Product review / California here we come!

image source www.google.com

 

Quick post before our trip!  I know I've not been very good at posting frequently since Christmas, but I will do my best to change that!  Last week I promised you I would review the Avene self-tanning lotion once I had tried it and I have to say I was happily surprised.  It goes on very evenly and I have no "spots" (I even applied it on my hands, as recommended my the consultant, and it looks natural).   Now if you are looking for a dark tan this is not the lotion for you.  It gives a VERY subtle and natural golden hue, which is perfect for me.  I never get really dark in summer anyways, so it wouldn't look natural.  The smell is there, but not as strong as others that I have tried. Prior to  applying I had been exfoliating every other day and really making sure that I applied lotion on my whole body once or twice a day.  I have had bad experiences with dry skin and self-tanning lotions and wanted to avoid it at all costs.  It retails at 27$, so I think it is a fair price considering that I used only a small portion of the tube, and that other options are more costly - a spray tan will cost upwards of 39$ for once and lasts a week, and salons are not really an option for me considering the risks associated with them.

 

So we are all packed and ready to go.  This year, my parents will be accompanying us!  My mom has never been and is quite excited.  It will be so much fun to share this experience with her.  The kids are also super excited to have their grandparents along for the trip!  I will try and share as much as possible during our stay!

 

Have a great day!

 

 



 

 

Snowed in!/ Beauty product review

Mackenzie at the school's Winter Carnival last Friday
(image courtesy of Rachel Garret)  

 

 

Hey everyone,

 

Sorry about the lack of posts recently, but ever since I got the flu at the end of January, I have not been able to get back to my "normal" level of energy. 

 

So for the past few winters, we can't say that we've had much snow, not that I am complaining!  But my kids have had enough!  They want to be able to go sliding on the hill and skating on the lake (which ends up being safe to skate on only a few weeks in the whole winter, because the weather goes from 5c to -25c from one week to the next).  So you can imagine that they were pretty thrilled when we woke up and our backyard looked like this this morning...

  

 

I might not be a fan of winter, but I cannot help but appreciate the beauty that a blanket of snow leaves in its track!   It also probably helps that we are only 6 days away from our California trip!  I am in packing mode and looking forward to trade my big Sorel boots for a pair of nice ballet flats.  My skin is also looking forward to getting a break from this crazy weather that has left it in a horrible state.  I have always had dry skin, but this winter is a record.  It is flaky and itchy (gross I know, but it's true!)  The products that I was using (and that were recommended by my dermatologist) were not doing me any good.  So last week I went to consult my local make-up and beauty product specialist at the pharmacy. They have a big section dedicated to all these beauty products that don't come in the sexiest packagings, but that actually work!)  Here are the products that she recommended I use (note that this is not a sponsored post) :

 

                                               

The Avene TriXera Selectiose is a soap-free cleansing gel that I use both on my body and face.  It feels quite rich when I lather it on, and only a small quantity is needed.  It is both fragrance and paraben-free.  It really works wonders.  My skin doesn't burn or feel dehydrated after I use it.  I had been using Spectro Gel for the last 8 years because my dermatologist said it was the best thing I could use, but my skin, especially in the face, always felt a little dry after using it.  It is safe for adults, kids and infants.

 

 

                               

                         

Then there is the A-Derma Exomega skin foam.  I use this as a body lotion.  After using it only once, my skin stopped itching.  I also used it on my daughter's tummy because she had a very dry patch and it took care of it right away.  What is great is that it doesn't leave a greasy feeling that kids don't like.  It just leaves your skin soft with a subtle sheen.  It is meant for both face and body, but it did not take care of the dryness in my face. 

 

 

 

What I have found works on my face, are these two little gems that I found in the beauty product section of my local Winners' store (same as TJ Maxx in the states).  They are the Derma Repair line of the Mineral from the Dead Sea brand.  Winners is great for beauty products because they cost so much less than in regular store.  These cost me a total of 17$ (compared to approximately 60$ on ebay or Amazon).  They are too rich for me to use during the warmer months, so I had put them aside last fall.  When the Exomega foam failed to cure my dry skin, I decided it was time to try them again.  I am so glad I did, because I was successful.  I use the Acneclear antioxidant lotion as a day cream and the hydroxyl acid + c rejuvenating p.m. treatment at night.

