Monday, December 21, 2015

Santy Claus

I am a big fan of keeping up with the fantasy! I love fairies. I love maintaining my child's belief in fairies, Santa Claus...

If you are too, then don't ever play "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"! Ummm, yeah. That song came on the other day in the car and D's asking, "How come the kid saw mommy kissing Santa Claus??" Err..umm.

I told her it was because it was the elves singing that song and because Mrs. Claus takes such good care of them, they consider her mommy. :o)  Nice save, right?

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Juicing...beets

I juiced some beets the other morning. THREE beets to be exact, threw in a couple carrots, ginger and a bit of lemon. I drank that thing up and 15 minutes later, I felt very nauseous...and then vomited! All my beet juice just went down the drain. Literally.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Act, Don't React

Well...it's been a while since I've written. Didn't mean to get so far behind but life can get craaazzy sometimes.

Anyhooo, "Act, Don't React" was a quote I got from my Yogi Tea a few weeks back. At the time, I read it and thought, "Wow. That is really pertinent right now." That morning, I had had a not so pretty incident with the babes and wanting her to do something that she wasn't willing to do. I had already looked back upon the incident and saw how I could've approached the situation in a more positive way, and was feeling kind of bad and kind of guilty...and then I get this quote. Wow, right?

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

We do not all look alike

The babes is in school now...with several Asian girls in her class, and in the greater school and she'll come home and say, "So and so called me Kika."
I could laugh it off (and call it teaching tolerance), but really, I can't. Because when people (mainly caucasians) can't tell the difference between Asians, I don't think that is excusable.

Friday, November 6, 2015

Almond finger jello

Do y'all know what finger jello is? It's like jello but you don't need a spoon to eat it. I wish I had a photo of it, but I don't.

Finger jello is one of my favorite (junk) foods.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

The 6 year old

Well, I'm not going to go so far as to make a blanket statement about all 6 year olds...and say how crazy they can be...but I will say that my very own 6 year old - going to be 7 year old soon is really becoming quite the challenge. Quite the test of my very own patience.

Sunday, November 1, 2015

The KonMari Method...

Just came across this article on Well+Good the other day...and I have to say, I am intrigued. I think I've had a few friends tell me about this little book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo and how apparently it's sparked quite a craze in uplifting people's lives through organization. This article has really piqued my interest and I think I am just going to go ahead and buy this book! It looks relatively easy to get through, not too many pages and apparently should be life-changing. Liberating. I am all for that right now. Lord knows I've got WAAAAYYYY too much clutter. If I can get rid of half of what I currently have and be happy with it, well, then let's get to it I say. I'll let you know how it goes. ;o)

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Sharp knives

Only recently, after being together for about 8 years did the hubs and I finally bite the bullet and buy some REALLY SHARP knives. We went to Sur La Table and just did it! We bought some Miyabi knives and let me tell you - they are a game changer! If you cook, I highly recommend getting some super sharp knives!

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Memories

Lately, the hubs seems to be out of town a lot. In fact, he's out of town right now. Tonight, after I had put the babes to bed and went into the kitchen to do the dishes, it made me think of childhood memories. I wonder if the distant sound of dishes being washed will be a comfort to the babes when she grows up.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Homeopathy!

I have finally bitten the bullet and taken my child to a homeopathic doctor. And now we are on our path to homeopathic remedies!! Why did I wait so long?  Well...I was always hesitant in the past because the cost is a bit prohibitive...

Friday, October 16, 2015

Blessed children...and their moms

I've mentioned before how when Waldorf first graders start first grade, they are paired with their 12th grader, if the school goes through High School, or they are paired (in our school's case) with their 8th grader.

I have to tell you, those 8th grade and 1st grade bonds run deep. At the beginning of school there was a school function - An all school Hoe Down and the babes waited and waited for her 8th grader. The minute her 8th grader showed up, she whisked the babes away

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Woman guilt

Women have this guilt complex that needs to go away. Take that guilt, put it in a box, hammer down the top and sail it right down the river. I'm serious. These past couple of weeks I keep coming across my mom friends that have guilt complexes and they shouldn't..

