Tag

Toronto

Browsing
Beauty

TIFF 2018 ESSENTIALS LOUNGE [TORONTO EVENTS]

I had the pleasure of attending the TIFF 2018 Essentials Lounge. Where you guessed it; you could find all of the essentials needed to survive TIFF 2018! There were so many of my favourite brands represented here and even learnt something new about a brand’s history that blew me away. Here’s a quick recap of all the essentials for TIFF that I’ve tested during and since TIFF week and can vouch as must-haves.

credit: Ryan Emberley

GLAMGLOW

credit: Ryan Emberley
Credit: Ryan Emberley – Photographer

When you’re missing the usual beauty sleep and not drinking enough water, or just randomly in need of a face detox, this mask is a quick pick me up for your skin! I love that this mask is actually designed for both men and women. The packaging is also inviting for both. I am legitimately at this moment using the GlamGlow mask, and I love how it instantly makes your skin feel fresh! I’ve put my skin through a lot this week and I really needed to pull out all of that congestion. This super mud has activated X charcoal in it, along with an absorbent carbon to attract toxins and dirt from the deepest and toughest areas. I just washed my face, and right away I see my pores are less visible, skin is brighter and feels smoother. Ah! I love it! Retail: $75.00 (Sephora or Shoppers Drug Mart)

smashbox
credit: Ryan Emberley

For those long days with little to none moments to touch up or re-do your make-up, you need something long-lasting. This Smashbox foundation has a 15-hour stay and it’s hydrating so perfect for the colder months in Toronto when the wind sucks the hydration out of your skin. Studio Skin 15 Hour Hydrating Foundation is at Sephora for $46.00.

 TIFF 2018 ESSENTIALS LOUNGE

egpr keds humjk
credit: Ryan Emberley

KEDS FOR TIFF

I’ve been wearing my classic leather Keds non-stop! They’re so comfortable and this is the company I’ve been telling you all about and how blown away I am with their history. Okay, first of all, did you know that they actually go all out to make their shoes for women. They make sure that every shoe will be comfortable to wear and don’t use a “unisex template”. It’s only specific to women. I remember when I bought my first pair of Keds, that it hugged my feet like no other shoe. Also, had no idea they were founded in 1916! As you all know, I’m a fact nerd so I was amazed that they’re 102 years old. They also have A LOT of women in their upper management across all of their head offices.

I have the classic leather champion sneaker in white and I LOVE it. If there’s a shoe that will go with any of your outfits, it’s this way. It retails for about $70.00 and will honestly be your favourite go-to kicks.

credit: Ryan Emberley

DESIGN.ME HAIR

designmehair quickie

I’ve been using a lot of their products for a while now. One of my favourites is the puff me and the hairspray with the ability to control the spray from light to high. They have some awesome new products! A dry shampoo in a generous size. Not the usual skinny bottles.

QUICKIE.ME DRY SHAMPOO:  The Quickie.ME Dry Shampoo Spray comes with two options; one forBlonde & Pastel tones and one for Brunette & Darker tones. In addition to the spray, Design.ME Hair is also launching the all-new Quickie.ME Dry Shampoo Foam, ideal for use as a hair refresher. Retails for $22.00.

credit: Ryan Emberley

hum jk signature

survive TIFF

by
Keep Reading
Travel

Top 8 Things To Do at the CNE with Kids – A Guide to Keeping them Entertained

This year we went to the CNE with both of our children. It was a totally different experience compared to the last time we went. We spent our entire half of the day on the side where the kid midway rides were. There were places on this side I had no idea even existed at CNE. Which is also why I was inspired to share my top 8 things to do at the CNE with kids! Although today is the last day to attend the CNE, save this for next summer and plan out your day ahead of time!
cne

  1. Reptilia – This is an exhibit that has more than one daily show about reptiles. We watched the snake show and Baby D loved the interactive part of the show. Children get to pet the reptiles and after the show, there’s a Q&A period, while you pet the reptiles. On average for something like this, it’s $7/child.  I know this because we had animals at Baby D’s birthday (twice). At the CNE it’s FREE.  (Found at the Kids’ World Park area).

