La Mia Vita

Guest Post: Adventures In Amsterdam

2012-01-31T04:10:00.000-08:00

Liz is one of the people who made me seriously start planning an adventure abroad.

She and her husband moved from Portland to Amsterdam for 3 years. I was lucky enough to meet and hang out with her for the day in San Francisco and she really is as nice and fun as she seems. Can't wait to meet up again in Spain or Amsterdam!

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Hi All! I’m so excited to be guest posting today while Nicole starts the adventure of a lifetime. I know a thing or two about how Nicole is feeling right now. Six months ago my husband and our pup, Henry, packed up our belongings and moved from Portland, OR to Amsterdam! It’s been a crazy ride ever since – and I’d definitely say it’s the most adventurous thing we’ve ever done. Here are a few things I’ve learned about the Dutch and living in the Netherlands:

+There are endless numbers of shops, restaurants and bars to discover. Unlike the U.S. where there are a few really concentrated shopping areas throughout a city, in Amsterdam it feels like there is something new to discover around every corner and alley.

+Don’t expect to be greeted warmly, or even acknowledged, when you walk into a restaurant. Give it 10 minutes. Someone will lazily stroll by with a menu at some point…

+While pretty much everyone in Amsterdam speaks English, the public transport system certainly does not cater to English speakers. All announcements are made in Dutch, so we often find ourselves completely clueless as to why our train is stopped on the middle of the tracks, or why our train decided not to show up at all.

+The Dutch take their biking very seriously. If you happen to visit – do not dilly dally on the bike paths – you will get pummeled.

+Once you get the hang of the trains/trams/buses you’ll find that they can really get you anywhere. I seriously haven’t missed my car since moving!

+They eat their fries with mayonnaise. I know, sounds disgusting. But just give it a try – you might actually like it (I’m still shocked I do)!

+Hopping on a plane or train to spend the weekend in Paris or London really is as easy as you’d think it would be. And it’s an absolute dream.

+My husband and I are learning so much about European culture, about how to manage life so far away from best friends and family, but most of all we’re learning magnitudes about each other.

Nicole – I know you’re probably equal parts freaked out and ridiculously excited right now as you set up your new life in Barcelona. Just know that there will be some tough days, but they are far outnumbered by amazing ones, and this is an experience you’ll never forget! Can’t wait to meet up in Spain :)

Guest Post: San Francisco Adventures

2012-01-30T02:20:00.000-08:00

Jamie is the master graphic designer behind my blog design. Isn't she the greatest! I give her a random idea and she comes up with something so beautiful that was exactly what I was looking for but couldn't describe. Jamie and I went to college together and I have loved working with her and getting to know her even more after college. If you are in need of a blog makeover Jamie is your girl!

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Hello there! I'm Jamie from jforjamie.com. While Nicole is getting settled in Barcelona, Spain (so exciting!), she asked if I would be a guest on her blog and I'm quite flattered! She asked me to write about my life's great adventure. While I was thinking about what my greatest adventures have been, I realized it's all the small ones that make up my life's greatest adventures. It's finding a new delicious restaurant, starting a new project, finding creative ideas for my website and exploring the Bay Area. Here are some of my most recent favorite (little) adventures.

photos and design by jforjamie ©

See Ya in Barcelona!

2012-01-26T04:59:00.000-08:00

Source: e-tells-tales.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Source: richesforrags.tumblr.com via Nicole on Pinterest

At the beginning of this whole, "plan a trip to Europe",

what made me nervous and sad was leaving my friends and family.

And then all of a sudden, a week and a half before i left, it really hit me what I was doing

moving half way around the world, no friends, no job, no school. not speaking the language.
am i crazy?! yes I'm definitely crazy

What in the world am i doing?

I don't know anyone in barcelona!

I have no job!

I don't even know where I'm going to live or go to school!

I've only been to Barcelona for a day and a half, 6 years ago!
I can't speak Spanish! I won't understand anyone!

What am i doing

This is insane

This is crazy

I'm crazy

I'm a planner.

