When you grow up in a coastal city, the ocean becomes like the blood in your veins. It is always there, like a heart beat.
Everything collapses on itself in the ocean. Everything is stirred, pulled, mixed and churned.
Everything is washed over.
We go to the ocean to be made new in some way.
We are taking advantage of as many Beach Days as we can. It doesn't take much. Swimsuits, sunscreen, a few sand toys, towels, sandwiches, water, books & a healthy dose of a playful spirit.
Center - Right Clockwise : Fisher Price Doctor Kit | Walmart, Grey/white Lace Baseball shirt | Carters, White/Pink Star sneakers | Zara, Maya | Indigo from Auntie Heidi, Pink Tricycle | Second Hand on Kijiji, Jean Shorts | Carters, Blue and White polka dot Dress | Zara, Gaston/Antoinette books | Indigo, Purple Flower pants | Auntie Jasmine & Uncle Tyler, Blue and White Striped Pants | Carters, 'Sea Ya Later' T shirt | Joe Fresh from Grandma & Grandpa, Flower Pants | Carters from Mimi & Yeye, White botanical Shirt | Zara, Girl Power athletic shirt | Joe Fresh, Bicycles & Balloons T. | Carters, Green Pets Pyjamas | Carters, Purple Bunny | Gift from 'Cousin' Betty, Dollhouse accessories | From my 90's childhood stock pile.
It seems the bulk of this season was from Carters or Zara.
For Zoë's third Birthday we were able to find an almost new tricycle that usually goes for over $60 and we were able to find it for $40.. She is also at an age of intense imagination and getting her the doctor set this spring really helped her with her fears of doctors and the unknowns. It empowered her.
We adore this blue/white polka dot dress and it is big enough that it will grow with her over the next few years.
Having a toddler/pre-schooler with long legs and a slim body makes finding pants difficult but hopefully with the warmer weather we won't have to think about pants for a few more months.
This season was a fun one, to see our three year old daughter grow in her intellect and her imagination. It's always fun to see these little capsules and how they captured those few months of her life.
Top Centre - Clockwise: Grey Sweater wrap | Bootlegger, Striped Hoodie sweater | Bluenotes, Zap Toner | Saje, Black Pleather Jacket | Suzie Shiers, Black Dress | Reitmens, Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan | Chapters, Blue tank top | Second hand on a road trip, Sail boat pyjamas | La Vie en Rose, Candle | Foxhound, Black Workout shorts | Winners, Sketcher Runners | Soft Moc, Light Ripped Jeans | H&M, Bamboo Sheet Masks | Innisfree , Pink socks | Winners (Lemon) , Graphic T | Threadless, Brown Leather Keds | Little Burgundy, Black Camisole | H&M, Four Leaf Clover Knic Knack | Chapters, Green Pants | RW&Co, Heart Beat necklace | a gift from a bestie , White Linen Shirt | Old Navy, White Yoga top | Local Yoga Store
With the purchase/find of these green RW&co pants I realized that I really do like this shade of green. It's earthy and it adds another tone that matches so nicely with my greys, blues, whites and blacks. I am thinking this is a tone in which I will continue to add more of into my various capsules.
I was able to add some much needed articles this season. My parents thoughtfully gave me the leather jacket for my birthday (Which I had been aching for after my brown pleather jacket bit the dust after six years of wearing it all the time a couple years ago.) A white linen shirt which is loose and yet feminine and gives me something relaxed to be in that still can be worn to work meetings or just around at home. And that black cami, which is so much fun to pair with the pleather jacket, a knit sweater, or just a pair of jeans.
Reading Crazy Rich Asians slowly has been a fun additive to my spring and that heart beat necklace from my bestie away was a great comfort reminder of her solidarity.
Missing here is another gift of a bracelet with the word Tribe on it from another bestie, an extra yoga top , under tank tops, extra pyjamas and pair of jeans.
Overall, these were the tried and true articles of Spring. The additions fulfilled a lot of my last needs. The gaps of what I still need each season are getting smaller and smaller. Very soon it will be just about replacing much loved but worn items along with a meaningful accessory or two.
I LOVE THIS capsule wardrobe thing!!!
