LBD because of Vichy

When I am invited to PR events I get excited - it's time to play dress up! No kids tugging or pulling on me, I'm not wiping up spilled milk (or anything really) or getting grease on my clothes because someone didn't wash their hands or any. During Luminato, Toronto's Festival of Arts and Creativity I was able to attend Vichy's Skin Health Centre where I was given a complete skin work up and learned that my skin is extremely dehydrated. To be quite honest, I figure as much. I am still having a difficult time juggling kids, family, home responsibility and all the amazing opportunities blogging is bring me. I'm not taking care of myself or my skin as I should.

Vichy Canada sent me everything I needed (and them some) to help with my skin concerns and I'll be doing a full review of their products. My Vichy Products were mostly from the LIFTACTIV line, helps with aging and wrinkles, something I'm trying to slow down. I really enjoyed hearing about Vichy's commitment to helping those with sensitive skin and how much research goes into their products. I even met their head scientist, Sarah Gora, she has the most amazing Parisian accent that I could listen to all day.  I'm already obsessed with their Bare Skin Feel Lotion SPF 60 (feels like it moisturizes and is light) as well as their Lip Protection Stick SPF 30 (lipstick glides over it and application is smoother, that's why I keep it in my make up bag). Their Centre was located right next to the main stage so I figured I would dress up and wear my favourite summer LBD.

I have gotten my money's worth with this denim jacket. It just seems to go with everything.

These nude heels are my new summer go to's.

Me posing with my favourite products - LIFTACTIV Serum 10 Eyes and Lashes and Nutriextra Dry Oil.

Denim Jacket, The Gap. Dress, Bailey 44 (old). Shoes, Nine West. Clutch, Danier. Necklace, c/o Vivienne Kelly (sold out but similar here). Bracelet, c/o Cocoa Jewelry for Target.

I'm linking up with Transatlantic Blonde for WIWW, Because Shanna Said So, My Girlish Whims, The Pleated Poppy Blog & Whatever Goes Wednesday.

Mother's Day and My Birthday

Let's take a look at the outfit first...

Jean Jacket & Chambray Shirt, The Gap. Jeans, Yoga Jeans (old). Necklace, Banana Republic. Bracelet, Cocoa Jewelry. Watch, Michael Kors (old). Shoes, Naturalizer (old). Sunglasses, Burberry (old).

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and so is my birthday – I am turning 38. This last year has been amazing for me because of this little blog.  I’m not famous or making any money (yet…it is a goal) but it’s nice to have something that is mine. I’ve gotten to go to WMC Fashion Week and tweet for QMI agency, attend Clothing Previews, been featured in the Toronto Sun and given some great products (clothing, accessories, perfume, skin care products, tablet etc.). I even made it to TV as one of the winners of The Marilyn Denis Show’s Real Canadian Women Model Search. The best experience was the most recent - I partnered with Pomp and Pageantry, a Toronto boutique, for their month-long celebration of Moms. They had a little photo shoot for my children and I and the pictures were perfect. Pomp and Pageantry will be donating 10% of their sales during the month of May to MumNet. The mother's group that has been a staple in my life since the birth of my daughter.

I can’t lie I would love to receive some extravagant gifts – an outrageously expensive handbag, red soled shoes, jewelry in a little blue box or a convertible in the driveway (if I’m going to wish, I’m wishing BIG). However, this year there are other things that need to be purchased like Adidas running shoes, dance lessons, books and a toy dragon because my youngest is POTTY TRAINED!!! Honestly best gift is not having any of them in diapers. See? This is all it takes to make me happy…plus a stop at Burger King (click here to learn more).

I often get asked “How do you do it? How do you find the time to shower, let alone dress?” There is no easy answer, no formula or schedule I follow.  I give myself the time I need to feel my best because I AM WORTH IT.  Those are four very easy words to write, yet very hard words to believe. I give the best of myself to my family. I do laundry, I hug the hurt, restrain them when stitches are being applied, I clean up after sickness, I am there to answer the questions, I wipe away the tears, I listen to childhood problems and the politics of the playground. I use my high school French, I feel their pain, physical or emotional and know life will only get harder. I give everything of myself and I complain about it, I suffer silently, I am a martyr and I am selfish.

Life may start at point A but it never ends in a perfectly straight line to point B, why would motherhood? Motherhood is easy and then difficult by noon. I often wonder how the hell I got here – stay at home mother of four and three of those little people are boys! There are times I throw my hands up in defeat and then I give myself a minute to calm down and push my way through until bedtime. Then when everyone is asleep I pour myself a glass of wine and curse and then I thank God I have the four little monkeys. I am blessed to be a mother because the alternative would break my heart.

If you feel the need to get me something all I am still asking for are votes for the Salsa Jeans Blogger Challenge. It requires a Facebook account. PLEASE vote for me here, I'm on page 7. My goal is to make the Top 15 and from there a Judging Panel pick the top 5. You can only vote once, for those who have voted Thank You.

I am linking up with the Pleated Poppy for What I Wore. Check out what the other bloggers wore here.

Anyway Happy Mother's Day!