Doc McStuffins Halloween episode

It seems a lot of our kids are Doc McStuffins and Halloween fans... so I thought I'd share the time and date of the new Halloween episode. 

It airs tomorrow October 12th at 10:00 a.m ET/PT. Audrey is super excited to watch and has plans to wear her costume and set up "her toys" to watch along with her.  xoxo

Audrey

"I love you more than all the unicorns", I overheard her say to Kip, while I folded laundry and he tucked her into bed. 

And although it's such an Audrey thing to say...I know she meant every word. 

She gives the biggest snuggles (Kip and I fight over them all the time) and kisses baby and dog every time she passes by. 

She tells me her secrets...and tells me not to tell no one, not even brother. I keep them. And hope she'll always find someone to confide in, in me.

There are those times, sometimes it seems like all the time, when I know I'm being tested....

when I just can't stand one more minute, when I'm about to breakdown, when time outs are given and privileges taken away... when seconds later I want to hold her in my arms and tell her that I love her. 

She has given me so much...has shown me that it's things like jumping over puddles that I will remember most...

The other day, Kip was off from work and volunteered to take care of  baby Frank so Audrey and I could spend some time together. We decided on the zoo, we shared lunch as soon as we got there, I asked her what animals she wanted to see and she said, "a unicorn or a narwhal". I had to google narwhal because I had no idea what it was and of coarse she did. 

I told her we weren't going to find either one at the zoo. She was sure we would. And sure enough we found a unicorn. I told her she deserved two rides on the carousel and cotton candy since she had found a unicorn. 

Today, we are home, it's a rainy day in LA and 

this is how our conversation went when she saw the rain...

"mom!, you ruined the day!"

how? I say. 

"you let there be a thunder storm!" as she marches off...

Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3 (giveaway)

During our walk yesterday we noticed a chihuahua dressed up in sneakers and a sun hat. Audrey thought it was the cutest thing she had ever seen.
I worried about how comfortable the dog was? But...it looked happy...and the owner looked happy too. ( :

I guess thats all that matters.

Audrey just about dies every time she sees a chihuahua..."it's so adorable"... you can imagine her after seeing the picture above...just about died from the "cuteness".

We were sent a copy of Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3 for review (available now for purchase) and a copy to giveaway to one of you...if you like "cute and adorable"...then I hope you win....

Giveaway:

I have one copy of Beverly Hills Chihuahua on Blu-ray/DVD/Digital copy to giveaway. Leave any topic related comment. I will randomly pick one winner on September 26 at 11:59 pm. US only. Make sure to add your email address to your comment if not already on your profile.

Suerte!!

Finding Nemo in 3D

Disney sent us an invite to a special screening of Finding Nemo 3D. Kip took Audrey for a special dad and daughter day.  The screening was at the Walt Disney Studios so the two of them had fun taking pictures around the studio. 

Looking through the pictures I can't help but notice how much Audrey has grown in the last year...she looks like a little girl now, and seems to have left most signs of toddlerhood behind. 

They enjoyed the movie...seriously how could you not enjoy watching Finding Nemo again?...and in 3D. Audrey loved the Toy Story short that played before the movie...apparently toys partying in the bathtub is the funnest thing ever. 

Is Finding Nemo 3D part of your plans this weekend?

happy 4th!

We just got home from hanging out with family. Hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled corn, ceviche, cheesecake and berry pie. I went straight for the ceviche...not your typical 4th of July dish but definitely one you will find at a Latino get together. 

We enjoyed the day by spending it together as a family. I feel tremendously lucky to be able to live in such a beautiful country with the people I love. 

I have some pictures to share from our mini golf outing yesterday in celebration of Audrey's 4th birthday. It was a really nice afternoon filled with mini golf and bumper boats and a really yummy dinner to end the night. 

We got home exhausted and happy.

Happy 4th of July friends! Hope you all had a great one!

flew by

Audrey's birthday party is this weekend and there really hasn't been much else on her mind. Talks about who will be there what we will eat what we will do and how it's going to be SO much fun have filled our home.

