Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Two Months

Baby Update

I can't believe my baby girl is two months old! She's growing and changing so quickly and we have had so much fun watching her discover and learn new things every day! She's starting to look a little less bald and she's going to have her daddy's hair colour, along with some more of his traits that are starting to become more visible. Although, I do have to say she still looks a lot like a mini-me! 



 TWO MONTHS

10 lbs 10 oz and 22 1/2"

  • Smiles all the time
  • Can roll over
  • Can't get enough of tummy time
  • Enjoys car & stroller rides
  • Loves funny sounds
  • Is sleeping for 5-7 hours at night
  • Loves to airplane w/ Daddy
  • Is 'talking' all the time


Monday, December 1, 2014

Holiday Hacks

Easy Gift Giving Guide


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With Christmas just around the corner this is usually where my sheer panic sets in, between the boy's large family, our neighbors and our friend's growing families the gift count gets higher and higher each year. It's easy to break the bank and overload anyone's schedule! With a newborn in tow this year I've opted for a more simple solution! 

1. Break Everyone Down into Groups

Make a list of everyone you need to get gifts and break them into more manageable groups (such as: neighbors, teachers, grandparents, friends etc.) This way you can come up with 3-4 gift ideas that work for everyone versus coming up 563 different gifts for everyone. Now when you find that perfect gift for the grandparents just times it by two and you've got two sets of people done!

2. Go the DIY Route

Going the DIY route is not only fun but it can save you some Christmas cash as well! It's also a great excuse to try out some of those favourite pins on Pinterest you've been dying to try. (Check out some of my favourites) All my neighbors this year will be getting a cute little Christmas tree cupcake! They will be fun to make and lets me cross all my neighbors off my list!

3. Check Out New or Small Businesses

I love supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners, but there is also an added benefit around Holiday season, many of them offer great deals to compete with the big box stores, and they offer more unique products for the ultimate gifts. Check out one of my new favourites Lost My Name an adorable personalized story book for kids, not only a great gift but a wonderful keepsake.

4. Convenience Over Time 

Anyone can buy a gift card and unfortunately they can come across as impersonal, so what's a gal to do? This predicament often puts us in a time crunch for the holidays. Well now you don't have to give up personality for time. Awesome sites are popping up all over the place that offer the perfect solution, with customized gifts that are both time savers and extremely personal! My new favourite for this holiday is Chat Books which turns your favourite Instagram photos into your own book for only $6! In the Christmas Spirit enter the code: GYAC6NLU and get your very first book FREE!


Comment with your favourite Holiday hack or gift idea this holiday season and automatically be entered to be 1 of 3 winners to receive 15% off your very own Lost My Name Book!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HAPPY WRAPPING!

Monday, November 17, 2014

One Month

Baby Update

Our little girl just turned a month old! I can't believe it's already been a month since she was born, it feels like both she just got here and as though time is flying by and we've had her for much, much longer. To commemorate her first year's milestones I'm doing the obligatory monthly photos to be able to watch her grow, but I figured I would spice them up a bit to make for some fun keepsakes later on with themed photos. Here's her very first one, she's cooking up a Thanksgiving feast!


ONE MONTH

9 lbs13 oz and 21 3/4"

  • Loves to cuddle with Mommy & Daddy
  • Has a big smile complete with two dimples
  • Loves warm baths
  • Hates the cold
  • Likes to watch the dogs
  • Can lift her head up on her own
  • Likes to sit in her swinging chair
  • Loves back rubs

Friday, November 7, 2014

Fall Treats

Little Owl Cupcakes


Fall is by far my favourite season. The crisp air, snuggling under cozy covers, the comfy layers and boots, waking up with a cup of warm coffee and the smell of pumpkin and spice. . . everywhere!
I wanted to spread the fall festive cheer and decided to make some super simple fall treats!



These cute little owls are adorable and so easy to make!



