Motherhood: Tips for Getting Out of the House with an Infant

Leaving the House with a Baby

New moms will know, sometimes it takes awhile to get a groove going and to streamline certain aspects of life with a baby. Take going out for example- there's a lot more moving pieces then there used to be.

From getting the baby ready, feeding and changing them, to packing a bag and trying to figure out all the extra items you may need for your outing - the "getting ready" process can take forever!

I knew I had to figure out a way to make the process easier on myself otherwise I would just end up staying home all the time.

Here are my tips for getting out the door a little bit more quickly and efficiently with a baby (though I think some of these tips would work for parents of toddlers and school age children too).

Have a Catch All

We have a basket in our front foyer that we use to catch all of Liyana's miscellaneous going out items. Her diaper bag, a warm blanket, a muslin blanket, a sun hat  - all of these are housed in the same place. This cuts down on going up and down the stairs trying to find that one thing with a crying baby on your hip.
(If you want to know what baby items I usually take with me for an outing then you can read about my Diaper Bag Essentials here. )

Don't Unpack your Diaper Bag

I keep my Diaper Bag packed and ready for the most part. If there were no accidents that day, I just leave the same emergency outfits in the bag for the next outing. It really cuts down on time spent packing extra sets of clothes for the baby. I use a thin packing cube to contain the extra clothes so they fit nicely in my Diaper Bag.

Restock your Diapering Essentials At Night

When you come home from an outing or day trip, check to make sure you have enough diapers and wipes for the next time you will be going out. It's much easier to do this when you don't have a time crunch or when you need to get out the door quickly.

Have an Emergency Bag in the Car

I learned this one the hard way. I had just come back from vacation and the next morning we had a Mommy and Me dance class. I rushed out the door without checking my Diaper Bag and Liya picked that day to have a major blowout. Of course I had no extra clothes for her and it was rough. Luckily the other moms in the class came to my rescue and lent me a onesie for Liya to wear and we were good to go. Since then, I decided to keep a few extra things in a zippered bag in my car. In the kit I have an extra outfit (a long and short sleeved diaper shirt and pants - this will work if it's warm or cool) and extra diapers and wipes.

To see what else is in my emergency kit, you can watch here.

Buy Certain Things in Pairs

While I love the Minimalist approach, I find that with certain things, it's helpful to have pairs. Stroller fans, hair brushes, pacifier clips, nail clippers, car seat covers, sunglasses and sunhats are a few things that I'm enjoying having doubles of right now. For her car seat cover (also a nursing cover - I have this one) I found having two was helpful because I could wash one and still have one available for the next time we went out.

Other Tips

• Keep your stroller in the car
• Keep your stroller accessories with the stroller (mosquito net, rain shield , stroller caddy etc)
• Go easy on yourself and take your time to learn the basics. It took me a couple of outings and week by week I learned how to use a different piece of baby gear until I felt comfortable taking her out on my own
• Smile! It may take awhile but the more you practice, the easier leaving the house will be!

Hope these tips help to stream line your "getting out of the house" process so you can enjoy more outings with your little one!

Have any tips to share with me? Send me a message on Instagram @angeliesood I'd love to chat!

Lifestyle: Five Things to do to Boost Your Mood

What to do When You Experience a Low 

It happens to all of us- you're minding your business, going about daily life, when bam! Something hits you and you're not feeling as "go get em" as you once were. It could be a comment from a friend, a suggestion from a coworker or a compliment gone wrong from your spouse (LOL- we've all been there).

Whatever the trigger, you're feeling low and mopey. When we're feeling this way, we tend to busy ourselves with passive activities - scrolling through social media feeds or binge watching a tv show in our pjs. But because of our mood, instead of feeling relaxed or inspired by these activities, we end up feeling worse then when we started.

Low moods are part of life and what goes up, must come down- but there's no need to stay there too long. 

Here's a few ways you can pull your socks up a little quicker and get your mind and your heart back on track fast.

Go Outside

Stepping out into the fresh air is a great way to change your mindset. Doing this in the morning especially, can have a great impact on your mood. The air is generally cooler and makes you feel a sense of renewed energy. 

Exercise

The quickest way to feel better fast, is to get some steps in. Going for a walk/run, doing some yoga or even an online workout video, will get you to a great mindset in no time. Even better- head to the gym. You will get out of the house and get some endorphins flowing which will definitely give you a rush of positivity.

