What Wittle Stella Wore

She insists she is big enough to go to Preschool with brother. To wear lipstick and not hold hands on walks. She is not interested in being my sweet bebe anymore. Yesterday she was over the moon as she and I tagged along on one of JQ's school field trips. She told me very confidently, looking over her shoulder, that she was going to school and took off with the other kids. Off she went without hesitation. Sitting beside the other little ones wagging her legs back and forth under the bench. Partaking in activities and following instruction.Both mis bebes seem so eager to "be big kids" which I can vaguely remember wanting to do the same at one time. All I keep thinking is please don't hurry to grow up. Milk this baby thing for as long as you can little ones!!

We are linking up to What Kids Wore today. A fun little kiddo fashion link up hosted my One Little Momma. Stella Wore an OshKosh blouse, Calvin Klein leggings and Hunter boots. I have just discovered Wittlebee.com for kids clothes. A bit late to the game as always, perdon! What a fabulous idea though! Like many of the other monthly mail services like diapers and woman's clothing, makeup and even men's clothing now. This company takes the headache out of shopping for our little ones at the store where someone is sure to have a meltdown or take off down an aisle or two. I love this as a gift for new Mom or as a gift from Grandparents or anyone that has a tough time putting together outfits for their kids.

Egg Shells In The Garden- Monday

There are egg shells in the garden and coffee grounds in the flower bed. The sun blankets the patio and for the first time this year my little ones search for la sombra in the nooks of our green overgrown yard. Unconvincingly my bare shoulders and knees burn a bit as I find little things to do amongst the buzzing lilac and budding hydrangea. My mind is quiet and calm as I inspect a budding Tomatillo flower or crush Rosemary between my fingers. We eat lunch on a blanket in the grass and drag our craft bucket from the house into the shade. My sweet brood scratch out gifts for one another with washable markers and butterfly stickers. "sanks" says one "welcome" says the other. Frida our plump fawn pug trots by and I notice she's been a canvas for pink and blue chalk. It's a new look that she doesn't seem to mind my mouth curling to a grin. The fire bowl is set for tonight. The sky will be smothered in stars. Fresh cilantro has been nipped from the garden and broccoli too. Edith Pilaf's voice seeps from the living room stereo and I can't imagine another place I'd rather be. No fancy parties of lavish spa dates for me today. No theatre tickets or shopping sprees please. I've already found everything I need, here in our lovely green and overgrown yard.

Hay cáscaras de huevo en el jardín y café en la cama de flores. El sol cubre el patio y por la primera vez este año, mis pequeños búsqueda la sombra en los rincones de nuestro patio cubierto de verde. Poco convincente mis hombros desnudos y las rodillas quemar un poco como encontrar pequeñas cosas para hacer, entre el zumbido lilas y hortensias en ciernes. Mi mente está serena y tranquila como yo inspeccionar una flor en ciernes Tomatillo o romero aplastar entre los dedos. Comimos almuerzo en una manta en el césped y arrastrar nuestro cubo oficio de la casa en la sombra. Mi dulce cría ganarse regalos para unos a otros con marcadores lavables y pegatinas de mariposas. "sanks", dice una "por nada", dice el otro. Frida nuestros gordos cervatillo pug y me doy cuenta de que ha sido una lona para la tiza de color rosa y azul. Es una nueva mirada que ella no parece importarle mi boca se encrespa a una sonrisa. El tazón de fuego está lista para esta noche. El cielo estará cubierto de estrellas. Cilantro fresco ha sido cortada desde el jardín y el brócoli también. La voz bella de Edith Pilaf escurre desde el estéreo sala de estar y no puedo imaginar otro lugar en el que preferiría estar. Ninguna parte de lujo de spa de lujo data para mí hoy. Sin billetes para el teatro o salidas de compras por favor. Ya he encontrado todo lo que necesitas, aquí en nuestro patio verde precioso.

Linking Here, Here and Here.

