Dress 21: Things Old and Home Made

Boots - ??; Leggings - F21; Dress - ??; Sweater - made by my Babcia.

Hanging out in my new sweater.

My Babcia made me a sweater and I just had to wear it as soon as it was done. I love the fact that it's totally one of a kind and made with love.  And it being winter, there's always a reason to wear a sweater.  So I paired it with this easy to wear dress.  It's the same style as this one, just a different pattern. I bought them at the same time...when I was still in high school.  And do not ask me how long ago that was.  Suffice it to say, it was a long time ago. But these dresses hold up so well, I have a feeling Baby will be wearing them when she's big enough!  They'll be vintage then...as will I!  Haha!

Trash, stash, or save?  I'm thinking save...since it's been around this long already.

Random Sundays: Giggles And Naps

Last night before Baby went to bed she giggled for about half an hour.  With me doing various things - from tickling her, to making silly faces - she giggled and laughed uncontrollably.  It was absolutely adorable!  Seeing that cute face and hearing that sweet laugh is the best.  Oh and because of the rough nights I haven't had the energy to workout, but last night as part of our giggle routine I did lunges and squats while holding Baby; she thought it was hilarious and this morning my bum is hurtin'!  Seriously, if you have a niece/nephew, grandchild, or baby do squats while holding them...you'll be surprised how much your bum hurts the next day!

Awesome:  This morning I was sitting on the couch with my laptop and Baby was squirming around on my lap and couch and before I knew it she had pulled off her pants! Sitting here pant-less and happy as a clam!

Drake the Dog looking so darn cute!

Drake the Dog has been pooped lately from wrestling with my Mom's equally little (but much older) shi-poo.

The sun made the sky look beautiful today.

The sun was so inviting on the bed, I decided to take a nap.

Even the doll wanted to catch some rays.

The sun shone wonderfully today...even though it was still cold outside.  Inside the whole house was lit up.

Baby is currently talking herself to sleep, my mint tea is steeping...and my Babcia made me apple cake! 

Good night!  See y'all tomorrow!

Dress 20: Are You A Stripe Girl?

Drake the Dog loves the snow!

A shot of the dress itself.

Dress - Dear Creatures; Sweater - Tommy Hilfiger; Belt - part of the dress; Boots - F21; Leggings - F21

 

 

I promised you a dress today, and here it is.  It's cold outside and of course Drake the Dog wants to be frolicking out there!  And of course he just needs to get in the shot.  The dress is a fairly recent purchase and it's really fun to wear.  I'm not usually one for the stripes, but I really like it on this dress for some reason. 

Are you a stripe girl?  What's one thing that you don't usually wear: animal prints, gold, stripes, patterns, etc?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

As always I want to hear your opinion: trash, stash, or save?

Therapy For The Mean Reds

Sweater - Spotted Moth; Shirt - Smart Set; Leggings - F21

Like I said here I'm at my Mama's house this weekend hanging out with my Mama and my Babcia.  I decided to change in the evening and just go in leggings.  I didn't want to be dragging a lot of stuff with me.  Also, yesterday was a rough night so today I'm just of on survival mode.  You know that zombie-like state you're in when you don't have enough sleep?  You know that?

Worse still my sleep deprivation coupled with the Egyptian revolt and acting insecurity brought on a case of the Mean Reds  *comment if you know my reference*  And I had nothing to make me feel better.  Usually a little retail therapy helps a lot, but this time I've got no money, so alas, no therapy.

Promise I'll have a dress for you later today!

I've Been Really Bad

So because this happened to one of my favorite pairs of khaki boots...

 I bought these lovely things. 

But...I couldn't resist getting these lovely things as well.

Oops!

Dress 19: To Grandmother's House We Go

Dress - from Poland; Sweater - F21

Husband pointed out that my ladies are out in full force today!

I've been noticing that a lot of my posts lack jewellery and such.  The reason is simple - I can't wear those things with a young baby unless it's when I'm headed right out the door to work or an audition.  Around Baby it's just impractical to wear earrings and necklaces unless I want them broken or, worse still, Baby choking on them.  So, I have started counting on my wardrobe to fill in the missing pieces of interest.  Patterns, and the mixing of those patterns has picked up the slack.  I'm not huge on jewellery anyway.  Usually it's one large piece or two smaller pieces.  So, I'm not missing it that much.  But it's sad when you get excited because you get to wear earrings!

Husband is headed out of town on a business trip, so Baby and I are headed to my Mom's house.  We'll be chillin' with my Mom and Babcia.  Which means at some point I'm going to beat them at cards!

