She knows her name.

Untitled from hollyneufeld on Vimeo.

I love asking her "What's your name?" It might be a while before she can say her whole name, but for now, Lilah is super cute. :)

I'm off to color my sister's hair.....
xo holly

Feeling cozy.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

With November saying hello tomorrow, I'm feeling cozy... waiting for that first snowfall! 

Anthropologie had me swooning over cozy layers, stylish jackets, and statement boots.

Are you ready for winter?

Maternity Style Weekly - 26 weeks

The plain black tee....

You always need a few staples in a maternity wardrobe.  It's a limited amount of time that you'll be wearing these items, and you want the items to serve you well, so they're usually pretty versatile.  I look for very versatile items when shopping for maternity clothes.  One of my favorite items is this basic V-neck tee by Maternal America. It's long, comfy, and oh-so-wearable... everyday.

Yes, it's kind of boring, but it's easy to dress it up, and wear it different ways.  One way to dress it up is with a statement bib necklace and pencil skirt.  I would wear this to the salon, out for a latte, or to church.

My most favorite bib necklace that I own is the Medina Bib necklace, by Stella & Dot.  The medallions add texture and interest with just the right amount of bling.

Skirt: Asos

Boots: Steve Madden

Layered bracelets: all Stella & Dot

Around here, it's getting colder by the day, and winter is creeping up on us.  Some days are grey and ask to be wrapped by a knit sweater and cup of tea. This is what I would wear on a regular day in, or for a quick session of errand running.

Knit Sweater: Thyme Maternity

Skinny Jeans: Thyme Maternity

Shoes: Toms (perfect footwear choice for swollen pregnant feet... light and comfy.)

Another fun way to wear a basic tee is with a jumper!  Add some tights, and head scarf and you've got a whole different look.

Jumper: Dove Tree

Tights: Missoni for Target

Scarf: Vintage

Boots & earrings: Aldo

Necklace: Pretty Zoo

So, even though a plain black tee might be considered boring... it's still my favorite maternity staple, so it's fun to find ways to dress it up, and change it up.  I'm 27 weeks pregnant now (these photos are from last week), but I'll keep the Maternity Style posts coming, don't worry.  As I enter the 3rd trimester, it's getting a lot more challenging to dress for fun, and I'm running out of colorful items in my closet! I wear a lot of neutrals. I'm making it a goal to include some more color into my outfits for the upcoming events I attend, especially for the holidays.  I've got a few good black dresses, but I need some color!  I think one hard thing about being pregnant is the whole "not wanting to be noticed" thing.  Face it, when you're growing by the day, and retaining water like a dam... you would rather blend in. Trust me.  I remember with my other pregnancies, not wanting to go out to eat, or go to church, because you just feel.... well, big! It's something I'm trying to work on, and trust that this change in shape is indeed beautiful, and for a God given, wonderful purpose... so why try to hide?  

xo holly

Sponsor Feature

Everyday Dreamer is the lifestyle blog of LB. A mother, wife, daughter, sister, and lover of all things beautiful. On a journey to make the world a prettier place, one word, one photo, one step at a time. 

I'm Julie B, a French 29 year old woman, wife and mother of two pretty girls!
At the moment I’m a full time stay at home mom and I decided to run a little blog in order to develop my creativity and meet interesting people ... oh and I try to write it in english!
I play with dolls (blythes) and I love tattoos;
I love vintage, I'm an etsy addict, and I am a thrifter!
I take sewing and accordion lessons too! Stop by my blog and say hello!

I am the wife to David, the mom to Trey and Aubrey, and a labor and delivery RN. I love Jesus and have enjoyed blogging to meet other amazing women who have inspired me to love, cook, shop and decorate better with a vintage flair. I also  L.O.V.E. everything old, it is my hope that it is reflected in my shop. I hope to provide awesome vintage finds for a reasonable price! 

Visit the Pumpkin Patch blog and say hello to Ashley!

Visit her Etsy shop, Red Head Vintage and get 11% off with coupon code: pumpkinpatch11

 The Pretty Zoo jewellery collection combines fine materials with illustration to evoke the old-world. An era of collections, cabinets and curiosities. All of the illustrations are Zoe's work, and all pendants are hung on gorgeous antique bronze Mother & Son style chain.

Room6 was born in 1997. It's named after the Boston (Harvard Square to be exact) apartment where I lived back then. Number six. No, I didn't attend Harvard. But speaking of Universities, go Badgers! At the time I was making websites. And pillows. 

