Big Big Dinosaur Week on PBS

Saturday morning all of us got in the Odyssey (oh yes, I did get a minivan :) and headed to LA's Natural History Museum. We had a great time walking around and checking out all the exhibits and staying cool and out of the heat (it's been SO hot here!). This baby inside has been cooking a little extra...

Audrey got a chance to meet Buddy from Dinosaur Train there! We were invited to meet Buddy and check out all the cool Dino stuff in celebration of "Big Big Dinosaur Week", a week of all new Dinosaur Train episodes on PBS kids that will be airing all this week (August 13th-17th). 

(Audrey loves this show)

SO happy we all got to hang out together, and enjoy a museum...something I need to do more of with kids!

Make sure you check out all the new episodes! 

xoxo Marcela

*no compensation of any kind was given for this post, we were invited to LA's Natural History Museum to visit Buddy. All thoughts are my own. 

the weekend

Hi there! It's Monday afternoon and I haven't done much at all today other than an early doctors appointment.  It's been a lazy but much needed kind of day. I felt like coffee this morning so I made myself a latte with extra whip cream on top! And let the kids have popsicles before lunch!

It was a fun and busy weekend. Friday night Kip and I went out to dinner and a movie. I keep taking advantage of these dates because I know once baby arrives it will be really hard for us to want to leave baby for hours at a time. 

Saturday I had the most amazing time with mom, my sisters and a couple girlfriends. We headed up to Santa Barbara Spa Del Mar for a spa day. I got my first ever pregnancy massage! It was great and really makes my list of must have's during pregnancy. Carrying this big belly gets me really tired sometimes and that made my muscles feel so relaxed. I also got a much needed facial....the spa...heaven really. 

We had lunch there and then spent the afternoon in the pool. 

We then rented surrey bikes and pedaled through the beach walk. After our bike workout we were all hungry, felt like having tacos and hit up Lilly's Tacos, a local spot for the yummiest beef, pork and veggie tacos. 

Mom treated all of us to coffee post dinner and we all headed home very satisfied from a perfect day. 

It was really awesome to be able to have a girls day filled with fun and relaxation in celebration of baby's soon to be arrival and my birthday later this month. Kip was really great about staying with the kids and even daysitting my moms dog!

I got home so ready to slip in bed with Kip and Audrey and slept really good that night.

Sunday morning I stayed in bed late and then we all got ready to visit friends and enjoy their pool and yummy BBQ! The kids had a blast and it was hard to get them out of the pool when it was time to go home. 

We got home last night with just enough time for Kip and I to get kids ready for bed and to catch up on one of our shows. 

What were you up to this weekend?

a bonnet...friends

i love these bonnets from bonnetfriend. i think this should be Audrey's go to hat this summer. organic, beautiful fabrics, and locally made by a mom in Pasadena. 

friends...aren't they adorable?

Pampers First Fathers Day Celebration

Last weekend was the Fathers Day Celebration hosted by Pampers and myself.  Iv'e been meaning to share with all of you on how it went... I am super thrilled to say that it was a great success.  

The weather was perfect, the view gorgeous (Santa Monica beach), there was food, bubble machines, coloring books, gifts, a latin jazz band, free massages, a super fun photo booth and so many beautiful Latino families. 

The turn out was fantastic, I hope all the dad's that attended felt special (they are).

Thanks to "likes" from you Pampers threw parties like this (First Fathers Day Cook-Outs) all across the country via their Little Miracle Missions campaign... these personal touches make a brand stand out from all the rest.

You can learn more about the great things they are up to via Pampers Facebook page. 

I got to meet in person some of my readers, and saw friends, and fellow bloggers (whom I adore) and was in baby heaven. 

Babies make any party special. 

And this party had a lot of them. ( :

I seriously wish I could share every picture with you! 

They are each so perfect. 

A huge thanks to Pampers for choosing me for this project... this event was all about family and culture... both things dear to my heart.

*I was given monetary compensation for working on this project, attending the event, and blogging about it. It still was a super event, something I put a lot of me into, and feel proud to be a part of. 

*photos via www.shutteryou.com (a very cool photo booth for events)

This weekend...

A neighborhood potluck.  Some spa time with friends. Sleeping.

And some party planning for the upcoming Fathers Day Celebration Pampers is sponsoring...  I am so looking forward to it... really excited to mingle with other families. I know it will be a success and have been putting a lot of me into this project.

Please let any families you know in the LA area about this post or if you are near please come... you will have a great time... I know it. ( :

(Audrey is turning into a raisin in the bath atm, dad is convincing her that it's time to get out.
I don't think she's ready)

Some fabulous links for you...

the proper way to babywear

cucumber limeade is something I need to make asap

and a whole week of Latinas talking natural parenting

oh yes...

enter my giveaway if you haven't yet... friends are sharing great baby shower stories there.

A beautiful weekend to you amigas!

