2018: Year in review

Posted on by barbara solomon

I knew that going into 2018, it was going to be a very different year. I was 38 weeks pregnant as we started the year and were just finalizing the final details and meetings before #babyNegin was to join the party, and then Sterling decided to come early. He was born January 4th, and I’ll be working on a post discussing what I’ve learned in my first year of motherhood, but first I wanted to flash back on some of my blog highlights this year.

My Birth Story

Most blog posts and my social media content involved Sterling, I mean how could it not. I’ve fallen completely in love with this sweet and funny boy.

Our Son Sterling
(Photography by Scarlet O’Neill)

But it was a very different year of blogging for me, doing product reviews and sharing what I learned and what worked for this growing boy.

Infant Top 10 List

Good Enough to Eat

Feeding My Baby

When I did shoot, I tried my best and feel confident, but it wasn’t a year where I felt my best. I struggled with my health; recovering from both pregnancy and injury, back-to-back. So when my confidence was at its lowest, I pushed myself to face fears. This year I shot basically naked and allowed others to take control of my image. I quickly realized that shooting my own content for the past 6 years, meant I’ve always had the final say of which pictures were release or shared. Giving up that up wasn’t easy, but I’m learning to enjoy the process of releasing that control.

2018 easy. campaign shoot
(Photography by Jacqueline Ashton)

Junior Foxes SS18 Campaign
(Photography by Nicole Lewis)

Junior Foxes FW18 Campaign
(Photography by Nicole Lewis)

I also continued to decorate the house (#NeginNest) and shared my favourite room yet.

Sterling’s Nursery

Another post I have coming up is one about my goals for 2019. It will be another year of changes and transitions and I’m excited to get started on this exciting chapter. Leave a comment and let me know if there is anything you’d like to see on the blog, as I change things up.

 

Sweater Season

Posted on by barbara solomon

As soon as the temperatures begins to dip in mid-September, I get excited to pull out my sweaters and begin layering them to stay cozy on those cool early fall nights. As we are now in mid-December, most days I’m rotating between chunky knits, oversized cardigans and soft turtle necks.

So when UNIQLO reached out to share their new collection of sweaters I jumped at the opportunity to try them on and style them for the season. Although this post is sponsored by UNIQLO all opinions are 100% my own.

What I look for in my knitwear is very specific and I always gravitate to whites and cream knits, (I have around 10 white[ish] sweaters that I love). It’s likely because they are so easy to style with any print, pattern and colour. I’m obsessed with the texture and cut of this 3D Lambswool sweater, that has the perfect V-neck in the front and a mini one in the back and cocoons out in shape allowing it to be ideal for layering.

 

For the past few years, I’ve lived in turtle necks. Tight and tucked-in or oversized and chunky; turtle necks are one of the ideal cuts for sweaters. And it was love at first sight when I tried on this fine Merino wool turtle neck. The fabric is super soft, fine and fitted but not too tight.

After wearing it twice, I downloaded the new UNIQLO CA App, picked it up in two more colours and had them shipped directly to my door. I’ve worn it tucked into jeans and track pants, under overalls and dresses and layered with a chunky cardigan for a sweater on sweater look. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen me in them via my stories and feed for the last month or so.

 

 

With the holiday season officially starting, a great way to take knitwear into a more formal setting is with a sweater dress. Because knitwear could add a little bulk, I like to keep things more fitted when it comes to dresses allowing the material to hug your curves. This Extra Fine Merino Wool dress is a great fit and flare cut, making it super flattering. I added simple statement earrings to help highlight the mock turtle neck, adding a touch of glam to the look.

Having cozy and effortless basics to turn to makes getting dressed in the dark easier and the luxurious knits at UNIQLO are going to continue to be the go-to piece for the upcoming winter season.

Sweater, Turtle neck and dress: UNIQLO Canada, Glasses: Clearly.ca
Jacket & Pants: Banana Republic, Boots: Zara, Jeans: Target, Shawl (actually a blanket): Vintage, Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood for Erdem

Time for Change

Posted on by barbara solomon

Daniel-Wellington

time-for-change

time-for-spring

Seasons change and time passes. It’s super important to take the time to reflect on what’s working in your life and what needs work. Spring and summer are a perfect time for this type of reflection, as inspiration is all around.

I find it necessary to put away time each day, it can be as little as 15 minutes, to really analyze what makes you happy. Is it spending more time outside, with friends, or taking care of yourself? For me it’s all of the above and I’m happy to be back in the mindset of self-care, and taking the time to focus on what’s really important.

By the way, you can save 15% off the new Classic Petite by Daniel Wellington by using the code “BARBARAANN15”

spring-hues

Pants: Theory, Shirt: Paul & Joe Sister, Shoes: Zara (old), Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington Glasses: Clearly.ca