Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Indoor picnic--easy, affordable kids party idea

I loved this simple idea of an indoor picnic style lunch for a children's party. I think it would be fun to make a small tent as well, depending on the space. The kids loved the picnic style lunch. Perfect for rainy days, cold days or overly hot days.

For the party grab bag, the kids could choose from a snack buffet. Each child got a grab bag and was allowed 5 treats. The selection process was fun and minimal work for Mom.



Fun with fruit

I start the day off with a big fruit plate every morning for my family. Apple slices, strawberries, papaya, avocado, blueberries, watermelon or seasonal fruit, kiwi, pineapples....

My kids arrange the fruit to resemble a face or other design.

They also have cottage cheese or yogurt, nuts and oatmeal.

By starting the day off with mainly fruit, my children have energy and never get constipated.



Monday, May 27, 2013

Botanical Garden, huge grass areas. Shinjuku Gyoenmae Park

What a beautiful choice for a field trip! We loved Shinjuku Gyoenmae Park. Finally! A place where my kids can run around. Coming from the States, I crave big grassy parks. I got my fix today here!

Closest station: Shinjuku Gyoenmae
Several bus stations close by
Admission: 200 yen (adults)
50 yen kids (from elementary age up)
Under kindergarten free





























Saturday, May 25, 2013

Firefighters Regional Championships, MUST see for kids in Tokyo

Today was my son's dream come TRUE!
Firefighter Regional Championships at Shiba Park. There must have been over a hundred firefighters performing drills, running with hoses and doing all sorts of super hero type poses.

It was an official tournament Witt judges, flags, announcements, etc.

Shibakoen park was filled with all types of fire engines. And the best part of this all is that it is in a grassy park. So, the kids can run around and catch bugs too. I brought out a picnic sheet and lunch and enjoyed the view of Tokyo Tower while my kids were in heaven!

And, the best thing is, there is a State Championship, same place! It's free to the public.

Bring your family out on Sunday, June 16th to Shibakoen, grassy area on Hibiya Dori. The championships will be going on from morning until late afternoon.

























Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Super fun English speaking children's dental clinic Shirogane, Tokyo

I had to post this today. I took my 2 year old son to the dentist this morning. I was bracing myself for a meltdown but I was more than pleasantly surprised when he walked out smiling from ear to ear.

At first glance, Kodomono Haisha looks like a daycare. It's filled with toys, bright colors, and loads of Disney decor. Kids can play with toy trains and Mr. Potato Head while they wait.

I love that the dentists don't wear white. They dress in colorful pink uniforms.

Everyone is bright and cheerful. Kids can even watch Anpanman cartoons during their treatment.

My son didn't like the XRay part since he had to bite and hold a chip in his mouth, but the doctor tried to make it pleasant with a smiley face lead apron and colorful designs in the room.

At the end of the appointment, he got a toy, a must have after an appointment.

We had Dr. Uchimura, a cheerful English speaking lady, who was very considerate and friendly. There are other English speaking doctors as well.

If you need dental care that isn't scary. One word sums it up: Kodomono Haishasan (The Children's Debtist)

Nearest station: Shirogane Takanawa, exit 4. Right in front of station, across from Starbucks Coffee.

http://kodomo-shika.in









Saturday, May 11, 2013

Mother's Day

What a wonderful treat to wake up to my three wonderful children and a Mother's Day table setting.

Today is a day to celebrate MOMS! It's a beautiful day.

Thank you to my family. Thank you to my husband who is such a great father and husband.

And today, I am thinking a lot about my mom who continues to set the perfect example of what a mother should be like. I have a lot to live up to.

My Mom raised five kids, all very close in age. She ran her own bakery business from our basement so she could help support the family, while still working from home. She woke up very early and went to bed very late.

She ran her own business, kept our house spotless, managed to drive us around to our many activities: soccer, dance, piano, hockey, track, tennis, cross country, rock climbing... With five kids, three of the boys, there was a lot to be done.

Then and now, she continues to remain cheerful and optimistic. I have never heard her say a negative comment about anything or anyone.

If a neighbor was grumpy or unfriendly, instead of complaining, she would wonder if they had a bad day and bring them cookies.

She made best friends with an old man in our neighborhood, living alone and lonely, Mr. Gronwald, who grew apples. She's find the person who needed that extra cheering up and make it her priority to visit.

How she was able to care for our neighborhood, work, city council, PTA and a big family, is beyond my comprehension. She even made our clothes!

I guess I just need to sum it up as she is from another planet.

Even though she woke up at 4AM every morning, she would not hesitate to stay up past midnight helping me make posters to run for Student Body office. She never saw anything as tiring if it was for family.

Her mottos are:
'Family first' and 'no one can ruin your day unless you let them.'

I look up to her as my best friend, someone to confide in, someone I want to be.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!



















The perfect baby boy shower

I just attended a shower for my friend who is having a boy.I had to blog about the too cute theme of "mustache" for a baby boy.

Mustache shaped cookies, sandwiches, milk to make 'milk mustaches', mustaches on cups and straws...

And the baby clothes line was adorable.

Check out these photos.



















How to feel beautiful now

So, having 2 kids still in diapers, I average 20 diaper changes a day. My seven month old son still wakes up every 2-3 hours every night. When he wakes up, he often awakes the other two and then I have three screaming little ones at 2AM.

I wouldn't trade this for the world. I love them all so much. However, when I look in the mirror and see the spit up on my blouse, my hair a wreck, and vibrance gone in my skin, I don't feel pretty. At all. I need to...crave to find something beautiful about myself.

It may sound shallow, but looking at my perfectly shaped and decorated nails instantly gives me the little boost of confidence I need. It reminds me that I can still be beautiful amidst the hectic day.

With this in mind, I am proud to present JoliArts Nail Salon. A place I can relax and know I am in good hands of very talented nail artists. My kids play in the downstairs playroom with a caregiver, while I get pampered upstairs. I watch them through a camera and feel good knowing they are having fun and I am getting cared for after all the caring I do day in and out.

www.joliarts-salon.com

Enjoy the Photos of hands of other hardworking ladies.