Tag Archives: life

Fitwells For Women Review & Giveaway

Fitwells For Women

I just finished my one month free trial to Fitwells for Women. You can read all about my first week here. I had an amazing month. I feel better about myself, my body looks and feels better, is more toned, leaner and muscular. I have more energy and I feel better about myself. I know that I wrote this twice, back to back, but it’s important. I was feeling pretty crappy about myself at the end of the Summer. I was lethargic, had indigestion issues, and felt really bloated. After my first week of working out, I was already feeling better.

Here’s the thing, it’s so hard to get motivated to get back into shape, but it’s not an option, it’s mandatory!!!!! It should be regarded the same as eating and breathing. We moms, especially, find a myriad of excuses, mainly surrounding our children, of why we don’t have time to look after ourselves. I’m here to tell you that if you don’t take care of yourself, no one else will!!!!!!!! I agree that it’s hard to find the time to workout, between school runs, breastfeeding, house maintaining, work and life, but it can be done. It must be done!!!!!!

This is why I haven’t blogged much this past month. I’ve changed my focus on getting myself emotionally, physically and spiritually healthier!!!!! I HAD TO!!!! I HAVE TO!!!! It was all starting to catch up to me. I was irritable, negative, exhausted and I wasn’t liking where I was heading. This past month has been a game changer for me. I finally put myself first. I told my son that he is coming with Mama to workout and that he is going to play with other kids in childminding. We went in, the ladies were super friendly and welcoming and he fit right in. He even was excited to know that we were coming back. I know that it may not be the same easy experience for yourself, but you need to do it. I see little babies in there. I don’t know if I could leave my newborn in there, but I’m impressed with those moms who could. For 1 hour, I gave my body, mind and soul the TLC it needed. I’m so focused on looking after everyone else (both at work and at home) that I’ve really neglected me.

What I enjoy about Fitwells for Women is that there are women in all different shapes and at different fitness levels. No one makes you feel bad if you can’t do an exercise. There are a few that I can’t do, because of my back, and I let the instructor know and she gives me something else to do. No one makes you feel bad for not being able to do an exercise. It’s about your fitness level and how comfortable you are. It’s also about sweating your ass off and feeling amazing afterwards. It’s about looking at the clock and seeing that you did it!!!! You just finished an one hour long intense class. You did it!!!!!!

So ladies join me and my fellow bloggers for this amazing 3 month membership giveaway to Fitwells for Women. There’s no time like the present to start. How can we expect our kids to be healthy if we aren’t ?!?!?!?! We have to lead by example. My son is proud of me and he tells me that. It makes me feel good and I like that he sees that I’m working hard to stay healthy. I want to stay healthy for myself, for him and for my husband. I want to be around for many years to come.

I really hope to see some of you ladies there. If you see me, come and say hi. I would love to see other moms out there with me busting their asses off and feeling empowered and good about ourselves!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fitwells For Women Week #1

Fitwells For Women

A month ago, I was contacted by the wonderful Salma, from The Write Balance, to see if I was interested in joining Fitwells For Women for 1 month and then write a review. I jumped at the chance. Since injuring my back, at work in November, I haven’t worked out. I had done some yoga but honestly I was scared to re-injure my back. Lately I’ve been feeling very sluggish, tired, irritable, bloated, experienced lots of headaches and suffered from heartburn. So I was really excited to be presented with this opportunity. For 1 month I have unlimited access to the gym, classes, weights, personal training and even childminding. Since the teachers are on strike, the childminding will come in very handy.

Before my first workout

Fitwells For Women

My healthy breakfast: smoothie and fresh fruit with Chia, Hemp, Holy Crap mix and Greek Yogurt

Fitwells For Women

Last Monday was my first class, step and sculpt. I had a healthy breakfast beforehand and got there nice and early. My only criticism is that when I arrived, the girl at the front desk wasn’t able to give me a schedule and she was not able to do my physical assessment. I would have preferred to have my physical assessment before I started. Something to think about next time. I was ready to give it 100%. The class starts and I’m doing ok and then about 10 mins in, I felt lightheaded and then 5 mins later I wanted to throw up. I pushed through it and by about 20 mins into the class I was feeling great. Holy shit, I got my ass handed to me. First of all, it has been years since I did a step class and second of all, it’s been 10 months since I did any hardcore workout.

