Tag Archives: kid

Edible Photo Cake Topper

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Since the countdown is on until my boys turn 4 and 5, I’m slowly getting into party planning mode and putting my planning hat on. I’m trying to kick back more this year and not really hyper-plan every detail. So, for now I’m reflecting on what we’ve done for past celebrations, and what they may want this time around, since it inevitably changes as they get older and become more outspoken.  Well, last year on Raef’s actual birthday we did a small cake at home and the one thing he had been asking for was a TOBOT cake. What is Tobot you ask!? Well, Tobot is a Korean version of Transformers…based on KIA model vehicles! Raef discovered Tobot by watching the animated episodes on youtube (in Korean) and he really took a liking to it. Now, since Tobot’s not a big thing in the U.S. – the toys aren’t sold here (I’ve had to order toys online from Korea), it’s not a typical cake design character order at the local bakery. And, that’s what made me discover and try out a “do it yourself” edible photo cake topper.

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I found a few images online and created my own custom design using PicMonkey‘s online photo editor. Then, I found a place where I could order my custom cake topper on Amazon. It was super easy, I uploaded my image, they printed it out and sent it to me. There are very specific instructions on how to store it and apply it, but basically, you want to leave it in the plastic packaging until you’re ready to use it. The other thing you will need to get is a cake, which I ordered from my local grocery store bakery, where I requested a smooth buttercream frosting. on an 8″ round. You can order different size photo cake toppers, so those are details you should consider before ordering the image. What I also discovered after the fact, was that I could also have just ordered the image directly through my local grocery store bakery too and they would have applied it.

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Anyway, it was pretty simple, I followed the instructions and took great care to peel it off its backing and slowly center and apply to my cake. You want to be careful not to let it dry out and you also don’t want any bumps as you smooth it down. Once you get it in place, you let it set and voila, you have your custom cake. My bakery was also nice enough to give me a small bag of sprinkles to add a little more color to it after I added the image. Anyway, it certainly put a smile on his face and I was glad to be able to give him his Tobot cake!

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Summer Days at the Ballpark

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I’m not much of a baseball person, not for lack of understanding, but more-so my short-attention span! However, there’s something about spending a summer day at the ballpark that just screams family fun. And, one way to treat the whole family out to a game and not break the bank is to attend a minor league baseball game.

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So far this season, I’ve had the opportunity to attend a few in my own Bay Area backyard in San Jose at Municipal Stadium to cheer on the San Jose Giants. When we lived in Virginia we had attended a few Norfolk Tides games, but they have nothing on the family-friendliness and additional festivities at a game in San Jose.

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We attended a 4th of July game and even at a sold out maximum capacity, the crowd is still a manageable 4,000-ish…so lines aren’t too long, parking isn’t a pain and there’s plenty of room to move. My boys easily bumped into the team mascot, Gigante, who graciously gave us a photo.

They have several huge inflatables (bounce house style), where kids can slide, jump and try their interactive baseball skills by throwing a strike or swinging a bat. I can’t tell you how proud my boys were to win tickets to future games by throwing a “strike.” It was definitely a highlight, that they won’t soon forget.

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And, did I mention that you can get really up close to the action, Both of my boys each managed to snag a ball during batting practice before the game. I mean, how cool is that!? So, yes, take them out to a (minor) league ballgame and if you’re in the Bay Area, find the way to San Jose!

 

Dino Dig Party Theme

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Rawr! This past weekend we celebrated the 3rd and 4th birthdays of my (53 weeks apart) baby boys..except I’m realizing they really aren’t “babies” anymore. For their joint celebration this year I chose to do a “Dino Dig” aka dinosaur themed backyard soiree, and I’m really pleased with how it turned out. We got lots of compliments on a “fun” party…and that’s the most important component to any event, right!?!? FUN!!

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I probably get a little obsessive in my planning process trying to make everything theme related and scouring the internet for ideas and decor to pull off a great event. I had multiple banners and even re-named my boys to give them dino-riffic names! I found a free printable HBD dinosaur banner, and dinosaur print letters that I used for the banners with their dinosaur names.

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I purchased a nice dinosaur centerpiece with cone holders which I filled with kid-friendly Veggie Sticks and Pretzels.

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In the backyard, we had a bounce house with a dinosaur panel in front, the kids LOVE to bounce!