In early 2005 I found a little space in a perfect place. To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to do with it. You don't know what you don't know. But for the past 7 years I've changed our little shop around 6,326 times (and counting).

Our customers say they love how Room6 is never the same shop twice. New products arrive each week, fixtures get moved, walls get painted (or wallpapered!)...at long last my painfully short attention span has found a home. Visit Room6 today! 

Take a look at Abi's beautiful dress shop!

Take a moment to browse the fancy sponsors this weekend, and we'll be saying hello to some new lovelies  next week! There's still spaces available if you'd like to advertise your blog/shop on Create*Loves during the holidays! I'd love to have you! Click here for more info. XO

blink.

October is almost over! It feels like this month just flew by... We've been keeping busy. Simon has completed his first session of preschool, and has a bit of a break before we start the second session.  He is really enjoying it, and it breaks up our week nicely, getting us up early and out of the house.  Seems like everyone is finally on the mend, and our noses aren't trying to run away on us.  Spirits are up again, and moods are much more friendly. :)

I'm planning the salon's annual Holiday Gala, and preparations are in full swing for that. Lots of design work, invitations, posters, decorations, ordering, etc etc. It's November 24th, and that's less than a month away! (eep!)

I've been having fun exploring my new laptop, and getting comfortable with it. It's almost the same as my old one.... just newer, I guess!
I've got the Sponsor Feature post coming soon, and some Maternity Style too... time to catch up!

xo holly

Stella & Dot Bracelet!

There's a special limited time coupon code for the Pyramid Double Wrap Bracelet from Stella & Dot, today only! It was featured today, on Good Morning America. I have this bracelet in Olive, and LOVE it, so I wanted to share the offer with you! You can get this bracelet in Cognac for half off the regular price with coupon code GMAOCT. This coupon is only valid today, the 27th, so if you've been wanted to get your hands on some Stella & Dot, this is the perfect time!  Visit my stylist site here, and click on SHOP>BRACELETS. :) 

I have been a Stella & Dot stylist for a year now, with my good friend Anita, and I love the jewelry so much. We just launched our personal website this month, and I'm so excited! We've had one lovely gal join our team, and I'm looking forward to hosting giveaways for Create*Loves readers! Anita and I are planning our Holiday Open House which I'm hosting at my house in a just a few weeks, and I can't wait to get into the holiday spirit early! Decorating and baking for parties is *so* much fun for me.  

A little computer update.... with some help, and an early Christmas gift, I was able to purchase a new Macbook! I'm *super* thankful that I can replace "Pink Lady" this quickly. They were able to transfer my user file from my old hard-drive, and all my photos, and other content are exactly how they were, and accounted for... hurray! I get to pick it up later today. I'm excited to use the new OS Lion, too. Anyways, feeling super blessed that nothing worse went wrong with my hard-drive, and that I can replace it so soon. 

Happy Thursday! Don't forget to check out the Stella & Dot wrap bracelet!!

xo holly

Bummer.

[source]

Today I got news that my Macbook Pro has a fried motherboard. So I'm without it, or photoshop, or any of my files for the time being.  Crazy how much we all rely on our technology, eh?  I feel lost without it! I'll have to get into the groove of blogging on Ryan's desktop in our basement until I figure out a solution for my poor Mac.  

Not sure why I needed to share this with you all, but oh well. RIP Pink Lady.

xo holly

yawn.

We've all been a little sleepy around here.  Simon is over his cold now, and he's passed it on to little Lilah. She's only been able to get sleep in our bed, not her own. So we're all feeling a tad sleep deprived around here.  I'm feeling rather "pregnant" these days, which also brings its own lull to the everyday.  Women who have been pregnant before know what I mean, when you hit that part of your pregnancy, where you really feel it all of a sudden. The change in body shape becomes more dramatically noticeable, and everything just feels different.

My energy goes up and down, and regular blogging will commence right away, I'm sure. It's just been one of those weeks.  I did in fact have a 25 week Maternity Style post, but didn't want to post it because, well... it was too boring! haha.  I'm feeling the need to add some color to my wardrobe. I've been feeling very grey, if you know what I mean.

Here's hoping for a healthier, more colorful week ahead.

Have a great weekend!

xo holly

Etsy Finds: Primary Colours

Some cute vintage finds as of late... Yellow rocking horse overalls from 3RingCircus, Red peter pan collared shirt from Oh Dear Things (they're having a sale btw!), and Blue vintage t-straps from An Odd Little Party.  I love buying vintage for my kids on Etsy! 

xo holly

Treat Your Hair

A lot of people don't use treatments on their hair.  I thought I would mention a few of my favorite ones here.  Every hair type can benefit from an occasional treatment, whether you have dry, normal, damaged, colored, or highlighted hair. 

