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

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

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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

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

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

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 

Spring Fashion Trend Inspiration

Spring Fashion Trends | Part 1 | Florals

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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!

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 

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?