New Skincare Faves - On Rotation

 It's been all about trying the new during this time where we've been at home more. And that includes a host of new beauty products - mostly skincare - and lots from green brands that care about the environment and what goes into their products.

In almost all cases, I have been pleasantly surprised by the results.

And can feel good about what I'm putting on my skin.

Don't get me wrong. A little botox is still part of my maintenance routine ~ but these goodies have my skin feeling soft and glowing. 

And dare I say it, looking (and feeling!) younger than my 52 years. 

1. Let me clear. I love SO many of the Antipodes products.  Starting with this grapeseed cleansing butter. I had never tried a balm cleanser before this and it is SO luxurious. Definitely requires a double cleanse to ensure every last trace of make up is removed but leaves your skin feeling like literal, well, butter. 

2. Oh Glossier. This is a good one. I had heard so many great things about this toner, aptly called "Solution". Truly amazing. I have repurchased more than once. Has made such a difference in my skin.

3. Cheap and cheerful. I am obsessed with this lip balm (as it appears is almost every celebrity and makeup artist on the planet). Dr. Paw Paw lip balms are not new, but they are new to me. Love, love. Available with no colour or tinted ~ all equally delicious.

4. Ah, the pièce de résistance. The splurge of all splurges (if you can actually get your hands on a bottle), the Le Prunier Plum Oil. I added plum oil to my skincare routine about six months ago and I will never not use it. Everything they say is true ~ it is incredibly hydrating AND makes your skin glowier than it has ever been. 

I was actually using the Vitruvi version, (1/3 the price!) but they are no longer carrying it. I will be on the hunt for an alternate to this one. 

(I included a link to the Detox Market - if you sign up for emails, you can save a whopping 10% off the price. PSA - this stuff never goes on sale)

5. Back to Antipodes. If you don't know them, you should. I love their products and everything the brand stands for. I have had the privilege of attending numerous launch events with their founder and she is truly an incredible human making incredible products. All products are certified organic including this honey manuka mask which has been my go-to for the last year. 

6. | 7. Tatcha. Need I say more? Every single thing I touch from this brand smells divine, has the most perfect texture and provides consistent results. My girlfriend turned me onto them and she swears there is nothing better. Most days, I use this 2 step routing including the Tatcha Dewy Serum and Dewy Moisturizer. For something lighter, the Water Cream is also superb. 

(if you are weary about the price tag, I highly recommend their starter kit!)

So tell me, have I missed anything new + fabulous? Tell a sister everything.

xo

A Long Overdue Coffee Date

Well, well, well.
It certainly has been some time since we last sat down for coffee. 

Life has a funny way of getting in the way and suddenly, it's been months. I miss this space. And while not as many may stop to read anymore, there is nothing I love more than looking back at the yearly letters to my children, the outfit posts from way back and yes, our previous coffee dates.

I'm wearing a cozy cardigan on this rainy June day. Also, who ordered all of this rain in J U N E?

At long last, I think the pandemic has run it's course here in Ontario. 

Things are almost back to normal or at very least, as normal as they have been in a long time.

Isabella. 23 and about to embark on an incredible European vacation next month. We've not travelled since the pandemic started so this is even more special.

She has a full time job she loves and is slowly building her resume. She also recently opened a small vintage clothing shop online which has become not only her creative outlet but a great way for her to learn all that goes into making your side hustle successful.

She is my go to. My constant sounding board. My favourite shopping partner. And she makes me increasingly proud each day. 

Julian is 20. T W E N T Y. I can't even.

He is super tall and slim and likes to shave his head whenever the mood hits him. He wears eyeglasses now and looks like he should be in a band. I call him Moby these days. (yes he had to look that up)

We've been dealing with some ongoing tummy issues that have been ridiculously exhausting as we hunt for answers. But we are getting there.

He is still passionate about all things computers. Has the biggest heart. And is always checking in on me.

Love isn't a strong enough word for how I feel about my boy. 

Ava is back to regular activities, including starting soccer (!) which she loves. It's no easy feat managing all of the schedules solo but we're surviving. And my girl is thriving.

