Thursday, March 28, 2013

You'd be mad not to check out..


Have you ever experienced (while traveling with kids), that when you pull out a map in front of them, your child was so curious that he ripped it apart? Well, somebody smart created this version that is almost indestructible and lasts even in the rain! It's witty illustrations will make travelling look like fun and every kid will feel extra special. You can choose from Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, London and NYC. How cool is that?


Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Easter books for children




I am always up for getting a book for my kids. In my world you can't do wrong with books. So when a special occasion comes, first thing on my mind is which one I am going to get. I did a little research about nice Easter books and found these beauties.
I like the idea of filling the Easter basket with nice books and maybe a one or two pieces of candy. What about you? How does your Easter basket look like? Do you include a toy, a book or just candies all the way?
  1. Learn about the Easter bunny with your kids. The illustrations in this book are gorgeous.
  2. This classic book is beautifully written and will teach your kids a thing or two.
  3. I am a sucker for everything foreign and this french book caught my eyes. 
  4. My first Easter doesn't need any comment, so perfect for little babies.
  5. Happy Easter, Peter! is a nice pull a tab book every kid will like.
  6. Another book of Olivier Dunrea is a sweet Easter edition for baby's library.


Tuesday, March 26, 2013

DIY Easter egg surprise


As I mentioned yesterday, here is the promised DIY fun for you. I saw this these Surprise balls here last year and was thinking it would be a great project for Easter. It's really simple and you don't need much to make your child's eyes sparkle with excitement. I can't wait to see my son's expression after unwrapping one layer after another one and discovering something new each time.

What you need:
different colors of crepe paper
a plastic egg
tiny teeny toys
glue

First you start with wrapping the crepe paper around a plastic egg. I filled the egg with the biggest "prize";), so it will be extra sweet when getting to the end. Then just add one toy at the time, wrap the crepe paper around it using criss cross pattern and glue the ends. Make sure you always add a toy that fits the shape of your almost existing egg. Don't panic if the shape is not even close to what should actually be an egg. It's going to eventually happen after adding more and more things to it. At the end just put any decoration on the top and voila!

Another tip: use this as a swapping gift with your friends!

Monday, March 25, 2013

From around the world



Hello there, how was your weekend? Our neighborhood held it's first Easter egg hunt this year so we went and had a blast. My son and I decorated some eggs as well. I can't believe Easter is going to be here so soon! For those who still struggle with getting a little little something for your wee ones, I will post a small DIY Easter surprise on Tuesday so stay tuned! But for now, here is your weekly inspiration.

Beautiful cards.

Probably the best article about parenting ever.

Studio space.

If you are planning to go to the Disneyland with your kids, you might want to read this first.

This made me laugh out loud.

She has a new album out. I already got it and it's lovely.

How fast can you type?

"Where's Waldo?"

Around the world trip.

Photo by me.




Thursday, March 21, 2013

You'd be mad not to check out..

Oh, I can only imagine how much fun I'd have if I'd use this city tape with my older son. So many ideas running through my head! Love the color combination as well. You can find another one here.
What about you? Do you like to use decorative tapes?

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Easter finds






                                     There is never enough inspiration with Easter around the corner!




  1. A great idea for making an Easter party.
  2. I'd love to try those yarn eggs.
  3. Bunny jars. The cutest project out there.
  4. These bunny dolls would make a nice Easter gift for your little ones.
  5. World map on the egg? My heart just skipped a little. Love the combination of white and gold. 




Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Ikea - a new hotel chain?



Each of us owns at least one thing from this Swedish company and now you will also have a chance to stay in one of their hotel chains, that will be called Moxy. Marriott Inc. and Ikea put heads together and within next year there will be a grand opening of their first budget hotel in Milan, Italy. They are planning to open around 50-100 hotels around Europe with the price range $80-$100/night. And if you've ever tried to book a hotel in Europe, you know that it is a steal! They want to create affordable but still cool looking accommodation and I can't wait to see how it is going to turn out! What about you? Are you a fan of Ikea? Would you book a room?

