Command Centre Success

Remember when I said I would do the command centre myself? Well. that was a lie.  a) who has the time? b) I secretly wanted to splurge on the Pottery Barn Daily System

I only bought the chalkboard, letter organizer and small cork board from PB, the bigger cork board is from Walmart, I plan to hang a calendar and other stuff from there.  I don't like dry-erase calendars because I find that I need to have a look at previous and next month's activities for planning purposes.  Note to all planning on buying PB Daily System: the one thing PB doesn't tell is that the system should only be mounted on a flat wall where you are able to "slide" the sections onto their mounting bracket.  I had the most difficult time finagling those things on there since it is a recessed wall.  Needless to say, they aren't going anywhere for a very long time.

I haven't decorated it yet  but here it is in its "raw" form.  

Stay tuned for this puppy decorated in the next few weeks.  

Till next time...

Pink and sparkles,

Alessandra

Get Our %*#@ Together

OK, its time for some organization. Things were cool being on-the-fly when it was just me and hubby, but add a 15 month old into the mix and there is some need for structure..which is what I do best. I LIVE for organization and planning and love finding ways to make things better. I have to admit, though, I am better at this at work and I tend to get a bit overwhelmed at home. Sufficed to say, I am ecstatic to bring a little "work-type organization" into the home. Which leads me to my point.....I'll be implementing a Family Command Centre; a central area where we can post important dates and the like. Pictures explain it better than I can :)

Apparently they sell these things at Pottery Barn....Haven't decided if I'll break and buy them or make myself a little DIY project this weekend.

Ill keep you posted :)

Till next time
Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra
xoxo

Destination: Decoration

We recently moved into our new home and although things like the kitchen were already renovated, I have a few ideas of what I want to do with the rest of the place.  In my last home, I had a wonderful colour on the walls throughout the house called "Smoke" by Benjamin Moore; a lovely cool blue-greyish hue that went well with my decor.  This house, I opted for a clean off white pallet with neutral shades throughout.  Today, the January/February issue of Lony Magazine was released and I saw some things I just adore. Since I am all about decorating lately, I thought I would share some of my favourites with you.

 Love the contrast

 I'm all about crowns...the skull is a little freaky.

white, white, white!


source: Lony.com

Till next time....
Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra
xo

You know what's stupid?

The fact that I haven't written a post in about a YEAR! Life has been too good to me this year off on maternity leave with my baby I can't even begin to describe the fun we've had.  Its going to be over all too soon which is really depressing me.

In other news, I helped my husband start up his wedding Photography company...Blush Photography + Film.

Helped build/design the website... see here: http://blushphotoandfilm.com/

I designed our logo...see here:

And of course, taking care of my baby girl (whose picture I can`t upload because blogger is having issues).

What can I say, its been a fantastic year over all!

Be back soon...and as always...

Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra

Finally!!!!

I finally got my pictures back up on Blogger so I'm ready to post again.  Since my last post in October, I had a beautiful baby girl...and Im totally in full mommy mode! Elizabeth Michaela Pompeo was born on October 17th weighing 6lbs 4oz!

Needless to say, I've been so busy with mom-ing that I haven't had time for much else. It took me a full two months to get into the swing of things and sorta used to travelling and being with my new human every day.  I have learned a few things along the way:

• A birth may never go the way you planned or want and you may have to make decisions you never thought you had to...whatever is good for the baby and yourself.
• Its OK to say no to visitors until YOU are ready.  Take the time to get to know your baby and recuperate before you "entertain" guests. 
• Its OK to cry for a couple of weeks, even if its every day! Hormones are funny, funny things and they will fluxuate quite a bit once your baby has arrived. If your sadness extends past two weeks...seek help from a doctor, midwife, family member or friend. 
• Asking for help from someone else does not mean you are a bad mom. Especially if its your first one, you may not be able to do everything on your own.

• Its cool to take advice from family members and friends but noone knows your baby the way you do and as you get to know her better, you will realize that your gut instincts are the best ones! Always listen to your mother's intuition....it will never lead you astray
• Its OK to be overprotective of your baby - especially when there are a lot of people around....you don't want them hurt (especially under three months when the skeletal system is still pretty fragile).
• Studies show that little ones (especially under two months) need to be introduced to the world SLOWLY.  Its totally cool if you stay around your house for the first month and take your baby out to be socialized a little later on.
• Its OK to want a break! Don't feel bad if you just want your baby to sleep so you can watch TV or take a shower...or ask someone else to help you out.

• Breastfeeding isn't easy at first, especially if its your first time. But the proper guidance and persistence (and a bit of pain tolerance) will get you and baby breastfeeding like a pro.  My Doula and Midwife were excellent in getting me going. If you can't get professional help, La Leche League International can always help.
• Stress will ALWAYS reduce your breast milk.  This is personal experience. If something is bugging you and you can't resolve it....let it go! Its not worth it for you or your baby to loose milk. Keep feeding and take the tips on La Leche's website above to help.
• Talk to other moms...experience truly is the best and you won't feel so "alone".  
• Its OK to make mistakes, you learn as you go....noone is perfect. 

I have so many other pointers that I'll get to as I go on....feels so good to be back. 

As always......

Pink and Sparkles,

Alessandra

xoxo

P.S all pics of my baby by Picture Perfect Designs ;)

Fall Splendour

I can't tell you how much I love this time of year! Maybe it has something (a little something) to do with my birthday but I think its mostly the crispness in the air and the changing of fall colours.  Most of all, I love the availability of mulled hot apple cider, pumpkins and everything harvest-like!



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Till next time...

Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra
xoxo

Nest-a-holic!

