just bella

Alice's Favourite Things: (almost) 3 months

2012-01-30T18:03:00.003-07:00

In her few short months of life, Alice's favourite things have been pretty simple - eating, sleeping, kicking, punching. She's now moved on to looking, smiling and accidently touching so, needless to say, her list is just a wee bit short this time around.

1) This activity centre is a new favourite of Alice's. With her new "looking skills" I knew I wanted to get some sort of a play gym for her, but I wasn't keen on spending the $50-$100 on a brand new one. Alice's buddy, Cole, had this one and Alice thought it was pretty great. It's pretty good looking and for only $24.99 at IKEA it was perfect.

2) Apparently babies like black and white, I think it's the random stories I make up that she likes the best ;) Great picture book.

3) This is Franny the fairy (yes, I name all of Alice's toys), she hangs out on the car seat. I like it because she hangs off an elastic and stays put, Alice likes it because she's pretty and keeps her company in that stupid car seat thing she hates so much.

4) I think Alice's parents like this sing-a-ma-jig more than her, it's hilariously creepy and annoying in a good way... she'll grow into it.

5) Best tip passed on to me: swaddle baby and then put her in the swing. This is Alice's new favourite place to nap.

6) This White Noise app is a life saver. Seriously. Alice loves "rain on car" and "floor fan"... she's going to need her own iPhone pretty soon ;)

So those are things all fine and dandy in Alice's world, but can I tell you something she doesn't like - her car seat. I thought babies were supposed to like car rides?? Nothing relaxing about a crying baby and blaring white noise app on a half hour drive home from my parents... ugh.

We'll be back next month with Alice's new favourite things (hopefully it's the car seat)...

Happy Monday, peeps!
Christine

My Favourite Things: New Mom

2012-01-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

It's only been a few months so I can only imagine this list is going to get bigger and bigger, but here are a few of my must have items that have got me through these early days of motherhood.

1) I posted this in my preggo fav things list too, but this one line a day journal is such an awesome gift for a new mom too. It's great to be able to track the little everyday milestones, complaints or oh-god-shoot-me kinda days and I think it's going to be even better to look back on a year from now.
2) BabyLog App for iPhone: this app is a baby brain lifesaver. It tracks everything from feedings, poos/pees, sleep and lays it out in handy dandy charts. I mainly use it for tracking Alice's feeds, it's great for those "when did she eat last?" moments and really helps you track your baby's routine so you can know what to expect (especially in those early, early days).
3) I bought this Petit Collage baby book before Alice was born and I really love it. It has a simple design, great content and is not too baby. I love how it comes in a box so you can store keepsakes in the little drawer underneath.
4) I love these aden & anais bamboo swaddle blankets. While they're not actually my fave for swaddling (little sucker breaks free eventually), they make great all purpose blankets. They're huge, breathable muslin, and really lightweight. I like to use them in the car seat as a blanket, as a burp cloth and as a swaddle during the day when I don't want her to get too hot.
5) These velcro swaddle blankets are my nighttime life saver! The last thing you want to do at 3am is fuss with a blanket, these are so quick to just velcro them for a tight little baby burrito all night long. (tight & comfy = happy baby = long sleeps = happy mom)
6) It's not so much the beautiful Maskros pendant itself, but the light on a DIMMER that I love. I try and keep Alice's room as dark as possible while I'm feeding her at night so she knows this is "sleep time". Having the light on the dimmer means you can set it at the perfect lightness before bed and just slap that baby on and off with ease. Plus it casts some cool shadows on the wall.

7) The Baby Jogger, City Mini stroller was one of our first purchases and I love, love, love it! It's a compact, lightweight stroller that moves with such ease. It's super easy to open and my favourite part is how easy it closes (one handed!). Things that I can do with one hand are really, really awesome nowadays. We've cruised the mall many, many times with this baby and even trekked through a bit of snow. I have to say my only complaint is the little compartment (where you'd put your shopping bags of course ;) is kind of hard to stuff things into and I wish it was a bit bigger, but other than that I love it and would highly recommend.
8) For babies born in winter and in Edmonton this 'Easy' car seat cover is a must. It goes on snug and keeps baby warm, plus her little head looks adorable peeking out the trap door.
6) I don't actually have this exact chair/bouncer - mine is a second hand one borrowed from my mom - but it's the main reason I get a shower everyday. Basically, you gotta have something portable to lug baby from room to room.

Every mom has to have her sanity savers...
7) I think the concealer is pretty self explanatory. I like this one from MAC but now that I'm sporting some "mom bags" I'm kinda on the hunt for some serious concealer action, any recommendations?
8) Sometimes it's the little things in the day that make you feel normal... there is something about a hot, yummy drink in my hand that just makes me feel happy.
9) Pinterest: so addicted! My time for reading blogs has seriously been reduced and I love that pinterest is basically an easy one-handed dose of creative inspiration! You can follow me here.

I've got a few more items to share in Alice's list and pretty much anything she loves I'm going to love too because happy baby equals happy mom!

Even before I had a baby I loved hearing from other moms for future reference and great gift giving options. What are your must have items?

Christine

My Favourite Things: Pregnancy

2012-01-23T14:53:00.001-07:00

This whole becoming a mom thing has been quite the journey. Most of the time I liked being pregnant, but I'm not going to lie, it's not all roses and sunshine. Your back hurts, you're emotional, you're tired, hungry.... it's important to find those key items that make your life a bit easier. I always love hearing from other moms so here are a few of my pregnancy must haves for you preggo ladies, friends of preggo ladies or just to be filed in the "just in case" folder.

Fashion: I found that having a few basic maternity clothes and mixing with "normal clothes" was key to my fashion happiness.
1) I bought a great jersery black dress (similar to the one above) from Mexx Maternity that I wore tons. With a jacket, cardigan, necklace, you could dress it up or dress it down. Dresses were one of my fav things to wear, especially in the summer because it's one piece and there's no annoying elastic digging into your belly.
2) I'd suggest getting a few basic plain t-shirts for layering. I had a short sleeved white one from Thyme Maternity that I wore all the time. This way you have the practical long maternity top that you can pair with all your regular layering pieces - jackets, cardigan, etc. Don't buy maternity cardigans, normal cardis and jackets totally work.
3) I lived in these maternity leggings in my last trimester. Maternity jeans were great but by the last trimester these were the only things that felt comfortable. Get yourself some long shirts or cardigans to wear with them so you cover your butt.

Cardigans, jackets and blazers were the one thing that I still bought while I was pregnant. It was so nice to be able to look at the "normal clothes" and they're great for adding some colour and pattern to your maternity basics.
4) Joe Fresh Blazer
5) Old Navy Cardigan
6) H&M Cardigan

Accessories were key to making me feel normal and not frumpy.
7) I love scarves and pretty much wear them all year round - bright, colourful and patterned add interest.
8) A great skinny belt was my go-to item and helped me feel less like a giant tent. Wrap it around the smallest part of you, you know that disappearing waist that slowly creeps closer and closer up to the boobs.
9) Statement jewelry is another item to pump up your basics. I got one just like the one above from H&M for only $15. The one above from j.crew is just a little pricier ;)

10 & 11) Stretch marks, um, no thank you. Straight up, greasy vitamin e oil at night and vaseline cocoa butter for the day.
12) Okay, so maybe the snoogle was like having another person in the bed, but trust me you'll do whatever it takes to help you sleep. Those hours between getting up to go to the bathroom are precious.

13) I LOVE this journal. I started this once I got pregnant and it's great to track the little everyday things throughout pregnancy and once the babe comes. One line a day is usually pretty manageable.
14) I researched and read a lot, this book is hands down my favourite. It's easy to read, informative and not filled with terrifying, make-you-paranoid information.
15) You lose a lot of your bendiness during pregnancy so it's important to keep moving. When sitting, standing, lying down is uncomfortable, doing a bit of stretching really helps (so does going for walks). I liked this prenatal yoga DVD a lot because it had a different gal to follow for your 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester.

What did people do before iPhones?? As an information junkie, I loved having all that info at my finger tips. Plus, it kept my male co-workers entertained when I could tell them what size fruit my baby was at (it was their fav preggo question). Here are a few of my faves:
16) iPregnancy
17) What to Expect Pregnancy
18) Baby Bump
19) Labour and Contraction Timer (for when the time finally comes)

Some other must haves were a hot water bottle for sore backs, one for drinking and snacks, snacks, snacks. My purse was always filled with goodies for those I'm pregnant, feed-me-before-I-kill-you moments. Seriously, don't mess around with a hungry, pregnant girl.

So, those are a few of my top must have items, I hope it helps. Anything to add mamas out there??

I'll be back later this week with of Alice's favourite things and my favourite things for mom. later peeps!

Christine

Loving... Something to Heart

2012-01-18T13:35:00.002-07:00

I'm not a huge Valentine's Day person and yes, I know it's still a ways away, but I do love all the love themed items that pop up in store! I was in Chapters the other day and am loving these canvas totes I found:

1) something to heart gift bag 2) scripted heart tote 3) roses are red tote 4) all over heart tote 5) scripted heart 2 tote

I always like giving gifts in reusable bags if I can so I bought the "a little something to heart" one. It's the perfect medium gift bag size while the others are a bit larger like your standard over the shoulder tote.

These would make awesome gifts (or gift bags!) all year round because, really, you should be spreading the love everyday, right?

Right :)

Christine

Alice: Month Two

2012-01-16T09:44:00.002-07:00

I cannot believe what a difference a month makes! Someone's getting her milk... wow.

Month two and currently loving...

- making Alice smile, she's such a happy baby and you wouldn't believe what levels my voice can reach to see that pretty little smile.

- nanas (especially "semi-retired" ones), grandmas, opas, gidos, aunties, and uncles.

- being able to stay home in our jammies when the temperature drops near -30 (like today, ugh).

- coos and gurgles, you know "baby talk" - she tries so hard to get those noises out. I'm working on getting her to say "Alice", she's got the "ahh" down pat ;)

- walking into a room smiling baby happily lying in her crib.

- chubby cheeks, rolls, dimples and chins (yes, chins) - I love them all.

- Alice's bright little eyes. She has become so much more aware of everything this month. There is no better feeling than seeing her face light up when she sees you.

- white noise apps, a godsend during those witching hours. Alice particularly likes "floor fan" and "rain on car". This girl is going to need her own iPhone pretty soon...

- play dates with friends, like this handsome little guy.

- adorable, silent laughs.

- the fact that I don't think I've ever said the word 'poo' so much in my life.

- my mom friends who say 'poo' just as much.

- convincing my brother that one day he too will probably pick his kids nose.

Love you, little girl!

Christine

Loving... New Boots

2012-01-11T23:38:00.002-07:00

Moving on from the drama of this week to happier, simpler things... like new boots:

We've been having an extremely rare mild winter in Edmonton this year, but you're not fooling me, winter, I know you're coming and I'll be ready - cute, warm, practical boots in tow.

images via free people

I'm pretty excited about these Sorel Tofino's I just ordered in black. Bring it on, winter, bring it on.