Can ya tell?!?!
Not crazy over mothers day, so these masks from Innis free fit the bill for me. Some simple pleasures to enjoy during busy weeks.
I am savouring this book. Knowing it was coming out as a film this year, I wanted to make sure I had read it before going to see the film. Crazy Rich Asians is a deep dive into the various dynamics of the modern Chinese culture around the world. It is deliciously descriptive, hilarious in it's delivery and so relatable to anyone who is remotely near or in the asian culture. Cannot wait to see the film adaption!
Getting my H2O is more enjoyable when I am drinking through my 'bubbles'. Easier to keep track.
I typically enjoy having a small candle on my desk to light when I am working. I replaced one that was emitting too much scent with this little one from Winners Homescense. What I love most about it , is that it literally is amazing in the dark, showing lots of different bubbles.
This colour added so much fun to my wardrobe this season.
As much as I like a good shade, this nude colour is great for anything.
Never having toner I thought I would add this acne fighting toner to my repertoire. Ever since stopping breast feeding last summer I have noticed my monthly hormones are less predictable.
This cheap linen shirt was all I needed to complete many outfits. This is a staple I will always maintain in my wardrobe.
Also enjoying
- The Americans : for the history, intrigue & incredible actors
- Chardonnay: for that refreshing warmer weather beverage
- Gourmet Burgers : for the thick patty with cheese, and interesting condiments
- Wildewoman by Lucius : for the swing in my step
- Having a fan on while we sleep : for the deeper sleep
Forever singing over each other. 'We are diamonds, rising up out of the dust'.
The past month has been full of challenges. I have been and still am processing the weight that comes with wanting to 'go through it', instead of around it. How do I journey this healthy? How do I use these broken pieces of me and others and stitch them into something that could be healing?
Amidst the pain, a new life is born. Our best friends are now parents and everything that is raw, tender, new and reborn has happened. They are absolutely beautiful in their newness and the love is expanding. We get to open our arms to more of them. More of who they are. Our little is witnessing what 'new' truly is.
Amidst the pain another best friend visits. He brings with him that grace and peace that has been hard to anchor and we are again reminded that healing is not a solo job. Healing is a collective agreement. Healing is a raising up of eachother.
I woke up the next morning after his visit with those song lyrics "You Make Me Brave" in my mind.
We are called to embolden each other. We are called to enter into each others pain and questions. We are called to hash it out in the safety of acceptance of one another. Without that safety, we cannot heal.
I had so easily forgotten.
This was my calling too.
Over any of the doubts I carry personally and professionally.
That I seek to create a safe place for collective healing. For myself. For others.
& it's in that healing that courage and bravery is found.
Tender moments with Uncle and this new little life.
Simple words sent in an email.
Simple.
Empowering.
This isn't a few words on 'self-care'.
This is just a simple quiet moment recognizing that maybe it's not that simple.
Maybe,
a few more intimate conversations with people who want to hold you.
a few more lonely days working through the pain.
a few more empty conversations of meaningless pleasantries.
a few more journal entries.
a few more deep breathes.
a few more rallying nights wrestling with deep thoughts.
To get to where you need to be.
To do what you need to do.
To say what you need to say.
To be who you need to become.
because the simple truth has always been:
Everything within it's own time.
A very small market haul in May. A flat of eggs, jar of honey & sausages.
For anyone who knows us well, they know we adore going to the Seaport Farmers Market as much as we can. Normally, this looks like every second weekend, but not always can we make it that often.
Why do we love it?
Their are many markets in HRM. For us, the Seaport Market became a habit, and we love knowing we are buying from local vendors to improve our own local economy. It means we have a relationship with the woman who sells us our eggs and we know that guy who sells Susie's Cupcakes (a local bakery) while we drool over them every time.
We are exposed to the many cultures our port city is blessed to have within it's core. The German bakers, the asian cuisine and the Indian spices are just a few. Mixed with that all to well known maritime food and music.
Knowing I am buying from farms that bring their produce in from various places over Nova Scotia gives me a peace of mind and also an amazement over how differently they taste in comparison with the grocery stores imports. Even something as simple as an egg from a local free range farm tastes completely different than from super store.
