At the end of last month, our family escaped the never-ending, shitty winter weather, to beautiful Miami for two weeks. And I’ve got to tell you, it was probably one of the healthiest decisions we’ve made as a family in a long time.
Winters are hard for everyone, but I think it’s especially hard for those who work from home or spend their days raising little ones. Between the cold and winter storms, being trapped inside for months can feel isolating, so this escape was very much needed. The weather for each of the days we were there was 27 degrees and sunny.
We split our trip into two sections, the first 5 days we stayed at the beach in a newly built hotel and then for the next 10 we were with my grandparents.
Last year, Sterling and I came down (I shared about my trip with a 7 week old, traveling alone, here) but as my grandparents weren’t there, I knew this trip would be much more special. I also thought it was really magical that the ages of the people on this trip are Sterling: 1, Trevor and I: 31, my grandparents: 91. 1, 31, 91. A truly special trip.
Flights
We planned our flights around nap-times and found great success with Sterling. Our flight to Florida departed at around 6pm, and although Sterling didn’t sleep on the 3 hour flight he was easy and calm due to the late hour. The minute we landed he fell asleep in our ErgoBaby until we picked up our rental car. On the way home, we arrived at the airport at 10am for our 1pm flight, and Sterling made some friends with the people around us, and passed out on top of his dad until we landed.
Hotel
We spent the first 5 nights about a 20 minute drive away from my grandparent’s place in Aventura, at the newly built Costa Hollywood Beach Resort. We decided on this resort for a few reasons:
• their proximity to the beach and boardwalk
• A full kitchen. As Sterling goes in and out of picky stages with food, preparing and having essentials on-hand is key
• A separated living space and bedroom. Sterling is a great sleeper but goes to bed around 8pm, so having a space for us to be in was key
Sterling’s & Barbara’s bathing suit: Old Navy, Barbara: Sunglasses: Clearly, Hat: Target
The location was truly amazing. A 1 minute walk to the beach where you could spend your days on the touristy but family-friendly Hollywood Boardwalk which is lined with restaurants, ice cream shops and little stores. On the Friday and Saturday nights, most of the restaurants had live music and the streets were filled with people.
The hotel staff were friendly and knowledgeable about local restaurants as well as the area. Our room was great, very modern and sleek. I did a room tour and it’s saved to my Miami 2019 Highlight on Instagram. They also had a small breakfast available each morning, which was great because croissants are key for Sterling and coffee is mandatory for this mama and both were delicious.
Food
The first few days Sterling had a hard time adjusting to the break of routine around meal time. So we focused on simple meals and invested in an Ikea highchair so he could sit properly with us during family meals, and almost immediately he started eating better.
We didn’t really go out to eat much so unfortunately we didn’t hit many of the spots on our must-eat list, but rather ate where it was convenient. Feel free to DM me on IG or leave a comment if you want more details of the spots we did go to.
For Sterling, we brought a bunch of his favourite food pouches PC Organic Banana Kiwi Strained Baby Food and once we got to my grandparent’s we made his regular smoothies for meal times, which consist of blueberries, bananas, peanut, nut or seed butter, yoghurt and whatever else we have on hand, like spinach or strawberries.
Overall, traveling with a baby (almost toddler) is never going to be easy, but being flexible with your schedule and rules can allow for a painless trip. I really enjoyed the extended time-off, typically vacations are one-jammed-pack-week of sight-seeing and activities, but this trip to Miami for 15 days, meant that we could keep each day light and enjoyable.
It was a few days before Christmas (and I was so sick), when it dawned on me, that I had to get moving on planning my son’s first birthday. Sterling was born a few days after the start of the new year, so over the next few days I would need to arrange everything, rather quickly, as businesses would be closed during the holidays and New Years.
I decided to keep it intimate affair, inviting only our families and a few friends to celebrating this milestone in our home. With that in mind, I also worked with Sterling’s nap-time schedule to ensure a happy baby during the party.
I designed the invitations, elegant and shark themed, inspired by his favourite song, Baby Shark. And although I’ve heard Baby Shark thousands of times, I love how excited he gets when he hears it, so I’m all about it.
I served brunch and included all of our favourites: bagels, cream cheese and smoked salmon, egg salad, tuna salad, a giant charcuterie board filled with meats, soft and hard cheeses, olives and assorted crackers and breads.