She loves school, shopping and Stranger Things. Not necessarily in that order.

The new season launched last week and though she swore she wanted to get through it slowly ~ that quickly went out the window. She was officially done the next day. 

Not sure if I should be shocked or proud.

Oh! And someone got braces. (you have never met a child THIS excited to get braces)

Me? Sigh. 

I work. A lot.

I love doing it from home so I can juggle all of my other responsibilities. It was a welcome change and I cannot understand everyone's hurry to get back into an office environment.

I celebrated 50. 51. And then 52 (gasp!).

I have a circle of people I love and care about around me ~ and though smaller, it feels so good to know that each of them would help me a bury a body in the middle of the night if called upon. I kid. 

Life is good my friends. Life is good. 

xo

On Aging

 I had a really, really hard time with my 30th birthday.

Yes, I realize that happened years ago but stick with me here.

As the day approached, I don't remember feeling excited about the milestone. Or feeling like I was #blessed and all that all other jazz.

I just remember thinking, 30. THIRTY. 

How can I possibly be 30?

You see, in my own mind, I am in a constant stage of 26. 

It's the perfect age.

You're not too young to be completely stupid, you feel fabulous and you're just mature enough for people to take you seriously.

I got married that year.

I had a baby the next.

I was so grown up.

Only not.

Flash forward to my 40th birthday.

What I thought would be a girls trip to Las Vegas turned into me + post-partum + beautiful new baby girl. 

WHAT?

My life was a whirlwind of re-learning all of the things that I thought were done eight years before. 

I didn't have time to focus on myself.

And the new baby kept me young.

I realized I wasn't the oldest at any of my ob gyn appointments. In fact, the "older" mother had become the norm.

And I settled in quite nicely enjoying every moment albeit slower. With more patience than I ever thought I had. I relished the time with her and truly appreciated being her mother and everything that came with it.

Heck, I even started this little blog as an outlet and a place to document all things Ava Grace.

Today, I am 50. Well, I'm 51 but whose counting?

And while I'm comfortable in my skin, I would still rather be say, 26. 

Yes, yes. I know. Fortunate for being here. Not everyone reaches this milestone. All that other good stuff.

But really, I don't love this whole getting older thing.

My body is changing. I'm tired all the time. I need glasses. And botox.

Here's somthing.
Sometimes, I see an actress. Or an image of an older woman..

And obviously I google her.

She's 50 ish. 

And I think to myself, wow. My age. I'm 50.

Because remember, in my head, I am 26.

I don't act like I'm 50, do I?

I don't dress like I'm 50, do I?

I don't parent like I'm 50, do I?

Do I look 50???

I know I'm supposed to feel thankful.

And I do.

But some days?

Man, I just want to be 26 again.

OK, 27 works too.

Happy Friday friends.

xo

Things I Learned in Quarantine

Oh quarantine, how I hate to love you.
And though we are no longer locked down - you did teach us a lot of things we never knew or never knew that we never knew. 

Like, for one, I never knew how much I love gnomes. 

Or that I know every single word to La Isla Bonita. Funny when you have nothing but time you remember that yes, you did indeed memorize every word. And yes, even though you haven't heard the song in 15+ years you can still remember them even though you can't usually remember what you had for lunch.

I also learned that you can watch every episode of Marie Kondo's series, implement each of those in your home and feel fabulous for approximately two full days. No matter how much you organize your space, (and boy, have we organized!) there will ALWAYS be more to organize. And then, in a surprising twist, while you're busy doing said organizing, your previous work will quickly become, you guessed it, disorganized.

During all this purging, I've also learned that I have more chandelier earrings that any one girl should have. Which makes ae a good friend - especially if you have a function and need to borrow say, a pair of chandelier earrings. 

You know how we always say, oh, if I only had more time, I would eat healthier? Yeah, turns out, with more time, really, you just bake more cookies.

There is also more time to take silly mirror selfies with your oldest kid. 

