Falling for Polka Dots

Weather I want to admit it or not, falling is approaching and I am leaning into fall's autumn hues.  I am currently obsessed with all things and shades of brown. This year I decided to upgrade a few pieces in my closet, as noted by my previous post here, and one of the pieces I ended up picking up from Winners was this darling preplum, polka doted top.  If it wasn't cute enough all on it's own, they were ahead and added these adorable little bows.  OBSESSED!  I know that leopard and plaid are often the patterns of fall, but polka dots are a great twist to classic patterns and the perfect way to make them extra stylish is to buy the print in a trendy color, like this brown.  Since it was a Winners find, I am linking up a few different options for you below.  I decided to pair it with a pair of white crisp pants because it's the perfect summer to fall transition option, but it also looks great with jeans and loafers which I'll be wearing to work for casual Friday.  Happy Monday and thanks for stopping by.

Shop This Post:

Brown Polka Dot Top: Melanie Lyn (sale alert); Shein; Reitmens

H&M White Slacks

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.

I'm Back! Life Lately

Friends I am finally back after a two month break!  Yep, I decided to step away in May until the end of school and boy am I glad I did.  Life was just FULL and I decided to step away from the blog and mostly social media in order to manage life/stress and ALL THE GOOD.  Let's do a quick check in with what's been going on!

School's Out for Summer!  June 27th was the official last day for the kids and June 28th was my list day.  In the fall Anya will be in Grade 9 (high school), Halie will be in Grade 12 (last year of high school) and I will be entering my 18th year of teaching at full-time Vice-Principal in the same school.  

Anya's Celebrations: Anya wrapped up her dance season with a final showcase, did another spring of baseball, was cast as Dodger in Oliver Twist and was FANTASTIC.  Also, she celebrated her last year of elementary school surrounded by her friends, family and teachers.  Oh and landed her first parttime job at the lake!  What a busy young lady.

Halie continues to love her horseback riding and has already had three shows and has plans to keep going this year.  She also applied and received a horseback riding scholarship.  Halie continues to work in the city part-time, and is hoping to work in a vet clinic this summer to explore that as a career option (fingers crossed).

Photography has been AMAZING this spring.  Families, maternity, grads, young love, etc.  Unfortunately I've had to say no to a couple of people because I knew I just couldn't keep up.  Please feel free to follow my FB page or IG account.

Friends.  It's been so busy that we haven't had a lot of one -on -one time with our friends.  But we were lucky to gather some of our favorite people for a BBQ, games and fire in June.  So good for the soul.  Always invest in those friendships, that's all I know.

Trying something new.  My teen daughter talked me into lash extensions.  I was so worried that I would have a reaction, sensitive eyes, and a little worried that I would end up loving them.  GUESS WHAT?!?  I love them.  Sigh, another possible monthly bill.

Loving these lip stains for summer.  They are on sale right now for $6, regularly $20!!!!  Soft Coral & Fearless Fuchsia.  

Reading...Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, the prequal to the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Honestly I have just picked it up again, after the busy spring season.  I did however listen to People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry which w2as cure and a perfect BEACH read.  

Wearing in June!

Next week, I'll be sharing my new favorite bikini that I feel comfortable and confident wearing on the beach this summer as my body continues to change and approaches 42.  See you on Monday!