I still cannot believe that our baby girl is two. TWO! It’s surreal to accept that time has passed that quickly. The changes that can happen in a year are completely mind blowing, and absolutely humbling. I love this age, while it comes with an abundance of challenges, seeing her develop into her own is magical. She has dozens and dozens of words, she’s sassy and sweet and smart, she can run like the wind, and her enthusiasm for life, puppies and snacks makes my heart burst. But it’s when she says, “I love you Mommy” that makes time stand still, brings tears to my eyes and makes me wish I could freeze her exactly as she is.
Our Eloise is currently in a puppy phase (ironically just as both of our actual dogs have passed), and the Disney movie Bolt is at the top of her list. So when I asked her what kind of party she wanted she enthusiastically demanded, a puppy birthday party. I initially thought about doing a Winter Wonderland theme, playing off the Christmas decor that was already set up in my parent’s home. When you see all the beautifully decorated and executed toddler parties on other blogger’s sites, it’s hard to relinquish the power and give in to the requests of your toddler. But, how can you say no to that sweet face? The most challenging aspect of planning her a party on the actual date is the proximity to Christmas. Out sweet little bean was born on December 23rd, so amongst the Christmas planning, baking, decorating, and wrapping, adding another event to prep and plan for is a touch overwhelming.
Thankfully we have the best group of family and friends that made it a priority to carve out time in the busy Christmas hustle to come and celebrate with Eloise, brutal snowstorm and all. I made cookies and cake pops and chocolate bark. Tried to stay on theme, but also execute everything in a timely manner. Thank goodness my little sister was also staying at my parent’s place or I never would have gotten it all done. Despite Eloise claiming my cake pops looked more Mickey Mouse than Bolt I know her day was as perfect as it comes for a two year old. Having everyone that loves her most in one place at one time filled both our hearts, and made me realize it does take a village, and I’m so grateful for the one I have.
An easy and ridiculously delicious dessert that is a go-to for me is homemade chocolate bark. You can jazz it up with sprinkles, candies and various colours to compliment the theme you’re going for. The recipe I use every time is this one by Sweetapolita.
I struggled with wanting to get a picture perfect bakery cake, to be the centre piece of the party. But when I realized I would be doing it only for myself I let go of the vision of the ‘perfect Pinterest’ party. Eloise’s absolute favourite dessert in the entire world is ice cream. Why would I deny her that on her birthday?!
All designer dresses were removed before indulging in the cake. Obviously.
No birthday party is complete without a little take home for the attendees, and we made ‘doggy bags’ for Eloise’s guests to take away with them.
When the summer months roll in I get an unexplained craving for ice cream. Every. Single. Damn. Day. There’s nothing I love more than the homemade variety, and with the farmer’s markets in full swing in and around Calgary, the fresh fruit options are endless. Blueberries are at their peak right now, and when my man came home with a box big enough to last us the rest of summer I knew I needed to find a recipe to use them. I actually tested two different recipes, one using the Philadelphia method of making ice cream, and one using the French method. French won out and I went with this recipe that was the right combination of creamy and decadent while spotlighting the fresh blueberry flavour. Ice cream cones post lunch, snack time and dinner from now until September.
I love everything about books and reading, and it’s a love that I hope to pass along to my children. I’ve yet to succumb to the Kindle or any other sort of digital book as I love the feel, smell and look of a physical book. Yet when I went to decorate my daughter’s nursery I couldn’t get past how the brightly coloured books clashed with the calming decor that encompassed the rest of her room. Now the purpose isn’t to cover all the books, she has a bookshelf within her closet that is stacked full of brightly coloured literature. But for the few books that were being used in the bookshelves outside the closet I wondered what to do to make them more cohesive with the rest of the space.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen displays in children’s rooms with books of all colours and sizes that look incredible. For what I was trying to achieve with the look and feel of the nursery the brightly coloured books just seemed out of place.
I thought a lot about what to use to cover the books, and I remembered I had small scraps of beautiful wallpaper leftover from areas in my home that matched the decor of the nursery exactly. Problem solved.
I covered the books in the same way you would a gift box, using tape so at any point I can easily uncover the books without damage.
The finished product turned out so well, I couldn’t have been more pleased with the results. If you don’t want to cover your books there are used bookstores like Fair’s Fair Books in Calgary that has vintage or classic bound books that would look fabulous lining the shelves of a children’s room.
Akris Silk Blouse, AG Maternity Jeans, Michael Kors Fur Vest, Prada Wedges, Balenciaga Handbag
With the time change delivering maximum sunshine in the evening hours and the weather deciding that, in fact, it is almost spring, this week is shaping up to be a productive one. I’ve been feeling the urge to start getting ready for baby in a big way, and at the same time enjoying the last few weeks of life without a newborn (translation – sleeping as much as possible). I can’t believe our family is about to expand by another human being, and while I’ve seriously jokingly wondered to friends and family how I could possibly love our second child as much as I love our Eloise, I’ve been assured, the love isn’t shared, it’s multiplied.
Gap Maternity Tee, J. Crew Plaid Shirt, Pea in a Pod Denim, Chanel Sneakers, Prada Handbag, Aritzia Hat
My style has become increasing casual whilst pregnant, I can’t even remember the last time I opted for a pair of heels just for the fun of it. The first thing I tend to reach for in the mornings is leggings and a soft tee, anything to keep my comfort level high. I’m beyond grateful sneakers are so on trend, and the newest addition of this fabulous Aritzia baseball hat has been a lifesaver on days when my hair has already received the maximum dose of dry shampoo. If I have to leave the house for work or appointments I upgrade to my distressed denim and fabulous accessories, all the while hoping that my largest accessory, my bump, will distract from the lack of fashion I’ve been displaying lately.
