In the Last 10 Minutes

Luke has told me the following...

1. I think the baby is living in your butt, that's why it's so big.

2. This has been a terrible day (as he stuffs the last of his popcorn and skittles in his mouth and watches his movie).

3. I like you but you are really boring. When is daddy home?

What should you take from this amazing list of statements? Basically that 3.5 year olds can be major assholes. I've decided that they make them super cute so that they survive until their later years.

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I'll admit, I'm not a whole lot of fun right now. This baby I'm growing has turned in to an energy sucking parasite and I'm battling anemia and nausea that has returned with a vengeance. I've pretty much skipped the whole blogging thing through out this pregnancy to spare you all from listening to me whine and complain for the last 35.5 weeks. I've saved all that goodness for my saint of a husband who has massaged my feet, cleaned the house, cooked the meals, listened to tearful phone calls about how much I hate him for talking me in to this train wreck of a pregnancy and who only now, with less than a month to go, is beginning to show signs of cracking under my ridiculous requests. I don't file "I need a Turtle Waffle Bowl Sundae from Dairy Queen at 10pm at night" under "ridiculous requests" though. Just so we're clear.

I'm planning to visit this space a little more frequently once Oscar has arrived because I do like looking back and seeing how we were living our life and what other rude things my children have told me over the years. Until then, I'm off to hide from Luke because my "ready to cry at anything" hormones can't take too much more of his so-called compliments ;)

A Formal Apology

My blogging has been, well...non-existent. So consider this a formal apology for the lack of posts BUT do not take this as a promise that I will be posting more frequently. I'm lazy like that.

Tomorrow ends our first full week of school and I'm going to count it as a success. Luke is rocking preschool and has been the only kid in his class to not cry. While I'm proud, I'm also a little sad that he seems so freaking excited to spend 2.5 hours away from me twice a week. Wasn't he like, just born and totally dependent on me?

Cohen has been warming up slowly to Kindergarten. I knew it would be an uphill battle when on the second day he started doing fake sneezes and told me "I'm getting sick, I better stay home." Like I'd fall for that one! Now that they have been assigned a block of gym every day he has decided that it isn't so bad after all. Also, Husband has him rudely laughing hysterically over the name of the student teacher. To be fair the woman is named Miss Buttoff. She's just asking for it, no?

This was going to be longer but I just noticed that Luke is practicing his paper ripping and cutting skills on some important paperwork. At least he's quiet?

Right Now...

...this is happening.

Cohen is running away from Luke so Luke yells "don't walk away from me when I'm talking to you".

So they do hear me. Interesting.

Cohen responds with "Luke I can't listen to you because I'm trying to sing the song from the Jungle Book. It's called Bare Incesties."

Yeah, I think I should probably go correct that one.

Also, last week while at work I saw a man that was a dead ringer for Carrot Top. I wasn't bold enough to get a pic of his face so you'll just have to believe me. I wouldn't lie about such a thing. Husband refuses to trust me that it's even a man thanks to dudes shoulder bag. But it is. Swear.

I'm a Girl, That's Why

I am a girly girl. I like dresses and pretty things. I like my hair done and I never leave the house without mascara. Ever. I love purses and shoes and let's not even start on my obsession with coats. Let's just say it requires three large Rubbermaid bins to put my winter coats away. Boots? They may be a bit of an obsession. I think Husbands eyes actually popped out of his head a little when I told him that I just neeeeeeeeded one more pair of Frye's as well as a second pair of Hunter's because well mine are tall and grey and sometimes, just sometimes, a girl needs short coral ones. Right?

He didn't seem to follow my logic. Weird.

But my most favourite thing at the moment is jewelry. I spend entirely too much time on Pinterest browsing for fabulous new baubles. I have my trusty stand by - my Esprit watch lives on my right wrist most days because I have a thing about knowing the time. I also always wear my wedding rings and a plain Tiffany band from my boys on my right hand. But after that, it's fair game for colour. How much do you love the corals and turquoise that is everywhere this Spring/Summer? Oh my little heart is happy!