I plan trips, weekends, nights out, dinners, my life a

plus I'm a teacher so I plan every second of everyday

In college I even planned my friends class schedules

I like planning

It's fun.

This whole, pack up, go and hope things fall into place thing is so not like me

But i'm doing it

Because if I don't I will never forgive myself

and I want the least amount of regrets in my life

So, nervous, excited, anxious, freaking out, hopeful or just plain crazy,

I'm getting on the plane for Barcelona today.

My mom is coming with me for 10 days, hallelujah

I have a return flight April 5 just in case I don't figure out a job before then

So worse comes to worse this will only be 2ish month jaunt

But i hope I get to stay for the whole 6 months

See ya in Barcelona!

holy @#$%

Adios In N' Out

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

There's no doubt I'm trying to bribe my brothers' love right now.

With frequent outings, extended tv time, beach days, picking up early from school, special lunch and dinner options, toys...

you name it I'm using it to make sure these boys don't forget me while I'm gone.

Ok, maybe in n' out was also a special treat for me.

But obviously I couldn't go to Europe without a last burger and fries :)

mimosa brunch at dell'uva

2012-01-24T03:38:00.000-08:00

my one wish before i left san francisco was to have a last mimosa brunch

after my surprise party it was a struggle getting there

but nothing a little hair of the dog couldn't fix

these are the days i'm going to miss

outside brunching, discussing stories from the night before

love my girls

let's play hooky and go to the beach

2012-01-23T03:30:00.000-08:00

on friday, i kept ryan home from preschool

and had a niky, ryan and shane day

pretty much no where makes me happier than laguna beach

and with so many emotions going on in my head about moving,

i needed some peaceful beach time

it was still pretty early in the morning so there was literally no one there except us
even though the boys are wearing giant marshmallow jackets because my mother would kill me if they were wearing anything less, it was pretty warm

we played in the sand, climbed the rocks and tide pools

and i got to spend a few minutes staring at the ocean,

clearing my mind and thinking about this absolutely crazy reality of moving to another country

until the boys started fighting and i decided it was time to go home. boys will be boys.

it was a great little day just the three of us before i leave.

adios to me!

2012-01-20T04:09:00.000-08:00

last weekend my bestest friends threw me a surprise going away party.

before i walked in the door i was set on crawling into bed

but once the shock subsided i was so happy to see all my friends

the house was decorated complete with fiesta decorations, sombreros and i think a mexican flag...

mexico. spain. same same :)

and then i got hold of the helium balloons

and had way too much fun singing celine dion with a chipmunk voice.

my welcome back party will consist of a helium tank for sure.

love you friends. thank you for making me feel so very loved. miss you so much already.

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2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

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Sunday Funday: Biking to the Golden Gate Bridge

2012-01-18T03:21:00.000-08:00

biking across the golden gate bridge has been on my bucket list forever

two weekends ago it was so gorgeous and warm,

we rented bikes and set off

well we made to the bridge but it was getting late so we had to head back

but it was one of the best days ever

next time we'll make it over the bridge and to sausalito :)

when i get back to barcelona

sledding in mammoth

2012-01-17T04:04:00.000-08:00

sledding in mammoth

laughing, slipping and sliding till the sun went down

totally worth practically get frost bite on my toes.

Hasta Luego San Francisco

2012-01-16T03:21:00.000-08:00

today i'm leaving san francisco and am heading home
to spend the next 10 days with the fam before i head to barcelona

this last week i have spent everyday seeing my favorite san francisco sights,

eating my favorite foods, and spending every second with my favorite san francisco people.

i'm beyond excited for my new adventures and of course i'll be back

but i sure am going to miss this place and especially the people in it.

"because,' she said,' when you're scared but you still do it anyway. that's brave."

