This is the result! Andrésaurus and his Tyrannosaurus are happy and my pocket too. I'm looking forward to improve it little by little with some DIY craft work.
The journey of my boys.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
DINOROOM
June 5, 2012
How to decorate a boy's room and not die trying? In Switzerland we don't have a lot of options for a fun and innovative children's room decoration. I guess because everything is too expensive. I have more limitations as well. First, I didn't want to buy just hackneyed Ikea children's furniture. Second André wanted a Dinoroom because he's still obsessed with dinosaurs. Not as easy as a cars theme. And third, I didn't have enough budget to change the existent blue walls and furniture. So I decided to buy online thematic deco objects at Jojo's site, paste removable stickers to the furniture and add murals on the walls.
This is the result! Andrésaurus and his Tyrannosaurus are happy and my pocket too. I'm looking forward to improve it little by little with some DIY craft work.
This is the result! Andrésaurus and his Tyrannosaurus are happy and my pocket too. I'm looking forward to improve it little by little with some DIY craft work.
CHILDREN'S DAY MBA
June 1, 2012
Children's Day is different almost in each country. Unicef has a different day also for the International Children's Day. World Children's Day is on November 20th to protect children for working in bad conditions. Anyway in our family, we celebrate Children's Day (Día del Niño) on June 1st, ant this year we took advantage that we had a wonderful weather.
We started the day with brunch in a cowboy & indians restaurant. Then, we bought for the kids an inflatable pool so they spent the afternoon splashing and laughing. In the meanwhile, my hubby started to build his next project for the children: an amazing wood playground that I'll show later.
In this important day, we all adults should try to impersonate our children, as they have valuable lessons to teach us. My children probably don't know how to behave properly yet, but they're so freaking happy! We should be watching our kids, not just for proper parental supervision, but to learn how to be as happy. It's actually wise to try to catch some of their self-esteem and confidence, their ability to make friends quickly without worries to be rejected, their honesty to tell what they think, their curiosity to learn about almost everything, their desire to do things just for pleasure and don't for hidden purposes, their indifference for prices and brands, their disinhibition as they're not at all afraid to show their feelings. They do fight, but when it's over, it's over, they don't keep resentments or stay mad for months or even gossip about their friends. They, our little kids, can see the best in people!
We started the day with brunch in a cowboy & indians restaurant. Then, we bought for the kids an inflatable pool so they spent the afternoon splashing and laughing. In the meanwhile, my hubby started to build his next project for the children: an amazing wood playground that I'll show later.
In this important day, we all adults should try to impersonate our children, as they have valuable lessons to teach us. My children probably don't know how to behave properly yet, but they're so freaking happy! We should be watching our kids, not just for proper parental supervision, but to learn how to be as happy. It's actually wise to try to catch some of their self-esteem and confidence, their ability to make friends quickly without worries to be rejected, their honesty to tell what they think, their curiosity to learn about almost everything, their desire to do things just for pleasure and don't for hidden purposes, their indifference for prices and brands, their disinhibition as they're not at all afraid to show their feelings. They do fight, but when it's over, it's over, they don't keep resentments or stay mad for months or even gossip about their friends. They, our little kids, can see the best in people!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
FLOWERS FOR BREAKFAST
May 28, 2012
A good friend of mine invited us over for a brunch, so André wanted to bring her some flowers. We were in the task to collect some beautiful flowers when suddenly a back window opened in front of us and my hubby scared the hell of André. We were laughing long time about this.
I decided to add to the flores a quickly scrapbook card with this picture.
Switzerland is not just cows, clocks and chocolates, it's also a paradise of flowers. You can find beautiful flowers blooming everywhere. The national flower is the Edelweiss, which grows high in the Alps. This little silvery and hairy flower is the national symbol and a real alpine celebrity. You can find it to market all kind of Swiss product, but its real origins come from the Himalayas.
CAROUSEL PARTY
May 21, 2012
We threw a Carousel Party for the first birthday of Adrien. Most of the decoration and food was hand made by me. I'll explain in detail below each one of the elements we had.
In addition, we had a real carousel as the main attraction for the children. It was a blast!!
It was also a windy day, so I couldn't take the best pictures. But we were so lucky that in a week full or raindrops, we had the whole day a bright and shiny sun. Thanks God!FROGS, BUGS AND PUPPETS
May 17, 2012
We took the children for a puppet show about racism and prejudices which I found with great content and message!
I found great as well their Gymboree clothes. I bought for them several matching outfits that I'll be posting asap. The best part of Adrien's outfit? Its green frogs match with the children bathroom. What could be more fun than a fizzy amphibian with big green lips all around bath time? ;)
BOYISH MOTHER'S DAY
May 13, 2012
What a better way to celebrate Mother's Day than surrounded by some of my favorite boys. We had lunch with my in-laws in Lausanne, and Adrien played all day long with his cousin Matéo.
