Pinterest Fashion Inspiration, Boho Neutral

Back again this week celebrating the neutral fashion trends, but this time with a bit of boho thrown in.

There is an abundance of things that I love about this outfit.

First and foremost, the gladiator sandal. It is such a beautiful trend, and one that I hope stays along and reforms itself for quite a while. I have three pairs of gladiators {white and silver, blue and brass, sparkly black} but I have yet to find the perfect pair of neutral gladiators. These ones are perfect and I love the tassel detail on the side.

The white top and cuffed denim shorts are nostalgic of summer nights of our youth, and they translate well when paired with the gladiator sandals. Oh, and that metal cuff? Amazing! I love the sparrow motif; it is very popular as of late and pulls the look together really nicely.

For me, this is a perfect festival or outdoor concert outfit. It would be excellent for a patio lunch with the girls, or an afternoon at the park with the kids.

Where would you wear this outfit? Is there one particular element that stands out to you that you just love?

New Year New Me, I {heart} my running pants

So, I have a confession.

I am absolutely in LOVE with my new running pants. Previously, I only had one pair of athletic capri leggings that I really loved and didn't give me a wedgie while running or working out. Try as I might, no other pants quite fit the bill.

I went back to WalMart to get just another pair of the leggings, thinking that if I had two pairs, I'd be all set for running four times a week. Apparently, the capris only come in charcoal grey and I was looking for a little variety.

So, I bought these as well as the capris.

I have to say, I absolutely love them. Value wise, they're fantastic at just $12 a pair. What I love most about them is how slimming they are! I know that probably sounds really silly, but there's something really motivating about feeling good in your workout clothes. I see my slim legs (hello! Look at those calves!) and feel awesome about all that I have accomplished.

I definitely am going to have to go back and get another pair of the running leggings, especially before fall.

What are your fave workout clothes?

Philanthrophy Thursday...Sunshine Foundation of Canada

Dreams.

We all have them, and for some of us lucky ones...they actually come true.

For children with terminal illness or disability, sadly they are more often out of reach than not.

The Sunshine Foundation of Canada seeks to change that and make dreams for kids come true.

Dreams mean freedom for these kids. It's an opportunity to have some normalcy and do things, like going to Comic-Con or riding a bike, that other kids do on a frequent basis.

It's just such an amazing organization, and I am really proud that my husband has been involved in some of their big fundraising initiatives for the past few years. It feels so amazing to know that you made one child smile and feel normal, even just for one day.

New Year New Home, Toddler Comfy Corner

When we made over Owen's room from babyish to his pirate themed toddler room, I knew that I wanted to create the perfect comfy corner for him. Something that he could snuggle into with some books and relax for a little while.

 What makes this corner so comfy? First and foremost, the Tigressa Cherish carpet from Carpet One Floor & Home is so luxurious and soft. As soon as we put the rug down on the floor, we all just laid there for a while in a big snuggly pile. Owen started jumping around, thinking that the pattern, Know You Well in Flagstaff, looked like puddles.

We love that the carpet gives definition to the area, and is soft enough to lay on while we read books together. The Tigressa Cherish carpet is the softest of its kind, featuring the finest nylon fibers on the market, and is made from colors that are specifically designed to trap color, meaning that this lovely sandy color won't fade overtime.

Add in a whole mess of throw pillows, and you have the perfect area for cuddling, reading, even napping!

Visit your local Carpet One Floor & Home store to see just how amazingly soft this carpet is! The ridges of the Know You Well style are perfect for making tracks to drive cars on too, something that the toddler put his seal of approval on.

Adding an area rug, such as the Tigressa Cherish, add warmth into any room and creates the perfect definition for a comfy toddler reading corner.

*Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Carpet One Floor & Home.

Patriotic Printables

This weekend and into next week, we will be celebrating our respective patriotism, be we Canadian or American.

We have a tradition around here. We gather for a backyard BBQ, have a fire in the outdoor fireplace...dress all in red and head over to the golf course {we sneak on} for fireworks. It's a great day, everyone is happy and united together.

And, my oh my....is there ever the spread of patriotic desserts! And what is a dessert table without a framed printable??

Download these printables for FREE and use them for your patriotic buffet or dessert table!

Happy Canada Day, and Happy 4th!

Tips for BlogHer13 Attendees

There seem to be a tonne of posts going around about how to prepare for BlogHer13 in Chicago, including but not limited to...

