Wednesday 31 December 2014

Wardrobe Wednesday- New Year's Eve at the Cabin

Happy New Year's Eve!  We are heading to my parent's cabin to celebrate with fun in the snow!  This outfit is super warm and easy to move in (for cross country skiing).  I wish you all a pleasant and safe evening!  See you in 2015!


Monday 29 December 2014

Back to Normal- Sort of...

After the rush of Christmas, I didn't get much done in the way of minimizing projects.  I thought that I would tell you about Christmas in regards to our minimalism.

Before Christmas, we each asked our families to not do adult gifts (or at least to not include us in them!).  This was fairly well-received.  We also asked that anyone buying for Miss. E keep the gifts minimal and mostly practical.

I was petrified that we would end up with a mountain of toys and things that Miss. E truly doesn't need.  I also did not want Hubby and I to end up with a bunch of things that we didn't need.

Everyone was very respectful of our minimalism requests.  Miss. E received outfits (so great!), socks, and books (always welcome!).  She received a handful of toys, but nothing outrageous.  It was so nice that our families respected our wishes and it took away a lot of stress for us.  We will definitely do the minimalist Christmas again!

If you are feeling like your holiday season is becoming overwhelmed with "things", you may want to consider this approach.  Even just cutting back can feel freeing.  It worked well for our families.  We got to focus on family and enjoying our time with one another.  It was wonderful!  And truth be told, Miss E. just wanted time with her family, to play with the wrapping paper (and try to eat it!) and to play with the large plastic ladle that someone handed her.  I hope that we can raise her to know meaningful holidays.  Holidays that focus on family and laughter, not on stuff.

I hope you all had a lovely holiday.


Friday 26 December 2014

Friday!

Hi Everyone!

I usually link up with Lauren Elizabeth's blog, but I see she hasn't posted today.  So, I have decided to say the five things that I was most grateful for over this holiday season!

1.)  A perfect Christmas morning with Hubby and Miss. E.  It was a beautiful way to start the day.  We had breakfast and opened gifts.  Miss. E was quite enamored with her new toy!

2.) Safe travels.  My in-laws made it to our house safe and sound.  The weather was great for traveling!

3.)  All of the grandparents.   Elizabeth is so very lucky to have two sets of grandparents who love her very much!  It was wonderful to watch them spend time with her, cuddling, playing and even napping!

4.)  The uncles (and aunt!).  Our brothers and my brother's girlfriend are fantastic with Miss. E and they all make her so happy.  They are always willing to play and make faces!

5.)  Peace.  I felt such a deep peace this holiday season.  I am so blessed and I am loving every moment.  I thank God every day for blessing me with Miss. E.  I am so thankful to be a mother.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Wednesday 24 December 2014

Wardrobe Wednesday- Christmas Eve Edition

Merry Christmas (Eve)!  I have two outfits for you today.  One is a more casual outfit that I wore shopping last weekend.  I think it would go well with casual Christmas events, as well.  Especially if your family isn't the type to dress up!  My second outfit is a bit dressier.  I love to wear dresses and skirts, so Christmas is that perfect excuse!

Outfit #1:



Remember how I said I threw my black faux leather jacket back into the rotation?  Well, here it is!  It adds shape to outfits and in this unusually warm weather, it is all the jacket I need!  This outfit is super easy to wear (comfortable!), but still looks put together!  I love the red!  So festive at this time of year!

Outfit #2:  (Please excuse the terrible selfies.  Hubby had to work and couldn't take pictures for me!)



I love this outfit.  In the second picture I was trying to show you how cute this skirt is!  Pleats!  I love it!  It is flowy and fun to wear.  It also seems to do a good job masking the leftover baby belly that I am still working on.  The sleeveless top is nice because it always seems to get so hot when we have a ton of people over!  The black shooties blend nicely and polish of the outfit.

Do you have an outfit to share?  Perhaps your holiday outfit?  Tweet me @peacefulsimple with your #wardrobewednesday outfit!