Even though many of the people we knew who lived in the downtown core have since moved away , we still find it amazing the people from our lives we bump into. The market has a way of creating enjoyment for everyone's tastes buds and ultimately, I love how connected I feel to my city every time we go.
VARIOUS CAPTURES at the Market.
Very much pregnant.
Winter/Spring Haul 2017
Winter 2017
No one tells you that the older you get the more you love yourself and the better life can be. Sure, there are always battles, trials and heavy situations to journey... but just having the opportunity to wake up and inhale a new day and get at life is an incredible honour. To live and breathe in fresh air is the biggest gift.
If anything, I am journeying this last year in my twenties with a deeper sense of awareness of how much I have changed and become since turning 20. Amy then in many ways is foreign to me, and yet, the Amy now still has that core within her. I am still addicted to stories, musicals, raw emotional music and driving solo with the windows down and the volume turned on the loudest notch. I still dance and organize every inch of my life.
Yet.
I have shifted and learned more about what it means to be Amy. All of her. As she is. Without approval, affection, adoration.
I have learned what it’s like to walk alone and yet not feel alone. I have learned to breathe and I have learned what my middle name really and truly means.
Here’s to this last year of my twenties and whatever else they have left for me.
Three Years.
For three years Zoë has been changing the atmosphere around her and it was this past year that she took her expression and communication to the next level. One day she was saying only a handful of words and still in diapers and the next she was retelling stories with description and using the bathroom like it was no big deal.
As a parent each of these stages can feel like a lifetime. Patiently being there for a little spirit with the right balance of encouragement, comfort, presence and peace.
We have always sensed that she held a lot inside and processed internally. It wasn't until this year that we were able to truly see how beautiful it all was. Zoë's ability to connect deeply with the world around her goes into a place that humbles me.
She is the spirit that deeply sees.
She is the spirit that deeply hears.
She is the spirit that deeply feels.
I am not sure what this all means as she grows, but what I do know it means in part, is that as parents Jeremy and I are called to be more vigilant with our actions and communication with each other and the world around us.
Sometimes, I want to be selfish, have my own pity party and temper tantrum. Believe you and me...there are days that I have a bubbling up of emotions that need to be dealt with and yet that is where she teaches me. Her presence is teaching me that I cannot just let my own emotions and issues bubble over onto her, for that would do more harm than good, but that I seek a healthy and true processing release that allows her to witness these emotions in ways that models to her it is okay.
It is okay to be sad.
It is okay to be confused.
It is okay to be angry.
It is okay to be hurt.
It's how we process them, feel them, act on them and experience them within our lives and project them out to others that matters.
In our home I have put words on a wall, tucked quietly beside a light switch a reminder for us and anyone else who feels deeply.
"We have room for all of your emotions here."
I want that to be true for my daughter as she grows. That her home is her safe place. That her parents are people who feel lot's of things and who are not scared to process and journey through those feelings.
Three years seems like such a short time, but in three years, she has taught me more about how I express myself than any of the twenty-six years before.
A classic on all accounts. There is a beauty in this version that comes out in the cinematography and music. It transcends the medium and get's into your soul.
The introduction to this film was given to me by a close family friend who is no longer with us. The memory of her knowing that I would find this film exceedingly funny and enjoyable is one I like to revisit. A classic Oscar Wild this is full of humour and complex story lines. A lighthearted mood.
A longstanding favourite in my family, Father of the Bride II has the same quality as the first film with an added double pregnancy to the mix. Steve Martin and Martin Short are the best as a duo. I could watch these characters for days.
Filmed in Nova Scotia it's hard not to love this movie. With it's beautiful embracing of our coastal weather in it's cinamatography to it's beautiful choices in music, this film follows a young girl who wants to overcome her own personal pain and put it into her passion for riding horses, while still keeping her family happy. If you you're a Nova Scotian by birth like me or never been, this film will make you fall in love with this place.
