Friday, April 26, 2019

Monthly Empties | Health, Beauty, Skincare Favourites and Fails!


Happy Friday, everyone! πŸ’—

I'm way overdue for an empties post. I can't believe my last one was in January (linked here).

I had so many empties since then that I just had to toss some in the recycling as my empties box was severely overflowing.

I'll keep my reviews for each product as brief as possible and provide links to products whenever possible.

Skincare & Beauty

L'Oreal Wrinkle Expert 45+ Day/ Night Moisturizer (gifted)
I LOVED this moisturizer! I have never looked to L'Oreal for my skincare before, just their makeup but this moisturizer was as good as high-end products in my opinion. It was really hydrating and made my skin feel great, and it's SO affordable! Now I want to try the one for 55+ even though I'm not over 55 yet, but the more antiaging the better as far as I'm concerned. Seems that drugstore skincare has really stepped up their game! I was also blown away by Cetaphil's new moisturizer! L'Oreal Can be purchased HERE.

Repurchase- Yes

Paula's Choice Resist Moisture Renewal Oil Booster 
I love using oils to seal in my serums and moisturizers. This oil booster has a blend of oils plus ceramides and argan oil. I do like this oil but I feel like any oil gives me the same effect, whether it be argan, almond oil, or avocado oil which are a few of my favourites, and they can be purchased in large quantities at low prices. I usually get mine on iHerb as they are usually even cheaper there. Paula's Choice is linked HERE.

Repurchase- Possibly

Organic Nation More Than Rose Hydration Mist (gifted)
This is a gorgeous rose toner that's just about as organic as you can get. It's packed with amazing, skin-loving ingredients. I found it very soothing and hydrating and the scent was gorgeous! I love using it to set my makeup and to layer my skincare for better absorption. If it was more accessible and priced lower, I would definitely purchase it. Can be purchased HERE.

Repurchase- No

Eco Tools Mask Remover Sponges
I adore these sponges. I don't just use them to remove my face masks, I also use them when I cleanse my face and remove my makeup. They are so gentle on my skin but help to remove all traces of dirt and makeup, plus, I get a bit of exfoliation with them. They are made of the same materials used in high-end spas! They are so cheap on iHerb and I'm always stocking up! I replace mine every few months. Can be purchased HERE.

Repurchase- YES!

Simon & Tom BB Cream All-in-one Beautifying Balm SPF 15 (Light)
I loved this BB cream! I needed the tiniest amount and it evened out my skin tone and it looked like my skin but better! The only issue for me was that it's too dark for me and this was the shade light :( It lasted forever, too! Can be purchased HERE.

Repurchase- Even though the light is too dark for me, I still may repurchase as I was able to make it work by applying very little. I loved the effect on my skin!

Maybelline Brow Precise Fiber Volumizer
Tinted brow fibres are my preferred way to groom my brows. Unfortunately, I could not make this product work for me. The brush is just too large for me. I always ended up with too much product and it would end up all other my eye area and I'd have to clean it up. I went back to my favourite one by Essence. The Maybelline one has great reviews, so perhaps it's user error. Can be purchased HERE.

Repurchase- No

Sally Hansen Salon Manicure in I Lilac You
I am decluttering this polish. It looks more like a baby blue on me. Every time I put it on, I immediately want to take it off. So it has to go! I think it would suit someone with a darker skin tone.

Repurchase- Not this shade

Cocoa Locks Chocolate Hair Shake (gifted)
I adore this product! I had amazing results with it. I was losing heaps of hair and once I started the Cocoa Locks, the shedding stopped. I have before and after pics and a full review here. This stuff is the real deal. I was grateful to receive it in PR but unfortunately, it's not in my current budget.  Note: there is also a Hot Chocolate version. Both are good! Can be purchased HERE.

Repurchase- When it's in my budget, yes!!!!



Health & Wellness

GNC SuperFoods Ultra Mega-Green Women's Whole Food Advanced Multivitamin
This was my first time purchasing this multivitamin. It was on sale, so I decided to give it a shot. I also read that GNC had met many standards through 3rd party testing. I have to say, I was impressed. I felt good while taking these and noticed improvements with regularity right away. Can be purchased HERE.

