I saw the Desert Essence Coconut Hand and Body Lotion at my local natural market, and I thought it smelled delicious and promised exactly what I look for in a lotion: soft, sensuous and nourished skin. So I’m putting this product to the... +
I saw the Desert Essence Coconut Hand and Body Lotion at my local natural market, and I thought it smelled delicious and promised exactly what I look for in a lotion: soft, sensuous and nourished skin. So I’m putting this product to the test!
COST
Amazon offers a 237 ml /8 oz bottle of the product for about CAD $13 (comparable to the local market price). The price is on a higher end for a bottle of this size, when compared to regular, non-organic/natural products.
DESCRIPTION
The Desert Essence Coconut Hand and Body Lotion is a rich, nourishing lotion, but not too-thick. It applies smoothly and absorbs easily.
DOES IT WORK?
Yes, the product gives an instant effect of smooth, hydrated skin. My skin felt instantly nourished!
PROS:
•100% vegan/wheat & gluten-free
•Cruelty free and biodegradable formula
•No parabens, phthalates, artificial colours, silicones or petroleum-based ingredients
CONS:
•Strong coconut scent (I do love it, but it’s not for everyone!)
•The small bottle will not last long with continued use
I do absolutely love this product. I recommend it to anyone looking for a natural lotion. But beware if you have scent sensitivity!
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The minute I saw this title, I knew I had to read this book! ’28 days to Younger skin – The diet program for beautiful skin’ – don’t we all want pretty, young, healthy skin? I know I do! Karen Fisher, an author, nutritionist and an... +
The minute I saw this title, I knew I had to read this book! ’28 days to Younger skin – The diet program for beautiful skin’ – don’t we all want pretty, young, healthy skin? I know I do!
Karen Fisher, an author, nutritionist and an overall health advocate who had many skin troubles in her life, has prepared this book to become your skin bible! Honestly, I have so many notes all over this read! And I keep going to it for reference constantly!
The book offers a day-by-day comprehensive 28-day program to a beautiful skin. Bottom line – your skin shows your overall health. Therefore, feed your body healthy food to see the results!
There are reference lists, shopping lists, meal planners and recipes. But there is much, much more. Discussion and lists of skin-friendly foods, cleansing exercises, make up choices, basics about skin and its function, and the list goes on. Told you it’s a bible!
Few things I have learned just off the top of my head:
•Don’t sleep on your face – it causes wrinkles! Who knew?
•Choose red quinoa instead of white. I’m a quinoa lover, so this is a good tidbit of info!
•Tea, especially black tea, contains tannins which can bind to iron, therefore lead to iron deficiency (I have always had an issue with iron absorption!)
•Cheese and dairy overall ages your skin and causes breakouts
And if you are not willing to do a complete 28-day program to get your skin glowing, you are still in for a treat. There is SO much health and nutrition information here!
I have started my 28-day program and I already feel better. I think the results will be great! Join me!
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Want those perfectly tanned legs, but don’t want to bake in the sun for too long? Want to cover up imperfections, veins, scars or freckles? So do I! Hence I tried the Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs – Leg Makeup. COST Amazon offers a 118ml/4oz... +
Want those perfectly tanned legs, but don’t want to bake in the sun for too long? Want to cover up imperfections, veins, scars or freckles? So do I! Hence I tried the Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs – Leg Makeup.
COST
Amazon offers a 118ml/4oz bottle of the product for about CAD $13 which is comparable to to the local drugstore price. The price is right given the product lasts a while.
DESCRIPTION
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs – Leg Makeup promises ‘smooth-on perfect legs in an instant’.
The lotion comes in four different shades to accommodate different skin tones.
The product looks like regular makeup with a bit of thicker consistency. It is water resistant and washes off with soap and water.
DOES IT WORK?
Yes, the product instantly provides a nice tan and covers up imperfections!
I unfortunately have genetic spider veins and this product works fantastically to cover them up! It absorbs instantly and stays fresh all day.
