{What Mama Wore} Black & Yellow

Dress: Parisian by Pink Martini // Bolero: Vero Moda // Tights: H&M // Boots: Thrifted // Necklace: Vintage // Lipstick: Revlon Super Lustrous Matte (New favourite lipstick. The colour is basically perfect.)

Last week, on Thursday, I held down the fort at Tango while owner Rebecca was out of town, and this is what I wore. I joked via Twitter that my style inspiration was a character from Mortal Kombat. That's all I could think about when I realized I was head to toe black/yellow.

I even painted my nails yellow, with a few teal tips, just to spice things up a little. The yellow is from Joe Fresh and it's called Pineapple. Perfect hue.

Pineapple.

Mint, Teal.

Improvising.

I was completely impatient pulling the sticker off of my nails, so of course the polish wasn't 100% dry. Next time I'll not be so quick to peel and my linse will turn out a bit less wonky. Either way, I'm definitely loving the colour combo. Gretchen also approved heartily (waving her purple, sparkle nails my way).

Have a fab day, mes amis!

{Giveaway} Ugglebo Clogs

Remember the purdy Swedish clogs I showed off in last week's edition of What Mama Wore? Well, if you happened to fall in love with them like I did, then you'll be totally psyched about today's giveaway!

The folks at Ugglebo, who have been making clogs for women since the 1960s, are offering up a beautiful pair of wood clogs for one of my lucky readers.

THE GIVEAWAY
One sexy pair of Chukka Shearling Clog Boots*!

TO ENTER
For your mandatory entry, please visit the Ugglebo Clogs site to sign up for their newsletter, then leave a comment here letting me know you did. Their fantastic newsletter is sent out appprox. 2x monthly and contains info on new styles, promotions, news, sales and more! Be sure to leave a way of contacting you should you win.

For additional entries (leave one comment per entry):

• Choose a favourite style of Ugglebo clog & tell me about the outfit you'd style around them
• Like Ugglebo Clogs on Facebook
• Follow @UggleboClogs on Twitter
• Like So Fawned on Facebook
• Follow @sofawned on Twitter
• Tweet the following message:
• I just entered the @UggleboClogs #giveaway on @sofawned's blog! http://sofawned.com

Giveaway ends March 13th at noon! Open to Canada and the US!

PS. Be sure to check out the sale happening over on the Ugglebo site right now -- Shearling styles are 25% off until March 5th!
PPS. If any of you are fourtunate enough to have size 38 footsies, please snag these incredible Mustard Yellow Isio Clogs. Believe, if I could cram my feet inside (wicked stepsister style) they'd be mine.

*In the unlikely case that the lovely Chukka Shearling Boots (in either tan or black) become unavailable (size, etc.), our lucky winner will be offered a prize from Ugglebo's Urban collection. Either way, the winner of this swanky giveaway will have some very happy feet in the very near future!

Beyond So Fawned

Just a few things I've been working on elsewhere:

• Feelings Collages
• Tree Houses For The Young At Heart
• It's All In The Family
• Nailed It!

The #PeterTweeter Awards

My hometown is in the middle of something pretty rad. Started by a group of local Twitter addicts, not unlike myself, Peterborough, Ontario is hosting the first annual #PeterTweeter Awards, a local Twitter awards shindig to highlight some pretty nifty tweeters in our community.

I'm pretty honoured to have been nominated in two categories:

• Mommy Tweeter: We know you, we know your kid(s) and you are one active, social and engaging momma!
• Peter Tweeter: You drive the trends, lead the conversations and are interactive and engaging in your community.

Now, I know some may roll their eyes when I talk about how much I love my city, but I really do. I was born here, I went to university here, my family is close & it really is a lovely spot for raising little ones. I get bummed out when people trash talk my city. It's small, but we've got heart, baby. And I'm really excited for this awards ceremony -- a night full of friends, style, smiles & maybe we'll crash Twitter with our enthusiasm. Yes!

Check out the news segment that aired Thursday with @TeresaKaszuba, @ptbo_skeptic & @danigray:

Jump to about 5:45 mins for a closeup of yours truly. So bizarre to see @sofawned pop up on the news. Who knew!