We ordered custom cookies (which were as delicious as they were beautiful) from Little Rose Cookie Co, who was so amazing to work with. She created the Baby Shark cookies and Sterling couldn’t stop smiling when he saw them.
Sterling had two cakes, a decadent hazelnut chocolate from the bakery Sweet Olenkas that we served to our guests and a naked smash cake that I made using the Betty Crocker’s Rainbow Chip and layered with frosting and sprinkles.
The smash cake was a big success. At first Sterling didn’t understand what he should do, but with some encouragement he loved destroying and exploring the cake, tasting it a bit before dropping every last piece onto the floor (which we lined with a plastic table-cloth for an easy clean up).
I still can’t believe that I have a one year old, but I’m falling more in love with the sweet boy he’s becoming. He’s funny, creative, loves to read, obsessed with both Monkey and Taco and I can’t wait to see all of the milestones we will reach together this year.
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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.
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.
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.
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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
Some of my favourite fashion moments and memories from 2017:
My Focus on Mental Health
2016 was a difficult year for me personally, so when this past year rolled around, I made it a goal to focus on mental health and wellness, ensuring I spent time outside, reflecting and finding mindfulness while living in the moment.
Our New Home
After a long delay, we finally moved into our first home back in late February and were able to share our first two room reveals. Up next, once it’s finished, will be the nursery which we have been putting together for a few weeks now.
Styling The Bump
Trevor and I planned to start a family in early 2018 and were fortunate to get pregnant right away. Since then, my pregnancy has not been so easy as I’ve struggled with morning sickness, carpal tunnel and lots of hip and joint pain. We are now reaching the end (37 weeks currently) and could not be more excited to welcome our baby into our family.
2018 will be an exciting year filled with more changes than ever before, and cannot wait to share all of details with you. I also wanted to shout out to some of the amazing brands I partnered with this year; Delta Faucet Canada, Clearly, Tobi, Carry Maternity, Pink Blush, Daniel Wellington, Coach, One of a Kind Show, and Westowne Mazda. If you are interested in working together in 2018 please contact me (barbara.ann.solomon@gmail.com) or Lindsay @ Shine Influencers (lindsay@shineinfluencers.com).
Can’t wait to meet you in 2018.
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So growing a human inside you may be considered one of the most beautiful and natural things that you can do as a women (if you so choose), but it definitely comes with a fair bit of discomfort. And I have gotten a decent mix of the common and not-so-common problems. From the obvious first trimester nausea and daily vomiting, to the unheard of pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel syndrome, that has developed this week out of nowhere. Let me tell you, it’s been a fun few months.
When your body feels like it’s out of control, it’s hard to feel like yourself. You spend so much time trying to “feel better” that you no longer are doing things that feel natural for you. I found myself living in sweats and barely leaving the house, and if I did, I rarely bothered to do my hair or makeup. Definitely a different version of Barbara.
But on the days that I did decided do my typical routine, I felt better and more normal, and it dawned on me that even though I feel discomfort, I can still try to pull myself together. I’ve always had the mentality that on the darkest days to wear the brightest colours, in order to cheer myself (and others) up and I had stopped doing the common sense things that have brought me joy for all these years.
So here I am, 22 weeks pregnant, in 6 inch platforms, cute glasses and a crop top, and finally feeling like myself.
Top: A.L.C, Skirt: Topshop Canada, Frames: Joseph Marc C/O Clearly.ca, Shoes: Charlotte Olympia
See more of my style the bump posts here: 1, 2, and 3
At 21 weeks, my body is has changed drastically from what it was in early spring to where we are now, at the end of summer. My curves have become bumps and these bumps have and will continue to expand over the next 19 weeks, as baby Negin develops into a mini person.
The way that your body changes, during pregnancy, is really a lot to process and as your wardrobe comes smaller and more limited, it’s hard not to feel at times negative about your new body. It took me a while to realize that this body is now serving a different purpose for the first time. It’s no longer about me and my health, but rather about creating this new life in the healthiest way possible.
To help combat the negative feelings I was having, I stored away the clothing that no longer fit me, so each morning it wasn’t staring me in the face, tempting to be tried on. I found that styling the bump, in my current wardrobe, as I haven’t really gone maternity shopping yet, has been very difficult. One trend that I am loving is to show off my curves in tighter fitting dresses and pairing it with layers like blazers (fall’s hottest jacket), kimonos, duster coats and cardigans.