Breathe

Doing a quick meditation will really help get your positive juices flowing. Try a guided meditation video on Youtube like this one. 

If you need an instant mindset shift, try aromatherapy. I use a pure essential oil in an uplifting scent like Lemon, to give me a little boost if I need some positive energy flow.

Just apply a drop of a citrus scent (make sure to use only the purest essential oils - I use DoTerra brand oils. Connect with me on Instagram to order them in Canada. )

Put a few drops on the palm of your hands, rub them together, place them over your nose and then take three deep breaths in. You can also put a few drops in a hot cup of water for a DIY diffuser. But if you don't have any essential oils at home, peeling a fresh orange or zesting a lemon will definitely give you the same type of therapeutic benefits. Just take some deep breaths while you do it. 

Read (Listen or Watch)

Reading something inspiring- whether you have time to commit to a book or a one page article, can quickly enhance your mindset. In the same vein, watching an inspiring documentary or TedTalk or listening to an uplifting podcast can make all the difference in your day. The most recent talk I watched was Brene Brown's The Call to Courage on Netflix and it gave me so much to think about. 

I recently also got back into Podcasts and I love them. These, along with my Audible "reads" give me life when I'm driving, walking or even doing household chores. It's a great way to consume knowledge while you do your daily activities and it's the ultimate answer for those who feel they don't have time to read.

Connect

Make plans with a friend who inspires you. It could be someone who makes you laugh, someone you have great conversation with, or someone you just haven't seen in awhile. The point is connect in person. Reach out to a friend and meet for a coffee. It will force you out of your lull and get you out of the house. You'll have fresh conversation, feel warm and fuzzy from hanging with your friend and generally be in a better mood.

It's natural to have low moods from time to time. But it's definitely important to be able to pull yourself out of them too. If you're feeling low,  hope these tips help you get back to your positive and energetic self quickly!

If you find that the low mood persists and you just can't shake it - please reach out to a friend, your health care provider or find help online by clicking here .

Lifestyle: Five Things I've Learned in the First Five Years of Marriage

Learning With Love - A Five Year Reflection

Photo by Oottum Fine Photography

On October 20th 2013, my husband and I tied the knot. It was a beautiful, meaningful ceremony and we were surrounded by the love of friends, family and well-wishers. We were ready, committed and excited to begin our lives together. 

But now, looking back, I realize what a leap of faith that was - because how much can you truly know about being married until you actually live it for yourself?

Experience is a great teacher and I think now I can say, I've learned and grown so much since our wedding day, five years ago.

I'm so thankful for the challenges, windy roads and twists and turns, because those have brought us to where we are today - my husband is my best friend in every sense of the word. 

So what are some of the big lessons that 5 years of marriage have taught me? Sharing them below as a personal reflection on this milestone anniversary. 

1) The first year is the hardest

Yes, you're in the honeymoon phase, but you also get hit with the reality of sharing a life with someone. It's challenging to combine schedules, family time, your likes/dislikes, the finances and to learn all sorts of things about one another that you couldn't have known until you shared a roof. 

My hubby, for instance, learned that I need to be reminded to turn off the lights in a room once I leave and that all of the kitchen cabinets will remain open while I make a big meal. I learned that he wants to watch sports or listen to music at all times and is meticulous about putting things away.

The first year is a great lesson in bonding and romance but you also end up discovering all those little habits that can get under your skin, leading to arguments and annoyance. It's tough and you may even wonder if you ever really knew the person at all. All I can say, is ride it out and get to number 2.

2) Acceptance is Key

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is how to accept your partner for who they really are. Not the person you met on dates or at parties but the person they are all the time - at home with their family, at home alone, at work, in social settings, when they are happy or feeling low - the first year gives you a glimpse into who your person is on so many levels - and who YOU are. Seeing yourself up close and through someone else's point of view, is extremely eye-opening. 

Accepting yourself and your spouse for who he/she is and digesting each other's quirks takes time and endurance. This lesson was one of the most important ones for me, because it gets you to a place where you can be at peace with who you are as individuals and begin to establish who you will be, going forward, as a married couple. If you can start to laugh lightheartedly at the quirks (yours and his/hers), you're getting into a good place.

