It's been crazy

It's been crazy around here. We had a lot going on with moving into our new home and unpacking the crates and crates worth of boxes.

I feel that the dust has settled and we are well on our way to normalcy...finally!

Our new home is perfect, complete with a fireplace, a rose garden, herb garden and wild strawberries. We are very happy.

Not much in terms of sightseeing, but we will get to that soon enough.

In the mean time, enjoy some of our pictures from the last couple of weeks.

Pictures of our new home to come.

See you soon.

Olivia watching her daddy play softball at the park

"Coffee mom...peeeeeeease"

Olivia's dad building her "car"

Lady O and her favorite dog in the world, her partner in crime, Kingsley. 

Instagram Shops for Children Part 2

Thanks to my last post, I was bombarded with Instagram (IG) requests and e-mails wanting to know the name of more shops on IG for shopping.

Holy Cow guys, are there TONS more, and as always, I will deliver. 

Where is the sale mom?

Here are a few more IG shops for children (yes my friend, you have hit the motherload):

Tavisgirls_closets

fingersandtoes01

howellkidscloset

littleshopofmommy

birdsofmyfeather

joligirls

sistergoldenhairs_closet

stylinsophie

joviewears

beautifullyesoteric

lovejungscloth

tinyroyalcloset

shopohcloset

theluckytortoise

apinchofpeach

emmies_closet

foxandrock

shoplittlestaples

shopappel

oliveyoushop

shop_brooklyn

marissas_closet

mygirlspretties

rosyshoppes

brooklynandbellascloset

shoppe_els

patricialouisevintage

littlestlovelys

1cutecloset

jandmcloset

0nelittlehanger

stylezkidscloset

giagia2010

itskarterskloset

kailimas_korner

bellascutique

shopellamiles

apinkcloset

goldglitterhangershop

Phew! That was a lot of typing. Get to the shopping! These are a group of wonderful shops for both boys and girls of all ages. TONS of brand new stuff.

Know more?? Please share so we can continue adding to the list. 

Want to add me? My username is RememberLove. Let them know you heard about them through me :) 

Instagram Shops for Children

I feel that as soon as I turn around to dress my child she has grown another size. For real child? Can you at least squeeze into the dress your Nana got you so I can take a picture? No? Okay, cool, maybe next size.

STOP taking pictures mom!

Adding to that. living in Ecuador the weather varies daily from "hmm..this is nice" to 'HOLY- F*@K- I- can't- feel- my- face-cold' to 'I wonder how many layers of clothes I can take off before people start staring (or screaming)'. This makes it a bit more difficult in dressing my Olivia. It's not like Old Navy is right around the corner. Clothes are expensive here. Besides, when I'm done, I want to donate as many items of hers to children who are in need. 

My solution? Instagram (IG) Shopping, Oh yes, this is a thing. 

There are a few shops Instagram(IG)  that specialize in second hand clothing for children. A lot of there stuff have never even been worn and even have their original tags. It's pretty insane how much stuff you can get for cheap. 

I mean really, you have plenty of other things to spend your money on (like diapers, food, things they manage to break on a daily basis). 

Need a list to start you off? Check out these IG usernames and start popping some tags:

Reinascloset <--My Favorite!!! 

MaeMaesCloset

Aramos72311

LenonsLinens

3GirlsClosets

Yeah...you are welcome. If you know of anymore, please feel free to share it with me. Don't be greedy :)

Wanna follow me on IG? My username is Rememberlove .

A Giveaway and a Smile

This weekend the family and I headed out to the old airport in Ecuador. It's no longer in service and you know what they decided to turn it into? The BIGGEST recreational park I have ever seen!!!

From food (super important to me), amusement rides, rock climbing, kites, biking, every sport imaginable, running and walking trails...EVERYTHING! It was even doggy friendly. I loved it!!!!

I packed some snacks for Olivia, packed a blanket and headed out to watch hubby play softball.

Our dog Kingsley could not contain himself. He sniffed as many butts as his little heart desired.

If you are ever in Ecuador and want a fun outdoor activity that the whole family can enjoy, definitely give this park a visit. It's for the outdoorsy person in all of us. Our "outdoorsy" person wants out bad. So bad that hubby and I went to take a look at bikes to buy so we can return to the park and get our workout on.

Seriously though, seeing my family so happy made my heart melt with joy. At that moment, everything was perfect.

In honor of that day, I am giving away a beautifully handmade scarf to share with my readers. It's a made of cotton and it's great to wear on a cool day or when you just want to add a splash of color or sparkly (that is a word...right?) into your wardrobe. Please pardon the quality of the picture, but it was taken with my iphone :-/

All you have to do is leave a comment on whawt made you smile today and follow me on Twitter (See Rafflecopter below). Giveaway ends August 1 at 12:00AM

GOOD LUCK! a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Visit to Middle Earth

Okay, not THAT Middle Earth you are thinking about, but we did go to the middle of the earth.

