backyard oasis trumps babymoon

So I always thought that if we got pregnant I would definitely want to take a babymoon.  A couple of months ago I started my usual trip planning exercises.... tracking prices on various sites and reading reviews daily on the top resorts that I selected on trip advisor.  In my head, we were Mexico bound.... the only thing pending was my bonus check.  Well I received my bonus last week and it would have definitely been sufficient... the only problem is I suddenly found myself not wanting to leave home.... could this be the beginninig of the whole nesting phenomenon?

I usually jump at the opportunity to travel but even the idea of going somewhere closer to home was just not doing it for me. 

Then I took a look outside into our backyard..... and suddenly I found myself visualizing the oasis that it could be with some hard work and a good sum of cash.  Andrew did not need to be convinced at all.  It was almost too easy in fact!  He was a landscaper all through the summers of university and definitely has the know how on how to design and create the multi-level decks, interlock, retaining wall and flower gardens that we are envisioning.   Actually, the first time I was out of the house for a good period of time post backyard discussion I came home to him having skectched several views of his plans for the backyard in autocad.

So now rather than dream of Mexico, I am dreaming of a weed free backyard oasis....

via Mochatini via DominoMag

Thinking of backyard options is keeping me going through all of this freezing rain here in Ottawa this morning.... Happy Monday!

day of relaxation

Today is Oscar Sunday and I am excited.  I am always admitedly more excited for the dresses than the actual awards so the pre shows are the best part for me.  We are headed over to my parent's place for the big event. 

This past week seemed so busy and I am giving myself a little kick for not posting since Wednesday.  Luckily yesterday was a wonderful day of relaxation.... started out with an amazing pre-natal massage at Anna Belanger here in Ottawa.  She is fantastic.  Then I checked out a new maternity shop here in Ottawa that was recommended to me by my Mother-in-law, called Queen Bee Maternity.  My best find there.... jeans.... James Jeans skinny maternity jeans.... that will fit my always expanding tummy for the long haul!  Next up was breakfast out with a girlfriend and then Andrew and I went to see the King's Speech.  The Kings Speech was entertaining, not a movie I would likely ever see again but definitely good to see once.

I also made my first official babies purchase yesterday.... soap!  Live Clean baby bar soap, baby wash and baby lotion.... it smells sooo good!

Today we plan on checking out some local baby shops..... I'm excited!



Heidi also enjoyed the new jeans purchase!

Live Clean Baby Soap

organic isn't always better....

Especially when it comes to my nose!  With my crazy canine scent abilities these days my nose quickly tells the rest of my body what it likes, loves and despises.  Skin care products are no exception... if anything my nose is on extra high alert when it comes to what I am putting on my skin since I will keep on smelling it for a good long time.  In my ongoing quest for everything organic I have been purchasing mostly organic skin care products for a while now.... this practice is slowly but steadily ending.... or on a hiatus perhaps.

When I first found out I was pregnant I rushed to a local natural store and purchased Earth Mama Angel Baby Body Butter in hopes of preventing the dreaded stretch marks... unfortunately in my opinion, this stuff stinks... I mean scent wise... it's just awful.

You see, I have a thing for all things Clarins.... it's the fragrance...  My love of this brand was sparked years ago and is directly tied to my love of Mexico and hot, sunny beaches in general....  the product that started it all... Clarins after sun moisturizer.  It smells amazing, the scent lasts forever and it instantly calms me.

In Montreal I was on a shopping role and decided to check out the Clarins counter at Ogilvy's.  I walked away with two products.... an alleged pregnancy must have arsenal to ward off stretch marks.... in short.... I was not let down.  Not only do these products smell soothing and refreshing at the same time, they also seem to somehow work.  When I was younger and quit gymnastics my body decided it was time to grow some hips.... I got some hips and some stretch marks to match.  The marks are disappearing!

So for now I have decided that my mental well-being which, these days, is directly tied to how happy my nose is... beats out my desire to go organic.

Thank you Clarins....

