Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Why I choose Waldorf education



There are so many reasons why Waldorf education resonates with me.  From the focus on play and storytelling to emphasis on social skills versus rote memorization and academics in the early years to just the overall feel of a Waldorf classroom.  If I had been given the option of a Waldorf education, I'm pretty sure I would've thrived in this environment.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Friends

It's funny...when I drove D to Annie Camp that first day, I prepped her.

"Now D, you are going to Annie Camp today.  It's your first day and you'll be going by yourself."
D: "Is Maddy straight going to be there?"
Me:  "No."
D: "Oh, so I'll make new friends like I did at horse camp." (Even though M did attend horse camp with her.)
Me: "Yes!  Just like that."

She seemed to be fine with that.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Fun places in California!

We went camping this weekend!  We went to Lake Cachuma up by Santa Barbara area.  It's quite large and is surrounded by a beautiful lake - but no swimming allowed!  D and hubs went out on a lovely boat ride though and they got to see deer!  My friend and I missed the boat ride because the general store was having a book sale - great books for just $1.00.  Errr...I might've gone a wee bit crazy at the book sale but I got quite a few great classics for when D grows up.  Plus, I really love books and having a vast library would be my dream for my future home - built in book shelves in the living room, the sitting room and possibly the kids room!

On Sunday, we went into the city of Solvang.  Such a cute "Dutch" town. I was really excited to go because it sounded so quaint and charming, plus they have little Elves' homes hanging over some of the  doors to the stores.  I was excited to see that!  But, shortly the excitement wore away as I started to realize that this town is sort of a tourist trap.  Really nothing to be found here that is so unique given that it is a "Dutch" town so it would seem that actually going to Holland would be a better and richer experience.  They had a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (that can be found in CO)..they had a toy store that had regular run of the mill toys like Legos...Madame Alexander dolls...just housed in a cute little toy store manner.  We had lunch at the Red Viking - I ordered the Smorgasbord (naturally since I love buffets).  Again, a bit disappointed since the food was really not very good.  Then again, I'm told that the food in Holland is not very good either.  Guess I'll have to just go again and see for myself.  Oh yeah, I've been to Holland as a child but was dragged around to do touristy stuff with my parents and had no inkling about being interested in any type of cuisine that was not burgers and fries.  Yea, can you believe it?  I grew up on McDonald's.  Gross.

Highlight of the trip?  The Quicksilver Miniature Horses Ranch located in Santa Ynez.  I mean...serious pocket ponies!!  I really wanted to leave with one.  I can't take it.  If you get a chance, definitely check out this ranch!

Second great place is the Sunny Fields Playground in Solvang.  I wish we had one of these in the South Bay...


Man, I know there is so much great stuff out there beyond the South Bay...we just have to get there.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

I see red

Photo from Vogue.com

Look at that picture of Taylor Tomasi Hill.  Doesn't that make you just want to go red??  I used to have red hair like that.  Back when I was in high school and shortly after I experimented with quite a few reds - one time going a purpley red which was not good at all though I didn't know it at the time.  Then there was once when I went cherry red and while I really dug that color, I didn't keep it for long because I felt like I had to change my entire makeup routine and clothing choices to complement that bright cherry color.
Sigh...sometimes I get an inkling that I want to change the color of my hair.  But if I did, I'd want to go BOLD.  Not just a mild change but something radical!  The last time I did that was about two years ago when I had the tips of my hair dyed ombre blonde!  Was really cool.  But, alas...I cannot go so bold because I am the face of our Waldorf school - Seeds of Joy Village and I don't think it would go over so well if I had some crazy hair color...add my tattoos to that and those young moms would think our school was some kind of rebellious alternative school rather than the gentle, loving school that it is.  A school that nourishes your child both inside and out...mentally and emotionally.
But I digress!  I am also obsessed with Taylor Tomasi Hill's style!  She rocks it.  I kinda want to be her.