So, Sunday was my birthday….it wasn’t a milestone one!  I turned 41…I kind of feel glad that I’m over the 40 hump! There’s so much hype and to-do as you approach your 40th….so I was glad this was just “another” birthday. Truly, I’m am really thankful for so much…an amazing hubby, happy & healthy kids, amazingly supportive friends, good health myself and that we are able to enjoy life! So, Sunday morning, Jason woke me up with my fave..an Americano from Starbucks and Justin Timberlake floor tickets for the concert in July! I’m super stoked! I’m not really a concert girl, but I’ve been saying for months that that will be a great one and I can’t wait! I was feeling pretty spoiled. Mac had a hockey tourney game in Richmond, about an hour away, at 2:15pm, so we didn’t really have concrete plans for the rest of the day. The girls and I dropped Jason and Mac off at the rink and headed to Pinkberry…fro-yo is one of my faves!!! Mac’s team played a fantastic game and Mac even scored a hat trick!! Just for my birthday!! It was about 4pm….I suggested we maybe just head home and Jason was like, no way…it’s your birthday! So, I remembered that a couple of my friends had told me about a great Italian restie in Vancouver, but you can’t make reservations. It was early, so I thought, why not try it out?  We had my niece and one of Berkeley’s friends with us and everyone was up for an adventure!!

Campagnolo serves up authentic Italian dishes in a modern almost industrial-like setting. Mac was really happy to be there!

We arrived as Campagnolo was opening, so it was perfect….getting a table for 7 was no problem!  But it filled up quickly! The menu had a lot of authentic Italian dishes.  By authentic, I mean, the menu reminded me of Italy.  And the decor was simple, modern and almost industrial.

We started by sharing three pizzas…the Margherita, the Salsiccia, and the Rosa.  Mac LOVED the Margherita, especially the mozza on it!  The girls really liked the Salsiccia…the fennel sausage and peppery arugula were SO good.  Jason and my fave was the Rosa….loved the pistachios and the dry cured pork loin.  This pizza didn’t have any tomato sauce but instead had some fragrant olive oil…the flavor was ah-mazing!

Pizzas!  The Margherita, the Salsiccia, and the Rosa.

We then ordered a couple of pasta dishes.  The girls shared the Cannelloni and Spaghetti.  Mac had the Spaghetti with some fennel sausage added…that dude likes his meat!  Jason had the Tagliatelle…the pork short rib was ridiculously good! I had the Rigatoni…the crispy kale added the perfect texture and complimented the truffled sausage and mascarpone cheese.  I liked that that everything was very fresh and cheeses and sauces were not overdone.  You could really taste the flavors of the ingredients.  The dishes were not huge…really the perfect portions….so we had room for dessert…and I had an idea!

Pastas! The Spaghetti with fennel sausage, the Cannelloni, the Tagliatelle, and the Rigatoni.

What would be the perfect finish to an authentic Italian meal???  GELATO!  I knew of a gelato place close by, so I Googled and found it!  La Casa Gelato was just around the corner and they have 218 flavors!  I’m not kidding you…this place is huge and has pretty much any flavor you can think of, including some unexpected ones like aged balsamic, avocado, black sesame and garlic!  They actually are the only shop in the world to carry 218 flavors at one time (they have a total of 518 in their repertoire!).  There was one flavor that I was looking for that they didn’t have….any guesses?

I love that you can pretty much sample whatever you like before you choose your flavor.  Lexi tried chocolate chili….it had some serious kick!  She went with apple pie and it really did taste like it with bits of crust and all!  I tried fig and almond and also chocolate salted caramel turtle.  They were both really good, but I caved in to my current peanut addiction and went with chocolate peanut butter.  Jason got chocolate Oreo, Dyl went with vanilla English toffee (she was upset she didn’t see the stracciatella before she chose), Berks got espresso chocolate flake, Jada tried the garlic, but wisely went with chocolate and nuts.  Mac had strawberry sorbet…..and yes, they do also have a selection of  non-dairy choices, frozen yogurt, sugar free and low fat options….but I say, hey, if you’re going to treat yourself, go for it!  It can be quite busy at La Casa Gelato, but they have quite the slick system.  You order a single ($5), double ($7) or triple ($9) and they give you the appropriately colored poker chip that you pass along to the “scooper” once you make your selection!