I felt great after the class. Re-energized and my indigestion, that I had been suffering with for the past few weeks, and lack of energy had gone away. I felt better than I had in a long time. Although I was extremely sore the next few days, it was worth it. I felt great.

Post workout picture

Fitwells For Women

The instructor was awesome. She kept me energized and enthused. It felt great to be working out again.

I did Yoga on Wednesday and again a wonderful class. It not only involved breathing correctly and emptying your mind of stuff (I have to work on that…) it was also great for strength training. I felt completely rejuvenated after that class.

I did my third class on Saturday, body blast, and it did not disappoint. I’m still getting into the grove of step again and I’ll be honest I had some trouble getting a few steps, but I was patient with myself and was able to finally get them.

My first week was amazing at Fitwells for Women. I honestly wasn’t sure what to make of them as I read some not so good reviews but they were mainly about their cancellation policy. They are friendly, the place is clean, it’s big, the instructors are awesome and I really like the childminding. I ended up using it on Monday and my son loved it. They have 2 people watching the kids, as young as newborns. They have a lot of great toys. My son loved it.

So far, so good. I had a great first week. My goal is to go 3 times a week. I like that they offer classes all day, even in the evenings with childminding in the morning and evenings, which works well for me. I love the way I feel, both physically and energy wise. Looking forward to my XLab class on Friday.

May this blog inspire you to get back to the gym and if you live in the lower Mainland, try Fitwells For Women. I completely understand that it takes a lot of time, effort and willpower but it’s worth it. You feel better about yourself, you look better and it’s a great way to show your kids that we all need to stay active. Our kids need to see their parents staying active, if we expect them to stay active. We all lead busy lives and have a myriad of excuses, boy did I have lots of them, but the trick is to not think. To plan and just do. Like Nike says “Just Do It!!!!!” It’s so easy to fall into a rut, especially when you have kids. They are always the perfect excuse not to workout, but I’m here to tell you that you will feel so much better if you get back to the gym, I promise. I feel great, sore, but great.

Just Do It

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Happy Tuesday Everyone!!!!!!

*Although I was compensated for this post, all opinions are mine*

What I’ve Learned This Summer Is That I can’t Have It All and It’s Ok

I struggled with what to title this post. Should it be “You Can’t Have Everything!!!”, “What I’ve Been Up To”, and then the current title came to mind. Yes it has been a while and it’s been mostly by my choosing. This Summer my son was 5, the last Summer he and I would have together before he starts his school career. It’s also the first one where he and I could completely enjoy (he being more independent).

Before this Summer, when we would go to the park, the pool, the beach or even my backyard, I would have to stick close by him. This Summer everything changed. I felt like he was more independent, more confident, more understanding of rules and consequences. This has been the Summer where we could go to the park and I could relax more, where we would go to the pool and I could enjoy watching him jump off the diving board (with his life jacket on), knowing that he can swim and that he’s comfortable in the water. Although I’m still extremely vigilant, and by his side, I can watch a little more and be a little less hands on. Does that make sense?

So with this found independence for my son, came a little less independence for this mom. I found that we were out more in the pool and beach and less at home, which mean’t less time for me to blog. I just couldn’t justify keeping us both indoors while I spent hours blogging, researching, taking outfit pictures. I wanted us to enjoy the beautiful, warm weather, enjoy our Summer, make memories. So I unconsciously and then consciously made the decision to not kill myself trying to juggle it all, because I just couldn’t!!! I couldn’t blog every day and put in the effort that it required to do good quality posts, while running my household, working (shift work sucks!!!!!!), and trying to enjoy our very short Summer. I didn’t want to plunk my son down in front of the tv while I blogged. I wanted us to enjoy our Summer. I wanted to enjoy being his mom and play with him. Also please keep in mind that my husband and I have no family here to help us. It’s just him and I and my son is also not in daycare, so that means it really is just my husband, me and my son. No help.

There’s 2 things that I have learned in my 35 years of existence and that’s “Never say never” and “You can’t have it all!!!!!”. It’s true, you can’t have it all, no matter how hard you try. You can delude yourself into thinking you can, but you can’t. Somethings gotta give and will give. There’s no such thing are perfection; as a perfect home, perfect life, perfect marriage, perfect child, perfect mother, perfect wife. What does exist is making it right for you. All these superficial magazine articles titled “You can have it all, just read these 5 points” is total bullshit. Something will suffer, someone will suffer, and most likely it will be you, your sanity and your health.

