Blog
Welcome to Life in Stepping Stones
There are a million moments in life that make you who you are. My name is Justine Thomas and if someone were to tell me when I dropped out of high school at 16 years old that I would one day run a film set, record a CD, build and own a restaurant, travel, and have a beautiful family all before I turn thirty, I wouldn't have believed them. Life has thrown me a lot of curveballs along the way, from dreams crashing down and other dreams coming true. For all of the ups and downs, they've led me to who I am today, and I'm grateful for it. Now as a stay-at-home mom, I'm learning a million more things about who I am, the dreams I strive for, and the new adventures I can pursue. These are my moments.
Diary
There are so many ups and downs that life throws our way. We can choose to bottle our emotions or share them with others in hope that we can help someone else through their own personal struggles. Nobody should ever feel alone. From my story behind dropping out of high school, my miscarriage and rainbow baby pregnancy, family drama, motherhood, and more, these are my stories.
Aroha Restaurant Confessions Diary Miscarriage
The Resurrection of the Dreamer
When we opened our first restaurant, I was an eternal dreamer. By the time we closed, I was a heartbroken…
Confessions Diary Music & Songwriting Original Music
A Love That Never Faltered (Following My Dreams)
From a young age, there was nothing I envisioned more than following my dreams and becoming a singer. But life…
Confessions Diary
The Dangerous Mind Game of Emotional Abuse in the Workplace
What started as my dream job at 20 years old quickly turned into a unescapable nightmare of gaslighting. I wish…
Confessions Diary Inspirational
The 18 Year Old Boss: Focus on the Journey
It can be hard finding success in life. But success is subjective, isn't it? It's time I evolve my mindset…
Confessions Diary
Confessions from a High School Dropout
There are many paths to take in life but most people believe school is the only one. When I became…
My Creative Corner
How to Throw an Epic Minecraft Birthday Party
Craft, build, & fight the Enderdragon, Creeper, and Wither at the ultimate Minecraft Birthday Party. Discover decoration ideas, food, drinks,…
How to Throw an Epic Secret Agent Birthday Party
Unfreeze time at the most epic Secret Agent Birthday Party. Kid spies will search for clues, dust for fingerprints, defuse…
How to Throw an Epic Super Wings Birthday Party
Everything you need to know from DIY decorations, food to serve, and activities for your child's Super Wings or travel…
How to Throw the Best Shimmer and Shine Birthday Party
Everything you need to know to throw your child's Shimmer and Shine genie themed birthday party including DIY decorations, the…
How to Make a Spider-Man Birthday Cake
One of my favorite things to do every single year is make a birthday cake for my son! It's a…
How to Make Your Child’s Playroom Epic with Play Rugs!
Expand your child's gameplay with interactive play rugs that will transform their playroom. Wide 5" roads fit Playmobil, Lego, Calico…
Latest Posts
Cheesy Beef & Baked Bean Pie (Gluten Free Optional)
As a Kiwi, there is nothing my husband loves more than a tasty meat pie! For his birthday this year, we combined his love of meat pies with his love of baked beans and surprised him with this savory dish! I’m pleased to say it was a hit.
How to Throw a Birthday Party During the Pandemic (Plus Aladdin Theme!)
Throwing a magical birthday celebration is one of my favorite yearly traditions! I wasn’t going to let the current Covid-19 pandemic stop me from making this a memorable (and safe) birthday for our son.
My Rainbow Baby Diary: (Chapter 11) “My Labor Story”
At 39 weeks exactly, I woke up to contractions and by the afternoon, we welcomed our beautiful rainbow baby into the world. This is my labor story.
My Rainbow Baby Diary (Chapter 10): Prodromal Labor or Braxton Hicks
I can’t believe I’m almost 35 weeks pregnant. The days have gone so fast and so slow all at once. The past two weeks, I have learned that Braxton Hicks aren’t the only type of false contractions you can experience long before labor: prodromal labor is the worst and I can’t wait for the next few weeks to pass.
Strawberry & Peach Tiramisu (Gluten Free & No Cow’s Milk)
Your mouth will water when you make this gluten free tiramisu dessert. Includes a mascarpone recipe using goat cheese and dairy free milk.
My Rainbow Baby Diary: Chapter 9 “The Longest Third Trimester Ever”
I remember the third trimester feeling long with aches and exhaustion. However, nothing could’ve prepared me for a third trimester under Stay at Home orders during Covid-19. It’s been four weeks at home and I feel like the other shoe keeps dropping.
My Rainbow Baby Diary: Chapter 8 “Covid 19”
There were many things I feared going into my rainbow baby pregnancy. Social isolation, lack of essential supplies, and a deadly viral outbreak were definitely not on that list. Yet here we are.
My Rainbow Baby Diary: Chapter 7 “Viability”
I’m 24 weeks and officially reached viability. While I still fret some days, I’m starting to feel a little calmer, especially the more she kicks.
The Ultimate Weekend Getaway to New York
10 things you must do on your winter weekend getaway to New York City from where to stay, Michelin restaurants to enjoy, places to see, and Broadway!
How to Throw an Epic Super Wings Birthday Party
Everything you need to know from DIY decorations, food to serve, and activities for your child’s Super Wings or travel themed birthday party.