Monday, 26 May 2025

LWD: Little White Dress



Today's post is short and sweet.  Everyone needs a little white dress, or a couple, in their closet and I am linking up a few options below.  I really like white dresses because they can be dressed up or casual.  It's a staple in my closet for spring and summer and whenever I am unsure of what to wear, I reach for one of the two I have in my closet.  A couple of weeks ago when we went out for Mother's Day supper, I ended up wearing it and it was perfect.  Classy, chic and dressy casual.  Add a splash of color with shoes or a cute purse like I did, some wedges for a more casual look, or heels to dress it up.  Top it off with a cardigan, denim jacket, blazer or a fabulous scarf for extra warmth for cooler evenings and  you are ready in five minutes or less!

What are your quick and on the go spring/summer formulas? 





Here are some LWD options for you:

Fit and flare, midi - dress, we just bought this for my daughters graduation for the cap & gown portion of the celebrations.  She LOVES it!
 
Similar to the one above but way less $!  Perfect eyelet detail for summer, casual style.

A little more dressy, asymmetrical neckline and the cutest daisy details.  I am tempted to buy this one for myself for Halie's graduation.

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous Monday!

Monday, 19 May 2025

My First Duathlon & Mother's Day Recap




Where do you land on Mother's Day festivities, activities, gifts and general feeling surrounding the day?  I've now been a mother for 18+ years and I've always felt like the day, or leading up to the day, it's loaded with expectations.  Part of  the expectations come from social media, part of them come from my lack of knowing what I exactly want. Over the years I've learned that the only way for the day to meet my expectations is to a) recognize my expectations b) identify what would make me feel special or happy and c) communicate it; I know it means that the cognitive load of thinking lands on me but I've come to terms with it after all these years and its what works but know that I've been in all different places and phases throughout the year and that's okay too.  To be honest,  I am happy with simplicity which usually means a balance of  alone time and a little acknowledgment from my daughters/husband.  For "my own time" I've come to realize that means that I want to exercise by myself, enjoy a coffee and read a book without talking to anyone, and I don't' want to cook or clean.  From my family, I  love a simply written message from each of the girls and usually they get me a few of my favorite treats.  Simple but it's what works for me.  

This year I decided to enter my first duathlon which consisted of a 5km run, 20 km bike, and 2.5 km run, called a Sprint distance.  It happened last Saturday, a beautiful morning and the race was actually called the Mother's Day race, encouraging mothers and women of all ages and levels of fitness to give it a go in either a Super Sprint (2.5km/10km/1km) or Sprint (5km/20km/2.5km) like I did.  The group of people that came out were all so friendly, supportive, encouraging and many first timers like myself.  I ran into several women I admire and am inspired by and having them there giving words of encouragement was so appreciative and welcoming, we need more of that in our lives! I talked a girlfriend into joining it as well and it very much filled my "own" bucket.   The run started of well, and the 20 km ride was okay except I didn't love that it was the same 5km loop X 4, meaning a very steep hill every 10 minutes or so, and then I experienced some leg cramping on the last 2.5 km. Overall I crossed the finish line with a smile on my face, my tank empty and a huge sense of accomplishment.  My oldest daughter and husband were there to cheer me on throughout the race and were there for me when I crossed the finished line 💗.  My oldest also, went and bought me a Starbucks as a reward which is so thoughtful and kind.  (my youngest was at a baseball game so she couldn't be there)  It was lovely and exactly how I like to spend my time.  Even at 42, almost 43, I can try new things and push myself in new ways and that makes me happy.


Also, one of the things I really want to be known for in encouraging other people to do new things, especially women.  I know a few friends have mentioned that I "inspire" them and that they appreciate me checking in and encouraging them, and that's something that I very much want to continue to be to my own daughters and other women.  So, I was especially shocked when the local triathlon organization reached out and asked to interview me for an article in support of this particular race.  You can read it here!







In the afternoon I did my meal prep, read on the deck and drank my Starbucks, went to watch my youngest at baseball and ended the evening with a glass of wine on the deck. 



 

On Sunday, Mother's Day, my younger had a few more ball games and my oldest had to work.  We decided to go out for sushi and they gave me a very thoughtful gift.  While I was in Venice I mentioned that I loved the coffee that is made in a Moka pot using expresso coffee and they purchased a pink, Italian made one for me along with GF chocolate pretzels, Dinosaur candy and a card filled with messages of love.  








It was absolutely perfect!!!!!  Everything I could have asked for in a weekend and more.  I felt loved, appreciated and seen.  Tell me how you spent your Mother's Day last weekend and if you are not a mother, how do you communicate to your loved ones what you need to feel seen.




Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Ageless Style: Black & White






Welcome to another installment of Ageless Style!  Todays prompt is brought to you by sweet Marsha from the  Marsha in the Middle blog and we are styling black and white.  Sounds simple, right?  Sometimes a simple color combination can have multiple styles and looks, and can be recreated from different pieces to suit the season.

On our recent European trip, I really focused on neutral pieces that I could style and reuse multiple ways.  We were conscious of our luggage space, and wanted to bring items back (mostly the girls) which meant packing very smart.  I purchased these Smash & Tess black overalls in the fall (unfortunately they are all sold out 😔) and have been wearing them tons!  They are a great fit, I love the little front tie for a bit of extra fun, and how easy they are to style in different ways and in different seasons; long sleeved layered under here, sweater over top creating a black jean look, leather shacket styled over top, on their own on the warmer days, and I am going to show you how I styled them two different ways using the black and white prompt while on my European adventure.  


#1 Tee Underneath!

In Venice we experienced pretty warm weather and honestly ditched the jackets most days by 11 a.m. This was the perfect outfit for our last half-day of exploring and super comfortable for traveling from Venice to Paris.  A good white tee is hard to find, but I splurged on this one from Lululemon because I love the fabric, I love the fit and I love that it's not see-through.  In hindsight I should have purchased another one just to have as back up.  This is a super simple but cute and trendy look, especially paired with some sneakers such as my pink Adidas VL Court Sneakers; honestly these are so comfortable for walking in all day and for reference I would say I have/need a wider fit.  You'll never look out of style in this outfit.






#2 Casual in a Button Down

Next time I wore the overalls we were in Paris and the weather was a few degrees cooler but still warm, especially by midday and with all the walking.  I wanted some light, breezy and layers to be able to meet the changing weather as the day progressed.  Another causal look is just to lawyer a white button down over the overalls.  This is a great street style look in my opinion but if it got too hot, I could take the button down off and still look cute.  I skipped the belt on this one because I didn't want to add any bulk, and wanted the casual and relaxed look.






What are some black and white looks that you are loving right now?  Casual?  Work?


Now it's time to check out the other ladies interpretation of the prompt, link-up your own post, and go support and explore other blogs.   See you on June 19th when we will be showcasing bold prints!



Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Blog /Instagram
Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom

Jennifer - Overflowing with Thankfulness

Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
Blog | Instagram | Facebook | 

Joanna ~ My Slice of Life

Blog


Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |

Bo ~ Bo's Bodacious Blog



Wednesday, 16 April 2025

Ageless Style: Graphic Tees and Link-Up




Good morning friends of all ages, stages and styles.  I am so happy you are here and know I appreciate you being here with me today.  Today is the third Thursday of the month which means I am joining the ladies of Ageless Style to bring you our varied styles and variations of a prompt chosen by one of the ladies.  Today we are styling graphic tees thanks to one of the sweetest people I have met through this blogging journey.  If you haven't met Leslie from Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After, you really should because she is kind, thoughtful, and funny.  

When Leslie suggested graphic tees, I was thinking "YES, this is easy peasy."  I've since discovered that I used to have graphic tees but really don't have any at the moment, other than one Mickey Mouse and this Backstreet Boys one that I bought at a concert a few years ago.  It's massive as that's all they had and I usually wear it with biker shorts, leggings or loose over jean shorts in the summer.  I've also styled it for work with a blazer which I really like to do and the kids always comment on it and I kind of feel cool, LOL!  When I went to the mall the other day, I decided to add some edge to it with my faux leather jacket and my newly colored hair.  I am back to being a BRUNETTE baby! Anyway, I love how it came together and have a new desire to add a graphic tee or two to my collection this summer.  Next months prompt is Black & White on May 15th.

I am up, up and away early tomorrow morning for our European 10 day adventure.  I will be taking a two week blogging break but you can follow our travels and shenanigans along on IG.  










It's time to go check out the other posts and link-up your own post.  Happy Easter everyone!


Leslie ~ Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After
Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Blog /Instagram
Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom

Jennifer - Overflowing with Thankfulness

Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
Blog | Instagram | Facebook | 

Joanna ~ My Slice of Life

Blog


Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |

Bo ~ Bo's Bodacious Blog








Monday, 14 April 2025

Part 2: Mother - Daughter Era




Our family is about to go on our Europe trip and I haven't even published this post.  YIKES!!!!   In January I recapped the Swifty experience that my daughter and I had in Vancouver in December, see here. To say that it was a once in a lifetime experience just doesn't do it justice.  Although the T. Swift experience was clearly the highlight of our trip, we also had an amazing time exploring the city of Vancouver and connecting with my sister in Victoria.  Lets dive in for a quick overview of the highlights that you can explore when visiting Vancouver.