Dress 18: 'Cool' When Loosely Applied To Me

Dress - Threadsence; Leggings - F21

Lipstick - Joe in Apple

Boots - thrifted; Earrings - F21; Ring - F21

Today I was feeling a little 'cool' *and I use that term loosely when applied to me* So, I thought that it'd be appropriate to wear this relaxed jersey knit dress.  I love the asymetrical hem and the slightly unfinished look it has. It feels wonderful on.  I just wish it felt that wonderful to be outside taking these shots.

Hope you all had a great day.  I'm retiring to a glass of delicious wine and some cuddles with Husband.

Good night. See you all tomorrow!

Something Special

Hey guys, I don't usually post something about another blog.  In fact, I never do.  But I stumbled across this fantastic lady and just had to share her blog with you. She's a photographer and a mom of a little boy named Cash.  Now Cash has some medical issues and spends a lot of time in and out of doctor's offices.  And these are the visual chronicles of this Mom's journey.

Why do I post this?  

Two reasons:  

One: I'm a new mom and anyone who's going through a struggle with their child touches me very poignantly right now (and probably forever). 

Two: I have a nephew who also struggles with medical issues and I see first hand how hard it is on him and on his parents.  But I can't imagine how much harder it would be with expensive, and mounting medical bills.  In that sense we're really lucky here in Canada.

If you like her work, check out her etsy shop where you can purchase some fabulous shots. And all the proceeds go directly to pay for Cash's medical bills. 

Dress 17: I Know, I Copped Out!

Dress - little shop in Bruges; Jeans - Guess; Shirt - Smart Set; *Ignore the socks*

Me bundled up outside.

I wore this dress with pants, which I know is a bit of a cop-out, but here me out.  I was going out today - shopping, errands, etc - and since it's still very cold outside I knew I'd be wearing my sporty coat for most of it.  Now a sporty, puffy coat, though necessary, doesn't look the best with a pretty dress; so, I wore the jeans because it looks better together on the outside.  I love this little sweater dress for it's softness, and the fact that it has polka dots. 'Cause I love those! Notice how Drake the Dog has to be in every picture?  I tell ya, he wants a blog of his own.  I just know it! 

Tarh, stash or save?

Dress 16: Pardon Me While I Babble On Way Too Long...

Pigtails : a great way to avoid doing your hair.

Drake the Dog is such a media hog.  He has to be in every photo!

Dress - vendor in Lagos, Portugal; Sweater - Zara; Belt - AE; Boots - F21.

This morning Husband took Baby after breakfast and I got a run!  I ran for a full hour - just over 6 miles. It felt wonderful!.  Having been sick the past couple of weeks, I haven't been able to go full out - if I've been able to run at all. But today felt glorious!  I have to admit, I'm a bit of a workout junkie.  I love the high and I love challenging and pushing myself.  Plus, running and physical exercise help me to release emotion, focus my thoughts, and keep me sane (that and well...chocolate, a good scotch/wine, laughs with my girlfriends, and a greasy spoon breakfast).

Since having Baby, I'm not able to do a lot of physical things.  It's one of the changes/challenges that I've had to adjust to.  But Husband is really good in understanding and he doesn't kick up too much of a fuss when I ask him to take care of her. 
So, that's me.
Whether you have a baby or not, how do you stay sane?

I don't know about you, but I didn't feel like doing my hair or make-up this morning (so really, today's no different from any other day).  I just wanted to get my hair out of the way.  We all do it ladies - shove our hair in a ponytail and just forget about it.  It gets old, am I right? Lately I've been flipping through mags and found stylish models who have their hair in pigtails or braid(s).  It looks so chic, effortless, and like you're totally above it all but still really cool!  Yes, please! Now I'm not saying that I'm particularily successful at the "stylish pigtail", I'm just saying it's possible.

Picturesque Lagos, Portugal.

One of my favorite memories. ( I had a cane because of an injury).

I'm always reminded of eating sorbet in Lagos when I wear this dress (that's where I bought it).  I loved Lagos.  So beautiful and picturesque. I'm not so crazy about the dress, however, because the top is too big.  But I love the pattern, and I think if I altered it into a skirt it would be fabulous.  What do you think?  Alter? Trash, stash, or save?

Random Sundays Follow Up: He Knows Me Too Well

Husband just called:

Him: Did she go to sleep fine?

Me: Yes

(pause)

Him: What are you drinking?

Me: Scotch.

Him:  (in a knowing way) ...And blogging. 

Me: Yup.

Him:  I'll be home soon. Love you. 

Me: Love you too.

Random Sundays: The Sun Has Come Out to Tease

Frost on my upstairs window.

A shot from my backyard of everything lit up.

The morning visitor herself.

