To celebrate the birthday of a close friend of ours, Will, his wife, Christine, planned a chill birthday dinner on the beach - at Manhattan Beach. We both have kids that would rather be running around than sitting in a restaurant. So, a dinner on the beach was a brilliant idea! And also a very easy to execute family birthday outing with kids. It's the small details that make a difference. Christine told us to meet her at Manhattan Beach at 5:00 and that she would have dinner, ...
Potty Training Mr. Stubborn
Ellington, who turned three a couple of months ago, is a very strong-willed child. Very. When it came to potty training, he was pretty clear that he had zero interest. He would rather lay down and let you change him. We tried everything - bare bottom waist down, a large dinosaur in the bathroom with reward stickers when you potty and bribery with cars and cupcakes and even seeing his new friends at school use the bathroom. He had zero interest. Nothing motivated him to want to go. Lateef ...
Baby Led Weaning Recipes
I always thought I would be one of those moms who pureed all her babies' food way ahead of time and had it labeled and had it perfect in the freezer and ready for my little ones. When I was pregnant with Ellington, my pediatrician told me about baby led weaning ("BLW"). She recommended it and did it with her kids. I read up on BLW and as soon as I heard that there was a food introduction method that cuts down on time slaving over a blender and putting it in small containers, I was sold. I love ...
Welcoming Spring with Holi
Close friends of ours, Courtney and Rahul who have kids close to our kids' ages, invited us to a celebration of Holi in their neighborhood (Side note: Courtney and I have been friends since preschool. Kind of crazy when I look at my kids now). Holi, also known as the Indian "festival of spring", the "festival of colors", or the "festival of love", is a Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of spring. We participated in the festival of colors, which is a free for all where people smear each ...
Restaurant Review Grand Opening of Margot
Last night I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of Margot, a new hot Mediterranean restaurant in Culver City on the rooftop of Platform. Highlights are the views, the cocktails and the oysters. Good music and ambiance - there's definitely a vibe here! Huge huge rooftop – this is definitely going to be the hottest rooftop this summer. There is lots of lounge seating, two bars and a few areas to just hang. 360 views of Los Angeles - looking forward to have a lazy brunch or happy ...
Keeping it Simple This Holiday Season
I made a promise to myself to keep it simple this holiday season. I honestly have had to keep saying this mantra quietly to myself for the past month. I, and all of us, have a tendency to think we can do it all. I've also been trying to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Being thankful and giving, spending quality time with our families and friends, giving to those in need, creating memories that put awe and a twinkle in our little one's eyes, making time to kiss under the mistletoe. For ...