What's making me smile

{ Bouquet of orchids from the husband }

I recently picked up a DSLR camera and have been shooting everything in sight for practice. After reviewing the photos, I realized that I took pictures of things that make me happy. Here's a compilation of what's currently putting a smile on my face.

{ A Caramel Brulé latte in Starbucks' red holiday cup }

{ Cheap fashion thrills from Old Navy: cobalt jeans $7.50, gray leather stud belt $7.16, furry leopard belt $8.28 }

{ Finding Tarina Tarantino's Showroom lipstick at Sephora (I've been searching for this lipstick since April!) }

{ Decorating the house for Christmas, starting with a nutcracker from President's Choice }

Black Friday: Self Restraint

I've never partaken in the crazy Black Friday sales but I got a little caught up tonight. Some of the online sales started at 12am EST so for me that meant it was only 9pm on the West Coast! I ended up perusing the goods at Beyond the Rack (one word: danger). I put the following items into my virtual shopping bag because even if I don't check out with everything, I like holding things in my cart to get a sense of the money that I'm "saving." Am I alone in doing this? Maybe...

1. Vintage Louis Vuitton Accessory Pouch 305 in Monogram $129.99
This is in good condition for vintage. The hardware is noted as slightly tarnished, the outside has light signs of wear and the strap seams are slightly open in two areas. Original price is listed as $260.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Chanel Vitalumiere Eclat in Beige Tendre $56.99
I've been needing a new powder foundation ever since I broke my MAC Studio Fix and have been wanting to try Chanel's pressed powder for a change. Original price is listed at $70.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Chloe Paddington Small Shoulder Bag in Tan $1199.99
I've always loved any of the Paddington bags and shoes that Chloe designs. I've been on the hunt for the perfect cognac purse and this one has everything I'm looking for. Original price is listed at $1900.

 

So what did I walk away with? Drum roll please....NOTHING! I probably would've bought the Chanel powder but they only offered one shade and I have no idea what colour I am. And I was thisclose to buying the LV pouch. I punched in my credit card info and everything.

Sparkle and shine, it's party time

The spark of Christmas is in the air and that means the holiday parties are quickly approaching. For me, half of the fun is in getting ready. The first step is finding the perfect party dress with the right amount of shimmer, then complementing it with stylish stilettos and sophisticated jewels. Don't forget to outfit your mini-me with an equally fun frock and accessories that will glimmer into the night.

For Mama:
1. ModCloth Striking Gold Dress $104.99 USD
2. Blue Nile Freshwater Pearl Ribbon earrings $360 CAD
3. Christian Louboutin Lady Peep platform pumps approx $980 CAD
4. ASOS Feather Clutch Bag $45.68 CAD
5. YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick in Red Muse $34 USD

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Mini-Me:
1. Zara Ponti di Roma knit dress with feathers $39.90 CAD
2. Gap lurex rosette cardigan $35.96 CAD (on sale)
3. Payless girls' toddler bow Fiona ballet flat $8.99 USD (on sale)
4. The Children's Place sequin bow headband $5.95 CAD
5. H&M glittery tights $9.95 CAD

Gilt-y

I bought this raspberry Goodbyn Bynto lunchbox for Charlotte off of Gilt Groupe a few days ago. I've just recently started browsing their baby and kids section, and I have to say they have a stellar selection. Plus, they're currently offering free shipping for the holidays!

Anyways, I first saw the Goodbyns on Miss James' blog. I'm super excited for my Goodbyn to arrive and to start using it. It also comes in the original large lunchbox size but I don't think Charlotte will need that until she's off to elementary school (which will come in the blink of an eye *sniff sniff*).

The Bynto kit features three compartments and comes with an 8oz bottle and stickers to customize the lunchbox. It'll be perfect for packing lunch and snacks into one container without using plastic wrap. I'll post photos of it in use when it arrives!

