#throwbackthursday

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: The Model

August 14, 2014 By Lena 56 Comments

In 2014, I will be participating in #tbt courtesy of the Epson Expression Premium XP-810 Small–in–One printer, the ultimate choice for scanning and printing. Ultra powerful and ultra slim, it produces stunning borderless photos and documents quickly and affordably. Featuring the ultimate in wireless printing, the XP-810 makes it easier than ever to print from your iPad, iPhone, tablet or smartphone, whether in your home or out and about.

My morning giggle came courtesy of a photo I unearthed of my husband, back in September 2009. You know how they say it’s healthy to laugh at yourself from time to time? I’d rather laugh at my husband. He’s such a good sport!

Blue Steel Sunglasses at night? Check. Photo shoot pose? Check. Tri-coloured wool socks? Every male model needs a pair of those. But what actually has me guffawing with glee is the fact that was a serious, bona fide pose for him. Like, he wasn’t trying to be funny or ironic! He was simply mugging for the camera. Of course, at the time the photo was taken, I don’t think he had any idea I’d one day feature him in a throwback post. Love you babe!

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: Well That Was Fun.

July 24, 2014 By Lena 72 Comments

You won’t see it from the picture. I’m simply smiling for the camera, and it looks like we’re about to begin a confectionery class of sorts. Well, that much is true – we were participating in a cupcake making class, and waiting for everyone to take their seats before the cellophane was removed from the table.

#throwbackthursday Okay, so that’s what you see. Simple enough, right? But what you don’t see:

1) The cupcake class was at sea. It’s true! At the time, we were aboard the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas – the world’s largest cruise ship – sailing on its 100th voyage. The cupcake class was a special perk bestowed on all the Fisher-Price Moms.

2) I hated my hair colour, so I tied my hair back as much as possible. Here, it was in a Pocahontas-style braid. However, I also hate my hair tied back, so this was a doubly bad hair day. I was actually thinking about how quickly I could bleach it back to blonde when this photo was taken.

3) The boys were supposed to recreate a bunny’s face on the cupcake, and so we were given licorice pieces, Smarties, gum drops and other various candies. But the thing is, they only gave us enough candy to complete the face almost precisely, and Ryder kept eating all the damn candy. Seriously, I would literally lean down and growl menacing threats into his ear, and then I’d turn my back, and the silly gumdrop nose would be wadded inside his cheek.

4) Do you see those containers of candy behind me? When I asked for a replacement gumdrop nose, I was denied. “We don’t have any more candy to spare.” Like, whoa. I knew cruise ships had to ration supplies, but even my eyes turned wide as I was flat out denied. Although, considering Ryder’s cupcake looked nothing like a bunny, I dropped the matter quickly. But I never really got over it.

5) The wonderful thing about the boys aging two years from when this photo was taken is that they actually look at the camera and smile when asked now. Most of the time. After repeated threats.

October 2012. This is my throwback.

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: Seven Years

July 3, 2014 By Lena 52 Comments

On Monday, we will celebrate seven years since 07-07-07.

kiss I knew I was going to marry my husband from the moment I met him. He has undeniable qualities that I cherish; thoughtfulness, optimism and a jovial manner that ensures I’m always laughing or smiling or feeling amazing, regardless of the circumstances. However, if I had to nail down one quality that warms my heart, it’s the fact that I can never deny his love for me. With every word, action, thought and gesture, he is steadfast in his adoration.

Yep, he’s a keeper. And I intend on hanging on to him for seven more years, and seven more after that… and seven more… and still seven more… and seven after that…

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: Family Picnic

June 12, 2014 By Lena 53 Comments

Before the little ones came along, my husband and I were avid picnickers. There’s just something so very romantic about stretching out on a big, soft blanket and enjoying a rustic meal… all the while being surrounded by nature on a warm, sunny day. In fact, almost 8 years ago I received a proposal for marriage while we were picnicking – which essentially made me a #Fan4life.

Our very first family picnic happened just about a year after Reid was born; we put out a simple spread of finger foods (cooked chicken nuggets, vegetable sticks, sandwich halves and chips) and stocked our travelling toy chest with balls, Frisbees, squirt toys and picture books. And of course, before the fun began, we captured the moment.

throwback thursday
I later added this photo to my scrapbook, with the caption: “You have defined and justified my existence.”

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: Meet the Kid

May 29, 2014 By Lena 40 Comments

Seriously! Y’all are probably used to seeing photos of my boys all the time, but back in 2008, I was a bit leery about giving readers access to my private life. So, I blogged about shopping, food and fashion – and while I mentioned my kid from time to time, I didn’t necessarily open up about my family of three.