This started the obsession!

The Tonic smells amazing

Step two in the anti Stretch Mark routine!

What's your favourite soothing scent?

an ob appointment and some adorable animals

We had our first obstetrician appointment this morning and things went surprisingly well.  I say surprisingly as I developed a ton of anxiety yesterday pre-appointment... I had myself convinced that I would hate him... that he would say that I would have to have a c-section, that I couldn't exercise at all, that he was all for episiotomies, inducing labor and epidurals but he was not.  He was very open and does not seem to push intervention which made me release a big sign of relief.  I get that some situations dictate emergency procedures and that I certainly cannot control everything but knowing that he understands where I am coming from was very reassuring.

We have the ultrasound date set for when we will get to find out the gender of these two....... March 30th..... let the countdown begin!

Now for the animals.... I randomly receive updates from 20X200 and today I took a quick look through the site and discovered Sharon Montrose and her adorable animal photographs... here's a taste....

Kitten and Feather via

Baby Raccoon via

Flamingo No. 1 via

Baby Bunny No. 3 via

I think we might just need a couple of these.....

twin bump.... at 14 weeks

Thank you all for your lovely comments regarding Andrew's surgery and recovery!  It is a gorgeous, sunny morning here in Ottawa (minus the snow and negative temperatures of course).  I seem to have hit a new point in pregnancy... energy during the day and then fatigue at about 8 pm along with a massive headache that starts at night and wakes me up in the morning.  I am hoping this is a short phase!

In better news I have finally re-entered the world of exercise.  I braved a body pump class last Thursday with my Dad and went to a prenatal yoga class yesterday afternoon.  That body pump class felt amazing... I think I forgot all about the wonders of endorphins.  The yoga class was so-so... the instructor kept her eyes closed the entire time which I found quite strange.  I plan on going to a different yoga studio on Wednesday to a prenatal class taught by an instructor that I love.

Now on to the bump.... with all of last week's surgery excitement I failed to mention what a success my Montreal shopping trip was with my Mom!  I came home with two pairs of maternity leggings, two solid colour dresses, a spring coat that will actually button up over my eventual enormous bump, two super long and stretchy tank tops, a long gray maternity tee, a non maternity sweater that works amazingly well with the bump and an arsenal of clarins anti stretch mark products!  I still need skinny jeans but I am feeling much more equipped to deal with my expanding waistline!

And the bump....

It is growing!!

sliced and diced husband

I've been a bit absent the past couple of days as I have been taking care of Andrew.... who currently looks like this...

Okay so I'm being a tad dramatic... or he is.  He had an arthroscopic labral shoulder repair done yesterday.  If you're curious about the specifics of this surgery (and do not have a weak stomach) you can watch this video.  This was no surprise surgery.... this was two years in the making.  You see, Andrew is a tad competitive, okay he is extremely competitive and chose to dive during recreational touch football..... almost two years ago.  His shoulder hasn't been right since and it takes months and months to schedule this type of surgery here. 

I was most nervous about the anesthesia but when I picked him up his voice was all weird and he proceeded to explain that rather then putting him under, they gave him a block.  A block is a nice way of saying a a needle used to freeze nerves.. in his case this warranted a needle in the neck.... yuck.  The plus side was that he felt no pain at all yesterday. 

I was a bit naive about what this surgery will mean for us... he has to keep his arm in a sling for six weeks... this should be fun.  Okay in all seriousness it is so much better that this is happening now and not a year from now... two babies... one husband with one usable arm.... my personal hell. 

So call me nurse Ashley for the time being!  My main strategy is to keep him heavily drugged... I know that sounds bad but why feel pain when it's so unnecessary!

Hope you're having a fabulous week... I know we are!

beholden... anthropologie meets wedding

Yesterday (on Valentine's Day) Anthropologie launched their new bridal line call BHLDN (Beholden).  The gowns seem fitting for the line as they are layered with details, details and more details.  Personally, I find most them a bit heavy or overdone for my taste but I'm sure they would look fabulous on the right bride at the right wedding venue.

