San Diego PRIDE 2015

Events after events. This city never.. and I mean never gets boring. So we spent a big portion of our weekend and the PRIDE music festival at Balboa Park. I must say that Liam was one of the few kids that attended this event. I guess people are kind of scared of bringing their kids around.. well.. homosexuals. As if it was contagious. As if their kids would immediately get the "gay virus" seeing a man kiss a man or 2 women holding hands. Since people don't choose who they love and homosexuals existed before those festivals took place we can all cool down and realize that it is actually a good thing to get our kids used to something that is normal and something they are going to see more and more growing up. Teach them that gay is ok and make sure our kids don't turn out to be one of those undereducated bullies. In fact this is a great event to educate ourselves too. Understand "what is going on". 

Liam really enjoyed the time at the festival and didn't want to leave. We ran from booth to booth, could spin a couple of wheels and won prices, grabbed some free stuff and danced to the music at some of the fun stages. We took pictures and spent our Sunday in the Children's Garden. Crafting, air brush tattoos, games and lots of free goods. Books, toys, shaved ice, popcorn, snacks, juice etc. Unfortunately or weekend at the festival was "shortened" by rain showers. So we only had Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. We still had much fun and obviously Liam didn't really mind the rain. I did though. Ha !

Bis bald,

M.

SDCC 2015

I keep pausing from "blogging" and as soon as I realize it I feel bad about it. Even if it is just 1 or 2 weeks. This time it was closer to two weeks so this is a little summary and a attempt to keep it up. Even "not San Diegan's" know that we had a big.. no.. huge event in town. The San Diego Comic Convention. Maybe it is just me but it felt so short this year. I was thinking about getting Liam a costume but by the time I finally decided on doing so it was already Sunday. "How !"Well, I still made him a little outfit. I love how these Avengers themed pants with matching cape turned out. Liam enjoyed taking pictures with the dressed up attendees. Thor was his favorite. He doesn't actually know the comic/movie but he loves his hammer aka "amma". I'm definitely going to make him a very special outfit for next year's SDCC.

Let me see what else happened. Grandma and uncle went on vacation. Which leaves me and Liam by ourselves. For the first time in over 2 years. It's nothing negative and very normal for all those other single moms but I'm just not used to it. It's actually a good thing though. Living under one roof with the grandma brings so many good things but a couple of downsides too. You know how grandma spoils our kids and sends them back home then ? Grumpy because we won't allow all that ice cream that grandma gives them ? Try doing that daily. And than 2 moms in one household ? Uh oh ! Grandma wants me to listen to her and I want my son to listen to me. Can you imagine what happens when grandma disagrees with my way of raising my son and thinks she is in charge ? Yeah.. I still want the family back already. We miss them - we both do - and the luxuries like a kid free run to the stores/mall or a night out at the bars. I'm lucky to have my mother. I feel like she does more that a partner or husband would do. She never complains !

Bis bald,

M.

Just in case you didn't know

So it is the 4th of July - Americas Independence Day - and I am looking at my son wearing his little tank top with the patriotic stars and stripes smiley on it. It puts a smile on my face. He was born and will be raised in this country and although I was not I feel more and more American.
Just in case you didn't know, not every country on this planet is as proud as you Americans. As us Americans ? My son is an American, that's for sure. He is most certainly going to be one of those people proudly waving his flag during Soccer World Cup games and  singing all those songs that show patriotism. He will love and play American sports and know each and every word of the national anthem and sing it with pride as often as he can. He will think this is is the best of all countries and will appreciate the U.S. Military.

Is this a bad thing ? No, not at all !  Even though I wasn't born in the United Staates of America and clearly don't get or feel some of that stuff that's going on I kind of admire the unity Americans have. Yes, I'm almost jealous. My son is going to be a part of this and yes, I want to try my best to support him and integrate myself. Never forget where you came from but always appreciate and respect the place you decided to live at. The country you chose to make a live and a living in.

Happy Juli 4th, 'Murica ! Happy Independence Day ! 

