Friday, April 1, 2016

Baby Season

Baby season has arrived in Costa Rica or maybe it's just something in my head.  But it seems like there are a lot of people that I know that are pregnant right now: a neighbor, hubby's work friend and about 3 people in hubby's family (one just gave birth about 2 weeks ago).

I love baby season mainly because I love baby showers.  I love shopping for baby gifts (baby stuff is so CUTE).  I love attending baby showers because the food is always on point.  I love watching the mom to be open her shower gifts because I am nosy and want to see what she got.  And I love baby shower games (I may be the only person ready to admit this but I do.)

So when we got our first invite to the first baby shower of the season, I was stoked.  Well, technically it was the second invite but the other one was in Boston and of course, we couldn't attend that one for obvious reasons.  Then yesterday I got my second official invite (I had already RSVP'd to the Facebook invitation online).  So now I have to think about what I want to buy the baby for a shower gift.

I am always one to put a little thought behind my baby shower gift.  I have to admit I like when my gift is the best one (or up there with the best gifts, something the parents to be can truly appreciate).  If it's a family member I like to spend a little more money and thought on the gift (especially if I don't have to pay a fee to attend the shower...)

The first baby shower is this Saturday and I am pretty excited.  They are work friends of hubby's and I only met them once but this is the second shower we have been invited to by hubby's work friends. I like when co-workers include hubby in their personal lives, especially when it also extends to his family.  So of course we will be attending and of course I want to get them a really nice gift.

Now, in Costa Rica, people mainly gift clothes: it's easier, less expensive and it's something babies need and parents appreciate.  So with that thought, I don't want to give clothes.  I am pretty certain they will be getting plenty of tiny, cute baby clothes for their first born child.  For me, I like to gift outside the norm and get them other necessities like a baby bath tub or a huge box of diapers.  Or fun stuff like a baby gym or bouncy chair.

Now, I do have a budget and it's usually a little less for acquaintances and friends than it is for family members but with my budget, I tend to find a plethora of really cute and out of the box gifts for new parents, thing that other people would never think to give or things the parents themselves would never think to buy. So even though clothes are a necessary option, I want my gift to be just a little bit more special than that.  We shall see what I end up buying.




Friday, March 25, 2016

Happy Easter

It's Easter time already, which means Spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner (well, for north America... here in Central America Costa Rica, we are full bloom into summer and getting ready for the rainy season).  But all the same, that is what Easter time means to me.  Not to be confused with the real meaning of Easter, of course, which is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Besides teaching my kids about the true meaning of Easter (I don't get too religious, just straight to the point), we have a  few traditions that I like to celebrate.  In my house, I like to make Easter baskets for the kids (which I try to keep simple but fun).  I also do a fun scavenger egg hunt along with a nice meal (french toast for breakfast and breaded fish or baked chicken for lunch).

This year I was ahead of the game with my baskets and got the majority of the kids' Easter goodies a few weeks ago.  I tried to stay within a reasonable budget, because as you may know, I am a frugal fanny.  I also tried not to go overboard (after all, its not Christmas).  I have to say, I think I did really good this year and am excited for the kids to receive their baskets.  As for the scavenger hunt, we do it a little differently.  The eggs are filled with picture clues that lead the kids to their hidden baskets and every year the kids have a blast.  My oldest son is too old to participate in the egg hunt but this year he'll help me hide them, which is a nice change.

Another change this year: I won't be making Easter 'brunch' because, as luck would have it, we got invited to hubby's cousin's house for Easter dinner where we'll color eggs and maybe do another egg hunt.  This is the second time we'll be heading to their house for Easter.  And I have to admit that I am SUPER excited about that.  I love celebrating the holidays with other family members when we can.

As for the kids' baskets, I need to toot my own horn and say the items inside are pretty dope.  For my oldest, who, like I said, is getting a bit too old for all this Easter 'stuff', I just made him a simple basket filled mainly with practical items like socks and underwear and a toothbrush.  And of course some candy, which is all he wants for Easter. I also was able to sneak in two DVD's that he's been wanting; Captain America Winter Soldier and Xmen Days of Future Past.

For the middle kids, they got a bit more of the 'fun stuff', because they are still little and they still love Easter and all that it entails.  I got them sidewalk chalk, a popsicle mold set, books, some chocolate, play dough, stamps, water bottles, some dinnerware items and a few items specific to their individual likes and interests.  My daughter, for instance, got a Sofia the first mini board game set and a Cinderella pen.  My middle son got some binoculars and an Antman lego set.  And the baby of the bunch, my 2 1/2 year old, got a snack catcher cup, a toy cell phone and rubber soccer ball.  I know they will love everything.

I hope you all have a safe, happy and fun filled Easter.   And may the good Lord bless you in all that you do.

Friday, March 18, 2016

Dealing With Lice!!!

Just the word alone makes my skin crawl.  Those tiny, gross, parasitic creatures that live in your hair and suck the blood from your scalp.  Yes... I am dealing with LICE!!!

Not me, but my kids... no, kid.  This is the second year in a row I have had to deal with those damn bugs.  Gross, I know.  But it's definitely not my fault and I am pissed.