I felt like that was happening to me. I was trying to juggle it all and I felt like I was going crazy. I was frustrated, irritable and exhausted, not enjoying things and I didn’t want that. I wanted to enjoy being a mom and enjoy my son being 5. So I chose to make that my priority. I will always have blogging, but my son will not always be 5. Next Summer will be different. He will be 6 by then with different needs and life will also be different as it’s always changing.

So I hope by writing this post you understand that you can’t have it all, to give yourself permission to make your family and your health a priority. I read many comments and posts this Summer from other fellow mom bloggers about how it’s been hard to juggle everything in the Summer. It’s ok. We all feel the same way.

I am hoping that once my son is in school full time (the teachers are on strike, so I’m hoping that by the time you guys read this on Monday it has resolved), I can dedicate more time to my blog and be back to blogging more regularily. I have so many ideas for my blog and what I would like, but I have to be patient as all good things come to those who wait.

May this blog inspire you to realize that you can’t have it all and to not beat yourself up over it. Do the best you can and that’s all you can really do.

Happy Labour Day Everyone!!!!!

We are headed out to enjoy our last long weekend of freedom and of the Summer.

Thank You, My Son For Reminding Me That There’s A Child In All Of Us!!!!!

Being an adult is hard!!!!! It’s stressful, tiring, frustrating and at times makes you cry. Having a child just heightens these feelings. You get more stressed knowing that you have this little being relying on you for everything. Your levels of fatigue go to a level that you never thought was possible!!!! :( You lose your temper at the smallest things due to lack of sleep and anything will make you cry. But then a time comes when all your hard work pays off, where you child gets to a point where you can actually do things with them.

This past Summer is really the first time I can say that I’ve felt like this. Where I can go out with my son and not stress, and have fun. I realized this last week when we went to the beach. The sun was shining, the lake was inviting and warm and we were together, playing without a care in the world. I don’t have many moments like that, where I feel like a kid without a care in the world!!!!!! I thanked my son for that. I told him how much I appreciate that he reminds me to be a kid and to not things too seriously.

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We’ve had more fun this Summer than any other since he’s been born. Maybe it’s the fact that he is older or it’s me being more relaxed or a bit of both, but I truly can say that I’ve had the best Summer ever. It’s so nice to spend time at the beach or the outdoor pool. We have an outdoor pool nearby and we go 2-3 times a week. Don’t get me wrong, I do plenty of things at home, cook, clean, work, blog, etc, but I’ve really tried to ensure that we do something fun every day and that we enjoy this time together. For example, I bought him a workbook and while he does that, I scrapbook. Honestly it’s so much fun. We sit at a table together and work, listen to the Frozen and Tangled soundtrack, sing along and work. It’s really nice. I feel like all that hard work at the beginning is paying off.

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The other day I was absolutely exhausted from an insane nightshift and my son came up to me and told me to forget about work and he pretended to take the tired thoughts out of my mind. He made me cry. It was exactly what I needed and you know what, my fatigue went away!!!!!

So the point of my post is this, that although this stage of your child rearing is crazy, it pays off, it gets easier. You do get a point where you can go to the park and watch him play and you yourself can relax and also play. You are reminded of what it feels like to be a kid and honestly it’s in all of us. We just need to tap into it more. We need to relax and let loose more.

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So my dear Aiden, thank you so much for reminding me that I also need to have fun and that it’s ok to be a kid once in a while.

May this blog inspire you to tap into your inner childhood and have fun with your kids.

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Happy Friday & Weekend Everyone!!!!!!

The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule

For my son’s preschool graduation, my aunt sent him the book “The Golden Rule” by Ilene Cooper. We read it to him and I didn’t realize that the quote “DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU” is actually known as the Golden Rule. This is the perfect book for your child. This entire book is a teachable moment. It doesn’t just preach the Golden Rule, it explains it. It explains it from the perspective of a child.

I enjoyed that it not only discusses the meaning of the Golden Rule but it gives you the different interpretations that the various world religions have on it:

Christianity: You should love your neighbor as you love yourself.

Judaism: What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow humans.

Islam: Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you.

Hinduism: This is the sum of the duty: to do nothing to others which would cause them pain.

Buddhism: Do not do to others what would hurt you.

Shawnee Tribe: Do not kill or injure your neighbor, for it is not he or she that you injure; you injure yourself.

