the perfect black legging

Club Monaco's Diana Legging

They're good, really good. Thick and warm fabric so you don't freeze in the winter;  higher waisted so as not to create love handles- always a bonus!; little bit of stretch but keep their shape-no baggy knees; they're long-for all you tall girls ;);  and they have stirrup bottoms so they stay down in those tall boots!

I got mine on Black Friday for $49, on sale from $89. They're sold out online but check your local store! They're a little expensive but worth the splurge! Mine have quickly become a closet staple!

sing along

I am absolutely in love with The Lumineers - Hey Ho. You know one of those songs, when it comes on the radio, you turn the volume to max, loudly sing along while smiling and tapping your foot along to the beat...? Anyone with me?  Well, watch the video here, get into it, and you just try not to sing along like a fool next time it comes on the radio!

some thoughts.

I had a strange Monday. I was weirdly emotional, breaking into tears a couple times. I have no reason to be sad, but just had a feeling of being overwhelmed. I took a deep breath, got myself organized and am feeling much better! 

Just some thoughts from this weekend and today...

{ I can't wait to celebrate the start of 2013 with our Bubbly Golden Champagne Flutes }

{ My only Black Friday purchase - this delicate lace top from Banana Republic that I got for 40% off! }

{ I helped my Momma out today with her company, Potluck Planters - 

I'm so proud of the beautiful designs she comes up with }

{ Our weekend was filled enjoying warm, festive drinks with great friends }

{ Specialty Coffee }

1oz Baileys

1/2oz Grand Marnier

5oz Coffee

Dip the rim of the mug in granulated sugar

Top with fresh whipped cream

....We're off to softball tonight for game 2. I forgot to share, but last week, at our first game, as I was trying to impress D by catching a pop fly- I ran (full tilt) into a teammate. I wasn't watching where I was going and by the time I looked down, it was too late and I bounced off of him and fell to the ground - instantly breaking out into hysterics. Pretty darn embarrassing!

movember

Have you donated yet? If you haven't, please do - we have a week left in November. There's no escaping cancer, we all have been affected by it in some degree. It's not easy for any of us, but supporting cancer research brings us all closer to finding a cure. Chances are you know someone participating in Movember, so go donate to them. It doesn't have to be much, but every dollar counts.

Want to donate?, get started here.

holiday time: tips for dining out

{ Kraft Paper Placemats from West Elm }

With the holiday season nearly upon us, I always find it's a time when you gather with friends and often end up eating out a lot. I'm the first one to admit that I love going out for meals, but it's sometimes hard to balance out a healthy diet with all the temptation. I came across an article in an old Chatelaine and thought I would share some realistic ideas to help you through the holiday restaurant rush!

1. Snack before you go. 
I'm not talking a full meal, but have a small, healthy snack like a piece of fruit or some nuts. By the time you get to the restaurant your brain recognizes that you're no longer starving, and your hunger won't cause you to overeat.

2. Get dressings and sauces on the side.
I love sauces, but unfortunately, most of the time they are filled with unhealthy sugars and fats. Asking for dressings and sauces on the side allows you to monitor how much you're using and still enjoy the flavor, while at the same time saving some calories!

3. Leave some food on your plate.
You don't have to finish every bit of food you are served. Often time, portions are larger than they need to be, so eat slowly, enjoy the flavors and listen to your brain when it tells you you're getting full. You'll leave the restaurant feeling good and you'll have yummy food to enjoy for lunch the next day, it's a win- win!

Mastering Menus: My favorite types of food to go out for have to be Italian and Japanese. Here are some tips on how to navigate those tricky, tempting menus!

Italian: Go for marinara (tomato sauce), marsala (wine sauce) and primavera (vegetables); Avoid alfredo (cream sauce), parmigiana (made with cheese) and cannelloni (stuffed with cheese)

Japanese: Order more sushi and sashimi, brown rice and edamame; Avoid tempura and anything else deep fried!

Hopefully these tips help you out in the coming weeks and allow you to enjoy time spent with family and friends, while still looking sexy in that holiday dress!

going to bed with a moose

{ By Nord - Moose Duvet }

Camp life really got to me. My time up north has me now wanting moose on my duvet cover... There's also a bear and a wolf for all you other wild animal lovers.

a sparkly, pink dress.

{ Ted Baker - Russi  Dress }

Wouldn't this dress be so dreamy to wear to an outdoor wedding come summer? The skirt would be so flowy and fun to dance in and the soft pink is so delicate and pretty. Also, the beading work is so magnificent. I would love to add this dress to my closet for fancy pants occassions. Too bad it seems to be sold out everywhere, shucks. 

Oh, and while we're on the topic of Ted Baker.... I began browsing their website after looking at the Sherway Gardens expansion plan. Which, low and behold, includes a Ted Baker store! (along with Kate Spade, H&M, Zara, JCrew, Tory Burch - are you giddy with excitement too?)

hostess gift idea: coasters

You're probably thinking, really Kim, coasters? But hey, they're practical -who wants to spend time cleaning water rings off their table tops?! - and as I'll show you they can be fun and stylish! 

{ Agate Slice Trivet Coaster }

First, these agate coasters, they are absolutely stunning. The colors are so vibrant and the natural beauty of the stone is hypnotizing. Even gifting just one, I would proudly put it on my coffee table as decoration! 

{ Wax Seal Coasters }

Second, I think these wax seal coasters are cute for the more casual hostess - or even a host?! Perfect to bring out on to the patio with cold beers in the summertime.

Finally Coastermatic, the most personalized option. To start, you need an Instagram account. You login to your account and Coastermatic pulls up all your instagrammed photos. Then you choose your favorite four photos and they are printed onto stone coasters, wrapped up and shipped to you for 25 bucks! I have debated over these for a year, and after taking quite a few photos on Instagram, I think I might have to order a set for D for Christmas! I think these would be the most fun to have on your coffee table!

And ofcourse, for an added little treat, you could pair any of the above coasters with a nice bottle of vino! Try my personal favorite next time you're at the liquor store!

monday morning sunshine

I don't know if you're completely sick and tired of Psy's Gangnam Style, but here's a video with a little bit of a twist. I personally think it's amazing and hope it brings a smile to your face on this chilly Monday morning! Watch the video HERE!

have a happy weekend

{ First eggnog latte of the season! }

I hope my holiday posts haven't been overwhelming lately... but Christmas seems to be everywhere! Incase you don't follow me on instagram (kimberlyannemclean), here are a few things that managed to get me in the holiday mood this week! 

I'm off to a girls dinner tonight and D and I are viewing some condos tomorrow! Enjoy your weekend!

{ Candles at Chapters - I can happily boast I've always been on Santa's "nice" list :) }

{ The most adorable "posts that stop you from driving in to a building" covers I've ever seen }

{ Gingerbread cookies at Chapters, have I mentioned cookies with icing are my ultimate weakness? }

Also, the Santa Claus Parade is on downtown on Sunday! One of my favorite memories from being a little girl. If you can't make it down, watch it on CTV at 4:30p.m Sunday!