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

The Palos Verdes Performing Arts presents...Mary Poppins!

Big shout out to this production. We just saw Mary Poppins, the last show and it was great!

As a child, I had only seen the TV movie once. Or was it the actual movie, but I just saw it on TV? Either way, I recall it a bit...Julie Andrews plays a fun nanny. But that's all I remember.

Monday, September 28, 2015

The Influencer

That's me! I'm an influencer. Yea...not of anything big like a fashion influencer or a beauty influencer. No, I'm an influencer of my own kid.

I know I've posted about this sort of thing before - about how everything I do literally affects my child. I don't know if it's just her, but she is A LOT like me.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

A Peek into Waldorf First Grade

For those that know about Waldorf Education, it's really all about the child. What I love most about what I've learned from my Waldorf Teacher Training is that every Waldorf teacher understands that each child comes to this Earth as a divine being and our job is to help this divine being peel back its layers to discover his/her purpose on this Earth. It's really beautiful.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Nighttime Rituals

My girlfriend has been doing this with her daughters since the oldest one was about 4 years old. I'd always thought it was such a good ritual, yet never found the time to do it myself...until now.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Let's Eat Cake!


I really have no business posting that photo...I didn't make that cake. But I sure do want to!! That right there is a Meyer Lemon Iced Raspberry Yogurt Cake from Kitchen Trial and Error. I mean, look at that thing. Just look at it. Looks D-E-L-E-C-T-A-B-L-E.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Rose Ceremony and First Grade

Today was a beautiful start to the school year. I've mentioned before in previous posts that in Waldorf schools, they place much pomp and circumstance around the start of first grade. It really gives the children a sense of importance, a strength of will.

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Overheard...whilst out shopping

We were just out shopping today...the fams and I...to get a new dress for the Rose Ceremony, the babe's first day of first grade. Exciting!

We're walking along and we hear

Thursday, September 3, 2015

It's Not You, It's Me...

Those words often relate to a relationship that's gone south, right? Either the guy or the girl says it to the other to get out of the relationship because for some reason or other, it's just not working and to spare the other person's feelings, you put the blame on yourself and not the other.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Waldorf First Grade

This post is titled "Waldorf First Grade" because there definitely is a distinction between Waldorf schools' first grade and any other school that I know of...not that I am familiar with any other school except for public and my own experience - I don't know if some private schools might also celebrate the first grade. Seemed like first grade was just another grade when I went to school.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Having a six year old is...GAHHHHHH

Is...frustrating? Infuriating? Irritating? Are these all synonyms?
It really can bring out the worst in me. She's at this age where she seems "old enough"! Old enough to remember things. Old enough for responsibilities...old enough to know better.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Just breathe...

Was at yoga tonight and the teacher confessed that she had a mini-meltdown during the day today and while she was crying to her mother, her mother's sage advice was, "You need to just breathe..."

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Zero Waste?

Mannnn...that would be amazing. I dream about being like Bea or Lauren. They live Zero Waste lives and I think that is just so awesome.

Of course, I just learned of Lauren and her blog, Trash is for Tossers via Thoughtfully Magazine. When I came across her article, well, my heart sort of burst with envy that someone could be so disciplined - as I sit here at my cluttered desk in my cluttered office/crafting space.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Oh! Can I come?

Those four little words...sometimes, they are like fingernails on a chalkboard to me.

Sometimes, I just want a break from this child...why?

Because when we get to the car dealership, she is asking when we can leave...

When we get to the fabric store, she is asking me to buy her some frivolous nothing that she doesn't need and then goes on and on asking why not...

When we get to the vet's office she is asking when is the vet going to see us. How much longer...

Sometimes, I'd just like some peace and quiet in my life.

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Being Able to Let Go...