So, this picture on Ryder’s first birthday is a PBD (pretty big deal), because it also marks the first time I shared with my audience a photo of my little offspring. Entitled “Everybody Hurts”, it portrayed a one-year-old in the throws of teething; gripping his cheek while his molars make their way to the surface.

Oh Ryder, how I miss your mean face! Jutting his bottom lip out as far as it would go, he would wrinkle up his nose and howl while the tears welled up in his eyes. Of course, he could turn it off just as quickly as he turned it on… the big faker!

#ThrowbackThursday: Don’t Be Such a Mermaid

May 22, 2014 By Lena 45 Comments

throwbackthursday Today I’m throwing back to just about a year ago – the Disney Social Media Moms Conference at Walt Disney World, Florida. In previous posts, I called it the “invitation you can’t refuse” – because really, who is going to turn down a chance to spend 5 days with your family at the happiest place on earth?

Days before the event, I found myself rushing through the mall picking up last minute items. Despite my time crunch, I found time to pop into H&M, as I was looking for a simple white tank top that I could layer under a particularly low-cut (and therefore non-Disneyish) top.

But as soon as I saw it, I just knew I *had* to have it – a loose, 80’s style sleeveless top which proudly cautioned: “Don’t Be Such a Mermaid.” Ha ha! Since I was planning a visit to Ariel’s Grotto, of course it was perfect!

Upon returning from the mall, I tweeted my fashion find to fellow Canadian conference attendees, including @FeistyFrugal, who immediately asked, “GAH!!! You DID get one for me, right?”

Of course I did!

At Walt Disney world, we took an obligatory picture with our matching tops, reveling in the attention as curious onlookers gawked at the sheer wit and perfection of our fashion find. And you can just see Cinderella’s castle in the background; a wonderful memory of a perfect spring day in May 2013.

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: The Number Two Son

May 15, 2014 By Lena 44 Comments

reid Remember last week’s #tbt, honoring Ryder’s birthday? Well, two years and eleven days later, we welcomed our number two son (as we fondly refer to him). Yes, it’s time to celebrate Reid’s 4th birthday!

(Fun fact: I actually had the same due date with both boys: May 25th. Factoring in a missed period and counting back nine months, it appears that my husband and I were very fond of Labour Day weekends.)

Reid, pictured here at age two, is famous for stealing food. He’ll take a french fry from your plate when you turn around; help himself to a handful of blueberries as he strolls by; will swipe daddy’s special chocolate from the pantry after he carefully climbs on the counter top. And here, in a photo I originally captioned “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Smoothie” – he crawled behind the kitchen island and feverishly began draining my fruit smoothie.

But seriously, what the heck am I supposed to say when he looks up at me like that?

Happy Birthday Reid!

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: A Mother’s Day Gift

May 8, 2014 By Lena 61 Comments

Ryder Did it really happen six years ago? It feels like I blinked – and BOOM! – Ryder will be six this weekend. My tiny little baby – born at exactly 37 weeks, singing his way into the world with a raspy, soft cry that tugged at my heart.

As we doted on him in the hospital, I turned to my husband and asked,

“So, what did you get me?”
“Get you?” he repeated, confused.
“You know, for Mother’s Day” I replied with a smile.

We both grinned at each other, because it didn’t need to be said; we both knew that this tiny little baby was the best Mother’s Day gift I could have ever asked for.

Today, to celebrate my first true love, I’m throwing back to the summer of 2010, when Ryder was a boisterous, curious and mischievous 2-year old, the very definition of terrible two’s. But c’mon, look at that sweet little cherubic face – I could never be mad at him for long.

This weekend, we’ll toast to Ryder’s 6th birthday and Mother’s Day. And if I think about it, we can’t have one without the other, can we?

#Throwback Thursday: National Best Friend Day

May 1, 2014 By Lena

Upon waking, I was informed by the #1 and #2 trending topics on Twitter that today is National Best Friends Day. Of course, I have no way of knowing if this is true, as past trending topics have included #RIPOrlandoBloom (he’s very much alive and very much hot) and #WarmWeather (which is of course one of the cruelest hoaxes to Canadians).

Regardless, I saw this as a keen opportunity to pay tribute to my best friend and publish a #tbt post, because frankly, she has been an integral part of my world for more than half my life.

We met in homeroom on the first day of high school – about as fresh of a start as you can get. From the very first moment, I admired her beauty, frankness and her quiet charm – but her popularity frightened me, as I was struggling to develop confidence and stifle the overwhelming fear of integrating in a new school. Hence, although we knew each other, it would be months before we developed a close bond. But once we did, we were inseparable.

