Living notes from NYC

THE BIG NEWS!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 17:25:00 +0000

Dear Friends!

It is my pleasure to announce the official release of Urban Crusing, an online publication for modern families.

Inspired by our favorite Connection Line of Stokke strollers whose focus is "in the best interest of a child", and after many months of hard work and dedication, Urban Crusing is now live, committed to its mission to enrich lives and create happier families.

We are honored to collaborate with great and talented editors and bring unique and interesting content to you in upcoming weeks and future. Travel with us and our editors, get inspired, find the best of the best products for your little one or peek into our daily life - Urban Crusing is committed to bringing only the best to you and your little ones. This site will be directed to our new site automatically, however there are a few ways of entering Living Notes that may not be a subject to automatic redirection. Should that be the case, please go HERE to our new site.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT!

ENJOY URBAN CRUSING!

SALAD PRO: UNEXPECTED AVOCADO

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 03:34:00 +0000

California is spoiling us with its produce. Year round farmer's market with seasonal produce is my personal little dream-come-true. We picked up a few fresh bursting with nutrition avocados( and here is why avocados rock ) on Sunday and put our creativity to test:

What can you do with avocados that is not a guacamole?

You will be surprised, but actually a whole lot more then one would typically think. I am going to start with these four and I promise your guests will be blown away. The best part? It won't take you long at all!

Avocado ice-cream? Sounds crazy? Absolutely not, if you do it this way:

Avocado Honey Lime Ice-cream

Ingredients

4 large egg yolks
⅔ cup pure honey
⅛ tsp. salt
2 cupshalf and half
1 cup buttermilk
2 Tbsp. lime zest
3 ripe, fresh California Avocados, peeled, seeded and pureed

*LN tip: we also made this ice-cream using maple syrup and agave for low GI, but honey gives it by far the best consistency.

Instructions

Whisk together eggs, honey and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, bring the half-and-half, buttermilk and lime zest to a full simmer. Once liquid begins to bubble, remove from the heat. Cover and let steep 2 hours.
Once cream mixture has cooled, strain into another medium saucepan. Over low heat, bring to a simmer again.
Temper the egg and honey mixture by adding the simmering cream to the mixture in a ladle a little bit at a time while whisking. Then, return the mixture to the saucepan. Continue to simmer over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until the custard thickens enough to coat a spoon and the thermometer reads 170°F to 175°F, about 4 minutes (do not allow mixture to boil).
Strain mixture into a clean bowl and allow the steam to escape. Cover and chill mixture until cold (at least 3 hours, and up to 1 day).
Process the custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Add avocado purée halfway through freezing.
Transfer to a bowl or tub and freeze until firm, at least 3 hours, and up to 3 days.

In the mood for some sea food? Ingredients list looks long and scary, but read close : it's really simple!

Avocado Dungeness Crab Tower

Ingredients
8 oz.f resh Dungeness crab meat
3 oz. Roma tomato, seeded, finely diced
3 oz. English cucumber, seeded, finely diced
1 Tbsp. Italian parsley, chopped
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp.r ed wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Salt and white pepper to taste
2 Fresh Avocados

Basil Vinaigrette
(Yield: 1/3 cup)
10 basil leaves
2 oz. extra virgin olive oil
1 oz. white wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. shallot, chopped
2 Tbsp. Fresh Avocado
Pinch of granulated sugar
Salt and white pepper to taste

Basil Vinaigrette:
Puree all ingredients in a blender. Set aside.

Assemble:
In a bowl, combine the crab meat, half of the diced tomato, half of the diced cucumber, half of the parsley, the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Mix gently. Season with salt and white pepper.
Place a 2" wide, 3" tall ring mold on each plate. Cut avocados in half lengthwise and remove seed. Using a spoon, cut out silver dollar sized pieces of avocado. Place a few of these pieces on the bottom of each ring mold. Top each with ¼ cup of the crab mixture. Place another few pieces of avocado on top of the crab in each mold, then top off each with another ¼ cup of the crab mixture. Press down firmly, but gently. Lift off the molds, and top each tower off with more avocado rounds {full recipe}

White Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Ingredients

½ cup white chocolate chips
10 Tbsp. sweetened condensed milk
6 Tbsp. boiling hot water
1 ½ ripe Fresh Avocados, peeled, seeded and halved
2 cups cream
1 cup crème fraiche*

*LN tip: any soft cheese ( think brie variety or softer) makes this desert heavenly! just the right proportion of sweet/salty, rich , but not too heavy - my personal favorite right here!

Instructions

In a medium bowl, place the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and hot water. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Puree the avocado in a food processor and fold into the white chocolate mixture.
In a separate bowl, whip together the cream and crème fraiche. Fold into the avocado mixture.
Spoon into serving dishes and allow to chill in refrigerator for 2 hours before serving. {serving suggestions}

And the least expected recipe. Margarita is not something that springs up to your mind when you think "avocado", but let me tell you : our guests were impressed. And go ahead and try it with Pomelo Pellegrino if you prefer a virgin margarita ( or for breastfeeding selves like me ). I promise , it will be a hit.

Kicked-up Avocado Margarita

Ingredients

1 ½ tsp. sea salt
¼ tsp. ancho (or regular) chili powder
2 lime wedges
1 ripe Fresh Avocado, seeded, peeled and cut into chunks
1 ½ cups crushed ice
3 oz. lime juice
2 tsp. agave nectar
4 oz. tequila (*LN tip: use try pomelo pellegrino for vigrin margarita)
2 oz. triple sec
3 sprigs cilantro
2 lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

On a plate, mix together the salt and chili pepper.
Run a lime wedge around the rim of each margarita glass and turn each glass upside down into salt mixture, twisting gently until the rim is completely coated.
In a blender, combine the avocado, crushed ice, agave nectar, tequila, triple sec and cilantro sprigs; blend until smooth.
Pour the margarita into the prepared glasses.
Garnish the rims of the glasses with lime wedges. Serve.

*Large avocados are recommended for this recipe. A large avocado averages about 8 ounces. If using smaller or larger size avocados adjust the quantity accordingly. {nutritional info}

Now tell me, does this qualify for unexpected uses of avocado or what?
Any ideas that you want to share?

SALAD PRO

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 17:03:00 +0000

Now, that i've shared our salad savvy tips with you, it's time to talk about some of our current favorites around here.

These four salads are my often go-to's. Between a little sweet, a little sour, some savory, a pinch of spice and bursting with nutrition greens, it is guaranteed that all of your taste buds will be in a happy land.

Strawberry & Goat Cheese Green Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

The vinaigrette:

10 large fresh basil leaves thinly sliced

2 tbsp white wine vinegar

1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

The salad:

1/3 cup sliced almonds

6 cups (packed) torn red lettuce leaves

1 1/4 cups sliced fresh strawberries

2 oz. goat cheese, crumbled

*LN tip: i love this recipe with spinach or boston butter lettuce. here is your anti-flu medicine on a plate.

{ full recipe }

Fennel and Cucumber Salad:

Ingredients:

4 scallions

1 seedless cucumber

1 fennel bulb

1/3 cup fresh mint leaves

one lemon

oil and vinegar to taste

salt and pepper to taste

*LN tip: our salt of choice is either celtic gray or hawaiian pink. however, if you have any black salt on hand, this salad looks simply spectacular with black specks when served on a white plate

{full recipe}

Kale and Blood Orange Salad

Ingredients:
1 small bunch dino kale
4 small oranges
1 small shallot, very thinly sliced
high quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
maldon salt or other large flake finishing salt
*LN tip: we've substituted blood oranges for grapefruit and other citrus a couple of times, and i am a huge fan of pink grapefruit for this version of a salad : just the right amount of sweetness for my taste.
{full recipe}

Pear and Gorgonzola green salad

2 lg pears, about 1 lb
1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
4 oz. Gorgonzola or other creamy blue cheese
6 C. mixed greens, washed, dried and torn into bite-sized pieces
1/2 C. vinaigrette dressing (bottled or homemade)
1 C. Walnuts
*LN tip: a truly simple salad, takes seconds to make and will wow your even most gourmet guests. we added thinly sliced leaks and used simply a bit of lemon juice and freshly pressed olive oil for dressing. as a variety, some slightly toasted pecans were a big hit as well.
{full recipe}

Check back for more fun nutrition next week. Exotic or domestically creative, baby-friendly or gourmet eater approved, our salad savvy and salad pro series got you covered.

