Ava Grace's Closet: November 2012
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Friday, November 30, 2012

Invisalign : 2 Million Smiles and Counting!


Things I wish.
That my own mother had known enough to get braces for me when I was a kid. Maybe it should be my then dentist that is to blame? I never recall having the conversation.
Today, it seems to be the norm with almost every child needing them.
Case in point, our oldest, Isabella. Remember this post? 
Or when she looked like this? 
Know that she hated the standard "train tracks" she was forced to wear.
And was literally counting the days until she could have them removed.
She even got to a place where when asked what color she wanted her brackets, she stopped changing them to anything fun. Just kept them as "invisible" as possible.

Have you ever seen an adult wearing braces? Think Tom Cruise.
Personally, I would love to straighten my bottom teeth and fix my one upper tooth which has always bothered me but really don't love the idea of having to wear standard "old school" braces, especially as an adult. 
Given the option, wouldn't we all want to have super straight teeth especially if no one could tell while we were getting treatment? 
Invisalign offers exactly that option by using a series of custom-made aligners that you change out ongoing, usually every 2 weeks or so. Isabella's orthodontist is currently using the product on herself and I honestly had to do a double-take. I couldn't even tell! She assured me that they are comfortable and offer her the option of not wearing the product for a day or evening when need be. Pretty neat.
Even neater? Invisalign has straightened over 2 million smiles already. And counting.

I had fun taking the Invisalign Smile Assessment to see whether I am a candidate for invisalign and based on this detailed information, I think I would be. They solve a host of dental problems including gaps, overbites, and crowding. (all the stuff my mother passed off as "cute"). 
So, while we may not end up with any silver in the mouth a la Mr. Cruise, it's great to know this option is out there. And definitely easier and much less expensive than I thought.
And just think, you could end up with teeth that look like this.
Sign me up.
Did you wear braces as a child? 
If not, would you ever consider getting your teeth fixed or straightened as an adult?

For more information, please visit Invisalign. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Dear Ava

 
Dear Ava,
Now you are 32 months old. Closer to 3 (!) than to 2 and a half. 
It's funny, when you're not sleeping at all time seems to move so slowly. 
And then, you walked.
And now, you talk. Non-stop.
Big news. No more bottle. No more paci.
I admit sweet Ava, I let you get away with both for far longer than I did with your brother or sister. 
It's true what they say. The third get's away with murder more.
And I'm just fine with that.
You still love Bobo. And he isn't going anywhere. Ever.
I have visions of him propped up on your bed when you're a teenager. 
We'll tell stories about how you carried him everywhere. 
It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.   
I don't ever want you to grow up.
Is that so wrong?
You are strong-willed. I like that. Not so much now, but later, this will be a great quality.
You know what you like (chocolate) and what you don't (meat).
You can entertain yourself alone for hours. 
Tea party is a recent favorite. Papa taught you to sip water out of your tiny cup and now, this makes you happier than anything.
Except for going outside. 
I hate to think about how cold it will get and how little we will get outside in the coming months.
Another Christmas is coming.
You have made each holiday more exciting. The joy of having a little one around at the holidays is like nothing else. 
And not just for us.
For everyone in our extended family too.
We're decorating this weekend. I can't wait to see how you react to the tree this year.
And today? Today, we saw Santa Claus at the mall.
You looked him up and down and said "I want a present".
I'm pretty sure you got it all figured out.
Sweater - Joe Fresh
Polka Dot Cargos - Joe Fresh
Jacket - Baby Gap
Boots - Ugg
I check in on you every night before I go to sleep. 
Your mouth wide open (just like your older sister's) in sweet, sweet slumber.
And I smile every.single.time.
And I get that feeling. 
Pure joy.
I love you my sweet girl.
More than anything. You and your brother and sister.
xo
Mommy

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

What I Wore : Cozy Casual

This look seems to be my uniform as of late.
Skinny jeans or leggings, flat boots, a cozy sweater and always a scarf.
The only thing missing here is a good pair of sunglasses
  


