Style June 30, 2017

DAY to NIGHT Style with Dixie Outlet Mall [STYLE]

It’s one of those days, when you’re running from one event to the next. A busy day, with no time to go home and change. Days like this you have to plan ahead and make sure you’re wearing something that will be the best day to night transitioning outfit. I shopped at Dixie Outlet Mall to pick out the perfect Day to Night summer look. This is a very minimalistic style that can be worn for practically any event.

During the day, I made a trip downtown to see my mom with baby Z. Soon after seeing her we headed over to one of my favourite places for brunch with my sister. It was a really windy day so this bomber I got from Dynamite came in handy from getting cold. Have you ever gone into a store and came out super content with everything you’ve purchased? I’ve had that feeling at Dixie Outlet Mall’s Dynamite Outlet. This bomber was regular $39.99 and I got it for $20! That’s 50% off! The fabric is perfect for summer because it’s breathable and light. I also love the soft powder blue colour. They had a black bomber jacket there with leather arms for $25 (Regular $55) that I couldn’t resist so I bought it as well.

Underneath the bomber jacket I’m wearing a tank top I found at Treasure Hunt in Dixie Outlet Mall. If you haven’t been to this store yet, you’re in for a surprise. It’s a little overwhelming at first but if you’ve shopped at Winners before, you’ll be familiar with the store’s format. I got this Gap tank top for only $10 at Treasure Hunt.

After brunch we walked around for a little window shopping. Whenever I go for walks downtown, I like to wear comfortable yet fashionable shoes in case I decide to meet up with friends. I found these gorgeous loafer slides from Winners at the Dixie Outlet Mall for $34.99! These beauties were regular priced at $65. I love them because they remind me of the Gucci loafer slides that are trending at the moment, but these are better because they don’t have the fur (which I’m not a fan of).

I have a thing for pleated skirts. These loafer slides paired perfectly with this beautiful pleated skirt from Dynamite. A pleated skirt is so classy and look great with loafer slides for during the day or night. But for a sexier look try matching this skirt with heels for a night look. This skirt was only $20 marked down from $45! Note: I previously bought a similar looking pleated skirt for $80, so getting one for $20 is an AMAZING deal! And yes, the quality is at par with the $80 one.

Murale FALL 2017 Beauty Products [BEAUTY]

I had the pleasure of attending the Murale beauty event, where I got to see everything that’s coming soon and on the spotlight for Fall 2017! Yes, preparation for Fall 2017 in the beauty world has come! In case you missed my Instagram story from that day I’m sharing the story here:

Murale FALL 2017 Beauty Products

June 2017

Rodial

This brand has a product called Bee Venom Micro Sting Patches available exclusively at Murale. It’s $110/4×2 patches.
It’s made with pure hyaluronic acid (the good stuff) infused with bee venom. These patches include 350 microneedles in each patch! Whoa. My face is tingling just thinking about what it would do to my skin. The bee venom plumps and smoothes the skin and improves your skin texture. They also have a Bee Venom Body Gel for $78 – 200 ml.
I haven’t tried anything from this brand yet. Available exclusively at Murale.

The Organic Pharmacy

Lots of new products in this brand! The ones that stand out to me is the Carrot Butter – $99/75 ml. It’s a creamy cleanser for all skin types that gets rid of everything dirty on your face, including make-up. It has sheabutter,cocoa butter, calendula (awesome stuff), rosemary, chamomile, st johns wort, vitamin E and carrot of course!

Jasmine Night Conditioner – $70/50 ml is something I received to try. I can’t wait to try this! Stay tuned to my insta story for when I try it and what my first thoughts are about this. It’s a soothing facial mist that you apply at night. It repairs your skin while you sleep. It has jasmine to hydrate and improve radiance, glycolic acid to increase cell turnover and reduce discolouration, retinol to reduce wrinkles and boost collage production and vitamin c. Great for battling those fine lines and wrinkles. (My tip: With this product you have to ensure you use SPF during the day. And I say this from my own experience of using glycolic acid and retinol in the past. Those ingredients don’t suit everyone and everyone’s skin reacts differently. So do a patch test before you apply it all over the face.) Available exclusively at Murale.