The event is being held March 1st at Splice. 

PS. You can vote here if you're into that sorta thing, but since you're not all local, I won't be hounding you for support. It's just for funsies. Peace!

Fawned Friday

01. Beautiful.

02. Infuse your child's life with books.

03. I can't wait to make my own dishwasher detergent. Brilliant.

04. My mouse hand is always frigid. I need these.

05. Louis CK love.

06. You're nothing but treble.

07. Make your own herbal mouthwash.

08. Gretchen would be enthralled by this contraption.

PS. Today is the last day to enter my Blowfish Shoes giveaway! A winner will be chosen & announced this afternoon. Best wishes!

{What Mama Wore} Start Wearing Purple

Dreary days call for bright tights! It's been a bit cloudy/rainy/snowy (you name it) in my hometown this week, so yesterday I decided to lighten things up a bit with some purple legs and bright red lipstick. A sure fire way to beat those wintry blues, mes amis.

Dress: H&M // Shoes: Chukka Boots c/o Ugglebo Clogs // Tights: Show Your Legs // Necklace: Vintage

I should also give a bit of a shout out to the fabulous Chantilly of My Girl Thursday fame, who originally linked me to Show Your Legs -- otherwise known as "the eBay shop that makes me drool all over my netbook keyboard". Seriously. Click the link, then come back and tell me how happy that price makes you. You may also recognize these babies from our blogger tea party in November.

I also have to swoon a bit over the gorgeous boots Ugglebo sent me. Now, I'm not a short gal (about 5'8ish) so I don't generally go for heels. That, and I'm just about the most uncoordinated person you'll ever meet. These factors makes for a dangerous combination when it comes to adding artificial height. However, these sexy wooden clogs are insanely comfortable, easy to walk in and I haven't fallen once! A high compliment from this clumsy gal!

Cardigan: ONLY, TiaStar.com

Thanks so much to the lovely Rebecca of Tango Women's Wear, who was kind enough to help me snap a few outfit photos!

PS. If you're a local, you should definitely pay a visit to Becca's shop -- she's pretty much the most adorable proprietress in town. She's also a Matchmaker.

PPS. I'm SO excited to see the sun shining today. Hello Springish goodness!

{Wordless Wednesday} Growing Up

{What We Ate} Brunch With A Side Of Smoothie

I've been wanting to post about food a lot more on the blog, so I'm starting a new feature (inspired by the lovely Miss James and her Bird Food posts) to show what we've been munching on. As the weeks go on I'll be sharing more toddler meal ideas, quick family friendly recipes and all sorts of foodie inspirations that work for us!

Here are some lunchtime snapshots from a few days ago:

blueberries // grapes // red peppers (a fav!) // cucumbers // eggs scrambled with peppers and salsa

PB&B Smoothie: One banana, 1tbsp peanut butter, 1/2 cup (or so) vanilla yogurt, top with milk of choice and blend. This time I also tossed in a few blueberries since they were on hand. Spinach also hides nicely in here.

Yum!

Do your kiddos have a favourite food right now? Anything they can't stand?

PS. Our stainless steel bus plate is by Innobaby. LOVE this thing.

February Sponsor Love!

Good morning! This month I've had the honour of working with some totally rad sponsors and so I'd like to take a moment to introduce them! Be sure to visit their shops, blogs & websites, and say "hello!" via Facebook or Twitter if you like what you see -- I bet you will!

Ugglebo Clogs was founded in 1965 as a small, family-run factory. In a charming Swedish town just off the coast of the Baltic Sea, our founder Sven Carlsson called upon his skills and passion from years of clog making at the largest clog maker in Sweden to transform leather and wood into elegant, fashionable and comfortable clogs for men, women and children alike. He called these clogs Ugglebo Toffeln, as “Ugglebo” means owl’s nest in Swedish, and “Toffeln” is the Swedish word for clogs.

Today, the same time-honored techniques are used to craft our superior clogs, which are created in the same factory where it all started over 45 years ago. Sven’s son Christer joined the team in 1969 and remains head clog master to this day. With Christer’s help Ugglebo has remained true both to the craftsmanship ideal we were founded upon as well as reinventing our classic styles with the addition of many new and trendy versions to our beautiful collections.

