January Favourite Post || A Link Up!

I haven't been around much for the month of January to add my own favourite post, but I can't wait to see yours! Rob and I are in the house buying process (possession on January 30!!!), and I've also been consumed by participating in a #whole30 challenge. 2015 is going to rock for us, but I promise I'll come back when I've found a work/life/blog balance. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing your favourite post from January. :)

Hosts

Ashley from Hello Nature, Lexy from Crazy Cass Life, Nicole from a la Maxfield, and Hannah from Hannah Says

Now link up your favourite post from December!

Week's End || December 1

SNAPSHOTS:

1|| Gunner finally has his cone off! He's been taking full advantage and cuddling us like there's no tomorrow. This is his "can I come on the bed? Can I??" face!

2|| Tess is soooo thoughtful! It was such a nice surprise to come home from a long day at work, and have unexpected fun mail waiting for me. I love me some sparkly nail stickers, and Rob's favourite colour is blue - that's a win win situation.

3|| We got hit with SO much snow! Obviously, not as much as parts of New York, but that's a lot for only 36 hours of snow fall. None of the kids in the classroom showed up, so we had lots of time to do prep work. It was my turn to drive on Friday, but I couldn't get my car out of the trailer park. My coworker decided it was best that we went in her truck.

4|| Gift wrapping has started! I'm about halfway done shopping, but it feels nice to have half of it completely done. I'm using stickers and twine from my new favourite shop, Thatch & Thistle :)

WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED;

1|| Shared my first ever mood board. It worked out well for my first time!

2|| There's a link up + a giveaway going on right now!!

GOOD READS:

1|| Rebekah shared some important information if you're a make up lover. ;)

2|| Amanda's husband is hilarious! 

3|| It annoys me to no end when people ask why I thought it would be a good idea to marry young. First off, mind your own beeswax. Second, this.

4|| Do you take part in these things? I'm tempted to for December!

5|| Mmmm, this is a tasty twist on hot chocolate.

xo. Nicole

Favourite Post Link Up + Giveaway || November

I'm sure that I'm not alone in feeling like November just flew by, right?! A major reason it flew by was from having a whole week off of work, and having so much to do and to plan. My Christmas shopping is about half done (yay!!), but now it's wrapping and shipping everything off (hello $$). Well, tomorrow's December 1st and I'm excited to get all the Christmas shenanigans going!

I'm also so happy to be a part of this monthly link up. It's such a great way to connect with other bloggers! In fact, my favourite post for November is one that was part of another link up ;) Do you have regular link ups that you participate in? Share them in the comments! 

Looking for Hosts || Want to host this link-up with us? We have one-time spots available and regular host spots as well! Just send Ashley an email at ashley@hellonatureblog.com for more details!

This Month's Hosts || Ashley from Hello Nature, Lexy from Crazy Cass Life, Nicole from a la Maxfield, and Kerry from Glory in the Valley 

My favorite post from October || The Circle - Winter Essentials 

Now link up your post + enter to win the gift card below!

An InLinkz Link-up

The Circle || Winter Break Essentials

Happy November! Is it just me or has this past month already flown by? It's almost Christmas, which means it's almost December, which also means it's almost time for another break from work. There's only 5 weeks of work between Fall break and Winter break - crazy! 

I love reading Kiki's blog, and linking up with The Circle every month. This month's is 10 essentials! I chose more than 10, and decided to go with the theme of my upcoming Winter break. This is also my first ever mood board, and I'm proud of how it turned out. I sure do have a long way to go, but it's a start. To me, link ups are fun and have their challenges too. This month proved no exception to those challenges with the mood board.

