*Hidden* Sales on Designer Duds

While browsing the Internet this morning from my mobile, I came across a pretty awesome handbag on the Kate Spade New York website which happened to be hugely discounted (40% off) on their Sale page. It's blend of neutrals – nude and black – complete with bow and polka-dot interior meant I had to check it out on a larger screen. 

The aforementioned pretty awesome handbag, top left

 Imagine my surprise when I landed on the homepage and saw this:

Do you see what I see? There is no link to their sale. It is completely omitted from their homepage. Here's the homepage from the mobile site to give you an idea of what I'm talking about (Sale at very bottom):

Kate Spade Homepage on mobile device

A quick Google search for "Kate Spade sale" brought me to the desired page, but it was still not quite right:

 Compare this to the mobile site:

Kate Spade Sale Page on mobile device

It's hard to see from this screenshot, but the items are not discounted on the regular Kate Spade site. You can see the URL as well as the giant SALE page heading. Even the path reads, "kate spade root/ sale/ JUST ADDED." The items, however, are not listed as on sale unlike the mobile site, where the full priced figures are crossed out and discounted prices are listed in red. I found the bag I saw on my phone and it wasn't discounted either!

This is a very, very strange–and obviously an unwanted bug from their side (or maybe they really do want people shopping from their mobile devices). This is an example of how businesses often create completely separate websites for mobile devices such as phones and tablets. These separate websites pull data from different sources, which means the customer receives different information based on their platform of choice.

This issue continues even after you add the item to the shopping bag:

Do you want to pay full price?

Or do you want to save 40%?

It's important to keep these details in mind as you start your holiday season. These are not small savings we are seeing here and sales such as these greatly impact our purchasing power.

Finding the Time

Finding the time to sit calmly, reflect and write down my thoughts is not something I have a lot of time for these days - as much as I might benefit from it. Although my baby sleeps a lot, there is never a guarantee for how long he will sleep. Any time between 30 minutes to four hours is normal and this usually depends on his digestion.

Love my baby.

These days, he has found the most peace and tranquility from sleeping on me, usually around my chest where he can stay warm and feel my heartbeat. Since he normally wakes if I try to lay him down on a bed, in his crib, in his stroller, or on any surface that is not his mom, I have my hands full and have a hard time getting anything done whether it be eating, brushing my teeth, reading or writing. I say all this with the sweetness of love and affection, full of the Oxytocin that is being constantly released from my motherly body.

Roc's first bath - look at that happy baby!

Needless to say, we have yet to create a daily schedule. The most consistency we have found are the baths we give him at night, which he absolutely loves. During his bath time, his face is completely contented, his muscles relaxed, his body calm, his eyes alert and at times, playful. He becomes incredibly upset when bath time is over. The poor guy gets himself so worked up that it takes another hour just to calm him down. We haven't yet figured out how to overcome this part.

The lack of consistency was the most difficult in the first weeks when I was more accustomed to my pre-mama lifestyle. Now that I have been in baby world for 6+ weeks, I am becoming more and more comfortable with the unpredictability of it all which is making it actually easier for me to predict how things will go and therefore have more realistic expectations for myself and for life, making the journey a lot more fun.

It's true a baby will change your perspective on just about everything. There will be less time for you and more opportunity for things to go not-as-planned. What makes it so beautiful is what can be learned, gained and developed, such as compassion towards oneself and others, detachment from more material attainments as well as its ability to open the eyes to the reality and power of parenthood, outside from which cannot be even partially grasped or understood. In some ways, I feel much less pressure on myself than I did before and this creates a sense of contentment, joy and bliss while at the same time I'm feeling the anxiety of being in a state of the unlearned, inexperienced which only time, practice and patience can overcome.

This kind of attitude is only possible by being open to it. We have the choice - we can resist the inconsistency, fighting for routine, time for oneself, for keeping the clothes clean, dry and spit-up free, or embracing wholeheartedly, the package that is parenthood. And this choice will impact the well-being of the whole family, for better or worse. It's not just about the work/life balance but also about the baby/mama/papa care balance that's important. Everyone's needs have to be met; the only ones who have the power to change what they consider needs are the parents. With our ability to be flexible, we are able to be available for our babies and to give so much more. Thank God for that!

