Another Mini Getaway

Yes, we are those people that decide to book reservations two days before a holiday weekend. Uri and I decided that since we have a long weekend, we might as well take advantage of it. Our last trip without Anna was really successful so we're going to make a go of it again.

We'll be dropping Anna off at my mom's house (which she loves) and then taking off to the OC to spend the night in Laguna Beach. I used to live there so I know my way around pretty well, the scenery is fantastic and it's fun to walk around the downtown area. I know we live at the beach with a fun downtown area to walk around, but it doesn't feel like vacation to spend the night at home. Plus I think our place would be lonely without Anna. So one night vacation - here we come!

One last thought - an Annaism. The girl loves guacamole. She has even invented a song about it for when we go out to Mexican food .... Sung to the tune of "oh my darlin' Clementine..."

Guacamole, guacamole, guacamole, guacamole!

It's pretty funny. Even before we were seated for dinner yesterday, she was asking the waitstaff for guacamole. Enjoy your holiday weekend!

Harebrained Idea #2

Okay, so the standing desk thing didn't work out so well. Mostly because it looked so ghetto and I didn't want to invest in making it look nice without  knowing if I'd like it. So today my exercise ball chair showed up:

First let me say that it takes 2 days for it to be stretchy enough to be blown up to its full size. So right now its a bit small. Second, I'm getting a drawer to go under my desk for my keyboard because the desktop is too high. But besides that, the thing is pretty cool. It was only $75 and hey, free shipping. So this should be fun. Also it comes with an exercise booklet so maybe I can do a few little moves.

Thinking about Stuff

On Saturday I gave Anna's little sandbox away:

Picture from just over a year ago!! Look at the arm rolls!

I used Freecycle, which is a cool way to give things you have to someone who wants them. A dad of a 16 month old picked the sandbox up and hopefully that little boy will enjoy it. We were kind of enjoying it but honestly Anna mostly just ate the sand by the cupful (literally swallowing gobs of it) and one of our cats always tried to run in there and poop in it. To a cat, the sandbox is a ginormous and pristine litter box.

I was worried a little about what Anna would think. Although she didn't love the thing too much, it's hers and we did just give away her bottles as well. Luckily it got picked up while she was napping. She did notice it was gone but I was able to deflect her a little by putting her tent out on the balcony. So that was pretty good. When I put the sandbox up on Freecycle, I felt a little worried - like maybe I would want the sandbox and it was a bad idea to let it go. But today I read this blog post and I knew it was the right thing to do. I definitely err on the side of giving too much away. I enjoy having a clean and organized space and yes, there have been a few times I've felt sorry for what I've given away and missed an item. But by and large, I enjoy living without so much crap. The blog post even has me considering some of the items I've been marking on Pinterest for our redecorating... like maybe I should dial down the crap a bit. But hey, that's what's great about Pinterest, I haven't purchased anything yet so I can apply some Zen thoughts to the collection before I do.

Oh wait, I have bought ONE thing from my Pinterest board: this toilet paper hanger thingy.

I feel like I have pinned so many cool things but for some reason this toilet paper holder is my most popular item. I was worried because Amazon only had 5 in stock and 7 people repinned it. I thought hmm, for $13 I must have it. Well shows what I know because I looked just now on Amazon and it's only $10 today! Jerks! Oh well, I will never run out of TP on the pot again and that my friends, is priceless. I will never be too Zen to enjoy copious amounts of TP.

June Gloom

Here at the So. Cal. beach we have this thing called June Gloom. I just looked it up on Wikipedia today and it is an actual weather pattern caused by the Catalina Eddy. Interesting! Also I did not know that it was called "Summer Bummer" when it drags into July. The months of August - October are usually our golden time here - warm, bright and beautiful.

I realized today how I have really become part of this place because I actually like June Gloom. It used to bug me but now I just feel comforted by it - like a piece of home. Although it would be nice if we could take Anna to the beach again. Well, July will be here soon enough. Unless it's summer bummer...

