Truths For My Children | Part 2

I want my children to know they can trust God to not only lead them but to make a way where He is calling them to go. The enemy will always try to stop us from following God by telling us we are not good enough or qualified. As children of God we can trust that if God is calling us to something He will qualify us for that great work. We will not always have all the answers, sometimes all we have is the faith to step into our calling.

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and lead you in the way you should go, I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Original Blog Post http://audreysupperstory.blogspot.com... Part 1 Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5aSq...

September Fashion Round Up

Here are my favourite looks from September. It was a month that slowly transitioned us into the cooler temperatures. It was a month of big transitions for our family as we all adjusted to Luke starting school. It was a month of change and growth for all of us. I am thankful for what we got from this past September but I am feeling so relieved to jump into October. I love Thanksgiving, the weather has everything feeling cozy and I feel like I have found my footing in our current season. What I am really trying to work on is bringing a little weekend vibe into every single day and not worrying about stuff so much. I am chilling out with the cooler temps. I have linked some of the key fashion items I am wearing in these pictures if your interested in shopping any of them for yourself.

I love you guys and I love chatting with you on Instagram. How are you feeling about October, what are you looking forward to this month, whats on your mind when it comes to fashion, just let me know whats up.
xoxo
Audrey

Muscle Tank 
Distressed Jeans

High Waisted Jeans

T-shirt

Denim Jacket

High Waisted Jeans
T-shirt
Cardigan 

Camo Jeans
Plaid Top
Cardigan

Jean Jacket

Distressed Jeans

Black Distressed Jeans

Sweatshirt

Sweatshirt
Dress

Fuzzy Sweater
High Waisted Jeans

High Waisted Black Jeans
Mustard Top

Truths For My Children | Part 1

Last year I wrote this blog post "Truths I Want My Children To Know" and as we transition into having Luke in school, I am revisiting these truths. When I put this post together, there were personal stories behind each truth that I considered as I thought about the different paths I wanted my children to take. If possible maybe they could learn from some of my stumblings and so I am going a little deeper into each truth in this video series. Here is the first video, I hope you enjoy it and take part in the conversation here or on social media.

xoxo
Audrey

Mindful Beauty Review

I have had the pleasure of experiencing a handful of products from Mindful Beauty over the last few months. The first thing I loved about using these skin care products, is their fragrance. Each product has the ingredients printed on the front of the label so I know exactly what I am smelling, I didn't have to look far to know its a natural fragrance. When I am using my Mindful Beauty  skincare routine, it transforms my bathroom into a spa. I love wearing makeup almost everyday but I really love cleansing my skin. The cleanser leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean and the soothing facial mist is refreshing and rejuvenating.

I love that the products are made to order. You know your ingredients are fresh and the product has not been stored for a significant amount of time. I bath often with Elizabeth so we enjoyed a Mindful Beauty Bath Bomb together. It felt good knowing the products I use, I can share with my children on their delicate skin. I have tried a variety of natural skincare and it often falls short for me not performing the way I want it too. I am particularly impressed with the cleanser and how well it draws out impurities and how well the scrub works at renewing the skin on my face and body. The scrub is actually quite powerful and the first time I used it, I applied it with a bit too much pressure. Not needed as the scrub does the work for you.

The creator of Mindful Beauty is a Canadian, beauty loving, momma and I just love that she is creating safe skincare for all the other moms trying to stay fresh while keeping their homes safe! You can shop Mindful Beauty in their Etsy Shop here. 

The First Day Of Fall

Thank you so much to Loulou & Bee for partnering with me on this adventure post and providing me and my littles with the coziest, cutest tops! Loulou & Bee offers trendy and practical essentials for babies, toddlers and moms. Shop this locally owned boutique online here.

We celebrated the first day of fall with an apple picking adventure at Zekvelds. The orchard/farm was buzzing like a bee hive. The crisp weather had everyone in the autumn spirit, ready to enjoy all the new season has to offer.

I am so glad I get to experience all four seasons! The change of each season is so energizing as we get to enjoy the food, activities and fashion that the new temperatures bring.

