AUBREY KINCH

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Yes! You read that right. Finally! I can speak about what our life has really been like since January! Whew- this is going to be so freeing. Let me start from the beginning...

You read back here, here and here a bit about the search on a new home, the one we had we were quickly outgrowing so naturally, it was the right time. We first started looking for a new house that would be bigger, a bit upgraded and more our style. After about 2 months of looking, we came to the conclusion we are super picky so we would go the new build route if we wanted to get everything out of a house we desired.

In March, we signed a contract on a new house to be built which meant we had to list our current home for them to start building... so duh. We did just that and it sold within a week. We were so pumped because that meant the could "slot" our home to get started building it; one step closer!

Because of that, we were moving in with Andrew's parents for about 5 months (September time frame) until the new house was done and we would move in. Well, things started falling through with the new house and the sales team and the design team telling us different information. We prayed hard about this and felt in our hearts, this wasn't the route to take any longer so we voided our contract and prayed again about what our next step was.

After talking things through and looking at our budget, we opted to go the route of buying land and building a custom home (!!) which was so exciting for us knowing we would be able to make every detail a reflection of us. We didn't do this first off because we didn't realize we could afford it but it's actually cheaper than going with a new build!

April goes by looking for land... May goes by looking for land... we were quickly becoming defeated because with our requirements of a 1+ acre lot, sewer water and an area we could rezone to potentially subdivide, we just weren't finding anything that fell into those categories. We grew anxious about living in a home that wasn't ours while we continue to expand our family so we felt looking for a fixer upper would be a good option while we continued to look for land.

Why a fixer upper? The plan was to move into that within a month of purchasing, live in it while we found the perfect property and then sell as soon as our custom built home was ready to move in to. Easy enough... but not really. Arizona (or north phoenix really) has like zero fixer uppers on the market. We were finding the houses out there listed were listed at the same cost all comps were, nothing below with enough wiggle room to renovate meaning we were again, looking for a home that we couldn't make many changes to.

All during this time, we had met with our architect, had the new custom home drawn up and were ready to beginning building the second we found land. Which was still not happening.

June goes by looking for a home and the few we liked and put offers on immediately were already under contract by the time our offer got sent in. Ugh. Talk about an emotional roller coaster! So again, we were so defeated.

Until July 3rd.

We were browsing late that night and found what seemed to be the most perfect home for us. Exactly the square footage and requirements we "need" for our family plus a whole lot of wants that were checked off our list. Praise the Lord! Of course, we went and looked at it the second we could which was July 4th and put an offer in within an hour of seeing it.

We are still pinching ourselves it was accepted and we've closed but we are completely elated God has answered prayers on so many levels. We are doing a couple things this week before we move in next weekend to make it perfect for us: backyard landscaping, repainting and new carpet throughout.

I'm sure you're wondering now, are they still building custom? Yes! We absolutely are... we continue to look for the most ideal lot for us and as soon as we find it, we will buy and begin building the custom home. So although this new home may only be temporary.... it's so lovely and great for this time of life. I'm definitely excited for the chapter we're about to embark on!

I'm also teaming up with some amazing companies with the new house so I'm happy to share a lot of the blog will be home related coming Fall! Those types of posts always suck me in... like a black hole! Ha- I can't wait to share.

Thanks for following along our journey and encouraging us along the way. I'm always happy to share our personal life here with you beautiful souls- hope you're having a great weekend!

I am super excited to share what Minted just launched... kid name labels! I sort of jumped out of my seat when I saw these online and knew we needed them for my OCD tendencies as well as for keeping both kids belongings in place if they ever get lost.

With Emery being in the nursery now at church and the gym, it made so much sense to have something on her "daycare" diaper bag that had my phone number so I could be contacted if someone happened to find it. I also have a small tote I throw in my purse for simple errands while she's out with me and I put one on there too. I've already forgotten this once in the Old Navy bathroom after a diaper change so Lord knows I need the help.

They're waterproof, dishwasher safe and non-toxic which makes them a win in my book for functionality! When I went to order, I had such a hard time picking from all the cute designs... seriously love them all. I'll probably end up with a second set for Emery because you know I like to have options.

And we couldn't skip out on the big 4th grader, could we?! What a practical way to keep things in check when you have a kiddo like me who forgets where he puts everything. I can't tell you how many lunch boxes we've gone through and hoodies. Like how does one loose a hoodie? Blows my mind but I sure am happy we have him set for school and all his belongings have his details on them. Thank you, Minted! ;)

emery labels | drake picture label | drake verbiage label

We love summer and we love swimming! It's been so fun taking advantage of the pool while living with my in-laws and the kids sure do love it for a little change of scenery in the afternoons. Last week at Emery's 9 month appt, our pedi said if she's swimming and spending time in the water it's time to dunk her and get her even more used to it. My heart freaked out when he said this but we tried it and she loved it! I was told to blow on their face right before dunking so they suck in air then and not if they're shocked under water. It worked just fine and she had a blast!