 

Next week, I will be testing the Avene moisturizing self-tanning lotion before we head to California!  I will let you know my thoughts on it.  Hopefully, it won't smell as bad as most others that I have tried.  Do you have any products that you swear by?  Share them with me, I am always looking to improve my skincare regimen!

 

Have a great day!

 

 

 

 

Montreal Fashion Week F/W 13

Last week was the 24th edition of  Montreal Fashion Week.  Although it might not attract the NY or Paris crowds, it is a great platform for our born and bread designers and other great talents.  Here are a few of my favorites from the events.

 

 

Cokluch F/W 13 www.cokluch.com

 

 

image source www.montrealfashionweek.com

image source www.montrealfashionweek.com

 

image source www.montrealfashionweek.com

 

 

 

 

 Annie 50 F/W 13 www.annie50.com

 



image source www.montrealfashionweek.com

 

Ralph Leroy F/W 13  www.ralphleroy.com 

image source www.montrealfashionweek.com

image source www.montrealfashionweek.com

 

Melissa Nepton F/W 13 www.melissanepton.com

image source www.montrealfashionweek.com

image source www.montrealfashionweek.com




image source Yahoo! Finance

With Target making it's way to Quebec in 2013, it was great to see that they introduced their Target Emerging Designer Award competition as part as the week's activities.  This award is part of the Designers Fund, a joint initiative of Groupe Sensation Mode and Fondation de la mode de Montréal.   The grand prize was given to Mélissa Nepton, who was selected from a group of 5 finalists

 

"As the grand prize winner, Mélissa will create an apparel collection to be sold exclusively at Target stores in Quebec in 2014. She will also receive a $25,000 grant and will be featured in Elle Québec." (source Yahoo! Finance)

 

 

Have a great day!

 

 

Thrifty finds!

If you often read this blog, you know that I love going to my local goodwill store and finding little gems that are hidden away.  Well, last Tuesday, I decided to go since I hadn't been in quite a while and I stumbled upon 2 great items.  The first one is a Franklin Marshall cashmere blend sweater.  I got it for 3$.  I didn't know this brand, but checked it online and discovered that their knits retail at  100$ and up.  I had been craving a sweater similar in style to the J. Crew polka dot grey cashmere sweater (pictured below) and although it is not exactly the same, I like the velvet ribbon detail and the fact that the print only covers the top part of the sweater.

My goodwill find for 3$



J. Crew polka dot sweater retailing at 310$ (now on sale for 161$).

 

 

I was also dreaming of the Valentino Rock Stud pumps.  I have been seeing a lot of other bloggers wearing them in a variety of colors, but at close to 1000$, they were sure to never make an appearance in my closet.  So when I saw these pumps I knew I had found my match.  And although they were lacking the studs and the open heel, I really liked the criss-cross pattern on the top of the foot.  I also loved  that the heel is low enough that I can actually wear them out for a full evening without wanting to die and that they only cost me 2$.

My 2$ Pursuit shoes (from Sears I think)

 

 

Valentino Rock Stud pumps

 

What do you think?  Do you like my finds?  Do you shop at goodwill stores or are you grossed out by the fact that these things were "pre-owned"?  Let me know, I like to hear from you!

 

Have a great day!

 



 

 

 

Countdown to California - Tips for packing

My daughter Alexa on the beach in Carlsbad

With our California vacation getting closer, I am beginning to dream of wearing summer dresses and taking in some sun while watching the kids playing in the pool.  I am really looking forward to our time there.  We first went last year, and it was an instant love affair.  We stayed in both Carlsbad and Palm Springs and loved them equally.  We went whale watching in San Diego, watched people parasailing in La Jolla and crossed the Joshua Tree National Park, which was hands down our favorite activity!  I even preferred it to the Grand Canyon.  It was just amazing and my kids said that it was better than Disney (this coming from kids who are completely addicted to Mickey and his rides!) This year, we will be splitting our time between Huntington Beach and Palm Springs.  I am looking forward to going to the Santa Monica Pier, trying to squeeze in a day trip to Santa Barbara, taking the Aerial Tramway in Palm Springs and spending more time in the Joshua Tree National Park.  We will also be spending a day at Disneyland to visit the newly opened Cars' Land.