What to pack
How to create your bio or media card
What companies to reach out to for sponsorship
How to conduct yourself
What parties are the best
How to get invited to private parties

And so on, and so forth. While I could certainly touch on each of those subjects and shed some light on them from someone who has found that attending BlogHer in NYC opened a tonne of doors for, I only have one tip for you.

Be you.

Sweet and simple. Be who you are. If you are a fashion and trend blogger, be that person. If you are a foodie, be that person.

Embody your blog.

For me, that means being on trend, having confidence and letting my funky, artsy attitude shine. It means custom clothes, it means heels, it means big curls...funky accessories...even a hand painted dress.

But, that's me. Certainly, the same wouldn't necessarily work for {just an example} a travel blogger who blogs specifically about the Mediterranean {unless that were their style, and then, hey...by all means!}

I guess what I mean to say is just be who you are, and know that people will love you. People will be intrigued by your authenticity and will genuinely want to get to know who you are. Sure, it's overwhelming and for a first-timer even a little scary, but I promise you that it will be a much more enjoyable experience when you let down your guard, let go of the fear, and are true to yourself and your blog.

See you in a few weeks!

Fabulous Pinterest Finds, the new neutrals

The new neutrals to hit the runways and red carpets this year are beautiful peach and blush tones, crisp whites and creamy beige...absolutely just stunning neutral tones that will compliment every complexion.

This one from LuxeFinds on Pinterest is gorgeous!

I absolutely adore this dress. It is soft and flowing, the way a floor length gown should be, and it is perfectly accented by the belt and gathering at the waist.

I also love that at around the knees, the fabric gets darker and darker. It's ombre!! It is absolutely stunning!

Where would you wear a dress like this?

New Year New Me, Back Leg Extensions

So, I'm still trying to get a handle on leg exercises that I like and aren't insanely awkward while using a resistance band. These back leg extensions are easy to do, but are definitely awkward.


That said, they are pretty effective. I can feel my bum and my legs tightening with every one that I do, and they take little to no effort. I really love resistance training since I can just pick up my bands, no matter where I am in the house and go to it. It's so easy!

They'll definitely be coming with my to Chicago for BlogHer'13...you know...for all of that down time that I'll have (har har)

What Am I Wearing to the Fly DIY Party?

I am absolutely thrilled to give you a sneak peek at the custom dress that I will be wearing to the Fl DIY party at BlogHer'13, created by Kristine Cook Designs.

When Kristine and I met back in September, I told her that I had a vision of wearing a dress that I had painted. Something white that I could just go to town on with So Soft by DecoArt and create a wearable masterpiece.

Isn't it amazing? I love the detail on the sleeve, which will feature some funky hardware details. I love the waistline.

Oh and it has pockets! POCKETS!

Now, what I am going to be doing is saturating the dress in water and then painting with these beautiful colours of So Soft fabric paint.

I am really excited about these colours. The bold, dark purple paired with the light and airy aqua and lilac. Add in a punch of turquoise and fuchsia...fantastic! I cannot wait to see how it all turns out. My vision is of a watercolour inspired, inky painting on the fabric, but who knows how it will turn out!

Drop by the Fly DIY Party at BlogHer in Chicago on July 26th, 9pm to see it!

Creating a Gorgeous Food Table for the Fly DIY Party at BlogHer'13

As you all know, Shizz and I go a little overboard when we are planning our parties {bridal showers and birthday parties}, so when it came down to selecting appetizers and signature drinks for the Fly DIY Party at BlogHer'13, we knew that it had to be outstanding.

Appetizers by the Sheraton Chicago will be fabulous. The selections on both their hot and cold menus are incredible, and we cannot wait to taste their creations! The food table will be adorned with custom made white painters pallettes, an amazing handmade backdrop, and food label cards on tiny little easels. Shizz has really taken this project and run with it, and we are thrilled with how everything is turning out with it!

The backdrop? Oh....I'm getting a little old school with my crafts

Picture a rainbow of paper chains! I'm really excited about this project and think that it is going to be one of the elements that pushes the party overboard.

We wanted the food table to be beautiful, but also to be something that our attendees will be able to recreate themselves. {ps: Scan the QR Codes at the party for tutorials on all of the projects!}.

Creating this party, for us, was about creating an inspiring atmosphere and representing the DIY community to the best of our ability. We will be keeping certain elements under wraps, but you can be rest assured that the space will be inviting, bright, cheery, and inspiring!

