Stylish Fall Décor Inspiration

Image by Magnificent Mayhem

Taking my son on a walk to our neighborhood playground, the first bite of Autumn's crisp cool air grazed my  cheeks and looking around it finally starting hitting me -- Fall is definitely in the air.
I enjoy the warmer months but I have to admit, I LOVE Fall! It's my favourite season. What's not to love about it? Warm bevvies by a fireplace, fuzzy blankets, the beautiful colours of the changing leaves, abundance of fresh apples waiting to be picked and eaten, Fall Fashion and of course Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Being an interior design enthusiast, you can always tell what season it is just by looking at the decor inside and outside of my home. With the changes of the season, comes the transition in style pieces. It's easy to change up your home's seasonal style by just changing up a few things and adding some key seasonal ornaments instead of changing anything major.
Pillow covers, throw blankets, flowers/branches in vases, candles (colour and scent of candles) are just some examples of items in the home that can be changed to accommodate the change.
So what am I loving this year for Fall Home Décor?

I know it's part of fashion, but it's also super cool to incorporate into your Fall décor: Ombré!  
I am loving these ideas! (Although they do sort of remind me of candy corn. But that's OK right?)

Ombre Wine Vases: BRIT + CO | DIY Ombre Glowing Hurricane Glasses | Ombre Lamp | Ombre Pumpkins

Feeling inspired yet?

Check out this collage of my absolute favourite 2013 Fall Décor.

I am loving white pumpkins (a favourite since last year); burlap is always the perfect fall decor addition; candles add an instant warmth - perfect for Fall (get them in fall colours scented with vanilla, cinnamon and pumpkin!) and I really admire large lanterns in different sizes filled with small pumpkins and candles.

White Pumpkin Vase | Wheat in Vases | Burlap Table Runner

Happy Decorating!

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I'm FALLing in Love with Fall 2013's Fashion Trends

Mustard Yellows and Dark Olives, Knee-high boots and trench coats, over-sized sweaters and leather, tribal and plaid... there's so much to LOVE about Fall Fashion.
Some classic loves and some new, Fall trends never cease to fail me -- my FAVOURITE fashion season.
Check out a few of these lovely inspirational finds from Polyvore. Seriously, what's not to love?

According to Pantone, here is the fashion colour report for Fall 2013 for Women.

I love them all! Hard to choose a favourite in this batch.

Although I will be sad to bid adieu to the warmer weather, longer days of sunshine and sandals, looking at these fab fashion trends is making me super excited to welcome Fall weather (with a warm latté).

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And the Oscar for Delicious Ice Cream Creations goes to...

... Cold Stone Creamery! *Huge applause with standing ovation*

Red Carpet-worthy indulgence available at your local Cold Stone Creamery with their Cold Stone Creamery Oscar Creations.

I know it's a little chilly out there but that should not stop you from heading over to Cold Stone Creamery and picking up some of their yummy creations to delight in while tuning in to the Oscars today!

They've got a great line-up of Oscar Creations ready for every "A-lister" in your home.

Amour – The universal language. Try the Strawberry Passion ice cream cake with layers of moist yellow cake, Strawberry ice cream, a graham cracker pie crust and strawberry puree, all wrapped in a creamy strawberry frosting… because nothing heals heartache like ice cream!

Life of Pi  - Chocolate ice cream, OREO cookie pieces and orange Gummi Bears. We like to call this one the ‘Richard Parker.’








 Beasts of the Southern Wild –  Step out of the world’s harsh realities and take a moment to dream with the Oh So Dreamy ice cream bar: French Vanilla ice cream, surrounded by a chocolaty and almond shell.









 Silver Linings Playbook – Mint ice cream, chocolate chips and fudge, the unofficial sweet treat of The Eagles football team. We’d bet that eating a cup of this before the big game will help with their juju!

Zero Dark Thirty – It seemed appropriate that we temporarily change the name of our Midnight Delight ice cream cake to Midnight Thirty Delight. Layers of moist devil’s food cake and chocolate ice cream are wrapped in a rich fudge ganache. It’s perfect for sharing at an Oscar party!

 Django Unchained – If Django and Dr. Schultz are going to remain focused on finding Broomhilda, they’re going to need a snack that will put an extra kick in their step. Tim Hortons’ Double Double Coffee ice cream for a dollop of energy, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for a pinch of protein and topped off with a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings.




Argo –  How about a red and white ice cream cake to celebrate the Canadian Embassy’s contribution to this declassified true story? Cake Batter Confetti is made of layers of moist devil’s food cake and Cake Batter ice cream, wrapped in creamy white frosting and topped off with delicious sprinkles.







Les Miserables – French Vanilla ice cream, strawberries and yellow cake. Our quick, easy and delicious version of a traditional French Crepe.  Moral of the story:  Just don’t try to take it without paying!








 Lincoln –  Strawberry ice cream, blueberries and whipped topping - an appropriate red, white and blue creation to honour an American legend.









How amazing do they look?
Well, they taste even better!
After much thought and deliberation from my panel of judges, the Oscar Creation award in our home went to...
Amour! 