Photo found here.

Monday, March 18, 2013

From around the world



Hello there, how was your weekend? Slow over here. I found some time and finished making a wreath. I am going to post DIY very soon. But for now, here are some links for you!

We can always eat better.

Another spin of child photography.

If you love books and love to read, this website is for you.

Ideas for filling an Easter basket.

Beautiful earrings.

Oh, Bono!

Kids from all over the world and their toys. My favorite is Botswana.

I know it's March already, but I can't still get over this majestic firework.

What would you take if your house was on fire?

Fight your way through that.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

You'd be mad not to check out..


Paper pastries came with a brilliant idea to make hand lettered stamps in the shape of your state. They just added Canada and I wish they would make stamps of just about every country in the world! Italy would look so gorgeous. How neat!



Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Good night ritual



My favorite time with my baby is right before her last feeding in the evening. The moment when I grab her from her crib, my little sleepy head, and smell that good night scent. She nestles her body against mine and creates the perfect harmony. Like any mother I want to pause that moment. I notice her small clenched fists and half open lips. Those rosy lips emitting slow and peaceful breathes. Oh, how much I adore her.
So every night, I just steal a little bit more time than it's necessary. To sooth her, comfort her and reassure myself that life is always good with more snuggles.
After that, I go to check on my son. Every time I glanced on that almost 4 year old boy I can't believe how fast he grows. Why do they always seem to look older in their sleep? Angelic face after not so angelic day erases all the troubles he was, as a boy, meant to cause. All is forgotten, the love won over, again and again. I stroke his hair and softly kiss him good night. Each time I whisper to him those words about how much he means to me and I secretly hope he hears it, prints it into his heart and never forgets about it, ever.

What about you? Do you have a favorite ritual with your kids?

Photo found here.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Venice

                                                               (Piazza San Marco)

Let's all pretend we find ourselves in a starry eyed dream, where music penetrates your ears with O sole mio tones, cappuccinos are sipped in the mornings surrounded by a hazy veiling and with streets so winding that you eventually get lost in an enormous maze. This is Venice, my friends, in all it's beauty.
I've been in this gorgeous city three times and every time I was amazed by the explicit architecture, extraordinary setting and food that won't make you leave and forget..
When you arrive to the harbor for the first time, the whole town unfolds it's magical blanket. If there is a city in the world that wants you to wow you from the moment you laid your eyes on, Venice would be it. You would never guess something like this exists when you approach the city by car.
It's eerie and mysterious. It's untouchable yet it feels very cordial. People running in different directions, old grandmas are screaming at the waiters at 8 am and complain about the foam on their beers, and the boats take you for a bit of time to a place, that only dreamers are willing to entry.


Those boats. Or how they call it "vaporetto". They allow you to experience another form of sight seeing. You can look at the tops of the heads of beautiful churches, smell local markets full of fresh products and watch old fishermen trying to catch another pensive tourist on the hook of their gracious gondolas.
If you want to experience a real Venetian Palazzo, I'd recommend staying in Ca'Sagredo Hotel. Maybe because it was a low season, it felt very empty and almost like our own (funny fact, the profile picture of me and my son was taken there). We were there with friends and one of my favorite travel memories comes right from there. One evening we decided to stay in one of those beautiful renaissance halls, just four of us. Completely thrown into the past, surrounded by walls that spoke to us in whispers, staircases that echoed footsteps of many of those, who lived there before and with beautiful drop scene that reflected darkness of  Venetian water. Cherry topped with vino that was given to us as a gift by a nice lady in the restaurant we had dinner beforehand. Yup. Italian people rule.

