A Summer Essential.....

This Vix peacock print cover-up is currently on my wish list for summer 2012.  Beautiful!

This Vix cover-up is so simple, chic, and goes with everything.  

Number one word association with beach?  Bikini!  But what about the cover-up?   Designer Paula Hermanny of ViX Swimwear is all about the complete resort look.

“In Brasil, we make an outfit out of the bikini and we always have a cover-up or sarong,” she says, adding, “then it’s easy to slip on a nice pair of sandals, grab your hat, tote and your done!”

With La Jolla now her home, Paula strives to bring the beach culture she grew up with to San Diego.  For more summer style inspiration, stop by www.vixswimwear.com and experience this summer the Brasilian way! 

Love,

First Gen Fam

A Medieval Birthday

18 years later I have been summoned back to Medieval Times to celebrate a dear friend's birthday.  We sat in the yellow and red knight's section.  After many challenges his life was taken in a mighty sword fight therefore we lost.  Well, not all was lost we did enjoy dinner using our hands and while watching a fun filled show that made me feel like I was 12 again.  The whole time I kept thinking to myself how much I look forward to taking Maksim when he gets older.   The only downside to everything was there were no dragons.

The birthday boy, Jimmy and one of his knights, Umair

My knight threw this flower to me.  I feel like a fair maiden.

Stan took this picture with my knight.  It is a tad blurry, hmmm wonder why?

Happy birthday Jimmy! Thanks for having us on this wonderful adventure!

 

Love,
 First Gen Fam

Summer is Coming

I can smell it in the air.  Summer is coming!  I saw a couple of hummingbirds buzzing around the plants (which are growing fabulously I must say) I just planted a few weeks ago. I brushed up against my tomato plants and my lemon tree and the aroma was so wonderful that I wish I could bottle it up.  I am so excited about all the activities I plan to do with Maksim this coming summer.  I love seeing his face when he experiences something new for the first time.  We will be signing him up for swim lessons again which I think are more fun for me than anyone else.  I am looking forward to leaving the windows open at night, turning on the sprinklers and bbqs with friends.

I reserve particular products for summer and will be breaking them out soon.  Below are my summer favs.

From the Top:

1. Bobbi Brown Beach Fragrance- It smells like the beach and sunscreen bottled up.  This is the one thing I look forward to breaking out the most every summer.  
2. Aviator Sunglasses- Lightweight and they go with everything.
3. Bright Nail Polish- Wearing sandals requires some pretty toes. Pedicures are a must!
4. Straw Fedora- Great for a bad hair day and keeps me looking chic.
5. Rose Gold Sandals- Just got a cheapy pair similar to this.  Rose gold is perfect for dressing down or up.
6. Sunscreen- I slather it everywhere.  I do not want premature wrinkles or sun spots!
7. Lip Smackers in Strawberry- Been using this since I was 5.  Love the smell and keeps my lips from getting chapped in the sun.
8. Romper- It's my go-to beach cover up and I can easily run errands in it.  Going to the bathroom wearing a romper, well that can be a challenge.
9. Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint Sugar Scrub-  No body scrub compares.  The sugars exfoliates while the oils in it moisturize and does not wash away.  No need to put lotion on afterwards.  It can get your bathtub slippery so be careful!

Love,

First Gen Fam

Sin City Weekend

Vegas.....quick drive up but a long drive home.  We ventured to the City of Sin for a combined Bachelor/Bachelorette party for our best friends Nada and Kam.  We stayed at the wonderful Caesar's Palace and enjoyed Il Mulino fine dining restaurant, Pure nightclub, shopping and the pool of course.  I brought back with me some amazing pieces from Zara, a little tan, and a some great memories.  It was a nice mini getaway but boy did we miss our little guy.  We couldn't wait to get his famous "squeeze, squeeze" hug.  I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

Congrats to Nada and Kam.  Looking forward to seeing them two weeks from now for their wedding!

Love,
First Gen Fam

Russian Barley Veggie Soup

I made this soup after trying it at our cousin's house.  This was so amazing I asked for the recipe that same night.  I am a tad skeptical that a soup can be good without any meat in it but this proved me wrong.  Very easy to make, healthy and super filling.  This will definitely go into a monthly rotation for us.

