peacock reticents. We play a game in the car we call “Animal Credit”! When you see an animal, you shout “ANIMAL CREDIT!” and then of course you get …. credit. Yup. The other day Elizabeth and I got “Animal Credit” without leaving the house. We simply looked out the window of our front door. Enjoy the estranged romance and dance of the Neighborhood Cat and the Peacock. Hey, it’s L.A.! You can pretty much date whoever you want and no one gives it a second thought. It’s all good. In fact… it’s cool. Please enjoy responsibly.