Do you have some favorite go-to's? Please, share!

INSTA POINT OF VIEW:

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 06:51:00 +0000

How is your January going?

At the calendar marking the 17th, it is an "already" and "only" more then half way through the first month of the year. We've had a few birthdays ( year end and year start are some busy times for us) , greeted the New Year and what comes with it, celebrated Christmas again ( Orthodox Christmas is in January , and no presents ) , had some dear friends visit ( and i can't believe i have ZERO pictures of them), dealt with flu ( no fun at all), and are up and running with the K12 schooling system.

Here is a little instagram recap of details:

^^ a little change for a tree topper this year is , i believe , my favorite part of the tree decor ^^

^^ a little helper at the mielle candy shop helping mama prep for one of the birthdays we had last month * i fell in love with this little place. so very highly recommend! * ^^

^^ the birthday boy's morning and a little box of macaroons. a little less nutritious breakfast then i prefer , but birthdays are once a years, so why not , right? ^^

^^ decisions, decisions... we took a new approach to the birthday cake this year ( upon kids' request and SO happily approved by this mama: instead of baking a cake, they decided to go for a slice from a bakery. we figured that each would get 2 slices if we baked a cake ourselves, so we went to the total of eight bakeries to find 8 different cakes that they liked which spread over the course of 2 weeks. let me tell you - i loved it. not only did i not have to cut out 2 or so hours from my already way-too-overbooked schedule to make the cake, but the fun of going around, picking-choosing and then sharing bites and spreading the birthday fun over several days vs just one has been so great that I am thinking of making it a permanent tradition in our non-traditional family. fitting too, right? ^^

^^ but we are not immune to traditional stuff: like a "nutcracker" or a fussy baby and a super tired mama ( aka THE crabby pants ) ^^

^^ the 2014 midnight picture. considering the "numbers" of people in this "little" family of ours, i am just happy the two of US are looking in the camera, even if it is too dark and waaay to grainy of a shot. on another note , i have noticed a nice side-effect of having a lot of kids: by the time you get to your food, it is typically 80% gone, so here is to never being afraid to try new and delicious things. if you like it, they will like it too, so no danger of overindulging here. ^^

^^ when you wait for Grandfather Frost to some (* Grandfather Frost = Santa, but on New Year, cultural fun thing from my childhood that we keep in our family for our kids to experience too) ^^

^^ arabian shade-dance , or side-effect of loving the nutcracker too much ^^

^^ new year's day explorations in little italy and finding our destination. he thought we should go right. we went left because the google map on my iphone said so. ^^

^^ turns out technology does not know everything ^^

^^ a GREAT benefit of exploring new things on a holiday: you get an entire trolley bus to yourselves ^^

^^ and the little man slept... ^^

^^ ... and smiled . just the way i like it ^^

^^ the best personal christmas card in the world : from our family to yours, five kids and hair-do's included ^^

^^ christmas eve service ^^

^^ between the two shots we've got a family picture ^^

^^ one more reason why i love the bassinet so much: off and up the SLEEPING baby goes ^^

^^ a little surprise E prepared for us on one of our starbucks' nights. he doesn't pull himself to sitting just yet, but he will surely sit ( and refuse to lay down too) when he is awake. and considering that he's got at least 5 people run to him at his slightest sound, no wonder E is not in a hurry of doing everything by himself ^^

^^ a little expresso and a fine cocoabella chocolate to celebrate the first weekend of the 2014 ^^

^^ i love unexpectedly running into people i know. even if one of them is pouting ^^

^^ face-making is her second nature ^^

^^ and here is what happens when you get too involved in animated reading and don't pay attention to your most important person in your lap : ^^

^^ he spits all over you. ^^

ps: i love having a pre-teen who snaps pics non-stop.

^^ the best seat on the trolley ^^

( i have suspicions that it was THE trolley that awarded us with the flu )

^^ i wish that deciding on a good vitamin was as easy as deciding on a great stroller ^^

^^ self-dressed and ready to go have fun ^^

^^ this is that moment when you forget how actually hard it is to have 2 little ones less then 2 years apart ^^

^^ and this is the moment when you forget that you haven't really slept for the last ... umm ... 10 years in my case ...^^

^^ attempt 1157 in trying to get a good picture with self-timer. it was all worth it ^^

This is a really small insta-summary of little Xplory-ations and Crusi-ing around. The grand plan is to sort through 12 32GB memory cards of it all this weekend and share some of the amazing details with you that the real camera has captured.

Crossing fingers and toes that nobody gets sick again.

* pictures are taken with the iphone 5s. vsco cam is used to edit when desired

*want to peek more into our life? instagram knows it all!

SALAD SAVVY

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 03:54:00 +0000

Health is always a priority in our family, and I firmly believe that a large part of one's well-being is good nutrition. We've tried many different approaches to eating, and I always lean to the all-time tested, simple, well-grown and well-made foods. A piece of levain bread with some natural sea salt, a slice of cheese or aromatic fresh olive oil is mouthwatering and as far as nutritional component goes - is a meal on its own.

We love salads. Most of the time my dinner is a salad : it's light and easy to throw together quickly after a long day. More and more my little ones request larger portions of it in addition to their dinner plates * which we will be covering later on *, making me one happy mama. Salads are also something that is EASY to have slip into a monotonous routine, which apart from becoming boring, also looses its nutritional power, because with little variety the body gets accustomed to the food and does not absorb the nutrients well ( fun fact, isn't it? ) .

But you don't have to travel the earth to gather the best recipes possible. Thanks to pinterest, our food making routine is never boring anymore, and as we experiment with the recipes, we often end up creating more of our own versions of something delicious. Next week I will share some of our favorite salads, surprisingly simple and equally interesting. Today I want to cover the basics of what can make even the simplest of the salads delicious.

1. Good fats.

I think we all know by now that fats are not evil. As a matter of fact, you need fats to keep your hormonal balance in place just as much as you need all your vitamins. But, of course, differentiate between good and bad fats, and please, DO keep a balance. I highly recommend to invest into a bottle of a great olive oil - we get ours from the local farmer's market. Fresh, beautiful and so aromatic it makes you want to sit down for a lunch break right then and right there. I guarantee that the nutritional content of that product is skyrocking even though it does not come with a standard label. Sometimes I do not feel like oil of any kind, but some cheese sounds just right up my alley. Unfortunately, my little guy has a strong allergy to cow's milk, and until that's passed ( if ever), I am somewhat limited. Fortunately, there are multitudes of goat's, sheep's and other milks to choose from, which is an interesting discovery for me * i've already compiled a ton of notes to share with you! so, be on a lookout! * As far as non-dairy cheeses go, my strong advice to stick to RAW FERMENTED non-dairy products. From my research and experience, those cheese are easier on digestion and do not mess with hormones.

2. Sweet fruit.

Contradictory as it may sound, but add a little sweet fruit to your savory salad and you will not regret. We all know about non-sweet fruits and are pros at adding veggies, but I promise you will discover something you love and your tastebuds will thank you for it.

3. Green base.

I cannot say enough about the importance of good green base. My personal favorite at the moment are kale and arugula, which are bursting with nutrition. Did you know that arugula, also known by its European name, rocket, has been used in salads for a long, long time. Though it's a relative of the mustard plant, arugula was originally considered a cabbage substitute (its name comes from eruca, which is Latin for a cabbage-like leafy green). In the U.S., this flavorful green was practically unheard of until the 1990s, when it rapidly rose to popularity. Today, you can buy it fresh in nearly any supermarket, and for cheap!