Christine

Haters Gonna Hate: Discuss

2012-01-09T17:17:00.004-07:00

I received my first harsh dose of internet reality on Friday, on my birthday no less (thanks, internet). A website that will not be named (in an effort to not fuel the fire) wrote a post featuring my nursery. I had no idea they posted this and only found the link from checking my blog stats and noticing that I was getting quite a few hits from website-that-will-not-be-named. The post itself actually had pretty positive things to say about my nursery, but the comments are where it gets nasty. Last time I checked there were 80+ negative comments of people basically attacking my nursery. I get that it may not be your style which is fine, everyone has different tastes, but when people start questioning the safety of my child and my child's ability to learn and have fun THAT stings. In the end, I resisted the urge to defend every single ridiculous comment and just laughed it off. Alice, Mike and I love the room and that's what matters. Haters gonna hate. I turned my computer off and promised not to read it again.

On the positive side, this experience made me thankful for the good people out there in internetland. It made me appreciate you, my sweet reader. My real friends and family and the amazing, kind, respectful like-minded people I've met through this blog. Thanks for being so sweet and supportive, I really appreciate all of you.

I really debated posting this, I didn't want my intentions to be misread. I'm not looking for reassurance here that you all like my nursery, I just wanted to put it out there for my blogger friends. I wanted to open up the discussion and get your input. Have you ever had something like this happen to you? How did you handle it?

What's the blog etiquette here? Do you need to ask permission before posting someone's work/photos? (for the record, my photos were credited back to me, which I totally appreciate). It just sucks that I didn't ASK for these people's opinions and boy did I get them. I guess that is the nature of the internet you are putting yourself out there, posting for all to see and you can't control what happens with your content.

What do you think?

Haters gonna hate: DISCUSS...

Christine

oh baby! A Pregnancy Journey

2012-01-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

It is pretty amazing what our bodies can do. There were days, especially by the 41st week, I thought my skin couldn't possibly stretch anymore. I'm so happy Mike and I managed to capture photos as I grew. Every week turned out to be way too much work and commitment, but every 2/3 weeks seemed to do the job.

Pregnancy is definitely full of it's ups and downs, but it's an incredible, rewarding journey. Overall, I liked being pregnant, but I really like having Alice on the outside. She's pretty great :)

Christine

Reminiscing: Top 11 of 2011

2012-01-02T17:36:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I feel old when I notice how much I say things like, "man, they grow so fast" and "man, time sure does fly". I remember rolling my eyes at those crazy old people who used to say that to me when I was a kid. "I remember you when you were thiiiis big!". Okay, old lady, whatever. But seriously, people, kids do grow fast and time does fly! I can't believe it's already 2012!??

I'm not too concerned about blog stats but I like to keep an eye on my google analytics (mostly because I'm nosy). It's interesting to see what people read the most and how they find their way to my little piece of the internet. Here's a look at my top 11 posts of 2011. Forgive the "rerun" as my brother so kindly informed me, "isn't that kinda lazy?". Thanks, brother. I like to call it reminiscing, so let's reminisce...

London Fog

Guest room: wallpaper headboard

"Baby Wood" (my niece's) baby shower

Our big news of 2011

Emry's Baby Shower (plus cake pops!)

Nursery Reveal

A few oldies that keep making the rounds...

Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

DIY necklace holder

Master bedroom: vanity

Puffed wheat squares

Our house guestbook

Here's to more good times in 2012!

Christine

Happy Wishes!

2011-12-29T14:00:00.004-07:00

Things have been crazy around here - crazy good and crazy busy! We've had an amazing first Christmas with Alice and our family. Hope you all had a happy Christmas too and have a very happy 2012!!

In other happy news, Jennifer over at Rambling Renovators asked me to participate in her Great Reads of 2011 series where she is sharing some of her favourite blogs and their favourite posts. Rambling Renovators was one of the first blogs I started reading and let me tell you, this girl has got great style and great taste. Hop on over to check out her list - tons of great reads! Thanks so much for having me, Jenn :)

Also, another great blog 6th Street Design School is featuring some photos of my home today. Kirsten is a super talented interior designer from Utah and I was beyond flattered she wanted to feature my home!! Pop on over to her blog here to take a look. Thanks so much, Kirsten, for the feature!

Happy New Year all!

Christine

My House: Christmas Decor!

2011-12-23T19:55:00.001-07:00

Christmas finally made it's way into our home! I wasn't sure if it was going to make it this year, but after a nice long nap from Alice I was able to get up the tree and some decorations. Better late than never! My dad reminded me that when he was a kid they used to put up the tree on Christmas Eve. Apparently it's an European/Austrian thing along with opening up presents on Christmas Eve (a tradition I was always happy to keep alive).

You would think I'm getting paid by Superstore or something - the stockings, ornaments, letters, stocking holders ALL came from Superstore. You might recognize the faux bois pattern in the frames, that's the wrapping paper I used this year! I just cut and framed it up for some instant art.

These ornaments get sparkles EVERYWHERE.

And of course the tree...

Merry Christmas, happy everything all!
peace,
Christine

Wrapping it Up

2011-12-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

Things are finally starting to feel festive around here. This past weekend we had an early Christmas celebration which means half my presents are wrapped and already out the door.

I'm in love my with black and white checked wrapping paper I picked up from Home Outfitters. It's cute, can be used all year round, and it's FUZZY!! Love that. I might have been a little too excited when I opened the package and realized it was textured ;) Add some ribbons I had lying around the house, some great free printables from here and here, and we've got some pretty presents that were ripped apart in seconds (as they should be).

In other festive news, I finally got around to putting up some Christmas decorations. December 21 isn't too late to start decorating, right?

Happy almost Christmas y'all!

Christine

Alice: Month One

2011-12-14T13:04:00.003-07:00

warning: this is a lengthy post dedicated to all things baby, one particularly cute baby in fact. It's been such a whirlwind since Alice was born, I just need to get it all down before I forget....

This month has been a big one. The first month of Alice's life, our first month as parents, our first month as a family. It's kind of life changing, but in a really good way.

It's started off with a waiting game, 41 weeks into my pregnancy I was starting to wonder if this girl would ever make an appearance into this world. I seriously had to ask, "I can't be pregnant forever, right? RIGHT??" It certainly felt that way at times. On November 9, Alice finally decided to make her debut into the world and she was most definitely worth the wait. She made 16 hours of labour (back labour no less, I don't wish that on ANYONE) worth every single emotional and painful second. I know they say you forget the pain, well after a month it's still fresh but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

It's been amazing and exhausting month full of cuddles, poops, friends, family and love. Oh, and touch of sleep, we could use a little more of that ;) Thank you to all our family and friends who have been there to support and shower this baby with love. We love you.

I'll be taking a photo of Alice once a month on Alice's blanket given to her by her great Grandma. Here she is looking all grown up at one month.

Month one and currently loving...

- watching her slowly "de-squish". You know how newborns have the kinda puffy, I-just-came-from-the-womb look, everyday her pretty little eyes would emerge more and more, show pretty little eyelashes and become more and more alert.

- smiling. I don't think I've ever smiled so much in my life. The littlest things she does makes me smile. Just looking at her makes me smile. My favourite is watching Mike hold her and the smile and love written all over his face - melts. my. heart.

- Alice's smiles. She just started smiling and I love that toothless little grin.

- her grunts, stretches and cute little noises combined with her hilarious waking up and pooping faces. This girl is funny without even trying.

- learning that everything takes longer with a baby.

- the way her head nuzzles into my chest.

- seeing how much happiness Alice brings not only to me but to the people I love the most. She is lucky to have such amazing friends and family in her life. You are very loved, little girl, very, very loved.

Happy one month birthday, Alice.

the little things: Happy Mondays

2011-12-12T16:58:00.001-07:00

A full 6.5 HOURS of sleep...
a visit from Alice's Nana and Opa...
a quiet moment with a sleeping baby, a cup of tea* and blogging....
followed by a movie night out with my bff, my mom and Robert Pattinson.

I couldn't ask for a happier Monday :)

Hope yours is equally as lovely.
Christine

*my new favourite tea "northern lights" from David's Tea. I bought it when I was 41 weeks pregnant. It's a yummy blend of apple, peppermint, juniper berries, and raspberry leaf, so if you're in need it might induce labor ;)

Virtual Shop: Festive Fair Isle

2011-12-08T15:42:00.001-07:00

Even though there isn't a sign of Christmas in my house just yet, I've definitely started feeling festive. The tree and stuff will hopefully come soon but in the mean time I'm virtual shopping again. I am just loving all the fair isle pattern out there, makes me want to curl up in front of the fire with a hot chocolate. And p.s. how hilarious is that baby model?? I think Alice needs one of those outfits...

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Things have been a little quiet around the blog lately, this "doing it all" thing with a baby is tough and my one handed typing skills kinda suck (how do you moms do it??). I had great intentions to do some major blogging today, but Alice is having one of those "I don't feel like sleeping" kinda days. Right now she's rocking it in the baby bjorn while I miraculously get to type with two hands!! The things I took for granted....

I hope to be around more often to say hello and Alice, of course, sends her love too! Yep, couldn't go a post without cute baby shot. She's kind of a big deal around here ;)

One of about a million shots in my iPhone of Alice on my lap.

later peeps,
Christine

The Nursery: Sources

2011-11-28T09:30:00.002-07:00

Thank you all for your sweet comments welcoming our baby girl and on little Alice's nursery. It was just enough comment love to kick that girl into action, two days later (and mere 10 days past her due date) Alice decided she'd come out and see what all the fuss was about. We love this room and love it even more now that it has a little peanut calling it home. We've already spent many hours in here cuddling, feeding and pooping. Eat, sleep, poop, repeat... and I wouldn't change it for anything.

I've had a few people ask me where I got some things so here is a full list of sources I did up for the room (pre-baby, thank goodness, time is precious around here lately).

Wall Colour, Sarah Richardson, Escarpment (colour matched to CIL Zero VOC paint)
Chair, Karbon Swivel Chair, EQ3
Smile Pillow, Etsy seller Honey Pie Design
Knitted Pouf, on clearance (!) at Home Sense
Curtains, made my me and Heathermom (aka Gma), fabric from Tonic Living
Light, Maskros Pendant Lamp, IKEA

Dresser, Hemnes, IKEA (bought brand new of Craigslist for cheap!)
Knobs on Dresser, on clearance Anthropologie
Elephant Lamp, Home Sense
Mobile, made by me using cut up pieces of felt and this photo mobile I already had kicking around.
Alphabet Blocks, Etsy seller tiny giraffe

Crib, Davinci Jenny Lind, All Modern Baby
Crib Skirt, made by me using Tula Pink, Raindrops Fabric
Artwork, made by me (wrapped canvas with IKEA Nummer Fabric)

Rocking Chair, $3 at used baby sale!
"Book Shelves", IKEA Spice Racks painted same colour as wall
Pillow, made by me using Joel Dewberry Fabric, modern meadow, herringbone in pond
"You Are My Sunshine" Print, Etsy Seller Lydia Crook

For more photos check out the full nursery reveal post here. And because who can resist a cute baby pic, here is Alice enjoying her new pad. I just love this photo Andrea took, she looks so cute and tiny in her big crib. I just want to eat her up!

photo by pink sugar photography

Also, I'm soooo behind on my blog reading but wanted to send a quick shout out to Cassie at Hi Sugarplum! and Michaela at Michaela Noelle Designs for featuring Alice's nursery. Thank you for the love ladies!!

