Motherhood May 25, 2018

Fisher Price Haul of New & Old Toys

Do you remember your favourite toy as a baby? Maybe you do by looking at baby pictures or your mom/dad must’ve told you a story that went something like this ..”you wouldn’t put it down and it went everywhere with you:..or…”we had to sneak it out of your hands to wash it”.. or simply.. “it was your favourite”. When I think of Fisher Price I remember my favourite telephone toy:

Fisher Price has created some pretty awesome toys since this telephone one and I think I’m having more fun playing with baby D’s toys than he is.😆 Five of these toys are part of their new Smart Stages™ line of toys. This Smart Stages™ technology allows you to change between 3 different playing levels. You change levels according to your little ones age. Or if your LO (little one) is like baby D and loves to explore and play with different things everyday then switching between the levels is a great idea. I’m a true believer that every child learns differently and there’s no one way. By switching between levels you can determine which level your LO enjoys the most.

The Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Puppy ($29.94)

This cuddly puppy goes with baby D where ever he goes! He loves songs and interactive toys, so the level that plays the most songs is his favourite. When he was just over a year old he learnt how to shuffle through the songs by pressing the correct paw. Incredible! Now Baby Z has the same one but the girl version.

The Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Scooter ($39.99)

His first wheels! I remember the very first time we put him on this scooter he was under a year and his legs didn’t even touch the ground. That didn’t stop him from smiling and squealing when we pressed a few buttons on it for music and sounds. He grew up with this scooter beautifully. He learned very quickly that in order to stay on he had to hold the handlebars and once he turned over a year he was getting pushed and pulled on this scooter. His grandfather used his cane to pull him on the scooter and then his grandmother tied a stretchy fabric band on it to be pulled. Soon his legs were able to touch the ground and he started moving around. Absolutely loved going for the ride and as the scooter moves around it plays different sounds of vrooming, music and more!

Beat Bo ($49.99)

I remember the first time I saw this little robot I was so impressed with the lighting and the way it dances! This robot jukebox plays music and engages with babies and toddlers to dance along. Baby D and Z have loved this toy for years! My personal favourite feature is the record option. You record something and it plays it back in music form.

SMART STAGES TABLET ($19.99)

I love how this was Baby D’s first tablet! It lights up and twinkles to different sounds and music. It also has different stages so it grows with your child. They can learn the alphabets, animals and the letter it starts with and the sounds that go with the letters.

TEACHING TOTE ($20.00)

Baby D didn’t play with this as much as his other toys but Baby Z loves it! She loves pushing the tote flap back and putting random items she finds inside it! I also love that this tote bag comes with over 50 songs, words and phrases.

LAUGH AND LEARN PUPPY TRUCK ($8.00 ON SALE)

This satisfied Baby D’s obsession with trucks and construction. Comes with a puppy driver, truck bed moves up and down and 5+ sing-along songs, tunes & phrases.

Do you have any favourite Fisher Price toys?

PIN BELOW IMAGE TO SAVE FOR LATER

Events November 20, 2017

To Give Is Beautiful – Shoppers Drug Mart – beautyBOUTIQUE [EVENTS]

It’s that time of the year when to give is beautiful. This weekend I had the pleasure of attending a holiday event at Vaughan Mills shopping center as a Fragrance expert. I took people who attended (open to public) through a fragrance experience that peaked all of their senses! All fragrances I spoke about are available at Shoppers Drug Mart’s beauty boutiques. In case you missed this event, don’t worry! The next one is happening at the Eaton Center, Dec 2nd and 3rd from mall opening to close hours.

To Give Is Beautiful – Shoppers Drug Mart – beautyBOUTIQUE

So here’s what went down: You’re greeted by some beautiful ladies, who go through a summary of the experience you’ll have. Then directed to the fragrance station. Here I asked people what fragrances they were most drawn too. Based on their answer that gave me an idea of which ones I should start off with showing. We discussed different scents, notes in the fragrance and before testing the fragrance some tips on how to best apply it. In a nut shell, beautyBOUTIQUE wants Canadians to step into the holidays with this year’s must-haves in fragrance from beautyBOUTIQUE by Shoppers Drug Mart.

