Friday, 27 April 2018

Spring Fashion Trends 2018 | Part 2 | Overalls




These overalls are real mom style, everyday all day. I partnered with Kokomo's Sarnia  on this outfit and I am so glad I tried these overalls on while I was in their store because I had almost given up hope on this trend. I had tried a few pairs on previously and did not like how they looked on me. I love how this pair fits and feels! The denim is ultra soft and stretchy making these overalls a clothing item I will be reaching for, for my Spring adventures with the kids. I plan on pairing them with heals once and awhile too, to create a cute look I could wear out for lunch or dinner dates.

I wore this look to Grand Bend last weekend to watch Bluewater Dance Academy perform in a competition (my sister Emily is co-owner of the studio with her best friend Skyler). These overalls were comfortable for the car ride, practical for playing at the park and on the beach but also made me feel like one of those cool moms! Are you into the overall trend and if so, how have you been styling this clothing item?

Full Outfit Details
Overalls from Kokomo's Sarnia 
Top from Bluenotes in Lambton Mall 
Shoes, Backpack and Shades from Shoes @144 Front 






Check out the rest of the Spring Fashion Trends Series 

Wednesday, 25 April 2018

Kinda Vegan Nanaimo Bars


Last weekend we stopped at Highway Girl  for a snack before heading home from Grand Bend. I had their vegan Nanaimo Bar and was amazed at how delicious it was! It inspired me to try to recreate the recipe at home, for this weeks sweet treat.

I did a little research and then just used what ingredients I had on hand to make my own, kinda vegan Nanaimo Bars. I say "kinda" because the cocoa powder I have, says that it may contain milk. I am very pleased with the way this recipe came out though especially because I improvised on some ingredients. Here is my take on vegan Nanaimo Bars.



Ingredients 
Base
1 cup walnuts
2/3 cup raisins
1/4 cup cocoa powder
pinch of salt
1/3 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
Filling
2 avacados
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1 Tbsp coconut cane sugar
Topping
3 Tbsp coconut oil
3 Tbsp cocoa powder
3 Tbsp pure maple syrup
1 Tbsp coconut cane sugar

Method
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper
Blend all base ingredients in a food processor until they get sticky
Press base mixture into lined loaf pan
Set base in freezer while you mix the filling
Using an immersion blender mix all filling ingredients together
Spread filling over base and return to freezer while making the topping
Melt coconut oil in the microwave then mix in the topping ingredients
Pour topping over filling and return to the freezer until frozen, 4-6 hours
Cut using a serrated knife then return to a container and store in the freezer

ENJOY!






Friday, 20 April 2018

Mom Guilt | John 10:10

I have been feeling the mom guilt lately and like I am falling short in some areas of my life. I have been praying through it and the other night God provided me with John 10:10. Check out this quick faith story. I would love to know what Bible verses help to encourage you, when you are feeling less than. 

Thank you for watching,
xoxo
Audrey 





Monday, 16 April 2018

Spring Fashion Trends 2018 | Part 1 | Florals



Floral patterns can be found in a variety of ways in our fashion right now, making options for wearing blossoms endless. I love how this trend allows me to express my femininity! The type of flower and size of print can create different feelings and then how you pair the floral print could create an ultra girly look or something more playful. Here are some florals I am wearing right now!

This delicate floral patterned camisole is from Kokomo's Suntanning & Swimwear Outlets Inc. The satin fabric and muted hues create a super girly look I love. A perfect pretty top for day or night!




The Bella Notte Wrap Dress from Lace & Charm makes me feel some kind of way! I tried it on with the flesh coloured heals I am wearing in the next set of pictures and would wear that combo to a wedding this summer. Moody weather over the weekend called for something a little different. I love how this dress completely transforms into a rustic feminine look, when I pair it with cowboy boots.  




For a strong and feminine mix, I paired these Jasmine Floral Pocketed Joggers from Lace & Charm with the strongest fabric of all, denim. These joggers are crazy comfortable and I will be rocking them right into summer with slides and a tank. 




Embroidered floral designs add interesting texture to any outfit and when applied on top of an existing pattern, creates a lively look that is sure to catch some attention! This floral embroidered gingham top is from H&M in the Lambton Mall.  



My feminine layers run deep and I love how this seasons florals allow me to express those different layers as I step out this Spring. What are your favourite floral patterns to wear right now? 






Friday, 13 April 2018

Thursday, 12 April 2018

Spring Beach Walk


Spring was peeking through this morning! Yesterday I told Luke it was going to warm today and asked him what he wanted to do, he responded "lets go to the beach". Great idea bud. Spring is so refreshing, new activities, longer days, warmer weather, cleaning and organizing, it all feels so good. Especially after being sick the last week, the Spring vibes at Canatara Park helped to renew our perspective.



I could not believe how turquoise the water was today. Lizzy did not love the feeling of walking on the sand at first but I got her into throwing rocks into the water and that made her happy. Luke was in his element, wandering, exploring and finding the best rocks for tossing into the lake. I have said it before, I love the beach any day of the year!




Happy Spring friends!

