• Home
  • Life Style
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Beauty
    • Food
    • Style
    • Travel
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Download

║today my way║

birthday-party-six-birthday-girl-todaymyway
opening-presents-birthday-girl-six-years-old-todaymyway

























It's how it always goes. You wake up fresh and prepared for all the sugar awaiting your cravings knowing it's only the small percentage of the good things that are about to happen. You don't even sleep that long otherwise you'll miss it. No chance. As today marked another year that has flown by in our lives with this ball of sunshine, commotion was all that I remember. But let me start from the moment it was only a blur. All of us woke up almost at the same time, her lemon dress ready since a week ago, hanging there as a reminder of a fabulous day. She dressed herself indecisive to the way her hair should go so I offered a hand with some braiding and it was a hit before she changed outfits later on but that's a regular thing around here, birthdays or not. I planned to match the colours she was wearing but decided against it in the last minute. It's a tempting move yet results not always back up the original plan so a few shades of grey were decided upon. We had first guests arriving at 10 am therefore the last minute decorating took us less than expected. Nadia loves her Playstation race games so the Sonic lady - Rouge is what she's been talking about lately - any occasion - her birthday or Christmas, she was convinced they will be merged at some point. Her joy was not hard to witness.

Then we headed to the nearest bowling centre for some fun, food and occasional tears when the score board showed not what was expected. Nadia was having a great time bonding with everybody and just throwing that ball in between, it seemed. It wasn't until the end she started winning and yes, won the overall game to her undeniable surprise. Second game wasn't that exciting so was taken over by the adults while the kids ran around the arcade machines having a go at them with not a coin to spend. It seemed to be fun too.

Five year old Nadia, I will miss you terribly but the sweet new face is here to stay for a while and I'm excited as ever. You are my joy and a kindest spirit, I'm so happy to be your mama. xxx

bowling-with-daddy-big-girl-six-todaymyway
bowling-together-six-todaymyway
bowling-birthday-fun-six-birthday-party-todaymyway
bowling-with-daddy-six-little-big-girl-todaymyway
party-food-six-birthday-grapes-todaymyway
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No comments
birthday-girl-six-years-old-todaymyway

































For the first time in years no source of information is able to predict the sequence of steps and milestones my child will proceed through. Gone are the days a whole vocabulary contained of 50 most frequent verbs and adjectives, we're in no way in a place that's predictable, measurable, obvious and easily comparable to cases found in respectable parenting books full of terribly useful things. At virtually six years old the approximate figures make no sense, every child is different, no one is like the other. There's also a big gap in knowing for sure and with all my heart what really does she know, what meaning does she assign to things of every day, how many sentences can be created in one afternoon. It's easy to maneuver in the field of ten sounds a baby can make or live life focusing on 20 phrases all the time while chopping finger food. It's almost a fun game of expanding and limiting. Now it's the time of refinement and sharpness when a word can mean as many things as there are colours and most probably just the opposite of what I've been taught to associate it with. Now it's the game of waiting, not knowing what will float out of her mouth, so abstract and interesting. Imagine sitting next to a stranger child in a waiting room, meeting him for the first time -- you'll be in the dark of what to expect just as I am the minute Nadia flutters her thick lashes at the crack of dawn till she says a faint goodnight. This is what I'm talking about, at six no child is a child you can stop in their own reasoning, observation and logic yet encouraging it you're still astonished how quickly it's happened and how far she shifted because of it. You meet a six year old and at giving her a lollipop you expect a dozen of reactions -- sometimes quite predictable and expected, most times mildly striking. Snapshots of this year consist of moments I'm in awe with and slightly less excited but this is how an adult is made - through her own revelations bouncing off of experiences with others. It's when they interact it happens, it's when they play they gain and give further.

This summer Nadia was in charge of the refinement, the unpredictable, the less obvious. I certainly enjoyed every minute of it. Happy birthday, babe! xx
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
2 comments
birthday-boy-celebration-family-great-moments-todaymyway.com
birthday-cake-birthday-boy-great-moments-celebration-todaymyway.com
























Looking through these pages, you'd definitely think we do nothing else than party and cure our suffering hangovers. Yes, we do spend a nice portion of the year on recognizing the maturity but because we love hanging around with people we love and care about, we go for it with open hearts and wrapped surprises. With three kids in tow birthday parties are constant topic around here and nobody really feels bad about it. In fact it is a great opportunity to rethink the idea of perfect gathering to be remembered until next year. I love giving presents, I'm far from being minimalist in this matter but what really counts in my book is the detail, going extra mile and sometimes courage helps too because choosing something a toddler hasn't got idea it existed can definitely be fun. Occasionally. As long as it has four wheels or headache inducing hues - I cast a vote for this item above all else.