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A bubble station was also set up, where we had a bubble machine going and an assortment of bubble wands.

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We created a “Dino Dig” site, using an inflatable kiddie pool, filled with sand and hidden “dino eggs” that I purchased online. We wrapped the area with dino dig “caution” tape. I also purchased mini buckets and tools for them to excavate the eggs, and I got enough so that they could take those home too.

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Inside I set up a “photo booth,” using a couple big, jointed, dinosaurs on the wall and a HUGE blow up T-Rex too – the kids loved it, they were all over it..I can’t believe it survived the party! I also got an assortment of dinosaur masks for them to wear for the photo opp!

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When it came to the sweets and dessert, I went with cupcakes (store bought), but I used my own sprinkles that were actually mini-dinosaurs. We also created Dino Dig dessert cups that were made up of chocolate pudding, crushed oreos and gummy dinosaurs on top! Dinosaur lollipops and a plate full of mini-dino cookies I ordered on Etsy, helped make the table look extra festive!

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We had a dinosaur pinata and played Pin the Head on the Dinosaur…

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As our thank you gift I put together goodie bags with dino stickers, tattoos, a dino ring pop, bubbles, dino plane and a puzzle. Lots of fun stuff!

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All in all, we couldn’t be happier with the party and how it all came together! It was so much fun and at the end of the day, I had 2 very happy dinosaurs!

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SoCal Stop: Dinosaurs in the Desert

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Along I-10 in Southern California, you can find dinosaurs in the desert in between the palm trees. I heard about the spot in Cabazon from a friend when I mentioned I’d be driving from Ontario to Indio. I inquired if there were any good spots for kids and this “pit stop” was mentioned…

Okay, so when I say pit stop, that’s literally what it is…an exit with a gas station, a Burger King and dinosaurs. Coming from Ontario it was just one exit past the Desert Hills Outlets (where I’ve heard there’s great shopping) and the Morongo Casino.

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If you ever watched Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, and you can recall a dinosaur scene…this is them! And, these Cabazon Dinosaurs are a couple of giant concrete dinosaurs that stick out in the desert landscape.

It’s not a stop you need to make lots of time for…we literally snapped some photos from the Burger King parking lot. Although, my 2-year old kept asking me how we could get up there! Nonetheless, if you ever pass through the area, it’s worth it to stop and snap a pic or two with Dinny the Dinosaur, a larger-than-life-sized Brontosaurus and a 100-ton Tyrannosaurus Rex named Mr. Rex. I promise it’s kind of DINO-mite! 😉

Dinosaur selfie in #Cabazon #dinosaur #familytravel #raefthomas #isaiahjoaquin #funnyfaces

A photo posted by Aubrey Aquino (@fifty3weeks) on

BTW…my kids are only casual dinosaur fans, we went to the Discover the Dinosaurs exhibit a few months back…but the Cabazon Dinos definitely caught their attention and it’s FREE!!

Toddlers x Weddings

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A toddler can add that little something extra to just about any event. Perhaps it’s the instant enthusiasm, never ending energy or just that wide-eyed innocence and the unassuming personality, but whatever it is, when there’s a toddler around, nothing is certain.

One event toddlers aren’t always welcome at is a wedding, many times these are “adult only” events, which is totally fine by me. However, my boys have had the opportunity to attend and be a part of two weddings already in their toddlerhood! Last year one of my sisters got married, and just last month, my brother also took the plunge. And — since we are family and my boys are the only nephews…they got to be ring bearers for each occasion.

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All that being said, my littles did great for both events, but I’m not gonna lie, it was slightly stressful for me to manage two super-active ring bearers. Some of the worries I had were, would they cooperate and wear the fancy clothes? Could they follow instructions and carry a pillow down the aisle? Are they going to smile for pictures? How will they fare during the ceremony?

I think everyone understands – or at least they should, that they are kids who can still count their number of years in this world on one hand, so imperfect behavior is acceptable. However, since I’ve now experienced 2 weddings with my 2 ring bearers, I figured I’d offer my tips on how to make the pairing of toddlers and weddings a little easier for the Moms (and Dads) in charge!