Russian Barley Veggie Soup Recipe

1.5 cups of dry barley

8 cups water

2 chopped brown onions

3 chopped carrots

1 pkg sliced white mushrooms (or 3 cans (4oz) of sliced mushrooms)

4-5 potatoes

dill (to taste)

salt and pepper to taste

sour cream and boiled egg optional

1. Add barley to boiling water.  Boil for 40 minutes.
2. If much of the water has evaporated add more.  Add salt, pepper, and chopped onions and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes.  
3. Add carrots, mushrooms, cut up potatoes (bite size) and boil for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
4. Remove from heat.  Add additional salt, pepper, and chopped dill to taste.
5. Serve with a half a boiled egg and dollop of sour cream.
6. Bon Appetit!

Love,

First Gen Fam

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday.  Church followed by a magnificent lunch at Mom's place.  I put Maksim's outfit together and really love it; just had to give myself a pat on the back.  Okay, I will now shut up and let the pictures tell the story.

Abandoning Ship

Love,

First Gen Fam

Dyeing Eggs: Any Excuse to Wear my Bunny Sweater

This post is a little late.  Next year I swear to be a little more on it.  Here are some photos of us dyeing eggs on Good Friday.  It's tradition; that is why my sister, Jelena, does not miss it even though she has better things to do.  It was rainy and cold and it was the perfect excuse to break out my bunny sweater.  Maksim made a mess and ate way to much bunny cake.  We ended up with some vibrant, pretty colors and are now stuck with over a dozen boiled eggs...yum??  I have to get creative with incorporating them into meals. Hmmmm......deviled eggs anyone?

The famous bunny sweater.  I assure you it will make an appearance next year.

Pre-Destruction of the Bunny Cake

Dusan and Jelena came to help make a mess too

End product....lovely

Easter Day post coming up shortly!  I have to catch up!

Love,
First Gen Fam

My Fav Beauty Products

Beauty products I cannot live without

From the top:

1. Nars Blush in Orgasm - This shade, year after year is voted "best blush."  Its the perfect peachy pink with just a touch of shimmer (no glitter I swear).
2. Moroccan Oil - I put this on before and after I blow dry my hair.  It hides a multitude of imperfections like split ends, dry hair, and frizz; all without making your hair greasy.
3. CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain - Always under any lipstick or chapstick I wear.  It adds longevity to my lip color.  I own a few shades. 
4. Bare Escentuals Foundation - A good friend turned me on to this a year ago.  I can't believe I didn't try it earlier.  I no longer use concealer and it can go from light to full coverage in just a couple brush strokes.
5. L'oreal Voluminous Mascara - The name says it all......voluminous.
6. Clean Warm Cotton Fragrance - I am sensitive to most perfumes.  Clean fragrances smell so fresh, like you just stepped out from a shower.
7. St Ives Apricot Blemish Control Scrub - I use this every other day.  There is no scrub out there that even compares.  
8. Mac Paint Pot in Bare Study - I put this all over my eyelid up to my brow.  It's a beige shimmery color.  Looks great alone or used as a base.  It's the only thing that keeps my eyeshadows from creasing.
9. Bobby Pins- they are everyone, in my car, purse, drawers, you name it.  My hair ends up in an up-do almost everyday so bobby pins are essential.  My hair stays out of my toddlers hands and I feel more put together with it up.

Love,
First Gen Fam

Update your Look on the Cheap for Spring

I love fashion there is no denying that but buying into the seasons new trends are not within my budget. Here are some wallet friendly updates I have made to my Spring look.

Bright Lips.  It's the hot makeup trend for Spring which will follow into Summer nicely. Whether coral, hot pink, or purple this look is beautifully paired with a clean, no fuss makeup for the rest of the face.  Buying lipsticks or lip glosses in the fun shades can get pricey especially if your like me and only wear bold lips on special occasions.  What I have been doing for years is buying a drugstore lip liner in the shade I desire.  I color in my lips using the lip liner and then top it off with a clear lip balm so its not so dry. Added bonus is lip liner stays on longer than any lipstick I own.

