5 Things I Learned By Attending BlogJam 2018

At the end of October, I attended my first blogging conference, BlogJam Atlantic. I wanted to talk a bit about my experience, and tell you what my plans are for the future!

On the morning of BlogJam, I woke up at 4am to get ready, and left Fredericton around 6:30am. The conference was in Moncton at the Delta Beausejour Hotel. I was nervous to be attending the conference alone, but excited to learn, mingle and network at the best of my ability.

Once I got there, I quickly began to recognize faces and names of bloggers that I've been following for years. A lot of them knew each other already, so it was a bit intimidating, but everyone was very welcoming and friendly.

I won't go into detail about the specific speeches and presentations that I watched, because I could honestly go on forever about what I learned on the blogging side of things.

Here are 5 things I learned by attending BlogJam 2018: 

Adventure In The Forest! Our Day At The Hanwell Recreational Park

This past Sunday, we decided to take a drive out to Hanwell to check out the new playground at the Hanwell Recreational Park. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! If you're going to be in the Fredericton area, it's worth the short drive out. Our son loved it, and we loved the atmosphere and beautiful woodland surroundings.

Here are some photos from our day:

Glamping With Kids- 5 Hacks To Make Your Tent Camping Experience More Comfortable And Luxurious

You've probably seen the term "glamping" bouncing around social media in recent years. If you consider yourself a hard core, deep in the woods, make your own shelter kind of camper, the glamping trend most likely has you rolling your eyes into outer space, because that's not real camping, right?

Our Weekend At Jellystone Park In Woodstock, NB

I have so many amazing childhood memories of Summers spent at Jellystone Park. My father and step mother wanted me to carry on the tradition with my own family, and graciously offered to pay for us to spend a weekend in one of Jellystone Park's cabins.

We had never taken Mason there before, but we've driven by it hundreds of times on the way to our parent's houses, and he remembered. For weeks before our trip, he talked about how excited he was to go!

This Spring, we looked at their vacation planner online to choose which weekend we wanted to go. You can view it on their website https://www.jellystoneparknb.com.

We chose the Halloween weekend, because I can't think of a better combination than camping and Halloween, plus our son loves trick-or-treating (what kid doesn't?)

Real Mom Confessions- I'm Afraid That My Kid Won't Be Popular

My son is only 4 years old, but I can already see it starting. Kids at preschool forming their own little groups of friends, leaving others out, yelling "I don't want to play with you", and so on. I would never want my child to be mean to others, or make anyone else fee like they don't matter, but I'm also secretly terrified that it will happen to him.

At home we can preach inclusion and kindness all we want, but kids are going to form their own cliques regardless, and I feel like we have a small hand in where they end up. When I was in school, cliques were not just divided by different interests and activities, but also things like social status, class, belongings, who our parents were, what we looked like and what area of town we lived in. I'm not saying any of those things are valid reasons to befriend someone or not, but we all know that it happens.

I remember being in elementary school and watching an "unpopular" classmate get chased by other kids with an apple juice box. They sprayed juice in her hair as she ran away from them, and I helped her wash it out in the bathroom after. Even at that age, she had been singled out because she wore old clothes, always had dirty knotted hair, and was "poor". None of those things were her fault, but she was singled out because she was different and looked at as less than her peers. This may be an unpopular opinion, but I see several sets of parents at fault here. The parents who didn't teach their children to not be assholes, and the parents who couldn't be bothered to wash their daughter's face and brush her hair before sending her to school.

DIY Self Care Products Featuring Simply Earth!

Essential oils are something I've been interested in for a few years, so I was really excited when Simply Earth contacted me to take a look at their essential oil subscription box.  In our home, we use essential oils primarily for making cleaning products, and diffusing, but Simply Earth made it easy for me to try out different recipes for essential oil products.

This box was sent to me at no cost, but all opinions are my own.

Harbour & Pine Got A Makeover!

One of my goals for the new year was to really focus in on my Etsy shop and make it more cohesive with my blog and the aesthetic that I love. PS: Adventures at Home will be getting it's own makeover very soon!

Recently I took the leap and re-did my shop's logo and header, and began creating new products and I'm so excited to share them with you! The wreath around my logo reminded me of both pine needles and seaweed, so I thought it was perfect for "Harbour & Pine".

When potential customers see my products, I want them to picture themselves sitting around a crackling campfire, strolling through crowded Sunday markets, preparing to board a flight for an amazing vacation, or lounging with family on a holiday weekend. If some of those scenarios didn't make sense, keep an eye out for more products coming soon ;)

I have no idea where this journey is going to take me, but I'm looking forward to finding out!

