Monthly Archives: August 2012

Metallica: My experience and how to wear a dress all year around

Sweater (Old Navy). Jeans and White T-shirt (Gap). Shoes (Toms). Bracelet (Stella and Dot). Watch (Coach).

This is what I wore today to a play date. I apologize for my haggard appearance, I’m still recovering from this past weekend’s shenanigans with Metallica.

I also want to thank everyone who reads my blog. Thank you for all your amazing comments. I love reading them Please keep them coming!!!!

Now onto Metallica: My experience. Before this past weekend, I wouldn’t have described myself as a Metallica fan. I listened to them with my husband, but other then that I wouldn’t have called myself a fan. My husband has been a fan since 1989, when he saw them in concert for the first time. Last Friday, he had the honor and luck of meeting all of them, including James Hetfield (the lead singer of the band) who happens to be a God in my husband’s eyes. Like Oprah is to me, James is to my husband. Below is a picture of Greg with James.

He also had the privilege of watching the concert from within the stage. This picture is taken from my husband’s view of the concert.

The Metallica concert, which originally started out as a Friday and Saturday date night, turned into a long weekend party. It concluded with a final concert on Monday night (our 7 year wedding anniversary) in which they finished filming their 3D movie. So my husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary with Metallica The Metallica concert, which originally started out as a Friday and Saturday date night, turned into a long weekend party. It concluded with a final concert on Monday night (our 7 year wedding anniversary) in which they finished filming their 3D movie. So my husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary with Metallica How many people can say that???

My first thought when I agreed to go to the concert was “what do I wear?”. Then I thought “what do I wear for the second show?” A few weeks ago, I found a great pair of booties from Fergalicious, so that took care of my shoes. My husband reminded me that most men wear black t-shirts and jeans, so I shouldn’t put too much thought and effort into an elaborate outfit. On Saturday night I wore a black t-shirt with skinny jeans and my booties.

I typically don’t buy t-shirts at concerts but I couldn’t resist when they had some t-shirts for the ladies.

Below are some more pictures I took of the concert Saturday night.

This is what I wore to Monday’s show.

Gotta say these booties are fantastic and very comfortable. I wore them all day Monday and my feet held up pretty good.

Although I am a NKOTB and Our Lady Peace kind of girl, I have to say that after this weekend I have a new found respect for Metallica. I have to give credit where credit is due. From the moment they stepped onto the stage, they gave everything they had. Even before the show began, the energy of the crowd was palpable. The fans were feeding off one another, and then once the show started it was absolutely crazy. I have never seen 18,000 fans giver’ harder in my life, my husband especially. When James Hetfield pumped his fist in the air, 18,000 fans, including myself followed suit. I have never seen anything like that in my life. You don’t have to be a fan to appreciate their talent, their energy and their loyalty to fans. I loved their stage and how they used props from their old shows. My favorite songs by far were “Nothing Else Matters” and “Master of Puppets”. The set for “Master of Puppets” was amazing. So Metallica you have a new fan. Thank you for an amazing show and thank you for making my husband’s dreams come true.

I want to say that you should never give up on your dreams because you just never know. My husband entered the contest and he won a meet and greet with Metallica. It has been a life long dream of his to meet them and he did. So please whatever you have on your bucket list never give up on it, because like my husband, you just never know when it will come true.

This next part is dedicated to someone who wrote a facetious remark on my facebook page about me writing a blog about how to wear a Metallica t-shirt. So here it is, different ways to wear a Metallica t-shirt. Enjoy :)!!!

1. Pair it with some jean shorts and Tom shoes.

2. Make it preppy with tights, jean skirt, cardigan and booties 3. When its raining outside add some leggings, jean jacket and Hunter rain boots. 3. When its raining outside add some leggings, jean jacket and Hunter rain boots. 4. Add a pair of boyfriend jeans and some biker booties. 4. Add a pair of boyfriend jeans and some biker booties. 5. Add a white blazer, skinny jeans and some sexy booties. 5. Add a white blazer, skinny jeans and some sexy booties. 6. Leather jacket and biker booties. 6. Leather jacket and biker booties. 7. Another preppy look with red cropped pants, cardigan and some flats. 7. Another preppy look with red cropped pants, cardigan and some flats. I have to say that I had a blast doing this, so thanks again Facebook friend.