Just an update as to what I've been up to....nesting! Here's what I found out about it on Pregnancy Weekly:


"Females of the animal kingdom are all equipped with this same need. It is a primal instinct. Just as you see birds making their nests, mothers-to-be do exactly the same thing. The act of nesting puts you in control and gives a sense of accomplishment toward birth. You may become a homebody and want to retreat into the comfort of home and familiar company, like a brooding hen. The nesting urge can also be seen as a sign of the onset of labor when it occurs close to 40 weeks of pregnancy." 





I swear, we're all just animals to the core! Here are some things I've been swooning over: 


My child's furniture:



This is not a picture of the room ... that will come soon! But I am so excited about the furniture I'm taking my time thinking about how to dress it up :) 



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So girly, I know, but who could resist??



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Of course we need a bassinet :)

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Obsessed with sterilization!



Yes, I hired a cleaning lady...I can't do it all on my own because I can't even walk some days :)



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Doing what I can...I have been organizing like crazy!




That's all for now!  Talk soon.


Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra 
xoxo

I'm Back....with a bump!

I have been the most horrible blogger lately, so horrible that its safe to say I took a bit of a hiatus. Sure, I'm preggo and I won't bore my readers with all the preggo-related reasons as to why I just haven't felt like blogging ... so I'll just continue with another post and hope we can make amends, my loves!

I wanted to give you an update as to how I've been doing, size-wise!  So here are a few pictures of my progression from as early as possible to the most recent!

 10 weeks

 15 weeks

 19 weeks

 21 weeks

23 weeks

 26 weeks

 28 weeks

30 weeks

So far so good....right now I'm 32 weeks today so about 8 more weeks to go!!!!

Pink and Sparkles,

Alessandra
xoxo

Backyard Retreat

We have quite a large backyard now but might, might, might be moving within the next year so the thought of another major investment (beyond the entire house reno) is out of the question.  I do, however, have high hopes for a harmonious outdoor retreat at my next house.

Outdoor fireplace(s) are a must with an outdoor pizza oven for my husband the pizza fanatic (ok, me too).

Who need to go to a resort to have swim-up bars?

I also want a pool house like this.

 
Outdoor rooms are a MUST.

And maybe a space for gardens....

Ok, I got a little carried away...this is more like it.

Can't wait to show you pictures from my dream backyard one day.

Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra
xoxo

And its a....

So, we found out what we're having...in case that's too convoluted, its a girl!!  My readers will know that this was probably inevitable for me...at least for my first. I know this is a cliche, but I really wouldn't have cared either way (something about overalls on a boy makes my heart melt).  Nonetheless, I believe God gives you what God gives you for a reason and I graciously accept!  I hope she loves ballet as much as I do.Here's looking to frilly, girly, pink and sparkly things everywhere :)

Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra
xoxo

Yeah, so?!

Its raining today and I wore my new boots.

Public reviews are mixed: some look at me as if Im literally walking with live animals on my feet to protect me from the rain (ducks, perhaps?), others smile and literally say "those boots are so bright they brighten up the day" (thanks, young children).  Trust me, I don't care, nor do I seek out this approval but I find it hilarious that a colour activates so much human facial activity (God only knows what's going mentally).  I should note that the same thing happened when I started wearing my pink sparkly ballet flats five years ago before sparkly flats were really "in", people were in shock (the gall).

I feel that when I walk around Toronto (especially the financial district where I work) I see people in either black, gray and a darker gray. Every season, every day, its the staple colour to wear to work.  Some go outside of the lines (crazy kids), but its few and far between.

We are too afraid of colour and should take some lessons from our European friends who toy with colours a lot more for every day (even carreer) wear.

Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra
xoxo

Stunning

Kate, the wedding and everything about it was absolutely gorgeous!  Its a fairytale I wholeheartedly take part in becuase, lets be honest, I wish I was a princess :)

Loving this picture...but enjoying, perhaps even more, the wee one at the bottom left who really isn't having any more of the noise from the crowd...lol!

Have a fabulous day!

Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra
xoxo

Much rather be...

Exhausted today!  Can't wait till this work day ends so I can nap at home.  Have a fab day, lovers.


Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra
xoxo

2 Stripes, Whoa Baby!

My loves,
First of all, I have been a terrible blogger for the last while and for that, I am sooooo sorry.  But I have good reason I promise you.  Observe:

Ohhhh thats right....everything LIFE indeed! I had to do it three times in the same night because I didn't believe it the first or second time (I actually did the test for a few days after JUST to be sure).

Now that I have some energy back and I'm in my second trimester, expect some more regular blogging to commence.

So excited to share this journey of my life with you all :)

Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra
xoxo

Spring in my Step

I can't tell you how excited I am that spring has finally sprung!  Those of you who live in areas of this world engulfed by snow most of the time, understand how I feel.  One of my favourite parts about this fresh season are these little ones outside my window each morning:

{picture source}

A welcomed sound no matter what the day will bring.  Happy spring everyone!

Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra
xoxo

How does she do it?

How does Miss. Middleton keep those token black shoes she wears everywhere so clean?! Looks like she treks on some pretty uneven and dirty roads most of the time.  Who is her shoe-keeper I wonder...observe:

Source, source, source, source


Pink and Sparkles,
Alessandra
xoxo

Don't leave Dior behind

Today, marks Paris Fashion Week's Dior show.  Here's what I think; just because some fool opened his mouth and said something stupid doesn't mean that over six decades of beauty and long-lived history of this fashion house should be forgotten. John Galliano will be reprimanded for what he said and even ousted from the house...the clothes and iconic name and fashion will live on:

{picture source}

Pink and Sparkles,

Alessandra

xoxo