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Paris Style: Rocking the Fox

11 Feb 2012
Tidepooler in Paris, Uncategorized
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It has been fa-reezing here in Paris, hovering just below zero degrees celsius for the past couple weeks or so. So I did what any person in their right mind would do and bought a fur coat. I don’t know what kind of fur it is, since I didn’t understand the word the man at the thrift store said, but all I know is that it’s “better than rabbit.” Don’t worry little bunnies, you make very nice fur coats too. It could be fox, but I’m pretty sure the word for “fox” is “renard,” and he didn’t say that. As a former vegetarian with a history siding with anti-fur activists, I’m having a slightly hard time reconciling my new daily article of clothing. Well, not really. Maybe a little bit. But not enough to put it on every single day before I head outside into the frigid air! Plus, lots of Parisians wear fur coats. And conformity is the thing here. I’m just trying to fit in. Isn’t everyone? I think I look pretty cool to be honest with you.

Chasing Les Pigeons

19 Jan 2012
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Chasing pigeons is one of Elodie’s favorite activities. Luckily, Paris has no shortage of these pesky feathered friends, and she can partake in this endless game pretty much anywhere. We found the gardens at the Palais Royal to be the best spot so far. Not only is it full of pigeons, but one of the courtyards has black and white striped columns of varying heights strewn throughout it, making it the perfect place for toddlers (but not so good for blind people). Here’s Elodie pretending to be the Queen of France. “Give me some cake to eat! Put it on my tongue!” she exclaims. If she wants to eat or drink something, she sticks out her tongue and points to it.

After Elodie got tired out running around the former palace grounds, we headed to the Jardins des Tuleries where we sat at a delightful open-air cafe and tried to stay warm with hot chocolate. I practiced my French with the waiter and complimented him on the speed of service, to which he responded with something I didn’t understand but had to do with how young he was. Actually, I’m pretty sure he was a grandpa.

Our first week here was all about the joie de vivre, but now we’re starting to settle into the routine of normal life. Daddy goes to the office every morning, while Elodie gets settled for a nap, and I bang out some work. Once the afternoon rolls around, mommy and baby set out for a super fun adventure in Paris! Of course I’ll be sharing those stories with you soon, but now it’s time to go get a crepe for lunch (since we’re out of baguettes).

 

Welcome to Paris

09 Jan 2012
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It was still dark when we arrived in Paris this morning. The sun didn’t come up until after 8. We took a long nap then walked to the Pompidou Centre where we ate croque monsieurs and French onion soup at a cafe near the museum. We wanted to show Elodie the Eiffel Tower but she fell asleep in her stroller. She’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see the tower gleaming in the sunset with dark broiling clouds all around.

Merry Christmas & Bon Voyage!

25 Dec 2011
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In two short weeks, we’ll be boarding a plane to Paris. We’re moving there for a year! I’m still deciding between continuing Tidepooler, or starting a brand new blog to document the exciting adventure abroad. But I’ll let you know when I figure it out. Until then, have a very merry Christmas and a most happy New Year!

p.s. Just before Halloween I fell and broke my hand. And I took another of my very long blogging breaks. Hopefully that won’t happen again!

Photo: Samantha Fitzgerald

Have a Relaxing Weekend

14 Oct 2011
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20111014-173736.jpg

I’ve been quiet all week, so just wanted to wish you a happy weekend. We took an overnight trip to Sacramento. My first visit to California’s capital city was a delight. We saw the Capital Building where Elodie thinks the governor lives, took a swim in the Sheraton hotel pool, and explored the frontier town streets of Old Sacramento.

Here’s a photo from a beautiful apartment in Berlin I photographed for Re-Nest this summer. See the rest of the house here.

East Bay Kids Calendar: June 13 – 19

13 Jun 2011
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We’re in Berlin! Which is my lame excuse for not updating Tidepooler in ages. After two and a half weeks on the East Coast, we landed at Tegel Airport, last Thursday. It’s magical here. I love this city more than any place else on earth. We’re living in a really great apartment right in the center of town. So far we’ve discovered a few fantastic playgrounds — they really are so creative here when it comes to play. Another exciting thing recently happened too. Elodie turned one-year-old! We had a birthday party for her in New York City. Happy birthday Elodie! And have a great week all y’all in California. We miss you!