Keep the rest of your makeup simple when wearing a bold lip color

Statement Necklaces were all the rage in 2011 and continue to be popular this spring.  I have created a few by putting together my existing necklaces on ribbon.  The ribbon gives you the freedom to wear your necklace at any length.

See tutorial here

Tangerine.  If you have been to the mall lately you know tangerine is 2012's color.  It's my favorite shade but for some it's a tad too bold to wear as pants or top.  I suggest adding this pop of color with accessories like a scarf, necklace, or handbag.  Accessories like the ones mentioned can be found on the cheap so no need to break the bank.

Colored jeans.  At first I was a little skeptical about this trend but realized that it can be versatile when paired with with neutral colored tops. I recently purchased an affordable pair of red jeans from Cotton On and plan to wear it with nudes and taupes.  I have seen colored jeans that were upwards of $100 or more but luckily retailers like Old Navy and Forever 21 have options for under $30.

If you have any other suggestions on how to update your look for Spring on a budget please share by commenting.

Love,

First Gen Fam

Easy Turkey Chili

I made my super easy and tasty turkey chili this past weekend.  I make a large pot so we can enjoy it over and over. We even added to our Costco hot dogs to create the ultimate chili dog.  You can minus the turkey and make this a vegetarian chili or change up the type of beans if you have other favorites.  I gave approximations of the seasonings I used but I always add a little at a time until I get my desired result.  Very yum-o, easy, and keeps our tummies satisfied for hours.

Turkey Chili

1 lb ground turkey (thawed)

5 minced garlic cloves

2 large chopped brown onions

1 can diced green chile peppers (8 ounces)

2 cans red kidney beans

1 can garbanzo beans

2 cans cannellini beans (white beans)

2 cans refried beans

8 ounces chicken broth (half a can)

1 tbs ground cumin

1 tbs dried oregano

1 tsp cayenne pepper

salt and pepper to taste 

1. In a large pot over medium heat saute garlic for 1-2 minutes.  Add onions saute for 4-5 minutes or until clear.
2. Add ground turkey and cook for 10 minutes or until brown.
3. Add green chilies, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper (feel free to add more or less seasoning).  Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Rinse all beans with water in a colander.  Add red kidney, garbanzo, and cannellini beans to the pot.  
5. Add chicken broth and cook for 5 minutes
6. Add refried beans a little at a time so it melts into the chili and add thickness. Cook for another 10 minutes.
7. Serve and top with cheese, onions, and sour cream.
8. Bon appetit!

Love,

First Gen Fam

Easter Activities

We headed to Coronado this past Saturday to enjoy some Easter activities at their community center.  I got my new camera and took my first pictures at this event.  I have lots to learn but am so happy with the picture quality.  Maksim enjoyed the egg hunt and picked up on the concept pretty quickly. He was not amused by the Easter Bunny and Duck........as you can tell from the photos.   He screamed "Bye-Bye" when the Easter pals came near.  I feel for him but cannot help to laugh at the situation. 

 Easter Bunny picture 2012.  Not a happy one but definitely memorable. 

The weather was amazing so we headed to the beach across the street to dip our feet in freezing water.

Love,
First Gen Fam

Scariest Easter Bunny Ever

Easter 2011, Maksim and "It" 

We have yet to get our photo of the Easter Bunny this year. I plan on going this Saturday to Coronado for a Easter carnival and hopefully get a picture of a "cute" Easter Bunny. We did manage to get one last year. I searched and searched for an Easter Bunny but most places were too far. There were no malls near our house that had love for the Bunny. I did find one though. "It" as I call it resides in Seaport Village. Stan took Maksim there one morning to get the photo. I later was emailed the picture while I was at work. When I saw it I gasped. Is it me or is that the scariest Easter Bunny you have ever seen? The pink bow does not help.  The Easter Bunny supposed to be plump and cute not look like it's going to kill me. I guess I was mistaken.

Happy Easter!

Love,
First Gen Fam

Our Weekend in Pictures

Maksim and Van playing this past weekend (always getting into some trouble)

OMG! He is eating with a spoon now!!!  I am such a proud Mama!

We celebrated my Aunt Mika's birthday with a BBQ and cupcakes

We discovered Maksim really likes cupcakes

Happy birthday Mika and we cannot wait to see you next month!!!

Love,
First Gen Fam