Acknowledging my McKenna roots today. I've always loved having an Irish surname.
Clogs c/o Ugglebo Clogs
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Good day for a Green Smoothie
I posted earlier about how I've been making smoothies, and I really appreciated those readers who shared recipes! I've been experimenting, and trying new combinations. I was suddenly inspired to take a Green Smoothie challenge! I'm at the end of a 14-day Green Smoothie Challenge, and I think this habit is going to stick! We're loving it. The challenge was pretty simple: have a green smoothie every day, for 2 weeks. The goal is to get your smoothie to a 60% fruit, 40% greens ratio. Ryan enjoys them with me, and even my kids like them! (this is huge, because getting them to eat greens has been impossible)
I've been doing 2 main recipes... a green green smoothie, and a purple green smoothie. :) The green one usually consists of banana, mango, or cantaloupe, with kale or spinach. The purple green one has blackberries & blueberries (or other berries), giving it the purple color. I've been experimenting with other ingredients such as ground flax seed, oats, and ginger root. They're satisfying, and energy boosting. It's a bit of an obsession at the moment.
I purchased Victoria Boutenko's book, Green Smoothie Revolution, and have been expanding my knowledge of greens, and how our bodies can benefit. There's 200 recipes in this book as well! It's great.
The only green thing we did today for St. Patricks was blend up a green smoothie for lunch. Hope everyone's enjoying a green filled St. Paddy's Day! xo
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Before it melted away...
[Auntie & Delilah]
We have had the strangest winter.. for Manitoba, it was really unusual. We are used to being buried under feet of snow. This year, however, we had snow for 14 days. These photos were taken a few days ago, and now the snow is gone from our yard already.
Simon LOVES being outside, and took full advantage of the snowfall. We got out his GT snow racer, and even though the mini "hill" in our front yard was barely that, he had fun. Delilah was so pumped to play in the snow... it looked like she had forgotten what it was like!
We are in full swing with spring now, though! It's been so warm and sunny. The snow just melted away and Simon asked if we get out the kiddie pool... ha! I told him not until June or July, and now I read that the forecast is for 27 *C on the weekend?! Warm weather is here!
Did you get any snow this winter? What's your favorite way to enjoy it?
xo holly
Outfit: Smokey Grape
Pants & Blouse: Aritzia, Tudor Studs & Bracelets: Stella & Dot
Rio Grande Sandals: Ugglebo Clogs, OPI "Dutch Ya Just Love OPI!"
My Dad was telling me about the makeover he's been giving his place, and new paint color he chose for his kitchen, and a feature wall.. Smokey Grape. It's a really nice color! He mentioned how he's been seeing this color everywhere and in everything around him since he's painted. When I was browsing around online, I noticed my eye being caught by this "smokey grape" color as well! I love this outfit, and would pair it with a light leather jacket for spring.
Friday, March 9, 2012
One Bag, Three Ways
Meet Betsy. She's pretty fantastic.
This bag is from Jo Totes, and it fits my lifestyle perfectly. This stylish bag works for many different scenarios, and I wanted to share with you three ways to use Betsy!
Carrying my Fuji Instax camera, idea notebook, Canon Rebel SLR, 50mm lens, 17-200mm lens, lens hood, phone, and memory cards. There's still room for other things that I like to bring along with me to weddings, like Tide to-go, bobby pins, and a mini bottle of hairspray (brides thank me, lol). It also fits my mini tripod if I'm not bringing my instax. (btw get your own Red Velvet camera strap here!)
This bag was designed as a camera bag, and it's perfect for that purpose. I can fit everything I need for shooting a wedding, or just going for fun photos at the park with my kids. It comes with velcro dividers to create your own compartments so you can make spaces that fit your SLR, lenses, etc.
Carrying diapers, wipes, wallet & sunglasses, snack cup, bottle, change of clothes & a hat for Oscar, nursing cover, burp cloth, and our favorite veggie rattles!
The dividers also work great to make compartments that fit a bottle (which acts kind of like an insulated pocket!), and keeps things nice and organized. These bags work great as diaper bags.
Carrying my MacBook, a magazine, Orla wallet, and my necessities.. (keys, phone, lip balm, sunnies).
This bag is so stylish, so even if I'm not on Mom or photographer duty, I still use it for me! I can take the dividers out, and it fits my 13" MacBook perfectly. I'm ready to hit the cafe!
I also have the Rose Tote from Jo Totes, which I love. The Betsy bag is a little slimmer, which makes it great for using as an everyday handbag. Can't wait to see Jo Totes' new satchel style coming out in April!
xo holly
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Dreamy Spring Fashion - Orla Kiely
Orla Kiely always does it for me. The S/S '12 collection is no exception. Just popping in to quickly share my favorites from the collection. I love the prints and color blocking! The Ric Rac print is genius, and could definitely inspire some DIY fashion..
I smiled when I saw Kate Middleton on the cover of Hello Canada in the checkout at the drugstore this week, wearing an Orla Kiely coat! I recognized it right away. That woman has fantastic taste. ;)
I keep dreaming of outfitting my home in Orla prints, and visiting the store in England... to shop of course. It's been my day dream today. Day dreaming is good... especially when it's chilly and snow covered out my window... but spring is coming!
What spring fashion is striking your fancy?
xo holly
ps: the Scentsy giveaway winner will be chosen tonight, so you still have time to enter if you haven't!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Oscar - 1 month
This is a few days late, but Oscar is a whole month old already! He's growing like crazy (10.5 lbs already!) and we have totally fallen in love with this little guy. He sleeps through the night half the time, and is nursing like a champ. He even let Ryan & I have dinner out for our anniversary (he slept the whole time). He's made a few little coos and noises like he wants to tell us something, and has started sharing smiles here and there, especially in the morning right after he wakes up.
So far he's enjoyed a little bit of tummy time each day.
I'm definitely still adjusting to having 3 kids at home, but we're doing it! Each day is an adventure. It's fun to watch Oscar (and Simon & Delilah) grow and play and develop.
xo holly
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Fancy Sponsors pt. 2
The Cupcake Earthquake /// Blog / Check out The Soaring Swallow Project!
Textile & Stitch /// Blog
More sponsors from the last few months... check them out and say hello! I love meeting new people through sponsorship, and I've discovered some great new blogs and inspirations this way.
Big thanks to these sponsors!
xo holly
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Food File: Smoothies
New obsession... smoothies. I have one to start my day, everyday. It's been such a treat to make smoothies at home since getting a blender for Christmas. I've been experimenting with different recipes, and this is my favorite combination.
Makes ~1 (16oz) serving
-2 large ice cubes
-1/2 cup frozen cantaloupe, cut into pieces
-1/2 cup frozen raspberries (or mixed berries)
-1 frozen banana, cut into pieces
-2 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate
-2 tbsp yogurt
-1/2 cup almond milk
-little squirt of liquid honey for sweetness ;)
It makes me feel better about getting more fruit in my everyday diet, plus it's super convenient for me to throw together the ingredients, blend it up, and sip it while I nurse Oscar, or while I'm running around the house. I want to explore more options for fruit combinations, and other ingredients for making a meal out of it! It's like I have Booster Juice at home! (but easier on the budget!)
What are your favorite smoothie recipes?? Xo
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