Mason Blouse, Stella McCartney Blazer, Paige Denim, Loeffler Randall Booties
While my current season of life is less lunching out and more grilled-cheese-crusts-in, I still like to keep some ensembles ready in the wings for when I do get to break free for an afternoon or evening out. This type of ensemble is one of my favourites for going from meeting to drinks or errands to appointment. Let’s be honest though, the last time I wore something this pulled together to run errands was before kids. I’m lucky if I get out of the house with a shower, coordinated sweat pants and the children with all of their accessories. The majority of the time it’s two out of the three at best. Motherhood is such a mixed bag, of desperately counting down the days until you can send them off to school, and simultaneously shedding tears because time is passing too quickly. I do know I treasure my time with them fiercely, and that the day I can starting donning fabulous outfits in the regular will come all too soon.
I came across this recipe for Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies after seeing a photo of said cookie on Instagram. I instantly started salivating, and once I read the ingredients, I proceeded directly to the kitchen. I can’t even begin to describe how perfect this cookie is to me. Large flake oats, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate chips that come together in chewy perfection. This recipe is for a flourless cookie, which is perfect for those who are gluten intolerant, and how I justify it to myself when I end up eating ten half a dozen cookies throughout the day. Even more thrilling than how delicious these cookies are however, is how easy it is to whip up a batch. You don’t need a mixer or Master of any kind, you just simply can use a spoon or a spatula to mix everything together. It’s literally the perfect snack to whip up in-between the obsessive tidying, KonMari style.
Vince Coat, Brunello Cucinelli Scarf, Zara Denim, Vince Blouse, Aquazzura Slides
As the first post of the New Year, I have to be honest, this is the first New Year’s in a while that I’ve actually felt excited for the year to come. With the last couple of years being more about surviving than thriving, I hadn’t been able to approach past New Year’s with an abundance of enthusiasm. This past year nothing remarkable transpired, and that perhaps, was the most amazing part. Settling into a rhythm of daily routine with no surprises, no loss, no unexpected change, was a welcomed occurrence. The slog and silence of life was beautiful. This New Year is different. I have goals other that just making it through the year unmarked. I have mountains to climb, adventures to conquer, plans to put into action, and it’s so very refreshing, and makes me feel so very alive. The seasons are most certainly changing for me and I’m so excited to see what’s next.
Talbots Sweater, Aritzia Faux Leather Leggings, Blundstone Boots, Vince Coat
It’s officially a week before Christmas and I’m blown away with how quickly December has flown by. I have to admit, I didn’t approach Christmas this year with the same gusto as I usually do. Planning and executing our wedding left me feeling content on everything from baking to decorating. I took some time post wedding just to relax, and in doing so, realized December was halfway over. Despite the delayed start of the holiday cheer, this has to be one of the most exciting Christmas seasons I’ve had in a long time. Our sweet daughter, at days away from being three, is beginning to understand the magic of the holiday, and at times it literally feels like my heart will burst. This is undeniably my favourite time of year, and I’m looking forward to spending the season with friends and family, and most of all the two littlest loves of my life.
When the Christmas season arrives there are many things I look forward to. Christmas carols on repeat, decking the halls, baking to my heart’s content, and eating enough peppermint bark for a small country. My ultimate favourite in the peppermint bark department has to be the goods sold at Williams Sonoma. I decided this year that needing to get my fix from a store front, that has hours where it is physically closed, just wasn’t going to cut it. What made sense was searching for a recipe that replicated that deliciousness so I’m able make it anytime I get a craving, morning, noon or night. All of the recipes I was able to search out had the same four ingredients, and almost all of the sites stressed that fewer ingredients means you have to pay attention to the quality of those ingredients. I personally used Ghirardelli dark chocolate for my base layer and Cococo Chocolatiers white chocolate for the top layer. Regular old chocolate chips just aren’t going to cut it for this recipe. I also used Nielson-Massey Pure Peppermint Extract and found red and white peppermint candy canes for the crunch on top of the bark. The results are nearly identical to the bark I buy at the store, and it was so easy I didn’t even know that it was blog worthy. It’s the perfect treat to bring to those holiday potlucks, or wrap up individually as gifts to your loved ones. I think it’s obvious to say that my stretchy pants will be on repeat for the rest of the holiday season, with a sequin top of course.
