#motherhood inspired
Whenever we have family come to visit us in Calgary, we transform into tour guides, trying to show off the beautiful province that we live in. It’s a vacation for them and a staycation for us. This past weekend, we headed to the Canadian Rocky Mountains to explore the crystal clear lake waters that make Alberta famous. If you haven’t been here, then come experience a little bit of heaven on earth.
As the frugal fashionista that I am, finding great deals is definitely my thing. I get so many outfit questions and most people are surprised to learn where I shop the most: not the expensive brand name stores that you’d expect from a fashion blogger but the well-priced stores that offer good quality at good prices. It’s all about how out take a simple dress, customize it and make it your own. Add a little glam to your style, even on a budget! Here’s how to take an $8 dress and make it look like an $80 dress…
I’ve been waiting almost a year to be able to share photos of the time that my son and I spent on set, filming AMC’s Hell On Wheels. So with the final few episodes now airing and Cooper’s big debut revealed, I’m excited to finally share some stories and photos from our amazing experience.
Let me first say that there is nothing like being a part of the magic of show business…
This week I’m sharing my first video hair tutorial! I was way out of my comfort zone in creating a YouTube video but I always find tutorials way easier to follow when you can see the flow from beginning to end.
I LOVE the Pull Through Side French Braid. I always hear people saying that they want the dutch braid hairstyle but they don’t know how to French braid. So here is your answer: this is the cheater version that yields the same look withOUT having to braid.
It’s a new summer season, and time for a new pineapple shirt. I am a sucker for flamingos and pineapples so its hard to resist the shopping temptation when I come across one or the other. Ask my neighbour, I just put those plastic flamingos in my garden. They aren’t tacky right?
Jeans – Garage (ON SALE for $24.50!) / The NANCY crochet cowl scarf – Harper’s Hats / Tunic Shirt – Express or this one too! / Boots – last season from Geox but I like these from Aldo (ON SALE for $55!) and these from Nordstrom / Jamberry Nails – Serendipity / Lipstick – Rimmel Lasting Finish #107 / Bracelet – Stella & Dot “Caddy Wrap” / Crochet Pattern for Cowl
I took these photos two weeks ago in hopes of showcasing afew items to help you transition your wardrobe into the spring season. Then, the following day my Mom unexpectedlypassed away. The inexplicable grief I
have experienced made me put my whole life on hold. Today, I am finally feeling the strength to
blog again and I know she would want me to keep doing what I love. So here we go…
Matte nails and matte lips are a beautiful trend right
now. It is no secret that I LOVE
Jamberry Nail Wraps. For those of you
who don’t know, “Jams” are non-toxic, vinyl adhesive nail wraps that do not
chip, last up to 2 weeks on fingernails, 6 weeks on toenails. There are over
300 styles to mix and match and they are always buy 3 sheets, get one
free. You can order online or host a
party to get lots of free rewards. They just came out with their brand
new Spring/ Summer catalogue and I couldn’t be more excited about the new
styles.
When I received last month’s Jamberry Sister Style Exclusive, I
immediately fell in love with their matte floral design and went searching for the
perfect matching lip colour. Rimmel has
some great inexpensive lipsticks right now. I am usually not a huge fan of drugstore
lipsticks but I love the matte options in their “Lasting Finish” line.
That “matchy-matchy” nerd in me definitely gave way to a colour scheme for this outfit. I mixed this bright berry coloured tunic shirt from Express and
pastel pink jeans from Garage Clothing. Over the knee boots finish the look and are
great to wear from fall to spring in these chillier climates.
A new season and a new scarf. I love this one as it is not bulky but still
keeps me warm. It is easy to wear as a simple,
circular cowl. If you check out my Etsy website, you will see that I always name
my crochet patterns after someone special to me. In honour of my mother, this new design is
called “The Nancy”.
Now go call your momma and tell her you love her.
Thank you for all your support and prayers these past couple of weeks. xo
Kiki
The Būband, Orange Theory and Some “Me Time”
Having kids is amazing. There is truly nothing in the world like bringing a little life into this world. However, what I won’t lie to you about is how exhausting it can be, especially in those first few months. I remember going to bed eight months after my second son was born and thinking, I have not had a good night sleep in over 8 months… 8 MONTHS! There is also a time around 4 months when you just so badly want to fit into your old jeans again and the button just will not do up!!! Being a Mom is the most selfless job but there is a time when you just want a little bit back. After awhile, I just wanted to feel like the old me again. Sleeping eight hours a night and fitting into my “skinny jeans”.
When my friend Jenn, suggested that I come along with her to this new work-out facility called Orange Theory, I immediately thought oh no, will this be another fitness routine that I get sucked into, only to be bored after a month? To be honest, once my kids go to bed at night, I just want to grab a glass of wine and watch tv with my hubby. I just want to re-lax. Yet the more I thought about getting out of the house ALONE once a week to burnsome stress and some calories, it kinda did sound good. My husband has been encouraging
me to take some “Me Time” so I thought this might be what I needed.
Was it ever. With
a little persistence, I accompanied Jenn to a free class one evening and I was immediately
hooked. I have a short attention span
and in the past I have easily become bored with the hour commitment of yoga, zumba
and working out at the gym. This is just
so different. I don’t even have a second to think about being bored because I
am too busy working my butt off and concentrating on my personal goals. In an Orange Theory class, you wear a
heart-rate monitor to track your progress and keep yourself in the “Orange
Zone”. This zone calls for lots of energy and a higher heart-rate, resulting in more visible toning and an extra calorie burn for hours after your work-out is
over. I have been going just once a week for the past 4 months and I can’t
believe the results. Whether your goal is weight-loss, toning or over-all health, you must give this class a try. For more info visit: http://www.orangetheoryfitness.com/
When I booked the Būband modeling job, I felt a bit anxious
as this was my first photoshoot post-Cooper. My fears were pushed aside
when I met and got to know the wonderful woman behind the Būband. I realized that this is a product that so many
women could and SHOULD use!
The Būband is a three-inch-wide elasticized band covered in soft, breathable fabric that can be worn over your
regular bra, sports bra or cami-tank to prevent “bounce” during your workout
routine or everyday life. So many of us
ladies suffer from that uncomfortable and even embarrassing boob bounce, but
this new product eliminates that completely!
I love this idea and I am proud to be part of it. Order yours online today: www.buband.ca
When I saw the photos on the website, I was so happy that I
whipped my butt back into shape and that I had finally done something for myself. So whether you start going for a run, join Orange
Theory or grab a coffee and do some online shopping for skinny jeans or Būbands,
make sure you take some time for yourself this weekend!
~Kiki