Since her skin is still so sensitive (talked about it here) I've been looking for adorable swimwear for her that covers her from the sun as much as possible and I was introduced to Ruffle Butts. Adorable swimwear (and other goodies) that scream girly and is even topped with her monogram! So darling. This little number has been our go-to for swim days recently!

Funny story... Drake was suddenly jealous that Emery has "swim shirts" and wasn't in a regular swim suit so he really wanted to get one for himself. I told him if he wanted it, he could use his allowance money so we went shopping and he got one at Old Navy. I told my MIL the first time he swims, I doubt it'll last 5 minutes and I hate to say, I was right! Poor kid hated the clingy material and so over it. At least he learned! ;)

use code "aubrey25" for 25% off at Ruffle Butts until August 9th

swimwear- Ruffle Butts | sunnies- Target | towel- Crystal Faye

I'm not a small person (used to be a 110lbs, size 2) and it's been a difficult journey for me figuring out how to dress my postpartum body as well as the additional weight I gained after I stopped dancing my senior year. You don't necessarily realize the pounds are being put on over time since you see yourself daily and then bam, you see it all at once comparing pictures from 5 years ago to now. Or because the bullies online seem to get a high off of making it known you're "fat"....#byefelicia! I get it though, life happens and that's okay. It's a constant battle for us women to love ourselves and embrace every curve and feature we have.

This summer I've really challenged myself to own the body I currently have and don't let myself hide behind the pants and long sleeve tops and cardigans everyday... it's hard enough in AZ and the 115 degrees so it's dehydration or wearing clothes I don't sweat my ass off in. But honestly, am I happy about my body? No. It's been tough accepting it but I'm still working out and working to become a better me. But in the mean time, I can also learn to be content.

top | shorts | jacket | sandals (similar) | bag (similar) | sunnies

Things have been crazy with work recently so I hit up my reliable little cousin to spend some time with Emery so I could knock out some client boards and emails early this week. It was such a treat getting to spend time with her while also enjoying some "mama time" working alone. I told her up front, I wouldn't be paying her but I'd take her out to lunch which was even better in her book so we went to Chipotle, just us girls! Emery had just woken up from a nap and was sans headband (so she looks like a boy) and just finished downing a bottle in the car so she has quite the milk face in these few shots... just keeping it real!

tunic | shorts | sandals | romper (on sale under $12!)

use code "loveaubrey" for 15% off at Fancy Free!

Let's chat honestly... a lot of those (me included) bloggers out there have all their outfit posts totally styled. They meet with a photographer to shoot 3-4 looks, all with perfectly curated accessories and details that make you super stoked to shop and look as perfectly polished as they are. Yes? Well I'm sort of over that. And by sort of I mean completely. I want to share the good, bad and the ugly with you. The normal mommy outfits that you'd actually catch me in running around if you're in North Phoenix. So here it is... a maxi, sandals, a big tote and sunnies. Simple. Practical. But stylish.

You feel me? ;)

Also, Fancy Free is now offering my readers 15% off site wide with no deadline! Use code "loveaubrey" when checking out!

dress (use code "loveaubrey" for 15% off site wide, no deadline) | sandals | bag | sunnies

Happy Monday, you guys! I hope you had a good and restful weekend. We were busy around here but who really isn't with kids and while living with family? It seems like being at my in-laws there is always someone in town so the house is full. It's definitely exhausting always needing to be "on" and social. But also great to see friends and family I wouldn't normally!

Today I'm teaming up with Oakleigh Rose on a giveaway! We're doing it on my instagram account so make sure to swing by and enter since it's only a 24 hour opening. You can also shop their store with code "VACATION" for 30% off until Sunday. July 26!

top | jeans | sandals | clutch | sunnies

PHOTOS

Brealyn Nenes Photography

What says summer more than a white, flowy dress and denim jacket? It's no lie I love whites and creams paired with denim and this really seems All American to me too! Just add some watermelon and you're set with the perfect look for a summer BBQ or a night at a concert.

dress | jacket | sandals

This is a combo I can't get enough of! I think olive has always been a favorite of mine as I feel it compliments blondes really well but pairing it with a blush tone just brightens everything and makes for a great summer outfit! This whole look is something I really love to throw on when running out for some errands with the kids while still staying in check with being covered when bending over or thin straps so Emery isn't pulling my top down... eeek!

Mamas, what's your "mom uniform"?

dress | jacket (similar) | sandals

I am such an indecisive person when it comes to wearing hair extensions and rockin' my short hair. I even had a moment this past weekend I was going to chop it like Julianna Hough because I just wasn't loving how it's been styling and the next day it styled perfectly. Why does that always happen? Either way, I do know I love a good blonde and my roots are excited for a touch up this week!

dress | jacket | sandals (similar) | hair extensions (color 60/8p)

PHOTOS

Brealyn Nenes Photography