Wow, it's been a hot minute since I've posted. Life...just sort of got in the way. Sure, there were things that I wanted to post about, thought about posting about, but then just got sidetracked.

What is striking me lately is that as a parent, we really need to have the ability to just Let Go. I am talking about being able to pry yourself away from keeping and "packratting" away Every. Single. Artwork. That your kid draws.

Monday, July 27, 2015

P.S. I Made This

Umm, that might be the most GENIUS name for a DIY blog ever! PS I Made This.  I am actually not often on this blog, but I find myself saying this All. The. Time. Of course, because it really is thrilling to have made something.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

No Bake Apricot Bars

Man, I sure wish I had a picture of these delicious Apricot Bars for you...no worries, the recipe is found here at Cookies and Kate. These are delicious and so easy to make.

I actually put two recipes together and made a no bake apricot bar with shredded coconut crust. Coconut crust recipe here from Chocolate Covered Katie. (must be something about those Katies...)

I made these bars for my classmates and they LOVED it! I mean, compliments were flowing. I highly recommend making these bars. Great for snacking! Next time I make, I'll be sure to take a photo and update this post.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Toothpaste!...And then some

It was my intention to post on some toothpaste brands that I am currently fond of...until I found the ingredient list to the most recent one that I bought - Auromere, and found that it contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)!  Ummm...according to Dr. Mercola:

Friday, July 10, 2015

The Kind of Mom I Don't Want to Be

I am a stay at home working mom. What that means is that I have a spent a good portion of my day tending after my baby (not so baby anymore) so I've always managed to get work done when she is napping or after she's gone to bed. I am her primary caretaker. At around three years old, she started preschool and most recently finished Kindy so I have those hours to work and then if I'm lucky I will have scheduled a play date for her after school so I have those hours to work too.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Waldorf and Buddhism

I was in my meditation class last week and the teacher spoke about how she has really connected with Zen Buddhism (Mahayana Buddhism). The reason being that while some Buddhist practices will focus on enlightenment of the individual being, Zen Buddhism is about the enlightenment of all beings. It's about recognizing that we are all part of a whole and we are all connected.

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Yoga Plus

I am really loving Mockingbird Yoga. I know I wrote about this the other day, but I love this place so much I had to rave about it again.

Today I took a yoga class with Mark and I loved the way the class started. Mark spoke to us about the Four Unlimited Attributes that we all possess and wanted us to focus on these are we practiced yoga today. They are:

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Spreading Positivity

Just came across this great article via Goop.  It is titled, "The Scary Power of Negative Words."

This article is just so powerful. Everyone should read it. Firstly, I am a living example of the effects negative words can have on a person.

Saturday, June 27, 2015

6 and 9

Six years old and nine years old are both significant ages in childhood. Both the 6 and 9 year olds start feeling a sense of SELF, yes, in CAPS. They are feeling, "Yes! This is ME. I am HERE." Which then translates into, "I don't have to listen to you. You should listen to me. I am HERE."

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Finding my meditation

I am been trying to find my meditation for a looooooooong time now. Back in Pittsburgh about 15 years ago a friend had introduced me to Soka Gakkai, a Japanese sect (? right word) of Buddhism. I tried it out a bit but never really connected. Then in New York, I came across a Soka Gakkai center and tried again. Still, not quite there. I even got a tattoo of a lotus on my wrist to remind me to chant!

Sunday, June 21, 2015

The curse of being able to sew

I actually LOVE sewing. It's like mediation to me...sort of like baking too. I can bake all day. Sometimes if I haven't sewn in a while I miss it. However, I still also view it as a curse because I'm a bit crazy.

Monday, June 8, 2015

Vanity

It makes me kind of giggle to see how soon vanity and appearances come into play in a child's life. At least in this family...this morning, dear babe was fretting over a kink in her hair. She wet it and tried to comb it down. I walked in while she was fretting and she said, "Mama, my hair is sticking up over here and I don't like it."