Repurchase- Yes

Paradise Herbs Orac-Energy Greens 
This product won Best of Supplements. It has alkalizing greens plus freeze-dried berries and veggies, superfood concentrates, herbal adaptogens, probiotics and more! It's great in smoothies, I just kept forgetting to take it. I do love the blend of ingredients in this product and the fact that it's an award-winner. Can be purchased HERE.

Repurchase- Yes

Now Food Glycine Powder
If you follow my blog, you've heard me talk about this product before. I purchased it for its claims to help with sleep. Although I did not notice an improvement with my sleep, it did make a significant difference with my daytime stress levels. I still have stress but not as much. I have to take a full teaspoon of this in my bottle of water. I won't be without this product! Can be purchased HERE.

Repurchase- Heck Yah!

Bach Flowers Rescue Night Spray
Although this product is certainly not a cure-all for my severe insomnia, it does seem to help somewhat so I always keep it on hand. Bach flowers have a very gentle and subtle action on the system. Would probably do wonders for those with less severe sleep issues. I even take a few sprays when I wake up and it often helps me go back to sleep. It's all natural and doesn't have any contraindications with medications. Can be purchased HERE.

Repurchase- Yes

Mercola Sleep Support With Melatonin
This has to be my best discovery for help with sleep in a LONG time! I can only imagine how it would help someone with less severe insomnia that what I have. The first night that I took it, I passed out almost immediately. My body gets used to things, so I no longer pass out immediately, but it does help. I did find that my magic dose is 2 sprays per night and the same if I wake in the middle of the night. The recommended dose is 6 sprays but you can customize it to your needs very easily. I use it every night in addition to other sleep aids. I always buy it in bulk! Can purchase HERE.

Repurchase- Oh ya!

Hyalogic HyaFlex for Cats, Oral Hyaluronic Acid, Joint Care
This product is pricey but worth it. Within 2 hours after my cats first dose, he was charging around the house like a kitten. I give him half of the recommended dose to make it last longer. If I need to, I will up the dose but he seems fine with half the dose. There is also a formula for dogs (linked here). I cannot recommend this enough if you have an ageing pet or one who has joint issues. Can be purchased HERE.

Repurchase- Yes

Now Foods Better Stevia French VanillaI have this stevia in about 5 flavours. They are not bitter at all and a bottle lasts for years! I use them in everything you can think of from baking to smoothies, coffee, tea and more. It's super affordable and great tasting. Can be purchased HERE.

Repurchase- Yes


I hope you enjoyed seeing what I finished up recently, what I loved and what didn't work for me.


*Remember to always check with your healthcare practitioner before beginning any new supplements

Some links are referral links and support this site. Thank you if you choose to use them!



All opinions are mine :)

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Look Good Feel Better Campaign With The Hudson's Bay Company | #LGFBCanada




Look Good Feel Better, Canada’s only charity dedicated to helping women manage the appearance-related effects of cancer and its treatment, and Hudson’s Bay Company are raising funds in support of women and teens with cancer at the Share Strength, Shop Beauty Charity Event, from April 12th - May 4th. The in-store events offer HBC customers exciting ways to give back while shopping their favourite beauty or fragrance products.

How Hudson’s Bay customers can give back:
  • Purchase a $10 beauty ticket at any HBC store during the event - $5 from every ticket sold will benefit Look Good Feel Better
  • Pick up a Spring 2019 HBC Charity Tote Bag for $20 with any beauty or fragrance purchase. $8 from each tote sold before June 1, 2019, will benefit Look Good Feel Better
Head to your local Hudson's Bay to show your support. πŸ’—

For more information, please visit the LGFB Event page here: http://bit.ly/2VDr61D



#sharestrengthshopbeauty #lgfbcanada



Thursday, April 18, 2019

Mother's Day Gift Guide 2019 | Top 10


MOTHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS

With Mother's Day approaching on Sunday, May 12th, I thought I'd compile a list of some of my favourite gift ideas this year.

Whether you want to treat a Furbaby Mom or Mom to Human Beings, this gift guide has a range of gifts from jewellery to health and beauty. I'm also a firm believer in "treat yourself if no one else will." πŸ˜‰

Hopefully, this gift guide will give you some great ideas for you or your loved one this year.


