We Bought a House!

I can't believe I'm actually saying this...but we BOUGHT A HOUSE...another one! Earlier this year, Jesse and I sat down and evaluated what we wanted our financial future to look like.

If you know Jesse, you know he loves to talk finances, investments, mutual funds...anything to do with money.

During our planning, we made a goal to procure our first investment property this year. We spent the past few months watching the housing market and getting our realtors to scan the area for us, for the perfect starter property. After several months of searching during a crazy time in the real estate market, we finally found the perfect property.

In July we put in an offer on this house, but it was rejected. We re-evaluated our goals, finances, cost of the house, and the area, and we felt that we couldn't justify paying more for the property. Disappointed, we moved on.

Jesse had a hunch that it wouldn't be the last that we saw this property...and he was right. In August, the owners of the home reached out to us, and agreed to accept our original offer. 

We got the keys at the end of September and we're now in the full-swing of renos. It's pretty exciting to pick out paint colours, flooring, tiles and countertops. Jesse's been learning a ton about renos and has done the majority of the work himself along with the help of family.

We can't say 'thank you' enough to our family who has been pitching in with renos, meals and babysitting. So excited to see the final result and welcome out new (first) tenants in December.

Stay tuned for more on this journey!

Raising a 'girl boss'

Lipstick: LipSense | Photos: Jessica Rediker

A year ago, I decided to start a new business venture dabbling in the world of cosmetic sales - an industry I NEVER thought I would get into. I have never felt like sales (or cosmetics) were my forte. In fact, I have always despised working in sales. But when I tried the products, and saw the results, I knew that I had to share them with everyone I knew.

Since starting on this new venture, I've had to push myself to meet people, start conversations, put myself out there, set goals, and overcome many insecurities. I'm amazed that I can look back at where I was, even just a year ago, and see a huge difference in my self-confidence and perseverance. 

I'm at a point in my life right now, where I feel like I know what I want, and I want to work to achieve those things. It wasn't until I came to this place, that I realized that I wanted my daughter to experience those same things. I want her to know now, from a young age, that there are going to be challenges, there are going to be things that won't feel comfortable, but that doesn't mean that you can't overcome those obstacles. In fact, when you do overcome them, and come out on the other side, you will be better for it!

You will be stronger, wiser, and braver.

If you asked me today, what advice I'd like to pass onto my daughter, here's what I'd tell her:

1. Set goals, dream dreams, make plans, learn everything you can, be coachable, find others who are doing those things well and learn from them! 

2. Listen only to those you trust, those who believe in you, and those who are doing the same things as you, and listen to their advice. Let go of the words from those who don't understand what you're doing, those who haven't tried, and those who you don't know. 

3. Remember your priorities in life, God and family, and let everything else fall into place around them.

4. Take time for yourself, know when to quit, and call it a day. 

5. Try something new and don't be afraid to fail. Learn from your mistakes and try again. 

6. Don't wait around for perfection. The only way you'll get better, is by doing, not waiting.

7. Accept the possibility that you may be seeing yourself from a warped perspective, and when others are saying you're doing a great job - it's the truth!

5 Ways to Ring in the New Year with Kids

Photo Credit

Christmas has become so much more crazy, busy and fun now that I have kids. But when New Year's Eve rolls around, I'm pooped. The thought of getting dressed up, going out and leaving the kids with a sitter until the wee hours of the morning isn't really something that I have the energy for. But instead of sitting at home and staring at that party dress in my closet, I decided to make plans for something to look forward to at home on NYE. Just because I'm choosing to be at home with my little family, doesn't mean that it has to feel like every other day.

Because, let's be honest, sometimes when you're at home with the kids all-day-every-day, you need to break up the monotony.

So if you're like me, and you're ok with living up the new year at home, here are some ideas to make it a bit more special for you {and the kids}.

1. Create a pretend countdown for the kids | If your kids are too young to stay up until midnight, or you're trying to avoid a meltdown before the new year, do a pretend countdown. Set a timer, turn the clocks forward, or just countdown from 10 right before bedtime. If you're feeling like a party animal, you can even bring out the noise makers and confetti.

2. Play some games | This was a tradition when I was a kid. Turn off the TV and pull out the board games...they probably don't get played enough anyways (they don't at my house).  

3. Set the scene | If you want it to feel like a party, it's all about the environment...create the scene. Blow up some balloons (kids love balloons), hang a banner or some streamers or make some party hats. 

4. Party food | Because Christmas and New Year's are so close together, you're bound to have an abundance of treats lying around. Take some of those treats you were given for Christmas and tuck them away until NYE. To even out the sugar intake, you can also make a fruit salad, veggie platter or cheese and cracker spread. 

As for beverages, I like to purchase something special for the adults as well as the kids. I also get those little plastic wine glasses, because it really doesn't matter what you put in them, they're instantly fun for the kids.

5. The after party | When the kids (finally) go to bed, the parents' after party begins. For everyone, this looks differently. For me, it's probably going to consist of eating snacks I've been hiding from the kids and watching a movie that isn't animated. 

Got any other 'stay at home party' ideas? I'd love to hear them.

7 Things I've Learnt in 7 Years of Marriage

Well, here we are...we've made it to year #7 of marriage. In 7 years, we've: traveled to 8 countries, completed school, changed jobs, bought a house and had two babies. 

In celebration of my 7 year anniversary, to Jesse, here are 7 things I've learnt in 7 years of marriage:

1. We receive love in different ways. My "love language" is quality time. I love to just hang around with Jesse, watch TV, go out to eat, go shopping together or chat before we go to sleep. Jesse, on the other hand, loves when I do something special for him (ex. make his lunch for work).