I know I have been apple picking before but I don't really remember it so we are going to call today a first for all of us. The orchard was so beautiful! Looking at a branch heavy with ripe apples literally made my mouth water and made me think, "wow I am so glad to call this little corner of the world my home". We have so much to explore in our backyard and seeing it through the eyes of my children is a huge gift, this is how the world is meant to be seen.

Luke raced from tree to tree "mom help me find some low ones", "mom lift me up". Lizzy helped pick a few and then she just started to eat an apple, stopping periodically to ask me to help her remove some of the skin. The rows of fruit trees were inviting and I kinda just wanted to set up camp there for the day but Elizabeth was not going to let us forget the horse we saw on the way out to the apples. Once our bags were full, we headed back towards the store and spent time walking around the rest of the grounds checking out the chickens, pigs and horse. They had a little barn shed set up pretty with autumn decorations and Luke loved leaping across the hay. My heart is exploding with love and gratitude after today, it was the perfect way to kick off the fall season!

I  have the great pleasure of mommin all day every day. Some days like today are adventure days and some days are hang around the house laundry days. No matter the day, I am so grateful to God to be mommin. I can only mom the way I do because of my husband though, so while he worked hard today we got to play. My mommin skills are only what they are because of who he is. As Tyler always says "teamwork makes dream work" and man, this mommin work is a dream!

Happy Autumn!
xoxo
Audrey

Shop My Sweatshirt Here

Shop The Kids T-shirts Here 

15 Minute Everyday Makeup

I don't feel like I need makeup on to leave the house but I do enjoy wearing it and I love the process of getting ready in the morning. In this makeup tutorial, I take you through my current everyday makeup routine. This look takes me about 15 minutes to complete. The focus is on skin, foundation products are my favourite and the eyes are super simple. I have key makeup pieces in my makeup bag which is what I get ready with each morning. This is a time saver as I am not searching through all of my makeup each day to find what I need. When I try something new, I switch the products out in my makeup bag so the products don't get out of control.

Here is what I am using and doing right now to create a quick, polished, everyday look. Thanks for watching!

I have linked the products I used below, if you want to check any of them out for yourself.

Smashbox Primer

Estee Lauder Double Wear 

Urban Decay All Nighter

Tarte Shape Tape 

Tarte Park Avenue Princess Contour Highlight Palette 

Benefit Ka-Brow

Urban Decay Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette 

Makeup Forever XL Eyeliner 

L'oreal Voluminous Mascara 

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick 

MAC Fix+

A Mother's Gut

Every mother's heart is different to match the love for her unique children. I believe every mother is the perfect mother for her child. We as mothers truly know what is best for our individual children. We boldly make choices on their behalf through sleepless nights, prayer, discussions with our own mothers and council from friends, but we have the final say. We are all doing our best. No matter the differing styles, we are all trying our best everyday.

So why are we afraid when someone does something different than we do? I think its rooted in that .5% of our gut that is still not sure if our own choices are right. If someone is doing something differently, maybe there is a different way for me to do something. This shouldn't scare us, this should inspire us and if not, we should just continue moving in our own direction.

Motherhood is a team sport. I certainly can't do this job without the support of many.

I was really wrestling with some mixed up motherhood feelings recently. I had shared some of my thoughts and emotions with friends about my conflict and each conversation left me feeling unresolved and somewhat isolated as people offered advice that didn't relate to me specifically. Finally I found solace when a mother simply said "trust your gut". She may not have agreed with my thought process, she may not choose to mother my way but she knew, that my gut instinct, even if it was different from hers, was the right direction for my child.

Trust your gut! My gut may tell me to do something different than your gut but I guarantee, no matter our differences, our guts and hearts are in the right place when it comes to mothering. Its ok if I do things different than you do because my kids are different than yours and likewise. We all have the same end game in mind, to raise happy, healthy, people who are kind and will make our world a better place. So lets support each other in this amazing work we are called to do. The support of others will help us to make more bold, gut trusting moves and our kids and world will be better for it.

xoxo
Audrey

New Vlog | My Favourite Creators

Last week a friend asked me who my favourite style bloggers and creators were and I thought it would be a fun blog post. I do one post like this about once a year, I go through phases where different people inspire me. Here are the channels I am loving right now.