Jewellery

There's nothing like receiving a beautiful piece of jewellery as a gift. Make it personalized and it's even better! I have several pieces of personalized jewellery from Sincerely Silver Co. and I absolutely love all of them! They have a ton of options and they are high quality yet affordable. The piece that I'm showcasing here, the Name Necklace, has been a popular style for years and it never seems to go out of style. It's available in silver, gold, or rose gold. I chose the gold here in the 18" length. It's made from solid .925 sterling silver and plated with 18k gold, available in 16", 18" or 20" lengths. Shipping is fast and they have amazing customer service!

Retail $55



Makeup

I'm not one to splurge on expensive makeup, but once in a while, there's a product that is really worth the high price tag. I received this infamous Charlotte Tilbury blush in Pillow Talk blush for my birthday in February, which I had actually requested, and it's totally worth the $50! This is the gift that keeps on giving since I use it most days of the week. It's just stunning and really is a magical makeup product which is what I've always dreamt of but had never found before. If you have a makeup lover in your life, I can't recommend this enough! I have a full review with swatches, linked here.

Retail $50



Bath & Beauty

Crystal Hills Organic Crystal Love Bath Salts are not your average bath salts. The packaging is spectacular and looks stunning by the bathtub. But what's inside is what really makes this special. "This is crystal-infused skincare and is certified organic. Made with Rose Quartz Crystals, its pink hue symbolizes the essence of love. This beautiful gemstone lifts up our vibration to the pure energy of unconditional love, bringing us to a state of peace, happiness, forgiveness, and compassion."

"Enjoy a long and luxurious soak in the tub surrounded with the delicate fragrance of rose blossoms. Sixty thousand petals go into one ounce of the rose absolute that is added into these lavish bath salts." All of the ingredients are natural and the fragrance comes from essential oils including geranium rose, organic neroli, and rose absolute. Muslin bag is included.

Retail $44


Sleep

If you know someone who has trouble getting their beauty sleep, a silk sleep mask is a must. The secret to a good sleep mask is finding one that blocks out ALL of the light. I had tried a lot of sleep masks before I found one that actually did block out all of the light. The secret to it is a large and soft mask, this way it can conform to the shape of your face and nose which blocks out the light. The silk material is not only soft but is breathable and can help reduce wrinkles since it keeps the skin from crinkling up while sleeping.

Retail $10



Beauty Tools

A Jade Roller is an inexpensive way to improve the look of your skin. By massaging the skin with the roller it helps improve Chi circulation, improves lymphatic drainage and can reduce the look of puffiness around the eyes and the face. It can also help with product absorption, and with regular use, you should notice improvements in the look of your skin. It doesn't take long at all to massage your face with the roller and there are all kinds of videos online on how to use the roller to increase lymphatic drainage which will reduce puffiness and rid the skin of toxins.

Prices vary greatly but I don't see any reason to spend a lot of money on this item as long as you purchase one made of genuine materials like jade etc.

Retail $10




Facial

If you know someone who loves to pamper themselves or just take good care of their skin, a facial steamer like this is wonderful! I remember in high school, I used to put my face over a sink filled with hot water and put a towel over my head. Once I got this Kinga steamer it took facial steaming to a whole other level. This was a much more gentle and effective way to steam the face compared to the sink method, which isn't very comfortable and is usually too hot and actually dehydrates the skin. The steam from this professional steamer is very gentle and it cleans out and opens up the pores and prepares the skin for any other treatments. The skin will absorb any treatments, serums, or moisturizers much better after using this product, and it will actually hydrate vs. dehydrate the skin.

Retail $34.99


Masking

The Body Shop makes some of my favourite masks! I usually like to use a detoxifying mask like The Body Shops Himalayan Charcoal one and then follow it up with a hydrating mask like this British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask. I think that any skincare lover would appreciate this gift. The Body Shop is cruelty-free, too!

Retail $28




The Eco Tools Mask Mates set is a must-have! I use the sponges in this kit every day when I cleanse my skin. But, I also use it to remove my masks as it's intended for. The handy brush in the kit makes applying face masks less messy and more precise. It really does make me use my masks more often. Although my first thought was that this product was gimmicky, it is far from it! The sponges are also made from the same materials used in spas.