Make a salad of fresh mixed arugula, and your brain will surely thank you. A large handful of raw arugula — or about 85 grams — is an excellent source of folate, delivering 20 percent of a nutrient that helps to support a healthy nervous system.
Fresh arugula is also an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K, which (respectively) support eyesight, promote healthy gums and contribute to your blood's ability to clot properly.
As for kale, here is a long list of benefits - believe me, they are all true.

4. Spices and such.

Here is to last, but faaaaar from the least idem on my list. It is a-mazing what a little bit of a new spice can do to your beaten up, old true and faithful salad recipe. My personal favorite discoveries have been saffron, shallots ( try them with balsamic vinegar and strawberries!) and truffle salt. My tooth is not the one of a sweet kind, and I can talk about salt for ages ( maybe we will talk about that later too...) , truffle salt is on the outmost top list of the best finds ever. Yes, it is price-y, but it is oh, so worth it! A couple ounces goes a long way and everything is just simply amazingly delicious with a pinch of that white magic dust on it. There is a difference between the white truffle and black truffle, so try to see which of the two you like most ( i do both!), and you don't have to buy it before you try - a local cheesemonger will help you out at any Whole Foods, should you want to taste it.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SALAD? OR DO YOU PREFER JUICE INSTEAD?

To the New Year 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 06:36:00 +0000

Happy New 2014 Year, dear friends!

I want to mark this first day of the new and beautiful year with gratitude for the year passed and dreams and wishes for the year that just stepped onto the ruling pedestal. 2013 was a year like no other, full of contrasts between tears of happiness and moments of desperation. But as the best of the human nature is, we forget the bad, savor the happy and keep the lessons learned to apply to a future chapter in the book of life. We said goodbyes to 2013 on a happy note and thanked God for many blessings and opportunities sent to us during the last 12 months. We've grown in numbers, added true friends to our small circle of dear people and grown in faith and closer as a family are just a few from the very extensive list.

I have many hopes and wishes for the New 2014th Year. Though without any resolutions ( i still seem to not be able to adapt this custom, even 15 years later ), I am looking forward to 2014 with a happy heart. I hope and dream to fill the next 365 days with more laughter, more explorations, more time dedicated to travel and discoveries of new places and cultures, to growing new hobbies, talents and opportunities and continuing on with the ones acquired during 2013. I am beyond excited for new developments and success within work related avenues coming to life this year. And although we have had a huge slip off in the technology department during the last several months ( TWO computers with logic board defect - what are the chances! - which caused a complete loss of over 20 thousand images ) , I am more in love with photography then ever. I found it to be my new creative outlet, and have been working much during the last two months on creating a new path to follow.

I am also looking forward to more of the exhausting technique classes, rehearsals and collaborations. At 34 this year and having gone through many, many years of life "on stage" I am realizing that I may not have many more of those left in the future. And should this be my last one, I want to have it stored in my memory as the best one yet.

I hope for complete health of all of our loved ones. And then also wish and hope to grow more romance in our marriage, because between two separate careers and one combined, five children and what seems like a thousand responsibilities, it is easy to let go of that part, but it is oh-so-crucial in marriage, at least for me. I also want to steal a few more minutes together with my oldest son. 2013 marked his 10th birthday, and it won't be long before he enters the all-time "too-cool-for-mom" teens. I am marveling at the blessing of having this extremely intelligent, witty, talented and beautiful little human with a heart of gold in my life, and while he's cool with the fact of hanging out with me, my schedule is and will be filled with more photography outings, concerts, art galleries and chess tournaments. Though his mother, it is not bias of me to state that the world has gained another future genius when my little man entered the world way back in 2003.

My list can go on indefinitely, and although it may never end, it is the ability to see even if only some of the dreams realize what makes it for a part of my definition of "happy" making it more exciting to look toward the future. And last but far not least, I am just throwing it out there into the universe that it would be much appreciated to have the minutes in the hour go a little slower, even if only for a day or two.

I hope for more love in the world, happiness and peace within hearts and families, understanding between people and abundance of new, better, opportunities for all. As they say in my culture, when translated directly :

With New Year! With New Happiness!

How about you? What do you wish or hope for in this new year?

Life through INSTAGRAM : Christmas Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 17:59:00 +0000

^^ this letter to Santa melted my heart. I bet this "I love you. Love, Nadya" is the sweetest end of the note Santa ever received in his mail ^^

With Christmas around the corner, life is full of magic around here. Old bones and all, but we - and particularly i - are enjoying this "no-snow" Christmas, probably, more then we ever did before. There is time for everything, there is a place for all things. 10 years ago we couldn't imagine our winters without snow boots, fluffy coats and snowy streets, but today we are saying prayers of gratitude for the blessing to live in the place with a climate of SF. Gets plenty cold to need a jacket, a hat at times and boots, which is just about the type of a climate that my dancing bones ( and Nadya's preemie lungs) appreciate greatly.

Christmas spirit in all over the streets of San Francisco and here is to what it makes it "ours":

{ps : it seemed to long of the post to load all 50+ pics in, so i broke it two. here is part one}

^^ old bookstores. we were a little sad to see no Barnes & Noble in SF at first, but it was not long until we realized that the streets are filled with private bookshops and we love them even more. this Green Apple Bookstore is our favorite - the collection of books is fantastic and huge, the kids have an entire floor to themselves filled with rare books and i have so much to say about it, that it will need to be an entirely separate post ^^

^^ finding things to put on a letter to santa got to be the favorite tradition ^^

^^ we thought we'd brave the crowds for the tree lighting at union square, and crazy as it was, it might just have been one of the best things we've done so far ^^

^^ and we even made it ALL the way to the tree. and even though you can't see 1000 people that are around us, hearing those "aaah! wow!" and seeing those little eyes light up was all my mama's heart needed ^^

^^... and some hot tea, coffee and cocoa for warming up. that night was rather chilly ^^

^^ we found ourselves wondering into the tree lot on one of the weekends. those little urban forests that appear all over the city fill the streets with christmas spirit regardless of whether the temps are in negatives or mid 60s ^^

^^ walked on this beauty on the way from little italy one sunday afternoon. gorgeous. even if not christmas related ^^

^^ embarcadero center had some beautiful displays - another post to follow as soon as i sort through all the pictures - but i'd give much to be a child again. after a day full of walking all over, when 8 pm hits, i am DONE. but not those little people. it's like their day is just started at 7:59 ^^

^^ our little insta-mood booster. this face reads:

" merry christmas and a happy new EAR" ^^

^^ we hit CA Academies a few times again. some days for learning... ^^

^^... and others for things like real SNOW exhibit INSIDE the museum. So, SF Christmas is a white Christmas after all ^^

^^ and we ran into some pretty cool Santa's reindeer. if you combine that with the fact that we also ran into Santa at the tree lighting who asked the kids if they saw his reindeer, because they ran away, the level of child happiness was blew the top off any measuring device ^^

^^ hot chocolate is what a dr ordered ( or mama in this case) on any chilly after-the-play-ground night. a christmas tree at boudine's in fisherman's wharf made it even extra special ^^

^^ another night, another magic. a SF Ballet Nutcracker show on the Dome at Westfield. no words needed - just look at the little faces ^^

^^ an evening trip to see the REAL Santa. by their declaration, Macy's had the one they liked this year, so Macy's it was ^^

^^ everyone needs a little Santa Land in their lives ^^

^^ the moment of waiting for their turn ^^

^^ and the sweetest Santa we've ever met, with some very clever answers. for example, to a request " please, i would like to have an invisibility cloak", the answer was " well, you see, the problem is, because it is invisible, you won't be able to find it, or even if you do, it will most likely to get lost again... i'd be very sad to see you sad... is there anything else i may get you to make you happy? ". To see the understanding in the child's eyes, and realization that , yes, indeed, the invisibility cloak may not be the best option, and STILL have the belief and magic of Chrismas... I love you, Santa for ever for keeping it one more year for my oldest one. It is just about that time when in just a little bit he will join the "santa's helpers" club, making it one step into the adulthood and one step out of childhood. I give much to let him still be a child, even if for just one more day. (ps: the helicopter in red settled the request list ) ^^

Wishing light, joy and happiness in your home during this magical season!

