Glamour This!

When we originally purchased our stroller, we I didn’t do much research. I honestly went with a bundle pack which included the Travel System (stroller / carseat), high chair and playpen (599$) in the Chicco brand. As much as general reviews about the Cortina system were pretty good, I didn’t love it. Sure the price for the bundle was amazing and we used the highchair and playpen but for the stroller… I wish I had done my research so that I would of purchased something with a double stroller option.

With the arrival of baby girl in May, Mavrick will only be 22 months. Even though he likes being independent, he still loves riding in a stroller so I need a double stroller to carry both kids around. I wanted the sit n’ stand option because I know come summer time, he will like riding standing up (or I assume he will) but I mean boys like that kind of stuff.

The sit n’ stand double strollers are very limited. I’ve been searching online for weeks and ones I’ve found are the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Strollerand the Baby Trend Sit N Stand. At first I kept looking at the Baby Trend models, but unfortunately we have very few here in Canada (and the prices much more expensive than in the US).

Wishlist :

• Sit n Stand Stroller
• Double Sunshields
• Compatible with my Chicco Keyfit Carseat
• Under 300$
• Lightweight
• Storage space (trust me, you’ll need it with 2)

Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stroller, Blueberry

Baby Trend Sit N Stand DX Stroller, Vanguard

I have yet to test drive both stollers, but from the look of it through the reviews and features the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stroller seems to be winning. It is compatible with my carseat, which the BabyTrend has yet to confirm (I would need to bring it to the store and check there) Even though it seems to only have 1 sun shield, it’s actually wide enough for when Mavrick is sitting (the vanguard available in Canada has 2 separate sun shields), As for weight, the Joovy is only 21 pounds (ultralight) where as the other model is 32.5 pounds.

Now seeing I haven’t test driven any models yet, it’s the next thing on my to-do list. I think it’s important to test it out so that can properly check all the features on site. The only issue is that the Joovy isn’t available everywhere and finding a retailer seemed a little complicated. I finally found a store that holds the stroller but they are selling it at 299$ (versus 279$ for the Vanguard). I was a little bummed about that seeing it was cheaper on Amazon and US sites. Then… don’t ask me how I found this but I found the Joovy for 229$!!! Just for the price point I’m excited. It’s only available in orange or lime but what the heck I’m not paying 75$ more just for a color (that’s without taking into account our 14.5% taxes! brutal I KNOW!)

So as you can see, I’m leaning towards the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stroller probably in Orange. I can’t believe after all this time… I’m so close to having found THE STROLLER. Now, I guess once I can check that off my list, I can sell my Chicco one.

Do you have a sit n’ stand stroller? What brand/model did you go for?

As of this morning, the Diane Von Furstenberg  exclusive collection is available in all Gap stores (online too) in the US and Canada. I absolutely love all the color prints… and not to mention the use of black! I love black for baby girls (well baby & toddler) and I think having some in the DVF collection will make others realize how awesome it is. Here are a few pieces of the collection.

I absolutely love this dress (below) everything about it is ADORABLE!!! As much as I would like to purchase it, I’m not at that point yet and I have so much to do before baby girl arrives. But if you want some DVF goodness, be sure to get yourself something TODAY, or TOMORROW…. because honestly, it will sell out FAST as in, in a blink of an eye!

The kimonos style dresses are refreshing to see on a little girl. I defintiely this will become a signature piece in the collection. Will you purchase an exclusive DVF piece from Gap? If so, what is your heart set on?

Oh and if you are planning to purchase a piece online, don’t forget to use ebates to get cash back on your order! Friendly reminder.

[ images : Gap ]

For some time now, brides have been going to ShopRuche.com and purchasing regular dresses for their bridal party. They have some extremely cute options and their vintage flare paired with their affordable prices makes it an easy choice. ShopRuche.com is another one of those sites that I spend hours looking at all the clothes, shoes and accessoires but have yet to click on buy. The reviews have been great thus far (I follow them closely on their Facebook Fan Page)

Ruche announced a while back that they will be launching their bridal collection on March 19th. Even if I am not getting married (been there, done that) I can’t wait to see their version of bridal. I’m sure these 2 pieces will be part of the collection, but then again this is only speculation.

Sweet Mystery Veiled Headband – 28.99$

Making New Memories Lace Dress – 52.99$

Have you purchased anything from ShopRuche.com ? I’m looking forward to getting myself a piece (eventually) maybe it will be in my buy a piece a month rule. Happy Hump Day everyone!

Finding the perfect diaper bag to suit your needs can sometimes be hard, especially with all the models out there. I know when I got pregnant with Mavrick, I was new to the whole mommy thing so my criteria was pretty basic. I wanted something nice, that had enough storage and could easily look like a purse (seeing I would use it to put my wallet, cellphone, keys and lip gloss) I ended up getting the Skip Hop Studio Diaper Bag Tote Bag (#4) When I got it, I was excited. It’s a beautiful bag, had lots of pockets… but down the road it wasn’t the right fit for me. I have HUGE purses, no joke! So when I got the bag… it seemed a little on the smallish side (for me).

Now that I will have 2 under 2, I still need to luge around diapers, bottles/sippy cups, toys, clothes etc. So I’m thinking maybe I should sell my current bag and opt for a bigger better option. I want my bag to look like more like a purse than a diaper bag (even if the hubs would prefer a more “manly” option) and it needs to be big. I’ve been searching the net, asking around what people have as bags, what they like or dislike and I came up with this colorful mashup.

