A Hilary Book Review: The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society

When I started, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer, I didn't know what the heck to think of it. Basically, it's a set of fictional letters and telegrams from the late 1940's, post WW2, set in London and a small Island in the English Channel. I had never read this style of book before and found the first 50 pages were a struggle. However, once I fell into it, I looked forward to reading a letter or two each night before bed.

Like a cup of tea, this book needs to be sipped slowly. (I think it took me 4 months to reach the end). Once I was accustomed to it's fresh style, I found I needed to allow enough time between the events to let them sink in. It's a great glimpse of what pre-computer communication was all about: you had to wait a day, or two, or three, to get a response to your telegraph.

Over the course of 250 pages, letter by letter, I slowly fell in love with the main character, Juliet Ashton, and all of the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. The characters have so much humanity after surviving many brutal years under the Nazi Occupation. It's a story of love, friendship, survival, and staying true to oneself. And the end...I am sooo happy to report it's one of those endings that made me hug the book when I was done.

When I finished this book, all I could think to myself was, this really was a Delightful book (and I never use the word delightful :) ).

Fall Photo Shoot

Yes...I am one of those 'crazy' moms who is going to get my family to co-ordinate outfits each year for a Family picture. Laugh if you must, I think these pictures are SUPER cute.

Courtesy of findingforeverphotography.ca

Baby Essentials: 4-5 Months

6 months is right around the corner, and oh boy is my little baby developing fast. This week she has started singing "ahhh ahhh ahhh" when she wakes up. It's so cute. Here's what has been essential for us during the 4-5 month phase.

Baby Essentials: 4-5 Months by hbjorn on Polyvore.com

For Baby's Development:
1. Lots of Toys! Our faves: Sophie The Giraffe by Vulli, Eric Carle Toys, Manhattan Toy, Tolo Toys, Infantino
2. We are always singing and playing music in the house. Raffi is a must have!
3. Board Books: something simple like Bright Baby First Words, by Roger Priddy, will help your baby learn the lingo.
4. For those interested, you can start baby sign language at 4 months. It's pretty fun. We're using Baby Signing 1-2-3, by Nancy Cadjan, as our guide.

For Mommy's Sanity:
5. Pippalily Toy Strap, you can order online or we got ours at Baby on the Hip ($10). This keeps the toys near baby and off the dirty floor!
6. Carter's Bibs: these have some sort of plastic woven on the backside to keep the drool in the bib.
7. JJ Cole Bundle Me: a car seat sleeping bag is WAY easier to deal with than buttoning up a coat.

For Sleep Time:
8. Ikea Spoka Night Light: this little guy changes colours and is great for setting the mood at 7pm; plus, it has a rechargeable battery so it's mobile!
9. A baby sleeping bag, like a Grobag, will keep your baby warm and safe at night.
10. Summer Infant Day & Night Handheld Video Monitor: I couldn't survive without this. I LOVE watching my baby suck her thumb to sleep, and when she's wrestless I can check to see if she really needs me.

Painting: DESIRE

DESIRE was created Summer 2004, when I was in Muskoka figuring out what I wanted to do with my University degree. Shortly after I sketched this I got my first full time job offer in Market Research.

I wish I still had my Connecticut mailing address...

...because these Kate Spade sale items are soooo cute and sooo me.

If I lived in Stamford right now (and was working) I would order all of these.

Actually...I wonder if the Buffalo outlet store has these in stock...maybe it's not a lost cause after all...


Kate Spade Sale Items by hbjorn featuring pearl jewelry

and yes, I'm addicted to Polyvore :)

Milk is my Frienemy & Loving Affordable Denim

Oh Milk...how I love thee on my cereal, in my coffee, in a big glass next to spaghetti dinner...and then you stab me in the back.

I took a break from cows milk while I was sick last week. My kind neighbour gave me a carton of Almond milk to use as a substitute, since my Naturalpath told me to refrain from too much Soy while I'm BF. The Almond milk was a bit heavier than my usual 1%, but boy was it tasty. While on this little break I was way less bloated, Maddy had less gas, and my sinus cold cleared up faster than usual.  Then I had a carton of chocolate milk at IKEA yesterday and bam - back to feeling bloated.

Hmm...maybe I need to take a longer break.

While today I'm still in my bathrobe at 11:45am, here's what I'll be wearing on a day when I don't drink milk. Yes - I also picked up these jeans at GAP on the weekend and I am LOVING AFFORDABLE DENIM. There was a 40% off sale so they were <$50 - that's like the tax on a new pair of Citizens. And believe it or not, they are giving me the same high as a new pair of Citizens. It's like 2001 all over again - GAP is back!

Jeggings Outfit

Jeggings Outfit by hbjorn featuring a gold plated necklace

Okay, I know I said I wouldn't do it. Sorry if I let you down...but I could no longer deal with wearing stretchy pants every day of my life. I needed new jeans and I am so happy with my decision to try Jean Leggings, aka Jeggings. I went with Overdyed denim four-pocket legging from Banana Republic. I feel like a new woman. I've been on a high the last three days - the kind that only new denim can give you. I feel like I've lost 10 lbs (I haven't) just from wearing something that fits properly. See ya later size mini jeans hanging in the dust. 

To celebrate, I learned how to use Polyvore today to share my new "I had a baby 5 months ago but you can't tell" outfit. Yes, the bag is my diaper bag. I started carrying around a purse again but most of the time I grab my wallet and leave it in the trunk.

Now that I know how to use Polyvore stay tuned for more outfits - this website is super addicting!