Iv'e taken the kids out for ice cream every one of my off days this week... and this might be due to more of my own cravings. ( :

We cleaned out Jeremiah's closet yesterday, and I almost wish I hadn't. Every time we clean his things out we give more toys away... and every time we do it looks more like a teenagers room and less like my little boys room.

When did all those action figures not become so important in his life? It just flew by, it seems. And all those times I wished there was less toy clutter...I miss them. 

I think I want ice cream right now...

short hair

Friday morning I get out of the shower and find some of Audrey's hair on the kitchen floor. Scissors left as evidence on the counter...scared to see the damage... Que paso???


Apparently she wants her hair short. This is the second time she has done this in the last two weeks so she is obviously very serious about not wanting long hair. I'm taking her in for a cut asap. (:


Jeremiah starts summer vacation in three days. I'm so happy about this. I love having him home. No pressure about drop off's or pick ups. Everything is so much more relaxed around here. I think it's just what we need before baby gets here.

The kids have already requested lots of beach days and I'm totally feeling this request....

cat fancy

Today I'm fancying Ana's doll... Minena.  I really need to get one of these pretties for Audrey. So feminine, petite and just plain wonderful.

(Iv'e shared more of Ana's dolls)

Our weekend

...was filled with all kinds of fun. 

Much deserved after spending most of the day Friday cleaning up our spare room (Audrey's room) ...which really has been a catch all since she was born. She still co sleeps... and putting up money on a nursery was never a priority. I figured she would eventually make the room hers...and that seems to be slowly taking place...

(Kip referred to this cleaning as me taking part in some nesting)

Friday night... an Under the Sea inspired birthday party which included a jicama, pineapple and watermelon salad ....and tamales for mom. 

Saturday... we dropped Audrey off at grandmas. Kip, Jeremiah and I headed out to the show (a second time for the boys). After the movie the three of us went out for Mexican food. We came home to relax and somehow a little relaxation turned into a 3 hour nap for me! I woke up with just enough time to do some grocery shopping and watch Wayne's World with Kip and Jeremiah. 

Kip and I hadn't watched in years, it was Jeremiah's first time... watching inspired by rocking out to Bohemian Rhapsody on the way to grandmas.  

Sunday... the boys headed out to watch the LA Kings hockey game. Audrey and I picked up some friends and went to Pregnancy Awareness Month's Celebrate Moms event here in LA. 

Lots of fun products, lots of learning, pampering, including massages, henna tattoos, natural makeup and fun crafts for Audrey. 

And her second face painting of the weekend....something she loves!

We ended our weekend going out for Lebanese food and enjoyed our very lovely dates for the day....

both Audrey and I came home tired and ready to cuddle in bed with daddy... a most perfect way to end a busy and fun weekend. 

What fun did you take part in this weekend?

fried yucca

I am feeling a whole lot better. I still get a couple nausea episodes during the day... like when I leave work in the mornings and walk into the parking lot.  I'm not sure if it's a smell or that it's morning ... whatever it is...my first couple minutes after getting in the car are usually spent gagging. 

Lovely.

I'm definitely starting to show (belly pictures soon) but not enough to wear maternity clothes so everything is feeling snug these days. 

We took the kids to Disneyland and California Adventure recently and had so much fun together. We all played hookie one day from work and school and spent the day getting on rides eating yummy things...like pickles...Disneyland has the BEST pickles!

Iv'e been on this Salvadoran childhood food crave over the last month. I'm not sure why but all the foods I didn't pay much attention to as a child are exactly what make me feel good these days. 

I've raided the Latino markets lately and had a list of foods for my mom to bring back from her recent trip to El Salvador. 

Beans and rice, plantains, yucca...oh, fried yucca...hibiscus tea, vegetable and bean soups...fruits like mangos and guavas...