Dinner at Mo-Chica and a Recipe (Peruvian Ceviche)

I was recently invited by The National Honey Board to a Valentines Day dinner at Mo-Chica in downtown LA.  A Peruvian restaurant.  We were fortunate to have Peruvian Chef Ricardo Zárate cook our lovely meal.

 I love learning about cultures through food! And tasting a tiny bit of Peru was amazing.  Chef Zárate  aims to use locally sourced, seasonal and organic ingredients.  This I love.  And will definitely be returning.

My favorite was the ceviche.  I have the recipe to share along with a couple more in upcoming posts and know you will enjoy all the dishes as much I did.  I would have loved to share my own pictures...but ofcoarse...I remembered my camera and forgot the batteries!

with Chef Zárate and Catalina 

This would make a very lovely start to any romantic dinner!



Sea Bass Ceviche

Ingredients:
For the ceviche sause:
1/3 cup honey
4 garlic cloves
1/4 red onion
4 stalks of celery
1/8 lb fresh sea bass
1 cup lime juice
1/2 cup coconut juice
1 tbs aji amarillo paste

For the ceviche:
1 lb fresh sea bass, diced
1/2 red onion, sliced
1 tbs chopped cilantro
Red serrano chili (to taste)
salt & pepper (to taste)

Preparation
In a blender, blend all the ceviche sauce ingredients together.
Mix the ceviche sauce with all the ingredients of the ceviche and them marinate for 15 minutes before serving.
Note: Aji Amarillo paste is a yellow Peruvian chili paste available in Latin supermarkets. You may also use any chili paste of your choice. You can substitute the serrano chili for jalapeño or habanero chili. 


And a drink to enjoy your ceviche with:


Bee's Knees Cocktail
this tastes lovely ( :


Ingredients
1 tablespoon Honey
1/2 shot (2oz) gin
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice


Preparation
Combine all ingredients and ice and shake vigorously. 
To avoid the honey from clumping.  Add a tad bit of hot water until the honey is dissolved then continue with recipe (this makes 1 serving).


Enjoy

Happy Valentines Day!


*no compensation was given for sharing.  I was invited to Mo-Chica for a lovely dinner and want to share the recipes.  (they are yummy).  
photo credit: The National Honey Board

green spot event in Pasadena

(via the spot)

The Westin Pasadena
191 North Los Robles
Pasadena, California 91101

Thursday, August 26 4-6 p.m.
Mommy-to-be pre-sale
Tickets $25

Thursday, August 26 6-8 p.m.
Mom's Night Out!
Tickets $25

Friday
Public Sale 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Something local, to look forward to this month...

A consignment sale event for maternity baby and kids goods.  

It's the first in the San Gabriel Valley, Pasadena (just down the street from me) actually.  The first event from a company who knows recycling clothes, toys and baby stuff is better for our environment. 

When:

August 26-29, 2010
The Westin Pasadena
191 North Los Robles
Pasadena, California 91101

Visit their website to learn more and buy tickets.  

On random thoughts...

These pictures are perfect for today.  

Eclipse (Twilight) is in theaters. 

I never got into this vampire series.  Never read the books and suffered through the first movie.

I think I am one of a few.
Last week, hundreds were at the premiere looking out for the wolf or Bella or whosever team they're on ( :

I meanwhile was hanging out with two friends, sipping on a coconut mojito at a toma leche (got milk?) blogger/media event.  I did somehow take these two pictures, actually, the only pictures I took all night.

The event was at the Conga Room at LA Live (right above all the vampire frenzy) and like the other toma leche events I've been to, the milk people are always so good to us.

I love how they have chosen to advertise to Latinos, specially their new campaign filled with recipes for Paletas.  Paletas (Latin style popsicles) take me back to my childhood.  Their is nothing like the sound of the paletero coming down your street, and running to mamá to ask  for dinero to buy.

Kind of how kids get today, when the ice cream truck comes by.

But this isn't a commercialized ice cream treat I talk about.  It is usually home or locally made.  Flavors like coconut, strawberry, vanilla, or mango.

I have yummy recipes to share.  And local spots where you can buy.
They are perfect summer treats.

I will post over the next couple of days.

Yesterday, Jeremiah, his friend, Audrey and I went to Hurricane Harbor (we won tickets at the event!).  Audrey had so much fun on the water slides, and Jeremiah had SO much fun hanging out with his friend.

I had no phone, or laptop to keep me busy.  So, I got to hang out with Audrey all day and give her all my attention.
I did enjoy naptime though.  I sat on a beach chair and read Eat Love Pray, enjoyed India, and in Indonesia at the moment.

Audrey will turn 2 this Saturday.  I sat on that beach chair looking at her sleep, thinking about how big she is, and what a special little person, and about her birth.

It's amazing being a woman, isn't it?


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Lemon, Strawberry and Chocolate Chip

Jeremiah's friend came over after school.  The weather was warm.   I felt like having a mocha. 