The accessories... that's a different story completely.  To. Die. For.  The shoes especially!

Here's a peak...

Burnished Organza Gown via BHLDN

Voluminous Silk Headband via BHLDN

Joie de Vivre Netted Chiffon Collection via BHLDN

Bow-Topped Slingbacks via BHLDN

Thoughts..... 

happy valentine's day

Happy Love Day!  I hope you have a lovely day with a lovely someone.... alternatively a lovely day with a lovely bottle of champagne will also work!  However you spend it, I hope it's a happy day for you.

via

We celebrated last night.  After a great and very successful shopping trip to Montreal, a cozy night in enjoying pasta and watching the Grammy's was a great way to toast Valentine's Day.

shopping weekend in Montreal

Well I am off to Montreal tomorrow with my Mom. Normally our getaways include several meals involving wine or cocktails. Okay, I'll be honest, usually both... usually we have some wine at lunch, and drink a bottle before dinner... did I mention I love wine? This weekend will be different of course (well for me... Mom is free to drink for two if she likes!)

My mission is of course maternity clothes. I plan on heading to Zara, H&M and Bloom Maternite. I also have an itch for shoes, well more like a craving. If I have to be big everywhere else perhaps I need a lovely pair of heels to even things out!

We will be staying at The Westin... actually we booked the Valentine's Day package... why not... it included a free upgrade! They also have a glass bottom pool that I hope to frequent.

Shopping plus upgraded westin room plus pool is making for one excited pregnant lady!

How do you plan on spending your weekend?

via

reminiscing

Lately I find myself thinking of random, long forgotten things of my childhood.  I am not a sentimental person and I have a horrible memory so it's funny what is popping into my head unannounced these days.  I guess all of this reminiscing is likely caused by my current train of thought, which is largely baby focused.  What will they be... girls or boys.... what will it be like to raise girls or boys.... what toys and books will we buy them... I could go on and on and on... you get the point.

So... what exactly have I been remembering?

The Barbapapas via

Ant and Bee Go Shopping inspired my love of shopping at a very young age!

Zoobilee Zoo... okay I admit this looks plain freaky now but I loved it then.

Pippi Longstocking via.... I loved those movies and wish I could get my hands on them now.

And that's just the beginning. 

I am really hoping my parents kept the books as I took a quick look on ebay and the Ant and Bee books along go for $70 + a pop! 

I'm curious now... does anyone else share these same childhood memories?

something floral

Maybe it's the ever present, never ending snow, maybe it's the continuing minus twenty something below temperatures, or maybe it's all of the black and boring staples in my wardrobe currently.... whatever it is... I am craving all things floral...

ASOS Embroidered Floral Print Holdall

Zinnia Thicket Dinner Plate via Anthropologie

Wispy Blooms Scarf via Anthropologie

Happy Wednesday!

twelve weeks down! .... and a new car

Today I am officially twelve weeks pregnant!  I'm pretty happy about that... only what five months or so to go!  Time for more eating, more tummy expansion and definitely more shopping!  I have to admit that I have been holding myself back..... but now that we're at the twelve week mark... brace yourself.... nursery ideas will be flying!

Oh and did I mention we bought a car?  Yes... that happened fast.  That seems to happen to us... we'll decide we need something new, agree to research and look around for a while... and then ultimately end up buying quite quickly.  With all of the googling available who needs actual running around the city to compare research?

I will admit defeat... we went with the Mazda 5.  We went in thinking SUV, took one look inside the back seat of the CX7 and walked away with our tails between our legs.... we ventured over to the Mazda 5, took one look at the adjustable bucket seats and ample storage room with the third row stowed away and were sold.  We went one step further.... our intentions were fully to buy used.... we bought new.  Who can say no to 0% financing? Not. Us.

Cheers to twelve wonderful weeks (they are wonderful now that they are over) and to venturing into Mazda 5 territory.  Have a drink for me.... please!