I'd love to write more but the baby calls. Until next time...

He loves sleeping on mommy.

Xocolata Amb Xurros (Chocolate with Churros)

Kilian and I went out for the most sugar-filled breakfast imaginable: xocolata amb xurros.

Xurros with lots of sugar!

When the weather turns to autumn, xurro trucks, xurrerias, begin to pop up in different places around Catalonia. These trucks serve freshly deep-fried xurros, which are different from porras, which the Catalans seem to love (according to Wikipedia, this is most popular in Spain and Italy).

Xurreria at night, courtesy of Flickr

The first time I heard about churros was in my middle school Spanish class where we learned about "Mexican" food, including churros. We had a celebration where we could try these desserts, along with a variety of other typical eats. Those churros from the States are not the xurros of Catalonia. These ones are markedly softer, served fresh and warm with hot xocolata desfeta (melted chocolate), a very dense, dark, rich hot chocolate beverage.

As I mentioned before, this meal is served at breakfast. I'm not sure I would call it a meal; to me it is more like a dessert. But this is typical here and when in Catalonia, do as the Catalans do, or so they say.

Xurros are the small and thin ones. Photo from: CocinaRecetas)

Having tried xurros from different places, I find that there can be a huge difference in taste and texture depending on a number of factors including how long they are fried for, the dough, and the amount of oil/sugar ratio when served. For me, overly oily xurros are too much for my stomach to bear for very long.

The type of xocolata also makes a difference. Since there are both milk chocolate and dark chocolate variations of xocolata desfeta, this contributes to the richness of the meal, as well as the consistency of the xocolata desfeta. A more liquid xocolata will go much further than the thick, pudding-like kind which is heavy in and of itself but a very rich dark chocolate won't make it as long (for me and my tummy) as a less intense milk chocolate.

Milk chocolate (left), xurros, dark chocolate (right)

This combination is very heavy and sweet; not for the faint of stomach. Eaten with moderation, it makes for a quite delicious breakfast or afternoon snack.

Becoming a Mom: Awesomeness & Challenges

Becoming a mom has been awesome to say the least. It has brought a contentment which I have never before known, one that comes from deep within; it's grounding. Despite feelings of uncertainty and inadequacy at times, I feel a sense of confidence in the process - the process of learning how to be a mom to my son, the process of a life of service which requires daily effort, steadfastness, patience and resignation:

"It is not through lip-service only that the elect of God have attained to holiness, but by patient lives of active service they have brought light into the world."

There is no such thing as instant gratification in parenting and I love the implied constancy, both steady and firm, required in this long-term society-building process a.k.a. child-rearing.

Content

This is a time to be cherished and enjoyed, in spite of it being the most challenging task I have ever been called on to do. It has to be cherished now because it is so short-lived and there is no other time in which it can be cherished. Babies grow and change rapidly, at the blink of an eye. If I am not present in this moment, I'll have all these memories of regret for completely missing.the.point. I hope I can embody the following words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for my son:

"If I love you, I need not continually speak of my love—you will know without any words. On the other hand if I love you not, that also will you know—and you would not believe me, were I to tell you in a thousand words, that I loved you." 

Peaceful sweetness

As wonderful as this parenthood thing can be, it is not simple or easy. Here are a few reasons becoming a mom is challenging (I think for anyone):

