Mi Pancita

Las Olas

2012-03-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

These two have so much fun with one another. It makes for lots of laughs, some hurt feelings, adventure, learning and lots of clean up! After a few coldish, rainy days the house is a bomb and I am in desperate need of stretching my legs and soaking some sunshine. Thank you Southern California for delivering! We will clean up later!

"Las olas dicen a la costa firme:

Todo sera cumplido." -Pablo Neruda

Linking up with Mama Loves Papa who is celebrating a year of Small Style with a giveaway!

Becoming

2012-02-29T12:01:00.000-08:00

This morning, like every morning, I woke to two sleeping babes in my bed. Stella's head resting on the edge of my own pillow and across the bed just the tip of Joaquin's head poking out from the white quilted cover. I slowly slide out of the warm sheets and put my feet on the floor. From the bathroom I can hear the faint sound of Mr. showering and readying himself for work. My heart feels full, the day holds possibility, I am happy. I have slept well despite Stella's twilight requests for lechita and her binkie. It is in the morning that I feel most inspired. The sun feels warmest on my face and the birds song sound sweetest. Over coffee the news of a friends baby being born brings me to joyful tears. My chest feels tight my heart swelling and I have the strong desire to be with new Mom and baby. To make sure they are okay, that they are bonding, skin to skin that baby is nursing and Mom is recovering well. Now that I have had my own children there births seemingly fresh in my mind there is great joy at the news of a pregnancy, delivery and yes, even labor. I am and will be for the rest of my life, a mother. Maybe this is what drives my excitement of such news?

Just Write

If you have children and want to share them link up with Mama Loves Papa tomorrow for Small Style and enter to win a silk shawl from Bowbec's!

Vertical & Horizontal

2012-02-23T09:33:00.000-08:00

Today wasn't any ordinary day. In fact I'm not really sure what ordinary is anymore. I do know that I am still surprised, delighted and also tested by these two little people everyday. Today the babies and I were lucky enough to visit a college roommate of mine and her beautiful new baby girl. I have always felt lucky to have had this roommate as she has consistently been kind and inspiring to me. It has been many years since we last saw one another but it didn't feel like it after our visit today. I wonder why that is? I wonder if anything I said was helpful and comforting to this new Mama? As expected, Miss Stella loved the baby, wanted to hold her and rock her in her swing like her baby dolls. It was incredibly sweet. Needless to say Stellita was not interested in getting her picture taken. But here are a few of my attempts.

Linking up with Small Style and Trendy Tots!

one without her binkie.

Stella Wore:

Misha Lulu dress via Colorland and Friends Shop

Saltwater Sandals

Another kind and inspiring friend(although I have never met her in person) is having a sale in her shop! Check Out Colorland And Friends for super cute handmade items!

Clean Living Product Review- Klean Kanteen and Pura Kiki Sippy Cups

2012-02-21T11:28:00.000-08:00

When it came time to introduce my son to a sippy cup the number of products were overwhelming but upon further consideration I realized the actual variety was disappointing at first. I try to live a clean life, a healthy life. So the initial narrowing down of possible bottles or sippy cups I would consider using was easy. First it had to be BPA free which was easy enough to find but I wanted to take it one step further. Why use plastic at all?
So I looked at glass and stainless steal options. Offering glass even in a protective case to my son just wasn't something I was comfortable with, so that left stainless steal. One day my Mr. brought home a Klean Kanteen for JQ. While I was aware Klean Kanteen offered a sippy cup version of their very popular cup I had two hesitations 1. They were expensive compared to the two pack BPA free plastic version found pretty much everywhere, and 2. The sippy spout was hard and i had read that the transition from nipple (breast or bottle) to hard sippy spout could be a rocky one. I promptly went out and picked up a BPA free Disney Character version with a soft spout, as back up.
JQ didn't favor the hard spout over the soft one when given the option. However, this was a quick transition. By 10 months he was using the Klean Kanteen sippy. It has travelled with us extensively and tossed on hard surfaces. The Kanteen has outlasted any plastic cup he was given, doesn't leak and is easier to clean and is by far the most durable.
By the time my daughter was ready for a bottle I knew I wanted one durable, safe and environmentally friendly, like the Klean Kanteen. I had read about and seen a Pura Bottle, and so not having a bottle available through Klean Kanteen at the time*, this was my best option. The Pura has proved just as durable as KK with an added bonus of a stainless collar (making 100% plastic free). While both cups go from sippy to twist cap easily The Pura also transitions from bottle to sippy by changing out the nipple.