Treatments are meant to be used once a week as part of your haircare routine, or even just on occasion when you feel your hair needs that little extra TLC.  Do you feel like your shampoo & conditioner aren't giving your hair everything that it needs? Maybe you feel like your hair is lacking in a certain area, and you want something that'll give it that extra attention.  Treat yourself, and your hair, to a conditioning treatment!

1. For Damage: If you have recently lightened your hair, did a color correction, or find that it's damaged from heat stying.. then Aveda's Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment would be for you.  It's a super rich, creamy masque that sits on the hair for 5-10 (or more!) minutes after shampooing.  It goes deep into the hair and repairs it with quinoa protein and natural oils (such as meadowfoam and jojoba).  Your hair will be stronger and healthier, tangle less, and have more shine.  I also recommend using a treatment for damage anytime before a color service, especially if you plan on going lighter.

2. For Dry Hair: If your hair is naturally dry, course, or brittle, you would *love* this.  Aveda's Dry Remedy Treatment Masque smells awesome! It's aroma comes from organic palmarosa, ylang ylang, rose geranium, and vanilla (mmm, right?).   This treatment leaves your hair feeling soft and moisturized thanks to buriti oil and pomegranate.  Use once a week after shampooing. 

3. For Colored Hair:  Aveda's Color Conserve Strengthening Treatment is my favorite! I use it once a week.  My hair isn't terribly damaged, or dry, but coloring it on a regular basis is hard on it.  I can keep my split ends & breakage under control with this treatment.  By using this treatment, your color will last longer because it seals the cuticle making your hair shinier too! Morikue protein helps strengthen the hair, and sunflower & macadamia nut oils add the shine.  It also contains natural sunscreens to prevent fading... bonus! 

A lot of salons also offer conditioning treatments as add on services, which is definitely worth it.  Some of the products used during the in-salon treatments are even stronger and more powerful than the take-home versions, for that extra care.  

I love doing good for my hair... I just want to touch it and play with it the day I do a treatment. :) 

Thanks for letting me share my love of haircare with you!

xo holly

New Obsession.

I'm a sandwich lover. All kinds of sandwiches. I'm a sucker for gourmet sandwiches, and it's been one those "cravings" that I've had with this pregnancy.  Ryan comes home for lunch everyday, and I've been getting sick of making the same ol' grilled cheese in my frying pan... you feel me? I was running out of ideas, and dreaded 12 o'clock more and more.  I thought it was time to treat myself to a Panini Press and get excited about making lunch for my family again.

I started researching different presses online, and couldn't believe how many there are! So many options, and a lot of them are really pricey (up to $300 and more). I have a griddle, and so I didn't need the removable grill plates, and 5-in-1 types, and temperature settings, etc.. All I wanted was a small, basic, sandwich press. I decided to check my grocery store, and sure enough, they had exactly what I was looking for... for $34.99.

I used it for the first time today, and love it. I have a feeling I'll be using it all the time.  I didn't take a photo, but this is what I made today... (my first panini!)

Rosemary Focaccia bread, artichoke & asiago spread, smoked turkey, roma tomato, baby spinach, herbed havarti cheese, and hot banana peppers.  It was like bistro menu stuff. yay!

I ordered this book for more ideas:

Do you make panini? What is your favorite? I think I'm going to try brie, pear, and honey next...
xo holly
*disclaimer: I mention soft cheese in this post, but it's all pasteurized, which is fine during pregnancy.

Shabby Apple Dress Winner!

Congrats to Megan Michelle!! You're going to have a lovely new dress to wear!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

xo holly

Maternity Style Weekly - 24 weeks

Outfit details:

Tee & Skinnies: Thyme Maternity

Open Cardigan: Missoni for Target

Moccasins: Darlingtonia for Red Velvet

On my nails: Essie - Power Clutch

Necklace & earrings: Stella & Dot

It's been a great Thanksgiving weekend! Lots of family dinners, and taking it easy. Yesterday we went to Ryan's parents house for dinner, and watched the Winnipeg Jets game, too. :)  I wanted to be cozy, so I kept my outfit very simple, and comfortable.  Thyme Maternity makes my favorite jeans because of the panel.  It's discreet,  and super thin & stretchy.  This is the type outfit that I wear probably 75 percent of the time, or more.