Based on their fragrance choice there was a mocktail to match!

While enjoying their mocktails; they waited their turn to get a make-up application.

Once done with their make-up, everyone received a gift that had a make-up bag, a Christmas tree beauty blender and a 20x points + $10 gift card to be used at beauty boutiques.

There was also this super fun glitter wall that everyone took pictures in front. The lovely beautyBOUTIQUE ladies were taking polaroids of those who got their make-up done.

Those who made a purchase at the beauty boutique that day could bring it to the calligraphy station. To receive a tree ornament customized, 3 deluxe samples, $10 gift card – all beautiful wrapped in a silver box. Check out Mandy on Instagram who was doing beautiful calligraphy. Here.

So lock it in your calendars, the next event is happening at the Eaton Center, Dec 2nd and 3rd from mall opening to close hours. If you post your images or videos online, be sure to use the hashtag #ToGiveIsBeautiful.

This blog post was sponsored by beautyBOUTIQUE by Shoppers Drug Mart but the opinions are all my own.

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!

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

Lips February 15, 2017

NEW! BITE Beauty Lip Pencil #TheLipPencil [REVIEW]

I’ve been on the hunt for a really good lip pencil. I’ve tried so many brands and I couldn’t say I had a favourite one until now! Can you imagine, 10+ years of being a beauty advisor, VIB member at Sephora and not one lip pencil to be my go to. So cray!

Of course I was a bit skeptical before I tried BITE beauty’s new lip pencil. I thought, okay, here we go. Just another lip pencil. I was so very wrong. This lip pencil ($20, shop here) is my new found make-up love. I’m obsessed! It’s everything I ever wanted in a lip pencil. Soft, creamy, super pigmented and easy to sharpen.

In a nut shell, if you haven’t heard of BITE Beauty before, it’s a Canadian brand with their head office being in Toronto. Their lip products are highly pigmented made with hydrating formulas and are infused with food-grade ingredients.

The Nude Effect

Influenster sent out BITE beauty’s #TheLipPencil to 2500 Canadian Bloggers complimentary to try. On a side note, I always give my honest opinion on products that I receive complimentary and if it’s sponsored the brand is aware my honesty to my readers comes first. Having said that, as soon as I tried the nude combination I was in LOVE! I haven’t found a favourite nude and this is 100% it!

BITE Beauty Lipstick: Honeycomb
#TheLipPencil: 020 Beige Nude

The packaging has a nice smooth finish and feels soft. One of my biggest pet peeves with lip pencils and lipsticks is when the lids come off in your purse! Worse, you put your hand in to grab something and get it all over the purse and yourself. The packaging on these products is perfect. Simple and practical.

BITE Beauty Lipstick: Whiskey
#TheLipPencil: 044 Rich Mahogany

The Darkside

I rarely wear lipstick colours that are this dark, but who doesn’t love to play with make-up? This colour gives off a more vampy look for those who have a lighter skin tone. The quality of the lip pencil is superb, ultra-creamy and super pigmented. Excited to swatch other colour options (40+ shades) from BITE beauty’s lipstick collection and lip pencil line (22 shades).

Check out the Toronto BITE Beauty’s lip lab to make your own custom colour!

Have you tried BITE beauty yet?

Beauty October 27, 2016

L’Oréal Revitalift Bright Reveal VoxBox [Review]

Finally I got around to opening this voxbox and trying the products that I got for testing purposes. Below is my review of each product that I used for a little over one week now. Let me know below in the comments if you’ve tried any of these products and what you think! It was great hearing from you guys on Instagram. XO

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Brightening Daily Scrub Cleanser

I’ve used this for a week now and one of the things that I love about this scrub is that the beads are not abrasive. They’re actually gentle compared to other leading brands. The scent is not overpowering and it appears to be working. I did start to break out after the first day of using it, but that could just be the resurfacing of dirt etc for the deep cleansing to work.