Distressed Rope Art with Americana Paints

When we made over our toddler's bedroom along the Peter Pan theme, I knew that he needed something amazing over his bed with his name.

My husband and I started brainstorming unique ways to showcase his name and it dawned on me...use rope!

Materials

Nylon Rope

Hot Glue

Sable Brown Americana Paint by DecoArt

I'm going to start this tutorial with a tip: write each letter out individually with the rope {doubled up for stability}. You can attach them and burn the edges of your rope to ensure it doesn't fray on you once the project is completed. I found that by doing each letter individually, they were a little sturdier and I was able to manipulate the rope into the letters much easier.

Once you have attached all of your letters and the hot glue has hardened, get out a stiff brush and your Sable Brown paint. 

I really love how this project turned out. The letters are even recognizable to our 3 year old, who loves to now spell his name and point them out!

Disclaimer: I am a part of DecoArt Core Blogger Program and was financially compensated for this post. The concept, view and opinions expressed are my own.

Currently, I'm....June

So what are you currently up to?

Reading...who has time for that?!
Playing...hide and go seek seems to be the kiddos fave game lately
Watching...Henry Hugglemonsters on repeat
Trying...to stay positive and remain calm in the weeks leading up to FlyDIY
Cooking...swashbuckler sandwiches, matey munch and cupcakes!
Eating...fresh cherries
Drinking...water with blackberry cherry Mio
Calling...no-one unless absoluely necessary
Texting....bff Heather about our 5K Runner training
Pinning...party plans for Owen's 4th bday...already
Tweeting...photos of my Art Brownie pieces
Crafting...outdoor concrete slabs for a Manilla post
Scrapping...plans for a June date night with my Hubs
Doing...very well, thank you!
Going...to relax this week!
Loving...warm summer mornings for running
Hating...that our A/C isn't working super well right now
Discovering...inner strength and confidence
Enjoying...naptime in the afternoon
Thinking...that in a month, I get to hug BabyShmizz
Feeling...grateful
Hoping (for)...beautiful weather this weekend
Listening (to)...Dirty Paws by Of Monsters and Men
Celebrating...little victories every day
Smelling...hot dewy air
Thanking...my lucky stars for a supportive husband, even though he doesn't understand my crazy dreams
Considering...getting a manicure and pedicure pre-BlogHer
Finishing...tidying from Owen's bday party weekend
Starting...My BlogHer bio and biz cards

The Bear Turns Three

On Sunday, it will be exactly three years since this little ball of energy that I so affectionately call my Bear came into our lives.

Three.

It seems like forever ago and sometimes I wonder where the time went, then all at the same time I look at him, with his curly hair and dimples, and think that he is so little still.

Each and every day, he amazes me. Whether he giving all of his car, trucks and trains different voices, and making up stories, or he is cheering me on while I am working out, he is absolutely this inspiration behind everything that I do.

A few of his favourite things...

Charlie and Alfred, his stuffed elephants
Snuggle and Song with Mama every night {I still sing to him every night, and his favourite tune is Yesterday by the Beatles}
Everything and anything that is Thomas
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Doing pushups with Daddy
Going to the Playground
Frozen Yogurt dates with Mommy







We are so thankful and fortunate to be your parents, Little Bear. Thank you for the most amazing 3 years of our lives.

New Year New Me, C25K Training

Before we get into the C25K training, here's a little video tutorial for a leg exercise using resistance bands. I'm still using them from time to time, but I have a new fitness love...(get your chuckles out now with the ultra flattering pose below)


My new love? I've joined the Couch to 5km revolution, otherwise known as C25K. I started running a couple of weeks ago, but found that I was only doing it when I felt like it and we all know what that means.

Oh, I'll run tomorrow.
It's raining, I'll wait for later
It's sunny, let's go to the park

Really, anything to get my out of running. Then, there was a coyote attack on my running trail and I seriously considered just giving it up in its entirety.

Then, my bff Heather was telling me about the 5K Runner app for iPhone and it dawned on me. I did Insanity, probably one of the hardest workout programs out there. How did I push through that?

Because there was a schedule!

It has been working fantastically, and I've completed the first two days in week 1, already earning the Braveheart badge.

It all starts with a step, right? In my case, 1min of walking, 1 min of running...over and over and over and over. I'm finding it difficult with the jogging stroller since my upper body is keeping that steady, therefore is super stiff by the end of the run, but over all...it's a really awesome system. I get in a 1.8mi run, and feel fantastic afterward!