3) You're Two Different People

This one sounds like rocket science, I know, but really - marriage or any relationship, is about two separate people with different interests, personalities, upbringings, experiences and skill-sets coming together and trying to walk as one.

It will take awhile to walk step by step and get a rhythm. It's healthy to disagree at times and you learn to remind yourself that you can't expect someone to think or react exactly like you under every different set of circumstances.

Learning to celebrate what makes us different, aka giving up on "being right," was tough in practice because we had no idea we were doing it! Once we began to expect the other to have an alternate view, the more happily surprised we were when we seamlessly agreed on something. 

Photo by Oottum Fine Photography

4) Communicating is hard but well worth it

I've heard my whole life how important communication is. Learning to communicate in marriage though, means so much more because there are a lot of tough conversations that have to take place to build a life together. You won't always agree and how you get your point across becomes extremely important. Not only in disagreements, but also in expressing your love and happiness. Two books I read early on, which really helped internalize this lesson were Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus  by John Gray and The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. They won't make you an incredible communicator overnight (I'm still working at my own skills), but both are excellent reads that affirm how individuals communicate differently and how we all receive love in different ways. 

5) Changing your thinking from 'Me' to 'We'

I think one of the greatest lessons I learned in these five years is that it takes time to go from the single mindset to one of togetherness. No matter how long you've known the person you're with, or how well you know him or her, this is a life transition that takes time - your brain literally has to rewire to work for your new life and goals.

I am one of the most compassionate, family-minded people you will meet, but it still took some time to truly understand how to adjust my expectations and actions to suit my partner's needs (and I'm sure he'd say the same).

Going from me to we is a shift that happens gradually; communicating and trying to put yourself in the other's shoes really helped with this one. 

Photo by Oottum Fine Photography

It's only now that I really understand what our family priest, Pt. Bhoj, said at our wedding ceremony five years ago: "(it's about) no longer saying MY parents, YOUR parents, MY family, YOUR family - it is OUR parents and OUR family and OUR life together, starting from now."

And really, I couldn't have said it better. 

Looking forward...

These are just some of the more important lessons I've learned in these past five years being married to my love and forever friend. Sitting down to write this post was so important to me, in reflection and appreciation of all the growth that has taken place for me as an individual and all the changes that we have gone through together as a pair.

Have to thank him for walking through this journey with me - it's not always easy and by no means perfect, but as we are learning; year by year, challenge by challenge, it only becomes more meaningful and more and more worth it with time. 

Here's to all of the growth, challenges and changes in all of the beautiful years to come - cheers! 

A special thank you to the talented Joti From Oottum Fine Photography for partnering with me on this post with our 5 year anniversary photos. As always, all views and opinions are my own. 

Lifestyle: 5 tips for a Successful Kitchen Reno

A Little Fixer-Upper

A year and half ago, my husband and I took the plunge and purchased our first home. It was a tough process - especially considering the overpriced real estate market in and around Toronto and we were outbid (by a lot) many times before we found our little nest.

When we finally found the one- we just knew. It had more than what we expected of our first home and it made it so clear that all of those offers we had previously lost out on, we lost because our perfect little place was waiting for us somewhere else.

All that being said, there was (and is) still work to be done to bring the house up to our vision. Obviously, I had my sights set on fixing up our kitchen first, but there were other more pressing situations around our home that needed attention right away.

Anyone who has undergone a kitchen renovation knows that they cost a pretty penny and require a lot of moving parts to come together.

Today, I thought I'd share my tips on getting through a kitchen renovation - unscathed, smiling and while staying on your budget in case you're about to take a project on yourself.

Get inspired

Inspiration is key when you're starting any home reno. I've been dreaming and drooling over kitchens since I was about ten years old (I'm the kid that watched HGTV religiously at ten years old). When it came time to tackling my own kitchen, I knew the exact look I was going for. Since my kitchen is also my studio for a lot of my video and photo projects, it had to be functional and photogenic too.
I wanted a kitchen that was light, bright and airy and we definitely lucked out in the natural lighting department.

If, you weren't a decor obsessed kid like I was and you don't know what you're looking for exactly, I'd suggest looking at magazines, Pinterest or Instagram to define your decor style. Once you have a few pictures you like, study them for themes or linking features. Is there a colour, finish, style or element you are drawn to? Slowly picking out design features that you are attracted to, will help you decide what your personal style is.