Stop the Insanity! Pinterest!

Holy goodness - I both love and hate K for telling me about Pinterest yesterday. It is such sweet, sweet addictive fun. I almost didn't want to tell all of you about it because it seems like their server is a little overloaded - like they weren't ready for so many people glomming onto it.

But man, too much fun. I love shopping on the interwebs, obvs, and this tool is my mecca. My mecca I tell you! I get to have all my favorite stuff from all my favorite shops (Etsy, Overstock-shut up, Crate and Barrel, etc.) and group them together. Again, I almost don't want to share my treasures with you guys but it's just too cool. Here are my Pinterest boards, check 'em out. You also get to follow people and browse what they are pinteresting. Now you don't have to be a consumerist whore like me and just pin stuff you may want to buy. You can pin cute pictures of babies and puppies or quotes you enjoy, whatever. But right now, as I said yesterday, I am kind of working on a project so this is just the perfect vehicle. Actually, it's a little TOO perfect for a person like me who gets obsessed with projects.

I was even thinking how cool it would be to roll to the furniture stores w/the iPad and pull up my Pinterest boards there... right? I made Uri look at all my boards yesterday. I think what I'm trying to do is wear him down with too much information so he finally just says I can make the decorating choices on my own. Babe, if you are reading this, just kidding! I love your opinions!

Anyway, if I don't blog for like the next year, it's because I'm Pinteresting. Sorry about that.

Home Life

I have been really preoccupied lately and it's hard finding the focus to blog. Life is moving forward full steam ahead lately and it's all good but busy. This past weekend Anna said goodbye to bottles at home - she had done it at school quite some time ago. We created a beautiful lie (still, a lie) and told her that we had to give her bottles to the babies who need them. Just random babies. I felt like this would be easier than saying the bottles were just gone or thrown away. (Which is what we did - threw them away because they were cheap and old and leaked.) Sometimes she still asks for a bottle but we're firm with it and say she's a big girl now. She prefers drinking out of a glass "like Daddy" than a sippy cup but it's been going fine. Her milk consumption has really dropped - I didn't realize how much she was drinking for comfort or just enjoyment of the bottle. I think she's pumped up her solid food consumption to compensate.

So yes, giving up bottles took a lot of effort and increased the whine factor quite a bit but what I've been really focused on is redecorating. Uri and I decided we're going to refresh some things so we've been starting to gather ideas. This weekend we went to a big Crate & Barrel with Anna and I was starting to doubt our grand plans. I remember the last time we did some furniture hunting and decorating - it took us forever without a kid in tow. We spent all our weekends driving around looking at stuff and going back and forth about what to buy. Adding a small person to that equation just makes for crazy times.

I was complaining to my mom about how hard this was going to be and she had a great suggestion: buy some home decor magazines and get ideas from there first - before going out into stores. This has already been really helpful. Uri and I sorted through a huge stack of magazines and ripped out pages that had things we liked. Then we made a big "inspiration board" with our ideas. It's been helping us to get on the same page about colors and think about what new pieces of furniture we might need. I think we'll get the furthest with a new couch - which upset Uri because he's really attached to our couch - he called it his "bachelor couch". They have been together since 2003. So we'll see.

We've also been compiling ideas from the web, kind of like so:



It's been fun.

Money Matters: It's a Work in Progress

I was just thinking today how my last two Money Matters posts might have been a bit deflating to some. Everyone has different financial goals and these first two posts had a pretty heavy focus on cash (6 months of cash reserves, the idea of buying a car with cash.) I know cash doesn't just fall from the sky!

It's important to remind yourself that these are eventual goals and no matter where you start, you can slowly build towards them. I became a financial advisor in my early 20's so I've been pursuing these goals for over a decade. I also realize that having a two income family puts us in a place where our financial goals are easier to pursue. But everyone can work towards a good cash reserve and eliminating debt.