PS: we also gave in to IG videos, and you can take a glimpse into our little Fisherman's Wharf "warm up night" here and here, and our typical Sunday night "Starbucks run" here and here.

CITY DAD GIFTS

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 20:16:00 +0000

Last minute gifts for him? No problem! Here are a few things your city guy would appreciate:

Extremely light and packable down jacket for those chillier then desired days ( or nights) , a walkable and cool shoe ( he'll love you for those! ) , a fancy watch to keep him on track, a modern and very functional bag and a few accessories to keep things organized, and a top of the line, stylish and ultra comfortable baby carrier that he will LOVE to carry your little one in. and in all honestly, could there be anything more dear to a woman's heart then a man with a baby?

LAST MINUTE GIFTS

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 20:49:00 +0000

Just in case you are looking for that one more thing for your someone special, here is a quick guide for a city mom ( or any mom for that matter ) :

5. a stylish and easy gliding stroller
that will allow her little one to nap on the go that will fold with one hand, because that will be her public transport best friend for years to come. ( note the special limited time price! when if not now?!)
and a perfect baby carrier
for those old city places that do not have a stroller access or simply for the times when the little one wants to be held. Stokke MyCarrier is suitable from birth and the variety of positions make is a universally simply awesome carrier ( read more here why i personally love it best)

4. throw in some baby toys
into the stroller or clip on to the carrier and the most important person on the planet will be happiest of all. my preference is with haba here because of environmentally friendly materials, extensive testing, and simply said : absolute explosion of colors! my little guy LOVES them ( and santa may have cleared all the racks in the store, because, you know, santa's sanity is very important too)

3. hands free stylish bag or sporty stylish backpack
that goes with the theme of her favorite stroller.
need I say more?

2. a pair of stylish but walkable boots and fun but extremely comfortable flats.
when you put on 7+ miles a day just getting to and from ( and can't forget those mandatory morning and evening walks to the park) , taking care of one's feet is a top priority. but style does not have to suffer!

1. a fun book and a unique notebook.
Let's be honest - she hardly ever has time to herself, so for those moments, let her mind simply rest on something interesting and not baby related ( trust me. she has a NYC library size supply of baby books already. and she most likely read them all at least twice too) and treat her to a nice set of notebooks that she most likely won't buy for herself, because that mommy brain effect does exist , you know...

Last minute gifts are always necessary, and we've got you covered! Check in for complete list of his, hers, little ones' and our favorite stocking stuffers tomorrow!

ATLAS OF PREJUDICE

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 20:30:00 +0000

As always there is nothing bad without some good in it too. All the political social media can get pretty funny at times. A link to the map above " The World According to Americans" was sent to me by one of the haters, but I couldn't contain a laugh when I looked over it - tell me, my US friends, doesn't this look about right though?! My very American husband and I had some good laughs looking over this, and then I had to dig for more. I think this is genius and something to think about. And pretty funny too. Enjoy!

^^ my personal favorite above. probably, because we are orthodox ^^

Wishing you a great Monday and a peaceful and happy week!

OUR WEEK of XPLORY-ATIONS through INSTAGRAM

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 21:51:00 +0000

Our week report according to the instagram. The little trip by the Pier ( just above) . We are still trying to make it all the way down to pier 39 - too many interesting things to see. But it is on the agenda for the day ( fingers crossed!) .

This week we also :

^^ learned a lot of things in CA Academy of Sciences. that particular one is about fish ^^

^^ and made new friends there too. soulmates. ^^

^^ those two little blue eyes wanted to see it all. i also answered about 100 000 "wasis?!"s in two hours ^^

^^ when we visited De Young, the older children were so happy to recognize the art they have learned about in school just a few week prior. it i were their teacher, i should have been very proud. it warmed by heart ^^

^^ while we were admiring a beautiful winter painting ( pictures to come soon!), "someone" went for snacks ( and got caught in action. on camera ^^

^^ we made a few evening trips ^^

^^ ... because these sunsets are surreal ^^

^^ and a few trips to the bakery in the rain. i learned ( and loved the fact!) that we have 6 bakeries that supply warm fresh bread daily just around the corner ^^

^^ kindred spirits. or at least in this situation. she shares his love for cars ( but he does not share her love for dolls, somehow ...) ^^

^^ and this is the "side-effect" of having three little "mommies" fighting over as to who loves him more ^^

^^ and if mentioning toys ... the Land of Nod event we went to was simply fab! (watch this space for a report soon!) i also may or may not have won something in this ruffle!

^^ the land of nod toys. i have a soft part in my heart for wooden toys. they make childhood so much more colorful! ^^

^^ the iconic teepee - the upper part of it. it's even cooler in person then i thought ^^

^^ and to make everyone's spirits bright, decor and chalk art do just that ^^

^^ San Francisco is beautiful at night ^^

^^ a very happy friday night delivery made up for a very colorful ( even if foggy ) saturday morning ^^

^^Wishing you a great day , as always,

with love, from San Francisco

^^ WHERE DID YOUR XPLORATIONS TAKE YOU LAST WEEK? ^^

FROM ATLANTIC TO PACIFIC

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 21:17:00 +0000

“We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.”

― Mother Teresa

I am thrilled to live close to the ocean again. The Pacific waters are different from those of the Atlantic, but the fact of having the open water and beach near is a happy fact as is.

Last night was so lovely and warm. Although it is almost the end of November, the sun was so welcoming and playful, it was no decision, really, that another day at the beach was set for us on a Sunday agenda. The church liturgy ended by 9 am and even with San Francisco early sunsets we still had a beautiful full day ahead of us. Considering it is late autumn on the calendar, it was pleasantly surprising for me to discover that although cool, the water was very swim-able, and there were few people on the beach that were doing just that. Something that - should we have a few more nice days like that - I may just brave as well. After all coming home to Christmas decor after swimming at the beach would be a fist for me - why not , right?

I love open water and the beach. It calms me. It has magnificent beauty, power and gentleness at the same time. It mystifies me and allures me in. And it appears that my love for the open seas has been passed down the bloodline.

^^ she would stay at the sand forever, should we let her to ^^

I have about 100 more pictures of this, which I will post as soon as I get to it ( schools , work and homework, you know... ), but until then , Instagram knows much of our life ( and you don't have to have a phone to follow us there either )

Withing you a wonderful start of a new week

and a

Monday filled with light and happiness!

SAN FRANCISCO XPLORY-ATIONS: The Start of Golden Gate Park

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 21:03:00 +0000

Believe it or not, even though we are literally 3 blocks away, we are yet to make a proper exploration of the Golden Gate Park. We've done more when visiting, but then we did not have those darn boxes to unpack. We got really spoiled when living in the house where the noise level ( kids or otherwise) , though regulated by us always, is not that critical of an issue. Between all our schedules, late evening, nighttime or really early mornings were our "project" windows to get done whatever it is that needed attention.

That is far from the case here. Our beautiful flat is placed right in the middle of the upper level where the owners live and like peaceful mornings, and the lower dwellers that need quietness in the evenings. So, that time frame and unpacking, plus our school, work and after school activities and early sunsets leave us with the limited time for explorations, but we made it a goal last Friday, quickly grabbed our faithful Xplory, and actually entered the Golden Gate Park.

... And then we didn't get too far.

Because it's gorgeous and filled with all sorts of interesting things that need touching, feeling, digging, etc.