Make changes in stages

My biggest tip is to make changes in stages. Yes, this means that your renovation project may take longer than you anticipated, but it also means your stress level will be more manageable and you can also be mindful of your budget. I cook a lot of homemade meals so my main goal was to never be out of a working kitchen for more than 24 hours. So far, we have managed to stick with that goal and we are about 80% finished with this project.

Working in stages also allows for you to stop, step back and make sure everything has a cohesive look. When you are too close to a project for any period of time, it's easy to lose sight of the big picture. Step back and see if everything looks the way you imagined and make any changes or tweaks to your plan as needed.

We decided to change what we absolutely could not live with first, as it would make the biggest impact in the space. We started with our cabinets and went from there, making the more noticeable changes first to extend our budget.

Think outside the box

Just because the previous owners had a certain setup, doesn't mean you need to follow suit. Try to think outside the box to maximize your space and impact.

The previous owners of our home used the dining area as an extra living space with a couch and television.

We knew that wouldn't work for us as we wanted to be able to host friends and family for dinner. We added a dining table that extends to allow for larger gatherings. We also felt there was some wasted space around our island and cabinetry. By giving ourselves some time, we were able to figure out some imaginative, affordable solutions to maximize our space, add some design elements and shop around for savings.

Splurge and Save

My personal style is a blend of high and low price-point items which combine to create a beautiful finished look. Think about your dream items and where your dollars will make the most impact.

I knew I wanted to upgrade our existing cabinetry, appliances, countertops and sink. I also wanted to add beautiful lighting.

When we looked a little closer, we realized our existing cabinets were solid oak and in amazing condition. We decided to paint out our cabinets, which allowed us to save thousands of dollars on the project.

We also DIY-ed our cabinet and shelving extension which gave us extra space without breaking the bank.

This allowed us to really upgrade on dream elements like our incredible white with grey veins quartz countertop, marble backsplash and my favourite - our white SILGRANIT sink from BLANCO Canada.


Silgranit is a natural granite composite material and comes in a variety of colours. Going with a white undermount sink, really elevated the look in our kitchen as it blends so perfectly with our counters. Once I heard that the sink was scratch, heat and stain resistant - I was sold. Plus- the sinks are made in Canada and Germany!

I selected the PRECIS 1 3/4  - a sink with two basins - with one of them being 3/4 of the size. I wanted everything in the kitchen to have a purpose, whether it be aesthetic or functional, so I was excited to see that Blanco also has gorgeous faucets. I was looking for that professional chef style so I went with the DIVA Faucet in Stainless Steel.

I also love that I could add accessories which help me to attain that sleek look I was going for, like the capflows which hide any little food bits trapped in the drain and the steel grid which allows me to dry dishes in the sink itself so I don't have to clutter my counters with a drying rack.

There's nothing worse than seeing dirty dishes on the counter or piled in the sink when you're trying to relax. In our open concept home, it was important to select a sink that is deep enough to hide our dishes from sight until we are ready to wash them!

By saving on certain elements of our kitchen design we could use more of our budget on luxury items that increase the value of our home and elevate the look of our living space. So I'd recommend you look for elements you can save on, so you can spend a little more where it counts!

Allot extra time

As with any renovation project, expect to hit some snags. For us - we approached many custom cabinet builders to take on our extension project. Contractors would commit and then cancel since it was such a small job.

We decided to take it on ourselves and DIY it but coming up with a feasible and affordable solution took us a little longer than we expected. Also, when you're looking for a specific stone or tile, you can expect to have to wait for a special order or even make a cross border shopping trip happen. Make sure you allot extra time so that you can slow down and make the best decisions for your reno project. Allow the time to measure twice and cut once - you'll be glad you did.

Hope these tips and tricks help you out when you take on your own home/kitchen reno project. Let me know if you have any tips you would add! I'm sure I'll need them when I tackle the bathrooms. 

A special thank you to BLANCO Canada for sponsoring this blog post. As always - all views and opinions are my own. 

Lifestyle: Freedom from Mobile

The Life-Changing Magic of Putting Your Phone Away

Feeling drained and exhausted more than you feel rested? That was me. Then I started doing one simple thing every day, which I swear has changed my life for the better.

