Wordless Wednesday (You Never Know What You'll Find In The Park)

A Late September Soundtrack

Sometimes I need music to fill me up to the brim.

Ever feel that way?

Going way back on a few of these, mes amis. I feel like I'm in university, staring out of my second story bedroom, watching the snow and wondering what will happen next.

Neighbourhood Sweethearts

My little Fawn and her neighbourhood pals. So much cute. These girlies are always out front, riding bikes, drawing with chalk, getting into mischief. Just another reason I'm delighted to call this neighbourhood our home.

The Value Of Procrastination

Just a little thought on this fine Monday morning.

Source.

The Gibson Tuck

I've been watching a boatload of hair tutorials lately, and this one's blowing my mind. Now I'm wondering to myself why I've never thought to do this. 

Even the name of this style, The Gibson Tuck, makes me feel like a farmer's wife.

Please visit Simply Stardust for the tutorial vid. You're gonna love this.

(Also, thanks to Prudent Baby -- I first spotted this beaut on their Pinterest.)

Source.

Daybook Love

It's been nine months since my last entry in The Simple Woman's Daybook. Sometimes I think I should make this a weekly tradition, or at least a few times a month. Helps me to clear my thoughts and feel refreshed.

Won't you join me?

♥ Outside my window... are the hints of a rainy day. I believe I'll be biking home from the cafe in a bit of a downpour, I do believe. But I don't really mind. This city's beautiful in the rain.

♥ I am thinking... about the beginning of fall, and how I'd very much like a new autumn-scented Yankee Candle. My word, I love those things.

♥ I am thankful... for beautiful smiles, finding two eggs in the coop this morning, my wonderful neighbourhood, the kindness of strangers & for every moment spent with my daughter .

♥ In the kitchen... some organizaition needs to happen. My new roomie moved in yesterday and I think she might like to have a cupboard of her own.

♥ I am wearing... a pretty cute outfit, actually. Black tights, knit dress, brown cardy, my favourite scarf and my hair is wild like a lioness.

♥ I am creating... a positive space around me. Negativity begone -- you don't belong here.

♥ I am going... to stop bothering to worry about money. Where does that get me?

♥ I am wondering... if I'll always feel much older than my years.

♥ I am reading... Seven Times the Sun. It's one of my most cherished parenting books.

♥ I am hoping... for an autumn season that lasts and lasts.

♥ I am looking forward to... new beginnings, the holiday season & mounds of pumpkin pie.

♥ I am hearing... the true songs of my soul, peering through, happy in acknowledgment.

♥ Around the house... things are hectic as my new housemate settles in. All shall be lovely once the dust has settled. I hadn't realized much I'd gotten used to being alone -- I'm in transition, mes amis.

♥ I am pondering... a handmade Christmas this year. My sewing machine is a delightful creature, begging for my attention.

♥ One of my favorite things... about this season is walks in the woods, admiring nature at its finest.

♥ A few plans for the rest of the week... a shift at the shop, on call for my early October mama, teaching prenatal, lots of reading & perhaps a Movie in the Park night with Gretchen this evening.

♥ A photo for thought...

Fawned Friday

01. Gorgeous fall hair inspiration.

02. Tomato time lapse love.

03. Definitely take a moment to enter this giveaway. It's good for your soul.

04. This post is making me seriously hungry. 

05. Beautiful bedroom inspiration.

06. I want these to dangle from my lobes.

07. Thrifting advice is always a good read.

08. Might have to do a post like this one soon.

09. I keep giggling over this math problem.

10. Simple and stunning.

11. This would be a perfect fit for chilly hands in the morning.

12. An absolutely elegant sentiment.

13. How much do I adore this home?

Moments That Last

Simple pleasures.
Seashell castles.
Infectious smiles.
Genuine laughter.

Make believe.
Make it count.

Wordless Wednesday (Grateful For My Gals)

Big Changes At The House Of Fawn

Hello, hello -- lovely news this evening! I alluded to this a short while ago, but now it's all official: This Thursday, things are going to change quite a bit around here. This Thursday, Gretchen and I are getting a housemate!

A friend of mine -- from elementary/secondary school -- will be renting a room from me, turning our house of two, into a house of three! I'm so thrilled that we're able to stay in our home, and excited to be getting a roomie.

