Friday Fancies : Labor Day Love

Last summer long weekend.
Last weekend before back.to.school.

::for full outfit details follow me on polyvore::

We've got one last pool weekend and a birthday party on the agenda.
What are your labor day plans?

Linking up here and here. 

What that baby Wore : Sweet Peas and Mama Bees

Some etsy love on this last when.did.that.happen day of Thursday.
Georgia from Sweet Peas & Mama Bees is as sweet as her etsy shop name suggests and sent over these lovelies for miss Ava.

Tank - Old Navy
Headband - c/o Sweet Peas and Mama Bees
Shorts - Old Navy
Denim Shirt - Gymboree
Shoes - Tom's

Tank - Old Navy
Pants - Moschino Baby

 Sweet Peas and Mama Bee's is celebrating the one year anniversary of their etsy shop!

Visit here and enter code 1STBDAY at checkout to save 25% off all of their cuteness.

Happy Shopping.

What I Wore : Falling for Florals

Fall is the air.

And although this week has been ridiculously humid...the evening chill is a sure sign that change is coming.
I'm ready for it.

Tank - ZaraSilver Pave Hoops - c/o Silver Speck
Cardigan - KenzieSkirt - Aqua
Clutch - Brown's 
Shoes - Zara {last seen here}
Flower Brooch - H and M
Belt - Banana Republic

And that's what I'm wearing on Wednesday.

Linking up here and here.

Dreaming of Paris

...from Paris!

No, I'm not really in Paris but a girl can dream n'est pas?

And a lifelong dream it has been.

I dream of seeing the eiffel tower and not being at Paris, Paris in Vegas. 

Sigh.

I dream of sitting at a dreamy little cafe people watching.

A creperie might be even better.

And I would certainly be wearing a beret. And a striped long sleeve shirt with a black pencil skirt and pointy-toed flats. Cat eye sunglasses. Red lips.

Not that I've planned it out or anything...

There might be a little shopping and there would definitely be a stop at Laduree.

I have pinned more macaron's from this infamous bakery than any normal person should.

I just want one. 

One.

are you reading this my brother who may or may not be in France at this very moment? one.

And then there would be endless roaming of the streets.

Getting lost in the beauty that can be found in most european cities but that seem to be even prettier in the City of Light.

An apartment in this building would certainly provide some incredible views from all sides.
Anyone know a good agent?

I will get there. 

Soon.

Celia assures me there are flights every day.

I'm not sure what we're waiting for?

Hello High School!

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but, summer is officially "almost done". 

I know this because tomorrow, my baby, my original baby girl, is off for orientation at her new high school. 

Say what?

Apparently, they need my baby daughter there for the next couple of days to introduce her to all that is high school. There will be tours, schedule reviews, lectures, ice-breakers, snacks and a bbq lunch.

Sort of like my introduction to high school minus the tours, schedule reviews, lectures, ice-breakers, snacks and bbq  lunches.

I remember worrying something awful about how I was going to find my classes in what appeared to be a school 10 times as large as my elementary one. And being completely crazy worrying about what grade nine initiation was going to be.

My parents did not worry nor did I worry them about any of this.

First day went something like this...

"Here is your bus fare. Have a good day today!"

I then proceeded to walk to the bus stop, take 2 public transit buses and 1 subway to get into downtown Toronto, and then walk the 4 or 5 blocks to school.

I was barely 13 having skipped a grade. A baby.

Today, my daughter has never taken public transit other than once or twice for the "adventure" of it.
A school bus  will pick her up each morning a stone's throw from our house.
And this initiation talk? It is no more. praise God.

I am so excited for everything that is in store for her.
She claims not to be nervous. I'm not sure I believe her.

That or I'm just nervous for her.

I hugged her this evening and asked her not to leave me. I may have whined just little bit.

She said o.k.

I told her I could home school her.

She said o.k.

And then reminded me that we would need to move to California in order for all of this to be legal.

I said o.k.

I love you sweet girl!
All will be well. And if not, they will have your mama to answer to.

Friday Fancies : Road Trippin'

The last road trip we took was B.C. {before children} and it still remains one of my all-time favorite vacations.

My husband and I were a year or so into our relationship and he was itching to take me to California. He had been once before and never quite got it out of his system.

We flew to Los Angeles, rented a car and drove. And then we drove some more.

All the way up highway 1 to San Francisco and then back down to San Diego. Through the desert into Las Vegas {my favorite part} and then on to Arizona. 

I remember wearing a little floral dress. And jumping out of the car to snap a pic in front of every "welcome to..." sign we encountered.

follow me on polyvore for outfit details

I would love to go back to that time just for a day. 
Except wearing these boots. And carrying this bag. 

Linking up here and here. 

Me & My Girl

I take a ridiculous amount of photos. 

But very rarely get to have a photo taken with the kids.

I promised myself to do more of these.

Because of this girl and her brilliant weekly link-up.

look at that face! {and what is going on with that neck? ugh.}

awww mama...

it kinda tickles and i kinda like it!

the money shot

Disclosure: know that I may have had a margarita on the table during the taking of these photos even though yes, I am always this ridiculously happy.

What I Wore : Black Pant Love

I admit it.

I have more pairs of black pants in my closet than any normal girl should.

But these? These will quickly become my favorites.

Silk Print Top - Zara

necklace worn as bracelet - Ivana Trump
clutch - Marciano

Shoes - Nine West

Pants - c/o Lisette L. 

Why you ask? Oh, because they are dress pants that pull on. No zippers. No buttons. Just a smooth finish and more importantly, a fit at the tummy and hips that is not unlike that of a spandex legging. 
The Lisette L. collection is proudly made in Canada (yay!) and offers women a fit like no other. 
Ms. Kathie Lee Gifford is a fan and even endorses the brand as one of her favorite things here. Apparently, she too needs a little invisible nip.tuck. 
Who knew?

And that's what I'm wearing on Wednesday.

Linking this post up with The Pleated Poppy.

**Disclaimer: I was provided with a pair of Lisette L. trousers at no charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.


Winner of the Shabby Apple giveaway was M. Palmer. Congrats! I have emailed you.

A Makeover

By now, I'm sure you have noticed a few changes 'round here.

I am absolutely thrilled with the new look : I think it's cleaner and that it didn't sacrifice some of the elements that I loved in the original design including my beloved bust forms.
If you are currently swapping buttons with me and/or I'm sponsoring your blog, please grab a new button and let me know what you think!

I wanted to take a moment to thank my dear friend Christina from The Olive Tree blog for getting the new look together. Not only was she ridiculously patient but she understood the vision right from the get.go and she made it the easiest thing ever which is no easy feat for this html newbie.
Christina, I don't know how you do it all! And know that if you were closer, there would be cupcakes. Lots of cupcakes.

 If you are looking for a blog re-design, new button, labels etc...I am working on persuading Christina to open her mad skills up to the general public.

This girl is crazy creative and more importantly, ridiculously sweet.
Have a peek at her beautiful blog for a daily dose of inspiration.
And then beg. 
It worked for me. 

Enter to win a $50 Shabby Apple giftcard here!