Christine

Must Eat: Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes

2011-11-23T09:30:00.002-07:00

Of all the pumpkin recipes I drooled over this fall, I spotted this one on pinterest and I couldn't stop thinking about it. It looked SO good and now that I've baked and devoured them, I can tell you these pumpkin spice donut holes are amazing. The recipe is just like a muffin so a bit healthier than the deep fried donut (nevermind the dipping in melted butter and covering in cinnamon sugar. I said health-IER, not healthy ;)

Baked Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes
Recipe via The Craving Chronicles (who I'd like to hug cause these are so good)

Ingredients
For Donuts
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup canned plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup milk

For Coating
1 stick of unsalted butter, melted
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon

Directions
Preheat oven 350°F. Spray each cup in a 24-cup mini muffin tin with baking spray or butter generously.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and spices (through cloves). In a separate, large bowl whisk together oil, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, pumpkin and milk until smooth. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined – do not over mix!

Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. (Using a 2-tablespoon scoop will ensure uniform size.) Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

While the muffins bake, melt butter in one bowl and combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in another bowl. Remove muffins from oven and cool for 2 minutes, or until just cool enough to handle. Dip each muffin in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar to coat.

Note: These taste best fresh from the oven and covered and eaten while still warm. If you're not going to eat them all right away, hold off on coating the ones you aren't going to eat so they don't get all soggy from the butter.

I want to get one of these fancy donut pans so next time they're shaped like cute little donuts.

You have to try these, trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Okay and I think I've reached my quota of pumpkin for the year, time I move onto another ingredient?
Christine

P.S. happy thanksgiving to all my American friends out there!

Must Eat: Pumpkin Anything

2011-11-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

update: this post was written during my pregnancy obsession with pumpkin. We're covered in a blanket of snow right now so I'm already dreaming of peppermint lattes and such. I guess I am in time for American thanksgiving and, snow or no snow, pumpkin is always good...

As I mentioned in this post, this time I year I get some serious cravings for pumpkin. Pumpkin anything. I've been finding tons of great recipes this year and got some great recommendations from you guys, here's a little sampling for you to drool over:

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls via Bakedbree.com

image via bakedbree.com

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles via Annie Eats

image via Annie Eats

Spiced Pumpkin Sippers via Farm Chicks

image via The Farm Chicks

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake via Bakedbree.com (recommended by Andrea who also had the brilliant suggestion of DQ pumpkin pie blizzards. Um, YUM).

image via bakedbree.com

I haven't had time to make all this deliciousness yet, but I did make one amazing dish that I'll post soon and it's gooood, really good. Hopefully, this can tide you over till then!

Christine

Sweet Smiles

2011-11-18T00:27:00.001-07:00

Life has been pretty good around here, a lot sleepier than usual but how can you complain when you have this sweet face staring back at you?

Thanks Andrea of pink sugar photography for capturing this perfect moment of Alice, just 5 days old, at our newborn session on Monday. Love :)

Happy Friday everyone!
Christine

oh baby! it's a...

2011-11-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

GIRL!!

Please meet our sweet little babe

Alice Michaela

born November 9, 2011 at 10:31 am, 8 pounds 9 ounces.

We are so in love.

I have a few prescheduled posts to share in the next while but mostly I'll be busy soaking up every little second with this little one, I cannot get enough. She has already brought more joy and happiness than I could imagine, it's the best. She's the best.

love and hugs,
Christine, Michael and Alice :)

Nursery Reveal!

2011-11-06T11:10:00.003-07:00

There are few finishing touches left to do, I still need to find a side table for the chair and I think I'll want to add a few things once baby arrives, but all in all the nursery is ready to go! All we need is that little baby! Here's your room little munchkin, I hope you'll like it (and comes see it SOON).

I love a little kiddie sized reading nook and always loooved the IKEA spice rack turned bookshelves idea I'd seen here and here. So simple yet so perfect. Thanks ladies, for the inspiration :)

One of my favourite details is the beautiful pattern the chandelier makes all over the room:

It was so fun to do a room from top to bottom. This room was our office before, which was pretty much a dumping ground, now I walk in here and it makes me smile.

From this, to this:

What do you think, you like?
Christine

update: for a full list of sources for the room click here.

Maternity Session Pics: Pink Sugar Photography

2011-11-03T22:09:00.000-06:00

Check out baby's first photo shoot with Pink Sugar Photography, I think baby worked it ; ) Hopefully we'll be seeing Andrea again for our newborn pics very, very soon.

Click on over here to see the full session featured on her blog. Thank you so much, Andrea!

The Enjoy Centre

2011-11-02T10:02:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago Mike and I decided to have a mini "date weekend" - a potential last weekend hoorah before 2 become 3. I kicked it off with a massage/pedicure at the preggo spa, then dinner and a movie and finally a relaxing day at the Enjoy Centre. Not just a greenhouse this place is just packed with goodies: a cafe, bakery, market, spa, gift shops and then some! We had an amazing brunch, some delicious hungarian pretzels and picked up a few pumpkins for halloween.

I first heard about the Enjoy Centre from my friend, Dajana and have been wanting to go "enjoy" for ages! It certainly was enjoyable (and I certainly reminded my husband how funny I am throwing "enjoy" into the conversation at least every other sentence).

Ahh, so lovely. It's the perfect place for laid back brunch and perusing some greenery and goodies. I can definitely see myself stopping by for some sunshine once the dreary days of winter come, I bet this place will be all decked out for Christmas soon (it IS two days after Halloween).

Next time, I think the spa will be calling my name. So, how about that girls day??
Christine

Slightly Scary??

2011-10-31T08:50:00.000-06:00

I like to think I took it up about half a notch from last year's decorations. It seems I just don't have the motivation or desire to go all out for halloween, more of fall with a sprinkle of Halloween?

I'm noticing a lot of my neighbours are really into decorating for Halloween, like more than Christmas!? Really? I'm just in it for the candy ;) Here's hoping we still have any candy left come this evening (Mike and I have been indulging just a bit).

Happy Halloween!!

Christine

Baby update: STILL pregnant.

oh baby! 40 weeks

2011-10-28T15:21:00.000-06:00

The 80's called and they want their legwarmers back. Oh yes I did. With my all leggings, all the time wardrobe of late my legs were starting to feel a bit chilly. These are perfect with boots for extra coziness.

I promise not to start throwing a body suit into the mix, but I sorta love them.

40 weeks and currently loving...
(well, technically it's tomorrow but let's think positively in case baby decides to grace us with it's presence)
- chocolate cheerios. Seriously, go buy some. They're delicious and they actually have the same amount of sugar as my "healthy" Special K box.
- napping.
- as mentioned above, leggings. I don't think I've worn jeans in a month, stretchy pants for the win!
- that it hasn't snowed yet and the fact that none of my jackets zip up hasn't been an issue.
- going for daily walks... even better when Mikey comes with me. I don't think I've ever moved so slowly in my life, but when sitting for too long, laying down for too long or standing for too long is uncomfortable it feels good to stretch.
- I'm not going to lie, this "loving list" is a lot harder this week. I'm trying to keep a positive swing on things but there are a lot of things I'm not loving (back aches, hip aches, body aches, waddling, not sleeping, waiting, waiting, and more waiting...) but the number one thing to love: we get to meet our baby soon and I LOVE that :)

We're ready for you, baby.

Happy weekend, let's hope it's eventful for all of us :)
Christine

Virtual Shop: Shades of Fall

2011-10-25T11:43:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was in a bit of a humph... woke up sore, aching and well, emotional. As much as I love having this little babe all cozy and warm inside, yesterday I told baby I was ready. Ready when he/she is to meet the world. To get me through a meh day I turned to some virtual retail therapy and dreams of when my body is back and ready for some new duds.

I miss shopping. Here's a look into my pretend shopping bag:

1) Ruched Bow Dress, Jacob 2) Polka Rounds Clutch, Anthropologie 3) Double Cloth Envelope Coat, J.Crew 4) Pave Posts, Anthropologie 5) Drawing Room Necklace, Anthropologie 6) Fountain Spray Wingtips, Anthropologie

ahhh, I feel better already.

Christine

the little things: Laundry

2011-10-21T10:02:00.000-06:00

Laundry just isn't so bad when things are so cute and little.

Baby laundry makes me smile :) Though I'm sure after months and months and loads upon loads of laundry this might start to lose it's appeal.

Happy weekend, all!
Christine

p.s. yep, still pregnant but the countdown is on, 8 days till baby due date!!!

Baby Music That Doesn't Suck

2011-10-18T11:29:00.000-06:00

Baby and I have been grooving in the car lately to Renee & Jeremy, It's a Big World album. This is baby's favourite song (I swear he/she kicks everytime!):

My girlfriend, Karlene first introduced me to Renee & Jeremy when she had her twin girls. The music is sweet and not too baby (ie. shoot-me-if-I-hear-one-more-verse kinda thing). Love it.

Check out the full album here on iTunes.

Christine

A Wild Wedding

2011-10-13T09:10:00.001-06:00

Have I ever told you how much I love weddings? I do. Love, love, love. We were down in Penticton in August for my cousin, Jason's wedding and it was one of the prettiest weddings ever. Jason and Chelle, you two are the sweetest and I'm so happy I could be there for this beautiful day. The photos were taken by the talented White Linen Photographers and they are just too crazy pretty not to share.

The dress, the location, the details, the shoes (!)... makes me want to get married all over again. *sigh*

Gorgeous, hey??

Thanks so much White Linen for sharing the photos with me and to Jason and Chelle for a beautiful, beautiful wedding. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Wild!! xoxo

Christine

For more pretty click here for the full post over at White Linen Photography.

DIY: Crib Skirt & Mini Quilt

2011-10-11T15:36:00.002-06:00

I hope you all had a great long weekend and filled up on some delicious thanksgiving dinner! I know I did.. it's amazing I have that much room in there for food ;)

I wanted to share some of the "nesting" going on around here. My sister was in town visiting these last few weeks and has been helping me with some sewing projects (Thanks, Mich!). I'm getting more confident with my pink, little sewing machine and can even get by on my own lately.

First up, my crib skirt and a cute little mini quilt:

The crib skirt I managed to tackle on my own referencing a few different tutorials and pretty much hodge-podging it together.
Basically, it's a simple as:
- measure length/width of crib sides (I didn't do the back since it's against the wall).
- cut three pieces of fabric (add extra for seam allowance)
- hem edges
- sew ribbons to top to tie to crib springs.

There is a great no-sew tutorial via Young House Love that uses velcro instead of ribbon, this was a great reference to get me started.

With the ribbons at the top I can adjust the length of the skirt when we lower the mattress of the crib. It was super simple to make although, I must admit, it was time consuming. It took me way longer than expected to cut/hem to make sure all the edges were straight. But, I'm super happy with how it turned out and I only wanted to throw my sewing machine across the room once or twice ;) Success in my books.