July 2017

skyn ICELAND

You may have noticed my insta story of me using these gel masks before for the eyes and the face. Well, they have a Hydro Cool Firming Neck Gels – $45/4 gels. This neck gel is amazing for restoring the elasticity in your skin, diminishing horizontal lines on your neck and any dark spots. In August, they have a winter rehab kit where you can try a face oil, eye pen, cream, face wash and 2 hydro cool firming eye gels (my favourite). $50.

August 2017

Velour

I forever have ran from falsies. I just don’t feel comfortable in them and I suck at applying them to myself. Until I met velour. I tried these lashes on at the event and felt like they weren’t even on me! Now that’s my kind of lashes. They have a wicked new lash adhesive coming out that is going to change the lash glue game forever! $18/10 ml. Also, Too Easy Lash Applicator – $26 . These two are on my must have list!

Nia (not into aging)

I am super stoked to try there new Sunday Detox Whipped Clay Peel-Off Mask – $39/121 g. It has my favourite mask ingredient,white kaolin clay. Also the bamboo charcoal powder mousse works together with the kaolin to draw out dirt from the pores. You let it dry, then peel it off. Also reduces the appearance of blackheads. Available exclusively at Murale.

September 2017

Foreo

The Espada – $199 device cleats and heals acne blemishes with LED blue-light to penetrate below the skins surface.
Easy to use, clean your face, aim to spot, treat and repeat up to 4 times.

EVE LOM

Have you tried there cream cleanser? It comes with a cloth and has a luxurious cleansing process.
They have a new Gel Balm Cleanser $72/100ml that will be travel and shower friendly! Comes out like a gel, when massaged into wet skin it turns into a milky texture. Keeps your skin moisturized for up to 12 hours!

Lipstick Queen

This has got to be the first in the beauty industry, a black blush! It turns sheer berry on your cheeks and activates to different tones on all skin tones and types. Has natural oils, vitamin e and shea butter. Black Lace Rabbit Blush $33

Also, watch out for their nude lipstick collection. $32

Nuxe

This new anti-aging eye cream has passionflower and hyaluronic acid that smoothes and illuminates the area. It also helps with puffiness and wrinkles. Nuxe is a great brand ive tried before. Nuxellence Eye Care $57/15 ml.

October 2017

Phyto

I’m so excited about this brand! It’s a Canadian brand and owned by Patrick Ales. Goes way back to 1966 when he invented the blow-dry. Click here for his story. He’s got amazing hair, moustache and beard probably due to using his own products. 😉 They have a line called Phytodensia coming soon, it has a plumping shampoo $30 / 200 ml, Plumping Mask (I can’t wait to try it!) $54 / 175 ml and a plumping serum $48 / 30 ml (want it!). All of these products have my favourite ingredient, hyaluronic acid.

Motherhood June 23, 2017

Postpartum Fitness: 5 Steps to Getting into an Exercise Routine

It is now 12 weeks since I had my baby girl. I’m itching to get back into an exercise routine. To be honest, I never really had a “routine”. Being active was second nature to me and I never really put any effort into staying healthy or to stay the XS small size I had a love/hate relationship with. Okay, please don’t kill me for saying this. For years I would have trouble gaining weight. This is before I had children. “You have a fast metabolism”, they said.

Fast forward after having two under two, and I’m having trouble losing it. Of course it’s in all the wrong places. My friends and I have countless times joked about a machine that could suck it out from one place and put it in another. Funny enough I found out a month ago a friend of a friend of mine actually did that and such technology exists! Crazyyy. And no, I wouldn’t try it. Surgery scares me. So here goes my steps to getting into an exercise routine:

Postpartum Fitness: 5 Steps to Getting into an Exercise Routine

STEP 1
Don’t start until you’ve healed and/or have stopped bleeding. Also, if you’re nursing, you don’t want to go to heavy either. You need to stay hydrated and not lose too much weight too fast. Some doctors say it could affect your milk production. Always check with your doctor before you do anything. Every body is made different and handles exercise differently too. Be safe!