Here’s the thing they are all saying the same thing. It may be said in a different way, but the meaning is the same.

We should all look at the Golden Rule as a way of life, because when I look around many of us, including myself, have forgotten it. I look at the way some people treat each other and it disgusts me. We all need to step back and remind ourselves that we should treat each other with love, respect, compassion and forgiveness for it’s because of this lack of love, compassion, respect and forgiveness that our world is in the situation it is in.

It starts at home with our children, teaching them this. We as parents need to emulate this and show our children what love, respect, compassion and forgiveness will get us. The Golden Rule starts at home, it starts with treating ourselves, our children, our partners the way we want to be treated. I know that I’m guilty of it at times, being short someone, or my son or my husband. We all need to remind ourselves to take a step back and think how would we like it if someone treated us that way? Even if they do treat us with disdain/disrespect that doesn’t mean we need to perpetuate that. Why not pass along love, it goes much farther and makes us all feel better.

May this blog inspire you to remember the Golden Rule and teach your children it. It all starts at home. How can we expect the world to change if we don’t start it at home?

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Happy Friday & Weekend Everyone!!!!

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List

I couldn’t resist using a picture of Olaf from the movie Frozen. Not sure about you guys, but my son is absolutely obsessed with this movie!!!!!

So Summer is finally here and even though it’s all about relaxing, enjoying the sunshine, bbq’s, the park, outdoor spray park, the pool, enjoying a Summer beverage or 2, there are still some things that I would like to get done. Most of my list revolves around Summery things and some of them are just things that I want to finally get done. No time like the present.

1. Go berry picking with my son and husband. We finally have a freezer and this is the year I want to go and pick some berries, especially blueberries. I used to go as a kid and I think my son would love it.

2. When in the Okanagan, go to some wineries and bring back some fabulous wines. We went last year and had a blast. I really can’t wait go to again this year.

3. Get into a more regular workout routine. Since injuring my back in November, my workouts have been far and between. I finally got into somewhat of a routine in January and then cold season hit us hard. Now that my son is home it’s even harder. So I’ve enlisted my friend, who is a trainer, to put together 4 workouts for me that I can do at home that are back friendly. It seems like I get into a good groove and then something always happens to mess things up. I’m hoping to be able to workout in the mornings before we head out for the day.

4. Eat healthier. My husband and I have decided to cut out gluten and sugar from our diet. I find for myself that gluten makes me feel bloated and honestly gross. Don’t get me wrong, I will still eat pasta and bread, but not as much as I did before. We’ve been doing this for about a month and I’ve definitely noticed a difference in not only how my clothes feel but also how I feel. This is not a diet, it’s a change in lifestyle. Something that we want to make permanent.

5. Scrapbook my son’s activities from when he was little until now. I’ve got about 3 years of programs, pictures, school pictures of my son in his various activities and I thought it would be a great idea to scrapbook these memories. I’ve picked up a scrapbook (thank you Dollar Store), paper and stickers. All I need now is to get the pictures developed and I’m ready to go. I’m so excited to see how it turns out!!!! :)

6. Read some more Summer books. I love to read, anything really, but I find that I want to stay away from serious books in the Summer. I enjoy light hearted, funny, romantic stories. Perfect way to spend a sunny day at the beach.

7. Finish watching Season 2 of Orange is the New Black. Holy shit, what a great show!!!!!! I just finished the first season and I can’t wait to see what happens in season 2.

8. Go to the beach with my son and play in the sand.

9. Relax and enjoy Summer :) It’s the last one before my son starts Kindergarten!!!!!

10. Enjoy more date nights with my husband!!!!!!! We are headed to Seattle in July for my birthday for the weekend and I can’t wait!!!!! I’m really looking forward to spending some uninterrupted time together, just the two of us. I feel like we can’t have a conversation without someone interrupting us. Every couple needs some time together and it’s been 2.5 years since we last had more than a day together, just the two of us.

So what are your plans for the Summer? Are the type to plan everything out down to the last detail or do you just fly by the seat of your pants?

May this blog inspire you to get some things done that you’ve been meaning to, make your own Summer bucket list.

Happy Monday Everyone!!!!!!

 

 

Top 30 Vancouver Mom Blogger Celebration

So last Thursday I attended the Top 30 Vancouver Mom Blogger Celebration. In case you didn’t know, since some of you have asked, I placed 5th :) Thank you so much for voting for me. It was one of my bucket list items for my blog and I am thrilled to be part of such a great group of mom bloggers this year.

