April 29, 2012

Slow Cooker Chili

Bought a slow cooker just before starting the job-ola and its come in very handily.  We probably end up using it once a week (for my work late days).

Here is a Chili Recipe that I’ve messed around with based on a mix of my moms and my mom-in-law’s recipes…(note the cocoa powder…makes a big difference)

Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 large, diced
1 green pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 jalapenos, chopped (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 T chili powder
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/8-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
1 T unsweetened cocoa powder
2 14 oz can diced tomatoes (unsalted)

1 can corn kernels

1 can red kidney beans

8 oz beef stock

salt

pepper

Garnishes
sour cream
shredded cheddar
sliced green onions
tortilla chips


Lightly spray the inside of the crock with cooking spray. Throw everything into the slow cooker, cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or high heat for 4-5 hours.

Go to work, deal with a ridiculous commute with agitated toddler who doesn’t nap at daycare anymore on way home, open door and voila…the yummy smell of ready-made dinner greets you and takes your blood pressure down a notch.

Serve with garnishes.

 

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April 18, 2012

Egads! My Baby’s Disappeared!

where did the time go?

Before you put out a 911 emerg call, H is totally fine and (hopefully) asleep in his room right now.  But, as you can see from the pic above…I came to the shocking conclusion that he is no longer a baby!

Tres obvious, I know.  But it’s like when you’re growing your hair and it seems like its taking forever and then bam – a year later you’re walking around with a full-on mane and you didn’t even realize.

Time plays tricks on you, and I’ve found this to be especially true as a parent.

From the early days where everything is a speedy blur of feedings, sleepings, cryings, changings…to a few months in, when every hour seems like its an eternity…to right now where, 18 months later we have a full-grown toddler on our hands.

H has had his outspoken and enthusiastic personality from the get-go.  Amplify that by 900 and you’ve got an active, super happy (unless sick) lil dood.  I realized today (when he was running down a hill, falling and laughing…then doing it a trillion times over) that he was a total boy.  And I felt a smidge of a choke-up as he ran away from me instead of crawling towards me.

But overall I am just completely amazed that time has flown by (they always tell you it does, but trust me…for real…it does!!!) and I’m happy that we’ve managed to ‘cherish the moments’ as per the wise advice of many an experienced parental unit.

Its just totally bizarre and awesome – Toddler time and everything that comes with it :)

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April 14, 2012

Sickie-Holster

image courtesy of googleimages

The Sickie-Holster:

Holds 3 thermometers (thermal/infra-red forehead scanner model, digital ear and good ole-fashioned regular), Baby Tylenol, Baby Advil (need both for alternating during a bad fever), Baby Benadryl, nose aspirator, saline solution, saline wipes, Babyvicks rub, various medicine droppers/plungers/cuppies, Pedialyte, sippy-cup, bottle, Pacis since toddler reverts to babyhood while sick, tablet/laptop for googling symptoms and nearest after hours kids clinic, bottle of wine for stressed out parents…

This tool would be useful if it existed because, as you may have guessed…this weekend will be one spent nursing H back to health…AGAIN. We’ve gone through a rough patch the past few months where he has had 2 bouts of pink eye, ear infection, flu, colds (though these barely count as being sick anymore), cough, fevers of up to 104.5….and now…the lovely HFMD (hand foot and mouth disease).

Though I love H’s daycare (or as he calls it, ‘skoo’) we are definitely going through that phase that everybody warned us about where he is catching what seems like every virus around.  Its so hard to see the little guy go through all of this (at one point, while popping out 4 new molars at the same time…FML)  There’s not much we can do for most of these things except give him tons of love and try to keep him as comfortable as possible.  Its totally the pits to see your little guy or gal unwell and I’ve found that its that much worse as a working mom – nothing quite like getting the call from daycare while you’re in the middle of a meeting that already makes you want to claw your eyes out.

However, if there is one thing all this sickness has taught me, its that H is a resilient lil dude and a super trooper through it all.  He still manages to crack a smile (currently one filled with mouth sores thanks to HFMD) or wink his crusty lil eye (damn you, conjuctivitis!) and is thoughtful enough to weakly make it over to his big sister Sammie and offer her a treat.

We’ve been lucky enough to make it to 15 months before he had his first real fever and a few runny noses, rashes and fevers are definitely not the end of the world so I am trying to take it all in stride.  Was just feeling a bit angsty about the whole thing but – looking forward to healthier days ahead!