Monday, June 13, 2011
10:30-11am Preschool Storytime, Oakland Library Main Branch, 125 14th St., Oakland
http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=OAKLAND&curKey2=Storytimes

Tuesday, May 14, 2011
10am-12pm Postnatal yoga with childcare at Yogalayam, Berkeley
http://www.yogalayam.org/

10:00am Baby & Toddler Time, North Library Branch Van, Live Oak Park, Berkeley
http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/children/programs-and-events/storytimes/

Wednesday, May 15, 2011
10-10:30am Preschool Storytime at the Oakland Library West Branch
http://www.eventkeeper.com/clients/oakland/ek_oakland.cfm?curSKW=kids%20or%20storytimes%20or%20Families/All%20Ages

10:15 and 11am Baby Bounce and Toddler Time at Berkeley Library Central Branch
http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/children/programs-and-events/storytimes/

10:30-11am Preschool Storytime at the Oakland Library Temescal Branch and Golden Gate Branch
http://www.eventkeeper.com/clients/oakland/ek_oakland.cfm?curSKW=kids%20or%20storytimes%20or%20Families/All%20Ages

10:30-11:45 Mom and baby postnatal yoga at Square One Yoga, Emeryville
http://www.squareoneyoga.com/

11:15am-12:45pm Mom and baby yoga at Monkey Yoga, Oakland
http://www.monkeyyoga.com/

Thursday, May 16, 2011
11:45am -1:15pm Postnatal Yoga at 7th Heaven, Berkeley
http://www.7thheavenyoga.com/natal.htm#

11:15-11:45 Baby and Toddler Time, St. John’s, 2727 College Ave, Berkeley
http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/children/programs-and-events/#/?i=1

11:15am-12:45pm Postnatal Yoga at Berkeley Yoga
http://www.berkeleyyoga.com/schedule.html

9:30-11am Postnatal Yoga at Loka Yoga, Oakland
http://www.lokayogaoakland.com/p/schedule-and-fees.html

3-7pm North Berkeley All Organic Farmers Market
http://www.ecologycenter.org/bfm/

Friday, May 17, 2011
10am-12pm Postnatal yoga with childcare at Yogalayam, Berkeley
http://www.yogalayam.org/

10:15 and 11am Baby Bounce and Toddler Tales at Berkeley Library West Branch
http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/children/programs-and-events/storytimes/

4-5pm Parent and Tot Class at the Berkeley Warm Pool
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/contentdisplay.aspx?id=5672

Saturday, May 18, 2011

9:30-10:30am and  10:30-11:30am Parent and Tot Class at the Berkeley Warm Pool
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/contentdisplay.aspx?id=5672

10:30am Toddler Storytime at the Oakland Library Rockridge Branch
http://www.eventkeeper.com/clients/oakland/ek_oakland.cfm?curSKW=kids%20or%20storytimes%20or%20Families/All%20Ages

Sunday, May 19

9am-2pm Jack London Square Farmers Market
http://www.jacklondonsquare.com/events/farmersmarket.html

**Be sure to double check dates and times. And please add any events you’d like to share by leaving a comment. Thanks!

East Bay Kids Calendar: May 16 – 22, 2011

16 May 2011
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After a long day of traveling, we made it to Rhode Island! Elodie loved the butterfly installation in the Kids’ Zone at SFO. We flew American Airlines, so we got to check out the new terminal, which was nice. Airports that include children’s play areas are smart. This was our first time traveling with Elodie since she’s been crawling. Previously she would sleep the entire flight, but this time, we had to keep her entertained for long stretches. I packed a ton of toys and books, some new ones and some of her long time favorites, though I do think I kind of overdid it. We didn’t get to three quarters of them. Oh well… Better to be over prepared than under prepared. Saturday, we drive up to Vermont. Any tips for long car rides? Here’s this week’s calendar of kid-friendly events in the East Bay.

Monday, May 16, 2011
10:30-11am Preschool Storytime, Oakland Library Main Branch, 125 14th St., Oakland
http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=OAKLAND&curKey2=Storytimes

Tuesday, May 17, 2011
10am-12pm Postnatal yoga with childcare at Yogalayam, Berkeley
http://www.yogalayam.org/

10:10-10:30am Baby and Toddler Time at Berkeley Library North Branch, 1170 The Alameda, Berkeley
http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/children/programs-and-events/storytimes/

10:15-10:35am Baby Lapsit at Berkeley Library South Branch, 1901 Russell St., Berkeley
http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/children/programs-and-events/storytimes/

