I'm Alive.... I Promise!

Wow, I feel like I've dropped off the blogging planet. However, I have finally decided to get back on the saddle.

It's been far too long since I've blogged. I miss it but I also am loving all the things that are keeping me from blogging. Life has been busy. I'm picking up shifts at a new job that I love. I'm working at 3 West, a sports bar and grill in Fort Erie. I seriously never thought I'd be so happy at a job in my life. Granted it's not 100% full time but I rarely complain about going to work and I'm shocked. I realize it's not many folks life long goal to work in a bar but I have never been happier and could see myself being quite content here for quite some time.

As far as the family life is concerned, M is fully potty trained now!!! I didn't think I'd ever get to say that sentence. It has seriously been the hardest thing in my parenting career to date. But in true M fashion she did it in her own time, when SHE was ready and we couldn't be happier or more proud of our peanut. Speaking of peanuts, M is starting soccer this month and 'a peanut' is her offical title in the league. She has her cleats, shin pads, soccer socks and no sense of direction or ability to stay focused on the task at hand. Her first 'game' is Saturday and I'm so excited!! She, on the otherhand, has no idea whats in store. This should be interesting.

So now that you know I'm still here and not pushing up daisies I hope you'll remain loyal and continue to follow me on my journey. I hope to get back to blogging at least once a week on topics that are relevant to moms and fashionistas alike.

XO
Amber

Book Review: Yummy Mummy Manifesto by Anna Johnson

Many of you may have seen a recent purchase of mine on my Facebook page.  I purchased the book “The Yummy Mummy Manifesto”. I bought it for a whopping $5.99 at chapters and I am now set on purchasing a copy for every mom-to-be in my life.

It talks about everything from pregnancy to the not so hot shape you are in post baby and the ‘going back to work’ guilt. The author, Anna Johnson, is a mommy herself so you can trust that she speaks from a place of knowledge and understanding.

“... this book provides something for every new mother or hot mama-to-be, covering breastfeeding basics, dressing the in-between body, emotional road blocks, quirky milestones…”

I really love how relatable it is. Even though I am not pregnant or even trying to get pregnant I find comfort in the each chapter. It’s knowing that there are other moms out there who felt the same way at various stages in pregnancy and motherhood. I also enjoyed that Anna Johnson has the same outlook on being a mom as I do. She lets you know it’s ok to still be who you are and keep your sense of self while caring for the amazing new person in your life.

I especially love the chapter on dressing for the in-between body. You have given birth to your buddle of joy so maternity clothes are a no-go but you can’t get away with your pre-prego wardrobe quite yet. She states that regardless of how long it’s taking you to lose the baby weight, finding a style that works for the shape you are now is key to feeling like a hot mama.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is having a baby or has just had a baby. Even though M is nearing age 3 I still purchased this book and enjoyed it. After all what mom doesn’t want to be a yummy mummy?

XO

Amber

It's the freakin weekend!

Hi all,

I haven't done an OOTW lately but I'll bring it back soon - my apologies.

I did however do some window shopping this week. I went into one of my favourite stores, Dynamite. I love the clothing there. They make great pieces that are versatile and what I consider an easy ensemble. What I mean by 'easy ensemble' is an outfit that doesn't require much effort to put together but looks like you put a lot of thought into it. I definitely think that there is something for everyone at that store. Whether you are a working woman in an office setting or a stay at home mom in need of a comfy, on-the-go look you will find it there. I really love the new items they have this season. I especially love their colourful blazers. I own a couple black blazers and a beige one. They are a major fashion staple in my wardrobe. However, I have my eyes set on a blazer of a different colour. I love the crisp clean look of white but the girly girl inside me screams 'try on the hot pink one'. I'm torn. They also had green and purple blazers.

Trying to not get ahead of myself I decided to try on just the white one and see what I thought. I paired it with black leggings and a white scoop neck t-shirt with a bit of gathering on the sides, a very flattering t-shirt.

I loved this look. It felt so comfortable and I could wear it with wedges for a lunch with friends, ballet flats for running around with M, or heels for a work situation. The end result was that the blazer is definetly on my wish list and so is the t-shirt. I feel like I'd get more use out of a white blazer as opposed to the pink or green or purple.

How do you all feel about a white on white look?

In other news, I'm so happy it's the weekend. I can finally decompress and unwind. Tomorrow I'n going to a baby shower of a close friend of mine. She's expecting a girl so I'm sure there will be many an 'awww, so cute' outfit for the little pumkin. They start off us girls so early in terms of wanting nice clothes and a desire to look good. It starts while still in the womb. Oh my!

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

XO

Amber

Kardashian Kollection love affair

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm obsessed with the Kardashians. I have my likes and dislikes about each member but overall I love them! That's why I was super excited when I heard they started their own clothing line for Sears, Kardashian Kollection. While this is old news now I still wanted to blog about it. When the line first debuted last year I didn't really care for most of the pieces. I thought the prints looked cheap and the product wasn't worth the money. I  wasn't  forming an option from an online perspective either. I had actually ventured into a Sears store (US only for now) and physically looked at the clothing. I just wasn't willing to spend my money on something that I was only buying for the name on the label.

