Faces By Farah

The President's Choice Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie turns 25!

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:27:00 PDT

I pass these PC cookies every single time I go to the grocery store and it really takes every ounce of will power to not pick up a bag. Mostly because they are so tasty and really don't last long in our house!

Well, the good folks at PC sent me this magnificent mega cookie tin and all my will power faded... fast!

I enjoyed The Decadent Cookies with my morning, afternoon & evening teas and coffees, as an on the go snack & even when entertaining guests... and now they are gone!

Even Sienna wanted in on the action!

Happy 25th birthday to my beloved Presidents Choice Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie... We LOVE you!!!

Spring Essentials for All the Family

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:23:00 PDT

Spring is in the air (or at least it’s trying to be!) so there’s no better time to try and revitalize the wardrobes to include some staple spring essentials. While cold is still in the air and the weather is very different than it was at this time last year, the sun is trying to poke its way through the clouds for us all to enjoy.

Preparing yourself with a few new additions to your family’s wardrobe is all you need for the spring months. You don’t need to spend a fortune either – just a few pounds will kit out you, the hubby and the kids, for any eventuality.

Footwear

Keep in mind even though the sun has just landed on our door steps you may never know when you might need your cheap wellies from ASDA George. Nevertheless the wellies will undoubtedly have to stay on the shoe rack for the near future and now would be an ideal time to pick up some spring/summer shoes.

Dads will look and feel great in some super stylish canvas shoes while mums could take their pick from some cute crochet ballet pumps or some open toe animal print slingbacks for the warm spring days.

Jackets

Hopefully, the winter coat can get put away for a few months soon, giving you the chance to treat your brood to some new, lighter, spring jackets.

Opt for a waterproof option in case of the inevitable showers, such as the cool £7 monster jacket for boys, a simple block colour mac for mums and the South Dean Street Two Tone Coat for dad. Girls will love a funky animal print mac to keep the rain at bay, while still looking super cool.

Alternatively, stock up on warm hoodies for your family, which are perfect for keeping toasty on spring days when there’s not a raincloud in sight.

Outfits

Brighten even the gloomiest of days with some new bright apparel. Ladies, an option of a maxi dress will certainly make you feel like it’s a summer’s day. While gentlemen, why not chooser some graphic print T-shirts and match with some cool and refreshing chinos. The springtime is a perfect opportunity to enhance the family wardrobes. Say goodbye to the drab greys and navy blues and say hello to the reds, yellows and azure blues.

Floral prints, dazzling colours and cool denims will leave you feeling revitalised while the kids will look fab in summer dresses and funky character motif T-shirts. Team with denim jackets or warming cardigans on cooler days.

Accessories

While the clouds are still out in force, you never know when you may need your sunnies and if you don’t have any, take the opportunity to introduce a pair to each family member. You don’t have to spend a fortune on sunglasses for them to do the job and protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.

Have a look at the hats available too – whether it’s a sporty cap or a straw cowboy hat, having something to keep the sun off your head is vital, even if the only time you’ll need it is when you jet off abroad for your summer hols.

Start stocking up on the spring and summer essentials now and you won’t be faced with a colossal clothing bill as summer arrives. While it may not be scorching hot now, we can but hope that the weather will turnaround sometime soon. Take a look at the fabulous range at ASDA George for affordable threads that are bang on trend.

*This is a Sponsored post written by the client.

Rain Day, Dont Care Because I have My Warm Tradition Cozy Lamb Hot Water Bottle!

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:20:00 PDT

Tell me this little guy isn't the cutest & most cozy hot water bottle you have eve seen!

Not only is this little Lamb cute but hes also BPA free & phytalate free but it actually stays warm for an extra long time!

To fill just open the back velcro flap and open the bottle. So easy!

It came into my life courtesy of www.WarmTradition.com who have a great selection of cute & stylish hot water bottles for sale. These are perfect for mothers day because its time we find our mothers chalky pink plain bottles from the 80's and replace them with something a bit more fun!

Perfect examples of great mothers day choices...

So cute right? And so affordable starting at only $10.95!

2 Point Weight Watchers Pumpkin Muffins.

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:28:00 PDT

Why is eating healthy so much harder with a baby?!

I have had a serious sweet tooth since baby girl was about 2 months old and although I do indulge I try my best not to do it 24/7!

In my search to find healthier solutions to curb my sweet tooth I found this recipe which Ive slightly modified. They are only 2 point on weight watchers and even less if you make mini muffins!

Ingredients
1 box spice cake mix. I used Betty Crocker White Cake Mix because I couldn't find spice.
2 cups pure pumpkin puree
1 cup water
A pinch of cinnamon

Directions
Mix all ingredients together in a large mixing bowel
Mix really well so there are no lumps (this is where an electric mixer comes in handy)
Spoon into muffin try (regular or mini)
Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30mins or until toothpick comes out clear.

This recipe says it makes 24 regular muffins but I've always gotten more. I freeze them and then pop them in the toaster oven when I feel like a snack or something sweet.

Enjoy!

Do You Have Your Daffodil To Support Cancer Awareness Month Yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 07:59:00 PDT

Did you know that every 3 minutes another Canadian is faced with the fight against Cancer?