Next project was a mini quilt. Michelle and I made it together, but in reality I have no idea how to make a quilt so she did most of the dirty work. I did what I was told - pinned and ironed and sewed. So no tutorial here mainly because I don't think I can remember how to do it! woops.

It's cute and baby approved:

I've got a few other nesting projects to share and as you can see the nursery is coming together! We are definitely ready to put a baby in there but not quite finished decorating in my books... does it ever really end??

Christine

Baby Brain.. with room for food.

2011-10-06T09:46:00.000-06:00

Now that I'm officially on maternity leave (woot, woot!) I thought I'd have all this time for blogging but, unfortunately, that hasn't exactly been the case. I have baby brain. As in, baby on the brain all. the. time. Maybe it's this giant belly growing out of me or the little munchkin doing summersaults inside, but to say my mind is otherwise occupied is an understatement.

All my free time seems to be spent sewing, decorating, organizing and just thinking about how in approximately 3 weeks my life is about to change forever. It's kind of a big deal, yes? I guess that's why there isn't much room in there for much else. So please bear with me with all the baby talk, baby items and general lack of variety on this here blog. I'm doing my best to show restraint and not show you every cute baby item I come across (though I'm still going to show you some ;)

Luckily, I've still got room up in that ol' noggin for food... babies and food. This time of year I always get a craving for pumpkin. I came home from the grocery store with 3 cans today. I'm on the hunt for a new fall pumpkin recipe and in the meantime I think I'll be revisiting these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies ASAP.

mmmm, pumpkin. Please send recipes!

Christine

30 years

2011-10-05T15:07:00.000-06:00

30 years ago today my favourite person was born.
Happy birthday Mikey! Love you.

I've got a little something in the oven for you (okay, two things if you count baby) ;)

image via

Key Lime Pie recipe found here, it's not ready yet, but I'll let you know if it's any good. Happy Wednesday!

Christine

Loving... Monogrammed Mugs

2011-09-28T20:45:00.000-06:00

Sometimes a monogrammed 'C' for Christine can be a little lack lustre, but this one is all sorts of pretty.

via Chapters

Monogrammed mugs 2 for $12 in store right now. Nice work, Chapters. They've really been stepping up their game in the lifestyle section lately. I like :)

Christine

Nursery: The Chair

2011-09-26T08:53:00.001-06:00

Finding the perfect chair for the nursery turned out to be one of the most challenging items for the room. I had a wish list: I wanted it to be comfortable, affordable, and stylish. A lot to ask? Apparently. We both figured if we're going to invest money in a chair it had to be something that we really liked and that worked with the rest of our home.

We shopped around and soon I started to feel a bit like Goldilocks. Too big. Too small. Not tall enough to support my head when I pass out from exhaustion... etc, etc. Here's a look at what we found:

The gorgeous Canadian made Monte Gliders. I loved the style of these, really modern and clean lined. We tried out a few in store at Westcoast Kids and for the most part they were pretty comfortable, though I did find some of them to be a bit small in person. Biggest issue: price. All of these are in the $1000 plus range, eeeee.

Monte Luca Glider

Monte Grano Glider Recliner

Monte Joya Rocker

A lot of people go with your standard Dutalier glider and, I must admit, these babies are comfortable. Unfortunately, they're just not our style and I can't justify spending even a few hundred dollars on a chair I didn't really like.

Dutalier Anjou II Glider

Little Castle Monaco Glider: I sat in this one at Finesse Kids and oh, baby was it comfortable! The problem, it was over $1200 (plus, if I got the piping I loved) and it took over 3 months to order in.

Little Castle Monaco Glider

There were a ton of other gorgeous options I found online, but I really wanted to be able to sit in the chair before I bought it and prices for shipping were turning out to be a bit steep.

I am happy to say we did eventually find a winner! Enter the Karbon Swivel Glider from EQ3. It bears a striking resemblance to the Monte Grano Recliner but at half the price. Luckily, they had this chair in store at the Bay (did you know the Bay carries the EQ3 line?) so I could pop in and give it a try. It's comfortable, stylish, matches our decor and, compared to the $1000+ options, relatively affordable. Hooray!

Here's a sneak peek of it in the room:

Nursery Glider: check!

hallelujah.

Christine

Warming Up For Fall: Style at Home Trends

2011-09-23T19:06:00.000-06:00

Happy first day of fall!

The leaves are starting to change, the air is crisp, my sweaters have come out from their under-the-bed hibernation... bring it on fall. I am definitely in the mood to get cozy which is why I was excited to see the fall design trends report from Style at Home arrive in my inbox.

Now that we're all gearing up to hibernate a bit (and some of us "nesting") I'm all about turning my attention to the great indoors. Warm woods, soft neutrals and modern global style. Makes me want to curl up with a good book and a blanky. I'm loving all the inspiration they sent my way, especially this gorgeous faux bois rug.

image via Style at Home

There is something about fall that just makes you want to warm up your space, your look and your tummy! How are you gearing up for fall? I'm celebrating by breakin' out the boots, blankets and a pumpkin spice latte, mmmmm so. good.

Cheers, everyone! Happy Friday and Happy Fall.

Christine

Loving... IKEA Benzy Line

2011-09-22T12:41:00.002-06:00

I'm loving this new BENZY line coming soon to IKEA. It's so unique and kind of unexpected from IKEA's usual look... but in a good way. I love how it feels like a treasure map, do you like?

all images via IKEA - BENZY SKEPP fabric: $8.99 per metre, BENZY LAND square cushion: $14.99, rectangular BENZY cushion: $19.99

Wouldn't it look cute in a little boy's room? I'm off to IKEA this weekend with my shopping list in tow to pick up some goodies for the nursery... organization here I come!

Christine

UPDATE: I was at IKEA on Friday and guess what, they're already in store. Go check them out!

oh baby! 34 weeks

2011-09-20T10:01:00.000-06:00

34 weeks!?? Seriously? That means I have only 6 weeks to go (or less depending on this baby's mood). It is so surreal. I know some women say their pregnancy drags on and on but (minus the first trimester) mine has just flown by. I think I'm going to miss this belly.

34 weeks and currently loving...
- my hot water bottle. It's so hard to have good posture sitting at a desk all day.
- random comments from strangers. People say weird things to pregnant women.
- cereal. Seriously, I don't think I've ever eaten this much cereal in my life. It's perfectly acceptable to eat cereal 2 out of my 3 meals a day, right?
- my in-laws for throwing me the sweetest pre-baby shower. So many great and useful items, baby was just spoiled and loves you all already :)
- dresses or anything besides pants. Pants are sooo uncomfortable right now.
- my giant outie belly button, though I just noticed it's starting to get a bit smaller the more stretched I get.
- the fact that if I lean over really, really far I can still see my feet.

Christine

I Love Magazine Day

2011-09-16T10:37:00.001-06:00

Happy Friday, everyone! I think I'm finally starting to ease into this "fall thing". I'm so ready for a relaxing, cozy weekend of pumpkin spice lattes and curling up on the couch with a magazine.

My House and Home mag arrived this week and check out that little blurb:

Hey, that's me! I'm starting to think I might talk about food too much ;) But heck, those ice cream sandwiches did sound delish!

Have a great weekend!
Christine

Ice Cream sandwich recipe available in the Aug '11 House and Home.

Loving.... little feet

2011-09-14T07:17:00.000-06:00

Some things are just cuter when they're little - case in point: baby shoes. Here are a few cuties I am loving lately. Sometimes I think it's a good thing we don't know the gender of our baby yet, my wallet thanks me.

1) ooii sandals by ZUZII 2) Fluor Leather Bootees, via Smallable 3) Bloch Marta Lace Up Oxford, via Gravity Pope
4) Minnetonka Moccasin, via Gravity Pope 5) Graph Print Tiny TOMS 6) Loop Ballerina Shoes, via Smallable
7) Three Sixty Slippers, via Smallable 8) Basketball Boot, via Zara

To see more things I'm loving check out my guest post today over at the lovely Michaela Noelle Designs. I'm participating in her "She loves me, She love me not" series (one of the reasons I got going on this virtual shopping spree!). Hop over and say hello to the sweet, Michaela. Thanks for having me!

:) Christine

Sneak Peek: Maternity Session (pink sugar photography)

2011-09-12T09:29:00.001-06:00

Have I ever told you how much I love Pink Sugar Photography? We met up with Andrea last monday for a maternity session and I am blown away by the sneak peek she just shared, it's like a work of art. I cannot wait to see the rest....

Me and baby at 32 weeks, photo by Pink Sugar Photography

Thank you, Andrea!

Must Drink: Iced Tea Lemonade

2011-09-07T13:45:00.005-06:00

I know you've all got fall on the brain, but I'm not exaggerating when I say we are finally having some summer weather around here. Here in Edmonton we hit the 30 degree mark um, once this year and we're scheduled for some high 20's to 30 degree action ALL WEEK. Geez, summer, what took you so long!?

So in honour of some last minute action, I'm soaking it all up with one of my fave summer drinks: the iced tea lemonade (aka an Arnold Palmer for you fancy southerners). I don't know what it is but there is something about an iced tea for this preggo girl that is SO satisfying. Those Starbucks Black Tea Lemonades just call my name. I figured I could easily make this at home cheaper, decaffeinated, and minus the cup full of ice they inevitably chuck in there (seriously, sometimes it's like two sips and it's gone!).

After searching around online I came up with my own hodge podge recipe that was pretty darn tasty.
Here's what you'll need:
- Black Tea of your choice (I used decaf earl grey)
- Lemonade of your choice (I used the frozen kind you mix with water)
- 3 - 4 tablespoons of sugar
- drink shaker
- ice
- fancy straw optional

Step One:
Boil hot water and brew a pitcher tea. Add 3 - 4 tablespoons of sugar (or more if you have a real sweet tooth) while the tea is STILL HOT so it'll dissolve (you can also use a simple syrup for sweetness). Leave the tea bag in the water until the tea is room temperature for some nice strong tea. Once room temperature, move to the fridge to chill.

Step Two:
Make lemonade. Or if you bought the pre-made kind, hooray, you're done! Chill.

Step Three:
Once your ingredients are nice and chilly it's time to mix it all up!

Add ice to drink mixer and 2 parts tea to 1 part lemonade. Now, shake, shake, shake! Pour it into a glass and enjoy (preferably somewhere sunny).

And if you're one of those "fall people" and are ready for some hot drinks already you can check out my london fog recipe - I'll be out enjoying the sunshine ;)

Christine

Nursery: Paint, check!

2011-09-02T14:19:00.000-06:00

Not only is it Friday but it's a long weekend - woot. I'm looking forward to spending time with my sister and niece and hopefully fitting in some nappin' and relaxin' sometime in there too.

We (and by we I mean husband) made some great progress on the nursery this past week. It's not much of a photo, but check out the nursery in it's newly painted glory:

We ended up going with Sarah Richardson's, Escarpment (colour matched to CIL Zero VOC paint). It's a soft gray with greenish tones and I am loving the colour. I love how it makes the white trim just pop.

Paint - check! Now comes the fun part, decorating!