I've been doing lots of FlyLady cleaning this week, in preparation (especially this sort of cleaning). Essentially, and I'm letting my guard down to announce this, but my house has been a disaster since BlogHer. It's true. It was a mess when I left and of course, a mess when I got back. You all know things have been tough lately, and with the trip excitement, one daycare-less month, a round of colds and zero motivation -- well, you can only imagine what things were starting to look like around here. However, I'm happy to announce that I've now conquered the chaos and I'm feeling back on top. It's so difficult to be productive when your home is in a state.

Again, the refreshments of autumn are serving me well. The air is sweet with opportunity and I'm finding a smile on my face much more frequently. I know that life won't be perfect anytime soon, but I'm certainly on my way to a much more manageable existence.

I've been busy with several new projects lately as well. I've taken on two new blogs (writing/design for local businesses), two new doula clients to serve, private and group prenatal classes -- my calendar is full-up, mes amis. This world is providing for me and I'm grateful.

I've really been holding tight to those days when it's just Gretchen and myself. We've been enjoying cafe dates together, visits to the park, photo-taking by the river and countless bike rides. She's been a force to be reckoned with lately, folks. And honestly, I adore that strong willed nature of hers. I think she gets it from me. At times it gets tough, I question my parenting, I question everything, but for all of her feisty moments, her angry fits, her vows of stubbornness -- she's still the most brilliant, sweet, caring, gentle, sensitive child. It's a wild ride, worth every jolt and turn.

Wishing you a wonderful week, with quiet moments, tea by the pot-full, pumpkin flavoured goodies and ear-to-ear grins. Sweet dreams, dear hearts.

Celebrating The Moon Festival With VH (Plus A $50 Grocery Card Giveaway!)

Way back when Gretchen was a wee babe, and we first starting introducing solids, I vowed not to go the standard BLAH route of bland, icky baby foods, in hopes that she's end up with a rather sophisticated palate. Now, at 2 1/2, she's happy to much on all things spicy, curried and exotic. She's thrilled when she knows we're going out for sushi (she prefers japchae, fish soup, rice & a few bites of maki). It makes me SO happy that I can bring her to just about any restaurant possible and find something she'll enjoy. I'll never have to be that mom with the no-sauce-on-my-white-pasta kid. Success.

I also enjoy cooking, which makes things easier. I love trying new recipes and finding new things that she loves. Recently, she's discovered a love of fish, and she's a monster for my signature breakfast burritos. However, like most moms (I hope) I sometimes find myself insanely tired and completely unmotivated to summon dinner (from a probably messy kitchen). Ever feel like that? Ever resort to the dreaded freezer meals? I'll admit I've been a bit of a snob about buying frozen meals in the past, especially since becoming a mother, but if it's the difference between me having quality time with my daughter while we eat together, or me cursing while trying to fix a meal with no clean pots and and empty fridge, then count me in!

Recently, Gretchen and I celebrated the Moon Festival -- one of the most important holidays on the Chinese calendar, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival -- To celebrate, Gretchen and I tried out some VH Steamers. I was skeptical, let me tell you, but considering I only had to spend four minutes making dinner (on what ended up being a particularly stressful day) I could have kissed the colourful packaging it came in.

Actually, they're pretty darn tasty. And surprisingly filling. I remember eating frozen meals when I was in university, and I always wanted about four of them. Is that a terrible thing to confess?

Gretchen and I gobbled them up, and ended up having yogurt & homemade granola for desert, since I never ended up finding the mooncakes that are traditionally eaten on this holiday. Any of my local readers know where I can find some? They look so tasty!

Hmm, or perhaps I'll try to make my own? This recipe looks interesting... this one too.

It was really neat to learn about a holiday I wasn't previously familiar with, and I'm looking forward to teaching Gretchen about all kinds of traditional holidays over the years. I think it's a beautiful insight into another culture when you take part in their festivities. And knowing my adventurous little girl, she'll be happy to sample holiday treats from all over the world.

GIVEAWAY: To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment letting me know how you introduce culture into your meals and you'll be entered to win a $50 grocery gift card! Also be sure to visit vhsauces.ca for some tasty Moon Festival inspired recipes. This giveaway is open to my fellow Canucks. Quick turn around on this one, ladies & gents -- entries must be in by noon on September 21st!

Disclosure: I am participating in the VH Moon Festival program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of VH. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. As always, the opinions on this blog are my own.

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Update: The lucky winner is... Iris! Congrats!

We Must Be Hatched

“It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.” C. S. Lewis.

