Casa Simple – A Lesson On Unpretentious Design

jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-casa simple AD1Sometimes, you see homes in Design Magazines that catch your attention immediately. This happened to me with Casa Simple – AD Spain. The serene and unpretentious interior caught me eye. Its big ceilings, colorful floors, minimalist and purposeful design made me giggle. There are so many good ideas in this place, let’s take a look.
jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-casa simple AD2The tall windows are a definite yes. Also, the white walls. In general, I like more color in my house, but the gorgeous floors make up for it. I want those tiles in my kitchen!jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-casa simple AD3jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-casa simple AD4 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-casa simple AD5The simplicity of the ceiling bulbs is perfect. The lines created by the cords fill up the space effortlessly. A reminder that unassuming decisions can be very sophisticated.

The art is kept to a minimum, not my normal cup of tea, but here it works. The positions of the plates on the wall are asymmetrical but perfectly balance. Honest decor that has light as its main component.
jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-casa simple AD6 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-casa simple AD7 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-casa simple AD8 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-casa simple AD9jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-casa simple AD10 This home has wonderful curated furniture. Look at that deco dresser, for example, or the Eames chair, or the Manises lamp… and that floor again.
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So, what did you think? are there any homes that inspire you? A house that you fell in love with? I would love to hear and see.

 

Also, some posts about beautiful homes in the Balearic islands, white floors, and, Eames chairs.

Saturday Mornings At The Opera

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In our search for trying to elevate our kids’ minds and souls, some friend and I took the children to the Saturday Mornings at the Opera back in April. Every season, the LA Opera does a couple of presentations at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion that are appropriate and fun for kids. The idea is to introduce them to this genre in a gentle way that would encourage them to see opera in the future.

We all know that opera can sound scary (and boring), so the Saturday Mornings at the Opera are a gentle way of brainwashing the youth into believing opera is just beautiful songs and comedy. You know they are bound to be disappointed the first time they see Wagner, but, hopefully, by that time they will be so addicted to it that they will keep on coming back for more… not minding the stress and tragedy. Aw! The beauty of misleading your children while you still can.

jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids13Beautiful stairs will lead you the way to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kidsjestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids12 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids32jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids26jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids19The theater opens its door at 10 am. From 10 to 11 there is a lot of action for kids -crafts, playing music, games, etc. We were one of the first people to arrive, so Víctor had the drums section all by himself. He is very musical and run to the drums as soon as he saw them. He sat down and played some improvised duets with some of the staff.
jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids10 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids9 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids6Max is into everything Víctor does. He sat down next to his brother and did his best drumming with his small hands that have zero eye-hand coordination. It was all very cute. My kids are so lucky to have access to all these opportunities and adventures. Hopefully they take advantage of them and make a difference in the world.jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids4 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids3 1/2 hour later, kids were still drumming.jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids5jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids11Crafts time!

There were 4 different tables with crafts. The kids tried them all and had plenty of fun. jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids7 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids31jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids8jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids30This nice woman played with my kids for 10 minutes throwing colorful handkerchiefs at them. Probably my kids’ highlight of the event.jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids2 Look at that happy face!jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids29jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids25Max ends up every activity laying on the floor thinking about who knows what. jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids24Can this guy be any skinnier? I swear I feed him daily. LOVE!jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids23 Now, to that Figaro flag.jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids28jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids22 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids21 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-opera-for-kids20

Finally, at 11am, the show started. It was located on the second floor, with plenty of sitting on the floor and chairs in the back. The production lasted only 1 hour and it touched upon 3 operas from French playwright Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais (1732-1799) that have a character named Figaro in them -The Marriage of Figaro, The Barber of Seville, and The Ghosts Of Versailles-.

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The show was energetic, fun and engaging. Thankfully, it was also in English (including the arias) so the kids could understand what was going on. They sat down for the whole hour paying full attention, including Max, and not one of them was ready to leave when it ended. SCORE!

The next shows are in Season 16/17, with tickets coming out in October. A long waiting time, but so worth it, plus the tickets are only $15! I am definitely taking the kids back, and I can’t recommend it enough for those of you in LA that are looking for  something fun to do with the kids.

Have a great weekend!

 

Also, a post about The Huntington Library and Gardens the Kidspace Children Museum, and, Nexgen Family Sundays at LACMA.

South Coast Botanic Gardens – Nature Connects Exhibition

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I was going to save this post about Nature Connects (Lego Bricks) Exhibition  at the South Coast Botanic Gardens for later, but then I decided I shouldn’t because the exhibit is ending this weekend -the last day is this Sunday, 8th of May – and, if you have young kids and live in LA, you should go!

I always think I know a lot about kids and family activities in Los Angeles, but this city never ceases to amaze me. There are so many fun places to go and so many things to do, that it is impossible to hit all the sweet spots. Luckily, Facebook is a good helper (sometimes) on this topic  and recommended the South Coast Botanic Gardens to me.

I love flowers and gardens – the Huntington Gardens are always on the top of my list of places to take the children – so when I heard that the South Coast Botanic Gardens was having a Lego Brick Exhibit, I decided to take the kids. Excellent choice.