 





Mackenzie and Alexa on our way to Joshua Tree National Park





 

So the countdown has begun and I am already planning the clothes that I will bring with me!  I have never been known to travel light, and this year will probably be no different.  And since the weather can go from hot to downright cold from one day to the next, it makes it harder to do so.  So it is essential to make sure that you bring a variety of items that mix well.  A couple of weeks before my holiday, I try on different outfits (along with purse, jewelry and shoes).  I take quick pictures of the ones I like with my phone and file them away my "suitcase" folder.  Then I put away each item in a designated area of my closet.   I also make sure that all the laundry is done the week before going away.  This might sound silly, but there is nothing fun about deciding at the last minute you absolutely NEED to bring that sweater that has been at the bottom of the hamper for too many weeks - trust me, it's happened before!  It is also fun not to have too many loads to do after you've unpacked.   A few days before the trip I start packing my clothes and most of the shoes  and jewelry that I am bringing.  Then, the day before or the day of, depending on our departure time, I finalize everything. 

Do you have a winter escape coming up?  Are you a last minute packer or do you plan ahead like me?  Let me know, I would love to hear from you!

 

 

Have a great day!

 

 






Recipe Tuesday!

For recipe Tuesday, I would like to share with you my beet salad recipe.  I try and make it as often as possible, and was so pleased that my husband had prepared the beets ahead of time on Sunday afternoon, it cuts down on preparation time.

Beet salad

Preparation time 40 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup of yellow beets (can be substituted with red beets)
2 ounces of baby spinach
1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
1 1/2 tbsp. of hemp seeds
1 tbsp. of balsamic vinegar
For non-vegans, you may also add goat's cheese for an added twist

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil.  Add beets and cook for 30 minutes.  Drain water and let cool for 10-15 minutes.  Peel beets and cut in 1/2 inch pieces.  (If using red beets make sure you are wearing latex gloves and your clothes are protected as the juice does stain).  Mix the ingredients and serve.

Yields:

1 serving if this is you main course
2 servings if this is your side dish

 

Have a great day!

 

Valentine's day!

 

So with Valentine's day only 10 days away, I am starting to get ready for our yearly festivities.  Ever since we  became parents, it has been more about our family then our couple.  The kids really appreciate all the little touches that I have for them.  From the countdown blackboard in the kitchen to the special napkins and notes in their lunch boxes and heart shaped strawberries in their snacks, I try and stretch it as much as I can.  After Christmas, I am always a little blue because of my dislike of winter, so I try and incorporate all the different celebrations into routine.  We celebrate Epiphany, Groundhog day, Mardi Gras, St-Patrick's day and then Easter.  We decorate the house  and make special crafts for each celebration.  We also make a desert or meal that is in tune with that special day.  The kids enjoy this and it is the perfect occasion to teach them about the origins of each celebration.

 

 

 

Do you have special celebration plans for Valentine's day?  What are the traditions in your family?  Let me know, I would love to hear from you!

 

Have a great day!

 

 

 

Small changes

 

Hi everyone,

Yesterday I had the joy of spending a little bit of time with my 1 month-old nephew.  He is so adorable!  I also uploaded  the pictures from my little afternoon project on Monday, which was to paint stripes on our powder room walls.  We moved here last year and remodeling it has not been a priority.  The sink would feel more at home in a loft with brick walls, than in our transitional style house.  I had been looking for something that would tie the room together and new I had found it when I stumbled upon some pictures of small baths with striped walls on Houzz  late last summer.  So since I was in the mood to do some major damage to our credit cards on Monday, I figured my need for some newness would be better spent on an afternoon project than on some new purse.  Here are the results:

 

 

On the week-end I also reorganized our small office nook in the kitchen.  We have another office upstairs, but we never use it, so it will soon be transformed into a craft room (I will make sure to upload the pictures once that is done).  Saturday we took our daughter out to lunch and to Indigo while our son was at a birthday party and I stumbled upon some great sales in their home/ décor space.  I purchased the numbered glasses for 9$ each set and the large votive holder for 7$.  The smaller votive holders were purchased at Ikea for 1$ each before Christmas.

 

When everything is so white and quite drab outside, I like to buy fresh cut flowers to add a little bit of sunshine to my day.  These small peach roses are perfect to subtly brighten up the office nook and at 17$ for a dozen (well each stalk has 3 flowers, so you technically get 36 roses) they are well worth the price.  And by changing the water every day and adding a bit of lemon juice to it, they will usually last close to 2 weeks. 

