When I was pregnant I received some baby lullaby musical CDs as gifts. I decided to put them in my car’s CD changer so Alessandra could listen to them while we drove around to appointments, errands, visit family, and road trips. I knew a few of the songs, but eventually I learned the lyrics to most of the songs on the CDs. The songs were all quite short and the traditional songs many of us sing to our kids. Many times I would sing to Alessandra as these were playing. In time, she also started to learn the lyrics to the songs. If Alessandra would fall asleep while in the car, I would quickly Continue reading
Author Archives: phjiao
Review of Luxor & Things to Do with Kids in Las Vegas
We have traveled quite a bit these past few months and even though I’ve taken pictures so I could share our experiences with you, with the winter holidays and other work projects, plus being a mom, I haven’t found the time to write about it. Instead of starting with our first trip to Argentina (post coming soon), I will start with our trip to Las Vegas.
We’ve been married for eight years and we have gone to Las Vegas almost every year, sometimes twice a year. We aren’t gamblers, but we Continue reading
On The Basis of Sex Movie Review
(Source: Facebook.com/OnTheBasisOfSex)
Some of my favorite movies are those based on true stories. I was looking forward to seeing On the Basis of Sex which is inspired by the life and early cases of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I went to the screening last night and the film did not disappoint. It was Continue reading
La Baja Seafood Festival
Mexico and the state of Baja California have many delightful and beautiful treasures to offer! Two of these treasures are their food and wine! Baja California’s culinary and wine industry is booming! Many of its regions, restaurants and wineries are being recognized in Continue reading
You Can’t Resist to Sing at Beautiful The Carole King Musical
I just got home from Beautiful The Carole King Musical and I couldn’t wait to write about it. It was a true delight! I want to write down the thoughts which are racing through my mind. I was aware of some of the most popular songs she composed, but did not realize how many of them I know. I have heard many of her songs hundreds, if not thousands of times! These are songs you hear interpreted by famous performers, as well as theme songs from movies. Some of these songs brought back memories of Continue reading
Teen Titans Go! To The Movies: Party Ideas & Movie Review
Earlier this week, I went to see the preview screening of the Teen Titans GO! To The Movies film. I must confess I was not very familiar with the Teen Titans GO!, but as soon as I mentioned the movies to my nephews, they filled me in and were looking forward to seeing the movie. Teen Titans is an American superhero animated television series, based on the DC characters of the same name. The movie includes the characters from the show and is hilarious! It is not often that a movie surprises me. I expected to watch a movie about superheroes, Teen Titans GO! To The Movies is about superheroes, but these are very special and funny superheroes, not Continue reading
The Best Summer Hat for Travel & Daily Use
Summer is here! This means sunny days, walks outside, visits to parks, parties outdoors, barbecues, and vacations. I have somewhat sensitive skin and started noticing some dark spots on my skin in the past few years. I have always been aware of wearing sunblock regularly and hats when out in the sun. It was challenging to wear hats at outdoor events when I was working at Continue reading
Tag: Movie Review
Photo/Art from Facebook.com/TagTheMovie
Comedies are one of my favorite genre of movie. It’s even better when the comedy is inspired by a true story, as is the case of this movie, Tag. I watched the trailer for Tag and was instantly interested in seeing it. Then, I read the synopsis and was even more intrigued. Tag is a story about a group of five highly competitive friends which have played a game of tag from childhood into adulthood (for more than 23 years). One month Continue reading
Visit the San Diego County Fair: How Sweet It Is!
