Book worms

Back in 2007 when I had my first child I made a promise to myself that no matter how tired my husband and I were we were going to dedicate time for reading/quiet time with the baby. And we did. Now we have 3 kiddos and this routine is still at full force.

No matter how tired us parents might be at the end of the day, it is so important to teach our kids a sense of routine and discipline. My kids love their books and enjoy quiet time, even though at times it may be difficult to get them to sit still for the said 10-15 minutes. It's a chance for them to explore different shapes, colors and textures. And who doesn't love a new story. They also learn the discipline of sitting quiet for a certain amount of time. And lets not forget.... Kids need routine!  

The Return of........my world

Hello, I know that I have been m.i.a lately, but I am very happy to say that I am  back! 

While I was gone things on my side of town at times were great and at other times not so great. I took a lot of photos to be able to compensate for the time that I was unable to write my blog.

Before I share with you what life was like while I was m.i.a I want to take the time to thank all of my followers and close friends for being so supportive in all that I do. Your eagerness In wanting more posts on my blog have helped me tremendously. Once again thank you.

While I was i gone....

Rafael's personality is a unique one. Extremely joyful boy, just don't cross his comfort, trust me on this one. Kids played outdoors daily during summer vacation, until the summer heat permitted. My other half and I had date nights when we were able to. We enjoyed every moment. Zoey got a new set of bangs. She rocks them!

My mother suffers from Dementia. Due to her illness she tends to loose her balance a lot and has had very bad falls. She had one recently and it was pretty bad. Very stressful time for me and my other siblings. Julian has been asking me to bake almost everyday. So we have been baking plenty. From cookies to pies, cakes and cupcakes. Quality time at its best. Spending alone time with my best friend is always good. Talked about her trip to Alaska. What better way to catch up over a cup of a coconut late. I had been very stressed out over my mother and things didn't get better. I got really sick from a cold that took 3 weeks to beat. Not to mention that I suffer from chronic allergies. I am all better now.

No matter how stressful or how bad my day was my kids and hubby always put that silver-lining on clouds. From getting ready to go out, Julian starting first grade, finding them sleeping next to eachother to reading books and sharing laughs together is all a reminder that no matter what happens, keeping positive and remembering happy moments will always help you get by. It's those moments that may not seem like much that will truly fill your heart with joy and love.

-YsL

My Oldest

Julian is my 5 yr. old. He is full ofi happiness and great character. We have been very blessed. Every night i can't help but stare into his blue eyes and think to myself "you can't imagine how much i love you. I will always love you from here to the moon and back until God let's me my Julian" One day he will. When he becomes a father he will know exactly what I feel. He amazes me every single day, he will be the greatest husband/father in the future. I love him with everything that I am.

Love you my little boy

Dirt Battle

So, yesterday morning when I took out the kiddos to play, as I was enjoying the gorgeous gloomy  morning I noticed a dusty cloud over Zoey and Rafael. Got a little closer and yes! It was a dirt fight. Their faces were priceless. Zoey and Rafael were determined to be a winner. Clearly there was a loser. Can you guess who?...........

Oil on Canvas

I was at my mother's this morning, I forgot that she had two great pieces of art in her home.

These pieces were made for her with love.

Colorful Pom Poms

We are having a little party for my  boy Julian. He did very well in his first year of school. What better way to show him great accomplishment than to have a little party for him. He loves everything dinosaur. When it was time to choose a theme, it was easy. I chose a "Dinosaur " theme.

Did my research and put my artistic senses together. I have always loved the way tissue pom poms look. And this is what i came up with. Put my own kick to it. I know he will be in Ah when he sees it.

Mommy's picks but Zoey's Approval

When my husband and I planned to get pregnant for the second time, we both really wanted a girl. He wanted a girl because he never had a sister and he has always wanted to experience that. He figured that if he wasn't able, then our first born will. I wanted a girl for obvious reasons. Dress up buddy! Luckily  our prayers were answered. Zoey arrived May 19,2010. Our Zoey is the sweetest. But most of all, she is stylish.

Mommy knows best when picking out her outfits. She always gives me the smile of approval. 

These are Zoey's and Mommy's favorites. I asked Zoey to pick out her favorite head pieces. And she did. Enjoy!

Nature

I have always loved the outdoors and the nature that comes with it. As a kid i enjoyed every moment. Those have been my fondest memories of all.

I have made it a point to make the outdoors a part of my kids daily routine. They enjoy being outside surrounded by nature. From mud pies to finding insects, their happiness is a reflection of my well doing.

Hair Bow Tutorial

As I promised you, here is the hair bow tutorial

What you will need:

Hair spray (extra hold), bobby pins, hair tie and a good brush (not pictured).

