12.31.2010

Safe New Year's Eve

Have a safe and fun New Year's Eve, friends!
Please do not drink and drive.
We have so many personal stories of how drunk drivers have ruined lives and have taken them. Just last week, a man was convicted of killing 3 people while drunk driving (anaheim angels pitcher included) and he will be serving 50 years to life. The driver convicted is only 24!

The Metro (los angeles) will have FREE RIDES for New Year's Eve from 9 pm - 2 am on their buses and rail lines. Please take advantage of this if you plan on drinking. What an amazing service this is!

12.30.2010

New Year's Resolutions (you totally knew this was coming) w/ digital download

So, you want to come up with some resolutions for the New Year? Awesome! Don’t forget that resolutions are guidelines for how you envision your New Year. This should be for your pure enjoyment, to make your life better, easier, and happier for you! These should not be steadfast rules that you will now be living by. If you take our advice, there is a greater chance that you’ll “stick to” your resolutions. You totally deserve a wonderful 2011!!!

Download and print out our 2011 Resolution Worksheet to help you choose the best resolutions for you! Leave us a comment and let us know what resolutions you came up with!


Jaz's Resolutions... results from the worksheet

1. Call more, text less!

I think we are all too guilty of this. Over connected but not in a good way. Why text 10 messages back and forth when you can call each other and hear those lovely voices?

2. Read a new book every month

Reading is a true joy that I have neglected the last year. Carving out an hour a day to meditate with a book, good or not, will definitely help me unwind and get my mind off of work all the time. Relaxation is not overrated.

3. Smile at strangers

When I am out in the world my manners are always at their best but those in-between times of walking fast through a grocery store or waiting impatiently at a light deserve my attention too. The simple act of smiling at someone when they pass will go a long way in making a normal day brighter for me and maybe that other person. Smiles lighten your heart and we can all use a little lightening. Mother Teresa said it well, “Peace begins with a smile.”

4. Continue to give back to the community and do more than I have been

Giving back and philanthropic work is always in my top priorities but I think I can even out do myself this year. I will try to use my coupon obsession and bargain finding skills to donate more than I normally can. Feeding an obsession for the greater good of mankind? Win, win!

5. Wear more makeup

This one may sound crazy but I think it may be one of the best resolutions I could think of for myself. I was always the girly girl, done up, camera ready for any mundane task. The last couple years, I have been so busy with work and have had life factors that have made the idea of getting gussied up trivial. Well, no longer will I let it happen. Staying home or going to the bank, I’m going to get my face on. It will make me feel better and I’ll be more presentable. AND I can put the amazing makeup I received for Christmas to good use!

6. Save money to go on a cruise

Saving money is ALWAYS on my mind and I’m good at it but to have an actual prize at the end, that would be divine. Normally, I save us money and it flies out the door with some emergency. So, I am going to save more money than for our normal emergencies to reward us with a much needed vacay. We are lucky to live in Southern California where a 3 day cruise can be cheaper than a nice dinner out. No joke.


I will be adding more resolutions throughout the year and by the middle of January, I will probably have 20! Knowing that these are for inspiration and I don’t have to worry about reaching a goal, I am more apt to try my best and make it happen. 2011, here we come!

download the 2011 Resolution Worksheet here



12.29.2010

* review * & :::giveaway::: gaddy nipper crayons CLOSED



We were thrilled to be asked to review Gaddy Nipper Crayons. We have seen their goodies on etsy and loved the colorfulness and creativity of their recycled and upcycled crayons! We've all melted down crayons for candles in elementary school and/or summer camp, but Nichole (owner and designer over at gaddy nipper crayons) has amped it up to the umpteenth degree!

She sent us a swirled set of crayons that spelled out ANAMARIA. Yeah, a beautiful crayon for each letter! Within each letter was an imprinted image that represents the letter; an apple for A, a ring for R, etc. They were packaged super cute too! Unfortunately, our camera pooped out on us during the holidays so we couldn't take any pictures. BUT, her pictures on etsy do not do them justice. They were bigger than we expected too! What a great value. We can't wait to order these for all of the kids we know. ALL of them! Okay, we totally want them for ourselves.

We also think these would make excellent wedding favors. How about your initials or your new last name's initial. They would even make awesome escort cards! Get them in the initial of your guest, put them in a clear bag, and tie their table number onto the string! Wow, we're getting so many ideas now for these cute little buggers! Honestly, with all of the amazing crayons they have over there, you can find one that fits ANY situation. Mustache and robot crayons, anyone?! Right?! Too much awesomeness! We have a new obsession.

WINNER!!!

Win It!
Our new friends at Gaddy Nipper Crayons are being super generous and want to give a lucky reader of our's - Your Name in Crayons (up to 10 letters)! You can pick solid or swirled letters too. The giveaway is open to US residents. For a chance to win, you must do the following...