Logan, the youngest member of our family turned four as his commitment to grow big and strong is unstoppable. I live for the laugh he gives when he's happy and playful and calls me his mama jokingly so that I have to make this funny face to correct him. Or when I pretend not hear what he said so that he needs to shout it out loud in my ear. Moments I call a dream and store deep in my heart for the right occasions. There were nice cards and small gifts exchanged, celebratory cake devoured and chocolate stained shirts noticed. There was fun.

family-time-birthday-celebration-four-years-old-todaymyway.com
friends-family-birthday-gang-celebrations-todaymyway.com
Heroes-of-the-city-learning-fun-channel-todaymyway.com

As always when birthdays approach you look for ways to give intentionally and with a great dose of surprise, preferences and originality in mind. More than often the opportunity from companies dedicated to entertain toddlers and pre-school children approach at the right moment and all I'm left to do is just finding the right wrapping paper. As was this time with a Swedish company Heroes of the City aimed at curious bunch looking for ways to stay occupied while learning at the same time but most importantly and unarguably wonderful in every way - we were directed to a YouTube channel about rescue vehicles in a small town where everybody gets to be a hero! And that's essentially what Heroes of the City is about - providing hours of fun while focusing on helping each other through animated series. There are many great channels for kids out there and I'm sure we're still unaware of most of the fun they provide however a couple of episodes later I was happy noticing the kids enjoying watching it and pointing at characters they liked. Available on any device makes it convenient too. And this is the magic word when it comes to this bunch.

Heroes-of-the-city-learning-fun-channel-todaymyway.com
Heroes-of-the-city-learning-fun-channel-todaymyway.com
Heroes-of-the-city-learning-fun-channel-todaymyway.com
Heroes-of-the-city-learning-fun-channel-todaymyway.com
In collaboration with Heroes of the City
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
3 comments
painting-with-kids, DIY-wrapping-paper, arts-and-crafts, todaymyway.com
DIY-wrapping-paper, painting, spring-activities, birthday-preparations, todaymyway.com
 We’re having some serious activities going on right now. Like always paper is involved and schedules skipped but the result is worth the engagement. Whenever there is a birthday season approaching we brainstorm unusual ideas just so we have enough fun before the party as we allow ourselves right when it's due. The personal touch is always remembered so this time our project made for easy arrangement and only asked for a few supplies to be finished in no time. A simple design goes a long way and painting watermelons couldn't be more appropriate this time of the year but I guess any image would be fun. So we painted using one big potato to be our stamp and a hero. And then we wrapped the gift and waited for the big day. Nadia was pretty chuffed with the design it might be her new after school thing - great for the soul but hard for the carpet nonetheless we managed to keep the splashes to a minimum. Daddy didn't notice so no point searching for evidence. 

painting-from-scratch, arts-and-crafts, wrapping-paper, todaymyway.com
painting-on-the-floor, arts-for-kids, todaymyway.com
painting-session, DIY-wrapping-paper, todaymyway.com
watermelon-design, DIY-wrapping-paper, todaymyway.com

painting-session, DIY-wrapping-paper, todaymyway.com
►► Awaiting excited arms to be held into




Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
4 comments
birthday-party-36-years-todaymyway.com

party-birthday-celebration-family-todaymyway.com
I plead guilty for basking in the so-called light of years passing by. I find pleasure in counting candles on the cake, I seek occasions to organize events time that had passed is the main character. Hosting a party is activity I could dedicate my time to, before or after running an errand. I'm a person of detail, there's so much that can be said in fierce colours and shapes, let alone the wishes on a birthday card. I steer away from planning, scheduling, calendars for when to pick up balloons and send the invitations off. In fact the more spontaneous event the sweeter. Damian's big day fell on Friday so my initial reaction to a dreary Thursday was to skip on shopping and between school run and a light housework - I would let the day get wrapped around the festivities within its natural course. The sky cleared up allowing me to splurge on some surprises but Friday was the actual day of making it all come together. I was never that efficient with folding laundry and sweeping the floors as hours before people turning up in anticipation of a good time and even better food. When long term planning is rejected, I still follow self-made rules to come out tired but successful in my attempts. I ordered two helium balloons the day before and Nadia was delighted to be in charge of bringing them home knowing one of them will unarguably enhance her bedroom decor. Last minute grilled chicken baked under artificial light of white and blue found its way into my shopping cart and only serving it was a chore. Then the guests arrived, kids went off to fight with the cushions I tirelessly fluffed up and every minute until unwrapping presents, diving nose deep in the box of delicious chocolate muffins was a gift on its own.

blowing-candles-party-birthday-celebration-todaymyway.com
party-people-birthday-celebrations-todaymyway.com
family-together-party-birthday-celebrations-todaymyway.com