Some of the new products:

Even More Side Hustle Ideas For The Goal Gettin' Mama

Hello, friends!

As a side hustlin' mama myself, I'm constantly brainstorming ways to make additional income. The main focus of Adventures at Home is to showcase family fun, adventure, activities, and local travel but my last side hustle post is so popular that I wanted to share more fun ideas with you!

This time, I've decided to categorize the side hustle ideas by career/skills. There are tons of ways to use your existing education and skills to create a side hustle, and not every side hustle will work for everyone. Sometimes you need to kind of find your groove and use what you're good at to make money on the side. Some of these ideas may even spark you to create full businesses out of them!

Note: some of these ideas may cross over from the last post, because it didn't make sense to not include certain ones now that I'm categorizing them.


Let's Get Started!

5 Tips For Adopting A Family Pet

I am so excited to introduce you guys to the newest member of our family! This is Binx. He is a 3.5 year old cat who was brought into the Fredericton SPCA after he was found abandoned by his previous owners.

When my husband first suggested the idea of getting a cat, we were staying the weekend at my mom's house and he randomly brought it up at like 11pm. I was extremely tired and was iffy about the idea to say the least, but I put a pin in it and returned to the conversation the next day. Once we got home, he showed me that he was looking at the SPCA website to see what was available. I've always had pets growing up, and I love animals, so I took a look and fell in love with Binx.

5 Tips & Tricks For Camping With A Baby Or Toddler + Packing List!

Camping with a baby for the first time can be intimidating to say the least. Our son was 4 months old the first time we took him camping. We are usually tent campers, however the first year we took him, we rented a camper to make things a bit easier.

The second time we took him camping, he was 16 months old and we camped in a tent at Parlee Beach Campground. He is 4 years old now, and we've gone camping every year. I feel like I've learned a lot along the way, and wanted to share 5 tips & tricks + a printable camping with a baby checklist with you!

Let's get started!

The Future Of "Adventures At Home" And The Pressure Of Bright White Houses

For a while now I've had the feeling like something is shifting. I have about 6 other blog posts sitting in drafts right now that I still plan on publishing soon, but I wanted to talk about some changes that are coming to Adventures At Home.

For so long I've felt the pressure to fit into this perfect blogger bubble of white houses, perfectly posed flat lays, and beautifully curated content. The truth is, I'm bored with bright white everything, and it's not realistic for me to try to keep up with it. My countertops aren't granite, and my life isn't filtered in a millennial pink haze. I know it's all in my head, but I've been feeling like less of a blogger because I don't have a perfectly curated instagram feed.

I'm messy, creative and my life is wonderfully colourful

5 Last Minute & Budget Friendly Mother's Day Gift Ideas!

Mother's Day is fast approaching, and if you're anything like my husband (or myself), you may not know what to get that special mama in your life.

In my house, we are awful at giving gifts, and I'll be the first to admit it. For Mother's Day this year, I told my husband what to get me and he got it. We aren't big on surprises around here because if we want something, we usually just discuss it and buy it. We prefer more practical and budget friendly items, which inspired me to create this list of items I personally love and won't break the bank!

Let's get started!

Townhouse Makever Series- Phase One!

It's begun! We are starting the first phase of our little townhouse makeover by covering up all of the nail holes and cracks, and figuring out what color to paint. My mom happened to have a big pail of crack fill and a putty knife that she lent us for this project.

I've decided to paint almost every room white because of the weird lighting situation we're dealing with. All of the bedrooms and the living room have no lights on the ceiling, and nowhere to install one. Painting the rooms white will brighten things up a lot. This photo below is our living room. It used to have two huge bookcases in that corner, but I just sold them because they were taking up much needed room, which was closing the room in even more.

20 Summer Birthday Ideas For Kids

Born at the end of December, I've always wondered what it would be like to have a birthday party in the Summer. My son was born in early April, so I've yet to plan a Summer party, but I have a TON of ideas for fun Summer birthday parties, so I wanted to share them with all of you!

Let's get started!

5 Tips For Keeping Your Kids Safe In Crowds This Summer!

Summertime is full of events, vacations, camping trips, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, and tons of other busy, crowded locations.

It can be kind of intimidating to take our kids to crowded places- especially if you have multiple kids. I have ONE very busy kid and I'm constantly thinking of ways to keep him safe when we are out and about.

Here are FIVE helpful tips for keeping your kids safe in crowded places this Summer.

Mom Hustle Society

Hi everyone!

Amanda from Legally Mommy and I are excited to announce the re-structure of our Mom Hustle Atlantic Facebook group!