-neil gaimon

via anna in ausland

my first year teaching

2012-01-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

this is my last week teaching.

it's so strange.

i can't believe how fast the past 5 months have gone by.

i know this was just a temporary position and i won't be finishing the year with them,

but i will always remember this as my first year teaching.

sooooo many ups and downs. so many things i learned about myself, kids and teaching.

there were a few months in there that i was crying before and after school. everyday.

frustration, mental and emotional exhaustion really got me down

feeling like i was doing a terrible job, failing the kids, inexperienced, and overwhelmed

but then it was like a break in the clouds

and everything (all my hard work, tears, advice seeking, reflecting on every part of the day, every waking hour even my dreams revolving around my classroom) slowly started to click and come together

and i finally felt like i knew what i was doing (at least a little bit)

it wasn't a daily struggle anymore

and i felt like they were actually learning something.

and yesterday when one of my challenging kids said to me,

"i wish you weren't leaving. can you be our teacher next year?"

welp that just made me forget all the rough days.

i'm really going to miss them

oh and did i tell you i passed my evaluation!

Christmas Eve

2012-01-10T04:17:00.000-08:00

Christmas seems like soooo long ago!

but didn't want to forget documenting our traditional christmas eve dinner

of linguine and clams, crab legs and salmon.

massimo had a good time scouring for fallen food under my brothers' high chairs.

mammoth 2011

2012-01-09T03:30:00.000-08:00

not nearly as pretty or as much snow and no video taking to make a memorable film like last year,

but still a great trip.

i loved taking walks with my mom while the boys were sleeping, being cozy in the cabin all together, watching a movie and reading a book {i finished the first hunger games book in two days}.

this massimo's first time in the snow and good thing there's wasn't much of it because he was already falling through it. really funny to watch

can't wait for next year. hopefully we'll be able to ski then.

New Year, New Adventures

2012-01-05T04:30:00.000-08:00

2011 made me realize i'm a lot stronger than i thought.

circumstances were thrown my way that made me grow a lot.

and i'm ready for a new year and new adventures.

on January 26th I'm moving to Barcelona, Spain

for 6 months!

i'm very excited but also a bit sad and nervous to be leaving my wonderful city, amazing friends and family. i hope the boys and massimo still remember who i am when i get back.

i'm ready for this adventure

New Year's Day Birthday Brunch

2012-01-04T04:02:00.000-08:00

{the birthday boys}

my dad and ryan's birthday often gets passed by quickly with all the other activities and holidays that surround their new year's day birthdays.

this year we wanted to make sure we had at least a small celebration with a

new year's day birthday brunch.

complete with bagel bar, yogurt bar, brioche, muffins, frittata, maple bacon, mimosas,

and of course a donut cake!

we we're eating "brunch" all day long!

i think everyone had a great time especially the boys who were eating donuts before any of the guests arrived. and ryan didn't even have to take a nap because it's was his birthday!

happy happy birthday daddy and ryan!

ps. donuts are an awesome bribery tool for little children to smile for the camera :)

Mammoth in Instagram

2012-01-03T03:52:00.000-08:00

last week we went to mammoth. even though there wasn't much snow{and everyone took turns being sick}, we still had a great time. being in the mountains is so peaceful and relaxing.

1. me and the boys. took them out for a morning adventure so the rest of the fam could sleep a little more. our outting consisted of riding the shuttle and the gondala, and obviously starbucks

2. mammoth mountain

3. sledding!

4. massimo's first time in the snow! his parka was a hit

5. not much snow on the ground

6. my momma and daddy

7. doesn't massimo look so french in his striped sweater :)

8. mammoth sunset

9. keeping massimo warm in her jacket

happy birthday daddy {and Ryan}!

2012-01-01T05:50:00.000-08:00

{pictures from mammoth and chicago last yeat}

most vivid and favorite memories of my dad:

.: him saying, "make good choices" every time i leave the house.

.:skiing together just him and me till the very last second and having to beg the chairlift operators to let us go up one more time

.:cooking. whether it's bbqing or making some delicious italian feast, it's always amazing,

and there's always a very large mess in the kitchen

.:driving. he's always the driver no matter where we go, even on very long trips. so i will always have memories of him behind the wheel checking the mirror and making pretend pilot announcements as we near our destinations

.:flying back and forth from orange county to san francisco together.

no better person to travel and go through the airport with. plus he has a nice shoulder to sleep on.