I hope that all of you are having a much healthier weekend, with no dreaming of sickie-holsters at all!

 

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April 12, 2012

Back into the swing…

of things!

Have finally….FINALLY…been able to come up for some air after what seems like a very hectic and super-fast-like-lightning few months.  After being absent for this long from blogging, tweeting and basically any form of social media (Facebook doesn’t count since its more of a primary mode of communication these days) I think I’m back in action…

Its not that I haven’t thought (often) about posting or have been lacking in inspiration.  There have been many a time where I’ve started and then stopped a post… the commitment-phobe in me didn’t want to get back on track ’til I knew I could make a decent effort at regular posting.

The quick and dirty recap of the past coupla months:

-  I’ve actually been loving being back at work full-time.  I work with a great group of peeps in a fast-paced environment doing something that I enjoy…even if at times it can be a shitstorm super-stressful, for the most part its actually pretty awesome.

- H has been *KNOCK ON WOOD* *throw salt over shoulder* *fingers crossed* having an absolute bizzall at daycare.  He transitioned like a champ and hasn’t looked back since *argh so scared to jinx myself!* So far, he has set a record at the daycare when last week he ate 5 servings of lasagne for lunch. Yeesh.

- The art of juggling career, child, husband, family and friends (oh yeah…and myself!) has me in constant awe of anybody who manages to do so with their sanity intact.  Its a daily miracle if I show up to work in a clean blazer with cookie-free hair.

Well anyways, I come to you (if there are, in fact, any of you left!) with cap in hand asking for forgiveness for my lacklustre blogging activities…hopefully I can be entertaining in the coming months with some fun new style features, H’s many adventures and some insights into the world of a newly working mom.

 

After a hard day at work...big smiles :)

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February 8, 2012

Thoughts on Biz Caj

biz caj or just caj?! via janehasajob.com

A heck of a lot since the last time I posted!

Life can be a little cray (that’s right, cray!) sometimes and ya just gotta roll with it.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as a SAHM with H but the time has come to throw some heels on and get back into the workforce.

H is on Day 3 of full-time daycare and the process has been a bit insane but honestly – he is so resilient and seems to enjoy it already!  He has made it easier for me than I expected, though the anxieties before actually starting were at an all-time high.  He has been such a star and so very brave that I feel very, very fortunate.

We found a facility that we all love with teachers that make us feel uber comfortable.  H even has a male teacher who he instantly bonded with (he’s such a guys’ guy!) so that definitely helped.

I managed to get a job working at in communications…that’s right – a job in the actual field that I got a degree in…who knew ;)  I start the new gig this week and its with a mixture of nervousness and excitement that I’m going into it.  Definitely a bit of a change from being self-employed but I am ready to jump right in and see what is in store for me.

A new job equals a terrific excuse to go shopping.   Business casual is not a look I had much (or at all) of in my existing wardrobe so it was time to hit the streets in search of some great basics that would help me navigate the corporate jungle.

So, what does one need to lay the foundation for a great work wardrobe that won’t make you collapse into a bored heap on the boardroom floor?!

I figure its best to start off basic and build my way up.

1 great quality black blazer – tailored within an inch of my life and not trendy at all. Investment piece.

1 more laidback charcoal blazer with sleeves destined to be rolled/scrunched up.

1 black cardigan

1 hot pink cardigan

1 charcoal cashmere cardi

2 pairs black dress pants – 1 long, flowy, medium weight; the other cropped to ankle, tailored in to be slim fitting.

1 pair charcoal trousers

2 skirts

A few work appropriate dresses – now here I found it hard to be restrained.  It was a fine balance between purchasing something I loved but that would stand out more and thus not be usable in a 2 or 3 wk rotation and then getting something so plain that I would be dying to spill some white-out on it to give it a little character.  Luckily FCUK had some good options that were right in between.

A myriad of tops/blouses/camisoles

Some pumps, some booties.

I actually didn’t realize the fun you could have putting together work-appropriate attire!  Though I’m sure in about 2 weeks time when I am scrambling to get H out of the door while trying to throw food into the slow cooker and remembering to turn on the dishwasher that managing to grab anything that matches and is clean will be a feat in itself.

What are your thoughts on office attire? What do you wear as your ‘Fail-Proof’ work outfit?!  Would love to know…

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December 30, 2011

Another Year Gone By

 

time blurring on by

I suppose its a bit cliche but New Years Eve this year will be a time of reflection for moi.