PROS:
•Provides an instant tan
•Provides a smoothing effect
•Water resistant
•Stays on all day
CONS:
•Does rub off on clothes a bit
•Long list of unknown ingredients
I really do love this product and will definitely continue using it throughout this season of skirts, shorts and dresses! But, it is definitely not perfect. I noticed it does rub off a bit on clothes (washes without issues). It also contains many unknown ingredients, so it isn't all natural or organic.
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Doesn’t the name THE DIPLOMAT speak volumes?! It’s the name of a new restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario which has been on my list of ‘TO TRY’ for weeks. Finally, my girlfriend Leslie and I had a chance to have some good ole’ girl talk AND a... +
Doesn’t the name THE DIPLOMAT speak volumes?! It’s the name of a new restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario which has been on my list of ‘TO TRY’ for weeks. Finally, my girlfriend Leslie and I had a chance to have some good ole’ girl talk AND a fantastic lunch at this fun new place. Woohoo!
The décor is quite modern, with a touch of that homey comfort. Very welcoming. Very cool.
Food – Good. Really GOOD. Vegeterian, vegan and meat-lover options available.
Les picked the Burger Royale. She was craving a good burger and a G-O-O-D burger she got!
I opted for the Smashed Avocado Toast. DELICIOUS! And PRETTY! Warning: it is on the spicy side. Talk to your server before ordering. I happen to love spicy food, so I was quite happy with my selection.
We could have picked hearty vegetables or soup for our sides, but let’s face it – girl talk calls for fries. And these were fabulous! None of that fast food taste. Real-good-fries.
Price – extremely reasonable. CAD$20 gets you a beautiful lunch!
Overall – awesome atmosphere, fantastic food, great price. Go visit them! 43 King William Street, Hamilton.
I’m super grateful for restaurant gems such as this one in my city!
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My hair is naturally curly with a BIG attitude. So, I have been using a variety of different products to tame it somewhat! Whenever I feel like letting my curls bounce, I use the Marc Anthony Strictly Curls – Curl Envy Cream. COST Amazon... +
My hair is naturally curly with a BIG attitude. So, I have been using a variety of different products to tame it somewhat!
Whenever I feel like letting my curls bounce, I use the Marc Anthony Strictly Curls – Curl Envy Cream.
COST
Amazon offers a 177ml / 6oz bottle of this product for approximately CAD $19 – similar to the local drugstore price. Reasonable for a product that will last you quite a while.
DESCRIPTION
Marc Anthony Strictly Curls – Curl Envy Cream promises to tame dry, coarse hair with an intensity of all-day moisture, definition and frizz control. Ideal for frizzy curls – big or small, thick or fine.
DOES IT WORK?
Yes, the cream works extremely well. I have used it for a couple of months now (I do straighten my hair at times, so I only use this product when I want curls!).
Here is what I do (it’s a process!):
Use a leave-in conditioner on towel dried hair (it’s a must for my hair).
Allow hair to dry a bit.
Pour a coin size amount of Marc Anthony Strictly Curls – Curl Envy Cream on my palm and gently scrunch into the hair.
Allow hair to dry completely (without touching or scrunching!)
Use a bit more of the cream on dry hair if I see a bit of frizz.
PROS:
Hydrating
Smoothing
Light – no residue (but do use sparingly!)
Paraben-free, Sulfate-free, Phthalate-free
CONS:
Not fully natural or organic (does include avocado oil, shea butter and vitamin E, but also many ingredients I’m not familiar with!)
This is a very good product and I will continue to use it. Having said that – I have a couple of issues:
I would not use this product without a leave-in conditioner. Maybe that’s just me, but I like to have a good ‘leave-in’ prior to using the cream.
Not completely natural, so likely not for those in the market for pure, organic products.
But I LOVE my curls after using this product!!
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COST A 200ml bottle will cost you about CAD$12 at the local drug store. Similarly, Amazon offers it for about CAD$12. DESCRIPTION Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Repair – a high-performance formula with 3x liquid Keratin to repair extremely damaged... +
COST
A 200ml bottle will cost you about CAD$12 at the local drug store. Similarly, Amazon offers it for about CAD$12.
DESCRIPTION
Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Repair – a high-performance formula with 3x liquid Keratin to repair extremely damaged hair up to 10 layers deep. Replaces lost Keratin and leaves hair restored and easy to manage.