It was actually kinda cool.

For those of you that don't know, there are 2 lines that claim to be the middle of the earth. Both about 500 meters from each other.

The original (and the closest one according to our GPS) was the one discovered by the pre-Inca Indians, from the Amazons. The 2nd line was "discovered" by a French man (forgot his name), who claimed this was the most accurate marking, though the Indians were much, much, closer. Where was the "real" line, according to our GPS?...The parking lot. Go figure!

Hubby and Olivia at the Equator (the fake one).

The original line. Also measured (according to them) by military GPS precision.

Yes, we got there and even did the cool experiments of balancing an egg on a nail and the water experiment where the water spins different directions down the plug hole depending on which side of the equator line you were on.

Me trying to balance an egg on a nail. Almost nailed it. HA!

This was a lot of fun to do. Yes, a bit touristy, but totally worth it.

We ended with lunch at a nearby local restaurant where Andrew Zimmer dined on cuy (guinea pig). My husband, ever the brave and hungry one, ate it too.

It's a delicacy here. NO, I did not try it. Although hubby said it was a bit gamey but delicious when you add a bit of lime.

Our daughter was very entertained through out the whole trip. It was about an hour drive (with traffic). We hired a private tour guide for $40 so we wouldn't feel trapped with a bunch of strangers. This also gave us an easy out in case Olivia got fussy. We packed snack, her dolly and her ever trusty Cybex stroller and we were golden.

If you are ever here, definitely do visit both centers. It's worth the trip and for $40 (for 2 adults), hiring a private tour guide that picks you up and drops you off at your hotel is totally worth it. Kids are unpredictable and knowing you have a quick exit or need to slow down is worth every penny.

Starting next week, I'll be giving away a beautiful (kinda sparkly), handmade scarf. Stay tuned.

Cheers!

The Eagle Has Landed

Yes, friends, we have arrived. We have successfully (sort of), moved from one country to another with a brief stop in the US. We have moved with a baby, a dog, and a very tired husband, but, we made it with most of our sanity still in tact.

Where are we? We are in Quito, Ecudaor. A HUGE change from Barbados, but one we have been looking forward to for quite a while.

There is so much to write about this beautiful country, but I will hold off on sharing that for now. That will come with later posts.

In the mean time, my hunny bunny turned 1 during our travel. GASP! It's been a full year since I was in the hospital waiting to be induced. I was as big as a house, but that was the best day of my life. I was blessed with my Olivia ;-D

We decided to have some family pictures taken during our layover in the US. We hired an AMAZING photographer, her name is Angelita Ballada. Check this chick out, she is AWESOME and with great pricing.

The family headed out to downtown Fayeteville and that's where the magic happened. Olivia would NOT stop smiling. Not only was she tired (past her nap), but she was also hungry,  but she was a true champ. So proud of her.

Here are some of the spectacular pics Angelita took.

By the way, that beautiful banner was courtesy of Didi (AKA, Olivia's Aunt and God Mother). If you are interested in a custom banner, please e-mail her directly. 

There were hundreds of pictures, but these were a couple of my favorites. 

Our next post will take us to Middle Earth. Check us out later!

CHEERS!

Moving Away and Making Friends

Something about me that you may not know, is that I live with my family overseas. We travel constantly and change our home address, to a different country, about every 2 to 3 years.

There are a lot of perks and benefits to this lifestyle but there are definite drawbacks.

We are currently preparing to do another move and with that one of those drawbacks is rearing its ugly head, those dreaded goodbyes.

Moving to a brand new country is tough enough, but while my husband quickly resumes work, I am faced with the difficult task of making friends, finding the necessary resources to help my family function in day to day life and just figuring my shit out.

Then, finally, everything is settled, friends are made and roots are starting to grow, and boom, time to uproot them again and say goodbye. Those friendships that you nurtured and tended must come to, not an end, but a pause that may potentially, if not worked on from a distance, become stale and then dissipate.

It's hard. It hurts. I've met some absolutely amazing people. From a woman whose life was dedicated to rescuing children from brothels in third world countries who is now a loving mother to a vivacious boy, to other moms who have given up careers to stay home and love and teach their babies to grow spiritually and emotionally. I'll miss them. I've learned from them and am grateful that I've had the privilege of crossing paths with them.

To you I say, don't take your friendships for granted. Cherish them for they will teach you things about yourself you may have otherwise not known. If you don't have many friends, put yourself out there, you'll be surprised at the people you will meet and even more surprised at who you may one day call a friend.

Baby O enjoying a relaxing lunch while the chaos of moving continues around her. Gotta love these kids

Walking Already?

It feels like just yesterday, my little girl was born, now, she is on the eve of turning 1 and she is starting to walk. Where is the time going?

I remember sitting in my hospital bed as she lay in my arms gently sleeping and holding on to a little piece of my hospital gown. I sat there and thought, "my life is simply...perfect. I love her and I'm going to protect her".

