Cape Cod with the Kiddo

We're back from a perfect vacation week filled with seafood, sunshine and lots of snuggles with Sweet P! The Sailor and I rented an adorable Cape cottage on VRBO. There were lots of options on the Cape, but I selected this place in Wellfleet for its beautiful gardens and outdoor space and the location about a half-mile from the beach.

SWEET P at 10 MONTHS

It's been a fun month seeing Sweet P's personality develop! She waves to everyone and everything-- ceiling fans and birds too-- and she her repertoire also now includes high fives accompanied with a belly laugh. Her once toothless grin now reveals two little white chicklets on the bottom, which help her chew her favorite foods of bananas and sweet potatoes. She also tried watermelon for the first time this month in a mesh feeder and loved the slurpy sticky goodness. Pippa weighed 17 lbs 10 oz at her last doctor's appointment on June 17. She's petite but strong, energetic and so full of joy!

Design Darling: Nam Dang Mitchell

Since Sweet P came into our lives, design projects have been on hold around here. Heck, we can't even find the time to get out and shop for new patio furniture let alone do any renovations or redesigning of rooms! But when I stumbled upon the work of Calgary-based Nam Dang Mitchell however I suddenly had the urge to clear out everything in our home and start fresh. Nam's polished rustic aesthetic and attention to architectural detail make some inspiring spaces. 

How chic is she?! I wish I could pull off such a glamorous outfit. Note to self for the fall: Camel and black are a winning color combo. 

via La Dolce Vita

You Are What You Eat: Tips for Pregnancy Nutrition

I'm over the moon to be an auntie again! I just recently found out that a very good friend is expecting her first baby. It came as a surprise to her, so she is trying to figure out all of the "do's" and "don'ts" of pregnancy including nutrition guidelines. There's a lot of information available for expectant moms, but I started putting together some nutrition info for her in an effort to help her get up to speed quickly.

Friday Find: If the Shoe Fits

I'm no great fashion blogger, but I do like to share when I've found something that belongs in every woman's closet. Finding flats that are both comfortable and stylish has always been a real challenge for me. But now I present the perfect pair from Yosi Samra. 

With very limited time to work out, I have been trying to take walks at lunch time most days. I can easily switch from heels to slippers and be on my way. Bonus- they're foldable and come with their own little dust bag to throw in my work bag or diaper bag.

Scent-sational Sunday

Last week was a whirlwind! After spending a relaxing holiday weekend at the lake, we had a jam packed week that included Sweet P's nine month check-up, a funeral and unexpected visit with my bestie who lives in St. John, a "sick" day feom daycare for Sweet P and a lengthy meeting with our new financial adviser. When I'm feeling in need of a little pick me up like I was this week, I turn to aromatherapy to bring harmony and balance back into my life.

Scent aids in healing and restoring energy for the body, mind and spirit. Here are some of my favorite scents and their benefits.

Lavender- aids in sleep
Cinnamon-sharpens the minds
Pine- relieves stress
Fresh-cut grass- makes you joyful
Citrus- boosts energy
Vanilla- elevates happiness and relaxation
Peppermint- increases concentration

Combine scent and beautiful packaging, and you have a little luxury to soothe your soul. A couple of years ago in Maine, I stumbled upon a small batch perfumery brand that has become my go-to for restoration. Library of Flowers, created by the founder of Lillia, Tokyomilk, Love & Toast, Apotheke, offers perfume, handcream, bubble bath, soap, and candles in scents like Wildflower & Fern (energizing ginger and lemongrass); Honeycomb (honey, fig and royal bee blossom);  and Arboretum (cardamom, ylang ylang and amber resin).

 

With colorful handdrawn artwork and romantic lettering, the packaging is as pretty as the contents are blissful. The hand soap and cream make great hostess gifts and can be found online or at boutique retailers. 

The Sailor and Pippa got me bubble bath as part of my Mother's Day gift, and I am still trying to find time to soak in the tub. A hot bath with a glass of wine and a stack of magazines to read sounds like the perfect way to spend a Sunday night. Bring it on!