    CNE showcne for kids

  2. Kids Center – What I wish I knew about the last time we went with Baby D, was this center where you can change diapers. If you have more than one child, you have an entire room shared with other parents to change your child’s diaper. There’s a movie playing and lots of toys for kids to play with. Also in case you’ve run out of diapers, they have every size at this center, along with wipes and other baby items. After changing diapers we were here accidentally for about 20 minutes. They just didn’t want to leave!

    things to do cne kids

    Top 8 Things To Do at the CNE with Kids – A Guide to keeping them Entertained

  3. Kids’ World Park – It’s just a regular park area, with your standard swings and such but what makes it fun for kids is that it’s in the center of all the fun stuff for them. There’s also a stage nearby where all the shows happen. You’ll find the reptilia mobile on one side, and the kid center, workshops and more on the other. Oh, and the midway rides are very close by. So you can make this your meeting station for older kids and a place for your kids to burn off energy before you sit down for lunch/dinner.
  4. Midway Rides – I didn’t think there would be good rides for my 3-year-old toddler to ride but boy was I wrong! He went on his first roller coaster (dragon midway ride) and there’s always the classics, train, carousel, tea cups etc.
  5. Farm Animals – There are about farmyard yard animals at the CNE for kids to enjoy watching. Cows, goats, and sheep to name a few! People also get to pretend they’re farmers by picking apples off a tree, collecting eggs from the chickens and more.
  6. Toddler Center – The toddler center may change every year based on who is sponsoring the room. This year half the room was sponsored by Air Transit; with a make-believe airplane and stairs going up to it. You could sit at the front and be the pilot or be a passenger in the seats behind it. The seats are big enough for adults to sit on. There’s a slide to come down.

    FUN ACTIVITIES AT THE CNE FOR KIDS

  7. Pizza Nova Pizza Making Workshop – They have many classes throughout the day. You get to learn how to make pizza by the pizza nova professionals and then you get to eat it too! Awesome workshop to do with your kids.
  8. Art Studio – At this studio kids get to paint, make things out of clay and more!Overall, I’d say that the admission for CNE gives you a lot more bang for your buck than most people know. I highly recommend to get their early, have a plan before you go and bring family with you if possible. You can have your toddler/babies play in that kid area for hours with a family member supervising while you go to the other side and play some CNE games or go on rides. Or stick around with them and plan out your day so you see all the shows and do all the workshops with your little ones. Excited for next summer!

    cne for kidshum jk signature

by
Keep Reading
Series

Toronto Blogger Chronicles [Part 1] – First Blogger Brunch

Blouse: Aritzia – Pants: Zara

Dear Diary,

I wish I had kept a real-time diary of the first day I actually started to feel like a “blogger”. What does that even mean? Like, I guess getting a bunch of stuff in the mail, having a handful of video and photo equipment, when I actually got paid for my work/hobby… these are just some of the things that made me feel like: “okay, this is my title.”

Let me first say, “Hi, welcome to my Toronto Blogger Chronicles diary.” Just a messy free form of me writing out my thoughts, as raw as it can be. So if I have any grammatical errors here, and if it grinds your gears, let me know in the comments below and I’ll make sure to edit it, just for you Mr/Mrs Fancy Pants.

So my first blogger event that I went to was actually in 2017. This was a big year for me. It was my second maternity leave and it was a lot easier than the first one. I knew what was up and I was able to focus A LOT on my blogging -career. Yeah, I think I’ll call it my career now. It feels a little weird to say that though because I think of it more as a hobby. Let’s put a pin on what to call it. It’ll come to me.

blogger wittner shoes
Rose Gold Heels – Wittner Canada
Purse – Prada

The first handful of events, I would go to and converse with a few people and then leave as soon as possible because my all-time shyness would kick in. Believe it or not, I’m not a social person, with strangers. But if I’m in my comfort zone with my friends, I’d like to think I’m super social. But I’ll let my friends tell you that.