April is Daffodil month.

Show your support, make a donation and wear your daffodil!
Proceeds go to support the Canadian Cancer Society which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

I'm ready to support the cause that has personally affected my family with a whole Daffodil garden!

Lets fight back together this month!!!

Tweezerman - The ONLY Way To Go For Brow Grooming!

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:41:00 PDT

Being a blogger and makeup artist does have its perks and one of them has been being chosen to be a Tweezerman Ambassador!

I was sent an exclusive ambassador kit of amazing brow grooming essentials that have no doubt made my job and working on clients a lot easier!

What was included?

Slant Tweezer (Stainless Steel) – For more than 30 years, our award-winning Slant has been the choice of make-up artists, models, celebrities and those who demand the very best.
Satin Etched Zebra Slant Tweezer (Stainless Steel) – Top eyebrow artists always recommend the original, award-winning Slant for expert brow shaping, now in this luxe etched print.
Point Tweezer (Stainless Steel) – Famous for its precision, the Point features perfectly aligned hand-finished, ultra-sharp pointed tips that grab the smallest and finest hairs with ease.
Pointed Slant Tweezer (Stainless Steel) – This uniquely designed tweezer with perfectly aligned hand-finished tips combines the easy handling of our Slant with the precision of our Point.
Mini Slant Tweezer (Stainless Steel with Enamel Color Finish) – This smaller version of our award-winning Slant Tweezer is the ideal size for make-up bag and travel.
Eyenhance Pencil and Sharpener - The dual-ended pencil features both a universal brow color Brow Pencil and Highlighter that work together to create perfectly shaped luminous brows.
Browmousse - Ideal for getting a beautifully shaped brow line to stay put all day… or for taming “disobedient” unruly brows.
ProCurl Lash Curler - Designed with unique control, this next-generation, professional-quality eyelash curler’s sleek body-shape with large opening is crafted to exceed the standards and performance of any other curler on the market today.
Folding ILashcomb - The perfectly spaced, gold plated metal teeth glide through lashes to remove excess mascara, leaving your lashes looking long, lovely and clump-free.
Brow Shaping Scissors & Brush - Outfitted with sharp, ultra-thin precision blades so you can isolate each hair with optimum accuracy and control. Use included mini brush to help shape and define brows as you trim.

My favs have got to be the Satin Etched Zebra Slant Tweezer because not only does the zebra print make it super chic but these tweezers literally get even the tiniest hairs and work really well for shaping the brows. I also really like the ProCurl Lash Curler as it gets close to the lash bed and creates a curl right from the root.

As a makeup artist I like and use the Folding ILashcomb to comb through lashes once mascara has been applied if I see any clumping. Since this product is metal it can be sprayed with alcohol and sanitized quickly and it works so much better than disposable mascara wands for this.

Tweezerman is known for their amazing quality and on the (really) off chance your Tweezerman tools should get dull they will sharpen them for free! This is how you know a company stands by their tools!
If you are in the market for quality brow grooming tools that will last your forever there is no other choice!

Bloggers/Vloggers if you would like a chance to be a Tweezerman Ambassador head on over to their site and sign up!

Moms, In Need Of a Great Diaper Bag? The Skip Hop Versa Is on SALE!

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:43:00 PDT

Moms to be and moms looking for a GREAT diaper bag look no further because the Skip Hop Versa is it! I have this diaper bag and it trumps my 2 other diaper bags (one being an expensive Coach bag). Its super roomy, has lots of pockets and looks like a big purse which I love!

It also comes with a change pad and has a stroller attachment so you can hang it on your strollers handles. Its easy to clean and is also expandable.

Its regularly priced at about $84.00 but is on SALE right now at Amazon.ca for $59.99!!

Giveaway: WIN a Year's Worth of Vaseline's New Spray and Go Moisturizers!

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:52:00 PDT

Canadian's WIN a 1 Year Supply of Vaseline's New Spray & Go!

Why someone didn't think of this concept earlier is beyond me because its simply amazing!

I am addicted to this fast and easy way to apply moisturizer because my lazy bum hates the time it takes and so its usually skipped.

If you are anything like me you will absolutely fall in love with this product because it combines the rich and super moisturizing quality that comes with the Vaseline name with the ease of a non-greasy super efficient spray.

Ive been using my samples daily and wont be looking back anytime soon!

Here are the specs:
Vaseline Spray & Go TM Moisturizer Dry Skin
Contains pure oat extract and Stratys 3 multi-layer moisture
Infuses moisture at the top, core and deep down layers of skin

Vaseline® Spray & Go Moisturizer Aloe Fresh Non-greasy formula
Contains pure aloe and Stratys 3® multi-layer moisture
Leaves skin hydrated and fresh looking

Vaseline® Spray & Go Moisturizer Cocoa Radiant
Non-greasy formula
Contains pure cocoa butter and Stratys 3 multi-layer moisture
Ignites skin’s natural glow

Gotta love the retro alarm clock!!