Now onto how to wear a dress all year around. This dress is from the Gap. Below are 6 different ways to wear this simple, yet versatile dress. This dress will easily go from Summer, through fall, Winter and Spring.

1. This is how I wore this dress yesterday, paired with a jean jacket and flats.Jean Jacket (Gap). Dress (Gap). Flats (Aldo). Necklace (Banana Republic).

2. Add a belt, cardigan and heels to dress it up.Belt (Jacob). Dress (Gap). Shoes (Michael Kors). Cardigan (Gap). Watch (Michael Kors). Bracelets (Posh Locket, Posh Locket ).

3. Add a trench coat, boots and tights for Fall, Winter and Spring.Trench Coat (Jacob). Boots (Brown’s). Dress (Gap). Necklace (Banana Republic).

4. Add a pop of color with a scarf and belt it and wear it with booties.Dress (Gap). Scarf (Old Navy). Booties (Sterling shoes/Fergalicious). Belt (Jacob). Bracelets (Posh Locket, Posh Locket). Watch (Michael Kors).

Or without the scarf.

5. Dress it up with a boyfriend blazer, tights and booties. 5. Dress it up with a boyfriend blazer, tights and booties. Booties (Aldo). Blazer (Jacob). Dress (Gap). Bracelets (Posh Locket, Posh Locket). Watch (Michael Kors).

6. Wear it simple with a gladiator sandal.Dress (Gap). Sandals (Aldo). Watch (Michael Kors). Bracelets (Posh Locket, Post Locket)

May this blog inspire you to go and see a concert you may have never considered before, dream big because you never know where it will take you, and buy a simple dress and see how many different ways you can wear it.

Happy Thursday Everyone!!! Have a wonderful long weekend

7 year wedding anniversary, how to avoid the dreaded 7 year itch and OMG I have nothing to wear!!!

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Jacket (Jacob). Skirt (Gap). Flats (Aldo). Sweater (R W and Co).

This is what I wore on Friday to run errands with my son. The weather here lately has been all over the place, sunny one minute and cold and rainy the next. What I like about this outfit is that its comfortable and versatile. If it was raining I could have worn my rain boots or my leather boots and added a scarf for some warmth and color.

Onto the title of this blog: 7 year anniversary and how to avoid the dreaded 7 year itch!!! First off I want to wish my husband a very happy 7 year anniversary. Yesterday marked 7 years of marriage to this wonderful man. I can not believe how fast 7 years has gone by. We celebrated with Metallica but I won’t go more into details as I’m saving that for my next blog.

My husband and I met 11 years ago at a Hungarian Dance festival in Calgary. To make a long story short, I was dating someone else at the time so that was that. Fast forward to 1 year later and I was single and so was my husband :). We met up again at yet another Hungarian Dance festival, but this time in Winnipeg. We chatted on the way to the airport, he lived in Vancouver and I lived in Edmonton. We exchanged contact information and we each went our separate way. Below is a picture taken 10 years ago this October. Oh look at how young we both look in this picture.

We chatted via phone and e-mail, and I visited him in December and the rest is history. We continued the long distance relationship until I was finished my Nursing Degree, and at the first chance I had, moved here to the lower mainland. Through out our relationship my husband would tell me that he had a surprise for me and I would reply “I don’t care if you gave me a potato, I will love it, because I know its coming from a place of love”. My husband replied “be careful what you say because someday I might just give you a potato”. I never thought anything more about the “potato”, and the the night I moved here from Alberta is the night he proposed to me via a potato. Below is the precious “potato”.

And as they say the rest is history :). We got married the following year on Saturday Aug 27, 2005.

Below are some pictures of our beautiful and magical day

Onto the second part: how to avoid the dreaded 7 year itch. I am by no means an expert and believe me my marriage has its ups and downs. I am not claiming to have all the answers; this is my opinion and my experience. 7 years of marriage is a long time, especially when you think about Hollywood marriages. I am certainly not comparing my marriage to those in Hollywood, I’m just saying. I think that the first thing you need to do is enter into a marriage with realistic expectations. Don’t expect your husband to change into what you want him to be. He is who is he, and if you are not happy with who he is before you are married, then you certainly won’t be happy with him afterwards.

You need to grow together and sometimes that is very hard to do. You need to allow the other person to grow and become who they want to be, at the same time they need to do the same thing for you. You need to be supportive of one another and learn that sometimes one will give more then the other, but it always balances out.