 Nadia got changed out of her clothes three times just like a maid of honor would do to delicately sipping the festive atmosphere. She dictated some of the games they played and opted out of pulling the many strings of party poppers I hesitantly put up for kids to have fun with under our close supervision. It was a great afternoon full of catching up on grown up affairs with not so grown up sense of humour. Together with his twin brother sharing the spotlight and fruit kebabs I believe Damian enjoyed every part of a small intimate celebration. When there was time to blow the candles, no person under seven decided to opt out from helping with the tradition. Soon it became dusk and eyelids ceased to be obedient but whatever happened prior to kids bedtime was highly praised. 'Best party ever' said my older nephew and I believe I beamed like a streetlamp for the next hour.
party-birthday-cupcakes-fruit-todaymyway.com
Happy another year guys! xx
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
3 comments
black-and-white, today-my-way-party-girl

girl-playing-football, kids-birthday-party, party-hall

























Not all women in my family are gifted with blonde locks, not all have sky in their eyes. In fact, it didn't happen once. In fact, my body was determined to shift from the dark hair, black eye trend and introduced this thick golden chop of hair naughtily covering the big portion of the turquoise in her pupils on purpose. I predict a change was needed in terms of being properly visible on photographs or maybe this one time if it was going to be a Libra, let her looks soften it a bit. Because Libras... with all respect and patience I extend towards Libras, the life with one (or two as I happen to land with) is just a roller-coaster ride without a handle. It is mornings of plain excitement out of random things and evenings full to the brim with unexpected. The balance rarely happens and understanding it is my way of survival. I could easily copy and paste any reliable online source describing her zodiac - sweet and gentle, trying to please others mixed and shaken with this stubbornness every time a decision is called for. The good natured element dissolves under changeable and impatient only a mother could accept. And out of head first attitude Nadia has been blessed with, there is the one all Libras are famous for. The one they live off of gracefully and exceptionally unaware of happening - the charm they naturally force on everybody never wears off or if it does, there's no visual evidence of it. I call it her congenital magic power that together with hair of a Disney princess and attitude of a adventure seeker makes her a great study example. And a great watch while interacting with others. Boys. She's sociable, she's a little wild. She gives no chance to rest when there's this urge to go for something immediately. Head first, remember? She's been raised among two boys after all so all that is associated with their world has grown into her like nothing comparable. Sudden bursts of laughter, climbing unusual surfaces while walking down the street, scratching elbows and not dropping a tear ties her up strongly with the opposite ground. You'd call her tomboy, I'll settle on an even representation of both worlds - a wild spirit in pink ballerinas. And a headband.

So there is this party happening she was invited to as 25 other children from her class. There is an inflatable slide to keep the lot on their bare feet, a space wide open and inviting. And here she is playing football with the boys and telling jokes other girls roll their eyes at. She's this funny, bright ball of unkempt hair flying across the room taking anyone willing to cause chaos along with her. The first photo is showing the essence of the girl I'm so happy to lock eyes with - a young Brigitte Bardot in her prime, flamboyant style - sweet and playful, kicking her shoes off and choosing this black lacy number over a pink tutu I prepared for her that afternoon. When raising a child I believe it is crucial to think about the opposite sex situation. She has years until serious discoveries yet we parents shouldn't forget things happen quickly. Like I noticed she's figured out she needed a bra when she was three and they didn't do bras her size so ugh, we spent half terms on searching for the most reliable sports top to settle with. Lipstick and fuchsia nail varnish has been demanded alongside potty training sessions! I am here to witness, to guide and be gentle while at it. I'd rather talk then issue orders. I'm grateful to have a child. A daughter. A Libra. A shaping personality that will only thrive under my encouragement. This is the extent of a parenthood - to see an adult beyond a child. And I'm so interested in the adult she's becoming.

happy-swanky-girl, party-hall, birthday-celebration, kids-party
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
2 comments
party season, kids, kids parties, todaymyway.com
frozen party, party kids, birthday, face painting, todaymyway.com

























We haven't seen a party too similar to the previous, every one is extra special, every face paint more unique and harder to wash off than the other. Yes, it's the birthday season and attending places of a great commotion has been on our schedule since beginning of this year and all Nadia's newest friends can vouch. The entertainment that is always met with joy varies tremendously from venue to venue: some go subtle with themes while others indulge in the cool stuff (temporary tattoos and inflatable slides which we all need at least a few times in a lifetime). And the abundance of bright dresses living the dream and getting their money's worth is always a delight to watch. Stories told through images stuck to the soft skin for any amount of days a girl chooses were massive hit on this occasion - even Nadia, always hesitant to engage in such creativity comfortably, proceeded to dip her toe in decorating that can be fun when she lets herself go for it. Maybe her best friend had something to do with it staying close and making sure only right amount of colour was applied. I think today was a perfect time to give it a go. 

