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Easter is fast approaching, and it’s another special first for our little ones. Even though they’re both still a few months shy of the one-year mark, we couldn’t resist sourcing out custom Easter baskets and filling them with fun goodies. While we were tempted to go the self-indulgent route and fill their baskets with chocolate, gummies and other delectable treats we may enjoy (that would be wrong…right?), we put our sweet tooth aside and decided to find a few things just for them. If you’re looking for alternatives to chocolate eggs and marshmallow peeps (do those still exist?), check out our shopping list of baby-friendly Easter gifts.  Baby’s Easter Basket Bundle
 Many of these items are future purchases, so while the basket is for baby, the contents are also checking a few items off of Momma’s shopping list (win-win!). What will your little ones find in their Easter baskets? Happy Easter! 
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 The countdown is on to April showers and May flowers! To welcome in a new season, we’ve put together a little checklist of spring to-dos that will have you (and your home) ready for the months ahead. Out with the old, in with the new Anyone else use a new season as the perfect excuse for a little retail therapy? Spring clothing lines are calling our names and that means it’s time to make room in our closets for new fashionable finds. We’re both guilty of holding onto items of clothing longer than necessary. If you haven’t worn it in several months, it may be time to go your separate ways. Sure, that double-breasted pinstripe blazer with linebacker shoulder pads may come back into style, and when it does, it’s just another excuse to purchase a newer model! Don't forget to remove clothing from your kiddie's closet that no longer fits!  Kitchen clean out Just like your closet, your kitchen likely has a few things taking up space and collecting dust. Go through your fridge and cabinets and check expiry dates. Donate any unopened, but not past-its-prime items, to your local food bank. Kitchens can clutter quickly; stay ahead of the game with a seasonal clean out.   Home refresh It’s amazing what a few minor switch-outs can do to bring your home into a new season. Lighter throw cushions, fewer textured layers, a touch of floral or greenery and softer shades and fabrics in curtains and throws will breathe new life into any space.  Meal prep Clothing isn’t the only seasonal shift we’re excited about. A new batch of fresh produce for spring salads, smoothies and other yummy dishes are also returning to our local markets, grocery stores and backyard gardens. With little ones, we are huge fans of making meals ahead of time to have on-hand throughout the week. If you’ve opted to make your own baby food, freeze large batches to ensure you’re never left in the lurch at meal time.  Boost your bedding
Our fingers are crossed that the heavy duvet and extra throw blanket at the bottom of the bed will become a thing of the past in just a few short weeks. Strip away those extra layers for lighter comforters. Try a softer hue in sheets and throw pillows to give your bedroom an airy feel. Shoe review From knee-high heeled boots to cozy Sorels, we love a good winter boot, but we’d be lying if we said we weren’t excited to slip our feet into a classic heel or simple ballet flat. Warmer temps mean our ankles will breathe once again (and our razors will be put back into rotation…)! Do a once-over on your seasonal shoes and check soles, heels and toes for scuffs and nicks. Give them a little TLC with a simple shoe shine. Treat yo' self! Your home is set, your meals are done and your closet is clutter-free. Now it’s time for a little self-love. A pedicure is the perfect way to welcome in spring. Your toes will soon be on display, so now’s the time to prep them for their big debut. A massage, manicure, facial or cut and dry are all great ways to feel refreshed for the sunny season ahead. What will you do to welcome in a new season? Happy spring lovelies! 15% Off Site Wide at ILY Couture with code FAMILY15. Ends 7/1/18. **This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links.  We love a meal that is fast to make, tastes delicious and good for us. This green smoothie bowl ticks all those boxes. Whether it's a quick breakfast, an after workout treat, or part of a healthy lunch, this smoothie bowl never disappoints.
Serves 1 Ingredients 1 cup spinach 1 frozen banana 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt 1/4 cup almond milk 1 tsp nut butter (we love peanut or almond butter) Directions In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth. To serve, spoon into a bowl and top with desired toppings such as coconut flakes, granola, blueberries, chia seeds and hemp seeds. This refreshing green bowl is so yummy; just in time for Saint Patrick's Day. Enjoy! To say we love birthdays is an understatement. We love a reason to celebrate - big or small. This past weekend was Jacqueline's birthday. To commemorate this occasion, we decided to live like tourists in beautiful downtown Halifax. The Location Before we married and had babies, we lived in downtown Halifax. Our condo was situated along the boardwalk and we seriously felt like the world was our oyster. When we weren't working, we were dining out with friends, shopping in boutiques, fueling up on coffee from cute cafés, listening to local musicians or watching local theatre. We travelled mostly on foot and we loved it. Our lives are different now, but for this weekend, we wanted to relive a bit of our downtown days. So, we rented an Airbnb in downtown Halifax to accommodate our families, packed up what seemed like the entire contents of our homes (our babies are small but they need so much stuff!), and set out on a birthday staycation!  The sights We arrived at our destination on Friday afternoon and did not get back in our cars until we left Sunday afternoon. We walked everywhere; pushing our strollers up Halifax's hills to get where we wanted to go (now that's a workout!). On Saturday, after a delicious breakfast prepared by Jacqueline's husband in our kitchen, we kicked things off with some shopping. Biscuit General Store is one of our favourite shops. They carry unique fashion apparel as well as some quirky home goods, affordable jewellery and one-of-a-kind gift ideas.  Biscuit General Store With shopping bags in hand, we headed to the Halifax Central Library. This space is a book and architectural lover's dream. (Side note: Lindsay's book, Winds of Change - The Life and Legacy of Calvin W. Ruck can be found here!) Although the library is filled with books, it also has a play area for toddlers, tablets and video games for older kids, a computer learning lab, public use computers, coffee shops situated on two different floors, and lots more. The glass building also offers some amazing views of the city. We had so much exploring to do!  Halifax Central Library Feeling peckish, we decided to go to Prince George Hotel for a few nibbles. We're so glad we did. The service was fantastic and the food was delicious. Our server even provided Jacqueline with hot water to warm up her baby's bottle and another staff member directed Lindsay to a conference room so she could breastfeed in private. The lounge is also very stroller accessible.  Prince George Hotel On Sunday, after devouring the delicious breakfast prepared by Lindsay, we headed out to the Halifax Seaport Market. Saturday is the market's busiest day of the week and Sunday is much calmer - especially for little babies who may not be used to crowds. That being said, there are far less purveyors on Sunday. Both babies fell asleep so we casually shopped for fresh veggies at Noggins Corner Farm Market, and sipped kombucha while they napped. We decided to have lunch and found a table on the top floor overlooking the vendors' stalls. There were even local musicians playing fiddles, which made for a quintessential East Coast Sunday afternoon.  Other Perks In addition to exploring all downtown Halifax has to offer, there were several other lovely perks. Lindsay ordered a dozen cupcakes from layers cupcakes. These sugary treats are so, so good!    Chef Craig Flinn
The weekend was made complete by home cooked meals and quality family time. Oh, and our mom's blueberry cream cheese pie, aka Jacqueline's birthday "cake"! Have you ever taken a staycation? |
AuthorJacqueline and Lindsay are sisters and new moms living on the East Coast of Canada. |
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