Toronto Blogger Chronicles [Day 1] – First
Blogger Brunch

The game changer for my shyness was when I went to a bloggers brunch. It was at a place I was really looking forward to going, but I knew no one there. Oh, and I was also pregnant. Very pregnant. I stepped into this place and to my surprise, there were two extremely friendly bloggers who signaled for me to come over to them. I got super nervous because I knew who they were. The “popular bloggers”.  They introduced themselves confidently and immersed me into their “popular circle” by introducing me to their friends and then we even sat together and made jokes and conversation as if we knew each other for years. So you can imagine, I was sitting there, hearts in my eyes, thinking, wow. God bless you guys. I also made a mental note, that if I were to ever get to that point in my blogging career journey, then I would never change how kind, real and friendly I was. Talk to everyone, not get cliquey. Which now takes me to some of the other experiences I had in 2017.

READ MORE: FLOWER MARKET PR EVENT

The blogger world can sometimes feel like you’re back in high school. I’m not kidding! There are some bloggers who really think highly of themselves when they have a certain amount of followers or sponsorships or if they’re managed by someone. But let’s get real, we all started somewhere and there should be a lot of humble pie being passed around. At all times. It’s not hard to see who those people are. You can tell even by how they engage with others online-

1. They watch all of your stories, all the time and don’t ever like or comment on your posts
2. At events, they give you the silent treatment as if they don’t know you at all.
3. They only start to talk to you when you’re on the same campaign together
4. They only message you to ask you how you got a collaboration or what PR you’re working with

blogger

…and if you see them at an event and you say hi or even try to introduce yourself they may give you a quick hi and an odd look but quickly enthrall themselves into their clique. But that doesn’t bother me. It actually is a great indication of whether this person is really who they say they are online. Ugh, but the bittersweet part for me is even if they decide to change and be nice, I’ll be there with open arms.

I started to think, maybe these bloggers are afraid to open up. Maybe they’re super shy, just as I was. I always give everyone the benefit of doubt. It’s just so much easier and happier to do that than to think negatively of someone.  Anywho, I’ve got some cleaning to do, and I’m starting with the kitchen. So until next time. Toodles! 🙂

humjk logo small
toronto blogger diary
by
Keep Reading
Nail

Toronto Nail Salon – TIPS Nail Bar on the West Side

tips nail bar

Finally, a nail bar that I love, close to home! Tips Nail Bar at Dundas and Dovercourt.  When I do get my nails done, I prefer intricate nail art and shellac. I haven’t done artificial nails in over a decade. As I got older it made less sense, especially because I use my hands a lot and artificial nails would get in the way of me doing just normal everyday tasks.

The first time I went to this salon I got shellac nails done with a dotted pattern. (Everyone commented on the pattern I chose, saying how much they loved it.) I got the pattern from their Instagram page, which is an awesome lookbook for designs if you don’t know what you want.

tips nail bar

My nail polish did not chip until the end of 3 weeks since I had them done! The interior of this salon is minimalistic. Very clean interior and they don’t only do nails.

The services at Tips Nail Bar are:

Manicures
Pedicures
Brow Services
Dermalogica Facials

Be sure to also check out their ‘Mani-Cam’. It’s a camera built inside the wall. You place your hand inside this box in the wall, that is lit like a diva ring light. You take the picture and email it to yourself. Super cool! I’m really excited to go back and know that I’ll be in the experts’ hands. My favourite nail experts at this location are, Melissa (whose done my nails many many times) and Ashley who is also very talented!

 

Toronto Nail Salon – TIPS Nail Bar on the West Side

humjk logo small

by
Keep Reading
givenchy
Beauty

Givenchy Must Have Make-Up Icons and How To Use Them

The last time I gave Givenchy make-up a try was when I was using one of their foundations. I was blown away by the quality and the price tag. If you’re looking for a luxury brand of makeup that delivers in quality, then my friend you’ve come to the right place. But this post isn’t about the foundation that I use to wear years ago it about Givenchy’s iconic products that I’ve been wearing as of recently.

Givenchy Must Have Make-Up Icons and How To Use Them

givenchyPrisme Libre Loose Powder – Mousseline Pastel – $75.00

Notice the beautiful leather packaging? This is a colour correcting loose powder that sets with a matte finish. The colours even out skin tone, provide radiance and if you’re on the oilier side then need not worry. The matte finish will help you rid that extra unnecessary shine. Also, paraben free.