Going to the San Diego County Fair is a summer tradition for me! I have fond memories of going as a child, and now as an adult taking my nieces and nephews, and the past few years bringing Alessandra to the Fair! There is so much to see and do, and of course, eat! Such tasty and unique treats! This year’s theme is How Sweet it Is. The decorations include lots of candies, sweet treats, unicorns, and all kinds of colorful delights! A few of the featured food items this year are cotton candy ice cream sandwich, totally chocolate pasta, unicorn hotdog, nitro pop popcorn, ramen burrito, deep fried filet mignon, honey baked ham donut, and deep fried cinnamon apple ring, among others. I was invited to the Media Party on the Fair’s Opening Day. After the party, Continue reading
Lorena Isabell Concert – Join Us & Be Inspired By Her, Like I Am
(photo from LorenaIsabell.com)
Every once in a while I meet artists which inspire me. Lorena Isabell is one of these artists! She is a native of Chile where she had her first performance more than three decades ago, where she pulled out her guitar and sang at a high school competition. I first learned of Lorena Isabell when my friend Laura Castañeda contacted me to ask if I would emcee an upcoming concert where Lorena will be performing. I trust Laura’s judgement and said yes. Later that day, I Googled Lorena Isabell and wow, was I impressed! I am honored to be participating as emcee to introduce her on stage this Sunday at Music Box!
I had the opportunity to speak to Lorena Isabell and she is a true artist! The way she speaks about life, music, writing, family, and life’s experiences is mesmerizing. Visualizing her energy and talent in a concert gave me chills! She is unique in Continue reading
How To Handle Life’s Every Day Issues & Challenges
Sometimes, life gives us challenging moments and we are left to decide how we want to handle them. Some challenges are larger than others. Some are just everyday things which happen, these things can throw off our day or make us upset. Today, at Continue reading
Free On-line Yoga Video I Do To Relieve Back Pain & Relax – Beginners Level
(Feeling good and relaxed after a much needed yoga class)
During my pregnancy, I did not have back pain. Fortunately, I had a good and pretty easy pregnancy, without complications. Fast forward two plus years and I have been carrying around a baby, now a toddler, every day. I carry her a Continue reading
Visiting Birch Aquarium At Scripps
It had been several years since I last visited the Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. I think the last time I went was as a favor to Continue reading
Fun Night at Book Club Movie & Review
Arriving at the screening with my friends Susannah and Lorena.
If you follow my blog or me on social media, you know going to the movies is one of my favorite things to do. I usually make a girls night out or a date night of it. Since becoming a mom, going to the movies has Continue reading
Visiting New Africa Rocks at San Diego Zoo
There is a new section called Africa Rocks at the San Diego Zoo! I remember seeing the section under construction last year. I recently visited the Zoo with Continue reading
Tips for Visiting Disney Parks with Children
When I think Disneyland, I think “magical”! That is the first word which comes to mind. I have fond memories of going to Disneyland as a child and then as a teenager, and later on with my nieces when they were little. I also had the opportunity to work with the Disney team Continue reading
Paola’s Top Events & Things to Do This Weekend
There are lots of FREE events & several Día del Niño Celebrations this weekend! Here’a a list of some of the top events happening in San Diego County this weekend & in the coming days! Hope you have a fun weekend…and maybe I’ll see you at Continue reading
Today’s Gratitude Picture: Do Things with Love
Let All That You Do Be Done With Love – 1 Corinthians 16:14
I saw this little chef statue next to a coffee shop. The verse made me reflect on how I often say, “If you are going to do something, do it well” (I say it mostly in Spanish). I don’t know where I learned this quote, perhaps from my maternal grandmother. In writing this post I searched on Google for the quote and couldn’t find it. I did find a similar quote from Walt Disney, see that one Continue reading
Things I Like This Week & Fun Links: Discovering a New Park
Since I write posts for this series on Friday’s, the week for these posts kind of begins on Saturday or perhaps Sunday. This week was busy, as they mostly all are, but I did get an opportunity to enjoy visiting a neighbor on Saturday (see note from that outing here) and we went on a family outing on Sunday. Alessandra was filled with joy during Continue reading
I Feel Pretty: Movie Review
(Photo of the theater screen before the movie began)
Beauty is a subjective thing. Different people may have varying opinions about what is beautiful or who is beautiful. But, in society, sometimes beauty is generalized, particularly when it comes to women and the fashion industry. I am a fan of chick flicks, particularly when they are comedies. With everything going on in the world, and sometimes as hectic as our own lives can get, I think it is good to go watch a feel good, comedy! I had seen the trailer for I Feel Pretty and found the scenes funny! Luckily, I was Continue reading