Friday, 6 April 2018

Spring Makeup Tutorial | Caryl Baker Visage Free Spirit Collection






I have been having so much fun creating a glowing spring face with the Caryl Baker Visage, Free Spirit Collection the last week. I instantly loved this palette because when I have almost everything I need in one place, it makes life easier and I am all about efficiency. The mirror in the palette is huge for an easy full face application. The makeup pans are individually refillable which is smart so I can refill just my favourite colours when they run out. The pigments are vibrant and the products are blendable.

All of the shades in this collection compliment each other beautifully so I will be able to create a variety of looks. I don't like to limit myself to just use shadows on my eyes and blush on my cheeks so I consider all colours fair game for creating new looks. In the makeup tutorial below, I show you how I used one of the eyeshadows to contour my face. I hope you will check out this tutorial, I share lots of tips for using the Free Spirit Collection and some more reasons I love this makeup! If you want to try the Free Spirit Collection for yourself, you can visit a Caryl Baker Visage location and have the colours applied on you. That is one of the reasons I love CBV, you have an opportunity to try the products before you buy them, with the assistance of a Face Expert.

Here is the full makeup tutorial. 



You can find a full description and pricing on the Caryl Baker Visage Free Spirit Collection here.

If you are in Sarnia you can connect with our Caryl Baker Visage on Facebook or Instagram.



Many more spring makeup tutorials, beauty tips and fashion trends to come.
xoxo
Audrey


Thursday, 5 April 2018

Spring Fashion Trend Inspiration

I have put together my list of Spring Fashion must haves. As I curate my Spring wardrobe with some fresh new pieces, I have also been scrolling Pinterest  and saving some looks that inspire me. Here is the list of items and looks I am excited to create this Spring. My recreations of these looks will be coming in about two weeks, I am super excited to share this post with you!



Rompers & Cowboy Boots

I have been dreaming of this pairing for a long time and love how keyscountry put it together. I am so excited to pair my cowboy boots with a new spring romper.



Floral Dresses

I am sad to say I do not have any florals in my wardrobe but florals are the thing right now. And nothing beats a wrap dress because it is the most flattering dress style. These are the reasons I have been swooning over the Lace and Charm Bella Notte Wrap Dress. I think it would be perfect for a date night or just a day when I want to be a little fancy.



Demin Overalls

I have a feeling a pair of denim overalls will become a staple in my wardrobe. I see myself wearing them with graphic teas and chucks to the park with the kids but I love how HelloFashionBlog styled them in the picture above, with some beautiful summer heals, I'm inspired!



Graphic T's

I love t-shirts and I love God so I was so excited when I discovered The Light Blonde. These fashions share such an amazing message with rad style.



Spring Shoes

I am on the hunt for an ankle boot with a fabulous detail. It needs to be a flat because comfort and movement is important for my lifestyle. If the booty is a special colour, or has a print or cut out, it will give me that fancy feeling I am going for.



Tote Bag

I always switch my bag each season, and this season I would love a big tote! I no longer carry a diaper bag but I do have extra items with me for the kids, and a billion lipsticks, so a big tote is necessary.



Workout Gear

I am in need of a new pair of high quality leggings and I think I want them in the colour army green. Every few years I invest in a few good pairs of leggings and they stand the test of time. My body is not the same shape it was a few years ago though and my current leggings are uncomfortable so its time to get a pair in the right size and maybe a neat colour.

There are many trends I would love to wear but I like to choose clothes I can wear often so I always consider what is realistic for my lifestyle. I am often on the floor and playing outside. Looking good is important to me so I try to be thoughtful in how I can put stylish outfits together that will equip me in my daily work. Its definitely been a transition over the last 4 years but I am learning that creating lists like this, help me to create a wardrobe that really reflects my personality in so many situations.

If you liked this post you may also like The Most Fun Shopping Trip where I share my top tips for a successful day of shopping.

What spring fashion trends are on your wish list this season?

xoxo
Audrey

Monday, 2 April 2018

ArtNaturals Review | Mama & Baby




ArtNaturals  reached out to me a few weeks ago and asked if they could send me the Sound Machine Oil Diffuser With Top 8 Baby & Mama Oils to try and review. I was very excited for the opportunity to try these products because I had been considering defusing oils in our home for awhile now and was not sure where to start. The Baby & Mama Defuser and Oil set got me started with everything I needed.


The kids instantly loved the look of the defuser and its changing colours from the first time I turned it on. Everyone that sees the actual diffuser in our home comments on how pretty it is, especially when the lights are changing colours. So, the actual diffuser is a pretty addition to my decor. In testing the diffuser, I moved it around the house into different rooms but I would love to have one in every room now.




I don't use the diffuser everyday but found it helpful when I needed to add to the mood in certain situations. We have been sick off and on for the last few weeks so I have been diffusing Happy Nose a lot. I found this helped to clear the air a little during days spent at home resting off our sickness. Giggly Panda is one I love to diffuse during our dance parties and my personal favourite is Relaxing which is nice at the end of the day after the kids go to bed.



I have just started to play around with these oils in topical use by creating a lotion with coconut oil and the Calm and Soothe oil. I have used this on the kids a few times and loved they way they smelled as we snuggled before bed.



I really enjoy how this ArtNaturals Oils and Diffuser  set helps to create a variety of atmospheres inside our home. Especially during the end of winter when the days can sometimes feel very long, little luxuries like oil diffusing can help to brighten our day.

I would love to know if you use essential oils in your home and how you use them to enhance your lifestyle.

xoxo
Audrey