5 American Eagle Aerie Bathing Suits | $25 Each | Summer Style

Last week I tried on one piece bathing suits for the first time, they are the thing right now and I am excited to add a few to my swimwear collection. American Eagle in the Lambton Mall has a huge sale on their one piece swimwear, they are all $25 dollars! Something else that I learned while shopping the coral suit I am pictured in here, is that if you order online, in store with the staff, you get free shipping, free returns and your supporting our local Sarnia store. How awesome is that! The online store does have a larger variety of styles but you can find all of the bathing suit shapes in store. I encourage all of my Sarnia friends to go in, try on some styles, chat with your in store fashion consultant about the best fit and then if you see one online you love also, they can help you with your entire purchase. I think this is genius because you really need to try bathing suits on to get the right fit. I needed help because I really was not sure how a one pice should feel and look. The woman who helped me shop last week was wonderful to work with and I can't wait to go back and pick up a few more styles. I have linked my favourite styles from the American Eagle website below for all my out of town friends but if you can get into the Lambton Mall to do some swimwear shopping, definitely do so. 

My Top 5 Picks From The American Eagle Website 

AERIE HENLEY ONE PIECE SWIMSUIT

This tribal print is stunning, I tried this one on in store and loved it! The buttons at the top, will make this look like a tank top when worn with shorts. Instant outfit! 

AERIE SUPER SCOOP ONE PIECE SWIMSUIT

The ombre colours in this suit give it a tropical vibe that I think is so fun. The high cut hip and ring details on the side also make it sexy. 

AERIE CUT OUT VOOP ONE PIECE SWIMSUIT

I love the details in all of the racer back bathing suit styles on the website and this bold turquoise really is eye catching. If you love your back and want to show it off, these styles will be great for you.

AERIE RIBBED SUPER PLUNGE ONE PIECE SWIMSUIT

This halter neck style is really great for comfort and helping your bathing suit stay in place. If you love a scoop back but are not confident with regular straps, this shape will make you feel comfortable and confident. 

AERIE SUPER PLUNGE ONE PIECE SWIMSUIT

This print reminds me of denim and I love denim so why wouldn't I add a denim bathing suit to my collection!

Shopping Made Easy

Five Ways I Am Working On Being A Better Wife

Since January, I have been making my marriage a greater priority. To be honest, I am not sure I ever gave a ton of thought as to how to be an excellent wife. After having Elizabeth (baby number two) I felt marriage and my relationship with Tyler become more of a challenge.

We have since been to a few counselling sessions and one marriage workshop. I originally went into counselling with a few things I thought Tyler needed to change and came out realizing I needed to change a lot of things about myself. Marriage is a sacrifice and putting someone else before your own needs. The reality of this did not hit me until year 6 into our marriage.

I want to be a good wife because the strength of my relationship with Tyler is the foundation of our family, no matter what phase of life we are at. Here are some ways I am currently working on being a better wife and partner. These will be different for everyone because our lifestyles are all a little different. Please also note, these are things I am working on and fail at often, but like most things I share, I figure putting it out into the world will help me to keep at it.

Tyler is a priority above the kids.
This is not always possible but more often then not, my time and effort goes more into the littles than it does to Tyler. One day it will just be Tyler and I and I want to still know how to have fun just the two of us. This means we need to have fun the two of us often now. We try to chat when Tyler comes home from work and make a once a month date night out.

Put his to do list above my own.
One thing I am pretty selfish with is my time. I often have a running to do list and a few leisure items I want to enjoy when the kids are sleeping. Its easy to keep myself at front of mind when I have opportunities to accomplish a few things but I am learning that sometimes I need to consider Tyler's do list as well. Its important for us to help each other and he always thinks of things that need to be done around the house that I may not think of.

Being slow to anger and less hasty.
During a marriage workshop I was confronted with a harsh reality, I often backtrack and ask for forgiveness after being too quick to anger and act hastily, I am a hasty person. And so I am trying to be slower to anger.

Making whole food cooking a priority.
I am slowly but surely trying to prepare more healthful food choices for my family. This is important for our physical and mental health and the act of sitting together to eat our meals is very important to me as well for building a strong family. This being said, I am learning that eating well requires a big dedication of my time in meal planning and prepping. I need to be selfless in pursuit of raising the most healthy family I can and make food prep a higher priority in my free time.

Giving all control to God and trusting Him for everything.
I am a control freak, I like to control as much as possible. In my marriage I can only control myself and trust God for the rest. Nagging and pestering (which is something I do) will not solve any problems, those are emotions and conversations I need to take to God first.

