Fishnets, Aprons, And Toques

Scarf – street stand; Dress – H&M; Sweater – Esprit; Tights – F21; Boots – Locale.

I said you would be seeing a lot of these boots and I did not lie!  I’m wearing them pretty much all the time since it’s really cold and I’m not one to suffer for fashion like that.  Oh, and this dress is so awesome.  I wore the exact same one all the time when I was pregnant, just one size larger to accommodate the, well, the girls, and the growing belly.  Best ‘maternity’ gear ever!

Thanks so much you guys for the well wishes yesterday regarding my shoot.  I think I did okay.  And you know, it’s so much easier when you place yourself in the hands of someone you have full confidence in, like Daniel.  He’s honestly so amazing and just guides you to some great shots, so that made it a lot easier.  And well, I certainly gave the neighbors a show running around in fishnet stocking, boots and apron! I promise I will share something – even if it’s just behind the scenes shots – as soon as I can.

True Story:
Just in case you didn’t know, you have to wear your toque to dinner.

Telling Stories In Front Of The Camera

Cardi – H&M; Dress – Trollied Dolly from Ruche; Pin & Socks – F21; Tights – Hue; Boots – Locale.

I’m a little nervous about today.  I’m doing a shoot, where I’m the model.  That always gets me nervous.  I’m kind of always afraid I’ll suck and ruin the whole thing.  You’d think I’d be okay with it considering how often I’m in front of the camera as an actress, but no.  When the camera’s rolling I can move, act convey a story and emotion in a very naturalistic way.  Where as I feel it’s a different skill altogether to convey a story of all that in one still picture.  But I get nervous when I’m behind the camera as well, so maybe I just get nervous period.  Either way, I’m psyching myself up for it, and trying to really relax.  I’m working with an amazing photographer, so I know I’m in good hands, and I’m incredibly thankful for that.  I’ll be sure to let you guys know how it goes….and whether I fall flat on my face, ’cause you know that would be funny.

True Story:
Baby pointed at the dog’s bed and asked what’s that.
I told her that’s Drake’s bed.
She crawled in and lay down in it while smirking at the dog.
There’s no length she won’t go to because of jealousy.

Inappropriate Things I Say

Top – F21; Dress – Lulus; Ring – Spotted Moth; Tights – Hue; Boots – Locale.

Oh goodness gracious my mouth gets me in trouble!  I’m one of those people who just says things, sometimes without thinking.   I say them because I think they’re funny, or true, or odd.  But sometimes I don’t realize what I’m saying until it’s far too late, and I can’t take it back.  I realize an hour afterwards that what I said could be totally interpreted in another way – a mean way, or inappropriate way.  And that’s not where I’m coming from at all.  I don’t mean anyone ill will, unless you’re that idiot on the crowded bus who’s shouting into his cellphone like the person is two football stadiums away. And even then, I don’t wish him ill will….maybe a hemorrhoid or two. But otherwise, I very much believe in live and let live. I just wish my mouth would get on board.

Really.  Please?  Will you just once, co-operate please?

I say stupid things a lot: wise-cracks, smart ass comments, sarcasms, inappropriate examples, dirty jokes, must I go on? Things that I regret or cringe at when I’m trying to fall asleep, and wish I could take back because they were stupid, dumb, embarrassing, TMI, or really just take your pick.  I wish that I could learn to hold my tongue.  I’ve been on this planet a certain number of years, and I still haven’t gotten the hang of it. 

I’m just thankful for the friends I have that have learned to see past this little flaw quirk of mine, and see that I’m fiercely loyal, trustworthy, dependable and well-meaning.  I have and will drop everything if a friend’s in need and be there to support you if you need it.  Just ignore the things I say which might be stupid, dumb, embarrassing, TMI, or really just take your pick.

Quote of Today:
“Take the dinosaur out of your face”

Sliding Ducks And Muddy Babies

It was a beautiful day.  So we thought it was a perfect time to go for a walk around the pond…what were we thinking??

The pond has started to freeze over but you can’t tell because it’s so thin, so the ducks were coming in for regular landings only to be shocked and surprised that instead of being in water they were sliding on top of ice.

Then Baby, walking along, fell face first into mud. Oh no!  But she was fine and started getting up by herself only to plop down on her bum and then to tumble completely backwards…into the mud.  OH NO!!

Husband had to lift her out by grabbing one tiny fairly clean spot on her snowsuit.

First the ducks, then we had to clean her off….

We did the front too.

You should’ve seen the huge smile on her face.  She thought it was the greatest game!

Quote of Today:
“After Europe, I can sleep anywhere.”

Knocked Off

Top – F21; Vest – AE; Jeans – Guess; Shoes – Payless.

First off, a heart warm welcome to my newest readers!  I’m so pleased to get to know you and can’t wait for our relationship to grow!  Let’s jump right into things…

How do you feel about knock offs?  You know, those purses that look like Chanel but are less than $100?  I read recently in Marie Claire’s December issue that these knock offs cost “the world economy a whopping $610 billion a year.”  That’s a lot of dollar bills, or loonies since we don’t have 1 dollar bills in Canada.

These knock offs are so good that even the pros have a hard time telling the differences.  They’re that good.  One thought: how about making a really good quality affordable version of your own line?  That way you’d take the wind out of the pirated goods.  If I can get a genuine budget Chanel, I’d get that.  There would be no temptation to get the fakes at all if you could get the real thing.

