Last Minute Terhific Gift Idea - Experiences

Consider giving experiences instead of material Gifts

My house is drowning in stuff. My kids rooms are filled with toys. My house is about to burst. This is a topic that is often covered during my discussions with friends who have children. We all share the notion of not wanting any more plastic toys for our children. And we all think that experiences would be much nicer gifts especially from Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and other relatives.

Here are 5 Terhific Experience Gifting Ideas that would work in many countries:

1. Consider sponsoring a hobby and/or an after school activity. Think about what you like to do. Do you and the child share an interest such as a type of sport or love for fine arts and crafts or music?  The choices are endless. Make sure to check with the parents whether your plans sound good to them as well before purchasing the classes. If you live close by, then you could also volunteer to take the child back and forth to the activity. That would be a wonderful way for you to build a strong bond with the child. Here are some ideas:
1. Piano lessons (or any other instrument)
2. Swimming lessons
3. Singing in a choir
4. Fine art lessons
5. Sports Clubs: for example soccer, volley ball, gymnastics, etc...
2. Consider giving the child and his or her family a chance to see a live show. Think of child friendly concerts, dance performances and plays.
3. Consider buying museum memberships for the child and his or her family. Think of museums that offer activities such as story telling and crafts for children, or special exhibits made especially for children. Science, Air and Space, Natural History, Art Museums and Children's museums, just to name a few, are wonderful places for children.
4. Consider helping the child learn about your heritage through enrollment into language schools. 
5. Consider helping the child stay healthy through access to a sports facility. Here in the States, YMCA offers sports, classes and events through YMCA child or family membership.

Here is also a list of Terhific local San Diego Experiences:

1.  Balboa Park Explorer Tickets which would allow the child and his or her family to access 17 museums at Balboa Park for the whole year! This is my absolute favorite!
   
2. San Diego Maritime Museum Membership which would enable the child and family to climb on board 5 different ships along downtown water front. This museum also organizes lovely family days filled with ship worthy activities.
3. Tickets to Nut Cracker or any other dance performance. Many Dance Companies have Nutcracker performances throughout the San Diego County.
4. Tickets to go and see Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! play at the Old Globe Theater
5. USS Midway Museum Membership would be a lovely gift for a family with ties to the US Navy and others as well. I am always amazed by the sheer size of this ship. The Midway Museum has also recently started to organize wonderful Family days which entertain both the parents and kids.
   
6. San Diego Zoo Membership. There is always something going on at the zoo. My little entomologist loves the insects at the Children's zoo. The best part of the membership is that it allows full access to both the Zoo and the Safari Park.
7. Tickets to San Diego Symphony's Family Festival Concerts. These concerts are designed with families in mind. The kids get to try playing instruments before the concerts. The performances are exciting and entertaining.
8. Tickets to try something new: Go Ice Skating at the Kroc Center.
9. Museum visit or membership to Birch Aquarium
10. Enrollment into a language and culture school that ties you and the child into your heritage. Finnish communities organize Finnish schools (Suomi-Koulu) so that the children can learn about Finnish culture, customs and language. Greek communities also organize Greek Schools for their children. I am also aware of Japanese schools and German speaking preschools here in San Diego. These are just a few examples.
11. Outdoorsy families would love Annual National Parks Passes or a camping trips to County Parks or State Parks!

Parents also appreciate financial gifts towards college funds. Getting a little help with preschool tuition might be a wonderful way to help out young families.

Hope these lists give you some new ideas. Have you ever received an experience as a gift? What was it and how did you like it?

Beating the Holiday Blues at Balboa Park

Balboa Park Glimmers During the Holiday Season

It's the most festive season of the year, but some how the holiday blues find me right when I am supposed to be very productive and excited. There are so many expectations of people being surrounded by their families and children getting special attention from their grandparents during the holidays. There will only be the four of us around our Christmas table again this year. At times, the distance between our immediate family and relatives seems too great to bear. I always feel guilty that my children do not get to experience togetherness with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. After the guilt comes sadness. Being lonesome is my least favorite state of mind.

