READY FOR BABY

I'm 35 weeks pregnant today. I feel like the final countdown has begun until we meet our little girl. The nursery is ready, the baby clothes are washed and folded, a double stroller has been purchased (gulp!) and so now we just wait.

Monkey is excitedly making big plans for her arrival. He's going to teach her how to walk, run and talk. He's going to cuddle for stories and share his smoothies with her. And, he's convinced he's going to sleep with her and carry her down the stairs.

I too am making big plans for her arrival. I'm thinking of ways to maintain Monkey's daily routine, involve him in the care of the baby and encourage him to be a big helper. I'm brainstorming activities and crafts in advance for the coming cooler months when getting outside with a newborn isn't always possible.

Needless to say, when the baby joins our family it will be a steep learning curve for Monkey and me. He will learn about the baby's limitations and I will learn how to manage the needs and wants of both my kiddos. For now, I will continue to focus on how to make this transition from singleton to sibling as easy for Monkey as I can. Wish me luck!

(Photos from the baby's nursery)

STYLE INSPIRATION: CLASSIC, MONOCHROMATIC OUTFIT

This is style simplicity at its best -- a classic monochromatic look that is equally relaxed and elegant. It's perfect for every day wear, and what I like most about this simple outfit is that it takes the guesswork (and time!) out of getting dressed in the morning.

Here's my take on the monochromatic outfit in military green for the Fall season ...

Jeans / Shirt / Ring / Shoes

(Image)

RECIPE: PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE PIE

Growing up, peanut butter chocolate pie was my mom's go-to recipe when she made dessert for guests, and it has since become one of my favourites. I'm not sure if it's considered a pie or a cake, but regardless, it is a rich and decadent treat that is easy to make.

Ingredients:
8-ounce package of cream cheese, diced
1 1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup icing sugar
2 tablespoons milk
4-ounce container Cool Whip
Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
Crushed peanuts
1 chocolate pie crust (it's very easy to make one using the Oreo cookie baking crumbs, recipe on package)

Directions:
In a bowl, mix cream cheese and peanut butter using a mixer. Add icing sugar and milk, continue to mix.
Scoop in Cool Whip and stir gently. Spoon mixture into pie crust, sprinkle peanuts and drizzle melted chocolate syrup.

Enjoy!

AN EVENING OF INSPIRATION

I had the privilege to attend the Children's Aid Foundation's 14th Annual Recognition Night last week. It was an evening to celebrate the academic achievements of the vulnerable young adults supported by the organization. Witnessing post-secondary school graduates and scholarship recipients proudly take the stage was incredible. These kids have faced adversity unlike anything I have ever known. Their lives have been difficult, and yet here they stood having overcome obstacles such as abandonment, poverty, abuse (among others) to create a better life for themselves. It was an emotional and inspiring evening.

The event was also an opportunity to recognize the efforts of volunteers who support the Children's Aid Foundation. The Corsage Project, for which I am a committee member, received the Community Partner Award for our work with high school graduates. A true honour.

Here's a glimpse behind-the-scenes at this year's Boutique Ball, an annual event for Corsage Project where more than 250 girls receive free formal wear to attend their prom -- a milestone that many would otherwise not be able to celebrate with their peers.

WARBY PARKER: NEW FALL COLLECTION

The literary scene of the early sixties in America is the inspiration behind Warby Parker's new Fall 2013 collection of eyeglasses and sunglasses, which launches today. I'm quite partial to the Ripley, a style that is sophisticated with a stainless steel rim yet suits my obsession with big nerdy glasses ...

This pair has landed on my Fall covet list. And, the best part is that you can feel good about your purchase because for every pair sold, Warby Parker gives a pair of eyeglasses to someone in need.

Which pair would you choose?

SEPTEMBER IS HERE

September is here, which means my favourite season is close at hand. Here are just a few things that have me excited for Fall ...

Crisp morning strolls

Sipping lattes

Layers and cozy scarves

Hearty soups like this sweet potato and sausage soup

Visit to the pumpkin patch

Seasonal baking like this pear, cranberry and gingersnap crumble

And what makes me most excited about Fall is that our new baby -- Monkey's little sister -- will be making an appearance in October. Monkey is so excited about 'his baby', giving me belly tickles to make the baby laugh and hugs to make the baby happy. This Fall will definitely be an exciting one!

(Image 2 / Image 3 / Image 4 / Image 6)

OUR PET FISH

Monkey got his first pet last week. It's a red Betta fish that he's called Little Red. His fish is in the kitchen where he's been keeping a close eye on it ... feeding it every day during snack time, making sure it's swimming and wondering why it isn't playing with the moss ball he so carefully picked out. Needless to say, Monkey is quite enamored with his new pet fish!