Introducing Gipsy Dharma - Handmade Unique Clothing

I am a firm believer that every woman is unique and beautiful, and that we all deserve to have that one (or two) pieces of clothing that makes us feel sexy.
In my world, that's where Gipsy Dharma can come in!

Gipsy Dharma is UK-based company specializing in handmade, leather clothing and footwear. And I have to say, don't those skirts look awesome?!
According to their website, 'Gipsy Dharma boots are designed to help people in their journey by, if only slightly, beautifying their lives, inspiring them, raising their level of self-awareness and by giving them a lucky sign to start fresh. After all, don't we all have a little free spirited Gipsy in us just waiting to get out and explore? :)'
You can find more about them on their website at http://www.gipsydharma.com/. In the meantime, here's a sneak peek at their collection.

 

*This is a sponsored blog post but all opinions are my own.

Weekend Wear: The Toddler Take-Over

So on Sunday evening when I was having my husband take some outfit photo's of me for my 'Weekend Wear' post, my three year-old was watching and decided he wanted to take some pictures too (even in his mismatched pyjama's).
After watching me do my thing, here's how his turned out.

 

Sadly, the pictures of me didn't turn out so well so I wont be posting my weekend wear this week.

Besides, I think Eric's are better anyway; he just rocks the sandals and pyjama look so well.

Hey - it's Friday!

Well didn't this week just fly by!
Seriously though, where did this week go? I guess having two long weekends in a row makes time fly, but who's complaining?
Here's how my week went.
1. My husband threw me a surprise pre-birthday dinner get-together at Canyon Creek Chophouse. It was really nice to have dinner and get to chat with some friends; some who even came from out of town. We then had people back at the house for some cards. Overall, it was just a great night with friends.
Oh, and if I haven't said it before, you should check out Canyon Creek - they have the best steak around.
2. Michael Bublé. 
Honestly, I love him. Each time I see him, I end of loving him even more. He's funny, charming, he knows how to entertain, and of course, that voice of his. Me and some girlfriends went to see his concert in Toronto this past Saturday and it was such a fun girls night out.

Megan, Nita, Melissa, and I

Melissa and I (with a cellphone shadow)

3. My family headed up to our cottage on Sunday for a few days. We had some amazing family time playing outside, swimming, going to the beach, playing mini golf and so much more.

3. I turned 30 on Tuesday; and I feel fabulous!

4. My sister and I had a movie night last night. We went to see the Fault in our Stars. It was a great movie that probably hits home for a lot of people out there. Have your Kleenex ready.

How was your week? Please comment and tell me about it!
And don't forget to link up with Lauren!

On Turning Thirty

Yup.
It finally happened.
I turned 30.
For some reason I was really dreading this day. I mean, 30. Three whole decades.
I guess in the back of my mind (and probably the back of many of our minds when we think of it), is that our boobs will automatically be at our knees, our hair will start turning grey, and that our skin will start to wrinkle (scratch that last one, it's already started).
Thirty just sounds old when you say it; but then I came across these while surfing the inter-webs.

30 is not old at all; I am just beginning to really take a hold of the sails for many aspects of my life even though I have established other parts of it.
If I look back at all I accomplished in my 30 years, I have a pretty long list.
I have a college diploma, as well as a post-grad certificate, I have a wonderful husband and a beautiful 3 year-old boy, I own a home, have a good job, and I am working towards my dream job part-time with the hopes of making it full time really soon. 
And not to mention, I get to celebrate my birthday with Canada each and every year :) 

This year, my husband planned a surprise birthday dinner the Friday before my birthday, and then we went away for the long weekend up to our cottage at Sauble Beach. We had an amazing family weekend.

I actually don't think life could be any better for me and I should really care less about getting older. I should just continue to enjoy life and continue on my wonderful journey.

Turning 30 is really no big deal; it's just another day. So my advice if you're worried about it:

High Five For Friday

Happy Friday! I am so glad the weekend is here, but what an eventful week it has been! 
Here's a look back at some exciting things that happened this week.
1. I went to Chicago last weekend and came back on Monday! My Aunt and Uncle live in Chicago and my relatives from England were visiting, so my mom, brother and I took a road trip to visit everyone. It was amazing; Chicago is truly one of my favourite places to visit. I just love visiting and spending time with family.

2. I did my first ever guest post! Be sure to check out my Summer Healthy Chickpea Salad recipe on Tattered to Taylored. You should also follow her blog - it's pretty cool.

3. Work has been very busy this week and that has made the time time just fly by - sometimes that is a wonderful thing!

4. I have been making a dent in my son's fourth Hot Wheel's birthday party decorations and I'm so happy with them so far. I can't believe Eric is turning four; crazy!

5. My husband and I are heading out for my birthday dinner tonight. My actual birthday is next week but we'll be up at our cottage so we're celebrating tonight. I can't wait for a date night; it's been too long!

How has your week been? Be sure to link up with Lauren Elizabeth to tell us about it!