When to use: Nightly
What does it do: Gently exfoliates dullness and gets rid of impurities
(dirt and all that make-up grime that’s seeped into the next layer of your skin. *gross*)
Key ingredients: Glycolic Acid and Perlite

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal SPF 30 Moisturizer

For an everyday moisturizer that has SPF 30 this is very light in texture. It has a bit of a pearly look to it, which actually doesn’t affect the look of your makeup when taking pictures etc. It actually brightens your face in a radiant glowy kind of way. It almost reminds me of the Guerlain pearls primer. Not exactly but could be a distant cousin of it. My skin did feel moisturized all day which is great, because I have some dry spots on my face. In terms of long term results of a week of using I don’t see a huge difference in the darker areas of my face, but maybe I need to prolong the use to see that. If you have sun spots like me, I would still protect those areas with a higher spf. SPF 30 won’t take you through an entire day of office lights or sun exposure.

When to use: Daily
What does it do: Absorbs quickly. UVA/UVB SPF 30 protection
Key ingredients: Glycolic Acid

Dual Overnight Moisturizer

This dual overnight moisturizer reminds me of the day SPF 30 because of the texture and look of the cream. After I used the peel pad from this line and applied this moisturizer I saw instant radiance in my skin. Is that even possible? Well, it has been “revealing brighter skin” as promised. But I’m not sure if it’s because of the amount of glycolic acid and pro-retinol or if it’s the mica. For those of you who don’t know, mica is an earth mineral included in products to give them sparkle and shine. It’s usually found in make-up. The reason why it’s called dual moisturizer is because it is one side serum and one side moisturizer. With one pump, you get an even amount of both to apply all over your face and neck. Because this product has 4% glycolic acid and pro-retinol I started using it on my neck only to see if my skin reacts to the combination. So far no reaction. Just brighter and moisturized skin! I’m also a firm believer of not mixing skincare steps into one. I like using my serum first, waiting 30 seconds and then applying moisturizer on top. Also don’t believe in 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner products. But so far the results have been great so I can’t complain. Would I use this again after I finish this bottle, probably not. I like to mix and match different brands and favourites. Having my serum and moisturizer in one, doesn’t allow me to do that. I would recommend someone trying glycolic acid or retinol products for the first time to test on the neck or the inside of the their wrist before applying all over their face. Not everyone reacts the same to skincare, better to be safe than sorry. Also, you won’t always get lucky and get both treatments in one pump. I had to slap the bottom of the bottle to get the serum to pump out. So as you see in the image, the moisturize to serum ratio isn’t always equal.

When to use: Nightly after cleansing
What does it do: Two treatments in one pump. Penetrates skin’s surface to remove dead skin cells and infuse brightening formula for overnight skin rejuvenation
Key ingredients: 4% Glycolic, Vitamin Cg, Pro-Retinol

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Peel Pads

The last time I used pre-soaked pads like these was when I tried oxy pads. Probably when I was a teenager. Ever since then I haven’t been drawn to products like this just cause I fear I won’t close the jar properly and the product will dry up. That happened to me once. Oxy days. Because these pads are soaked with 10% Glycolic Acid I was scared to use right away all over my face so I started only using it on my neck. Even after washing my face, I noticed on the pad some left over traces of make-up. UGH. Felt instant gratification for these pads for removing that gunk. Out of habit I always use a rough hand to apply skincare and used the pads the first few times of use a tad bit to abrasively. I did start to feel some uncomfortable tingling and then read the instructions, where it said “gently apply in circular motions…”. *Doh* After that I’ve been following the instructions and I have noticed brighter and more smooth skin. Which is awesome for make-up applications. I received this product for testing purposes.

When to use: Nightly
What does it do: Ultra-gentle pre-soaked textured pads physically resurface dead skin cells
Key ingredients: 10% Glycolic Complex

Beauty September 14, 2016

Benefit Favourites [Beauty]

I’ve been using Benefit cosmetics for years and they have lots of cool products that are so easy and a lot of fun to use! If you’re a make-up junkie as much as I am, than I’m sure you own more than one benefit product and if you don’t then by the end of this post I’ll have you inspired to definitely try something from their super cute line of cosmetics.