Merry Christmas!  Happy Holidays!  I wish you all a wonderful Christmas.  May it be filled with love, laughter and peace.  Please be safe out there!  We will see you on Friday!

Monday 22 December 2014

Handmade Christmas Gifts

I made my handmade gifts this weekend (talk about last minute!).  They were very simple and I am really happy with how they turned out.  Both Hubby's family and my family decided not to do gifts for the adults, this year.  BUT, I know that they are all planning to buy for our daughter.  I decided to make a simple, sentimental gift for the family that would be "from" Elizabeth.  I made each set of Grandparents a Christmas ornament and each Uncle a fridge magnet.

Christmas Ornaments:


You will need a clear plastic ornament, a photo, scrapbook paper, photo safe adhesive and an object that you want to enclose.

I used the scrapbook paper to make a "barrier" between the photo and the baby sock.  I cut the paper and photo to size and inserted it into the ornament.  I had to roll the paper and photo to insert and then I unrolled them once they were in the ornament.  On the other side, I put in one of Miss. E's socks from her newborn stage (I can't believe these were too big on her at first!).

This gift is extremely easy to customize.  You could include a picture of your honey and you at a concert and include the ticket stubs.  You could do a pet themed one for the pet lover in your life.  The possibilities are endless!

Here is my final result (front & back).  The total cost of this gift was about $2.30 each.


 I made magnets for the Uncles using 4" X 4" mini canvas panels.  I used the canvas panels, infant safe ink (be sure to buy ink that is specifically designed for use on infant skin) and magnetic adhesive dots.


I first painted Miss. E's foot with the ink and, with Hubby's help (help is important if you don't want ink absolutely everywhere!), stamped her foot on the canvas panels.


I washed her foot while the canvas panels were drying.  It didn't take long for them to dry!


I added her birth date and her name.  (I put her full name, but for privacy I only included her first in the photo.)


I stuck the magnets on the back and presto!  All done!  Super easy!  This craft cost about $3.48 for each panel.

I was pleased with how the gifts turned out.  I hope my recipients like them!


I will be back on Wednesday for a double edition of #wardrobewednesday to make up for last week's lack of planning!





Thursday 18 December 2014

High Five For Friday!

Oh, what a week it has been!  I have been suffering with severe nasal congestion and sinus pain.  I also threw my neck out of whack.  It has been an uncomfortable week, to say the least.  I am on the mend and feel much better today!  I am always thankful when these ailments pass quickly.  It truly makes me appreciate how good I usually feel!  Here is my High Five For Friday:

1.)  Feeling better! (see above.  Enough said.)

2.)  My daughter had a 6 month follow-up appointment with her cardiologist.  I was worried sick going into the appointment.  She had some issues with her heart when she was born.  People have a valve that is open in utero that is supposed to snap closed when they are born.  Miss. E's valve didn't close when she was born, nor was it closed when we left the NICU.  The doctors thought that it might be contributing to some of the problems she had after birth.  Miss. E's cardiologist informed us that everything now looks "perfectly normal".  It was music to my ears.  I am so happy that the valve closed and that we can carry on.

3.)  My parents kept our dog when we went to the cardiologist appointment (it was an overnight trip to the city).  They were so wonderful to take the dog when I couldn't find her any other accommodation for the night.  We appreciate them helping us out!

4.)  My husband was able to elicit fits of giggles out of our daughter.  He was making funny noises and faces at her.  She was laughing so hard!  That got me laughing pretty hard, as well.  Who can resist a child's laughter?  It was a beautiful moment!

5.)  Our Christmas cards are done and dusted.  Er.... Written and sent away!  Everyone got pretty much the same message because I was trying to get them done as quickly as possible.  I left them to the last minute this year, so here is hoping that they make it on time!

How was your week?  Link up at thelaurenelizabeth.com to join in!


Whew! What a Week!

I missed doing ALL of my posts this week!  I apologize if you came to read and were disappointed.  My daughter had follow-up appointments and I was sick (great combo, eh?).  I will do the regular Friday post and try to make up the other posts next week with my holiday crafts (2 more!) and 2 outfits for "Wardrobe Wednesday".