You need to realize that no marriage is perfect. There is no such thing!!! Each couple owns their marriage and their relationship and no one should be comparing their relationship to someone else’s. You don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. You need to focus on yourselves and not what other people are doing.

Remember each marriage and relationship has natural ebbs and flows. Its natural, that at the beginning before kids, things will be filled with cupid and hearts, and then once reality sets in, things will get more challenging and difficult. That’s when you need to work through it and communicate, and understand that this is a normal part of anyone’s relationship. If you look at any relationship you have ever had, they all have natural ups and downs. A marriage is about how you handle those ups and downs. Its totally normal to feel like your marriage is in a rut especially after having kids and that’s why I named my blog how to avoid the dreaded 7 year itch. I don’t really believe that’s its an itch. I believe that its just a natural part of your marriage and that you should acknowledge and work on it.

Kids don’t bring a couple closer. I believe initially kids do, but then reality sets in; sleep deprivation sets in; roles set in; expectations set in and things change. I love my son with all my being but I have to say that once he was born, my husband and my relationship changed. We no longer had time for just us, now it was the 3 Amigo’s. Finding time to spend alone together initially was next to impossible, especially since we have no family here to help. Once we found a good baby sitter things got a little easier. Its the hardest thing to do but the best thing in my opinion, make time for just the 2 of you. You, your marriage and your relationship need it. How can we expect our marriage to survive if we don’t nurture it? Remember it doesn’t have to be big or cost a lot of money, its about spending some “alone” time together.

Marriage is work, plain and simple. If you believe that its not then you are lying to yourself. I know that sounds harsh, but its the truth. My husband and I had a great relationship before Aiden came along, had a great foundation, but after he was born, it tested us and made us work harder. I’m not comparing it to working in the mines but like anything in life, if you don’t work at it, you can’t sustain it!

Like it or not marriage is about compromise. That can be very difficult when you have 2 very stubborn people in the relationship but in order to keep the peace, sometimes you have to bite the bullet and be a bigger person. It shouldn’t be about being right and I know that that is very hard. Sometimes we just want to be right.

Be honest and open with each other, communicate. I feel like if you don’t have trust and honesty in a relationship then you are doomed. You need to feel safe to tell the other person how you feel. How can you fix things if you don’t talk to each other?

I know personally that my husband and I work on our marriage each and every day and that there will always be ups and downs and obstacles that we have to overcome. I know that no matter what as long as we stick together we can get through anything.

My fashion advice for this blog is to go into your closet and put together a new outfit. I know that I am the worse person for saying I have nothing to wear. The problem is that we get into this rut where we wear the same things, the same way. Since starting this blog, reading other blogs and actively “Pinning”, I have looked at my wardrobe in a different way. I’ve played dress-up and I’ve tried to put together different outfits of things that I already own. So ladies go into your closet and see what wonderful new outfits you can create and remember to also go through your jewelry and accessories.

Remember 2 very important things:

1. It has to fit properly. No mommy jeans!!! No jeans that show a muffin top and no low rise jeans.

2. The outfit must make you feel pretty. No looking in the mirror and thinking “blah”. You need to smile at yourself and feel pretty. No excuses!!!

May this blog inspire you to believe in love; to work at your marriage; to realize that every marriage has its issues, and to create a new outfit from clothes found in your closet.

If you feel like sharing your outfits you can comment on my blog or send me a picture at vodkainfusedlemonade@gmail.com

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!

Bookclub Mamas and “Boyfriend” Blazers

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Sweater (Old Navy). Jeans (R W and Co). Shoes (Toms). Necklace (Banana Republic). Watch (Michael Kors).

This is what I wore today for a playdate at my house. I love this sweater as it reminds me of my husband and my son. Yes I know that sounds corny, oh well!!! The weather has turned here in the Lower Mainland and I have worn 2 sweaters this week. I am still hoping for some hot summer weather. I can’t get enough of the sunshine and am going to miss it when Monsoon season starts.

