Fall back into Action!

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Bhanu Misra Marya

“Soar, eat ether, see what has never been see; depart, be lost, but climb” // Edna St. Vincent Millay

I love September! Fresh start, crisp mornings, new recipes, tall boots, beautiful fall photography :)

September has always felt like the start of a New Year of Learning. And although I no longer am in school or formal education, it’s important for me to remember that I should continue to grow and learn. I try to do this as often and as easily I can by: doing new things, reading books, listening to podcasts/Ted Talks or simply by changing my perspective to understand a topic more deeply. I often forget that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed or confused some days. It’s on those days that I need to take a time to rest and recover but also not forget to keep my goal in mind and continue to scale that mountain.

I am taking this this upcoming month to fall back into action! I want to get back into good routines and stay focused. I put together this checklist to keep me motivated and ahead of my goals as we move into the colder months!

WildONE // 1st birthday party

Posted on March 24, 2018 by Bhanu Misra Marya

As you might now (or maybe you’ve been following along)…

Miss El turned ONE this month.

It took us a LONG time to figure out what kind of party to have for her in terms of theme and event. We went back and forth between a big hall party (typical desi style) and an intimate gathering at home. We finally went for the latter and I am so glad we did! As much as a I love the idea of a big event it was much more relaxing and engaging to do our own little thing :)

When the theme of a WILDONE popped up on one of my endless Google and Pinterest searches I was so obsessed! The words/phrase described Ellie to a T. With Miss S I had decided on a theme (Shabby-Chic) months in advance. I knew the colours for the party were pink, gold and off white. I knew the sweets I wanted to serve, the DIY burlap banners I was going to make and even the search for a perfect vendor cake started when she was 9 months old. I was a little late to DIYing for our little Lo, but I think the theme and the party came together perfectly in the end!

The colours were black, gold and green (with a little bit of pink thrown in for good measure). It was very easy to decorate the house: lots of toy animals and foliage!

For the banner:

Asked the Hubz to draw the word WILDONE in block letters
My father-in-law exactoknifed them out
I got some faux foliage (similar foliage) from Dollar Tree, cut off the leaves (in varying sizes) and hot glued them to the letters.
I felt that it was missing something so I added little white flowers (from the same said foliage) and then pops of dark or light green paint to add some more depth. I also used the left over branches on the ends.
Lastly I added the green daisies for a more feminine touch!

*This is something I saw online and then DIYed to make my one (here and here is some inspiration)

We knew that we HAD to do a cake smash (considering it didn’t really work at Miss S’s birthday). So I decorated her high chair with black and gold streamers (to match the invitation colours) and added a vine of flowers. To our sideboard we added a variety of stuffed animals and huge tropical leaves. It was a perfect set up for a WILDONE’s first sugar!

For the cake we wanted something cute and not the fondant cake that seems to be so popular these days. To be honest I am so confused by fondant! I grew up eating soft moist birthday cakes that have whip cream fillings (no custards, no butter cream and no fruit please and thanks!) and a plethora of whip cream slathered all over it! I know the more expensive cakes also have butter cream but because Miss S can’t eat that stuff (and I personally don’t like it) I was happy with whip cream :) I actually found this at Fortino’s. They do a variety of designs on cupcakes (with a count of 24 or 48) shaped into the number of your choice. I told them I wanted a nature scene (greenery and a water front) and then I added the toy animals myself!

Off the Shoulder Top | Mens Polo | Birthday Crown (ours is old, but this one is so cute!)

These cute dresses are from Marshalls (almost identical) but here is a similar option. This is our highchair and we LOVE it!

Whoa…that was picture heavy!

Outside of all this, we ordered/made Mediterranean food for lunch and had the cupcakes, fruit and ice cream for dessert. We also played 2 games. I know it’s very popular to post to social media your baby’s monthly pictures and even though I didn’t really do that I did send these update photos to my family. So one of our games was “Monthly mugshot match up” – and yep you had to guess which picture was taken in which month by solely looking at El’s face! It was surprisingly hard and everyone got majority of them wrong! The other game we played involved answering some trivia about El along with leaving her a sweet message. I kept all the trivia sheets (with the special messages) for her to read when she’s older :) I know kid’s birthday’s get a bad rep but gosh I love them!

35 Favourite Things #HappyBirthdayToMe

Posted on October 20, 2017 by Bhanu Misra Marya

The day before yesterday was my birthday And if you can tell by the title, I turned 35!

Initially I didn’t give it a second thought, because ever since I turned 18 I realized I always have felt like I was 16 :)

But I figured, I’d mark the moment with a little reminder to myself of 35 of my favourite things.

1. Hugs from Miss S and EliHaze
I am grateful for when my girls wrap their tiny arms tightly around my neck and lately when Miss S tries to reach all the way around my shoulders. I completely agree with all parents who have ever told me that kid cuddles are the best.