Fast forward and she is moving on her own and standing up by herself. My little princess, although still little, is not as little anymore.

She's on the move and ready to take over the world. Watch out world, baby O is coming.

Sorry for the blurry pic, but she won't still.

Happy Birthday Didiita!

I want to wish Didiita a very very happy Birthday.

You are a wonderful person and we love you oh so much.

MUAH!!

What time is it? It's time for lunch!

What's on the menu today for Lady O?

Well, it's scrambled eggs mixed with very tiny diced broccoli and cauliflower.

We've had a great deal of difficulty convincing O to eat her vegetables but we find that hiding them in eggs is a fantastic way for her to eat them. One of our many tricks.

Nom Mom!!!

A couple of steamed florets of broccoli and cauliflower tossed in a tiny bit of grapeseed oil, heated so it can cook to a softer consistency, then adding 1 egg and mix.



As you can tell, Baby O was enjoying her meal.

MOAR!

Today, baby decided she didn't want to finger feed but instead wanted mommy to finger feed her. HA!

This is a great lunch for mom too. 2 egg whites plus 1 whole egg and oh so yum!!! Healthy Mommy equals Healthy Baby!

Black Bean and Plantain Puree

One of O's favorite meals is Black Bean and Plantain Puree. It's a staple meal for her since it's chock full of healthy vitamins, minerals and protein.

As a matter of fact, I grew up on this stuff. My mother introduced it to me for baby O when I was at my wits end on what to feed her. 

The recipe is ridiculously easy and now, I pass it on to you to add to your stash of "What the F do I feed my baby" repertoire. 

I usually recommend homemade black beans. There are some great recipe links on Pinterest or anywhere on google. I prefer to make them my in a pressure cooker. Making a big batch at the beginning of the week, I have enough to last me until Sunday, when I make a new batch. 

Next week I'll post my own recipe for Cuban Style Black Beans. 

Black Bean and Plantain Puree:

1 Cup of black beans

1/2 plantain

1. Puree about a cup of black bean through your food processor or blender OR (since my daughter hates the noise), I press it through a strainer a bit at a time. 

2. Cut the tail end off your plantain and then poke it a couple of times with a knife or fork.

3. Wrap plantain in aluminum foil and place in oven at 400 degrees for 10-15 or until soft to the touch. 

4. Let cool

5. With a fork mash, plantain into pureed beans and voila! Black Bean and Plantain Puree for your sweet cheeks.

Enjoy their happy faces as they slurp this up! YUM!

What do I feed my baby? Part 1

My beautiful baby girl has hit this awkward stage when she likes to feed herself, only has 2 teeth and is rejecting her bottle for food. She is only 9 months old. What do I do?

To add to the complexity that is my child's appetite, she prefers (read really, really, really, really likes) foods that lean towards the sweeter side.

Here are some foods that my picky eater will indulge in. Maybe yours will too.

• Plantains- A GREAT add on that is full of lots of good stuff. The darker the plantain (yellow to black), the sweeter. Cut the ends off, wrap in aluminum foil and pop in the oven at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until soft. Let it cool and serve in bite size pieces for baby. Mix it in a puree with a veggie (beans and plantains are AWESOME), and you got a natural way to sweeten up purees with no processed sugars.
• Eggs- Many pediatricians recommend starting to feed baby eggs at around 8 months old, later if there is a history of family allergies. Consult your baby's doctor if you aren't sure. Eggs are a fantastic way to sneak in those veggies and a fantastic source of protein. My baby LOVES her scrambled eggs. I dice up and cook some spinach with them and perhaps some turkey and it's a quick lunch or dinner option.
• Steamed veggies- Yeah, I'm sure you've tried them all but here are a list of veggies that are usual baby favorites: Sweet potatoes, carrots, very very steamed broccoli, cauliflower, corn and peas. 
• Fruits- In general, fruits are generally pretty easy to feed baby. Pears are O's all time favorite. A few other's: Mango, Kiwi, Bananas, Apples and Strawberries. Bite size peices are key. Tip: Food Mesh holders are fantastic for teething babies. The colder the fruit the more soothing for babies. These are my favorites. 
• Yogurt- I've yet to meet a baby that doesn't like yogurt. Horizon Vanilla Yogurt is organic and oh so yummy. Mash some fruit in there and baby has a healthy snack (and so does mommy!). 
• Pasta- Very cooked whole wheat pasta or veggie pasta (yes, they do have it and it's a great way to sneak in a veggie), sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and yum!
• Cheese- Starting with soft cheeses (pasteurized of course), it's a great snack and a fantastic add on for meal time. Get that calcium in there mommies!!!
• Avocados- Avocados are in a category of their own. Oh so good with lots of good stuff plus healthy fats. Dice up a couple of pieces for baby and ohh...mouth drool for all. 

Yummy Mommy! Get your baby's food on and join in. Healthy mommy equals healthy baby!