I would like to dedicate this blog to the girls from my Mama’s bookclub. Every 6 weeks we get together at one our places for some canapes and wine, and try and discuss the book we selected, but usually end of up talking about much more. The book we selected to read and discuss was “Fifty Shades of Grey”. Shocking I know !!! :). Yesterday 10 wonderful, beautiful women showed up at my house with at least 7 bottles of wine. Usually people bring appetizers but I believe “our inner goddess” was yearning for some wine :). As usual, we began discussing the book but quickly digressed to something else. What I like about our group is that it is an eclectic mix of women, of varying backgrounds, experiences and opinions and we respect one another. Last night was a great example of respecting each other and having fun. One of the women truly disliked the book, but read it anyways and came to the meeting. No one berated her or made her feel like she was wrong. We listened and laughed a lot at her cheeky comments. I love that we are strong minded women with strong opinions, but that we respect one another and allow each other to have different opinions.

I have to say that some of the topics discussed last night were far from “G-Rated” but we did manage to have some serious conversations. My husband asked me why I thought this book is so much more popular than Harlequin romances? I believe, and we discussed this last night, that this is a book that we as women and mom’s can relate to; we can imagine more the idea of falling in love with some millionaire then having a tryst with the gardener. We discussed how when you have kids your sex life isn’t the same, and maybe this book is spicing up some much needed sex lives. I also believe that many people, including myself, were just curious. Last night we were a group of tired Mama’s having fun and bonding.

So here is to my fabulous Bookclub Mama’s. Thank you for making me laugh, for listening and allowing me to vent, and for giving me something to look forward to every 6 weeks :).

My fashion tip for this blog is simple: get yourself a “boyfriend” blazer. What is a “boyfriend” blazer? Its a blazer that could look like it belongs to your boyfriend but is actually yours. Its a bigger cut and doesn’t have such soft feminine lines as a traditional blazer for women. What I love about it is that it is extremely versatile and looks good on everyone. Here are 5 different looks with a black and white “boyfriend” blazer. I love playing dress up

A more casual look. My white t-shirt makes yet again another appearance. Oh and check out my new boots!!!!

Blazer (R W and Co.) Necklace (Banana Republic). White t-shirt (Gap). Jeans (R W and Co.) Booties (Sterling Shoes). Watch (Michael Kors).

This next look is something I wore on my way home from Mexico. Its a black jersey dress with black leggings, flats, blazer and a red scarf to add some color. It kept me nice and warm on the plane and was incredibly comfortable.

Blazer (R W and Co.) Scarf (Old Navy). Dress (H & M). Leggings (Jacob). Shoes (Aldo). Bracelets (Stella and Dot). Watch (Guess).

This next look is a more dressy look. I love the top. Tops with bows are very in. Jacob has some great ones right now.

Blazer (R W and Co). Blouse (Jacob). Bracelet (Stella and Dot). Jeans (Gap). Wedges (Aldo), Watch (Michael Kors).

This next look features a white “boyfriend” blazer.

This first look is a more casual one. I paired a black t-shirt, leggings and flats with a white blazer and added a touch of color with the turquoise bubble necklace.

Blazer (R W and C0.) Shirt (Gap). Leggings (Jacob). Flats (Aldo). Necklace (Etsy).

The last look is one I would wear on a date with my husband or out with the girls.

Blazer (R W and Co.). Tank (Gap). Jeans (R W and Co.). Booties (Aldo). Necklace (Stella and Dot).

May this blog inspire you to start your own book club, to respect one another’s opinion, and to purchase a “boyfriend” blazer. I promise you will wear it all year around; especially during the fall and winter months.

Happy Hump Day Everyone!!!

Back to school: A new beginning and some sexy little booties

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Sweater (Gap). Jeans (R W and Co). Necklace (Stella and Dot). Bracelet (Stella and Dot). Watch (Michael Kors). Shoes (Toms).

This is the outfit I wore this morning to a playdate as it was quite cold and dreary. Now that the sun is shining it seems silly that I even thought about wearing a sweater this morning.

On Friday my husband, son and I went back to school shopping. My son is starting preschool this September. Where did the time go??? It seems like just yesterday he was born. I’ll try and be brave the first day of school and wait until I’m in my car before sobbing uncontrollably. This is a big step for both of us, but I believe that we are ready.

My husband’s aunt was visiting a month ago and slipped a $20 into Aiden’s piggy bank. I thought perfect, we will use it to buy him a new back pack for school. Ever since I mentioned it to my son, that’s all he can talk about. So the day finally came. On Friday, we headed to Staples to get some back to school supplies. My husband and I decided to let my son pick out which ever back pack he wanted. He spotted Lightening McQueen and that was it, he wouldn’t take it off his back all day. He even slept with it. I’m so relieved and excited that he is embracing the “back to school” experience.

