Ava Grace's Closet: June 2012
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Friday, June 29, 2012

Friday Fancies : Just Beachy

School's out!
And we are headed "beachward" next week.

Beachy Chic



I have loved nautical shades of blue, red and cream for as long as I can remember.
The high.low hemline on the skirt, over sized sunglasses and large chain link necklace make it fresh and current.
I want it all. and I want it now.

Linking up here and here

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Thursday, June 28, 2012

The Graduate

It's official.
I have a soon.to.be.highschooler in the house.
Isabella graduated with honors on Tuesday evening.
We are ridiculously proud of her.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Randomness

Ms. Ava has decided that she wants nothing to do with her naps anymore.
What? Yup. For at least the last week and a half or so, she will do laps play in her crib for an hour but refuses to fall asleep.
She is obviously exhausted but fights it with every ounce of her little being.
Sleep + Ava has never been a good combo.

Isabella's grade 8 grad trip to Ottawa went super well! The actual graduation ceremony and dinner is this evening followed by a dance for the kids only.
She has tried on her dress 11,387,933 times. 
We think it's perfect.

Julian is literally counting down the days to the end of the school year. I let him stay home on Friday since let's face it, they're really done already aren't they? 
Not sure if that makes me a really bad mom or a really cool one.
I'm going with the latter.

We have all been completely slightly obsessed with the logo game available on iphone. The entire family (and any friend that enters our home) is involved. I have been known to stop mid-sentence, whip out my phone and say, "do you know what this is? how about this? does this look familiar at all?" 
Awkward.
Have you played?
If yes, there are a few logos I might like to run by you.

Someone has his blue advanced belt testing at karate this Friday. 
Eeeeek! 
I must remember to bring a camera this time. 

There are days I wonder where I could possibly have fit a full-time job into our schedule. And yes, there are definitely days that are tough, but more and more I realize that I made the right decision to stay home.
3 kids is busy my friends. Especially when they are all at such different stages.
I can honestly say that I am enjoying each one of them more right now than I ever have.
We are leaving for vacation next week!
We can hardly wait to get away.

What are your summer plans?

Friday, June 22, 2012

Friday Fancies : ColorBlocked

So in love with these colors. 
They would be perfect in say, Dubai. 
Not that I'm going anytime soon. 

Block Party
Outfit details via Polyvore

The tibi dress above (which I have been obsessing over for a while now) is the answer to simple color blocking without any of the work.
And when the temperatures cool down, any of the separates would look perfect paired with black. 

Are you brave enough to pull off full color head.to.toe?
Happy Friday fashionistas!

linking up here and here
You can also find me at Wild Ruffle today sharing my Fab Finds on Friday while Cate is away on vacation.
Come and visit!
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Wednesday, June 20, 2012

What I Wore : Colored Denim

I've been on the hunt for a pair of jeans in this exact shade for a while now. 
And very specifically, hoped to wear them with this soft denim shirt.
Mission accomplished. 

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Tagged

I was tagged last week by one of my fave bloggy friends, Shannon at The Scribble Pad.
She asked me to answer 10 random questions so here goes!

1. What is your Secret Single Behavior
I talk to myself all.the.time. Doesn't everyone? I also occasionally drink milk right out of the bag (ever so careful not to let the kids see) and always pee with the door open. 
Wrong? I have my brother to thank for that. 
2. What book are you reading right now (be honest!)? I'm reading Shiver which may or may not be a teen novel. OK, it is. If you enjoyed the Twilight series, you will love this. Think more Jacob than Edward.

3. What are three books on your "to read" list? 
Just three? I have to finish the last book in the Shades of Grey trilogy, Freed. A friend just lent me Cutting for Stone and When God was a Rabbit so I need to get to those as well. 

4. What is your most used Android/iPhone/iPad App? 
I just switched over to an iPhone from Blackberry and am full-on addicted to Draw Something. I'm Susan J. if you're playing. I will warn you, I am good. 
5. If you could go on a Blogger Friend Date with any blogger, who would you pick? (Besides me, of course) Ooooh this one is tough. I have been on a date with this amazing gal and we had such a great time. Next time, I would definitely choose Christina. We would eat our way through as much dessert and drink as much Dr. Pepper as possible.

