:: itzbeen or journal? ::

Glow Baby Journal - $15.99 at Dearborn Baby

Itzbeen Baby Timer - $34.99 at Dearborn Baby

Baby is almost here! Knowing that I will need to track a couple things (feeding, diapering, sleeping) in his first months I am trying to decide whether to get the Itzbeen timer or one of these great GlowBaby journals. Any advice from the seasoned Mommies out there?

:: sarah richardson's fresh and bold nursery ::

all images via canadianfamily.ca

I love the bright, fresh look of all of Sarah Richardson's rooms, and I was so happy to catch the episode of Design Inc this weekend where she and her staff design this gorgeous room for her first child. She certainly kept to her "No bunnies" rule and created a beautiful, modern room that she will enjoy spending lots of time in.

:: make a wish come true - free shipping on small wish slings ::

Mompreneur Tracy of Small Wish emailed me this week to let me know about her beautiful slings, and the exciting news that she is offering FREE SHIPPING to Canada!

Not only are her slings stylish and beautiful for the baby-wearing mommy, all the proceeds are going towards helping Tracy adopt a baby girl from Ethiopia. Check out her website and Etsy shop to order a sling and make her small wish come true!

:: fashion friday - knuckleheads skivvies ::

These super cute skivvies from Knuckleheads are on special (in-store only) at Calgary's Ella Bella until Oct 31st for only $19.99! If you are not a fellow Calgarian, you can order them online at awesome online store Stylekid.ca for $24.95.

:: woodland wednesday - diy bird mobile ::

I am determined to try my hand at sewing the birds for this DIY bird mobile found at Spool's Blog. Isn't it gorgeous? I have a bunch of fabric I want to use up......now to find the time!

:: canadian company spotlight - thoughtspots ::

I have loved ThoughtSpots ever since I discovered them via TrueCuddles. These inspirational reminders are just the thing to help a new mom (or anyone for that matter) remember what really matters most!

I love the New Mom pack and Parenting Pack, and they have many more thoughts to inspire anyone on your gift-giving list (yes! I am already thinking about Christmas!).

I most recently saw Thought Spots featured in Clean Eating Magazine - what a great idea for someone trying to implement a new healthier lifestyle!

Founder Lynn (who lives in Oakville, Ontario) says:

How do I remind myself to stay on track and live according to what matters most?” was the question in my mind when the idea of creating Thought Spots™ was born. It sparked the need for me to design a life tool that would help other busy women to live true to their best intentions and build a strong inner voice. The idea then expanded in depth to include tools that could also motivate, inspire, teach, praise and be shared!

I have always enjoyed motivating and helping others to set and reach their goals. For years I have done this as a health professional and now I also find myself seeking to teach and motivate my kids, stay connected with my husband, inspire my family and friends, and of course, improve myself and reach my potential! I’ve always believed that you can choose how you want to see life and you can choose your thoughts - it is the one thing that is indeed up to you! Yet, I‘ve seen so many people struggle with their mind as it disrupts even their best intentions to create a healthier lifestyle, be happier, learn new things…and the list goes on. By creating simple, yet powerful reminders I knew it would help people to stay focused on what matters most to them.

I hope you enjoy using Thought Spots™ to stimulate a moment of reflection, prompt a discussion, motivate action, spark a new perspective, or simply, create a smile!

:: bringing the outdoors in - woodland baby nursery accessories ::

Long Cotton Log Bolster Pillows - $69

Grizzly Bear Bean Bag Chair - $159

These crazy realistic looking beanbag items are from Etsy Seller Chic Sin Design (note....her other designs are a bit.....questionable, but I like these two!)

I know my husband would LOVE the grizzly bear.

:: fashion friday - maternity winter jacket ::

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Calgary....with snow and cold weather making it's appearance last week. I found out I cannot zip up ANY of my winter jackets! BOO! With only 7 more weeks to go I did not really want to invest in a maternity jacket, but this gorgeous and roomy jacket from Joe fits the bill perfectly! And, I can wear it post baby - woot! It will look great with my stroller :p

:: woodland wednesday - birth announcements ::

I may be slightly birth announcement obsessed right now. I cannot wait for our little guy to get here! I love these birth announcements (since you know we love trees in this house!) from Etsy seller Announcing You.

