Life Lately

Naming Our Daughter, Naïa

Little & Lively (Giveaway)

You could be new around here and probably still figure out my love for essentials — wardrobe, kitchen, beauty. And when it comes to children’s item, the same applies. 

I’ll spare you the long and detailed with all that and keep it to the point. It’s hard enough being a parent these days. Everywhere you turn there are too many choices, (new) rules, advertisements. Keeping up with it all can be ridiculously consuming. That’s why I have wholeheartedly adopted the “buy better, buy less” idea even in my choices as a parent. 

Jams & Jammies

We never really did the co-sleeping thing (which I'm so sad about, but know that it's probably benefitted us more than not). After sleeping became a really successful thing in our house, we tweaked the routine to having R come into our bed in the morning for "snuggles" before getting up and at it. Read the snuggles in quotation as me trying to have quiet, quality time and my husband turning our bed into a wrestling ring.

Whether it be the slow moments or the rather reckless, we love our mornings because it's one of the most consistent and uninterrupted times of the day. Nothing gets our mornings going like R's giggles, a hearty breakfast, the perfect pair of pyjamas (these two piece sets from Old Navy are the absolute cutest) and personally curated YouTube playlist. See below.

Bed Peace - Jhene Aiko

1234 - Feist

Wonder - Emeli Sande ft. Naughty Boy

Fast Car - Jonas Blue ft. Dakota

Brave - Sara Bareilles

99 Red Balloons - Nena

New Soul - Yael Naim

I Lived - One Republic

Schoolin' Life - Beyonce

I Choose You - Sara Baraeilles

Shake It Off - Taylor Swift

Shower - Becky G

The Man - Aloe Blacc

Marry You - Bruno Mars

Higher - Classified ft. B.O.B.

Sit Still, Look Pretty - Daya

Closer - The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey

Middle - DJ Snake

All We Know - The Chainsmokers

Makes no difference if the day consists of endless errands and commitments, or meetings and a hectic game schedule - it's family that powers us for anything, starting with mornings of togetherness. There really are, the moments that matter.

Rheo: pajamas | oversized teddy, smaller sized | bedding.

XO, Olivia Murray.

Fall Colour Palette

I'm no big fan of colour. I'm very happy with minimalism in just about all areas of life. However, when I saw the Pantone Color Guide for this autumn, I was pretty intrigued by some of the tones (warm taupe, spicy mustard, sharkskin) and the style pairings of them.

Easily, my favourite of them is the sharkskin, a soft but definite grey as it blends with my usuals. But what I really fell in love with that was out of my "norm," was the combination of a muted tone such as the grey with a very fall friendly rusty or mustard toned pop.

I was sure, after already clicking "confirm order", that I was going to absolutely hate this burnt mock neck knit. What in the world was I thinking? I'll never wear it. I can't pull that off. Does it even go with anything? I'm so glad that I did though. It really seems like a bold colour but when combined with other colours that are muted or monochromatic, it's really not that overwhelming.

I tend to fill R's wardrobe with minimal tones as well, but even for him, it doesn't hurt to add other warm hues like camels or the occasional (big trending) olive for the season. As long as it's all easily combined and practical for his toddler adventuring, like this outing we took as a family to check some coffee shops and health food stores, then it works for me.

I highly suggest checking out the Pantone 2016 colour chart and shaking things up a little this season. We did, in more ways than one.

Browse the style or shop both our looks here, via ShopStyle.

Small business brands: baby scarf (www.mymila.ca) teether (www.minimomo.com)

XO, Olivia Murray.

Naming Baby Murray

We often get questions about Rheo's name; from pronunciation and the spelling, or where we found such a name and was it hard choosing it. When it comes down to it, I don't feel like it was hard deciding because we didn't find the name, it found us. No seriously. It all started on our wedding night. (This is PG, I promise). The minister that married us had a tradition of giving the bride and groom their first gift. Something loved and local. So we decided that night to open that and only that gift. To my absolute joy it was a box of gourmet truffles and smoothies from a chocolatier I was already in love with, Rhéo Thompson. Every piece is like heaven melting in your mouth but that could fill an entire other post. As we stared at the chocolates, almost too good to eat my husband asks "what's Rheo Thompson anyway?" I explained to him that it was the original chocolatier, his name. We looked at each other and smiled. It was clear we were both taken by it but proceeded to eat chocolates as one must do.

Fast forward to our baby moon, in an über with a super cool driver and exchanging life stories. He tells us all about how marriage and children are both amazing and not to be discouraged by the world's changing take on all that. As only an über driver would do, he reached into a little dish he had and handed us each a gem stone – a "gift" from his home, straight out of the tropicals of Rio de Janeiro. Making wide eyes at each other in the back seat, we accepted the stones and caught our flight quite smitten about the occurrence.