I put my phone away.

It isn't difficult (well, maybe sometimes) and it costs nothing. I can't believe I didn't do this more before.

It's so simple but completely life-changing.

Over the course of the last few weeks, I've made a conscious effort to place my phone out of reach during meals and while "unwinding" in the evenings.

This was more than a social media cleanse for me. It was about using technology in a way that was beneficial and positive.

The impact this one decision has had on my daily life is really unbelievable, so I thought I would share what I've learned through this little social experiment.

Photo by Jag Gundu

I am able to focus better with less distractions.

It sounds pretty obvious, but once your phone is out of your hands, you realize how much scrolling you actually do. While I love social media for many reasons and do much of my work online, I find that it can easily become a habit to click and scroll on your phone, taking time away from yourself and your loved ones.

Like anything else, social media is wonderful when you use it in moderation and knowing when your use has gone from productive to mindless, is half of the battle.

Tip: when you find that you are are no longer engaging online, reading captions or slowing down to enjoy a photo, it's time to log off.

I have more energy

While we think of mindless scrolling as a relaxing pastime, I actually feel it depletes my energy a bit. As I said, I enjoy using social media and I do so actively, but once I feel I am not consuming productively, it can quickly turn into an energy suck.

Too much exposure to a screen can leave your eyes and your mind feeling tired and drained - especially if you are scrolling while watching TV. Doing two things at once, is actually not saving you time - it's making you feel more exhausted - but more on that later.

Give your eyes and your mind a break - you will feel the difference.

I actually relax during downtime

I used to think I was too busy to truly relax and that I had too many things to do. It turns out, the reason I was feeling so tired and overworked was because I wasn't turning it off, even after I had "finished for the day."

Putting my phone away in the evenings has been key to me feeling like I have a life other than wearing my multiple job hats. In addition to my traditional work, I'm thinking about video editing, blog writing, photography and pitching - needless to say, there is always something to do all day long and into the evenings. I find it can be a struggle to put it aside but I've learned that having a cut-off time for myself really helps.

There will always be something to do, but it's important to be protective of what you need to recharge and feel good.

It's not that we don't have enough time, it's that we don't have clear priorities. Making myself and my personal downtime a priority has made an incredible difference in how I feel.

Multitasking is overrated 

We come from a generation that once glamorized multi-tasking. In some cases, it's a great skill - like when you can prep lunch while you have dinner bubbling on the stove.

At other times, it does more harm than good. It's another distraction and keeps you from focusing on one task at a time, making you feel stressed and overwhelmed.

Even something as simple as checking your twitter feed while watching TV can leave you feeling like you didn't have any downtime at all.

Do one thing at at time. You will be surprised that you feel like you have more hours in the day. Slowing your mind down a little, allows you to truly rejuvenate in the down time you do have.

I feel more content with the time I have to myself. 

After putting my phone away, I notice I am more present during conversations, I have time for other things I enjoy like reading and I actually begin to recharge.

These days when 10:00 pm rolls around, I'm ok with calling it a night and I feel pretty satisfied with "what I did that evening".

Without the distraction of my phone in my hand, I feel like I've spent quality time with loved ones and that I'm more in the moment. I feel like I'm increasing my attention span and making time to connect with myself by disconnecting a little from the outside world.

When I watch a Netflix documentary or a movie, I enjoy it so much more (probably because I actually pay attention!) and my hubby and I feel as though we actually hung out.

Photo by Banga Studios

Hang up to Hang Out

It's crazy how something that is supposed to make our lives easier and more efficient can actually be detrimental if we don't use it properly.

Putting away our phones when we are with family, friends or even just doing something that matters to us, is a sign of respect - towards others and ourselves. It's also respecting w
hat you need in order to perform at your best level.

Decide what works for you, what you're ok with and then set your own limits. I find taking a picture in the moment is fine, but scrolling/texting while I am supposed to be doing something else is too much.

While I haven't sworn off social media, apps, online reading and attending to my email inbox in the evenings, I have purposefully readjusted my priorities. It's a work in progress but one that I think can be so beneficial to so many of us.

Do you find you spend a lot of time scrolling on your phone while you're relaxing in the evenings?

