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

Feeding my baby

Posted on by barbara solomon

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Our son Sterling was always super interested in what was going on at our dining-room table during meal time, so when his doctor encouraged us to start him on food just before he turned 6 months, I was excited to get experimenting with flavours and textures.

I started with the basics as recommended; oatmeal, apples, bananas and quickly began to learn his favourites like squash, sweet potato and pumpkin. Over the last few months, we also tried new textures for him like chicken and cottage cheese (not together) and stronger flavours like Kosher Sour dill pickles (which he loves to suck on and has helped with teething) and peanut butter (he tried it really early with the Israeli snack Bamba).

It was time to start developing those taste buds and blending more complex flavours together. And with that new task it was time to breakout the Beaba Babycook Pro, a 4-in-1 food processor that steams, blends, defrosts and reheats baby food with ease.

This machine makes preparing for Sterling so easy. The jar is large enough (1100 ml) to fit all of the ingredients for all of the recipes I’ve prepared. And most of the recipes from the Beaba Baby Cook Book are as simple as chop and peel (as required) add water, wait 15 minutes while it steams and then blend. Here are two different cookbooks by Beaba, one for baby and one for mama, but you can pick up this one in store at West Coast Kids.

The machine shuts off once it’s completely cooked and you simply remove the basket and set aside some of the water that you’ll add back in to create the desired consistency during the blending process.

A current go-to recipe that Sterling has been enjoying is the Carrot, Apple, and Potato Soup, with a pinch of cinnamon.

When Sterling tried this soup, it was love at first taste and I’ve made another batch to freeze for those meals out of the house, or when time is limited. I love the Kushies SiliTray, made from food-grade silicone, making it easy to just pop out the perfect portion.

    

Another favourite recipe from the Beaba Baby Cook Book, that Sterling devoured was the Apple Raisin Compote that can be served on top of oatmeal, pancakes or toast.

With half a cup of cubed apple, 1 pitted date and only 10 raisins, this simple recipe is filled with fiber, vitamins and minerals ensuring Sterling is getting all of the right things from his food.

I served this compote as a part of his breakfast along with cottage cheese and half of a mashed banana. This adorable Kushies SiliPlate has a strong suction that sticks to his high chair and the fact that it’s dishwasher safe makes it one of my go-tos.

I also have an assortment of the Kushies’ bibs that help keep Sterling’s clothes clean. I love that most are spill and waterproof and that they are made in Canada. They also have a pocket (this one is made from a food grade silicone) so any crumbs or drops are safe from the floor and my pup Taco, who is happy to help clean up any mess that does make it to the floor.

Read more about my love for his Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair here.

    

Thank you West Coast Kids, Beaba and Kushies for partnering with me on this post and helping me make Sterling’s meals easy and nutritious.

Appliance: Beaba Babyfood Pro in Lemon. Plate: Kushies SiliPlate. Spoons: Kushies SiliFeed. Bowl: Kushies SiliBowl and Spoon set, Bibs: Kushies Waterproof Clean bib with sleeves, SiliSoft bib, Waterproof clean bib.

Good Enough to Eat

Posted on by barbara solomon

  

There’s nothing quite like the soft, delicate skin of a baby. And using the right products to protect and nurture Sterling’s skin has been one of our main concerns.

I have yet to invest in green beauty for myself, but I did want to start my son on the right path, using products that are as natural as possible, especially since a baby’s skin absorbs so much.  So when my friends at West Coast Kids introduced me to one of their favourite brands Shoosha Truly Organic, I quickly became obsessed with a line of products with ingredients that are so pure and organic you can actually eat them.

Because soap always end up getting in baby’s eyes and mouth while in the bath, Shoosha ensured that their line was made from USDA Certified Organic food grade ingredients, like Calendula, Coconut and Sunflower Oil, so it’s not only gentle and hydrating on sensitive skin but it’s also tear-free.

My favourite product that I tried was the Calm Baby Calendula Oil in the Lavender Vanilla scent (also available in unscented), and I can’t help but use it on myself after a shower and I’m becoming addicted to the beautiful scent.

 

Sterling absolutely loves bath time and now I do too, knowing that I’m using the purest products for his soft skin. Thank you Shoosha Truly Organic and West Coast Kids for partnering with me on this post.

I’m wearing: Dress: Smash & Tess, glasses: c/o Clearly.ca
Bath: Stokke® Flexi Bath®, Changing pad: Keekaroo