Happy long weekend, peeps, hope you enjoy!
Christine

Loving... Joe Fresh, Fall 2011

2011-08-30T15:32:00.005-06:00

I am soo a summer person. Fall is nice and all but I usually approach it with a sense of dread having to say goodbye to my dear summer. However, the one thing that has always got me excited is 'back to school' shopping. Even now that I'm no longer a student I still get that shopping bug (who am I kidding, I think I always have that shopping bug. meh, whatevs).

I'm loving the new fall arrivals at Joe Fresh, check out some of my faves below. Will those of you without an 8 months preggo belly pretty, please go shop for me? k, thanks.

And how cute are these munchkins? You better believe future babe will have a closet stock full of Joe Fresh goodies, just like mama.

all images via joe fresh on facebook

Check out Joe's new fancy website here and don't forget to check out the coupons section - there's a coupon for spend $50, save $10!

Christine

Must Eat: Mini Doughnut Cupcakes by Crave

2011-08-26T13:00:00.001-06:00

I think I've made it clear I've got a thing for doughy, sugary goodies and mini doughnuts are no exception. You know the warm, cinnamon sugar covered kind you can find at fairs and festivals? I just cannot say no. So when I heard Crave Cupcakes made a mini doughnut cupcake I just had to try.

It was every bit as good as I imagined and tasted well, just like a mini doughnut which is exactly what I was hoping for. Light, fluffy inside and the perfect dusting of cinnamon sugar to top it all off. YU-UM.

I can thank my fav foodie friend, Dajana for introducing me to Crave Cupcakes. As a former Calgarian she raved about their sweets, so when they finally made their way to Edmonton I knew we were in for a treat. Their cupcakes are light and not too sweet or heavy like some others I've had. I couldn't think of a better person to meet me at the bakery for some sweet indulgence, thanks D!

Loving my new found "table" ;)

And here's what kind of shenanigans you get into when you mix a self-timer accidentally set to 10 frames and two ladies on a sugar high:

The current cupcake of the month is the s'more cupcake, I'm drooling just thinking about it. How many more delicious things can they pack into a cupcake? Seriously. I've yet to try one but luckily, the lovely Dajana has so wipe up that drool and hop on over to her blog, all kinds of lovely, for more virtual goodies. Thanks, D for the good times and thanks Crave for the good eats!

Happy Weekend!
Christine

oh baby! 30 weeks

2011-08-22T10:48:00.001-06:00

Why hello there third trimester, so nice to see you (I think).

30 weeks and currently loving...
- crossing things of my to-do list. I think it's safe to say I'm "nesting" and starting to feel a bit anxious about all the stuff to do... only 10 weeks left!!
- BC peaches - so peachy, so juicy, so summer.
- tums - heartburn is not cool.
- My cousin's almost 3 year old little girl, Avery, telling me I'm having a girl and that I should name her "Dora".
- stretchy pants.
- kicks that have turned into rolls, stretches and definite feet and elbows. I think things are starting to get a bit squishy in there for the little babe. I still love watching and feeling every movement.
- sleep. glorious, glorious sleep :)

Here's a look at the progress baby and I have made, and I thought I was looking big at 14 weeks, pfft. Hard to imagine I can stretch even further...

Happy Monday!
Christine (and baby)

Nursery: Colour Palette/Fabrics

2011-08-17T21:15:00.002-06:00

Next up on the nursery list is nailing down my colour palette and picking some fabrics. I've been shopping up a storm online and my first batch of fabric options arrived yesterday. Just waiting for option number two to arrive to make a decision and then painting!

Here's a look at the overall colour palette I'm thinking for our gender neutral nursery:

And a few of the fabric options on the table...

Option 1: Tula Pink, Prince Charming Collection in Honey
(the raindrops and the froggies are my fave. Can you see the froggies?)

Option 2: Joel Dewberry, Modern Meadow

And some neutral grays I'm considering from Tonic Living to throw into the mix:

Remember, it needs to be gender neutral since we're not finding out until the big day what this babe is. I figure I can always add in some masculine or feminine touches once the baby is born. I'm thinking I'll stay neutral with the wall colour, maybe a gray, but will have to wait to see which fabrics I pick first. Decisions, decisions!

What do you think?
Christine

Scenes from the Okanagan

2011-08-15T22:32:00.000-06:00

We're just back from a mini-vacation to the sunny Okanagan, specifically Kelowna and Penticton. I just love this area of BC, something about being there just makes me happy and just feels like summer. I am completely in denial about the dwindling days of August. Please, please don't start talking about fall yet...

It was a wonderful weekend of sunshine, family, friends, and a beeeautiful wedding. Congratulations Jason and Chelle! Here's a mini photo tour of the weekend:

Fresh BC peaches - there is just nothing like 'em!

Tickleberry's in OK Falls. Best. ice cream. ever.

And we finished the weekend off with my cousin's absolutely gorgeous wedding...

Hope you had a great weekend too!
Christine

A Pretty To-Do List

2011-08-11T18:21:00.000-06:00

My to-do list is looking pretty long these days, but it's okay because it's all fun stuff (well, mostly). Or is that what I keep telling myself to keep it manageable? I don't know about you, but I find I'm much more productive when I have a visual in front me. Get it down on paper, get it done. I've even been known to add something to my list after I've done it just so I can cross it off - so. satisfying.

Somehow that list is even more enjoyable when it's on pretty paper. I got this 'Quit Procrastinating: STUFF TO DO" paper pad from modernemotive. Organization made pretty, love it.

Any other list makers out there?

Nursery: The Before

2011-08-08T05:12:00.001-06:00

We made some progress on the nursery this weekend and I can't tell you what a huge relief it is. Our office will be turned into the nursery and the office is, well, the messiest room in the house. I like to think (or hope) everyone has one of those rooms. You know the room, the place where things go to die. Don't know where that goes? Put it in the office. I should organize these eventually. Put it in the office.

So needless to say, it was a big job to organize and clear out this room. Thanks to my hubby who did the bulk of the work. Here's the before office in it's semi-cleaned, lack lustre state.

We went from this:

to this:

Ahhhh, what a beautiful blank slate. It feels so good to get started and suddenly has made everything feel very real. This is going to be our baby's room. It's going to live here. Wow. Sometimes making a person can be so surreal, I cannot wait to meet this munchkin.

So now we've got less than 3 months to turn this into a nursery... wish us luck!!

Christine

Loving... My Pet Lamp

2011-08-03T22:34:00.000-06:00

Apparently I have an obsession with little, white animals lately because I am in love with this lamp from Urban Outfitters. I've always wanted a little doggie and this one is about as hypo-allergenic as they come (and no poop to clean up).

image via Urban Outfitters

(also available via amazon.com)

Nursery: Home Sense Score!

2011-07-28T12:56:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I was over at First Time Fancy blogging some of my recent baby finds including this adorable Jonathan Adler lamp. It's so sleek yet cute in a not-too-baby way. However, it's $350 (!) so would remain a distant dream on my wish list.

image via

But just you wait, dear internet... the other day I was in Home Sense and spotted this guy for only $29.99:

It came with the blue shade on the left, but I'm planning on swapping that out for a solid white one like the one on the right (I just stole that one temporarily from my bedroom lamp).

Yes, it's a total knock off but can I justify spending $350 on a lamp? NO. Would my husband have a heart attack if spent $350 lamp? YES. Thank you Jonathan Adler for the inspiration :) and thank you Home Sense for the $29.99 price tag.

Score.

Baby Emry Shower (and cake pops!)

2011-07-27T08:08:00.000-06:00

It was a beautiful weekend of sunshine, parties, and cute little babies. Here are a few photos from Emry's baby shower this weekend.

The hit of the party (besides the cute babies, of course) had to be the cake pops. I'd been dying to make these timbit cake pops created by Lindsay at Little House Blog for ages and they were a huge success! Seriously, I whipped these up the morning of the party in under half an hour. Fast, easy, and best of all, DELICIOUS. It helps that a new pregnancy craving of mine just happens to be timbits ;) Thanks so much, Lindsay for such a great idea! Click here for instructions.

In other baby news, my sweet bloggy friend, Kerry welcomed a beautiful baby girl this past Saturday. I'm so happy to be guest blogging for her today so she can enjoy every sweet second with her new little girl, Halle. Pop on over, say hello and check out a few things currently "on my baby radar".

Happy Wednesday all!
Christine

Pretty Paper: Baby Shower for Mr. Emry

2011-07-20T10:14:00.000-06:00

With all these sweet little babes in my life comes the sweet little parties! yay. I'll be throwing a shower this weekend in honour of my best friend's little guy, Emry. Here's a sneak peek at the invite I created:

Emry is such a sweet little mister. Here he is with his girlfriend, my niece Sydney, unless I end up having a girl then sorry Sydney he's taken ;)

Emry, Sydney and my future baby in the belly!

I'm wrangling some things together this week to get ready for the shower and think I might even try my hand at these cake pops created by the lovely Lindsay at Little House Blog (such a great idea!). Wish me luck!

Happy Wednesday!
Christine

Nursery: Crib Hunt

2011-07-18T05:22:00.002-06:00

I am so happy to let the nursery planning begin! I don't know what it is, but I hit the 6 month mark and all of a sudden a fire was lit under me. I started saving nursery inspiration pics, let's face it, well before we were blessed with this little baby so I definitely have no shortage of ideas.

First things first, the crib. Being that this is the biggest piece and the focal point of the room I knew I wanted to start here. At first I thought this would be really easy, I'd had my eye on a specific crib style for years. But true to mine and Mike's usual fashion we felt we had to research, shop, and exhaust every other possible option to make sure this was indeed the winner.

Here are a few on the list:

OEUF Classic Crib, $999.99 - $1,549.97 CDN

Leander Convertible Crib, $1419 CDN

Babyletto Modo 3 in 1 Convertible Crib, $389USD (+shipping/handling)

So after tons of online research and checking out all our local stores I realized cribs aren't cheap, especially the streamlined modern kind I was gravitating towards. And in reality, this was really my second favourite style of crib. I still had my heart set on my first choice, the Jenny Lind Style crib.

DaVinci Jenny Lind Crib, $169USD (+shipping/handling)

I just love the classic, vintage look and mixed with some modern elements I think it will look just adorable in the room. It's so sweet and charming, isn't it?

Here are a few inspiration pics of it in action.

via Allyson Baker Design

via gus and lula

via aubrey and lindsay's little house blog

via making it lovely

Long story short, after calling around to all my local stores, emails with a few Canadian distributors, this crib was NOT easy to find. I was hoping to purchase somewhere a little closer to home but no such luck. I ended up finding the crib at a steal of a price $169 at allmodernbaby.com. After shipping and duties, the grand total came to well below any of the other cribs I was looking at. Win. Win.

So the Jenny Lind it is, my first choice AND it was the cheapest one - that never happens.

It feels so good to make some progress. Crib - CHECK!

Christine

Must Eat: La Poutine

2011-07-14T05:22:00.001-06:00

My brother and his girlfriend, Brittany, are in town visiting from Mississippi. This is Brittany's first time in Canada so we had to make sure we showed it off in all it's Canadian glory. I've been busy playing tourist in my own town exploring all the gems in Edmonton which, in my opinion, must include FOOD!

