Dressing the Bump

Striped Dresses

Camel with Denim

Grey Sweater Dresses

While I am not quite the size of the ladies pictured above just yet, I can't help but think ahead to how I will dress my bump as we head toward Fall in New York. I have grand plans to avoid maternity clothes for as long as I can (although I'm not completely adverse to it), so I want to wear things from my own wardrobe and stretch them out (literally) for as long as I can. The above looks are perfectly achievable and completely stylish, whether you are pregnant or not.

Have a great weekend!

Montana 2.0

 (Yes, signs like this do make me very nervous!) 

We were lucky enough to get to travel back to Montana over the past week. Man I love that place. We had such a fabulous time. Catching up with old friends, making new friends and getting to spend more time up in Glacier National Park (of which I have share some of my favourite photos above).

The reason we were in Montana was for the wedding of our good friends. Let me just say, it was probably (definitely) the most amazing wedding I've ever been to. You know the kind of wedding you see in Vogue magazine, or the kind of wedding that you might see in a movie. Well that was this wedding. It was beautiful; the setting, the decor, the people, everything. I am so glad that we got married last year because this wedding will be one hard act to follow!

Wellness Wednesday

I can't take credit for this recipe, it comes from my friend Guyon. But this smoothie has become an almost daily staple of mine. While technically a juice, when the right proportion of ingredients are added, it has the consistency of a smoothie and is simply delicious. Berries are packed with lots of good for you antioxidants and bananas provide potassium among other things. This is the perfect way for me to get a daily dose of fruit as I am not much of a snacker during the day so can otherwise miss out on this important food group.

Here's how to whip one up for yourself... in a blender add one banana, 6 or so hulled strawberries, a small handful each of blueberries and raspberries and about a cup of orange juice. Add ice and blend until smooth. This makes enough for two people. Enjoy!

Saturday in the Park

On Saturday we went up to Central Park and hung out with some friends on the Sheep Meadow lawn. It was such a nice way to spend an afternoon. The boys kicked around the footy for a bit and us ladies talked babies. One of my friends had her gorgeous eight week old son there, and my other friend is due two weeks before me, so we all have babies on the brain at the moment!

After everyone went their separate ways Michael and I decided to wander around the park for a little longer. It really is so beautiful up there, we need to do it more often. I couldn't be bothered taking photos so the ones above are courtesy of my lovely husband.

As it was said lovely husband's birthday last week (and he spent it in London on a business trip), we also went out for a yummy lunch on Sunday to Momofuku Noodle Bar. While I can't justify eating them very often, the pork buns were delicious and I highly recommend them!

Summer Dresses...With Room to Grow

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

I have noticed now that my belly is starting to pop, that most of my summer dresses are waisted. That just isn't working for me and my rapidly growing midsection. So I have done some research and found some gorgeous dresses to help get me through this awkward phase of pregnancy and through to the end of summer. The four dresses above are at the top of my wishlist (and the Zara one is already on it's way to me).

Have a great weekend!

Wellness Wednesday

Image: Townvibe

In honour of the study that I am about to begin next week in nutrition and health, I have decided to dedicate a post each week to healthy diet and lifestyle pursuits. Enter Wellness Wednesday. Each week I will share my learning in health and offer recipes and ideas that you can try at home. I am really excited about this new chapter I am beginning and feel that it will lead to a much more fulfilling and rewarding career. 

To kick things off, I want to share why it is so important to me to buy organic (as much as possible). Processed and genetically modified foods make me so mad. Not even fruits and vegetables are safe from genetic meddling. The problem with foods that have been genetically modified is that they are not broken down by your body in the same way and can lack some of the vital nutrients your body needs. Add the fact that genetically modified foods have been linked to cancer. Then there is the link with genetically modified foods and the increasing rates of severe food allergies in children. Reason enough to steer clear of the GMO's, I should think.

I understand that buying organic is expensive and therefore isn't realistic for everyone, but it really is important to be selective about the food you are buying. Avoid processed food as much as possible. Try visiting a farmer's market and talking with the actual farmers who are supplying the food. This can often end up being a much cheaper alternative than the regular supermarkets anyway.

I believe in everything in moderation, but to be honest you really have to be putting in good fuel 98% of the time or your health starts to suffer. It may not seem like much but cutting out processed and genetically modified foods can literally add years to your life.

Coastal Trimmings

Images clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

I have been on the hunt for the perfect piece of coral to display in our home. I am obsessed with the stuff. While in Nantucket I found some gorgeous pieces, but couldn't justify the hefty price tag on most of them. Then yesterday while walking past Potterybarn, where I have spied several nice pieces of faux coral in the past, the sale signs drew me in. There hiding in the back of the store was my favourite piece for almost half price. Well I couldn't resist! I need to do some rearranging of my knick-knacks, but I am very happy with it and am sure I will find it's perfect home very soon.

What do you think? Do you like coral too?

Nantucket

A very photo heavy post for your Monday. Consider it a photo diary of sorts from our amazing trip to Nantucket...

Madaket Beach, the scene of many swims and lots of sunning.

Change of scenery at Surfside Beach for an afternoon swim.

The amazing heritage listed streets in town.

I've started saving up for my yacht, now I just have to decide which one (in my dreams).

Sankaty Head Lighthouse.

The view from Sankaty Head, looking out over the cliffs.

The crew outside our amazing house.

The most amazing sunset I have ever seen. It's just a shame my camera died right 

after this photo because it got even better than this!