Earrings - Forever XXI | Scarf - Indigo (loving this) | Sweater - Research and Design | Tank - Aritzia
Skinnies - People's Liberation | Boots - Zara
Enter the crazy.amazing $300+ LeapFrog giveaway here
And that's what I'm wearing on Wednesday.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

A Kid's Christmas Wishlist Under $50 & A Huge LeapFrog Giveaway

Is there anything more fun than being a kid at Christmas?
My husband and I often talk about about those times...our own childhood memories and how Christmas time felt. The sheer excitement of it all.
Not being able to sit through dinner or breakfast in anticipation of eventually getting to the gifts.

Kids Christmas Wish List


1. Pyjamas are a Christmas Eve tradition in our home. The kids always get new ones and they open these on Christmas Eve. I have a friend who washes them and then wraps them. Sadly, I am not that organized. Love these.

2. How fun are these? Made by LeapFrog so you know the quality and durability is stellar. I know Ava or Julian would get a kick out of one of these. 

3. Any little fashionista would certainly approve of this lovely. After all, which little girl doesn't love a little sparkle? 

4. I actually want one of these. Kind of a neat gift for the kid who has everything. Not really a toy, it's room decor with a fun twist. I could stare at them for hours when I was little. 

5. This is on my list for Julian. Even though he has yet to figure out the standard Rubik's cube, this one will make him happy for the sheer awesomeness of it. And it will keep him entertained for at least an hour I'm thinking?

6. I saw these on a fellow blogger's little girl last week and I added them straight to my list for Ava. Every stylin' toddler needs a pair of these from Zara. And the price is right. 

7. Pandora look-alike for little? Sign.me.up This is by the children's jewelry line Bebe Bling. Ava already has a pair similar to these that I love. This little bracelet (with charms included!) would be a sweet addition. 

8. I may be showing my age here again. Remember the Charlie Brown Christmas special? Well, I do. I never missed it. Not once. That sad little tree...
This set includes the book AND your very own sad little tree. Brilliant. 

9. Another one of my favorite things to give. Slippers. Handmade ones via etsy are even more special. How adorable would these be on a little boy or girl? Love.


So, in the spirit of all things gifting.
Here is your opportunity to win a HUGE ridiculously unbelievably amazing prize package from LeapFrog.
One winner takes it all!
Open to U.S. residents only. Huge apologies to my Canadian and International readers.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway winner will be announced in 2 weeks.
Wishing you all good luck!

p.s. The Alilang giveaway ends tomorrow! Don't forget to enter here.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Mama Monday : Chene from Protype Mama

I'm taking you from France to Louisiana this week.
Kinda like travelling minus the long line ups and bad airplane food!. 

This week, our featured mama is my sweet friend Chene from Protype Mama.
Chene and I met through a social media site some time ago and I always love checking out her blog to see what she "spies that's fly" or if she "pinned it made it"  on any given week.
Adorable family, super sweet hubby and mad creative skills.
Welcome Chene!



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Do you work outside the home or are you a stay at home mom? What led you to either decision? 
I am a stay at home mama, something that was decided when our family moved from the busy life of Dallas, TX to a slow moving comfortable life in Louisiana. My husband first approached me about it after a discussion I had with him about how I felt like I was missing out on some important times in my 3 (at the time) kid's lives. When he started his business back in his home town, the transition just felt right at that time.

Did you always see yourself as stay at home mom/career woman? Was it a dream of yours? 
No, I didn't always see myself as a stay at home mom. I did however see myself as a supermom; a mom that could have a great career and still be at every basketball game, dance recital & spelling bee without missing a beat. I soon woke up from that dream. I always knew that there would be A PERIOD in my life where I would be at home with my children, I just didn't think that it would be at this point in my life. It's just my season.