Retail $10-15



Fashion

I love this affordable version of the trendy Gucci belt. I actually have it in 2 different sizes. It's great quality and no one would know that it's not the real deal. A great gift for the fashion lover in your life.

Retail from $12.99




Health

There is nothing better than the gift of health. If you are looking for a gift for someone who is into health or considering changing their diet or health for the better, I can't recommend this book enough. This is a life-changing book! I purchased it years ago and it changed my life as well as many others after I passed the book along to loved ones. The book, Dr. Gundry's Diet Evolution: Turn Off the Genes That Are Killing You and Your Waistline, is eye-opening and will change the way one eats. The reader can take recommendations and customize it to suit their needs. I actually didn't follow the diet recommendations all the way to the last chapter, but it still changed the way I ate and I lost the 20lbs that I had gained and it was quite easy to follow. I still follow most of the principles in this book to this day.

Retail Approx. $13


I hope you got some ideas to treat the special person in your life, or maybe even to treat yourself. πŸ’





Some links are referral links which support this site. Thank you if you choose to use them! Some items were gifted. All opinions are my own. 

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Don't Let Your Hands Show Your Age | Flexitol Anti-Age Hand Balm



Don't forget to show your hands some love! We pay so much attention to our faces and necks when it comes to #antiaging and often forget our hands. And, it's often our hands that give away our age! 😱

Flexitol Anti-Age Balm provides deep and long-lasting hydration. It's clinically proven to visibly reduce age spots and improve elasticity. Made with Plantago, Lanceolata + Urea 10%. I've been using it during the day and before bed and it's cured my dry, red, and cracked hands 😍

Available at Amazon.ca, farleyco.ca, select Apple Drug Mart, Guardian IDA, Pharmachoice, Proxim, and Value Drug Mart Stores. Farleyco Beauty Flexitol Canada



Happy Humpday, everyone! πŸͺ
.

PR Sample All opinions are mine.

Monday, April 15, 2019

New! Live Clean - All Natural Deodorants That Work!


My favourite all-natural health and beauty brand, Live Clean, has finally come out with a deodorant! Many of us have been asking for Live Clean to create a deodorant, and it took some time, but if you know Live Clean like I do, they don't launch a product until they perfect it, and they definitely did just that!

These deodorants are made with 99% naturally derived ingredients and are free from aluminium, propylene glycol, and parabens, and other harmful ingredients. They provide freshness, comfort, and all day odour control.

Formulated to neutralize and combat odour naturally. Derived with baking soda, corn starch, soothing aloe, and vitamin E, this naturally derived formula is also enriched with certified organic parsley, rosemary and sage. They leave your underarms conditioned and fresh all day.

4 Options Available:
πŸƒ Fragrance free
πŸƒ Cool and Fresh
πŸƒ Sparkling Citrus
πŸƒ Powder Clean

My favourite is the Cool and Fresh scent which has a very fresh scent as the name implies. My partner's favourite is the Sparkling Citrus scent which I would say leans towards a grapefruit/orange scent and is a great unisex fragrance. The Powder Clean scent has a soft, clean scent with a hint of a baby powder scent. Lastly, there's the Fragrance Free option which is completely void of any scent, great for those who want to avoid any fragrance.

I've been testing out this deodorant for almost 2 weeks, and I can attest to the claims that it offers all-day protection. Even after sweating and working all day, there is no detectable scent. I've even put it to the 24-hour test when I was too tired to shower one night and there was still zero odour the next day!

I've been testing out natural deodorants for as long as I can remember and I can honestly say that these are hands down the best natural deodorants that I've ever tried for odour protection! I still perspire as these are not antiperspirants, but they do prevent odour from forming.

They're Free From:
Aluminum
Parabens
Propylene Glycol
Triclosan
Phthalate
Silicone
Phosphates
Petrolatum
Artificial Dyes
Artificial Fragrance

They're Also:
Hypoallergenic
Dermatologist Tested
Eco-Friendly
Non-Whitening
Non-Irritating
Cruelty-Free
99% Naturally derived ingredients
Made with Certified Organic Botanicals
Pure Vegan
Leaping Bunny Certified
Long Lasting Odour Control

The trouble with a lot of natural deodorants is that they're usually expensive and not easily accessible or they just don't work. This is why so many of us have been asking Live Clean to create a deodorant, they take away all of those factors.

