NYE traditions

Do you do anything special to mark the New Year?

Although I haven't done it in a few years, one of my favorite things to do is reflect back on each of the last twelve months and make little predictions for the coming year. One of my best friends introduced this to me years ago, and it stuck. It's simple, here's what to do:

- fold up a blank piece of paper into twelve small boxes
- mark each box for each month of the year: January - December
- indicate one side for 2013, and the other for 2014
- write down one memorable thing that happened to you each month over this past year
- and predict one memorable thing that might happen for you in 2014
- store it for next year and read your predictions to see what came true on NYE 2014!

I'm excited to do it tonight. Will you try it?

Sayings that I don't like.

Usually, I like focusing on the positive. But today I want to talk about sayings that I DON'T like. The first two are pretty straight forward:

If you're jealous, don't say you're "jelly". You're not jelly, jelly is something you put on toast. You're jealous, use whatever's left of your stamina, and utter that second syllable. For me, please.

The second saying I don't like is "I'm preggo!" to indicate you are growing a baby inside you're womb. You are not a pasta sauce. You are an incubator for a human being. Again, utter that second syllable. Or don't ;) it's just my little pet peeve. And I know a million mamas say it.. so just saying.. (is that a saying that bothers anyone?:)

Now this one's a little more complicated. I was recently reading something that mentioned the "terrible twos", and all I can think is how horrible that sounds! I mean talk about setting yourself up for failure. And don't get me wrong.. I've had my fair share of "terribles" with my one year old, so it's not that I don't think that having a two year old will probably make me want to pull my hair out sometimes, but can we at least focus on the positive for this one. I mean it's a whole year. That's a long time to be terrible. I'm really hoping for Terrific (even with the Tantrums) Twos.

So that's all I've got. What sayings bug you?

First photo shoot

I am one proud mama.

Although James was a little tired, my friend Heather was able to capture some great pictures of him a few weeks ago!

I love sharing in my friends' passions and talents, and this photo shoot is no exception. Heather specializes in babies and couples in her photography, and I loved getting to do this with her. Knowing the photographer certainly makes the session feel very comfortable and fun- even with a fractured wrist! Thanks Heather!

Thousand dollar pajamas

So I saw these pajamas on J Crews website, and thought: oh, those are pretty and cozy. And then saw the $1,200 price tag! Yes, these exist. But don't worry Zac, I like these instead: 

(and they're about $1,140 more inexpensive;)

How's your holiday shopping going? I know I still have lots to do! 

Van Damn.

Just for fun. Watch this and get your mind blown. And then, apparently you should go buy a volvo!

How annoying would these utensils be?

I saw this pin from West Elm on Pinterest and kind of laughed. Could you imagine eating with that flatware!? ha. I mean, I like the table scape (and the courteous plate), but I don't think so!

My little lion and his first flight

So here's James looking out the window on his first airplane flight...

I was so worried about him freaking out on the plane if his ears got plugged, or if the loud noise of take off scared him. But guess what? He was a champ! He got a little squirmy at one point, so I'm glad Zac was there to trade off with, but otherwise, he was awesome. (and he slept the entire flight on the way home). Thank God.

So once we got to Reno, we had loads of fun hanging out with one of my best friend's and her 3 kids (!) James loved checking out all of their cool toys and playing in their big back yard. We even got dressed up early in Halloween costumes and went "trunk or treating". (Have you heard of this? Apparently it's a thing).

We tried to teach our little lion how to ROAR, but he didn't really catch on. 

As for actual Halloween.. Zac and I got in a fight, and I carved a pumpkin by myself. Life isn't perfect, but it's good! :) Happy belated Halloween!

Sometimes I feel this way

(via Pinterest)

James' favorite things

I often try to remind myself to journal about James' milestones. I have a decent memory at times, but would never remember certain things like his age when he first said mama (see, I already forgot- 10 months? But I didn't know if it counted since he really called everything mama at that point). Clearly, I need to keep a record.

So for now, I'll keep a record here of what are currently James' favorite things to do.

1. Watch for airplanes, stare at the sky, and point when he finds one
2. Stir a boiling pot (or soup, or oatmeal, really just hold a wooden spoon while I cook)
3. Wave at people and say 'ba bah' (yes it's the cutest thing in the world)
4. Watch the dryer, or washer, spin (this should probably be number 1 if I were going in order of importance since this makes his face light up!)

What are your baby's favorite things to do? Are these things universal? Or particular to James? Of course I think James is the only baby in the world who does this combination of things.