I thought I would share a few of my favourite places to find gorgeous jewels incase you too are accessory crazy.

1. Chantale Jewelry Designs - this is my cousin's line and it is no surprise that she has been hugely successful with it. You've probably seen me sporting her gold acorn necklace and the next time I see her I will buying this:

I'm in love! I had the chance to photograph her newest collection and ladies, she did good. Go check her out, she is in North Vancouver and sells both online and at select boutiques around the city.

2. Sweet Piece - these gorgeous pieces are made locally by Marjolein and my goodness are the prices excellent! Swarovski earrings for $29.95? Yes please. I recently wore her crystal rounds for my besties wedding and we got loads of compliments. You can find her work online or we carry a large selection at IVORY Bridal so if you are out in Langley come see me at work and pick up some for yourself!

3. Bfrend - You've likely seen me sporting my favourite bracelet from Bfrend, a lovely little gold and black number that goes with everything. Designed by Monika, another local Vancouverite, I am still making up my mind about which colour to buy next because these are great pieces for stacking or mix and matching with other bracelets. Just when I thought I had decided, she went and released pastels. How's a girl to choose? Buy them online or check out Muse Social Fashion House in South Surrey, but be warned, that store will suck you in. Gorgeous clothes and accessories!

4. Stella & Dot - remember before when I was talking about coral & turquoise and my love affair with them this summer? Well the ladies of Stella & Dot have won my heart by going all out this season. I mean!! Not only did they pull from the coral colour inspiration but also the shape. This white enamel coral pendant will be mine.

Happy Wednesday!

I Work Out

Luke is so going to be the guy who wears the tiny Speedo to the beach.

Summer. That dreaded time of year when days get hotter and clothes get smaller and you just have to take Littles to the beach and that requires you to wear a bathing suit. Folks, it is just around the corner and if, like me, you spent your May long weekend inhaling a whole lot of food and yes, alcohol, then it is high time to hit the gym and get your buns in bikini shape.

So! If it is okay with all of you lovely ladies (and gents), I'm going to track my workouts and meals on here once a week to keep myself accountable and maybe inspire some of you to join in with me. Husband has agreed to workout with me after we had this conversation last night...

Me: "Hey, remember when you had muscles?"
Husband: Looking perplexed for a long pause "No"
Me: "Neither do I."

Isn't it nice of me to gently remind him to work on his fitness? I thought so.

I'm aiming for two workouts a day, one full workout and one quickie (not THAT kind Husband - yeesh).

Today's plan, weight circuit right now and ZUMBA with the ladies tonight.

What exercise are you getting today?

It's Only Common Sense

Shirt - Aritzia, Shorts - Self Cut Gap Jeans, Shoes - Army & Navy

I don't like breakfast.

Please don't confuse this with "I don't like breakfast foods". That is an entirely different issue and one that isn't on the list of weird Ashley Bee food problems. I'm just never hungry when I first wake up and when hunger does strike, one of two things come in to play.

1. I'm too tired and lazy to make anything that requires me to do more than pour cereal and milk in to a bowl for the Littles, or
2. I'm running way behind on getting Cohen to school on time (nine times out of ten it's this issue).

So common sense prevails* and I just make the breakfast food for lunch and if you are really lucky daddy is still at work come dinner time, then breakfast twice in one day isn't unheard of. That was our life yesterday when we may just have eaten pancakes and fruit for lunch and egg white omelettes for dinner. This ridiculous nutrition fail reminded me to tell you about the world's greatest pancake recipe. They are high protein and super yummy. Husband and Little approved. Courtesy of the lovely Dani Spies, the recipe is HERE. Enjoy!

*Side note, I am HUGE on common sense. If you are lacking it, please just don't talk to me, k thanks.

Here's Looking At You Megan

So I've had a few requests to blog more often about a certain challenging thing that we like to call "Mama Style". You know that tricky, elusive thing that happens post childbirth when suddenly you've morphed in to an entirely differently shaped body than the one you owned before la conception?