Those feelings of sadness come go as waves throughout the holiday season. I acknowledge my feelings, let a few tears drop, and then I pick myself up again. After all,  I am a strong Finnish woman who is not supposed to get overwhelmed by emotions and I can only blame myself for having moved so far from our loved ones.

One of the best things that our pediatrician has told me is to smile at my children. He also said that parents are the first people our children see regularly. If mom looks sad, then the children's world view will be melancholy, but if mom looks happy then they will feel happy and excited as well. With the help of that memory, I pull my frown up side down and start smiling. After all, this is the season to make memories and my children will only get to experience holiday traditions if my husband and I create them.

After one particularly blue morning, I decided that a change of surroundings would help. Thus we decided to take advantage of our Balboa Park Explorer tickets and head over to find Holiday Treasures of the park.

You can spend a lovely day at Balboa Park and get into Holiday mood by visiting these six Terhific sights. They are not listed in any particular order.

1. One-of-a-kind Christmas Tree and Fabulous Ornaments at Timken Museum

Timken museum surprised us with holiday splendor. A beautiful Christmas tree full of handmade ornaments by San Diego native artists and splendid large size nutcrackers greet visitors in the foyer. My son loved looking at the nutcrackers and my daughter delighted in the details of the beaded ornaments.

2. Wintry Holiday Scene at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum

We had such a lovely time at the Model Railroad Museum. Winter has set in one of the rooms and the trains get to ride in the middle of a lovely miniature holiday village. We spent more time than usual while paying attention to the tiny details of the winter wonderland.

3. Dr. Seuss Inspired Christmas Tree at the Old Globe Theater

This Christmas Tree is as whimsical as it gets. You cannot but giggle when looking at the this tree. My kids wanted to join the Who's and started Christmas caroling on the top of their lungs. As Ken Kramer of All About San Diego Program would say: This Seussical Tree is one thing unique about San Diego!

4. Nativity at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion

We delight in studying the Christmas story through the scenes of the Nativity set in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. My daughter and I take turns reading the story.

5. Santa Claus and his Reindeer at the Central Plaza

We love waiving at Santa as he gets ready to take off and fly in the sky. He sits on his sleigh and greets the people at the Central Plaza near Spreckels Organ Pavilion. My kids love pointing out Rudolph's red nose!

6. Glorious Poinsettia Display at the Botanical Building

The Botanical Building is filled with Poinsettias and it looks gorgeous! My kids wanted to take pictures of the beautiful plants and I especially loved seeing the Red Glitter poinsettias with white specks. My kids also love the Touch and Smell garden in which they can play with unusual variety of plants.

The Spanish Village Art Center is also filled with holiday decor, but I always worry about all the easily breakable pieces of art when my 4-year-old is with me.  Some of the cottages in the International Cottages Village by the House of Pacific Relations also decorate for the holidays. The cottages are open on Sundays from 12 noon till 4:00 pm.  Don't forget to visit House of Finland!

If you are feeling the holiday blues, I send you warm thoughts and my best wishes. Feelings come and go, and you can help lifting the mood by visiting a cheery place such as Balboa Park.

Let me know if I inspired you to go and enjoy Balboa Park, one of my favorite places in San Diego!

Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

Terhific Recommendation on where to find snow in San Diego 

Can you believe it, but local folks here in Southern California might just get a chance to play in the snow this coming weekend? We are so lucky to live within easy drive to the local mountains with high elevations! I take advantage of this situation and head over to Cuyamaca and Laguna Mountains as soon as I hear about the possibility of snow!

I might have to ditch all the holiday party plans and start packing our winter gear into the car! There is a winter storm warning that promises two to five inches of snow accumulation from 3,000 to 5,000 feet and up to a foot of snow is expected above 5,000 feet. This means that both Cuyamaca and Laguna Mountains will provide wonderful winter fun for families.

Each year, our local mountains have a chance of getting a snow blanket a few times between November and March. The snow never stays on the ground for many days, so you should pay attention to the weather forecasts. When I plan our trips, I always check Laguna Mountain Lodge's Facebook pages and Mt.Laguna Webcam and Local Weather Info for Mt. Laguna before we leave. That way I know for sure whether there is snow in the ground. I only go as far into the mountains as I can without chains. I usually drive through the Cuyamacas. If there is not enough snow there, then I head over to the higher elevations at Laguna Mountains.