(cutest picture of James I have at the moment post- his first hair cut!)

Confidence booster

I tried this dress on the other day at Banana Republic and unfortunately I couldn't buy it because although everything was 40% off, it was still well over my budget. But the silver lining: when I came home to see if the dress is sold online (you know, to show Zac what's on my wish list of course), I thought I rocked it more than the model! I know this is totally egotistical, but it's not every day you feel as pretty as a model, so I thought I'd share.

I loved this dress because I felt like a character in Mad Men (it wasn't quite as short on me keep in mind, much more 60's apropo). Anyway, when was the last time you played dress up?

I believe in this.

Freedom is choosing. If we choose to (try) and think differently, our attitudes can change our reality. It can be magical. I believe in this, do you?

(video via upworthy found via cupcakes and cashmere)

What do you think?

I almost bought these men's sunglasses last Spring, but after listening to the advice of my bestie, Kim, that they look like something a police officer would wear, I decided against it. But I don't know, I  kind of regret it.. they're pretty cool, don't you think?!

Sexy poem.

(found on pinterest)

Be still my heart.

I'm feeling under the weather, and when I get like this (all vulnerable and weak), I can't help but get all misty when I think of the things I'm so grateful for.

And I'm not the only one who doesn't feel good. We thought James was just teething, but as the doctor so bluntly told me today, a 104 degree fever is not teething. So we're going to the doctor's office tomorrow, to say the least (I still think he's teething with a viral infection.. poor baby!).  Luckily, his attitude has been up and he seems to be doing much better.

Anyway, I just became so overwhelmed with pride about this little person I helped create. I love him so much!

And this guy too! He just brought me home lemons, soup, gatorade, and ice cream (all the major food groups) to help me recover. So sweet.

I hope you can tell someone you love them today. It's important to take a moment to point these things out, even when you're feeling healthy!

Movie review Monday: Gravity

Today was such a treat. I had the day off, and James' child care was open, so I had the entire day to myself! This happens rarely, so I took advantage of it.

My girl friend, Katie, and I went shopping, had lunch, and saw a 1:30pm matinée! It was glorious. The movie was good. However, I found myself wanting more after all of the hype. Not to say Sandra didn't nail it, but I noticed myself thinking 'this is Sandra Bullock' rather than being "lost" in her character. That's probably because the movie didn't spend any time developing the character, but that's okay, I don't think that was the point. As an amateur space enthusiast, I enjoyed the thought provoking nature of the story line's setting. I have to say, although it may be a bit of a SPOILER ALERT (not a bad one), one of my favorite parts of the movie was an analogy made at the end about evolution. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts, if you've seen it!

Where to Eat Wednesdays: Lulu's in Palm Springs

Do you like ceviche?

Oh my gosh. I am not typically a ceviche fan, but just thinking about this ceviche I had a few weeks ago is making my mouth water. If you're an LA local, you'll have to drive a few hours east out to the desert to try this dish (but why is there good seafood in the desert? I have no idea).

If you know me, you know that atmosphere is very important when going out to eat, and you can't go wrong with Lulu's in Palm Springs- the service was friendly, as was the patio dining, misters, people, and their dogs (who are welcome to dine on the patio!).

Considering the prices at this place aren't that affordable, I thought this appetizer was a steal for $6 (look at the amount!). My mom and I ate lots and had a considerable amount left over.

Enjoy!

Avocado facials

Have you ever had an avocado facial? I haven't, but James has (and apparently he likes to focus on the eyebrows)...

I just thought this photo was too ridiculous not to share.

Happy Tuesday!

Life is too short to be busy

Are you too busy?

I really enjoyed this article about how busy we make ourselves. I've always said "I love doing nothing". But I haven't said it in a while. I think that's because now that I'm a momma, it's a bit harder. Nothing, for me, is having a day where I might not get out of my pajamas, watch too much television, and probably play with my dog more than usual. Sounds like a good day. But I get stuck in the busy trap sometimes too. It's important to talk about it though, and maintain this awareness to make sure it doesn't take us over, to make sure we don't get too busy for each other.

(photo found via pinterest)

Quote Analysis

"Being alive is a sea without a single sail in sight. A few people survive here."
~ Ko Un, Sunlight

Sometimes the best quotes are the ones that mean something different to different people. Or the ones that you're not quite sure what they really mean.

I think this one is trying to say that you're only really alive when you are truly still within yourself. At first, I thought it was referencing finding comfort in being alone. Is that obvious? I could be wrong. But then again, so could you!