Yeah that thing. How easily we all fall victim to pony tails and Lulu's whilst fondly remembering the days when we used to look, what's the word for it...cute.

So how do we turn that ship around and point it in the direction of Haute Mama territory? Here are a few tips that I take to heart.

1. Accept that you own the skin you're in and even if you have big, audacious plans to change its shape, it's not going to happen overnight. Raise your hand if you've been stuck in the "I'll go shopping when I've lost these last 5, last 10, last 20 pounds" rut. Seriously, raise your hand and admit it out loud. Now go buy something that fits who you are RIGHT NOW.

2. Let's not be martyrs to the playground. Sure it is ridiculous to consider wearing high heels and a mini to chase the kids at the park but there a LOT of clothes that fall between that extreme and "jeans, flip flops and a t-shirt every day". Flat, stylish sandals exist in every colour and style imaginable. Miraculously, they do stay on your feet as well as your $1 Old Navy flops (that I am also guilty of owning in several colours) and they will change the feel of your outfit ten fold. I give you the entire Aldo Flat Sandal collection for your consideration. These babies are coming home with me (Husband do not check the bank account please)...

3. Don't underestimate the power of a dress. Husband will vouch for the amount of time I have wasted in my life standing in our closet in a skirt and a bra, staring blankly at my shirts and complaining loudly that I have nothing that matches. Enter the dress. LADIES! It's an entire outfit on one hanger! All that's left to figure out is which of the cute sandals you just bought go best. You can go maxi or midi, polka dots or stripes, and hey if you are a t-shirt loving gal then by all means get a t-shirt style dress and belt that sucker! Cute, practical and yes, let's utter it, stylish.

4. Stop living in black & white. Nothing punches up a standard outfit like colour. So you like jeans and a tee. Great. Let's make the bottoms green then shall we? Or how about a bright coral top? We all know what colours we're drawn to so forget trends on this one and choose something that compliments you and makes you feel a little bit sunnier on the inside (and out). I'm currently mildly obsessed with pairing my standard go-to Navy Blue or grey with bright yellow or emerald and kelly green. 

I'll admit to not being brave enough yet to go on trend by pairing neons and pastels but I bow down to you if you can. It really rocks.

5. Buy staples. Keep a well stocked selection of super versatile pieces in your wardrobe. They will serve you well time and time again. For me this summer that includes a large pile of skinny belts, since I belt ALL of my dresses and often many of my tops, a denim jacket, a striped maxi dress and a solid one, white cropped skinnies and an A-line maxi skirt (or two). Oh and chambray, lest we forget. Bless her little denim heart, she goes with everything!

6. Find Inspiration or as I like to call it "Pinspiration". Pinterest is a breeding ground for different styles to be showcased. Spend some time browsing through and collecting a board filled with items you love. After a while, stop and look at your Board as a whole and look for patterns that cross multiple images. Did you pin a ton of stripes? Do you love the look of bold patterned tops, metallic sandals? Piece together what it is that drew you to those images and your own unique personal style will start to emerge. It's also a good way to discover some fab style blogs. Two of my faves are Sydney (pictured above in the pink skirt) from The Daybook Blog and Natalie of the hilarious Nat The Fat Rat.

So if you made it all this way - congrats! There is no prize other than knowing my inner most thoughts on getting dressed. I'll leave you with a pic of one of my fave outfits at the moment as well as a list of my most loved places to shop. If you mamas ever need a shopping buddy, I'm your gal!!

Best places to shop according to This Ashley Bee:

1. Forever 21 - The ultimate shop for cheap and cheerful dresses, chambray, leggings and coloured skinnies. Oh and accessories by the bucket load. 

2. Gap - My go to for simple basics. 

3. H&M - Fashion Forward for less. Oh and great price on tights in the Fall!

4. Anthropologie - Why must you tempt me so!

5. JCrew - They now ship to Canada! Oh Happy Day!

6. Zara - You need time and patience to shop in store but it pays off. Their men's suits rock too, right Husband?