Colouring you hair on your own isn't really that hard. Yes, you will be darker for a time - but hey! It's only hair. I may or may not have coloured mine, Isabella's and even my Julian's who thought this time was obviously the perfect time to try platinum. He may or may not have become a doppelganger for Eminem for a time, and we kinda liked it.

The very best part of all this quarantine? Learning that I actually really, REALLY like my kids. I mean, of course, I love them - but they also happen to be super fun to hang out with. And funny. 
Man are they funny.

Now COVID, I have done my part. 
Your turn. 
Please just go away.
Thank you.

Life Lately

 

Well, it's been a hot minute hasn't it?

Life has a funny way of getting in the way of doing all the things you wish you had time to do. It's all about priorities and this past year, those priorities became all about getting through what was the strangest year ever.

I've been home on what would become the longest March Break vacation in the history of March break vacations. The week off turned into what will soon be one year away from the office. From life as I knew it. From daily drop offs at two different schools. From a morning coffee run before the drive into work. From cherished alone time in the car before starting a busy day. And also from the frantic pace that my life had become. 

And for that I am oddly grateful.

I have always been a cup half full type of person and in some ways, this year has challenged that belief. It's lead us all to a place we never thought we would be. Wondering, in this Groundhog Day existence, when it will all end. I don't know about you, but I still wake up some days in that hazy fog of early morning and for just a moment think this cannot possibly be our reality. And then realize that it indeed is.

So, here's the thing. This pandemic, if it has been anything, has been the first great equalizer. The one time where everyone, regardless of your status, financial situation, living conditions - is facing the same thing at the same time. Sure, everyone's experience is different, but as we have seen, the virus is unpredictable and doesn't choose between celebrity and common folk. I think for me, the scariest thing about it all is the sheer unpredictability of said experience. In some, it's barely a flu. In others, it's ruthless. 

We've been doing our best to stay safe. And in this, spending more time together, alone. There's something. The kids have gotten used to the dreaded "new norm" and for me personally, it's been kind of oddly, well, wonderful. Isabella has been cooking and baking up a storm. Ava writes up never-ending to do lists to ensure she keeps herself busy and keeps in touch with her friends on facetime. And Julian? Julian has been preparing for this his entire life. Secretly, I think he kind of loves that we are all just ALWAYS here. And secretly? So do I.

The girls and I watched far too many episodes of The Home Edit and have since reorganized pretty much every cupboard, closet and drawer in the entire house. We renovated the main bathroom so that the kids have a more functional space and also tackled the laundry room. I figure, if I'm going to spend so much time doing laundry, I might as well have a space that I love! We have decluttered. A LOT. And refreshed items that have been on my radar to get replaced for some time. Anyone else find that the more time you have at home, the more you find to do? GUILTY.

And so, here we are. Staring down another month long lockdown and more time to scrutinize every corner of the house. We'll online learn. We'll get outside as much as we can. We'll wave at my parents through their sliding door. We'll play barbies. We'll bake more cookies. We'll watch more netflix. We'll do MORE puzzles. And through it all, we'll be together. It ain't so bad.

Wishing each of you good health and happiness. Happy New Year 2021!

xo

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

 It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Nordstrom's annual anniversary sale event is in full swing! And although some of my favourite items sold out faster than I could say add to cart, there are still some fabulous finds available.

Here are just a few of the items on my want list:

Starting with this pretty floral number and working my way clockwise -

This Julia Jordan floral dress screams late summer, early fall. The tones in the print are perfection and I love the idea of it with high boots and a leather moto jacket.

I love the caramel colour of this Sam Edelman teddy coat. I might change my mind and wear this over the floral dress for the sheer juxtaposition of it. 

Likely one of the best deals of the entire sale this season, these over the knee suede Stuart Weitzman boots are $400 less than they normally are at $499. I have a very similiar pair (or two) but these fit like no other due to the quality of the suede that hugs your leg to perfection and the drawstring at top that allows you to tighten or loosen as you wish. A great splurge.

