capsule wardrobe?? less is more!

2 words- Capsule wardrobe

I enjoy fashion, I'm by far not at the height of it but i enjoy my share of looking good but more importantly feeling comfortable is priority. 

Once i became a mom and vanishing time and money collided with my new 'bod' it was a quick realization that my familiar 'diverse' wardrobe wasn't communicating with my current times. 

When trying to find my new 'style' (don't let me fool you) i came across a concept of a CAPSULE WARDROBE - that less is more in the wardrobe department. Ive been at it for just over a year now and i adore the concept and can't imagine going back- I'm not diehard yet..but I'm getting that way. 

It all began when I found a vlog by Madam Chic, and although she is far more 'Chic' than I - she inspired me to allow this idea to fit into my wardrobe. My high quality pieces are more target & old navy than chanel but it works for me and my life. 

This is where it all began for me... lessons & tutorial here

Madam Chic TED talk - 10 item wardrobe

The Daily Connoisseur YouTube channel

Key pieces that you enjoy that offer good fit and suit your lifestyle are the building blocks here. 

Each season (we have mostly 2 here in canada with a few oddities in-between) has a wardrobe and basics typically travel, i.e.: grey t-shirt, white cardigan, navy skinnies.. 

Each seasons wardrobe has a certain amount of items that meet all lifestyle needs and transcend seasons as previously mentioned.

So lets get into it...

My life as a stay at home mom is vastly different from that of a downtown professional therefore our needs and wants are likely opposite. I need moveable pieces that can migrate from playdate to Dr. appointments, picnics at playgrounds to the mall..all while still feeling me. 

This must be a foregone concept in our more is more society as everyone whom I've shared this with thinks I'm simply crazy! I think its genius. here are just a few benefits... 

- getting ready is a breeze, everything goes together 

- less laundry (amen) 

- overall saving money as most pieces are better than usual quality so they last longer 

- time saver on getting ready 

So heres a peek at what is in my capsule wardrobe for SPRING/SUMMER 2015 

(details below) 

Each season is a learning curve and is never really completed- its not a hard and fast rule about what can and can't be in your wardrobe, its your own rules.. i have a few other pieces that i call 'add ons' that accent pieces and add some fun. Heres an idea what those look like 

My inspiration was watercolour blues and i just feel good in blue. 

If your wanting to see how i put outfits together - i can make a separate post on that 

Hope this inspires you to simplify- in this area and others 

Capsule Wardrobe = Freedom & Less laundry and who doesn't love that! 

-All T shirts (navy, grey, cornflower blue) are from Target (R.I.P sweet target here- Canada misses you) as well as denim dress, and spotted shorts

-White Cardi and tank are from Old Navy as well as floral scarf & pink reversible tote

http://oldnavy.gapcanada.ca/browse/category.do?cid=20408#style=60783

-Denim Jacket is old from Bootleggers 

https://www.bootlegger.com/dylan-light-stonewash-9124DYLANLSWA.html?dwvar_9124DYLANLSWA_colour=light%20stone%20wash#start=1

- Pattered pants & printed tunic are from H&M 

http://www.hm.com/ca/product/84106?article=84106-F#article=84106-G

-Bracelets are Alex & Ani 

https://www.alexandani.com

-Navy Toms are from Toms 

http://www.toms.ca/?cid=ps_cabrand&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=toms&utm_campaign=CA+-+Brand+-+Head+Terms+-+Exact&utm_content=svNtDEdsn_dc%7Cpcrid%7C44861263909%7Cpkw%7Ctoms%7Cpmt%7Ce%7C

-Sandals are Birkenstocks from soft moc

http://www.softmoc.com/ca/birkenstock/?wt.mc_id=36&gclid=cjwkeajw_misbrctunpfomqu4ngsjacrjv1vhez0nfbi3w1zcmn5p9c-qaok0hxd4pchio5ysil9lxocgplw_wcb

-Other finds are similar and i got my versions at Winners

cinderelly, cinderelly...