We couldn't think of a better Canadian food to start with than some local cuisine from La Poutine! Bonjour.

Lucky for me, there were four hungry people in our crew so we were able to try quite a few varieties. From left to right: Traditional (x2), Italian, and the Supreme. I'm a traditionalist and love the plain ol' fries, curds and vegan Quebecois gravy but the Italian was surprisingly delicious! Who knew so many things tasted good with fries and gravy?

If you're in Edmonton, I highly recommend checking out La Poutine. I think it's safe to say Brittany enjoyed it too as she is already itching to go back. Welcome to Canada, girlie! I hope you brought stretchy pants ; )

Christine

Oh Baby! 24 Weeks

2011-07-12T10:17:00.000-06:00

24 weeks pregnant and currently loving...
- every roll, kick and elbow
- seeing baby kick from the outside! So beautiful and creepy all at the same time.
- a new found shelf that saves things that mysteriously fall into my cleavage... popcorn, necklaces, you name it.
- watching my sister and best friend with their new babes. They are both incredible, inspiring new mamas and I am so proud of them. I can't wait for future play dates.
- finally purchasing the crib for the nursery - the ball is rolling!
- frosted flakes, cookies n' cream hard ice cream (preferably in a waffle cone, preferably a fresh baked waffle cone), chocolate soy milk, watermelon, um...FOOD.

Only 4 more months to go!
Christine

My House: Backyard Bliss, Sources

2011-07-11T05:34:00.005-06:00

My brother and sister are in town visiting and I took some days off last week to spend time with my family. I've been enjoying baby cuddles, ridiculous amounts of good food (baby loves this part), and playing tourist in my own town. I couldn't have picked better days to take off, most of the week consisted of glorious, glorious sunshine which meant a few days lounging out on the deck (yay!). A few of you asked where we got some of our deck pieces so I thought I'd include a source list here for your reference.

SOURCES:
• Sectional Patio Furniture "Sedona Collection", Canadian Tire
• Yellow Indoor/Outdoor Throw Cushions, Real Canadian Superstore
• Reversible Outdoor Rug, Real Canadian Superstore (a steal at $25!)
• White Ceramic Stool, Home Sense
• Wicker planters, Home Sense
• Gluckstein Outdoor Candle Lanterns, Home Outfitters
• White Tray, West Elm
• Hanging Umbrella, FREE! on the side of the road

Man, I love summer, I hope you all are enjoying it too. Have a great week!
Christine

My House: Backyard Bliss, pt 2

2011-06-29T11:43:00.001-06:00

Check out my new favourite spot in the house, our new fancified deck!

We found the umbrella for FREE courtesy of Mike's parent's neigbours. They were moving and had one of those glorious "free stuff" signs on their driveway - I just couldn't say no to this baby. It's been sitting around Mike's parent's house since last summer (thank yoooou) till we found furniture and got things together this year. It matches perfectly, love it when that happens.

And of course, we can't forget Morton. He actually keeps an eye on things from the other side of the deck along with our swing and rain barrel. Keep up the good work, Mort.

On the to-do list (most likely next summer) would be to paint the deck. I'm not sure what the previous owners were thinking when they picked this um, orange(?) colour. Maybe they were going for a "wood coloured" look, I don't know. Either way, we'll probably paint it a grey/charcoal colour of some sort next year to tie in better with the house. Husband also has some great plans for a privacy screen along the side. But for now, I am loving it as is and hoping to spend lots of time out here.

What do you think?

Christine

My House: Backyard Bliss, pt 1

2011-06-28T17:03:00.001-06:00

We recently purchased some new patio furniture for our deck and it's quickly become my new favourite place. I'm hoping the weekends stay niiiice and sunny so I can spend more time outside hanging out with this guy.

Meet Morton:

More photos of the deck Morton proudly looks over coming soon...

Happy Tuesday!
Christine

Blog Love: Paperhearts Studio

2011-06-22T17:29:00.001-06:00

"Two hands, two hearts creating letters of love with nibs and inks." *sigh* How can you not love that?

My lovely friend, Justine along with her partner in crime, Sophia have started a new company called Paperhearts Studio offering custom designed paper goods and the dreamiest calligraphy you'll ever see. Justine has forever amazed me with her talents (especially when she gets a pen in hand) and Sophia's style is equally as beautiful. I'm so happy and excited for them!

all images above via paperhearts studio

Isn't it dreamy? I want them to write me love letters.

Go check out their brand new site and blog for some more eye candy:
Paperhearts Studio
Heart Letters by Paperhearts

Christine

Bring on the Sunshine

2011-06-21T13:19:00.000-06:00

Hello, summer, it's so nice to see you.... happy first day of summer everyone!

Out enjoying the sunshine today on a lunch hour walk *sigh*

Christine

oh baby! Halfway

2011-06-16T17:26:00.000-06:00

Okay, I am officially dubbing this the month of the baby and apparently baby week on this here blog. Don't worry I won't start talking about diapers or poop or a yucky combination of both, but two of the people who I am closest to both had a beautiful baby only 8 days apart and these kind of life altering events just can't go unmentioned.

First, with my little niece and now my best friend Taryn has given birth to a beautiful baby boy. Ya, it's been pretty exciting around here. Lots of love, lots of joy and lots of cuddles.

Me, Baby Sydney, and sister Michelle

And in baby news of my own, I have officially reached the half way mark. woot!

Thanks to my friend, Sherrie for the photo :)

20 weeks pregnant and currently loving...
- baby's new drop kicking tricks
- feeling baby kick for the first time on our 3rd wedding anniversary
- my new belly button trick - innie, outie, innie, outie
- my snoogle (much to my husband's dismay)
- frosted flakes

I'm hoping to get the ball rolling on the little munchkin's nursery soon so stay tuned!

Christine

Must Eat: Cry Baby Cookies

2011-06-13T10:01:00.000-06:00

Thank you all for your sweet congrats on my new niece. I just couldn't wait to hold her so I hopped on a plane and spent most of last week in Manitoba with my sister. She is seriously the sweetest little babe and I loved every second just hanging out and snuggling.

In honour of baby Sydney, I whipped up a batch of our family favourite cookies, cry babies. My Grandma Wild makes these delicious, cakey cookies and they are a favourite among me and pretty much all my cousins. We spent many days "sneaking" into the deep freeze to sneak one (or five) of these babies.

They are a soft, gingery, cake-like cookie with the perfect touch of sweetness. My grandma says they're called cry babies because of the way the icing melts like tears across a fresh from the oven cookie. * Icing them while hot is a definite must.

The recipe makes a lot of cookies, my mom and I were baking and icing pretty much all afternoon. You might want to consider halving the recipe, but they do freeze verrry nicely. Man, why didn't I take some home with me???

Cry Babies

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups margarine
2 beaten eggs
3/4 cup light molasses
1 1/2 cups hot water with 3 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp ginger
1 1/2 tsp salt
6 cups of flour

Mix all ingredients together until well combined.

Drop from a spoon (or one of those handy dandy melon scoops) onto baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Frost while warm with icing sugar and milk frosting. Just add milk to icing sugar until you find the right consistency - smooth but not too runny.

I wasn't exaggerating when I said a LOT of cookies - the table was covered:

I was happy to see my bro-in-law, Adam, using the adorable, err manly plate I got him for Christmas. But, trust me, there are no leftovers when cry babies are involved.

I'm thinking I might start a new tradition making these every time someone close to me has a baby. Next up my best friend Taryn who is due in a week! Can you tell we have baby fever around here??

Hope you enjoy!!

Christine

Beautiful Baby Girl

2011-06-06T15:55:00.000-06:00

She's here, she's beautiful and she's already brought my family so much joy. I can't wait to hold my new little niece in my arms. Just look at those little toesies, they turn me to mush :)

Congratulations, Michelle and Adam - love you guys!

Aunty Christine

Fresh Mountain Air

2011-06-03T12:16:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday, friends! Mike and I are off to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary in Canmore/Banff. We figured since this is the last anniversary "sans kids" we might as well be spontaneous and take off for the weekend... while we still can.

This is us on our first anniversary celebrating where we got engaged at Lake Louise. It SNOWED that weekend. Yes, in June. So, let's hope we get some sunshine this time around.

Have a great weekend!

Christine

Fun Mail! My New Blanky

2011-05-31T21:01:00.000-06:00

I'm pretty sure I have raved on and on about how much I love getting fun mail and yesterday was a goodie. I arrived home to a huuuuge box that was light as a feather and, what do you know, it had my name on it! Score.

I opened it up to find this absolutely beautiful quilt made by my good friend, Karlene. Isn't it gorgeous? It's definitely adult sized and perfect for snuggling up on the couch. I absolutely love the Joel Dewberry fabrics and the colour palette is super inspiring for future babe's room.

I have amazing friends. Amazing, talented friends. Thank you so much, Karlene. Love ya!

Not only did I get that yesterday, but my bestie gifted me this cute little Dwell Studio sleep sack. These girls sure know my love of great fabric.

I have the sweetest friends.

Though, for the record, I'd still love ya to bits even if you didn't give me awesome presents ;)

Christine

Long Weekend Eats: Beignets!

2011-05-25T15:59:00.000-06:00

This relaxing long weekend included a dinner/movie date with some girlfriends (Bridesmaids! - hilarious) followed by an incredible dinner at The Marc. Appetizers were yummy, dinner was delish, but once they uttered the word beignets for dessert, I was sold!

Although they were nothing like the beignets we had in New Orleans, they were most definitely delicious. I'd describe them as a combo of those beignets and Tim Horton's timbits - with granulated sugar instead of powder. I've said it before, I'm pretty positive you can't screw up deep-fried dough covered in sugar. Yuuurm.

I was too busy eating up all the deliciousness to capture any other parts of the meal, but my friend, Dajana (always with camera in hand) pretty much had that covered. Perhaps we'll see more deliciousness on her blog soon. In the meantime, if you're in Edmonton go eat at The Marc - you won't be disappointed.

This is my second post about beignets, I think I might just have to round out with a third... maybe try and make some myself?? We'll see :)

Christine

Southwest Edmonton Farmers' Market

2011-05-19T13:59:00.001-06:00

Thank you all so much for your sweet comments on our big news this week. You guys are the best :) So, now that I'm busy making a human, I am doing my best to eat healthy which is why I am thrilled a new farmers' market opened up right in my neighbourhood!

The Southwest Edmonton Farmers' Market made its big debut (red ribbon and all) last night in the Lillian Osborne High School parking lot. After battling some cuckoo traffic, I was lured in by the mouth watering smell of kettle corn and Fat Franks hot dogs. Mmmm, totally falls into the healthy category, right? It was a great turnout and had a good variety of local farmers, bakeries, artists and businesses.

You could tell everyone was equally excited as I am about more local options in the community. Not living in the "core" of the city it's is a major luxury having something like this right down the street! The market will run Wednesday evenings from 5:30 - 8:00pm and I am looking forward to many an evening stopping by on my way home from work! Even if it's just for kettle corn ; )

Christine

oh baby!