On the other side of that flight we would end up walking beachside between the mountains of beautiful Whistler and meet a man and his dog from Ontario. Naturally, we had to stop and talk. I mean, what are the odds. After some short conversation, we find our manners and introduce ourselves, in which we got in return "I'm Rheo." You guys! I'm shocked even rethinking about it. My husband asks him if he spells it "R-i-o," and he tells us "no it's actually R-h-e-o." Like, shut up! No way! It was pretty much decided then and there that our baby's name was found in a box of gourmet chocolates, a unique über ride and the most stunning of mountains.

So we found a name but my, my is it ever uncommon! We didn't care. It was meant to be. But how often would people spell it like the place? When would we ever find an ugly cup in his name? What would people (kids) say? Taking that all into account but in love with the name, I sought out companies that do name customization. And believe me, I didn't stop until I found plenty. Once I did, it was set. Rheo it would be.

One of my most favourite items was gifted after his earth-side arrival. A book, The Boy Who Lost Him Name. A pre-set story line with fill ins based on each letter of the given name. In search for the lost name, the character has to find every composing letter and each has a story attached. It's a beautifully illustrated, thick paged book that every kid with a unique name or different spelling just HAS to have. Common name? Traditional spelling? Still great for helping your kid learn the make up of their name.

We truly love it so much, myself and the creators of Lost My Name are helping you get a copy in your hands for less. Using my link (HERE) you can get a discount and have one on it's way to you ASAP. It's a great keepsake for personal having or one-off gift for someone else. The premise of encouraging children that their name is a part of this world too, no matter how differently spelt, cultural or unheard of, is absolutely genius to me!

A few of my other favourite Rheo incorporated products are included below:

Little Lizard - (swaddle pictured) and other custom pieces. 

Kat & Stiina - The infamous black, "Rheo" handstamped blanket we bring just about everywhere.
Name Puzzle - Old school, wooden puzzles, made up of your child's name. (*Canadian).
Bannor Toys - From rattles, to blocks, to stacking toys, Bannor Toys is a family run company handcrafting toys with included customization.

Here's to littles everywhere feeling big, brave and significantly unique.

Don't miss out on this opportunity and stay authentic!

XO, Olivia Murray.

Scream For Halloween

In all honesty, I'm not a big Halloween person. Aside from my childhood, I can't say I ever really was. But since becoming a parent, it's made it onto my long and seemingly always growing list of "exciting all over again" parts of life. I was so looking forward to this occasion that I went cray-cray on pinterest (doesn't require much arm twisting) for mommy and me costumes. I literally searched up everything, right down to costumes incorporating baby wraps and/or carriers. I probably pinned enough to cover having 5 kids...and take them through to adulthood! Some were seemingly not attainable, but power to all the stay at home moms who post unrealistic goals for the rest of us on there. Others my husband wouldn't ever agree to do, even if I promised to do all his laundry, cook all his meals, and let him watch NBA games all day every day. So they continue to sit in my hidden idea boards. While out searching for winter baby accessories one day, I saw the cutest little skeleton 'jamas. Rhe, although he's grown a ton, was still quite small for the selection of costumes that flooded most of the stores so, I decided that was that - he would wear this little onesie and be a skeleton. Rather unimpressed with my idea, I told myself it didn't really matter - after all, it's not like we would actually be "going out" this year anyways. I would just wear something cozy, put his cute little bones on, and greet trick-or-treaters like cute little moms are supposed to do.

Well, fast forward to more pinterest. Halloween makeup ideas started surfacing my feed and I decided that our whole family would be skeletons because, well, now I was really beginning to think I was a professional makeup artist and could pull of such things. Skeletons times three. Or "til death do us part" as I dubbed it. 

This was the final outcome. Rheo was snuggled up in his "costume", I did the makeup on both my husband and I, and the outfits were simply pieces from our closet. My husband just put together a formal menswear attire with a peacoat and I tossed on a chunky knit, leather jacket and tulle skirt (everyone has those in their closet, no?) with some classic pumps. Even my husband was getting so into it. I kid you not, he had me fix his makeup numerous times! We enjoyed it all a little too much. Probably more than the kids. Needless to say I'm already preparing for next year and may need intervention by than. But seriously.

Now onto Thanksgiving (part 2) and Christmas.

Cheers to the start of festivity season.

XO, Olivia Murray.

At Home With Air Wick

It's a new season, we're moving into new places, and we have a new-born. Don't get me wrong. I love my life and wouldn't in a thousand years dream of trading it for anything. However, the athlete husband and diaper factory child make for quite the combination when it comes to aroma. Thankfully I can count on Air Wick Life Scents to help me feel a little less outnumbered when it comes to our home environment. Available in three styles, Air Wick has their Life Scents Freshmatics, Scented Oils, or Automatic Sprays in 8 different smells to match your home and style.

On the list of things that make the mommy in me happy - clean laundry, babies having nap time, and a delicate smelling aroma are major. We don't always find the time to "stop and smell the roses" but our time shouldn't be wasted masking the ones we do and dislike. Thanks to Life Scents, I can manage life with boys (and whatever comes along with that) all while having the freedom to spend quality time with them.