Benefit Favourites

High Beam

When have I not used this?! High Beam comes in a perfect size bottle that has a nail polish brush attached to the lid. I usually take the brush and do one quick swoop where ever I need it. Cheeks, down the bridge of my nose or a little touch on the forehead to add dimension depending on how much make-up I’m wearing. As a make-up artist I would just dab with the brush a perfect amount on my mixing slate or the back of my hand. Baby pink in colour, it’s the perfect amount of glow. You can totally build this product by adding more on top if you want a very noticeable highlight. For pictures and video it looks very natural and doesn’t stand out as much as a powder highlight does. In my opinion, liquid highlighters have a softer and more dewy look compared to powder highlighters.

POREfessional

This is benefits primer. If you haven’t used a primer before and don’t know whether it is for you, then know this; whether you’re going for a heavy look or simple, it will be the perfect base for your foundation or tinted moisturizer. This primer helps to diminish the look of shine and minimizes the look of large pores. A little goes a long way with this primer. I just wish I could remember to use it all the time.

Balm

From the first day bene-tint hit boutiques I was obsessed. It was a red liquid, with a scent of rose petals and just a drop would stain your lips to look naturally red. From this product they created the best bene-balm ever! Super hydrating due to the mango butter… mmm! and sodium hyaluronate, the tint is perfect. It has a nice glossy finish but like most balms wears off easily. If you’re not into red, then try posie balm, which is the baby pink version.

High Brow

This is probably the quickest way to get perfectly arched and tamed eyebrows. You know those in between threading/waxing days when you have a little bit of growth? Well this highlighting pencil comes in really handy for that. Apply it under your eyebrow arch and you have an instant illusion of perfect eyebrows. I love that it’s a cream/powder like texture and blends really well.

Roller Lash

I’ve always been hesitant to use comb-like or toothy mascara wands. I have fine but long hair lashes, so building volume is hard to do with the Roller Lash wand. But I found a really good way to use it! So first I build volume with a thicker mascara wand, and then I create length with the Roller Lash and comb out any mascara clumps. Match made in heaven and results are as if I have falsies on.

What are your Benefit favourites?

Spring March 11, 2016

How To Enter The Spring Season [Style]

How To Enter The Spring Season

What do you do when you’ve gotten use to your massive parkas, hats, gloves and gazillion layers? All of a sudden the weather is screaming Spring, with sun and rain in the forecast, what do you wear?

FIRST

Get rid of your heavy jacket. Replace it with something light, but not too light. March/April can still be a bit chilly. Usually windy and raining. On sunny days I go for a trench coat and windy/raining days a wool coat and umbrella if needed.

SECOND

Pick accessories that welcome Spring. Pastels, fleur and happy colours and print in general.

THIRD

Pick an outfit according to your day. I went with simple black leggings and a T since I was running errands.

LAST

Your choice of foot wear should be based on the weather. If you’re in and out of a car, it doesn’t matter so much but if you’re out and about. Choose accordingly. I stuck with my combat boots knowing it would rain, which means it would get muddy. Plus, to be honest, I’m not ready to part with them yet. Loved wearing my combat boots from the beginning of Fall, through the entire winter season.

Beauty November 27, 2015

#NYXINTHESIX Event & NYX HAUL

Two NYX events, one NYX store and a Rexall with a NYX section. Here’s my story…

#nyxinthesix lotus leaf — Photos by // Photagonist.ca

I was excited to be invited to the #NYXINTHESIX event at the East Room. So many top Toronto influencers that I recognized right away and some when I went through the hashtag #NYXINTHESIX on IG, at home… was like ohhhh yeaaaa. It was a perfect night for roof top shinanigans, photo booth fun, great music, bits and bites. So here are some pictures from this great event organized by Lotus Leaf.