Stella with the Pura & Joaquin with his Klean Kanteen

JQ is still using his Kanteen and he is now three years old. It is his cup/water bottle and it goes everywhere with us! When the time comes I will get him a twist cap for it and he can take it to school. Mr. and I both have stainless steal water bottles and Stella is now using the Pura with a sippy spout instead of the bottle nipple. Using a cup/ water bottle like this is a simple way to live a greener lifestyle. Why aren't there more products like these on the shelves and how is it there are still items such as the "take and toss" plastic variety at almost every major retailer in the U.S.? Over the next few months I plan to share some very simply ways my family and I have chosen to live and consume a cleaner, greener, conscious life. By no means are we a 100% environmentally savvy family but we are in transition. Every time I go to the store or am in need of something for my home or family I am provided the opportunity to be a conscious, cleaner, greener consumer. For me it was not about "going green" in one large sweep it has been gradual and with intent. There is power in consumerism so why not use it!

*Klean Kanteen now offers a stainless steal bottle!

You can find both the Klean Kanteen and Pura Stainless steal cups on their websites and numerous other sites on the web. They can also be found at some outdoor sports and eco boutiques.

What Is Black & White With Sand All Over?

2012-02-16T09:28:00.000-08:00

Another day at the beach, I know! If it is any consolation it has been rather cold and rainy the past two days. It is totally apparent that Stella is becoming more of a toddler these past few weeks. She takes notes from big bro and is a quick learner my friends. The amount of sass coming from those sweet cheeks would make an impression I am sure. I say this now while its still in the cute stage...Hah!

Enter below, The Stinker Face!

She runs straight into the water then turns, running back up the beach screaming! Two seconds later she does it again. She takes my hand and we do it together (minus screaming for me!). I stack rocks and she knocks them down. She wanders, not ever looking back and I love her for every bit of it.

Linking to Small Style & Trendy Tots!

Also for any that are interested,

I'll have a product review on the blog in a couple days Kleen Kanteen and Pura Sippy Cups!

Stella Wore:

Dress- Gymboree (also seen HERE when Stella was 11 months old!)

Hair Bow-AdornMe Girl

Get Rhythm

2012-02-13T14:00:00.001-08:00

We have been spending most of our weekends and sunny days on the beach and with friends. When we can't be near the water like today, rainy and cold, we spend it dancing, reading and cuddling. It is no secret I'm still adjusting to this new place. Dancing around the house, the music up just a bit too loud undoubtedly improves my mood. The babes giggle and jump around, stop to play with a toy or a game of chase then back to a quick wiggle. I have been dreaming a lot lately of our next home. Wondering if it will be near the ocean. Near enough to wake to a layer of mist and fog. I browsed job listings today and thought about how my resume might stand up against the others. I moved furniture around in the spare room in hopes of creating enough space for an art studio (corner). And this evening I read a few chapters in my Montessori For Preschoolers book and felt inspired to stick it out as a stay at home Mom. This woman is definitely a dreamer, a thinker and a doer! She is also a bit confused and perhaps disheveled at the moment. As simple as it might seem, music and dancing is my therapy.

In the words of Johnny Cash:

"Come on, get rhythm when you get the blues

Get a rock 'n' roll feelin' in your bones

Put taps on your toes and get gone...

...A jumpy rhythm makes you feel so fine

It'll shake all the trouble from your worried mind

Get rhythm when you get the blues..."

Sorry if this is too much cheese but seriously...give it a try sometime!

Sidewalk Chalk

2012-02-09T15:35:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I must admit, it is a whole lot of fun. This having a little girl thing. Pink, tutu's, bows you name it. It is all happening today. The sass and sweetness is happening too. She giggles and wrinkles her nose. She screams (oh geez can she scream) she swings her booty to the music and holds the hem of her skirt. She has the cutest kissy face and the smallest little voice. She says baby, nummie, bye and everybody is Mummy,....everybody! Even complete strangers which can be a little awkward and totally sweet at the same time.

There is a little extra pink this week as we are gearing up for St. Valentines Day! Both the Little's got special outfits and an especially sweet care package from their GiGi and PopBee this week. While I would like think that as a family everyday is LOVE day in our house. It doesn't hurt to have a little reminder on the calender!

Linking up with Small Style & Trendy Tots.