Dress: Lumiere Fashion (old), Blazer: Banana Republic (old), Boots: Zara (old), Eyewear: C/O Clearly, Watch: Daniel Wellington
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Now that we are in mid-June I can finally feel those summer vibes that I’ve been craving all year. There is something to be said about what changes when the city heats up, from the sudden urge for gelato to the increased traffic basically going anywhere, Toronto becomes alive in the summertime. I personally, can’t help but feel the heat and want to get out and explore our beautiful city, from Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market to exploring what’s changed on Queen Street. Summer in the city is without question my favourite.
My go-to look for exploring in the city are flowy dresses that can take me from day tonight – because you never know where you’ll end up. When I found this stunning dress (now on sale) I knew it would be the ideal item to that I could hit Sugar Beach in, walk to some shopping, then out for dinner. As soon as I put it on (back in early spring when it was still snowing) I got all the summer vibes and it was true love.
Dress: Ganni, Frames: Michelle Lane, Earrings: by the fab Emily Valentine, Sandals: Dune London (old)
Photography by 2Boo Studio
One of my favourite accessories to invest in are earrings. Timeless, elegant, and statement pieces that can stand alone to add detail and glam to any outfit. I often tag @tnegin in jewellery posts on Instagram to inspire him for my next anniversary/birthday/just cause present. My theories regarding gifting include to know your audience – so never be afraid to give people hints.
Earlier this year, Trevor and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary of being together, which is really surreal and definitely has been feeling all sorts of old. To celebrate this special moment, I was spoiled after pointing out earrings by Michelle Ross while shopping at the One of a Kind show. I loved the distressed aesthetic of antique hammered gold mixed with the fresh water pearls.
Being my birthstone, pearls have always meant so much to me, and I have been collecting special pieces over the years. These reminded me of a pair of earrings that my mother used to wear of cluster drop-down pearls.This spring, statement earrings are all the rage and there are so many different versions, from natural stones like these, to colourful fringe to (my next purchase) gold hoops.
Dress: Ganni, Earrings: Francie by Michelle Ross Shoes: old (similar, similar, similar), Frames: Joseph Marc from Clearly.ca
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Ever since I was a teenager, each spring I attended The One of a Kind Show. Growing up with parents and grandparents who appreciated and took part in the arts, I always felt very connected to artisans and respecting their crafts. I believe in the understanding that something is more valuable and means more because of the story behind it, because of this, now as an adult, I try to continue to shop local and support artists.
This year was a truly special show for me, as I was asked to contribute and style a mannequin in the Fashion District. I was beyond honoured to be considered as an influencer among this group of insanely talented artist, and immediately felt overwhelmed picking pieces from their beautiful collections. I ended up falling in love with a very “Barbara” outfit, filled with beautiful colours and bold shapes. I chose cropped pants by Melow Par Melissa Bolduc, a printed shirt by Melissa Nepton and a beautiful shirt/dress by Lennard Taylor as a duster jacket.
After setting up the show, I returned on the weekend with my family to do some shopping! Here is what we purchased:
Trevor and I just celebrated 10 years of being together, and he decided to spoil me with these beautiful earrings by Michelle Ross, a Toronto jewellery designer that specializes in semi-precious stones and metals juxtaposed with glass, ceramics and vintage findings.
My favourite indulgence would have to be the Lobster Mousse, which was sadly emptied by the time I wrote this post. Trevor and I are obsessed with The Little Shop of Lobsters and I swear next time I’m picking up the jumbo jar!
Those who know me, know I can’t handle the heat – so these are all for Trevor, who couldn’t pick from all the spicy options that Peppermaster Original All Purpose Hot Sauces had.
We both fell hard for the stunning designs and flavours from Mellifera Bees, who produces hand-crafted honey infusions of that are amazing. We picked up the Vanilla honey and 2 jars of the Thai Chili infused honey that will pair well with chicken wings or on top of salads.
I also had to pick up one of the one-of-a-kind, hand painted dresses from, my new friend Lennard Taylor. He was painting his pieces live at the show, and I couldn’t believe how talented he is.
Shirt and Harness: Lennard Taylor, Shoes: Zara, Eyewear: Clearly.ca
Photography by 2Boo Studio