Here are our favorite spots for snow play in our local moutains:

1. Green Valley Falls Area Campground at Cuyamaca Mountains Green Valley sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The day use fee is $8 per vehicle. It is a great place for a snowball fight!
   
2. Paso Picacho Campground at Cuyamaca Mountains Paso Picacho Campground sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The day use fee is $8 per vehicle. We like to play both in the fields and in the hills. Bring your toboggans and snowshoes and have fun!
   
3. Laguna Mountain Lodge Area at Laguna Mountains Stop by the Laguna Mountain Lodge to get tips where to park and play in the snow in Laguna Mountains. You will need an Adventure Pass if you plan on playing in the fields along Sunrise Highway. The Adventure Passes are available in the Lodge.

Make sure you bring a change of clothes for everyone as the kids get cold after getting wet in the snow. The close by mountain town of Julian also looks great with a blanket of snow! Palomar Mountain is yet another place that receives snow in San Diego.

Enjoy and make sure you take pictures of your snowmen! I'd love to hear if I inspired anyone to go and play in the snow!

Terhific Recommendation on Five Fabulous Finnish Things

Made in Finland

Finnish candy in Finnish Maribowls

 

When I walk around our house I see Finnish things everywhere. Moomin characters and Marimekko's Unikko bedsheets make my daughter's room cozy. At this time of year our living room is just filled with Finnish Christmas items such as elves, Santa Claus figures and ornaments. But it is in the kitchen and the dining room where I feel the connection to Finland the most throughout the year. When I set our dining table with Finnish table cloths, dishes and silverware, I feel very homey. None of these items are worth much, but yet they are among my most priced possessions.

It is exciting to see that few Finnish items are now available through Amazon. The following items are Terhific!

1. Moomin Mug - Love

Pros: Whether you know the Moomin characters or not, the images of this mug will tell the whole story. If you hand this mug to someone, you are handing pure love to them. Each night, I pass this mug to the person who has been the nicest that day at our house.  These mugs are made by Arabia in Finland. The quality is great and the mug can last a life time or two. Moomin mugs are now so popular in Finland that they have become collectible items. Cons: None, but some prefer larger size mugs.

2. Iittala Maribowl - Light Blue

Pros: Did you know that Finnish glass is stunning, bold and beautiful? These Maribowls come handy when ever I have some little things to add into the table. For example, candies, berries or little cookies look great in these bowls. Quality of these bowls is top notch. Maribowls have been around for many years in Finland, but recently they have become popular again. Maribowls are available in many colors and at least two sizes. Cons: None.

3. Karl Fazer Milk Chocolate Bar, 200g

Pros: You've got to try Finnish chocolate at least once in your life time! Karl Fazer has been making this chocolate since 1891! It melts in your mouth! Cons: Calories.

4. Full/Queen Duvet Set (Marimekko Unikko Orange)

Pros: Marimekko is well know for it's bold and colorful designs. Marimekko's classic Unikko pattern in modern colors looks just great. These bed sheets come in many colors. I picked this one as an example as I want one! My daughter's bed has the classic red Unikko sheets. I have washed these sheets many times and the color does not fade. The quality is wonderful. Cons: If you prefer a less bold print, take a look at other Marimekko designs.

5. Kuksa, Kupilka Cup and Bowl

Pros: This list would not be complete, if there wasn't at least one wooden item in it. Thus, I picked Kuksa. Kuksa is an ancient artifact from Lapland, Finland. Originally kuksas were made out of wood, but this innovative Finnish company, Kupilka, makes theirs from Natural FiberComposites Material. If you like to camp and spend time in the nature, a kuksa can be really handy. You can use it as a cup for any drinks and as a bowl for soups and other foods. Kuksa never feels cold against your lips even in really cold temperatures. Cons: Based on the reviews, some people do not like the spoon that comes with this kit.