STEP 2
Get some workout clothes you feel comfortable in. I shopped online and got some stuff from Shein.
The tights were great for my yoga routine and also wear really well if you have to go somewhere after. For a quick top to get on after your workout to look fly af, I paired it with my favourite white tank with the black lace.
Click images below to shop

STEP 3
Before you do any core workouts find out if you have diastasis recti, commonly known as abdominal separation. A diastasis is defined as a separation of the rectus abdominis muscle into right and left halves. Ask a doctor to check or check yourself here.

STEP 4
Create a schedule.
Monday – Morning Run/Walk
Tuesday – Rest
Wednesday – Backyard Yoga
Thursday – Rest
Friday – Morning Run/Walk
Weekend – Circuit workouts

STEP 5

Stay motivated. This will be the hardest step. You’ll want to give up and just cuddle and take those naps with your little one instead of working out while they sleep. But don’t fall into that rut. Stay motivated by finding new challenging workouts or don’t discourage yourself with things you can’t do yet and instead just go for a walk.

How do you stay motivated to get some exercise? Comment below with your tips! #Notgonnalie – I need that motivation right now.

Style June 13, 2017

What to Wear to a Picnic #DixieDeals

Double digit weather is finally here and I’m getting ready for patio and picnic dates! It’s a bit tricky deciding on what to wear to a summer picnic. It really depends on what sort of activities you’ll be participating in or the lack of. My general rule of thumb is, if it’s a picnic where you’re playing sports or helping with the BBQ, then I lean towards wearing pants and a top. If I’ll be relaxing and just enjoying the weather, then I want to look cute. Looking cute was a lot easier before having kids. Now whatever I choose to wear, it has to be cute but also “nursing friendly”.

SUMMER PICNIC VIBES

If you have been following my blog, Twitter and Instagram stories, you’ll see me mention some of the great #DixieDeals I’ve been finding at the Dixie Outlet Mall. The best is when I don’t even know it’s on sale and I get to the cash register to find out an item is less than half the price. Half! That’s just the best thing ever!

Sibling Love: 5 Tips On Transitioning Your First Child

The early days of being pregnant for the second time, I remember people asking me, what do you want? A boy or a girl? My main concern was, which would little one D get along with more? Would he be more jealous if it were a boy vs a girl or vice versa? Transitioning a toddler from being your one and only to ..”you’re a big brother/sister” can be difficult and/or naturally easy. Every child is different. I’m not sure if it was just luck, or if everything I did leading up to the birth and a month into her being here actually worked. He absolutely adores her. His transition and current status of being a big brother is working. He’s everything I wished for him to be towards his baby sister. Thank god!

Sibling Love: 5 Tips On Transitioning Your
First Child Into Being a Brother/Sister

I’m sharing the best tips and advice I either read about in baby forums or was told to try via friends and family. P.S I don’t consider myself some kind of baby/toddler expert. I’m constantly absorbing as much information I can on how to handle every stage of life for my LO’s. I also still believe a mothers instinct wins over any advice or tips. Here goes:

<Disclaimer: These tips may not work for everyone. Every child is unique and their personalities require less/more attention when it comes to preparing them for a sibling. A mother always knows best. And only YOU can determine what’s best for your child. Watch for cues from your child on what to do and say. Congratulations and good luck!>

Have the talk. As soon as I started showing I was pregnant I had a talk with my LO (Little One). As a matter of fact, I had more than one or two talks. Finding the right moment, when your LO’s entire attention is focused on what you’re saying is the best time to have that talk. Even if it’s for a few seconds. They do retain that information. Especially if you’re having that talk more than once. Opportunities like, before/after reading a book to your LO. During a car ride. At the grocery store while shopping for your new baby. These are all great moments to have that talk. What does the talk sound like? What do I say? I start off with rubbing my belly and saying there’s a baby in here. Are you excited for the baby? And then I just ramble on about being a big brother, how much fun he’ll have when baby can play and how much he’ll love being a big brother. I would end my talk with the same belly motion and saying again, baby is inside here. Baby is coming! I believe repetition is key. To a certain extent of course.
Ask questions. Little D is 2 years old. I’m always asking him questions. Allowing him to make decisions and so naturally I always asked, “what’s inside here?” (Pointing to my belly) Because of our talks he knew I was talking about the baby and he would reply “bay-beeee!” There were some days where he wouldn’t answer at all and just give me a weird look. I’d ask 3 more times and if still no answer. I’d try again in a few hours or the next day. Especially closer to my due date, i asked him like clockwork everyday during his bath time. Building his excitement for the baby’s arrival. Now that she’s here, my questions have changed to: “Is she cute?” “Do you love your baby sister?” “Do you want to give baby a kiss?”