DOES IT WORK?
Schwarzkopf Gliss Hair Repair works!
I have used this product for a month. I don’t have extremely damaged hair, but my hair is color treated and heat treated. It is also naturally wavy and tends to get quite tangly, and it has a mind of its own sometimes!
The results after using this product are immediate.
I spray it on wet hair (towel dried) and either leave it to dry naturally, or I blow dry. Either way, my hair becomes instantly smooth and silky.
PROS:
Helps to detangle
Instantly hydrates
Instantly smoothes
Smells fantastic
Hair feels very light – no heavy residue
CONS:
Some ingredients are unknown to me (chemicals?)
Not organic or natural
This product is not organic or natural. There are some ingredients on the bottle which I’m not familiar with. If you’re in the market for something all natural, this product would not be for you.
Having said that, I absolutely love this product otherwise and will definitely continue to use it. So glad I stumbled upon it!
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COST You can purchase this product at your local drugstore. The 750ml bottle will be about CAD$23, the 250ml about CAD$10. You can find it on Amazon as well – Shampoo (great price of CAD$5.73 for the smaller bottle, plus shipping) and... +
COST
You can purchase this product at your local drugstore. The 750ml bottle will be about CAD$23, the 250ml about CAD$10. You can find it on Amazon as well – Shampoo (great price of CAD$5.73 for the smaller bottle, plus shipping) and Conditioner (CAD$19.75 with free shipping). Reasonable price overall.
DESCRIPTION
Marc Anthony True Professional Oil Of Morocco Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner is:
Made in Canada
Sulfate-free
Formulated with Keratin, Grape Seed Oil and Argan Oil
It promises to:
Deeply hydrate
Restore strength
Add luster
Protect color
Combat damage
DOES IT WORK?
YES, this product delivers.
I used the Marc Anthony True Professional Oil Of Morocco Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner for about a month.
I have fine, color treated hair with a lot of wave. My hair tends to get very tangly, especially after a wash.
Just after the first use, my hair became instantly smooth after conditioning (not after shampooing). No tangles. Silky and hydrated. My color continued to look great.
PROS:
Greatly helps with tangles
Instantly hydrates
Helps with shine
Hair feels healthier
Hair feels VERY smooth
Smells beautiful
Protects color
CONS:
Not a big difference after shampooing only
Some ingredients are unknown to me (chemicals?)
Not organic or natural
I really like this product – especially the conditioner. It works great with my hair. However, if you are in the market for an all-natural product, there is a whole list of ingredients on these bottles which do not seem to be very natural. In addition, I am not fully sold on the shampoo itself. I find the conditioner does the majority of the great work here!
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When I started to work on my son's BIG BOY room, I needed storage for all of his little cars. He loves his Hot Wheels and all the other vehicles he zooms:) Lo and behold, I think I found the PERFECT storage! This Hot Wheels Storage Rig sells on... +
When I started to work on my son's BIG BOY room, I needed storage for all of his little cars. He loves his Hot Wheels and all the other vehicles he zooms:)
Lo and behold, I think I found the PERFECT storage!
This Hot Wheels Storage Rig sells on Etsy.com (All Things Wooden Store).
You can personalize this product as much as you like! You can add trailers, decide which way the truck faces, have it personalized with a name and initials and add colour!
This product is not overly cheap. But, considering it is a handmade wood item, CAD$136.88 plus shipping of CAD$84.02 to Canada was well worth it.
The item can also be purchased with one trailer only at CAD$72.10 plus shipping.
I decided to paint the truck on my own, and it was fairly easy!
Each section hangs by 2 nails spaced 24″ apart and hanger is included.
The truck holds 72 of my little BIG guy’s cars and he LOVES it! Happy boy – happy mom:)
The item arrived on time, in great shape AND with a free wooden coaster! Absolutely fantastic experience all together!