Truthfully, we have more than one favourite from these creations -- they were so good! But strawberry is a favourite so we had to take the Amour home with us to jazz up and sweeten up our Oscar Party!

The REAL Oscar Award for total sweetness, delight, cuteness and overall charm goes to...

We are rooting for Django Unchained, Les Miserables and Silver Linings Playbook to pick up some awards tonight! Who are you hoping will win?

For a list of Cold Stone Creamery locations near you or more information, visit them online at: www.timhortons.com/ca/en/menu/cold-stone-creamery.html

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New Nicole by OPI 2013 Collection & #Giveaway

My fellow Nail Polish Aficionado's... say HELLO to Spring/Summer 2013 from Nicole by OPI!

Since the days of cabbage patch dolls and New Kids on the Block to now, I've always had a love for nail polish.
Believe it when I tell you... I know my polishes.
See exhibit A below of just a few in my current collection.

Exhibit A

So you can imagine my excitement when I received the press release and samples of the newest Nicole by OPI 2013 Collection which includes collections from Selena Gomez and one of my absolute favourite shows ever, Modern Family.

I love Nicole by OPI because they contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde which is so important to me as a mom to very little ones including a baby.
Their formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and true salon-quality.

Those crazy dishes and hand-washed laundry got nothin' on my newly manicured Nicole by OPI nails!

I know because I tried!

I used Back in my Gloria Days... from the Modern Family Collection and added a little bit of Selena Gomez's Confetti Fun on my ring fingers.

Back in my Gloria Days... may just be one of my favourites!
Back in my Gloria Days is a lighter formula so to achieve this look I had to use 2 coats.
Only one coat was used with Confetti Fun.

The New 2013 shades feature two vibrant crème shades of bright pink and rich red and two shimmering hues of deep plum and glossy black.

Plum to Your Senses!
You KNOW this deep, dark plum is the perfect choice.

Please Red-cycle
Do the right thing and wear this apple red over and over.

Totally in the Dark
This shimmery black is completely unexpected.

Still Into Pink
Our love for hot pink will never grow cold.

SELENA GOMEZ COLLECTION

“Selena is an ideal partner for Nicole by OPI. Millions of fans love her for the
same reasons we do; she’s smart, talented, funny – and has an incredible sense of
style,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic
Director. “She has that classic ‘girl-next-door’ appeal, but she’s also edgy and fun –
just like the Nicole consumer.

Loving all the sparkle and pinks in the Selena Gomez Collection.
But, my favourite (not to be bias because I happen to LOVE the show), just happens to be the Modern Family Collection.

MODERN FAMILY COLLECTION

“The Nicole consumer embraces the same spirit of diversity and individuality
that’s apparent on the show,” explains Weiss-Fischmann. “The colors inspired by
Modern Family offer a perfect way to express that spirit!” - Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.

 
The Modern Family Collection includes:

Am I Making Myself Claire?
Make no mistake...I’m liking this lilac.

I Do De-Claire!
Let me just say how frosty cool this soft rose is!

She’s Lily Something
Pink, sparkly stars...so Daddies’ Little Girl-y!

A Like-Haley Story...
Typical teenagers (and their moms!) will love this not-so-typical fuchsia.

My Jay or the Highway!
This trendy taupe is inflexibly cool. Period.

Stand by Your Manny
Be loyal to this periwinkle blue.

Alex by the Books
Look smart in this seafoam green.

Haley Good Lookin’...
She’s cookin’ up plans for this pink super-glitter.
Basking in Gloria
This red-violet is the color of passion.

 Luke of the Draw
Chances are you’ll love this gunmetal glitter.

A Phil’s Paradise
No fooling...this pewter is the real deal.

Candid Cameron
Call this teal just like you see it...gorgeous!

Back in My Gloria Days...
This voluptuous violet has still got it goin’ on!

What’s the Mitch-uation?
This cobalt blue demands an update.

I love them all! See any you like?

The polishes retail for $10.99 each and are available for a limited time at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart Canada, Jean Coutu, Loblaws, London Drug.

I'm giving one of my readers a chance to win the entire Modern Family Collection {ARV $154}!
Simply enter via rafflecopter below for your chance to win!
**Open to Canadians only**
Ends  2/10.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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CAC's Favourite Spring/Summer 2013 Trends

Pretty Floral Prints, vintage 20's-inspired bouffants and Poppy Reds; this year is looking bright (literally!)

I am always keeping my eyes open for what's on trend although I admit that I am not really a fashion risk-taker and will stick to what's comfortable and suits me.
I think that's the way it should be though.
Fashion is meant to bring your best out and be an expression of who you are not what you see others wearing.
What may look great on another person may not look so amazing on you.

What I always like to do when experimenting with new colours is put it close to my face at a mirror in a well-lit room, usually when I notice a glow oozing from my face, there's a match!
Let me clarify: colours that complement your natural tone should brighten the appearance of your skin and look good with your hair and eyes.
Colours which aren't so great will make you appear pale and washed-out and accentuate any dark shadows or blemishes.
You'll know when once you look in that mirror.