When I watched the first episode I thought I wouldn't watch it anymore. There was something gritty and too revealing about this show. It was uncomfortable. I was put off and annoyed. I thought, I'll watch episode 2 and then leave it. That's when I got it. These 'girls' were me. Different, sure. But they were my age, asking the same questions and trying to find their place while mostly failing at it, and sometimes succeeding. For me Girls was a banner show where I realized the lines can truly blur on how much you related to a character and how much impact characters can have on your life as you watch them grow and evolve. I and my best friend grew along with Girls and when Season 6 ended and the show was done, it was bitter sweet, but I will ALWAYS remember those spring days watching or re watching girls in our pyjamas because the day just seemed too much to handle. Girls took us from girls to Women.
My favourite Korean Drama. A classic Freaky Friday moment occurs between a young man and a young woman who can't stand each other. Something about each other not only intrigues them but they are now stuck together in order to find a way to switch back to their bodies. It's a simple concept put into a love story that just has all the spring vibes and feels.
Other Spring Films & Television
Thoroughly Modern Millie - Throwback 1920's musical in New York.
The Catch - Only two season of cat & mouse lovers with a light hearted tone.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show - The rise of the feminist character
Tuck Everlasting - Whimsical, bright, light and love ache.
Bambi - Animated with nature in mind.
Spring Reads!!!
In a nut shell:
For the spring romance and the whimsical way of describing life.
For the nature and beauty around us.
For the imagination and pure delight.
For the child in us.
To shake us up, to inspire and absolute come alongside our own journey.
For the reminders of how we should treat each other.
Top Centre Clockwise: Pink Striped Shirt | Zara, Taupe Dress | Zara, White winter hat | H&M, Winter jacket | Joe Fresh, Pink Boots | Joe Fresh, Pink Pom Pom | Bib & Tucker, White Cable knit sweater | Carters, Grey Dream Big Shirt | Carters, Ice Skating Sticker Book | Indigo, White Cable knit Mittens | H&M, Winter Girls leggings | The Gap, Nordic Leggings | The Gap, Merry & Bright Shirt | Carters, Today Book | Indigo, Grey Zip Sweater | The Gap, Winter graphic shirts | Carters, Red Horse Pyjamas | The Bay, Water colours | Micheals , Paint Brushes | Korea, Fisher Price Dollhouse people | from my childhood, Buiscuit Book series | Gift from Great Aunt Susan and Great Uncle Neil
This was such a fun capsule to grow.
From last year, her snow gear all still fit aside from the hat and mittens. A quick jaunt to H&M for the next size up was all we needed to do to make sure she had all her snow gear ready.
Christmas pyjamas and a Christmas dress were a must for me to have for her. There is something so special about having a special pair of pyjamas and a special outfit for the holidays.
For christmas, we gave her first shopping request. The pink pom pom stuffy. It took me by such surprise when she pointed to it and asked to buy it. Of course this being in October when she saw it, I had so much fun tucking it away for christmas. She and anyone who see's it gets a good laugh.
Another hit was her Dollhouse gift for Christmas. Which, let's be honest was mine. My mom stored my 1990's fisher price dollhouse and ALL, and I mean ALL of it's accessories. Z has no idea how much more to the dollhouse there is. Every special occasion we are gifting or rather 're gifting' the accessories to the house and she cannot get enough.
"You play with my dollhouse with me" is her favourite phrase.
The zip sweater is a favourite as it''s easy to put on and off around the house and her little shirts have been fun to pair with her leggings.
I have a feeling that not much will fit her next Winter length wise, but I do believe that the cable knit white sweater will still be carried into next winters wardrobe and maybe her Zara striped shirt.
Top centre clockwise: Reading socks | Indigo, Darling Magazine. Issue 22 | Darling , Green Sweater | Bootlegger, Chrome Nail Polish | Essie | Quo, Naked Heat Pallet | Sephora, Bedazzled Gloves | Gift, Innis Free Rose Mask | Amazon, Blue Jeans | The Gap, Thigh high winter socks | Aerie, Christmas Pyjamas | Suzy Shier , Plaid pyjama pants | La Vie en Rose, Romper | Korea, Black turtle neck | Winners, Pleather Pants | Zara, Gold top | Reitmans, Grey Sweater | MEC
For Christmas I received two cozy pyjama sets from La Vie En Rose, one pictured here, the pink plaid pants which came with a t-shirt that says "The Snuggle is Real". The grey socks are a quick find at Aerie and another Christmas gift in the white reading socks. I also found this beautiful green sweater from Bootlegger which I needed badly!