Start from top left to right

1. Start by holding hair in a tight pony tail. 2. Grab a small strand behind pony tail (this will serve as the middle part of bow. You only use this strand towards the end). 3. Grab hair leaving strand behind and fold once as pictured. 4. Fold once more. 5. Lift folded hair and twist. 6. Set down twisted hair on top of head as pictured. 7. Using fingers adjust hair as pictured. 8. Bringing the strand you left behind wrap around the sides to create the bow effect and pin it down with bobby pins. Spray it down. 9. Finished product!


Results: A very happy lady

Outdoor Bliss

Took advantage of the fact that my niece's were around. The lighting was perfect and I used it to my advantage. Enjoy!

Lacquer Obsessed

Nail Polish!!! I have always been obsessed with nail polish.  When I was a young teenager it became a problem.  My mother and I would go to the store, I would always come back home with about four new colors. From doing my own nail art to putting every color i owned to good use, I always made sure to make a statement with my nails.

Yes!!! I am still obsessed

Favorites

Natural Remedies

All mother's have had a child sick or simply just feeling fuzzy due to weather change, teething or a cold. I always try natural remedies at home before I call the Pediatrician. I am not a big fan of antibiotics. Its not good for us adults as it damages our liver so with more reason I won't want my children to consume them either. There are times that an infection is so severe,no other option is available, and antibiotics will have to do. But I always try and go for the natural remedies. They are safe and effective.

The weather has been hot and dry, and sometimes even humid in the mornings. With the air conditioner and fans running non-stop there are more chances of getting sick. Yes we have to keep ourselves and our little ones cool and comfortable, but lets not forget the negative side effects. hellomagazine.com has more information about being cautious with our a.c unit usage which can harm us as adults and our little ones.

Let's make sure our a.c units are used in moderation. That way we can avoid stuffy noses and bad colds for us adults and of course our little ones.
Here are my top 5 natural remedies. They are very effective on children. Can work on adult as well.

Traditional Medicinals Cold Care Tea is great for throat soothing and congestion. Rosemary baths are great for congestion. Fresh and Easy groceries store's has a wonderful all natural eucalyptus rubbing balm for the chest and feet. Try making your own saline wash its easier and safer than to buy saline washes that use ionized salt in them. www.babycenter.com has great tips. And a trip to the beach wouldn't hurt. The salt in the air helps clear up congested passages.

Photo credits : (rosemary picture) veggiegardening.com , (tea cup) lifemartini.com

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar"

A couple of months ago a dear friend came to me asking to collaborate with her on a kids party. So I did. I love preparing and coming up with fresh ideas for any type of event, so we came together and planned the perfect party. From gorgeous garlands to an awesome reptile show. It was truly an amazing experience for the kids.

We put together great activities that the kids would enjoy. And they did. Their faces were filled with joy and excitement.

Glad to be able to share some pictures with you. Enjoy!

Summer Refresh

So it's pretty obvious that summer is here. It's time to get refreshed! I am a lover of all things organic. So instead of taking out a powdered substance to make a summer drink, i take out my fresh fruits and vegetables. Today i made a peach strawberry water with cucumber water ice cubes. It was truly amazing.

Very easy to make. Tasty and refreshing! 

Stay tuned for the recipe

Ambient lighting

Love photography.  Have always  loved this particular expression of art. What better way to express yourself than by photographing  your own children. Love working with ambient light. One of my favorites

Did we forget about Mom and Dad? Great Shower gift ideas

We all enjoy getting mother to be, a gorgeous gift for the coming baby. But what about gifts for the new parents? Whenever there is a shower to attend, ill always try to find a good practical, useful gift for both mother and father. Yes, i love getting baby gorgeous clothes and toys. But i also love choosing something for mommy and daddy to be. They deserve it. So here are some great gift ideas for both Mom and Dad

 

A great set of pj's, slippers, wool socks and a robe is always a must. Burt's bees peppermint foot cream is great for relief on tired feet and let's not forget...swollen feet. Tea's are always great. Love the tea. And a mommy can never have too many baby books. Must say, mother's instinct is the best by far.

 

 

Dad also needs a good set of pj's. Lullabies will come in handy when mommy takes her breaks. The burp cloths are daddies best friend, you will see. Embrace the calming tea, it will be your savior. Daddies, you need to do your reading as well. It Will help you understand mommy better.

target.com diapers.com burtsbees.com traditionalmedicinals.com frette.com llbean.com

Fashionable Safety

Being a mommy of three, I have always been someone who reads up on product reviews before purchasing just because i want to make sure that i am purchasing an item that is safe for our children. There were many choices to choose from. From infant car seats, convertible car seats and strollers.When it came to our children's safety there was only one option for Michael and I. That was Britax. We have faithfully used their products for a few years now because they are not only the best, but they are comfortable, great looking and most of all SAFE! Here are some Britax items i have owned and still own.
britax.com

 Used this configuration when Rafael was a newborn

 Currently using this configuration. Kids love it!

Rafael used this for about 10 months. Easy to clean and comfortable for baby

 

Rafael's current car seat. Very comfortable. Easy to clean