So, what’s my point in writing this?  Well, I’m not a very spontaneous type person…in fact, I pretty much have everything planned out just so.  I’m known as “the planner”.  But this weekend Mac was playing in a hockey tourney (bring the HEAT!), so it was all about going with the flow.  Life can be crazy busy, but I have to remind myself to seize those free moments and make the most of them….and this weekend we did!  Looking back, some of my most memorable moments are from doing something spontaneous!

 

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Earlier this week, i posted my shameful list of unfinished projects i have staring me down around the house! If you’re still reading, i’m going to take it that you accept me for my faults!!!

One of the “incompletes” i’m excited to get done is my gallery wall in my office. Art has always been a tough one for me. I can’t even say why i do or do not like a piece. i just have a feeling…and it either resonates or doesn’t. I also find the idea of purchasing art a little overwhelming..i’m a total committment-phobe in this area. I wonder if it is because of the high price tag that is often associated with purchasing art? Whatever the case, it stresses me out!

Which brings me to the idea of a gallery wall…I can do this! The idea of surrounding myself with many pieces of all sizes and shapes that can be changed around and personalized on a reasonable budget. Yup, i’m cool with that! I have been inspired by seeing some beautiful galleries like these:

 

Image via The Everygirl

 

Image via Small Shop Studio

 

 

Image via Inthralld

 

Image via Summerfield Design

 
 

Image via the Everygirl

 

Image via the Design Files

 

I’ll admit, i still want my gallery to be tailored and not fussy…if you start looking online there are some crazy compilations that fill walls top to bottom. i’m not that brave yet. Simple but eclectic is what i’m going for.

So, what to create my gallery wall with?

1.  Photographs that i haven taken — well, i’m def not a professional, but i do like the idea of including some “memories” in my gallery wall. Better than having them just sit on my computer, yes? Right now, i’m going through our pics from last year’s trip to Italy. I think, printed in black and white, they will add that level of personalization i’m going for!

2. Inspirational prints i’ve sought out and acquired. Earlier this Spring, i was introduced to Stephanie Sterjovski and the SS Print Shop through the Framework Magazine (hey, here’s a plug for this monthly online mag all about stylish living…created right here in Van City!) . After taking a peek at her site, i had to place an order. I love that her prints are fun, positive and upbeat and well, pretty. Right down to the brightly colored confetti that comes flying out of your packaged prints when you open them up! You need to go on over and take a look at her shop…and then do yourself another favor and visit her personal blog as well. Not only does Stephanie have a great sense of style in all sorts of areas…fashion to beauty to decor..but she is authentic, real about her life. And that is what truly makes her blog a breath of fresh air. Stephanie is also from Toronto which makes ordering her prints easy breezy for us Canadians! Visit SS Print Shop to see her lovely prints like these:

Image via Stephanie Sterjovski Photography and Design

 

Image via SS Print Shop

 

So, have i convinced you to take the plunge and add a gallery wall in your home?

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One of the biggest trends this spring is neon! So I need to publicly apologize to my friend Andrea. She started wearing a neon pink J. Crew tank last summer and I told her that I wasn’t going to do neon again! I did it in the 90′s and I wasn’t going to repeat the trend! Well, she was ahead of the curve and I need to learn to never say never! Geesh! I was wrong and I’ve been sporting my fair share of neon this spring and I’m loving it! It is important to note that unlike in the early 90′s, do NOT wear neon head to toe. One or two hits of it in an outfit will do the trick!

Here are some of my fave neon picks…remember…only one or two pieces at a time, such as a scarf and shoes, or a t-shirt and a bracelet.   Keep other pieces in your outfit neutral…denim works very well with neon.  A little goes a long way!

