Normalizing Normal: Motherhood Without the Filter with Emily Feret, Jessica Secrest, Ceci Kane, and Emily Alspaugh

We are excited to welcome Emily Feret to our Grand Rapids event studio to celebrate Normalizing Normal: Motherhood Without the Filter.

This event will feature a panel-style conversation between Emily Feret and fellow Midwestern authors, speakers, and digital content creators, Jessica Secrest and Emily Alspaugh!

As you prepare for a fun night, here are a few extra notes to keep in mind:

• Tickets:

  • Tickets are required for this event.

  • You will receive a confirmation email from Humanitix with your ticket immediately after purchasing. If you cannot find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder and any other email inboxes that you have before reaching out.

  • Please note that 1 ticket = 1 attendee. There are two exceptions to this policy: attendees with children younger than 10 and attendees with caregivers.

• Books:

  • Attendees will receive their signed copy of Normalizing Normal: Motherhood Without the Filter when they check in for this event.

  • Additional copies of Normalizing Normal: Motherhood Without the Filter will be available for purchase, and Emily will pre-sign all copies ahead of the event.

  • Copies of Of Course It’s Good! by Jessica Secrest will also be available for purchase, and Jessica will pre-sign all copies ahead of the event.

• Signing Guidelines & Photo Guidelines:

  • This event will include a photo-only meet-and-greet with Emily Feret, Jessica Secrest, and Emily Alspaugh after the Q&A.

  • Schuler Books staff will support the photo-taking process as needed.

• Seating:

  • This event will include a combination of seating and standing. Seating may be limited for the discussion/Q&A portion of this event.

  • Attendees with accessibility needs will be guaranteed a seat, otherwise, seating is first-come-first-serve.

About the Book:

Honest support for mothers navigating the messy reality of early parenthood

Many mothers struggle with guilt and feelings of inadequacy during early parenthood because societal expectations and social media portray unrealistic standards of perfect parenting. Normalizing Normal: Motherhood Without the Filter offers a refreshingly honest perspective on the realities of raising young children. Social media influencer and stay-at-home mom Emily Feret, who has built a community of over two million followers, shares candid stories and practical advice to help mothers feel less alone and more confident in their parenting journey.

Normalizing Normal explores the emotional and physical challenges of motherhood that are rarely discussed openly, including changes to relationships and personal identity, body transformations during and after pregnancy, managing household chaos, navigating feeding challenges, and using social media as a modern village rather than a source of comparison. With humorous anecdotes and raw reflections, Emily addresses common struggles such as sleep deprivation, losing friendships, overstimulation, and the pressure to be a perfect mother, while providing actionable strategies for rediscovering yourself and embracing imperfection.

Readers will also discover:

• How to maintain and strengthen your marriage while parenting young children, including date night strategies and the importance of letting partners parent in their own way

• A four-step framework for rediscovering your identity after losing yourself to motherhood, from prioritizing health to finding new hobbies

• Why the state of your house doesn't reflect your worth as a mother and how to practice gratitude instead of comparison

• How to use social media and online communities as tools for support rather than sources of inadequacy, including the resource checklist approach to combat jealousy

• Vulnerable stories of parenting fails and mistakes that normalize the struggles all mothers face, emphasizing that caring enough to worry proves you're a good mom

Perfect for mothers of young children who feel overwhelmed, isolated, or inadequate, as well as therapists and mental health professionals supporting parents, Normalizing Normal empowers readers to embrace their unique parenting journey, find solace in shared experiences, and understand that doing their best while making mistakes doesn't make them bad mothers - it makes them human.

Not able to join us? Order your copy here: https://schulerbooks.com/book/9781394396139

About the Author:

Emily Feret is a mom of two, author, and content creator known for building a community around one simple idea: normalizing normal. Her debut book, Normalizing Normal: Motherhood Without the Filter, is an honest and funny look at the beautifully imperfect reality of motherhood. Through her writing and social media, Emily shares the messy, hilarious, vulnerable parts of life that we’re often tempted to hide. Her goal is to remind women that they don’t have to have it all together to build a life they love.

About the Moderators:

Jessica Secrest is a mom, home chef, and the creator of the popular social media page @applesauceandadhd. She’s been featured on Good Morning America, ABC News, and The Drew Barrymore Show. She resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her very needy family.

Emily Alspaugh, creator behind Emilyischaos, is known for her love of sewing and quilting and her realistic, often chaotic approach to motherhood, home life, and making it up as she goes.