Friday 25 November 2011
Baby Steps.
To Grandma's house we go.
Friday 11 November 2011
Books I recommend for Pregnancy, Labour and Parenting
This is what is on my pregnancy, labour and parenting bookshelf. There are so many books out there that talk about all of the aspects of parenting and it is so hard to choose which ones to read. Generally what I like to do is find someone who's parenting style is similar to my own and ask them what they recommend. It can be really difficult to research parenting techniques and suggestions because so many books contradict each other, "do this but DON'T do that". I really think this turns people off from reading books on parenting all together and they end up going with the "go with the flow, follow my instincts" approach. Don't get me wrong, I think this approach is great but sometimes, you might come across something that you never thought of doing. I think research and opinions from other parents, doctors, and enthusiasts can be really helpful and by reading about the opinions, you can pick and choose which pieces of advice you want to put into practice in your own family. I also think reading a range of books from a lot of different sources with different sets of opinions can be really helpful. I know it seems like there is really no time to read when you are a new parent and this is how I would approach it: try to read and think about what parenting style and opinions you believe in BEFORE your baby comes. Pregnancy is a great time to research how you want your labour to be, what is your opinion on vaccines, what education would you like your child to have, what infant and child development activities can you do, how to help your baby sleep, and what traditions you want to start as a family. I know it seems overwhelming but you are going to want an opinion on this stuff, and if you can stay one step ahead you will be better off. If not, don't worry about it, just learn as you go. Leave your baby with it's dad, uncle, grand parents etc. and go to a coffee shop for an hour to read and relax. Books that are still unread on my bookshelf? Unconditional Parenting, I've heard this is a fantastic book and the ideas sound like they align really well with my parenting values, I can't wait to read it. Playful Parenting, Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves, The Absorbant Mind - my brother read this and said it is fascinating. Also, any woman (or man for that matter) should read Taking Charge of your Fertility, it has information about your body that everyone should know! What are your go-to parenting books?
Monday 7 November 2011
Thrifty Mom Weekend Uniform
I absolutely love thrift store shopping, it feels like treasure hunting. It also fits with my "consume less, reuse more" values. You can pick up some really great items for cheap. Honestly though, I think I would try and buy used clothing even if it was the same price. Here are the pros: you are far more likely to find unique items, you feel like you won the jackpot when you find something you love, you are saving money and you are buying clothing that have already been purchased new; therefore reducing the overall effect of consumerism. I love to buy made in North America, ethically sourced (hemp, organic cotton, recycled materials etc.) clothing but honestly, it is bloody expensive and hard to find a large variety. If I buy used, I feel like I can buy whatever I want because I'm not buying it new. Here's what I am wearing out for a walk on a cold fall day: Frye "Veronica Slouch" boots (these are not thrifted but purchase about 4 years ago), Hue tights, Smart wool socks, my husbands old jeans cut into shorts, a Laura by Topshop thrifted top ($8.50), a Banana Republic merino wool cardigan, thrifted ($29), a Gap olive green jacket, thrifted ($16.50) and lastly a super old Zara scarf.
Style Inspiration: Winter Baby Outfit
Most everything I buy is thrifted, both for myself and for Lily so it is hard to share "exactly" the items she is wearing. This is what she wore for a Sunday winter family walk (and stop at a coffee shop - as usual). This entire outfit cost approximately $15 (and the cowichan vest was $12!). I highly recommend shopping at consignment or thrift stores, especially for babies because they wear the items for such a short amount of time, you can find a great deal on some items in great condition.
Saturday 5 November 2011
Pumpkin Party
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| homemade candy apples |
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| spooky goat cheese |
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| apple cider |
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| family pumpkins |
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| Lily's garden gnome costume |
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| my gentleman costume |
Tuesday 1 November 2011
Pumpkin Pie from Scratch.
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| happy b-day my friend! |
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| mmm.. perfect consistency. |
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| there wasn't much left by the time I got to photograph it. |
I completed one of my fall intentions. I made pumpkin pie from scratch and it wasn't that hard! It was my dear friend Elaina's birthday and we had a lovely dinner together and for dessert, a homemade from scratch pumpkin pie. I used the Joy of Baking recipe for this, but I think most recipes are very similar so any will do. We purchased our pumpkin pie pumpkin, a bit sweeter than a regular pumpkin, at our local farmers market. It didn't take long to make and it was super delicious. I think I might get a few more pumpkins to puree and freeze so I can have pumpkin pie from scratch all year!
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