J.Crew Shorts  in Neon Peach $56.00

Gap Striped T in Blue $24.95

Joe Fresh Striped Scarf  in White, Yellow and Black $16

Gap Foldover Pencil Skirt in Powerful Blue $39.95

Gap Neon-Stripe Infinity Scarf  in Tree Frog $24.95

Gap 1969 Legging Skimmer Jeans in Lime Cooler $49.99

Gap Skinny Mini Skimmer Khakis in Luminous Orange $59.95

Gap Leather Stripe Tote $79.95

Kate Spade Locked In Mini Turnlock Bangle $58

J.Crew Neon Stone Necklace $95.00

Sperry Top-Sider Audrey Boat in Neon, Nude and White $85

J.Crew Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Original Boat Shoes in Neon Rose $98

J.Crew Vintage Cotton Tank in Neon Azalea $28.50

Gap Patent Perforated Flats in Neon Yellow $39.95

You only need one more thing to really carry out the neon trend…the perfect neon polish….oh, and do I have a fave!

 

Essie’s Boom Boom Room is the perfect cotton candy pink.  I apply it without using a white underneath…I don’t find it necessary!  It’s a fresh and fun color that looks fantastic with a bit of a tan!

So for me, it’s a lesson learned!  Trends come back and, yes, sometimes they are worth repeating….but never literally…things always come back with a twist!

 

 

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The weeks since Easter have absolutely flown by…. and in true Spring form, i’ve felt a renewed sense to get some things done around our house. The only problem is, i’ve gotten in over my head…the schedule hasn’t allowed me to be home all that much…resulting in some unfinished projects that are all woefully looking me in the face as i walk room to room! They’ve grown personalities that seemingly wiggle their fingers accusingly at me! Eeks!!!

Thankfully, i think i can get back on track this week…. here’s what i’m working on:

~ Lexi’s room: When we completed a master bedroom addition onto our home, Lexi moved into our original bedroom. She’s been begging to give it some personality…it’s only been 2 years!!! Ahhh!!! It’s time!! We’ve got ourselves some elements that we’re going to add that i think will give her a room that reflects..well, her! And we’re doing it on a shoestring budget. We found some amazing Jonathan Adler wall decals on sale on Hautelook..SCORE!! So we’re adding these and these to transform this space. We’ve also begun a bulletin board DIY for above her desk…it just has to be (here’s the operative word) finished.

 

As you can see, her wall are bare and other than the color green, there’s nothing exciting or reflective of Lexi in it. It needs help!

 

~My office: This has been a room in progress for the last year…bringing it from a dark room that had become a catch-all for anything and everything in our household to a bright modern work space with bursts of colour and personality… I love it, but it will feel even more personalized once  i complete my gallery wall. i’ve been collecting prints for the past couple of months and can’t wait until i get them all up on the wall so i be inspired by them daily!

 

~The Powder Room: the palm tree theme is out. My bathroom just didn’t know it. This room needed an update in a serious way, but i didn’t want to spend a huge amount of time and money on it. The new inspiration is Palm Springs retro. Think gold and yellow! A couple cans of spray paint have made a huge difference but it remains unfinished. I’ve had my eye on this light fixture but i’m on the prowl to find something at a great deal.. I’m also looking for some additional gold accents like this or this!

 

ok…this is the hardest room to take pics of as there is no natural light…so i can’t show you the outdated light fixture because you’d only see a hideously bright glare on the pic! Trust me when i say that it’s time to replace the builder spec fixture!

 

~Our Master Bedroom: I knew i wanted our new bedroom to be modern and simple. And that it is. But, i’m wanting to add some colour… i’ve honed in on indigo, but i’m getting resistance from Scott.  Who’s on my side? I’ve found these Furbish pillows and these C Wonder bookends that would keep the look crisp, not too feminine but would add some “pop”. Who’s on team INDIGO? Be honest…what do you think?

 

So why did i post these photos and let you all in on my unfinished stuff?? i’m hoping you all will keep my accountable. No more new projects until these are finished..promise!!! What are some of your unfinished projects that need your attention? C’mon make me feel better!

 

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Happy Mother’s Day!  I will never forget my first Mother’s Day fourteen years ago!  I had just had Berkeley two weeks earlier and I remember that Mother’s Day was my first big outing to church since I had had her.  I seem to remember them handing out carnations to all of the moms at church and I remember wearing a butter-colored knit pant suit (I NEEDED something with some give!).  I felt almost awkard receiving the flower since I was such a new mom with zero experience….yet I think that giving birth qualified me!  But there was sooo much yet to come!