READ MORE: Little D’s Carters OOTD
Our baby/Your baby. The first time Little D met Baby Z we got a present from her to him. A lot of my friends recommended this. I’m not sure if it worked and if he understood, but since so many recommended it, I had to try it. We got an elephant rocker and told him baby brought it for him. He smiled and played with it for awhile, and quickly lost interest in it. The excitement wasn’t there. Since I didn’t get the reaction I was looking for, whenever I took them both shopping with me, I’d get him something small and say this is from baby.
See, see, no touch. I know babies are tough, but newborns to me, will always be fragile little humans. So naturally when my LO wants to hug or touch Baby Z, I get scared and my first reaction in the beginning was to say “No.” But I soon realized saying no isn’t the best approach. Something I learnt from his daycare teachers was to use the word “gentle” instead. Now whenever he comes close I say “gentle, gentle.” It sounds obvious right? But when you’re in the moment, sometimes the first word to say that comes to mind, especially if it’s no, doesn’t seem to feel wrong to say. But the word no, could lead to your child feeling angry, confused or jealous towards the new baby. Gentle on the other hand, welcomes your child to be around the baby but to not be rough.

READ MORE: Motherhood series
Let’s do this together. When Baby Z cries, my LO and I both look for solutions. “Does she want a toy?”, “Where’s her Tee Tee (pacifier)?” – He use to reach for her pacifier to use it and now because I’ve included him in giving it to her, he reaches for it to place in her mouth. Even when she needs a diaper change, I ask him if he wants to help. Sometimes while I’m nursing her, he’ll come and sit beside me, or if he doesn’t, I always ask him if he wants to come. To make him feel like, we’re in this together. As your child grows and changes, their needs and wants change, and so will their emotions towards everything around them. The best we can do is to engage, ask questions and ensure your child is always a part of everything. Now when anyone is around Baby Z, he’ll grab them and point at Baby Z and say, “aweee. So cute.” Moments like this make me feel like all that work to make that sibling bond strong is so worth it. What are your fondest memories with your siblings? Any tips for mama’s?

Style May 19, 2017

Long Weekend Ready with Dixie Outlet Mall

The wait for the long weekend is over! *insert happy dance* That one extra day of having my husband home makes a world of a difference. It means I get to do so much more than I usually do on the weekends. The weather has been really topsy turvy and because of that I opted for a long weekend ready outfit from Dixie Outlet Mall that would work in rain or shine.

How To Get Long Weekend Ready with Dixie Outlet Mall…

We often forget the power of the sun and being outdoors for long periods of time can get you sun burnt. I keep my make-up to a minimal on a long weekend. Just don’t want to be bothered with spending hours applying it just to take it off again. Best fashion accessory to hide behind is a cute hat of course! I got this hat from Ardene and you won’t believe the deals they have here! The hat (regular price $12.50) was under a section that said 5/10. This means, 5 items for $10! Mind blown, right? I actually had first picked up a cape from the front rack of the store that I really liked. At the cash register they said it was $25, but because it was under the 5 for $10 section, I could pick up 3 more items and get them all for $10. *Heck yea!*

READ ALSO: Spring Wardrobe Refresh

It felt like I was getting freebies at Ardene. For the 3 additional items, I chose knee high socks (regular: $5) and flip flops (regular: $6.50) for when I go swimming. Where else can you go shopping and get 5 items like this for $10?! There are so many #DixieDeals at the Dixie Outlet Mall. It’s a matter of learning about them all so when you go there next, you know exactly where to shop, what part of the store and what you’ll be able to get.

I love slip on sandals because they can be dressed up or dressed down for a day at the beach. I got these beige ones from Call it Spring on sale for $29.99. As a side note, you’ll notice the mall has colour coded entrances. This store is closest to the purple entrance. Check out the mall map here to plan out where to park.