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Wait to change them. We didn’t stay at the hotel where the wedding was taking place, but I knew better than to put them in their “fancy” clothes before we got to the venue. Kids will be kids, and in my case, boys will be boys. I held off as long as I could before putting them in their monkey suits.

Plan their attire. In our case(s), the brides pretty much gave me some input on what they wanted the boys to wear, but they left it to me to make the ultimate decision. In our more recent wedding, it was a bit more formal, so I chose to keep the boys in slacks, vest and (clip on) bow ties with canvas sneakers, as opposed to jacket and dress shoes.

Talk it out. A lot of times, we don’t think our kids are paying attention, but they can hear you loud and clear. How they choose to respond is an entirely different subject. I found it really helped to start talking about the event way before it ever happened. Prep them for what to expect and get them excited about what it will look like, who’s going to be there and how important their job is at the event.

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Practice makes perfect. Well, practice helps, but you can never really be sure how they will react when the spotlight is on them. However, talking over the “directions,” walking it through at the venue and going over it a few times should make a difference. Note — my guys were easy breezy at the rehearsal, but when all the flower petals were laid, the music was playing and the room was full, they got a bit overwhelmed.

Pack snacks. If you have a toddler, this is a given all the time, and a wedding is no exception. I only wished I had stashed a couple applesauce packets or some fruit snacks in my purse during the ceremony… But yeah, sometimes the wait between ceremony and dinner reception can be a little much for your munchkin, so be prepared. We actually had leftover pizza from lunch to hold them over and then after the ceremony made sure to get them some crackers and juice to hold them over.

Don’t be too serious. It’s a wedding, it’s a “grown up” event, but be careful not to put too much pressure on a toddler or yourself. Chances are if they are in a wedding at such a young age they are family or very close to the bride and groom, and they will understand. Now, one of mine will probably provide some of the soundtrack to my brother’s ceremony, as he was a little overcome by his duties, but it’ll be okay.

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Be prepared for tears. Both of mine displayed a bit of waterworks at separate times during our last wedding event. One was embarrassed and let all his emotion go, while the other was caught off guard with the clapping and cheering when the bride was kissed and the new couple announced. So, have the tissue on tap because if you’re toddlers don’t need it, someone else in the crowd might.

Now, when it’s all said and done, have fun, let loose and take it out on the dance floor!

A video posted by Aubrey Aquino (@fifty3weeks) on

Haute Mom: Kayla Carrie

kayla1Name: Kayla Carrie
Children & Ages: Olivia (22 mos.) & Hudson (10 mos.)
Hometown/Current Location: Idaho
Quick Bio: Less than two years ago my first child came into this world!  I quickly realized that being a mother was everything to me, so I dropped all my other plans and made the decision to proudly accept the best job offer ever as “Stay at Home Mom”. I did so well on the job that I received a promotion! Two weeks after my daughter’s first birthday my sweet boy joined our party! I get plenty of comments and stares as I venture out with these two cuties… with a smile on my face I embrace it! I love finding the happiness in this messy mommy life!

Blog: www.goofsngiggles.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goofsngiggles/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goofsngiggles/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/goofsngiggles/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/goofsngiggles/

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Q: How do you balance being a Mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: Definitely connecting with other moms! Talking with other adults makes me feel like a person again. I may not always get time to myself but listening and talking about the beauties and difficulties of motherhood really helps me to stay sane and positive about motherhood. Thanks friends 😉

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: Do not fall for our culture’s lies about a mom’s worth! Your worth is not dependent on how much you can accomplish in a day or how put together your life seems. Your worth never changes! Each mother and child has infinite worth! Take your time and enjoy each small moment with your children. Embrace the mess and the lack of “accomplishment” you may feel as a mom. If you can avoid this trap your children will never have to question their worth either!

Q: As a Mommy what is it that you feel you do “right”?
A: I am really good at saying “I’m sorry”. I am the first to admit that I make LOTS of mommy (and wife) mistakes but I am also quick to recognize them and make amends. I hope my example teaches my kids that it is perfectly okay to not be perfect!

Q: What is your “go to” snack/toy/show/trick when your kids start to fuss?
A: The best thing I can do when my 22 month old daughter starts to tantrum is to give her a chore. She LOVES to help! I think kids do really well when they feel they can contribute and have some kind of control in their life.