I have been a mother for almost 16 years and I had to deal with lice for the first time last year, when my middle son came home from school with a head full.  I freaked out, of course (naturally), then got to work.  I google searched everything I needed to know about lice and how to get rid of them.  I had no idea how to deal with those disgusting creatures if not for the internet.  Everyone has a quick home remedy that's supposed to cure lice, but diligent research is key to knowing how to deal with the bugs.

After last year's incident, I did not want to have to deal with lice ever again.  But alas, life is not so easy.  I blame the school.  Or more truthfully, I blame the mom who sent her kid to school with lice.  Why don't these parents take better care of their kids.  Every single year since my kids have been at this school, there has been a notice (or two or three) about a lice outbreak.  Is it me or does it seem like the school has a hygiene issue.  I know the school can't check every head of every child so I know it's not technically their fault, but it still makes me mad that I have to send my kids to a school that seems to have a lice problem EVERY SINGLE YEAR!

So when my son came home today with lice AGAIN, I got to work (after freaking out first, again, naturally).  I was not going to have an outbreak in MY house.  Thankfully he won't have to go back to school next week as all the schools are closed for Easter break.  But I will be making sure that he does not come home with lice again.  And I'm taking measures to make sure of that.  I just hope it works.

Friday, March 11, 2016

Feeling Hopeful

Everyone looks forward to positive changes at the start of every new year and for us, it's no different. We look forward to great things happening to our family and to us as individuals.  We look forward to achieving our personal goals and goals we set for our family.   For me, it's always being a better person (mom, wife, friend) and helping to make my family and home life run smoother, better and more efficient without feeling stressed out.  It's also accomplishing goals I set for myself, like being a healthier version of myself in every way: mental and physical.  And helping our family on the right path to financial freedom.

My husband recently (or not so recently) started his own business (his third attempt).  A startup business or company takes time, effort, MONEY!  And most of all dedication.  He is determined this time to make it work.  There are so many factors riding on the success of any business and you have to accept everything that comes with becoming a business owner.  Getting started can be a pain in the rear and keeping a small business going can be an even bigger pain in the rear.  But if you succeed, the pay off is immeasurable.

Pure Life TV is the brainchild of my hubby and it seems to be on the right track to success.  Already, the business has done great things.  First of all, let me tell you what it is.  Pure Life TV is all things Costa Rica.  It's events, concerts, activities, gatherings, artist interviews, etc.  Any event of importance that happens in Costa Rica, Pure Life TV wants to be there... and so far they have (for the most part).

What it is mostly is a videography business, where the camera crew (my husband and about 2 other people, both volunteers who want to get in on the ground up and grow with the company) film important events around Costa Rica.  Events like The Kymani Marley concert in Puerto Viejo.  The Elephant Man concert at Peppers Club.  The MMA Fight at UACA University.  And it's not just concerts or sponsored events; baby showers, sweet 15, weddings; Pure Life TV does it all.

So why do I feel so hopeful?  Because I feel like this is the year for Pure Life Tv.  In a short amount of time, my husband has not only managed to start a business and secure a helping crew; he has also made a lot of really important contacts in the industry he's trying to break into.  He's made a lot of important and powerful allies: DJ Herbalist (one of the top DJs in Costa Rica), Artist Jahricio, The owners of Peppers Club and The hard Rock cafe, and many others.  And this didn't happen because he had the money to get in the door, this happened because he had the drive and the talent to make it happen.

So bottom line:  Make 2016 your year.  Go after your dreams.  Why wait?  There will be no tomorrow,  it's all about today.  My husband has made me realize that, so starting today, I will be trying to go after my dreams.  Wish me luck.

Friday, March 4, 2016

March Mayhem

We've finally hit the month of March and it has been a whirlwind for sure.  First off, it's my oldest son's birthday month.  My first born baby boy will be turning 16 years of age on the 28th, so of course, I had to plan a celebration to mark such a special occasion and milestone in all our lives.

He is a teenager, so a themed party was out of the question.  But we had to do something different (not another restaurant birthday dinner) AND it had to be FUN!  I threw a few ideas out for him to choose from and he finally picked one, which makes me so excited...maybe even more than him.

We'll be celebrating his birthday the weekend before his actual birthDAY at a place in Costa Rica called SKYJUMP (https://www.facebook.com/SKY-JUMP-348592975255794/), just the fam and two of his good friends from school.

It was initially my hubby's idea and it looks like a ton of fun.  So the floor is just one big trampoline and you can do flips, jumps and just have a good ole' time. Then, as per my request, we'll have a small birthday celebration at home after we've jumped our brains out with cake, ice-cream sandwiches and some fast food (burgers, sandwiches, fries...)

Second of all, Easter falls on the 27th of March this year.  So on top of my son's birthday celebration, we'll also be celebrating Easter as well.

Easter is not a big "to-do" in my house, but we look forward to this special holiday every year because we have our little traditions that we all really enjoy.  Just about every year, I set up an Easter scavenger egg hunt for the kids.  They have to look for eggs to find the clues that will lead them to their baskets.  And, of course, they have the baskets themselves!  What would Easter be without Easter baskets?  (Well, it would still be Easter, but I'm just sayin').

