So Fawned

{What Mama Wore} Start Wearing Purple

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:42:00 +0000

Dreary days call for bright tights! It's been a bit cloudy/rainy/snowy (you name it) in my hometown this week, so yesterday I decided to lighten things up a bit with some purple legs and bright red lipstick. A sure fire way to beat those wintry blues, mes amis.

Dress: H&M // Shoes: Chukka Boots c/o Ugglebo Clogs // Tights: Show Your Legs // Necklace: Vintage

I should also give a bit of a shout out to the fabulous Chantilly of My Girl Thursday fame, who originally linked me to Show Your Legs -- otherwise known as "the eBay shop that makes me drool all over my netbook keyboard". Seriously. Click the link, then come back and tell me how happy that price makes you. You may also recognize these babies from our blogger tea party in November.

I also have to swoon a bit over the gorgeous boots Ugglebo sent me. Now, I'm not a short gal (about 5'8ish) so I don't generally go for heels. That, and I'm just about the most uncoordinated person you'll ever meet. These factors makes for a dangerous combination when it comes to adding artificial height. However, these sexy wooden clogs are insanely comfortable, easy to walk in and I haven't fallen once! A high compliment from this clumsy gal!

Cardigan: ONLY, TiaStar.com

Thanks so much to the lovely Rebecca of Tango Women's Wear, who was kind enough to help me snap a few outfit photos!

PS. If you're a local, you should definitely pay a visit to Becca's shop -- she's pretty much the most adorable proprietress in town. She's also a Matchmaker.

PPS. I'm SO excited to see the sun shining today. Hello Springish goodness!

{Wordless Wednesday} Growing Up

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

{What We Ate} Brunch With A Side Of Smoothie

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0000

I've been wanting to post about food a lot more on the blog, so I'm starting a new feature (inspired by the lovely Miss James and her Bird Food posts) to show what we've been munching on. As the weeks go on I'll be sharing more toddler meal ideas, quick family friendly recipes and all sorts of foodie inspirations that work for us!

Here are some lunchtime snapshots from a few days ago:

blueberries // grapes // red peppers (a fav!) // cucumbers // eggs scrambled with peppers and salsa

PB&B Smoothie: One banana, 1tbsp peanut butter, 1/2 cup (or so) vanilla yogurt, top with milk of choice and blend. This time I also tossed in a few blueberries since they were on hand. Spinach also hides nicely in here.

Yum!

Do your kiddos have a favourite food right now? Anything they can't stand?

PS. Our stainless steel bus plate is by Innobaby. LOVE this thing.

February Sponsor Love!

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:07:00 +0000

Good morning! This month I've had the honour of working with some totally rad sponsors and so I'd like to take a moment to introduce them! Be sure to visit their shops, blogs & websites, and say "hello!" via Facebook or Twitter if you like what you see -- I bet you will!

Ugglebo Clogs was founded in 1965 as a small, family-run factory. In a charming Swedish town just off the coast of the Baltic Sea, our founder Sven Carlsson called upon his skills and passion from years of clog making at the largest clog maker in Sweden to transform leather and wood into elegant, fashionable and comfortable clogs for men, women and children alike. He called these clogs Ugglebo Toffeln, as “Ugglebo” means owl’s nest in Swedish, and “Toffeln” is the Swedish word for clogs.

Today, the same time-honored techniques are used to craft our superior clogs, which are created in the same factory where it all started over 45 years ago. Sven’s son Christer joined the team in 1969 and remains head clog master to this day. With Christer’s help Ugglebo has remained true both to the craftsmanship ideal we were founded upon as well as reinventing our classic styles with the addition of many new and trendy versions to our beautiful collections.

**To celebrate the launch of their newly designed website & Spring collection, the fine folks at Ugglebo are offering 25% off their Shearling boots. Click here to check out this awesome deal.

Website :: Twitter :: Facebook

We think personal style is just another form of self-expression, and we make shoes for creative girls who can put together a look with effortless originality. Blowfish takes a break from the ordinary and a cue from the past. There’s something unexpected in every shoe we create, just as there’s something unexpected about every girl who wears them.

** Be sure to visit the left sidebar link to enter the current Blowfish giveaway! Enter to win before February 24th -- you won't be sorry!