What does it mean to you?

(photo via nofatnowhip)

Photography

Photography is a pretty amazing art form. How one picture can tell an entire story. There's something about the stillness of a photo in our sometimes obnoxiously mobile world that is extremely captivating.

One picture, of something completely foreign or ordinary, can make me feel something so deep in my gut.

What do you think?

(photos found via the pretty tumblr nofatnowhip.com)

Confession: I'm not perfect.

After reading my last post, I realized it sounded like my life is all peachy and perfect all the time. While I like to focus on the positive, I have to point out, of course, this is not the case.

I drink too much coffee. I bicker with Zac. I struggle with my weight. These are all things I'm not proud of, but they are part of me. And that's okay.

I came across a yogi recently named Rachel Brathen and I started following her on Instagram. She has very positive daily posts with inspiring pictures of her doing amazing yoga poses. She recently wrote something about not being perfect, although her posts often crafted an image of someone who was 'supremely happy', if you will. While I read her post, I still thought: "yea, but you've got it good-- you live in Aruba, you're beautiful, you travel for a living.. blah blah", but I knew in the back of my mind that of course I don't know this, I don't know her. I don't know how things are for Rachel. I just read her Instagram posts and lust after the thought of living in Aruba and traveling to Europe to put on yoga tutorials. But that's not the life I want. I want my life.

I want to wake up at 6 in the morning to my smiling (and sometimes crying) baby boy. I want to bicker and be with Zac. I want to eat gourmet food and do yoga and boot camp to lose my pregnancy weight. Because this is the life I choose, and I love. And sometimes in our envy filled world, it's important to stand back and pinch ourselves. Because damn, if your attitude is just right, and your decisions are your own, we've got it pretty damn good, wouldn't you say?

Are you a happy person?

I love this article on qualities of supremely happy people. I feel like I have a response or relation to each of the 21 points. I particularly like that "we" cultivate resilience, look on the bright side, and nix the small talk for deeper conversation. The one that I have the most trouble with is 'losing track of time', but hey, I'll work on it.

At work, I'm often dubbed a "pauliana", or generally, the person who will always point out the good in some cruddy situation. Of course I don't always do this, but I have to say I'm proud of my nickname. After all, if it helps put me in the "supremely happy" category, I'll take it.

How about you? Do you consider yourself an optimist? A pesimmist? Why or why not? What do you think of the 21 traits?

One more

How could I leave out a picture of James with his favorite guy!? (And giving a great big hug to his present from Ramona and Israel:) So sweet.

P.S.- Although he doesn't read my blog (yet!), I wanted to send out a big thank you to Israel for taking pictures of this wonderful day for us! They turned out lovely. And if anyone else snapped a few photos, send them our way. Thanks!

What a day.

What a week actually. James had family and friends come from San Jose, Las Vegas, San Diego, and all over this big city to celebrate his big 'first' on Sunday.

He got to hang out with his buddies at the park. (and was mesmerized by the nearby airplanes from the Santa Monica airport).

He got to see his pretty cousins.

He even got his face on the side of a lemonade bottle!

All and all, the day was very special. The whole family came together and did so much to make it a success. Zac hand made cars and guitars, my mother in law whipped up some amazing pasta salad, pops (my father in law) helped Zac man the grill, my mom took the baby on a stroll to nap during the party, the Zunos donated a tent and tables, and my best friend Jon drove in my grandmother and aunt from Las Vegas to be there.

What's the saying? It takes a village? Well, James, you've got a whole village of people who love you and would do anything to celebrate you turning 1 year old!

Happy birthday again, baby! And thanks everyone who came and celebrated. It means so much to us.

Are you the person you always wanted to be?

The other day at work, I facilitated a group with staff where everyone completed a questionnaire that measures "compassion satisfaction", "burnout" and "vicarious traumatization". Although the latter is more specific to the helping profession, I think the first two are relative to most people. One of the questions was "Are you the person you always wanted to be". The eloquent comment I had for the group when reviewing the assessment was pointing out that question and commenting "wow, that's like, deep".

What a personal question. But what an important one. Have you asked yourself that recently? It's not the easiest question to answer, but I think the important part is answering honestly. And if the answer is no, that's okay. As long as you're working on it.

Something pretty.

Just wanted to leave you with something pretty to end this long weekend. My weekend was filled with karaoke, a birthday celebration, a BBQ, and even some party planning for James' big day! Of course there's still lots to do, but I'm looking forward to celebrating my little guy, and the labor of love that happened almost a year ago!!