I like to make sure that I pack a few really fun goodies in the kids' baskets for Easter for them to enjoy, along with some chocolates and a few pieces of candy.  Not too much candy but enough to make it special. I never go overboard with Easter but somehow, it always seems like such a special and magical day.  And to top it all off, I make a really nice Linner (lunch/dinner) for the family to enjoy.  I haven't set my menu yet, but I am sure whatever I make will be enjoyed by all.

Friday, February 26, 2016

Back To School

Back to school life in Costa Rica.  Yes, it's me.  Hello!  I have made a new year promise to myself to blog more and so as of today, I will be trying to write a new blogpost once a week... I have it written in my new planner (which I am loving) to keep me accountable.  So far, so good.  This is post numero uno of that new year promise.  So le'go!!!

The kids started a new school year about 2 weeks ago.  In Costa Rica, the typical school year runs from he start of February to around the end of November, first week or so in December for most schools.  If you have the dough and can afford to send your kid to an American style private school, then the year runs about the same as schools in the states, generally from August to May.

Anyway, for my kids, they follow the Costa Rican school year calendar, which means we were in full back to school prep mode at the end of January.  I went through and got rid of all non-essential paper work from the previous year, organized and re-did their "school" section in the all purpose room and set up a system for backpack storage. Then there was a lot of shopping.  A LOT of shopping.  Getting all of their supplies (which, as of today, I have all of their school supplies...YAY!!!)  And labeling EVERYTHING!

The particular school that my kids attend did not give us a school supply list at the end of the school year last year, so I did very little shopping before hand.  Book bags, lunch bags and a few basic essentials were purchased before the kids actually went back to school but the majority of their school supply needs were purchase once they actually started school and got the list from their respective teachers:  my daughter is in grade 3 and my son is in grade 2... my older son is currently in grade 8, taking  the 3 classes he needs to go on to 9th grade (that is a whole other story).

So there you have it.  A new year, a new school year and new challenges ahead.  I do worry for my 2nd grader.  This year will be his first time taking exams and I know it will be a struggle for him.  I do pray!  I may have to hire a tutor though as he is very similar to his older brother but a little less advanced. My daughter, as usual, is excelling.  So no worries there... yet.  I just hope I don't get too overwhelmed. I tell you, this having multiple kids in school at the same time "thing" is still definitely an adjustment.  Gone are the days of just ONE  parent/teacher meeting.  Or having to attend one event for the one kid.  It is multiple meetings, multiple events.  Everything times 2.  And soon, as little man grows up, it will be three.  Lord help me!

I am excited though, for this new year.  It's a chance for me to do things even better than I did them last year... it's always like a do-over, every new year, right?  So I look forward to the new year ahead, the new and exciting challenges, the new events and the fun that is sure to come.  I also expect tough times and difficult decisions to be made.  I expect the stress that comes with having kids in school.  But I do pray I can handle it with grace.  We shall see.  Until next time....ciao!


Friday, December 4, 2015

It Has Been FAAAAAAAAR Too Long

Hey there, long time no write.  Man have I gotten lazy with my blogging.  But as it is December and we're about to come upon yet another new year, I think I should try to make and stick to a new years resolution:  to blog more.  So here is my first blog in, oh, too many months.

What's new?  So much.  To start: my baby (yeah remember him), well, he is a two years old now.  I know... mind BLOWN!

It's December...did I already say that?  Well, it is.  And you know what happens in December?  CHRISTMAS!!! My absolute favorite time of year (next to Thanksgiving, which we celebrated this year with about 30 or so family and friends...it was awesome).

So as it is December and Christmas is roughly about 3 or so weeks away, I'll tell you what I have planned or what I have done so far for the month of yule tide giving.

I finally bought tickets to The Nutcracker this year for myself and my 8 1/2 year old daughter.  I am so excited to share this experience with her.  It will be a first time for the both of us and I cannot wait.  That's happening next week.

I got new stockings for the kids and they are beautiful:  they have the kids pictures, names and the year 2015 on them and they are awesome.

Another school year has come and gone:  kids are on vacation and will be attending their Christmas parties in the upcoming days. Oh, and they all passed the year, thankfully.

Side note:  my daughter got the Chicken Pox last week.  She's better now but that was a bit scary.

Side note:  My 7 year old got lice this year (EWWWWW).  He got it at school and so that was an ordeal to deal with because I had never dealt with lice before.

And then Christmas gifts.  I am happy to say that I am done shopping for my kids for the big day.  I know, ah-maaazing.  I started in September and finished up the last of the gifts last month.  YAY me.  I feel so accomplished.  It feels good to be done this early.  Now to be fair, the kids lists were very simple this year so their gifts were less expensive.  But still, being done is being done no matter if I spent $500 or $50.

And finally, we are heading to the beach for a proper family vacation.  We took a few this year (well two this year) but they were shorter trips.  We want a BIG vacation...like 4 to 5 days at least.  So we'll see how far our budget can stretch of family of 6.

Hope to blog again soon...tata! ;)