Mom Hustle Atlantic is a group of working moms coming together to offer advice, ask for support and share stories. This is not your average mom group! It will now be known as Mom Hustle Society and will be open to all working moms no matter where you live!

We love the conversations we've had in our Mom Hustle Atlantic group, but we long for more! More community, more feedback, and more conversations about life as a working mom. We want to grow this into a large network of working moms who share stories and advice relating to this crazy busy life we all live.

Everything in the group will remain the same, aside from allowing more hard working, goal getting mamas from all over to join.

As usual, stay at home moms are more than welcome to join for questions/advice on re joining the work force, mat leave, volunteer work, side hustles, etc.

Please join the group, and share it with all of your mom friends!

Click HERE to join!

Once we get things hopping with new members, we are going to be scheduling Facebook lives, contests and more relating to being a working mom!

We can't wait to meet you!

My Review Of Parlee Beach Campground!

After my last post 10 Day Trips To Take This Summer Within Driving Distance Of Fredericton went up, I had a TON of inbox messages asking for more information about Parlee Beach Campground. I've been camping at this campground almost every Summer since I was a toddler- so I've got over 25 years of experience camping there. We started taking our son camping there when he was just 18 months old. We took him to Parlee Beach for the first time at 4 months old.

Since becoming a parent and being a part of various local mom groups I've seen Parlee Beach Campground get mixed reviews. I'm writing this post to give you an honest review built on years of experience camping there, including pictures, stories, and tips and tricks!

Lets get started.

10 Day Trips To Take With The Kids This Summer (Within Driving Distance Of Fredericton!)

There are few things I love more in life than a good old fashioned day trip or weekend trip! Living in the Maritimes, we have access to so many beautiful locations to visit that it can be hard to decide where to go!

I have compiled a list of locations within driving distance of Fredericton, NB that I've either visited and loved or have on my bucket list to visit.

New Listings On My Etsy Shop!

Hi everyone! In case you didn't know, I have an Etsy shop where I sell printables and wall hangings! I've recently posted some new listings that I wanted to share with you!

My printables are only $1.99 CAD and are digital files that you can download and print as you please!

Here are a couple of my favourites. How cute would these be in a kid's room! I picture them as part of a photo collage, as stand alone decor or as part of a book ledge.

Check out my shop here:

Harbour & Pine Shop

Our Little Townhouse Makeover Series!

As of February, we've lived in our townhouse for 3 years. Mason took his first steps here and this is where we hosted his first birthday. We've loved, laughed, dreamed, accomplished and lived here for 3 years, but for some reason it's never really felt like home.

Over the years, I've painted a couple of the rooms, gotten a few different furniture pieces from various sources, but it's still not quite right. I don't feel happy and relieved when I walk in the door, and sometimes it feels like I'm living in someone else's house. The décor just isn't right for me, and the furniture isn't as functional as I would like.

So, with all of that said I have decided that this Spring and Summer will be dedicated to making over our townhouse!

10 Things I Hate About Facebook Mom Groups

I have a huge love hate relationship with mom groups. I love them for solidarity, support and as a source of usually good information and advice.

Here is why I hate them:

Stinky Bunny Review! Adorable & Affordable Kids Clothes!

Hi everyone! You all know I LOVE a good deal, and even better if it's adorable clothes for my son I was very excited to collaborate with Stinky Bunny on this post.

Disclaimer, this outfit was sent to me at no cost, but all opinions and photos are my own.

Young Living Premium Starter Kit Review!

I've been considering essential oils for a few years, so I was excited to be contacted by Lauren from the Young Living Oilers Unite community to review the Young Living Premium Starter Kit with DewDrop diffuser.

I'm all about honesty and I wouldn't review something that I don't truly love. Like many of you, when someone from a MLM business contacts me, I usually read their sales pitch and make up an excuse of why I can't buy. It feels awkward to have someone message me trying to sell me something. If I want to buy something, I will seek it out myself and buy it. It's not that I hate the products, I just prefer to buy things at a physical store. Shopping is therapeutic for me and I love walking around with an iced cap and shopping cart. I also like the instant satisfaction of buying something and walking away with it. Most products that MLM businesses sell can be bought at the store. For example- the make-up that you're selling may be amazing but so are my favourite brands that I can pick up at Sephora or my local drug store. The exception to this is essential oils.

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me at no cost, however all opinions and photos are my own.

Valentine's Day Gift For HIM With JORD Watches!

Raise your hand if you think men are difficult to shop for! I do! I never know what to buy my husband for any holiday, so he usually just tells me what he wants and I get that. Or worse- he buys himself something and tells me what I bought him after. 

He's been hinting around that he wanted a stylish watch for a while now, so I was really excited to collaborate with JORD Watches on this post.