On to my essentials -

1|| COZY SLIPPERS • It gets really cold here in Alberta, and we have a lot of laminate on the floors, so slippers are a must. They also add juuusst the right amount of cozy when I'm lounging around in my pajamas.
2|| COFFEE + MUGS • I have a serious addiction. Is it weird of me to look forward to choosing my mug in the morning?
3|| NETFLIX • Although I'm not a huge fan of movies and laying around watching TV (I'm more of a computer girl), Netflix is still so awesome to have around. Last time I had some free time, I watched a few documentaries and actually learned something - biased views and all, haha!
4|| SNACKS • Chocolate chip cookies make the world go round, and laying around wouldn't be complete without some yummy treats. I have a lot of Christmas baking to do this year!
5|| NAIL ART • How can one really go through the holidays without some festive nail art? I always feel put together when my nails are done, and this reindeer design is soo cute for the holidays.
6|| PJ'S • Flannel pajamas are the best. They're so warm, and so soft! I've been eyeing this set for a little while, and they look perfect for Christmas morning.
7|| SNAIL MAIL • Oh man, where do I begin? I love sending snail mail to my friends (I may or may not be running behind, though), and I'm going to have so much free time over the 2 weeks to catch up and get those letters mailed!
8|| SCARVES • Even when I'm inside, why not?
9|| BOOKS • I really don't have much time during the work week to lay down and read a novel, and I'm in the middle of one right now...so Winter break will be a great time to finish it!
10|| CUDDLES • There will be soo many cuddles happening, I'm not sure I'll be able to do anything else. Gunner was recently neutered, so he hasn't been allowed on our bed. By the time Winter break comes around, we'll have so many cuddles to make up for the time lost.

What are your Winter essentials?

xo. Nicole

Tunnels and Fur || A Typical Friday

I can't even begin to describe how excited I was when I received the email telling me that I had one Roxy's PetMate giveaway! I wiggled in my seat before I replied to her email, and then ran out of my room to go tell Mocha and Koshka that they had some fun toys coming in the mail. Yes, they're cats. No, I'm not crazy. Well, maybe.

Mocha has taken full advantage of all 3 toys. We received a little fish-tail treat maze, a ball spinner/scratching pad, and a little pop up tent/tunnel. Mocha, pictured above, is a huge fan of the tunnel and tent, and then sits on the ball spinner as soon as Koshka walks by. She's kind of a hog.

Koshka enjoys the ball spinner, but usually just watches Mocha play. That's Koshka pictured above with her "filthy humans" look on her face, while she rolled her eyes at Mocha having a blast in the tunnel. There's no win with her, though I'm sure she's super appreciative of the awesome toys :)

Thank you Roxy and PetMate for my cats fun Friday!

xo. Nicole

Etsy Swap 2014

I came across this post on Meg's blog, and I couldn't resist. I had just missed that huge Mug Swap that everyone gets in to, and I was pretty bummed. The Etsy Swap 2014 sounded like such a great thing to participate in. I received the email giving me all the details of who I'd be sending my package to, and had a lot of fun browsing Etsy for the perfect little gifts. She's going to love her package!

Since I've made a Facebook page for my blog, I had a relatively new blogger (from Alberta!!) contact me. Tess is the sweetest, and it's fun to converse through Facebook with a fellow Canadian blogger. It just so happened that Tess got put as my swap partner! She totally spoiled the surprise and outed herself as my secret swap partner, haha. 

I totally don't remember what I put as my likes/dislikes/interests in the Swap survey, but Tess knocked this one out of the park! I had recently purchased some reusable lunch bags, and Tess sent me some reusable sandwich wraps from Sew Thoughtful Blankets. They are so adorable, and I'm excited to finally use them in my lunches.

Tess also sent me this super comfortable and wonderful chevron infinity scarf from PhatCatPatch! I've only worn it once, and I've gotten many compliments. I can't wait for the weather to cool down again so that I can wear it again!

This Etsy Swap is totally something that I want to participate in every year, along with the Mug Swap. With everything going on with our vehicle, my partner's package went out a little late (I'm sorry!), but Meg and Amy have been so understanding and have contacted my partner (to keep the surprise) for me. I'm excited to become friends with her :)

I can't wait to see all the other packages in the link up! Swing on by, with a cup of coffee/tea (because there's lots of links!) to check out all the swaps!

xo. Nicole

Behind the Blog

My little space on the internet is slowly growing, and I couldn't be more thankful. I love sharing my life, and this is a great outlet for me! I came across Laura Jean's post, and decided to recap my thoughts on some of my own blog's posts.