2. 1 second video app
I’ve been struggling with trying to capture the special moments but also stay present with the kids. Buuut, I think I’ve found something that may be the solution. I used this awesome app for about 6 months. It’s so fun to watch how our life changed in those months. Just doing some sound edits and will be posting it soon.

3. Day dates with the Hubs
Before kids, the mister and I went out almost every night. Living downtown, we took advantage of every scene possible. The ‘Liscious events, Nuit Blanche, Going to movies after work/dinner, even a late night (10pm) gym session was a luxury we enjoyed. However now, we take serious advantage of the “day date”. I know we may have a few more years ahead of us before we can truly enjoy a night out again so we are using daycare and a kiddo napping in the car seat whenever we can!

4. My DSLR
Mad love although I am in the market for a something new :) Like this and this or this.

5. My blog
I think anyone out there who has a blog agrees. And even though I’ve questioned parts of the blogging experience – my blog is a special place for my words, thoughts, art and photographs.

6. The Library
I love walking into a big room full of books, and then walking out with a stack of books for free (for appx 3 weeks) is even better.

7. Our kitchen chalkboard
I actually got the idea to paint a wall in our kitchen from a family member who also had it in her kitchen. Sometimes we use it for our grocery list, doodles, teach a lesson to Miss S, a seasonal message, a reminder, a to-do list. But it fosters our family’s cohesiveness and creativity – which is top of my list.

8. Kiddo art work
Whether it’s stuff that gets sent home with her from preschool or things her and I create together when her pops is in school – I love it. I really really really hope I am instilling some foundation of creativity in her.

9. Marketing/Social Media/Millennials/Hygge
I probably sound like a big nerd but I find the above topics so fascinating – especially how they interwine.

10. Gratitude
It’s a habit I picked up a few years ago, but it’s still my favourite mind recharging tool. (Now if only I can get into meditation)

11. Easy green smoothie
Handful or two of baby spinach, one chopped up pear, a few splashes of lime juice and teaspoon of maple syrup – the EASIEST greens smoothie eeevvaaaa! Also quick add ons for my weekend smoothie: cinnamon, ginger (fresh with peals on), a banana, coconut water, hemp hearts, celery, cucumber #Slurp

12. Moleskin planner
I’ve mentioned this a few times, I am kind of planner and journal obsessed. But the Moleskin planner is my current fav. It’s a a one or TWO year planner with a SOFT COVER! It has lined pages beside a weekly page, tons of simple stickers, monthly calendars, free pages and a pocket.

13. The Social
Love this TV show. Especially when I was using the gym on my work lunch break. I can break up the work day to watch it lol

14. PodCasts
I know they’ve been around for a while, but I only got into them recently. It’s such an EASY way to get information without having to look at something (i.e.: a screen). I started this one recently after reading this book. Other favs include: Richroll, The Millennial and the Ted Talks.

15. DIYing
Probably the coolest concept. Growing up I didn’t really have anyone role model to me what a DIY was so when I started planning my wedding and realized it was thing I was hooked. I do it a lot from party decor to house hold stuff. Somethings I want to try in the next year: rope basket in different shapes and sizes (thinking small one for the front door key / phone spot and something larger for Miss S’s room)…aaanndd maybe this too.

16. Fresh roses on our coffee table
The house can be a complete disaster (which it normally is) but when I see the fresh roses on the coffee table – I feel like I am in a hotel lobby or in someone who’s house is clean and spotless LOL

17. Reading Blogs
I think I’ve said this before but blogs (currently and more specifically lifestyle blogs) are so inspiring and motivating. I’ve been reading blogs for over 10 years now – The one blog I used to read/interact with is no longer around, but the writer was a sweetheart and so relatable. That said, with social media the past time of ACTUALLY reading the blog posts is now a long lost hobby I feel.

18. My faux Marble table top
I saw a DIY for this in the summer and it was the coolest thing so I made one. Theeennnn I realized I could probably just swap out a table top from an actual table (maybe something from Ikea or Target) and actually have a “marble table”. In any case it’s perfect for clean background / flatlay shots that I love taking and it cost me less than 10 bucks!

19. Counting my steps
I think a few years ago when 10K steps a day became a thing I didn’t catch on. But the older / wiser I get I feel like walking is a misunderstood form of physical activity. I realized this by starting the BBG program (which I didn’t finish – twice now) I love the gym, I love weights and I love running but I am starting to fall in love with walking. I’ve been going back and forth between my phone and my husbands fitbit flex (which I gifted him but he doesn’t use lol). And some days when I am feeling really motivated, I walk circles around my house just to “get my steps in”

20. My Foam Roller
I first started using a foam roller in 2012, but it should have been sooner.

21. This photograph is by far my fav photograph from this year. You can find it on my Etsy shop too!

22. Doing arts and craft projects with my daughter
I am legit that IT analyst corporette/Mat Leave mom by day and that wannabe DIY/Craft Mom all the other times of the day lol. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now just gotta find a way to do more DIYs and crafts in the day :P

23. Going to the gym on my lunch break
I never thought I would be one of those people rushing to the gym to get a workout in during my lunch break – but it’s been the best decision for my lifestyle (as a working mom).