Excuse my food post....it's that obvious I guess...that I'm pregnant!( :

What foods comforted you during pregnancy? Were they foods that mom made or you ate as a child?

Dan-o-nino Cups (a giveaway)

• • This is a sponsored post. All thoughts are true and my own. 
  • 
    
  For weeks Audrey had been asking, "mami, can you buy me damolilo?". 

I (usually very good at translating Audrey talk) had no idea what she was talking about. After several times trying to figure out exactly what she was saying, I had just given up and said yes without having a clue what she wanted. 

So, days later, I get an email asking if I'd like to review a new children's yogurt. I agree knowing Audrey will like a special treat like this... the two of us walk the grocery store, head over to the dairy area and pick up the new treat...Audrey squeals with excitement, "damolilo, damolilo!"

"Damolilo" is Dan-o-nino!

This is a major moment for me and I'm feeling like I just one the lottery. I finally know what she has been saying all this time. 

At the same time, Audrey is probably feeling like she won the lottery, she just got some "damolilo". 

(talk about perfect timing for  a review)

So... the yummy yogurt cups... she had tasted at her sitters house and obviously wanted some more.

She likes them. Her favorite flavors are vanilla and banana. 

They are the perfect serving size for her, which means I don't have to worry about wasting any leftovers and they have no artificial colors, flavors, or high-fructose corn syrup (I like this). 

They are a bit thicker then your average yogurt, tastes a bit like full fat yogurt, not overly sweet and from what I have read is actually a French cheese. Yum! Very rich and satisfying. Can you tell I tried also?

Stick a popsicle stick right in the middle, then stick in the freezer and it makes a perfect after dinner dessert or special treat. 

Or eat with a spoon ( :

I'm a big promoter of giving kids fruit or veggie slices for snacks but I also know that we all deserve something special sometimes, and so "damolilo" will be a purchase I make again. 

Giveaway

Dan-o-nino would love for you to try also. They want to gift one of you a $50 Visa gift card! Just leave any topic related comment by September 28 11:59 EST. US residents only. I will pick a winner and email you if you win, please make sure you leave a valid email address. 

For two additional entries (leave a separate comment for each) :

Follow me via Google Friend Connect

Like Culture Mami on Facebook

• This post is sponsored by BabyCenter in conjunction with the BabyCenter Blog Network. All prizes and compensation  are provided by BabyCenter and Dan-o-nino.

los colores

These days, Audrey has been learning her colors. We point at everything and say what color it is.

Today, after our run, we ran into a dog and his owner. Audrey stopped to admire.

I asked,"what color is he?".

Audrey answered, "poopie color".

See, sometimes we even point at her poop (sometimes it's different colors), and say what color it is (this doesn't sound cute at all:).
So, embarrassed as I was....

I really hope I covered it up well, when I said...

"You mean brown right?"

birthday bowl

Last night we bowled.

Audrey in bowling shoes = super cute.
Kip set up a bowling ramp for her and she would jump and throw her hands up in the air after her turn.

Jeremiah would power slide across the floor (slide on his knees while pretending to play the guitar) after his. His friend joined us to celebrate his birthday.

(and mine... Jeremiah and I share the same day)

I had a mojito.

And we all shared a meal of mozzarella sticks, cheese fries and pizza.

When the kids weren't bowling they were dancing.  I think all of us (except Kip) were dancing and singing to Justin Bieber at one point. ( :

There were thoughts of getting cake or ice cream post bowling but after such a huge meal there was just no way we could fit cake in...we were super satisfied and sometimes after having such a great time...
birthday cake is just not needed.

I only got this one picture last night, I totally took my camera with me but just didn't take any, and when I asked myself this morning why I had forgotten to take pictures??

I answered me by saying... we were just having way too much fun. 

eleven

In need of good food, some sun, play and a change of scenery we got out of the house

(the kids had been at each other all morning). 

Moods quickly changed to happy as we ate pizza outside at Plaza Las Fuentes. 