Let me tell you a story.

Becoming and practicing as a financial advisor was one of the most difficult times in my life. My parents had recently divorced so I had no financial help there - and I had recently broken up with my college boyfriend, going from a two income household to a one income household. I was living in a bachelor apartment - which meant that I had no kitchen. It was the tiniest place - just a box of a shower where even a very small person couldn't avoid hitting the walls. The closet was a joke but hey I didn't have any money for new clothes anyway. My refrigerator was one of those mini drink fridges and it didn't even have a freezer. I often ate tuna right out of the can, dumping the tuna water down my bathroom sink. Every single thing I purchased was analyzed. I had to finance most of my business expenses on my own and was slowly growing an ugly mound of credit card debt.

One night, my college girlfriends decided to have a little get together at a restaurant. I was hesitant to go because I could rarely afford to pay for drinks at a bar or restaurant, but everyone needs a night out now and then. Dinner was fun although I was worried about the cost. When the bill came, we split it equally as we always do - it was $40 per person. I paid up and went back to my car and cried. I knew that spending that much on dinner meant that I didn't have anything left for groceries that week. It was so ridiculous to me that while I was trying to counsel others on how to have financial independence, I could hardly afford a rare dinner out with friends.

Obviously, my financial advisor career did not turn out as a success. Barely out of college, it was difficult to convince anyone about to retire to trust me with their life savings - I looked just like their grandchild for goodness sake. However, the lessons I learned were solid and the basics don't change. Even then, I was putting $50 a month away in my IRA, knowing that the earlier you save for retirement the better.

After several years, I got that credit card monkey off my back as well as my student loans and car loan. It happened little by little and believe me, there was no shopping at J Crew during that time. When I met Uri, we were both debt free and with our dual incomes I've been able to really make the most out of things. But still, it wasn't until this year that we got our cash reserves up to where we want them. Some of my friends have been married over twice as long as we have - they've been building for their futures for much longer and have lots more to show for it. But no matter where you start, it's the starting that's important.

That's why your financial snapshot is so important. You may not love where you are today but you CAN achieve your goals. So go into the weekend feeling strong - planning the future you want begins today.

Money Matters: Wheels

Ohhh, you guys. I've got a fun one today. Talking about cars. Something most everyone needs and has to deal with. My sister told me that my last Money Matters post was a little lengthy and I agree. So I'm going to summarize the key points about cars first and then those of you who are interested can read more. Sister: the blogosphere thanks you.

Let me tell you first that you are in good hands here. I work with a bunch of financial analysts and we actually enjoy running the numbers on cars and giving hell to the dealers. This is high entertainment for us. I even have a coworker who calculates depreciation on his cars to figure out his actual cost of ownership per month. Don't worry, I'm not going to make you do this. Big picture, right? 

So the absolute points I want everyone to remember about cars are:

1. The price you pay for the car matters. The purchase price - not the monthly payment.
2. The interest rate you pay matters.

That is it. If you do nothing when you buy or lease a car except manage those two things, you will be ahead of most people.

Toddler Transition

Oh my goodness - my baby is growing up. In one month she will be fully transitioned to the toddler room at school. Yesterday I toured the toddler room - called the Magnolia Room - with Kate, whose daughter Liv is going to transition with Anna. We had another parent show us around the room. To be honest, I wasn't sure why I needed a tour as it's adjacent to the room where Anna spends her time now. But I was surprised to see how different things are in this big kid's room.