I apologize for the lack of posts.  I didn't plan in advance.  I feel a New Year's resolution coming on!

Friday 12 December 2014

High Five for Friday!

Okay, so I am super late, as per usual.  Fridays seem to be crazy!  Here is my week's highlights!

1.) We got our Christmas tree and decorations up this week!  It looks so festive and Miss E. loves the tree lights.  Unfortunately, so does the cat!  It has been interesting, to say the least!

2.). Our photographer held a "Santa Day" and Miss. E got her photo taken with Santa.  It was so much fun!

3.) Miss E. Has taken to rolling all over the place. She has a look of pure glee when she gets from point A to point B.

4.) The weather has been absolutely gorgeous!  We got out and enjoyed the sunshine.

5.) I created a new gallery wall in my living room and I absolutely LOVE how it turned out!  It looks awesome!

How was your week?  Link up at thelaurenelizabeth.com to join in!

Wednesday 10 December 2014

Wardrobe Wednesday- Casual and Cozy

I  was telling you how cold it is here lately.  The weather has decided to give us a break.  It is above 0 degrees Celsius again!  Practically tropical in these parts!  This outfit today is both warm and easy to get around in.  The wool shawl is super warm and the belt helps keep it closed when I am out in the wind.



The outfit looks good, even without the shawl on and is super practical.  I love my boots!  They are cute and easy to walk around in.  The low, chunky heel keeps me upright.  

I have added my faux leather jacket back into the mix.  I needed to have something to help add shape to outfits and I needed a jacket for these warmer temperatures, where my big winter coats are just too warm.

I hope you are all having a great week!  Tweet me @peacefulsimple and show me your #wardrobewednesdays look!

Monday 8 December 2014

Handmade Gifts for The Holidays- Part 1

I decided to try out the Pinterest idea of "Sharpie" mugs.  I made a mug for Hubby's stocking.  I also made two other mugs for fun!  I used a quote from my hubby's favourite show on his mug.  I made a "romantic" mug with a heart and a nerdy mug featuring one of my favourite fictional characters.  Sharpie mugs are super easy, especially if you have any artistic talent.  (Which I don't!)

You will need to buy a plain mug.  I bought white mugs, but I am sure that any colour would work, as long as your Sharpie colour contrasts with the mug colour.  You will also need oil-based Sharpie paint pen.  (Not a regular Sharpie.)  I found mine at Michael's.

Step #1:  Draw your design or write your message on the mug.

Step#2:  Allow the mug to cure for 48 hours.

Step #3:  This is a step that I skipped for now.  I won't be putting mugs in the dishwasher and I read that if you let the mugs cure for 48 hours they will hold up just fine.  Many people suggested baking the mugs to set the design.  Apparently, this will make your mugs stand the use of the dishwasher.  Place the mugs into a COLD oven.  Set your temperature to 450 degrees fahrenheit.  Allow the mugs to "preheat" along with the oven and then bake for 45 minutes.  When the mugs are baked, turn the oven off.  Let the mugs cool down inside the oven.  After the mugs and oven are completely cooled, remove the mugs.


Here are my mugs:


The mugs were fun to make.  If I were to do it again, I would fit the quote on one "side" of the mug.  I wrapped my quotes around and I don't love the effect!  I would also take more time planning my mugs and executing the plan.  I was "winging it" and I think it shows!  I know Hubby will get a kick out of his mug and it was a fun craft to try.  I would definitely do it again!



Have you done the Sharpie mugs?  What worked best for you?

Friday 5 December 2014

High Five For Friday!

It has been a lovely week!  I am so excited for the weekend!  Here is my week's top 5 highlights:

1.)  I won a gift bag of goodies from my local grocery store.  It is all junk food, but it was exciting to win something!  I may have indulged a bit... 

2.)  I ordered my daughter's 6 month photos.  The photographer who did them is so fantastic!  It was hard to narrow down the choices.

