philosophy - purity Facial Cleanser is a BUY

I've been struggling to find a facial cleanser that really removes dirt and make-up. I know that you are supposed to use an eye make-up remover then cleanser but I honestly don't have time for that. After taking care of the kids, husband, house and then there is that very finite "me" time I don't want to be spending what's left of my evening removing my make-up. I really hate it when I wash my face and I still have eye makeup under my eyes which makes my dark circle and bags even bigger! I was given a bottle of philosophy purity one-step facial cleanser at IPR's Mother's Day gift lounge and I was pleasantly surprised that this cleanser actually delivers on its promises

• rapidly dissolves dirt, oil and makeup. No under eye streaks because the product works. There are times I'll use a cleanser and I still need to wash under my eyes.
• gentle enough for use around the eye area. My eyes have never stung when using this cleanser. The same cannot be said about the cleansers I was using. It is supposed to be good for sensitive skin but I can't verify that because my skin is not sensitive.

I've been using this cleanser for around three weeks and I've been nothing but happy with it. My skin doesn't feel dry or tight after I've used it which is also a nice change.

I was in Ottawa this weekend and left my bottle of cleanser in the hotel. I'm off to buy a new bottle, that's how much I like it. I hope whoever finds it will enjoy it as much as I do.

This product is available at Sephora, The Bay and Shoppers Drug Mart

Back in Black with Vivienne Kelly

When I received this hand-crafted, hand-painted statement necklace I knew that I wanted it to shine and be the focus of the outfit. I went back to black.

 The detail and texture of this necklace make it special. I also loved the tasselled jewelry bag it came in!

Top, Ann Taylor (old). Pants, Yoga Jeans. Necklace, c/o Vivienne Kelly (here). Shoes, Jimmy Choo (old). Handbag, Danier (old). Cuff, Joe Fresh (old).

I am still asking for are votes for the Salsa Jeans Blogger Challenge. It requires a Facebook account and you can't vote from your smart phones or tablets. 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.

Riding a Mother's Day & Birthday High

I enjoyed a weekend with friends and family and I had my annual Burger King Mother's Day dinner. I hope everyone else had a great weekend.

Blazer, Banana Republic. Shirt, The Gap. Jeans, AG (old). Shoes, Stone Ridge (old). Necklace, Banana Republic. Bracelet, J Crew.


I am still asking for are votes for the Salsa Jeans Blogger Challenge. It requires a Facebook account and you can't vote from your smart phones or tablets. 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.

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!