Do you have any tricks to make sure you're not distracted while doing other things that are important to you?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Leave me a comment below or find me on Instagram @angeliesood

Lifestyle: Dinner ideas for a Date Night at Home

A Valentine Date Night In

Over the last few years, I've come to a realization - I really prefer date nights in. 

While it's nice to get dressed up sometimes and go out for a night on the town, there's definitely a sense of intimacy and coziness that comes when you just stay home. 

With Valentine's day coming up, I thought it was the perfect time to reach out to some of my favourite foodie friends to find out what their date night at home traditions are.

When it comes to figuring out what to make for a special date-night dinner at home, it's nice to get a little inspiration. My friends Solmaz, Krystle and Irene were the perfect ladies to ask - they are amazing recipe creators, food stylists and their blogs are always full of so much incredible culinary (and lifestyle) inspiration! 

Since Cupid's flying around town these days, I also asked them a few other questions just for fun...

• What's your favourite love song?
• What's your favourite romantic movie?
• What's your best relationship advice?
• Name a couple (celebrity or real life) that you admire and why?

I had so much fun reading their answers and can't wait to try their recipes for myself!

Photo courtesy of Irene Matys

Irene

Irene Matys

@thespicyolive1

Irene is a woman after my own heart. How do I know? She's all about the appetizers! Her Charcuterie Board tradition is so adorable, and paired with some wine and a romantic movie - it would be the perfect way to spend a date night at home. Make sure you check out her recipes for some incredible accompaniments to her board- like marinated feta...I can almost taste it now!

Photo courtesy of Irene Matys

Date night in recipe:

Every year we celebrate Valentines with an evening at home. We always have our favourite bubbly, a charcuterie board for two and spend the evening snuggled with a blanket watching our favourite movie. 

Favourite Love Song: As I am an 80’s girl, my favourite love song is Luther Vandross, So Amazing. It was our wedding song as well! 

Favourite Romantic Movie: My favourite romantic movie is Ghost. It’s a tradition every year to watch and of course, Patrick Swayze was one of my celebrity crushes!

Best Relationship Advice: After being married for 16 years and having three girls, Life is hectic with kids activities, work etc. Do or say something  nice to each other everyday! Whether it be a hug, kiss, saying I love you, holding hands, a small note or card in their bag, a text to say thinking of you, will make each other feel special and appreciated. It’s the simple gestures that mean the most!! 

A couple I admire:  I most admire is the love my parents have for each other. They have survived through war, poverty, being refugees to a new country, had to learn a second language and went through all this with two young kids. They stood by each other’s side to make a better life! 

Today, 48 years later, they are happily married, still deeply in love and are inseparable! 

Photo courtesy of thecuriouscreature.com

Solmaz

The Curious Creature

@curiouscreature

Solmaz shared a recipe that I've been dying to try since she first posted about it - Thai Pineapple Fried Rice! I can only imagine the blend of the sweet and juicy pineapple with the savoury elements of the fried rice. This is a dish that I think would be right up my alley for date night, or any night of the week!

Photo courtesy of thecuriouscreature.com

Date night in recipe:

"I'm all about having fun food on date nights so my recipe pick would be Thai Pineapple Fried Rice.

We make it almost monthly. For extra romance, go with two spoons and one half pineapple - lol. It's not your typical romantic dish, but hey, we ain't your typical couple :) 

Favourite Love Song: Hymne a L'amour by Edith Piaf - it was our wedding song (first dance)! 

Favourite Romantic Movie: Cinema Paradiso

Best Relationship Advice: Talk about everything. It can be exhausting at times, but it's the key to a long-lasting relationship, in my opinion. 

A couple I admire: My parents. They've gone through so much together (life events that would tear most people apart) and still share a such a strong connection. 

They never focus on material things -- gifts were rarely exchanged in my family -- but they always give each other undivided attention, ultimate respect and unconditional love. 

Together they are the most empathetic and altruistic couple I know. 

Photo courtesy of dineandfash.com

Krystle

Dine and Fash

@dineandfash

Krystle's recipe for - An Eggplant and Three Cheese Lasagna, sounds (and looks) too good to be true! With winter cravings for comfort food, this dish would definitely satisfy you and your honey. 