Wednesday, May 18, 2011
10-10:30am Preschool Storytime at the Oakland Library West Branch
http://www.eventkeeper.com/clients/oakland/ek_oakland.cfm?curSKW=kids%20or%20storytimes%20or%20Families/All%20Ages

10:15am Toddler Storytime at the Oakland Library Piedmont Avenue Branch
http://www.eventkeeper.com/clients/oakland/ek_oakland.cfm?curSKW=kids%20or%20storytimes%20or%20Families/All%20Ages

10:15 and 11am Baby Bounce and Toddler Time at Berkeley Library Central Branch
http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/children/programs-and-events/storytimes/

10:30-11am Preschool Storytime at the Oakland Library Temescal Branch and Golden Gate Branch
http://www.eventkeeper.com/clients/oakland/ek_oakland.cfm?curSKW=kids%20or%20storytimes%20or%20Families/All%20Ages

10:30-11:45 Mom and baby postnatal yoga at Square One Yoga, Emeryville
http://www.squareoneyoga.com/

11:15am-12:45pm Mom and baby yoga at Monkey Yoga, Oakland
http://www.monkeyyoga.com/

11:15am-12pm Kindergym at Temple Beth Abraham, Oakland
http://www.tbaoakland.org/index.php/pages/class_info

Thursday, May 19, 2011
11:45am -1:15pm Postnatal Yoga at 7th Heaven, Berkeley
http://www.7thheavenyoga.com/natal.htm#

11:15-11:45 Baby and Toddler Time, St. John’s, 2727 College Ave, Berkeley
http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/children/programs-and-events/#/?i=1

11:15am-12:45pm Postnatal Yoga at Berkeley Yoga
http://www.berkeleyyoga.com/schedule.html

9:30-11am Postnatal Yoga at Loka Yoga, Oakland
http://www.lokayogaoakland.com/p/schedule-and-fees.html

3-7pm North Berkeley All Organic Farmers Market
http://www.ecologycenter.org/bfm/

Friday, May 20, 2011
10am-12pm Postnatal yoga with childcare at Yogalayam, Berkeley
http://www.yogalayam.org/

10:15 and 11am Baby Bounce and Toddler Tales at Berkeley Library West Branch
http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/children/programs-and-events/storytimes/

4-5pm Parent and Tot Class at the Berkeley Warm Pool
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/contentdisplay.aspx?id=5672

Saturday, May 21, 2011

3-9pm Satsuki Bazaar and Arts Festival, Berkeley Buddhist Temple, 2121 Channing Way, Berkeley
http://www.berkeleysangha.org/ev/bazaar/index.html

9:30-10:30am and  10:30-11:30am Parent and Tot Class at the Berkeley Warm Pool
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/contentdisplay.aspx?id=5672

10:30am Toddler Storytime at the Oakland Library Rockridge Branch
http://www.eventkeeper.com/clients/oakland/ek_oakland.cfm?curSKW=kids%20or%20storytimes%20or%20Families/All%20Ages

Sunday, May 22

12-7pm Satsuki Bazaar and Arts Festival, Berkeley Buddhist Temple, 2121 Channing Way, Berkeley
http://www.berkeleysangha.org/ev/bazaar/index.html

9am-2pm Jack London Square Farmers Market
http://www.jacklondonsquare.com/events/farmersmarket.html

**Be sure to double check dates and times. And please add any events you’d like to share by leaving a comment. Thanks!

East Bay Kids Calendar: May 9 – 15, 2011

10 May 2011
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Sorry for the delay in posting this week’s calendar! How was your Mother’s Day? It was my first, and so much fun. It felt like a second birthday. We went into San Francisco and explored the Inner Richmond neighborhood. I love exploring new neighborhoods. We found a few great spots, which I’ll be sure to write about just as soon as I get my photos uploaded.

Monday, May 9, 2011
10:30-11am Preschool Storytime, Oakland Library Main Branch, 125 14th St., Oakland
http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=OAKLAND&curKey2=Storytimes

Tuesday, May 10, 2011
10am-12pm Postnatal yoga with childcare at Yogalayam, Berkeley
http://www.yogalayam.org/

10:10-10:30am Baby and Toddler Time at Berkeley Library North Branch, 1170 The Alameda, Berkeley
http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/children/programs-and-events/storytimes/

10:15-10:35am Baby Lapsit at Berkeley Library South Branch, 1901 Russell St., Berkeley
http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/children/programs-and-events/storytimes/