Live Clean claims that these deodorants provide all-day odour protection and I 100% agree with that claim! I am so happy to have found such an effective product that is also free of harmful chemicals, affordable, and accessible! These are the reasons why I love Live Clean Products so much. They've really knocked it outta the park with these new deodorants! I'm so happy that my search for "The One" is over!

Thank you, Live Clean! πŸ’—

SRP $6.99-$7.99

Available at Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws


#LiveCleanDeoWorks


Products were provided free for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Health & Beauty Trends in the Fashion World

Health & Beauty Trends in the Fashion World



Beauty and health trends are constantly changing, and the new ones emerge before we even have the time to experiment with the current ones. We’ve singled out a few trends that are likely to highlight the world of fashion in 2019.

Fresh makeup alert


Certainly, this year won't be the monotonous one when it comes to makeup. It will bring colors and new energy to your face while leaving enough space to emphasize your natural beauty and achieve the famous “no makeup” makeup look. Forget about the rules when it comes to your eyeshadow game, and let the party start. Add some life to your eyelids with yellow, lavender and pink because these are the new it colors. Although these colors are not recommended as your daily makeup look, it would be a real pleasure to apply these bold shades in the evening combining them with nude lipliners or lipsticks. According to the latest 2019 trends, metallic eyeshadow palette will continue to rock your world this season as well, so keep your glittery palettes at hand, since you're definitely going to need them for special and festive occasions. The focus will also be on your eyeliner, so try to perfect your wing eye technique. Black eyeliner will get its reinforcement in the form of a colored eyeliner, which is creamy and pigmented. For the perfect pop of color opt for the red, blue, yellow and purple.


Brain health

A healthy and regular lifestyle is essential for keeping your brain healthy. Many of us have an irregular lifestyle due to our hectic schedules, and it gets pretty difficult to get enough sleep and relax. You have to make an effort to create a sleep rhythm as constant as possible by going to bed at a fixed time. And even when you're travelling and dealing with jet lag, try sticking to your routine. Also, before bedtime, put your phone away and turn on the flight mode. Do some reading or anything else that helps you relax and switch off from the world. Begin every morning with a meditation session to make sure you've started your day with a clear mind. Recently, the Dutch supermodel Doutzen Kroes shared her own tips on social media, and it's great how some of the biggest names in the fashion industry speak their mind on such an important topic.


All vegan everything


In recent years, vegan cosmetics and skincare products have found their place under the sun, and we are more than thankful for this rising trend. When it comes to hair products, you should always go for the ones that will treat your hair the way it deserves to be treated. Find your own organic hair growth shampoo at the store, since it smooths your hair texture and gently cleans your scalp. We all need a detox from time to time, and this could definitely be your lifesaver. Also, more and more women and makeup artists go for the foundations that are vegan, long-wearing, cruelty and paraben free, as well as free of fragrance and oils. Plus, they leave your skin super radiant and fresh. It's always satisfying to read this vegan-friendly description on the back of your favorite products which makes your beauty routine more enjoyable.

Eat your blues?

Forget about the green spirulina and welcome the blue one. This one is a type of blue-green algae and it's got many benefits. It contains B-vitamins, vitamin E, beta-carotene and it's high in protein (also used as a vegan source of protein). It also contains chlorophyll, minerals and antioxidants. It comes in powder form and you can mix it with your favorite food combo and create one healthy and delicious bowl.


Perfect avocado toasts with eggs
Since we often eat on the go and don't have time to eat before work, it's time for a small healthy change you're actually going to love. It takes only five minutes to make this super tasty meal, and even shorter to indulge in it, but it's fine. Avocado toast is extremely popular, not only for its instagrammable properties, but because it’s yummy as hell. To make your perfect breakfast, you'll need a piece of wholegrain toast, smashed avocado to spread on top, two soft-boiled eggs, organic red pepper flakes and caraway seeds. If this isn't the most valid excuse for not skipping breakfast, I don't know what is.


Which of these trends have you decided to follow?