6. What is a favorite memory of yours that is not related to your marriage and/or child(ren)? 
Definitely childhood summers spent in Croatia. Did anyone get a chance to see The Bachelorette last night? Yeah, that place. 

7. What songs do you dance in the kitchen to? 
I will dance to anything. Love top 40 and Madonna is a long-time fave. My dancing may or may not embarass my 13 yo daughter. She's just jealous.
8. What is something you have learned about yourself through blogging? 
That I like to act as though I missed my calling as a supermodel? Every say, Wednesday?

9. What are your comfort foods? 
Chocolate. Ice cream. Pasta. Pizza. Red licorice. Nibs. 
Not necessarily in that order. 

10. What is the last song you purchased? 
Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes featuring Adam Levine. We like Adam Levine around here. 

Now, I tag the following ladies:
Christina from The Olive Tree
Cate from Wild Ruffle
Katie from The Minivan Diva
Becky from Oomph

Monday, June 18, 2012

On Father's Day

I admit it.
I compared and still compare every man to my father.
Many of my fondest childhood memories have him doing something, no matter how small, to make the every day special.
He would often bring me a little token from the day. It might just be a candy bar but it was his way of letting me know he had thought of me. 
He came home and slipped it into "my drawer" in the kitchen.
First thing I always did for as long as I can remember is say hello and then race to the drawer to see if there was anything there.
My father on the right.
He was not the disciplinarian.
I don't think he has it in him.
He would complain. But he would never.ever say anything.
I know he worried a lot when I was growing up.
But he never said anything about it. Not to me anyway.
Isn't he handsome? And thin! He must have been about 20 or 21 here. 
He was the dad who always up to driving us everywhere.
And he never complained about all the drop offs. Regardless of how many stops he had to make. And some nights there were many.
He was the one who would always say ok to a trip to McDonald's or Dairy Queen. With neighbourhood kids in tow.
To this day, a banana split ALWAYS reminds me of him. 
And in later years, I often returned the childhood favor by bringing one over to him so that we could share it.
Honestly? The banana split is not my favorite.
But it's his making it alright by me.
His happy place. On the lake, any lake.
He has put on {ahem} a little weight over the years.
It may or may not be all those banana splits.
And I don't need a ride anymore.
But I am still a daddy's girl.
Always will be.

Happy Father's Day dad! 

Friday, June 15, 2012

Friday Fancies :: Outfit Crush

I've always been a fan of Olivia Palermo's style.
She always seems to get it right.
This week's prompt :: outfit crush, has us recreating a favorite outfit.
I chose this one:

I love the structured jacket over floaty, feminine skirt. Love the fact that it looks like the clutch was an afterthought. And don't even get me started on those shoes.
Here's is my interpretation of the look:

Outfit Crush
for full outfit details follow me on polyvore


Although I love the all black look, I think it is equally cute in the blush tone non?
And I'll take a pair of each of the shoes please. 
I'm sure Olivia would as well.

enter our colbyjune jewelry giveaway
Happy Weekend!
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Thursday, June 14, 2012

Loveys & Things

Ever since Ava was able to grasp anything she has been holding onto Bobo.
Bobo was formerly Julian's stuffed giraffe.
He really isn't that cute. Or special.
But for some reason, Ava was in l.o.v.e.
Today, she really can't be without Bobo.
It started off as a lovey she would use just at nap or bed time and has slowly morphed into her bring.everywhere.all.the.time friend.
We "lost" Bobo about a month ago and all craziness broke loose.
We searched everywhere. Twice. Three times.
She slept without him. Fitfully at first.
I called friends who had been in the house to see if someone accidentally took him home. 
I called the mall to see if we dropped him anywhere. I spoke to security and asked them to check the parking lot. Yes, yes I did.
It was awful.
And then, one day, she casually strolled into the kitchen holding him.
We still don't know where Bobo actually was. 
I literally danced with joy.
And truthfully, I cried about the whole thing.
Not because of Bobo. But because of the memories he held for me.
For her.

