Father's Day Gift Guide

There is still a little time left until Father's Day!

 I've put together a few gift ideas with a variety of price points to spoil your man.

Polaroid Camera - This may or may not be one of the gifts I selfishly buy so I can use it too haha
Nintendo Sweatshirt - Because I know my husband has spent countless hours playing Super Nintendo.
Swell Stainless Steel Bottle - This is a great gift for any guy! Drinking water is so important!
Vans Authentic Shoes - Because my man loves shoes just as much as I do!
Vans Hat - Because you can never own too many hats.
The Beatles T-shirt - This one is great for your music loving hubby or music loving dad!
Bose SoundLink II Around-Ear Bluetooth Headphones - These are out of my price range for Father's Day gifts, but if you're in the market for headphones and can splurge these are totally worth it! Amazing sound quality and I'm in love with the colour of these.
Monogrammed Toiletry bag - This is the perfect toiletry bag for men who travel!
Crosley Record Player - How gorgeous is this vintage looking record player from Urban Outfitters?!
Herschel Backpack- This bag is perfect for travel or a sleek looking gym bag! 
Google Mini - This is the perfect gift for your tech loving guy!

Photos From Our Drive To Bracebridge

A couple of weekends ago, we were feeling a bit wanderlust after our road trip to the states, that we we're feeling little antsy being at homeLouis suggested that we jump in the car and head up north for the day, so we did just that! I love that he is just as spontaneous as I am, and the kids are always up for new adventure! We decided to drive up to Bracebridge, Ontario which is about an north of us up in the Muskokas.

We found the sweetest little used book shop called The Owl's Pen that is family owned and operated.

They have two floors of used books and vinyl records.

I could've stayed for hours, getting lost in the pages of the books, but the kids were eager to see more so we settled on buying a book each! 

I have plans to go back on my own, sans kids, to take a look through their record collection. 

After we looked in a couple of shops, grabbed some lunch and ice cream, we went for a walk through the trails. 

Bracebridge has the most beautiful waterfalls that the kids loved walking by. 

Everything You Need To Know About Eyelash Extensions

A few weeks ago, I went to see Jess of [Jes]Thetics for a set of eyelash extensions.

As someone with pretty small eyes, I've ben wanting to try these for a while.

I'm someone who can't leave the house without my mascara or people stop and ask me if I'm sick haha 

Those of you who know me well, know that sitting still and not talking are not my fortes haha

The only thing I was hesitant of before visiting Jess was lying still for 2 hours.

The time actually flew by though and when it was time to get up and see, I was blown away by my new lashes. 

I instantly felt like I just had a makeover, but in reality I wasn't wearing a drop of makeup.

I looked in my windshield mirror every red light on the way home, I was so in love with my new lashes haha 

A lot of you had sent me your questions on Instagram about the experience, care etc of eyelash extensions so I'm going to answer them for you below. 

Are they worth the money?

150% they are worth the money! 

An initial set of lashes is going to cost you $90 but to come back for a refill is only $45

I'm telling you though, eyelash extensions completely change your daily makeup routine. 

I can wake up in the morning and run out the door now without feeling the need to put on any makeup.

How often do you need to refill? 

Every 3-4 weeks depending on how well you care for your lashes.

What are the cons to having eyelash extensions?

For me, it was really hard to adjust to showing after getting my eyelash extensions. 

I'm used to getting in and rubbing my eyes with water as I wash my face, but with eyelash extensions this can damage the eyelashes. 

Is there a lot of care involved?

Not at all! They are very easy to care for actually. 

A little rinse with water and some brushing with the wand Jess gives you throughout the day and that's it! 

Can I still wear mascara and eyeliner?

Jess recommends not wearing any mascara, and there really isn't a need for it with eyelash extensions! 

I do wear eyeliner if I'm going out but I make sure that I'm extra careful when removing it, using an oil-free makeup remover and a q-tip.

I hope I answered all of your questions you might have on eyelash extensions.

If have any more questions feel free to ask in the comments below :)

Where to Eat in Tulsa, Oklahoma

As you know from my post on our visit to Philbrook Museum last week, we just got back from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The original purpose of our road trip was to go see my favourite band, Hanson and enjoy their beer and music festival, The Hop Jam.

We were pleasantly surprised to find out that Tulsa, Oklahoma is a hidden gem of a city. 

Our family loved everything about Tulsa from the amazing arts and music community, to meeting the friendliest people we've ever met and all the delicious restaurants and cafes. 

I thought I would put together this little guide of places you need to eat while in Tulsa.

