Weekly Roundup...on Saturday!

Last minute Halloween costume-Where's Waldo?

Some lovely things have been happening around the inter-web lately-too much to handle!  I have been busy working and living, trying to enjoy each moment I have with my little family when I get home instead of trying to document everything.  It has been nice and much needed.  I was feeling uninspired and way too much pressure to blog everyday while working & mama-ing.  So, I am just trying to let it happen naturally and write when I feel the groove.  

We were busy this week, with Halloween shenanigans (ours was pretty simple & last minute), a sick baby and a sick mama!  Whoa.  But, I am so happy it is November!  I am anxiously awaiting Christmas because our nephew, Mav's cousin Dylan will be arriving in California for all of us to finally meet!  They are only 2 months apart and we can't wait to see them together.  Oh and Thanksgiving food is where it's at!  Excited to let Maverick try all sorts of yummy eats at Thanksgiving dinner.

I will be relaxing, snuggling in a blankie, drinking hot tea, watching movies and maybe making it to the Farmer's Market for a new Beeswax candle this weekend.  What are you up to?  Here are my links to love this week!

DIY Kid's Tee-love this easy DIY from artist Oana (I simply love all that she does!)

The Perfect Autumn Scarf-I have loved Yokoo's scarves on Etsy for some time now.  They are so breathtaking!  This one is my fav, in Hazelnut.  You can win one on the Design Love Fest blog!

Styled to Last-great post over on Baby Blackbird on hand-me-down styles for the kiddos.  I appreciate any tips on recycled fashion, especially for the babes since they outgrow everything so fast!

Listen to French Music-a casual, Fall inspired Tomboy look over on One of Each's blog.  I love me some classic plaid and I adore her 60s vibed out ponytail!

Trick & Treats-a beautiful post about my most favorite holiday...the light, the mood, the colors of these photos are so inspiring!

Boots & Pine-a breathtakingly glorious photographic poem to a few Toronto neighborhoods...just click, you won't be disappointed!  Too much pretty to handle:) 

Happy Weekend!!

♥

Weekly Roundup: Introspection & Links!

The in's and out's of daily life have have been exhausting and wonderful.  I find myself with not enough hours in the day to soak everything up and check things off my long to-do list.  I know it takes time to get used to working and being a mama, and I am finally figuring out some balance in that department.  Weekends have become a time to truly unwind, slow down and savor family time.  This whole mom thing is a constant juggle and I am reminded daily of the awesomeness, beauty and transformative power becoming a parent has had on every ounce of my life.  It's no joke.

I am also very lucky to have a husband who takes pride and joy in caring for our son.  He showers him with such warm cozy love and always has hugs to give me too when I come home.  Right before I fall asleep at night, I often think about how much I appreciate what he does for our family.  We both have made sacrifices and manage to keep the laughs flowing.

The significance of this time in our lives is not lost on me-I hold the magic and power of this time close.  And, this time of year always seems to bring much needed introspection and reevaluation.  It's a time to take inventory.  This time a year ago I was preparing for the arrival of Maverick, dreaming about his face.  Now, I am dreaming about the future of our small family, aspiring to live a slower paced life filled with good things.  Desiring a simpler life.  Makes me happy to think about Mav growing and being able to teach him new things and simply be present for him-no need for big things.

Personally, I am always working on caring for my whole being and not being so hard on myself.  The Hub and I have had a pretty rough few years with so much anxiety over the sale of my grandmother's house (in which we lived for a while), pregnancy and preparing for a baby while I was not working, sacrificing many things in order to pay for Mav's home birth (will never regret it), the blur of having a newborn, having to move with a 3 month old, and my job searches for the last six months.  Whew!  There were many a moment where we felt pretty helpless and oh so tired.  In times like that it's easy to forget to care for yourself and pat yourself on the back for the wonderful things you are accomplishing, no matter how small they seem.  Now, things feel so much more secure and on track.  And even though  I feel regret for the time I wasted on stressing out during my pregnancy, I have worked on moving on and feeling gratefulness for all the good times.  That is why, when Mav turns a year in January, I will be overcome with emotions-for the loss of his baby-ness, but also for making it through the rough patches and doubts as a new mama.

So I am happy to welcome the changes this season has in store for us.  I am excited about spending time with family during the holidays and taking time to savor these last few months of baby-hood.  I am also hoping to get more comfortable at my new job and find happiness in that part of my life (it is still a bit murky at this point, but trying to be positive).  I also want to enjoy meaningful time with good friends with good food and conversation.  Just breath in all the spiced deliciousness that is Autumn!