2011-05-16T09:51:00.000-06:00

You know how sometimes there is just no energy left at the end of the day to be creative, write and well, blog. Life just gets in the way sometimes and this has definitely been the case with me lately. But the good news is that when I say life I mean a certain teeny, tiny little life...

Yep, I'm pregnant! Mike and I are expecting a little bebe at the end of October! Words cannot express how happy we are and how much I love this little munchkin already.

So this explains why things have been a bit quiet around just bella lately. Baby making is hard work. Seriously, I don't think I've ever been more exhausted in my entire life. But it's so, so worth it. Every single sleepy second. I am starting to feel better, less nauseous and definitely have more energy. I hope to be around more to say hello!

I am soo excited and can't wait to see what (and who) this year will bring!

Love and hugs,
Christine, Mike and the bebe!

Pink Sugar Love

2011-05-13T11:31:00.002-06:00

I can't believe I'm just getting around to blogging this today. The amazing Pink Sugar Photography hosted a blog contest for a free session and guess what, I actually won!
Cue jumping up and down happy dance, woot woot!

Andrea photographed our wedding 3 years ago along with an engagement session and 2 family sessions before that. Can you tell the family loves her work? I just wanted to send some love and a big virtual hug to Andrea. She is so talented and a really sweet girl to boot. We can't wait for our session coming up in the fall!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

all images above by pink sugar photography

Check out her blog here and her adorable daily photo blog documenting her little girl, lila was here.
I tell you, this girl has skills :)

Happy Friday the 13th!

Christine

New Knobs

2011-05-10T12:36:00.000-06:00

Remember those pretty antique knobs I blogged about here? Well, they are finally in place and looking pretty good. Definitely an easy and cheap way to spice up some bedside tables I've had since college.

What do you think?

Christine

BHLDN Wedding Decor

2011-05-05T15:49:00.000-06:00

Do you ever wish you could get married over and over again? It's websites like this that sure make me want to. Beautiful images below from the BHLDN, now offering decor items along with their gorgeous, gorgeous attire:

all images from BHLDN

So pretty and definitely not just for weddings. Love.

Guest Post: One Way Ticket

2011-04-28T16:12:00.000-06:00

My sweet bloggy friend, Cassie at Hi Sugarplum! asked me to guest post while she is off gallivanting in Paris and Belgium (lucky duck!). Hop on over to her blog to check out my 'one way ticket' back to bella italia!

Oh sweet memories....

Vernazza, Italy in the Cinque Terre

Treasure Hunting: Knobs

2011-04-27T10:08:00.000-06:00

I hit up an Antique Show at the Edmonton Expo Centre this past weekend for some treasure hunting. Think rows upon rows of stuff - dishes, toys, records, you name it. We were there for literally hours and I'm pretty sure I still didn't see everything. All that great stuff and I came out with just one small treasure, these beautiful glass knobs.

They have sort of an 'anthropologie-esque' look and a rustic charm (read: rust) that I quite like. And at $3.50 each, I'm quite happy with my little treasure.

I'm thinking I'm going to replace the knobs on our bedside tables with these beauties. I'll post a photo soon, I just need to clear of the millions of books and lotions living there first...

Christine :)

More Outdoor Dreaming...

2011-04-21T11:31:00.000-06:00

I am in love with this outdoor space from Style at Home. I love the unexpected look of the black and white combined with greenery. And it kind of reminds me of my wedding colours which, of course, I like ;)

Beautiful photos above by photographer, Edward Pond via Style at Home

Can you tell I'm excited for summer??

Christine

Blog Love: All Kinds of Lovely

2011-04-14T11:38:00.001-06:00

I just have to share a new blog on my radar. Dajana (pronounced Diana because I just couldn't bear you all pronouncing it Duh-janna in your heads) has been blogging for a few months now and not only is she a great bloggy friend but she's a great real-life friend of mine too. She is one of those people who is always 'in the know', loves to research and has incredible taste - and I'm not just saying that because half of our closets are identical! All Kinds of Lovely is about all sorts of fun things - travel, fashion, decor and food! She blogs about all the fun things in her life and, let me tell you, this girl knows how to enjoy life!

Dajana is an amazing friend, a great writer, and really just one of those people you like to be around. She is, well, lovely. Please stop on by to her blog All Kinds of Lovely and say hello!

p.s. the girl wears foxes on her legs! How could you not like a gal like that!? Love ya, D :)

images above via all kinds of lovely

Dreaming of Patio Days

2011-04-13T14:37:00.001-06:00

It finally feels like there is a light at the end of the tunnel... warm, sunny, light. Though there is still snow on the ground and a call for more snow tomorrow, I am not phased. Winter is definitely in the past and I am so ready for sunny days sitting in the sunshine.

Although we can't quite see our deck yet, I'm mentally planning/decorating a comfy lounge space. I've been eying up a few lounge pieces at IKEA and want to include some of these tables I spotted at Superstore from PC Home. I'm thinking a yellow one... the brighter the better at this point.

PC Folding Tray Table - $25/each
images via PC Home, everyday living on facebook

PC Cube Side Table - $29/each
images via PC Home, everyday living on facebook

They've got some great stuff at Superstore right now - bright sunny and affordable. And for stuff I get to use maybe 4 out of the 12 months, that sounds just perfect.

Love it.

Christine

Baby Wood Shower

2011-04-04T09:57:00.001-06:00

I cannot tell you how excited we all are to meet this baby girl... my niece and the first grandchild in the family. Here are some pics from the baby shower I threw last weekend in honour of little miss baby Wood.

My sister and little baby were very spoiled. The fun part was trying to fit all the shower goodies plus all Michelle's shopping into the suitcase... 100lbs and what felt like hours later, yes, it eventually did all fit (just).

Thanks to all the ladies for coming!
Christine

Mama and Baby Wood

2011-04-01T10:12:00.000-06:00

Friday already!? Yay! I've been crazy busy this past week hanging with my preggers sister whose been in town from Manitoba. Along with many (many) hours of baby shopping, we threw her a party to celebrate the baby-to-be!

I've been dying to show you some pics but, sadly, there was a little accident with my camera and all my photos from the shower were deleted (nooooo). I've spent the last few days doing some troubleshooting and have found a way to recover them! I must say I'm pretty proud of my geeky self. Turns out we had a handy little program at work called Data Rescue that saved the day. So, just an FYI, if something like this ever happens to you there is still hope!

I'll be back next week to share the rest of the photos from the party, but for now here's a peek at the invite my mom and I made:

Happy Weekend :)
Christine

Signs of Spring - COLOUR

2011-03-28T08:51:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you guys, but the one thing that lets me know spring is near is my craving for colour! Lately, I just cannot get enough. I'm over at the Home Slice for a 'Signs of Spring' guest post sharing some of my fave colourful picks.

Check them out here! Thanks, Emilija, for asking me to participate!

And in the meantime, I'm sending lots of warm, 'melty' thoughts out there in hopes to see some colour poking through soon! This is my backyard - looks like we've got a ways to go, hey?

Shopping therapy it is!

Christine

Go Green!

2011-03-17T16:54:00.000-06:00

Love this beauty of a dress from Anthropologie...though I would trade it for the sight of green grass if I could ; ) With today being March 17th, that means spring is just around the corner.

Happy St. Patrick's Day and happy almost spring! yay!

image via Anthropologie

:) Christine

Baby Girl Style

2011-03-14T09:16:00.002-06:00

I recently found out I'm going to be an auntie to a beautiful baby girl!! I'm so happy for my lil sister and her husband and can't wait to meet my new little niece in June. Of course with the reveal of the girl comes the shopping! My mom and I shopped up a storm on Saturday and found some seriously stylin' items at Baby Gap.
I only wish they came in my size too...

all items and images via Gap

Conveniently, Gap Canada (Old Navy, Banana Republic, Gap + Factory Stores) are having their 'Give and Get' Program this coming weekend. 30% off your order and 5% off what you spend goes to their non-profit partners. Click here for the coupon (Canada only).

A little bit for baby, a little bit for me ;)

Happy shopping! Hope you have a great week, peeps.
Christine

New Orleans: Bourbon Street

2011-03-09T10:36:00.001-07:00

In honour of the recent Mardi Gras celebration I thought I would share the rest of my photos from our trip to New Orleans in January. The city really has such a beautiful and big energy, I can only imagine how crazy it must be during Mardi Gras.

My bro, Steven and his girlfriend, Brittany. Poor brother severely broke his wrist in a hockey game just a week before we came to see him play. Poor guy. (In case you were wondering what that strange lump was growing out of his stomach).

I learned a lot about Mardi Gras while down south and I even got to try my first King Cake, a Mardi Gras season tradition. And yes, Mike found the plastic baby. They put a plastic baby in the cake and whoever finds it has to buy the next cake or host the next party. Here's a shot of the baby from the cake, can you say creepy??

Have you ever been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, is it as crazy as I imagine?

My House: Guest Room, Wallpaper Headboard

2011-03-04T10:37:00.001-07:00

Remember that time I was working on our guest room? Barely? Well, I am still working on it and I've come to realize that, due to some severe perfectionist tendencies, I have been holding out on you guys. I really wanted to wait until the room was "done" to show you what I've been up to. I still have a few things I'd like to do (find the perfect lamps, get the side tables in place, etc) but Mike and I tackled a project a few weeks ago and I just can't wait any longer to show you. It's too pretty ;)

I had this image from House & Home saved in my inspiration folder for ages and finally had the perfect room to put it to use. Using just wallpaper and some trim, we created a simple, easy, and cheap DIY headboard.
What do you think?

The wallpaper was an amazing find at Rona and the yellow colour was almost a perfect match to the Amy Butler fabric in my pillows. I got the roll for $30 (discounted because the roll was open) and spent $25 on pre-painted trim. For a total of $55 for the whole thing! Love it.

I hope to be back soon with some more finishing touches! Check out the before pics and other progress posts here, here and here.

:) Christine

Must Drink: London Fog

2011-03-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

I hate to be one of those downers that complains about the weather all the time, so I'll make it quick.

Dear winter, minus 34 with windchill? Not cool... not. cool. It was fun for a while but if you could kindly make way for spring that'd be great. k, thanks.
Love, Christine

In the meantime, I've been cuddling up with what has become one of my winter staples, the London Fog. I've had these a few times at Starbucks but my cousin, Jenn whipped one up for me a while ago and now I'm hooked. Warm, comfy, delicious and really easy to make...

Here's what you need:
- 1 mug of Earl Grey Tea
- 1-2 Tbsp Vanilla Syrup
- Frothy, Warm Milk
Brew tea, add the syrup to taste, froth milk and scoop on top.

I have a milk frother I use - I just warm the milk for 30sec in microwave and then froth away. You can steam the milk too, whatever floats your boat.

My Mom loves this drink too and says you have to drink it in a clear mug so that you can "see the fog".

I hope you are staying warm where you are and have some signs of spring creeping in. What is it they say, "in like a lion, out like a lamb"? Here's hoping...

:) Christine

Saltwater Sandals!