Favorite Post to Write || I would have to say it's those What's in my Bag ones. They're so much fun to write and take pictures for, and to read! I'm totally snoopy and it's fun to see the difference between what I carry, and what you carry around.

Most Frustrating Photo Shoot || My collections post. It was pretty difficult to get decent shots of all the polish while there was daylight. I really couldn't decide what order the colours should go in, and how to get all of them in one shot...ugh!

Post I'm Most Proud Of || My Fitness Journey v.01. Goodness, I am so glad that I got it out there. It took me forever to write, and to also get the courage to finally hit publish. It sat in my drafts for almost 2 months before I told myself to just deal with the anxiety. It's also doubled as motivation to get myself outside and to put down the bacon ;)

Popular Post I Didn't Think Would Be a Big Deal || How to make a headphone case. I didn't take measurements, and I made a small mistake by sewing the button on at the wrong time...but so many people have viewed it!

Post I was Expecting to Take Off That Didn't || Alright, so I know now that all of my old posts say "A Broke Bride" in them, but that's a lot of work to go through each and every post to switch it to "a la Maxfield", yeah? Honestly, I was expecting my Ad Swap post to take off a bit more, as it's essentially free sponsorship for up and coming blogs, or bigger blogs. I always take advantage of an ad swap when I see one (as I really have no funds

The Closest Pinterest Famous I Have Ever Gotten || Totally this DIY. I always got notifications that so-and-so has repinned it.

Quickest Post I've Ever Written || Always the Week's End posts. I always have the pictures and links ready to go, and they're fun to write too. 

Weirdest Search Term to Find My Blog || vampire stat? Apparently it's a website, too. There's nothing on my blog about vampires, so that's a little confusing.

I'd love to see what your answers would be! Let me know in the comments, or share the link in the comments if you do the post questions, too!

xo. Nicole

The Circle || Fall Favourites

I'm linking up with Kiki for The Circle link up. This month's theme is Fall Favourites! I've talked a lot about Fall and what I love about it, but I can't get enough. #sorrynotsorry ;)

Pictures courtesy of Treasured Forever Photography and of my mother-in-law.

1|| Favorite fall fashion/clothing item? 
Definitely scarves! They keep me warm during the day for most part, and they can really make an outfit.

2|| Favorite fall drink? 
I've worked at Starbucks, and could never stomach the pumpkin spice latte. Maybe I can now, now that I'm no longer working there? Otherwise, it's a caramel macchiato!

3|| What's something on your fall bucket list?
I shared my goals a couple weeks ago, but I have yet to follow through with some of them. The snail mail goal is easy, but the gluten free pie crust is still stumping me.

4|| Favorite fall recipe?

I tried making oatmeal last year, but that didn't work out. I don't think I have a recipe really, but breakfast for dinner tastes SO much better when it's cold outside.

5|| Halloween candy or Pumpkin Spice Latte?

Halloween candy, but I'll also go for a latte. Just not pumpkin spice.

6|| Favorite fall scent?

I love love love the smell of apple cider. That includes nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, etc.! They just smell so warm and cozy.

7|| Favorite fall holiday?

Thanksgiving, and my husband's birthday. His is on October 12th, and Thanksgiving for us Canadians lands on the 13th. Woo hoo long weekend! It also marks 4 years of being together since our first date :)

8|| What is fall (weather) like where you live?

Oh my gosh, we've already had 2 days of snow and a couple frosty mornings. We've also experienced 29*C weather, and then snow the next day. I think Alberta just doesn't know what it wants to do during Fall. I don't think we really get one, as I hear the snow is coming soon!

xo. Nicole

MFJ v.03 || Self Love

A part of my fitness journey is self love. It's one of the most important things, in my opinion, to love yourself first. As I've read before, we should be exercising and eating better because we love our bodies, not because we hate them. 

I came across Crystal's guest post on Kenzie's blog, and realized that I need to take more time out of my day to think about what I love about myself and my life. She wrote an amazing post, and gave a list of questions to prompt me/us to get started on our self love. Today, I'm going to do my best to answer those questions. Will you?

1|| What about yourself makes you feel the most confident? 