This whole back to school shopping triggered a discussion between my husband and I. We were talking about how much he loves the fall and how much I loathe it. I’m a summer girl, love the sun and the heat. My husband loves the leaves falling, the crisp fall mornings and the different colors nature turns into. He describes Fall as the start of new beginnings; the start of new learning and of new potential and possibilities. I know I loved back to school as a kid, not for the back to school part, but for the new school supplies. I loved the smell of the new pencils and paper. Yup I’m a nerd, what can I say?!!! Now that my son is starting this process, I’m enjoying experiencing it through his eyes. I love how excited he got over his new back pack and his new indoor shoes.

For the past 4 years, my husband and I have donated school supplies to various charities. This year, while getting my latte at Starbucks, I saw a poster for the Salvation army looking for school supply donations. We want to start teaching my son to give back to those less fortunate. I know that Aiden is far too young to understand, but we feel its never too early to start. Here is the link if you are interested: Salvation Army. If you don’t live in British Columbia check out the web for charities in your city. So in the next month, when you are out shopping with your kids, get an extra pack of pencils, erasers, paper, or makers and donate it or make a donation directly to the Salvation Army. I know that it will make a huge difference to a child and it will make you feel better.

My fashion tip for this blog is simple: get yourself a pair of booties. They are all the rage right now. Every magazine I pick up, I see boots, booties and more booties. I was running errands on Friday and walked past a gorgeous pair of Fergalicious boots. I tried them on for fun and although they were stunning, the heel was much too high for every day wear. The sales lady pointed out these brown motorcycle booties and it was love at first sight. My husband is always saying how much he loves a woman in motorcycle boots, so I figured it was a win-win situation for both of us :). I love them because they have a nice chunky heel, I can wear it every day while running after my son and I can wear it with almost anything in my closet. I think I’m going to love Fall more this year because of these boots. So here you have it, my new love:

Fergalicious boots from Sterling Shoes.

Is it wrong to love a pair of shoes???

May this blog inspire new beginnings this Fall, a new appreciation for Fall, to give back to someone in need and to spoil yourself with a sexy pair of boots.

Happy Monday Everyone!!!!

“30 year old kid” and a White Oxford Shirt

Summer “Must Haves” and Statement necklaces

“Post Mommy Blues” and Embellished necklines

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I had my son 3 yrs and 3 months ago and my life has forever changed. He is an absolute joy and I love him with all my heart, but I have to tell you that the first few years of his life were the loneliest and hardest of my life. I want to preface this blog by stating that I am not a counselor, I am a mother and a perinatal nurse. This blog is not intended to help someone diagnose themselves or someone they know (I will post links for PPD at the end of my blog), it is meant to help women understand why they might be feeling the way they are, and what they can do to help themselves. This is my story, about my struggles with being a new mom, finding other mom friends and finding my new normal.

As a Perinatal nurse I have dealt with many women that have had “Post Mommy Blues” (PMB) (we call it Post Partum Blues at work). I would describe it as a feeling of absolute exhaustion, fear of never sleeping again and realization that your life will never be the same again. These feelings are experienced all at once in conjunction with feelings of euphoria for your new little angel. PMB is very normal and I wish that more women would talk about it. It is very normal but can make you feel like there is something wrong with you. There is nothing wrong with you!!! This is normal!!! You are tired; you are hormonal; you are trying to learn how to breastfeed your baby; you are trying to adjust to being this person’s everything and most importantly you are trying to adjust to being a mom. Give yourself a break. To those moms that say they never felt that way, great, glad you didn’t feel overwhelmed. Honestly though, those women are not being honest with themselves. Of course you feel overwhelmed. How can you not be?? Your life has forever changed.

From my personal experience here are reasons why we experience “Post Mommy Blues”:

1. Your birthing experience was not what you expected. Things happened that you did not expect like you had an emergency c-section, baby went to the NICU, you developed HELPP, had a premature baby, had a traumatic delivery and/or had problems with breastfeeding. I believe one of the reasons why I felt so depressed initially was because of my delivery. I never expected to have a c-section after I started pushing and that is exactly what happened. It was of course no ones fault, but I felt like I had been cheated out of a vaginal birth. I know in the end what mattered was that Aiden and I were both healthy, but I couldn’t help the way I felt and no one around me understood. So if you feel this way, its normal. You need to make peace with whatever happened during and after your delivery in your own time.