Here are a few other places that sell Finnish things here in the United States:

• Finn Style is my favorite place to shop for all things Finnish.
• Marimekko sells design items both online and with a few stores gathered around the country.
• Crate and Barrel stores have Marimekko shops within their shops.
• Banana Republic sells or will soon sell clothes in Marimekko designs
• World Market and Fresh and Easy sell Finn Crisps (Hapankorppuja). World Market also carries Finnish liqorice (Panda Lakritsia) 

Do any of you other Finns have anything to add to my list? I welcome comments and additions!

Let me know if I inspired you to include something Finnish in your holiday shopping list. It would also be lovely to hear about your favorite Finnish things.

Drawing Strength from Nature

Two Hidden Nature Gems of Greater San Diego

This morning, when I dragged myself out of bed, my husband told me: "You can't soar with the eagles if you blog with the owls." I'm used to hearing:"You can't soar wit the eagles if you hoot with the owls." A beloved saying from my better half's father and his family. I took the advice and here I am blogging a little bit earlier today :-D

I always get the blues when a Finnish celebration is coming up and I am way out here across the ocean from all the excitement. Tomorrow is Finland's Independence Day and the Finns are getting ready to party. In situations like this, I like to draw strength from nature. I miss the Finnish forests and nature dearly and I get tired of the crowds of people. I  have worked pretty hard to find inspiring natural places to visit amongst the semi-desert landscape of Southern California. Here are two of our favorite calm places to visit:

1. Mt. Helix

Our family loves Mt. Helix. It is a place where one can find peace by looking at 350 degree views of the greater San Diego area. The kids love to play in the amphitheater and the stairs. We like to hike along the dirt path around the top of  Mt. Helix and sit there and look at the views all the way to Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Downtown, the mountains in the east and Cowles Mountain and North County. These pictures were taken on a beautiful blustery day after San Diego had received a few rain showers. It was lovely to see some clouds in the sky!

2. Louis Stelzer County Park

Stelzer County Park is my favorite parks in San Diego. It hurts to mention this park, as the best part of it is that there has never been many people there. We love the peace and quiet of this park. The old live oak trees provide shade and make our visits comfortable even during the summer. There are two shaded play grounds, a compost and a small native plants garden. If you are lucky, you might even get to watch the park rangers feed their pet snakes in the little ranger station. The Kumeyaay Indians have left behind grinding rocks to the boulders and it is easy to see why they chose to live in the Stelzer park region. There is a little fresh water stream that creates a riparian forest with wild grapevines and oak trees. It is a lovely place to hike!

Sending much love to those friends who are now packing up and getting ready to move! Perhaps, you can find some peace in the above places before you move or sometime over the holidays.

Terhific Recommendations on Nutcracker Ballet Related Items

 Sugar plum Fairy Calling

After visiting a museum, or going to an event, I like to ask the kids to search around the house for items that remind them of their experience. That way, the children get more out of the visit. After seeing the Nutcracker Ballet performance, the kids pulled out a few of our favorite Ballet books and toys. Here is a Terhific list of items that come with our highest recommendations.

1. The Nutcracker Ballet: A Book, Theater, and Paper Doll Fold-out Play Set (Foldout Play Set) (Christmas, Activity Book)

Pros: This package includes the Nutcracker book, paper dolls of the ballet characters and a theater in which the paper dolls can come alive. My daughter loves to set up the tree different scenes of the ballet in the theater. What I love the best is that the children can relive their experience of the live ballet show at home over and over again! Another nice feature is the pocket in which the paper dolls can be stored. Cons: It is best to keep the paper dolls out of toddlers' hands. They can break easily.

2. Nutcracker: The Motion Picture

Pros: This version of Nutcracker Ballet performance is brought to life by famous children's story writer, Maurice Sendak. The production is both exuberant and exciting! My kids have watched this movie over and over again, especially right before and after we go and see the live performances. Cons: Some of the characters can be scary for little children.

3. Wooden Nutcracker Doll

Pros: Last year, I bought our kids a Nutcracker. They thought that it was a great gift as we had just seen a live performance of the Nutcracker Ballet. This year, we have just rediscovered them from a box of Christmas decorations. Both kids were thrilled to find their wooden soldiers again! I love seasonal gifts, as they keep giving each year. Cons: The Nutcrackers are meant to be decorations rather than toys. Thus, little kids could easily break them.