Required: (you must do #1 in order to qualify for the giveaway. we verify every entry.)

1. Follow our blog publicly, visit Gaddy Nipper Crayons, come back here and leave a comment telling us about your favorite item.

Optional/Additional Entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each entry with an email address so we can contact you if you win. ex. I liked you on facebook! info [at] kocoandviking [dot] com)

2. Buy something from Gaddy Nipper Crayons and let us know what you bought(2 entries)

3. Sign up for the koco & viking newsletter here. Email must match what you enter with (1 entry)

4. Like koco & viking on facebook. Current followers count! Leave your name.(1 entry)

5. Like Gaddy Nipper Crayons on facebook. Leave your name.(1 entry)

6. Follow koco & viking on twitter. Current followers count! Leave your @handle(1 entry)

7. Follow Gaddy Nipper Crayons on twitter. Leave your @handle(1 entry)

8. Buy something from koco & viking. Let us know what you bought (2 entries)

9. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post on this blog. let us know which post (1 entry- per post)

10. Post the koco & viking blog button on your blog. just copy and paste the code in the sidebar. leave the link to your blog (2 entries)

11. Blog about this giveaway and leave the link(2 entries)

12. Tweet about this giveaway and tag @kocoandviking and leave the link(2 entries)

The fine print: Do this by January 22, 2010 and you are in! 1 winner will be picked randomly using random.org. Please make sure that you leave a way for us to contact you or we won't be able to get this fabulous prize to you. Winners who I am unable to contact and who don't respond within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize and I will draw another name. I was not financially compensated for this review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com and sponsored by Favorite Wigs Shop Name Brand Wigs at Low Prices! Large Wig Selection of Estetica Wigs, Quality Wigs. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

LINK YOUR GIVEAWAY HERE!
Giveaways must be family friendly and no strings attached. Your links must go directly to your giveaway post. Please list a giveaway title and end date along with a thumbnail of the prize.

12.27.2010

Make It! Mondays- Milk Carton Sailboat



On Mondays we challenge you to meditate by making something with your own 2 hands. We'll set you up with a project we've found around the bloggin' and internet world that won't take too much time or money to make, keeping your sanity at a blissful level!

Give it a shot, then leave us a note with how it went [splendid, awful, etc.] and a picture or link to your handiwork! We're looking forward to seeing how well you've done. Most of all, take time for yourself and unwind.


Today's Make It! Monday Meditation Challenge
Time: 1 hr

Click on the project name to get to instructions!

Thanks, Real Simple!

12.26.2010

Coal? A Hippo? A house full of family? Just you and your lova?

What'd you get for Christmas? What will you be keeping and what will you be returning? Seriously, leave us a comment! We want to hear all about it!

We hope your heart is filled with much joy this Christmas. It isn't over! The Christmas season has just begun and we have a couple more weeks of celebration. So, don't take down your tree or stop singing those tunes! Just relax and have fun in it all.

Well, in case you didn't get too excited over Christmas.... we have a giveaway coming in a couple days! That is definitely something to be excited about. Keep your bloggin' eyes peeled, it's going to be a fun giveaway!

Okay, back to cookie eating!

12.25.2010

Merry Christmas!!!

Our gift to you! Hope you got what you wanted!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!



12.24.2010

A Reflection on Christmas

I thought and thought of what to share with you this Christmas Eve but I knew I wouldn't say it correctly. So, in searching for inspiration, I came across this poem. It sums it up and I hope you enjoy it as I did. Please enjoy your family and loved ones during this special time of anticipation. Take a moment to reflect on all that is to come tomorrow... something magical... a reminder that we are all loved, unconditionally. Blessings!


The True Meaning Of Christmas
by Brian K. Walters

In todays' day and time,
it's easy to lose sight,
of the true meaning of Christmas
and one special night.

When we go shopping,
We say "How much will it cost?"
Then the true meaning of Christmas,
Somehow becomes lost.

Amidst the tinsel, glitter
And ribbons of gold,
We forget about the child,
born on a night so cold.

The children look for Santa
In his big, red sleigh
Never thinking of the child
Whose bed was made of hay.

In reality,
When we look into the night sky,
We don't see a sleigh
But a star, burning bright and high.

A faithful reminder,
Of that night so long ago,
And of the child we call Jesus,
Whose love, the world would know.

12.22.2010

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 23rd


Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!

Thursday, Dec. 23rd

*SOUTH BAY* Lights in "Sleepy Hollow" aka "Candy Cane Lane" - South Torrance
Sunset- 10p
Calle Mayor and Pacific Coast Hwy
Torrance, CA
FREE

This is a community and our family's tradition! We have been Torrance residents for close to 30 years and this has always gilded our Christmas traditions. The dedication this neighborhood has to light up, literally, everyone's Christmas is beyond your imagination. Your night will be filled with Christmas spirit for sure. We stop for hot drinks, park, and walk the neighborhood to really engross ourselves in the experience. Other folks choose to drive s l o w l y and carefully to fully digest the magic. Owners of the homes hang outside around their fire pits and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Do yourself a favor, check it out!