Enitre Outfit from GiGi & PopBee!

Tide Pools

2012-02-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

This post will be short because well,... there is a lot more of this waiting for me just outside.

Pacific Coast, Ventura County

Joining Sunday's In My City

#janphotoaday

2012-01-31T17:45:00.001-08:00

A photo for each day in the month of January, completed! Phew.. this was my first (and quite possibly my last) photo challenge. It was fun and definitely got some creative photography juices flowing. Thank you to the host, Fat Mum Slim (http://www.fatmumslim.com.au/). Did any of you join in? Will you be doing it for the month of February?

Happy Day Joaquin!

2012-01-29T12:00:00.001-08:00

Three years ago today I had the most life changing experience of my life. One that I am still completely in awe of as well as proud. Now I get to watch this beautiful boy grow and add to my life even more.

For his "Happy Day" we decided to surprise Joaquin with a train ride and party. Luckily, the Fillmore & Western Train Co. offers a weekend scenic train ride. So with a car full of Joaquin's primos, tia & GiGi & PopBee we headed out for the 4 hour excursion. I'm pretty sure they all loved every bit.

When we returned to the house Joaquin's Abuelita had decorated it top to bottom with balloons, streamers, a pinata and a house full of guests. Pozole and a Thomas Train Cake waiting for him as well. Una verdadera fiesta Mexicana!!

Happy Birthday Joaquin!

We love you more than we can say(or write).

Linking up with Unknown Mami for Sunday's In My City

Celebratory Smiles

2012-01-26T15:03:00.000-08:00

Just a quick hello and to share this sweet smile with you all. We are preparing for house guests and celebration this weekend which for us, starts in about three hours! Can you tell Stellita is excited?!

Linking to Small Style & Trendy Tots!

S wore:

Pillowcase dress made by her GiGi (and also worn here!)

Mariposas

2012-01-25T20:31:00.001-08:00

I'm sitting outside in head to toe summer attire watching my two sweet babes play, run and giggle together. Stella just finished eating a fist full of mud and Joaquin is stripping down to run through the mister I set up. Life is good. I am doing my very best to see things with fresh eyes. To appreciate the beauty and opportunity in my everyday life. I must admit that since our move I have struggled to embrace our new surroundings, all the time missing what was right in front of me. My precious, healthy, happy family. The past few weekends the four of us have set out on small adventures. A hike in Rancho Potrero where we saw rabbits, horses and birds and views of the ocean not far in the distance. A visit to The Conejo Valley Botanical Garden for another walk along a creek and this past weekend The Coronado Butterfly Preserve. Seeing the monarch's again reminded me of a road trip Mr. and I took in Mexico. We had seen the butterflies there too in the hills of Michoacan. These outings have been good for my sole. Seeing the butterflies fluttering in the filtered sunlight and clinging to the eucalyptus leaves calmed me and strangely reassured me of the wonder that still exists. In my day to day it is my in the sparkling eyes of my two sweet babes. It is in my Mr.'s smile every evening when he returns home. It is in my inspirations and dreams.

Linking up with Just Write

Cindy Lou Who

2012-01-19T11:26:00.000-08:00

Today we are off to a lunch date with Mr. I am still really loving the break in the weeks routine our lunch dates bring. The mid week Farmers Markets is where we are meeting and I am excited to get some fresh goodies for us to munch.

This morning I sat sipping my coffee for a bit before diving into the mornings chores. I watched this sweet girl pull books from the stack, "read" a bit and then gently place the book back into the pile. So precious. Like this little vintage dress, seriously. Reminds me of something from my own childhood closet. It fits Stella perfectly right now and hopefully for a bit longer. Her hair is finally growing in the front (NO MORE MULLET! YIPPEE) I have to improvise though, in getting her hair out of her eyes. Girlfriend rarely keeps a headband in and most clips slide right out. I have found that the itty bitty rubber bands work best but must admit the look it creates is a bit, hmm, Cindy Lou Who. What do you think?

Linking to Mama Loves Papa for Small Style

and to Trendy Tots for the first time!

On Stella:

Vintage Dress-Little Reader Vintage

Shoes- Beibi

Hair Style inspired by Dr. Seus

Let's Take A Shower!

2012-01-12T10:22:00.000-08:00

This morning, by necessity, I discovered that Stella likes it in the shower. I guess I never attempted to put her in the shower with me before now because well, Joaquin H.A.T.E.D it! But Stella thoroughly enjoys playing with the shampoo bottles and telling me stories while I wash my hair. I am rather excited about this development as you can imagine. There may be a shower in my daily routine once again!