JORD Watches are beautifully hand crafted from natural materials. The men's wood watch that we received is from their Dover series and is made of zebrawood and dark sandalwood. 

Treat Yourself This Valentine's Day!

Hi everyone! I hope you're having a wonderful February so far. I can't believe January is over, but I have absolutely no complaints about getting closer to Spring and Summer.

Valentine's Day is coming up, and my husband and I have always struggled with giving each other great gifts. We're the kind of people who usually just get a joint gift for the house, or buy ourselves something using the other person's money and call it a gift. My husband has been able to surprise me a few times though, which is a great feat on it's own because I am not an easy person to surprise.

Recently I was sent the entire Vichy Idealia line to try, and I cant help but think of what an amazing Valentine's gift this would be! If you're like us and buy gifts for yourself, or drop major hints to your significant other of what to get you, check this out! If you don't have a significant other, treat yourself! You Deserve it!

*Disclaimer- this product was sent to me at no charge, however all opinions, comments and photos are my own*

Valentine's Fun Guide For Kids! Food, Crafts & Gifts

I'm a sucker for holidays, and Valentine's Day is no exception. Growing up, my parents always got me a little something for Valentine's Day and whether is was chocolate, flowers, etc I always appreciated the gesture.

I like to do up a little gift basket of items for Mason, which got me thinking of other gifts that might be fun to give to your little valentines. 

I was going to create a little gift guide for kids, but then I got thinking about all of the other things I love about this lovely holiday and decided to include those as well.

Check out these fun Valentine's Day ideas for kids!

From Vision Board to Reality! I Write For A Magazine!

I'm a huge believer in the power of positive thinking and manifestation. Last year I created a digital vision board full of different photos of things I wanted to manifest in my life. Some of those photos included: a house, money, fitness, a family vacation, and a freelance job opportunity writing for a new wedding magazine.

Weddings New Brunswick is created by the amazing and successful boss babes Brittney Toner and Ashley Ketch. Brittney, along with being Editor of Weddings NB is also the owner of Panoramic Events and Pearl by Panoramic Events in Woodstock NB. Ashley is the Graphic Artist for Weddings NB and also owns Ashley Marie Photography and A+M Boutiques.

Since Adventures At Home has a huge focus on motherhood, I also feel the need to mention that Brittney created Weddings NB while pregnant with her second child! She gave birth to him just this month, and 6 days later was at the A Time For Weddings wedding show promoting Weddings NB (with baby not far away!)

 She is an inspiration to all mothers, business women, and anyone who has a dream.

Introducing: Mom Hustle Atlantic!

Hello friends!

I am so excited to let you know about a new Facebook group that Amanda from Legally Mommy and myself have created!

We wanted to connect working moms in Atlantic Canada by having a supportive community available where you can ask questions, vent, discuss life as a working mother, discuss work related issues, etc.

This is not your typical mom group! We will be doing occasional Facebook lives to discuss the working mom related issues that we all face, offering freebies to our group members, and more!

Our Trip To Dartmouth- Stay At The Best Western Plus & IKEA!!

My husband is an automotive service technician for a car dealership and (to my advantage) occasionally they send him on all expense paid work courses in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia! Now that we are into a new year, I was able to use some of my fresh vacation time and book 4 days off to tag along. Since last time we came alone, this time we decided to bring Mason since he's never been to Nova Scotia before.

Although it's a business trip for my husband, all I could think about was (finally) being able to go to the new IKEA!

20 Side Hustle Ideas For The Goal Gettin' Mama

Ahh I love a good side hustle. I've been side hustlin' ever since middle school where I made notebooks from paper and staples to sell to my classmates.

When I first started on my own in the workforce, I soon realized that one stream of income just wasn't enough. Then becoming a mom and realizing just how expensive kids are, my want for multiple streams of income grew. I once read online somewhere that most millionaires have SEVEN streams of income! I'm not anticipating becoming a millionaire any time soon, but being able to live comfortably and not worry about money would be nice.

Before I get into the list, I want to tell you a bit about my current side hustle situation.

Our Decluttering & Home Decor Goals for 2018

2018 is gearing up to be the year I accomplish some home related goals I've had on my list for months, so I wanted to tell you a little bit about our home and what my plans are!

About Our Home

The first thing to mention about our house is that it's not really ours at all. We currently rent a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouse with the goal of saving up for a down payment on our own house.

10 Tips For Balancing Life As A Working Mom

One of my goals for the new year is to manage my time better. I've been a working mom for the last 3 years (aside from maternity leave), and some days I still feel like I have no idea what I'm doing.

There are a few tips I've learned along the way for making life a bit easier.