Koco & Viking

12.08.2010

Christmas + Stop Motion + Community = GENIUS!

There are few things I like more than Christmas and I can’t even think what those would be. So, imagine how stoked I was to be asked to preview my favorite television show’s Christmas special. As If that weren’t exciting enough, it was in S T O P M O T I O N! Bells, whistles, and even an angels’ choir could be heard all around. Count me in!

Community has it all; incredible comedic timing, quick dialogue, wonderful writing, and an amazing cast. A show that is that easy to fall in love with wouldn’t need to add any more dazzle to get more viewers, but this week’s episode was dazzle-licious. Okay, I don’t think the writers and producers would like their show associated with dazzle-licious, my apologies. It kicks major ass! Better? Yeah, I agree.

Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas has it all; Christmas, animation, magic, dinosaurs, candy cane nunchucks, original songs, space travel, the true meaning of Christmas, and CANDY CANE NUNCHUCKS! It is like Nightmare Before Christmas meets Wizard of Oz. Think, Santa Claus is Coming to Town but witty and without the jerkiness, of motion that is. Did I mention the original songs? I was really impressed with the singing of Danny Pudi and Yvette Nicole Brown. For a musical junkie, that was an added bonus. The opening is fantastic… you’ll have to see it!

In short, check out Community tomorrow night, Thursday, December 9^th at 8pm/7 central. You won’t be disappointed. In fact, you will learn what the true meaning of Christmas is! BONUS! Then, come back and answer this question for me; what toy would you turn into?

funny interview with joel mchale

exes and oooohsJAZ
p.s. I would probably be a nutcracker. You know why!

GiveBack.org

We are all about giving back to the community and supporting those who need the help and blessings. I was invited by GiveBack, through the one2one network, to join their community and write about my experience. I am more than happy to have had the chance. GiveBack has made giving and donating easy. They have created the opportunity for you to build your own foundation! I know, like we're high rollers!

I just signed up for my own foundation and found 2 charities to support. You can find a charity by typing in the name or City and State. When I typed in my hometown, I was given a crazy long list. I was happy to have found so many charities are benefiting from this project. I can share what I'm doing with all of my friends on facebook and get them in on the giving too! Then they can tell their friends and the next thing you know, we're donating tons to charity!

My foundation (below)

Do you like to shop? ME TOO! Well, there are thousands of stores that you can shop online with and they'll donate a % of your purchases right into your foundation. You can then choose which of your charities will get the cashola! From looking at the stores, I found that they give anywhere between 2-15%. I was bummed to see that any of them would donate less than 5%. Home Depot, what's up with you guys? Only 2%? So, if I make a hundred dollar purchase, you will only donate $2? That doesn't seem right. So, shop the stores that give a higher percentage!

Giving is really made simple. The pages are easy to navigate (see picture below) and it is all in one place. Get to giving, you only have a little bit before the end of the year!

exes and oooohs

JAZ

p.s. GiveBack.org's partner- Mission- gave my foundation $5 just for signing up!

12.07.2010

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 8th

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

Wednesday, Dec. 8th

All Day

*SOUTH BAY* Toy Drive and Taste of the Pier

Redondo Beach Pier

Tony's and Hats 'n Things

208 Fisherman's Wharf,

Redondo Beach CA 90277

Hollywood, CA 90028

FREE (kind of)

Tis the season to do what we can for those in need. Bring a $5, unwrapped toy to Tony's or Hats n Things and you will receive a certificate of your choice to a participating restaurant on the Redondo Beach pier. Some restaurants include; Tony's and Kincaid's.

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

12.06.2010

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 7th

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

Tuesday, Dec. 7th

6 pm

Hollywood & Highland Celebrates the Festival of Lights

6801 Hollywood Blvd.

Hollywood, CA 90028

FREE

Hollywood will be illuminated by the lighting of a giant Ice Menorah in honor of Chanukah! There will be musical performances, interactive arts and crafts for the kids, and holiday treats. Good will prevail over evil! Happy Chanukah!

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

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 6th

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

Monday, Dec. 6th

6-9 pm

Pet Night with Santa

at the Burbank Town Center

FREE

Don't forget your loving and adoring pets this holiday, have them take a keepsake photo taken with Santa! For those of you who have FURRY KIDS, this would be an amazing Christmas card for 2010.

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

12.05.2010

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 5th

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

Sunday, Dec. 5th

1 pm

30th Holiday Spirit of San Pedro Parade

"Focus on Youth"

FREE

The parade starts at the corner of 15th St. and Pacific Ave. Thousands come out to cheer on bands, drill teams, celebrities, and many others.

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

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 7th

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

Tuesday, Dec. 7th

12-1 pm

Salvation Army Angel Tree Unveiling

Millenium Biltmore Hotel

506 South Grand

Los Angeles

FREE

A live performance by the Salvation Army Band will add to the heart warming event. The beautifully decorated tree, located in the Rendezvous Court, will be adorned with ornament gift tags with the name of a child in need on it along with a requested item. Guests who participate can bring their tag and gift to the front desk and receive a special gift from the Salvation Army- a miniature signature bell! Give back this holiday season.