Wednesday, May 11, 2011
10-10:30am Preschool Storytime at the Oakland Library West Branch
http://www.eventkeeper.com/clients/oakland/ek_oakland.cfm?curSKW=kids%20or%20storytimes%20or%20Families/All%20Ages

10:15am Toddler Storytime at the Oakland Library Piedmont Avenue Branch
http://www.eventkeeper.com/clients/oakland/ek_oakland.cfm?curSKW=kids%20or%20storytimes%20or%20Families/All%20Ages

10:15 and 11am Baby Bounce and Toddler Time at Berkeley Library Central Branch
http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/children/programs-and-events/storytimes/

10:30-11am Preschool Storytime at the Oakland Library Temescal Branch and Golden Gate Branch
http://www.eventkeeper.com/clients/oakland/ek_oakland.cfm?curSKW=kids%20or%20storytimes%20or%20Families/All%20Ages

10:30-11:45 Mom and baby postnatal yoga at Square One Yoga, Emeryville
http://www.squareoneyoga.com/

11-11:45 Garden Strollers, Berkeley Botanical Garden, Berkeley
http://events.berkeley.edu/index.php/calendar/sn/bot.html?event_ID=38423&date=2011-05-11&filter=Event%20Type&filtersel=

11:15am-12:45pm Mom and baby yoga at Monkey Yoga, Oakland
http://www.monkeyyoga.com/

11:15am-12pm Kindergym at Temple Beth Abraham, Oakland
http://www.tbaoakland.org/index.php/pages/class_info

Thursday, May 12, 2011
11:45am -1:15pm Postnatal Yoga at 7th Heaven, Berkeley
http://www.7thheavenyoga.com/natal.htm#

11:15-11:45 Baby and Toddler Time, St. John’s, 2727 College Ave, Berkeley
http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/children/programs-and-events/#/?i=1

11:15am-12:45pm Postnatal Yoga at Berkeley Yoga
http://www.berkeleyyoga.com/schedule.html

9:30-11am Postnatal Yoga at Loka Yoga, Oakland
http://www.lokayogaoakland.com/p/schedule-and-fees.html

3-7pm North Berkeley All Organic Farmers Market
http://www.ecologycenter.org/bfm/

Friday, May 13, 2011
10am-12pm Postnatal yoga with childcare at Yogalayam, Berkeley
http://www.yogalayam.org/

10:15 and 11am Baby Bounce and Toddler Tales at Berkeley Library West Branch
http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/children/programs-and-events/storytimes/

4-5pm Parent and Tot Class at the Berkeley Warm Pool
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/contentdisplay.aspx?id=5672

Saturday, May 14, 2011

4-8pm Sacred Wheel Cheese Shop’s Second Saturday Block Party with the Fist of Flour Pizza Company, 4935 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley
http://wheresthefist.com/wordpress/?page_id=456

9:30-10:30am and  10:30-11:30am Parent and Tot Class at the Berkeley Warm Pool
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/contentdisplay.aspx?id=5672

10:30am Toddler Storytime at the Oakland Library Rockridge Branch
http://www.eventkeeper.com/clients/oakland/ek_oakland.cfm?curSKW=kids%20or%20storytimes%20or%20Families/All%20Ages

Sunday, May 15
9am-2pm Jack London Square Farmers Market
http://www.jacklondonsquare.com/events/farmersmarket.html

12-5pm 16th Annual Jazz on Fourth, Benefit Music Festival for Berkeley High School Jazz, Fourth Street and Hearst, Berkeley
http://www.fourthstreet.com/loft21.html

1-2:30pm Animals of the Garden Children’s Walk, Berkeley Botanical Garden, Berkeley
http://events.berkeley.edu/index.php/calendar/sn/bot.html?event_ID=39976&date=2011-05-15&filter=Event%20Type&filtersel=

**Be sure to double check dates and times. And please add any events you’d like to share by leaving a comment. Thanks!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Waristocrats

13 Apr 2009
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celeste_alice

Sorry for disappearing without a trace! My sister Alice arrived last Wednesday, and with our packed to the brim schedules, filled with trips to the Berlin zoo (we weren’t there when this crazy lady jumped into the polar bear area), hikes up to the Belvedere Palace in Weimar, and strolls around a medieval fair in Leipzig, I’ve had nary a moment for blogging. Alice says I speak like someone in the 18th century. I told her I would like to have been a Parisian aristocrat who suffered the same fate as Marie Antoinette in the French Revolution. She called me a “waristocrat.” A “wannabe-aristocrat.” So be it.

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