Weekend Wrap-Up

This Week: I feel like I've had a lot of mental struggles more so than usual this week. New month means so much for the blog world and there's been a lot to work out and many wrinkles to iron. Tylonal has been my friend this week:) The girls are doing much better today, but I've been on call most days this week simply because I can not listen to a sick baby crying or fussing. Spoiled girls:) Martin's back in improving, but not enough in my opinion to take on all that he's been accomplishing this weekend especially. What a trouper! I'm proud of him, even if I cringe every time I hear what he's been up to. Also cinnamon rolls, and online shopping this week. What could be better?

Weeks Favorite: Spring bulbs coming up through the bark.

Next Week: Since we didn't get the 'work' vacation we were hoping for this last week we'll have to plan another really soon in the future,  because the mister needs to write, and I need to sew! I'm super excited about next week being the first week of the month because I have so many fun plans! (Giveaway happening tomorrow Hello!!) I'm expecting some very fun things in the mail, I have a huge list of 'to cook' this week (YUM), and I'm looking forward to another date with martin next weekend! What luck:) 

Most popular post of the week: I think the Blackberry Lemonade Recipe takes the cake this week:)

A Few Facts: 

• I haven't read The Hunger Games... any of them.
• I flip my pillow during the night to get the cold side.
• I have my mothers hands..

Good luck in the coming week everyone, seriously!!

xo, Emily

Friday Finds #14

Wow, where did the week go? Where did this month go?! I actually haven't spent as much time on the old computer as I've needed this week with the little girls being sick and all:( Hopefully this is the last of the winter bugs bothering us right now though and we'll have a reprieve here very soon:)

Even with little browsing time however I still managed to pull a few things from here and there. My problem is probably that I'm a little too easily inspired in one way or another by almost everything I see. Oh well! Enjoy.

This week I found...

...this burlap bow pillow from etsy. I love the organic feminine feel of it. Lovely.

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...this totally yummy looking and i'm sure tasting recipe from the Tartelette blog. Mmm!

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...these pumps from... Valentino I suppose? At least that's what I'm finding everywhere, though the origional source still eludes me:( Aren't they just gorgeous though? Maybe after baby comes:)

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...out that Regina Spektor has a new CD out just next month!! I'm pretty excited:)

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...this tutorial for natural dye and organic patterned easter eggs! I love love the flower designs. So fun.

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...this fun video about dance (and fabulous styles) from the past 100 years. So clever and cute!

...this collection of chevrons from Riley Blake. Wow! That's all I can say.

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...this funny comic by Gemma that made me think of all my cat loving friends out there!

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... this one minute 'berry icecream' recipe by the amazing jamie Oliver. Looks so delicious doesn't it?!

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...and last but not least these beautiful ombre nails! If I had enough nail polish I would give this a try, but...

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Martin and I get to have a little date tonight just the two of us! Which is a treat because it's been over a month at least since our last one on one date. We don't really have anything specific planned, we're just excited to go! haha Any suggestions on what would be fun and or special? Do you have anything fun planned for this weekend?? 

xo, Emily

Tutorial: creative shoe lacings

If you ever see me on a run-around day, most of the time I'll be sportin' my converse. Why? because they're the most comfortable shoes I have and the easiest to just throw on and rush here or there. Sometimes though I wanna change things up a bit more than just the particular pair, so I'll put on some colorful laces and/or do some creative lacing!

Today I'm going to show you 10 different ways to lace up your favorite pair, whatever they may be, because we all own at least one right? And who doesn't want a fun and creative way to switch things up a bit now and than? So now here's your chance!

I came up with the brilliant idea (in my humble opinion) to tie two different colored laces together so you can see exactly where each lace is headed!

Remember to always start where the knot is, good luck and have fun!

#1. Loopback: this one is really unique, and I was surprised to see how cool it looked with the different colored laces! Its also really easy to do.

#2. Sawtooth: This one looks and sounds a bit edge I think, A little bit trickier to figure out maybe, but once you see the method and get started it laces up really quick.

#3. The Double Back: This one is all about the laces. If you have some special or fun laces you wanna show off, this is the one for you. Its sure to be noticed.

#4. The Wash Board: This is the classic skating style lace-up, typically seen on vans. Doesn't it look great on these converse though? This is another one that would be fun with alternating colors. 

#5. The Riding Bow: I love that the bow is in the middle of the laces. People will always ask you how you did it!

#6. The Bunny Ears: Here's a lace-up for Easter! This is one of the more eccentric of the styles. Lots of extra room for your toes:)

#7. The Ladder: This one reminds me of cats cradle a bit with all the weaving in and out. Probably the most complicated of them all, but don't worry, its not as tricky as it looks. Take it slow:)

#8. The Twistie Tie: This one is just like the Loop Back (#1) except you're just twisting once more before going back to the eyelet. Just think about twist-tying up your leftovers! :)

#9. The Snake Walk: This one has a feminine touch with the bow on the side! Playful and fun, and easy to do. 

#10. The Lattice: This one i saved for last because its my favorite! I just love how the laces can be weaved in and out (even though I did not.haha) Looks neat with two different colors too!

I hope you've been inspired to give your ordinary sneakers a little makeover with one or more of these lace-ups. Let me know if you have any questions!