having the opportunity to be staying at home with my little is a blessing however I'm really wondering how I ever managed both working and home management and my heart and exhaustion goes out to those trying to balance it all. 
Since I became a stay-at-home-mom we decided it was going to be part of my job title to keep thing (finally) organized and clean. I mean that stay on top of it before it over takes your life kind of clean. 
Im no miracle worker and I play hooky from time to time but this cleaning schedule has really been a great resource in keeping my house tidy. Ill share my pretty version I created with you all here (cause it just makes it funner that way) 

This is a simplified version but for each day I have created this routine that can be done am or pm so it doesn't take all day and can keep nap time free for getting ready, blogging, eating lunch, catching up on other chores etc.. Try not to plan the whole day into cleaning - I like to keep some free time to play and follow my littles lead 

along with this schedule i try to do something each week that is out of the ordinary you will see this in the weekly category. Its the ever nice to complete but doesn't always get done.. 

Hope this will help you create a little balance and clean up you life - Enjoy! 

naptime is the new happy hour

Happy Sunday to all!!!!

Good cookies from Miss Kay

The kitchen really is my happy place, my kitchen to me is what a garage is to my husband- unfortunately and fortunately (guess depends how you look at it) it isn't a hidden away spot of recluse. Its smack dab in the middle of chaos. 
But on those rare occasions when the moon and stars align I'm allowed to play and try and zen just me and my kitchen. 
(the same kind of rambling occurs in the kitchen as well except in the end its sometimes cookies, and then i eat them) 

SO.... my latest cookbook obsession is this Miss Kay's (yes from Duck Commander) Cookbook. 
This is my first and simplest trial- but i think you can learn a lot from a chocolate chip cookie. 
I love Miss Kay and when i saw this little beauty at homesense for a deal- i had to have it. 
She didn't disappoint.Good Job. Amazing really- I made 3 batches (after we ate the trial) and they are probably the best 'go to' simple recipe. Not healthy just good, kids and husbands keep coming back for more kind. 

Soft and moist, easy to make, simple, quick, delicious, well, you had me at cookie... 

 

As Miss Kay calls them 

'Grandmas Chocolate Chip Cookies'

(Miss Kay says they make 12, but i easily got double that, god bless southern portions)

-2 Sticks (1/2 pound) butter or margarine, softened 

-3/4 cup white sugar 

-3/4 cup packed brown sugar (either light or dark) 

-1 lrg egg 

-2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 

-1 tspn baking soda 

-1/2 tspn salt 

-1 cup coarsely chopped pecans 

-2 cups chocolate chips 

personally i left out the nuts and i found this was way too many chocolate chips 

(i know, i didn't believe there to be a thing) 

1) heat oven to 375 F 

2) with electric mixer, beat eggs, sugars and egg until creamy 

3) sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Add to the butter mixture and stir in by hand buts and chips

4) drop onto ungreased cookie sheets, 2 inches apart 

5) bake 8-10 minutes until light brown. 

DO NOT OVERCOOK- this is paramount. The centres will be soft and glorious. 

Cool slightly on cookie sheets and remove to a cooling rack- then if you can wait for the chocolate to harden - good for you - otherwise go ahead and burn your sweet lips, these babies are worth it! 

mmm mmm a little south in my mouth- ill be catching up with Kay again soon 

Dont cry over dirty underpants (its only potty training)

there comes a messy and tumultuous time in every mommas life when they attempt and see to it..potty training! 

My little and i started this journey a few months ago and i am happy to report we have not had to buy new wardrobes, do bathroom renos, or bleach the entire house. 

We have had accidents and thats ok (and thats what none tells you). Here are some things that have been truer than true for us...

1 its going to take awhile 

When you see those pins, ads, books, hear THOSE stories, do as any 'Realistic' mother would and turn your head, block your ears and listen to your gut and your kid. 