Somewhere in my parent’s basement, I have the notes we passed in French class. (She was a horrible French student. I actually feel bad I didn’t make her pay attention more.) But her humorous observations and parade of boy’s names – all drawn with hearts around them of course – were much more interesting than learning a foreign language. She was my style and beauty advisor, adamantly declaring that bangs were so 1991 and showing me the proper way to wear clogs.

One day, she pulled out a tube of lipstick from her pocket, telling me she found it in her garage. It was my first introduction to MAC Cosmetics, and the shade was “Chili”. I went on to wear the hue for two solid years.

Now I could go on, but I’d have to cover 22 years of friendship, and that would fill pages and pages of a novel. And when selecting the photo for this #throwbackthusday, I was presented with the difficult task of choosing one picture from our lifetime of memories.

Should I select a photo of us from high school – or our wild-girl partying days? I have at least 1,000 pictures of us in our twenties – on the beach, in coffee shops, even in underground parking garages. Perhaps I’ll choose a photo from my wedding day, where she served as my maid of honour. Or better yet, a picture of her with Ryder, my first born and her Godson.

In the end, I decided that since it’s National Best Friend Day, and she’s been my BFF since grade 9, I should throw back to our teen years – the way I always see her in my mind’s eye, and will continue to see her until the day I die. As a carefree, sweet girl with a heart of gold. I love you V!

tbt

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: Miss Grumpy Face

April 24, 2014 By Lena

Well, it looks like we’re back to the friend’s house with the snazzy carpet. Did we visit every weekend, and take pictures every time? Because a large portion of my childhood photos have their groovy home as the backdrop. Regardless, here I am looking less than pleased… and I can only guess why.

Was it because my brother and I were dressed up in matching outfits? It’s hard to miss the tidal wave of orange and brown. (Why my mom got a pass from the pumpkin-and-potato combination, I do not know.)

Were the orange socks – not quite knee highs, but not quite ankle socks either – cutting off my circulation? Doubtful, as my scrawny little legs looked comfortable enough dangling from the chair.

Or was it simply because we were at the same damned friend’s house for the 42nd weekend in a row? Jeez folks! Let’s take a break!

Whatever the cause, I donned my grumpiest of faces and stoically refused to smile for the camera.

Say cheese? I don’t think so.

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: Family of Three

April 17, 2014 By Lena

2009, Ryder’s first birthday. We have very few photos together as a family of three, and at the very moment this photo was taken, I was content for Ryder to be an only child. Never a “natural” at this parenting thing, I found it difficult to relate to my little man. I found it difficult to find the patience, understanding and most of all, stamina to keep up with the demands of an unpredictable toddler. I found it difficult to cope. And so, I resigned myself to the fact that maybe a big family simply wasn’t for me, and I had better stop at one. For a while, we were a happy trio.

However, shortly after his birthday, I began to wonder if perhaps Ryder needed a sibling. A playmate; a confidante, a partner in crime. I rationalized that if I couldn’t – or wouldn’t – get down on my knees and play trucks with him, then it was in my power to provide him with a brother or sister who would. And I finally stopped being so hard on myself, acknowledging that many moms simply grow into their role, and perhaps all I needed was a little more practice (and a little more motivation) to come around. Baby Reid was conceived the very night I made the decision to have him.

But before there were two, there was just Ryder – the sunshine in my life; the feisty, mischievous little man who inspired equal parts awe and frustration. We were a family of three for almost exactly two years; and now, when the boys do something crazy (inappropriate, maddening, destructive, etc) – I try to remember that I purposefully brought them together, and take full responsibility for their exuberance… and in turn, my happiness.

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: Thirteen-Oh-One

April 10, 2014 By Lena

Thirteen. My mom became pregnant with me thirteen months after my brother was born. I was thirteen days late, born on the thirteenth of April… at thirteen-oh-one in the afternoon.

Think the number thirteen is bad luck? I beg to differ.

So, here I am, moments after I was born. Fist-pumping my way into the world (solidarity, sister!). And yes, I am quite aware that I was a funny-looking baby. Seriously, you don’t have to be nice! I can take it. Truth is, between the comb-over, ruddy red cheeks and bulging eyes, I often look at this photo and groan inwardly.

But then I realize that every baby is absolutely beautiful, and to my mom – who wished for a girl with all her heart – I’m sure I looked like the tiny little miracle that I was.

(And hey! I grew up to be a total babe. So there’s that.)

This Sunday I celebrate thirty-six years. And even though the forecast is calling for rain, I have no doubt my day will be filled with good luck and great laughter. Happy Birthday to me!