Q: Share something you have learned about yourself since you became a Mom.
A: That being a mom is the most important thing I will ever do. That I can’t do it alone. That God loves me and will help me know how to take care of these beautiful children.

My Friend’s Child has Cancer…and it Hurts

Bad things happen to good people. What do you say when you find out a friend has been given a cancer diagnosis for her baby daughter? What can you do? How is it supposed to feel? These are questions that have been swirling in my head, ever since finding out my friend’s daughter is sick. I saw the Facebook post asking for prayers and I saw that they were (checked in) at a children’s hospital, and I knew something was very wrong. But, just the day before I saw the cute photo of her little girl playfully enjoying a sweet dessert, while out with the family.

All those quotes and sayings of how quickly life can take a turn and change for better (or worse), or that life is a gift and you only live once…

When I eventually got word of what had happened to turn their world upside down, I was speechless. They had to see a pediatric oncologist, that’s all I needed to hear. I believe that I am a good friend to a lot of people and I want to be the friend who is always available to lend an ear, a hand or a shoulder to cry on, but for the first time I didn’t know quite what to say. I kept my response brief, letting her know that I am thinking of her and her family, they are in my prayers and should they need anything, I am here.

Thankfully, they are loved with a huge network of family and friends, there is no shortage of prayers, support or well-wishes, and I am simply in awe of their composure, bravery and grace in what will be a very emotional and tough road ahead. However, there’s still a feeling inside me that wishes there was more I can do, instead of simply being inspired by their display of positivity and faith… And so, I decided I would write a letter to my friend and share it here on my blog.

#PrayForOurSamar #SamarStrong
#PrayForOurSamar #SamarStrong

Dear Anna,

My heart goes out to you and your family. I keep sitting here and thinking how difficult it must be, to learn your newly turned 2 daughter has tumors in her body. I remember when you prayed for her and you were doubtful you would be able to have a second child, and now here you are with 3, still on maternity leave from the birth of your third blessing.

You have always inspired me in ways you probably never knew. I’m so glad to have met you in college, not only do we share the same cultural background, but we pursued the same major and have remained good friends to this day. From traveling together to setting out on this journey of life, finding work in different states, we’ve always managed to only be a phone call away. We have shared so many good times together, a few not so good too, but what stands out to me is your smile, your infectious personality and positive attitude. I have witnessed you working hard to create a career for yourself, persevering to be with the love of your life and now fighting to have the family you always wanted.

I think it’s a combination of the fact that I am a fellow mommy, but also that you are a special friend to me. My heart is broken, I’m hurting for you and your little girl. I can’t begin to imagine the range of emotions you feel, and the countless thoughts crossing your mind, heart and spirit. And I know now is not the time for you to comfort anyone else…

I promise to keep your baby and your family in my prayers. I will send texts of support. I will like, love and comment on posts, because I know you and your husband say it’s those little things that mean so much. I will listen if you need my ear. 

But you must know that even in this short time that everything has happened and while you and your family continue to process the tremendous weight that’s been placed on your shoulders, I am already learning so much from you. Cherish your loved ones. Enjoy each moment we share with our children. Be brave, don’t be afraid to ask for prayers, support and love, that it’s okay to let others know what you’re going through.

I know that God is on your side. You are so strong and you need me to be strong too. Know that you are loved and you have a prayer warrior in me. Love you girl.

xoxo

Aubrey Anne

Haute Mom: Brittany Kelley

Processed with VSCOcam with hb1 presetName: Brittany Kelley
Child & Age: Connor, 17 Months
Hometown/Current Location: Los Angeles, California
Quick Bio: I’m a wife, mother, help desk technician, and Blogger. Born & raised in one of the most beautiful places, Southern California, has given me a multicultural outlook on life and an affinity for art, food, traveling & family (which I feature on my blog, www.livinglifekelley.com & Instagram @livinglifekelley). I have a B.S. degree in Information Systems Security but currently majoring in Motherhood! A sisterhood & journey I wasn’t sure I would be apart of one day, but now I can’t see my life any other way! I was a stay at home mom for the first 15 months of my daughter’s life, so I have recently embarked on a new chapter as a working mom. Although my #1 (& most fullfulling) job is being a mom, it’s been fun re-discovering myself in the work force and getting back to exploring my career dreams.

