Fashion in the city

 Hubby went to the farm to finish  the harvest of the olives so that left Beli and I to hang out together this weekend in the city. She did so much better getting ready this morning. Lately I have been feeling frustrated that she fights my every choice of clothing and meals that I prepare. Which in turn makes me doubtful about my trip overseas next month. How will I manage without hubby to help me distract her? Don't get me wrong, I love her outgoing personality, her independence I just wish she could be nicer to me! But today something clicked in my head (resignation? maybe) and I'm changing my attitude. I will just give in to what she wants to wear. I will have to say she didn't do so bad picking out her clothes this morning. We walked to the bus stop and we waited for bus number 15 to take us downtown. Beli was anxiously waiting for numero quince.

There were so many beautiful and fashionable women. I felt underdressed with my silver flats!

love the boots

 Even with a population of roughly over 200,000 you will almost run into someone you know so there's a pressure to always look your best!

 Selling shoelaces.

I couldn't resist and I went to Zara's. I purchased this for Beli, what do you think? There was another shirt and I showed it to Beli and she said, "esta feo," it's ugly. I guess I should take her shopping more often so she can help me out with my wardrobe!

My List

There are days when I miss certain things in my daily routine, I guess it happens to everyone from time to time, so here is a small list of why I'm grateful for what I do have. It helps to keep life in perspective don't you agree?

WHAT I MISS............................WHAT I HAVE

Microwave.....................Fresh Organic Produce

Starbucks...................... Endless cups of Brazil coffee right at home

Dryer............................ Clothes last longer

Driving................... Walks on the beach

Career....................Beli calling me MAMA,MAMA and I could not have a better BOSS

Friends......................I am working on making friends here and so far so good

Parents................My In-Laws have given me endless love and support they are my 2Nd parents

Sisters...................Have a wonderful Brother-in-law

Nephews............. .Beli is making new friends as well so I'm busy planning play dates

English................. Learning Croatian (classes begin in a few weeks!)

And I could continue but Beli just woke up and now back to Mommy duty.

(I wrote this list last year but now there are a few updates)

About the driving part; I'm more secure about driving around the city, all though the motorcyclists still scare me, they come around the corner so fast! AND I no longer miss the microwave.

Since moving overseas I have met many good friends which I'm very grateful for. They cheer me up when I'm having one of those days. (I took this picture at a children's birthday party, and I just thought it was so adorable that the little boy was trying to hug the birthday girl.)

And today is corner view "school" in Spain, hosted by Jane so I invite you to stop by and say hello! Even though Beli is not in school she does love to read books. Apparently in Spain children start attending school at 2 years of age!

Coloring on the walls

Mama, dai shoes, Mama? Mama!!..MAMA!!!!!! huh? what? I mumbled as I opened my eyes. Oh, it's Beli, waking up early, as usual. She climbed out of her bed, jumped into ours then grabbed my shoes and placed them in my face, as if saying, I need you, please wake up. I walk to the kitchen, half asleep, fill the kettle with water to prepare coffee for Hubby and I, for her, a cup of strawberry-vanilla tea. I walk over to the balcony, open the windows and take a peek outside. "It's raining" I inform Beli, who seems lost in her world of toys and books and ignores me.

This is our morning routine, with a few surprises now and then, because with a 22 month old in the house it's unpredictable what they will do. This morning for example, as I prepared coffee, still half asleep, I turned my back for a few minutes to find this on the wall.

Looking at it very close, it's actually artistic. What do you think?


Around the corner another scribble.

Beli, ne usta! Don't put that crayon in your mouth!

Hiding from Mama.

I tried distracting her, Wow!! Beli look, it's elmo! speaking in a loud and enthusiastic voice. Kids like that right? She scribbles in her coloring book, then looks up at me, grins then she takes off running! And there I go, chasing after her!

And here she is, working on another masterpiece. Oh, there is never a dull moment in our home. How do you spend your mornings? Do you have a certain routine you follow?

Mothers versus Mothers?

Today I came across this blog about Dr. Phil's debated issue and while I haven't watched the episode I can't help but ask why even bring up the issue: Career women versus Stay-at-home moms. Why the division? Why not unite as Mothers and as Women? Isn't difficult enough and scary that we are responsible for raising another human being who is totally dependent on us?

I asked this question to both of my sisters (whom are both working mothers) and this is what one of them had to say about the topic:

.......from my experience I feel we as women are very harsh on each other and with ourselves and we feel internally guilty for everything from having a career to not having a career (not contributing or providing income in the household)..etc And then we judge we criticize we gossip about other women why? Not sure! I think we are highly critical of our girlfriends and other women even more than our partners (husbands, boyfriends) are of us. Personally, I liked Dr's Phil blog. I had a girlfriend whom I really liked and respected and one day she approached me and said "You need to stay home with your kids!" At first I was embarrased, and of course guilty then later after I thought about it I was mad how dare she? she does not know my situation! Personally I want to stay at home with my kids. But like I said before you don't know my situation at home.....

So I ask you what are your thoughts? Are you a working Mom? A Stay-at-home Mom? In between?

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