What frustrates you most? What would you change if you could? 
Besides not being able to just go to the ladies room without a knock at the door (!) the only other thing is when I hear people say 'staying home with your children isn't THAT hard'. Are you kidding? You try it and then report back to me (lol). Another one is when they ask you " What do you do all day"? If they could be a fly on a wall :)

If you are at home, do you plan to return to work one day? 
No I don't see myself going back into the workforce anytime soon, however, I do see myself having my OWN career doing my own thing, with me being MY own boss. Allowing me the freedom to continue to raise my children & do what I love. I'm working on it (check back later).

Any words of advice for mama's who are struggling with this decision? 
I would say, 'Do what's right for your family and your family needs. GOD has a purpose for everyone, so whatever purpose that is-- go with it! Don't look at someone else's situation and try to make it yours, this is your purpose at this moment. Your season might change tomorrow so enjoy your little guys while you can & are blessed to do so.

The decision to work outside the home or stay home with your children is such a personal one. There is no right answer or right decision but rather, I truly feel each woman must do what is right for her and her family.
I commend each and every mother out there for this. It is not easy.
We are women and man, we're amazing.

Chene, thanks so much for sharing your story with us today. 
see previous Mama Monday interviews
one
two
three
MAMAMONDAY

Thursday, November 22, 2012

What that baby Wore : Style Sisters

 Of the many things I hope to teach my girls, the important ones like good hygiene and good manners not withstanding, I hope to teach them about style.
The ability to express yourself through how you present yourself to the world. 
The ability to make what you wear your own. 
A strong belief in self-expression. 
My mother did that for me. Even when I was young and stupid and insisted on wearing boots in the summertime. 
Today, when Isabella does just that? I say to myself pick your battles.
My how things come full circle.
My mother warned me about that. 

On Ava:
Earrings - c/o Silver Speck (here)
Shirt - Joe Fresh
Bracelet - c/o Silver Speck (here)
Leggings - Baby Gap
On Izzy:
Hat - Aritzia
Earrings - c/o Silver Speck (here)
Shirt - Aqua
Peace Bracelet - c/o Silver Speck (here)
Skinnies - American Eagle

Silver Speck {where all the girls cutie pie jewels came from} has 30% all jewelry through Cyber Monday and some amazing Black Friday deals! Be sure to check them out. 
Enter the Alilang jewelry giveaway here.
Linking up with Morgan and the other mama's for Small Style.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my US friends! 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

What I Wore : Alilang Take 2

Remember last week when I mentioned pairing this collar with a simple t-shirt, jeans, and blazer?
I did.
And I'm loving it. 
 



t-shirt - Zara | necklace - c/o Alilang | blazer - Holt Renfrew | colored skinnies - Forever XXI
chelsea boots - Brown's Couture
  Enter the Alilang giveaway here to win a collar that.may.or.may.not.be just as pretty as this one.
And that's what I'm wearing on Wednesday. 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

What To Wear : The Holidays

If you're like me, you find that when holiday shopping, especially when you try to start early, you are shopping less for gifts and more for yourself.
Not sure how that happens.
But it's definitely an argument for all those last minute shoppers out there. 
Really, the only thing I might like to treat myself to this year is a little something to wear when hosting Christmas Eve. 
I'm seeing Mad Men. 
Christmas Eve Inspiration


Dress
How perfectly simple is this little number? I can totally see it indoors on Christmas Eve but definitely out later on with a little leather jacket and high black boots.

Shoes
These are classics. And would make a wonderful Christmas gift if the husband is asking. And if by some chance, he won the lottery recently and feels like buying you that little je ne sais quoi. 

Handbag.
Yes, I know I don't need a handbag in my own home. But as the hostess with the mostess, I think it should be conveniently located somewhere nearby. 

Necklace 
This one is really calling my name. Incessantly. It is from the MOMA collection. Who knew they even HAD a collection! Makes me want to go to the museum right.now. Find it here.  

Eyewear
These glasses I have saved in my ebay account. They are under $10 and I think, would be the perfect compliment to this or any other vintage-inspired ensemble non?