Q: What is your “go to” snack/toy/show/trick when your kids start to fuss?
A: Singing! My daughter loves to sing and dance so when she gets cranky I like putting on a little show for her. It almost immediately changes her demeanor and is a great stress reliever for both of us to let our hair down a little and have some fun! 🙂

Q: How do you balance being a Mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: This is a tough one for new moms that I think I only recently started to master. When you’re breastfeeding (I did for 16 months) and/or a SAHM (stay at home mom) it’s definitely harder to do. But what has helped me is finding at least one hour a day for me time. Before I returned to work I would intentionally stay up later (after my daughter was in bed) just to have some time to catch up on some reading or (more often) one of my favorite shows, or to get some QT with hubby. It’s also been healthy having time away from my daughter to go on regular date nights or so that she can spend quality time with her grandparents, cousins, and other family.

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Q: How would you describe your parenting style?
A: I like to “think outside of the box” so this definitely affects my parenting style. I am known for being very patient with my daughter and I believe in allowing her to explore things and places around her. I can already tell that in many ways she very observant and has an analytically mind (like me) and I like to cultivate that. As long something is not harmful to her, I try to let her explore or learn about it. I also try to follow her lead in a lot of ways too and don’t believe in forcing her into situations (or with people) she is not comfortable with (within reason).

Q: What’s your most memorable Mommy moment to date?
A: My most memorable mommy moment(s) to date have definitely been breastfeeding my daughter! It’s is one of the proudest badges of honor I have worn as a mother because it was at times so challenging! Yet it was one of the MOST fulfilling things I have ever done for someone else. As result, we have such a bond, and I know that I gave her my very best throughout her 1st year. She is very independent, smart & happy toddler and I know that that was a big contributing factor for us.

Q: Describe your “Haute Mom” (fashion) style!
A: LOL! My style is definitely evolving at the moment! I really just like to keep it simple, comfortable & classy! I feel like I’m just starting to get my style groove back since having my daughter. I’m currently really into statement necklaces and lipstick and find that they are easy ways to dress up an outfit. So my (self-imposed) uniform unusually consists of a neutral top, jeans, cute & comfortable flats or wedges & a popping necklace and lipstick. Violá!

Haute Mom: Kelsey Van Kirk

Kelsey Van KirkName: Kelsey Van Kirk
Children & Ages: Julianna (5) Sophia (4) Chloe (2) Isabel (1)
Hometown/Current Location: Charlotte, NC
Quick Bio: Hey there, I’m Kelsey – wife, mama to four princesses, founder of TheHomeLovingWife.com and inspirational life coach for women. I am super passionate about inspiring and empowering women to create and live grace-filled lives of balance, beauty, simplicity and success. I believe that snuggling, chocolate and wine are good for your health, laughter is the best medicine for the soul and in the amazing, transformative power of love. You can follow along with me on InstagramFacebookTwitter and Pinterest.

Q: How do you balance being a Mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: The biggest ways are by making sure to block out time in my life to do things I enjoy – things that fuel my soul. For me, fitness is huge. It makes me feel good about myself (not to mention gives me strength and energy, which every mama needs!) I also love to read, watch movies and enjoy time with my husband. Since launching my blog at the end of 2015 that has been a great way for me to reclaim a bit of who I was before having kids, while simultaneously incorporating who I am now into it. It’s given me a creative outlet that has also allowed me to pour into other women’s lives, which are two things that make me feel like me!

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: “You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.” Oh, and can I add another?? “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Time and time again I see moms fall into a nasty cycle of feeling a crushing burden to take care of everything and everyone before themselves – and it’s an equation that just doesn’t add up! We mamas have to remember that in order to give our best to our families, we have to give our best to ourselves first.

Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: I get my kids in on the action, and they love it! We used to go to our local YMCA for 2 hours a day (because, free childcare, hello?!) but recently we’ve temporarily become a one-car household, so I’ve had to get creative. I will put on fun music and get the girls to join me for a dance party or I’ll put on a fitness DVD for them to do along with me. I find that including them is the only way I will get at-home workouts done. I’m just not motivated enough during this season to take the time for fitness when they’re all asleep! It’s working for now – but I do look forward to being able to get back to the gym. Although we will ALWAYS have our dance parties!

