Summer Dress - I couldn't resist!

I really need to start setting some boundaries around shopping. It's not that I'm going crazy or anything, but I'm over 5 months pregnant and thinking this really isn't the time to be buying clothes and a good time to save on a "post-baby, shed some pounds, shopping spree!" But...I received one of those discounted online shopping emails, got suckered into browsing (I try to delete most days) and couldn't resist this dress. And come on...I saved something like 80% off! I love a bargain. Always a bit risky as you don't know how it will actually fit, but I pictured some great summer weather and this being the ideal throw on dress with flip flops and can be dressed up with heals for summer bbq's and events. I'm hoping the pattern will be flattering and not highlight my growing "assets." So after all that babbling...here is my not needed, but had to have purchase. Cute right? Enjoy...

A Chair Decision...

My girlfriend is moving into a swanky new apartment downtown Vancouver. She's excited about a fresh start in decorating and this girl is Hollywood Glam all the way! She was showing me a picture of the chandelier she bought and wants a zebra rug. She was worried about a dark table so we found a smokin deal on a white round one. She was originally thinking grey chairs but when we put it together it may look too dark. I put in a lighter grey version of the chair which works or one with a pop of colour. So - my question to you...which do you like best? I'm definitely leaning towards the chair with colour and really this is just my way of convincing her. Enjoy....

Easter Table by Gwyneth

I had lots of great ideas for posts this week, but between being busy with work and coming down with  the flu...well, it's been one of those weeks! I'm hosting Easter Brunch (sickness permitting) and I found some beautiful inspiration shots of a table that Gwyneth Paltrow collaborated on. Is it just me or does she seem to be everywhere right now? Actress, singer (Country Strong was really good!), cookbook author, blogger - that's one talented lady. Anyway, here is the table - I love the rustic look they went with. Happy Easter! Enjoy...

Images via Remodelista

This is Happiness!

Happiness - A topic I've been thinking about lately after I started reading this great new book on the topic (I'm a sucker for these kind of books - more on that later). One of the things it says is to find out what things bring you joy, and what doesn't, then do more of the first part and start doing less of the things that don't. Seems simple enough? Well, yesterday afternoon was one of those items that definitely bring joy! I cut out of work early and spent the afternoon dyeing Easter Eggs with my daughter. We had quite a few cracked eggs, but that's okay, the process was all worth it. Have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy...

Update on my March - September Goals

So, in March, I decided to forget the resolutions I made in December and come up with a list of things I wanted to do from March to September. These items were very different than the serious life planning goals I usually make. The reason I chose until September is I have a new little one arriving that month and I think I'll have to start a new list at that time (yikes!). So, this self indulgent post has nothing to do with a lovin it item, clothing or decor - though I have included my new favourite lipstick that is close to that orangy/red that I'm seeing in all the fashion mags lately. Here is the update on how I'm doing with each item:

1. Spend an afternoon at the library with my daughter-Not done yet, but we enrolled in an Art class this week and are having a blast!
2. Learn to use the BBQ - not really bbq weather yet!
3. Finish decorating our bedroom on a budget - have added new lamps, painted our dresser, new pics
4. Hang pictures in our basement - Done...yeah!
5. Start up yoga again - Monday is yoga night and I love it so much
6. Make my office a bit more pretty now that I work from home a bit - did get a bookshelf, some accessories, but still needs some work. Fresh flowers are needed badly.
7. Go for many after dinner walks - Yes, this is the best!
8. Ride my bike with my daughter every Saturday or Sunday - we tried once, but she didn't like her helmet and that was that for now.
9. Finish at least 2 books from book club - I did finish one (finally) but had to jam on book club this week, darn it!
10.Write weekly in my journal I started for my daughter - have to do this!
11. Print and hang some of the many disorganized photos - I'm overwhelmed a bit with this one.
12. Learn to use my camera better - I did buy a new lens, purchased a groupon for a 3 hour class and am seriously considering an 8 week course starting in May.
13. Start the transformation of a "big girl" room for my daughter - not yet, but we have the bed.
14. Plan less and let the magic of spontaneity happen! I suck at this one and am feeling it. Our next free weekend is about 6 weeks from now. I need some guidance here...help!

Okay, here is that lipstick I was talking about. This colour may not be for everyone, but I'm lovin it right now...

Revlon's Cha Cha Cherry!

My Spring Go-To Dress!

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I was hoping to do a blog about my girls weekend in Seattle and all the fun shops and good eats we found, but as per usual, I lugged around my camera most of the weekend and only took a few shots! Anyway, I managed to get in some good shopping and even though I should really put a ban on the clothes purchases these days, I keep coming back to this dress....


I have found my throw it on, go with anything, dress it up, dress it down, wear heals, slip on flats, add a scarf,  maybe a sparkly necklace (you get the idea) dress for the Spring season. I love this kind of effortless look and even though I'm trying not to buy things right now, I may have to break the rules. Enjoy...

Images via J Crew

Easter Eggs 101

Dyeing Easter Eggs may seem like something everyone knows how to do, but I have to admit, I haven't done this since I was a kid. Now that I'm a mom to an almost 3 year old, it's time to brush up on this important life skill. My daughter is a curious little thing and my most favourite times lately is when we're doing an activity together. I'm sure most of you know this out there, but if there are any egg dyeing novices like myself in blog land, I will share a step by step done by the one and only Martha Stewart. Who, by the way, has some good recipes for Easter Brunch (which I'm also hosting this year). When did I become so domestic!? Enjoy...

Egg Dyeing Basics

Eggs and dyes are the two central elements of Easter crafts. Decorating eggs perfectly isn't hard; just follow our tips. If you want to save eggs from year to year or turn them into ornaments to hang from branches, blow them out instead of hard-boiling the eggs before dyeing them. Tip: Try dyeing different types of eggs in order to vary the sizes -- use quail for smaller and goose or ostrich for larger. Also consider dyeing brown eggs to alter the range of colors you can produce.

Step 1: Blow Out the Eggs

To empty a raw egg, begin by using the tip of a sharp utility knife to pierce both ends of the egg; turn the knife in one of the holes to widen it slightly. Then, poke a straightened paper clip through the larger hole to pierce and "stir" the yolk. Hold the egg, larger hole down, over a bowl, and then blow the contents out with a rubber ear syringe.

Step 2: Dye the Eggs

Protect your work area with paper towels or newspaper. Mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 20 drops of food coloring (use more to intensify color) in 1 cup of hot water in a heatproof bowl, cup, or jar deep enough to let you submerge an egg completely.

To create different tints of a color, vary dipping times: Submerge eggs for less than 5 minutes for light colors, and leave the egg in for 10 minutes or more for deeper shades. Using tongs makes handling the eggs easy.

To make a two-color egg, dye the whole egg first in a light color, let dry for 15 minutes, and then submerge half into a darker color (this idea works best for hard-boiled eggs).

Step 3: Let the Eggs Dry

Look at that drying tray - only Martha!

A drying rack made with pins and foam board keeps things neat

 

From here, you can get really fancy and add masks, make multi-colour eggs, add stickers etc. I'll stick to the basics this year!