Special Occasions – Stories by the Seashore

October 16, 2017October 16, 2017

National Pasta Day at Russo’s

National Pasta Day

Tuesday, October 17th, is National Pasta Day– as if most of us need an excuse to celebrate the noodle and its bff, marinara sauce! To encourage a carb-induced coma, I endorse Russo’s New York Pizzeria as your venue.

My husband and I enjoyed a rare treat this weekend. We went on a double-date with some dear friends that had just renewed their vows after 15 years of marriage. What better way to celebrate than at the best Italian place in town?

Quality of Service

Our server, Laura Patricia Padilla, made us feel like royalty. Our complimentary bread (or focaccia) basket was filled until we were content. The oil we dipped it in was sprinkled with crushed red pepper, a surprise detail I enjoyed.

I ate slowly, savoring every bite, taking in the ambiance of the warm bistro. All around me people chatted. I relished every part of the meal, especially grateful that littles hands were not clamoring for my attention (or my plate).

At Laura’s suggestion, I ordered the Shrimp Fra Diavolo (read: shrimp served with spaghetti and spicy marinara sauce). The shrimp added just the right amount of crunch to balance the soft pasta. My hubby opted for the New York Village Pizza (think meat and veggie lovers all in one). When asked about it, he remarked, “It was delicious.”

Padilla prides herself in matching dishes with the perfect wine, while listening to the needs and desires of her guests. When asked why locals should choose Russo’s for National Pasta Day, she said (in Spanish), “We make the pasta from scratch—it does not come prepackaged or frozen. Each sauce is made fresh to order, and each plate is individually cooked based on the preferences of each person. I am committed and trust the products we have here.” An avid traveler well-versed in eateries, she loves serving people.

Eat at Russo’s

All week (Monday, the 16th-Friday, the 20th), Russo’s will celebrate National Pasta Day with a Buy One Get One Free on Classic and Specialty Pastas. Check their Facebook page for details. If you like to plan ahead, here is their online menu for your viewing pleasure.

“Tuesday is going to be a special day at Russo’s,” Padilla concluded, “and we invite you to come taste. It’s always going to be a pleasure for me to serve you here at Russo’s.”

Ask for Laura Padilla when you go, and tell her I (Giana) sent you.

September 3, 2017

Birthday Parties on a Shoestring Budget

I live in a land where children are worshipped. We Latinos are a fruitful people, and we enjoy any excuse to throw a good party! Now the mother of three children, huge pachangas where my husband and I shell out anywhere between $500-$1,000 (not exaggerating, this is the norm here) are not feasible. (And truly, not necessary in our books).

It seems every corner in our city has either a taqueria (taco stand) or a party place. They seldom run out of business. Below, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite ways we have celebrated our tots’ birthdays without breaking our budget!

Family Photos

The cultural norm is to host a monumental party for a little one’s first birthday. While I enjoy an introductory fiesta as much as the next person, my perspective is this: they are not going to remember. The celebration is more for the family and to preserve memories than it is for the actual child.

For my firstborn’s first birthday (Jack), we decided on family photos, a cake and only immediate family members. Our children have five grandparents that all live in the same city we do (they are extra blessed!), so we had them celebrate the occasion with us. They wrote letters to Jack with their favorite memories of him from that first year. It was special, and looking back on the photos and letters warms my heart. We also had family members come in shifts, so as not to overwhelm our little tike, and it helped us plan around his nap time.

2. 3 is a Big Deal!

Because Jack is the oldest, he sets the precedent, in many ways, for his younger sisters. Thus, 3rd birthday celebrations are huge in our house. We invite extended family members and friends. The idea is that this is a celebration they will remember. If not, there are plenty of pictures. Our theory has been proven true with our two oldest kids. Ceci still talks about her Princess Party we hosted back in March!

3. Keep Them Busy
As a former elementary school teacher, this is my motto when working with little ones. With parties we host, I often implement stations to keep them entertained (on their own). Favorites include: sidewalk chalk, lego building centers, nail painting stations, Play-doh and coloring areas, and a cookie decorating table. Most of these call for supplies we already have in our home (score!) and require little to no prep and maintenance (bonus!).

Plus, it’s fairly easy finding that older child or younger relative that doesn’t mind manning said areas to make sure things don’t get out of hand.

4. Age=Number of Invited Friends

This is one of the best pieces of advice on birthday milestones I received from a dear friend. She suggested that the number of friends a child invite be equal to the age they are turning. For example, when our son turned 5, he invited 5 classmates to his social gathering. Of course, we had more than 5 guests total, but it was a great strategy. He insists on doing this for his 6th birthday celebration this year, too! (This does not include their big 3rd birthday social gatherings).

5. Pick a Theme and Stick to It!

This is my favorite thing to do in the way of planning. With one son and two daughters, we
have had quite the array of party themes: Thomas the Train, Princesses, Voltron (I blame my husband) and coming up: Ninjago! Pinterest has been a lifesaver when looking for creative ideas on a budget.

You can dress up, bake, order, and plan games and activities all around the main idea.

And there you have it, folks! No need to break the bank in order to make special memories with your children. What are some
ways you celebrate your little ones?

Cupcakes in the classroom are always a hit, too!

August 21, 2017August 21, 2017

Total Eclipse of the Last-Minute Kind

Today officially marks the beginning of my third week with VIPKID, and I absolutely LOVE working for this company (more on this soon)! Today is also the last Monday we have off together as a family, as our two oldest children start school in exactly one week. While it may have been ideal to sleep in with everyone else, I have grown fond of my internal alarm clock that now goes off between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. (I know, I know, those of you that are closely acquainted with me are gasping in disbelief!).

This day will also be an important one for the history books, as many of us in America experience the once-in-a-lifetime Solar Eclipse. In an attempt to make this Monday extra special, I have compiled a list of activities you can do together as a family to ensure it is a memorable one.

Discuss what a Solar Eclipse is, and whether you will experience it in totality, or partially.
Either way, since this only occurs every 375 years, it is imperative that your children know how monumental this is.
Make Your Own Pinhole Camera or Projector.
You will need a cereal box (or similar object), some foil and tape. TADA! The Great American Eclipse will be ready for your viewing pleasure even if you do not have fancy eclipse glasses. Or eclipse glasses period.
During reflection time, have your child fill out this worksheet, or do it with them. This is a good one to save for the scrapbook. Or, if you are like us, to store away in a labeled manila folder with other important documents from 2017.
Finally, every good lesson should be internalized. What better way to do that than to bake and eat?! Whether you create Moon Pies, Galaxy Cookie Bars, or simply make Star-Shaped Cookies and decorate them (not going to lie, this is probably what we will end up doing), filling your tummies will increase the chances of this being a magical, savory and unforgettable moment! Happy Learning!