2.  Pick your battles. Not every battle is worth fighting and not everything needs to be addressed in the same day. 

3. Fight the good fight. In 7 years, we've had many disagreements. It's a normal part of life to have disagreements. We're two people with different opinions, living life in close proximity - fights are going to happen. But I've learnt that our fights don't have to be full blown, yelling, slamming doors, pointing fingers, storming off, silent treatment, type of fights. There are ways to disagree without dishonouring the other person.

4. I can't look to my husband to find my self-worth. I have to be a whole person to meet with another person. Not two fractured people filling in the gaps for each other. 

5. It's ok to ask for help. I used to think that admitting to others that we are having a hard time working through something in our marriage was a sign of weakness, but I've come to realize it is actually a strength. 

6. We both recharge in different ways. Life gets crazy busy - especially with kids - sometimes, we just need to have time to ourselves to recharge. I find that I feel alive again when I spend time with friends or Jesse. Jesse on the other hand, needs to be alone. 

7. "Marriage is a work in progress and you have to work at it to make it progress."

If you're curious to see what we're really like in person, head over to my FB page and check out our live video: 7 Years Q & A (click here). I will warn you, it's live, which means anything could happen. 

4 Products for the Modern Baby

Things have changed a lot in the baby market since I was a kid. Gone are the days of the teddy and duck prints and everything primary coloured. These are the days of the modern baby. Yes, we {parents} still have baby items cluttered all over our homes - but now, they have style. But not only that, they're safer, softer, cleaner.

I recently had the opportunity of reviewing four items that are topping the {modern} baby lists. Each one different from the next, but all of them make my life as a mom a little easier and less worrisome. 

1. Dockatot

Dockatot is a multi-functional lounger, co-sleeper and play-time lounger. When Remi was smaller, we used the "Deluxe" size (0-8 months) for co-seeping and lounging around. It gave me peace of mind knowing that he could sleep next to me, without the fear of squishing him while we slept. Because it's made of all natural, 100% cotton, and is breathable - I could sleep better knowing he was completely safe in his little pod.

Now that Remi's older, we've graduated him to the "Grand" size which is designed for ages 9-36 months. Most of our house has laminate floors, so the Dockatot gives him a cushioned spot to play. The Grand is also helpful in transitioning from crib to "big boy bed". Yet, another "mom fear" - rolling out of the bed in the middle of the night.

As a girl with Scandanavian roots, I appreciate the simplistic Swedish design and versatility of the Dockatot. I'm all about multifunctional items!

Get $5 OFF using this affiliate link.

2. Finn + Emma

Finn + Emma produces garments made with GOTS certified cotton and non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes. I like that Remi's shirt has a modern design, but it's also safe for his sensitive skin. 

I'm a sucker for wooden toys. Finn + Emma's wooden toys are made from untreated Indian hardwood, finished with vegetable seed wax and filled with little beans. The totem pole design reminds me of my vacations out in British Columbia; it's a toy for Remi, and a memory for me.

Enjoy 15% off using this affiliate link.

3. Milestone Baby Photo Cards

Milestone Cards make it easy for me to document Remi's big moments. He's my second baby...and I'll be honest...sometimes I have a hard time keeping up with documenting his first year. These photo cards simplify it for me. All I have to do is place the Milestone Card next him and take a photo. I can even upload the photo to IG and print them in a photo book later on. Easy-peasy!

4. Lorena Canals Rugs

Loren Canals Rugs have made my mom life just a little bit easier. Their rugs and cushions are handmade, all natural and MACHINE WASHABLE. With two small kids in the house, things get dirty - fast. I no longer have to fear light coloured rugs, the kids can play on it, eat on it and then I can just throw it into the wash. One less thing that they can destroy.

Have a question about one of the products featured in this post? Leave me a comment, I'd be happy to help you navigate the daunting world of baby products.

1. Dockatot | Grand Dock | Pristine White, $5 OFF using this affiliate link

2. Finn + Emma | Short Bodysuit | Anchor, Wooden Teething Rattle | Totem Pole, 15% OFF using this affiliate link

3. Milestone Baby Photo Cards | Limited Edition

4. Lorena Canals Rugs | Lace Beige

Photography | Jessica Rediker

Disclosure: All items were gifted to me in exchange for an honest review. The words expressed in this blog post are mine, and mine alone. 

From Baby to Little Girl

When we found out we were having Averie, I felt so blessed. I had been praying and hoping that one day I could experience those mother-daughter bonding moments with my own daughter. I couldn't wait to buy her all those cute, little, mini-me clothes, braid her hair, have mother-daughter dates and enjoy little cuddle moments with her. 

Averie will be three in a couple of weeks, and I can't believe that time has gone by this quickly. This little baby of mine has grown into a little girl before my eyes. She's beautiful, goofy and, at times, sassy. She loves to play rough - pillow fights, pushing, wrestling and climbing - but she's also a little mama. She will cuddle her dolls and animals, feed them, sing to them, and tuck them into bed. She's my little tender-heart. If she feels concerned, she will ask you - in her sweet little voice, "What's wrong? Don't be sad.".

Happy birthday my little flower pixie! Let's enjoy this next year together before you're off to school (I can't think about it).

To celebrate my baby blossoming into a little girl, we had a floral themed photo shoot. This too was a mother-daughter activity that was on my prenatal wish list before Averie was born. 

Post in collaboration with Julie's Elegant Crafts (floral crowns)

Photography | Jessica Rediker