Celebrate in Amsterdam by maloreem via etsy

car shopping....my least favourite thing to do

I am not a car person... I don't swoon over the sight of a luxury vehicle and I drove my last car... the car that my parents purchased when I was sixteen and let me take with me when we bought our first condo and moved out at twenty two, until I could no longer lock the front door for fear of it never opening again.  I would simply just rather spend the money on clothes, or a trip, or a pedicure!

Unfortunately we do need to have two cars and Andrew's car was dying a slow and agonizing death and is now incapable of being revived unless we choke up another thousand dollars.  No use throwing money at a dying car.  In addition, as I mention on an almost daily basis, we are expecting twins.  I just don't think the Jetta is cut out for that!  I've been driving the new car, a 2010 Mazda 3 Sport, and for a car it truly is great, but I recognize the fact that we need more space.

The word minivan sends tremors down my spine. 

I just don't think we are ready for that, as practical as it may be.  So we are considering SUVs, well cross overs to be precise.  We will also look at the Mazda 5, which in reality is a condensed mini van.  We are telling ourselves that it isn't, that it's sporty, but we know down deep inside that it's closer to a van than we would like to admit.

We would like to make a decision this week.  Once you're used to two cars, it's hard to survive with only one.  Wish us luck!  And if you have any non-mini-van advice please do share!

Sunday Drive by SunnyDayPics via etsy

pretty pieces for a pretty morning

The sun is shining and I finally had a fabulous sleep last night... if you asked Andrew he may feel otherwise as he was relegated to a guest room.  We had to try something as I was at my lack of sleep breaking point... and it was a success.  I am hoping this is a very short temporary phase!

To go along with this lovely sunny day I am sharing some lovely bright and pretty pieces that I stumbled on during my various online browsing stints while in indoor hibernation mode...

Astor Long Double Bead Necklace by Jess LC

Byzantium Mosaic Necklace via Anthropologie

Warp Whirl Cuff via Anthropologie

Aged Leaf Ring via Anthropologie

Unimaginable Distances Necklace via Anthroplogie

Happy Friday!

i'll take the snow if spring is on its way!

It has been snowing all day.  I realize that we haven't been hit as hard as other regions but it is still bad in my mind.  Anything cold, wet and frozen falling from the sky is bad in my books.  There is hope... apparently the groundhog predicted that spring is on its way. 

via The Dancing Maenad

I sure hope the little critter is right!

flawless

I have been researching, testing, and experimenting with products for the better part of my life, all in a never-ending attempt to achieve flawless, near perfect skin.  I have won at times and come pretty close to the goal... other times have been less successful and then other times have been downright horrific... now would likely fall between less successful and horrific.  I tried every prescribe-able drug when I was younger, took natural herbs and drugs over the course of the last year and even eliminated complete food groups all in hopes of visible results. 

There was a glimmer of hope for a few months pre-ivf but of course I guessed that the in vitro drugs would wreak havok on my progress and I was right... unfortunately.  Well pregnancy is a whole new game and with two babies growing I also get to enjoy double the hormones.... which to make a long story short translates into double or triple the skin problems.

I am trying not to care... I am trying to keep my eye on the prize(s) and not to focus on vanity.  So I am now looking past the skin care and on to the hiding of said issues. 

I need a new liquid foundation....now....

I've tried several formulations from several brands over the years... the closest I have come to perfection is Laura Geller's Phenomenal Foundation in light.  My issue with this specifically is that it is hard to get in Canada.  Sephora used to carry it but they stopped about a year ago.  I recently tried Zuii Organic's Certified Organic Flora Liquid Foundation but I find that it feels heavy on my skin and also causes my face to itch which can't be good.  So now I am back at square one.  I am currently debating Shiseido's Dual Balancing Foundation but would really love to hear some suggestions.

I need something that feels light and airy with buildable coverage, keeping in mind that my skin is super sensitive and has major issues.

help please...

Oh to have such flawless skin!  Melanie Laurent via Vanity Fair