Make time for your loved ones and have a happy weekend!
XO, Olivia Murray.

This is a sponsored post. All opinions and views remain that of my own.
I do not endorse products and/or brands in which I do not truly use or support.

Birth Story: Part I

So, we've known for a couple weeks that this day was coming but decided to for the most part keep it to ourselves. I mean, after numerous complications and an abundance of out reach (which is great, don't get me wrong) it was easier to stay quiet and not have a thousand people in our ear, social media updates, and cell phone inbox asking questions, telling what to do or my personal favourite - clocking us leading up to "the day". But surprise. It's here! (And not the original one that's since been scribbled out, making my August 31st page look ugly). DELIVERY DAY!

Completely unplanned but entirely scheduled. It's been marked on our calendars in capital letters: "INDUCTION DAY," for some time now and despite me wishing it away, accompanied by a breakdown every few days about it (that's a whole other story to follow), it's arrived. Today we get promoted to what I'm sure is the absolute messiest, most stressful, every bit time consuming, but hands down best job in the world. Parents. We are thrilled. Excited. Slightly anxious about the process in between and if you're my husband, openly unenthusiastic about seeing the process that "looks torturous" or the chance of witnessing a caesarian section, but nonetheless - blessed beyond belief.

Let me start off by saying, I've loved being pregnant and aside from this last stretch, it's been such an experience. First trimester tiredness? No problem. Awkward phase of "is she fat or pregnant," didn't bug me. Everyone being know it alls about pregnancy, the lovely weight gain, growing belly or giving up the every day sporting of high heels - I'd do it again. I felt great. I had energy. I was empowered by my role. My hair and nails were growing like it was nobody's business. (Woot woot)

And then one day my odds turned. I came home from a regular ol' prenatal appointment, frantically calling my husband on the phone and melting down about how we were "loosing the baby." (Obviously we weren't but, all the signs were there!) Forward ahead a stressful day and into the evening and we find out that it's not a miscarriage but preterm labor. Phfew! Pick the better of the evils. I can handle this I thought! Until the seemingly endless cervix exams, dilation checks, unpleasant steroid injections, among other shots and numerous blood tests, every day visits to the hospital, prescribed bed-rest, and eventually the thrill of being admitted into antenatal for what's even better than bed-rest (if you can imagine)...supervised bed-rest! Because who doesn't like to relive the toddler years all over again?

Well, fast forward another month when we were released, sent home to continue bed rest from our own familiar space and prepare whatever else may have needed done before it would be time for them to deliver us. While most women are eager to be done with pregnancy, we were happily making it through each day considering the status of "still being pregnant" as a success (until the week leading up to our date when I felt nothing less than panicked, wanting to have spontaneous labor instead!) Clothes were pre-washed if needed, blankets folded, toys set out, bassinet perfectly set up, shelves of infant care supplies stocked, and hospital bags packed. Ready for the 10th's arrival.

Life is never and will never, be the same as it is in any given moment. We know this. But it's never rung so true as now. Everything that we've wished on, prayed for, hoped of - is here. It's arrived. Monday, August the 10th. And I leave you with this prewritten, prescheduled post to welcome the long awaited puzzle piece of our little family.

Thank you in advanced for the well wishes and support, not just today but also for those that have flooded our hearts for many of the past months.

Until part two!
XO, Olivia Murray.

What The Prep?

It seems like for most things in life we're asking: “How much longer?” “Are we there yet?” “Is it ready?” And I thought that's how I would feel at this point in pregnancy given what I'd heard, but, no. Despite tasks getting harder, days getting hotter, and everything taking me seemingly longer – I'm in no rush whatsoever. Of course being of the few expectant women to be mozying happily, we were told to start prepping. Wait! Hold on! We still have weeks to go, no? 

Well, we were told from the get go that my body wasn't exactly made for carrying (babies) and that two concerns we might face were an unelected c-section or (the case we're in), risk of preterm labour and delivery. I continued through this, taking my due date into account nonetheless and was slightly saddened to hear our little dude was trying to come a whole 10 weeks earlier than it. I've since come to terms with the fact that babies, much like mamas, tend to do whatever they so please. Thus, the necessary packing and preparations commenced early!

Let me start by saying that I could not be surrounded by any stronger, more independent, child bearing women. I mean, I've got advice and opinions coming out the you-know-what all around me but still.. I turn to google.. Sifting through numerous sites on "what to pack" and "how to prepare" for d-day! It hasn't made it all too much easier though since one source says, don't overpack and another says, the more prepared the better. Yikes! Okay? Thanks for nothing.

I've got the basics down, with a little twist of personal taste and preference (aka princess problem catering) but would love to hear from other recent of fellow expectant mamas what their packing list must-haves, tips or tricks include.

Feel free to drop comments on my social media platforms, via the site in comments, or blog inbox (peeksatfiveft@gmail.com)

Thanks in advanced!

XO, V.