Website :: Twitter :: Facebook 

I am a mama on an amazing journey which I share at Mothering with Mindfulness. I am learning, growing and changing on this journey and I invite you to follow along and share your journey as well. When I am not mothering and blogging, you can find me working with other mamas as a nutritionist, guiding them as they feed their babies and toddlers real food, and set a solid foundation for optimum well being now and in the future for their little ones. And when work is done and it's time to play, you can find me sewing, knitting, designing toys, hiking, running, cooking from scratch and searching our everything I can on raising chickens and making soap.

Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Website

Warm. Waterproof. Comfortable. All Bogs styles are 100% waterproof and built with durable rubber to seal out the elements. Neo-tech insulation provides unsurpassed warmth and Channel Air Technology keeps feet dry and comfortable. Our contoured fit lets you work harder and play longer. Add in a slip-resistant outsole for traction and you’re ready to take on any challenge in your Bogs. Because we believe you shouldn’t have to give up anything for great footwear.

Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Website 

If you'd like to be a part of March's sponsor lineup, send an email to desireefawn at gmail dot com and we'll chat about a way for you to get involved with the blog. I'm in the process of revamping and finalizing my new sponsor opportunities, so now is the perfect time to chat with me about getting involved! Fabulous things are happening next month and I'd love to have you join the par-tay!

Woop, woop!

Generations & Family Traditions

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

There's a very sweet little pink dress that has been in my family for years. Soon it'll be time for Gretchen to try it on.

See the blonde gal in the larger frame? That'd be yours truly at about age two. In the smaller photo? My grandmother. For some reason, the dress went missing during my own mother's childhood, and so she was never photographed in it -- but my little Fawn will carry on the tradition.

The material has the finest, most precious feeling, gauze-like quality to it. The embroidered details are absolutely beautiful and it's in glorious condition. It's originally from Germany, as is my family.

Much like our last name, this dress has been passed down in a matriarchal fashion an so it will continue. I cannot wait to see my little girl in this outfit, just like her mama and great-grandmother before her.

Family traditions make me smile a great deal. In our tiny clan it's wonderful to be able to count on something so simple and lovely. I'm grateful to my grandmother who kept such great care of this outfit and was able to pull it out at a moment's notice when I inquired.

And I promise to share photos after Gretchen's photo shoot, of course. I sense a future edition of Small Style in the making.

Please tell me, mes amis, are you carrying on any family traditions? What makes them important to you? I'd love to hear.

PS. Happy Family Day to those celebrating!

Beyond So Fawned

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:41:00 +0000

A few posts I've been working on elsewhere:

Fawned Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:30:00 +0000

01. I love your guts.

02. Backpacks are totally cool again.

03. Mirror bunting. So rad.

04. The most gorgeous Airstream possible.

05. I'm so happy to see this mama with her boy.

06. So much to drool over.

07. Some favourite read-aloud chapter books.

08. Yum!

09. I won't lie. I'm basically in love with this room.

10. A really neat space.

11. Excellent site design tips.

12. Tummy rubs!

13. How to throw an ugly party.

Mess-Free Finger Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

This is definitely Gretchen's favourite activity as of late -- and I bet your kiddos will love it too! Check out our mess-free fun over at Child Mode.

{Wordless Wednesday} What Sustains Me

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:30:00 +0000

A Valentine's Day {Giveaway} From Blowfish Shoes!

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:47:00 +0000

Good morning, lovelies! Today I'm excited to offer up a chance for you to win a pair of snazzy new shoes from one of my fantastic sponsors -- Blowfish!

If you've never browsed through their site, you're in for a treat! So many styles to swoon over. I'm currently in love with the Haylon boot, and I bet my toes would be especially happy inside these Bickers. Also be sure to take a look at their Spring preview! So good, so much colour. Heck yes.

THE GIVEAWAY

The fabulous folks at Blowfish are giving away one pair of shoes to one of my lovely readers -- winner's choice! Ooh la la!

TO ENTER

For your mandatory entry, please visit Blowfish, then come back and tell me your favourite shoe. Be sure to also leave a way of contacting you, should you win. Merci!

For additional entries (leave one comment per entry):

Follow @BlowfishShoes on Twitter
Follow @sofawned on Twitter
Like Blowfish Shoes on Facebook
Like So Fawned on Facebook
Subscribe to the Blowfish B.Log
Tweet the following message:

I just entered the @BlowfishShoes #giveaway on @sofawned's blog! http://www.sofawned.com

The giveaway is open internationally and ends February 24th at noon. A winner will be chosen at random and announced here (and on Twitter, of course!) Best wishes, mes amis!