Until next time Nantucket, and there will be a next time.

Extra-long Weekends Are Always Welcome!

Images: Northrop and Johnson, Little Plastic Horses and Flikr

We have had a lot going on over here of late. Michael got a promotion at work that will have us living in New York for another few years, I have enrolled in a new course of study and am set for a complete career change, and oh, probably the biggest news around here, I'm pregnant! That is my excuse for my lack of posting lately. I have had a bit of a struggle with motivation. We are very excited and can not wait to be parents. Exciting times ahead!

It's the day before the Independence Day holiday in the United States. We have an extra-long weekend that we will be spending in Nantucket with some of our good friends, swimming, BBQ'ing and learning to play wiffle ball. I am more than ready for our five day weekend to start!

Enjoy your week (and if you are lucky enough, your extra-long weekend)!

Her Look // Your Way

Anthropologie Sleeveless Shirt / J.Crew Earrings / Lowie Skinny Belt / 

Citizens of Humanity Hudson Jeans / Oasis Plaited Sandals

With summer in the air an all white look is a fresh way re-think a summer outfit. Simply pair your favourite white jeans with a loose summery blouse. Add some neutral accessories, or why not be bold and go for a hint of orange. Top it off with a swipe of orange lipstick and you are good to go!

Something Sweet

Image by Kate Maguire

I thought I would kick off the (almost) weekend with something sweet. I'm not much of a baker, but this cake was exceptionally easy to make, thanks Martha. I even got to bust out my Kitchen Aid mixer for the first time (only eight months after the wedding). This perfect summer dessert pairs well with plain old vanilla ice cream - yum!

Have a great weekend!

Summer Hair

Images clockwise from top left: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Now that summer is officially here, and with plenty of humidity to boot, I am fining myself wanting to put my hair up almost every day. I hate when my hair falls on the back of my neck when I am feeling overheated, and pulling my hair up is the only way (other than a serious haircut) to solve the problem. I usually pull my hair up into a messy bun either high on my head or low at the back, but this summer I am feeling inspired to try some of these more sophisticated up-dos.

The Weekend, Two Weeks Ago

Images by Kate Maguire

Due to my absence, this post is a couple of weeks old, but for the Memorial long weekend (which also happened to be my birthday weekend), Michael and I headed out to Greenport on the North Fork of Long Island. This trip was so lovely and definitely worthy of a post.

Greenport is a small little harbour town near the very tip of Long Island. It is such a picturesque little town and we thoroughly enjoyed strolling the streets, eating fresh seafood and enjoying the festivities of the Memorial Day holiday weekend. There were also several tall ships in the marina that people could board and explore, although we opted to look from afar as the large crowds were a big deterrent. We stayed at the Greenporter Hotel, which was pretty basic but all we needed for a weekend getaway. Plus an afternoon lazing by the pool was just what the doctor ordered.

Our favourite discovery of the weekend was Shelter Island. We travelled over on a car ferry and spent an afternoon driving around this gorgeous little island. It is so beautiful and some of the homes there are amazing. We loved it so much, we are planning on staying on Shelter Island next time we head out to the end of Long Island. I am really enjoying that we don't have to go far to discover beautiful places that give us a well deserved break from the craziness that is New York City.

Long Absence

Image from Everything Lovely

Firstly, sorry for my long absence from the blog. I hadn't been feeling all that great and so my motivation to blog certainly suffered. I am on the mend now and ready to get back into the swing of things, so please bare with me while I try and get my groove back!

With that said, it's Friday, the weekend is almost upon us and it is always the right time to remind ourselves that the best is yet to come - because it is!

I also wanted to thank you for your sweet comments of concern in my absence, it is nice to know that I have readers that care so much, so thank you.

xo

Unique New York

The several thousand other people occupying the Sheep's Meadow in Central Park.

My new friend Andreas and his balsa wood plane (that he gave to me).

Catching some rays at Hudson River Park.

We had a great New York weekend, this past Saturday and Sunday. We spent both days lazing in the glorious sunshine, first in Central Park and then at Hudson River Park. On Saturday at Central Park, we had one of those only in New York moments. I was watching (read: staring) at a man making balsa wood planes. He made the one pictured above in less than ten minutes, from scratch. And when I say from scratch I mean, he shaped the wood and expertly put all the pieces together. It was fascinating. The gentleman must have seen me staring (and I thought I was so discreet!) because after a couple of impressive practice flights, he came right up to me and said if I could accept an imperfect plane, I could have it - like I knew the difference!

Now, I am quite shy in situations like these so to deflect my embarrassment, my good friend offered to take the first flight. We watched as she sent the plane spiralling through the air, landing softly on a group of people (there were thousands) occupying the grass. Then I had a turn, my first flight was pretty poor but after some coaching from my new friend Andreas (who turned out to be an old Aerospace Engineer from Hungary), I had the plane spiralling high in the air. We all took turns flying the plane, interrupting our new friend to improve our technique as we went. It was such a fun and unexpected way to spend an afternoon.

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On another note, sorry I have been absent from the blog the last couple of weeks. I think I just need a bit of a break to refresh my head. I will try and get back to some kind of regular posting soon!

Decorating Details

Bar Cart // Gallery Wall

Layered Linens // Colour on White

Decorative Light Fittings // Wallpaper

Hanging Flowers // Books Arranged by Colour

I am feeling so inspired by all of these decorating details. The use of colour, flowers, decorative light fittings and artwork all work to create a room that is interesting as well as stylish. I hope they inspire you too!