There is NO, i repeat NO formula for your situation and your child. Just be patient. Your going to have setbacks- but thats ok. just be patient, just be patient.... 

We started because my little was interested and we thought 'Lets do this!'. What i didn't realize was that its not an overnight, weekend, heck even month long process- like all good things in life- it comes with sweet time... 

We have been at it for 3 months now and 99% of the time we are doing our business in the potty directed by my little. I guess i hadn't thought much about it (more below) but i didn't know what to expect as this was my first and so i was surprised that it can on average take 6 months to a year, or longer to complete the switch a roo from diapers to underwear full time 

(Disclaminer: we do wear pull-ups at nighttime and on long road trips for now- i think I'm more nervous than my kid to pull the plug on this one) 

 its not as bad as you think its going to be...

I remember the moment when my little went to the potty his first time, and i wasn't ready for it. Sure on the outside i was all (WOO! YEA! PROUD OF YOU! AWESOME DUDE!) but on the inside i wanted to cling to those cute little baby powder scented diapers and stay within the confines of what i knew. But like the rest of motherhood i was thrown headfirst (no pun intended) into the next phase in my toddlers bathroom career...

Sure we have had a tiny poop on the carpet, a little pee on the floor but these things are less of a cause for concern when you have previously owned pets. (if you don't have a pet- a toddler is a close enough comparison)

But people get scary and try to install the fear about it- but its ok, just be prepared - always prepared! 

2 go BIG on rewards

I believe each kid is different when it comes to what they feel excited by and what rewards them. For my little, aside from the happy dance, that is treats, the kind you eat. 

He loves to eat and have something new and you know what- thats ok in our house. We like mini m & m`s! If you prefer stickers, toys, trips whatever but cater it to your little, they are doing (some) of the hard work and its a big milestone- so celebrate in a way that is meaningful to them 

3 don't waste your money 

Potty training is a money trap. There are lots of things you don't need but then there are a few you do. Spend wisley. 

Here are my suggestions: 

POTTY SEAT: MUNCHKIN ARM & HAMMER SECURE COMFORT 

Potty Seat is a must- we bought actually quite a few different ones, but after MUCH research (your welcome) this is my vote. 
We opted for the seat vs potty as longterm they will be using the toilet and not those cutesy disney versions- I'm going with the real throne.

I love this one, Its easy to clean, easy to use, simple for decor (cuteness matters) and is fuss free. It must be good cause i couldn't find it anywhere - i did end up ordering it on amazon but grandma got one at ikea, its pretty close in comparison and offers great value for a second seat at grandmas house - $10 ish?

This seat comes in blue and green and there is a small freshener that clips into the back, thats not whats awesome about it, i could care less really. Its the simplest, easy to clean seat i could find on the market. It is one piece plastic construction and the undercarriage is all easily accessible to be cleaned and washed. 

UNLIKE those plush character ones littering every potty training section from here to timbuck too.

(Those are straight nasty, unsanitary wastes of money- google it, too gross to mention) 

PORTABLE POTTY SEAT 

Ok this one isn't really a necessity but its proven to be a pretty great investment and will be on my gift list for every 2 year old in the near future. Its a portable potty seat that can be used free standing or on any pottyseat. We use this bad boy in the trailer for camping, road trips, hotels, restaurants, it lives in the car and we love it! Its less bulky than carrying around one of these full size bad boys (even though we know your bag is big enough) and somehow seems less dirty. 

Munchkin Arm & Hammer secure comfort potty seat 

http://www.amazon.ca/Munchkin-11442-Hammer-Comfort-Assorted/dp/B00674S1Y0

IKEA version with step stool 

http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/10272788/

Kalencom 2 in 1 Potette Plus Portable potty seat 

http://www.amazon.ca/Kalencom-2-in-1-Potette-Plus-Red/dp/B0016KV73W

STEP STOOL

Self explanatory and not as fussy- but pick one thats easy to clean, that your littles can move and that you like, this treasure will be living in your home for years to come. 

