As a new mom, I think one of the most important things that helped me feel normal (during a time when nothing feels normal) was getting outside. Having a winter baby, it was easy to get comfortable staying at home and hibernating while getting to know my new bundle of joy, but as the season changed, there was no longer an excuse and it was time to move that bonding time outdoors.

All babies are different and I’m beyond fortunate that Sterling allows me to bring him with me to events, road trips and errands around the city. Having a baby that cooperates with an active lifestyle has proven to be a blessing and the right equipment has been key for when he needs a little extra attention and care.

The essentials for excursions may also differ baby-to-baby, but for Sterling and I, the keys to success has been to have options, sun protection and a plan. I never leave the house without my diaper bag filled with a swaddle blanket for privacy during nursing, either my ring-sling or baby wrap in case he gets fussy and wants to be held, and a handful of outfits for him (and at times an extra one for me).

Probably the most important item for a day on-the-go is a compact and portable, lightweight stroller, like the new MINU by UPPAbaby available at West Coast Kids. I’m so excited to have partnered with UPPAbaby to try the newest stroller to the collection. It has a spacious seat suitable for babies 3 months to 50 lbs, there is also a bassinet attachment available for newborns (From Birth Kit), and the seat has the ability to recline which allows Sterling to fall asleep while we’re on-the-go. (From Birth Kit & Infant Car Seat Adapters available in stores Fall 2018).

But my favourite feature, with this compact stroller is the way that it folds, it’s literally a one-handed smooth movement, that I can do while holding Sterling. Once folded it can stand and can easily be carried using its built-in handle or shoulder strap.

Some of my favourite places to go with Sterling are for walks along the waterfront where we live, for picnic days at Trinity Bellwoods and shopping around downtown on Bloor Street or Queen Street.

He travels so easily in the UPPAbaby MINU stroller, with the all-wheel suspension and a pop-out sunshade to shield his eyes from harmful UV rays that I don’t need to worry about having him tag along during any adventure I’m on. There is also a peekaboo-window which allows for air to flow through during those hot summer days that we’ve been having.

I think that having options available to you is important when it comes to life with a baby. Different things work at different times and a travel stroller, like the UPPAbaby MINU, has been essential for a busy day in the city.

They say “you only get 18 summers with your children”, and with this being our first one with Sterling, I’m looking to making the most out of it as we explore our favourite parts of Toronto with him. Be sure to follow along Instagram, as I share a lot more of our daily adventures using the hashtag #OnAWalkWithTheNegins.

Jumpsuit: Gap, Slides: Loeffler Randall, Frames: C/O Main & Central Clearly.ca
Stroller: C/O UPPAbaby Minu in Jake, Diaper bag: SkipHop
Sterling’s romper: Ollie Jones

Fashion Magazine asked their style panel what our fashion resolutions were for 2015, and before picking plan, I looked back at last year’s post to see if I held on to my resolution. The plan was to fall in love with the pieces I purchased and slow down the spending and shopping. Overall, I definitely feel that I’ve invested in basics, that are timeless.

This year, I’ll be moving my dream home that I purchased this past summer with my husband, so moneys will be tied up with saving for the big move. I find that the easiest way to change up your look, quickly and inexpensively is through accessories. Here’s what I told Fashion Magazine.

Often the season changes before the rest of us are ready, causing us to need a quick jump start to our wardrobe. As storage in my tiny midtown apt is limited, I keep 2 seasons hidden away, and find myself usually wishing I’d had my FW14 closet sooner.

When I need to quick start my wardrobe, I run to my local mall, shopping through my favourite stores in search of what’s new and fresh for this season.  I need to review what I have in storage before making an major purchases. This on-trend jumpsuit, was the perfect, take-me-anywhere piece that I knew I’ll live in this season, and a perfect way to help quick start my fall wardrobe.

Photography by Trevor Negin

Jumpsuit: H&M, Mules: Zara

Having a  style blog and a keen eye for fashion I’ve developed my own personal style that is consistently changing. Along with each season’s trends, I adapt them each season to suit my style, which is typically filled with bright colours, bold patterns, and unique and timeless jewellery.

When making investments into jewellery, my theory has always been to ensure that the pieces mean something to you. I grew up wearing my birthstones, pearls, and have always been attracted to pearls designed into jewellery in really unique ways. For the past 4 years I’ve been wearing this pearl and happy-face bracelet by Nektar De Stagni everyday. For me it symbolizes my past and reminds me to be grateful and stay happy.

I just added my newest personalized piece of jewellery from Jewlr. This beautiful necklace makes getting the perfect piece of personalized jewellery super easy with both real and synthetic colourful stones or Swarovksi Zirconia crystals to choose from, and everything from silver to rose gold in metal choices, and the options to personalize it more with engravings. I’ve always wanted a name necklace and am thrilled to add more typography to my collection of one-of-a-kind pieces.

Photography by Trevor Negin

Jumpers: Zara, Necklace: a gift from Jewlr.com, Bracelet: Nektar De Stagni, Engagement ring: designed myself – custom made, TN ring: gift from husband, shoes: Aldo

With so many parties throughout the holiday season, and moving forward into the new year, it’s best to be prepared with a few great looks. Planning ahead as mentioned previously, will allow you to refine outfit and give you a chance to customize the look, and makes getting dressed a stress free experience.

Studies have shown that couples, when packing for a trip, planning a party, or getting ready to go out, will fight the most, so save yourself and your loved ones some headaches, and plan ahead. What my girlfriends and I do before the party season starts is have spontaneous styling parties, we will start by showing each other a new piece, and by the end of the night, we’ll have a bunch of new outfits documented on our smart phones.

My memory is sometimes not reliable so I always suggest snapping a picture of a great look you try on.

Fashion Magazine asked the style panel what we’ll be wearing on New Year’s Eve, here’s what I said.

Photography by Trevor Negin

Jumpsuit: Sparkle and Fade Fur Coat: Vintage  Patent Pumps: Vintage  Earrings: Vintage  Purse: The Gap  Bracelets: collection from everywhere