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Looking for the ultimate lunch and snack containers? Safe, lightweight, stainless steel, leak-proof and dishwasher safe – the Mighty Hippo containers promise to have it all! Let’s take a peek! COST The products are sold through Amazon and... +
Looking for the ultimate lunch and snack containers? Safe, lightweight, stainless steel, leak-proof and dishwasher safe – the Mighty Hippo containers promise to have it all! Let’s take a peek!
COST
The products are sold through Amazon and are only available for purchase online.
Mini Rectangular – CAD$25.99 for a package of two containers
Mini Round – CAD$25.99 for a package of two containers
Bento Box Container – CAD$27.00 for one container
Not overly cheap, but when looking at the promise of the product, it seemed worth it.
DESCRIPTION
The Mighty Hippo offers a good variety of products. The containers come in different shapes and sizes: from a round 630 ml lunch container to a 100 ml rectangular mini container.
I purchased the Mighty Hippo Rectangle Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Container, with a removable divider for my son’s lunches. I wanted to avoid using plastic and glass. I liked the idea of a divider, so I could pack a few things in one container.
I also purchased the mini containers for ‘mini snacks’. They work well for school snacks – fit a few strawberries or cucumber and peppers. Perfect little snacks. I tried both the round and rectangular ones. The round containers hold just a bit more food.
DOES IT WORK?
PROS
Durable – it lasted a few months of daily use and dishwashing
Dishwasher safe – I used the top shelf of the dishwasher for both the containers and the lids – no issues
Lightweight – yes, fantastically light!
Leak-proof – I tried yogurt – no leaks. I tried dipping sauce – no leaks
Made with ‘only the highest grade 18-8 stainless steel, polypropylene, and silicone which have been independently lab tested and certified to be free of BPA, lead and phthalates’
Fantastic for kids – non-breakable
CONS
The lids finally gave up after a few months of use. The locks on the mini containers broke off and the lid on the bento box lid cracked (likely from the trauma it was taking in my kid’s backpack)
Had to remove the orange silicone on the lids and wash it by hand, as it was storing some ‘goo’ from being washed in the dishwasher
The divider from the bento box comes out too easily and has been lost somewhere between home and school;)
Love the Mighty Hippo products but they are not without fault. Having said that, I would purchase these again and will definitely continue using them.
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The Qi’a blend is a mix of chia, buckwheat and hemp seeds. They come in the Original as well as Cranberry Vanilla and Apple Cinnamon flavours. DESCRIPTION This product is vegan, organic, non-GMO and gluten-free. The Original blend... +
The Qi’a blend is a mix of chia, buckwheat and hemp seeds. They come in the Original as well as Cranberry Vanilla and Apple Cinnamon flavours.
DESCRIPTION
This product is vegan, organic, non-GMO and gluten-free.
The Original blend contains chia seeds, buckwheat groats and hemp seeds. May contain: soy, peanuts, milk or tree nuts. No sugar.
The other flavours include the original ingredients plus cranberries, cane sugar, almonds and vanilla for the Cranberry Vanilla, and raisins, dried apples and cinnamon for Apple Cinnamon.
DOES IT WORK?
The product promises to boost your nutrition and increase your energy while providing a feeling of fullness with only a couple of tablespoons.
I used the product for a period of one month. It can be consumed as breakfast cereal, but I tried it as an afternoon snack with natural yogurt.
Nutritionally – WORKS! 2 tbsps provide 15% of daily recommended iron intake, 16% of fibre, 6g of plant-based protein and 2g of Omega-6 and Omega 3 fatty acids.
Energy-wise – WORKS! I noted a good boost to energy levels, specifically because I simply felt healthier.
Feeling of fullness with 2 tbsps – WORKS SOMEWHAT! 2 tbsps did not make me feel full. I used 3 tbsps. With a tall glass of water, I felt fully satisfied.
PROS
The nutritional content is absolutely incredible.
It assists GREATLY with regulating digestion and increasing energy levels.
I plan to continue consuming Qi’a Superfood as part of my daily diet!
CONS
Taste is not fantastic. The original tastes like, well, seeds. While the Cranberry Vanilla and Apple Cinnamon taste a bit better, they also have more sugar.
And who likes to have seeds in their teeth?! Not me! Drink lots of water and keep tooth floss around.
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