Sunday, June 7, 2015

A Really Good Day

Yesterday was a really, really good day.

The hubs left for New York for the next few days. A school mom whom I've become friendly with texted me on Friday asking if we were doing anything on Saturday. She needed a play date for her daughter because she was going to be working.

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Tiger Nuts


Yes! Tiger Nuts! Love them. A friend of mine recently turned me onto Tiger nuts. These are not actually nuts, they are tubers, so if you make Tiger nut milk, it is actually a very good alternative to nut milks for those that may be allergic to nuts.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Does it ever end?

This lying to us by brands and our government? Next up - Olive Oil!  Yes! Olive oil.  Apparently over 60% of olive oil on the shelves today isn't really olive oil. That's tragic isn't it?

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Sawdust...is okay by the FDA

A friend told me a looong time ago never to buy pre-shredded cheese because it contains sawdust. This is a friend who is super duper informed...I try to surround myself with these people so I don't have to do any digging or researching myself. I shared this information with some people here and there but mostly just didn't buy any shredded cheese myself.

Friday, May 22, 2015

People Who Don't Have Kids...

Don't KNOW. They just don't and this little skit by comedian Michael McIntyre is just so funny and spot on. A friend of mine alerted me to this via FB. I might just go back and watch it again, it is so funny.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Best Homemade Bread Ever!

Oh yeaah...do you ever have daydreams about making some really good, fresh, hot bread?? I do! When I read an article about Grist & Toll opening up in Pasadena I looked at the Hubs and said, "I'm getting a job there!" (By the way, how beautiful is that website?)

Friday, May 8, 2015

Mother's Day


Mother's Day. It's a Hallmark Holiday for sure, but this one is kind of nice since if there wasn't one, when else would anyone ever honor their mothers?? Our job is so overlooked and taken for granted. When one goes to therapy it seems the first finger pointed is always at the mother. Issues are always taken up with the mothers and as mothers, we often have guilt.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

We are All Human Experiments...

I had the opportunity to catch a screening of "The Human Experiment"

Do you remember the movie, "Unacceptable Levels"? The Human Experiment is very similar in content, but the delivery is much more hopeful.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Who's Got the Time?

I'm old. I should be getting up every morning and starting my day with a series of stretches to get this old body moving, but I don't. Who's got the time?

If and when I wake up early, I really should be training for the Tinkerbell Half that's coming up in the next few weeks.  Eeks! And again, at my age or actually at any age we should be stretching before and after working out but again, who's got the time? I stretch just the bare minimum before starting out and usually completely forget about stretching after I get back since I have to jump in the shower and get ready for the day.

Friday, April 10, 2015

Ooh, look a shiny black rock..

Umm, no.  That would be tar! Don't pick - Oh, too late.

A couple days ago, we went camping up in Carpinteria.  Cutest little state park campsite.  So perfect for families.  It's just steps away from the beach and then also just one block away from the little town. There is also a really cute "interactive" kids park.

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Uh-oh...OBSESSED!

I might be in big trouble.  I follow @greenbeautyteam and @kristenarnett on Twitter and started subscribing to the website, The Green Divas once they posted on "Greenwashing".  I think they do a pretty good job of weeding out all those brands that are fakers in the green space.

Friday, April 3, 2015

Off on a tangent...Kelly Slater!

Okay, this post has nothing to do with parenting or Waldorf or anything "green."

It's about Kelly Slater.  He is just a surf God that I grew up watching and I just recently came across an article about him in the NY Times Men's Style section.  I love it.  I love him.  I mean, how cool is this move??

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Parenting. Parenthood.

Man, every time I see kids, like on American Idol or whatever I often think, "Wow, her/his parents must be really awesome.  Such good parents."  Or when I hear of something bad from a person, I think, "Wow, his/her poor parents.  What must they be going through?"

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Paris...NOT!