I’ve been using this with my powder brush and applying it to the top of my cheek for a natural highlight. It really does brighten up my skin wherever I apply it so I even started using it where I have some pigmentation issues. Around the lips especially. When you’re applying the powder, use a gentle buffing motion for best results.

Le Rouge Perfecto – Beautifying Lip Balm $44.00

This beautiful lip balm has a minty taste and hydrates your lips right away. I’ve noticed the plumping effect, which is great to wear under lipstick in order to get that smooth, no lip lines and plumped lips look. The colour is a natural lip colour boosting effect. Also, I am in love with the genuine leather in the pink case. Paraben-Free. I love applying this before lipstick as a base. It helps for a smoother look if you have fine lines in your lips.

Le Rouge Lipsticks – $45.00Givenchy Must Have Make-Up Icons and How To Use Them

There are 29 beautiful lipstick shades to choose from! The colour is intense and has a semi-matte finish. It’s not a dry lipstick, it’s actually the perfect amount of matte but yet keeps your lips hydrated. A comfortable texture without a doubt.

humjk logo small

 

by
Keep Reading
Events

The Toronto YAYOI KUSAMA: INFINITY MIRRORS Exhibit with Shiseido

 

 

toronto shiseido devon consulting

The Yayoi Kusama exhibit in Toronto is at the Art Gallery of Ontario, also known as the AGO. If you haven’t seen this exhibit yet, I highly recommend you get on the list to go. I had the privilege of attending this event privately where we also got extra time at each art experience. My favourite sponsor of this event is Shiseido. I have lots of favourites by Shiseido that I’ve been using for years, but one of the newest is this gel cream that moisturizes my skin beautifully.
Click for more details

The Toronto YAYOI KUSAMA: INFINITY MIRRORS Exhibit with Shiseido – #infinitekusama

Just a couple of days before going to Japan for two weeks, the Yayoi Kusama event couldn’t have come at a better time. It was like everything was lining up for a prep to fall back into deep love for the real beauty of Japan, its people. Will I go back to Japan? Yes. Many times, God willing.
Here are some pictures from the event. Enjoy 🙂

yayoi kusama

Cat Forsley from My Lip Addiction
Cat Forsley from My Lip Addiction

humjk logo small

by
Keep Reading
Skin

What to Expect with a Skin Consultation at Shoppers Drug Mart

What to Expect with a Skin Consultation at Shoppers Drug Mart

Winter is coming to an end as we’re running into more days with double digits. So what does that mean for your skin? As seasons change, so do the needs for your skin. In the winter, the dryness in the air from having your heating on could make your skin dehydrated or dry. In the summer, your skin may produce an excess amount of sebum. To keep up with the right routine for your skin, I highly recommend you visit Shoppers Drug Mart for a skin consultation. It doesn’t cost anything and will only benefit your skin. Instead of buying products that your skin doesn’t need or that you’ll be returning the next day, why not narrow down what it does need.

skin consultation

I was invited to a beautyBoutique event called beautiful skin starts here.

I went through the entire experience and more! The skin consultation service isn’t completely new to me.  When I was a beauty advisor at Shoppers Drug Mart over a decade ago, I would actually do the skin consultations and use the moisture checker machine on customers regularly. It helps identify which parts of the face are actually in need for more moisture and which parts are balanced.

My overall average for moisture was 29%. This was below the average. Which meant my skin is on the dehydrated side. I kind of knew this already. A strong telltale sign would be after you wash your face, does it feel really tight and uncomfortable? Yes. Then you have dehydration, my friend.

There was also a second machine that went further to actually show me where my age spots, sun spots and any kind of skin damage was.

READ MORE: SHISEIDO EUDERMINE – WHAT IS IT?

After the two checks, I was recommended products that would keep my skin hydrated and at a normal pH balance.