Well Ive banded together with the fabulous people representing Vaseline to offer my readers a chance to WIN a YEARS worth of these great sprays just in time for the warm weather when we will be showing more skin ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Giveaway open to Canadian Residents only

*Ends April 4 2013
*Winner will receive 12 bottles in total 4 of each kind

Review/Giveaway: Rowenta's Inifini Pro Auto Sensor Dryer

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 06:48:00 PDT

Blow drying my hair these days is a luxury that I consider ME time. It doesnt happen often but when it does I need tools that are going to make my life easier and get the job done fast.

Enter Rowenta's Infini Pro Auto Sensor Dryer voted best hairdryer in the Globe and Mail Style Awards!

Rowenta is the official sponsor hair tools sponsor of World MasterCard Fashion Week here in Toronto and I can see why with its innovative tools!

This baby has most certainly replaced my old clunky hair dryer that would kill my arms by the end of blow drying my long hair because it was so heavy. Gone are the days when I fumble around trying not to get the brush tangled in my mane while attempting to turn on and off the blow dryer between each section.

This hairdryer features an auto sensor switch that when in the on position allows the dryer to automatically stop when placed on any flat surface. Genius I know!

It comes with all the necessary attachments to keep any mane looking sleek and styled. A diffuser and a concentrated nozzle (my personal fav) that twist on easily and STAY on unlike my "other" dryer where the nozzle pops off every 5 minutes!

I am over the moon that this hair tool came into my life and I'm even more excited to announce that I am able to give away TWO amazing Rowenta tools!

Canadian's WIN your very own Rowenta Infini Pro Auto Sensor Hair Dryer PLUS the Rowenta Beauty Versa

Total value of $450.00

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Giveaway open to Canadian Residents only

*Ends April 2 2013

Because Who Wouldn't Want To Smell Like Cookies?! Cookie Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:51:00 PDT

Its still freezing outside so you know what that means? We bake!

Cookies are always a favourite in my house and Demeter Fragrances has come out with a delicious recipe for all cookie lovers to try inspired by their new yummy fragrances that launched this March.

Demeter’s Secret Recipe... Vanilla Cookie Dough, with Dark Chocolate

Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter or margarine (softened) 1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tbsp. agave, honey or maple syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of oat flour or (1/2 cup ground oats) 1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325°F.
In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until well combined. Add egg, syrup and vanilla and beat until smooth.
Add the all-purpose flour, oat flour, baking soda and salt and stir until combined; add chocolate chips and stir until blended.
Drop spoonfuls of dough on a sprayed cookie sheet and push down slightly on each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Makes 20-24 cookies.
Enjoy!

This scent smells so much like the cookies I baked but is calorie free! The scent goes on strong but within a few minutes settles down to a sweet scent that lingers for hours.

Demeter Fragrances are available for purchase on their website and at select Loblaws/ Real Canadian Superstores ($15 CDN - 30ml Spray)

#DearCanada Zara Launches Online in Canada Hooray! See My Haul

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 09:52:00 PDT

Well this could very well be the the reason I go into credit card debt!

Canadians can now shop online for chic and trendy pieces courtesy of Zara.com which launched March 6th. No more paying crazy shipping fees and waiting for what seems like forever for packages to arrive!

The site features a large selection of womens, mens and yes even kids clothing, shoes and accessories that can all be accessed while browsing in your pj's ;)

I got the opportunity to be one of the first to test out the new online site and I have to tell you making my purchase was hard for no other reason than I simply could not decide what I wanted. In the end I chose practical pieces that I knew would be comfortable, timeless and get a lot of use.

So what did I choose?

I chose this stylish black coat which features a super cool high neck design ($139) because I needed a new winter/fall/spring jacket badly and this style is right up my alley.

Of course I couldn't NOT purchase a little something for my little something :)

This stripped t-shirt has a tiny bow accent and with summer coming I wanted something baby girl would be comfortable yet stylish in. For a cool $9.90 I didn't even think twice.

I placed my order on a Thursday and my package arrived at my door Monday afternoon. Now that is a super fast delivery time, 2 business days wow!

Overall I was super impressed with the user friendliness of the site, the selection, the fast delivery time and the high quality that stays consistent with its stores.

If you love shopping at Zara in the malls, think about how awesome it is in your pj's, sipping a green tea and without the line ups!!

Check out Zara Online, now in Canada!

Oh YES, Caryl Baker Visage Offers Facials and Im a Fan!

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 07:05:00 PST

When you think of Caryl Baker Visage you may think of eye brow waxing, makeup applications, quality products and maybe even skincare but did you know that that offer a whole line of facials too?!

Oh yes they do! I got the chance to visit the location at the Pickering Town Centre where I met with Jacqulyn (who happened to be the owner) for their Ultimate Facial now called their Pure Oxygen Facial experience. She was full of interesting facts & knowledge which immediately made me super comfortable.

After she explained the steps of the facial and got me comfortable behind the privacy screen (great feature!) she took the time to examine my skin under a magnifying mirror -yikes, applied eye covers so that the light & products wouldn't get near my eyes and began the facial.

She started by cleansing & toning my skin with their organic line called Organics which I had no idea they even had but loved immediately. The cleanser really felt like it gave me a deep clean and smelled really nice.