Since being nominated I pretty much had my outfit picked out: pink/coral crepe dress from J Crew, accessorized with a flower necklace also from J Crew.

A selfie taken before heading out

Vancouver Top Mom Blogger Event

The event was held at a boutique called JAC by Jacqueline Conoir. We were greeted with champagne and yummy chocolate from Chocolate Arts. Gotta be honest with you, I went to town on the chocolates. So yummy. Bethany from Images by Bethany kindly did our head shots. I can’t wait to see the results!!!!!!

Afterwards I headed to the Skoah table where they did some make up touch ups. I had no idea that Skoah is a Canadian company based right out of my backyard, Vancouver and their products are natural/organic. Love it. I definitely will have to check out their make up line. I’m all about wearing as natural/organic make up as possible. So Skoah if you’re reading this, I would love to collaborate with you.

Next to Skoah was the glitter tattoo table!!!!!! Par-T-Perfect provided the glitter tattoos. So much fun. I decided to go with royal blue lips!!!! My son’s favourite colour :)

Glitter Tattoo

Then we were treated to a fashion show by JAC. Gorgeous pieces. I was fortunate enough to purchase an amazing graphic tee from her. I loved the message on the t-shirt. We all, including myself, should believe the message on this t-shirt. I wore this t-shirt in yesterday’s post: Denim Vest 3 Ways. Check it out!!!!! :)

JAC by Jacqueline Conoir

Afterwards we perused JAC’S gorgeous fashion and I was able to connect with a few other bloggers that I knew. It was definitely nice that I knew some other bloggers. I was a bit nervous when I first walked in, not really knowing what to expect, but everyone was very nice.

Thank you Vancouver Mom for hosting this wonderful event. It was wonderful to meet all these amazing mom bloggers.

Vancouver Top Mom Blogger Event

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Happy Friday & Weekend Everyone!!!!!!!

Am I Ready For Kindergarten???

This is the last day that I will be begging and pleading with you to vote for me for Vancouver’s Top Mom Blogger. The contest ends sometime today, so please, I’m begging you, if you haven’t already voted this week, please grab your cell phone, IPad, computer, labtop and vote on as many different devices as you can!!!!!! All you need to do is click on this link, find Agnes Mayer, Vodka Infused Lemonade and press vote. It’s that simple. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!! Regardless if I win, I am so thankful for all your support. It really does mean a lot to me.

The end of this school year brings the end and the beginning of a milestone. My son graduates from Preschool this Tuesday and will be starting his official school career in September. Just writing this brings tears to my eyes. It seems like just yesterday that we were preparing him for preschool; potty training him, talking to him about preschool and now, 2 years later, I’m preparing him for Kindergarten.

My son’s first day of preschool

First Day of Preschool

His first day of preschool last year and this year

First Day of Preschool

A friend of mine asked me “Am I ready for Kindergarten?” At first I was like “oh definitely” and then I paused and realized, sure physically I’m ready and mentally I’m ready, but psychologically and emotionally I don’t think I’ll ever be ready. He’ll be 19 and I still won’t be ready :)

This is huge step for both of us. I have to let him go. Let other’s teach, guide, nurture and mould him. During our Kindergarten orientation, I had to fight back tears when the Principal was discussing the Kindergarteners. My son is more than ready, he’s been ready for months now. He keeps asking me “Are we going to Kindergarten today?” I keep having to remind him that no not today, in September. He is so excited which makes me happy and relieved. He is ready. But am I?

Sure I’m proud of him, proud of all he’s accomplished these past 2 years, but it has gone by much too fast. He is growing up much too fast. This will be the first time in his entire life that someone other than myself and my husband will be responsible for him, for his learning, his safety. It’s no longer just us. I mean yes he’s been at preschool and has had babysitters look after him, but it’s not the same. This time, someone else will be responsible for him, for his learning, be a role model, and huge influence in his life. So far it’s been mostly me and now I’ve got to learn to let go. To let him fly, to let him be the best little boy he can be, to learn, to become this amazing being. I’m kind of glad that I’m not writing this, but typing it, because the paper would be full of tears.