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: The Stagette

April 3, 2014 By Lena

2007: A rite of passage. The stagette, of course! My girlfriends stuffed me into a posh hotel room – and fed me marshmallows and liquor until I threw up. And THEN we began the celebration!

The photo above was taken before the late night dancing… but shortly after I was subjected to numerous well-planned and expertly executed stagette games I won’t repeat here. Swaying back and forth and stumbling, I protested that I wouldn’t be able to make it to the club, and motioned for the girls to go on without me. Undeterred, they found a walker-styled shopping cart in the hallway and wheeled me to the elevator.

(I shudder to think whose walker they pinched! And sincerely hope it made it back to the proper owner.)

I have almost no memories of that night, including the exact moment this photo was taken, why it was taken, who took it… but I do know that the silly grin on my face ended with a grimace when I face-planted on a couch in the nightclub. Ah, to be young again! This is my throwback.

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: Make a Wish!

March 27, 2014 By Lena

Ah, the primary school birthday party.

In 1983, it meant three things. One, my mom insisted that I wear my most showy, most elaborate pink dress – just in case anyone didn’t realize that I was the girl of the hour, of course. Two, chocolate birthday cake. Glorious chocolate birthday cake! I realize I can never show this photo to Ryder, whose classroom code of conduct states that only fresh cut fruit is allowed on birthdays. (Even I think this is sad.) He’ll take one look at my chocolate-sprinkled cake and wish he lived back in the good ol’ days.

And three – the VERY best thing about having a primary school birthday party? You instantly became the most popular kid for the day. Hooray for buying kids’ friendship with sugary concoctions!

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: Happiness Is…

March 20, 2014 By Lena

Before the controversies, before the public outrage. Before Marineland’s present owner John Holer was accused of subjecting sea mammals at Marineland to inhumane conditions. Before the expose by The Toronto Star where it was revealed too many “performers” suffered from a variety of illnesses caused by problems with water quality and chronic under-staffing. Before Canadians took a stand against the cruel treatment of animals in captivity. Before that… we all proudly sang along… “Happiness Is Marineland!”

Marineland, Niagara Falls Ontario, 1980. I have no recollection of this day; as a chubby 2-year old toddler, I was likely balancing on my mom’s knee as my father took the photograph. I marvel at the lack of protective gear; instead of wet suits, the trainers are sporting a t-shirt and shorts. An unkempt, grassy enclosure marks the location of the sea lion show. Two red balloons, suspended from the ceiling, are demonstrative of the killer whale’s impressive range.

A scoreboard in the background flips through comedic images featuring “Nootka”, one of five orcas captured off the coast of Iceland in 1979, just one year prior.

“During her life in captivity, Nootka went through eight pregnancies. Many of her offspring survived the most critical days in life, but just two of them reached adulthood, Splash and Neocia. Nootka was described as a very protective mother, and although a moody orca, she was long considered the best performer at the park. Nootka sadly died during off peak season at Marineland in 2008. The cause of death has never been released.” RIP Nootka.

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: Spring Has Sprung

March 13, 2014 By Lena

After yesterday’s disastrous winter storm – which blanketed us with over 15cm of the white stuff – today, we’ve been graced with a clear, sunny day. Normally, I’d be tickled pink… if it wasn’t for the -30°C windchill factor. Ugh! Will this winter never end?

Today I’m looking back to March 25, 1986, when the temperature soared to a balmy 19°C. Oh, the feeling of leaving the house without a jacket! It was all we could ask for after a cold, harsh Canadian winter. Of course, thanks to my mom’s handiwork, I was always set with a brand new Spring dress to welcome the season.

Pigtails, pink bows and puffed sleeves – could I get any more girly? I often chuckle at the realization that I spent about 10 years of my life living in a predominantly pink wardrobe (which was later countered by mostly blue and black outfits in my teens and twenties).

On a related note – does anyone believe the puffed sleeve trend will ever come back?

So besides posing in new Spring fashions, what was I doing in 1986? I was playing with my Jem doll, of course!

“Meet Jem, the rock sensation with flashing LED earrings that light up at the touch of a button. On stage, she’s the hottest female vocalist in town. Off stage, she’s Jerrica, a sleek executive.”

Show of hands: Who had a Jem doll – or remembers Jem and the Holograms?

#ThrowbackThursday: Mario Talks Menstruation

March 6, 2014 By Lena

San Diego, 2011. It is my very first BlogHer experience, and I am in my element – taking in the city and conference, bouncing from party to after-party, collecting swag bags and exchanging business cards. It is the epitome of social learning, and it will take at least two more BlogHer Conferences (New York 2012 and Chicago 2013, respectively) to convince me that I really have outgrown the institution.