Our outing looked like this:

^^ all set and ready to explore! ^^

^^... until 5 minutes later where was some cool hole. they wondered who lived there ^^

^^ and then a little guy wanted to coo ^^

^^ ... so we spent another 10 minutes doing that...^^

^^... and people watching while feeding the little guy. all that cooing takes energy, you know. it should be notes that Vasilisa was in awe to find someone else with a leash. a dog in this case.^^

^^... and while the baby was eating, another one realized she was hungry too ^^

^^... so, here is to another 10 minutes to let her snack on some cucumbers and such. and it should be known that Evyianne refused to lay down for the most of the trip afterwards. I mean, completely. I spent most of the time carrying him ^^

^^ ...until we realized that he wants to sit up to look around { naturally. why didn't i think of that right away?! } look at him all perched up and happy. it is very bitter sweet to think that we actually may need so switch our beautiful Xplory bassinet for a seat... i had high hopes to keep him in it for another few months, because i don't want this baby stage to end. yes, time flies too fast ^^

^^ and then we ran into this beauty on the way to the park, so , naturally, we took a few snaps. i will have to go back for more - gorgeous, isn't it? ^^

^^ and then before we knew it, the fog started to set in, the sun went down and it was time to run home. i may change my mind later, who knows, but for now, i find fog gorgeous and magical. you can see it above starting to come in from behind the trees^^

^^ and then we walked on to this on our way home. iphone may not have the magical capabilities, but i am so happy it captured this magical fog ^^

There is an uncountable amount of beautiful things to see and do at the park, and we started this week with the membership to the California Academy of Sciences. Kids are over the moon, and I am really excited myself. De Young is closed today, but is top of the list for this week as well ( among another 100 things that are already there )

Wishing you a magical Monday and a great start of the week!

with love, from San Francisco

FIVE FAB FINDS : for modern kids

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 08:02:00 +0000

The holiday time is just around the corner with gift guides in spotlight again. Five Fab Finds is here for your twice weekly with ideas, fun finds, and just cool things to make your holiday shopping easier. We are kicking it off today with the Five Fab Finds for Modern Kids, featuring Stokke Scoot not only because we absolutely LOVE it , but also because there is a change in price ( it's less now!) just in time for the holidays!

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5

And another quick tip, in case you didn't know - the knit Bla-Bla toys are machine washable and extremely durable. We have a couple and let me tell you, the amount of times they went through the wash is uncountable, but the Bla-Blas are as good as new!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

WITH LOVE FROM SAN FRANCISCO : Instagram

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 19:25:00 +0000

^^ views from the hills of San Francisco. i giggled typing this - considering our last name, this phrase has another layer to it. laughing aside , the hills and views here are breathtaking. i will make sure to share more, because it's a 'must' to experience ^^

^^ what seemed like never ending boxes then are just a few left today. oh, moving...^^

^^ that little pink jacket has been eyeing the park all day long that very day of unpacking. Golden Gate Park , with just 3 blocks away, was way more appealing then the boxes to me too...^^

^^ planning sessions can be intense for some. or look like fun puzzles for others ^^

^^ those yellow stations never get old, do they? ^^

^^ making it all official. considering the line, i was so happy i actually made an appointment. it took an hour with having one, i sincerely felt sorry for everyone else just waiting. the dmv workers were nice though, always a bonus ^^

^^ a much needed break and a conversation while eating sushi on a sunday night ^^

^^ San Francisco is gorgeous at night. i am learning night photography, because , really, it is magnificent ^^

^^ another view from the hills. marina district is really growing on me ^^

^^ from the streets of San Francisco. i may start new series. there are a lot of fun things to notice here ^^

^^ and while the outside weather is warm and welcoming ( a light jacket - just how i like it ) , the inside of the stores and window displays are all about Christmas. Target never fails with their great selections ^^

^^ if you need an easy folding stroller, the Scoot is your best friend! highly recommend it. it's my faithful companion on the MUNI, making it a breeze to get in and out, and those trolleys are not easy climb!

^^ a little mommy on duty past saturday morning. he approved ^^

^^ same saturday morning. i love the soft light, and it looks like i have a little follower too ^^

^^ my very needed, loved and marveled over birthday present. all i want now is to get on the streets^^

^^ one of the "birthday" galleries we hit when celebrating my birthday. david kracov art takes one of the top lines on my list of favorites now. doesn't the xplory look like it belongs in that gallery? a masterpiece of its own. and the special limited edition orange could not be more perfect for fall!^^

^^ a little taffy never hurt anyone every now and then. kids picked a couple of colors and walked as happy as could be. i bet the memories will be forever ^^

^^ something that passed through my facebook feed. i had to share, because i love every word ^^

^^ the very first picture we took when officially calling San Francisco our home, early on a friday morning. San Francisco welcomed us with sun, warm breeze and gorgeous bay. May this be a beginning to a life filled with love, warmth and happiness. ^^

We send you warm greetings and best wishes,

with love from San Francisco

A peek into our life : my birthday from San Francisco

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 18:17:00 +0000

Yesterday we celebrated my 33rd birthday. As always, for me it is another turning point and the time to look forward in hope for new life's gifts with the gratitude for happiness blessed with before. If you follow me on Instagram, then you are "in the know" that we now call San Francisco our home. The move was quick and sudden, just as many great things in life. And just in the same way, when the opportunity comes you got to seize the day and go with the flow. We are still more in boxes then I would like, but considering the amount we are juggling non-stop between jobs, schools and children's needs I think we've done fantastic.

We are not much of the ones who would fall under "traditional" description, because, well, nothing is traditional about our family. From the multicultural backgrounds to very un-traditional 5 children for a professional dancer and the same 5 children by early thirties. But we have our own things we like to do, and those un-traditions are very much a custom to us now, with photo - journaling as one. There are many moments we keep just for our own eyes, but today I'd like to share our day with you. It may just a peek, but it's a peek into our very real every day life.

^^ my morning started with the giggling in the living room. i love the interaction these two have. a brother and a sister. i hope one day they realize how lucky they are to have each other, fights and all ^^

^^ i love these presents. i have a whole bunch of these masterpieces safely put away for memories ^^

^^ a present of being happy and content - I couldn't ask for better one. and one more word : ears ^^

^^ the oldest and the youngest. another one from the category : they are extremely lucky to have each other ^^

^^ in this case , they KNOW it ^^

^^ when we celebrate something, we love to go out to explore things. We hit a couple of art galleries, a bread factory and just fun neighborhood of Fisherman's Wharf. more of photos to come soon, until then Instagram knows it all, you know. on the other note - San Francisco has the most gorgeous architecture i've seen in a long while. i will be sure to share more with you soon as well ^^

^^ whenever we pass by the park, it's a given that wherever we are going will be delayed by 30 minutes. at the very least ^^

^^ because, you know - dandelions in november is quite a catch ^^

^^ and for moments like this - it's absolutely worth a little wait ^^

^^ our little home celebration is really little. a cake, some ice-cream and a couple of pastries - all are completely on children's request, because the designated birthday candle ( that we had for 5 years now!) is such a tradition in our un-traditional family.

^^ this candle is 1/2 way gone in 5 years of birthdays. we've grown quite attached to it, which is probably not the greatest of ideas : what are we going to do when it is gone? ^^

^^ song sang, wishes made, candle blown - now off to cake eating...^^

^^... although not everyone has made it that far, even if it was only 7:30 pm. that daylight savings time change...^^

^^ i took this picture as soon as we brought the carseat in because those cheeks have stolen my heart for a 1000th time that day. and the fact that he didn't budge and kept on sleeping even when i transferred him to his bassinet needed to be documented. it never happened before ^^

^^ another year passed, another turn made, another new moon, another new beginning. here is to the new path, filled with happiness, love, success and best of memories ^^

Life through the eyes of Instagram

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 02 Nov 2013 05:07:00 +0000

^^ a little frog on a walk. resting ^^

It seems like I blinked and October has flown by. I have about 100 posts in drafts that I have started to publish, but haven't completed yet. I hope you forgive my lack of presence here over the last several weeks and understand my desire to spend every second with one of my dearest loved ones. Long distance living plus large family multiplied by intensive work schedules from everyone's side equals to rare visits, so any time when someone comes to visit, it is a luxurious treat. Much as we plan, the reality is ... we never know exactly when the next time seeing each other happens.