Maybe years gone by would have been witness to a broken heel, perhaps some eyeliner smeared across a cheek or some such similar symbol of a drunken good time.  But since this year will be spent snuggling with my boys – champers in hand, fuzzy socks on, natch – I’ll have some time to think about how the year was and what some resolutions could be.

I used to be resolutely (har har) anti-resolution because I guess its a bit forced and most people tend to forget by March what it was they were improving anyways.

Anyways having said that, no time like the present to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) and figure out what I would love to try to work on this year:

1. Patience – One of the major lessons I’ve learned from being a parent so far is how to have patience.  In many respects I’m one of the most impatient people around.  I’d love to be able to let go more and just go with the flow.

2. Buying Ridiculous Baby Stuff – I love my baby gear as much as the next person (okay fine, maybe a tad more) but the shopaholic in me has led to some pretty silly purchases that have sat unused in the back of H’s closet with tags still attached.  Since having a child can be costly enough, I vow to try to cut down on unnecessary baby-related products! (note the exclamation mark, I am really quite emphatic about this one)

3. Making More Me Time – I know this seems like it shouldn’t really be a NY reso but it is for this mama.  As a new mom I think I felt that the only person who could give H the proper care was me.  This inevitably led to unavoidable super crustiness and irritability from being overtired and feeling like I was ‘doing everything’. Now that he’s entered toddlerhood I realize I need to take it down a notch and let go so that I can get some Me time.  This will be helpful I’m sure in avoiding martyr-like declarations of “I never have time to myself!”

4. Drink more water. I’m SO bad at this.

5.  Be more diligent about posting. I’ve been a bit scattered lately about that and I apologize! (again, the exclamation mark)

6. Remember and Be Thankful – As much as times can be tough, I think its paramount to take a step back and remember what to be thankful for and how lucky we are.  You can eat some crackers with this cheese but it really is true.

Anyways – I really hope that all of youse have enjoyed some QT with your fam and friends and that whatever the New Year brings that we can face it all with courage, strength, grace and a smile!

Next thing  ya know, we’ll all be 80 and sitting around kvetching about the good ole days…so Happy New Year and enjoy it!

Enjoy this video of my girl crush. Possibly the cutest rendition I’ve heard of this song.

 

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December 20, 2011

Gingerbread Homes Inspiration

Its been a hectic Holidaze season, though I know that’s no excuse for not posting!  So I do apologize and hope that this post chock full of gingy house inspiration will help to make up for it :)

via flickr.com

I know owls are possibly the most played-out animal amongst the handmade crowd but I still love em!  These simple gingy homes are waiting for a big bite :)

via marthastewart.com

If you’ve been following the blog (or know me at all) you’d know that my fave colour combo is red, white and black.  Again, a really cute and simple house here but keeping a consistent colour theme and putting it up on a pedestal really ‘elevates’ the style factor. Ba dum dum.

via decoratedcookieblog

Speaking of colour!  The button motif pushes up the cuteness factor by about 500 notches. I don’t know what those red liquorice bush-type things are in the front but I know they look super cuddly and remind me of yarn!

via ameliespaperie

Beautiful painting and a cool bird-house spinoff make this retro gingy home a major hit.  When H saw this one he tried to lick the screen so I’d say its looking preeeetty yum.

via notmartha

As if my daily coffee fixes weren’t good enough on their own…here comes a neato idea where you can get your caffeine and sugar fix all in one single fell swoop. Thanks notmartha! You rock.

via marthastewart

As much as we like to hate on the impregnable force that is known as Martha Stewart she has some damned cute holiday ideas and here is another one.

Making a gingerbread house can be a simple and fun project with the younger kiddos – graham crackers and easy peasy candy decorations. While yours may not come out looking as pristine and crisp as the above, having some holiday fun is all that matters.

You may note that my own version does not make an appearance in this post. H is in his crazy toddler, walking/running phase which means its been a joyride getting all the holiday prep done while keeping his curious little mind out of trouble! So, in other words, we didn’t get around to it :) But I’m definitely gunning for next year!

Hope you all have an amazing Holidaze and find some time to enjoy your friends, family, good food, wine and good convo because I know we will!

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November 28, 2011

Rent Frock Repeat: Review & Discount Code!