I am also thoroughly excited when Miss Monkey here keeps a hair bow and shoes on for more than twenty seconds! On the rare occasion that she does, I take as many photos as I can. Sure she is waving a spoon around but just look past that won't you?

Linking to Small Stlye!

Stella Wore:

Dress-gifted from GiGi & Popbee

Hair Bow- Target

Today

2012-01-11T14:16:00.000-08:00

My hands smell of rosemary and dirt. I take long deeps breathes, holding in the smell. This is how hands are supposed to smell. How mine smell when I am happy. In the garden, in the warm sun, in the dirt, flowers and herbs. The little ones are playing and I can hear them. A scream, a giggle a soft exchange of baby chatter. They are naked, in the sun and they are happy too. This time is short and yet some days seem so long. I try not to count the minutes. To be present, like today. Today could last a long, long time and seem to have gone by too fast. Today the sun will begin to drop in the sky and we will chase it to the corner of the yard, down the street and to where the sand meets the ocean. We will soak in the warmth and laugh and snuggle and whisper in each others ears. Today I will soak in these two beautiful gifts for as long as I can because this time is short.

Today Stella is 18 months old and runs swinging one arm wildly and with a bit of a skip.

Today Joaquin is two weeks from his third birthday and can have a real man "-tude". He likes lots and lots of snacks especially sweet ones.

Linking up to Just Write , What I Love Wednesday and The Paper Mama

Sunday's Stroll

2012-01-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

Fresh air and sunshine, ocean air, clam chowder now that we are all feeling better. Sunday was beautiful here and we took advantage of it! Sometimes getting everyone up and out of the house can be a workout but I am so glad we did! Speaking of...Mr. and I are going to start exercising together (again) now that we have found a place with an awesome child play center for JQ & Stellita. Even if I spend an hour walking on the treadmill or in the sauna, it clears my head and I feel refreshed. This isn't a new years resolution per say but rather picking up pieces of our routine from prior to the move. I am not really the new years resolution type. I am constantly reviewing, reevaluating. A continual work in progress the whole year through.

This week I am planning the details of Joaquin's 3rd birthday! I am so excited see his face and celebrate with him on his happy day. We are going to ride a historical train and throw a little party. Birthdays are so important,....gotta go big!

Also this week I am working on making this house feel more like a home. It is hard going from owner to renter! Things seems so sparse and a bit sterile so to combat that I am bringing in more candles, live plants and cozy blankets and throws. Hopefully the images I have in my head translate well into real life.

Here is to a beautiful week, to inspiration and celebrations, large and small!

Linking to Unknown Mami for Sunday's In My City.

Nursing Modesty

2012-01-05T14:21:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness for our yard. Modest, yet child friendly and private, it works for us, for now. The little ones have been living it up mostly like this (see picture of naked babes below) And I and I am battling what seems like "Noro-Virus".

The Nudests

With such warm weather here I couldn't help but let the little ones race around naturalmente. And this type of play keeps them occupied while I nurse myself back to health in the shade so , everybody is happy. Less laundry too, right?! I did manage to get myself and Stella dressed today, (Joaquin, per usual, wasn't interested in wearing clothes). But no matter, within a the hour both little ones were naked and playing in the water again. Toddlers have it so easy.

We are linking to Small Style hosted by Mama Loves Papa.

Sweet Stella Wore:

top-gifted from her GiGi & PopBee

flower clip- gifted at her baby shower!

denim shorts- target

tennis ball- c/o her Daddy

Over Too Soon

2012-01-04T21:56:00.000-08:00

I woke yesterday morning in my own home after spending almost two weeks with my parents in Northern California. Always incredibly gracious they decked out the guest house for us to stay in and have our own private space. Going so far as to stock it with our favorite wines, toiletries and late night munchies, (Chamomile tea for Mr. and hot coco and HOMEMADE marsh mellows for the kiddos!) mom even made a little bed for my pug dogs, which by the way... THEY LOVED!

Joaquin and Stella ate sweets daily, stayed up past bedtime, played and visited with family. Stella discovered the doggy door and used it as often as she could get away with it. Like brother like sister I guess! Joaquin sang Jingle Bells over and over and over... And fell asleep at dinner TWICE.