This is a difficult question, but I'm going to say opening up my wardrobe. I'm becoming more "out there" when picking new clothing to buy, and finding items that are better suited to my body type now. Before, I felt comfortable to wear tank tops without a cardigan, but now I feel comfortable in a cardigan and a scarf.

2|| What 3 things do you like about your personality?

I'm empathetic, I don't put up with crap from other people, and I'm occasionally outgoing. I like that I'm comfortable spending time alone, but that I can be outgoing with people when I need to be.

3|| What's one moment that you saved the day for someone else?

I'm not sure it would be considered "saving" the day, but I've made people's days better by paying for their drinks at Starbucks. They're usually complete strangers, but it always gives me a warm feeling inside that wasn't from my latte.

4|| What are at least 2 physical attributes that you love and wouldn't change a thing about?

My eyes and my nose. My eyes are a really nice green, and my husband loves them. They're also the same as my mom and sisters, so that's a plus! My nose because, it's me. I don't think any other nose would look good.

5|| What's one skill that you've mastered enough to be able to teach it to someone?
I've come to get the hang of blogging, and using Blogger, enough to help out some fellow bloggers who have just started. I remember how lost I felt when I first started out, and I don't want others to feel as lost. I don't know much and haven't mastered it, but I know enough to help!

Will you answer these questions?

xo. Nicole

Welcome to Fall

Fall is full of amazing things, and I think it's safe to say that it's almost everyone's (in the blogging world) favourite season. I know that it's mine, except for when the snow rolls in earlier than everywhere else, here in Alberta. I mean, it's snowed for the past 2 days and today is iffy. Ugh.

I'm looking forward to wearing a cardigan and a scarf every day at work, and cozy weekends with hot chocolate and coffee, while planning Christmas gifts and Thanksgiving dinner. In light of the new season approaching, I've asked all the wonderful ladies on my side bar a couple questions about Summer and the upcoming wonderful time of year!

Without further ado,

Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

1|| Anything exciting happen over the Summer? Cordelia took her first steps!

2|| What are you most excited about for Fall? Halloween – I love getting the kids all dressed up and going trick-or-treating.

3|| What is your go-to wardrobe piece for Fall? I just bought this gorgeous grey chunky knit sweater that is going to get a ton of use!

4|| What is your favourite blog post that you've ever written? I wouldn’t be able to narrow it down… any one about my kids

Blog • Twitter • Facebook

1|| Anything exciting happen over the Summer? I was a bridesmaid in my besties wedding!

2|| What are you most excited about for Fall? Wearing sweaters and boots and comfy things! Summer apparel is so cute, but not always the most comfortable.

3|| What is your go-to wardrobe piece for Fall? Probably my boots. The perfect pair that goes with anything and are way comfy. Can you tell I like to be comfy, haha?!

4|| What is your favourite blog post that you've ever written? Dang, that's hard! Umm...probably the post about what I learned in the first year of marriage. That post captures pretty much what this whole blog means to me, which is sharing my experiences as a newlywed and connecting with others through it. I spent a ton of time drafting that post too, so I'm pretty proud how it finally came out.

Blog • Shop • Instagram

1|| Anything exciting happen over the Summer? I was fortunate enough to do a lot of traveling this summer but I think the best part about it all was having the opportunity to meet new members of my family. I got to meet my fiance's extended family for the first time and also a cousin-in-law that has just become part of mine. So that was very rewarding and I'm so happy I was able to get to know all of them. As you grow up, you realize more and more just how important your family is. It's a bond that's indescribable. And when you get together and connect with your loved ones, it's just a confirmation of that unyielding love you have for them. 

2|| What are you most excited about for Fall? Leggings and oversized sweaters! I don't like to wear much in the summer (hello, Texas heat!) but sometimes I just want to throw on a sweater that swallows me whole and cuddle all day. I can't be the only one, right? 