After some free play outside and a snack, they start the day with a morning meeting to discuss the day's possibilities and lessons learned the day before. This teaches them to stay calm and listen. They even get assignments for the meeting: one child is responsible for waving a flag and calling all the friends to meeting - two are in charge of watching the clock to see when the meeting will end, things like that. The room has two miniature flushing toilets and a  miniature sink so the kids learn to use the toilet and wash hands afterwards. For the littler ones, all diaper changes are done standing up so the kids can learn to pull their pants up and down. The focus in the room is on self sufficiency and helping others. The bigger kids show the little ones around and teach them how to do things like use the water fountain. They learn to take shoes on and off and put on their own sunscreen. The kids are in charge of their own lunch - they open their lunch box, spread a cloth napkin down, lay out their cups, silverware and food containers, and eat their lunch. Then they pack everything back into the lunch box and put it away in the cubby. (Yes, this means that every day I have to pack Anna a cloth napkin, cup, silverware **not disposable!** and her lunch in easy to open containers. More work for me but I think it will be worth it.)

During the tour, one group of children was sitting quietly at a round table listening to a teacher telling a story. I could not believe the difference from just a short while ago when some of these kids were in the younger room with Anna bouncing off the walls. They were able to sit patiently and listen - it was remarkable. I am looking forward to the lessons taught in the Magnolia Room and I can't believe it's already Anna's time to move up. This room is for ages 2-3/ 3.5 and then they transition to the next room until it's time to move to Kindergarten at another school. I know that will come too quickly as well. I remember so vividly her first day at school - she wasn't even crawling yet and just learning to eat food. Now I look at all she can do - it's so amazing.

For those of you who made it to the bottom of this post - a bonus. I just bought these shoes for Anna and they are an incredible deal. So well made, I really love them. 60% off! Anna loves them too.

Worn Thin

This past weekend, I kept misplacing my patience. Anna has really been pretty great lately but I think being together just the two of us for so long wore me down. I don't know how women manage when their husbands travel for weeks on end or get deployed in the service. On Sunday our good friends came over and thankfully CM offered to watch Anna in the afternoon after her nap. I think she could see that I was at the end of my rope. I try so hard to be patient and kind with Anna but I just couldn't help snapping at her (in front of guests - awesome!).

It was the same on Saturday when we went to dinner. The restaurant gave Anna one of those lidded plastic cups with a hole for the straw and she spilled it on herself over and over. She tends to tip the cup like how you would drink out of a regular cup or a bottle - but then the milk just spills out of the straw hole. I must have shown her how to hold the cup ten times and I was absolutely losing my mind. Also I've been trying to cut back on Prozac to see how it will go if we start trying for #2. I'm not sure I like how I feel with the cutting back of the Prozac. Maybe my period is coming soon or something but the anger is creeping back. I realize that anger is part of the human condition and it's surely normal to be frustrated with a willful almost 2 year old but well, I also enjoy having fun and relaxing during my weekend. So it's a tough call. I think I'll call my OBGYN and discuss the risks. I'm on a really low dosage of Prozac so maybe it will be okay if I just stay on it. We'll see.

Today I'm tired. A little too much champagne yesterday and I've got the yucks to show for it. I know, I surely sound like mother of the year with my snippy attitude, drugs and champagne shenanigans. What can you do?

Money Matters: Our Family Snapshot

The financial matters poll has definitely been the most popular poll to date - way to go you guys. Looks like most of you are interested in seeing a little bit of financial content. Very cool! Today we will discuss the family snapshot.

I'm sure all of you have some way that you balance your checkbook or keep track of spending. For some it may be just glancing at your monthly statements or ATM slips to see that everything looks okay. Some of you may keep it all on Quicken or that new site Mint. However, how long has it been since you stopped for a second to see what your cash picture really looks like? It's called a snapshot because it's just a moment in time.

Money Matters

I've gone back and forth about whether or not I should discuss finances much on the blog. I'm not talking about personal specifics, of course, just general financial health stuff that I practice. I used to teach seminars on women & money and it's something I believe in. I think where my uncertainty comes from is that I'm not sure any of my readers would even care about something like this. Would you? Are you all totally financially savvy out there or do some of you have questions? As the financial number cruncher of our household, I love to get down and dirty with the data. I try my best to make sure that we're doing all we can to be financially sounds today as well as 20 and even 50 years down the road.

