Morning sunshine

After breakfast, Beli and I walked to the cafe for our morning routine, afterwards we stopped at the beach to throw some rocks in the sea. Apparently the warmth of the sun was enough to convince some locals? to go for a swim!  ( not me!)

Can't believe it's already November!

Also check out  Littlelunalu's blog today. Adina, founder of Littlelunalu (named after her daughter Luna),  has some amazing children's clothing brands and toys (like these hand knitted dolls). Today she has featured  Beli on her blog. Do take a peek.

I love these dolls,  knitted by Peruvian artists. I may just purchase both of them because I can't decide! Help!

The essentials for going to the beach

And a splish and a splash to the beach in Znjan here we go! So what's in my beach bag? Six things you will find: sun hat, sunscreen, water wings (which Beli removed after 2 minutes), toys, water and snacks.

View to my right , many umbrellas.

And to my left, a forgotten pair of flip-flops.

In front of me I see five little toes.

After a couple of hours we headed to the nearest cafe for some gelato! Will you join us? What essentials do you carry in your beach bag?

When your Toddler calls you Mama Lisa

I'm soaking in the sun, sitting with my daughter and smiling at the blue, blue sea. I cherish these quiet moments I spend with Beli. Soon she will be all grown-up, ok not so fast, I'm not ready!

As you know, a week ago we were away on vacation and Isabela didn't travel with us. She stayed with my hubby's parents. I was worried about her being away from us for that length of time. I mean do children at this age, have a concept of time?

Well after 4 days we came back to pick her up and when she saw us she just stared at us, not saying a single word and I didn't know if she was thinking, "I'm mad at you, why did you leave me", or "I really don't know who you are". Grandma explained that she had a rough night, as she had a fever and didn't get much sleep. Maybe that was the explanation? And when she finally went into my arms she called me Mama Lisa. I tried not to show my disappointment because I knew she had been in good hands but my Isabela was no longer calling me Mama, or Mommy but rather Mama Lisa, after only f-o-u-r days. Maybe she needed time to adjust to having me around again?

This morning we went to the beach across from our apartment to 'luk at the san", as Beli would say. The sea is still too cold for a swim so we played with the pebbles.

Happy to report she is back to calling me Mama. Music to my ears! What about you, have you ever left your children in the care of a relative and what was your experience upon your return? What was their reaction? Did they still remember you?

I made a small video of our time at the beach and you can see why she called me Mama Lisa, because Baki had taught her the names of all the family members:Tata, Mama, Baki (grandma) and Dida (grandpa). Do I feel silly or what?

Translation: kako se zove means what is your name, his name etc...

Enjoy and have a Happy Easter!

A day out with Tata and Mama

These past few days we have been spending every single minute playing with Isabela. I think it has to do with our upcoming trip this weekend and she won't be coming along. Grandma and Grandpa will be babysitting and well, even though hubby nor I say it aloud, we are already missing her!

This morning we walked over to the playground to see her jump on the trampolines near our neighborhood, Znjan. She insisted on getting dressed herself. All winter I tried convincing her to wear this winter hat and today just like that, she put it on. No fuss.

Friends she made along the way!

Where is Mommy?..........

Right here! Enjoying my Kava s Mlijeko, coffee with milk.

And now I ask, where is Beli?

There she is. Time to go home!

Happy To Be Living In Croatia

I have everything I need. I do my best to show my appreciation for what my in-laws have done for us. I know they want us to feel comfortable and happy. And although there are days I feel sad and isolated, I try to remain positive. Do you ever feel this way? Conflicted, because you miss your previous hectic-life in spite of having a relaxed and stress-free lifestyle?

Then I tell myself, "what are thinking crazy woman, enjoy your free-time, the minutes you share with your daughter are priceless!"

Since our apartment in Znjan is minutes away from the beach we try to spend our mornings outdoors: walks along the beach or throwing rocks in the sea.


Afternoons we prepare fresh fish from the market. These are langostines or large prawns.


Beli called them, "skapi" (scampi).

Late afternoons are spent outdoors weather permitting or sometimes we visit one of the many museums in Split. This past Sunday was my first visit to Poljud Arena to see the local soccer team Hajduk play it's first match of the season. Fan club Torcida was ecstatic because the team scored, G-O-O-O-L!!!!!!!!

Evenings are spent with friends at one of the many small cafes in the Diocletian Palace.

Since both hubby and I are stay-at-home parents and unemployed we schedule our day around Beli's needs. How can we afford this lifestyle you might ask? Well, we anticipated that finding a job would be near impossible, with recession and all, therefore prior to moving from Colorado, both of us worked long hours, saved as much as possible and when we left the States we were debt-free. We also have the full support of my husband's family. His father found us an apartment fully furnished,(rent-free). My brother-in-law has business partners in Italy exporting fish and once a week he is allotted a tray of fresh fish. His Mom works in a children's department store and we receive discounts when we make purchases for Isabela. All in all, we are blessed. Fortunate. Happy.

Walking on the beach with my daughter

View of Znjan from behind our building.

This morning was windy but sunny and warm enough to take Beli to the beach. I guess this is not a popular time to be going to the beach as it was deserted, but for us, it's just minutes away from home.





I brought along a book and some crayons to keep her busy. She has really taken a liking for drawing.

Collecting sticks.

Oh boy, this will be a challenge! To convince her to give me the sticks before we head back home. It's going to involve lots of kicking and screaming. Wish me luck it's not easy reasoning with a toddler!

Scenic pictures from Znjan to Bacvice Beach

I began jogging. Yes, again. For the fourteenth time. But this time I am hoping to stick with it. After all, I have someone to be accountable to. Me.

I must admit the path I use to jog from Znjan to Bacvice beach is quite picturesque and motivational. It pushes me to continue running when I feel like quitting. This particular morning, I remembered to bring my camera along. There are many photo opportunities and the photographer in me said, "next time bring YOUR camera."

These are the photos I took this morning.

I will jog along with you.

This always takes my breath away. Or is it the fact that I have been jogging for half-an-hour and I am just out of breath?

Outside Zenta marina.

Seagulls flying around an abandoned boat.

Catch me if you can.

Bacvice Beach.

Another cafe...Seriously I think I counted about 10 of them. Who needs Starbucks right?

Jogging through the Zenta Marina. Oh, and to your left is the restaurant Velo Misto. Great Pizza. Ok, why am I mentioning food?

Walking the dogs party.

Enjoying the sunshine on this quiet morning.

Narrow sidewalk. Somedays, when it is windy you have to be cautious as the waves come crashing against the wall and you might have to run very fast to avoid getting wet.

Heading back home.

Taking a break.

Walking hand in hand.

Seeing these surroundings is what I enjoy the most during my morning jog.

How or what helps you stay motivated?