I have some running goals in mind and hope to share them with you soon as long as no scheduling conflicts happen!

Elements and Principles of Design...Balance

Balance can take on many different interpretations in visual art.

As the fifth art principle, balance means how the artist weighs their piece of work. Is it asymmetrical {balance all on one side, top or bottom of the piece}, symmetric or radial?

How would you say these pieces are balanced?

And what about this sculpted piece?

I tend to create more asymmetrical pieces than anything else. I really like having most of the weight in a painting on the top or bottom, one side or the other. I find that it creates a beginning, middle and end in a more harmonious way than typical symmetry.

What kind of balance do you like to see in a piece of art?

Finding Your Inner Strength

Consider your roadblocks for a moment. What are the things, people, challenges that stand in your way of being awesome?

For a long time, I was my biggest challenge. I've mentioned before that I've consistently seen myself as an overweight, awkward and unattractive person. It goes way back to how I was treated in elementary and high school, but I've recently come to the realization that I allowed myself to be treated that way.

Then I started to look from within, and I found an inner strength like I had never known before. Each and every single one of us has the power to change our circumstances; to put a stop to being discouraged and start feeling empowered.

One way that I find inner strength is by meditating every night before I go to bed. I scroll through my list of podcasts on my iPhone and find what I need in that moment. If I've had an exceptionally trying day as a mom, I may need a meditation for patience. If I am feeling angry at someone or something, then it's a meditation for peace or meditation for anger management.

I rest easy, and wake up with a new sense of being. It's a fantastic feeling, and once I've started my day feeling strong from the inside out, I am able to go forth and be awesome.

This is an overtone to all of my coaching packages, and something that I am so proud when I see it in my clients. There is really no greater gift as their coach than to see them crash through their roadblocks with a wrecking ball.

Eco-Friendly Print Materials from TPH Canada

One element that was really important to me in looking for a printer for my business cards and promotional business materials was working with a company who appreciates our fragile environment.

TPH Canada is a tri-certified printer with a team of specialists who work with you to ensure that your business needs for printing are met with the highest quality of standards, while being responsible about the environment.


So, what does being environmentally responsible mean? It means that you're working with a company who cares about their recycling program, from toners to papers, and a company that care about replanting trees and harvesting from sustainable forests.

When you work with TPH Canada you can be sure that you are working with a company who genuinely cares about the environmental impact they are having on the world around them.

Disclaimer: I am not monetarily compensated by TPH Canada for posting about their company and products on my blog. I do receive my business cards and promotional materials in lieu of compensation.

Bleach and DecoArt Dyed T-shirts for Father's Day

Every year for Father's Day, I try to do something fun and unique for my husband to show him how much we appreciate his love, support and encouragement. This year I decided that I wanted to make Mr. Men t-shirts for him, and....well...they didn't really turn out how I had envisioned.

Materials:
Tshirts
SoSoft fabric paint
Spray bottle
Bleach
Vinegar
Bucket

First, pick up some tshirts at Old Navy. I chose to get a black one, charcoal one and an aqua one. I loved the colours and thought that once the  SoSoft paint and bleach got on the fabric, that it would make for some really interesting colour combinations.

Next, I filled a small tupperware container with water and added in my SoSoft paint. It acted exactly as I had hoped, and dyed small areas of the tshirts. This will impact how to bleach saturates and transforms the fabric later.

Let dry.

Now, this is the step that I messed up on. If you are going to put a silhouette over an area of the tshirt before you spray the bleach, make sure that the design is on cardboard. I printed my images on regular paper, and sadly the bleach bled right through.

That being said, in a well ventilated area {I used the garage} carefully pour bleach into your spray bottle. Spray over the tshirt and watch the magic. Spray more on areas that you want to saturate and distort a little more.

I love the way that the bleach resisted on the areas that were first painted with the SoSoft paint. It gave almost a nebula effect to the shirts, which was a happy accident when I realized that the Mr. Men images didn't turn out so well.

After you are happy with your bleach saturation, dunk your shirts in a basin of vinegar and let sit for a few minutes. This will neutralize the bleach and the colour of your shirts will start to appear.

Toss in the washer, followed by the dryer and you're all set!

While the shirts didn't turn out as I had hoped, I am still really excited to give my Hubs his new nebula tee's on Father's Day!