.:tearing phonebooks in front of any boy that came over. oh and barking at them.

that wasn't embarrassing at all

.:the many many hours teaching me to play tennis and playing with me.

"bend down" "turn, back, swing" "come on, john!"

.:teaching me to drive. lots of tears on my part, but i'm a pretty fantastic driver because of it

.:always taking me and my friends out for dinner. especially at my favorite sushi place in Berkeley

.:the many times he tells me how proud he is of me, especially those times i don't feel particularly proud of myself.

happy happy birthday daddy. i love you so much

ps. it's ryan's birthday too. can you believe he's already 4?!!!

2011

2011-12-31T07:05:00.000-08:00

2011 highlights in no particular order:

quote

pancake shapes christmas style

2011-12-30T03:21:00.000-08:00

my dad is awesome, obviously we already knew that ;)

but especially because he always wakes up early with the boys and has breakfast cooking as the rest of us wake up.

typically it's pancakes, oatmeal, popovers or eggs

last week he was making pancakes as i was waking up

and i jumped right in, insisting we make fun christmas shape pancakes for the boys

NOT AS EASY AS IT LOOKS!

it took many sad looking pancakes before we got a view decent ones

make sure you spray the cookie cutters with a lot of pam

i think we'll be sticking to mickey mouse style from now on :)

SantaCon San Francisco 2011

2011-12-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

SantaCon

quickly becoming one of my favorite san francisco holidays

people were trying to make the world record for the most naked santa's

only in san francisco

Christmas Day

2011-12-26T04:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning started a little rough with my sister waking up with the flu

and then a certain almost 4 year old who got up on the wrong side of the bed

and needed a bit of an attitude adjustment before we saw what santa brought us.

but then it was practically perfect

everyone opening wonderful presents

the boys going off with their new toys

then laying by the pool in 77 degree Christmas Day weather

tennis (where my little sister kicked my butt)

leftover christmas eve dinner

movie

kinda sad christmas is already over

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

2011-12-25T04:08:00.000-08:00

our holiday cards

pictures from out trip to captiva island

card template by nicole hill

christmas giving

2011-12-23T05:05:00.000-08:00

(slightly tempted to steal the wrapping off aimees gift)

for the kids at my school, christmas may mean getting a pair of socks or a piece of fruit.

and for some it means absolutely nothing because they don't get anything

and not because they don't celebrate christmas, but because their families just can not afford to buy anything

last week i tweeted that i had students who were going through a really hard time and wouldn't be getting anything for christmas.

within minutes i had 4 emails from people offering to buy gifts

within 24 hours these girls bought and dropped off gifts at my school.

and 3 of my students will be opening awesome gifts on christmas day

so thank you thank you aimee, erica and casey for shopping on your lunch break, driving to my school and being so giving especially in such a short amount of time

and cara for offering to mail gifts from southern california

the power of blog world and the people in it are amazing.

i can't tell you how much just the offer and gesture to help means .

especially to these kids who have nothing yet more problems that i can imagine how to deal with

thank you thank you

these kids will have a great christmas!

*if you're looking for a way to give to those who need this article makes me want to head to walmart and target

anewjewel giveaway winner is tabitha! congratulations
and thanks everyone for entering!

Staycation: Christmas Time in the City

2011-12-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we had a girls staycation to celebrate our best friend (and roommate), Muffy's, birthday.

Thanks to hotels.com and their awesome and super easy to use welcomerewards program, where you stay 10 nights(even at different hotels) and get 1 night free.

We stayed at the newly remolded Sir Francis Drake in Union Square.

We shopped, relaxed like princesses on the comfy hotel beds, got all dressed up for dinner at Cafe Bastille, had a silly photo shoot in our matching pj's, then breakfast and coffee in bed in the morning.

I would like this to be my life every weekend please.

Christmas time in San Francisco is my favorite

*the room and spending money for breakfast was provided by hotels.com thank you!