2011-02-28T11:03:00.002-07:00

I am on a fun mail roll, people! In addition to all the goodies I told you about last week, I also received these super cute Saltwater sandals in the mail. I won these cuties via Jason's blog, These Roving Eyes. He is an amazing photographer and took all the gorgeous photos for Saltwater (hop on over to their site and to his blog for more eye candy).

And although I may not have a little bebe of my own, I am going to be an auntie twice in June (for my sis and best friend)! I thought this classic navy colour was perfectly gender neutral for "unknown baby to be".

I'm told they will be available to purchase online in the next month and at Canadian retailers in May. Thanks so much to Saltwater Sandals and Jason Hudson for the sweet giveaway!

Happy Monday peeps!

:) Christine

Sending Love to NZ

2011-02-25T10:34:00.001-07:00

I've been having a few blah sick days lately. The kind of days you can't get out of bed or muster up the energy to get some tea from the kitchen. But it's hard to feel sorry for yourself when you think about the more serious and devastating things that have happened this week. I couldn't believe it when I heard the news about the earthquake in New Zealand. My thoughts immediately went to my friend Justine, who is currently living in Christchurch and thanks to some loving angels, is safe :)

It made me step back out of my sick funk and be thankful. Thankful my friends are safe. Thankful Justine is okay, scared and shaken up I'm sure, but okay. She is such a lovely, sweet girl and my heart goes out to her, her friends and her NZ 'family'. Read this article describing Justine's incredible story here and here and please send your love and thoughts to all the people in New Zealand. Stay safe, mates, especially you Justiney!

photo by Justine Ma, a building behind where she lives

photo by Justine Ma

lots of love,
Christine

If you wish to donate to those in need in NZ, visit the Salvation Army here.

A Little Retail Therapy

2011-02-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

My mom tells me even as a little girl I had expensive taste. Not only that, but I also have a nickel allergy that allows me to only wear the "good stuff" as they say - gold, gold plated, etc. I can cheat sometimes but will pay the price with an itchy, red ear or neck (not pretty).

I've been spending a fair amount of time on Etsy lately (ok, always) and found a gorgeous pair of earrings that, hooray, do not sacrifice quality.

earrings and images above via Cheeks and Lola

Available at Cheeks and Lola they are nickel free, gold plated and the best part is, they were only $5.00!

Score.

Speaking of retail therapy, I just wanted to thank two of my favourite girlies, Marie and Karlene, for a fabulous girls weekend. We slept in, watched chick flicks, ate, drank, shopped. I think it's safe to say we all indulged a little this weekend and, although I would have been happy lounging in our pj's all day, you girls deserved it! Love you both!

Hope you all had a great long weekend too.
:) Christine

p.s. Not that I need any encouragement, but any great etsy shops on your radar? do tell.

I Heart My Family

2011-02-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

It's 'Family Day' long weekend here in Alberta so I wanted to send a shoutout to all my family out there.
Love ya!

sister, dad, brother, me, mom - photo by pink sugar photography

Although I won't be hanging with any of the crazy cooks above, (don't worry I'm sure my parents won't mind as they lay on the beach in Hawaii, pfft) I'll be thinking of you!

Two of my favourite girls from BC are coming to stay with me this weekend for some much needed girl time. I'm taking an extra long weekend (woot!) so I'll see y'all next week.

Have a great weekend, peeps.

:) Christine

The Little Things: Fun Mail!

2011-02-15T14:12:00.002-07:00

There is absolutely nothing better than coming home from a long day at work to something exciting (ie. not bills) sitting on my kitchen counter. That's right, fun mail!!

I had a particularly fun 'fun mail' day last week...

First up, this lovely brass apple from Hudson & Co - that's right people, brass is back. Me and Etsy have been really good friends lately and I just couldn't say no to this guy. I think he'll find a home in my guest bedroom.
Check out Erin's shop here.

Also on the counter was Fred Jr! sent to us by my super sweet sis-in-law. Mike and I were eying him up at West Elm in TO last month and Laura so kindly sent him our way.
I'll be sure show you when he finds a home in our house.

And to top it all off, fun mail day was followed my other favourite, "magazine day" with my J.crew, Anthropologie, and Style at Home mags all arriving.

Just some of those little things that make me happy. The best part about fun mail? Even if it's addressed to both of us, Mike leaves them just for me to open. Love that, guy :)

Valentine's Day: I've Got Designs On You!

2011-02-14T00:01:00.002-07:00

Yaaaa... I don't know what it means either, but I think it's sweet.

Happy Love Day!
xoxo, Christine

Inspiration: Dish Towel (via Sarah 101)

2011-02-09T11:29:00.001-07:00

Did you see the new episode of Sarah 101 last night? Adorable. I really quite liked these two kids rooms. And the best part, the fact that the inspiration all came from Anthropologie dish towels. So simple, so brilliant.

Sarah turned the towels into pillowcases and a clothes hamper, but wouldn't these make great framed art too? $28 for art is much more reasonable than $28 for a dish towel that probably doesn't dry worth crap anyway! (ugh. fancy dish towels are the worst)

images above via Anthropologie

And a peak at the final rooms...

image via Sarah Richardson on facebook

Check out the full recaps (and more pics!) of last night's episodes at the lovely blogs Rambling Renovators, Desire to Decorate, Jax Does Design and Decor Happy.

Christine

Sarah Richardson (and me), Edmonton Reno Show

2011-02-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we Edmontonians were lucky to have the lovely Sarah Richardson stop by for a visit at the Edmonton Reno Show. Yes, the Sarah Richardson. Canadian sweetheart, designer, producer, tv host - is there anything this girl can't do? My mom-in-law is also a fan and we grabbed some front row seats to check her out. As always she was chalk full of great advice and tips and, in general, such a lovely and charming little lady.

After the show, Sarah graciously stuck around to chat with her fans where I was able to "meet" her and nab an adorable photo of her and Tommy. I'm not going to lie, I was a bit starstruck. I'm pretty sure I blurted something unintelligent (something about liking that dragon fabric) before I was shuffled along. Unfortunately, no chance for a photo op, but that's me down in the photo below with her in the background.
Totally counts ;)

I've really been enjoying the new Sarah 101, even when I don't 100% love all the rooms I always take something away from the show. That girl is a wealth of knowledge, I tell ya. Can't wait for the new Sarah's House coming in the fall!

p.s. If you haven't heard of Sarah (um, my best friend I'm looking at YOU... seriously, how are we friends? I kid, I kid) go check her out here.

:) Christine

New Orleans: The Garden District

2011-02-03T22:12:00.001-07:00

When I win a million dollars one of my many houses (come'on, I won the lottery) will most definitely be in the Garden District in New Orleans. Now if I could only decide which one...

We spent a brisk afternoon strolling through the beautiful streets (well, Mike strolled and I followed slowly behind taking pictures pretty much every step I took). Let's take a tour shall we?

Would you like to come be my house guest... I'll have an extra house in the back ; )

New Orleans, Must Eat: Beignets!

2011-01-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

Everyone told us that we had to go to Cafe Du Monde for beignets. My first thought was, wait a minute, we have these in Canada - they're called fry bread or funnel cakes or elephant ears.... Either way, they're deep fried dough covered in icing sugar so naturally, I was intrigued.

Mike and I hit up the cafe our first day in NOLA and again once we met up with my brother, Steven and his girlfriend, Brittany. Lunch day 1 and lunch day 2 (I love traveling). I was told it was a bit touristy, but sooo worth it. Even in the chilly weather it was plum full, but the crowds moved quickly and we dived into these beauties right away.

Delicious, warm, sugary goodness.

And because it was chilly and we were looking for an "excuse" to get out of the cold, we hit up Cafe Beignet for comparison sake.

Equally doughy, equally sugary, equally delicious. Can you really screw up deep fried dough covered in sugar? The answer is no. No, you cannot.

New Orleans: International House Hotel

2011-01-28T08:29:00.002-07:00

I love planning and researching (nerdy, I know) and finding that perfect spot to lay our heads when we travel is one of my favourite parts of the job.

After relaxing in Cuba our next stop (after a fun day in TO) was New Orleans, Louisiana. We stayed at the perfectly pretty International House Hotel while we were there. It's gorgeous isn't it?

Unfortunately, our tiny room wasn't near as grand as this beautiful penthouse ($112/night won't buy you a view) but the lobby, lounge, and even elevator made up for it. The interior design of this place was incredible.

all images above via K Hotels

They even have windowless "Rockstar Rooms" for those partying it up on Bourbon Street all night, though I think I'd prefer that view at the top!

Beautiful.

Happy Weekend, peeps!
Christine

Scenes from Cuba

2011-01-24T21:48:00.000-07:00

First stop on our trip was ringing in the new year with Mike's family on a resort in Cuba. This was Mike and I's second trip to Cuba, our first trip we were a bit more adventurous. We went and saw Havana (amazing) and toured a few islands, but this trip was a bit more low-key and relaxing. The kind of slow, easy days where the biggest decision of the day was beach or pool? or what board game are we going to play tonight?
Rough life, I know.

I was actually so relaxed that I uncharacteristically took very few photos, just soaked it all up and enjoyed the moment. Here are a few scenes and views from the comfort of my lounge chair:

Oh! and amidst all the relaxing and drinking, there was a shark that swam to join our party! yes, a shark!

*sigh* I feel warmer just looking at these pics.

Back to Reality

2011-01-23T15:48:00.001-07:00

You know sometimes there is time to decorate, read magazines and blog about pretty things and other times my weekend is spent catching up on laundry, friends, family and (thinking about) cleaning.

After a 2 1/2 week post Christmas vacation, I thought maybe I should get around to taking down the tree this weekend:

Just keeping it real, folks :)

I hope your weekend was lovely,
Christine

p.s. A huge happy 30th birthday to my favourite brother!! Love you lots :)

Birthday boy on the left, husband on the right. New Orleans, 2011

Style at Home: Featured Blogger

2011-01-19T13:17:00.003-07:00

Guys, I've got some pretty exciting news... one my favourite magazines, Style at Home is blogging about me (yes, ME?) as their featured blog today.

photo of me above by 6:8 photography

I am beyond flattered, I am a loyal Style at Home' er (just ask my husband how many magazines I have stockpiled around the house ;) A huge thank you to the lovely Lauren for interviewing me, check it out here.

I blog because it makes me happy and I quite like you guys out there in blogland. Thanks for reading and thank you again to Style at Home for the feature! For the sake of reminiscing, here's a little photo tour of some of my favourite bits and pieces over the past nine months (click on the photos to see the posts):

:) Christine

A Little Bit of Sunshine

2011-01-18T18:36:00.003-07:00

Oh hello blog, how I've missed you.

I'm just back from vacation and, aside from a few scheduled posts, have been on a nice looong break from my friend the internet. I'm not going to lie, it felt pretty good to unplug for a while. I've lounged away on a beach, celebrated a birthday (28 woot!), hung out with my brother, and ate some deeelicious southern food in the last 2 1/2 weeks. phew! It's good to be home, I've missed y'all. (yes, I apparently picked up a southern accent while I was at it).

I came home to RECORD breaking amounts of snow (seriously, I could barely see my house when I pulled into my neighbourhood) so, mentally, I'm trying to keep myself back here right about now:

Would you like to join me?

:) Christine