3|| What is your go-to wardrobe piece for Fall? A big, comfy sweater! I think that last question pretty much summed up why (: 

4|| What is your favourite blog post that you've ever written? Oh gosh, that's a hard one. So I have this series called "A Few Things" where I basically word vomit all over my blog and just write out what's in my heart. I feel like they are the most satisfying and fulfilling posts I ever write because I simply express what's on my mind without any kind of filter and I am able to unload in a way. They are important to me because it's stuff that needs to get out anyways but also because I love the feeling of being completely honest and open and letting myself be vulnerable (which is something I don't normally do) but being ok with it. I have a lot of them but I narrowed down my favorites to these two because they came at kind of pivotal points in the last year of my life. You can check them out here and here!

Blog • Tumblr • Instagram

1|| Anything exciting happen over the Summer? Between obsessing over How To Train Your Dragon 2, going on a girls-only trip to Banff with my family and going to the Squamish Valley Music Festival in Squamish British Columbia, this summer has been full of quirkiness and unexpected adventures.

2||  What are you most excited about for Fall? Learning how to make pumpkin pie, being able to wear scarfs without overheating, Halloween, and going to Banff (again) with my Boyfriend.

3|| What is your go-to wardrobe piece for Fall? My trusty leather jacket and homemade mittens from my Grandma.

4|| What is your favourite blog post that you've ever written? My favourite post would have to be from way back in 2012 about Edmonton Expo.

Blog • Facebook • Twitter

1|| Anything exciting happen over the Summer? We went to Lisbon, Portugal this summer.

2|| What are you most excited about for Fall? I am not really excited for fall, I am more of summer girl.

3|| What is your go-to wardrobe piece for Fall? A hoodie

4|| What is your favorite blog post that you've ever written? I love blogging about my roaming gnome. I take him on all our vacations.

Thank you ladies for hopping over here to share your favourite things about Fall! I too, am looking forward to cozy knit sweaters and checking out your favourite blog posts.

Would you like to participate? Email me at nicole.franson1@gmail.com if you'd like to swap buttons!

xo. Nicole

Tagged || Books Link Up

I was tagged by Shelby from Ankkuri on Facebook to list 10 books that have meaning, and have stuck with me in some way. Her post included a book from a series that's also on my list, any takers? I suppose if you know either of us, you'd know which book series that is! ;) My other books are pretty standard...and girly? I've changed it to 5 books, but you're welcome to do more! I just really couldn't think of any more than 5.

I've also decided to make it a blogger Link Up! I was tagged on Facebook, and for the life of me can NOT find the source. If you know it, please let me know!

Rules: 
List 5 books that have stayed with you in some way. 
Don't take more than a few minutes and do not think too hard. They do not have to be the "right" books or great works of literature, just ones that have affected you in some way. 
Tag 5 friends including me so I can see your list.
Check out 2 other blogger's book lists and comment!

Even if you weren't tagged, you are more than welcome to add the link to your post, or a post similar, in the link up! 

My books:

1|| Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K Rowling - I think this one has stuck with me because it's the first book in the series that changed my views on books and really got me in to reading chapter books. I was in elementary school when they came out, and refused to read them as to not "hop on" the bandwagon, but I'm so glad I finally gave it a shot.

2|| The Boy who was Raised as a Dog by Bruce D. Perry + Maia Szalavitz - This book is one that I'm currently reading. My friend from work lent it to me, and it's so interesting! It's a mixture of stories from a child psychiatrist's notebook, and it's almost terrifying because there really was a boy who was raised as a dog. It's stuck with me because it's just so interesting to see the effects of how a child is raised.

3|| Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella- This is one of my go-to books for when I want a quick and fun read. It's stuck with me because my imagination went crazy trying picture all her outfits and funny scenarios in my head.

4|| Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin - Okay, so this book is my ultimate go-to book (I love the movie, too) for a fun read. I felt like I knew the characters for some reason, though I've never been cheated on or taken someone else's guy.

5|| The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella - Sophie's book is on here again! I think I'm in love with chick lit, as I seem to keep going back to these books! It's stuck with me because for some reason, whenever I'm asked a question like this, Sophie's books pop in to my head.

Tag 5 Friends:

• Samantha from My Latest Obsession
• Shelby from Ankkuri
• Amanda from Notes from a Newlywed
• Tess from Journey with Tessita at Random
• Beth from Oak & Oats

Happy listing!

xo. Nicole

An InLinkz Link-up