I have a lot of catching up to do and lots of news to tell, so here is to the first part. This post is a portion from my Instagram feed, which is , as one of my great friend's said , a true version of mini blogging. I do love it very much.

^^ the mini-ritual for every morning lately. she talks to every picture, but particularly to the pieces made by her and other little ones. i love kids' art - it makes me smile every time i see a picture signed "for mommy" ^^

^^ best friends on one chilly saturday morning. sometimes i think we should have a dog. and then i count the children, two hamsters, one guinea pig, a cat and a fish, and re-think it ^^

^^ the beauty from the mountains ^^

^^ this picture is one of the very few of my second half and hence is my favorite ^^

^^ the beautiful mother nature from the plane ^^

^^ my number one favorite travel companion. can't beat the PramPack - created in cooperative design effort with airlines and specifically targeting the aircraft baggage handling and travel to protect your stroller in the best way possible. it has never failed me, and you can gate-check it too! ^^

^^ my faithful travel companion number two. you will be amazed to know that this jj cole collections satchel held the necessities of 5 days for a baby, plus some of my things too and kept me stylish ^^

^^ an absolute terrible quality picture, but it was taken specifically at the request of one of the airport crew workers, wanting to have a record of a step-by-step action. he absolutely loved the PramPack and i thought i'd share the beauty and ease of it here with you as well ^^

^^ the squeaky toys can be that surprising ^^

^^ though always a small-bed person, i thoroughly understood the concept of a king size bed: the king can sleep and his attendees don't have to resort to the floor option. i now want a california kind ^^

^^ just getting his morning dose of classics. ballet was on the menu that day. he seemed to like it ^^

^^ fall. leaves. two years old. enough said ^^

^^ for better or for worse, but ikea is one of my favorite creative outlets ^^

^^ it's crazy to think that when we did a photoshoot for Solly Baby, this little bambino just signed his 9 months long "lease" ^^

^^ i swear by this magic blanket. all i have to do, is wrap him. the stokke magic never fails^^

^^ the very important job of guarding the cookies. and ice cream too ^^

^^ fall beauty is breath-taking ^^

^^ the place where we stop often to throw rocks. it's a tradition now in our very non-traditional family ^^

^^ my lunch date. there are times when i wish for the little ones to never grow up, but that day i loved how much of a real life conversation we had together. i am looking forward so much to the future ^^

Because I love you, now and always.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 02 Nov 2013 03:08:00 +0000

^^ blotchy faces and tear-y eyes. i hate saying good-byes. this is one of those few times when i feel sad about my move to america... ^^

I do not take a phrase "I love you" lightly. Today I miss my mom more then ever, and those words are the ones I keep repeating in my mind over and over again. It doesn't matter whether you are 2, 35 or 57, a long distance (and sometimes a very long term) separation with a loved one - mom in this case - is very difficult. At least for me. As life has weathered me a little, it also hardened my ability to show emotion openly, if nothing else then for the sake of protecting my own heart from pain and disappointment. But I my kleenex box is empty, my make-up is non-existing and my nose is red. I, as everyone else, of course, am extremely lucky to have modern day technology and hear the voice on the other side of the line within seconds, even though she is on the the other side of the WORLD, and somewhat participate in my parents' life long-distance through skype. However, no super computer will substitute for a human touch, a hug, a kiss or warmth of a greeting smile. No computer can deliver a sound of a teapot whistling on the stove and the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning.

My dearest mom, I love you so, so very much. There are no words that ever can express it the way I really mean it to, but, please, do know how much, how very much we all love you. Our house is empty without you. You always wished for me and my sister to have a memory of a house-nest, filled with the aroma of freshly-off-the-stove supper, and you, greeting us with a smile when we came home from school. But necessity to work kept you away from home for long hours, and it saddened you that life didn't happen as you wished then. Please, know what was then dream is now a reality. You brought the feelings of unity, peace and comfort to us. You have us what we needed most - your love, and it filled that 5 year long hap

Tonight when we came back home after seeing you off at the airport, I went downstairs into your room, and set there crying. I didn't want to leave. I remembered every minute of your stay with us, from the moment we came to the airport to pick you up to the minute I watched you walk onto the plane, wishing desperately that our living arrangements were not separating us by thousands of miles. I smiled, remembering our adventures, trips and crazy, never-working-as-supposed-to schedules. Our food experiments and cheese parties. Your birthday that we shared together for the first time in over 15 years... And many, many, many other things. You brought so much love and light with you, you made our house be a home filled with happiness, no matter the daily stumbles. We are so, so, so very lucky to have had you in our daily life, even if for a short period. You know this already, but as noted by my husband - our relationship is unique: you are my best friend, have always been and will remain one forever.

^^ so lucky to have celebrated not only a birthday, but this jubilee. i only wish to look so beautiful at 60 too. ^^

^^ the walks in the park in fall are my favorite: gorgeous nature and beautiful company. we had so many heart-warming talks together ^^

^^ hugging for the last time until next time. wishing, hoping and praying that life cooperates and a 5 year separation stretch never happens again ^^

^^ though didn't plan originally, i am so glad we extended the stay, and the ticket availability fell on 31st. the airport is absolute FUN on halloween. how about not only kids, but TSA and airport crew in costumes too? and TSA were extra-friendly ( always a bonus!). and there was hardly anyone flying too ^^

^^ please, come back soon. we all love you so very much and miss you terribly already ^^

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES? Jordan knows it all!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 15:31:00 +0000

My creativity gets a writer's block every time when it comes to Halloween costumes, hence my absolute love for Jordan's smart and unique ideas. I've discovered Oh, Happy Day years ago, and it's my regular go-to for many party ideas, but an absolute must when it comes to Halloween costumes. Witches and such are cute, no questions, but these very smart costumes are a ten steps above everything there is a year in and a year out, and are easy to do with just the items you have on hand already ( which is such a bonus for me when it comes to brainstorming for two costumes per person - parties and all, you know ) Head on over to here for more costume ideas and , most importantly - step by step instructions on how to put them together within 5 minutes ( crazy awesome, right?!)

On a different note, please, send me some good vibes and wishes. We've discovered that the brand new MacBook Pro had a serious problem, resulting in about 18 900 pictured being currently trapped on it from the two weeks worth of some serious photo work. There is a genetic defect ( the fancy name a servicing professional placed on it) on the processor, and while it is wonderful to know that the computer can simply be swapped for a new working one, it doesn't help the fact that all our efforts in the entire last week to transport the pictures or back them up failed so far. Unfortunately, I've attributed the slow processing speeds to the large amount of high resolution original photos and continued to work as usual. The good news is that there are only two weeks that aren't currently backed up, the really bad news is that the 18 900+ pictures trapped are the some of the best ones I've had capturing many very significant moments. The timing, of course, is "perfect" as usual, topping off the last two weeks we had dealing with E's health.

So, good wishes are much appreciated. Now and always...

STYLE & FASHION : GAP

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 10:54:00 +0000

Fall style and fashion has to be one of my favorite ones, if not THE one. Give me some layers, sweaters, jackets and nice footwear, and the creative possibilities are unlimited. Out of 1001 and more places to choose, I want to pause for a minute and talk about GAP.

If you haven't been recently, stop by your local GAP. You will be pleasantly surprised. The selection is great, colors are vibrant , and - the most important - fit is fantastic.