2. You feel overwhelmed trying to balance caring for your newborn and juggling the household. I totally felt that way and still do. What helped me was letting my husband know what I needed and that I couldn’t do everything. If friends ask you what they can do to help, ask them to bring over something to eat or to pick something up from the grocery store, or ask them for gift cards to Molly Maids.

3. You feel lonely. I felt incredibly lonely at first and it took me a while to find other moms that I could relate to. But I did and I felt much better, like my sanity was restored. It is amazing what a simple date with other moms can do for you. It is an opportunity to swap stories and to feel like you are not alone, because you are not alone, other moms feel the same way.

4. Your body is not your own. Isn’t that the truth!!! If you choose to breastfeed you quickly realize that your breasts are no longer yours. I remember pumping in the hospital and my doctor coming in and I feeling like a cow. We both had a good chuckle. What helped me was working out again, to get some control back of my body. Losing the weight can be incredibly hard and discouraging, so my advice is no matter where you are in your weight loss, go out and buy yourself something that makes you feel pretty and/or sexy. It doesn’t have to be expensive (EI doesn’t pay all that well), it just has to make you feel good about yourself. I remember feeling amazing when I was pregnant, and then after having my son, feeling like I didn’t know “this” body. Buying something that makes you feel pretty will make you feel good about yourself again and you deserve it. You just did the most selfless, amazing thing and you deserve to feel good about it. Also be patient with yourself and give yourself some time to lose the weight.

5. You are hormonal. The honest truth is that this could be PMS at its worst. So be patient, let yourself cry, let yourself feel emotional and don’t judge yourself or let someone else judge you. It is very normal to feel emotional and it will pass. Give yourself some time.

6. Your expectations of how you should feel and how things should be also play a part in PMB. Remember that your mother and mother-in-law may not remember how hard it was. I know that’s how I felt and still do. Both my mother and mother-in-law said that they never felt lonely or overwhelmed. Imagine how good I felt after hearing that. But I know that it is normal, and you need to know that it is normal too. You need to realize that having a baby is not going to be text book and that things are not always going to go smoothly. Raising a baby is very much trial and error and about doing your best. At the end of the day if you can say that you did your best then that’s all that matters and even if you didn’t do your best, that’s okay too. Give yourself permission to not be perfect. We will all fall and stumble during our child’s childhood. No one is perfect. That’s what a good therapist is for!!! (just kidding :))

Since I am a perinatal nurse, I was aware that I could experience PMB. What I didn’t realize was how long I’d feel lonely and overwhelmed for. I had my son via c-section after pushing for 3 hrs, then discovered that he was born with bilateral club feet. On top of recovering from a c-section and dealing with my son’s club feet, I had breastfeeding issues. I didn’t have any family that lived here, and while they were visiting, neither mothers could relate to me having a c-section or breastfeeding. After everyone left I felt very alone. Everyone went back to their lives and I was left to figure out how to take care of this little baby and maintain our household.

Things started to get a little easier once I signed up for a mommy and baby hiking group. There, I met other moms with kids who were about Aiden’s age. Soon the hiking group was done and then I started working out at a mommy and baby bootcamp. It was great, until Aiden started napping right when the class would be. Again I was back to feeling lonely and isolated. My saving grace happened when I joined a mommy group on line called “Mama in the Tri-Cities” and found other moms that I could really relate to. Through this amazing group I found a book club, which I’m now organizing. I also met some other parents at Strongstart. It was at this Strongstart, by my son’s teacher, that I heard for the first time how lonely the first 3 years of parenthood can be. She brought tears to my eyes. She was the first person out of everyone I knew that actually acknowledged how I felt. For me having my son was the loneliest time of my life. I didn’t have any family to help or many friends who had kids of their own. Some of my friends weren’t all that sympathetic to how I was feeling. So if you have a friend who just had a baby, please keep in mind how lonely and overwhelmed they must feel. Instead of ignoring them or judging them, offer them help, offer to listen to them, because we just need to be heard and our feelings to be validated.

So what can you do to help yourself or your friend or family member? My suggestions are geared towards living in the lower mainland, but get onto your computer and do some research. I’ll include links to anything that I have referred to and try and find something like that in your community because it is out there and if it isn’t create it yourself.