Here's what you'll need!
  • Cake mix of your choice (I wanted pumpkin but they were all out so I went with a rich red velvet)
  • Frosting of your choice
  • Two packages of Oreos
  • One bag of Reese's Pieces
How to create these little critters:

  • Bake cupcakes according to instructions and let cool
  • Put on a thin layer of frosting on all cupcakes
  • Split oreos in half and use the side with creme filling for the owl's eyes, push firmly onto top of cupcakes
  • Use the brown pieces for eyes and stick in a yellow or orange piece for the beak
  • To create the feathered look I filled a sandwich bag with icing and clipped the tip to make a makeshift icing bag. I pipped eyebrows above the eyes and little squiggles in rows below the beaks for the body.
  • Let sit, then share and enjoy!




WhOo's Going to Make These Sweet Treats?



Monday, November 3, 2014

DIY Baby Blanket

A Quick & Easy Project



This was a blanket I made while I was counting the days for my little one to arrive. The blanket stitching at the end was the perfect way to pass the time until my girl decided to make her debut! It's a great project to customize yourself for a baby shower or your own little nugget. 

What You'll Need:
  1. Three prints of flannel (I used these great one sided receiving blankets here
  2. Pen & Paper
  3. Scissors
  4. Pins
  5. Needle & thread
Here's What to Do:
  • Trace any letters and designs onto your first desired print and cut out. If you're not the best doodler you can print out images or bold letters and use those as easy stencils!  
                                 
  • Place your cutouts as desired on the fabric you want for the front of your blanket and pin into place. 
                                                                              
  • In a contrasting or coordinating thread (I went with hot pink) stitch around each cutout to securely fasten it to the front of the blanket.                    
 
  • Once the front of your blanket is as desired, line up the front fabric with the remaining third fabric (wrong side to wrong side) and sew all the way around.
  • With the same bold thread as before use the blanket stitch to go around the outside of the blankets, you can make the stitches as close or as spaced out as you like.



You're All Done!
Finally, gift it or wrap your little bundle of joy in it!


Happy Sewing!

Friday, October 31, 2014

Happy Halloween!

Our Little Pumpkin!



Wishing Everyone a Happy and Safe Halloween 

XoXo
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Monday, October 6, 2014

DIY Fabric Flower Letter

Adorable Floral Letter 


This is a great project I found on where else? Pinterest! I wanted to recreate it for my daughter's nursery door. But I've seen these floral letters used for home decorations, wedding tables and much more. You can make them festive with holiday colours or make it to match your decor. 

Here's What You'll Need:
  1. Cardboard box (I used a family size Cheerios box)
  2. tape & scissors
  3. decorative paper
  4. scraps of fabric
  5. hot glue gun
  6. ribbon

Let's Get Started:


I traced out the letter of my choice on my cereal box (It took me a few tries to get it just the way I wanted). I cut the remainder of the box up into the same size strips, these will be used to make the letter 3-D. Mine were 1" wide, but you can make them smaller or larger depending on how deep you'd like your letter to look. Tip: If you're planning on making larger flowers a deeper side helps contain them, whereas a smaller edge shows off smaller and flatter fabric flowers well


Next, tape the strips to each side of the letter, making sure to use a little extra tape on any place it curves so there aren't any gaps! I then chose to cover my outside edges with a decorative turquoise paper so you wouldn't see the plain cardboard. 

Now, we're ready for the flowers! You can make them all uniform or mix and match different styles and colours. I used a couple of different fabric flower techniques and a variety of colours to give it a bright cheerful look. Here are several great blogs with different types of fabric flowers that you can easily create. Mix 'em up or pick your favorite! 




(If you're wanting to hang your letter now is a great time to punch holes on the back of your letter and tie on a ribbon of your choice!)
Once you're satisfied with your fabric flowers it's time to attach them to your letter! I laid mine out until I had a look that I liked then hot glued the bottoms of each flower to the bottom of my letter. I fluffed up each flower. You can also hot glue paper folded like an accordion or styrofoam on the bottom of your letter before gluing your fabric flowers down to give them varying heights. 