I was thinking this past week of why I love being a mom!  It is certainly a HUGE responsibility….and sometimes at the end of of day when I lay in bed I feel like a total failure, but it is also one of the most rewarding jobs I can think of!!!

Here is my top 10 list of why I love being a mom!

10.  Those Saturday mornings standing at the cook top flipping crepes for my kids…seeing who eats the most, how much sugar they can possibly roll up inside a crepe….and just taking the time to have a leisurely breakfast!

9.  When Mac, our nine year old, compliments me on my outfit and says that I look beautiful.  That’s the best confidence booster in the world!

8.  Watching our kids do something they love and are passionate about.  I’ve been known to cry when our girls dance.  And I love watching Mac play hockey!!  I’m the one being rather vocal from the stands (in a good way!).

Photo courtesy of Revival Arts Studio

This is one of my all time fave pics!!! Mac and Link before they join the Abbotsford Heat on the ice for the national anthem! Mac always has one side of his jersey tucked-in!

7.  Being part of a herd!  The five of us are a unit….we stick together.  Yes, we have arguments and disagreements (lots of them!), but I know that we all fiercely protect each other!!

Our “herd” through the years!  Middle and bottom photo courtesy of Revival Arts Studio

6.  Making something that the kids and Jason devour!  I’ve always believed a way to a man’s or kid’s heart is through their stomach and I get so much pleasure out of making them yummy treats!!  I love letting them pick the menu for their birthday dinners!

5.  Family vacations!!!  Jason and I both love to travel and we travelled a lot before we met and then again when we got married.  We decided once we had kids that we wanted to keep on travelling.  The years that we had babies and toddlers were interesting to say the least…..I called us the travelling gong show…playpens, car seats, strollers…you name it, we packed it!  We still had a lot of great times and now our kids are fantastic travelers and we LOVE to get away as a family to recharge and reacquaint!!!  I love that the kids are up for adventures and are easily adaptable!

Here we are at the Great Wall of China on our way back from a missions trip in Thailand. The kids were 5, 7, and 9 at the time and there were amazing travelers. The jet lag when we got home was another story! But, we’d do it again! Sooo many great memories!

4.  Cuddling on the couch and just chillin’ and watching TV.  If you read our blog, you probably know that our kids are fairly busy.  The girls dance over 20 hours a week and Mac is on the ice for hockey 4 to 5 times a week.  That means I pretty much am a full-time taxi driver!!!  So, the nights that we are home are golden!!  I love cuddling under a blanket and just watching TV together and relaxing!

3.  Observing the relationship that our kids have with their grandparents.  I love how the grandparents just love on them and support them and encourage me too as a mom.

2.  Finding those special things that I have in common with each of my kids.  Berkeley and I both LOVE really good food.  She’s got an adventurous palette so she’s willing to give most anything a try…and we seem to really love the same stuff!  Dylan loves to shop and well….yes, so do I!!!  We have a lot of fun putting outfits together!  Mac loves a good latte…seriously he does…and I love a good Americano….so coffee it is for Mac and I!  Oh, and we both love hockey too!

1.  Those moments when you witness your kids putting into practice something you’ve been trying to teach them, especially when they don’t know you are watching!  As toddlers, it was went you might see them sharing a toy, and as the kids got older they might include someone who was feeling left out.  Now as tweens and teens, it’s when they take leadership, encourage others or take initiative!  Those are proud momma moments!  Mac recently told me how he was trying to encourage and support a player on his team that had lost his grandma and he’s prayed for him every night since…that’s the stuff that really matters!

It’s crazy to think that I’ve been entrusted with three lives….to help guide them, nurture them and help them to grow up to be successful adults in all areas of life!  Eek…that’s huge.  Laurel was just saying to me a couple of days ago that being a mom isn’t always fun…I agree…it’s super hard work and I often feel extremely under qualified!  But we both love our kids to bits and the joys far outweigh the overwhelming times.

Here’s to all of the moms out there!!!  None of us are perfect, but enjoy being celebrated today….cause tomorrow it’s back to the laundry, cleaning and cooking!

 

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