Here are a few of my favorites from this fall's collection. // the real straight cord // comes in many colors and gives you some styling possibilities - choose tighter fit for a long and lean look or size up and roll the hem for the skinny boyfriend style // fur-trim puffer vest // will be your go-to for this chilly, but not quite cold yet, fall weather. layer up with some warm cashmere in winter and you are ready for the skating rink. // sexy boyfriend cords // - be it cords or jeans, GAP by far got the best fit in these. kill two birds in one shot : keep your budget happy and love your reflection in the mirror too! //denim motto jacket // quilted leather motto jacket // whichever it is you are on the market for, i do love the slightly cropped fit and slim, but not too skinny ( so that you CAN layer up for colder months) arms make it a hit for me. // academy blazer // never underestimate the power of a good blazer. love the detailing on the collar and lining this season! // suede booties // these will keep you on trend, comfortable, warm and won't break the bank. everyone needs a pair. // pointed toe flats // fun colors and ultra comfort put these flats on the "best seller" list. check for more color options at your local store - the green ones are to die for!

We've talked about how to choose best skinny jeans before, and if you haven't yet, DO give GAP always skinny a try. Keep in mind this : from personal experience and many other reviews and opinions, it is a fact that GAP's different washes/styles can vary up to two sizes in fit. Just remember to grab a pair up and a pair down you usual size and I'm sure you'll come out smiling out of the store.

ps: use code GAPNEW for 30% off your purchase. how is this not a great reason to add a piece or two to your wardrobe?!

San Francisco through the eyes of Instagram

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 18:01:00 +0000

We are in San Francisco right now. The opportunity presented itself, and I could not resist packing everyone up with me, even on a one second notice. My mom has never seen California and the timing could not be more perfect.

California had always been loved by us, but San Francisco ( the NY of the West for me) has stolen my heart forever. It is one thing to see places when you're touring with a company and are single, and it is a completely different story when you bring a family with you. I will tell you more later, as we are trying to pack as much as we possibly can in the few short days we have here, but here are a few pictures for you to enjoy until then...

^^ utah can be beautiful. the beginning of the salt flats on our way north ^^

^^ looks like snow, but it is all salt. stunning ^^

^^ sunsets on the road are gorgeous ^^

^^ no road trip without some sort of a long lecture these days. too independent for their own trouble. mom's all seeing eye is always there ( iphone in this case. those selfies can come in really useful ^^

^^ my heart is going to stay here forever ^^

^^ nothing like heading out to breakfast in style. we've met a few stokke lovers on the way too! xplory didn't get her name for nothing : small footprint, secured shopping basket ensures that nothing falls out, and highseat-turn-highchair possibilities take you everywhere, seriously. plus it's fashionable and stylish - it always gives me a boost of confidence if a new place tumbles with my own, you know... ^^

^^ and my little rider. just scoot-ing along. fyi: ease of public transportation perfection + full stroller features = dream come true for city moms. SF approved too^^

^^ best disney store visit yet. the magic mirror made a lot of great impressions. and fulfilled some wishes along the way too^^

^^ the beach. the gorgeous ocean. people i love. i am tearing up looking at this picture. in a few short days we will have to say good-buys until next time^^

^^ beach bums. literally ^^

^^ far from the best angle, technically imperfect, but absolute the best picture to my eyes. all the ones i love. in the city we love. by the ocean. with all of us in it. i will cherish this moment forever^^

^^ a sail from a fairy-tale. make a wish, it will come true, i promise ^^

Wishing you a wonderful start of the week. As always.

Much love from all of us.

100 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT JEANS : Going Skinny

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 11:14:00 +0000

The world has changed when Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss invented jeans in 1873. Everyone knows historic brands like Levi's, Lee and Wrangler and terminology such as "skinny", "slim", "boyfriend", "tapered", "bootcut", "flare", etc is a part of a daily vocabulary of any fashionista. It is nearly to impossible to imagine a style conscious individual without a denim staple, and let's be honest : jeans are great - they save the day ( or night) when nothing else seems to work. These new series will be dedicated to answering the very question every woman has - how to find the best fitting jeans for your wants, needs and style.

Skinny jeans are all over the place. Some love them, some hate them, some don't care about them. And though it may sound surprising, but almost everyone can wear skinny jeans.

Just because you tried a pair of skinny jeans that you didn't like does not mean that skinnies are not for you. Nearly every modern designer - big or small - offers some sort of a version of slim fitting jeans. And here are a few things to remember when on a quest for a new pair of your faithful denims.

* don't settle for a one-time/one-pair fitting. there are as many skinny styles today as there are trees in the forest. if you didn't like fit "a" from a store/designer "n", go try a fit "b" from a place "c". in other, simpler words - go to a different place and/or try another pair. a subtle difference in the cut can make all the difference.

* try a size up - going a little looser will make you look 10 lbs thinner. long, lean and slim is something we are all going after, right?

* don't sacrifice quality over quantity. a pair of a good designer jeans will fit you better, last you longer and boost your confidence like there is no tomorrow.

* don't be sold on just a "big name" : some lesser known designers often can offer an amazing fit and a better price then big well-known names. smaller brands competing with larger names often some up with some genius ideas. after all , it is all about how it looks, fits and wears, and not about who makes it.

* stretch can be a double sided sword - it can be your best friend, or your worst enemy. look for thicker denim and two way stretch : it will allow your jeans to keep the original shape and boost your silhouette.

* try different washes. going graphite or gray can be a nice alternative to a typical blue, although a great shade of blues will aways be a classic. if choosing grays, go for medium or dark shades - deeper colors with the right fading are very flattering on and universally will take you from day to night with minute adjustments.

* rise matters. long gone the days of the extra low-rise jeans ( and thanks heaven for that!) mid to higher rises generally create the appearance of longer legs and smaller waist, slim the silhouette while eliminating the possibility of never desirable wardrobe malfunctions.

* experiment with lengths. from cropped to ankle to all the way long extra skinny, different lengths have different effects on the look achieved. remember, when going to all the way below the ankle bone skinny, choose a the length a little longer then typical and the ultra skinny cut: a bit of bunched up material between the calf and the ankle will balance out the hip nicely and create the illusion of an extra long leg.

* don't underestimate the power of shoes. the right shoe will make the outfit, no secret here, but shoes are twice as important when choosing a skinny jean. pointed toe slim shoe will look beautiful with slightly cropped or ankle length jeans, while slightly rounded ballet flats add certain charm to full length ultra skinnies. Mind the height of the cropped boots - ones that fall just above the ankle bone but cut before the calf are most elongating. And a little heel will always add a dash of necessary sexy for the night out.

The truth is that , most likely, one pair won't cover all your "skinny" needs. here are a few of my current favorites : one, two, three, four, five, six, seven - simple, basic, but won't fail you whether you need a little confidence boost or a proven go-to for a cozy weekend.

Are you a skinny jean person?

*images via madewell

Life lately through Instagram and IPhone

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 07:00:00 +0000

^^ this cute button nose has stolen my heart forever ^^

Last couple of weeks have flown by like nothing else. The land of baby-hood ( the newborn-hood, I should say) that taken it's usual front and center place has swallowed me up a bit , though I will say that , considering the amount of new ( and some unexpected ) happenings around, we've done quite well at juggling it all and dropping nothing. Though I may just be about 5600+ photos behind on editing , more then 100 ( literally ) important emails to send out, and about 20+ posts still in my PDF files, it is all worth the late night catch-up work in exchange for every daytime minute with my mom. After a five year long break between the visits, much paperwork and schedule adjusting, she is finally here, and this time is treasured beyond anything there is.