These gardens are beautiful and easy to tackle. You can visit most of it in 2 hours or less, depending on how much you want to see, so it is doable for kids. We were interested in the Nature Connects exhibit, so we went searching for those 27 nature-themed sculptures made out of Legos and found them all. They are cute and the kids got super excited when they found one in the middle of the garden. Victor wanted to know how many bricks were in each sculpture, which is funny, as his 4 years old brain can’t really understand what 20 thousand means – for him, anything above 10 is too many numbers (his teacher asked him how old was his mommy, to which he responded: 5! – so, so cute)

Here are some photos in case you want to see (all of them were taken with my iPhone – I forgot my camera at home, duh!)

jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-South-Coast-Botanic-Gardens19 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-South-Coast-Botanic-Gardens18 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-South-Coast-Botanic-Gardens17 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-South-Coast-Botanic-Gardens15jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-South-Coast-Botanic-Gardens14 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-South-Coast-Botanic-Gardens12jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-South-Coast-Botanic-Gardens13 This sculpture was my favorite.jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-South-Coast-Botanic-Gardens11 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-South-Coast-Botanic-Gardens10jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-South-Coast-Botanic-Gardens9 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-South-Coast-Botanic-Gardens8 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-South-Coast-Botanic-Gardens7 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-South-Coast-Botanic-Gardens5jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-South-Coast-Botanic-Gardens4 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-South-Coast-Botanic-Gardens3 Max pretending to know how to read – with an upside down map. He insisted on holding the map and telling us where to go. jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-South-Coast-Botanic-Gardens2 At least he got the map being upside down part right… after a while.jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-43jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-26jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-41 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-38jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-40jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-36 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-34 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-33 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-31 A shut out to my dear friend Janna, who reads this blog, and carried Max on her shoulders for most of our visit. Her beautiful hair paid the price. Love you, Janna.jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-30 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-39jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-29 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-37jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-28 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-27 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-35jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-25 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-24 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-23 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-22jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com---South-Coast-botanic-gardens-21

Tips for your visit:

  • You can’t bring food inside the gardens – so don’t bring snacks.
  • You can’t buy food in the gardens. The gift shop at the entrance sells a couple of basic staples, but that is all, so, your kids should be well fed when coming.
  • The third Tuesday of each month is free, but, if you wait for the next free Tuesday, you will miss the Nature Connects Exhibit.
  • 2 hours is enough to see the exhibit.
  • There is a play area to build Legos at the entrance. You might want to let the kids play there for another while.

General information:

GARDEN HOURS:
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last ticket sale at 4:30 PM)

GIFT SHOP HOURS:
Monday-Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

VISITING DAYS:
The Garden is open to the public 364 days a year and closed Christmas Day.

ADDRESS:
26300 Crenshaw Boulevard

Palos Verdes Peninsula, California 90274

(310) 544-1948

ADMISSION:
Foundation Members: FREE

Adults: $9

Seniors (62 and over): $6

Students (with ID): $6

Children (5 – 12): $4

Children (4 and under): FREE

Los Angeles Times Festival Of Books

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I took the kids to the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books this last Sunday and we loved it!

This festival happens once a year at the USC Jefferson campus. We had been a couple of years before and had fun, but didn’t love it because the kids’ were too little, it got too crowded and it was so hot. This year was different. The kids are at the right age to pay attention to book readings and shows for a long period of time, it rained this weekend so the weather was cooler, and…they placed a tent above the audience on the Children’s Stage that protected us from the hot April sun (I hope they keep on doing this every year).

By now, I know the tricks on how to have comfortable outings with the rascals. My first tip for any event or activity is to be there early! This helps me avoid the crowds and allows for fun without having to fight for space or finding your children.

(BTW, we saw children wearing bracelets with their caregivers’ phone numbers annotated in them in case they got lost. This idea is GENIUS and I will implement it from now on when going to events like this).

jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest9jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest8Brotherly LOVE!jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest7To get there we took the metro. This was an adventure on itself because we don’t ride in public transportation often (sigh!). I know we should, but public transportation in LA can add 30-45 minutes to your commute, depending on where you live and at what time you are traveling.

The kids loved riding in the “choo-choo” train, until they didn’t love it anymore and got restless. You see, in the metro they are not restrained to their car seats and this sense of freedom can give them a false sense of independence that cause them to refuse to ride on your lap or hold your hand, which undoubtedly ends up with a child on the floor when the metro suddenly brakes, which undoubtedly makes everybody around you stare at you silently saying “YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO DIE.” Sometimes I feel like saying to this people: “my child won’t die, but he will get hurt and that will probably stop him from being such a monkey in the future and teach him to hold my darn hand when riding the darn train,” but those kind of common sense lessons for children can’t not happen in public spaces like this because people judge… oh yes, they judge!