Good Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:05:00 +0000

I am so happy to see the sun shining this morning. Gretchen and I are heading downtown soon for a visit to our favourite cafe & a date with an old friend. Then I think we might visit the ducks in the park before coming back home for a very cozy naptime.

What will your Monday look like, mes amis?

Cheers, To A Splendid Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Hmm, I think I'd like to spend part of my weekend all snuggled up in a bed just like this one, but I'll settle for my own with it's cozy duvet and vintage chenille throw.

I have such a soft spot for thrifted quilts. Actually, I think I recognize a few of those old pillowcases and the sheet tucked right underneath. Makes me a bit giddy.

(I can't wait til yard sale season is upon us once again. Or maybe it's just time to raid my mother's house since she hoards stuff like this in her linen closet.)

PS. Babble's The New Home Ec named me as one of their 5 Favourite Pinners yesterday. How sweet is that?

Chemex Considerations

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0000

We all know how much I adore making French press coffee, but I'll admit my neighbour has me wondering what all this Chemex fuss is all about.

Have you ever made Chemex coffee? I know I've had the pleasure of enjoying it in the comfort of my lovely neighbour's living room, but never have I brewed up a batch myself!

PS. If you missed my French press how-to post a while back, check it out here.
PPS. Friends Chemex!

Images spotted here & here.

Fawned Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

01. Iris just started a blog! (Remember her? She's the one with the near-matching doily tattoo. I love her & I'm so excited about her new site.)

02. Heart sweater DIY.

03. Five ways to clean up your diet.

04. I do love this room.

05. Must find a sweater to mod just like this one.

06. I'm instantly salivating reading this recipe.

07. Tasty!

08. I'd like to invite myself over for dinner.

09. Cute, funny & fairly accurate.

10. I feel a lot like this.

Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:27:00 +0000

As I blog away at nearly 4.30am, I can't help but think just how very accurate this representation is. When do you get your best ideas, friends? I try to carry a notebook 24/7, even keeping one bedside for those middle-of-the-night/early-morning brainstorms, but I'll admit I don't always get the things in my head onto paper before they vanish. I've also started using Evernote on my iPhone/PC to sort out notes for blog posts & my general to-do lists.

How do you keep track of your ideas? Blog, life, otherwise?

Getting Papercrafty

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:44:00 +0000

I don't know much about this series, but I'm loving it!

I haven't made paper dolls or anything of the like for a few years now... time to start! I bet these would look lovely hanging above Gretchen's bed.

Recently

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Snapshots from my gramma's house. The energy is so calming and and I always feel at peace. Her home is filled with treasures and fabulous books and an incredible art collection from the places she's lived and traveled. Everything is warm and inviting and cozy.

This might be one of my most favourite places on earth.

PS. Was at the hospital with doula clients & their beautiful little boy last night. Today is a lots o' coffee kind of day. I think a trip to our favourite downtown cafe may be in order.
PPS. If you haven't already entered the Schoolhouse Toys giveaway, pop over here for your chance to win some gorgeous handmade wooden blocks. Best wishes.

Painted Stair Love

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I'm currently obsessed with the idea of painting my staircase. My entire home is hardwood, aside from the stairs, which are still haunted by carpet. I have no idea how long that carpet has been there, but it's been tromped on long enough that I believe I may never get it completely clean, despite many a marathon vacuuming session. My landlord raised kiddos and pets here for twenty years before I moved in with my clan -- that's a lot of grime and hair if you ask me. And now this is going to an icky place, so let's see some LOVELY carpetless works of art!

Gorgeous. I think I might end up going with one solid colour... but choosing that colour is going to be tricky. My walls are beige, so I'd love a pop of something a bit brighter for the stairs. Suggestions? My heart says green, but is there a TOO bold line that I'm going to cross here? And do I paint the banister to match?

If any of you have taken on a project like this before, I'd love to hear about it! Feel free to leave links & tips below. One really nice thing to know is that the wood underneath the carpet on my staircase is still gorgeous. I've already peeked.

PS. See my recent swooning over painted floors.

Images spotted on Apartment Therapy & Justina Blakeny.