Find mom meetup groups on the internet. Its a great way to connect with other mom’s with kids the same age as yours.

Join a mom and baby workout group: Bodies by London, Runners and Booties Fitness (this one is free and located at your nearest mall), try your local rec centers.

Talk to your partner and let them know you need some time to yourself. Whether that’s a bath, or a long walk, or to get your hair done, or to get yourself something nice, take some time for yourself. Let your partner know that you need some time for your sanity. I made the mistake of not giving myself some “me” time and I almost went insane. My husband was very supportive and gave me the time I needed. I know I am a better mother, wife and person when I have some time for just me. So ladies stop complaining you don’t have time for yourself and make some time, ask your partner to help. They did help make this baby after all!!!!

Find yourself a good sitter and have date nights out with your partner. It doesn’t have to be big, even just a coffee or a walk around the neighborhood. You will both feel better and you won’t feel like you are neglecting each other.

Register at your local Strongstart. This program is free and it follows the school year. I met some of our closest friends through Strongstart.

Take your kids to places like Kinder Cafe. Its located in Port Coquitlam and its an indoor play area where the kids can play and the moms and dads can have their coffee.

Get out of the house each and every day even if its only for a coffee.

Establish a routine. Know what your options are every day. This way you have something to look forward to.

So if you are a new mom, I hope you realize that you are not alone. If you or someone you know may be experiencing Post Partum Depression here are 2 links you can go to: Pacific Post Partum Support Society and Health Canada’s site. Please take a look at these sites and also contact your doctor for more help and information.

To end this blog here is my fashion tip. The latest fashion craze is embellished necklines. The idea is that the neckline is bedazzled with jewels or fabric therefore no need for a necklace. Below is a picture of an embellished tank top and I have shown 2 different ways of wearing it: one casual and one more dressed up.

Top (Jacob)

This is the casual look. I wore it yesterday to the park with my son.

Top (Jacob). Jeans (R W and Co.) Watch (Guess). Shoes (Aldo)

The bottom look is a more dressy one.

Top (Jacob). Pants (Gap). Bracelet and earrings (Stella and Dot). Watch (Michael Kors). Wedges (Aldo).

May this blog inspire you to realize you are not alone and to help you overcome “Post Mommy Blues”. May you treat yourself to a beautifully embellished top that makes you feel pretty.

Happy Hump Day everyone!!!

My visit to Oprah and a little black dress

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I wanted to thank everyone who read my last blog “30 year old Teenagers”!!! I got lots of positive feedback and I’m so happy that I was able to touch so many lives. I got lots of e-mails saying how many of you could relate to my story; that’s the point of my blog. I want to write about life, about my experiences and for people to realize that many of us feel the same way; you are not alone.

This is what I wore last Thursday. I don’t always post what I wear but this is a good example of a great easy everyday outfit. Oh and if you know me I love cardigans:)

The hat (Aritzia).Cardigan and yellow tank top (Jacob). Jeans (R W & Co.) Sandals (Steve Madden). Watch (Coach).

On Wednesday March 16, 2011 I checked my e-mail in the morning and got the best new of my life (ok well maybe the second best news). I got the golden ticket!!!! I was going to see a taping of the Oprah show!!! The exact wording was “Great news! Your ticket reservation request has been selected for the 04/12/2011 A show taping”. I just about had a heart attack. My in-laws were visiting and my mother-in-law couldn’t figure out why I was crying, shaking and screaming. When I told her that I got tickets to see Oprah, she said “That’s nice Agi dear”. Clearly my mother-in-law is not nearly as enthusiastic about things as I am. Anyways I called my husband in hysterics and told him the incredible news. I have to say that I have an amazing husband. He was so excited for me. Not only was he excited for me but supportive. We didn’t really have the money to go to Chicago, but my husband didn’t say anything, we just booked our tickets and went and had an amazing time :).

So the quick back story of how I got tickets, because I know you all want to know and you all have asked “how did you get tickets?”. Its honestly as simple as when Oprah announced that 2011 will be her last year, I thought I’m going to try and get tickets. Its been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember (its on my bucket list) and I thought what’s the worst that can happen? I don’t get tickets. And for almost a year that’s what happened, I would apply on line and get a very nice rejection e-mail. But on Wednesday March 16, 2011, I received a very different e-mail. I have to say never give up on your dreams, because had I, I would have never had the chance to see Oprah. Its like the Journey song “Don’t stop Believin‘” and I didn’t.