These items really did add a comfort to the cold days!
Not pictured here are the year round yoga wears with the addition of these Yoga Pants from Aerie (they were in the wash when I took this photo), tank tops for underneath shirts and a few carry over items from Autumn that I used in this capsule.
The other mention is the Naked Heat pallet I painstainkly researched and saved for. I have not been known for makeup skills but over the course of the past three years have been learning more about products and what works for me. These tones are my absolute favourites and I figured with youtube tutorials etc it would be a great way for me to embrace learning how to properly apply eye makeup using the right techniques and shading.
I believed that I could find it if I just tried. Despite the lawn mower trimming them all down, despite the surplus of them.
Once upon a time, I considered that the thousands, if not millions of three-leaf clovers were a blessing. For the more of them there were, the higher the chances of finding the one four-leaf clover.
It was more of a promise whispered in my heart. If I looked for it, it would be there. It might take a long time, but I would go and find it before the lawn mower was done it's job.
I mused aloud. My mother shook her head. Attempting at discouraging such a thought.
"You don't just go and find one. And they are all three-leaf clover. You know that."
I knew that, but I also knew something deeper.
So I looked. With the lawn mower gaining ground on it's already cut grass. I started in the uncut portions. I sat and looked at each clover one by one.
I don't know how long I sat there. I don't remember.
My sass has never left me and I admit I was proud to prove my mom wrong. That I found one and I knew it all along.
She was floored. She dropped what she was doing and called her mother, she recalled that story many times to anyone who would listen. She celebrated with me. Over this promise I found.
And when God whispers a promise in your ear, you don't gaff at it, you listen. You let yourself fill up with excitement and you dare to believe that this incredulous faith is all it takes for that promise to be fulfilled.
There are promises that may not be fulfilled in our time, ones that create an ache in our spirits we are not capable of understanding.
What is important, is not that we see every promise / hope that we have fulfilled, but that we live our lives with a faith that is hope filled, joy filled and grace filled.
I am not sorry Winter is coming to a close, but I do believe that digging into some Hygge values inspired me to enjoy the reasons for cozy and winter outdoor activities as much as I could.
There is something about a warm cup of coffee when the winter blues is knocking. A bit of energy and a reminder that some places are still warm, even if it is just your insides.
My two yoga pants were both cut off mid calf and didn't keep me warm when doing yoga in the wee hours of the winter morning. These pants are stylish but long and keep my whole leg warm while I stretch for the day.
Now with a two year old, we were able to introduce her to skating and I had a chance to love my skates again. SO thankful I invested in professional figure skates as a teen.
Jasmine Alexander introduced me to moleskin notebooks years ago but I never knew how I would use them. Then, I realized that I could use them for themed field notes: Here I have field notes for Spiritual, Professional and Wellness life.
I adore this rose gold nail polish and it is a perfect pairing with festive parties and events.
A new addition this year, another chrome to add for parties and it really just makes me feel a bit edgy.
Finding a good rhythm for my work is a seasonal challenge, and I found this chocolate bar is a perfect item to have stowed away in my desk. Every work session I allow my self 1/4 of the bar and replace it when it is gone. Motivation is key.
Getting our photos in order so that our little can pause and reflect on who her parents were before her was important to me. Finishing the pre Z days little photo album of highlights was a great feeling and I can't wait to complete the 'Little Bedford Family' album this Spring and Summer.
The truth is, you don't know how wonderful a pair of boots are truly going to be until you are using them day in and day out. These boots are still in excellent condition after buying them last year and I am thrilled to see how they make me feel during the autumn and winter months.
Getting outside during the winter can be an absolute slog and convincing battle, but there is something that happens when we get out for our daily "fresh air" that fills me inside and out. It gives me a renewal and a clear mind.
Is it the air?
The nature?
The way we bundle to stay warm?
Either way, it is a form of therapy and I soak it up. I always feel clearer headed after fresh air.
Being a 90's kid, I grew up with that mixed tape concept.
