Review: redness relief primer by Dermalogica

 

For as long as I can remember, I have always had very sensitive skin. Whenever I wanted to try a new product (especially if it was for my face) I would do a small test on the side of my face, near my chin, to see if I would get a reaction. Of course 9 out of 10 times I did.... until I started using Dermalogica. A few weeks ago, I did a post on My Skin Care Routine using Dermalogica products if you wanted to check back and see which ones I am currently using.

 

 

 

 

When I was sent the redness relief primer, I got pretty excited for 2 reasons. 1- It was a new dermalogica product that I haven't tried before and 2- I needed some on my face right away!!

 

I love that the redness relief primer is part of the UltraCalming collection being that my skin is so sensitive. After using it for a couple of weeks, I have noticed such a difference in my skin. Whether I have red heat bumps on my face from being too hot, or a red pimple, or a scratch on my face from my daughter's fingernails, it hid it all. All the redness was gone. I always just used my power compact to try and cover up the redness, but it never fully looked like it was gone. It was still noticeable. Using the redness relief primer, I even noticed the redness was reduced the following day.

 

 





 

 

It goes on green to neutralize the red. I apply it all over my face before I put on my makeup every morning. I love that it feels so light on my skin and blends in very well.

 

A little goes a long way with this product, so you don't need a whole lot. I like that it doesn't feel greasy either. I also love that it has spf 20 as well!

 

 

 

For more information on the Dermalogica line or to find a location nearest you that sells the products, check out their website HERE

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I received this product for review but all opinions are my own. 

One Shoulder Dress

 

Finding a dress that I like on me these days is pretty hard. I feel nothing ever looks good on me because I have about 15 more pounds to loose after having my second child. I've never owned a one shoulder dress before, but when I came across this one online, I decided to give it a try. I am really glad I did because I love it!

 

I wore it over the weekend for my cousins wedding shower. I love that it's so light weight and comfortable because it was a really hot and sticky day. I paired it with my new white pumps that I absolutely love. They are also so comfy too! 



 

 

 

 

 

Here are some more of my favourites:

 

 

Cotton Sateen Fit& Flare Dress - $129.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floral Chiffon One Shoulder Dress - $150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burnout Mesh One Shoulder Dress - $69.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knit One Shoulder Ruched Dress- $99.95

 

 

 

Hope you're having a great week!

 

 

Review: "I Can and I Did!" Book by Scott Dietrich

 

If you're a follower on my Facebook page, you might remember that I posted a picture of my daughter and I at her 1st Birthday party last weekend. Well, for the entertainment I hired magician named Scott Dietrich from The Magic of Scott Dietrich. He was so great, but don't worry I will be doing a review with pictures on the blog later on this week on his amazing performance for you to read.

 

As a special bonus, Ashlynn being the birthday girl received an autographed copy of his new inspirational children's book called, "I Can & I Did!". As soon as I got home I read the book, and I have to say it was a great read, and I couldn't have received it at a better time.

 

Since my son starts school in September, I have been trying to get him to do things on his own. Things like, getting dressed on his own in the mornings, and putting on his shoes and jacket. He has putting on his pants and shirts down pat, but is struggling with putting on his underwear, socks and shoes still. He tries and sometimes get frustrated and gives up and says he CAN'T DO IT! I tell him all the time to never say can't, and with practice and patience he can do anything.

 

 

 

 

The book "I Can and I Did! talks about just that! The story is about a granddaughter who claims she "can't" complete a math problem and her grandfather helps explain to her that anything is possible.

 

After reading this book to my son, he now has a better understanding that if  you always say you CAN'T do something then you never will. You need to think positive and believe in yourself. "I Can and I Did!" is his new favourite book and we read it every night before bed. He loves it!

 

I think the book is the perfect length - it's not too long nor too short. The pictures are colourful too!

 

 

If you are interested in purchasing the book, he has a direct link on his website HERE to order a copy through Amazon or if you decide to book him for your child's next birthday you will received a FREE autographed copy like I did!




Oshawa Zoo + Fun Farm!

As a mom of 2, I'm always on the hunt to find places to take the kids over the summer. Sometimes it can be a challenge because I prefer it to be outdoors, and I don't want to drive far or spend too much money. Finally last year, I found out about Oshawa Zoo + Fun Farm.

 

The zoo is located in North Oshawa. I love the drive up there- so scenic. Beautiful rolling hills and depending which route you take coming back, there is a great view of the city.

 

The people are so friendly and the grounds are always very clean and well maintained. It's on 22 acres which is completely fenced for kids. I love that I can bring the 2 kids on my own, and not have to worry if my 4 year old runs ahead while I am pushing my daughter in the stroller.

 

I find the zoo a perfect size. It's not too big nor too small. My son never gets too tired from walking around nor does he ever get bored.

 

 

 

 

Making a trip to the zoo couldn't be easier. There are plenty of spaces to park which is also free of charge. Daily admission to the zoo is $13 for Adults, $11 for seniors, $9 for children and a family pass is $44. What I think is the best deal, which I bought again this year, is the seasons pass. Adults are $25, seniors are $21, children are $17 and the family seasons pass is $84. The only additional cost (which is optional) is the popcorn to feed the animals. You can get a large bucket for $2.50.