**To celebrate the launch of their newly designed website & Spring collection, the fine folks at Ugglebo are offering 25% off their Shearling boots. Click here to check out this awesome deal.

Website :: Twitter :: Facebook

We think personal style is just another form of self-expression, and we make shoes for creative girls who can put together a look with effortless originality. Blowfish takes a break from the ordinary and a cue from the past. There’s something unexpected in every shoe we create, just as there’s something unexpected about every girl who wears them.

** Be sure to visit the left sidebar link to enter the current Blowfish giveaway! Enter to win before February 24th -- you won't be sorry!

Website :: Twitter :: Facebook

I am a mama on an amazing journey which I share at Mothering with Mindfulness. I am learning, growing and changing on this journey and I invite you to follow along and share your journey as well. When I am not mothering and blogging, you can find me working with other mamas as a nutritionist, guiding them as they feed their babies and toddlers real food, and set a solid foundation for optimum well being now and in the future for their little ones. And when work is done and it's time to play, you can find me sewing, knitting, designing toys, hiking, running, cooking from scratch and searching our everything I can on raising chickens and making soap.

Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Website

Warm. Waterproof. Comfortable. All Bogs styles are 100% waterproof and built with durable rubber to seal out the elements. Neo-tech insulation provides unsurpassed warmth and Channel Air Technology keeps feet dry and comfortable. Our contoured fit lets you work harder and play longer. Add in a slip-resistant outsole for traction and you’re ready to take on any challenge in your Bogs. Because we believe you shouldn’t have to give up anything for great footwear.

Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Website

If you'd like to be a part of March's sponsor lineup, send an email to desireefawn at gmail dot com and we'll chat about a way for you to get involved with the blog. I'm in the process of revamping and finalizing my new sponsor opportunities, so now is the perfect time to chat with me about getting involved! Fabulous things are happening next month and I'd love to have you join the par-tay!

Woop, woop!

Generations & Family Traditions

There's a very sweet little pink dress that has been in my family for years. Soon it'll be time for Gretchen to try it on.

See the blonde gal in the larger frame? That'd be yours truly at about age two. In the smaller photo? My grandmother. For some reason, the dress went missing during my own mother's childhood, and so she was never photographed in it -- but my little Fawn will carry on the tradition.

The material has the finest, most precious feeling, gauze-like quality to it. The embroidered details are absolutely beautiful and it's in glorious condition. It's originally from Germany, as is my family.

Much like our last name, this dress has been passed down in a matriarchal fashion an so it will continue. I cannot wait to see my little girl in this outfit, just like her mama and great-grandmother before her.

Family traditions make me smile a great deal. In our tiny clan it's wonderful to be able to count on something so simple and lovely. I'm grateful to my grandmother who kept such great care of this outfit and was able to pull it out at a moment's notice when I inquired.

And I promise to share photos after Gretchen's photo shoot, of course. I sense a future edition of Small Style in the making. 

Please tell me, mes amis, are you carrying on any family traditions? What makes them important to you? I'd love to hear. 

PS. Happy Family Day to those celebrating!

Beyond So Fawned

A few posts I've been working on elsewhere:

• Pretty Pastels At Your Fingertips
• DIY Heart Sweaters
• Laugh It Up!

Fawned Friday

01. I love your guts.

02. Backpacks are totally cool again.

03. Mirror bunting. So rad.

04. The most gorgeous Airstream possible.

05. I'm so happy to see this mama with her boy.

06. So much to drool over.

07. Some favourite read-aloud chapter books.

08. Yum!

09. I won't lie. I'm basically in love with this room.

10. A really neat space.

11. Excellent site design tips. 

12. Tummy rubs!

13. How to throw an ugly party.

Mess-Free Finger Painting

This is definitely Gretchen's favourite activity as of late -- and I bet your kiddos will love it too! Check out our mess-free fun over at Child Mode.

{Wordless Wednesday} What Sustains Me

A Valentine's Day {Giveaway} From Blowfish Shoes!

Good morning, lovelies! Today I'm excited to offer up a chance for you to win a pair of snazzy new shoes from one of my fantastic sponsors -- Blowfish! 