Uggh, it pains me to hear the hubs gabbing away with an airline customer service rep asking about his flight to Paris.  Yeah, the hubs is going to Paris for work and (pre-baby), I'd totally buy my own ticket and join him!!  Alas, this is one of those times when I think "Man, if only..."

Monday, March 30, 2015

The Nut Milk Bag

I'd been seeking out an alternative to cheesecloth for making my almond milk.  Cheesecloth cannot be recycled and that pains me.  Enter the Nut Milk Bag!  I bought this one and love it.

In fact, I've found another good use for my nut milk bag.  I now process my green juices in my blender and filter out the fiber through the bag.  I love it.  It works great.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Introducing Math in Waldorf

A peek into my WISC teacher training.  In first grade, numbers and letters are introduced in Waldorf schools.  What resonated with me is:

They introduce the biggest number first.  What is the biggest number?  The biggest number is 1.

Friday, March 20, 2015

Graceful Confidence

A Refinery29 post came into my inbox via my sister (who often keeps me updated to goings-ons by forwarding just the good stuff to me) the other day.  I LOVED the video from the post.  May all little girls have this little girl's sass!

What struck me when watching this, however, is the palpable pause that is in the little girl's response when she is recanting that "a little boy called me....(pause)...ugly."  You can tell it hurt her and it even hurts her to say the word.  It IS an ugly word!

But what a beautiful response she had and I'm glad she's able to walk away and laugh about it. I wonder what my daughter would've said...I know for certain she would have a retort.  I'm not sure it would've been as graceful.  My girl's got fire in her.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Parenting Tip..from a child?

I've posted before where I am wondering, "Who's the parent here?" Sometimes, it's hard to decipher...the other day the babe had a play date over.  A lovely little girl that just has such a sweet nature. She came over to me after a couple hours play and said, "D is being mean to me."

My reply: "Oh?"  And by the way, D is always mean to her friends when they are over here for a play date.  She gets mad about something and just is not able to redirect herself.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Coconut Oil

Well...I've been a fan of coconut oil.  There was that one time I quickly jumped on the oil pulling craze.  I actually went a week without actually brushing my teeth!  And then I came to my senses. However, I DO believe oil pulling definitely works. Prior to my oil pull stint, every time I went to see the dentist he would comment on plaque on my lower teeth.  After my oil pull obsession, at my last dentist appointment the dentist commented that my teeth looked good!  No comment on plaque.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Natural Foods Expo

I recently had the chance to attend the Natural Food Expo in Anaheim.  This is a really large show!  It covered two floors and several other rooms as well.  It's nice to see so much natural, organic product out there.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

The Power of PR



This is my client. Laurel Whole Plant Organics. I love this brand.  There is truly no other brand like LWPO - 100% certified organic or biodynamic ingredients, 100% pure. No water, no alcohol, no fillers of any kind, EVER.

Friday, February 27, 2015

Waldorf school - RESPECT

Today, some parents of the 1st, 2nd and 7th and 8th grade class at our Waldorf school put on a Chinese New Year's play.  Children from each of those grades came to watch along with some Kindergarteners.

When it came to quiet the crowd

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

A learning day

Today was totally a learning day for me.  The morning started with D yelling at me because she felt like it.  She was probably getting tired of my "reminding" her to get her socks, brush her teeth, get her jacket...

Well, I had enough and I started yelling then too.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Tooth fairy

My how the tooth fairy has gotten generous...or is she just keeping up with inflation?  D's friend got $5 for losing her tooth.  Uh, no.  I will not be doling out cash.

Come on, it's not my steaz. Plus, what's a 6 year old going to do with cash? I think I got a dollar when my tooth fell out.

Monday, February 9, 2015

Tuning Out

Being a Waldorf parent, I am hyper-aware of media and music in the presence of young children.  I absolutely agree with the no (or limited) media policy that is in all Waldorf schools.  There are some parents that might balk at such a policy, but I whole-heartedly embrace it.  The negative impact of too much media has been proven.

