The Plaid Shirt | Classic Style | American Eagle

The plaid shirt has a vast history, especially a plaid flannel shirt which was first manufactured in the 1850's. It was not until the 1940's when women adopted the style for themselves by actually first borrowing them from men. Depending on your age and who you have seen wearing plaid shirts as you grew up, this style may bring back memories of specific phases in your life.

Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" music video made grunge the next big style in the early 1990's. I remember back to school shopping when I was around 10, buying boys wide leg jeans because the girls section did not have the exact style I was going for and pairing it with a t-shirt and plaid shirt tied around my waist.

Now plaid shirts are a wardrobe stable and we ladies don't have to borrow the styles from the men, we can find them tailored to our shape and in a variety of colours. I have gone through a few plaid shirts over the last 10 years but I am always drawn to a pattern that has a significant amount of red in it. I love the classic look of the red plaid shirt. I love that I can dress it up and create a nostalgic holiday vibe or pair it with jeans and a t-shirt for an all Canadian everyday look.

When did you first wear a plaid shirt? What memories does this style bring back for you? How do you wear your plaid shirt today?

My entire outfit was shopped at American Eagle in the Lambton Mall. This store has an amazingly helpful and educated staff that is passionate about helping you find fashion that makes you feel great!

Thanks for reading!
xoxo
Audrey

Reference website, Glamour.

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 

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.

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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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? 

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

How Not To Go Crazy In A Canadian Winter | Sarnia March Break Activities

Last week on Thursday evening we had an early dinner and then went outside to play in the falling snow. Tyler started a fire, we shovelled snow, jumped on the trampoline and played hide and seek. I was feeling a little cooped up last week and after a night outside I felt so refreshed.

Our winters in Ontario can be long and I can tell that even the kids can get a little out of sorts these days. I posted on Instagram last week asking for ideas to keep busy and have fun during the end of winter and I loved the response. As we go into March Break, I thought it would be fun to share my list of family fun activities (and some suggested by friends) and also get everyone to share their ideas here too, so we can all make the best of these sometimes grey days.

Have a winter bonfire.

A scavenger hunt inside or outside.

Fill the kitchen sink with water and let the kids drive boats and play with a few toys.

Burry objects in a bowl of snow in the house or a designated area in the backyard and dig them out with shovels.

Move toys around in the house to refresh the kids perspective on what they have.

Include the kids in household chores like emptying the dishwasher and loading the dryer.

Swim at a local pool.

Run around a gym during an open play.

Skate during open skate.

Get together with some friends.

Cook or bake as a family.

Drive to a park that you don't normally walk through to refresh the atmosphere of your strolls.

Check local dance studios, gymnastics clubs and other activity facilities for drop in classes during March Break. Bluewater Dance Academy is hosting a choreography intensive for two days during March Break.

Lambton County Libraries have special events going on, check out the schedule here. 

Exit Realty is Hosting a Family Fun Day Monday March 12 at the Library Theatre in Sarnia.

Lambton Mall has special events and activities for children during March Break with a special appearance by the Easter Bunny at the end of the week, check out the details here.

The YMCA Sarnia Lambton has a special calendar of events during March Break, call to find out the details.

I would love to hear what you and your family love to do, please comment below or on social media.

xoxo
Audrey