Major link to love this week?  The Color Me Whimsical tumblr, where all the above images are!

A few more links from this week...
     ▼I love Roberta's cozy chill out picks for the weekend!  Makes me want to lounge around, sipping on hot beverages in between cat naps all day.
     ▼Still love the Milk-Friendly blog.  As a breastfeeding and now pumping mom, I appreciate all the fun style tips (it really does matter what you wear as a pumping mom, unless you wanna strip down!)
     ▼I love Kelly's blog and I especially enjoyed this post-relates quite well to what I have been feeling lately!  Beautiful words.

    What's been inspiring you lately?

Whimsical Weekly Roundup

Hello lovelies!  I went back to work last Thursday, therefore there was a bit of silence over here on the blog.  It will take me a little while to work out the kinks, get used to working again, being away from Maverick (which I don't think I will ever get used to) and trying to schedule in blogging time.  Whew!  It's a lot to process!

So, here is my weekly roundup...two weeks worth!  Hope your weekend is restful and fun!  All I want to do is sleep in or just sleep in general.  See you back here on Monday with a new Tomboy, Polka-Dots & Stripes post!

❖I always enjoy Erin's weekly roundup of her fav outfits for the week...so good!
❖This post from We Three Pilgrims really hit the spot for me-right in my heart.  Not only are the photos magical, but her words on "soul care," present and simple mothering are sentiments that I have been sharing lately.
❖I have quietly stalked knitter/blogger Tara-Lynn ever since I first started reading blogs...& I adore her beautiful knits!  I am so going to purchase one of her perfect for fall knitted turban headbands!
❖Fell in love with these handmade mustache and bow tie onesies...it's more challenging to find stylish baby boys clothing & I have a baby shower to attend in a few weeks, so I just may be getting a few of these for baby-to-be!
❖A Farewell to Summer music mix...I will miss those long summer days for sure!

Link Lovin'

Happy Friday!  Well, it has been a whirlwind of a week over here!  I have been cleaning up a storm and trying to de-clutter.  I had one of those moments where I wanted to rip the house apart and get rid of everything!  Ever feel like that?  So, I am trying to streamline things as much as possible with my closet next up on the list of things that need shaking up!  I have another good reason for cleaning things up (besides being crazy): this mama is going back to work!

I had a special interview last week that I was almost certain I would get but I didn't want to jinx myself. Well, I just found out yesterday that it is official and I will be returning to work faster than expected.  I am a bit freaked out and excited all at once!  What's really freaking me out right now is pumping enough milk for Mister Boy while I am working.  I know I can do it though and am trying to remain calm and positive.  Mom's out there, please send any working while breastfeeding advice/tips!

Ok, back to the fun stuff.  Here are the things that made me say ohh la la this week!

➸Go check out Love Fox Vintage!  Faith just started, so expect great things to come as she works it all out!  There are some cute things in there right now and that blouse above is my favorite!  I love the slouchy boho shape and bright colors that will enliven your fall duds!
➸➸I have become obsessed with beeswax candles, so I was delighted to see the DIY on Elsie & Emma's blog, A Beautiful Mess!  It's like they read my mind!
➸➸➸Since I am newly in love with Instagram, I loved reading Sweet Thing blog's instagram editing process-so fun!
➸➸➸➸Have you seen this series?  In love!

Link Lovin'

A new month has snuck past our shimmering eyes already!  A new month always signals fresh starts to me.  A reset button if you will.  Even more so with the changing of the season and moons.  I am approaching this month with an open heart, positive attitude and exuberant spirit.  And, I don't know if it's the season change or what, but I just want to de-clutter and revive my space.  I am craving simplicity (more on this subject later).

Here are my happy links for the week, all with a nod to the simple things!  Hope your weekend is filled with beauty!

▼These two lovely calendars from Dear Friend (left) and Oana Befort (right)...go grab one!
▼This post from Three Wild Things about keeping it real-so good!  She talks about the sometimes chaotic realities of having kids & how we get bogged down with feelings of inadequacies while looking at blogs out there that seem to depict parenthood as dreamy & idyllic.  Thank you for this!  It's easy to forget that the inter-web is only a fraction of people's realities & that not being perfect is ok.
▼Loving the simple beauty of small farm life from Fig and Fauna.  Lots of yummy, wholesome recipes and appreciation for the natural world & all its creatures.
▼Check out MadebyLon's blog-lots of clean, modern design and fashion inspiration.  Totally inspired to tear apart my house & make it more minimal!
▼I am inspired by James from Bleubird to really reign in my cluttered, filled to the brim closet!  It's very difficult for me to let go of things because I am so darn sentimental.  But, there are loads of things I haven't worn or looked at in quite a while and I need to let go.
▼Melissa's post on the sweet heartbreak of watching our children grow so fast made me cry.  She has such a magical way with words.