I'm glad I have "only" 3 children. My grandmother Elba had 12 children! But do you know that a Russian woman had 69 children? According to the Guinness Book of Records, during 27 pregnancies she gave birth to 16 pairs of twins, 7 set of triplets and 4 set of quadruplets.
I correct: I'm relieved that I have only 3 children...
I'm glad I have "only" 3 children. My grandmother Elba had 12 children! But do you know that a Russian woman had 69 children? According to the Guinness Book of Records, during 27 pregnancies she gave birth to 16 pairs of twins, 7 set of triplets and 4 set of quadruplets.
I correct: I'm relieved that I have only 3 children...
FASHIONISTA PARTY
May 2, 2012
Some days after her birthday, Abu (grandma) came back to Switzerland. Adrien and I received her with a little Fashionista Party for just the three of us. We had some fat-free Weight Watchers cupcakes with shoes, bags and lipstick candles. She was surprised and it was truly fun!
We mixed fashion and chocolate in this Shopoholic and Chocoholic little party for our favorite girl.
With all that pink and glitter, Adrien wanted to wear tougher colors.
With all that pink and glitter, Adrien wanted to wear tougher colors.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
MOMMY MAKEOVER
April 28, 2012
It was the birthday of "abu" (grandma), but she was away having fun in a Cruise around the Scandinavian countries. Adrien sent her this sweet postcard in Spanish.
That day we went to visit daddy's plastic surgery center and then to an outdoor cafe, taking advantage of the sunny weather. I hope we'll have more days full of sunshine to warm our hearts.
I guess people think that because my hubby is a plastic surgeon I should look better. The truth is, as any other mom, I have to diet and exercise as a regular basis, because there is a little detail missing: he's a SWISS plastic surgeon. That means, he likes a woman to look natural, so doesn't want that I look like the cliché "plastic surgeon's wife".
It's not a secret that pregnancies, childbirths and breastfeeding are hard for any woman's body. Would you consider a Mommy Makeover to restore your pre-pregnancy body? A Mommy Makeover is one or several esthetic procedures custom designed to solve this needs. According with my hubby, it's better to wait a year after breastfeeding to give the body the time to recover. Also, be aware that surgery is not a solution for overweight. Plastic surgery removes fat that won't responde to diet or exercise. Having saying that, the most common Mommy Makeover's procedures are the following:
Breast: could be a lift, a reduction, or an augmentation (to restaure lost volumen).
Tummy: Abdominoplasty or Liposuction. Liposuction can also work for other areas.
With any surgery, you need someone to assist you with the children because bending and lifting are restricted during the post-op recovery period. I guess then, that is the real reason why I'm still in the wait list!
For more tips, check his facebook page.
GANGWAY FOR A NAVAL OFFICER!
April 22, 2012
Dear friends from Nyon invited us over for a bbq. We had the great idea to go by boat instead of by car, crossing the Léman Lake. André was so excited as he loves boats :)
Switzerland has several nice lakes with breathtaking views to the mountains and fancy boats on them. However, my favorite is Léman Lake. It's 70 km long and is skirted by vineyards and beautiful sun-drenched towns with shoreside castles and an amazing view to the Alps.
There are a variety routes that you can choose. For example, the Upper Lake (Haute Lac) trough to Lausanne. There are cruises with fancy restaurants for shorter excursions. My favorite routes are towards the beautiful French towns of Yvoire (a medieval town) and Evian-les-Bains.
To learn more about boat schedules and the trip/meal cruise options, visit this website.
Switzerland has several nice lakes with breathtaking views to the mountains and fancy boats on them. However, my favorite is Léman Lake. It's 70 km long and is skirted by vineyards and beautiful sun-drenched towns with shoreside castles and an amazing view to the Alps.
There are a variety routes that you can choose. For example, the Upper Lake (Haute Lac) trough to Lausanne. There are cruises with fancy restaurants for shorter excursions. My favorite routes are towards the beautiful French towns of Yvoire (a medieval town) and Evian-les-Bains.
To learn more about boat schedules and the trip/meal cruise options, visit this website.
EGG-STRA SPECIAL EASTER!
April 19, 2012
Back to Switzerland, after the Spring break, we're all still recovering from a trip with too much fun. So we're planning on taking it slow this week.