Peterborough Pride Love

Good evening! Just a quick few snaps to share from this year's Pride celebrations. What a beautiful Saturday afternoon with my girl. I love days like these, my friends.

PS. That squirrel hoodie is going to pop up for this week's Small Style. Hold tight.
PPS. Sorry for the text at the end of that vid. Apparently Reel Director used my settings from this video. Oopsy.

The Moment I've Been Waiting For

Greetings from a happy chicken mama! I am beyond thrilled this week. The gals have laid their first eggs! I came across the first two on Thursday afternoon, then one Friday, one yesterday. I had been checking each day, just peeking into te coop to see if there were gifts to be found. What a treat! I adore these tiny little brown eggs, slightly specked, and I'm feeling a bit reverent. I feel as though I've been waiting a lifetime for this day, and with it's arrival, a new phase. I'm in awe of nature, I'm thankful and humbled and bursting with pride.

Excellent work, ladies.

Edit: Five delightful eggs in total, as of Sunday morning. 

The Toddler & The Knitted Boob

The other day, I picked it up and it was soggy from her trying to grab a sippy sip. She's quite the character. I have to tell you, mes amis, I love having a nursing toddler. It's a whole new world of breastfeeding. Being able to talk about it with her is such a blessing. Absolutely beautiful.

Tea Cozies & Handmade Delights

I went on a quick thrifting trip yesterday & came home with some darling finds. How sweet is this tea cozy? Gretchen was all giggles & smiles when I popped it onto my favourite ForLife teapot. I also found her a cute pair of purple pants, as well as a matching mitt/hat combo for this winter. Actually, she ended up wearing them to our Movie in the Park last night.

My other finds included a soft pair of black mittens for myself, and this gorgeous bit of handiwork, which I plan on mending and hanging on a bedroom wall.





I'm in love with those hand-stitches. A few have come undone, however, and so I'll take my needle & thread to it before choosing a spot in our home for it to rest, and brighten. A wee dash of handmade love for some lucky spot in my home.

Any luck at the thrift shops lately, dear hearts?

Living An Environmentally Conscious Life (And A Giveaway!)

If you've been reading my blog for a while, then you probably already know that I do my best to direct my life down an eco-friendly path. I'm nowhere near where I'd like to be, but it's been baby steps all the way. Gardening, raising chickens, being conscious of plastic and chemicals being brought in to my home, and more. Before I was a mama, I had some environmentalist inklings, but with the arrival of my daughter came a overwhelming desire to live as gently on this earth as I can.

When Gretchen first started going to daycare, I overheard the other mamas chatting about Seventh Generation products -- mostly diapers and wipes. I was eager to learn more. At that time I wasn't aware of the company's other products, which I've since come to use and love. I'm always on the prowl for eco-savvy companies, and to be honest, there's almost a trust thing that happens in my head when I'm shopping. I'll pick up a package, read through the ingredients, and if I find it to be riddled with ingredients which I know are harmful for my child -- and therefore my planet -- then back it goes, followed by a disapproving glare. I almost feel let down when companies don't at least try to work on their environmental aspects.

I was recently given an opportunity to try out a few Seventh Generation products that I hadn't used before, and so I jumped at the chance. I'm definitely feeling a positive vibe from this company -- and I've fallen in love with their Eucalyptus & Lavender laundry detergent. I'm pretty picky about what I use to wash my clothing, so trying a new brand made me a bit nervous. However, after a few weeks and numberless loads of laundry, you can call me a convert. It smells amazing & is incredible gentle, while still boasting some pretty serious cleaning power.

Thanks to the lovely folks at Seventh Gen, one of my Canadian readers will win a 100% organic cotton 7th Gen Eco lunch bag (just like the one in the pic -- so cute!), as well as some great coupon for FREE 7th Gen Free & Clear Diapers, Free & Clear Baby Wipes and dishwashing products. To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment with you best tip on how to be more environmentally conscious. If you'd like a few addition entries, please feel free to do the following (leaving a new comment for each):

• Follow @sofawned on Twitter
• Follow @SeventhGen on Twitter
• Like So Fawned on Facebook
• Like Seventh Generation on Facebook
• Join the Seventh Generation Nation
• Subscribe to So Fawned
• Tweet, blog or spread the word on Facebook

Giveaway ends Monday at noon, so enter ASAP, mes amis!