There it is. What do you think guys? I would love to hear from my friends who have been married for years, please share your wisdom. And if you are working on some personal improvement if your marriage, I would love to know what you are focusing on too.

xoxo
Audrey

My Basic Picks From The Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale 2018

We are in the midst of the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale 2018 and while I wish I was a shopper who stocked up on off season items when they were on sale, I am not. I just cant do it. I love buying things I can wear right now. I am impatient. So here are my picks from the sale for basics I want to wear right now. And, a pair of wedges I love that I need to add to my collection, that are not on sale.

I love this tank, clean lines with the tiniest slit details on the sides of the bottom hem. Find it here, it comes in a few different colours. 

These wedges are not on sale but I know I will get my moneys worth wearing them. Wedges are so practical and the brown leather will go with everything. Check them out here.  

I am loving white denim this season and I love the distressed details on this pair, see more pictures here. 

I love the frayed edges on these denim shorts.  I have been reaching for the pair I am wearing in the picture above almost everyday so I think I need a second pair. These shorts, with the grey tank above, the wedges and some delicate gold jewellery, boom, a perfect effortless summer outfit.  

Blue and white stripes are so fresh in the summer. I would wear this tank with the white shorts, wedges and gold accessories for a more nautical feeling outfit. Check out this not so basic, basic here. 

I can never have too many plain black and white t-shirts. A v-neck is just a little everyday sexy, don't you think? Anyways, this one comes in a few different colours and its under $20, you can see it here. 

You guys know I love denim jackets! This one above is such a classic cut and colour, you will be wearing it for years to come, all year round. See more pictures here.

And this light wash denim jacket is also the most perfect classic cut. The wash makes it a little more edgy and summery. 

These wedges come in a handful of colours and are on sale for $64.29. I personally love this neutral grey shade but a pop of colour is always fun too. Check out all the fun colours for yourself here. 

These Michael Kors wedges are almost like the ones I posted above but they are a little less expensive and they have the cross strap design. The leather is also a little darker but these are another great summer wardrobe stable. Check them out here.

I think when we have items like these in our summer wardrobe, its easy to create effortless, chic looks! Its amazing how an excellent pair of shoes and exciting accessories, spruce up a t-shirt and jean shorts. 

If you found this post helpful, I would love for you to share it with a friend! 

Pinery Provincial Park | May 24 Weekend 2018

May 24, the kick off to summer! We spent the holiday Monday exploring the Pinery Provincial Park. This day trip has been a family tradition for a few years now, check out a post from a few years ago here.  I love watching the kids explore everything, picking up sticks, throwing stones in the water and just running happily outside (all seen in the video below). Sometimes when we are around the house, its hard to have focused family time but on day trips like this, we all just feel closer together. All there is to do is enjoy each others company and take in the sights. What do you and your family love to do for family days? We always love to try new adventures.

Check out a little video of our adventure here

And lots of pictures below

Everyday Glam | Makeup By HAL | Caryl Baker Visage Free Spirit Palette

I have posted a few pictures of me wearing this look and have received some very kind comments on it. I create it pretty quickly using some of my current favourite makeup items (linked below and in the video information box) but there are a few techniques I use that I think really give this look a fresh, sexy summer vibe. The star of the show is the Caryl Baker Visage Free Spirit Palette. I hope you will hang with me while I get ready in the makeup tutorial below.

My H&M Denim Shorts http://shopstyle.it/l/Jtev

My H&M Sun Hat http://shopstyle.it/l/JteD

Similar Off The Shoulder White Tops http://shopstyle.it/l/Jtgm

http://shopstyle.it/l/Jtgu

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation http://shopstyle.it/l/JtgH

Makeup Forever Aqua XL Eye Pencil Waterproof http://shopstyle.it/l/Jtfy

Still Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer http://shopstyle.it/l/Jtj2

Caryl Baker Visage Free Spirit Collection https://carylbakervisage.com/collections/free-spirit 

Tarte Powder Brush http://shopstyle.it/l/Jtjg

The Phases Of Fashion

I am feeling really refreshed this Spring, especially when it comes to my wardrobe. I have always taken pride in putting myself together nicely but the last few years, through pregnancy and postpartum, I just kinda made due with what I had. I did buy some new items here and there, but I didn't want to commit because I knew my body would be changing and I don't think I fully understood what was required of my wardrobe in my new motherhood phase of life. I am not sure this was the best way to care for myself in the department of wardrobe, as I have felt an increase in creativity as I curate my closet. Fashion is part of who I am and allows me to express myself in each specific day, just like makeup and hair does. I try to stay grounded and not get caught up in having new things, its more important to have well fitting clothes that allow me to express myself and service my lifestyle.

I find so much inspiration for my fashion in the beauty and lifestyle of the woman around me and some of the ladies I follow on social media. One of the characteristics I find most attractive though, is the way women wear their clothes boldly, joyfully, purposefully.