We had less than 1 month to buy our plane tickets, get a hotel and ensure my mother-in-law could watch our son. I also had to make sure that my best friend and her husband could make it, since I had reservations for 4 tickets. Thank God for the internet and friend’s who have been to Chicago. I’ve never been and truth be told, all I really cared about what seeing Oprah. I didn’t think Chicago had much to offer. But boy was I wrong. I started reading things on the internet and immediately fell in love with the windy city. I realized that Chicago has more to offer then just Oprah. I made hotel reservations at Sutton Place, which is in an amazing location, located close to Magnificent Mile and to this amazing restaurant called “The Pancake House“. I will say it again, thank God for the internet!!! I spent about 1 week researching hard what to see and do in Chicago.

Before I get to my list of must see attractions in Chicago, below is a picture of my husband and I on our way to Seattle to catch a plane to Chicago. I was so excited when we crossed the boarder to the States, that when the boarder guard asked “where we were going?” I couldn’t help myself, I told him “We were going to see Oprah!!!”. At least I got a smile out of him

FYI, before we went, I purchased a City Pass which got us into 5 places for $84/person (well worth the price). Try buying things like passes for attractions on line, they are usually cheaper.

This is my list of must see places and things to do in Chicago. I know there is much more to see and do, but we were limited in time. We had 6 days to try and see the best of Chicago. So here you have it:

1. Field Museum- A must. My husband and I just loved it.

2. Steppenwolf Theater- we saw a great play “Sex with Strangers”.

3. Lake Michigan

4. Magnificent Mile

5. Giordano’s Pizza- amazing deep dish pizza.

6.Millennium Park- Located on the shores of Lake Michigan. The bean seen below is a great meeting point and attraction.

7. John Hancock Center- this is the view from the John Hancock Center

8. Willis Tower - the old Sear’s Tower

9. Quartino- great Italian food for a good price.

10. Morton’s -we celebrated our taping of the Oprah show by going to Morton’s for dinner. Amazing steak.

11. Architectural Boat Cruise - a great way to see the city of Chicago and learn its history. Had no idea that in 1871, Chicago was almost completely destroyed by a fire.

12. Hop On, Hop Off bus. Great way to see Chicago and its main attractions.

13. Shedd Aquarium

14. Oprah- on our way to the taping.

At Harpo Studios.

I have to say that from the moment we entered Harpo Studios, the staff were amazing. They made this into such a special and memorable experience. They embraced our enthusiasm and encouraged it. They were nothing but courteous and professional. The show itself was a bit of a let down (ok who are we kidding here, me along with everyone else was hoping for something under their seats!!!), it was about infertility and we only taped half the show with our audience, but Oprah herself was gracious, kind, wise and larger than life. I had the chance to sit right across from her and at one point we made eye contact. I’m sure she will never remember that moment, but I will never forget it. She spent almost 1 hr after the show taping ended answering questions. I know that the reason I was chosen to attend the show was not for the show itself but for what Oprah said afterwards. A mother in the audience asked what advice would Oprah give to her for her daughters. Oprah’s answer was this “Our jobs as parents is to ensure that we allow our children to be the best they can be, to grow into their highest and fullest potential”. Oprah, I will never forget that, because as a parent to a 3 year old boy, I want the best for my son, for him to be the best he can be, to live his dreams and to sore to great heights. She brought tears to my eyes when she said that because I knew she was speaking from the heart and speaking the truth. So thank you Oprah for that, I will never forget my Oprah show experience. Oh and an added surprise, when the show aired, my husband and I were shown on tv. Below is a picture a friend took of her tv screen of us on Oprah.

I want to end this blog with a little black dress. Every woman should own a little black dress that makes them feel sexy. I wore this dress for the first time in Chicago and my husband loved it. Since then I have worn it on many different occasions and have to say its an amazingly versatile dress. So ladies, if you don’t own one, go out and treat yourself to a little black dress that makes you feel special and makes your husband or boyfriend go crazy. You’ll thank me Below is a couple of pictures of me in my little black dress.

Dress (Jacob). Necklace and bracelet (Stella and Dot). Shoes (Aldo).

May this blog inspire you to always follow your dreams and to purchase a little black dress that makes you feel pretty. If you feel like you have no where to wear it, then create a reason to wear it.

Happy Monday everyone!!!