Ava Grace's Closet: October 2012
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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

What I Wore : The Varsity Jacket

I bought this jacket for Isabella and although she was super-excited when she got it {as she is with everything, ahem} she has barely worn it. Silly girl.
So, I did the only logical thing and started to wear it for running errands. It's light-weight but surprisingly warm since it is a wool flannel fabric.



Turtleneck - The Gap | Necklace - Forever XXI | Varsity Jacket - Forever XXI (no longer available similar here)
Pants - Winners | Handbag - Tory Burch 

And that's what I'm stealing from my kid wearing on Wednesday.

Happy Halloween. 
xo

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

What to get Him

So, it's my 15th (fifteenth!!??) wedding anniversary in just a few weeks and I am struggling with what to get my husband. First off, I find it strange to be buying him a gift with his money now that I'm home. Is that weird? Tell me I'm not being weird. 
And secondly, I would like it to be meaningful but something that he will actually wear.use.enjoy.
Maybe you can help me decide? 
And btw, I've told him NOT to read today and in the spirit of this, added a few extras onto the list to throw him off just in case. 

For my Love

1. This amazing "escargot" wine decanter by Riedel. 15 years is crystal so this could be great since really, I don't like anything else that's crystal. And, it would get plenty of use. 

2. A good quality sweater. Maybe a nice shirt to go with it. I like this one for 2 reasons. One, because of the skull print, which makes it fun and current. And two, it's navy and not black. I love me some navy and so does my husband. 

3. I am sure this is yummy. I bought him the other Tom Ford fragrance for Christmas and we he loves it. A tad pricey but so worth it. The bottles alone make for such a nice addition to your bathroom.

4. A watch. OK, if I had an unlimited budget, I might buy my F1 fan this. But, since I don't, I think he might like a really good running watch. I have heard the Garmin ones are the best from this gal. And she knows her stuff when it comes to running.

5. Tickets to see The Tenors {who are fabulous and canadian}. Now, this could be fun since we would have to go to Windsor to see them which would mean an overnight stay at Caesar's and possibly a chance to squeeze in a visit with this girl. That said, it's a 4 hour+ drive each way. Le sigh. 

6. I am really leaning towards a leather bracelet and this one is my fave so far. These are all the rage these days and I think he might actually wear it even though he doesn't wear much jewelry other than a watch. Which he loves to collect. See #4. 

7. How neat is this personalized watch box/holder? He doesn't have one and right now, his watches are taking up very valuable space in my jewelry drawer. This could be a win/win now that I think about it. 

Your thoughts? And please, if you have a completely different idea...share! 

You can also find me at Renee's Joy Journey today sharing my fall/winter must-haves. 

Monday, October 29, 2012

Raising Our Girls: Let's Talk about Self-Esteem

I have shared my passion about this subject previously in this post, and was overwhelmed by the support it received. The Let's Talk Campaign and what it stands for couldn't be more timely.

As most of you know, my oldest daughter, Isabella, started high school this year; typically a time when your own self-esteem and values are tested time and again. With the likes of television and social media bombarding our girls {and women, let's be honest} with images of near perfection, what can we as mothers do to ensure our girls realize the difference between airbrushing and reality? It all starts with CONVERSATION.

I always wanted a baby girl. Don't all mother's even if we never acknowledge this out loud? Someone in our own likeness. Someone to dress up and do girly things with.
I don't think I ever remember worrying about having to have difficult conversations with that same baby girl. Or worrying about choices she would make eventually and how those would affect her.
Parenting is funny like that. Everything is a phase and whatever phase your child is in currently seems to be all-consuming. That is, until the next phase moves in.
The issue of self-esteem, confidence and body image isn't one that just moves on.
It stays with you. Always.
It is our job as mother's of girl's, critical really, to ensure the lines of communication are open and that dialogue is ongoing. 
If you are not sure where to begin, start with downloading the simple "let's talk" toolkit here. It's an amazing resource for everyone, even those who may feel that they're on the right track with the girl or girls in their lives.

I know I tell my oldest she is beautiful all the time. But more importantly, I also tell her she is SMART. And KIND. And a GOOD FRIEND.

The best kind.
Because she is. 
And it's my job to make sure she knows it. 
I want to see this girl grow up to be a smart, confident woman. A woman who is strong-willed and loving. And beautiful, inside and out.
Visit Dove on facebook to learn more. 
And then, share the story of your own experience on their self-esteem wall
I spent some time reading through other mama's stories this weekend and it's great to see women encouraging each other and their girls. 
Girls helping girls.

 Disclosure: Please note today's discussion was sponsored by Dove. All opinions are strictly my own. 

