Love thy bump


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bumping

baby-time  the-baby-time

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.

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baby-negin

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Dress: Lumiere Fashion (old), Blazer: Banana Republic (old), Boots: Zara (old), Eyewear: C/O Clearly, Watch: Daniel Wellington

Apple of my Eye

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that bump

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my-men

Growing up, my family had our seasonal traditions. In the fall I looked forward to a fun filled day at Chudleigh’s Apple Farm, where we would fill bags with freshly picked apples to bake into pies and make into apple sauce. My memories of this magical farm were vivid, rows and rows of trees, adorable animals, tractor rides and the feeling of family and tradition.

It had been years since I had gone, when last year, Trevor and I decided to venture out to Milton, Ontario and pick some apples. I shared the wonderful experience of the late fall day on my Instagram here, here and here. We picked 2 bags of apples, and purchased some of the delectable pre-made pies, which inspired us to make our own, which we did a few days later.

I’ve since been looking forward to my return this year, not only for the beautiful scenery for some blog photos, but also to indulge in more of their delicious apples (and pies – I love pie). Last month, I got invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of my favourite farm, and I don’t think I’ve ever RSVPed quicker to an event. I couldn’t wait to visit and celebrate one of my favourite spots, and bring Taco along for the adventures.

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taco face

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The weather was perfect for a late summer weekend, and we spent the day frolicking around Chuleigh’s and enjoying Sunrise apples right off the tree. Taco loved his first bites of apple and was in heaven once we got to the fields. We also enjoyed their savoury blossoms, new to their store this fall, with options like pizza, pulled pork, tuna melts and mac & cheese, I indulged in almost every flavour.

It’s easy to say that I cannot wait to go back again this season, picking up few more bags of apples and letting Taco enjoy the beautiful farm.

savory-blossoms

tractor rides

Dress: Isabel Maternity from Target, Sunglasses: C/O Main & Central by Clearly.ca, Sneakers: Superga, Earrings: Emily Valentine

New Year, New Glasses

eye-care

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snacks

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Healthy-vision_headshot2 vision-care

Snack-Time

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In grade 3 everything changed. I had gone to the eye doctor and received the news that I needed glasses.

This was the 90s and I picked out a pair of tortoise-shell, round-metal frames that I wore for the next few years. By grade 6 I was wearing contacts daily. While in school, at camp, basically anytime I left the house. I’d sleep in my contacts. Wear the same pair for months. And with this disrespect to my health as a youth, my eyes have suffered.

Last year, I made the decision to give my eyes the year off contacts and the proper care that they deserved. I got my eyes examined, and invested in new BlueReflect lenses that helped with the eye strain from starring at screens all day and night. Soon after, I noticed a difference in how my eyes felt and began embracing how frames can add so much style to an outfit. I started falling in love with this new accessory, and as I began growing my collection I feel in love with switching them up with each outfit. From bright colours to interesting shapes, glasses have become my go-to statement piece.

My vision for 2017, is to live a life in balance.

After the year-long break, I’ve stocked up with new contact lenses, with the goal to not only take proper care when wearing them (and never to sleep in them again), but to wear them in balance with my glasses. These are my newest frames to my collection, I love how similar they are to my first pair and how the retro-metal frame is back (did you noticed the throwback wraparound arms). Clearly and I have teamed up to offer my friends 40% off lens upgrades until February 15th, so you can start your year looking cute and feeling good. Just use the promo code BARBARA during the purchase. If you haven’t gotten your eyes checked in a while, I would recommend adding a visit to the Clearly store to your annual list of doctors and check-ups, with 3 locations – 2 in Vancouver and 1 on Queen St. in Toronto – it’s easy to book an exam and start your year seeing clearly. And make sure to tag your photos #SeeClearly for a chance to be featured on their social media channels weekly. 

Dress: Madewell, Jacket: Banana Republic, Boots: Zara, Frames: Joseph Marc Experiment-48 c/o Clearly.ca, Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington, Earrings: Hortense from Catbird
Photography by 2Boo Studio