Beyond So Fawned

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:35:00 +0000

A few posts I've got up over at Mom Spark:

Fawned Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

01. Lovely.

02. These two bloggy gals crack me up.

03. I'd love to use this as my jewelry display.

04. Yarn love.

05. These rings make me a bit weak in the knees.

06. Neato paintings by a blogger I adore.

07. She can't possibly be eight. Baffling.

08. Gorgeous DIY necklace.

09. Almost too cute.

10. This.

11. Seriously.

Have a beautiful Friday! I'm at the shop all day, so I'll be sipping coffee & checking in!

PS. Grab your own Fawned Friday button and play along. Peace!
PPS. I was nominated for two local Twitter awards, guys. So sweet. Feel free to vote if you feel so inclined.

Handmade Tea Cozy Love

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:30:00 +0000

I rescued this handmade tea cozy from Value Village earlier this week. I'm going to pretend it was sewn with love by Jordan Knight.

Thank you, Jordan, for the 80s, 90s and keeping my tea warm.

Seriously though, how cute is this with the little yo-yos and buttons? A happy new addition to my tea cozy collection.

And Gretchen will insist on wearing it like a hat.

{Small Style} Birthday Style

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Tights: H&M // Dress: H&M // Slippers: The Toy Shop

Sometimes I'm almost nervous walking into the kiddo section of H&M becuase I KNOW I'm going to find ~~twelve things~~ something I need for Gretchen. That dress, for instance. There's no force on earth strong enough to keep me away from a $15 houndstooth, kitty pocket, red velvet bow, toddler sized dress.

And I actually made an out-loud freakish "squee!" sound when I saw those tights in the store. Salespeople beware.

PS. Linking up with Mama Loves Papa for Small Style today. Have a fab Thursday, folks!

Three Things February

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:00:00 +0000

I LOVE the first day of the month. Seriously. Even more than I love Mondays.

I was secretly hoping I'd come across a fun meme to play around with for February, and today I popped on over to my pal Chantilly's blog to this this: Three Things February. Thank you, universe!

Three Things February was crafted by the super adorable Sarah Rooftops and it's all about focusing on good stuff in life! It's time we started looking for and remembering the lovely moments which often pass by in our lives without the attention they deserve.

The premise: Each night before I head to bed, I will be tweeting three things that made me smile that day. Simple, sweet & there's no way heading to slumberland with three happy moments in my head each night can be bad. Right? Right.

Tonight's list:

My daughter beaming over her painted fingernails and toenails (courtesy of her daddio!)
A much needed morning coffee date & chat session with a friend
My slip of the tongue moment during tonight's childbirth class when I said, "While you're pushing, it can sometimes help to reach down and feel with your head."

So, lovelies, if you'd like to play along, feel free to blog, comment, tweet or SHOUT REALLY LOUD your three smiley moments each and every evening this month

PS. Be sure to add the hashtag #3thingsfebruary to any tweets about Three Things February so we can all take a peek and smile along! Happy February!

{Wordless Wednesday} Playtime

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

{Giveaway} Schoolhouse Toys

noreply@blogger.com (Desiree Fawn) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

I have been doing a happy dance all month long with the anticipation of this giveaway! Kim, of Your Green Baby and Mothering With Mindfulness, and her artist husband, have recently started to craft delightful wooden toys out of their home -- the most beautifully converted one room schoolhouse.

A set of these blocks -- which come packaged in a hand sewn felt bag -- was one of Gretchen's favourite Christmas gifts this year. I honestly adore how they feel in my hands, and they smell amazing. A little message from Kim's blog: "Each toy is unique and different, much like the children who will play with them. The toys respect Mother Earth and will live on for generations to come."

THE GIVEAWAY
Schoolhouse Toys is offering up a 25-piece tree block set to one of my fabulous readers. These blocks were created from handpicked, naturally fallen trees on Kim's property.

TO ENTER
Please subscribe to Mothering With Mindfulness, then leave a comment here letting me know how you subscribed (Bloglovin', Google Reader etc.), along with a way of contacting you. Perfect!

For additional entries (leave one comment per entry):

Follow @YourGreenBaby on Twitter
Follow @sofawned on Twitter
Tweet about the giveaway (include @YourGreenBaby and @sofawned in your tweet)
Like So Fawned on Facebook

Open to Canada & US. Giveaway ends February 8th @ noon! A winner will be chosen at random & announced here. Best wishes!

Update: Congrats to winner Amber Menning!