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

12.03.2010

:::focused woman::: Danielle Santos

koco & viking is a business run by 2 strong women, but you already knew that, and we are always intrigued by other women who are focused on doing awesome things. We got to thinkin' and knew we wanted to feature and honor women that we meet along the way who do said awesome things. So, we bring you the first of our focused woman features. We are so very happy and proud to introduce an old friend of ours who has started a new life as a business owner...

Danielle Santos

k&v: Hi, Danielle! Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Danielle: My name is Danielle, and I currently live in Yorba Linda. I work full time for a property management company that I have been with for over 3 years. Although it is my full time job, I started my own business with Scentsy in March 2010.

Why did you start selling Scentsy?

My passion for Scentsy started in December 2009 when I had gone to a scentsy party at my friends house. I immediately was sold on the scents, warmers, and of course, the price points. I love my home to smell good, and as a new home owner, I was anxious to purchase the products. As soon as I did, I was hooked. It was only a few months later that I decided to become a consultant.

What obstacles have you had? How have you handled them?

Having a full time job, it has been difficult finding the time to put a lot of effort into my own business. However, I have a ton of support through the other women that have done the same and that have been extremely successful. I find time on the weekends, and in the evenings.

How do you separate yourself from other businesses?

I am constantly marketing my business and trying to think of new ways to do to get my products out there and set myself apart from the competition.

What advice would you give anyone who was interested in starting their own business? Specifically, what advice would you give a woman thinking of starting her own business?

Advice I would give for new business owners is: Don't give up. If you feel like you're business isn't doing as well as it should or could be, get creative. Start thinking outside of the box; stay positive and motivated. As soon as you do, I guarantee new contacts and business will fall right into your lap.

As women, there is nothing we can't do. We are the ultimate multi-taskers, and real life super heroes. It is so inspiring to see women that have their own businesses, are wives, mothers, cleaning ladies, cooks... and they do it with such grace. Having your own business is a challenge, but is worth it at the end of the day. You can amaze yourself with business ideas, and all that you can accomplish.

Where do you see yourself, your business, etc. in the future? What are your 5 and 10 year goals as a woman and a business owner?

In 5-10 years, I hope that my business will be thriving more than ever and to have many people under me that will benefit the way I have. I hope to have a family, and hope that I can be successful in all areas of my life.

Anything you would like to add?

My Grandmother has always told me, "Be the skipper of your own ship, Dani." And I have. Do what you love, and don't settle for less. That in itself is success.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. You are a success, dear Dani, and we know your business will flourish with your guidance and focus!

Please check out Danielle's business on her website. You can also email her and she'll get back to you, happily. She's Scentsational!

Our own Scentsy review...

Danielle hosted a Holiday Boutique and we were privileged enough to be a part of it. Now, we never have seen Scentsy, smelled Scentsy, or heard about Scentsy so we were intrigued to see her set up. We were very familiar with Party Light and have spent a lot on their products, we haven't recently, but had in the past.

We LOVE yummy smelling things and were delighted when the room instantly filled with a magical scent. It was Danielle's Scentsy that wasn't overwhelming us or irritating our sensitive sinuses (it's a family curse of crazy sneezes when things smell too strong). The fragrance lingered all day like a familiar friend, keeping us cozy and our spirits lifted. Instant love.

Both of us ran to Danielle to check things out, grab a catalog, and Jasmine asked a MILLION questions. We just become more enamored with the whole line. It is safe, it won't burn down our homes because it doesn't have a wick and it warms to just a bit over normal body temperature. We're both clumsy, so this is a definite bonus. They have a trillion (okay, not a trillion but over 80) amazing scents. Jasmine smelled ALL of them! ha ha. One bar will last you up to 80 hours, more than your smoky candle, and costs a fraction of the cost of that firey candle of yours!

Okay, now we like things that smell pretty but we like things that look pretty even more. Well, their warmers come in a bunch of designs and sizes and we wanted them all. Not exaggerating a bit. We wanted a majority for ourselves and we could name a friend or family member who would love all of the others! Holiday shopping is easy with a Scentsy catalog!

Inexpensive, beautiful, and smells UH-MAY-ZEENG! We're sold.

:::holiday fun::: FREE Holiday Event- Dec. 4th

It is that time of year to put on the mittens and check out the holiday happenings around town. We will be posting cool (pun intended) things to do in and around Los Angeles this season. Check back daily! We will only be posting FREE events to make your holiday merrier!

Saturday, Dec. 4th

10 am- 4 pm

Winter Solstice Fair

5450 Atherton Street

Long Beach, CA

FREE

Check out all the cool crafts, jewelry, food, and live performances all day! koco & viking will be there too. Stop by and say hello.

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