east room toronto — Photos by // Photagonist.ca

Photos by // Photagonist.ca

#nyxinthesix 💄💋#torontoblogger

A video posted by Hum (@humjk) on Sep 26, 2015 at 9:55pm PDT

There was a time when you could only buy NYX products from a Rexall store, who by the way only have “some” products from the line and never have the ones that everyone is raving about, in stock. Hmph. But now not only can you shop online, go to Rexall if you must, you can shop at an actual NYX store! I’ve collected a lot of their products so here’s my mini haul with some swatches! (YouTube NYX review coming soon)

NYX HAUL

The packaging colour of these mascaras don’t lie. They really are bright!

nyx coloured mascara — **Colour Mascara in Blue & Perfect Pear**

I tried this lash primer and I have medium length lashes. The fibers in this primer made my lashes thicker and longer, giving the illusion of falsies! See for yourself (below image)

Top #makeup faves: taupe in MAC// browzings in Benefit// mufe hd found // Lash primer #NYX 💋👌 A photo posted by Hum (@humjk) on Oct 29, 2015 at 1:39pm PDT

nyx blush — **Blush in Baby Doll (left) Crimson (right)**

nyx black & white pencil — **nyx black & silver pencil**

I used this under my make up to moisturize and I didn’t have to use as much concealer as it had some coverage as well. There are no strong scents from this Beauty Balm.

NYX Soft Matte Lip cream Tres Leches (Left) Stockholm (Right)

I love these Soft Matte Lip creams. The texture of a lipstick but look of a pigmented gloss. The colour sets really nicely with a promised “matte” look. Although these colours look almost identical in their packaging, in reality Tres Leches is more on the pink side, where Stockholm is more beige/nude.

NYX highlighter liquid — NYX liquid illuminator sunbeam

I was a bit disappointed with this one. I was expecting a natural looking highlighter but this is almost sparkly. Too heavy for a daytime look. To be honest probably wouldn’t wear it at night either. It’s just too sparkly/bright for my liking.

NYX Intense Butter Gloss and soft matte lip cream — Intense Butter Top to bottom (Banana Split & Funnel Delight) and Soft Matte lip cream in red (Monte Carlo)

nyx solo eyeshadow — Punk Heart (left) & Smoke & Mirrors (Right)

The eye shadows are somewhat pigmented but will definitely need to build these shadows when doing a smokey eye look.

NYX matte lipstick and high voltage lipstick — Matte Lipstick Nude (right) Perfect Red (middle) and High Voltage Lipstick in Rockstar

So if you have olive skin tone then the matte lipstick in nude is not for you. Way too pale. The other two colours are gorgeous and go on pigmented. That’s it! In case you didn’t already know there’s a store at Square One and downtown on Queen Street. Enjoy shopping and let me know your NYX faves!

Food July 29, 2014

Black & White: Items for motivation

It’s easy to get into a rut and struggle with being able to do anything due to the lack of motivation you’re feeling.

Whether it’s because you’re not feeling well, working hard 9-5 and have the burn out blues or just plain old lazy.

When lacking motivation I like to set up my desk area with things that will motivate me and give me that extra energy or push to get my mind back into full swing.

Smoothie for thought

Find ingredients that’ll give you a burst of energy. Here’s a recipe I came up with:

Handful of blueberries
2 ice cubes
1 teaspoon of chia seeds
1 and half mango cut into cubes
half a cup of milk

Put everything into your blender (I used my magic bullet) and blend away! Instant energy booster.

I love staying up to date with Fashion and the most current trends. I’ve subscribed to some of my favourite magazines and when I have a chance I sit down and read them all. A lot of the times some of the articles spark ideas and I go on a photo and writing frenzy.

Scents can really wake you up! Whether it’s a fragrance or a scented candle. I love Guerlain! My Insolence isn’t everyone’s cup of tea because of its unique scent, but fresh flowers is a good alternative.

Writing down your ideas and starting a brainstorming session makes a huge difference. I have a few notebooks where I keep all of my ideas. One of my favourites is a moleskin notebook. I keep one in my purse at all times. It’s great for when you come up with an idea on the go. Writing it down vs typing it in your phone feels a lot safer, private and can trigger even more ideas. I’m pen happy, so it works for me.

What gives you instant energy and motivation?

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