Deciding on the colours that are best for you is very simple. It just depends on your own colouring, which includes your eye and hair colour and skin tone.

In order to tell your skin tone you need to look at it under natural light, checking to see whether there is a hint of golden or rosiness. A hint of apricot or golden undertones means you're "warm" toned, being slightly pink or rosy makes you "cool" toned.

Cool-toned people look best in blue-based colours; warm-toned people will look best in yellow-based colours.

POINTERS:

Warm tones
Warm tones suit natural earth colours such as browns, bronzes and sage greens.
For pretty feminine summer shades try peach and apricot.
If you prefer reds, then try brick red, dark tomato or a burnt orange hue.
Earth greens like olive or jade enhance warm skin tones.
Clean ivory or oyster whites also enhance the warm skin tone type.
For your professional wardrobe, look for clothes in taupe or bright navy. Try brown and gold accessories for maximum impact.

Cool tones
Pure white is a great match for cool skin tones.
Bold raspberries, deep greens, royal blue, plum and pure black are also winners.
Cool-toned people can wear bright ruby red to great effect.
Cool skin tones can also be enhanced by soft pastel blues and pinks.

Pay attention to what you are wearing when friends compliment you on your outfit — it's likely that this colour is a good match for you.

Okay so back to my favourite trends for Spring and Summer 2013!
 
I've had long hair for most of my life (short hair just does not suit my round face!)
I love that the long & sleek hair is back on the trend watch this season. Also, we're seeing the mid-part and deep side-part taking over! Love it!

Great Gatsby! How beautiful are these 20's inspired looks?

My trend-radar is sounding off loudly and I'm not complaining -- love this look!

Coincidence that the much-anticipated (well for me that is!) The Great Gatsby movie is debuting this year? Perhaps.

On top of the hair, look out for Great Gatsby inspired hair pieces too!
 

Oh, and it's not just on trend for the ladies.  Men, we're looking at you! Check out Leonardo DiCaprio's coif -- I'm so not complaining about this one either. *wink, wink*

Now onto the makeup.
Loving these looks for the face this year.

Graphic Liner.
Graphic eyeliner, especially in the vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired hues of turquoise, jade and aqua, goes from ramp to real with ease.

Cherry Red Lips with Neutral Eyes.
I've always been rocking this look -- love it! 

Fresh-faced with Glowing Skin.
Whatever other makeup you choose, the focus this year is on supple, hydrated and healthy skin that radiates with a beautiful mother-of-pearl glow. Extra-vigilant skincare is key. May I introduce you to Mèreadesso?  But till the results kick in, try a light-reflecting primer, liquid foundation applied with a brush and a highlighter.

Now going back to the clothing, check out what I think is "haute" this coming season!
I absolutely adore the abstract and rich florals, chevron patterns, stripes and poppy red! YES!
Pretty, feminine and light.

Mango

And for the home...

 

I'm smitten by all this gorgeousness and excited for the year ahead! 

Have you got  favourite trend for this year?

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Take Control Over Your Health: Small Steps to Success

I usually like to start the New Year with a few resolutions just to make myself feel somewhat motivated -- whether or not I stick to them is ambivalent but what matters is I took the first small step towards a goal.

So far I have probably broke 2 resolutions which include staying away from sweets and minimizing the yelling in the household...
the first week of the New Year is a trial, right?

Well, I figured baby steps to success has always helped me most in my endeavours and I think truly the best way to go about achieving your objectives.
This year, one of my main goals isn't to "lose the baby weight" or "exercise more!", I initially wrote these two on the top of my list but then quickly crossed them off and changed them to this: Focus on my Health.

One of the best and easiest ways to attain your goal to a healthy start to a new you for this year would be to start taking a multi-vitamin.

Adult Essentials has quickly become both mine and my husband's (and now my parents and siblings) choice of vitamins.

They taste good, instead of forgetting to take your daily vitamin/s, in this case you have to be careful not to actually surpass the daily amount you get to chew on.

I've always been bad with remembering to take my vitamins each day but have never had this issue since introducing these gummies into my life.

Try them today and let me know what you think!

If you follow them on Facebook or Twitter, you will always find they offer amazing discounts and deals on their products. And of course, you can learn more about them online at: www.adultgummies.com.

You can find them at most major grocery stores and pharmacies in the vitamin aisle.

If you're a busy mom like me, sometimes my quick food choices in between mount washmore of laundry, getting baby to nap while making sure my four year old learns her lower case a,b,c's for the day can be more bad than good for my health. That's not an excuse.

On top of a multi-vitamin, I am now stocking up on fresher and frozen food items that I can quickly whip up into a filling and healthy meal alternative.

 Check out this easy recipe for a delicious Simply Strawberry Green Smoothie that I found on Pinterest (via excellent-eats.com).  

Ingredients: 2 cups frozen strawberries, 1/2 frozen banana, 2 tablespoons flaxseeds, 3 cups fresh organic baby spinach, 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk 

Small steps to success! That's the key.

Here's to a happy and healthy 2013!

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