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Our first stop at the festival was the children’s stage. It was early in the morning so it was easy to find front row seats. We stayed there for a long time because the shows never stop. The have one after the other, and the kids loved them all – book reading (from book authors), music, and dancing.

jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest38 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest37 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest36 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest35 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest34 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest32 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest31 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest30 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest29jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest28 More love!jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest27 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest26 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest25jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest2An awkward selfie.jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest13 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest12

After that, we needed a break from shows so we went looking for children’s books booths. My favorite one is always the one from La Librería, the best bilingual bookstore in LA. They have the most beautiful books and the owners are so sweet and helpful. We stayed there for a while. The kids browsed through some books, we bought some others and then kept on walking around the USC campus.

jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest22jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest24 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest23jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest20jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest21 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest19We finally made it back to the children’s stage for the “Dinosaur show” from the Natural History Museum, which was very popular with the kids. We managed to sit on the ground in the front and Víctor absolutely loved it. Max got a little bit scared but he is a brave child so he stuck to it (not easy to see a big t-rex moving 5 feet away from you). After the show, we went home. 3 hours of fun went by so fast. It was a wonderful outing.
jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest17jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest15 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest14jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest-1 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--LA-times-book-fest6 Here are some photos riding back in the metro. Reading books and eating popcorn kept the kids busy and well behaved for the 20 minutes it took to get back to the Culver City Station.

Also, Víctor likes wearing mismatched socks. I think it is very, very cute… and convenient, because I can NEVER find matching socks in my household!!!! Can you?
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Here are some tips in case you want to go to next year’s festival with kids:

  • Be there early to avoid crowds
  • Bring your own food and water. There are not many food trucks and the ones that are there have long waiting lines.
  • Take public transportation. It is hard to find parking.
  • The entrance is FREE, so this is an affordable activity.
  • The festival is better for kids 2/3 and older

Thanks for stopping by!

Life Lately, March 2016

jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately23 We went skiing to Big Bear back in January. It was the first time for Víctor and Max, and they both loved it. How could they not? There was plenty of snow and 60 degrees weather… only in California.

Max just turned 2 in October, so I didn’t think he would be able to go skiing. It was my brother, a ski instructor, the one that recommended taking him, and he was right. George and I are good skiers, so it was easy to carry Max between our legs. He was not able to ski on his own, but he still enjoyed the whole things as much as Víctor did. The best part was that we didn’t need a babysitter! We were able to ski all day together as a family.

From all the ski centers we went to, we liked skiing at Snow Valley the best. It is a smaller mountain, easy to access and with no lift lines. It is perfect when you are skiing with small children that need to go to the bathroom (or take a break) at any moment in time. jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately22 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately21 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately20 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately18jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately11Look at this little one on his mini-skies! People were so surprised to see him going down the mountain with us. He is a tiny creature! He was, without a doubt, the youngest kid on the mountain that weekend. jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately9And here he is in the middle of Snow Summit mountain… totally exhausted. jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately2jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately12A well deserved meal. I have never seen my kids eat so much.jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately19jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately8jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately14 Big Bear Village is a cute little town with nice restaurants and coffee shops. After spending the day skiing, it was fun to go there to have dinner and relax a little bit.
jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately7jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately5jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately3jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately16Max couldn’t make it through dinner. ha!
jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately17jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately13jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately15 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately1Back in LA,  Max’s favorite hobby is eating ice cream. jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--lifelately50 This is a picture of Salt & Straw, one the best creameries on the west side.
jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--lifelately49 Hi there, Víctor!jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--lifelately44 Did I mention Max can read? Not really, but he looks super smart here.
jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--lifelately47I found this picture of George when he was 25 years old, so very cute, and he still has that jacket!!jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--lifelately45George and my friend’s son, baby Andrew!
jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--lifelately55 As some of you know, I have been obsessed with the Flower Market in DTLA. I have been there almost every weekend for the last 2 months. I know the vendors, the flowers, the smell. I love it so much, I am always finding new excuses to go.
jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--lifelately54 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--lifelately53 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--lifelately52 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--lifelately56jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--lifelately51jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately36Hey, Max!
jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately35 Victor being very helpful – decorating for Easter.jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately34 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately33 More ice cream!!!  and filthy children. jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately32There are a lot of hugs and kisses going around in our house.
jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately31 Here is me trying to take a picture for my profile. George thinks is too cold. I kind of agree so I am just posting it here. Also, as you can see, I am not a fan of makeup. jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately30 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately27 Eating at Maple Block Meat, the best meat restaurant in Culver City. It is just excellent.jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately26 Max and I spending our Tuesdays together.jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately25Having brunch at S + W Country Diner in Culver City. This place is so good it gets crowded 10 minutes after opening. You need to be there early! BONUS: Lots of  toys for kids to play with. Perfect!jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com-lifelately24 jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--lifelately41 My friend Sarah celebrated her birthday at the Commissary in the Line Hotel. We had brunch with friends in this gorgeous place. It was fun! and the only hip thing I have done in the last 3 months, so I am sharing it here. jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--lifelately40 Another proof that I am not into makeup. jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--lifelately42My favorite part of the Commissary was the mismatch-vintage dinnerware they have. Look at this beautiful coffee cup I got!jestcafecom.bigscoots-staging.com--lifelately39Hope you enjoyed the photos! Have a wonderful day!