These photos were taken from this year's coolness!
photo credits: t. dexter

do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

12.21.2010

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 22nd


Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!


Wednesday, Dec. 22nd

JOY a Christmas Music Experience
5p & 7p
1404 W. Covina Blvd
San Dimas, 91773
FREE

"JOY is a Christmas music experience designed for the entire family! This experience has been designed so that you will experience the holiday music in a way like you never have before! Creative media, festive atmosphere, the finest musical and vocal talent in the valley, and an incredibly powerful message, its all part of this holiday event that you wont want to miss!"


do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

12.20.2010

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 21st


Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!


Tuesday, Dec. 21st

*SOUTH BAY* Los Cancioneros Master Chorale
5p
Peninsula Center Library
701 Silver Spur
Rolling Hills Estates, CA
FREE

Listen to holiday favorites performed masterfully!


do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

12.19.2010

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 20th


Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!


Monday, Dec. 20th

A Magi Christmas
7p
Victory Outreach of Eagle Rock
4160 Eagle Rock Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90065
FREE

"Many have heard the story of the 3 Magi, but a fourth? Follow Mr. Magi on a journey so exciting and full of surprises you can hardly stay in your seat. Such a powerful story that His journey can change your life. A Magi Christmas is written & directed by Pixote Hunt, Director of Disney's Fantasia 2000.
This is a perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the holidays together.
"


do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

12.18.2010

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 19th


Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!


Sunday, Dec. 19th

*SOUTH BAY* Family Christmas Music Festival
4p
First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro
731 S. Averill Ave.
San Pedro
FREE

"This is an annual event at the First Presbyterian Church in San Pedro, will occur on December 19, at 4 pm. The program includes six choirs of all ages and features "A Collection of Carols" by acclaimed pianist and composer Howard Helvey, arranged for choir and piano 4-hands (2 players). The hour and fifteen minute program is followed by a reception. The public is invited. "


do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

12.17.2010

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 18th


Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!


Saturday, Dec. 18th

Kids' Christmas Spectacular
12-5p
Dodger Stadium
Elysian Park & Stadium Way
FREE

"Kids Christmas Spectacular features carnival games, winter wonderland, a petting zoo, giant inflatable slides, jumpers, crafts, balloon animals, face painting, snacks, live music, rock wall climbing and TOY GIVEAWAY! All of this is FREE of charge to the children and families who attend."


do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

12.16.2010

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 17th


Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!


Friday, Dec. 17th

A Gallery Family Christmas
8-10p
3152 East La Palma Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92806-2807
FREE

"Join us for a funfilled night of parody Christmas Carols, Sweet Christmas Stories and heartfelt holiday message for the whole family. This musical, comical Cabaret is just the thing to get you into that Holiday Spirit!"


do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

12.15.2010

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 16th


Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!


Thursday, Dec. 16th

Hot Cocoa & Story Time
4-5p
Sertino's Coffee Cafe @ the Gardenwalk
321 W. Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802
FREE

"
Bring the kids for complimentary cocoa, crafts and a fun holiday story at Sertinos Coffee Cafe!"


do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

12.14.2010

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 15th


Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!


Wednesday, Dec. 15th

Family Nights at Gardenwalk
5-9p
321 W. Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802
FREE

"
Bring the whole family from 5-9pm for dinner specials featuring a FREE KIDS MEAL with the purchase of an adult entree at 5 participating restaurants, then choose to bowl at 300 Anaheim where you'll receive a free game and shoe rental per person, or be treated to a complimentary holiday movie screening at UltraStar Cinemas!

Participating Restaurants: Bar Louie, California Pizza Kitchen, Fire + ice, Johnny Rockets and Roy's!

Free kids meals valid for kids 12 and under."



do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!

12.13.2010

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 14th



Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!


Tuesday, Dec. 14th

JAZZ FOR THE HOLIDAYS | CURATED BY LEROY DOWNS, THE JAZZ CAT OF KJAZZ 88.1 FM
12-2p
725 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
FREE

Alfredo Rodriguez
Opening Act: Thelonious Monk Institute/LACHSA Ensemble
Featured Charity: The Midnight Mission

"
Arts Brookfield presents "Jazz for the Holidays", a lunchtime music series featuring well-known Jazz artists from across the nation. Curated and hosted by LeRoy Downs, The Jazz Cat of KJAZZ 88.1 FM, the event will entertain attendees for three weeks, free of charge, by an opening act as well as a headliner at the three concerts that make up the series. In consideration of the holiday season, each show will highlight a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the communities of Downtown Los Angeles. "



do you have something cool going on? email us at info@kocoandviking.com and we'll post it!