1. No one thinks clearly when they are exhausted - and being exhausted is unavoidable when you become a mom. It not only affects mood and emotions, but it also creates cravings for caffeine and sweets - not a good combo.
2. Hunger leads to low blood sugar, crankiness and increased exhaustion. Thankfully, we have help here but there are mornings where I don't have breakfast until noon and those mornings are rough. Being hungry (and sleep deprived) tests one's capacity to manifest virtues such as patience and kindness which a new mom really needs. A breastfeeding mom needs to be very well-nourished since it takes lots of energy to feed a baby. If we didn't have help, I'm not sure if my husband or I would be fed.
3. Hormones - our bodies are just pumping out high levels of hormones.
4. Learning, in general, is not an easy process and more so when you are exhausted and hungry and your trial and error experiments take place on an innocent, helpless child. Fun combination, or not. Children don't come with an instruction manual and every single one is unique. There is no such thing as copy and paste.
5. It's a major lifestyle change. Overnight you go from taking care of yourself and your needs, living the way you please, putting yourself and maybe your husband first to becoming a 24/7 caregiver. This implies many, many changes on behalf of both parents and requires a great deal of sacrifice. This is no easy feat and not one you can really prepare for but as cliche as it sounds, it really is worth it. 

There are definitely days when the combination of these factors make me incredibly moody and short-tempered. These are the moments of personal growth. When I find myself in those moments, I remind myself of why self-acceptance - love, compassion, detachment - is so fundamental to being a mom. Rather than criticize or judge, I remind myself that I'll become better with time and I ask for help. It is the only way to not feel completely overwhelmed by the learning curve in front of me.

Happy little boy

One final thought:
Something I have found that is unhelpful for me relates to many (not all) mom blogs on major sites that happen to be very opinionated (I guess that is how they sell) and as a result, leave a reader feeling either in camp "I agree" or camp "I disagree" which can leave a woman feeling criticized, judged or alone. The only advice I can give on this: stay away from these types of polarizing attitudes (if you can), be wary of what you read on parenting, motherhood, etc. and stay positive. We are living in a strange world and many folks are looking for direction on just about every possible subject matter from almost anywhere.
*If you happen to know of any uplifting mom blogs, I would love to hear from you. I enjoy hearing about and gaining insights from experiences of other moms. We are all in this together.*

Roasted Root Vegetable & Emmer Salad

I made this beautiful, healthy, satisfying salad served alongside a pumpkin-coconut soup and warm fresh bread last weekend when my brother and sister-in-law were visiting. It was full of fresh autumn vegetables which, served warm, feel nourishing during these cooler days.

Ingredients:

• Sweet potato/Yam (1 large)
• Potato (2 medium)
• Yellow Onion (1 large)
• Carrot (2-3)
• Zucchini (1 average)
• Mixed Salad Greens
• Olive oil
• Bluebird Grains Emmer Farro (1-2 cups)
• Roasted Chopped Nuts
• Fresh Herbs - whatever you have in the garden, we used rosemary
• Herbes de Provence mix (for seasoning)
• Powdered Garlic, Salt & Pepper

** If you like or love garlic, I recommend roasting garlic too. Other vegetables which you could include: bell peppers, beets & eggplant

What to do:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet (with oil or aluminum foil).
2. Clean and peel vegetables. Chop into 1-2 inch chunks. Place in a bowl.
3. When all vegetables are chopped, pour on olive oil and add spices and fresh herbs.
4. Place evenly on baking sheet and roast in oven for about 1 hour, turning the vegetables every 15-20 minutes.
5. While the vegetables are roasting, clean the salad greens and place in a bowl or on a serving plate. Add cooked emmer and roasted nuts.
6. When vegetables finish, add to salad and serve with dressing of choice. We used a simple balsamic vinegar, olive oil and salt mix but this would be even more amazing with a homemade vinaigrette as well.

Delicious Pumpkin Coconut Soup

This soup was an experiment turned delight which I hope you enjoy and take liberty to improve on. It is a simple and easy to prepare soup with grounding autumnal flavors that warm the body during these cooler months. We paired it with a roasted root vegetable & emmer salad and warm freshly baked bread. 