A few weeks ago I posted an interview featuring Canadian company, Rent Frock Repeat, that allows women to ‘release their inner runway’ by renting high-end designer dresses for special occasions.  For a wedding this past weekend, I had a chance to rent a fabulous frock and try this service out.

via tibi.com

This was the fun and flirty jacquard Tibi navy/bronze dress I rented.  The courier arrived exactly when they said they would and I excitedly ripped open my package to try on my frock.  One amazing aspect of the website is that they allow you to rent 2 of the same dress in two different sizes (second dress is free) so that you can ensure you get the correct size.  Unfortunately for me – the sizing just didn’t work out despite the two dresses I had!  The measurements on the website were correct – it was actually a fluke that I had been losing some extra poundage courtesy of running around after H all day/night.  Combine that with a strapless design and you have the dreaded scenario of constantly pulling up your dress all night!

I got the best possible customer service when I spoke to Lisa – she rushed over a variety of dresses for me that same evening so that I would definitely be able to find something.  I really felt the owners care about each and every customer and want to see them happy in a dress that flatters them, fits well and makes them sparkle!

Brand: Rent Frock Repeat

MSRP:  Varies depending on dress

Key Features:  

- Choose from top designer dresses to rent for either a 4 or 8 day period

- Professional dry-cleaning (Creeds), courier service and return paid postage included

- Dress inventory updated often (at least every season)

I Love It Because:  Aside from the most excellent customer service I’ve received in forever, I truly found the entire RFR experience to be easy, quick, convenient but mostly – FUN!  ’Shopping’ the frocks online was awesome and made it very easy to figure out what I was looking for since they use models of different shapes and sizes.  Another great thing I loved was that each dress was styled in a variety of ways so that you could get ideas for how you would wear your dress based on accessories you already own.  Included was this super cute Thank You note along with a care package with some useful Night Out treats:

Also handy was the above checklist which let you know that your dress had been inspected and how to care for it.  The dress that I did end up going with was an absolute hit!  A blush pink Peter Soronen (who dresses none other than Michelle Obama BTW ;) it was a sexy, short and sassy number that normally would not have been on my radar at all.  However, the beauty of this website is that you can feel confident trying out something you perhaps wouldn’t be drawn to since the whole element of ‘dress up’ has been taken up a notch.  It surely helps that this dress which regularly retails for $1695, rents out for $250 – you can feel like a superstar for a night even if you’re on a much smaller budget.  Hubby managed to snap a photo right before we headed out…(of course, H was having his first epic meltdown in forever, the cab had arrived, I couldn’t find my clutch and something was burning in the oven…no joke!):

But I Wish It Had:  As far as the service, ease of the website and selection and quality of dresses available I would have to say RFR is lacking in nothing!  However, my one wish is that they invest in some edgier, more fashion forward pieces.  I was able to find plenty to choose from for a fun night out as ‘Glam Me’ ‘Sexy Me’ and ‘Girly Me’  but if I were to use this service more often (and with weddings stacking up quickly already for 2012 it would make sense!) I would love to have some dresses that reflect my own personal style a bit more.  Also, having a tiered membership with added extra benefits or bonus treats where you could stack up Free rentals after renting 5, 10 or 20 dresses or some similar feature would be a great incentive!

So, Reco or No?  YES all the way.  I was pleasantly surprised by how vehemently I was recommending RFR to everyone who complimented me on the dress that night!  Being an avid dress shopper and owning gorgeous frocks of my own I really wasn’t sure how I would feel about having to send back the dress I rented.  Or even renting a garment that somebody else has worn already for that matter.  But from the crisp, clean and (super important to my sensitive nose) scent-free dresses that were couriered to me to the tons of compliments I got for wearing something I perhaps wouldn’t buy….can’t really say anything but YES!! I guess flattery DOES get you somewhere ;)  For this Holiday season why reuse the same ole LBD when you can dazzle and shine in something new and gorgeous instead?

DISCOUNT TIME! Wanna try it for yourself?  If you haven’t already taken advantage, Rent Frock Repeat is offering readers 15% off their first rental until Nov 30th use STYLNMOM.  You can reserve a dress for an event up to 4 months down the line using this code.

