Uncle Sparky

I've said it before and I'll say it again, "It takes a whole village to raise a child." I'm very thankful that our village is very large! Levi has nine aunties and uncles and that doesn't even count all the friends who have become adopted family. Or his Uncle Sparky....the dog.

One of the things I love most about my siblings are their incredible talents and creativity. Case in point: My sister-in-law Lizzy. Lizzy has trained Sparky to do unreal tricks that Levi has yet to master or may never. For example, can Levi do hand stands? No, unless falling off the couch head first counts.

Sparky can also blow bubbles in the water. So what's the big deal you ask? Have you ever tried to teach a toddler how to blow bubbles rather than inhale a mouthful of water? For months Ben was trying to teach Levi how to blow bubbles in the bath. Instead Levi would inhale soapy water. Levi thought it was hysterical (I don't know why. When I was growing up a mouthful of soap was a form of punishment for a potty mouth. Anyone else?).

This video of Sparky, done by Lizzy for the Most Incredible Small Dog Contest by Beneful Incredibles, is unreal. Lizzy is an amazing trainer and it didn't surprise me at all when a few months ago, Lizzy found out she and Sparky had won!

Levi is so lucky to be surrounded by creativity. I can't wait to see how it influences him as he grows up.  

Effect Me Not

Last year our neighbours gave us a box of their old Christmas ornaments. I love these vintage beads. 

What? A style shot? Yes. This is my tree decorating outfit. I'm trying to figure out how to take self-portraits on our new SLR camera. The real problem is I don't have a tripod so I have to prop the camera up for a decent shot. Then the shots turn out horrible so I effect the crap out of them : ) To go with the vintage Christmas decorations I faded, vignetted and retroed (I know it's not a word) these pics. Zzzzz. Moving on.

Now for the real beauties. This owl ring from F21 rocks my world. I'm also a fan of this thrifted metallic belt from Sally Ann. 

How gorgeous is this little angel girl? I have a handful of these on our tree. Each little girl is in a different pose.

My new cozy Christmas slippers. $9.00 at Safeway. Keeping my feet warm as I tread through the Christmas season

Every Day

I want to dress like this every day of winter. Modest, pretty, cozy, relaxed. The only thing I would add to this look is a cup of hot chocolate and a warm apple fritter. 

*Christy Turlington for Elle France December 2010; Photographer: Mark Siegler; Stylist: Michele Beaurenaut;Clothes: Louis Vuitton Fall-Winter 2010 via fashiongonerogue.

Nice Digs

Ben just finished renovating his office on Granville Island where he works for Westside Church. A couple very handy men and Ben put in new flooring, painted the walls and used their carpentry skills to build a custom desk (which I love!). As you may recall I'm always impressed by Ben's wood working skills. 

Levi and I were there to help with the clean-up.

Pretty sweet view of the harbour from the office.

Here's the custom desk. Awesome.

My favorite part are the drawers. I love the raw, unfinished look.

P.S. I re-enabled Google Friend Connect after removing it from my blog in Feburary. I went through a brief middle-school psychosis, when I first started my blog, where I felt super insecure that if people saw I only had six friends they would think I was unpopular. Ha, ha, ha... 

Naked We Come

I love where I live, I love where I live, I love where I live.  The heavens have been pouring down rain for days on end. Vancouver and rain are synonymous. It isn't the grey that bothers me because as my friend Ariana pointed out, "It just makes the trees look greener (spoken like a true Albertan)." What bothers me is that Levi and I can't lounge outside for hours on end. In the summer we walk every where, have play dates at the beach and bask in the glory of where we live. When it's raining, we head outside but it's only a matter of time before Levi has jumped in one too many puddles.

This photo is a reminder of a stunningly gorgeous summer day, that we will experience again. Ben, Levi and I met up with another family and headed down to Wreck Beach for a walk. It makes me giggle every time I consider that the nudists get the most beautiful beach in Vancouver. However, we like to enjoy it too, with our clothes on. The kids received strict instructions not to stare or laugh. Truth is, I needed the reminder too (I know, I am soooo immature. Loud farts also makes me laugh). 

It was the perfect evening and although we hadn't planned to go swimming, the other mom and I hopped right in, clothes and all. I can still remember how refreshing it felt, how relaxed I was and how Vancouver at that moment was like a glimpse of heaven. 

At least it was until the big, naked man emerged from the water, shocking Levi and causing him to somersault over the rocks. 

Sobering

Ben and I had a child-free day to do some Christmas shopping. While we were downtown we noticed an interesting scene at the Vancouver Art Gallery. A pathway of women's shoes with no feet in them led up to the steps of the gallery which were covered with 100s of heels, runners, sandals, etc. At first I thought it was an awesome exhibit all about kicks. 

I found out it was so much more. 

The purpose of the empty shoe display was to raise awareness of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. It was a sobering moment. As I took these pictures I was silent, thinking in particular of the many women who have been murdered or gone missing in "Beautiful" British Columbia. I also thought about how violence against women effects me directly. After all, isn't it for fear of violence that I don't walk at night by myself? 

To find out more information about this day go here. 

Iceberg Collision

My lovely family was kind enough to humour me this morning as I attempted to show off my thrift store find on camera. We started our day at Momento Coffee House This hidden gem is one of the top cafes in Vancouver. Ben and Levi often come here in the early morning to let me get a few more Z's. 

After Momento we headed to the park for pictures.

I took a gander in Salvation Army the other day and found this coat. The first thing that caught my eye was the Bambi character on the breast pocket. Sometimes I pull things off the rack just to ridicule them.  Do grown-ups actually wear Disney characters? However,  as soon as I held up the jacket I could tell it was very good craftsmanship. That's one of the benefits of studying couture, I know where seams are supposed to fall on the body and how a quality garment is meant to fit. The seam of the shoulders and sleeve lies exactly where it should. The shoulders are reinforced without adding shoulder pads, which would likely make them bulky. The side seams also come in at true waist to give a woman's figure flattering lines. 

After I realized the jacket was well made I checked the label. Not surprisingly it was the brand Iceberg. Iceberg is an Italian label that has been around since the 60s and shows at Milan fashion week. Their garments are made in Italy. I had scored myself a vintage Iceberg jacket. Cha ching! For eight dollars, no less! 

At some point in their history (I couldn't find the exact year) Iceberg delved into pop culture adding Disney prints to their clothing. This trademark recently reemerged in their Spring 2011 line as seen on the model below.

Model: Ruby Aldridge; Photo: Simone Leonardi/GoRunway.com via Style.com

I went from ridiculing Bambi to rejoicing in my fabulous find. 

I can't help myself, I love to sneak little man pics into my posts.

See how the side seams come in at true waist to give the jacket a flattering shape. Love!

The colour of the jacket is hard to pull off and could easily wash my face out. Regardless, I decided I would make it work. After all, look at the amazing deer print lining! Attention to detail makes my heart flutter. 

In fact, I took it to the dry cleaners and they wanted to keep it. They appreciated the fine craftsmanship and design details.

Ironically I'm wearing furry boots. Hopefully not Bambi's mother.