InstaFriday Photos

Thank goodness for these little photo reminders that although I am exhausted from this week, it was a wonderful seven days with my little family. We found the fun and beauty in the everyday even though sometimes it's not so easy. 1. (top left)Crazy windy weather and a 10 minute break between rain showers makes for a great excuse to run over to the Elementary School grass area and fly a kite. We grabbed Buzz from the depths of the garage and had fun until Stella let go of his string and he flew onto the roof...Maybe two year olds shouldn't be in charge of flying the kite? 2. Dogwood blooms are something I look forward to every Spring. The pink ones are my favorite. 3. We have been having ice cream almost everyday. I KNOW! It's just that the 75 degree weather and playing in the sprinkler has us all confused that it is Summer or something and plus who can resist Rocky Road? Obv. I can't. 4. Kiddos playing at the park. I love that they are playing together even when we are out and about with other kids. 5. Stella has been seriously hungry lately and going into the kitchen and opening cupboards and the fridge on her own. It totally freaks me out and so do these pink fangs left over from Halloween! 6. We celebrated my Grandpa's 80th at a Basque restaurant and took up nearly the entire place. It was a mad house, crazy, busy, kids everywhere but the food was really delicious.

1. I tried a Guadalajara Mix of chile's and seeds to marinate some bistec for Mr. It ended up the clove flavor was way too much for our liking. Do you cook with clove? Bleeh. 2. More gorgeous weather means a blanket in the grass.3. Joaquin has fallen (back) in love with his train set. I took the train table out of the nursery because his train track menagerie is way big with all sorts of connections and bridges and such. They fill the entire floor, so much fun! 4. Mis Padres brought back this pottery bride and mariachi for me from Mexico. I love them but have them tucked away in my room for fear the kiddos might try and play with them. There are very, very few things in my house that the kids can't play with. Is your house like that or do you have hands off areas/rooms? 5. Joaquin busted these adorable faces out yesterday morning. He told me one is PopBee, one GiGi and one him. I am going to put these in his book. I'll write the date on the back. 6. This happy face is what I saw when I picked him up from Preschool. He LOVED the activities that day especially the face painting. Enrolling him in a multicultural performing arts program has proven to be a fabulous fit. 

Happy weekend. I am looking forward to more sunshine, a nature walk with the wee ones today and dinner out tonight!

Linking to InstaFriday

 

Treating Seasonal Allergies Naturally

Much of my time, while not baby wrangling is spent in our garden. It is my happy place. In the Spring because I am planting and preparing and the plants really start to produce. Summer because everyday I head out to the garden there is something to be harvested or tended to. The kiddos are in the garden with me or at least never far off. Right now Stella is nibbling the broccoli and parsley and JQ pulling off snap peas. We love it! While I hesitate to call what I am doing amongst the veggies work, it is messy, dirty and right now I am experiencing seasonal allergies!  My nose and eyes are a mess to the point it is unbearable to be outdoors. Not being able to do something I adore and find quite therapeutic because of itchy watery eyes and sneezing would be a total drag. Taking an allergy pill that would make me sleeping, dull my senses or mask my symptoms is not an option either.  Staying true to my ideals I have found several natural forms of treating seasonal allergies that really work for me. Hearing from friends around the country it sounds like many are loving the spring weather not the allergies that come with it. I thought it helpful to share some of the natural allergy treatment methods I have found to be most effective.

 1. Adding honey to your daily diet is a completely natural and effective way to help with seasonal allergies. Loosely, the honey triggers your body into producing antibodies against the allergens. Local honey is best as it would be unique to the flowers and plants blooming in your area. Honey from nearby your home should be available at your local farmers market or natural food store. 2. Adding an all natural Allergy Supplement with ingredients such as nettle, echinacea, vitamin C and bee pollen all of which have been proven to help with seasonal allergies. These supplements can be taken individually as well to help with allergy symptoms. 3. Using a Neti Pot! Never heard of it? I hadn't either until a few years ago but WOW the relief! An ancient tradition of Indian Yogi's the Neti Pot has just recently gained popularity in the US. Using a mild saline solution the Neti Pot cleanses your sinuses thus flushing the allergens out. Used daily this is a very effective and natural way to treat seasonal allergies. 4. Drinking hot tea or even hot water is something I find helpful as well.  5. Lastly, when coming in doors after being outside I will wash my face and hands and even change my clothes. Even trying one of these methods would be beneficial and worth a try.  