This morning the sun came out in all its glory.  It was so bright and beautiful that I had to run and grab my camera to preserve some of it and share it with you.  But the bright sunshine belied the truth...that it's -29 degrees celsius out there with the wind chill.  Therefore, my plans to go out for a brief walk today with Baby have been shelved.  Instead, I had coffee, breakfast and finished it off with a little piece of Oreo fudge I have been saving for just the right moment.

Baby's asleep right now.  I'm going to enjoy my Creme Caramel Roibos tea and read some blogs.  Have a great everyone!  See you all tomorrow!

Disclaimer: I'm Having a Really Bad Day

The night before last:

* Couldn't breathe because my nose is too stuffed up.

* Throat was dry and painful.

* Baby couldn't breathe because her nose is stuffed up.

* Held Baby in my arms all night so she could sleep.

Yesterday:

* Am still really sick.

* Had no sleep.

* Have to care for a sick Baby.

* Dog started shaking uncontrollably and panting.

* Anxious phone calls to try to figure out what's wrong and whether he needs to go to emergency.

* Baby still couldn't breathe at night.

Today? Let's not talk about today.  I'll only say that Drake the Dog is doing fine. 

I'm pretending that right now doesn't exist.  So on that note I'm looking back.  And what did I find?  These two youngsters who had no idea what they were getting themselves into...

2004: engaged, but not yet married.

Circa 2007: just coming up on our 3 year anniversary.

See you all tomorrow!

Dress 15: When is Enough, Enough?

Making faces at Baby

Dress - Jacob; Cardigan - H&M; Scarf - Jacob; Belt - ?

So Casa Joanna is still sick.  I thought we were getting over it but no such luck.  Worst thing ever?  Baby is so stuffed up she can't breath through her nose when she's lying down.  Which means that I spent the entire night holding her in a reclining position so she could sleep...which means that I slept only 2 1/2 hours. Later in the morning Husband took her and I got another 2 hours.  So yeah, you can imagine how I'm feeling.  WHen is this cold going to end??

She's been sucky and whining/crying all day because she's over-tired and can't sleep.  I'm just getting a break right now because I put her in her stroller, bundled her up, and took her for a 10 minute walk to get her to sleep.  Currently, she's in the sun room tucked into her stroller. 

Needless to say, clothes were not the first thing on my mind.  But this dress is a relaxed boatneck dress that I purchsed used when pregnant.  Now though I think the top is too big for me.  Again, this is another dress I don't know how I feel about.  Trash, stash, or save?

Dress 14: What's Black, White and Gray All Over?

Dress - H&M; Sweater - Aritzia; Belt - ?; Leggings - Forever XXI

Today is Thursday, which means that today I got together with some of the mom's that I know...which means that today we complained about being moms.  No seriously, I love getting together with these ladies.  They're all very funny, and very easygoing, and it's necessary to have someone to talk about all these things with.  I love my girlfriends, but since they don't have kids they don't quite get it.  These women do.  So it always revitalizes me to chat with them.  Plus, I love the excuse to have a coffee and a big cookie!

I bought this dress originally in brown and white polka dots, but I loved it so much I went back and bought it in black and white too.  *Confession - I bought it as a Maternity dress too because the empire waist and a-line gave me room to expand...and expand I did*  It was so cheap and so cute and comfy I couldn't resist having it in two colors.  I was even tempted to get it in red and white, but I thought that would be going overboard.  It's a summer dress, and it's one that I thought I could only wear in the summer, but paired with a shirt and tights underneath and a chunky sweater on top, I think it totally works for the winter too. Trash, stash, or save?

Stay tuned for the brown and white one.

Good night all.  It's date night - movie, hot apple cider, berries...and hopefully a foot massage from Husband.

See you all tomorrow!

Dress 13: Massages, Socks, and Hiding Out

First things first: Husband said, "Just don't put me in you blog today."  So like the dutiful wife that I am, here he is everyone.  He's now got the cold that I'm getting over, and feels miserable all day.

Just hangin' out.

Dress - Forever XXI; Cardigan - Gap; Leggings - American Apparel; Scarf - made by my Babcia.

Today I got a massage.  Oh yes I did.  I've been having some tension headaches and the best solution to that is an RMT.  I'm going to go for another in about three weeks and that should take care of it.  But here's a weird thing: she cut the appointment short.  I've never had that happen to me, but she ended up not feeling too good and cut it short.  Oh well!  It was still good.

Than I bummed around downtown for a while going into shops and getting yummy lunch.  Where was Baby you ask?  Why she was with Husband.  It was my day out today. I spent some gift certificates - on really cute socks (Betsey Johnson), knee highs (MacGregor Weekenders); and thick winter tights (Hue).  And I'm really excited about the knee highs - I'm already putting together a dress outfit around one of these pairs.  Check back soon for that!