Van Kirk Family 2015

Q: How would you describe your parenting style?
A: I’ll be the first to admit that I struggle with being a helicopter parent – even now, after having 4 kids. You’d think I would have relaxed by now! I’ve always struggled with perfectionism and have many OCD tendencies, so it’s a daily challenge for me to allow my kids to try things and make mistakes instead of just doing everything for them. But my biggest parenting “philosophy”, if you will, is to be real. I am 100% honest and open with my kids about everything. I explain when I’m having a tough time and why and try to always take personal responsibility and apologize when I’ve been cranky or had a bad attitude. I want my kids to learn about life the way it really is so they know how to manage their own expectations, and I want them to learn how to effectively communicate with people. In our family we are all about teaching our kids to do everything motivated from a place of love and grace. And when we don’t get it right, we make it right.

Q: What’s your most memorable Mommy moment to date?
A: This might seem strange, but each of my birth experiences are what stick out. I absolutely loved childbirth because not only was it an incredibly intimate and connected experience with each of my children, but it also showed me how strong I could be and what I could overcome. I fought fiercely for my kids and knew after each of my births that I could do, would do anything for them.

Q: As a Mommy what is it that you feel you do “right”?
A: I think I’m good at communicating about life with my kids, while still nurturing their sense of curiosity and wonder. I love that they know they can come to me with questions and trust my responses. And I love that they seem to feel safe and loved no matter what they do.

Q: Share something you have learned about yourself since you became a Mom.
A: I grew up thinking of myself as being very fragile – like one day I might break under the weight of life. But becoming a mom has shown me time and time again how truly strong I am. I’ve overcome so much and fought to grow and adapt and become the person I am today. I never in a million years dreamed that I could be as strong as I feel now.

Q: Describe your “Haute Mom” (fashion) style!
A: I am all about having good style, no matter if you are a mama who spends all your time at home, or if you go out into the world on the daily. For me personally, I love wearing pieces that are super cute and super functional. I’m all about comfort. I love my leggings and skinny jeans, cute and comfy tops and sweaters, and I adore a good sundress! My style can be pretty eclectic too. I like to mix classic and minimalist styles with a bit of rocker edge and some boho glam thrown in there for good measure!

Fun SoCal Stops with Kids

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On our recent trip to SoCal (we live in NorCal), the main focus of our trip was Anaheim aka Disneyland! There’s may ways to enjoy Orange County and while a trip to the Disneyland Resort and theme parks can easily fill more than a few days, there is more to do and see in the area. A couple of my good girlfriends live in the area and since we were there… we visited with them, and they also provided the ideas on a couple of family-friendly fun spots the kids were sure to enjoy.

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First up the Irvine Spectrum Center. Located in Irvine, this is essentially an outdoor shopping mall…BUT it has so much more. Beyond the shops, there’s an awesome (free) outdoor play area resembling a pirate ship.

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There’s also a Carousel, Giant Wheel and Kiddie Train. You have to purchase tickets to enjoy these attractions, we chose to test out the carousel.

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And — when it comes to food choices. There are several restaurants at the center, from fast, food-court style options to casual sit down and more sophisticated dining too. We ended up at Red Robin, hence the balloons! I spied more than few sweet/dessert spots too.

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My friends both commented how it’s a nice place to hang out in the summer when the days are hot and the nights stay warm. There’s lots of room for the kids to roam and open grass areas too.

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What visit to Southern California would be complete without a trek to the beach! Being there at the end of February, you never know if it’ll be warm enough to go, but since we had rockin’ weather, we decided to bust out the swimwear and hit the coast. My friend recommended Corona del Mar Beach at Inspiration Point, which is in the Newport Beach area.

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It was a beautiful stretch of sand, and the waves were perfect for our toddlers. Since technically it was still winter, there wasn’t much of a crowd and we had lots of room to play. The water was cold, but you know kids, they don’t care! So they got their feet wet, jumped some waves and played around. Good thing Dad was game to go in… I got to sit in the sand and just watch.

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There is a parking lot adjacent to the beach, but we just parked along Ocean Blvd. It is a residential street, but we found free parking no problem. We also got in some good exercise because it’s a very long steep staircase down from the street down to the beach and then the climb back up too.

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Overall, so glad we got the chance to explore off the Disneyland strip and enjoy more of what SoCal has to offer.