YouTube
Alana L https://www.youtube.com/user/Hectoralana3/featured
Alex & Michael https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfB9Z5aAqe85oDCuQfxfwuA
Andrea Barber https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_2fNyQQyNzj99hJHkPYlKw

Instagram
TheGrayGang https://www.instagram.com/thegraygang/
Carly Jean Los Angeles https://www.instagram.com/carlyjeanlosangeles/
Kiel James Patrick https://www.instagram.com/kjp/

Comment with your favourite channels. I barely watch TV these days, just give me all the YouTube videos.

Here is my most recent vlog, dont forget to subscribe!

Taking Your Kids To The Beach | Expectations | 5 Tips For A Successful Beach Day

If you did not grow up on the beach, going to bed each night with a tiny bit of sand in your butt, you may think about going to the beach as a lot of work and very messy. These things are true, you are not wrong in thinking that but I promise you, it is totally worth all the sand and all the work for the experiences you will have with your children and the memories you will leave them with.

Here are some tips and realistic expectations for taking your young children to the beach.

Snacks
You need snacks, swimming and playing outside makes you hungry and its also just fun to eat on the beach and watch the water. I try really hard to bring exactly enough food to the beach because anything we don't eat, normally has sand in it and will not being going back into the fridge or cupboard. The word "sandwich" has a whole new meaning.

Sand Will Get Everywhere
Let go of the expectation that you will be able to sit on your beach towel and it wont get sand on it. Sand will get everywhere, embrace it, its part of the experience and when its dry and you are off the beach, it dusts off and shakes out pretty easily.

Swim
I always had the most fun when my mom, dad, aunts and uncles swam with me. I loved it when they were right in the water with me so I could show them my backflips and handstands and so they could throw me around. I know my kids have the most fun when we all swim together.

Shade Tent
I just added a half shade tent to our beach items this year. This is great for babies or anyone who just wants a break from the sun. It is light weight, easy to set up and take down and is a nice place to have a rest while enjoying the water. I linked one here if you would like to check it out for yourself.

Safety
I go to the beach alone with my two children and sometimes even my niece and nephew as well. My niece is older and a good swimmer but she has limits as to how far out she can swim and all the babes wear a puddle jumper 99% of the time we are on the beach.

Taking your kids to the beach is absolutely not relaxing but it is absolutely so much fun. And, they will most likely fall asleep on the drive home, so grab a coffee and take the long way home!

Please share your tips for taking your young children to the beach.

Superstore vs Walmart Online Grocery Service

First let me start by saying, I AM A SHOPPER, I shop everywhere and no matter online or in person, I love shopping. I have been utilizing Walmart's Online Grocery Service and In Store Pick up service and sharing my experience on Instagram. One of my friends asked me what the difference between the Walmart service and Superstore service was and I wasn't sure so I ordered some grocery and home items from the Superstore so that I could compare the two services and share the differences with you. Here is what I learned from my two experiences about the services and a little about my shopping approach with these two stores.

I normally shop in store at both Walmart and the Real Canadian Superstore. I love to shop at Walmart on weeks when I need groceries but also have a few random items I need for my home. I love shopping at the Real Canadian Superstore because I love collecting points, the produce is always fresh and I love to check out their home goods and Joe Fresh items while I am in store.

Walmart Online Grocery Service and In Store Pick Up

The app is easy to use, I can shop by category or by the sale section first.
I can save items to my favourites list so they are easy to add to my cart each week.
I can also add items to my cart throughout the week as I run out of them at home and they are saved in my cart.
You must have a minimum $50 order to place an online grocery order for in store pick up.
You pay for your order in full when you complete your oder online.
I have been able to place my order with with my Debit Visa Card.
When placing my order, I can select a time for pick up at a time of my choice with a one hour window.
When picking up my groceries I make a phone call when getting to the pick up area and my groceries are brought to my car in less than 5 minutes.
My grocery attendant informs me of any changes that were made to my order first before unloading my items to ensure I am ok with the changes and any upgrades that were made did not cost me any additional money but were absorbed by Walmart.
I have used this service three times in Sarnia, had three different employees serve me and everyone offered excellent customer service.