For the Cookie Monsters

{ image via Shutterstock }

Did I get your attention? It certainly got mine when I was grocery shopping at Superstore. As I walked past the bakery I saw a sign that said "Free COOKIE." I walked closer and it turns out that their bakery gives anyone 10 years and under a free cookie as long as they're accompanied by an adult. I gingerly asked the lady behind the counter if Charlotte could have a cookie and lo and behold, she gave her one for free. The sign was not lying! If you live by a Real Canadian Superstore go check out their bakery department and see if they offer free cookies to kids. And if you don't have kids but are desperate for a free cookie, bring along a niece/nephew or one of your friend's kids. I won't judge.

Rain drops keep falling on my head...

Vancouver is notorious for its rain but it's not a bad thing; it's what keeps our air so fresh and our scenery lush. But when the seemingly endless rain starts to dampen your mood, inject some stylish pieces into your wardrobe (and mini-me's too).  Staying fashionably dry in the rain is sure to ward off the winter blues and might even get you jumping in puddles with your kids.

For Mama:
1. Zara Three Quarter Length Puffer $199 CAD
2. Burberry Studded Check Umbrella $297 CAD on sale
3. Hunter Watling Lace Up Matte Boots $185.38 CAD
4. Diane von Furstenberg Clarissa ruffled leather gloves $195 USD

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Mini-Me:
1. Kidorable polka dots rain coat $45 CAD
2. Hunter kids first rain boots $55 CAD
3. Western Chief Kids Hello Kitty umbrella $18 USD

Muffin Tin Meals

In my house, my husband is the cook. I definitely lucked out because I hate to cook and he's an excellent chef who loves to whip up delicious meals. Baking is my preferred territory. When I found these recipes for muffin frittatas and ham and cheese buttermilk breakfast muffins, I was ecstatic to make breakfast that didn't require any time cooking on the stove top. They're both quick and easy to make, and the perfect portion size for kids.

Facets of Fuschia

Loving this nail polish from Revlon's new Expressionists line. It's a perfect dupe for Deborah Lippmann's Bad Romance, with a more pocket-friendly price tag :)

The Very Best of Versace for H&M

I'm always excited to see H&M's designer collaborations, although I'm not one to line up when they launch. I've decided that I'm too old to wait in line for hours on end and let's face it, my 2-year-old is not that dedicated to fashion...yet.

The Versace for H&M collection stays true to what you would expect from the legendary fashion house, with vibrant prints, bright colours and sexy dresses. Most of the collection is a little loud for my taste but there are a few black and gold pieces that caught my eye:

The collection hits select stores on November 19. What are you excited to shop for?

1. Faux Fur Vest $79.95

2. Silk Skirt $149

3. Silk Dress $179

4. Ring $24.95

5. Leather Belt $129

6. Suede Boots $179

Sweet November

Anyone who knows me knows that I dislike the month of November with a passion. The short, dark days, lack of fun holidays and overall gloomy weather makes November the black hole of the year for me. However, this year it has actually been quite cheerful because the sun has been gracing us with its presence. I decided to enjoy the second day of this normally depressing month with a walk to the park with Charlotte.

Seeing her play and having fun made me appreciate the day that much more. November, you may win me over yet.

Fall Wardrobe Wish List

Now that Fall has hit Vancouver, the air is feeling crisp and the leaves are turning gorgeous shades of red, yellow and orange. This change in seasons has got me looking for wardrobe items with warm colours and textured fabrics for both myself and my mini-me. I'm currently coveting faux fur, animal prints, leather, and anything cognac, white or gold.

For Mama:

1. Alexander McQueen leopard and skull print scarf $475

2. Gap snakeskin print legging jeans $69.95

3. West Avenue Jewelry gold medium monogram necklace $160

4. Aldo "Boro" over-the-knee leather boot $180

5. Elie Tahari "Vanessa" leather jacket $395

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Mini-Me:

1. Old Navy leopard wool coat $44.94

2. Gymboree glitter snowflake tights 2 for $20

3. Joe Fresh turtleneck sweater dress $22

4. H&M faux suede and fur boots $34.95