This outfit is what I wore on Mother's Day and I had to jump when I was having my picture taken because I was feeling extra blessed this day. I have had this top for years and wore this during my pregnancy with Luke, its flowy so it worked for awhile.

I would love to hear about your fashion journeys, whatever you have learned about your style from your different phases of life. One thing I do want to be conscious of moving forward is always having staples like jeans and quality t-shirts that fit properly no matter my size or life changes.

Check out my fashion at 30-36 weeks pregnant with Luke. 

Happy weekend!
Audrey

Shop the look and scroll through items similar to what I wore for Mother's Day. Shop all my looks on my website here. 

Functional Mom Style | Herschel Hip Pack

I posted this look on Insta Stories and have been getting lots of love on the look so I thought I would put together a quick OOTD post to share all the details.

Specifically my mom friends have been crushing on the Herschel Hip Pack which I picked up from One Tooth Sarnia . For my friends who do not live in Sarnia, I have linked a few in this post as well. Every piece of this outfit is functional. My Steve Madden Sneakers from last season ( which I got from Shoes @ 144 Front) are funky and comfortable and a "hip pack" lets face it, its a fanny pack and its coming back, frees up my hands just like my backpack does. Pops of pink with denim and I am ready to take on the day.

Here are some snaps of the look and some similar products linked below if you would like to check out the details. I am so glad you guys are loving all this fashion talk, because I am having so much fun with it. Another fashion post will be up this Friday. You can shop all my past looks on my website here too. 

I love you guys!
Heather

Scroll through to see all the outfit options.

Spring In Sarnia 2018 | Life Episode

Spring has officially arrived in Sarnia Lambton and we are so excited about it. Check out all of our adventures! And then some random motherhood thoughts at the end and the cutest dance party ever!

My Hat
Caryl Baker Visage Free Spirit Collection
KISS Lashes 

Sporty Mom | My Everyday Style

I am not actually a super sporty girl, I just love workout gear for mom life. I can comfortably do all that needs to be done and I don't worry about these clothes getting dirty. You know I still like to represent a little personal style in these outfits though! I love this tennis skirt, its a cute alternative to shorts or capris and has built in shorts. You will also be sure to see me wearing tons of hats this year. I have sun spots on my face that get very dark when exposed to the sun, in addition to wearing SPF 60 on my face everyday, I plan on keeping it covered. So get ready to see all the hats! The shoes I am wearing here are new but everything else in this outfit I have had for years. I linked some similar pieces in the widget below if you would like to shop this look.

Disclaimer, I receive a very small commission when you shop from some links (ShopStyle, an affiliate link program) placed on my blog.

Thanks for being here.
I love you!
Audrey

These Days | May 2018

What are the little things that make up the season you are currently living in? Those are the things I smile at, at the end of the day, as I walk to my bed but stop in the hall, and run through the day and thank God for all of it. ALL OF IT! I wake Tyler because he fell asleep putting Luke to bed and then we crawl under the covers and say goodnight.

Our days are extraordinarily filled, we are tired in the best way at the end of the day and I am glad.

Luke loves band aids and is normally wearing no less than one.

Elizabeth talks so much these days and continues to be very expressive.

Luke likes to make me coffee in the Keurig.

Elizabeth digs through our DVD collection frequently, pulling out all the DVDs until she finds the Trolls one and then walks around saying "Poppy". I am getting her a Princess Poppy doll this week.

I am increasingly aware of the importance of my role as a woman, wife and mother.

As older people pass me, smiling they say "you have your hands full", I respond "in the best way possible".

Some days I don't like playing on the floor, but its funny, I don't wish I was anywhere else.

We are researching summer vacations and talking about yard work.

Luke is more vocal about his ideas and feelings.

Elizabeth shows interest in quads and dirt bikes and Tyler and I realize she may be more fast and wild than Luke.

We try not to compare our children to each other but sometimes we do, they are the only baseline we know for parenthood.

We are moving into the season where schedules do not exist because the sun is out and the fun never ends.

I rock Elizabeth to sleep every night and for most of her naps. She snuggles into my chest and I rub my lips on her fuzzy head. I pray into her life powerful truths about the path she was designed for.

Because Elizabeth loves to be snuggled and held so much, sometimes I forget that Luke needs that physical affection as well. Lucky for me, he is getting better at vocalizing his needs and asks me to snuggle.

Luke and I have been enjoying naps together lately.

We get to spend a lot of time with our families; aunts, uncles, grandmas, grandpas and cousins. The kids now ask, "who will be there" for even a simple trip to the grocery store, its pretty great.

I am horrible at returning phone calls.

Tyler works so hard for our family and motivates me to do more. He is an amazing example to our children as to what a leader of a household is by walking out sacrifice and hard work. I am grateful for my husband.

These days are sweet, fleeting and tiring and I love them so much.

xoxo
Audrey