  1. Everyday moisturizer. The Clinique Moisture Surge:
    For all skin types and provides all-day moisture to your skin. It’s really light and absorbs into your skin very quickly. I also love that it barely has a scent. It has hyaluronic acid and activated aloe water.
  2. The super hydrating serum. Vichy Mineral 89:
    There’s no way your skin will be dehydrated after using this serum. You can use it day and night and
    I’ve even mixed it with my concealer. Also contains hyaluronic acid and 89% of thermal spa water. The Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water is a concentrate of 15 minerals, which means all of those minerals are being
    fed into your skin! I love the gel-like texture.
  3. Evening anti-aging cream. Lise Watier Age Control Supreme:
    I use this as my evening cream. It’s rich in texture, so completely different from my day cream. I love that it is to be used on the neck as well. I usually have a separate neck cream so this works amazing for dual purposes. I’ve noticed my skin to be a lot plumper and in the morning I feel it hydrated versus feeling tight and dehydrated.
  4. Evening serum. Lise Watier Sublimessence Nuit:
    Not only does this bottle look beautiful with all those petals floating in the serum but it works too!
    This serum is oil based and if you have normal to combination skin like me I would recommend using very little every evening under your night cream. Full of natural oils but what makes it powerful are the active ingredients. 60% active ingredients include flower and plant petals.

Find out if your skin care routine is putting your skin at its best that it can be.

humjk logo small

by
Keep Reading
Being By Sanctuary Spa Available at Beauty Boutiques
Beauty

Being By Sanctuary Spa at Beauty Boutique by Shoppers Drug Mart

Being By Sanctuary Spa Available at Beauty Boutiques

Being By Sanctuary Spa at Beauty Boutique by

Shoppers Drug Mart

I got a couple of messages a week ago saying they saw me on City TV’s cityline show. It was a segment on Being By Sanctuary Spa products, from their launch. I was quickly reminded of these products I’ve been using ever since the launch! Some of these products I am really enjoying using and will definitely be purchasing. Let me sum it up for you so you know exactly which products to definitely add to your routine. P.S All of these products can be found at Beauty Boutique by Shoppers Drug Mart.

buody butter

Being By Sanctuary Spa – Body Butter

This body butter in Salted Caramel and Macadamia smells SO good and feels amazing on the skin. I use this after I shower and the scent lives with me all day. I’m all for layering scents for that extra long scent life. The body butter is loaded with cocoa and shea butter, which are known for their intense moisturizing abilities. It’s $20 for a 300 ml.

HIBISCUS & COCONUT WATER BODY SCRUB

The combination of using this body scrub and then the body butter after; you smell great all day and your skin will feel soft and hydrated. $20 for 250g.

being by sancturay body scrub

This flavour actually has a hand cream as well. $10.

CLOUDBERRY & LYCHEE BLOSSOM

Smells just like its name! Love the foaming shower gel, well because it gets really foamy..duh! If you’re a fan of lychee, you’ll be happy to know this product actually has lychee extracts in it. The shower gel is $15 and you can marry it with the cloudberry and lychee blossom body lotion, $16.

Try smelling yummy without these!

humjk logo small

by
Keep Reading
pixi beauty
Beauty

5 PIXI Beauty Products You Should Buy Right Now

pixi beauty

 

Have you tried PIXI beauty products before? I’m going, to be honest, and say this year was the first time I ever tried PIXI. I have a huge haul to share with you! There was an extra PIXI launch that I couldn’t share with you at the time I recorded the video, so instead, I shared some pictures of the products and my favourite one. But first the PIXI Beauty haul:

****NEW PIXI BEAUTY****

pixi beauty

pixi beauty

new pixi beauty

new pixi beauty

There are so many amazing products under this PIXI brand. But don’t worry, I’ve narrowed it down to the ones I’ve tested and find true. So true, that you’ll want to buy them right now! And seriously, at their price point why not? You’re spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora and walking out with a few products, then why not spend under $100 and walk out with a handful and maybe more?