Dear Bobo,
Thank you for being such a good friend. For letting me squeeze you as hard as I can and for often not getting a bath as often as you should because mommy can't handle me crying and staring at the front of the washer screaming your name.
I am sorry your eyes are all scratched from the dryer.
I am also sorry I threw you in the toilet that one time.
I love you Bobo.
xo
Ava Grace

These photos were taken shortly after Ava's first birthday.
Is it just me or does she have ridiculously big feet?

Enter our colbyjune jewelry giveaway here

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

What I Wore : Chambray & A colbyjune Giveaway

I have been on the hunt for a simple, light chambray dress ever since I did this post
I almost yelped (in fact I think I did) when I spotted this one. 
Chambray Dress - Forever XXI | Marcasite Necklace - Vintage | Shoes - Nine West
Do you like the simply stunning ring I am wearing? It is a handmade piece by colbyjune. I reached out to Colby a few weeks ago after entering a giveaway on another blog because I was in awe of her stunning work.
Each piece is unique and timeless. The photographs in her shop are exquisite.
She was so lovely and graciously sent me this ring from her new Coral Collection.....
The Coral Collection is a departure from our signature sticks and stones pieces. This collection incorporates the various textures and form of a single piece of coral. The Coral Collection is a striking juxtaposition of simplicity and intricate detail. These pieces will ignite the urge in all of us to get to the beach and find our own treasures!

And today, I am fortunate enough to be able to share one of these treasures with a lucky reader! 
*giveaway is for silver ring only*


This giveaway is open to both the U.S. and Canada. 
A winner will be chosen using random.org

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

The Best Little Pork Roast in Canada

If you are a vegetarian, let me apologize in advance.
This is the meatiest meat recipe around.
You may want to look away.
Or try this or this instead. Both are equally good.


I haven't shared a recipe with you in a while and when I contemplated which one to use, this dish came to mind immediately. It comes from one of my longtime favorite cook book's, From Biba's Italian Kitchen by Biba Caggiano. (available here)


Arrosto di Maiale Al Forno con Patate 
(Pancetta-Wrapped Pork Roast with Roasted Potatoes)
Ingredients:
One 2 and a 1/2 pound centre-cut boneless pork loin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to paste
1/4 pound of sliced pancetta
5-6 sprigs of fresh rosemary
1/3 cup of good extra-virgin olive oil
5-6 peeled, whole garlic cloves
2 pounds of potatoes (I used yukon gold), peeled and cut into large chunks
Season the pork loin with salt and pepper to taste. Place slices of pancetta on a cutting board, place the roast over the pancetta and wrap it around the pork using string.
As pictured, tuck large sprigs of fresh rosemary under the string on both top and bottom.
Heat olive oil in a large casserole dish over medium heat. Add the roast and brown it very lightly all over, turning often. (approx. 2 minutes) 
Note: I always complete this step but funny enough, when I decided to share the recipe and pictures, I completely forgot to! It was just as good although not as pretty a color.


Once the pork looks lightly golden, add the potatoes and the garlic cloves. Mix with the olive oil and add salt and pepper.
Tip: I prefer to prepare my potatoes in a separate bowl seasoned with olive oil and salt and pepper mixture. Then, when I am ready to add, I just slip them around the roast and throw in the garlic. 


Bake for 40 to 45 minutes in a pre-heated 350 degree oven.
Remember to baste the roast with its own pan juices a few times during cooking. 
Once you insert a thin knife and see that the juices come out barely pink or clear, it is done.
Transfer the meat to a cutting board and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. 
Remove the string, slice your roast and serve on a platter surrounded by potatoes.
Let's pretend I remembered to snap a picture of this beauty when it was browned and cooked to perfection.
I am blaming the lovely red we served alongside it.
This dish always impresses and the pancetta gives the meat such a wonderful salty flavor.


Buon Appetito! 