I embrace it, but it doesn't mean I am able to enforce it at all times.

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Birthday party time

The baby's birthday has come around again.  I am a procrastinator and of course cake needs to be baked the night before anyway so always a late night before the birthday party.  Makes for baggy eyes every year!  Buuut, I guess that's what makeup is for.  The baby's enjoyment is much more important than looking good in pictures, right?

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Think Dirty

Have you Think Dirty'd lately??  I do it ALL THE TIME.


It's only THE BEST app out there.  Did you know...

In the U.S., personal care products have not been regulated since 1938?  That's over 70 years, people!!
The EU bans over 1300 ingredients.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Color refresher


It's time for a little color refresher.  Like I said before in a previous post, I am loving being red so, of course, I had to troll the Internets to find a non-toxic option.  I did a little research on Linda Kammins as I'd heard a couple people recommend her.  But without actually calling I just sort of felt that she would probably be pricey.  Not any more pricey than my initial color, but then again, I don't want to be spending over $100 for color touchups.

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Lincoln

I should have a picture of this cafe to go with the post..alas, I don't.  But why bother when Eater LA has done such a nice job with their write up here?

A friend of mine turned me onto this lovely cafe space on Lincoln Avenue in Pasadena, conveniently, right by our school.  It's owned by the same people from Little Flower, a cute little cafe

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Speaking pictorially

In the Waldorf early childhood classroom, the teacher reminds us that we should aspire to keep our children in their "dreamlike" state as long as possible.  This includes speaking to them pictoriallly...not to mention, they think in that way and so they are more willing to respond when you speak to them pictorially.

Monday, January 26, 2015

Update on the baking soda and ACV

Well, so I've been on the baking soda and ACV for the past few weeks and was convinced that I didn't have dandruff.  But, alas, I still do.  I can't see it but my husband can.  Booo.

I'm sure if I persevere my head pH could probably normalize

Friday, January 23, 2015

Inspiration

I picked up the latest issue of LA Parent a couple days ago because the cover story was about a mom entrepreneur.  I love reading articles like this.

My favorite part of the article is where Rosie Pope gives a snapshot of her day:

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

A Kitchen in France

Image taken from Manger, Mimi Thorisson's blog

I often pull pages from magazines to remind me that I either want to revisit the subject or there's something I want to buy.  I recently revisited a ripped page from Vogue.  I want this cookbook, A Kitchen in France: A Year of Cooking in My Farmhouse by Mimi Thorisson.  Look at that CAKE!

Monday, January 12, 2015

Dying to be Me by Anita Moorjani



Just finished reading Anita Moorjani's book Dying to Be Me and I LOVED IT!  It is such a good book.  It is an eye-opening book about life perspective given from Anita's Near Death Experience.  I recommend everyone read it.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Golden Globes 2015

Photo courtesy of NBC.com

Is it bad that I took a photo from nbc.com??  I rather like this picture.  Tonight was the Golden Globes. Yeah, kicking off the awards season!

We send our daughter to a Waldorf School and that means no media.  But today, we sort of just took our liberties to just ignore that no media policy.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Holding my ground

It truly is amazing how holding my ground can reap compliance without any altercation.  This evening after finishing her small portion of fried rice the babe announced she was still hungry and wanted more fried rice.  Well, we just didn't have any and I had reheated some leftover mushu to eat.  I offered her some mushu.  She didn't want it.

Monday, January 5, 2015

Vinegar?! And baking soda?!..

I am super excited about today's post!  As indicated in previous post, I recently got my hair did.

Before and After


And I love the red. It's FIERY, like my personality!

I would love to preserve it as best as possible.  And since I am on the non-toxic train, I've been trying to search high and low for a safe shampoo for colored hair.


Sunday, January 4, 2015

So, this happened yesterday...


Yeah, that's MY HAIR!  All wound up in one of those darn circular brushes!  This is what happens with the 5 year old announces she'd like to play hair salon.