I am LOVING the look of the Timi & leslie Convertible Charlie II Diaper Bag but there seems to be mixed reviews about the quality and design. Honestly… I even considered getting a Kelly Moore Camera Bag simply because I love the designs, they are roomy and the models are right down my alley. Plus everyone seems to rave about them (with the exception of the pricetag)

Do you know of any great diaper bags or bags that could easily fit my criteria? What diaper bag do you have?

1 | Petunia Pickle Bottom Touring Tote Diaper Bag 2 | Kate Spade New York Kate Spade Nylon Stevie Baby Bag Diaper Bag  3 | timi & leslie Convertible Charlie II Diaper Bag, Teal  4 | Skip Hop Studio Diaper Bag Tote Bag, Pewter Dot  5 | Vera Bradley Baby Bag  6 | JJ Cole Satchel Diaper Bag, Stone Arbor  7 | New Spring 2011 Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack – Sunshine In Sardinia  8 | timi & leslie Dawn Convertible Diaper Bag, Cloud Blue

It’s no secret I am sold to all Apple products. I’ve been using apple since I could use a mouse and it was my first computer ever. Being a graphic designer, I was able to see the evolution of Apple products thought out the years as well as their logo. Yesterday, the hype was all about “The New iPad” yup, they actually called the new iPad “The New iPad” but at the end of their presentation, there was a colored version of the apple logo (a new updated one from the classic rainbow version we all knew to love from 1976-1998) and I’m really hoping that this is their new logo.

I love how they incorporated all the colors in a watercolor meshed design and brings you back to the Apple roots! I think with all their innovative products, having a colored logo makes it all less “technically and snobby” and definitely makes it more accessible to everyone. Plus, you need to think about how children today play an important role in choosing brands (at an early age) and clearly a colorful apple will grasp any child’s attention then a “sleek grayish” one. I think it would be a smart move. Going color means they are open to diversity, to change, and seeing color is their strong suit when developing products it only makes sense.

What do you think? Should they opt for a colored logo? Do you like it?

[ Gizmodo ]

Sunday March 11th (yup, this weekend) marks the 3rd edition of the Bridal Boudoir Affair. For all you Montrealers, if you have to go to 1 wedding related event, this is the one to check out. Imagined, created and produced by the renowned wedding & event planner Madeleine aka Maddy K , this event is sure not to disappoint. If you are getting married, first off… congratulations, but finding the best vendors for that special day can be daunting. Well… why not make a stop at the Boudoir this weekend (I’ll be there! – not that it makes a difference really… ha!)

Here’s a shoot taken at the Hyatt Montreal (where the event will take place)

The 2010 edition was a great success and according to what I’ve been reading, this year will be even bigger and better. Must see fashion show, guest speakers, amazing vendors. Be sure to purchase your tickets soon. You don’t want to miss out!

Event Details :

Sunday March 11th, 2012
From 10:00 am
HYATT REGENCY MONTRÉAL
1255 Jeanne-Mance, Montreal
Québec H5B 1E5
$20 per visitor

Follow the Bridal Boudoir Affair and be the first to know what’s going on. Facebook | Twitter | Blog
See you there!

[ Photography : Badger photography. ]

So I hit a pregnancy milestone. Not necessarily a great one but one nonetheless. I’m officially at 30 weeks, I hit the 200 pound mark and can officially say I’ve only gained 10 lbs. I’m have to admit I am extremely excited about the fact I only gained 10 lbs so far this pregnancy… (seeing I had 5 lbs left to lose from my first pregnancy when I got pregnant) but hitting the 200 lbs mark is so…. demoralizing.

I know it’s temporary, and it’s actually for a good cause (I will have a sweet baby girl in return) but it just puts a damper on your self-confidence. Don’t get me wrong, I would take being pregnant and 200 lbs over being 197 lbs not pregnant (that was my biggest weight-in, almost 3 years ago) but still there’s an emotional barrier when you are over 200 lbs (you know what I mean if you’ve ever reached that point)

( me at 29 weeks wearing that ASOS dress I purchased last month)

I know I might make some people jealous about only gaining 10lbs with less then 10 weeks to go, but trust me… when you have a 20 month old toddler… you don’t have time to rest like the first pregnancy. You have so much running around, whether it’s picking up from daycare, prepping dinner, bath time, bed time and not to mention play time. I also think having a girl is different then having a boy. (well in my case) Even though I wasn’t sick, I don’t have much of an appetite as I did with Mavrick’s pregnancy. I force myself to eat a little something but still… it’s all so very odd to me.

Here is my pregnancy weight calendar to compare the both.

Pregnancy weight calendar
Weight before pregnancy : 185 lbs 

October 2009
13th = 185 lbs

November 2009
4th = 185.6 lbs

December 2009
10th = 190.2 lbs
29th = 187.9 lbs

January 2010
06th = 189.3 lbs
20th = 190.9 lbs

February 2010
03rd = 191.3 lbs
17th = 193.7 lbs
24th = 194.5 lbs

March 2010
10th = 197 lbs
16th = 198.4 lbs

April 2010
forgot to take note

May 2010
04th = 203.5 lbs
26th = 207.5 lbs

June 2010
08th = 210.7 lbs
22nd = 214.9 lbs

July 2010
06th = 214.9 lbs (40th week)

TOTAL WEIGHT GAIN:
214.9 lbs – 185 lbs = 29.9 lbs

Cupcake liners… now with all your different patterns, textures and colors you are making every baker and crafter dream of pretty cupcakes/projects. Just look at this adorable Cupcake Liner Bouquet from Project Nursery. Isn’t it adorable?!

For full instructions on how to make your own, visit their tutorial  Ah… spring. You are so close.

[ Images : Project Nursery ]