(photo via pinterest)

Where to Eat Wednesday: The Doughroom

I have been to a number of amazing restaurants lately (look forward to Wednesday features on Bestia and Scoops), but The Doughroom just won me over with it's amazing food, location, ambiance, and dare I say it but, the best pizza I ever ate.

What gave the pizza the extra umph was the bursts of flavor. Surprisingly, the toppings that made this pizza so amazing were clams and bacon! Sounds so weird, but seriously so good.

The funny part is that I didn't even order the pizza, Zac did. I ordered the steak. And that was great too. All that to say.. try this place out. I can't wait to go back soon since it's walking distance from our place and I hear they have a Sunday/ football brunch!

Have you tried it out yet? It's only been open 7 weeks!

(Excuse my poor quality food picture, I couldn't concentrate on taking a photo, I was more interested in eating!)

Do you like Bryan Cranston?

I think I've already asked if you like Breaking Bad. But whether or not you watch the show, I think you'll appreciate this video and the versatility of Bryan Cranston (the show's main character, who also previously starred in Malcolm in the Middle). If you watch Breaking Bad, the video will make more sense, but regardless, this made me laugh out loud.



I also recently saw Bryan Cranston on an episode of The Colbert Report, where he did some pretty impressive rollerskating as well. Who knew how multi-talented this guy was?!

Where my Breaking Bad buddies at?? 5 more episodes!!

(thanks Zac, for sending me the video:)

Striking Resemblances

So I have this almost identical photo of me at this age, and I look exactly like James does in this pic, except I had an over-sized sun hat on my head. He looks so sweet here.It's certainly one of my favorites. I can't believe this is already almost two months ago!

Boot Camp

Did you know that when you run, the ball of your foot should touch the ground first? And if you're sprinting, your heel doesn't ever really need to touch the ground!

How did this take me 29 years to learn you ask? Well, I've been going to a boot camp for a few months called Sport Fit, and I'm really enjoying it. The trainer, Matt, incorporates fun games/ drills like two on two basketball (my favorite), tag (my least favorite), and soccer drills (which I had never played in my life), which keeps things fresh and fun, and not like I'm at the gym.

Anyway, you learn something new every day.

SWIM.

In honor of it being the middle of August, check out this beautiful swimsuit. My favorite part is the back! And I love the fun of the confetti, it's like New Years in summer time.

(suit by Cynthia Rowley found via the Hatch blog)

Rip Tides

I came across this photo on Pinterest. But what really caught my eye was one of the comments below:

"washed out... take all the weight I carry on my shoulders and set me free with your salty water"

I love it. That's how I feel when I'm in the ocean. The waves are so powerful. It makes me feel so small and strong at the same time. Nature is so beautiful. How do you feel when waves are crashing over you?

(photo oringally pinned through Flickr)

Friday Flick: Blue Jasmine

Do you like Woody Allen movies?

I hadn't seen anything about Blue Jasmine until last night when Zac and I were scoping out movies to go see for our date night. This movie was nothing like the last Woody Allen movie I saw, Midnight in Paris, but still very enjoyable. Cate Blanchett did a beautiful job depicting the nervous breakdown of her character- New York socialite who lost everything when her absurdly rich husband, Alec Baldwin, was found out for scheming people's millions- much like the financial scam that made the news and lost peoples' millions a few years ago.

The entire cast was pretty amazing in this movie. So if you like Woody, and are looking for a good flick, I say check it out.

Juan Pablo for Bachelor

In case you didn't know.. I have a little crush. He's Venezuelan, has a four year old daughter, and is one of the cutest guys I've ever seen! I just watched the Men Tell All episode, and it looks like he's a fan favorite! I hope he's the next Bachelor!!

Do you watch? Do you have a favorite? It seems pretty clear that Des is in love with Brooks. My guess is he leaves on his own before the end!

(photo via pinterest.com)

Look again.

This is it. Quote of the day. maybe year.

Baby love

Hello July!

I don't know what it is about these long days, but obviously I haven't spent much time on the computer. I have, however, spent the last couple of weeks admiring this beautiful kid.

Isn't he just the sweetest?

Our friend Drew, pictured (in love) above, was visiting from New Jersey last week, so we were pretty busy having lots of fun. We also went to my best friends' daughter's baptism, and even got away to Palm Springs for a bachelorette party (don't worry, James stayed with grandma instead of accompanying me to the drag show). So we've had a pretty great July to say the least. Hope you enjoy the pictures, and are enjoying the summer, so far!