Growing Pains

I'm a fairly open and voiced person. I have no issue telling people not to feed my child things or not to touch his hair. I don't think we should feel unable to speak up on their behalf, be it for their best interest or the way we've chosen to bring them up. The very same thing goes for when someone else is trying to discipline them.

Now that we've got a toddler on hand, this has become a relevant thing. Don't do this, go do that. Of course there are circumstances where one's simply looking out for a child's well being. But there's also many times, people discipline children that aren't theirs for things the parents might otherwise not. This has been happening to us more frequently and while my husband struggles to find a polite way to correct the adult, I waste no time jumping in and telling them or my son what he can and cannot do. It got me thinking even further in what we punish or get children "in trouble" for.

Not wanting to eat. Grumpy attitudes. Whiney tired behaviour. Negative moods. Less than pleasant tones. All reactions that often come from having a bad day, all things we tend to see children getting reprimanded for. But why? We as adults have them all the time. A big difference between the functioning of a mind in childhood and that in adulthood in the understanding and processing of thoughts or feelings. We entirely understand when and maybe even why we are tired, under the weather, having a bad day, etc. Yet we still act out as a result of it. Children, who don't have that yet, cannot see reason behind why they're feeling how they are and therefore acting naturally, instinctively. 

We are not perfect, despite all the knowledge and experience we've obtained in our many years of living. So, over coffee, I explained to my husband that we (us as parents personally and we the collective of humans working with or raising other humans) must stop holding children to a higher standard or expectation, or perfection, and of control than we could ever even attain ourselves.

Entering this adventure of toddler-hood, I've been making a conscious effort to let and make sure others let, our son grow through trial and error, through cause and effect, through whatever natural phases of development all toddlers go through. It isn't always fun - the go bat sh*t crazy before falling asleep, instead of just laying down when you're tired is really charming - but it's so crucial that we are remembering to let kids be just that, kids. 

As usual, I welcome any feedback, opinion, or personal experience submissions.
Family outfits are by Gap, Zara, and Converse.

"Be patient with your littles for they are only beginners."
- Unknown.

XO, Olivia Murray.

Home Grown Books x Wangechi Mutu

I've long been a lover of arts, creative-types, abstract ways. Having a child no where near changed that. Since before he was born, I hoped he would be a happy open minded child. And while it's still early to tell who he really is or will become, I appreciate his acceptance of my unorthodox ways, old school play, and artistic inspiration day-to-day.

I was recently approached by Home Grown Books (an independent publishing company based out of New York and devoted to organic-creative learning) regarding an upcoming launch. Seriously, I'm in love! It's not everyday that ideas which resonate so much with my own, cross my path in business ventures. Together with world renowned artist, Wangechi Mutu, they created a book for the curious and creative at heart. We were lucky enough to receive a copy before public availability and what a treat that was.

The story is a hard-covered board book full of compelling collages done by Mutu encouraging children to exercise their imagination, while taking in objects that are not what they seem at first glance. What Do You See, is just one of the releases within an artist series featuring professionally recognized contemporary art, made in tiny hands size with inquisitive hearts at mind. Not only is the book super beneficial to your own home and experience, but it's printed in veggie ink, on 100% recycled paperboard with a portion of the profits going towards Every Mother Counts. The book will be available for pre-sale, costing only $9.95 (USD), starting August 15th. You can find it and so much more through Home Grown Books' online shop.

 

 

Time stands still best in moments that look suspiciously like ordinary life.
So let them wonder, dream, believe - and tell me, what do you see?

XO, Olivia Murray.

Adventure With A Plus One

Before we were on the road to parenthood, a lot of people "warned" us (and by warned us I mean tried to scare us into believing) that life after children would be slow, restricted, and rather unadventurous. We ignored that entirely, proceeding with our agenda and are we ever glad we did. Life is just as adventurous, only now the adventures seem that much more significant and purposeful. So two things; if you want to date someone, marry someone, have kids, get a puppy - whatever it may be - your life is your adventure, not anyone else's and also don't believe 95% of the "you don't know what it's like" or "just wait until" nonsense.

If you have little ones (but don't get up to much), are expecting, or want a family and fear your days of wandering are over - I'm sharing my personal must do's and must have's behind all the snaps of us and a baby on the go.

Not Your Jeans

By now everyone is pretty familiar with the boyfriend-jean. The loose fit, low rise, slightly tapered ankle denim that swept every big name designer, trending brand name and popular store. While they're not going anywhere anytime soon (still dominating street style like it's nobody's business) there's a similar jean getting some love again - yes, again. The mom-jeans. Literally. The style your mother probably wore at some point growing up. They're back and they're making a serious statement. 

Much like the boyfriend-jean, they're a more comfortable style and lack any real shape or definition. By lack definition, I mean there is none. If you're trying to get some booty likes online, these aren't for you. The one defining difference between the boyfriend- and the mom- is the waist. The falling down, low rise waist of the boyfriend jean was replaced with a non-cotouring version of the high waist that's also been long trending.