August 6th, 2011 – I’ve printed out three Eventbrite invitations. Party hopping heaven! The first invite is for the Softcup soirée… with special guest, Mario Lopez! Squee! Mr. Dimples is making an appearance at a blogging conference for women? Is this what happens at blogging conferences?

But wait… WHAT is SOFTCUP? And why is Mario shilling for it?

“Softcup is a flexible cup that is worn internally, around your cervix. It collects, rather than absorbs menstrual flow. It’s hypo-allergenic, latex-free and completely safe when used as directed.”

WTF. Seriously, A.C. Slater? You’re pushing a menstruation cup? Do I really want to hang around for your speech… or worse, a demonstration?

Saddened, I was embarrassed for both of us. So I did what every self-entitled blogger would do: when Mario arrived with his entourage, I hopped the velvet rope and asked for a photo with him, declaring that frankly, I had a better party to get to. He looked at me with surprise, as did everyone around me – I mean, who was this crazy blogger?

As soon as the photo was taken, I skipped away, calling out, “I got the first photo with Mr. Dimples! And now I’m gone! Enjoy your period product!” True story.

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: The Front Porch

February 27, 2014 By Lena

August 1979. I have no memories of the first home I lived in, as I was barely 18 months old when we moved from Toronto to Mississauga. Back then, Mississauga was nothing more than suburban farmland, but at a population of 294,331 strong, Toronto’s neighbour to the west was already showing much promise.

Two months after we moved, the great Mississauga Train Derailment occurred, forcing us from our new home for three days as the entire city was evacuated. But the disaster was contained, the city was restored, and it went on to become one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

But before Mississauga, there was 133 Norseman Street in Toronto, and the porch where this photo was taken. Me and my brother, the two original curly swirlies.

(Is there any doubt we’re related?)

Years ago, I drove by the home, situated on the corner of Norseman Street and Islington Avenue in Etobicoke. I tried to form a connection with the house; the place I lived as a newborn and infant. I pictured my mother walking up the porch steps holding my brother’s tiny hand. I saw my father pulling into the driveway after a long day at work. I wondered how different my life would be if I had grown up in this corner house in Toronto.

Through the magic of Google Maps, I can show you what the house looks like today. 35 years later, it has resisted most attempts at modernization and retained much of its charm. Though sadly, it appears that the porch has been renovated. Perhaps my brother and I will have to take new photograph :)

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: The Second Bump

February 20, 2014 By Lena

Today’s throwback is actually “Part II” of #ThrowbackThursday #tbt: The Second Wedding. It seems that weddings are good luck in my family; every time a loved one celebrates a sacred union, we also celebrate an itty bitty baby.

August 2009. Remembering the marriage of my brother and sister-in-law, here’s a picture of me and my mom, waiting our turn in the round-robin of professional family photos. My husband snapped the pic and later remarked that there was something off about my face.

“I don’t know,” he said. “It looks fuller. Kind of brighter. It’s like you’re glowing.”

Turns out, there are three people in this photo: my mom, myself… and a tiny little miracle we now call Reid.

Of course, the difference is that I wasn’t trying to hide a pregnancy here – I had no idea I was knocked up! And yes… I may have had a glass of wine or two… but I assure you, Reid turned out perfectly!

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: The Second Wedding

February 13, 2014 By Lena

Not many brides are lucky enough to have two weddings, but due to circumstances and faith, I was destined for part deux.

My husband and I were originally married in Niagara-on-the-Lake at the Prince of Wales Hotel. We selected the date based on luck (07-07-07); unfortunately, as luck would have it, we were not able to have a church wedding on our special day. Hence, we were married at the hotel and planned a smaller, Catholic wedding in October. My mom sewed a simple, flowing dress and I ordered a small bouquet of roses from a local flower shop.

Yet something happened between my first wedding and my second – a honeymoon baby! But as I was only about 10 weeks along, we weren’t ready to announce the good news just yet. I crossed my fingers we could keep it secret for a little while longer.

However, a few days before the wedding, I slipped on the dress and had a UPM (ultimate panic moment): the dress stretched across my tummy! A small yet defined bump was clearly visible through the sheer fabric. EGADS!

(Could I blame it on a few extra pounds? Not likely, when my rib cage was showing!)

In the end, my mom and I came up with a solution: she attached a cascading drape of fabric to the front of the dress, which camouflaged the tummy area and drew the eye away from the tiny baby bump we now call Ryder.

And you know what? Since we were blessed with a baby, and finally married in the eyes of God, I actually think my small, simple and serene second wedding was the one that brought me the most joy. Oh happy day!