And Viola! You have a fresh, fun, fabric flower letter! Make a bunch to spell out something fun or just make one for a special someone. 


Happy Crafting!

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Third Trimester Wrap Up!

Baby is the size of a winter melon!


Baby has officially reached full term but will continue to beef up each day she decides to stay in there! I am only 18 days away from my given due date but have already had several signs of labour starting so we could be meeting her any day now! As we impatiently wait for her arrival it feels so surreal that after all this time she's finally going to be making her appearance so soon!



 

SYMPTOMS: The third trimester has been the hardest by far, which I knew it was coming considering no one gets to sail through pregnancy! So I was fortunate to have two trimesters of easy-going so I had the energy to deal with this one. I was exhausted and didn't have any energy, my new Dr. found I was anemic so once I was put on iron supplements thankfully this changed! I stopped sleeping at night, a combination of it being impossible to get comfortable, overheating and the past two weeks I've been having contractions from about 10 PM-4 AM so I have to wait it out then my body crashes around 4 each morning and luckily I get to sleep in now to catch up on some much needed sleep. As of two weeks ago I have begun to dilate so technically I am in the first stage of labour, just waiting for the 'active labour' part to kick in so I can actually have her! 

CRAVINGS: One day I woke up and was just craving meat. . . being vegetarian for 15 years this was extremely bizarre. Before getting pregnant I'd talked about it with my husband and always said if I craved it or the Dr told me I needed to I would eat meat, because the health of our baby is more important than being vegetarian. The boy was so excited when we found out I was pregnant thinking it was time to share all his favourite meals with me, but I never craved it until now! (I almost made it home free) So after a week of this craving I gave in and ate meat. I don't think I've seen my husband grin as much as I did that day. And not going to lie, it wasn't that bad. It was soon after this we found out I was anemic, so my baby and I indeed did need some extra iron! It's obvious our little girl will be a meat eater like her Daddy but the jury is still out on what this Momma will do after she's here and my hormones balance back out again!

WEIGHT GAIN: I've been fluctuating the last couple of visits, but I've definitely gained a chunk! I think I'm done gaining since she'll be here anytime now, so the looming weight loss challenge is not far off in the distance. But as always as long as she's healthy it'll all have been worth it!

 MATERNITY CLOTHES: I caved and bought one pair of skinny maternity jeans as the weather started to turn a bit chilly. So I've been set between those and my maternity dresses paired with cardigans. Most days I lounge around in my husbands t-shirt and athletic shorts, but I have plenty of pieces that will last me through the last couple of weeks and until I start to shed the baby weight after! 

BABY IS A. . . : A Perfect Little Princess

BABY IS DUE: October 18th marks the end of the 40th week, but with early labour already here, it's hard not to think she'll be here a little sooner! 

BABY NAMES: We for sure have her name, and after much debate decided on a spelling we liked. Since we're horrible at secrets our families both now but we haven't officially announced it yet so stay tuned ;)

DO STRANGERS NOTICE: Yes! Taxi drivers even avoid potholes because they're probably afraid I'm going to pop! All my neighbors always ask if it's time yet every time they see me!

BABY BUYS: Our car seat is installed we have a sleeper by our bed for the first few months and the nursery is fully stocked, just waiting on her!

PREPARING FOR BABY: We've stocked up on easy to make food and I've even frozen some homemade meals so we can focus on the baby rather than meals, we have a supply of household essentials like paper towels, cleaner, soap, toilet paper and dog food so we won't run into any unnecessary errand runs!

A Few More Days to Go!!


Monday, September 22, 2014

DIY Owl Costume

A Simple Halloween Costume for Your Little Pumpkin




With the air starting to turn crisp it's finally starting to feel like Fall, I can't believe October and Halloween are just around the bend. And for me, Motherhood! My little one is going to be here any week now so I wanted a simple fun DIY costume I could make for her while I (not so) patiently wait for her arrival! 