face painting, party, kids party, kids entertainment, todaymyway.com
temporary tattoo, kids, party, birthday party, todaymyway.com
►► There was a choice of a temporary tattoo and while other girls chose butterflies and hearts, she preferred a scorpion. Should the years ahead terrify me? ;)
face painting, kids party, frozen party, entertainment, todaymyway.com
frozen party, birthday, kids and things, friends, todaymyway.com
party, party season, friends, todaymyway.com
►► Nadia was somehow new to the blue tongue situation but handled the experience and excitement pretty well. She expects her drinks to retain this solid hue too which is a challenge I'll try to embrace in a big way.
party food, birthday party, party season, family, todaymyway.com
balloons and fun, kids party, birthday, frozen, todaymyway.com
►► And some girlie play to finish off the eventful afternoon. We really need it to be spring already for all the catch ups and play dates scheduled and long awaited. Have a great week, friends! 


Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No comments
kids party, birthday, friends, todaymyway.com
birthday, kids party, turning six, children, todaymyway.com

















































One year older, one year giddier! You wouldn't believe how many birthday parties we attended this and last month. No really, five is a big number when you're eager to experience something extraordinary while witnessing others growing older. It's not a secret that among all the options given to the party goers, there must be pizza on the list. And this was a special one, made by little fingers and eaten to the last bite. By the kids themselves or their parents. This day was busy but oh so exciting, two parties memorized on one day, two wonderful children gifted with well wishes and a Lego box. Knowing that kids of five years and older like bricks and piles of them, that was the icing on the cake. It took a while for Nadia to get comfortable at the party of not many recognizable faces but once she warmed to the chatty girls around her, the rest was perfect in every way it could possibly be - ice cream and pizza included. 
The weather remains unreasonable but it gave Nadia yet another chance to wear her winter clothes soon to be relocated to less accessible space. I found it a little sad most of her long sleeve, reversible pieces didn't get as much wear as we would want to because she is literally living in her school uniform! Last piece of clothing was bought way before the fall arrived and after each party we attend, the urgency for a new skirt or dress is more than visible. There's no party planned until June so we need to stock on florals and pink motifs and have more confidence in where this weather is going. 

birthday, birthday cake, family, kids, todaymyway.com

friends, kids, birthday, family, party, kids party, todaymyway.com
birthday party, birthday cake, kids party, family, todaymyway.com
birthday party, turning six, friends from school, todaymyway.com
►► I love holding my nephews extra tight when the opportunity arises with Logan being my sweet companion in all things playful and imaginative. He likes his auntie making faces and behaving a little silly for the sake of his big belly laughs coming in short sequences. I think we're pals for life. 
birthday, family, party, todaymyway.com
►► And we made it possible and attended the second birthday party called Neon Disco Party. Damian pushed his macho style aside and fell in love with more laid back look. I sure like it on him.
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
2 comments
Older Posts

About me


Photo Profile
Hi, how are you?

I'm Eli, an optimist in training collecting an awful lot of ballet pumps and spending too much time admiring the sea. You'll find me writing about the joys of parenting, fashion, simple pleasures that all together create a beautiful life. xx

Read More

Connect & Follow

Popular Posts

  • MORE ADVENTURES LIKE THIS PLEASE
  • MOUTH FULL OF STRAWBERRIES
  • I CAN SURPRISE YOU

Blog Archive

  • ▼  2016 (46)
    • June (9)
    • May (6)
    • April (12)
    • March (10)
    • February (4)
    • January (5)
  • ►  2015 (72)
    • November (2)
    • October (5)
    • September (4)
    • August (6)
    • July (11)
    • June (3)
    • May (12)
    • April (10)
    • March (7)
    • February (7)
    • January (5)
  • ►  2014 (109)
    • December (9)
    • November (4)
    • October (8)
    • September (4)
    • August (11)
    • July (3)
    • June (12)
    • May (15)
    • April (10)
    • March (10)
    • February (11)
    • January (12)
  • ►  2013 (149)
    • December (14)
    • November (12)
    • October (16)
    • September (15)
    • August (4)
    • July (9)
    • June (10)
    • May (14)
    • April (12)
    • March (14)
    • February (15)
    • January (14)
  • ►  2012 (43)
    • December (4)
    • November (10)
    • October (1)
    • September (7)
    • August (6)
    • July (1)
    • June (3)
    • May (3)
    • April (7)
    • February (1)
  • ►  2011 (3)
    • December (2)
    • November (1)
  • ►  2007 (12)
    • July (2)
    • May (2)
    • April (4)
    • March (2)
    • February (2)
  • ►  2006 (19)
    • December (2)
    • November (1)
    • September (1)
    • August (3)
    • July (3)
    • June (1)
    • May (3)
    • April (5)

Search This Blog

FOLLOW ME @INSTAGRAM

Created with by BeautyTemplates