I heard via social media that Suzy Shier opened up at the Dixie Outlet Mall. Naturally I had to check it out! Short story: I use to shop at Suzy Shier all the time years ago. I remember getting the perfect black dress pants and I wore them so much that they ripped. Months later, I went back to Suzy Shier to see if they had a replacement for them and to my surprise they did! I bought 3 pairs that day! For my long weekend look I found the perfect white sheer t-shirt for $22.50; that will transition well from spring, through the summer.

High-waisted pants are my best friend, especially since having Baby Z a month ago. The grey pants were bought at Dynamite for $20 on the clearance racks! Can’t wait to style these pants this long weekend. Shopping for my little ones is so much fun! Although I’m pretty set for the year with clothes for both Baby D and Z, how could I ignore the great deals at Carters? This entire outfit worn by Baby D is from Carters.

Shirt – $18 – Pants – $20 – Shoes –$34

These shoes are really comfortable. He has a pair he wears at daycare as his indoor shoes so this pair will be great for outdoors. They’re called Robeez soft soles and the soles are just that. Ultra soft, flexible leather bends easily making these shoes really comfortable. You can find them at the front of the Carters store on a rack.

His sad face because he said hi to a girl at the park and she didn’t say hi back. Tough love.

That moment when Baby D flung sand up and got it in his eyes. This is real life, mom life.

Our long weekend plans usually consist of spending some time outdoors by the river, at the park, shopping and some good quality time with our families and friends. What are your plans for the long weekend? Do you have an outfit planned out?

READ ALSO: Spring shoes favourites

Main Course May 7, 2017

Veggie Pasta in 30 minutes with Catelli Ancient Grains [RECIPE]

Veggie Pasta in 30 minutes with
Catelli Ancient Grains…

This yummy main dish as seen on Instagram is a very easy week day recipe! It’s so easy, that you’ll read through all the steps below in less than 2 minutes. Let’s go!

Ingredients
Rosée sauce
Stringless sugar snap peas
Zucchini
Peppers
Mushrooms
Cajun seasoning
Catelli Ancient Grains Pasta
Olive oil
Sweet onion

Directions
1. Boil Catelli Ancient Grains pasta until cooked. Catelli Ancient Grains pasta is made with an all-natural, 100% whole grain blend of Canadian wheat. It also has quinoa, amaranth, teff, sorghum and millet. Each serving contains 12 g of protein, 8 g of fibre and 25% of your recommended daily iron intake. How awesome is that?
2. Sautee mushrooms and sweet onion in olive oil with salt and pepper for 4 minutes.
3. In a separate pan sautee zucchini, pepper, snap peas with olive oil and cajun seasoning (as desired).
4. Take the hot pasta and mix in rosée sauce and all of the veggies.

Cooking with #Catelli: Ancient grains pasta, zucchini, mushrooms, sweet peas/onion, red pepper with rosé sauce😋 #catelli150 @environicspr pic.twitter.com/dwNrtXDBUM

— Humara Kausar (@HumaraKausar) May 4, 2017

Beauty May 5, 2017

LUSH Cosmetics: What You Should Try & Great Gift Ideas! [REVIEW]

Have you ever been in a LUSH store? Some of my favourite things about LUSH cosmetics are that all of their products are cruelty free, handmade and the awesome packaging. Not only are their products handmade but even the furniture in their stores is reclaimed wood, made by LUSH employees. The signs are all handwritten too. If I find a product I truly love, and know that it works, I add it to my mental list of great gift ideas!

If you were to ask me, what is the one product that you absolutely must try from LUSH for the face, it would be hands down this mask:

LUSH Cosmetics: What You Should Try & Great Gift Ideas!

Whenever I find a mask that I love, I start sharing it within my tight friends circle, family and my husband of course. I love that he’s a little more adventurous than the average joe when it comes to beauty products. All it takes is a micro speech about how great kaolin is for your skin and the benefits of a mask, and he’s down like james brown to try the mask with me.

After trying this a bit more than a couple of times, I can confidently say, yes; it’s all true:
– Cleansing without being harsh or abrasive
– Exfoliates without any redness aftermath
– Soothes and moisturizes

It’s also stated on the packaging that it can be used for body as well. But personally, I’m going to savor it, and only use it on my face. I gifted this mask to three of my friends as part of their birthday present and I’ve only gotten positive feedback.