Long Weekend Recap: Chicago Style

Hi everyone! This past weekend I took a road trip with my mom and brother to go and visit some relatives living in the Chicago area. It was actually a four day weekend for us and boy was it fun! We timed our trip perfectly because my relatives from England were also visiting! It was so good to see everyone.
Here's how our weekend went down!

 This is Emma, my Uncle's adorable Bulldog.

 A sandwich from Potbelly's. In one word: amazing!

 We were right on time for the annual Zombie Walk!

 The Brits.

If you haven't been to Chicago or area yet, I highly recommend you go. You will not be disappointed.

Kid Friendly Wedding Day Tips

This past February I had the opportunity to stand in as the ‘Best Woman’ for my best friend’s wedding. It was such a nice day and I am so happy I was able to be involved in the celebration of Sean and Robin’s special day (congratulations to you both!). My son was also involved in the wedding and served as the Ring Bearer (along with two flower girls).

Involving children in your wedding day is really something special, but since children can be unpredictable you’ll want to ensure they play the appropriate role for their age.

There are so many roles that children can take on including a Junior Bridesmaid/Groomsmen, Ring Bearer, Flower Girl, Junior Usher and Reader (reading a script or poem during the ceremony). This is an exciting time for the kids you’re involving, but there are some tips and tricks that I’ve come up with that will make the involvement easier for you and them!

This isn’t to say that your three year-old ring bearer won’t run up and down the aisle or that your four year-old flower girl will just dump the basket of flowers petals at the end of the aisle (which is both cute and entertaining), but it will make things run more smoothly.

{Involve the children right from the beginning}

Children are naturally curious and like to know what is going on and what will happen. Involving them right from the beginning of your plans and letting them know what their role will be, including the tasks involved, will help minimize any surprises. They will know exactly what to do and be less confused when the time comes. Of course, you will need to keep reiterating these things as the time goes on and at the rehearsal dinner, but the more they hear it the more they’ll remember.

Prep your Wedding Planner / Day Of Coordinator on the ages, roles, and personalities of the little ones. These go-to figures will be just as involved in keeping the munchkins at bay as their parents will! (and sometimes more).

{Ensure their parents are just as involved}

This really goes without saying since you require the parent’s permission to have the children involved, but ensuring the parents of the children know exactly what’s going to happen will make things that much easier for everyone.

Since the parents will likely be close friends or family members, the last thing you want is for anyone to become even more stressed than they already are on the day of the wedding. Be sure to give them explicit information about all the details. If you  want the flower girls to wear a head-band or specific shoes, be honest and tell them. Don’t leave these small details for them to decide, especially when you have a couple of children in the same role (e.g. two flowers girls). This can cause issues between the parents (if the children are unrelated), especially if one set of parents tries to take charge over the other.

Also, if you’re charging them with purchasing the outfits, be explicit with your requirements or give them a picture. The last thing you want to happen is having someone return the flower girl dresses with only days to the wedding and not being able to find the ‘right’ one.

{Assign them a helper}

Assign someone in the wedding party to keep an eye on individual kids. For example, I was the Best Woman so when my son reached the alter I was able to keep him wrangled (even though he didn’t stay with me the whole time). Ensure this person is someone the children are familiar with and trust. It’s a good idea to introduce them well ahead of time so they can feel comfortable with that person. Alternatively, show them exactly where their parents will be sitting (practice this at the rehearsal!). In the event they get tired and/or shy (this willhappen!) they are able to go directly to their parents.

Oh. And seasoned wedding planners know how far bribes will go! Explain to the babes that they’ll get a special treat if they’re good and have gummy bears, lolli-pops and prettily-packaged “Thank You for being our Flower Girl / Ring Bearer” surprises for afterwards!

{Make them comfortable}

Bring an extra change of clothes for youngsters. If you’re allowing them to attend the reception (even if only the dinner portion), having a more comfortable outfit for them to change into will keep them happy. Besides, kids in little onesies on your dance floor make for oh-so-cute photography!

{Practice, Practice, Practice}

This goes back to my first point about letting the kids know what is going to happen. Have them practice walking down the aisle and dropping flower petals on the floor. If they’re required to wear accessories or carry props, practice with these well in advance.

{Have some fun activities available at the reception}

If you’re having children at the reception, it’s a good idea to have some activities there to keep them occupied: colouring books and crayons, a craft station to make cards for the bride and groom, the possibilities are endless. Check out these cute ones I came across on my Internet travels!

However you choose to involve the children in your wedding, my final advice is to just be patient. They may become shy or uneasy the day of the wedding when all eyes are on them as they walk down the aisle. Have fun with it and allow them to be themselves. Assume that they will blunder their way through everything, look totally adorable doing it, and know that any mistake the little ones make will undoubtedly make for a cute wedding stories that your guests are sure to remember (and hopefully your photographer captures on film!)

{ blog love :: photography credits }

Rick Denham Photography

mINK Creative Photographic

Be sure to visit www.weddinggirl.ca for more wedding content.