Please don’t get me wrong, I’m so proud that he is ready and am well aware that this is a normal milestone in his life and in ours, but it’s still hard. Learning to let go is hard, especially for this Type A personality, always in planning mode, anal mom!!!! :)

It’s time. Next Tuesday my husband and I will sit proudly, with a box of kleenex, and celebrate him accomplishing this amazing milestone. We will take countless pictures, tell him over and over again how proud of him we are and will slowly start to prepare ourselves mentally, emotionally and psychologically for September.

So am I ready? Not really, but honestly I’ll never be fully ready. But I am excited to see what the future holds!!!!! :)

Are you ready? How do you feel?

May this blog inspire you to prepare yourself for your child’s entry into school. We spend so much time preparing our kids and we forget that we also need to prepare ourselves emotionally. This is a huge change for everyone, especially us Mamas.

Please don’t forget to head over to vancouvermom.ca and vote for me.

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Happy Friday & Weekend Everyone!!!!!

Reminiscing & Vancouver Top Mom Blogger Contest

Vancouver Top 30 Mom Blogger

As I mentioned in Wednesday’s post, I am a finalist in vancouvermom.ca search for Vancouver’s Top Mom Blogger. I am super excited because this has been a goal of mine since I started blogging. I know that at the of end the day what’s important is that I’m happy with my posts and that I am able to touch and relate to my readers, but it sure feels nice to be acknowledged by my fellow peers.

Today begins a 2 week voting period, from Friday May 23 to Thursday June 5, (winner will be announced on Monday June 9) where you can vote for me once every week for a total of 2 times in 2 weeks. You may ask why should you vote for me and simply put, because you like my blog and you want to support me :) . The other reason is that if you vote for me and I win, I win this amazing 2 night getaway with my husband to the Painted Boat Spa & Marina. This getaway would be much appreciated!!!!!!!

Painted Boat Spa & Marina

If you’re interested in the bio I submitted, please click here.

To vote for me, please click here. It’s as simple as clicking on the link and finding my name: Agnes Mayer, Vodka Infused Lemonade. And remember you can vote for me once a week for the next 2 weeks.

Head Shot

This entire process has made reminiscent about my blog and how I started it almost 2 years ago. My first post was published on July 13, 2012, titled “Welcome to Vodka Infused Lemonade“. At the time I started to blog, I was really nervous and had no idea what I was doing and honestly I’m still not sure. What I’ve learned these past 2 years is that it’s a constant process of trial and error; there are days where there is no rhyme or reason for why my posts get so many views and other days when it doesn’t; although numbers do matter, don’t stress over it, it’s not worth, instead focus on content that is important to you. Oprah has a great quote “Let passion drive your profession.” It’s true, write about what you care about, because that is the genuine you and that’s what people want to read.

One of the first posts I wrote that was a bit controversial, or at least felt that way to me was “30 year old Teenagers and shirts that make you feel pretty“. When I wrote that post, I was sick and tired of adult women acting like they’re teenagers. The older I get, the more I encounter that, women that are catty, spiteful, hurtful and just plain mean. It felt good, cathartic to write this post. I received many emails thanking me for talking about it. I was very worried about the backlash and honestly there was nothing to worry about. Those people that behave that way will never admit it, but it was nice to get it off my chest and I wanted other women who’ve experienced it to realize they are not alone.

Another quite personal post I wrote “Post Mommy Blues” was very hard to write. In it I admit to having postpartum blues and even depression. To be honest with you, I still find it hard to talk about it, not because I’m embarrassed, but because it reminds me of how down and lonely I felt. I felt like no one around me acknowledged my feelings, they kept telling me that they never experienced that and tried to brush what I was going through under the rug. I didn’t have any mom friends at the time, or rather “real” mom friends and I felt all alone. I felt like I was the only mom going through what I was going through and that everyone else had their act together. It wasn’t until I joined the Coquitlam Mom’s Group when I started to feel like I’m not alone in my feelings and that it’s ok to feel overwhelmed, tired and frustrated. I just wish I had someone in my life back then to tell me that it’s ok and that what I’m feeling is normal. I wrote 2 other follow up posts titled “Moms, Let’s Stop the Hate Speech and Negative Behavior” and “Moms vs Moms: Why Can’t We Just All Play Nicely Together” respectively. The point of all these posts is not for me to say that I’m perfect, but to bring to light our negative and destructive behaviour to one another and start treating each other with respect and love.