I have been on the hunt for a clear pair of designer sunglasses for some time. These Dior sunnies fit the bill and then some. Love the oversize frame. 

Jeans. Oh jeans, how I love thee. Truth be told, I've already purchased two amazing pairs of jeans for the upcoming season. But the deals on denim at this years sale are just too good to pass up. I have heard incredibly good things about this Good American version (and I love a great high waist) - they literally fit everybody. And I haven't seen them on sale, EVER. 

I also included a second pair, these by Madewell. I literally purchased an identical pair in a black/grey shade. High waisted with a straight leg. A great silhouette.

I ask you, can you ever have too many pairs of white sneakers? I say no. These by Adidas are almost sold out at $49.90 - no surprise there.

If quarantine has taught me anything, it's that a good variety of lounge wear is a necessity. I purchased a pair of Zella track pants earlier this year and the quality is superb - they was very well and no shrinkage! I love these lounge leggings; mostly because they look cozy AND have pockets. 

And last, the piece de resistance. I have wanted this watch for longer than I can remember or at least since Michele launched it. It is already sold out online but I can only hope that they still have stock in-store. I chose the navy but they also have a beautiful pale grey with rose gold available. The perfect mix of sporty + elegant. $329

Have you shopped the sale yet?

Current Beauty Faves

If this time in quarantine has given us anything, it's given us time.

Time to explore.

Time to reconnect.

Time to reorganize.

And time to shop on-line way too much for new beauty goodies.

Here are just a few of my new (in + out of quarantine) favourites:

1. Matrix's Biolage Color Last Shampoo. I was gifted this shampoo and just can't get enough of it. The scent is incredible and it keeps my hair in top form. Considering I haven't seen my stylist in almost 5 months - this is no easy feat.

Available at Ulta (buy one at $19.99, get one 50% off!) and locally at Shoppers Drug Mart, here.

2. I got this product along with a few other Milk Makeup goodies as part of the birthday gift from Sephora this year. (if you haven't got yours yet, GO NOW!) I am smitten. I use it on my cheeks + lips in shade dusty rose. Find it at Sephora, here. (PS - this comes in 2 sizes - one small ($20) and one large ($37). I have the small one and will say, it has lasted forever. And by forever, I mean since the end of April.

3. I hesitated in sharing this one as it appears it is no longer available. That said, I found this one at Winners (T.J. Maxx in the U.S.) for under $7. It retails for $9.99 if you can find it at your local Walmart. It is SO good.

You can find my tried + true Shu Uemura cleansing oil here. It is $47. It is worth it.

4. If you only purchase one new goodie this year, let the Laneige Lip Mask be it. I use it every evening before bed and it is fabulous. Available at Sephora, $22/$26. (I'm using candy" but the new limited edition "gummybear" is currently on my list) 

5. Anyone else have yet to go get their nails done? I don't know. Something about how up close and comfortable they get has me waiting for - well, for a vaccine. I've been doing my own and have found the CND products (polish + top coat) to be the longest lasting. I get almost a week which is pretty impressive for non-gel polish. Find it at Walmart, $17.95 for both, here. In Canada, you can find it at Shoppers for $12.99

6. How had I never heard of The Inkey List? This product, which I believe is a fierce competitor for The Ordinary, is similiarly a no-nonsense, ridiculously well-priced line which focuses on all the key ingredients touted in skin care today. I've tried a bunch of the products but this caffeine eye cream (@ $9.99!) is a new staple. In Canada, at Shoppers Drug Mart (you can shop online and see the entire line) or at Sephora, here. 

7. Last, but certainly not least, is my new favourite toner - this one by Ole Henriksen. I have always loved their product line and this toner is no exception. It wipes off any last bit of makeup residue AND fights dark spots. A win win. $38 at Sephora. Find it here (and while you're at it, try the C Rush brightening gel creme and the Banana Bright vitamin C serum - I got them as part of the always sold out Mega Wonders set and all of them were stellar )

Have you tried anything new and fabulous lately?

I hope you are all well and safe.

Treat yourself. 

It's a crazy time.

xo