:: pennant bunting banners everywhere ::

I love the idea of bunting banners in a nursery or children's room. They are so playful and festive! Etsy has oodles and oodles of them!

:: spotted at daddytypes - new ikea highchair ::

The intrepid dudes at DaddyTypes are always on the lookout for cool new baby gear. They spotted this jetsons-esque high chair at IKEA over the weekend....I love it! Might have to head out there today to see if Canadian stores have this model!

:: tiny prints birth announcements ::

I am in love with this TinyPrints birth announcement! I cannot wait to order our very own birth announcements.....only 7-9 more weeks!

Click on the TinyPrints ad on the sidebar to see more of their lovely designs for announcements, invitations and Christmas cards!

:: spotted at hostess with the mostess - woodland baby shower ::

Thanks to my friend Jen at Rambling Renovators for alerting me to this ADORABLE woodland baby shower-themed post at the Hostess with the Mostess' blog.

I am loving the woodgrain background and sweet little critters on these invites. Check out the picture-packed post for more inspiring ideas for a baby shower or birthday party!

This is my favourite website for unique and modern party planning ideas! Enjoy!

:: hushamok ::

Hushamok - $500

Hushamok Baby Swing Chair - $260

Le sigh. Fell in love with this at the Calgary Baby Show yesterday.....but holy expensive Batman! And the bassinette only works to 22 lbs, which could mean a short-lived use of the item if baby is big like daddy. I think the chair is pretty cool though, and it goes up to 50 lbs. I can totally see Toddler C hanging out in there watching Backyardigans. Cute.

:: 32 weeks ::

Once again, it's been too long since I did one of these updates! I am 32 weeks today. The little guy is about 17 inches long and almost 4 pounds, and he is kicking up a storm in there! He is starting to plump up in preperation for delivery and that means Mommy is hungry all the time!

Feeling: energetic in the mornings and moany, groany and tired in the evenings. I am lucky to make it past 9pm these days.

Sick?: Not as nauseous anymore, but the heartburn after eating is starting to get to me!

Cravings: Hearty foods. Oatmeal, Soups, Roast Beef and Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Pot Pie. Anything warm and fall/winter like.

Wishing for: a bigger selection of shoes. My feet have swelled and I now only have a small selection of shoes that fit. *tear*

Movement?: All the time. His little butt is always brushing around up near my ribs!

Reading: The Shack (thanks Amy!) and a plethora of books about newborns!

Favourite clothes right now: My Isabella Oliver Satin Bow dress. Still makes me feel pretty!

Current Project: Shopping for a new washer and dryer. Ours are ready to kick the bucket, and we know that we will be doing a looooot of laundry in the near future! Any suggestions?

Weight: up 25 pounds total. Gah.

:: whimsical rainbow walls - for those not afraid of lots of colour ::

Rainbow Room via Design*Sponge

When wedding stylist Joy Thigpen asked her 2 year old daughter, River, what colour they should paint her room, she proceeded to list every colour under the sun. This is the whimsical and gorgeous result. I am in LOVE with this look!

:: sweet peanut ::

Passing Lane Long Peanut Suit

Lily Pad Sweet Pea Gown
Peony Short Sleeve Pleat Dress


I am loving the colourful, hip, and 100% cotton designs from Sweet Peanut.
Available right here in Calgary at Ella Bella, i Bambini, Purr Petite and many other fine baby stores. To locate a location near you, click here.

:: diy fabric wall art ::

fabric panels on foam core - tutorial by Bella Dia

fabric wall art on wood frames tutorial at how about orange

Ah, the possibilities! Fabric wall art is a great, inexpensive way to add colour and style to any room in your house, but especially a child's room! I think the second photo's fabric is from Ikea....they have some wonderful large-scale printed fabrics there that would be perfect for this type of project.

For more fabric inspiration, check out one of my favourite online fabric stores - Fabricworm.