I made myself a Pumpkin Chai before heading over to the Neufeld's.  It's perfect tea & cardigan weather. :)

I finished this simple look with some gold jewelry.  I like my Renegade Layering Necklace for dressing up a basic tee.  The Mini Cluster earrings add of bit of 'edge' to the outfit with the subtle spikes.  Love those.

We're 24 weeks. 24 is my favorite number. I guess you could say this is also my favorite part of pregnancy, too.  The baby belly is in it's last days of the "cute" stage, haha.  I've been growing pretty fast, and it makes me worry just how big I'm going to get by the time 40 weeks comes around!  We had our ultrasound and everything is looking good. The baby is a little bigger than average so the tech told me I won't be having a 6 lb baby... lol! I knew that already because Simon was 8 lbs 12oz, and Delilah was 9lbs 3oz. :P  We do have to go back for a follow-up ultrasound in a few weeks to double check on a kidney concern, which I was told not to be alarmed about. I don't mind having to go for another one because then I get to "see" baby again!

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm going to make some macarons.
xo holly

Food File - Hearty Chili

Chili is one of my top favorite comfort foods. It's the best thing to make on a cool fall day. I always loved the chili that my mom made growing up, so she taught me how to make it.  I've made it my own by changing the ingredients to my liking, but the method is the same as she taught me.  It's not as hard as it seems, I found out.  It's one of the first things I would make when I moved out on my own, and I still enjoy making it today.  This recipe makes a big batch, so invite some family over, or freeze it in portions for easy future meals.

I normally use canned diced tomatoes, but my neighbour brought me some of her fresh garden tomatoes, so this time I used those as well. I love fresh garden tomatoes... they taste so much better than hot house or store bought.

Holly's Hearty Chili


1 pkg extra lean ground beef (about 1.5 lbs)
1 small onion diced
1 small zucchini (sliced, then quartered) *this is optional, I just really like zucchini.
1 28oz can diced tomatoes
      *I also added 2 garden tomatoes, chopped.
1 cup Hunt's original tomato sauce (2 small cans)
1 19oz can Unico bean medley (a mix of kidney & romano beans, with chick peas & black-eyed peas)
      *I don't like a ton of kidney beans in my chili, so I prefer the 'medley' for a good variety.
2 pkgs Clubhouse Chili seasoning
1 can mushrooms
1 can corn
1 sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some added 'heat'

Brown ground beef in a skillet/frying pan with onion.  I like to season it with a bit of seasoned salt and ground pepper.  

While the beef is browning in the pan, chop the zucchini and cook in the bottom of your Dutch Oven on medium, with a tsp of olive oil.  Cook the zucchini for 5-7 minutes so it's tender. 

Add the rest of the ingredients, including the browned ground beef, and bring to a boil, stirring often.  Reduce heat to simmer and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes before serving.  I sometimes let it simmer on really low heat for an hour. 

I like to serve this chili with grated cheese and tortilla chips, or with garlic toast, whatever you're in the mood for.  It freezes really well, and seems to only improve the flavor after a day or two of refrigeration.

Thanks for letting me share this favorite with you!
xo holly

A - Z of Holly.

I've seen this random list all over the blogosphere lately, so I wanted to play along!

A. Age: 24
B. Bed size: Queen
C. Chore that you hate: most of them.. kidding. Washing dishes by hand makes me squirm. I love my dishwasher because of this. ;)
D. Dogs: aren't allowed to ever live at my house... I'm allergic, and Ryan says no. 
E. Essential start to your day: tea, and sleepy cuddles with my kids while watching cartoons. 
F. Favorite color: it's hard to describe.. I call it "mink". The perfect nude/mushroom shade with a hint of pink. Turquoise comes in a very close second.  The two together is even better. :)
G. Gold or Silver: Gold please. Rose gold, even better. I love mixed metals.
H. Height: 5’7"
I. Instruments you play: I used to play the oboe in highschool band (weirdo!). I wish I could play violin.
J. Job title: Stay-at-home-mom, blogger, and business owner.
K. Kids: Simon - 4, Delilah - 17 months, and #3 coming late January 2012!
L. Live: Manitoba, Canada
M. Mother’s name: Evelyn, but she doesn't like to be called that, she prefers Ev. :)
N. Nicknames: Don't really have any... My grandpa has always called me Holly-by-Golly, and for some strange reason, my Dad calls me Walter on occasion. :P
O. Overnight hospital stays: one time when they thought I had Malaria (I didn't thankfully), and when both of my babies were born. I think my hospital is so nice though, it's like a hotel. 
P. Pet peeves: "Keep your fork." *gag*
Q. Quote from a movie: 
R. Right or left handed: Right handed.
S. Siblings: one younger sister, Lauren. One sister in law, and 2 brother in laws. 
T. Time you wake up: Whenever the kids wake up, usually at 8:30am.
U. Underwear: Gilly Hicks.
V. Vegetable you hate: Hate is such a strong word... But I'll say olives. Though I am trying to acquire the taste.
W. What makes you run late: diaper changes, sleeping in...anything. I'm late all the time, but trying to get better.  Ever since having kids, it takes *FOREVER* to leave the house. I think I was late even before having kids though... *sigh*
X. X-Rays you’ve had: hmmm, I think just dental ones. The only bone I've ever broken is my index finger and it wasn't serious.
Y. Yummy food that you make: Ribs! Oh, and crepes. Those are two of Ryan's favorites, and I can guarantee to please him with either.
Z. Zoo animal: I've always loved the pink flamingos. Last time we went, there was baby red pandas, and they were adorable!!