Here's What You'll Need:

  • A onsie in the colour of your choice
  • At least four varying colours of felt (don't have to match your onsie-mine didn't!)
  • Scissors
  • Pen
  • Needle & Thread or hot glue, whichever you prefer

Let's Get Started:

  1. We're going to make the top 'tuft' of feathers. Lay the felt of your choice over the neck of your onsie. Trace the neckline on to the felt, under the neck seam and up to the top of the shoulders. Make a wavy line underneath or however you prefer and cut out! *TIP: only draw half of the bottom then fold in half and cut so it's perfectly symmetrical.  


  2. Next, cut out little 'feathers' from the varying colours of felt. Mine were about an inch wide and I had 17 feathers. 
  3. Arrange them on your onsie fanning out as you go in the order of your liking. You can pin them into place once you settle on a design and stitch across the top of each to hold them into place or hot glue them down. *TIP: If you're using glue make sure to put a piece of cardboard or something on the inside of the onsie so the glue won't seep through to the other side.
  4. Next, tack down or glue three little feathers on the backside to make a cute little tail  
  5. Accessorize as you wish and you're all done!

I accessorized with a knit owl hat from The Daisy Baby and these sweet little lace leg warmers from Huggalugs!


Cutest little owl you'll ever see!

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Ultimate Hospital Packing List

Baby is Ready. . . Are You?


This is part two of my Ultimate Hospital Packing List, in case you missed it here was my post for baby's bag. Now it's Mommy's turn! Mom's bag is even more important for the big day, the last thing you want when your mid-labour, or evening the first few hours of your newborn is for one of your loved ones to have to run back home to grab something you forgot. Here's a list I've compiled of the curtails you'll need for your stay in the hospital:

Toilettres:
  • Hair ties, clips and bobby pins
  • Chapstick
  • Tissues
  • Face Wipes/ Makeup remover
  • Hand Wipes
  • Toothbrushes
  • Nail file
  • Razor
  • Lotion
  • Prenatal Vitamins
  • Advil (for Dad)
Clothing:
  • Nursing Bra(s)
  • Nursing Tank tops (3)
  • Yoga Pants
  • Socks
  • Comfy Pajamas (3)
  • Going home outfit- mine is a comfy jersey maxi dress!
  • Flip flops
  • Underwear
Comfort:
  • Snacks (granola bars, suckers, trail mix)
  • Water Bottle
  • Slippers
  • Pillow
  • Kindle/ Books/ iPad/ Magazines/Other entertainment

If your like me, a lot of your essentials are things you use everyday and can't be packed until the very last minute, don't stress Mamma's! Here's a "It's Time" Print out I made with a list of the last minute grabs as well as important contact information and address info. Just in case one or both of you are a bit panicked in the moment it will help make sure nothing gets left behind or forgotten!
(Just copy and paste this into a word document, add your personal info, print and you're all set!)

It's Time!

IMPORTANT CONTACT & ADDRESS INFO

Doctor Information:  NAME   (COMPANY)
                                            ADDRESS HERE
                                                OFFICE: (   )     -         CELL: (   )   -       

Pampered Pregnancy/Support Person: NAME   (Coach)
                                                TEL: (    )     -         Ext.  #     
                                                                        

Hospital InformationMEDICAL CENTER
                                               ADDRESS HERE
                                                TEL: (    )     -      

*Emergency Hospital Location: CLOSER LOCATION IF APPLICABLE
                                                           ADDRESS HERE
                                                            TEL: (    )     -      

DON’T FORGET TO BRING

·      Purse:
        o   Insurance card
o   ID
      o   House Keys
     o   Chapstick
          ·      Hospital Bag
    ·      Baby Bag
             ·      Phone chargers
                ·      Hospital Records
           ·      Make-up Bag
       ·      Toothpaste
       ·      Hair brush
·      Pillow
          ·      Water Bottle
  ·      Slippers
      ·      Flip Flops
·      Snacks