Friday, October 26, 2012

Friday Fancies : Something to Celebrate

I love a good party.
Any reason to celebrate really.
Or to wear this little number. not so little, I know, I know. 

Celebrate
for full outfit details, visit polyvore
Congrats Alison!
Now, come enter our IN PINK giveaway here. A $30 credit to 30 winners. Sweet.
Linking up here and here
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Thursday, October 25, 2012

What Ava Wore : The Union Jack

For as long as I can remember, as far back as my Duran Duran days really, I have loved anything with a union jack on it.
Strange? Maybe. especially since I've never even been to Great Britain. 
Know that I have a similar obsession with the american flag. Truth.


Coat - Gifted from Italy
Cardigan - Baby Gap {this was her big sister's!}
Skirt - Gymboree
Tights - c/o tightsplease
Boots - Airwalk
 
cardigan - Baby Gap
skirt - Gymboree
Footless Union Jack Tights c/o tightsplease {here}
Ms. Ava had a blast playing in the leaves.
I had a blast trying to figure out the correct manual camera settings to capture the moment. 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

What I Wore : IN PINK & A Giveaway

Accessories are to an outfit like icing is to a cupcake.
{usually the best, or at least the most interesting, part}.
Easily taking a mundane outfit from uninspired to sensational. 
Today, I'm thrilled to be sharing some lovelies from IN PINK, an on-line jewelry site that provides just that sort of inspiration, with you. Drool-worthy pieces that are unique and attainable. 



Top - Costa Blanca | Scarf - H + M | Enamel and Rhinestone Stretch Ring c/o IN PINK
Multi Bead Cuff Bracelet - c/o IN PINK | Jeans - People's Liberation | Boots - Zara
Pretty fabulous non?
And now, for the best part. IN PINK has graciously offered 30 (yes, 30!) readers a chance to win a $30 credit to their amazing site.
Here's a peek at a few more of my favorites:
Use easy rafflecopter entry below.
Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.
Good Luck!


Disclaimer: I was provided with the above products at no charge for the purpose of putting together this giveaway post. All opinions expressed are strictly my own. 

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Her BIG Brother

  These two?
They have a special relationship. 
He looks out for her {we refer to him as safety patrol in these here parts} and she terrorizes him on a daily basis.
If I ask him to look after her for a moment, he will quickly engage in a game of hide and seek.
Which is laughable really since she will only count to 3, and ALWAYS hides behind the curtains in the dining room.
And then giggles. Really loud.
She calls him Juju.
"good morning Juju"
"what you doing Juju?"
"where Juju?"
"that's MINE Juju"
She is not one to give up kisses easily. But for him? She always seems to have one.
And make no mistake. He knows it. 
I've shared before how he was not super-thrilled by the prospect of having another girl in the family back when we found out our sweet baby was to be yet another sister.
And while I'm not sure he would admit it, I think today, he couldn't imagine it any other way. 
Yes, even when she takes apart all of his Harry Potter lego.
Or won't let him sit on the couch because all of "her guys" are sitting there already. 
I know this because when there is only a little bit of milk left? You know, the night before grocery shopping?
He won't drink it.
Because he now knows she needs it in the morning.
Be.still.my.heart.
I love you Juju.
xo
Ava Grace

Today's the last day to enter our J&M Botanicals giveaway!
Don't miss out.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Etsy Love

There do exist some lazy Sunday's where I just feel like looking at pretty things on etsy.
And then, I feel like sharing them with you.
via
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via
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stackable name rings / pretty finger less gloves
a simple ball & chain (no pun intended) / a perfectly colored infinity scarf
pumpkin pie soap / ecofriendly handpainted pillow cover (and the most clever etsy boutique name)
pretty soft-soled shoes for littles / a conversation starting iPhone cover

The incredible creativity of some people never ceases to amaze.Don't forget to enter the J&M Organics Body Care giveaway here.
Happy Monday.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Friday Fancies : The Costume Prep

I haven't dressed up for Halloween in years.
But if I did, if I did, the look would be vampire fashionista.
What else would you call a vampire that is wearing a Dolce & Gabbana cape, Jason Wu dress and Louboutin spiked heels?
Exactly. 

Vampire Fashionista

It would also be my excuse to finally wear a birdcage veil. 
And way too much MAC Russian Red lipstick. My very favorite red.

Linking up here and here.
Enter our J&M Botanicals body care giveaway here

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

What I Wore : Back in Black

If it were up to me, I would wear all black almost every day.
Maybe some gray.
A little beige.
But black. Aaaah. There is nothing like it.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

J&M Botanicals Giveaway

After all of this pee talk, I thought it only fair to share something fabulous with you today.