Silly, but fun. :) I'm off to work this morning to do pretty hair for a wedding. Happy Saturday!
xo holly

BLOG TOUR: Granny Square Love by Sarah London!

I happily agreed to be a part of the Blog Tour in celebration of Sarah London's new book: Granny Square Love! I've been a fan of Sarah's patterns, and eye for gorgeous colour combinations ever since I discovered her, after learning to crochet in 2007.  I love crocheting granny squares, and this book is chock-full of ideas that take you out of the box with how to use them.  I was given the pdf to review for the blog tour, but I still want to purchase this book because it would be a beautiful coffee table book to go to for eye candy. It inspires you to literally colour your world with granny squares. 

Sarah shares a bit of nostalgia in the intro of the book, with how she remembers seeing her grandmother crochet when she was a child, and admired how she turned a pile of little squares into "blankets of warmth and love."  Sarah has gone and made a book with 25 new and more modern projects that use the same concept of the classic granny square, but are much more fun, modern, and inspiring for todays happy hookers. ;)

Granny Square Love is great for beginners! In fact, I think granny squares are the perfect way to learn how to crochet.  The book teaches you all the stitches you need to know, in the first chapter. There's great diagrams, and easy to follow instructions. 

A lot of the projects are small, and would make great gifts.  I love quick crochet projects, and after browsing through this book, and I want to make them all.  Christmas is coming, and there's many projects that could easily be completed in time for the holidays.

Speaking of the holidays, one of my favorite projects from the book would be an awesome way to spice up your table for a family dinner (or anytime!).  The placemats and co-ordinating napkin holders are practical, and cute. I plan on making a set of these for my table.

The book takes you through your home, with projects designed for each room.  One of my favorite features of the book is Sarah's "Color Commentary" on each pattern.  She encourages you to try new combinations, use bold colours, and explains why she used the colours she did.  

You can read more about Sarah London on her blog, or follow her on Twitter.

Here are some of my other favorite patterns from Granny Square Love...

[Ottoman Slipcover]

[Tea Cozy/Bold Bedroom Cushion]

[Hot Water Bottle Cover]

[Coat Hangers]

All photos in this post are from Granny Square Love by Sarah London c/o F+W Media

F+W Media is offering a special discount during the blog tour for Granny Square Love:

Get Granny Square Love now for just $12.99 ($10 off the retail price!).  Visit the Martha Pullen Online Store and use promo code GRANNYTOUR to get your exclusive price.

Offer expires October 8, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. Special Price in US Dollars, for items that are “in stock” only.

The offer expires tomorrow as the blog tour comes to an end, but have no fear, you can also get Granny Square Love on Amazon as well. :)

I definitely recommend this book for any yarn craft lover, or anyone who has been wanting to pick up a hook and try your hand at crocheting. It's beautiful, colourful, and inspiring.

xo holly

Check out the rest of the blog tour here:

Granny Square Love by Sarah London blog tour schedule
September 26 Sarah London’s Blog
September 27 Crochet Concupiscence
September 28 Knit Purl Gurl
September 29 Underground Crafter
September 30 Interlocking Crochet
October 1 Crochet Mama’s Blog
October 3 Crafty Pod
October 4 Lindamade
October 5 Cute Crochet Chat
October 6 Crochet Liberation Front
October 7 Create Loves
October 8 Whip Up