Family Archives - Elena B in the OC

Throwing A Party Fit for a Princess with Dole’s Tribute to Disney’s Ultimate Princess Celebration

Disclaimer: I am an official ambassador for Dole. Dole provided me with product samples and or prize merchandise for the purpose of this post, as well as compensation for my time. As always, all opinions expressed are mine. To know me is to know I love all things Disney Princesses. From Ariel’s unwavering curiosity to Moana’s strong determination, Snow White’s gentle kindness and Cinderella’s hopefulness, …

Family Health

To all my healing mothers this Mother’s Day

It was almost a year and a half after my son was born. I was experiencing crippling anxiety every morning before work, at work, after work and even weekends. It always hit my chest first, then slowly spread up my shoulders, through my arms and to my fingers, leaving my hands trembling and my lungs gasping. My stomach would ache, my knees would get wobbly …

Family Health

Now We’re (All) Cooking with Dole Food Company & Disney

Like so many families on Thanksgiving break, I was looking for fun and creative ways to keep my preschooler occupied that didn’t involve more screen time. Luckily, the awesome team at Dole Food Company launched the “Now We’re (All) Cooking” campaign inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Ratatouille. The program aims to help busy families like mine with recipes even the most novice little chefs (aka …

Family

The Thanksgiving that taught us what it means to be grateful

Thanksgiving 2020. At this point it feels trite to call it unprecedented but, well, it is. At least for our living memory. I’ll admit, I tend to take this holiday for granted. In the scheme of things, I celebrate it as the unofficial kick-off to Christmas. I usually spend the weekend traveling to NorCal to spend time with my in-laws, visiting wine country and indulging …

Family

He Still Surprises Me

It was July 2018. Halfway through a pretty ordinary year after one heck of rollercoaster one. My husband and I had been married for four years but together for 10 and I had just hit a wall where I really felt like I was the only one putting in any effort to make things feel special. Between our first kid turning two, a new job …

Family Personal

Because I love you.

Over the weekend, on one of our typical Target trips, my son made a sprint from the book section to the electronics aisle in what I can only imagine was his attempt to mimic dash from The Incredibles. As I scooped him up and placed him in the cart, he somberly said to me, “Mama. You made me sad.” I let out a deep sigh and …

Family Health Personal

Celebrating the two-year anniversary of a mother’s birth

This week, my only son turned two. What a magical milestone for our little family. This day, we not only celebrate the birth of our little man, Hunter, but also how far we’ve come since that fateful day on January 18, 2016. As the days neared toward our birth anniversary, time transported me back to the memories of birth. During the week of Hunter’s arrival, …

Family Health Personal

2017: the Year of Healing & Hope

As I hustled and bustled my way through the holidays, I often found myself thinking, “I just can’t wait for this year to be over.” I avoided arranging my poinsettias above the entertainment center like the plague. I stared at my unopened boxes of decorations in hopes I could unwrap each trinket with the power of telekinesis. I didn’t cross anyone off my list on …

Family Personal

How to Celebrate Mother’s Day Without Going to Champagne Brunch

This mother’s day, I hope all my mamas are taking time to practice self-care. Not just today, but everyday, it’s critical for the betterment your mental and physical state to treat your mind and body with the same gentle care you provide for your loved ones.So treat yourself and consider swapping champagne brunch out for one of these seven self-care techniques that are sure to …