 

 

 

The first thing you see as soon as you enter the zoo are the baby chicks. They are so cute and gentle. All the kids love holding them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The lemurs are not allowed the popcorn, but at the gate they give you some raisins (free of charge) so you can feed them. They are also very gentle. If you hold your hand out at the fence they will grab the raisins right out of your hand!

 

Some of the animals you will see at Oshawa zoo are: sheep, cows, donkeys, camels, llamas, deer and horses. They also have peacock's, turkeys, an emu and ducks.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the weekends in the summer, and throughout the week once school is out they have food for purchase. Hot dogs, sausages, fries, drinks etc. Or, you are more than welcome to bring your own lunch. They have plenty of tables for you and your family to sit down for either a snack or lunch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you're interested in having some animals come to you, they offer that as well. Whether it be for a birthday party, corporate event or fund raiser, they can make it happen. Contact Brad deWolde at 416-710-3072 for pricing information.

 

 

 

If you have never been to Oshawa Zoo + Fun Farm it's a must see. It's located at 3377 Grandview St N, Oshawa

 

For more information check out their website HERE.

My Skin Care Routine!

 

I don't know about you, but I have very sensitive skin. I have tried so many brands out there, and most of  the products seem to irritate my skin in some way, except for 1 product line- Dermalogica!!

 

I was first introduced to Dermalogica about 7 years ago by one of my friends, and since then I haven't stopped using their products.

 

I wanted to share with you, the products that I use and love. Here is my skincare routine:

 

Every morning and night I start by using the special cleansing gel on my face and neck. It’s a soap-free cleanser which contains calming balm mint and lavender extracts.  It's soothing and super gentle in removing toxins and impurities without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance.  I love that the gel feels so light on my skin and that it doesn't have any artificial fragrances and colours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the Special Cleansing Gel I use the Daily Microfoliant. I absolutely love this product! It's my holy grail! It's so gentle and non-abrasive on my skin. It leaves my skin so soft, refreshed and bright after every use!

 

 I use it twice daily (morning and night) and this has become an essential part of my skin care regimen. The rice-based powder simply dissolves on wet hands and I rub it in gently all over my skin and rinse it way with water. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To keep my skin moist, I apply the intensive moisture balance all over my face - morning and night. I have very dry skin, especially in the winter. Using the intensive moisture balance I find it hydrates my skin and makes it feels so smooth. I love that it doesn't make my face feel greasy and really absorbs into my skin.

 

 

 

 

 

I know we all have a busy life, and sometimes we forget or just get lazy to wash our face but it's so important. I keep an extra bottle of the special cleansing gel and daily microfoliant in the shower and apply it while I have my conditioner on in the mornings. My others bottles are beside my sink for when I clean my face at night before bed.

 

My skin feels so healthy and younger looking using Dermalogica products. I cannot recommended them enough.

 

For more information on the Dermalogica line or to find a location nearest you that sells the products, check out their website HERE

Our Visit to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada!

A few weeks ago, my husband asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day. I told him, all I wanted was to spend some quality time as a family, so we took the kids to Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto.

 

 

This was our second visit to the aquarium. The first time was opening weekend when my son was 2. Now that he is almost 4, I can't believe how much more fun he had.  He was so excited to see all the fish and sharks.

 

We were very lucky it wasn't that busy. Ripley's Aquarium is a tourist attraction, so the lines can get pretty long. The wait can sometimes be 1-2 hours. I strongly recommend purchasing "Time Tickets" which are discounted on the website instead of the "walk up" prices.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once you enter, you start at the "Canadian Waters" Gallery. It was nice to show our son what type of fish were in our waters. Some of the featured animals were the Largemouth Bass, American Lobster, Giant Pacific Octopus and China Rockfish.

 

 





 

 Next we went to the "Rainbow Reef" Gallery. All of the tropical fish were so beautiful, colourful, and vibrant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The "Dangerous Lagoon" is by far the most popular gallery at Ripley's. It's also our favourite. The best part is everyone gets a great view going through the lagoon.  They achieve this by have a moving walkway that takes you through the underwater tunnel full of fish, stingrays, sharks and many more animals. Like I said, the aquarium gets very busy, so having this moving walkway gives everyone an un-obstructed view. It moves very slow so you can enjoy all of the amazing animals swimming all around you.

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After you leave the "Dangerous Lagoon" you enter the "Discovery Centre" that has a lot of things to do for kids. They have a "Shark Reef Kids Crawl" which is a small tunnel the kids crawl through to see sharks. They also have a submarine that the kids can play in, a slide, and a horseshoe crab touch pool where the kids can get their hands wet.

 

Also located in this area is a restaurant/ snack centre if you wanted to grab a quick snack or sit and have lunch!

 

 "Plant Jellies" Gallery is pretty cool. It's a giant wall full of jelly fish that is back lit and  has colour-changing displays.

The "Life Support System" is a pretty neat area. It shows you a behind-the-scenes look at the life support and filtration equipment used to maintain the Aquarium. It also has real-time stats about the water quality and conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

While visiting "Ray Bay" we saw a proposal which was so sweet. I didn't even know they did that! There is a fee, but it includes admission and a gift.

 

 Finally, you come to "Shoreline Gallery" where you can touch small sharks and stingrays.

 

 

 

They do have a gift shop where you can purchase a souvenir. They have everything from stuffed animals, books, clothes and toys. 

 



 

 

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit their website HERE. There are so many other fun things to do at the aquarium such as sleepovers, yoga classes, photography classes and so much more. You can even have your child's birthday party there as well!!