4. European Wooden Nut Cracker Tool

Pros: When the children and I watch the Nutcracker Ballet Movie, we like to crack some nuts at the same time. This European nut cracker is kid friendly. I love encouraging the kids to be self sufficient and capable, this tool allows them to crack nuts all by themselves. I think that Montessori based schools could use one of these tools during the holiday season. Cons: Nothing at all.

5. Ballerina Music Box

Pros: I do not know any little girls who would not love to have a musical jewelry box. Watching a little girl putting away her treasures in this box, puts a smile on mom's face. This box also provides many compartments for little treasures. Cons: Eventually little girls grow out of these boxes.

I hope this list is helpful during the holiday season. What are you favorite Ballet toys and books?

Terhific Recommendation on 5 Top Notch Dr. Seuss Products

 Seussical Fun!

Would you like to have some Seussical fun with little ones this holiday season? Look no further, here are our family's favorite Dr. Seuss items.

1. Cat in the Hat I Can Do That! Game

Pros: The game gets the whole family giggling and being silly together! The game pieces are whimsical and the kids have fun hopping, twirling, crawling and balancing. There is nothing funnier in my kids eyes than to see their daddy crawl through the "Trick-a-ma-stick" on the floor. Cons: Some of the game pieces are made out of plastic foam. They can break easily. But it is easy enough to replace the pieces by simply drawing the pictures into cardboard and cutting them out.

2. Fox in Socks (Beginner Books)

Pros: By the time we get to the the page when the beetles battle in a bottle, we are all just roaring with laughter. Dr. Seuss' silly tongue twisters are sure to entertain all ages! Cons: If you are not careful, you may sprain your tongue!

3. Dr. Seuss Learning Cards: Opposites

Pros: Little ones get to learn the meanings of words with little help from Dr. Seuss. Our 4-year-old loves the card with tall and short kids. He so badly wants to be one of those tall, big kids! Cons: You might have to giggle while looking at the illustrations.

4. One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish (I Can Read It All by Myself)

Pros: This is a perfect picture book for a beginning reader. One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish was my daughter's first book which she was able to read aloud all by herself! Now, a couple of years later, she still loves this book! Cons: You might have to read this book to your child over and over again until they are able to do so by themselves.

5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Classic Seuss)

Pros: It took me a few years to warm up to Grinch, but now it is one of my favorites! It is heartwarming to read about the change of hearts in Grinch. I would love to be one of the Whos in Whoville, singing Christmas carols together! This book helps you get into Holiday mood! Cons: The character of Grinch can be scary for young children.

I hope these product ideas are helpful. I would love to hear what are your favorite Dr. Seuss books, games and toys!

Exuberant Celebration of Dr.Seuss

Cat in the Hat, what do you know about that?

Did you know that Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss was from San Diego? I lived here several years before I discovered that interesting fact. In the past, I'd seen Dr. Seuss sculptures around the Hotel Del in Coronado, and now there is a fabulous exhibition at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park. The kids and I were excited when we heard the exhibit had opened, so we hopped in the car to check it out for ourselves.

Immediately upon entering the exhibit, we were immersed in Theodor Geisel's imaginary world. The kids giggled at the funny animals on the Unorthodox Taxidermy wall. The fuzzy tail of the turtle caught my son's eye. My daughter loved the fish which looked more like a chainsaw.

 The whole setting of the exhibit was cheerful, and the whimsical furniture added to the fun.

While the kids were busy making hats and "truffula" trees...

 

... I looked at some pretty awesome art work.

If you'd like to take a first hand look at Theodor Geisel's art, I recommend you go and visit the San Diego History Center by the end of the year. It is a lot of fun for adults and children alike. Here is a link to the event: Ingenious! The World of Dr. Seuss  I would love to hear from your experience at the exhibit, thus, please do come back and post a comment!

After we got back from the museum, I asked the kids to go and gather all Dr. Seuss related books, toys and games from their bedrooms. That resulted in an exuberant night filled with tongue twisters and laughter. In my next post, I will share our favorite Dr. Seuss items.

Until then, take a moment to read a few of your favorite Dr. Seuss books. Those tongue twisters get me every time!