If you've never browsed through their site, you're in for a treat! So many styles to swoon over. I'm currently in love with the Haylon boot, and I bet my toes would be especially happy inside these Bickers. Also be sure to take a look at their Spring preview! So good, so much colour. Heck yes.

THE GIVEAWAY

The fabulous folks at Blowfish are giving away one pair of shoes to one of my lovely readers -- winner's choice! Ooh la la!

TO ENTER

For your mandatory entry, please visit Blowfish, then come back and tell me your favourite shoe. Be sure to also leave a way of contacting you, should you win. Merci!

For additional entries (leave one comment per entry):

• Follow @BlowfishShoes on Twitter
• Follow @sofawned on Twitter
• Like Blowfish Shoes on Facebook
• Like So Fawned on Facebook
• Subscribe to the Blowfish B.Log
• Tweet the following message: 
• I just entered the @BlowfishShoes #giveaway on @sofawned's blog! http://www.sofawned.com

The giveaway is open internationally and ends February 24th at noon. A winner will be chosen at random and announced here (and on Twitter, of course!) Best wishes, mes amis!

Update: Congrats to the lovely Miss Kait. You won!

Good Morning

I am so happy to see the sun shining this morning. Gretchen and I are heading downtown soon for a visit to our favourite cafe & a date with an old friend. Then I think we might visit the ducks in the park before coming back home for a very cozy naptime.

What will your Monday look like, mes amis?

Cheers, To A Splendid Saturday

Hmm, I think I'd like to spend part of my weekend all snuggled up in a bed just like this one, but I'll settle for my own with it's cozy duvet and vintage chenille throw.

I have such a soft spot for thrifted quilts. Actually, I think I recognize a few of those old pillowcases and the sheet tucked right underneath. Makes me a bit giddy.

(I can't wait til yard sale season is upon us once again. Or maybe it's just time to raid my mother's house since she hoards stuff like this in her linen closet.)

PS. Babble's The New Home Ec named me as one of their 5 Favourite Pinners yesterday. How sweet is that?

Chemex Considerations

We all know how much I adore making French press coffee, but I'll admit my neighbour has me wondering what all this Chemex fuss is all about.

Have you ever made Chemex coffee? I know I've had the pleasure of enjoying it in the comfort of my lovely neighbour's living room, but never have I brewed up a batch myself!

PS. If you missed my French press how-to post a while back, check it out here.
PPS. Friends Chemex!

Images spotted here & here.

Fawned Friday

01. Iris just started a blog! (Remember her? She's the one with the near-matching doily tattoo. I love her & I'm so excited about her new site.)

02. Heart sweater DIY.

03. Five ways to clean up your diet.

04. I do love this room.

05. Must find a sweater to mod just like this one.

06. I'm instantly salivating reading this recipe.

07. Tasty!

08. I'd like to invite myself over for dinner.

09. Cute, funny & fairly accurate.

10. I feel a lot like this.

Ideas

As I blog away at nearly 4.30am, I can't help but think just how very accurate this representation is. When do you get your best ideas, friends? I try to carry a notebook 24/7, even keeping one bedside for those middle-of-the-night/early-morning brainstorms, but I'll admit I don't always get the things in my head onto paper before they vanish. I've also started using Evernote on my iPhone/PC to sort out notes for blog posts & my general to-do lists.

How do you keep track of your ideas? Blog, life, otherwise?

Getting Papercrafty

I don't know much about this series, but I'm loving it!

I haven't made paper dolls or anything of the like for a few years now... time to start! I bet these would look lovely hanging above Gretchen's bed.

Recently

Snapshots from my gramma's house. The energy is so calming and and I always feel at peace. Her home is filled with treasures and fabulous books and an incredible art collection from the places she's lived and traveled. Everything is warm and inviting and cozy.

This might be one of my most favourite places on earth.

PS. Was at the hospital with doula clients & their beautiful little boy last night. Today is a lots o' coffee kind of day. I think a trip to our favourite downtown cafe may be in order.
PPS. If you haven't already entered the Schoolhouse Toys giveaway, pop over here for your chance to win some gorgeous handmade wooden blocks. Best wishes.