Happy Dress Renting!ax

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November 24, 2011

The StylnMommy Holiday Dress Guide

If there’s ever a time to break out the heels and glitz its the holidays.  Its great to pair a fab top with some amazing jeans but there really is nothing like a dress when you want to spiff yourself up.  Here are some of my faves from this season:

via alicebytemperley.com $595 CDN

This Alice by Temperley dress has enough sparkle without making you look like you should be hanging off an xmas tree.  I love a rich navy dress too – its subtle, classy and can be worn year after year.

via wilfred.com $115

Silky, hot pink and simple.  Can be worn either as a tunic over leather leggings for a festive night of drinks on the town or with bare legs and heels, piling on the accessories.  Can be found at aritzia or the wilfred boutique.

via hm.com $388

If you were lucky enough to snag some of the Versace for H&M collection then maybe you already have this LBD in your dress arsenal.  I like anything black, leather and studded so this is basically the perfect little dress for moi. Unfortunately I didn’t manage to fight the crowds to get anything from this collection.  The conservative tailoring balances out the fact that its (pl)leather.

via tibi.com $462

Tibi is a great brand for dresses for any occasion.  In fact, I’m wearing one this weekend courtesy of Rent Frock Repeat  to a wedding that M and I are going to.  This black and white Roccoco print says holiday without smashing it over your head.  The back is low cut and sexy and the slightly unusual silhouette gives this dress some edge.

via bcbg.com $278

Speaking of being smashed over the head – if you’re looking to make an impact in a big way then you may as well go green, sparkly and short.  You won’t have any trouble finding a partner under the mistletoe since this dress will be luring em in as you walk/shimmer by.

via guess.com $78

I’m still into lace in a major way.  The little sleeves take this Guess dress from skank to swank.  Keep it chic with monochromatic accessories, an oversized clutch and some killer heels.

via bananarepublic.ca $89

It really isn’t a Holiday dress guide without some gold.  If you want to go for the gold but don’t want to stick out like a string of tinsel – maybe choose something like this from Banana Republic.   You can belt it but i’d leave it as is and go for a bit of a flapper vibe complete with bare face and red lips.

via shopbop.com $866

Here is the amped up version of the BR dress.  You’ve still got a subtle gold shimmery effect but its been done in true black swan style with a bustier and a full skirt.  Available at shopbop.com (which btw can ship to Canada in 3 days).  Its pricey but unforgettable.

via anthropologie.ca $388

For all the Audrey Hepburn types out there, head on over to Anthropologie where you can find this dress and many more like it.  The boatneck just screams for a huge statement necklace and if your feet are tired from all the heels-only events you’ve been racking up, this dress looks super cute with a pair of ballet flats.

via jacob.ca $79

Most of the time I look at Jacob as being somewhere you can reliably pick up some slacks for work. (though who really calls them slacks anymore?! I mean pants.)  However if you have a holiday party at work and changing into a sequin-encrusted gown seems like it just won’t fly, then maybe you could pick up a classic sweater dress.  Worn with opaque black tights and a blazer you can get away with wearing this during the day at work.  When its time to clock out you can breezily take off the blazer, slip on some heels, do a makeup refresher and you’re good to go.  They have this dress in red too but it felt a bit too elfy.

via freepeople.com $717

I’ve been on the search for a gorgeous long gown that isn’t a maxi and still gives the body some shape.  This Free People gown is super sexy while still being long.  It’s got the perfect combination of hard and soft with the metallic bustier top and the gauzy and light skirt.  You could rock these with some converse and you’d still be the belle of the ball.

Hopefully this gave some inspiration towards finding that perfect dress for the myriad of holiday events you’re sure to be attending this season.  Whether its a family brunch, New Years Eve party, holiday dinner with friends or a night out for drinks – this time of year is a major one for getting together and rehashing the year so why not do so while looking frocking great.

 

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November 18, 2011

The StylnMommy Holiday Gift Guide

I’m a huge fan of the holidays.  I know some folks start bah-humbugging when the red and green decor goes up on November 1st (as orange and black is cast aside for yet another year) but not this mama.  The festive season really gets the planner in me excited – lists, organizing get togethers, planning parties, figuring out menus…love it.

I had a really tough time figuring out a format this Gift Guide – would I do Top 10 items for Women, Men, Kids?  What about Best Fashion, Home Decor, Pet, Lifestyle gifts? Best & Worst?  Under $50? Over $500?