Jeremiah had been craving a slice of pizza after a week of mostly soft foods from getting braces. 

today he turns eleven, and as difficult it is for me to accept that he is growing into himself, I can't complain...

he has so much love and kindness, and funnies inside him

post lunch faces

and carousel rides before heading home 

on she
top/dress: olvera street LA

leggings: childrens place

sandals: saltwater

on him
 darth vader top: Target

 skinny jeans: Levi's

shoes: vans

joining and loving all the cute kids on small style

on my to read list...

Just in love with this right now. She was a big influence on naming Audrey, Audrey.  We have started to work on decorating her room (right now it's kind of a catch all since we co-sleep) and would love to have this in her library.

Aren't the illustrations just adorable?

blue dress

 Today, Audrey and I did some toy shopping. We had a gift card we hadn't gotten a chance to spend from her birthday, so as soon as we got to the toy store she rushed over to Calico Critters and picked up a new little family for her and one for her lovely cousin Laine.

This dress, a find, at our new favorite second hand children's boutique, Bluebird, here in LA, we shopped there with two great friends recently and came home with a large bag of awesome finds. 

Counting her piggies

and in love with herself. 

I need to hug myself. 

 You too deserve a hug from you!

dress: flora and Henri (thrifted)

sandals: Salt-Water 

(linked up with small style)

the purple ones

I have so wanted to join Morgan and all the lovely ladies that take part in Small Style for weeks...

Although we don't splurge much on Audrey's outfits, it's still so much fun to dress her up...and sometimes (a lot of time's) I wish her outfits came in my size. ( :

One of my favorite pieces from her wardrobe is this skirt we got at one of our favorite local boutiques.  It's almost two years old and seems to have gotten smaller in just the perfect way. 

She's a climber

and an acrobat.

Loves the park, the trees, the sun

and loves to pick out her shoes. 

henley top - The Children's Place

skirt - (no tag) bought at Lula Mae

leggings - target

flats - mary jane fabric flats from China Town 

Audrey Hepburn Piñata

Months ago while having fun at a friends birthday party... my best friend says to me...


"I wonder when the kids will break the piñata?"


"How do you know they have a piñata?" I replied. 


"Their Latinos... Latinos always have piñatas at birthday parties." 


Sure enough, they had a piñata.


So, of coarse Audrey had a pinãta at her birthday.

I found this....

so appropriate ( :

I ordered it from Whack! Piñateria, each one of their piñatas are so perfect.

Jeremiah and Audrey had fun filling it with candy, small crayon boxes and small toys days before the party.

The goodie bags they decorated caught all the treats and when they got ready to go home were perfect for carrying the parting gift (ice cream shaped bubbles inspired from here).

Is a piñata a must for your parties?

Jeremiah wearing Audrey Hepburn glasses ( :

(thank you for reading friends....xoxoxo)

audrey's 3rd birthday

Somehow...without me realizing how fast..Audrey turned three.

We celebrated with a big party in the backyard.  It happened to fall on one of the hottest weekends here... I was so scared we'd have kids falling over from the heat...

but somehow pitchers and pitchers of water (sprinkled with lime wedges and watermelon chunks), raspberry iced tea with chia seeds, cold beer....

and ice cream kept every one feeling yummy and cool inside.

We had Carmela Ice Cream bring their delicious ice cream over...cucumber sorbet, strawberry buttermilk, brown sugar vanilla bean and lavender honey...(I know what your thinking...and yes it really is that good!).

Audrey's favorite things right now:

ice cream, arts and crafts, bubbles

and this was kind of the theme of her party

We set up an arts and crafts table so the kiddies could decorate their own goodie bags. Glitter pens, stickers, crayons, glue... so much fun (thanks Gaby for supervising the arts and crafts table).

I bought a bubble machine....

and bubbles flew all over the backyard, definitely a favorite with all the kids. 

I have more pictures and words ....

(but have to get ready for work now)

to be continued....