Bis bald, 

Michelle 

Night time zoo

Did you hear the news ? It's Night Time Zoo time again. It's hard for me to take Liam to the Zoo. If I don't make it in the morning it's pretty much done for the day. The young mister goes down for a beauty nap between midday and 1 pm and doesn't wake up until around 3:30 pm. Yes, perfect when I need some kid free time but very, very horrible when I actually want to get out of the house. Well, back to the good news. Night-Time-Zoo ! So the best thing is the extended opening hours. Instead of closing the doors at 5 pm we'll now be able to enjoy the Zoo until 9 pm. 4 extra day saving hours. But that's not it. Enjoy a many activities. Dance to a variety of music, be astonished by a acrobatic trampoline show and watch the brand new 4D movie "Ice Age: No time for nuts". Check out the Happy Happens Happy Hour at Albert's and hop on the bus for a evening bus tour around the Zoo. Don't forget to watch the spectacular music, light and video show at the remodeled Wegeforth Bowl before you end your day/night at the Zoo. Sounds like so much fun, huh !?
It indeed is and I promise we'll be back to the Zoo for more. Check out our pictures to see how our day was and go to the San Diego Zoo website to get more information on this summer long event.

Bis bald,

Michelle

Bilingual

 

Liam's shoes are obviously Nike's. He is wearing GAP shorts, a JCP tank top and a Epic Threads shirt. You can't see them but his socks are super cute Mickey Mouse socks. I love them !

Doesn't life get so much easier once they are able to respond to what you are saying ? Once they are old enough to decide if they want/like something or not ? Once they are able to actually say yes or no ? Ha ! I finally see light at the end of the tunnel. I'd rather argue with him and know that he understands what I'm saying than possibly talk to a brick wall.
Liam needed a little more time to start talking than some other kids I know. He was always on the louder side but didn't actually build words. The reason could be that Liam is learning 2 languages at the same time. German and English. He hears everybody at home speak German and is used to hearing English on TV, the radio and everywhere else. I must say that the longer I am living in this country the more I mix up my German and English and I can totally hear Liam speak Genglish. Liam is going to have to understand that he is really learning 2 separate languages. We'll see how that goes and I really hope it's not going to be to hard on him.
If anyone has experience with bilingual children feel free to share your story. It would be a huge help for me and other mommas going through this.

Bis bald,

Michelle

On a budget

I feel like as a single mom budgeting is a constant topic. Although I try to lower the price tags on both mine and Liam's stuff I must admit that I more often turn the dime twice when it comes to things I buy for myself. I'm very lucky that I know my way around when it comes to saving on name brand articles. Especially because I really want us to look fashionable and up to date. Also I must admit that budgeting is somehow fun and in the end I'm always very proud that I could save on pieces others paid double for or that my money bought more than others could. Whichever way you want to put it. I just ordered this beautiful pair of Andrew Stevens shoes for only $5. Feels great to know that the original price tag says $149 and I know I'm getting a quality shoe. Here are some tips for a full and stylish closet (or toy box) and wallet.

1) Retailmenot. This app for your phone is wonderful. It alerts you about coupons as soon as you enter a mall or store (or even just get close to one). Open the app, choose a store and select/open the coupon. Show it to the cashier and... you are very welcome !

2) Groupon. I use Groupon for many things: clothing, shoes, toys or even hotels and activities around the city.

3) Don't be so set on one specific item (when it comes to fashion). I often see things I fall in love with but if I can't afford it, I'm not going to try and cut back on other more important things. What I do is, I just check all my discounted sources (Groupon, Ebay, Nordstrom Rack etc.) for similar pieces. I usually find something similar that I can love just as much.

4) Oh and of course.. DIY. If you are creative and are a crafty person don't be lazy. You can safe so much money by using scissors and your hot glue machine to decorate a party or even your kids' bed/play rooms.

Try it ! By the end of the month you will definitely see a change on your bank statements.

Bis bald,

Michelle

Share

I am wearing a H&M shirt and anklet, Charlotte Russe shorts and Sociology sandals. Liam is wearing Old Navy shoes, H&M shorts and a LRG shirt. I ordered his cap on Ebay.

Did you read the blog post about the movie ticket for Liam yesterday. Well, I guess activities are not the only thing Liam is going to need "his own" (ticket) for. A couple of weeks ago I started getting him his own Frozen Yoghurt, Frappuccino and food. Before we would always share because I just had to sacrifice my things a little bit since he really didn't eat much. I just noticed I was getting less to nothing anymore. So I decided to let his be his and mine be mine. He is still getting used to it - he would rather eat from my plate and drink out of my cup - but I'm loving it. Ha !

 

 

 

By the way.. this is a reminder not to leave our phones anywhere near a mad toddler. Yes, Liam is very strong.