                                                               (This was "our" hallway)

That restaurant. I wish I could remember the name, but I don't. But you can be sure I would find it if I was there. And if you'll stay in Ca'Sagredo, the staff will tell you all about it. I've been to Italy countless times but the meal from this place was probably the best I've ever had. There is something about restaurants that are known only by locals, so simple looking with only few tables. When you enter, you almost feel like at somebody's home. I had pasta with mussels. Simple as that. And I still dream about that taste. Sigh.
If you travel with a family and you need some extra space, The Red house would be a great choice for you.
Only thinking about it makes me want to go there. My mom went with us and we needed an extra space, so this worked out really well. Not only you are in a great area but also you feel like home. The owners are very nice people who are willing to help you with anything, give you good recommendation and on top of that they will provide with useful baby things such as baby crib, highchair, bouncy. I always adore such details in private houses like that because it means a lot for a parent to not to think about that necessary baggage.
And if you want something sweet and simple, I'd recommend Hotel Commercio Pellegrino. It's a 5 minute walk from St. Mark Square and also close to the waterbus stop which makes it easier when you have a few suitcases.

There is always something to do in Venice. You can go visit other islands such as Murano and Burano, or check out Peggy Guggenheim art museum. Or you don't have to do anything at all. Italians are masters in "dolce far niente", sweet doing of nothing. So sit back and enjoy the wanderlust.

All photos by me

Monday, March 11, 2013

From around the world

                             
                                (I found this potato yesterday while making a dinner. How cute!)

Hello there, how was your weekend? We were relaxing and enjoying the beautiful weather. Also, I got together with my friend to watch this documentary. It's sad to see how many people obsess look, color, size. It always surprises me how can anyone put such importance on something so not important.
Here are some links for you to enjoy, hope you like them!

What do you think of this article? True or not true?

Great apps for your children.

What a great website for those who like to create.

Forget Disneyland, I want to go there.

Interested in seeing other people work spaces?

Adore her style.

I dare you not to spend at least 5 minutes searching images here;)

What do you think about this series? Does it freak you out, makes you laugh or simply interests you?

And this song made my driving much more enjoyable.


Photo by me.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Today..



.. is a celebration of all the wonderful women everywhere in the world. So cheers to us! And don't forget to treat yourself to something nice! I personally think of my favorite women: remembering my amazing grandmother, honoring my mother and sending hugs to all my girlfriends wherever in the world they are!

Photo found here.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

You'd be mad not to check out..



This is something I could easily see buying for my family. A scratch off world map. I love the idea of scratching individual countries after visiting them.
Another great tip: use it with your kids before you travel and teach them about the country ahead of time.

Photo found here.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

A yellow friend


  1. This beautiful crocheted rug makes me want to recreate my baby's nursery, boy's room or the playroom. There has to be a place for it!
  2. Hand made beauty with organic cotton. What's not to love about this pillow?
  3. The lion coat will make every little boy look even cuter.
  4. Ready for the carnival? This innocent mask looks pretty adorable, don't you think?
  5. I love Sarah Jane's work and there is something about this print that caught my eye. 
  6. Little booties for your little lion.
  7. This wallpaper reminds me the one I had in my son's room when he was a baby. Simple and cute.




Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Central Perk in Beijing



I am pretty sure you've heard of the show Friends and if you are a big fan just like myself, you would probably enjoy the fact that the actual cafe Central Perk was recreated in Beijing. Yes, the owner, who is hugely obsessed with the show (he also bleached his hair and goes by the name Gunther) opened and successfully copied the set of where the six characters created unforgettable lines we will remember forever.
But beware. When you order a coffee or a famous stolen cheesecake, don't be surprise by the flawed service. I've heard the waitress is not so good.. well, neither was Rachel.

P.S. Do you have a favorite quote from the coffee shop? Mine was definitely the one with over sized cups. Yup. That one.

Photo found here.

Monday, March 4, 2013

From around the world



It's Monday and I would like to share with you a few little things that caught my eye lately. The weather in California is supposed to cool down but we are still doing better than the rest of the country, right? Well, let's just say, I can't wait for spring! Enjoy your day and I'll meet you here tomorrow!

I really enjoy making vacation videos. I just need better equipment though!

This bracelet is beautiful. And this one too.

Mini Boden has some great sales. Go and peek.

An easy project for you and your kids to get ready for Easter.

Models and their mothers.

I want to read this book.

This song, this song just makes it right. 

Why don't you join ONE?

Photo by me