Jacqueline Stansbury

A native Angeleno, Jackie enjoys revisiting her childhood as a mom and writer for Mommy Poppins. She did a lot of cool stuff as a kid and has newfound respect for her own mom who made that happen without the internet! Today in Los Angeles, some things are gone, some have changed and some, like the grunion, remain exactly the same. In her former life, Jackie was a development executive on the Fox Studios lot where she rounded up writer/director lists and covered screenplays. Mommy Poppins is much more fun. Jackie's kids, Benjamin and Juliet, agree.

Latest posts by Jacqueline

This Week's Picks: Al Fresco Food, Features, and Theater August 25 – 29

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Sun, 08/24/2014 - 10:00pm

While Southern Californians needn’t worry too much about impending cold weather, as the summer of play comes to its conclusion, so will the many outdoor concerts, movies, and shows we’ve been able to enjoy these last three months. It is still possible to catch Shakespeare under the stars or a moonlight movie before sweater weather turns into “winter” (a term those of us who live here should use lightly). Here are our five picks this week for giving summer one last hurrah!

This Week's Picks: Movies, Music, & Downtown Exploration August 18 – 22

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Mon, 08/18/2014 - 4:30am

Summer is winding down, but there is still time to play and still plenty to do. This week, enjoy crafts, concerts, and cinema for all ages. Native Angelenos may not realize it, but we are living in a brand new city. Los Angeles now has public transportation! A train trip with the little ones is always fun, but it’s also great to send teenagers on a grand rail adventure of their own. Better yet, park at one of the stations Friday night, and the whole family can head Downtown, where there are many cool things to do this week.

This Week's Picks: Butterflies, Art, and Music, August 11 - 15

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Mon, 08/11/2014 - 7:50am

Some of us are heading back to school, and some of us still have a few more weeks to enjoy the Summer of Play. As the rush to get school supplies, clothes, and backpacks heats up, don’t forget the simple pleasures of our city. Leave the madness of the mall behind and take those kids for a hike, a picnic in the park, or just let them stretch their little bodies on the monkey bars. If the need for an activity hits, head to a museum or a concert. Or try one of our five picks from this week's family events calendar.

This Week's Picks: Surf's Up and the Lights are Down July 28 - August 1

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Mon, 07/28/2014 - 8:05am

Summer heat is on. Let the little ones cool off at the movies, but be sure to embrace the treasures of the Pacific and celebrate our Southern California Beach Culture. This week, the grunion are running in San Pedro and The South Bay is full of surfers. If you need to head indoors, the Norton Simon is just one of many museums offering free admission.

This Week's Picks: Bubbles, Splashes, and Shakespeare July 21 - 25

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Sun, 07/20/2014 - 7:27pm

It is only fitting that a week which begins at the beach should end with a free shampoo and blow out for Mom. Prepare for a grown up weekend with Living Proof’s Frizz Free Friday at an Ulta Beauty location. Appointments are available from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Go out and get glamorized while Dad stays home and orders up some Friday night pizza. Read on for the outings with kids that can earn you such an end-of-week treat.

This Week's Picks: OC Fair, Dollar Movies, & a Night at the Museum July 14-18

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Sun, 07/13/2014 - 8:00pm

Bonjour! Monday is Bastille Day. Don’t give the enfants a reason to storm out; let them eat cake, or at least brie and baguettes. Enjoy a picnic “en plain air” at a local park or by the light house in Long Beach when you catch a dollar movie. There is lots to do at the library and you can brush up on the French Revolution while you’re there (or borrow some of the books in our DIY Kid Lit Camp). Better yet, sign the kids up for French lessons and listen to them parlez, because our five picks for fun this week all have a certain je ne sais quois.

This Week's Picks: Pirates, Clowns, Cowboys, & Rebels July 7-11

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Mon, 07/07/2014 - 8:33am

The Fourth is over and we are deep into the middle of summer. Don’t let the doldrums take over. Los Angeles has culture and nature and many things that kids and grown-ups can enjoy together. Be sure to get to the Hollywood Bowl at least once; the Summer Sounds program designed for kids starts this week and runs through August 1. As temperatures rise, a little water play at the beach, in a pool or in the back yard with a hose will refresh and replenish. And in between all that splashing and dashing, make time for one or two of our picks for this wonderful week of summer.

This Week's Picks: LA Daily Diversions with Kids June 30 - July 4

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Mon, 06/30/2014 - 3:19am

Start this week with some deep breathing. The days leading up to the Fourth of July can be a little bit sleepy. If you are hosting a barbecue, get the kids to help with decorations. If you are going to someone else’s party, bring some home made apple pie chips. Meanwhile, it’s summertime in Los Angeles and there is always plenty to do.