Monday, June 11, 2012

Letting Go

When you decide to have children, you never really think about a time where you will have to let go. 
It feels as though they will always be little, always be dependent on you.
And then, boom...they're teenagers.
This past Friday, Isabella went to the local mall alone with two of her friends.
I know I need to let go but it is so hard.
I find my mind works overtime.
I worry about her going to the bathroom alone. Make sure you all go together.
I worry that men will stare at her. Izzy, there are bad people in this world. And men that prey on little girls. Be careful. 
I worry that other girls in the mall will pick a fight. If you see a group of teenagers looking for trouble, don't stare. Look down. Look away. 
I worry too much.
She is going on her first BIG school trip this year for eighth grade graduation.
3 days and 2 nights away in our nation's capital, Ottawa.
I know she will be fine but still
She's my baby. She will always be.

I tell her all the time that everything I do, I do because I love her so much.
I tell her that no one will ever love her like her mama and daddy do.
I tell her we always just want the best for her.
When she was little, I would always say "I love you more than..."
And she would finish off the sentence by saying "anything in the whole wide world".
I love you Izzy, more than anything in the whole wide world. 

Friday, June 8, 2012

Friday Fancies:

Ah, the evasive hunt for the perfect pair of shorts for the {ahem} slightly older gal. 
What you look for in your teens.early 20's {namely the shortest and tightest possible} is the exact opposite of what might make the perfect pair today.
A little longer. A little softer. And definitely not form fitting.
Short & Sweet

For full outfit details follow me on Polyvore

Last year, I found a few lovelies that will still work this summer.
Namely, these from Aritzia. The perfect high-waist and longer length. Bonus points for cute nautical buttons.
And a very similar pair to these from Forever XXI. A tad longer and softer than your standard denim cut-off.

Where are you finding your perfect pair?

Linking up here and here.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Everything for Dad

Finding the perfect gift for the man/men in your life can be a challenge sometimes. Honestly, my husband is pretty easy...sometimes the bigger challenge is narrowing down the items I might like to surprise him with. 


I inevitably add a book to whatever else I may be picking up for my husband. He enjoys biographies most so last gift included Steve Jobs'. 

for the book lover:
I chose one I think my husband would enjoy, but any of these are great reco's.

for the fashionista:
Custom Tailored Shirt by Maxwell's Clothiers.
If you, or your significant other, have never owned a custom made dress shirt, do yourself a favor and give just one a try. I own three of these and have worn them to death. The fit and quality are impeccable and the price? Ridiculously reasonable.
Their team comes to various locations within Canada, Australia and the U.S. on an ongoing basis. Check their website for details. 
I have no words for how cute the below leather paperweight is. I want one for myself and I don't even like baseball. 

for the sports fanatic: 
Heritage Baseball paperweight by Coach
for the traveller:
Frommer's by Lug travel pillow. Model is not included. 
I had never tried one of these before my mother's recent trip to Europe. Her's was a gift from my sister-in-law and honestly, once I tried it, I didn't want to give it back. A must-have.

for the movie buff:
Available here
Please note : he may never leave the house again. Also note, no one looks as good as Halle in a white bikini. And no one ever will. 

for the foodie:
A Marc McEwan extravaganza.
A "two-parter" if you will. That cookbook right there? My current favorite. It taught me first and foremost never to cook without kosher salt again. And a gift card to any one of his incredible T.O. restaurants. 
The receiver of said gift may take you along. A good thing. 

 for the car enthusiast: 
 Ferrari jacket
We may or may not already own an abundance of Ferrari merchandise but this would still be welcome.
And my nephew could borrow it. You're welcome Adam.

For the beer aficionado:

Join here.
This is neat. Kinda like a LuxeBox only not. Receive 12 beers (3 different varieties of micro-brew) each month. Only available in Canada, ay.  

And lastly, for my favorite kind of dad. The newly introduced kind. It seems so long ago that we were celebrating our first Father's Day.
for the new father:
Diaper Bag by DadGear
What's on your list for dad?
 

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

What I Wore : True Blue

I've never really been sure if this piece is meant to be a tunic {which is how I normally wear it} or a dress. 
Today, I felt daring and bared my still.pasty legs. Sorry about that.

Tunic Dress Banana Republic | Peep Toes BCBG | Watch - Michael Kors | Bangle - Coach
And that's what I'm wearing on Wednesday.