Lips
And while I am no stylist  everyone should own at least one good red lipstick. And this one by Nars may just be it. 

So, do you get dolled up over the holidays? 
Do you look to any fashion blogger for inspiration? Do tell!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Mama Monday: Barbara from Footprints in the Sand

I am beyond excited to share one of my favorite people on the internet with you today. 
Barbara, from Footprints in the Sand, is just about the sweetest woman on the planet and she lives in France. Where there are macarons. Enough said?

She is mama to 2 beautiful boys, Nathan and Noah. Barbara shares stories of their adventures abroad with a healthy dose of humor and fun photos. While most of us are visiting playgrounds, she's enjoying the south of France. Le sigh. 

blog...facebook...twitter...pinterest
Do you work outside the home or are you a stay at home mom? What led you to either decision?
I work outside the home. My husband and I are both expatriated in France with our jobs so I didn't really have the option of "staying home". We have been blessed to work for an amazing company that provides daycare facilities so that our children are only a hop,skip and a jump from our office. I was also very fortunate to give birth in a country that has such great maternity leave. I was able to stay home with my boys for over four months before finally returning to work.

Did you always see yourself as stay at home mom/career woman? Was it a dream of yours?
I always imagined being one of those women that could do it all - great career, perfect marriage and well adjusted children. This was obviously before kids and before I realized how little time there is in a day and how hard being a mother actually is. There are days when I definitely don't have it all together. I still love my job and my career and I think that having a rewarding outlet helps me be a better mother to my children.

 3. What frustrates you most? What would you change if you could?
I would love to have more time with my boys. They are at an age when they are changing so much every day and sometimes I feel like I miss out on the most important aspects of their lives. By the time we get home in the evenings there is very little time to eat dinner/take baths/read bedtime stories - and before I realize it the night is over and I feel like I didn't spend any time with the boys at all. There are also those days when the boys are sick and my husband and I have to have "the discussion" about who stays home with them. I wish it were easier for me to just be there for them when they needed.

 If you are at home, do you plan to return to work one day? 
I'm going to turn this question around into would I ever stay home if I got the chance - and the answer would be no. While I miss my boys terribly while I'm at work, I see how much my boys have flourished there. Living in a different country - they have mastered the local language thanks to the daycare and my oldest is completely bilingual at just 3 years old. They also have made such great friends and I see their minds challenged daily. I don't know if I could have ever done this for my boys had I stayed at home with them.

 Any words of advice for mama's who are struggling with this decision?
There is no right or wrong. At the end of the day you have to follow your heart and do what is best your family.


The decision to work outside the home or stay home with your children is such a personal one. There is no right answer or right decision but rather, I truly feel each woman must do what is right for her and her family.
I commend each and every mother out there for this. It is not easy.
We are women and man, we're amazing.

Barbara, thanks so much for sharing your space and your thoughts with other mama's today. Know that I will make it to Paris one day. I will be the one camped outside Laduree
MAMAMONDAY

Friday, November 16, 2012

Fifteen

I'm ashamed to say that I haven't looked at these photos in far, far too long.
In fact, I don't think my children have ever seen the large album tucked away downstairs.
I made up for that yesterday.
I spent hours pouring over them. Reliving the happy memories of that day.
I remember planning every last detail. 
Making sure everything was just the way we wanted it to be.
And it was that. And more. 
  
15 years ago today, we were married.
For better or worse.
And there has been some of both. But happily, the good has outweighed the bad. And then some. 
No one said it would be easy. But I'm so glad we've made it this far. 

Happy Anniversary my love.
15 years. 3 babies. 
We done good.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

What Ava Wore : Feeling Fall"ish"

We keep hearing that they're calling for an early and wicked winter here in the jolly north this year. 
And then, we have what may have been THE best day ever weather wise this past Sunday.
We'll take whatever we can get. 






top and cords - JoeFresh
boots - Uggs
Enter for a chance to win a gorgeous Alilang collar necklace or ring  here
Happy Thursday Small Styler's.