So yes, today was a day for me to relax; hence, the easy, chill dress.   This is one I've had for about 5 years.  And when I bought it I wasn't crazy about it.  It was one I bought because I either spent $20 on a dress and got free shipping or paid $15 shipping.  But it's one I come back to on days when I just don't feel all that spry and delicious.  Like today, when I'm getting over a cold.  But is it a keeper?  I'm not sure it does anything for me - makes me look cute, or sexy, or elegant.  And I'm not sure whether I wear it because it's comfy and relaxing, or whether I wear when I want to hide and not be noticed.  So what do you think?  Trash, stash or save?

Dress 12: Pass the Poo Please!

Sunday's dress.

Me running inside, because it's just so cold!  Dress - H&M; Shirt & Leggings - Forever XXI; Boots - Browns Couture; Belt - AE.

I didn't get a chance to show you Sunday's dress, and I didn't want to leave it too long, so here it is.  And it may look nice outside but it was an icy -22 out there.  Not good at all!  I lasted about 1 minute taking these pictures and then I ran for the warm comfort of the house.  Trash, stash, or save?

Yesterday I was on the air, and when I came home Husband had dinner waiting for me and Baby asleep.  This morning I woke up and had coffee, fed Baby and was about to play with her when I noticed (dun, duh, dun, dun...DUN!) poo everywhere!  And when I say everywhere I do mean everywhere.  She had poo on her back, down both legs, between her toes, in the folds behind her kness, and all along her onesie.  There was so much cleaning!  Husband and I made the executive decision to not even bother cleaning that onesie - it was a goner.

Going to make you jealous here: tomorrow I'm going for a one hour massage.  Jealous, right?

Dress 11: Pardon Me, But My Feet Are Wet.

Dress - H&M; Hoodie - Puella; Leggings - Forever XXI; Leg warmers - Legs Beautiful; Scarf - made by my Babcia

Okay, so I know I told you yesterday that I would show you Sunday's dress today, but I'm not going to do that. Instead, I'm showing you today's dress and saving Sunday's dress for another ady (maybe tomorrow or another day...don't know).  

An awful thing happened today...I had wet feet for half the day.  I know, I know, it's completely awful especially when compared to things like global warming or the conflict in Darfur.  But really, I hope you agree with me that having wet feet in the middle of winter does rank on the "Having a Bad Day" meter.  Okay, self-pity done and over.  But I really do hate wet, cold feet.  Okay, now I'm really done. Promise.

On another note, today was a lazy, cold day and I vowed to stay warm (yes, I failed in the footwear department, but let's get over that shall we?).  So today, I pulled out my cute little knit dress and decided to revert to younger days where it was okay to wear hoodies and legwarmers throughout your day (i.e. acting class in University).  The reason for this choice was that I'm feeling contented.  Not excited or happy - that implies an energy and some sort of movement.  I'm contented today.  Not really moving anywhere or being energetic to change or grow.  Today I'm happy where I am and with the way things are.  Baby's fever broke in the night and she's back to her happy, noisy self - no longer the sucky, whiny poo-pants that she's been all week (although I must admit I enjoyed all the extra cuddle time she wanted since she's usually too squirmy to cuddle).  I'm sure that my other problems and worries will come back tomorrow.  But today, I'm contented. Hence, the cozy, laid-back outfit.

Trash, stash, or save?

Random Sundays: Carcassonne and Spiked Apple Cider

Drake the Dog

Miserable outside!

Today I thought it was a beautiful day outside, until I saw the temperature: -12 and feels like -22!  It's freezing outside.  Even Drake the Dog was only outside for a short time today.  You know it's cold when it's too cold for him!  Unfortunately, I had to brave the weather to go to an audition.  But I'm glad I did.  It's a role I want, so you do what you gotta do.   Afterwards I came home and needed to wamr up pronto!  And yes, I did wear a dress, but today is Random Sundays, so I'm saving the dress to show you tomorrow.

Later, two of our friends came over for games night.   On the agenda tonight: Carcassonne!

Playing games while drinking spiked cider.

Husband serving up the Brandy for those who wish to partake.

Games night was awesome, though we found out waaay too much about the love life of a certain couple.  And of course, an endless array of jokes ensued....all in good fun of course.  But the best part was when someone tried scotch for the first time in her life....

Priceless.

Yup, that's right.  True candid reaction to scotch from my friend. It's one of my favorite drinks ever; so, it's amazing that even though, we've been friends for so many years and she's never had it.  And as for the winner of games night?  Well, I don't want to brag but...I WON!