The facial was a 60 minute treatment that combines the use of hydrating collagen and pure oxygen. Some of the benefits include:
Breathing life back into your skin cells
Stimulates collagen and elastin growth
Lightens and brightens appearance of skin
Fades pigmentation naturally
Improves rosacea, acne, all forms of dermatitis such as eczema and psoriasis
Maintains moisture and nutrient levels resulting in a supple youthful appearance

The collagen mask which is a sheet that looks like a face that is placed over your entire face and left to sit for 10 minutes or so to work its magic. The mask is super cold and refreshing when applied and felt moist against my skin. Lying back with this baby on my skin I almost fell asleep thank god it was cold because if it was warm I would have been out like a light!

Overall I really enjoyed my entire experience at Caryl Baker Visage. From the customer service to the knowledgable staff to the quality products I wouldn't hesitate to recommend heading in the next time you are in need of a facial!

Over the next few days I noticed my skin looking a lot more radiant, refined and just better overall. I couldn't be happier with the product and plan on going back to get it done again.

The Pure Oxygen Facial is regularly $105 or for Beauty Club Members $89. Well worth every penny!

Is creative originality dead in 2013?

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 16:42:00 PST

Is creative originality dead in 2013?

In a world that contains the iPhone, Facebook, Kindles and gourmet ready meals designed by top chefs, it seems as though almost anything is possible. The latest generations of hi-tech gadgets and social media networks seem to arrive as soon as we’ve adjusted to the last round of updates. But fashion, by contrast, seems to be stuck in a never-ending mode of recycling the past, with retailers raiding the wardrobes of decades long gone to repackage old styles for the next generation.

And it’s not just in the world of fashion. Shows like The Voice, X Factor and Glee spawn legions of chart-topping cover versions of yesterday’s greatest hits without bringing much – if any – original songwriting to the table. Meanwhile, the film industry seems to be stuck in an endless cycle of rebooting previous box-office hits in a relentless stream of remakes of remakes - and if it’s not a remake, chances are the source material is either a novel, a comic book or a biography. Does this mean that creative originality is dead?

“People do not like complete surprises, they like pleasant surprises,” explains Price Jaccobi of Consolidated Films. “A pleasant surprise is breakfast in bed, a bad surprise is a breakfast of bran muffins when you are used to eggs and bacon. By patronising these movie remakes, audiences are telling us that they want things to be familiar and at the same time new.”

Something similar happens on the journey from the catwalk to the high street. “Fashion shows are exhibitions of artwork, where morsels of extravaganza fly off the wall to come crashing right between your eyes,” says Julian Sudre. “The emphasis is not on the wearable, and neither on the functionality. It’s about innovation and beauty.”

But high-street fashion needs to be more approachable, and ultimately more familiar. While adventurous vintage garments are all the rage for the trendy student market, high-street retailers tend to update vintage styles for a more wearable, contemporary look. There’s something so much more accessible about a familiar style on the receiving end of a revamp. Hemlines are adjusted, cuts altered, more current fabrics and patterns chosen to give garments a modern twist, creating fresh and eye-catching pieces.

Lots of trends that appeared to have kicked the bucket have enjoyed a revival over the last few years: take a bow skinny jeans, Edwardian-style blouses, 60s floral prints, 40s tea dresses, victory rolls and poodle skirts, elegant pencil dresses, beehives and 90s biker boots. With a subtle update – a new pattern, a comfortable stretch fabric or a demure adjustment to the hem – it’s possible to maintain a very current wardrobe without stepping outside your fashion comfort zone.

And let’s be honest: everyone reserves a slice of wardrobe space for an item or two that they never wear anymore, but hold out hopes that eventually it may see the light of day again. Whether it’s out of hope that those size 12 pre-baby jeans will breeze over your hips if you can just stick with the New Year’s resolutions, or just that those over-the-top 80s shoulder pads will eventually have their day again, we’ve all been guilty of nostalgia at some point in our lives.

Perhaps, rather than looking at this phenomenon as a widespread lack of originality, it's better to view it as simply a 'culture of reinvention'. After all, sometimes these modern reboots and updates offer a significant improvement on the original product, and, ultimately, allow new generations to tap into much-loved classics - whether that happens to be Spider-Man or 80s legwarmers.

*This was a sponsored post provided by the client*

Notes For First Time Moms To be From A First Time Mom Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:02:00 PST

To read part 1 where I give you my notes on Pregnancy, Delivery & After the birth please click here or scroll down ;)

Part 2 is all about your first 3 months of mommyhood... again this is mainly based on my own findings, thoughts and experience.

ready? Here we go!

After you have the baby you may still be super swollen, have cankles, a pouch and your rings may not fit.... it will take a while but your body will even itself out. (in my case the swelling and weight went away after 1 week)

Getting discharged from the hospital at 10pm is NOT the best idea so try to see if you can leave earlier.

Its wise to install your car seat before you are even close to your due date just in case...

You will be slightly freaked out when placing your newborn in the car seat for the first time... Its totally different than the doll you practiced with.