I'm now uploading some pictures from before the break. When the family had an Easter get-together in a charming relative's chalet in the Swiss woods. It was a cold day, so we took just a few pictures in the surroundings before to head straight to the warm fireplace to eat chocolate eggs. Easter is the only time when it's perfectly safe to put all your eggs in a basket ;)
I'm now uploading some pictures from before the break. When the family had an Easter get-together in a charming relative's chalet in the Swiss woods. It was a cold day, so we took just a few pictures in the surroundings before to head straight to the warm fireplace to eat chocolate eggs. Easter is the only time when it's perfectly safe to put all your eggs in a basket ;)
ONCE UPON A TIME...
April 15, 2012
During our trip to Germany, we went to the civil wedding of a cousin. There, André fell in love with a cute little German girl. Since he saw her, he called her "my princess". It seems that the "coup de foudre" was in both sides and they didn't separate from each other the whole day :)
GERMAN CRUSADE
April 12, 2012
Friday, July 13, 2012
LEATHER WEATHER
March 31, 2012
This crazy weather can be scary for children, and indeed for parents. Kids have to dress well for confort and movement so I usually use the approach of layers. You know what people say: "No bad weather, only bad clothing".
Here a mix of Adrien's pics of these last two difficult months. In the first picture, we had a parents meeting at his brother school and Adrien loved it!! He's wearing a D&G navy leather jacket.
CHOCOLATE BUNNY
March 26, 2012
Spring has sprung and Easter break is coming soon. André had a celebration at his school before Easter. This time of the year is a big deal in Switzerland and you can see chocolate bunnies and eggs EVERY WHERE. Nobody can compete with the Swiss when it comes with Easter chocolates consumption. The Swiss eat 12 kilos of chocolate per person, per year, and Easter chocolate consumption starts even in February... Oh My...
Having said that, of course my son was pretty excited with the day ahead, while we were waiting for the school bus to arrive.
Having said that, of course my son was pretty excited with the day ahead, while we were waiting for the school bus to arrive.
I forgot my camera so I took these pictures with my iPhone. Because of the bad quality, I used this filter of Pho.To to actually make more interesting the pictures and give them a vintage chocolate touch ;)
ANDRESAURUS
March 19, 2012
Andresaurus, the terror of the dinosaurs, went to a dino park in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Oh boy... big is beautiful! He had a wonderful time exploring the fascinating world or this prehistoric animals. Since then, he's driving us crazy with his dinosaurs addiction... somebody help us!!
LA VITA E BELLA!
March 7, 2012
Searching the Internet for good restaurants in Bergamo, I found this list of the Top 10 Italian Food Blogs. I know that I'll come back with extra killos, but I'm sure it will be all worth.
BTW, my favorite Italian restaurant in Geneva is Les Tilleuls, located in the street of the same name. Great quality-price-service-children friendly for Geneva's standards... if you know what I mean ;)
I'm going to stop this post now because my mouth is watering and my stomach growls!
Oh yes, life is beautiful in Italy!! We went four days to Bergamo in order to accompany my hubby to a Plastic Surgery Congress there. Adrien and I spent our days strolling the beautiful city of Bergamo and the nights all the family had dinner together in lovely restaurants. The last day we visited my cousins that live there before to heading back to Geneva.
I have a deep love for Italian food! Each time that I happen to travel to this country, I look forward to eating as much as possible and discover new places for the best pizza, gelato, tiramisu and pasta.Searching the Internet for good restaurants in Bergamo, I found this list of the Top 10 Italian Food Blogs. I know that I'll come back with extra killos, but I'm sure it will be all worth.
BTW, my favorite Italian restaurant in Geneva is Les Tilleuls, located in the street of the same name. Great quality-price-service-children friendly for Geneva's standards... if you know what I mean ;)
I'm going to stop this post now because my mouth is watering and my stomach growls!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
VINTAGE TREASURES
February 28, 2012
Adrien is 9 months old and his great-grandfather Otti, of 96 years old, came for lunch to celebrate this special day. Otti is a special person that speaks several languages, has written a book and even has a Facebook profile. He's pretty active on the social media!
Adrien is the only of his six great-grandchildren that got his blue eyes, and is the only one who lives in Geneva as well, so they're very close. May God give them many days together!
Adrien is the only of his six great-grandchildren that got his blue eyes, and is the only one who lives in Geneva as well, so they're very close. May God give them many days together!
CHRISTENING IN THE VATICAN
February 23, 2012
After having Adrien's Christening, I just couldn't help but to remember the baptism of my other son André. It was held in the best venue in the world to have a Christening: The Vatican.
We were so lucky that we were accepted! We were living in Dubai at that time, where André was born, and we traveled to Italy for his magical Christening. The ceremony was in English and Italian by a priest from Philippines in december 2007. André was three months old and his sister Aimée was the godmother.
André had such a good luck that after the ceremony, the Pope Benedict looked out a window to give the blessing.
