Love This: the Working Mom

Our hats go off to Ms. Licia Ronzulli, member of the European Union Parliament, who over the years has taken "working mom" to a whole new level. 

How wonderful to watch her family grow before our eyes!

Not all members of the Parliament take advantage of the EU Parliament's family friendly rules, but these pictures put a smile on our face an hopefully inspire a new generation of female leaders.

Playdate: A Trip to the Market (Free Downloads!)

We stumbled across this website, 1 et 2 et 3 dous dous, and its too cute not to share.

Now granted, its all in French... but the magic of pretend play doesn't require translation! 

A favorite page on their site are these market themed downloads.

What a fun playdate!  Invite over some friends and play market.  From fruits and veggies, to soft cheeses and bakery items - turn your playroom into a little French Marche!

Outfit one child in an apron and they can play shopkeep.

Supply the others with grocery bags, pencil and paper to make their lists - and send them off shopping!

The images shown below are just a sample, there are many more to download and print available.

 

The site even has a mock up for a printable register along with play Euros.  But if you want to use this opportunity to begin teaching your little one about American currency, you can find printable play US dollars here!

Finally, while the kids are spending their cash at the market, you and your Momma friends can be oh so au courant while sipping on some Sofia Blanc de Blanc!

Merci Beaucoup!

Family Time: Fostering Multi-Generational Conversations

 
This is a different kind of children's activity, but its probably one of the most rewarding ones we've discovered in a while.  

1. Try to gather multiple generations in one room.  If physically that is not possible - Skype or FaceTime it!
2. Have your child draw their bedroom
3. Draw your own childhood bedroom
4. Ask a grandparent (or great aunt or great uncle)  draw their childhood bedroom.  
5. Then what?  Talk about it!  

• How are the pictures the same?
• How are the pictures different? 
• What colors do you have in your room compared to that of grandma / grandpa?
• What from mom/dad's room would you want in your room?

Depending on the age of your child they may lose interest pretty quickly after the drawing segment.  Thats ok, you can equally benefit from these conversations.  Remember, many people reading this wish they had the opportunity to do this same project.

So even if your little one doesnt make it long past the drawing - save all 3 pictures, there will be a day in their future when these drawings will be cherished.

Share with us your drawings using #MyRoomYourRoom!

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This post was inspired by a tweet from Chris Sacca.  Not familiar with him? Check him out (I recommend listening to his podcast with Tim Ferriss).  He is a investor with a very unique viewpoint on life - breaking the mold for what you may expect from uber successful tech types:

Ask your parents or grandparents to draw the layout of their childhood bedroom. You'll treasure the conversation that follows.

— Chris Sacca (@sacca) March 30, 2016

Big News!

Woowwweee!

C'mon, you didnt fall for that did you? 

Now go have some April Fools fun!  You have our permission to use the banner above - email it to your partner, post it on FB or send it out in a Tweet!

Love This: Father's Day DIY

Most Dads dont ask for too much on Father's Day, right?  No brunch, no breakfast in bed, no flowers... but most Dad's appreciate a little DIY, and all Dads will love a handmade gift on Father's Day.

Here is an excellent idea for a great Father's Day present - homemade handkerchiefs.  Check out the details at Paper Stitch!

Once you've finished your handmade handkerchiefs, head over to All for the Boys for this free printable to be personalized by your little ones!

Happy Mother's Day!

By Sparrow Nest Script

To Do List: Cinco de Mayo (May 5th)

Cinco de Mayo, the 5th of May, commemorates the Mexican victory in the Battle of Puebla of 1862.  Cinco de Mayo is not a major holiday in Mexico, yet it has taken on a life of its own here in the US.  Its a great opportunity to bring some fun and culture into your family's day!

Breakfast:  Chilaquiles.  Chilaquiles are a delicious traditional breakfast served throughout Mexico.  They are easy to make, and make good use of some leftovers you may already have in your kitchen.  To make the meal complete, serve along side scrambled eggs and a fruit salad.

Storytime:  Grandma's Chocolate, by Mara Price.  This wonderful story introduces a young girl into a whole new world when she asks her Grandma to play princess.  The story will educate your children on Aztec and Mayan cultures, and offers a much welcomed twist on the typical "princess" definition.

Playdate: Make & Break Pinatas:  We all are familiar with pinatas, and no doubt have seen them hanging in every major big box party store around town.  But in reality, pinatas are not difficult to make, and are a fun creative project for your family.  If you don't have the time (and/or the patience) to make a paper maiche pinata, then try this super easy alternative that uses a paper bag and the base.

Dinnertime:  Fish Tacos & Corn on the Cob.  Save some tortillas from the chilaquiles you made in the morning, and use them in this easy healthy recipe for Fish Tacos.  The perfect Cinco de Mayo side dish is a delicious Mexican style corn on the cob.  Such a tasty meal - you'll wish every day was the 5th of May! 

Late-Nightcap:  Georgia Peach Margarita.  Once los ninos are asleep, let the real fiesta begin!  Try this delicious Patron and Peach Schnapps margarita - que rico!

Fun Inspiration: Rubber Ducky, You're the One

What would you do if you could?

Why not take a GIGANTIC inflatable rubber ducky and float it down a river...

Well, artist Florentin Hofman has done just that! 

Beacon Street Baby would love to see this guy floating down the Charles!