Once you get home your first thoughts will be.... now what?!

All you will want to do is sleep but chances are you will spend all night (perhaps for the first week or 2) making sure your baby is breathing....

Before your baby arrives you may think getting up every 1-3hrs to feed will be the most annoying thing ever.... its annoying but you wont care because your motherly instinct to take care of your child will get you through it.

If your mother (or motherly figure, close friend or any family member for that matter) offers to come stay with you for the week say YES! Even if they are there to just hold the baby so you can eat or shower you will be SO thankful for the help.

SITS baths are helpful, needed and give you an excuse for some me time.

The Peri bottle they give you at the hospital will be your new best friend.

You may think your 7 pounder will fit newborn sized clothing because they are a good size... they will be swimming on them for a while to come.

The sleepers (or mittens) that cover the hands are a godsend for babies that love to scratch themselves

Have baby mittens so your baby wont scratch but they keep slipping off? Use baby socks instead ;)

You don't have to bath your newborn everyday at this stage

Newborn bedtime routine?... huh?

If you plan on breastfeeding.. a good BF'ing pillow is a great thing!

Sometimes you wont know what the heck your baby wants or why they are fussing/crying and thats ok you are just getting used to each other

You and your baby WILL get to know each other in the first few weeks and things will seem a bit less foreign

Having a few ready made or concentrate formula cans (go online for samples before your due date) at home even if you're planning to breast feed is a good idea because not all babies are BF'ing champs right away.

Same with bottles (make sure the nipples are stage 1) and newborn pacifiers don't hurt either if you want to introduce them.

Those freezer meals (or fresh cooked meals ppl bring over) really will come in handy in the first few weeks.

Everyone and their mom will want to come visit you and baby right away... pick and choose who will come visit and its ok if you need some time to adjust before you let the rest of the world in.

When you do get to take a shower.... take 2 minutes to yourself... breathe deep and smile because you were so brave and so strong to have brought a precious life into this world and its the most amazing feeling in the world!

Every time your baby grabs your finger it will melt your heart.

You will look down while holding baby and think WOW we made you... often

You will become a diaper changing pro because your baby WILL poop as soon as your put a fresh diaper on, do up all the buttons on their sleeper, take them downstairs, sit down and start to relax.

The first few times you bathe your baby you will be scared shitless even though they gave you that 5 minute demo in the hospital.

Every week your baby grows your will find yourself saying "I cant believe she's a week(2,3..etc) old already"

Getting newborn photos is such a great memory even if its a photoshoot at home.

Baby acne IS normal and will usually go away by itself

If you don't clean under your baby's neck properly it will have a funky smell so be sure to really get in there. (a bit of diaper rash cream can help too)

You will be told a 100 different things by a 100 different people on how to raise, bathe, feed, sleep train & parent your child... DO do whats best and what works for you and your baby.

The baby blues is totally normal for the first 2-3 weeks after baby.. any longer and it may be post partum so chat with your dr about it.

Crying for no reason what so ever means you are totally normal...

You may not think your baby is "fun" at first because all they do is sleep, eat & poop... just wait because one day soon they will become more than that and it will be wonderful.

Your bedtime may shift from midnight (pre-baby) to 8pm (post-baby) and thats ok :)

They grow so fast that by the time your baby is 3 months you will look at newborns as if they are SO tiny forgetting you were just there.

Now that you are on mat leave and home with the baby... your baby will be your best friend and you will find yourself having full conversations with them.

You will have a million questions everyday about your baby & parenting... Join an online forum such as babycenter.com (.ca) so you can chat with other moms who have babies the same age as you. Its been one of the best things ive done.

I'm sure I'm missing a lot but this is just some of the notes I could think of in my mommy brain!!

I want to end by saying be sure to enjoy your new miracle... they are the best little thing(s) in the world.

Notes For First Time Moms To be From A First Time Mom Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:00:00 PST

Just a few notes for first time moms to be from a first time mom (based on my experience).......

Pregnancy, Delivery & After the birth..

Those adorable outfits you just have to have for your newborn will probably sit in your closet and never get worn because 99% of the time your baby will be in sleepers for the first 2-3 months so invest in cute outfits for 3+ months

The really expensive crib bedding you had custom made that came with the most luxurious bumpers will probably never get used because you WILL be slightly paranoid about the whole bumpers are dangerous for your baby debate.

Nothing can prepare you for what labour will feel like

If you are dead set against medication or an epidural and are telling everyone you think its horrible and wrong... shut your mouth because you may be the first one yelling for the DR to "give you the drugs"

Those "techniques" you will learn about in your pre-natal class that help with labour pains go right out the window once active labour actually starts... Breathing deep however helps so dont forget to breathe!

Counting how many minutes apart your contractions are may be hard when you are having contractions in the middle of the night and your partner is sleeping! We had no idea so my husband told the nurse on the phone a random #.. it happened to be 6 lol.

Labour at home as long as you can because when you get to the hospital begging for an epidural you wont be allowed to walk or even get out of bed.

EAT before you go to the hospital if you can because if you get an epidural they will not allow you to eat and you will be a starvin marvin.