There are so many restaurants that I didn't get a chance to stop in this time around {for my Hanson fan friends - see what I did there ;) } but we loved Tulsa so much we are heading back for another family trip next spring!

ANTOINETTE BAKING COMPANY

https://antoinettebakingco.com

Antoinette Baking Company is the cutest little cafe located in the Brady Arts District in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

I wish I had photographed the interior of this cafe because it is so charming.

The staff are some of the kindest people I have ever met and their lattes are to die for! 

The kids loved all the fresh baked goods to choose from each day (they also offer gluten free options for those wondering) and the adults enjoyed their hot breakfast menu.

 

ANDOLINI'S PIZZERIA

https://www.andopizza.com/location/tulsa/

Andolini's Pizzeria is an Italian pizzeria located on Cherry Street in Tulsa, Ok.

I stopped here with my friends for lunch one day and was blown away by their gourmet pizza. 

I can't remember the name of the slice I ordered but it had a crust that was crispy on the outside and the perfect amount of doughy on the inside {my fave} and was topped with cherry tomatoes, black olives, mozzarella, drizzled with olive oil and rock salt.

They also have the cutest little gelato bar that I didn't get a chance to try out.

{totally on my list for next visit}

HURTS DONUT CO.

https://www.instagram.com/hurtsdonutco.tulsa/

Hurts Donut Co. is a must stop if you love donuts as much as my kids do - which is A LOT.

The staff in Hurts Donut Co. were super friendly and helpful. 

There are a huge variety of donuts to choose from to appeal to everyone's taste buds and the interior design is on point!

LONE WOLF TULSA

Banh Mi. Kimchi Fries. Fried Rice.

https://lonewolftulsa.com

I can't even put into words how much I LOVE Lone Wolf Tulsa.

I had the shrimp rice bowl and it was beyond amazing.

From the presentation of the food to the amazing flavours - it is so damn good! 

And like all the other places I've mentioned above, the employees are SO kind and patient.

It took me a good 5 minutes to decide on an order because everything looked so good I had a hard time narrowing it down, and the staff was totally cool with giving me time to take it all in! 

CAZ'S CHOWHOUSE

http://www.cazschowhouse.com/chowhouse.pdf

I feel like I need to be 100% honest here and show my nerdy fan girl side for this restaurant. 

I totally dragged my family to Caz's Chowhouse because Zac Hanson sings about it in one of my favourite Hanson songs "I don't want to go home". 

The lyrics go like this:

"In Caz's Corner Bar 

At Carnegie Hall

I hear the people say 

I don't want to go home" 

Anyways, lets get back on the topic of food. 

I totally understand now why the people in Hanson's song don't want to go home haha

Caz's Chowhouse is absolutely DELICIOUS and just like every where else I went in Tulsa - the people serving you are SO kind.

We went a couple times while we were in Tulsa but the only picture I snapped was of my Cobb salad which tasted just as delicious, if not more, as it looks in the photo. 

Their chicken fingers are also AMAZING.

{yes - I still order chicken fingers as a 29 year old woman - don't judge}

TALLYS DINER

http://www.tallyscafe.com

Tallys Diner is the famous diner on Route 66 - rated Tulsa's best diner. 

Was it as good as it was hyped up to be? Absolutely!! 

We came on a Sunday morning so it was extremely busy but the staff were super kind and informative and the food is everything you would want in typical diner food.

The atmosphere made me feel like I was on the set of Grease and I wish I had taken more photos! 

THE TAVERN

http://www.taverntulsa.com

I have The Tavern to thank for introducing me to Hanson Brothers Beer.

I honestly had no desire to try it before I went in here {shocking, I know} but the server really sold it to me and you guys - it's actually a super decent beer! 

The Tavern was also an awesome place to stop for lunch.

The food is awesome pub food and the decor is modern meets classic which I love! 

 

IDA RED

https://idaredgeneralstore.com

The last place I need to mention is Ida Red's General Store.

While not a restaurant, my kids would probably tell you this was their favourite place to eat haha

They have the best selection of candy and milkshakes.

If you have a sweet tooth you will looooooove this place.

The people working in the store are some of the kindest people you will ever come across!

EDIT: A few places I absolutely loved and recommend but did not get photos are Mexicali and Prairie.  Also - I totally got off track with my clean eating on this trip but it was worth every single bite!!!

Bohemia Cafe & Happiness

I saw this quote on Sarah of Sleeping is for Losers instagram this morning and it was exactly what I needed to hear after two of the best weeks of travel with my family.

Anyone else fall into a mini depression after coming back to reality after a trip? 

I came home from our trip feeling super inspired to live a life of MORE.