I also grew up in a pentecostal church. My exposure to music started from day one and although it was predominantly praise and worship music, music of all kinds became my love language and how I still connect with that secret place in my spirit.
Unbeknownst to my parents (at least I think they were unaware?) I spent endless amounts of time making my own mixed tapes from the radio. Country, rock, pop, classical. I borrowed CD's from the library tasting everything from Enya, Billie Halliday, Avril Lavigne, Soundtracks from The Princess Diaries to Titanic, broadway musicals.... I had a thing for Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Doris Day, Duffy, Solitudes series, Lifehouse and Disney...
As I live my life, there will always be a mixed tape/playlist to go along with the season.
Here is my latest.
For anyone higher north of the equator this time of year tends to be darker, colder and ultimately a dip in our natural vitamin d exposure from the sun.
A friend so perfectly put it:
"I am cocooning like crazy!"
Instead of fighting the cocooning why not embrace it?
1. Sitting in the sun by my window and reading whenever possible.
A beautiful underrated healing act for the soul when everything around is dark and wintery.
2. Reading Sherlock Holmes aloud with my husband.
One cannot read this series without hearing the staccato clinical and British tone. Fun for anyone who likes to read aloud.
3. Doing a puzzle.
My mom has many of the puzzles my late Nanny had done. Borrowing a wintery theme and picking away at it here and there is a simple pleasure.
4. Facetiming long distance besties and even close ones while cozy.
Thank god for FaceTime. Nothing like getting tea/coffee/hot chocolate and a snack at hand and having conversation with friends.
5. Exercise videos inside.
Popsugar Fitness, Blogilaties, Yoga with Adrienne are all exceptional workout content online for FREE! If it's too much of a drag to bundle up for the cold, move your hot tush inside. Your body will thank you.
A few out of house ideas:
- attend a hot yoga class
- Eat at a favourite pub/Hyggelit restaurant
- Bundle and walk in nature with a hot beverage
- Ponder and wonder in a local library.
- Visit friends in their comfort zone.
Films & Television best watched in Winter from my collection:
This series ranks one of my all time favourites. Coming from what I consider a larger family in todays North American Culture I found myself identifying with the insanity and coinciding love that occurs within family dynamics. It's realistic, sentimental and perfect to cozy up to on a cold day.
There are many versions of Annie the musical now, but for me it will always be this. Victor Garber as Daddy Warbucks to me is the best representation out there. This is where my love for acting arrived. Seeing this as a kid made me feel like I could learn to act and sing someday. (spoiler alert: I did! ;)
Is there any question? So many women I know watch this around Christmas time. It encapsulates that beautiful girl hood festive feeling , yet still carrying a strong feminist message. I love everything Marmie is in Susan Sarandon and of course, Wynona is a perfect Jo March.
The snow. Just watching this beautiful magical story will be reason enough to watch this during the winter season.
It's eerie, it's mysterious and beautifully played by Patrick Wilson, Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum. It is beautifully captured in film! I spent endless months of my life singing to this soundtrack, which is currently making a comeback in my playlists.
Other films & tv not from my personal hard copy collection:
The Lord of the Rings - For the Sega.
A Little Princess - For the tears and beautiful message.
Frozen - For the modern animation lover who just has to 'Let it Go'
Ice Age - For those wishing to laugh at an animated sloth
The Crown - For the history and the cinematic vibes.
The Americans - For everyone wishing they were undercover just like this family.
Home Alone - For the classic Christmas lover.
Theres too many to list...
From my personal bookshelf:
A classic fiction that is full of nostalgia, womanhood and festive vibes. This is one to pull the reading socks on and warm cozy blanket over with.
Also being a book I would choose for Autumn, this one carries into Winter as well. I enjoyed reading this in sections over the cold months.
With the winter brings a New Year and it's the perfect time to get inspired by Shonda's experiment with looking at life with 'yes's' instead of 'no's' in a healthy way.
Another great kick start to a new year, Gretchen offers a different experience for every month of the year. A perfect monthly devotional of sorts.
For the artists or artists-at-heart who wish to journey their way into creativity. This book is not only used in many university art courses as a work book but also used by many professionals in the world to shake up their perspective about themselves and the world around them.