The rumours of how much the epidural will hurt are true however you wont give 2 hoots because the pain of the contractions will override the fear of how much it will hurt.

Once you get said epidural, you will be a happy camper.

While in labour you will have no shame even if you think you will before hand.

Your "Birth Plan" will most likely go out the window as soon as you arrive at the hospital. Its ok because the pain, lack of focus & then joy will make you forget you ever had one.

Being shy is NOT an option when it comes time to push. Your plans of having just your partner and the DR in the room may end up being your partner, doula, midwife, 2 nurses, your DR, a resident DR & a whole NICU team... just saying...

Pushing out a baby can take a LONG time!

You may have to tell the nurses when you need to push because the monitor that is supposed to tell them when your contractions are may fail

The ring of fire is not a myth and is NO joke... be prepared

The minute you push the baby out is the best feeling in the world in that moment

Doing skin to skin is so worth it

Once things calm down and you have a moment to digest things you will notice your chin and neck hurt from pushing

The "thing" you have been talking to for 9 months is actually a real live baby and they are yours

They WILL recognize mommys voice

You will realize what unconditional instant love is

Reality will set in after a few hours and you will realize you have no idea what to do now

Breast feeding looks easy but its anything but.... be patient.

If the hospital allows you to stay more than 24hrs... take them up on it

Mommy Moment of the Day! TGIF!

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 08:04:00 PST

Going to pour your almond milk into your coffee but pouring it into your massive jar of peanut butter instead!

TGIF!

Happy Friday!

Giveaway: Win 2 SmartSilk Asthma & Allergy Friendly Pillows Worth $130! Open to Can & US

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 07:20:00 PST

As a new mom I appreciate anything that makes the few hours I sleep comfortable. After being sent a pair of SmartSilk pillows I have been sleeping like a baby (no pun intended). Im used to firm pillows and this one is soft so I thought I wouldnt like it but I was very pleasantly surprised and it has now replaced my normal pillow. I even stole both pillows for myself (sorry hubs) :)

SmartSilk Pillow Features:

All natural polyester micro gel fiber filling

All natural silk fill liner

All natural cotton outer shell

Moisture wicking properties help to reduce effects of night sweats

Keeps your skin moisturized

Water repellent non-woven material

Breathable materials: no longer need to flip the pillow around looking for a cool spot

Certified asthma & allergy friendly™

WIN a pair of standard SmartSilk pillows worth $130.00!

This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents. To enter simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Be sure to leave your email address when leaving a comment.

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DIY: I Got Crafty! Baby Bows & Headbands

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 18:08:00 PST

Ive been a busy mommy!

Having a baby girl has its perks for a girly girl like me. Dress Up!!

Recently I was looking for cute headbands for Sienna and I either couldn't find anything I loved or they were way too expensive to buy more than a few. Being the DIY lover that I am I decided to make my own!

In doing that I had a few people ask me if I could make them some so I did and well, I just couldn't stop!

Ladies and Gents I give you Little Miss Bows & Bands :) featuring some of my handmade (with love) creations.

Here are some examples modelled by my baby girl Sienna Noor..

If you're interested to see more designs (new items added all the time) please visit and "like" my Little Miss Bows And Bands facebook page.

DIY: Large Wooden Letter Gets A Glam Makeover For The Nursery

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:46:00 PST

When putting together Sienna's nursery I knew I wanted to DIY a beautiful frame I had for over the crib so I painted it white and mounted it in the perfect spot.

I had every intention to add our baby girls initial inside the frame but since we really only settled on a name right before she arrived I only had time to place the order on Etsy.com for the 16" unfinished wooden letter.

Now that I have gotten into somewhat of a new mommy routine I found some time to finish it.

The Before

A coat of silver paint and some jewels complete the look.

Because I need hubbys help to hang it I placed it in the frame just to see how it would look and call me crazy but I kinda like it on the crazy angle!

The silver paint matched our wall colour almost exactly which wasn't my intended look but I actually don't mind the subtleness of it. The bling pops even more!

This was a quick and easy DIY that added a really nice personal touch to our nursery. I'm so happy with the outcome.... now onto the DIY baby headbands I'm working on ;)

What do you think?

Giveaway: Win A Limited Edition Clarisonic Plus System Worth $259! Canada Only

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 12:14:00 PST

Clarisonic systems have made a big name for themselves in the last few years gaining popularity for their innovative stylish design, deep classing abilities, quality and ease of use.

If you're any sort of beauty junkie or Skincare lover you either own one or are lusting after one. They don't come cheap but having owned one for some time now I can tell you they are worth every penny.

A few years ago I had mentioned to my BFF that the Clarisonic Mia was on my beauty wish list. Along came my birthday and there it was, all wrapped up! I was thrilled and have been using it religiously every since.

Then a few weeks ago I got a knock at the door and standing before me was a really pretty boy, one of my fav PR girls and a white and orange bag marked Clarisonic. As I stood there in my new mom ensemble (sweatpants and ponytail) holding my 3 week old embarrassed to be seen a smile came over my face because I knew what was in that bag.