Fast forward to now. I was browsing the Kollection online and 'added' several pieces to my shopping cart. I love online shopping carts. I view them as a wish list of what I want. I treat them as though I can put whatever I desire in them with no commitment to actually purchase. It's fun to dream. It's my favourite way to shop!

The items of clothing I added are amazing! I'm loving the Kollection more and more. I think the Kardashians are choosing better prints, styles, and fabrics. The clothing is evolving into something great instead of just so-so. I'm interested to see what the next season(s) have in store for the Kardashian Kollection.

Here are some of the pieces that, if I had unlimited funds, would be in my closet, like... yesterday.

For pricing and more items, check out the whole line at: Sears Kardashian Kollection

What do you all think about the new items in the Kollection?

Do think they are getting better at developing the line?

XO
Amber

Playing dress up and other things

Watching M play is one of the funniest, cutest, and healthy doses reality. You see, when I watch M play I really take note of what she's doing. She's making lunch for her dolls, she's grocery shopping, she's cleaning, she's rocking a baby to sleep, she's playing dress up and as of late she's going out to 'pick up the dog poop'.  If this was the list of what I had to do in a day I'm pretty sure I'd be kicking and screaming through most of it. However,  M acts out the daily life of an adult because she, like many children, just can't wait to grow up. She wants to be just like mommy and do what mommy does. She will pick up her purse, put on her boots and 'go to walmart'. I only wish that could pretend to be a grown up 24/7. Maybe if I pretended to do everything on my 'to do' list then real life might seem more fun.

Playing dress up for instance. If I ventured into my closet one afternoon and tried on a bunch of outfits then perhaps when I wake the next morning getting dressed might not seem so daunting of a task. Even self proclaimed fashionistas, like myself, stare hopelessly into their closets and think 'I have nothing to wear'. On days like that I'd much rather leave the house in yoga pants and a tank top than a well put together ensemble.

 What would happen if I went to the grocery store and picked up a bunch of items without thinking about price, nutritional value, or if it's on my grocery list? I can guarantee I'd leave the store less stressed about money and not thinking about what kind of meals I can prepare with what I just bought.

Making lunch for dolls would be perfect. There would never be a complaint that onions made their way onto the plate or that there isn't enough meat in the recipe.

 Picking up the dog poop? Well, I don't think there is any amout of pretending that can make task a fun one!

My point is that if we all took a little time to observe our children or our friends children we might learn something from them. I vote that we all should implement the best thing kids partake in, nap time. Every company should have that in their policy and procedures manual.

A Maxi Dress for a Mini Fashionista

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I love dressing my little girl. From the moment a women gets pregnant and finds out she’s expecting a girl she can’t resist the sight of a cute outfit to dress up the little miss. I am that woman who can’t walk away from  a cute outfit for my cute little miss.

My mother-in-law is also guilty of seeing irresistibly cute clothing and needing to purchase it for her one and only grand-daughter.  About 99% of the time we see eye to eye on what would look good on M. There is the odd time I dislike something she purchases, I am after all a bit picky.Thank goodness she understands and can suggest a return or exchange when needed. This happened recently with a package of clothing for Easter. I loved everything in it from the white skinny jeans to the polka dot

t-shirt. However, I didn’t exactly love the black and white plaid shorts. She encouraged me to find something else I liked better.

She bought them from the Joe Fresh line, a clothing line we both love. I knew I’d find something to exchange the shorts for. I cannot sing enough praises about the clothing from Joe Fresh. The clothes fit true to size for kids and adults alike. The majority of what M wears is from Joe. I have a love affair with the kids’ clothes but also the work out gear for adults. Both are amazingly priced and of good quality, something that makes me one happy mama!

 I had my mind set of a pair of pink ballet flats until I saw something much, MUCH better. It was an adorable pink and white striped, cotton maxi dress. SOLD! It was something that I wish came in my size.  I couldn’t wait to dress her up in it.

M is wearing head to toe Joe

The following day it just happened to be warm enough to lether wear it. We paired it with grey ballet flats and a grey cardigan. She had officially out dressed me… and I was beyond ok with that.

XO

Amber

Heels, Hairspray and Hissy-fits is on FACEBOOK!!!

Hi everyone!

I wish I could have posted some Easter outfit pictures from earlier in the week but I’ve been struck with a bad cold that has landed me on the couch…in pajamas. I wasn’t up for doing much this past weekend.  It was inevitable that I would get sick. M was sick last week and I never learn my lesson. When she catches a bug or a cold I tend to kiss her more and get closer to comfort her. I then end up sick myself.

On a happier note, I decided to extend my blog and share it on Facebook. I hope to use it as a way to connect with those who read my blog but aren’t part of my close group of friends in the social networking world.

If you want to check out my new Facebook page search ‘Heels, Hairspray, and Hissyfits.” Be sure to ‘LIKE’ my page and stay tuned for updates.

Hope everyone had a great weekend and hopefully I’ll feel better to blog more by the weekend.

XO

Amber