"I don't want a ticket to the same routine
I want to see the sights unseen
I want the extraordinary
Everybody's waking to the same clock
I could never be another chip off the block"

 These lyrics from "I was born" by Hanson resonate with me so much. 

I've never believed in settling in life and 100% believe we choose the lives we live. 

If we want an extraordinary life of travel and culture - then we can make that happen.

At the same time though, I never want to miss out on the everyday beauty around us because I'm constantly dreaming of what's next.

This morning I went for a walk with Adriana of Chaos and caffeine around our cities beautiful waterfront. 

We stopped in at the most adorable cafe {Bohemia Cafe} and had a coffee and treat. 

This was only the second time I have ever been in here in the 3 years I've called our city home. 

It was a great reminder that, while there is so much to see and do in the world, it's important to remember the beauty of our everyday lives. 

So I encourage you all to appreciate the beauty of your own lives.

Maybe stop in a local cafe you've never visited before, or visit a park you've never checked out before. 

What To See In Tulsa, Oklahoma : The Philbrook Museum Of Art

We just arrived back in Canada after an AMAZING family road trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

When I told people we were visiting Tulsa, the response was usually "out of all the plans in the world  - why would you visit Oklahoma?"

These people don't know what they are missing out on. 

20+ hours in the car with the family was well worth the experiences we had in Tulsa, Ok.

The people are kind beyond belief, everyone treated us as if we were family, going out of their way to make us feel at home.

Not only did we meet some of the nicest people we've ever met, there is SO much to do in Tulsa, OK.

While we were there, three festivals were going on : Blue Dome, Mayfest and The Hop Jam.

It is such a family Oriented city with all kinds of activities for children.

Our first stop in Tulsa was the Philbrook Museum.

The Phillbrook Museum of Art is an art museum in the historic Italian Renaissance Villa of Waite and Genevieve Phillips. 

There are actually two locations, but we didn't have a chance to go to the downtown location, as we wanted to make sure we saw the incredible gardens in this location.

Admission is only $9 for adults and children are FREE.

The museum staff were so kind and came around to talk with the kids about the art pieces when they could see they were starting to get restless. 

There is a fun interactive dance floor on the main floor that they turned on to grab the kids attention for a little while.

Even my four year old ended up enjoying himself asking about the various pieces of art hanging on the wall.

After we finished up indoors, we went outside to explore the breathtaking gardens. 

The kids loved the fish in the ponds and all the beautiful flowers.

Enjoy some photos of our visit below, but I highly recommend you visit yourself one day.

For more info on The Phillbrook Museum of Art click HERE.

1 in 8 Have It

I have partnered with YMC and 1 in 8 Have IT and have received compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.

I have spent many of my days as a mother, locked in my bedroom, in a dark room, lying in bed, literally thinking to myself  “this is it”. The pain in my head so bad, it made me nauseous. I felt so guilty that I couldn’t be the loving mother I desperately wanted to be on these days I was bed ridden with the most intense headaches.  After lying down for 20 minutes or so, I would try to fight through the pain and get out of bed to be with my family, but with each step I took, it felt as if someone was taking a baseball bat to my brain.

Luckily, when the kids were really little, these headaches weren’t as frequent. As they got older, I was getting them sometimes 3 times a week. I remember as a kid my dad would come home from work and have to rush straight to his bed to be in the dark as he suffered from this pain as well. Sometimes they would be so intense he would be sick to his stomach. It was awful to watch my father in so much pain, and even worse knowing my kids had to experience the same with me. There have been many days that I have had to ask my oldest daughter to watch after her brother and sister so mommy could lie down in a dark room. On these days, as soon as daddy got home from work, he would take over all responsibilities because I was basically useless. My headaches were literally taking over my life. 

Until I reached out to my doctor, I was popping over the counter medication to try to help with the pain several times a week, with very little relief. It turns out I was suffering from migraines. 

Did you know that it’s estimated that nearly 2.7 million Canadians report living with migraines? Many people don’t seek help for their symptoms though – due to the use of over-the-counter medication – so this number is likely even higher.

If you have persistent headaches, it’s extremely important to get the right diagnoses. You can take a quiz at www.1in8haveit.ca to see if you may be suffering from migraines as well and then talk to your doctor about the results.

After seeing my doctor and making some lifestyle changes, I’m happy to report that I have gone from having sometimes 3 migraines a week to MAYBE once every few months. I’ve found that my migraine triggers are lack of sleep, stress and food intolerances. By getting enough sleep, doing a little self –care to de stress and eating a clean diet majority of the time I have been able to finally seek relief of my migraines. Every case is so different though, which is why seeking out the help of your doctor is crucial.