Real Canadian Superstore Click and Collect

The app is easy to use, I can shop by category or by the sale section first.
I can save items to my favourites list so they are easy to add to my cart next week.
When placing my order I input my payment information and choose a pick up time and then have 24 hours to adjust my order if needed.
My card is not charged until my order is completed and delivered to my car.
This system could not process my Debit Visa Card.
This system preauthorizes above the cost of your actual grocery order in case of upgrades that may be made and then changes you the exact amount of your oder based on adjustments made to your final order.
The cost of the online grocery services is $3 with a $30 minimum to place your order.
When I called the store to have my order delivered to me the adjustments were mentioned and the grocery attendant went into the store to find the adjustment items I approved.
We waited in the car for about 10 minutes for our order to be completed.
The grocery attendant was a little flustered.
We had to process two payments by debit at my car as items were missed in the first payment I made.


In general, this service definitely saves me time, what is normally a full morning activity for me and the kids is now a quick stop freeing up the rest of our morning for playing at the park. I also love the service in general because it saves me money. When I order online I don't browse, I fill my order based on exactly what I need and then place it. I will still be an in store shopper at the Superstore because I truly love that in store shopping experience and so do my kids. I have been really impressed with the Walmart Online Grocery Service so I think I will continue my online orders with them.

I would love to know your thoughts on the service in general and the experiences you have had with the two stores. Please share.

Purposeful Motherhood

I have been learning what the Bible says about being a woman, wife and mother and I think it is beautiful and empowering. I love Proverbs 31, The Wife Of Noble Character, I read it all the time. Right now this portion below is speaking to me.

Verse 13:22 NIV

13 She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Knowing that there is purpose in all I do brings joy and passion to my everyday work. I know I was designed to care for my family as only I could.

The cleaning has purpose.

The cooking has purpose.

The watching kids do tricks and jumps has purpose.

The folding and putting away of laundry has purpose.

The encouraging words,

Application of bandaids,

Endless hugs,

Approving or not approving of television shows,

Sleepless nights,

Picking up of the same toys everyday,

Singing of songs,

Just being there, waiting, watching and ready for what work is needed next, has purpose.

In the mundane routine or chaos of wife life and motherhood, I can lose sight of the big picture or maybe I don't even know what the big picture is yet. But slowly I am understanding that the small pieces that are my responsibility everyday, are my great purpose. 

We have a great purpose in all we do as women, the helpers of this earth.


Genesis 2:18
The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

And we are the answer!

Who is pumped?!
I love you!
Audrey

By Faith

I have been learning about faith during my Bible Study recently (First 5) and I have also been doing some faith walking in my life. I have always been a faith filled person but sometimes my actions and words did not match my thoughts. By the grace, strength and wisdom of God, I am growing each day and I am learning how to speak from the position of a victor even when circumstances seem hopeless.

Hebrews 11 1:3
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. 
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Reading the Bible has helped me to learn more about who God is. He is always good, just and never breaks a promise. God has spoken promises into my life, some I have seen come to pass, some I am currently witnessing develop and others, well lets just say from my earthy perspective, I am not sure how they could come to pass. I am choosing God's perspective though. I can not see what He can see, I do not know what He knows, but I do have faith that He is working it all out for my well being.

In my small experience speaking light into dark situations, good things have come. At the time it is challenging though, I have looked around at a personal circumstance and thought, "what the heck, how can this be fixed". Faith is produced through focusing on Jesus, joy is produced through focusing on Jesus and right and just action is produced through focusing on Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

When we choose to trust Gods perspective, we are free to then be the people God designed us to be, equipped with the skills we need to navigate all of life's challenges. My Saviour came to give me life, covered me with His grace so that I could stand on His promises and then serve as His hands and feet. I will walk more boldly each day by faith! I will speak more boldly each day by faith. I am victorious over what has already been accomplished by Jesus on the cross.

Accepting Jesus as my saviour and learning to walk with God each day is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. If you have a prayer request or would just like to chat about God, please send me an email heatherlapier@gmail.com You can also follow me on Instagram  and join more conversations on faith.

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.