Check out my new boards on Pinterest: Style Mama's and Stylish Couples!  Lots of eye candy!  
...what are your favs from this week?  Leave a link to your weekly roundups in the comments if you like-I always love to see what you are loving!

♥

And, thanks to those mama's out there that commented on my last Motherhood post-your words mean the world to me!  Hugs!

Link Lovin'

Another week has breezed by!  We are this close to September-wowza!  That means that autumn is just around the corner and that Mister Boy is closer to being a month older already!  I wept a bit the other day when I realized that he had lost his "baby" smell.  Where did it go and why?  I have a sense that all moms go through the rest of their child's years trying to smell that sweet smell one more time.  Things and people must grow, it is our lot I suppose.  While I go snuggle Mav, enjoy my roundup of pretty things from this week!

Clockwise from left...
     Attic & Barn Fall 2012 Collection-I am all sorts of smitten with this collection!  It's probably my favorite collection & one I am most excited about.  The vintage vibe with more modern shapes/cuts & the superb styling are spot on.  Yes, I want every piece!  Thank you.
     DIY Polka Dot Denim-another polka-dot DIY to try.  Easy-peasy!  I am a tad obsessed with the dots lately!
     DIY A-Frame Tent-I have been dying to make one of these for Maverick!  This DIY is excellent & I know Toby can rock this out in no time.
     DIY Canvas Tote-another rad DIY tote from one of my fav blogs, Say Yes to Hoboken.  This is a great tote for your child's books or your books too!  Love!

and, a few more things:
     Found this new photo blog that I am sorta in love with-Rose & Crown
     Read this post from My Little Loves and it totally hit the mark with me!  Amazing honesty and
     bearing of the soul!
     The new stuff from Bobo Choses is outrageously cute!  Maverick would look super cute in
     everything, duh!
     And lastly, my sister from another mama Faith re-opened the Love Fox online shop!  Such cute
     vintage at great prices, with more to come!  So, go have a look and hooray!

  What are you loving right now?  Favorite reads from the week?  

Happy Weekend!

♥

Link Lovin'

Happy Friday folks!  It's been quite a week-whew!  Maverick caught a cold (or a cold caught him?), his first time being sick.  It was just a little cold and he handled it rather well and was in pretty good spirits.  He did take extra long naps, which helped.  But he raged like no other when I had to Frida Hose his nose!  I felt awful putting him through it, but kept reminding myself that it would make him feel so much better.  Getting through a sickness with a baby is a huge milestone in my book-and, we made it! Now, on to all the pretty stuff that kept me smiling this week.

➽Found this great mama's website, which is all about her montessori style of parenting & teaching.  It's so inspiring and I feel such a strong desire to implement some of this style with Mav, especially since he is so strong willed and curious.
➽I so want to try this Neon Dot tote DIY!  It came out so cute and looks easy enough for a non-craftter like myself (I truly wish I was gifted when it comes to DIY's, but I must admit defeat & admire the pros).
➽The lady behind the Avant Blargh blog blows my mind with her tomboy inspired outfits!  This girls style is out of control crazy cool!
➽Related to this post on thrifting and when enough is enough!  I am a huge thrifter, but sometimes I tend to buy things just because I can't say no to an amazing deal...but, that leads to hoarder status & I have felt a major urge to edit my life lately.  Starting to believe that less really is more-except of course when it comes to layering, accessories and ice cream! Ha!
➽Have been enjoying these lovely blogs lately: Deer Circus, Sea Field and Tribe and Wolf and Wood
➽And this video made my week!  It is so magical and makes me want to take a trip to visit New Orleans again, this time with Toby who has never been...ahh, such a romantic, soulful city!

...and here are a few favs from my pinterest this week!

Oh, and I did a little blog make over!  I tend to rearrange, redecorate, purge things, move furniture and eat a lot of cookies when I am stressed out...so, I did some redecorating on the blog while I ate cookies. What do you think?  Don't forget to follow along with me on Twitter and Tumblr (the links are above in those neatly arranged tabs-yay!)

Link Lovin'

Happy Friday!  It has been a pretty good week over here.   Running after a crawling baby who has now decided to start standing up on everything too has left me wishing Sunday would come much quicker.  Sundays are family days and I appreciate that time Maverick gets to spend with his papa & the much needed moments I get to myself.  The weather has been so beautiful too, so hopefully we will end up at the beach on Sunday!  Here are some magical reads and things to send you off into the weekend on a lovely note!

