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)!