It was the Clarisonic Plus skin Cleansing for face and body system. The limited edition Holiday set which was sold exclusively at Sephora and included the Clarisonic PLUS floral design, Sensitive Brush Head, Deep Pore Brush Head, Delicate Brush Head, Body Brush Head, mini Biotherm Lait de Gommage Gentle Exfoliating Milk & mini Biotherm Biosource Hydra-Mineral Cleanser.

Heres how it looks in comparison to my beloved Mia.

I love the fact that now I have a body brush for those extra tough spots like elbows, knees and feet! Why not give yourself an at home pedicure right?!

Well here is your chance to take that Clarisonic off your wish list Canadians!

WIN a Clarisonic Plus skin Cleansing for Face and Body system worth $259!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prize Include everything shown in the top image.
Open to Canadians only.
Ends Feb 3rd 2013.

***UPDATE*** The winner of this giveaway is Katrina B! Congratulations :)

A Starbucks Drink That's Zero Calories and Only 50 Cents?!

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:32:00 PST

Today I treated myself to a guilt free old favorite from Starbucks.

A venti hot water with sugar free cinnamon dolce syrup. Zero calories and only .53 cents!

Guilt free for my diet and wallet! Plus it's a great way to up your water intake!

Next time you pop by Starbucks order it I promise you won't be sorry. ;)

Dear Vasanti Cosmetics You Get Better With Age! -New Product Love-

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:57:00 PST

Every time Vasanti Cosmetics comes out with new products I fall more and more in love with the line.

Their newest products are better than ever!

The addition of 4 Cream Blushes (Shades: Summit, Pinnacle, Glacier & The Peak), a new Black Kajol Eyeliner Pencil and Monoi Magic Treatment Oil introduces its loyal fans a batch of completely new products and as those just discovering the line something unique and fun to want to try.

I have been wearing the cream blushes (Summit & Pinnacle) and Kajol liner every time I leave the house (which is a treat these days!) and have gotten comments such as "you look so fresh", "Wow, your skin looks amazing", "you don't look like you have a newborn at all, you look refreshed".

The cream blushes ($20) are creamy enough to blend with ease and perfection when I apply them using my fingers and blend to a dry finish so there is no greasy residue left behind to make you look oily. A little goes a long way with these bold shades but the colours are soft enough to work on the lips as well if you wish.. Bonus!

The Kajol liner ($18) has got to be one of my favourites! Its super creamy which means it glides right on with out any effort, pulling or stretching of the eye lid. It comes equipped with a smudger on one end and a sharpener on the other. Gone are the days of packing these added features separately in our makeup bags! Once this liner goes on and dries it stays put, no more raccoon eyes after a night out or a long day at work (or motherhood in my case).
It is my recommendation that everyone go out and buy this liner right away! ;)

The Monoi Magic Treatment Oil ($15) intrigued me and I was surprised to find it in solid form when I opened the box. After reading the instructions I realized it worked much like coconut oil. Its solid but a few seconds on the warmth of your skin or under warm water it liquefies.

This product is so multi-purpose as it can be used as a facial oil treatment, on the body and even in hair. While I do find it difficult to squeeze this product out as it comes after a few seconds under warm water and it comes out with ease. There is little to no scent and after applying this to my face last night I can say with confidence that it didn't make me feel oily/greasy and actually felt really nourishing on. I can see this being worked into my pamper my face session once a week!

I continue to be impressed with the Vasanti Cosmetics team who are constantly working to bring the highest quality products to its customers. I use multiple items from this line daily and that's saying A LOT!

If you haven't checked out the line yet, well get out from under your rock and head on over to VasantiCosmetics.com to find out where you can pick it up.

Mommy Talk: Presidents Choice Supreme VS Pampers Swaddlers Diapers

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:09:00 PST

Baby Sienna is now 8 weeks old and since her birth I've tried 3 different brands of diapers. Since we got a few packs of Huggies newborns at a great deal ($5 per pack) from the hospital we only used these during the newborn stage and really liked them.

Since our princess has gained weight and we have had to move into size 1 diapers I've been between Pampers Swaddlers which seemed to be the standard for some of the moms I know and a new discovery, Presidents Choice Supreme Comfort Diapers which baby and I were introduced to thanks to the amazing PR people for the brand.

I don't feel there is much of need for me to go into detail about Pampers because we know it's been tried, tested and approved and I really have nothing bad to say about the brand, it's diapers or it's performance.

That being said I do want to open more mommies eyes to other comparable brands such as the Presidents Choice brand. After having used both Huggies and Pampers by the time I opened my pack of PC diapers I was beginning to think how any mom dealt with diapers that didn't have a wetness strip indicator because it was making my job of knowing when baby needed a change a lot easier. I was kind of worried that the PC brand wouldn't have this feature (being a most cost effective brand) but I was happy and I'll be honest totally relieved to see it did!

Shown below are two size 1 diapers, on the left the Pampers brand and on the right the PC diaper. The Pampers has the yellow line that turns blue when baby is wet and the PC has little blue images in circles that totally disappear when baby is wet. Both make it VERY easy and obvious to see when baby is wet.