^^ taking off from the minute one like best friends. thanks heavens for skype and technology"

^^ priceless time with newest baby. higher is better for many reasons. this is one of them ^^

^^ sometimes you just have to do what you have to do to get an extra game of mini-cricket for grandma ^^

^^ mini-person and mini-bowling. and the best partner to cheer one up ^^

^^ having an extra set of eyes and hands is amazing. concentrating on work while mom is near after 5 years of not seeing each other - impossible ^^

^^ play-grounded out ^^

^^ dady + business trip = endless love to see him back . even if he didn't realize that t-shirts have sizes ^^

^^ scooting around in comfort and style with polka-dots and stripes ^^

^^ you've most likely seen it already, but we are so over-the-moon excited, and the new releases are so gorgeous, it's worth another mention.^^

^^ see what i mean?!^^

^^ and this classic beauty?! makes me want to keep the baby stage forever ^^

^^ red carpet worthy and ready to stroll...^^

^^... right into the arms of the hollywoods' bests^^

^^ do you think the kids love it too?! ^^

^^ this has touched my heart so much. children's love is unconditional, always ^^

^^ good words to remember...^^

^^...and the words to live by^^

^^ these blue eyes have stolen my heart . what wouldn't i do to see the happiness in them. even if it means i live on 2 hours of sleep. constantly ^^

^^ some fresh hair-do and a little red lip ... ^^

^^...and i am as good as new doing what i love best : making memories (photo credit to my mini-photographer. #caughtinaction ^^

sps: strollers seen in pictures are the Stokke Connection line: Stokke Crusi, Stokke Xplory and Stokke Scoot with Soft Bag.

FALL FASHION MUST

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 19:19:00 +0000

1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11

Fall is in the air, and after the latest news releases, getting ready to go out and about has become even more fun and fashionable. It seems that we've been non-intentionaly matching clothes to the stroller, and I love it, because a) my stroller is my biggest accessory, b) stokke unique designs and colors spark up my imagination to create something new, and c) everyone involved loves it and is having fun, which is a key to a happy family, right?

Would you match your baby's or your clothes to your stroller?

JOURNEY OF PARENTING: STOKKE MYCARRIER COOL

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 19:15:00 +0000

It was almost 10 years ago when , pregnant with my first baby, I came across the terms "attachment parenting" and "babywearing" while diligently researching the best parenting techniques and preparing for our, already very loved, little bundle.

Parenting is beautiful, but it is not easy in more ways then just one. If you are a parent, you know that very questions "am I doing things right? is my baby the happiest he/she can be?" that often keeps you up at night. The happiness of your child defines your personal state of being in ways more then just one. As a new mom, you feel a need, imbedded by nature, to be close to your baby just as much as the baby has a need to be close to you. Where he/she is , how he/she is doing, a "must see", "must check on the baby" is not something new to the motherhood (that is why i absolutely love the connection strollers, as even when i physically not able to carry the baby, he or she is always close by me). Having a baby with you when you go somewhere seems is an un-objectionable "of course, naturally", when that is what is going to make the baby happiest. We, as parents, always seek the best of the best for our children, but there are times when life seems too overwhelming for an adult, and especially, a new mother.

In my 10 years of thoughtful and filled with on-going research parenting, I have come across many baby products. We have tried many, loved some more then the others. In my all honesty I can 100% sincerely say that I am yet to come across the baby gear better then what Stokke provides. Our story is long ( and you can see many posts on my thoughts and reviews of Stokke products by simply searching "stokke" in Living Notes search bar), but the longer time passes, the more assurance I see through daily life and usage that my original thought was correct - we found what is BEST. That thought and a statement is constantly supported by continuously growing product selection from Stokke that is designed with "best for the baby" motto and with parent's feedback in mind.

Whether new or old to babywearing, you know about different types of carriers on the market, and you also know the concern many health professionals may have in regards to structured carriers and particularly young babies in them. When Stokke created MyCarrier, they revolutionized the whole concept of what a structured carrier can be - not only MyCarrier offered an incredibly safe, secure and supported placement of a child, and especially and particularly a newborn baby, but they also made certain of the proper physical development of a newborn baby by creating a "happy hips" pouch, to ensure that the ball of the hip is correctly positioned in the hip socket which is very important for the development of the hip joint in infancy, placing Stokke MyCarrier in a completely different category and making it be one and only. And the BEST.

A quote from Paediatric Physiotherapist Vibeke Smith Aulie in regards to Stokke MyCarrier:

"Stokke® MyCarrier was developed to ensure that your baby is carried in the best possible way. It provides good support for the back and neck. In addition, the design ensures optimal positioning for the hips with support under the thighs so that the hips assume a «human position». The thighs are raised and bent at an angle of 80-100° (flexion) and turn outwards at an angle of 40-60° (abduction) . Being carried in a flexed position, with the legs turn outwards at the hips (flexion/abduction) to ensure that the ball of the hip is correctly positioned in the hip socket, is really good for the development of the hip joint in infancy.^iv

From birth, the baby is carried facing its parents so that there is good interaction between the parents and the baby. In this position, there is optimal support for the infant’s back and hips. The head is also well supported in this position.

Babies really enjoy the close contact they have with their parents when they are in the Stokke® MyCarrier®. They are tucked safely into the harness, can feel your heart beating and they are being moved, which makes it easier for them to settle. Stimulation of equilibrium (vestibular stimulation), is an effective way of calming your baby . When parents who carry their baby are moving about, they are stimulating postural control in their baby’s body, ie. the baby’s posture/position in relation to the surroundings, stability and orientation.

Carrying babies is becoming increasingly popular in the western urbanized world, but this can become static for the baby over time as opposed to other cultures where mothers carry the baby all day while doing physical work. For optimal motor development, babies require a variation in position. It is important, therefore, to let the baby change position from being carried to lying on a mat, in the pram or the cot. When awake, babies should spend a lot of time lying on their stomachs to stimulate and strengthen their arm, back and neck muscles." (read full article here)

The Stokke MyCarrier Cool has the same unique design as the Stokke MyCarrier, but is made with breathable mesh textiles. This reduces heat and moisture to keep both you and baby cool and dry for outdoor, active or warm weather use. With temperatures hitting regularly into high 90's and often above 100F , light mesh fabric kept both - me and the baby - cool and comfortable day in and day out.

The Stokke MyCarrier Cool has two-way front and one back carrying position. Most importantly, all positions maintain optimal ergonomic positioning for both you and baby.

Let's talk a little more about MyCarrier Cool.

BREATHABLE MESH TEXTILES:
The Stokke MyCarrier Cool uses the same breathable mesh technology used for many types of sportswear. Breathable textiles allow better airflow for cooling and transporting moisture away from the body. This helps both you and your baby to stay dry. Additionally, mesh is water and wind resistant, perfectly suited for warmer climates and/or active or extended use.

OEKO-TEX:
The Stokke MyCarrier Cool uses only those textiles that are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 approved and certified free of harmful substances. This means that Stokke the textiles do not contain chemicals that are known to be unhealthy and are safe to touch baby's delicate skin.
This fact is another example of Stokke true care for babies and parents ( ps Stokke MyCarrier uses organic textiles that are butter-soft. tried and loved by all our babies) .

ERGONOMIC DESIGN:
Stokke MyCarrier Cool has a signature design which ensures your baby is seated in the "happy hips" position while in the baby carrier ( just the same as original MyCarrier). This wide leg position provides optimal ergonomic support for the buttocks and thighs which is important for the proper growth and development of baby's hips. As someone who was born with double hip dispasia, I cannot emphasize this concept enough.

FITS ALL BODY TYPES:
* excellent unisex fit for adults
* easily adjustable for all sizes and body types ( fits my petite frame just as perfect as the strong one of my husband. grandma loves using it too)
* intuitive adjustments for multiple users
* ensures great back and neck support for all baby and parent ( i secretly named it a "back-spa" carried)

ADJUSTMENTS :
* adjustments for baby are within easy reach for any of the 3 positions: front out, front in and back
* width adjustments enable solid back support for your child
* thoughtful touches throughout

And here are a few more pictures from our Mother Nature wanderings:

^^ gorgeous meadow in the woods. we had to stop and play a little ^^

^^ snoozing away, happy and content. these moments are so worth living for...^^

^^ energy bunny. that's all ^^

^^ making our way back to civilization ^^

^^ the man behind the camera ^^

Wishing a fabulous day to you and yours, as always.