We were so lucky that we were accepted! We were living in Dubai at that time, where André was born, and we traveled to Italy for his magical Christening. The ceremony was in English and Italian by a priest from Philippines in december 2007. André was three months old and his sister Aimée was the godmother.
André had such a good luck that after the ceremony, the Pope Benedict looked out a window to give the blessing.
MOVING ON UP, MOVING ON OUT
February 19, 2012
We're in the process of moving to our new house... a very difficult and thorough time. But at the same time, it's exciting to wait for our new live. Our new house even has a name: El Dorado :)
This illustration is from Angéline Mélin, a French talented artist... check out her work here. I love her blog
This illustration is from Angéline Mélin, a French talented artist... check out her work here. I love her blog
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!
February 14, 2012
"I claim there aren't another Saint as great as Valentine" - Nash
Feeling thankful for all the love that surrounds me. May you all get so much love that fill your hearts with happiness!
André: brown pull (old)
Adrien Grain de Blé bunny snowsuit
TOO COLD TO THINK
February 7, 2012
The weather is terrible, the temperatures are freezing, the internet signal is collapsing therefore... and of course the children get sick... Oh My!!
Here are some pics of André before and after a visit to the doctor and then to my hubby's medical office before going back to home.
I'm not a fan of medication, neither for adults or children. I prefer natural medicine, and I'm a huge fan of a children vitamin called Emulsion Scott. Basically, it's cod liver oil and yes, the taste is weird, but children seem to like it. I've been given it to my children since they were babies and my own experience is that it makes them stronger, healthier and TALLER. I'm not joking, my older children, Aimée and André are a lot taller than other children of the same age (17 and 4 years old), and I don't think I have good height genes. If this hypothesis works with my new baby Adrien as well, I'll come back to you.
Anyway, it's a rich natural source of vitamins A and D, calcium, sodium, etc, which help to build a barrier against infections, such as colds and coughs. Also, is good for bones development and strong teeth.
If you can't find it in regular supermarkets or pharmacies, you could always buy it in Amazon.
Here are some pics of André before and after a visit to the doctor and then to my hubby's medical office before going back to home.
I'm not a fan of medication, neither for adults or children. I prefer natural medicine, and I'm a huge fan of a children vitamin called Emulsion Scott. Basically, it's cod liver oil and yes, the taste is weird, but children seem to like it. I've been given it to my children since they were babies and my own experience is that it makes them stronger, healthier and TALLER. I'm not joking, my older children, Aimée and André are a lot taller than other children of the same age (17 and 4 years old), and I don't think I have good height genes. If this hypothesis works with my new baby Adrien as well, I'll come back to you.
Anyway, it's a rich natural source of vitamins A and D, calcium, sodium, etc, which help to build a barrier against infections, such as colds and coughs. Also, is good for bones development and strong teeth.
If you can't find it in regular supermarkets or pharmacies, you could always buy it in Amazon.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
BIRD-CAGE CHRISTENING
January 29, 2012
This month we had something wonderful for our little family, the Christening of our baby Adrien. It was celebrated at the old St Georges church of Hermance, Geneva, by Father Anton. The father came from Zurich for the Christening and applied oil consecrated for the Pope to Adrien. A relative played the antique organ of the XVIII century during the ceremony.
We made a little reception at home with a French vintage bird-cage theme. Most of the decoration was made by myself. We had classic French songs and a saxophone interlude.
We made a little reception at home with a French vintage bird-cage theme. Most of the decoration was made by myself. We had classic French songs and a saxophone interlude.
COUCOU COUSIN COLIN!
January 20, 2012
I should call this post cousin craziness instead ;) How many adventures this month we had, despite the cold wave that is hitting Europe.
In the picture above they are enjoying (well, not all of them) a day in Aquaparc.
In the picture above they are enjoying (well, not all of them) a day in Aquaparc.
APRES-SKI
January 5, 2012
Skiing is a dance, and the mountain always lead.... André enjoys his sled though. Definitely, Switzerland has the best ski places. The view from its mountains is breath-taking and you feel that you're close to God.
My favorite part is après-ski time! Relax time in the hot spring spas around or gathering in the chalet of family/friends for a Swiss fondue.
My favorite part is après-ski time! Relax time in the hot spring spas around or gathering in the chalet of family/friends for a Swiss fondue.
ⒽⒶⓅⓅⓨ ⓃⒺⓌ ⓎⒺⒶⓇ
January 1st, 2012
Swiss usually go to the mountains during the New Year holiday. So these days we're off to adventure in Adrien's first snow, first new year, first... everything!
We're so looking forward to enjoying as much as we can... Cheese fondue with a glass of wine, snow covered picks, huge breakfasts, thermal baths, being closer to God... it doesn't have a price!
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