Some pretty favourites!

The always beyond pretty BHLDN bridal boutique just came out with their decor line which is perfect for weddings but I would love to live with it everyday! I especially love these awesome champagne glasses-pink and gold!-you just can't help feeling like Myrna Loy in The Thin Man drinking from this perfect style. 

I'm a sucker for the faux-bois, twiggy look! And the hammered-look pitcher is gorgeous, I would use it everyday to pour my daily Long Island Ice Tea!

And white ceramic beauty is always welcome in my house! These birdie napkin rings are so wonderful! Do you think they would survive dinner with 3 toddlers who would think they were fun new toys? 

A quick happy mother's day!

via Pinterest
 

"One day, all human accomplishments will be reduced
to a pile of ashes. But every single child to whom a
woman has given birth will live forever, for he has been
given an immortal soul made to God’s image and
likeness." -Alice von Hildebrand

She's a heavy hitter that A.v.H! I'm putting that up partly for myself because I've been getting a little grumpy this week as my husband's been working some really long hours. I swear, sometimes you don't think husbands do much until they're gone for a while! So, having to dress, redress and undress kids, x3, a couple million times a day so that they can have fun doing messy things outside is getting me kinda tired. I'm sure I'll perk up given 20 or so minutes of frivolous tv or a couple glasses of wine! Happy (Mother's Day) Weekend!

I love orange

 

Yes, for the record I think my favourite colour is orange. My house has orange walls, I've been gravitating (and buying) orange tops and accessories this spring, and whenever I see a punch of it I instantly feel cheerier! And isn't it nice of Kate Spade to make orange their colour of the month for May, my birthday month.

Playing Outside!

 So its finally feeling like spring here in Alberta! The last week the kids and I have been outside A LOT most days. These pictures are from a weeks or so earlier when there was still the last snow drifts hanging around and huge puddles everywhere! 

I've gotta say that one of my favourite things in life is watching these crazy kids play. Just watching them randomly toddle here and there, explain their imaginary games to each other, pick up rocks and whatever else they find in their travels, it's so adorable and I could do it all day! Well, maybe not all day. But it really warms my heart and I'm so glad my kids have had the opportunities for play from the very beginning. I think play is so important to childhood. It gives them the freedom that childhood is at its most essential. 

I wonder if many moms miss the sweetness and beauty of their child's play. Are they too busy or working? Or are the kids too scheduled, pre-schooled, and activity-ed that they aren't granted the opportunity often enough? I'm just struck by the importance of play sometimes, it just seems so precious. Kids thrive on it, and of course it brings them so much happiness! We've been living out in the country and seeing my kids wonder and run freely without worrying about cars, yards, or strangers walking by, makes me think the sacrifices we make to stay here are worth it. The distance to my husband's work, the different expenses (Gas!), and the come-and-go feelings of being isolated from like-minded friends! 

But choices made for childhood and family have lasting and beautiful results! 

Possession by A.S. Byatt

 

I'm so happy I finally read Possession by A.S. Byatt! It was just as good, if not better, than all its raving reviews. A.S Byatt's mastery of prose is such beauty to read, and especially with this book draws you in completely.

The story surrounds two very different literature scholars who happen upon a mystery in the life of a nineteenth century poet. Both Roland and Maud, the two scholars, are carefully drawn by Byatt, as usual with an objective air, which instantly gives them credibility and a likability which is only found in honestly written characters. Their complex relationship plays out alongside the mystery of Randolph Henry Ash, a famous nineteenth century poet whose love affair with another poet, Christobel LaMotte, comes to light through newly discovered letters.  Roland and Maud have to find the answers to an increasingly perplexing series of literary discoveries before their competitors and contemporaries pounce upon them. The plot which changes between the modern and the Victorian is beautifully intertwined and remains riveting till the end.

What makes A.S. Byatt so great however, is her ability to involve philosophical ideas and themes throughout her stories. Many layers of ideas, philosophical, literary, sociological, theological are explored throughout the novel. Byatt is a professed atheist, and I if could go back to a university class based upon her work I would strive to write a killer paper showing how often she brings important theological themes to light within her novels. Questions of faith, love, the meaning of life, the importance and immortality of ones work and writings, are just some of what is raised throughout this book. Byatt's writing makes it almost surprising that so many issues are explored for the story is so interesting and beautiful.

I am just pointing out a very slim qualities of this book, and really haven't done it justice at all as a review, but it is much worth a read and will be loved for years to come! 

Monday Florals!

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In need of a little monday pick-me-up? Here's some of my favourite floral rooms-as I like to say I've never met a floral pattern I didn't like! I especially love the gorgeous floral drapes flanked by bookcases! One day I'm going to have a room like that! Happy Monday!

JPII Blessed Today!

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Just had to mention that today in Rome Pope John Paul II will become a Blessed, the first step to official Sainthood in the Church. His influence on my life through his writings, teachings, and of course, holy example is great. I still get tingles of awe when I think about the two times I saw him in person, from a distance in the huge crowds of World Youth Day. His impact on the world and millions of lives inside and outside of the Church is immeasurable. For a run-down on the truly awesome event that is the beatification check out this article. Blessed John Paul II - Pray For Us!