Monday, October 26, 2020

Twenty California Sunsets

Whenever we see
beautiful sunsets, 

we stop...
we gaze...
we wonder...

 trying to 
take in

all of the

captivating
mesmerizing

blends of 

orange
red
purple
pink

Heavenly painted masterpieces 
mortal artists can only dream of 


because...

the heavens declare the glory of God
and the firmament shows His handiwork


proving... 

He is with us
He loves us
He shines on us 

(daily)



and only the future glory
(He's prepared for His children)

can ever compare
to these California sunsets


Share your favorite sunset...
tondradenise@att.net 

(for a possible feature on our)

 "Top 20 Sunsets of 2020"
blog compilation

Friday, October 23, 2020

Exploring Art and Culture w/ Family Movie Night

Exploring "Art and Culture" is amazing
as we learn so much together!

click here

(to start from the beginning)
-------------------------------

Our theater experiences are limited, but there is
absolutely nothing stopping us from enjoying 

the films we love with
the people we love 

while in 

the comfort of our own... 

homes
cars
backyards

Gather your loved ones, pull out the blankets, and prepare
for an "in-home" family movie experience everyone can enjoy

COCO

   

Children cannot sit through an entire movie?

No worries...
 hit the drive-in!

Paramount Drive-in Theatres


Back at home set up an interactive display with
snacks and developmentally appropriate activities


"We may have our differences, but
nothing's more important than family"


(re) introduce...

"Day of the Dead" 
a traditional Mexican holiday 

as a time to celebrate family

-honor loved ones who have passed
-introduce young children to family history and heritage
-remember those who matter most to us

the underlying message is love, grace 
(restoration), and perseverance

-----------------------------

Movie Sleepover

Gather your blankets and pillows
build a fort, and cozy up to watch

Inside Out


as characters 

Anger, Fear, Joy, Sadness, Disgust
show how each play an important part
in our growth and development

laugh...
cry...
talk about it...

this movie has so many layers (and is perfect) 
for starting a conversation about feelings

"Take her to the moon for me Joy"

(same part gets me every time!)

----------------------------

and finally...

Who says "family movie night"
has to be at night?

Consider...

"Brunch and a Movie"
instead!

w/

The Little Prince



"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly.
What is essential is invisible to the eye."

-The Little Prince

Take time to play
pay attention
open your eyes 

(and see)

exactly who/what 
matters most to you

Monday, October 19, 2020

All Aboard... Let's Travel By Train

You know that family member
you try to block on social media?

I have quickly become her!

Because lately...

I have been unable to resist

stalking
staking out
sticking to 

my family members' pages/stories
(convincing them to share) 

whenever I see them 

traveling
experiencing
enjoying

unique adventures 
I'd also like to share with you...
-----------------------------------------------

My mother and sisters-in-law recently
traveled upstate to celebrate w/ family


and...

Sunshine graciously agreed
to take us along for the ride


All Aboard... 
Let's Travel by Train!!


(this will probably be the only
time you hear me say this) 

but... 

"Put down your book, look up, 
and enjoy the view"


She says...

Try one of their rooms. The ability to close a door,
and stretch out while traveling is priceless


Union Station to San Jose
(approx 9 hour train ride)


and views from the Observation Car
will remind you to take it all in with

Gratitude and Grace

Sunshine's Travel Tip:

Reserve a room, dress comfortably,
and bring everything you need to relax


She says...

Food and drinks are included,
but train food is not for everyone

Bring your own food, if possible!


Sunshine's Travel Tip:

When the train stops, take advantage
of opportunities to get out and stretch

Day 2- Destination



 
Fog Harbor Fish House
Fisherman's Wharf- Pier 39


After lunch...

Do some light shopping
and sample some chocolates!



or bring home some caramel
for your hot apple cider


as you warm your heart with memories
of your favorite family adventures!

(find more Family Adventures here)

Monday, October 12, 2020

Our Top Three Favorite Latin-Inspired Pastries

Craving something sweet?