Xo, Emily 

A party for a princess

Afternoon all! As you know our oldest Ellie turned two last week, and in the rush of things lately I was never able to share a few photos from her little party that we had, so here they are! 

We decided to just have a small family affair mostly, which wasn't very small even still because we're lucky enough to have so much family so close by! 

Ellie couldn't have been happier than to spend the afternoon playing with all her cousins and and friends, and having grandparents and great-grandparents there as well was just so exciting for her. 

We found ourselves going with a sort of princess theme, so why not dress her for the part? She could tell that morning putting on that "chuut and pitty" dress (as Ellie called it) that it was a special day.

Sophie must have known it was Ellie's birthday, because she was just a quiet little angel the entire party. She sat with her great grandma mostly, ate lots of fries, and was just cute and smiley every time I looked at her. What a sweetheart! 

The girls and I have been meeting my best friend and her kids at the restaurant to catch up whenever we get the chance, so having so many friends and family made it all the more special. She just kept letting out these loud giggles and laughs. It was so cute.

Ellie loves ice-cream just as much if not more than her mother, so the ice-cream cake was a real treat. Needless to say the cake was a huge hit with everyone else as well:)

Ellie seemed to love all the attention for most the time, but then the hat came on for pictures, and with so many people in a circle around her cheering and taking pictures, I think she got a  little overwhelmed. poor thing:(

Once the happy birthday song started and the candles were lit, she was right as rain again:)

She nibbled on that cake for probably twenty minutes. Mmmm what a treat! I love the dainty way she held her spoon and sampled with it.haha

This is what happens when you invite the whole family to "a little get-together in Ellie's honour, so don't worry about bringing presents" party, Everyone brings lots of them! haha lucky little girl:) 

The problem was that she wanted to read every book through and play with every toy! Which of course is a good thing, but not when you have a dozen anxious little onlookers that are jumping up and down in excitement to see their gift unwrapped.haha 

Thank you so much everyone for the wonderful, thoughtful gifts! Ellie has loved reading new books every night, and enjoying new puzzles and toys every day! Sophie thanks you too:)

We love you so much little Eleanor! We're so proud of how grown up you are, and we're so lucky to have you in our family:)

xo, Mama and Dada

Em's Organic Blackberry Lemonade

We decided to kick off the warmest day of the year so far with a twist on a classic! The honey and blackberries really compliment each other and the color as you can see is so gorgeous and appitizing! Also the use of organic ingredients gives it the freshest and purest taste you wouldn't believe. Definantly give this a try at your next picnic, or just for you and your family!

Easy Organic Blackberry Lemonade

 yield: 1 gallon

Ingredients:

• 3 Cups Water
• 1 ½ Cup Raw Organic Honey (Local Preferable)
• 1 Cup Fresh Organic Blackberries
• Juice of 5 Medium Organic Lemons (or approx 1 cup)
• Ice Cubes (about 1/2 pitcher)

Method:

In a medium saucepan dissolve your honey with 1 cup of water on medium heat (up your honey if you’re a real sweet-tooth).  Add 1 cup of blackberries to syrup and mash thoroughly.  Pour into your pitcher that's filled half way with ice. Add your cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 3 cups of water to the pitcher. If desired, add a few thin slices of lemon and a few whole blackberries to the pitcher and serving glasses for a beautiful garnish.  Enjoy immediately!!

I hope you'll give this a try and let me know what you think! Remember to tweak the ingredients to taste so it turns out just the way you love your lemonade every time!

Have a fresh and tasty day everyone!! 
xo, Emily


P.S. Don't forget to head on over to Skunkboy Creatures where Katie is hosting a giveaway for me and two others! You could win $50 dollars to my shop, and a few other great prizes!

What I wore // busy prints and big hair

 head to toe:

earrings - downeast 

ruffled shirt - ross
pencil skirt- ae 
opac tights - target
black highheels - ma

Hope you're having a good start to your week darlings!

xo, Emily

Weekend Wrap-Up

This Week: We had a fun full week! Sophie started waving every time we or anyone says hi or bye, and this morning she said "hi" back to me when I got her out of bed. So fun:) We had a fun dinner date with martins parents, Ellie had a really fun little birthday party with lots of cousins and friends, Martin threw his back out really bad and its not been getting much better. Fingers crossed! I had a midwife appointment and looks like baby is doing great! Good strong heartbeat and measuring perfectly. Only about 9 more weeks! Phew!

Weekly Snapshots: Sophie's many faces while eating noodles:)

Weeks Favorite: Daddy-daughter nap

Next Week: Next week I'm looking forward to a little work vacation with the family, meaning that we leave on our vacation so nothing can get in the way of our work.haha  Martin will be working full speed ahead on his new novel, and I'll be working to stock up the 'ol shop, and get some much needed sewing done. In addition I'm looking forward to lots of fun blog planning and possible girl time with my bestie.

Most popular post of the week: My zucchini fritter recipe. Think I'm gonna make some right now!

A Few Facts: 

• I've never permanently dyed my hair.
• This week I discovered a new love of ice-cream cake!
• We're hopefully getting our fence put in the back yard very soon! 

Good luck in the coming week everyone!!

xo, Emily