So I was thinking it might be fun to do a few posts on cash management, personal investment plans, retirement, college savings, etc. What do you guys think?

Are you interested in a few posts about financial matters?

Home

I grew up in the suburbs:

A great place to be a kid - we had a safe cul de sac where we could ride bikes, friendly neighbors and good schools. There were many more homes than apartments or condos and most homes had nice back yards and lots of those had pools. Typical suburban community filled with families where all the kids play AYSO.

Most of my family still lives out there - ranging from 40 minutes to an hour or so away by car (with no traffic). I go and visit with my family often and was at my mom's house all weekend long. We played in the pool and enjoyed the relaxed family time. It's so easy to run errands - there are always convenient parking spots available at the grocery store and I've never once had to wait in line at Trader Joe's. It blows the mind. They also have more than one Target which well, I'm not sure if that's a blessing or a curse. Having lived without Target for many years, I'm aware of what a money suck that place can be.

Sometimes I think about what our lives would be like if we moved out there. Of course, I'd have to get a different job because the commute would never work but I think about it... we could afford a really nice home, provide a wholesome life for Anna and any future litle ones and be closer to my family. (Good times but also FREE BABYSITTING!) Uri is always flying everywhere anyway so he could just commute out of the airport there.

But, but, but...

It never fails that as I'm driving home, the minute the big city skyline pops into view, I breathe a sigh of relief.

And then when I cross the 405, I start to feel myself again. (Except that part about the crying toddler in the back seat but hey, long car rides are tough for everyone.)

I didn't chose where I grew up or where my family lives. Perfectly delightful place that it is, it's just not me anymore. I have made my home here, in the city on the beach. I love the bustle of it, the weather, the fact that there is always something going on. We may not have a backyard or even our own home but we have parks, the beach and plenty of fun places to walk to.

I am thankful that we get to live in this beautiful place and raise Anna here. We're unsure what the future has for us or where we may have to move down the road for work but for now, we are home.

Whoa.

Uri and Anna:



Uri's dad Robert with Uri and Sascha:



One more for good measure:

Mickey Drexler Called Me!!!

Wow - yesterday I got a call from Mickey Drexler!!

Not only is he the CEO of J Crew, he is also on the board of directors at Apple. That is big time y'all. Mr. Drexler is known for being very into customer service and also for being accessible. Last week I sent him an email about my great personal shopping experience with Chad at the J Crew store in Santa Monica. I thought he would like it:


Dear Mr. Drexler:

I have been a J Crew fan for many years. In the beginning, I primarily stuck with sale items and collected pieces from my local store when I could. In recent years, I’ve become a working mother and don’t have much time for myself to shop. However, all of my J Crew items have been the most enduring and classic in my wardrobe. Last week I headed to my local store (3rd Street in Santa Monica) and asked to sign up for a card (finally) and get some help picking clothes out as well.

Chad [last name] helped me as a personal shopper and he did an amazing job. I’ve had so many compliments on my new items from my colleagues and friends. I have been spending a little more time getting myself ready in the morning and feeling a little better about myself each day. As a mother of a toddler – this is a great thing. I look forward to adding to my wardrobe in the future with Chad and am thankful that J Crew makes personal shoppers available at no cost. I think it’s a wonderful service  - it feels so indulgent! It’s fun and helps me to push the limits a little and try on colors and styles I would otherwise have shied away from.

Best Regards,

Erica 


I wasn't really expecting a response - I just hoped that maybe Chad would get recognized for great service at some point. Unfortunately, I was moving my car for a colleague (tandem parking, bleck) when Mr. Drexler called. But I did get a nice message from him - so very cool. I loved J Crew before but now I'm a raving fan. For those of you who also dig the Crew - here is a fun website that I check out every once in a while. It's a little too much to follow every day, even for me, but you can get coupon codes and dish on the new styles with other J Crewnatics.

Enjoy your day!