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!

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

Disclaimer: I’m a Dixie Outlet Mall ambassador and this post has been sponsored by Dixie Outlet Mall. However, all views and opinions expressed in this post are of my own regarding the products and services.

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!

Spring Shoes Favourites at Dixie Outlet Mall [Style]

Can Spring get here already?! Although a trip to Dixie Outlet Mall to shop for Spring looks helps make the cold bearable. Before the weather starts to feel like Spring, I’m out and about looking for the best deals and building my Spring outfits from head to toe. Speaking of toes, shoes are some of my favourite items to shop for.

My ideal spring shoes, are a mix of some heels, flats or sneakers.

A great way to get organized for Spring shopping is to figure out which colours and textures you’re looking for. Are you rocking pastels, nudes or keeping it basic with black, white and grey this Spring? This Spring I’m mixing nudes, pastels and grey in my wardrobe.

On my recent trip to Dixie Outlet Mall I scored some amazing #DixieDeals! P.S Don’t forget to use this hashtag when you find a great deal at the Dixie Outlet Mall, for a chance to be featured on their Instagram or Twitter. My goal was to find great spring shoes that would go with my new Spring wardrobe. Here’s how it all went down:

The Aldo Outlet has a great selection for the new Spring season, AND in the back, you can find clearance racks from previous seasons with even bigger markdowns! I walked over to the sale rack to see if there was anything that could be worn for Spring 2017.

#DixieDeals Hack: Always check for the clearance racks in every store at the Dixie Outlet Mall, these are usually found in the back of the store.

The heels that stood out to me to the most, were the beautiful suede ones. Often seen in the Fall, is also perfect for colder but dry Spring days.

At regular price these strappy heels were $90, went on sale for $60 and I got them for $40 because of the in-store promotion. At $40, these heels are a steal!

Next stop, Call It Spring. I’ve bought shoes from Spring in the past, and they are some of my most comfortable shoes. These blush pink sneakers are really comfortable and I love the pattern on the sides. At $50 they are one of my new Spring shoe favourites!

If you haven’t noticed already in the pictures above, there’s a cute black purse. A cute purse that looks very close to a Chanel version. Dupe? Maybe. Coco Shoes Outlet at Dixie Outlet Mall, not only has shoes (which is why I went in there) but they also have a great selection of purses. The purse was regularly priced at $65 and I got it on sale for $35! I’ve already had two people comment on my purse and both have gone and got it for themselves! You can’t go wrong with a staple black purse.

The last outlet I checked out at Dixie was Urban Behaviour. They have a huge selection of merchandise in this store, from basics, to accessories, going out clothes and shoes. I picked up these simple grey sneakers for only $14! I go through sneakers a lot. Probably because they’re always my go-to shoes for comfort and long walks.

The inside of these sneakers have a great cushion feeling to them. Almost like you’re walking on a cloud. I love that! With these I get the quality of an expensive shoe, at an AWESOME affordable price tag!

Tell me about your Spring favourites. What colours will you be rocking this Spring?

Disclaimer: I’m a Dixie Outlet Mall ambassador and this post has been sponsored by Dixie Outlet Mall. However, all views and opinions expressed in this post are of my own regarding the products and services.

Beauty March 19, 2017

Estee Lauder Skincare Favourites [Beauty]

Estée Lauder is an old favourite line of mine. There are a handful of items I’ve used in this line that I always keep going back too. Recently, I’ve been obsessed with these 3 estee lauder skincare favourites:

Let’s shine the spotlight on these three skincare products that have been tried, tested and true! Being a beauty blogger, I get to try a lot of make up and skincare products. For an honest review of a product, I feel it’s fair to try the product for months, when you actually start to see results or in some cases none. I’ve got one empty, one almost and third still got a few weeks worth to go.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair
Intensive Recovery Ampoules

This oil comes in a glass jar with individual capsules. Having the oil in individual capsules take’s the guessing out of the actual amount you need. One capsule is perfect for your entire face and neck. It definitely doesn’t sit oily on the skin. Absorbs quickly and has no shine.
Price: $135
60 capsules

True story: I gave a capsule to my sister to try when she was sleeping over. She had just took her make-up off and was complaining about how tight and dry her skin felt. The next morning she couldn’t stop raving about how great the product was, and how nice her skin felt. Yup. Just with one use. I’ve noticed my skin is a lot more even, less shading below my lips and overall even skin tone + radiance.

Estee Lauder ‘Revitalizing Supreme’ Global Anti-Aging Creme

I finished this cream real quick! So light and beautiful. Absolutely loved this cream and never forgot to apply it as I usually do. My skin was always hydrated, make-up went on beautifully and only to find out today that it’s been replaced. However, I did some quick research and it’s the same name but with additional good stuff. It’s called Revitalizing Supreme + Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Crème and looks like the additional ingredient is Moringa Extract. Moringa Extract comes from the Moringa tree and has a whole slew of benefits for the skin. Well known as an anti-oxidant rich leaf. Price: $94 for 1.70 oz.

Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Wake Up Balm

This balm is the perfect amount of moisture for the entire day. Although I feel that it has the texture of a lotion, rather than a balm, and you’ll also notice there’s a touch of shimmer. Looks like mica. The shimmer is great for wearing under make-up, as it gives you that instant glow. Some people relate anti-aging creams with heavy texture creams that weigh down on your skin. This Global Anti-Aging line is the complete opposite. This wake-up balm also includes plant stem cell extract. I use it only in the morning but you can use at any time of the day/night for an instant boost of radiance. Price: $73.65 (sale)

Have you ever tried Estee Lauder skin care products before? What were your favourites?

Desserts March 2, 2017

Party Animal Theme Birthday Party

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to come up with unique birthday theme ideas. During baby D’s birthday planning, I would say what helped the most to come up with a theme was asking the golden question, “What is he absolutely in love with right now?” and the answer was easy, animals. He loves nature, animals and everything beautiful about our planet Earth. Our back and forth chatter is a lot of “Oh look! Trees!” and his reply is a mumble-y, “Where’s the nest? Eggs!”. Looking forward to the warmer weather so we can build a few bird feeders together and put them up in the backyard. So what better theme to choose for his 2nd birthday but party animal!

For his party animal themed birthday there were a few things that I made sure had that animal touch, I say a few things because I don’t like to go nuts with themes and make everything animal etc. Learnt my lesson with my bridal shower when everything was Alice In Wonderland theme and it was just way too much work. (Details here.) This time, I’m a massive preggo and don’t have as much energy as I normally do, so keeping it sweet and simple was going to be it.

We had Pawsitively Pets join us for the birthday to present about 12 different animals to the children who were at the party. It was an extremely interactive event and he really could not retain his excitement. I had to actually sit with him and hold him back a few times because he was so excited about the animals. We learnt facts about the animals being presented and everyone got a chance to hold them as well. I highly recommend them for parties! Also, we had a super fun bouncy castle and an automatic train that moved on tracks. The kids were crazy about it! You can book them both here.

For the dessert table we had spread out little animal figurines, my favourite ones are by Schleich. They make toys that look extremely realistic and the quality is just excellent. Indigo online sells them or you can find them on Amazon.ca like I did. Colour theme was blue, white and yellow, hence the yellow flowers and the balloon colours.

Baking a buttercream cake isn’t as easy as it looks. Lots of steps, tools and patience needed! Maybe I’ll share some tips in a future post! Let me know 😉

For the little party hats I got the inspo from this blog post. So here’s how I made the little hats and banner:

Supplies needed
Glue gun
2 sticks (to hold the banner)
Scissors
Template
Fun paper – not too thin so it stays straight for the banner and holds well as a cone for the hat.
Thin yarn like string

STEP ONE

Cut out the shape of the birthday hats. Use the above template link! Super helpful.

STEP TWO

Use your glue gun to glue the hat once the length and size of the hat is achieved. I played around with mine for a bit. Kept turning out too long so cut the bottom little bits at a time, until I got to the length I liked. That only happened because I didn’t use the template at first, so there shouldn’t be a problem if you do use the template. 😉

STEP THREE

Take the thin yarn in a small amount, roll it into a tiny ball and glue it on top of the hat. You can also use little pom poms that you can find at an arts and crafts store, but I used this thin yarn so that I could use it also for the banner. Double use saves you a few bucks I guess.

LAST

Put some glue around the bottom trim of the little hat and place it on to the head of the animal.
When the event is over you can easily pop them off and the glue comes off effortlessly.

BANNER

Wrap the string on both sticks and cut out small triangles with your child’s name spelled out, each triangle being a letter. When you’re done just glue each triangle onto the hanging string. This party animal birthday theme was perfect! Even the adults had a lot of fun!

Party favours, we got some animal plush toys and teddy bears and attached cotton candy packs to them for a sweet touch. Check out C’est La Puf that does numerous amount of flavours of organic cotton candy. You can also follow them on Instagram or Facebook.

Whatever theme you decide on for your little one’s special day, just remember to keep in mind the fine details. I’m a crafty person so I truly enjoyed putting this together. How about you? Do you have a great idea for children’s birthdays?

easy lemon bundt cake recipe

Series March 1, 2017

The New Staple Must Have: Bomber Jacket [OOTD]

BOMBER JACKET

A staple in every girls closet is the classic jean jacket. Goes over all your cute dresses and can turn any outfit from boring to fashionista status. My new favourite staple these days is the green bomber jacket! I’m loving the bomber jacket look and will definitely opt in for it when the colours pair well. Looks especially nice when paired with accessories like choker necklaces and aviator sunglasses.

This colour in particular looks best with nudes, browns and black. I love the graphics on this bomber! Even in my last trimester I’m able to rock this bomber jacket with ease. I had a lot of people stopping me and asking where I got it. I’m wearing the XL and it’s on sale for $25 from $75! I purposely got a bigger size so it could wear a little looser on me. I read the helpful reviews as well and most people said to purchase 1 or 2 sizes up.

Here’s a closer look at the details:

Shein has a huge variety of bomber jackets and amazing prices! Here are my favourites:

Check out these celebs rocking the look:

Do you own a bomber jacket? If so. how do you style it?

toronto blogger

What to Wear to a Picnic #DixieDeals

SUMMER PICNIC VIBES

READ MORE: LONG WEEKEND READY WITH DIXIE

READ MORE: SPRING SHOES DIXIE POST

Long Weekend Ready with Dixie Outlet Mall