Price: $26.95

Ocean salt has been a scrub that I’ve used over the years. At checkout one day while purchasing some bath bombs, I asked if they could give me a sample of their favourite product. It happened to be Ocean Salt. Don’t be shy, if there’s a product you’re curious about, check if they have a sample. You never know, you may stumble upon a new favourite!

When used on the face, I use a small amount. Dime to nickle size, because of the serious exfoliation you get from this product. For body, go nuts! Especially after the winter season when you need a serious scrub down, this is your go to scrub at LUSH. It’s the perfect mix of fine and coarse sea salt.

lush vosmetics ocean salt — Ocean Salt – Face & Body Scrub

The good stuff:
– seaweed
– avocado butter
– lime oil
– coconut oil

Price: $21.95

During my pregnancy this moisturizer was my super hero for dry skin. LUSH doesn’t really sell this hand and body lotion directly for a pregnant women’s itchy dry belly, but it worked for me! It may or may not work for you, but I loved the fresh banana’s scent and the cooling sensation of the lotion. Bonus, it’s all natural ingredients that you’re applying to your skin during pregnancy.

Price: $29.95

What he’s using…

The jersey bounce shampoo is only being used by him. (Husband) He loves it! There’s also a shampoo in the form of a soap bar. I’ve actually used it as a body soap bar and realized it would be great to pack when travelling! Use it as a shampoo and body soap bar.

He’s also using the breath of fresh air toner water and I’ve been secretly using it too!

They had me at aloe vera. (see above image) Aloe vera is high in vitamins, has healing properties and excellent for hydrating the skin.

Price: $10.95

Have you ever tried LUSH cosmetics? Any favourites?

Summer April 30, 2017

Summer Wishlist [Fashion]

Before another season begins, I’m already going through my favourite Instagrammers, Pinterest and window shopping for my wishlist. Shein made it really easy for me this year. I just scrolled down to their “what’s new” list and found everything I want for the summer.

What’s your Summer Wishlist?

OFF THE SHOULDER

Off the shoulder was a must on my summer wishlist! There are so many different variations of off the shoulder styles. One side, two sides, low, high.. I’m just in complete awe. With so many choices, you want to be on the hunt for the best prices for these styles. Below I’ve added the prices for my top 4 favourites on the SheIn site for the off the shoulder trend, also ruffle and frills:

1. $34 Ruffle Dress – 2. $25 Periwinkle – 3. $18 Blouse 4. $13 White belted Scallop

RUFFLE AND FRILLS

1. $26 Pleated Pants – 2. $26 Babydoll Dress – 3. $18 Ruffle – 4. $20 Ruffle Dress

Spring April 23, 2017

Spring Cleaning For a Wardrobe Refresh [Fashion]

Spring flowers are blooming, people are gardening and the spring trends have started to roll into all of our favourite stores! Over the years, I’ve collected so many clothes, to a borderline hoarder point. I have an excessive amount of clothes that I haven’t worn in years. This made me realise it was time for a Spring cleaning wardrobe refresh.

Spring Cleaning For a Wardrobe Refresh…

My goal for a wardrobe refresh was to add more neutrals to my closet and get rid of all the clothes that were colours, prints or designs I couldn’t see myself wearing again. Out with old, in with new!

Dixie Outlet Mall has some great options for a Spring wardrobe refresh! Keeping in mind the colours I was looking for and the looks I wanted to create, it made my shopping experience so much easier. We often go shopping with little or no thought into what we’re exactly looking for. We end up shopping for hours with no direction. Having a game plan helps you leave the mall content with your choices.

One of my favourite looks for spring is boat chic. Blue and white, comfy sneakers, white or neutral/light t-shirts.

The Tommy Hilfiger outlet at the Dixie Outlet Mall is the best place for trousers and chino’s in different fits (straight, slim etc.) Trousers at Tommy Hilfiger generally cost anywhere between $70-120, at Dixie’s Tommy Hilfiger outlet store I purchased my chino slim fit pants for $41.99!