Like any trend, you can commit entirely or pick a pair that mimics the style in a less definite way. I'm a big fan of denim - give me super skinnies for days, cool flares, a destroyed boyfriend or a washed out mother. Sounds like a reality show but seriously, I'm all about it. The boyfriend- and mom- jeans though, can definitely stay. A hybrid of the two is a for sure staple in my wardrobe. With so many style pairings and the carefree feel they bring to an outfit, I can mama all day and still go for date night with the quick switch of a shoe.

I've linked some boyfriend-jean (styled below) favourites, owned or coveted: here.

Plus a few mom-jean (styled below) top picks: here.  

Cozily wandered around our still seemingly new setting the other day, finding unique houses and wall art in the utmost laid back style. I paired some destroyed boy denims (might as well be sweats they're so easy breezy) with classic lace-up espadrilles and a plain tee. Rheo co-ordinated in bermudas, classic moccs, and a matching paint splattered tee (which I absolutely love on him). Lately I have been thinking endlessly how detrimental lack of creativity is. Some say imitation is the highest form of flattery, but I beg to differ. There's a very destinctive line between copying and being inspired by. I hope that Rheo will grow to be inspired by many but feel the need to copy none. We try to let him find ways of expression even at such a young age (Montessori based play has been highly encouraging of that) and being an artsy-type myself, promote art through sight or trial in his day. If I don't live and breathe individuality of some sort, will he grow to believe his soul has to be colour-by-numbers? Not everyone is an "artist," so to speak but everyone possesses their own uniqueness that should always be lived out proudly.

Espadrilles | Denim (similar here) | Tee (under $10) | Saddle Bag (similar).
Moccasins | Bermudas | "Create" Tee | Toy (puppy is IKEA) | Baby Sunnies.

How do you encourage your little one to be creative, expressive, or imaginative? 
I would love to hear from you in the post comments or blog email.

Accept who you are and revel in it!

XO, Olivia Murray.

Mama Monday: Can You Keep Up?

Motherhood is no workout to be overlooked. Seriously though! Who needs a gym membership when you've got a 20 pound weight literally depending on you.

I'm a busy body, kind of always have been since I started "adulating." And some days I forget what time it is or when I've even consumed my last meal. (Not healthy and so not promoting that!) Thankfully I found some quick fixes that benefit my body and Rheo's day. There's no more of a win-win than when I can fuel my body nutritiously and still devote majority of my day to finding adventure with him.

Today I am sharing my 5 fixes for making it through the day, meetings, mommy meet-ups, doctors appointments and whatever else motherhood throws your way.

1. Mix'n'Match - Best prepared the day before or bought pre cut but fruits ad veggies that are finger food sized and ready for dipping into a healthy, nutrient packed dip of choice. All you have to do is spend one day with my and you know my go-to is apple slices and peanut butter. I normally chop up two apples to make the snack more filling and if on the go, scoop a generous amount of peanut butter into a tupperwear and vamos! Not only is a fruit an obvious thumbs up but peanut butter (especially as  non-meat eater) is a for that doesn't get enough credit. Dips worth the while include: almond/cashew butter, hummus, or homemade guacamole, paired with any fruit, vegetable, or grain. 

2. Trail Mix - Skip the store bought stuff which usually ha something not so beneficial snuck in and opt to making your own mix at home. Choosing 1-2 from each of the following categories; nuts, grains (granola, cereal, etc.) seeds or dried fruit (pumpkin seed, raisins, etc.) and 1 sweet additive (chocolate chips for example) is pretty much fool proof and couldn't be a simpler way to toss a handful of mainly healthy calories into your mouth.

3. Don't Drink Your Calories - Make your sipping worth the while by opting for healthier drinks. Infused water is a trend you don't want to miss and for added benefits, I use Premama mix-ins to give me a boost of vitamins and electrolytes that are good for me and still good for baby (if nursing). I use Premama Essentials (+DHA) and Premama Lactation. They contain the same nutrients in prenatal vitamins for both the pregnancy and nursing journey. 

4. Avocado Over Everything - But literally though! Not only is it one of the easiest foods to prepare but it's packed with all the good stuff - especially healthy fats which every mama needs. My 30-second go to is avocado-toast. IF I've got an extra 2 minutes, I spread the toasted bread with a spoonful of avocado and top it with an egg and sprinkle of pepper and chia seeds. It's amazing how one serving of toast can feel somewhat filling and give you a boast.

5. Yogurt Bowl - Provided you have healthy adds in on deck, a 2-3 minute make that's high in protein and not skimpy in flavour. Choose a yogurt base of choice (my husband got me hooked on Greek, so that's my go-to). Then add 2 fruits of choice - berries are the most common and also easiest because they don't require any prep, next layer granola and/or sliced nuts, sprinkle with 2 seeds of choice - I use chia and hemp most commonly in any food but pumpkin seeds seem pretty popular on Pinterest recipes and voila! Other good mix-ins include things like a scoop of nut butter, additional fruit or seeds, or something like coconut shaving. The seed and nut combination got you covered for protein, the fruit convinces you you're having something sweet and the prep time is childproof.

If you have a nutritious niche that gets you through the day, feel free to drop in my comments or inbox.

We've only got one body to give them, make it a healthy one.

XO, Olivia Murray.

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