nikkidynak

Writer, mother, housewife, and wedding planner. I love the market, anything vintage, whimsical movies, a solid umbrella, fresh air, yoga, and a touch of velvet. But above all, I love my family. These are fragments of my life.

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My yoga class is always followed by a wellness class. A class designed to teach us how to live yoga off the mat. Last week, we discussed solutions to keep our immune systems strong and our energy up this time of year.

True. Finding my energy is hard in the winter. I try to keep my body and mind active to prime my immune system; I go for a daily walks, practice yoga, get my rest, and eat right. But, besides all that, I am so very guilty of turning to coffee to jump-start my day. Mmm, coffee. Nothing else like it, right? Thing is, caffeine can actually undermine the immune system, explained my yoga instructor. Gasp. How dare he!

In lieu of our usual caffeine kick, he suggests we try a natural kick--ginger, honey, and lemon tea. He proceeded to make us a pot from scratch, explaining how each ingredient has unique medicinal qualities and when combined, create a soothing tea that can relieve cold and flu symptoms and boost the immune system.  

Well, before this weekend, I had yet to fall victim to a winter bug. I knew it could strike at any time. 'Tis the season for germs. And being a new mom, trying my best to balance a family and soon my career, it's essential that I take good care of myself. So when a soar throat, headache and chills struck early saturday morning, I decided to ditch the coffee and try his 'magic potion.'

I had everything I needed in my kitchen, fresh ginger, lemon juice, and honey. It's been my morning, noon, and bedtime cup for three days now. Whether I fully believe in the healing powers of these ingredients or not . . . I say that because it might be psychological, which I'm okay with; I honestly feel pretty good. I feel like it has helped. And not to mention, it's incredibly warm and soothing. 

So if you're feeling a bit under the weather, I'm just sayin', try it and see for yourself.

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I had my first sewing lesson today since home economics class, fifteen years ago. Since I took one of my mum's favourite skirts, and transformed it into the cutest little mini for moi . . . I should add that it's something I did without her permission. And, it's something that I don't think she's ever forgiven me for. I'm sorry, mum. 

Anyway, today was all about stitches, stitches, and more stitches. Nothing super spectacular, but I'm excited because learning to sew makes me happyyy.  

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new word

These days, I am very much enjoying yoga. I only started taking classes four weeks ago. Still, it's had a positive effect on me. I find that it quiets my mind, improves my strength and flexibility, and it gives me time to breath. Afterwards, I feel restored. I also have a wider vocabulary, for example:  

Namaste  

I'm in love with this soft and gentle word.  

"Nama" means bow, "as" means I, and "te" means you. Literally meaning, "Bow me you," or "I bow to you." But often translated to mean, "The light in me honors the light in you." We say it at the end of class, with eyes closed, head bowed, and hands together at the heart. It's a symbol of compassion, gratitude, and respect. 

  My instructor encourages us to practice on our own. So I try to every day. Madelyn, my angel, watches as I work through poses like tadasana (mountain pose) and adho mukha svanasana (downward-facing dog). But, she always climbs up on me in balasana (child's pose). We end with namaste. I put her hands together at her heart. She gives a nod and says her new word, "ball." 

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"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."

audrey hepburn

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playing . . . not so nice

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In what was a massive overhaul of my colset and storage spaces, I discovered my old travel luggage. I guess I could call it, "vintage" luggage? They're Dionite, circa 1970. I hadn't see these since I was a little girl. They went everywhere with me. Sleepovers, dance competitions, road trips, Disney Land. I had completely forgotten about them. Funny, they look like something that'd catch my eye in a thrift store today.  I love the tote. It's made of a white textured vinyl. The handles are adjustable, so it can be worn long or short, whichever is preferred. There's even a pocket on the front and a cute little clasp that locks. It'd be the perfect oversized purse. I could even use it as a diaper or a laptop bag. But I think purse is the way to go. The suitcase is also pretty neat. I like the orangey-ish details on the inside. I'm going to use it to store my hats, scarves, belts--whatnots. Feels good to reunite. Lots of memories. Now, we can make some more

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The Braid. Delicate and playful, yet sultry. Undoubtedly, wedding worthy.

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welcome home, my lovelies

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"I got this dress at a thrift store for one dollar. It's a bridesmaid's dress. Someone loved it intensely for one day, and then tossed it. Like a Christmas tree. So special. Then, bam, it's on the side of the road . . ." 

Marla singer mesmerizes me. I love her style. There's just something so tragic about her that makes her stunningly beautiful. See, I'm a thrifting junkie. Seduced by vintage pieces, like furniture, vases, lamps, mirrors, jewelry, handbags, and dresses. They have a strange effect on me. I find myself lured by their mystery, charm, and elegance. I prowl garage sales, flea markets, auctions, and thrift stores in search of forgotten treasures. I'm under their spell. I close my eyes. I try to imagine who loved them, where they've been, what's their story, things like that. I guess I'm like marla that way.

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I was all over this photo the second I saw it. Drawn to the pallet. Opalescent. That’s what martha calls it.

[oh-puh-les-uhnt] - adjective - 1) exhibiting a play of colors like that of the opal, 2) having a milky iridescence

Whatever you call it, I see shades of muted pink and peach paired with a hint of purple. Soft. Feminine. Dazzling. I knew it’d be perfect for my late summer wedding.

Colours aside, it inspired me to break away from the tradition of having all my girls be matchy-matchy. Each girl is different, and so her dress should be too. I loveee the idea. Different styles, different colors, and different fabrics and textures. And so with this photo, I’ve challenged my bridesmaids to find their own dresses. I can’t wait to see how they all come together.

And isn’t the little girl dress is just darling? A while back, I happened across a dusty rose, tulle dress that reminded me of it. My heart melted. It now hangs in louise’s closet.

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plaid & striped x-mas

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visit

Last week, I had plans to take miss louise someplace new. Not a place where she can push toys, stack colourful blocks, or crawl through crazy tunnels. But a magical place. It's where they make her favourite toy mommy's phone. It's filled with white boards, endless email trails, and buzz words like, bandwidth, and platform. It's mommy's work. Anyway, she didn't get to see it, and this is why. me: hi, we're here to visit guard: are you an employee? me: yes guard: do you have the proper approvals? me: ummmmmm, don't think so. like what? guard: your baby needs approval from your manager, director, and vp, then from security me: you're kidding? guard: i'm sorry ma'am, new policies me: but she's a baby guard: i can see that me: that could take forever guard: yeah me: that's absurd guard: i'm sorry, but without it I'm going to have to ask you and your baby to please leave the building me: . . . guard: that means now, ma'am

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cheers to my girl leah, baby grayson, and a happy new year!

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Google doesn't have children

Moms for Moms, Reflections of Motherhood

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michael loves me this much 

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Blueberry and beat masterpiece. An hour of prep for minutes of fun. And sooo worth it. I found the paint recipe, here.