Date night in recipe:

Krystle's pick for date night in would be a healthier but equally delicious spin on a classic, with her Three Cheese Eggplant Lasagna

Photo courtesy of Dineandfash.com

Favourite Love Song: This is so tough because I have so many! Personally, I think all of the best slow songs came from the 80s, so I’d have to go with: The Cars – Drive, Roxette – It Must Have Been Love, and Sting – Fields of Gold. They all give me goosebumps whenever I listen to them! After the 80s, anything Coldplay.

Favourite Romantic Movie: Pretty Woman

Best Relationship Advice: Understand your love languages, and try to give your partner the type of love that he or she understands/wishes to receive.

A couple I admire: Barack and Michelle Obama. You can just tell the mutual respect and admiration they have for each other. I think that’s rare and one of the most important qualities to have in a long-lasting relationship.

A Sweet Finish

So now you have three amazing dishes you could choose to prepare for a special dinner at home,  but don't forget to end with something sweet. My favourite Valentine tradition is a dark chocolate fondue. For dessert, I love to prepare chocolate covered strawberries and enjoy them with my sweetheart. 

Also, just for fun- thought I'd answer some of my own questions too.  My answers are below:

Favourite Love Song: I think I'd go with a classic - The way you look tonight. 

Favourite Romantic Movie: Serendipity. It gives me all the feels every time!

Best Relationship Advice: Know that you are always changing and growing as individuals. Communication is the key to making sure you are growing together. 

A couple I admire: My aunt and uncle - they have so much zest for life, love to travel and even after multiple decades of marriage they appreciate each other openly and enjoy the other person for who they are. Love that!

Date Night at Home

I am definitely going to be trying these incredible recipes for some date nights over the next few weeks. Would love to hear about your date night traditions too! Leave me a comment below and let me know how you spend cozy nights at home.

Happy Valentine's to you and those you love!

XO

Lifestyle: Autumnal Decor at Home

Decor Update for the Fall

Autumn is one of my favourite seasons.

Actually, scratch that- I love all the seasons! 

Well really, what I like the most is the change of seasons.

It's an instant refresh and the perfect time to reset. I love reorganizing and changing a few things around my home as the seasons change.

Even the smallest tweaks and special touches add a fresh energy and vibe to your space.

I thought before I refresh for the winter months, I should share some of my special touches for Autumn. 

Metallics

This fall, I've really been into metallics. I've been warming up my space with rose gold and copper tones.

I've also been loving playing with different textures. This candle that I got as a gift really adds an element of interest to my otherwise neutral display.

Scents    

When I buy my own fall scents, I look for something with a hint of warmth and spice to celebrate the season. This year I went with a cinnamon scent which will last me well into holiday time. (It looks so new and pretty I haven't even burnt it yet! I need to get on that.)

Natural Elements

Over the years, I've noticed that I'm all about adding natural elements to my home. I do this year round, but in the fall I'm all about the tiny pumpkins. I bought these little white ones at the beginning of the season and they've literally lasted me until now! 

Another element I added this season was some natural greens. A few branches of something in a vase really adds a bit of interest and colour to your space. This time, I experimented with some dried botanicals instead of fresh ones and I really liked the muted tones for fall.

On my dining table, I stayed within my natural toned palette and went with some seasonal squash. 

The good thing is, these veggies keep well at room temperature, so you can always cook your display when you're done using it as a centrepiece. Here, I used a mix of acorn squash, pumpkins and butternut squash.

Porch Decor

I carried the Autumnal theme out on to my porch with these rustic wooden elements and some heirloom pumpkins. I just love the look of these perfectly imperfect little guys, and had fun experimenting with the muted orange and green tones. 

Chrysanthemums are a great outdoor flower for the fall and these ones really livened up my porch during October and most of November. You can have lots of fun with the different varieties and they come in so many pretty colours!

Right now as we head towards the end of November, I'm fighting the urge to buy all the holiday decor! 

The displays are all so lovely but I'm looking at things through a more minimalist lens these days and it's important to me that I truly love each and every thing that comes into my home. If we don't love it - it just doesn't belong. (You can read more about how I've adapted minimalism in my home here)

So that being said, I'm starting my seasonal decorating by removing all my Autumn touches and de-cluttering the space. Removing some extra elements like photos and table decor will really help give me a clean canvas to enjoy my little holiday touches in December and January without feeling overwhelmed by "stuff".

How do you get ready for the change of seasons in your home? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.