PEOPLE TO LET KNOW THE BABY IS ON HIS/HER WAY

FAMILY
FIRST & LAST NAME:        HOUSE    (    )       -    
                                                CELL (    )      -     
FIRST & LAST NAME:        HOUSE    (    )       -    
                                                CELL (    )      -     
FIRST & LAST NAME:        HOUSE    (    )       -    
                                                CELL (    )      -     
FIRST & LAST NAME:        HOUSE    (    )       -    
                                                CELL (    )      -     
FIRST & LAST NAME:        HOUSE    (    )       -    
                                                CELL (    )      -         
                                               
FRIENDS
FIRST & LAST NAME:        HOUSE    (    )       -    
                                                CELL (    )      -     
FIRST & LAST NAME:        HOUSE    (    )       -    
                                                CELL (    )      -     
FIRST & LAST NAME:        HOUSE    (    )       -    
                                                CELL (    )      -     


PEOPLE TO LET KNOW THE BABY IS HERE

FIRST & LAST NAME:         CELL (    )      -     
FIRST & LAST NAME:         CELL (    )      -     
FIRST & LAST NAME:         CELL (    )      -     
FIRST & LAST NAME:         CELL (    )      -     


Stick it on the fridge or on top of your hospital bag so it's easy to find. 
But most importantly, take a deep breath and Good-luck Mommas

Monday, September 15, 2014

DIY Wall Art

A quick and easy DIY to brighten up your walls or perfect for a personalized gift!


I had the opportunity recently to team up with Adventures and Tea Parties, a wonderful DIY blog from across the pond to write a guest post featuring my wall art above! Make sure to check out her blog for great ideas and stay tuned for my art tutorial! 
When it's live I'll post a link Here.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Ultimate Hospital Packing List

Ready or Not Here They Come!



As the "due date" of baby creeps closer and closer the uncertainties and nerves are endless! I'm not sure why the Doctors even bother with a "due date" because let's face it babies come when they feel like it. Only about 5% of women deliver when they were expecting to! When so much is up in the air from when, and where and when family can coordinate a visit it's nice to have some other things ready to feel a little bit more prepared for the moment your baby decides it's time!

I've scoured tons of packing lists and asked family and friends until I came up with the ultimate hospital packing list for me. I divided it up into two, one bag for baby and one bag for mommy. Here is the list for your hospital baby bag. 


  • Hats (I packed two for warmth and one strictly for cuteness factor)
  • Headbands (Who knows how much hair she'll have- if any, so it's nice to tip people off it's a girl!)
  • 1 Preemie onsie (just in case she's early or super tiny!)
  • 2 footed sleepers ( NB size and 0-3M)
  • 2 onsies (NB & 0-3M) and matching pants
  • 1 Sleeper gown
  • 1 zip-up swaddle pod
  • 1 blanket
  • 2 swaddle blankets
  • 1 burp cloth
  • 2 pairs of socks
  • 1 pair of mittens
  • newborn pacifiers
  • charged camera w/ memory card
  • All packed away in a nifty diaper bag!

Now my baby girl's bag is packed and ready for her arrival!


Thursday, September 4, 2014

Banana Bread Muffins


If your household is anything like mine, bananas get gobbled up when they're first purchased but then there is always a couple that just sit and usually end up going to waste. Here's a really easy recipe to use up those old bananas and make a yummy treat in about 40 minutes!


What You'll Need:
  • 1 1/2 Cups of Flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 3/4 Cup of Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 Egg
  • 3 large ripe bananas
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
*Makes 18-24 Muffins


Let's Get Started:

1. Heat your oven to 350 degrees
   2. Lightly grease a muffin tin or use paper liners

 

   3. In one bowl mix the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon
 4. In a separate bowl mash up the 3 bananas and mix in the egg, melted butter and sugar. Stir until fairly smooth. 


  5. Fold in the dry mixture and mix well.
  6. Fill muffin liners 3/4 full with batter 


   7. Pop in the oven for about 25 minutes or until the muffins spring back from touch
   8. Let cool and Enjoy!




Serve as special bread rolls with dinner or just eat them by themselves with a little butter!

Delicious!