About the Author:
Brigitte Evans is a lifestyle consultant and beauty editor for highstylife.com




Friday, April 5, 2019

Quick And Healthy Snacks That Don't Make Me Gain Weight!


I'm always looking for new food and snack ideas that are healthy and will help me keep my weight under control. In today's post, I want to share with you my current healthy go-to snacks that don't make me gain weight. Keep in mind that you can always make substitutions for any of the ingredients to suit your needs. Hopefully, these snacks will give you some ideas if you too are always on the lookout for new healthy snack options.


HEALTHY SNACKS:

Some of the healthiest snacks need little to no preparation like fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Here you'll find my go-to snacks that are quick, easy, and healthy!

Berries:
On their own, with some protein like cheese or yoghurt, or in a smoothie with some protein powder. Berries have the lowest sugar content of the various types of fruit. Plus, they're loaded with fibre and heart-healthy antioxidants.



Nuts:
May be high in fat but they're super healthy in moderation. Almonds are one of the best nuts for those who are trying to maintain or lose weight. I like to throw them in a Ziploc bag with some popcorn and dark chocolate chips for a healthy snack mix.



Popcorn:
On its own or with some nutritional yeast sprinkled on it makes a great snack when you have the need to much on something. The nutritional yeast is packed with B vitamins and the popcorn is loaded with fibre.



Pizza:
Is still doable when you are trying to lose weight! Just use a small whole grain wrap as your crust, top with tomato paste or sauce, and load it up with your favourite toppings. Bake in a toaster oven or regular oven until the cheese is melted and crust edges start to brown. This is so delicious and satisfying. You'll never miss pizza again!



Avocado toast:
May sound cliche but it's delicious if you sprinkle on your favourite seasoning. I like Herbamare on top of mine. Avocado is a healthy source of fat and if you follow a keto-style diet, it's probably already a staple in your pantry. You can add more protein to this snack by topping it with some eggs.



Eggs and Toast:
Is the perfect combination. It's healthy, hearty and satisfying. This snack is packed with protein and healthy carbs when you use healthy types of bread* or a wrap is another option to make it lower in carbs. An Egg cooker can also make your life that much easier, especially if you like to meal prep. Village Bakery has a fabulous list of the best egg cookers which will do just that.



Grill cheese sandwich:
With your favourite cheese. When I make grill cheese, I use only one piece of bread and I use coconut oil instead of butter. Put your favourite cheese on half the bread and fold the other half on top. Grill to perfection in coconut oil.

*Note: The type of bread you choose is really important. I usually eat spelt or Ezekial bread as these are healthier options when it comes to bread and I am able to eat them without gaining weight.


HEALTHY TREATS:



Chocolate Ricotta:
I found this recipe online years ago (don't recall the source) and I've been snacking on it ever since. Just mix the following ingredients in a food processor or by hand and enjoy:

1/2 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
2 tbsp honey or another sweetener (stevia etc)
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Kodiak Cake Muffins:
If you have access to the Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes mix, there is a fabulous high protein muffin recipe on the back of the box. It can be difficult to find Kodiak Mix in Canada, so when we see it at Costco we stock up! I add berries or dark chocolate chips to make them that much yummier and they add some antioxidants to the muffins.

Gummy Bears:
I purchased Great Lakes Gelatin as well as some silicone moulds and even a gelatin recipe book and now I can quickly and easily throw together a batch of healthy, sugar-free, and protein-packed gummy bears.

Black Bean Brownies:
I love having these brownies on hand. They are so good, you'd never know they are actually healthy for you! They are flourless, loaded with fibre, and low in sugar. It's another recipe that I've been making for years!

Recipe: chocolatecoveredkatie.com

Blondies:
Blondies are similar to the black bean brownies but are made with chickpeas instead of black beans. They are flourless, vegan, and gluten-free. They are super healthy and are such a treat!

Recipe: ambitiouskitchen.com

πŸ‘‰ Honourable mentions go to my favourite beverage, Zevia and 70% dark chocolate from Costco!


I hope I gave you some new ideas on healthy snacks that you can go-to whether you are just looking for healthier snack options or options to help you lose or maintain your weight. 

 If you have some go-to healthy snack options I'd love to hear about them. Please comment below so we can all share our ideas. 😍

XOXO,
Amy



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