I'm excited to introduce you to J&M Botanicals, a skin care product line based out of Tennessee, that prides itself on using only ethically sourced oils and butters, organic botanicals and natural ingredients in their skin care products. All allergen-free and eco-friendly.
I was recently contacted by their organization and given the opportunity to try out two of their body care products which included an incredible orange body polish and a healing vanilla body butter. They had me at "it's like an orange dreamsicle". 
image via
I am a huge fan of packaging and I must tell you, this line does not disappoint. Not only are the containers themselves lovely but they came wrapped in beautiful, eco-friendly, recycled handwoven bags. The products were surrounded by cold packs to ensure maximum freshness of the all natural ingredients contained.
I couldn't wait to try them!
I immediately went to work on my hands using the body polish in a gentle, circular motion and it honestly felt like a spa treatment. Minus the spa. sigh.
I rinsed off the product and my hands were glistening, not oily, but very moisturized and soft. I followed this with a generous application of the body butter and it was exquisite.
Know that I had to re-shower that evening and that I gave myself the full body treatment.
Not unlike a sloughing treatment at an expensive spa that leaves you feeling smooth and rejuvenated. Not even kidding.
In a word? Love.
J & M Botanicals has graciously offered my readers the opportunity to win an "orange dreamsicle" of their very own. The lucky winner will receive a full-size orange ylang ylang body polish and vanilla ylang ylang healing body butter.
Get excited!
Easy entry below via rafflecopter.
Good Luck.

Can't wait to get your hands on these and their other incredible goodies? 
Happy Shopping!

Disclosure: I was provided with the above mentioned products by J&M Botanicals for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed are strictly my own. 

Monday, October 15, 2012

Potty Training 101

Remember the secret I shared about potty training? The one where I told you I've never really toilet-trained a child on my own before?
I know, I know. You all thought I was such an expert seeing as I have 3 kids and all.
Not so much.
I worked full-time with my first two and as such, both of them were trained at daycare.
All we had to do was follow those same instructions at home. And follow we did.
Now, with Ava, different story.

At first, she cried and screamed when I would put her on the potty. She would beg for a diaper.
She would pee beside the potty. Or on the floor in front of the toilet.
And then, boom.
She used the potty exclusively. But, there was one little problem.
She had to be naked in order for this to happen.
That's ok, right? Of course it is.
That is, until you want to actually want to leave.the.house
We attempted this on Saturday night when we were invited to a friend's new home for dinner after two long weeks of only short runs here or there.
 By the time we arrived, after what is literally a five minute drive, she had already wet herself.  From there, she was basically naked, peeing herself or just about to pee the entire time.
Sadly, true.
I mean, I can't take her little potty with me can I? Because I would. 
She flat out refused to go in their toilet and equally adamantly refused to put on a diaper.
So, naked she was.
This is not Ava and we were not on a beach. She was however, just as naked.
She then proceeded to go up to see the boys and climb into one of the beds.
She enjoys this. Don't judge.
So I did what any mother would do in this situation. I sent my husband up to deal with it.
He came back in what felt like a minute.
"Did you get a diaper on the little monkey?" I asked.
"No. She peed in the bed." He replied. And then mumbled something about how it would be easier to train a puppy. 

I have tried underwear. {she thinks they are a diaper and treats them as such}
I have tried videos and books {this one is a favorite}
I have tried bringing the potty seat along. {she wants nothing to do with anyone else's toilet. please see above}
I have bribed her. {yes, of course with chocolate}
The only thing I have yet to try is pull-ups. I feel as though she will just think they are diapers and rip them off as she does with the others. Oh, yes, I forgot to mention that part.
Can you say I.have.washed.her.sheets.50.times.this.week?

I am off to pick up some pull ups. A last resort if you will.
Wish me luck.
And say a little prayer to the pee God's would you?
I'm at the e.n.d.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Friday Fancies : For the love of leaves

This leafy color combination reminds me of something out of That 70's Show or my early childhood friend Sheila S.'s living room. 
Brown couches, shaggy rugs, knitted afghans, and orange macrame pillows.
Oddly cozy.
Sort of like this ensemble.

Leaf Love
follow me on polyvore for full outfit details 
Happy Friday friends.
Bring on the weekend.
Linking up here and here
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Thursday, October 11, 2012

What Ava Wore : The little red coat

Ava and I got out to the park on this beautiful September day. The sun was shining and you could feel a chill in the air but it was fresh, not frigid.
There were a few other kids playing and Ava is always fascinated by them.
She has also taken to always wanting to try or do whatever another child is just about to.
And somehow, they always let her go first.
She gets on. Swings for 30 seconds and then wants off. 
Of course she does.
Hat - Roots
Leggings - Joe Fresh
Coat - Ralph Lauren
Boots - Airwalk






"annnnd I'm done."
Happy Small Style Thursday.