3.)  Miss. E is rolling over and back, now.  She is also starting to attempt crawling.  It isn't working so far, but it is amazing to watch her grow and develop!

4.)  I have kept all of my "health" goals this week.  I am trying to challenge myself because I tend to forget to keep up my healthy habits.  I find that making one easy goal a week is a good way make sure I am living a healthy lifestyle.  Hopefully it will all become second nature, soon!

5.)  We got to celebrate my Mom's birthday with her last Friday and it was a lot of fun!  Elizabeth loves spending time with her grandparents and I love seeing them with her.  My Mom is an amazing woman and I am so happy that we are as close as we are!  I am grateful to have such an awesome lady in my life!

How was your week?  Link up at thelaurenelizabeth.com to join in!

Wednesday 3 December 2014

Errand Running Outfit- Wardrobe Wednesdays




Every time I put on leggings I think, "Why do people hate the legging trend?".  And then I go out into the world and see people wearing nearly see through leggings.  I can see all of their lumps, bumps (we all have them!) and their underwear!  That's when I realized that not all leggings are created equal.  If you want to jump on the legging bandwagon you should check that the leggings you purchase are made from thick material that is not see through once they are on your body.  I also suggest sticking to neutral colours, unless you are normally crazy for patterns.  It is easier to pass leggings off as regular pants if they are black, grey or dark brown.

This outfit is super comfortable and warm!  It consists of my black, long-sleeved breastfeeding top, black leggings, riding boots, plaid scarf and a black skinny belt.  The belted scarf elevates these clothes into an "outfit" looks put together when you are running around grabbing groceries or the mail.  The scarf adds a layer of coziness and it can be adjusted to add more warmth.  Basically, it is the appropriate way to wear a blanket in public!  I was out for lunch the other day and there was a nasty draft coming through the window.  I was wearing this outfit so I just tugged the sides of the scarf down over my arms and I stayed warm!

I apologize for the crappy picture.  I plan to get Hubby to take the next one so that it is easier to see the outfit!  I also went back to my "accessories" post and added in the belts that I wear with my outfits.  i missed them, somehow!

What is your favourite errand running outfit?  Use #wardrobewednesdays and tweet me @peacefulsimple!  I would love to see your outfits!

Monday 1 December 2014

Winter Capsule Wardrobe-Accessories

I went through my winter accessories and selected the ones that would become part of my winter capsule wardrobe.  I kept two coats.  A long black coat and a short, grey, plaid coat.  My black one is dressy enough for an occasion, but also warm.  It has been cold here!  Over the past weekend it was -30 degrees Celcius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit), therefore, function has to come before fashion (although I like the look of both jackets).  I have 4 pairs of boots, 4 scarves, 2 pairs of gloves, 1 pair of mitts, and 2 toques (Canadian lingo for winter hat).  I also selected a few pieces of jewelry and 5 belts to wear with my winter wardrobes.  These pieces will be added to my regular jewelry (wedding ring set, E ring, and diamond stud earrings).

My jackets:

Boots:


Left to Right:
Sorel Winter walking boots, Hush Puppies lace up brown booties (they have a convenient zipper on the side) , black shooties from Reitmans and black Henri Pierre riding boots

I have ordered a replacement for my riding boots.  They were fantastic, but they are 5 years old and my pregnant feet stretched them out last year!

Scarves, Mitts, and Toques:


Since having my daughter last May, I feel like half of my brain left for an extended vacation!  I also have a pair of black Isotoner gloves (just like the red ones above), but they are not in the picture above because I managed to misplace them over the weekend!  Hopefully they turn up soon!

I tried to pick sparkly jewelry for the holidays.  I feel like the holidays simply beg for sparkle!  I also included some simple hoops, my Cross necklace, my Fossil watch and two dainty bracelets.



Belts are super important for certain outfits.  They can pull a look together and they can give you a defined shape!  These are the belts that I own:



These are the accessories that I will be sticking with for the Winter season.  I certainly hope I planned well!  On Wednesday I will reveal my first Winter outfit!