Monday 30 January 2017

I Always Want More




Lately I have been working on being content with what I have because often I find myself always wanting more. More clothes, more makeup, more house, more car, more technology, more of everything. God has been really working with my heart convicting me to not only be content with what I have but to truly feel blessed for everything, EVERYTHING I have.

The other day I was on my way to Walmart to stock up on diapers and wipes. As I drove to the store I did a little day dreaming about some other stuff I would love to be shopping for but didn't need and God spoke this to my heart, "Heather, it is a privilege that you have the means to purchase the things that your family needs". I have the ability to effortlessly travel to the store and get what I need when I need it. Suddenly my perspective for my little trip to Walmart turned from an ordinary stock up, to a beautiful blessing.

Warning: if you ask God to do amazing things in your life He always will, it just may not always be what you had in mind when you made the request. God is working on my heart and He knows that one of my weaknesses is "new things" and consumption. This is truly an area I have felt so much movement in lately. Slowly and kindly God guides me to the area of my life that requires His work.

This past weekend we had my side of the family over for brunch after church to celebrate my moms birthday. Our family is growing (which I love!!!) as my sisters had their significant others with them as well. Sometimes when I have people over, I worry about where everyone will sit, if my house is clean enough or stylish enough and if we will have enough food but this time I didn't. I just enjoyed everyones company. The oven worked, we had more than enough food to eat and while we cant all fit around my little kitchen table, we can all eat together. WE WERE TOGETHER! It was a blessed day and I live a blessed life.

Lord, give me strength each day to overcome the temptation and desire to constantly have more and THANK YOU for the many ways you have blessed my life.

xoxo
Audrey

Wednesday 25 January 2017

Depression Confession

I have shared before my journey with anxiety and depression but I have a confession to make, I still get frustrated with some people who suffer from the same thing I suffered from. I am being very honest here and I now recognize my wrongful frustration and will now be more understanding but I wanted to share my thoughts.

I like to solve problems, if something is wrong I want to do something to fix it, I require action to feel comfortable in a troubled situation. But I have realized that some situations simply require my quiet presence, thats it. No words, no advice, no action, just quiet understanding.

Some depression and anxiety is crippling to the point of no action but if someone shares their struggles with me, they are taking a huge positive step of action and the best thing I can do is just be there for them. This is something I am sad to say, I have failed at previously. I have been too quick to offer suggestions; come to church with me, maybe try going to the gym, have you talked to a different doctor and so on.

When I have been in the depths of my lows all I have truly desired is to feel understood and connected to someone else who understands how I feel. I don't want advice in this state I want empathy, comfort and compassion.

So thats what I am focusing on moving forward. Bell Lets Talk Day has done such a wonderful job of encouraging us to talk about mental illness. I have the talking part down pat, now its time for me to start working on my listening.

xoxo
Audrey

Wednesday 18 January 2017

Beauty Oil Review | HAL Makeup Artistry

In this video I am sharing my experiences with some beauty oils and how I use them everyday and in my professional makeup artistry business.



Tart Maracuja Oil - http://www.sephora.com/pure-maracuja-oil-P376726

Aromic Facial Oil - http://aromic.ca/

Arbonne Skin Conditioning Oil - My Arbonne Website - http://HeatherLapier.arbonne.com/

Sunday 15 January 2017

Bitter Sweet Transitions




I have started to work on getting Elizabeth on a little more of a regular sleep routine by putting her to bed earlier in the evening. The past few nights have been successful with her going to bed between 7pm-8pm instead of her regular 10pm.

Having both children in bed around 8pm is great for Tyler and I as it gives us time to work on projects, get stuff done around the house or just spend time together at the end of our days. While this transition is something I am happy about its also a little sad for me as its the first little chapter in Elizabeths adventure that is closing.

In the first two and a half months of her life she spent her evenings hanging out with her dad and I on the couch. She would be passed back and forth between the two of us as we watched our favourite movies and shows on Netflix. We would fuss over her and tell her how much we loved her. This time with just the three of us will be cherished. There was lots of crying and pacing around the basement but the moments were sweet none the less.

I am learning to be comfortable in all of my children's phases, even the challenging ones and truly enjoy what they offer. Sometimes when I am in a specific phase with my children the days can feel long, but I have realized the phases are fleeting.

I feel like I have been given the greatest gift to be a mom. I am filled with so much happiness when I get to see my children grow and thrive but I think I will always also feel the bitter sweet pain that comes with knowing that what once was, is no more. They will continue to grow and evolve and I just need to do my best to keep up and soak it all in.

xoxo
Audrey



Wednesday 11 January 2017

Luke's First Dance Class



Luke had his first dance class last weekend and I am so excited to start introducing him to different activities. He wouldn't go in the room without dad but we will keep trying and I am sure his confidence will build.

While dad was in dance class with Luke, Lizzy and I waited in the entrance with the other dance parents and made some small talk and I got so excited for the opportunity that Ty and I will have to make new friends. Since starting a family I have many friendships that have blossomed with women in my life because we share motherhood in common. Now as our kids get older and start taking interest in different hobbies, we will begin to meet new people with children who have similar interests and that just makes me so pumped. I don't know about you but I can never have too many friends, especially in this motherhood role, the more moms in my life with different skills sets the better.

Heres to exciting new hobbies and all the friends that will come along too.

Here is a video of our weekend, thank you for reading and watching and taking part in the conversation.



xoxo
Audrey

Tuesday 10 January 2017

Lovely Ladies



I had the pleasure of helping a few of my friends get ready for New Years Eve 2016. These three ladies are uniquely beautiful and I love how each of their looks reflects that! My goal with every one of my makeup clients, is to enhance their natural beauty and highlight their unique features. When you look in the mirror after I have applied your makeup, I want you to feel like the best version of yourself. I want you to recognize the woman in the mirror but feel a little extra special when you see your reflection smiling back at you.






P.S. I believe the most beautiful accessory to any makeup look is your smile!

If you ever want to see more of my work you can view my portfolio on my website.