▼Discovered the Australian artist, Carla Elizabeth Rose and her lovely etsy shop via my twitter.  I adore that deer print above!  All of her illustrations have a child-like whimsy to them.  Go check her shop out.
▼I am obsessed with this House Tour over on Apartment Therapy, featuring the beyond talented Mason and Serena who own General Store in San Francisco.  They live in a tiny back house by Ocean Beach in my old neighborhood and have made their space so cozy.  Lots of beautiful art all over the place, found wood reused for shelving and storage solutions and simplicity at its finest.  Makes me want to move to Santa Cruz and live in a tiny beach shack!
▼In love with this Portland shop, Beam & Anchor.  Lots of handcrafted goodies in a light-filled space that I could totally live in.
▼This blog has been rocking my world this week!  So much loveliness I can't handle it!
▼Really diggin' this weekly feature, Home/Closet/Tool over on Glass and Sable's site.  Ciara chooses interesting and creative individuals, featuring their favorite things in their home, closet and tool box.  I love peeking into other peoples worlds!
▼Oh Happy Day's! posts on her families move to Paris are wonderful and inspiring!  Makes me realize the possibilities of our dreams even when we have children.
▼Lots of stylish festival goers over on Free People's blog from San Francisco's recent Outside Lands concert series.  
▼This is my fav outfit this week (found via my pinterest!)

I'd love to see what you are loving from around the web!  Check out my tumblr and pinterest for more eye candy!

Link Lovin'

Happy Friday!  I am two days closer to leaving for San Francisco!  Yippy!  I can't even explain how excited I am to be back there.  When Toby and I moved there, we were barely 20 years old and we fell madly in love with the City.  We have many special memories from our time spent there, especially since we did a lot of personal growth there.  Also, it was a time when I fell in love with Toby all over again and the magic of our relationship blossomed.  I have such strong physical attachments to the City-the smells, sights, and noises all hold such power over my soul.  If you have never been to San Francisco, make it a point to visit someday!  I promise you will fall in love at first sight.

Here are some great reads and pretty inspiration to keep you company over the weekend...

▼I am absolutely in love with Belle's blog, Petite Biet.  She showcases her little families life lived simply in New York City.  Her daughter, Biet is so adorable!  I couldn't stop reading it, so charming and sweet.

▼Loving my August desktop calendar from the very talented Oana! Go get one!

▼Beautiful post on wearing your baby in a sling, this time from a new fav blog of mine, Che and Fidel.  Jodi's blog is wonderful!  Her lovely photographs capture such beautiful moments of her children, Che and Poet (amazing names, right!).  

▼Head on over to Oh The Lovely Things for a little roundup of fun DIY's to try this weekend! 

▼Appreciated Rubyellen's honest post on how challenging being a mama can be & it's ok to want to run away sometimes. 

▼In love with this screen printed image from Brooklyn artist Tuesday Bassen.  I may have to buy it. 

▼Newly obsessed with this band!  So good!

▼These Acne boots are perfection for fall (and always!).  On my dream list for sure.

What links/reads are you currently loving? 

♥

Link Lovin'

Happy Friday folks!  It has been quite a long week!  Maverick is set on perfecting his crawling skills every chance he gets and is pretty much given up on napping.  I am hoping this is temporary and that my bonkers boy will settle down enough to take a nice nap today (very unlikely).

Here are some new blogs (to me) that I have fallen in love with this week!  And some links to a few articles, music & other beautiful things that made my heart go pitter pat!  Grab a cup of coffee and relax with these delightful reads...cheers to the weekend! ♥

▼Just discovered this band, Sunbeam!  Perfectly pretty music for these long summer days
▼Really loved & appreciated Danielle's post on mompetition
▼Obsessed with these beautiful Tumblr's: Fox on the Run, A Well Traveled Woman, Baroque Down and The Bitty Mini.
▼Just discovered these two well written, warm & inviting mama blogs: Our Lovely Lives, which is written by Los Angeles mom & photographer Kelly and We Three Pilgrims, written by Paige who currently lives in Athens, Georgia & documents her life there with the loveliest photos!
▼A new fav personal style blog from a lady blogger who lives in the Arizona desert, which as you may or may not know I am obsessed with desert landscapes!  So, it's the perfect combo!  Amazing outfits against a desert background-duh!
▼This polka-dotted sweater is bonkers awesome!
▼Really loving my The Wonderful World of Stripes board on my Pinterest!  So fun!
▼My Little Loves post on baby wearing is so special

Share your favorite links too!