Accommodations - Pinnacle  Harbourfront Hotel 

The Pinnacle hotel is the perfect location if you are exploring Vancouver.  You are literally 3 minutes from the waterfront and in walking distance to Robson Street.  It was only a 20 minute walk to BC place for the Swift concert and that was high on our priority list because we wanted to avoid transportation at all costs during this busy time.  We had a gorgeous city scape view and the room was dated but had everything we needed, including coffee in the room!  The staff was wonderful and they had lots of extra specials around the hotel for all the Swifties including a beading/bracelet exchange, photo ops, special drink menu, etc.  We ate at the restaurant twice and it was great, nothing special and not a ton of GF options. but it was good for a quick stop, with good prices.  I would definitely  stay here again.





Capilano Suspension Bridge 

This was the highlight of our time in Vancouver.  It was high on our list to go see the twinkling lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge and they did NOT disappoint.  We were there over the holidays so it was beautifully decorated and then they incorporated the Swift experience into it to add even more magic.  We spent well over an hour walking around and being mesmerized by all the beauty in the woods.  It truly was magical!  If you are a BC resident the cost of your ticket gives you am annual pass.  My sister and her husband went again in February and she said it was beautiful with a Valentines Day vibe.  We've also done this in the summer and it's so worth it.  We took a bus to get there from downtown, super cheap, runs often and makes the whole experience stress free.









Shopping & Downtown

We did shop and look around Robson Street.  It's got all the high end stores, which we didn't explore, and your regular stores such as Sephora, Zara, Aritzia, etc.  My teen really wanted to go to Brandy Melville so that was high on our priority list.  My sister told her to choose some pieces for her birthday in December and she was thrilled with her purchases.  I personally don't get the hype but both of my teens are obsessed.

Walking around downtown is just such a cool vibe, especially if you aren't used to big city vibes.  It's full of electric  energy and people watching and coffee shops.  We loved taking in all the holiday decorations but the one thing we weren't able to fit in was skating at the Robson Square Ice Rink which is something that was on our wish list, next time.








Vancouver Seawall

Of course you need to take the time to walk around the Seawall when in Vancouver.  I took advantage of our location and got our each morning to enjoy the views.  Once was a solo morning run, once with my sister and the third time was a walk with a friend.  Weather its foggy and mystical, or you experience the sunrise, or you are taking it in midday views, it's a sight to see and enjoy.  We didn't rent scooters but next time I think that would be super fun to do with a teenager.






Good Food

We took advantage of trying out new coffee shops our favorite being Perfecto Cafe,  Sushi at Kamei Royale Japanese Restaurant, and a classic favorite Cactus Club Coal Harbour.






Victoria, BC
We took a fairy to Victoria, BC to visit my sisters family for a couple of short but sweet days.  It was a bit gloomy there upon our arrival but we went for a gorgeous hike and a nice meal out, and most importantly we got to see them.  Taking the fairy is always fun and although it was cold, we enjoyed walking around on  the deck and also just chilling on the fairy.








What I Wore
It wouldn't be a post without mentioning my outfits.  I was very careful to plan things that could be paired together and simply.  My faux leather shacket was super handy to have during the day when the temps were nice, and it was a great layering piece.   This is what I packed:
  • T.Swift Concert Outfit see here
  • Bottoms: leggings, black overalls, jeans and black skirt
  • Tops: T.  Swift Crewneck, black long sleeve, beige sweater, white bodysuit
  • Shoes: running shoes, sparkly boots & Blundstones 
  • Other: Sports bra, long sleeve top for running
Travel Day: Leggings, T. Swift crewneck & Blundstones



Smash & Tess Dolly Overalls, Sweater, Blundstones & Bomber Jacket

Anya's choice for T.Swift concert was the concert hoodie in beige.

 
Exploring the city on concert day: T.Swift crew neck, jeans and Blundstones.



Sweater, my knitted sparkly skirt and sparkly boots.  Can you have too much sparkle for dinner?



T.Swift concert outfit!

Travel Day on the ferry: Smash & Tess overalls, black long sleeved shirt underneath & leather shacket.

Dinner out: Black faux leather skirt, sweater & sparkly boots.






And that's a wrap on our mother-daughter trip this winter.  We had the best time and I am eternally grateful for the privilege that I have to do something like this.  Have a wonderful week and see you on Thursday for our Ageless Style link-up, we will be styling our graphic tees.