When it comes down to it, the options for Gift Guides are endless – so I figured, why not just find some lovely things that I would want to receive in my stocking and leave it at that!  So if you need help figuring out what to get for a female in your life…hopefully this will help.  Or if worse comes to worse you know what to send over to StylnMommy ;)

via teatroverde.com

Some Christian LaCroix notecards.  As much as I embrace technology (let’s face it, I’m lost without my Blackberry) I’m a strong believer in the authenticity of a handwritten card or note.  These ones will make any fashion-lover smile and are $15.95 at Teatro Verde.

via stltowine.com

The holidays are about cozying up with fam and friends and a great evening is always had with some STLTO wine.  I held off for a long time on trying this brand since I felt it was super gimmicky but once I did I became a diehard fan of the red.  This gift set is a great hostess gift – for just under $20 you’re getting a bottle of quality vino with a scarf! Can’t go wrong.

via sephora.com

Its always fun to dabble with some arts & crafts and one way to let loose your creative juices is on the canvas God (or whoever you believe in) gave ya.  A gorgeous looking eye-shadow set from Stila is worth $366 and is selling at Sephora for the ridonk price of $39.

via gap.com

Before you pooh-pooh my choice of including Uggs in my guide, take a closer look.  These beauts are actually super comfy and cute slippers from the Gap.  What I especially love about these is that you can’t accidentally trip on the stairs while carrying a squirming toddler around since they slip fully on like boots.  $34.95. Just add a fireplace and let the yuletide snuggles begin.

via anthropologie.ca

Since we are in maximum snuggle-mode here is the ultimate robe.  I don’t go for gauzy, silky and light robes.  When I want to lounge out we’re talking sherpa, fleece and warmth, baby!  Slippers, robe and hot mug of something. Ahhhh. Oh right, this is $98 at anthropologie. Almost fell asleep there just thinking about the coziness.

via purdys.com

Sweet treats are the way to many people’s hearts.  You just can’t go wrong with this Peppermint Bark from Purdy’s.  I did a review on Purdy’s earlier this year and let me tell you – ever since I just can’t go to any other chocolatier.  These are $8.95 and wrapped in a pretty red bow.  Great little stocking stuffer. For stuffing your face.

via luved.ca

I love clothing that’s named after people. This is the Owen by Canadian company, Luved Clothing.  I’ve always been a huge fan of stuff you can wear pre-baby, while prego, and post-baby and Luved pieces all fit this criteria.  The new collection is simply divine and each wrap/cardi can be worn by women of all shapes and sizes hence being the perfect item of clothing to purchase for someone else since size really doesn’t matter.  $99 and available online or at the upcoming One of a Kind Show in Toronto.

via bobetteandbelle.com

I actually wasn’t done with my sweet treats suggestions just yet ;)  Here are just a few of the absolutely stunning cupcakes you can get from Bobbette and Belle.  Almost too good looking to eat. Almost.

via revolveclothing.com

For the modern girl about town a boring ole nylon bag just won’t cut it.  Check out this leopard version of a laptop bag. $89 will have you carting your techie goods around like a seasoned NYFW-er.  Available at revolveclothing.com

via joefresh.com

Sometimes all you are looking for is just that extra little something to add some sparkle (but not too much) to your holiday outfit. Voila – a subtle yet stylish cuff from none other than your fave homegrown Joe Fresh.  Where else but Canada can you pick up some produce and a great outfit at the same time? (Okay, ya got me… NYC…but you get the point) $14.  I also loved many of the necklaces too.

via hm.ca

Not sure what to get that finicky teen in your life?  Being irresponsible and fashion-savvy are pretty common traits for many a teen girl.  So replacing her nth pair of lost gloves with these should have you up for Best Mom/Auntie/Cuz.  Available at H&M for$14.95.

via sephora.com

This time of year hands (and any other body part covered in skin) get extremely chappy and dry.  And nobody likes to shake hands with a turtle so any lady in your life would appreciate this gift.  It has the lovely smell of something fresh without the offense of, say, a Body Shop gift set. Sorry. Had to do it.  Anyhoo – this brand of hand cream is actually one of the better ones I’ve tried and leaves skin soft and moisturized without greasiness or goop. $40 for this set which is worth $50.

via cook-book.com

I’ve had the pleasure of taking a cooking class at Dish with Trish Magwood and I thoroughly enjoyed her simplicity and sense of humour.  And her cooking’s not bad either.  Here’s a refreshing take on entertaining at home, something many of us will be undertaking this holiday season.  And she’s Canadian to boot! Available at the Cookbook Store (my absolute fave place to get lost and browse in on a Sunday afternoon) $44.95

So there you have it folks!  Hope this Guide sparked some holiday spirit and gave you some ideas to make that next shopping trip a teensy bit less stressful :)  Because after all – tis the season of giving! And all that jazz.

Posted in Stylin Finds, Thoughts, Ponderings, General Stuff | 2 Comments »

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