WIPES: DISINFECTING & FLUSHABLES 

This is where you will spend your hard earned dollars. Wipes my friend. 

I leave lysol disinfecting wipes in the bathroom at all times for potty wiping, floor wiping, counter wiping, seat wiping, step stool wiping- well you get the idea...

Also I found flushable wipes work best for #2 and are safe(er) for the sewers. 

Of course there is a time and place for baby wipes but in-between- these are lifesavers 

These can both be purchased in bulk at your local costco. 

And girl, your gunna wanna stock up. 

GOOD 'UNDEROO'S' (as we call them in my house) 

Well fitting & comfort is what your after here. 

We like (although very pricey) the underwear from Gymboree. Its is a great cotton, washes well and is a great fit for his little body. 

It was hard finding small enough underwear for my little (sz 2) but these are great and the fun prints make them exciting to him. 

I have had to throw out 1 pair due to 'unfortunate happenings' but thats gunna happen... let it go and don't cry over dirty underoos.

http://www.gymboree.com/shop/dept_category.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374303047969

McToddlers

how wonderful you have joined me – today going to dive into the world of toddlers. What to do with them, how to keep them alive and strive to keep their happiness before tantrum hood…You are the keeper of a fragile balance and you better have snacks.

Looking backwards i can see a trail of exhaustion, an overwhelming sense of doom and confusion that followed me like little messy feet . Thus confusion has now lifted into what i like to call experience, no I’m not an expert but i do have a few things that really stick out…

1) FEED, SLEEP, COMMUNICATE

FEED- Don’t go ANYWHERE without SNACKS. You have a toddler, it is now a right of passage that snacks live in every car you own, every purse you carry, diaper bags, glove boxes, snack trays, wagons.. you get the idea. Snacks have 2 functions, to nourish your kid and keep them busy. Try your best to make healthy choices but more often than not- stale cheerios will do just fine.

I was blessed with a toddler, (like his father) seems to be allergic to vegetables in their natural state. So -i camouflage . Zucchini muffins, Green smoothies, those overpriced squeezes (yea yea i know i can make it but really..) but it all works, and then there is weekly mcdonalds; que gasping mothers everywhere. Only kidding but it is a good value, break from the boredom of repititious (that a word?) toddler meals. Also can’t beat that its conveniently located inside the neighbourhood walmart during grocery getaways. They get a toy and I don’t have to prep, clean and referee lunchtime.

But Serious, fed toddlers are happier toddlers. Invest in as many little ziplock/tupperware/dollar store containers as you can and keep them well stocked momma. 

SLEEP-Kids need rest. You do too… so get them to sleep/nap/quiet time as many times as they will take. (Of course within reason, life happened and there are going to be things, events, dates you don’t want to miss but I’m talking about the other 99% of the time).. Looking back i think that i made this a priority and although i had to miss a few playdates and scheduled appointments later or earlier in the day – we both ended up a little happier because of it. I had a chance to rest, catch up on life, pin… it all worked out and i still think nap times & bedtimes are uber important because those little rascals are growing and need the downtime.

COMMUNICATE- Toddlers may be tiny but they are smart and understand far more than we give them credit for. I have learnt this on many of occasions… I find that the times where i have communicated clearly with my little about what will be going on, what we have planned, why we are doing this, when we are doing this, etc.. things have gone FAR more smoothly!!! Littles brains take in so much stimui and are constantly learning cause and reaction so why not apply that lesson here. ‘Momma doesn’t want you to do that because you could get hurt and then momma would be sad..’, ‘We need to get groceries so we can make supper and fill our tummies and be healthy, and we are blessed to be able to do so’, ‘don’t lick your shoes because you walk on the floor and there are germs’. Of course they don’t need a textbook explanation but a cause and effect (in my experience) has prepared my little with understanding about what is happening. If we break it down to the simplicity of that- ‘WHAT IS HAPPENING??’ more than likely they don’t have a clue WHY or often WHAT.