We had meals with family and friends. Talking long after dinner had been eaten and the wine bottles empty. The time went by much quicker than I had expected. In fact time in general seems to be passing so quickly.

It was a lovely holiday and beginning of a new year for us and hopefully for all of you as well. Linking to What I Love Wednesdays

Middle Trail Tale

2011-12-29T15:37:00.000-08:00

We are thoroughly enjoying our holiday in Northern California. The air is cold but still we have been venturing out for long walks. Little ones need to run, explore and sometimes "eat it" in the dirt.

At least that's what this little man did before I could get a picture. Joaquin's style most often includes a dirty knee (or two) so this is seriously a real style post!

He loves Middle Trail in Upper Bidwell Park. Do any of you know it? It is fairly flat and takes you along side a small lake. I have come to realize, aside from the occasional slide, Joaquin prefers a good walk and bit of adventure over a playground.

Linking to Small Style!

Joaquin is Sporting:

Sweater-Thrifted

Polo- Old Navy

Cords- Osh Kosh

Shoes- See Kai Run

Santa Photo Funtastic!

2011-12-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

Last years photo of the little ones with Santa. ehhh.

This years photo. I must say that Santa this year was quiet jolly and much more photogenic than last. I am impressed but the kiddos don't seem to be....poor things!

Oh and Joaquin calls Santa simply "Christmas." then he follows it with a "ho.ho,ho," every time.
Linking up with "The Haps" were other bloggers are sharing their kiddos photos with Santa as well!

Insta-Christmas

2011-12-23T07:35:00.000-08:00

We are officially on holiday with family & friends.

There will be lots of food, wine, conversation & celebration in the next two weeks. I am looking forward to every.single.bit of it.

Merry Christmas & Feliz Navidad!

Linking to Life Rearranged for InstaFriday!

Small Style-Winter Sun

2011-12-22T07:48:00.001-08:00

Someone is going to be three years old in a month. That someone warms my heart even on the coldest of winter days and it is about to get a bit colder.

Today we will follow the train tracks east past the citrus orchards and fields of celery and chive. Then north over most of the state until we reach Chico, home, for the holidays.

Warmest wishes to all the sweet Small stylers and their savy stylista Mamas!!

Linking up for Small Style once again.

On Joaquin:
Flannel-American Living
Jeans-Gap
Shoes-See Kai Run

Just Write

2011-12-20T11:34:00.001-08:00

I went in search of dirt and trees and quiet. We found it and saw only birds and lizards and a horse on the hill. Joaquin wanted to take the path and so we did. A view of the hills and coastal mountains greeted us at the top. We stayed for a long time. We went to the playground full of plastic slides and swings and children everywhere. Moms busy none of them greeting us. Two Children fussing over the same shovel in the sandbox and Joaquin wants to leave and we do. I ask around for a children's boutique with handmade items and wooden toys. "you'll have to go to LA for that" I'm told. Really? There is an outlet mall that people drive an hour to shop at right down the road. They have set up extra traffic signs and cones and I don't go. The health food store is old and outdated and tucked in a strip mall. It is the only one and I am reminded that this is not my home.

Linking up with Just Write

A Movie, Snuggles & Cookies Too

2011-12-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

Lately, Stella has been the only one napping in the afternoon. So, Joaquin and I are left together to snuggle, watch a movie and eat cookies with whipped cream, his sweet treat of choice. Today is no different. The cookies, the snuggled and the movie, we watched Astro Boy. As much as I would really, I mean really love to have an hour to myself I really cherish the alone time with my little man. He tells stories to me in his half understandable language, using his entire body when he talks. Hmmm. I wonder where he gets that? He still asks for skin to skin snuggles and has started singing along with his usual dancing. Right now his song of choice is Jingle Bells! Loving it and MUST get it on video. He will be three the end of next month, THREE! We are planning an afternoon train ride and visit to a local train museum. I am very much looking forward it. Now if you will excuse me I must get back to snuggling this cutie!

Wonka

2011-12-11T18:14:00.000-08:00

This place reminds me of the park in my home town.

On a micro mini, Wonka Vision sort of scale. I've been just a touch home sick so this park has been good for my psyche.

It is filled with lava rock and Oak trees. There is a nice trail that sweeps up along the hill side and then back down again into the Oak grove. Ponsettia grow along the road side and are in full hot bloom right now. Gorgeous.

Camarillo, California

Linking to Sunday's In My City