5 PIXI Beauty Products You Should Buy Right Now

 

1. Glow Tonic To-Go
This is my number one because it is the “fairest of them all”! This toner has changed my skin life. I stopped using toners over a decade ago when I realized the ones I was using weren’t doing anything for my skin. Until I tried this one. It has 5% glycolic acid that helps purify and exfoliate your skin. Alcohol-free, which is a big deal for me since I’m not a fan of toners because most have alcohol in them. Ginseng in it improves circulation and energizes your skin. This is great since we cut the circulation on a daily basis with the layers of makeup we can wear. Since I’ve been using this toner I’ve noticed less breakouts, more even skintone (which means I use less makeup for coverage) and overall more radiant looking skin.
Suitable for all skin types. Not tested on animals.
Price: $24.00

 

2. MatteLast Liquid Lip
There are so many colours to choose from! So far I’ve worn two colours and I love them both. They dry matte, and a tad bit sticky if you press your lips together. But that doesn’t bother me if it’s staying on for almost the entire day! The colours are also really pigmented and turn out to be what you see in the tubes. There’s also rosehip seed oil in it to smoothe and condition your lips. Also, vitamin e. Here’s a swatch of only one swipe of the MatteLast Liquid Lip:
Price: $22.00

 

3. PIXI + Dulce Candy : Cafe Con Dulce
I am obsessed with this palette! If you were watching my Instagram stories when I first searched it, you’d know how excited I was. It’s actually saved in my ‘Instagram Highlights’ under Beauty. This is a powder to cream everything! Use it as a highlighter, on the lids and even a dab on your lips for a glowy look. Even better, you get 9 shades to choose from!
new pixi beauty
pixi beauty
pixi swatch

 

4. Lower Lash Mascara
Finally, there’s a wand that can coat my lower lashes without me getting mascara under my eyes! This is the tiniest brush for those hard to reach lashes. It also has vitamin e to nourish and protect your lashes.
TIP: Try applying the mascara with the diagonal method: Pulling the brush through at an angle and spending extra time at the corners vs going down the lashes. Diagonal gives a more wide-eyed look.
Price: $14.00
5. Endless Silky Eye Pen

I wore this eyeliner for an entire day and no raccoon eyes! Yay! Waterproof. Semi-easy to remove at the end of the day. You may need an oil-based makeup remover. Paraben-Free. Mineral Oil-Free. Preservative-Free and Hypoallergenic.

 

hum jk signature

by
Keep Reading
Winter

No More Café at the Toronto Colette Grand Café?

Have you been to Colette Grand Café? Recently? It’s a beautiful French Bistro in Toronto. I love finding cute coffee shops in Toronto and whenever I do, the same thought comes to my mind every time: “I wish there were more of these hot spots when I was growing up downtown.” Colette is my go-to cafe when I’m visiting my mom because of its walking distance from her place. Brunch is amazing, dinner is good and the service is always the very best. Café

Last week I came here for some delicious cake and a latte, while I caught up with my sister. I was told there weren’t serving any desserts at the moment because they closed down their bakery/cafe section and changed it into a private party room. I for one loved that corner of Colette. Here’s an old picture of what it looked like:

ca·fe
kaˈfā,kəˈfā/
noun
1. a small restaurant selling light meals and drinks.
synonyms: coffee shop, tea room

colette No More Café at the Colette Grand Café? [TORONTO]

colette
I love this sweater by Tobi!

So no desserts, but they still make one of my favourite lattes. Some places make them too strong (I can’t take too much caffeine) but at Colette, it’s perfect! The interior here is so spot on with the whole French bistro vibe. Perfect for photography. More details of what I wore this day:

Boots: Zara – Similar ones can be found here.

These Zara boots are from last year so you may not find them in stores right now. They’re the perfect fit as the heel height is comfortable enough to walk in for hours. I love pointy/round toe boots because they make my feet look smaller. (I’m a size 7-8).

Hat: Big It Up

This hat is really warm! I purchased this right before my husband purposed to me. So around 2009. The quality of this hat is so great that it still feels and looks brand new. Highly recommend getting a Big It Up hat.

I love the flared sleeves on this Tobi sweater dress. You can easily wear the sweater almost off the shoulder depending on what size you get. I’m wearing the small size. This sweater is currently on sale for $34. 

tobi

humjk toronto blogger

KYOTO OUTFIT OF THE DAY

by
Keep Reading
Pin It