My thoughts on PC Supreme Diapers:
These diapers were super soft and stretchy, fit Sienna really well and in fact were more snug on her than other brands. There were no leaks and it contained all blowouts well. I like that they are hypoallergenic, fragrance free and that It's infused with aloe and vitamin E so it kept her skin balanced and rash free.

My only issue with these diapers is that I found they ran a bit small, so while they fit my then 9lbs baby well and the package stated they would fit up to 14lbs I'm just not sure they would. I like the fact that they were snug a lot so my solution to this would be to move up a size a bit faster.

PC Supreme Comfort Diapers come in sizes 1-6 in packs of between 84-136 at approx. $24.99 which can save you a few bucks each time you purchase diapers which I'm starting to find out is a lot!

Mommies next time you are at Superstore/Loblaws doing groceries or getting your fashion fix in the Joe Fresh section head on over to the baby area and check out all the PC baby products such as their wipes and these true, tried and now tested Stretchy Fit diapers!

Mom Approved!!

Baby Talk: My Birth Story.....

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:09:00 PST

(Photo was taken in Sienna's nursery as part of our maternity shoot by Strokes Photography)

I've been meaning to share my birth story but baby Sienna has been keeping me busy so it's been a bit delayed but here it is....

Late October at 38 weeks I went in for what would be my final Dr's appointment where I was told that I would be getting induced the following week. After checking my Dr's schedule we decided on Tuesday November 6th for the induction but I was told that I would need to go in on Monday to have the induction gel put in.

Monday I arrived at the hospital at 10am for my first dose of gel at 1cm dilated. I was monitored for about 30mins and sent home but told to come back around 4-5pm for another dose. I went about my day not feeling any different so I assumed it didn't work and I'd need the second dose for sure. Well I was right! I went back to the hospital and was reassessed at 5pm at still 1-2cm so they gave me the second dose and sent me home with instructions to come back at 8am the next morning for my scheduled induction.

We went home made sure our hospital bags were ready and then went to bed. Well I could hardly sleep because I started getting mild contractions. Nothing too unbearable, more like mild cramps which lasted all night. At 5:30am I was again woken up by a contraction but this time it hurt way more than the other ones so we called the hospital and they told us to come in.

When we arrived at 6:30am they agreed to keep me only because I was scheduled that morning anyways. I later found out that I got the last birthing room and all other ladies coming in after me would be sent to another hospital (I got lucky!). I was 4cm at this point and in a lot of pain so even though my birth plan was to go without an epidural I couldn't take it anymore and asked for one.

Around 9am the anesthesiologist came in and administered the epidural which hurt but not as much as I thought it would, probably because the contractions hurt more. After 20 minutes I could still feel intense pain and it was determined that the epidural would have to be reset. Lucky me! So I had the first epidural removed and another one put in. Thank god this one worked and I was feeling a lot better however this is when I started feeling nauseous... My poor husband, mom and doula Kristin really took care of me.

Around 4:45pm I began feeling a lot of pressure that began to get painful so I asked to be checked. The nurses words were "no wonder it's hurting the head is right there!" it was time to push. Any thoughts of wanting just the Dr and my husband in the room went out the window as I didn't care at that point. I had my OB, the resident DR, my midwife, my doula, my husband and a few NICU nurses on standby in the corner.

I began pushing and felt the "ring of fire" (google it) for pretty much the entire time it was so painful and the worse part was the nurses couldn't tell me when I was having a contraction because the monitor wasn't picking them up so I had to tell them when they were coming. Anyway after 1 hour and 45 mins of pushing my baby was born!

She let out 1 yelp and was placed on my chest for me to see. I bawled like never before and was instantly in love. They cleaned her up and as I talked she stared up at me so awake and alert with her big grey eyes as if she knew my voice. It was such a surreal moment to go from feeling her in my tummy to seeing and feeling her.

(At the hospital)

Nothing can ever prepare a woman for what childbirth feels like. Since everyone's experience is so different there is no normal and though I felt prepared having heard stories from all my friends and having taken the prenatal classes I felt like that all went out the window once my labour started.

(Wide awake with daddy)

Looking back I wouldn't say my experience was horrible or even bad. Was it painful? Hell yes! Did it go as planned? No, but how can you really plan childbirth?! Would I do things differently? nope, I have no regrets!

(In daddy's arms)

My baby girl Sienna is now 5 weeks old, changing and growing every day into her own little cute personality. Ive had the same challenges as any new mom but we are getting through them together day by day.

(Happy 1 month to me!!)

It doesn't hurt that my mom helped out for 4 weeks though! Plus my husband has been really great with her and in helping to give me a break when I need it. I feel so very blessed :)

Baby Talk: Welcome Our Newest Family Member...

noreply@blogger.com (Farah) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 09:28:00 PST

Sienna Noor born November 6th at 6:43pm weighing 7lbs 1oz

Its been over a week now and we are finally getting into a groove. Both Sienna and I are doing great! We could not be more in love with our little princess :)

Birth story to come but in the meantime I will be taking a short blogging break to fulfil my new role as a mommy!!

Thank you for all the well wishes I have never felt more blessed or been any happier :)