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. The opinions expressed on this blog are my own based on personal experience and my own research. I have not been compensated for this post in anyway.

Insta Photo Friday

This week has been all about playing outside, finding critters in the yard, planning and preparing our garden, family and balance. In fact I am typing this from the yard watching my two gremlins play near the pond and herb garden. Plus being outside in the yard helps me to avoid the giant pile of laundry lurking in the guest room! As usual my photos are of my kiddos and nature"y" stuff. They are what make me happy. Cheers to a beautiful weekend ahead!
Linking to InstaFriday hosted by Life Rearranged. Also I am taking part in a fun Photo A Day Challenge hosted by Fat Mum Slim and have included some of my Instagram photos here as well.

Blog Party

Who doesn't like a good party in the morning!

Hi. I am Tiffany and joining in on 5MinutesForMom.com  and The Collective for the first time. This blog started as a sort of therapeutic outlet for me after transitioning from a high demand technical career to a full time stay at home Mommy. My family and I currently live in a "smallish" Northern California town where community, family and the love of outdoors abounds. We have lived many places together over the past four years and Mr. and I enjoy travel and exploration with our two tots. I write about all sorts of stuff but mostly life as a baby wrangler, my garden, the outdoors and finding balance and beauty in the everyday. My two fascinating little ones are perhaps the greatest journey of my life to date. As a bicultural and bilingual family we have all sorts of experiences together. I am a creative, not crafty, woman who feels everything and forgets nothing, can you relate? I do on occasion do a product review or sponsored post but always in line with my values and feeling of this blog. Leading my family in a purposeful and beautiful life is the goal. Join Me! 

A Cup Of Tea For Mommy

The act of preparing a cup of tea in the afternoon has saved me from totally loosing it on innumerable occasions. Its true. Late in the day, that hour or two before dinner is ready when my sweet tots are tired from a day of play, I am tired from a day being Mommy, my patients waining, I'll make a cup of tea. Its a small thing that I can do for myself amongst the business of filling sippy cups and clean up messes of toys and finger paints. Turning the kettle on, pulling a favorite mug from the cupboard, picking a tea from the pantry. These small steps divided take no time at all but enough time to calm my nerves a bit and focus on the very small simple task i am doing. While letting the tea steep I'll soothe a boo boo on a little knee. We make the world around us beautiful with these small acts and being kind to ourselves. I recently ready a quote by Audrey Hepburn.

"As you grow older you will discover you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others." 

While I'm not I qualify as "older" becoming a Mom many of us dive in wholeheartedly to taking care of our children and discount our own needs as something to be addressed later. The act of preparing a cup of tea might seem like just another thing to put on the "to do" list and perhaps it will be the first time around. You will find that it really is a very small gesture to yourself. Once you breathe in the steamy aroma or perhaps even enjoy it with a friend during a playdate at home it will become a ritual in honor of you!

Linking here  for What I Am Loving Wednesday.

I was not compensated in any way for this post but would receive a commission on products purchased directly from the Tazo link on this page.

Just Write

Slap slap slap. Her little feet on the floor. Slap, slap. "Ami?" Her little voice soft and kind. I open my eyes. She is standing at the side of the bed. Her face close to mine, smiling. Her curly wild mess of hair piled on top of her head she is holding a small green comb. "Hi baby" I say. She takes it as an invitation to climb onto the bed. I shove the palms of my hands down into the sheets and slowly sit up in bed. "C'mon Ami, I show you" she says as she squeezes her body between mine and the headboard. She combs my hair. Tears form at the corners of my eyes when the plastic tips scrap my scalp. "So boofull" she says softly as she continues to comb. Her hands on my shoulder she peeks around to look at my face. "I brush your hair!" Her chin bobbing up and down. "Yes baby, thank you." I say. Truth is I can't think of many other ways I'd like to be woken up. The mornings are slow and easy and I am continually thankful.

Linking to Just Write at Extraordinary Ordinary