That’s just a thought. What do you think?  I really don’t know too much about it since I’m not really one for branded things all that much, as long as it’s pretty.  Pretty!

p.s. check out my fabulous *if I do say so myself* post about Christmas traditions on Blue Eyed Owl.

p.p.s  I said there would be a giveaway when I hit 200 on GFC, and I meant it.  But I’m doing two right now *one currently, and one yesterday on another blog* , so I’m going to wait until the New Year.  We’ll have one very early in the New Year to celebrate 200 GFC friends!

True Story:
This is what you get when your husband is the photographer.

High School Reunion In My Brain

Scarf – street stand; Top&Tights – F21; Dress – Ruche; Shoes – Payless.
 For more on this dress please reference this post.

As my birthday nears *oh dear Lord, I’m getting old!* I find myself thinking back to high school.  Don’t ask me why because I have no idea, but that’s what’s on my mind these days.  I think it might be because as teenagers we feel like we’ll be young and full of potential and capability forever.  Or it might be because I had such a clear and vivid picture of what my life would be like when I reached the age I’m reaching.  But either way I find myself being nostalgic and retrospective.

I think back to the girl I was.  I felt so out of place, so awkward, so nerdy, and so un-cool.  I don’t know if that’s the truth, but that’s how I remember it.  If you look through the yearbook you might find a picture of someone who was…what? Bold?  Daring?  Confident? What did others think?  I wonder how they remember it.   It’s interesting how our memories differ based on our perspectives.  Over the years, I’ve run into friends and people I knew back then and realized that what they remember is different from what I remember.  So I wonder who the keeper of truth is?  Is there an absolute truth out there or is it all malleable based on our thoughts? Is it like time: based on your position and speed in relation to the universe?

Quote of Today:
“Stop stepping on the broccoli.”

Random Sundays: Good Views

A view of Toronto

Red sky at morning…
Drake with his new dog tag.
She’s so darn proud that she can climb in there!

My Birthday Present To You!

Okay, how do you feel about a giveaway? It’s my birthday soon, so I thought I’d give you guys a gift!   Let’s do it!  I’m giving away a one month 200×200 feature ad on ModaMama for January.  That’s a $60 dollar value!  That’s right, you can advertise your blog or store or just your cool self on ModaMama for free for one whole month!  Excited?  Good, glad to hear it!  This contest closes on December 29th!  *that’s my birthday* And the winner will be announced on Dec 30th. 

To enter, do any of the following:
1. Tweet about the giveaway using @JoannaHaughton or #ModaMamablog *up to once per day* and leave a comment with a link to each day’s tweet. 
2. Blog about the giveaway and leave a comment with a link to the post.
You have to be a follower of ModaMama through GFC, Bloglovin, or RSS feed to qualify for this giveaway. 
p.s. I reserve the right to refuse to advertise your site if it’s offensive in nature.  Sorry that’s just how I roll. 

Rising Together

Cardi – Esprit; White top – Smart Set; Ruffle Top – swapped; Jeans – Guess; Boots – Threadsence; Earrings – F21; Belt – AE.

This fun ruffly top is one of my scores from a recent clothing swap.  So much fun!  I love swapping clothes with fabulously fashionably females.  It’s a great chance to hang out and catch up and get some cool clothes for free!  I’m thinking I need to host one in the spring.
 
I was tweeting about this recently – and dialoging about it on Twitter with some awesome people –  but it’s prevalently on my mind right now: we women need to support one another more.  The circle of women – both in real life and online – that I work with all rise together.  We succeed together by boosting one another.  I think that’s the difference – seeing success as rising together, not getting ahead at the expense of someone else.

Our gender has had it hard enough, and still does.  Shall we not help and encourage one another?

How do you support the women in your life? 

True Story:
Big tub of almond butter + one spoon = one happy baby.

Ahem, Ahem, Introducing…

Cardi – Nick&Mo from Trixie; Fifties Swing Dress – c/o eShakti; Tights – Hue; Shoes – Payless.

I’d love to introduce you guys to eShakti.  This site is so reasonably priced, and the selection is just superb!  What’s wonderful about this site is that it’s like having a personal tailor right at your fingertips.  For just a nominal fee you can customize everything: sleeve style and length, front and back style, hem length, and also send them your exact measurements to have the piece tailored to your individual body.  I particularly appreciate this feature since so many of my friends are so unique that standard cuts/proportions just don’t fit them.  I myself find that, though my size is pretty standard in proportion, I often face the problem of things being too short.  That’s why I found this site so delightful.  When offered the chance to select a piece and test drive the whole shopping experience I was excited.

Since I was looking for a simple blue dress that would give me a wide variety of styling options, I selected this beautiful piece you see in the pictures.  I customized it just a little by selecting a longer length, and eagerly awaited it’s arrival.  I was also a little nervous.  Why?  Because I’m committed to being completely honest with you guys, so I’m always worried that I won’t like the service or the product. I want to love it, so that I can say only the best things possible.   And I wasn’t disappointed!

When my dress arrived I was so amazed at the quality of workmanship and the material!  It’s so well made, stitched, and tailored, and the material *though polyester* is so rich that I could barely believe this dress is so reasonable on the site.  I threw it on right away and it immediately went on my ‘favorite dresses’ list.   I could not be more pleased with this piece.  I know it’s going to make many appearances on this blog! In the meantime, I have my eye on this piece and this piece as well.  Don’t you think they’d just be so darling?

And you want to know the cherry on top of this wonderful cake? Throughout the whole process, the customer service representative I was in contact with was so great.  She was efficient, helpful, and really quick to respond to all my emails.  I never waited more than 12 hours for a response.  So good product and great customer service?  Yes please!

Quote of Today:
“You look so wholesome. Very Pleasantville.”
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