There is sure to be something delicious
waiting for you right here in Southern, CA

so...

in culmination of Latino Heritage month 
we're sharing our "Top Three Latin inspired"



AND 
pastries!

--------------------------------

Up first...

My life literally changed with 
the introduction of one item

Pastel de Guayaba
(Guava and Cheese Strudel)

from Porto's Bakery and Cafe



read Rosa Porto's

then

call ahead
to order a dozen
(or two)

for 
in-car pickup

or 

to bake at home


Guava jam w/ sweetened cream cheese


They are so good that hardest part will be
trying not to eat them all in one setting!


Churros

If you've been to any county fair,
you've tried one of these

fried
rolled
tossed

lightly in cinnamon and sugar


What more is there to say?

Pan Dulce

You can find these just about anywhere,
but please note that NOT all sweet bread

is created equally

So if you're looking for ...

soft
fluffy

understated tones
of sweetness

choose wisely


mini choncas
(3 for $1)

from

La Favorita Bakery

are a good introduction
for even your youngest 

not too rich
not too sweet

and baked fresh
every day of the week!

(find more Family Adventures here)

Saturday, October 10, 2020

"Teenager Approved Mexican Drinks"... to Make at Home!

Living in Southern California 
awards us rich cultural diversity

neighbors
coworkers
friends 

(who've become family)
 
we are blessed

to learn and grow 
from one another

history
heritage
home

honoring

the music, food, traditions
(of those closest to us)

so in culmination of Hispanic Heritage month 
we're sharing our "Top Three Latin inspired"

drinks,


AND

 Starting with... 
"Teenager Approved Mexican Drinks"

(you can make at home today!)

--------------------------------

"The Family w/ Teens"



Horchata

I was initially introduced by a coworker
who made a huge vat for one of my events

light...
cool...
refreshing...

and my group
LOVED it!


But if you don't have...

a close, personal friend who can
prepare this iconic "rice drink"

check out

Ben Mims'
(www.latimes.com/recipe)

assorted list of recipes
you can try at home

(click the links)

for the...

canela, almonds, vanilla extract

or the...

 white rice, piloncillo, and sea salt

or the...

w/ cantaloupe, pecans, 
and prickly pear syrup

(and once you start sampling)

you'll want to try other flavors

flowery options
fruity options

you have now entered
the world of

Agua Fresca

It sounds simple

Agua
Fresca

Water
Fresh

but the versatility of flavors
will have you coming back

again...

and again...
and again...


Want to make at home?

Simply gather your ingredients...
add water, blend, and enjoy!

(Strawberry, Lime, Cucumber, Chia)

Champuraddo

I had never heard of this warm, 
chocolaty drink until last year


*pronounced*
(chomp-pure-rado)


a uniquely thick, rich, textured beverage designed
to "stick to you" just in time for the cooler season

To make at home...


What is your favorite Mexican inspired beverage?

(find more Family Adventures here)

Friday, October 9, 2020

Grab and Go... Latin-American Handheld Snacks

 It's the weekend
and you're hungry

so...

WASH your HANDS
Grab a napkin

and prepare 
to get your grub on!
------------------------------------

The only problem will be 
deciding what to eat first...


Empanadas

(fried or baked)

handheld pies traditionally filled
with spiced meat and vegetables 


and the debate is real...

Argentina?
Portugal?
Chile?

this post warranted a Mexico/
Central America/ South American

"Taste Tour"

 (but we'll have to settle for) 

a search of 

the BEST empanadas
here in Southern CA

to be continued...
-------------------------------------

Pupusas

*pronounced*
(puh-poo-suhs)

My friend Jasmin introduced me to these
at her Christmas Party about 6 years ago


(dough filled with beans, cheese, and pork)

that were so good, I called her two years later to ask 
where I could get some for an event that I was planning

she sent me here...



El Guanaquito
Pupuseria and Restaurant 

located in a neighborhood 
(that gives and needs love)

so, if you're in the L.A area
stop by and show them some!!

(find more Family Adventures here)