This small pewter vase was a gift from my in laws and fits perfectly next to the computer.

 

 

The A mug you see in this picture was also purchased at Indigo last week for 8$.

 

How do you beat the winter blues?  Do you have small projects that you have tackled that you would like to share with me? Be sure to let me know.

 

Have a great day!

 

 

Green is good!

Just before Christmas I did a complete overhaul of my diet for health reasons (I would need a completely different blog to go into all the details!).  Anyways, so I started eating a plant-based diet, cutting out meat (easy for me), dairy (not as hard as I had expected), gluten, most sugar and anything processed.  I really expected it to be super hard and I think most expected me to fail.  Well, I am proud to say that it has been over a month and I am still going strong.  I have a lot more energy (one of the main reasons that I started this is that my health problems were causing me to suffer from constant colds and symptoms similar to chronic fatigue).  I don't think that I'll be running marathons in the near future, but I can actually participate in my kids' lives a lot more, I can now handle homework, supper and the evening routine without many hurdles and have not had any joint pain (another one of my major symptoms!).

 

In the process, I have discovered the famous Green smoothie.  It turns out, that it tastes so much better than it looks.  Here is my favorite recipe so far:

1 mango
1 banana
A handful of baby spinach and arugula
1/2 cup of fresh squeezed orange juice (or store bought pure orange juice)
1 tbs ground flaxseed
1 tbs hemp seeds

Serving size : 1

Add juice to blender.  Take a handful of spinach and arugula (of your favorite greens).  Mix together for 20 seconds or until the spinach is all shredded.  Add mango, banana, flaxseed and hemp seeds.  Blend on high (I choose the frappe setting) for 45 seconds.  Drink and enjoy!

 

A complete diet overhaul might not be in the cards for most people, but simple changes can make a world of a difference.  My husband was not so willing to participate at first, but he has changed most of his habits and has not looked back.  It has been harder for my kids, so we are taking baby steps, introducing more fruits and having them try 2 new things a week.  I find that hiding the good stuff works best for now (my tomatoe/ spinach/ tofu spaghetti sauce that went through the blender before it made it on their plate) and the fact that I replaced their whole wheat pasta with quinoa and amaranth pasta without them knowing. 

 

Let me know if you have some great smoothie recipes.  Are you willing to try it?  If you do, let me know if you like it!

Have a great day!

 



Favorite things/ moments of January!

Hi everyone,

With winter in full force (feels like -17C / -9F with the wind chill), I have been feeling a little blue recently (did I ever mention that I hate winter!!!).  So I have decided to try and cheer myself up by reorganizing a few areas in my house (a favorite past-time of mine that drives my family insane - photos of the changes to come soon).

Also, since the weather has left me dry on fashion inspiration, I thought I would share a few of my favorite things/ moments that have happened in the last few weeks...

Peppadew Cauliflower Steak at Leunig's Bistro in Burlington VT



Mixed berries with flaxseed in vanilla almond milk

 


Finally nailing the sock bun thanks to Wendy 's Lookbook's tutorial on her you tube channel here

 

Sunday afternoon football snacks



 

And my favorite thing of the last few weeks was to be able to put away the Christmas decorations the first week of January this year!!!  It has sometimes taken me until February to get to courage to take everything down...one of my least favorite things to do!

 

Happy Monday!

 



Pastels or darks?

Good morning!

The cold weather is back, but at least it's sunny and some grass is showing which makes it easier to pretend that spring is on its way.  Yesterday I was able to ditch my winter boots and wear some flats out...that made me so happy!  Hey, you've got to appreciate the small pleasures that you get when you live in this climate.

So last week I made a polyvore set with this Jonathan Saunders skirt and was happy to also see it styled differently by one of my favorite bloggers, Blair Eadie, over at Atlantic-Pacific.

Atlantic-Pacific

I was in the mood for pastels when I styled it (so desperate for spring), but it looks just as great paired with darker winter colors.  Not sure which one is my favorite, but I know that I really crave that skirt.  And since its price tag would send my husband into cardiac arrest, I will have to try and find a more affordable version somewhere.  Do you like the skirt?  How would you style it?

 

 

Have a great day!