24. Instagram
I’ve been using it since 2012 on my personal account and since 2015 as an extension of this blog. It is still by far my favourite social media site. I always find motivating and intriguing people to follow and I love scrolling my own feed to see all the cool things I’ve been up to/pictures I’ve been able to capture.

25. Our neighbourhood
All the parks and green space – serious game changer.

26. Yoga / Sun Salutations
I don’t do it enough but it always makes me feel better. Now next year I need to get into meditiation.

27. Facetime
I know this is super old technology but it’s major thing holding me back from getting anything other than apple products. Plus – It’s an awesome way to talk to grandparents, cousins and friends who are not close by.

28. Loaded Oatmeal
Although I haven’t had oatmeal in a few weeks I love love love personalizing it and making it into a hearty meal or very filling snack. Some of my fav toppings are: hemp hearts, hazelnut almond butter, cacao nibs/dark chocolate chips :)

29. Wholewheat toast with melty pb, banana and chia seeds
I would eat it everyday.

30. Intention/Minimalism
Being more aware of what I am doing/eating/thinking/saying has allowed me to be more conscious of my consumption. And that awareness is only something a 35 year old can get :P

31. Giving up chicken (and bacon!)
I have never been so proud of myself then I have these past almost 4 months.

32. Journaling
Whatever form it is in, i.e.: this blog, bullet journaling or even in a folder of word documents. The process and practice is very invigorating to me.

33. Red nail polish & Red lipstick
Honestly someone just perma-stain my nails red because it’s truly the only nail polish colour that I can keep on my nails for longer than 3 days :P

34. The words “I am”
Totally related to being intentional these words are really powerful. I recently read that chanting the words “I am, I can, I will, I do” during meditation is probably more doable / powerful than focusing too hard on breathing.

35. Mind Maping
Getting all your thoughts out on a topic or project is so freeing!

Dear tomato “plant”

Posted on July 9, 2017 by Bhanu Misra Marya

I am sad to report that my tomato plant called it quits over the weekend. I came home on Saturday afternoon to see that the plant stalks had fallen over. To be honest I knew that maybe the plant was not doing so well as it started looking more like weeds than the large leaves I was hoping to see.

I didn’t bother stalking it as the instructions didn’t say to but I do regret not moving it to a larger pot and updating the soil. I’ll definitely needed some more love and planning. And I probably should’ve have watered it more often #BadPlantMom

I’ve definitely picked up a few tricks for next year, such as spacing the seeds, using more than one planter, starting from a seedling and maybe trying a few varieties.

My gardening goals are on hold until next year – time to start pinning and planning for next spring!

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2017

Posted on June 13, 2017 by Bhanu Misra Marya

When I was young I would always gift my dad a handmade gift from school or girl guides. He still even has one of those gifts hanging in the garage (I think – will check next time I’m there and snap a pic). Anywhooo – here are some gift ideas for Father’s Day.

Smart Phone Charger | Beverage of Choice | Silicone wedding band | Ankle Socks | Waterbottle

Planting Tomatoes & Gardening Next Steps

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Bhanu Misra Marya

I FINALLLLYY got around to planting some tomato seeds. I picked up some ‘initial’ potting mix from Lowes and made a container with a pretty decent drainage system using a tin can and a plate (making the drain holes with a good ol hammer and nail).

I started the process on Wednesday Afternoon after running some errands and during what I thought would be a nice car seat nap for Miss El. Unfortunately she woke up crying because of the hammering. So I had to finish planting the seeds the next day (after the girls’ bedtime) in the garage. I followed the directions on both the potting mix bag and the seeds envelope.

So within a few days, the tomato seeds sprouted. I was actually kind of shocked.

And with the basil I’ve harvested 5 times: 2 batches given to both sets of parents and twice I’ve eaten a caprese salad :) The last harvest is in the fridge most likely to be eaten in a caprese salad also.

To be completely honest I am petrified and exhilarated by this whole process. Here are my next steps

Buy a real plant container
Research how to transplant tomato seedlings and basil plants
Re-research how to harvest basil
Buy the “next level” of nutrient rich soil
Transplant the plants to the new containers
Get on a better schedule for watering
Teach Miss S about the plants (mainly so she doesn’t accidentally destroy them)