Perfect reasons for jazz music, ice cream, and coffee  at Perry's Joint in Pasadena. 

(their veggie dogs are really good too).

Shop Local.

passing along some great info

Cancer patients are the best patients.  

This I always say. 

My first job as a new nurse was in a women's oncology unit.  I met some great women.  Fighters.  Appreciating every single drop of life.

Most of these women, with surprise diagnoses.  A diagnosis takes so much away.  

One of the things I was always told by these women, in one way or another, was  get checked. 

Please, get checked.  

Often.

I was sent some info to pass on to you LA and OC ladies.  As a nurse there is no way I can say no to passing info like this along. 

Free health fairs in your area.  Visit www.AltaMed.org for more info. 

AltaMed Hosts Series of Free Women’s Health Fairs 

in LA and Orange Counties

WHAT: The health fairs are designed to address women’s unique health issues and increase awareness of the programs available to women of all ages. Participants will have access to health screenings, pregnancy tests, help with scheduling wellness appointments and assistance with enrolling in free health insurance. Attendees will also be entered to win a raffle prize.

WHEN: Multiple dates. All events are from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Tuesday, May 11, AltaMed Medical Group – Pico Rivera

9436 E. Slauson Ave., Pico Rivera

Wednesday, May 12, AltaMed Medical & Dental Group – Bell

6901 Atlantic Ave., Bell

Thursday, May 13, AltaMed Medical & Dental Group – East Los Angeles

3945 Whittier Blvd., East Los Angeles 

Friday, May 14, AltaMed Medical & Dental Group – East Los Angeles

5427 Whittier Blvd., East Los Angeles

Monday, May 17, AltaMed Medical Group – Orange

4010 E. Chapman Ave., Orange

Tuesday, May 18, AltaMed Medical Group – Huntington Beach Community Clinic

8041 Newman Ave., Huntington Beach

Wednesday, May 19 – AltaMed Medical Group – Santa Ana

1400 N. Main St., Santa Ana

Wednesday, May 19 – AltaMed Medical Group – Santa Ana 

1227 W. 17^th St., Santa Ana

Thursday, May 20 – AltaMed Medical Group – Santa Ana Central 

1155 W. Central Ave., Suite 104 – 106, Santa Ana

Friday, May 21 – AltaMed Medical Group – Anaheim 

1814 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim

Friday, May 21 – AltaMed Medical Group – Garden Grove

12751 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove 

CONTACT: For more information on the Women’s Health Fairs, please call 1-877-462-2582 or visit www.AltaMed.org.    

I hope you are having a beautiful week. <3


Marcela


*I was not given any compensation to write this.  Just passing the word along.

Latte's, Earth Day, and less shopping

I sipped, while Audrey colored (pinta, pinta).  A yummy latte made by Millie, at Penny For Your Thoughts. 

It's our local coffee shop, just up the street, filled with antique, vintage and special second hand finds.  And coffee. 

                                                                                                         

Baby girl played with the chest full of toys while I checked email, and read my favorite blogs on my laptop.  

Free wireless + kid friendly <3

Local.  It's the way to go.  It's so much more personalized, and better for the Earth. 

Which brings me to Earth Day, and how bothered I was by all the "sales" and "specials" and "discounts" in celebrations of the big day. 

Big companies find a way to market anything to get us to buy their products.  

So, instead of visiting the farmer's market, or working on the garden outside, or turning off all the lights at home and sitting outside for some natural light, on Earth day, we my friends are shopping for 

"organic sheets on sale!!!". 

We are being played, even on Earth Day.  

Earth Day is bigger than this.  It's a reminder of the steps we need to take.  

Less shopping.  Less packaging.  Less, I want more kind of attitude.

More working together, and less individual steps. 

I am in no way calling myself perfect, in fact, I'm calling myself out.  I am known to overspend, and  don't carry credit cards with me for this reason. 

This doesn't mean I'm not entitled to treat myself to a latte, I just have to be a conscious consumer, like buying local, taking my own cup to the coffee shop, or buying Audrey a second hand vintage dress rather than a new dress.  

You might have already seen this film, it's a perfect reminder!

Before the rain

and clouds fill the sky, Audrey and I go for a walk.  We visit the park, chase birds and forget about all the cleaning waiting for us at home.

She climbs and runs, I chase behind her.  I think about how fast she is becoming a little girl.

We walk to the farmer's market, a craving for something fresh after yesterday's post.

Strawberries on her cheeks, from every vendor offering her a sample.

We hold hands and walk up our street, tired of riding in the stroller.  Wave at cars passing by, point at squirrels, dogs, cats and call all of them coco. 

We are home, and unpack our local strawberries, broccoli, carrots, potatoes, avocados, tomatillos, onions, and raisins.

We tell the Dahlia's, how pretty you are, as we place them in water. 

We head straight for bed, it's nap time.  The breast is out, we feel warm.  And just then, sprinkles from the rain begin to fall.