Disclosure: I am participating in the Seventh Generation program by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. As always, the opinions on this blog are my own. 

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Update: The winner is Liz! Thanks to everyone who entered!

Fawned Friday

01. Vintage laundry basket love.

02. I need to make one of these.

03. Raddest fashion/dance vid ever.

04. I think I'd like a longboard now, please.

05. Beautiful thoughts about busy lives.

06. My newest blog crush.

07. This shop has a phenomenal aesthetic.

08. Oh yes please! For Christmas perhaps?

09. Honestly, teens don't get much cooler than this.

10. I think my nursing mama readers are going to dig this one.

11. Loving these unique gift tags.

Motherhood Is All About Community

Did you know that on Wednesday mornings, I help run a local mama group with my dear friend Kim, of Your Green Baby? We started the group a few months back (took a tiny break for the summer) and we're starting back up again next week. I can't wait to see how much everyone's tots have grown!

Finding community as a parent is so important -- especially when you're a new mom. Sometimes just sharing your struggles (and successes!) is the best way to grow as a mother. I always feel so refreshed and empowered after spending time with other mothers. We're a powerful bunch, and we're better as a collective -- supporting one another through the tough times and wonderful moments that motherhood brings our way.

Baby & You is a family-friend place, created for moms, dads & anyone with kiddos in their lives -- it's all about joining in the conversation, sharing advice and learning from others. There's also a section for exclusive savings from Loblaw's Inc., and a weekly flyer link for coupons specific to your local area. I'm also told there'll be a fab new deal from my beloved Joe Fresh in the next month -- count me in!

Two Canadian mom bloggers have joined in the fun as well: Lisa, from Growing You Baby, takes on the Baby Talk, while Jody, from Mommy Moments, adds her expertise to Mom Talk. Pop by for a visit and see what they have to say! You can also join in on Twitter, by following the #BabyAndYou hashtag.

How do you connect with other moms? Online? Local groups? Coffee klatch? I'd love to hear about what works for you, or where you've found the most support.

Disclosure: I am participating in the Baby and You program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Loblaw Companies. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. As always, the opinions on this blog are my own.

Small Style No. 19

Good morning, lovelies! It's been a while since my last Small Style post, but as soon as my gramma brought this sweater by last week, I knew it deserved a post on its own. Aren't the colours gorgeous? And so perfect for fall?

This week's been a mad crazy one for me -- working a ton, so many opportunities, new prenatal clients, two new blogs to write & a new doula client hire. My word. I've got my positive face on and everything's coming up Fawn.

However, with all of the busy goodness comes the fact that Gretchen has been either in daycare, with a grandparent or being babysat by dear friends all week. I know that she's having fun, seeing friends, learning a ton and doing just fine, it hurts my heart to spent so much time away. I miss her constantly.

On the weekend, I actually brought Gretchen to the shop with me for a few hours which was nice. She's a busy tot and was frustrated that I wouldn't quite let her rearrange the entire store, but I think she had a great time chatting up all the Saturday morning customers.

Thankfully, at the end of this fabulously frantic week I have plans to take my little Fawn to our neighbourhood association's Movie in the Park shindig. Matilda's playing, and I think it'll be the perfect way to mellow out and wind down. As for Saturday? Perhaps a bike ride to the market where we'll buy goat milk and sunflowers. Mmm, yes.

Do you love how she tries to kiss Kitten AND maul her? Those two have a pretty special relationship. Their interactions are totally worth capturing. So sweet, so sassy.

Sweater: Thrifted by my gramma
Skirt: Gap
Shirt: Old Navy
Tights: Gap
Boots: Old Navy, hand-me-downs from one of Gretchen's BFFs

Linking up over at Mama Loves Papa... come and see!

PS. These photos were snapped a few days ago, and now the weather has cooled down quite a bit. I actually had to go and buy some new clothes for Gretchen as I quickly realized that her next batch of hand-me-downs won't work for us until next summer. I definitely stopped by Jo Fresh last night to grab a few new pieces. Watch for them in a future Small Style. Peace!

Wordless Wednesday (In The Silence)

Our Sunday

Our Sunday was... a walk in the woods, pumpkin spice, breathing the freshest air, sipping tea, learning new things, a potluck with friends, heartfelt moments, happy tears, a new start, a way of life, smiles, honesty, forgiving hugs & sweet toddler kisses.

A beautiful thing.

A wonderful way to start the week.