Ingredients:

• Fresh Pumpkin (2 cups)
• Coconut Milk (~1/3 cup)
• Yellow Onion (1 large)
• Coconut Oil (for frying, 2-3 tablespoons) 
• Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons)
• Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg & Salt
• Ground, roasted, spiced nuts (as garnish)

What to do:

1. Start by chopping the onion and sautéing it in coconut oil in a medium pot on a medium-high heat, stirring periodically so that it doesn't burn. Meanwhile, cut the pumpkin in chunks.
2. After about five minutes, when the onion is tender and translucent, add the pumpkin and stir for a few minutes.
3. Add just enough water to submerge the pumpkin, cover the pot and bring to a boil. Let the it cook for about 25 minutes.
4. While the soup is cooking, roast the nuts (I used walnuts & almonds) on the stove or in the oven - whichever is your preferred method-, then chop or blend them into small pieces. Add a dash of nutmeg & clove to them.
5. Once the pumpkin is soft and could be easily mashed with a potato masher, it is ready to be puréed.
6. Purée with a blender or other kitchen tool and return soup to pot. 
7. Stir in coconut milk (use more if you want a stronger flavor) and bring soup to low boil. 
8. Add spices to taste. Start with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon clove & nutmeg. Then add more based on preference. 
9. Let cook for another 10-15 minutes. Makes four servings. 
10. Add roasted nuts to garnish. Serve warm.

Enjoy!

Roc's First Month

Our baby is one month old today and what a month it has been! Our little guy is growing so fast (I know, not a surprise) and we are struggling to slow down the time so we can make the most of every minute.

At birth and at one month

Roc's first two weeks of life were surrounded by immediate and extended family. My mom was here from the US and different members of Kilian's family were visiting us almost daily. I was in a hormone-induced and sleep-deprived daze for most of it. My body was physically recovering from nine months of pregnancy and the requirements of giving birth while a heavy dosage of postpartum hormones were creating a state of pure ecstasy for me emotionally. It was a strange combination that made me feel capable of doing more than I should have been doing, i.e. socializing with family, going out, walking, not taking enough naps, etc. during that first week or two. Looking back, I realize I should have asked less from myself than I did at that time.

After the excitement of the first weeks died down and I started to feel more myself again, both physically and emotionally, I have been trying to understand my baby better and establish some sort of routine, which hasn't really been possible. Roc doesn't have a pattern yet; he's changing very rapidly. The first weeks, he slept all the time with long feedings every 3-4-5 hours. Now he spends his mornings awake, with short feedings every 30-60 minutes, meaning that I am occupied with him from 7 or 8 until 1 or 2 in the afternoon. It is very hard work! He then falls asleep in the afternoon and usually sleeps continuously with short breaks for feeding until the next day, unless his stomach is bothering him - then he doesn't sleep at all.

"Hey! I'm one month old!"

He is not a crier; he is a grunter. He is pretty mellow, calm, patient and content. He doesn't get upset or fussy from being with a large number of people or around loud noises. For example, the night he was born, we had some 7 or 8 people in the room playing guitar and singing to him. He may or may not have even noticed. The next day, there were probably double that number of people in the house, wanting to hold him and just a great deal of commotion. No problem for Roc. There have been a number of situations where either he completely sleeps through various loud noises or is completely unfazed by lots of people. In general, he does not complain much and he loves when people sing to him.

My husband and I are completely exhausted while also full of joy and love, which helps us through the days and nights. The nights are not as bad as I thought they would be but successive days (and weeks) of inadequate sleep starts to affect you, whether you like or not. We typically will get a total of 5-6 hours of sleep per night, but it is usually punctuated with a couple of feedings and possibly a diaper change. A few nights ago, we got 6.5 hours of uninterrupted sleep and it was glorious! But that was only once.

Roc's grown so much that he is already out of most of his newborn clothes and starting to fit into three month clothes. I hope they continue to fit through the full three months! He is a really good eater with chunky little thighs. It's crazy to see how much he has grown in a month. He already weighs almost 5kg!

This little soul has brought so much joy and life to our home. We are all too aware of how short-lived these first months are. I try so hard to hold tight on to each moment but it just slips past, beyond grasp. It is so special to just hold him and cuddle him, to study all the details of his face in order to try to record it somewhere in memory, his smell and his gestures and all the related feelings so that in the future, more than a photo remains of these brief times.