A few months ago, I got inspired to do a post and link up called “I am Beautiful“. I was inspired by a video on line where they vamped up women and airbrushed them and took pictures of them and then they video taped their reactions. What surprised me the most was that the women weren’t happy with their “new” fake looks. They missed the qualities and characteristics that make them who they are. I decided to take a picture of myself sans make up and host a link up. I had quite a few brave women join me. Click here to see the link up.

Vodka Infused Lemonade

I love hosting my weekly Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday Link Up where you can link up any fashion related post. I enjoy sharing my hosting duties with a different co-host each week. I enjoy looking at all the amazing fashion. I love the fashion aspect of my blog. I enjoy showing looks that are affordable. One of the reasons why I started this blog was to show other moms that just because you are a mom, it doesn’t mean that we have to dress frumpy. When my son was first born, I felt like crap, but I made an effort to dress up, because I didn’t want the world to see just how tired and crappy I felt. When I dressed up and made an effort, I felt better about myself. I also have a weekly series on one item different ways.

Leather Leggings

Last but not least, I love sharing stories about my family, especially my son. He truly is the apple of my eye and makes my soul sing. This recent post, totally describes my son “Motherhood & My Son Are Like The Colours Of The Rainbow“. One of the things I love most about him is that he is true to himself. He loves Princesses, painting his nails, singing, dancing, the movie Frozen while still acting like a 5 year old boy. One of the posts I’m most proud of is “Why I Paint My Son’s Nails!!!” As a parent, I feel strongly that our job is to empower our children, to listen to their interests and to help them achieve their fullest potential. I believe in supporting our children’s interests and letting them explore who they are.

Mother's Day

Congratulations if you read this entire post!!! I know it was long but my blog is a such a labour of love and I can’t help it :)

May this blog inspire you to head over to vancouvermom.ca and vote for me.

Please follow me via Facebook, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter.

Don’t forget to link up to my weekly Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday Link Up. Click here to link up.

Happy Friday and Weekend Everyone!!!!!

Mother’s Day & Urban Decay Eye Palette Giveaway

Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and my husband has promised me that I am going to love it. It’s been a very hectic couple of weeks and we haven’t had any down time, so my husband promises Sunday to be a very relaxing day for us, especially for me. Honestly all I want for Mother’s day is to spend it with my 2 favourite people: my husband and son, to be with them without any distractions and to honestly not have to cook or clean. I can’t wait!!!!! :)

Mother's Day

For me being a mother has been the most rewarding, frustrating, emotionally draining experience of my life. It has taught me patience beyond anything that I thought I was capable of. It has shown me that just when I think I can’t give anymore, I can. As a mom I have reserves saved for days where I just don’t think I can do it anymore. Being a mother to my son fills me absolute joy and love and wonderment. I stop myself and look at my son and realize that I made this amazing being. It also terrifies me think that I’m also 100% responsible for him, to raise him, to guide, to nurture him. It has not been easy, filled with lots of bumps and many, many, many mistakes along the way, but I wouldn’t change any of it.

So this Mother’s Day, please take some time for yourself, to reflect on your role as a mother, to rejuvenate yourself and thank yourself for being the best mom you can be. Most importantly HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!!!!!!!!

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for Pangea Organics. Click here to enter.

Please follow me via Facebook, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter.

Don’t forget to link up to my weekly Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday Link Up. Click here to link up.

Hey y’all! 


Some seriously fashionable, lovely bloggers teamed up with me to bring you this incredible giveaway consisting of some of my all-time favorite beauty products. 


An Urban Decay Naked Palette (you get to choose which one you want!), a full-size tube of Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin (my favorite), an Urban Decay Glide-On Eye Pencil in Demolition, AND a $50 Sephora Gift will be yours if you win! 


Get started below to win $144 worth of products/gift cards, and be sure to check out the blogs of all these incredible women! 

This giveaway is brought to you by your host:

LOOK BY LIZ LEWIS


And your Lovely Co-Hosts:


Emily - Something Gold, Something Blue

Rebekah - Lipstick and Lullabies

Agi - Vodka Infused Lemonade

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Darrica - Reese & CoCo

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Alli - An Alli Event

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Aisha - True Soul and Spirit 

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Jena - I’m Perfectly Human

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Natalie - Natalie Loves Beauty

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To enter, add your entries to the form below. You can enter from May 8 - May 22, 2014. One winner will be randomly selected after the end date, and the winner will have 24 hours to respond via email with their address. Anyone 18 and older, anywhere in the world can enter to win. Void where prohibited. All entries will be verified to ensure fairness. 

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