What I'm loving lately . . . [February 2012]

I haven't done a post of favorite products for awhile now, but I've been meaning to. Here are a few items I can't seem to live without lately.

Like so many others, a goal for 2012 has been to become more healthy. This includes eating breakfast every.single.day. A harder feat for me than you may think seeing as I've never been one to eat much before lunch. I have two standby *meals* that I've been enjoying: Fage or Chobani 0% Greek yogurt mixed with 1/2 cup of Kashi Go Lean Crunch. The little bit of sweetness of the Kashi combined with the creaminess of the yogurt is just perfect for me in the mornings. The abundance of protein in the yogurt keeps me full till lunch. Really. Now, if only I could stop the mid-afternoon chocolate cravings.

^via

^via

^via

Another breakfast favorite, especially on those colder mornings, is steel cut oats. I try to whip up a batch -- with raisins, cinnamon, and a bit of honey -- on the weekend so that we have enough to eat during the week. Just add a teeny bit more milk, pop it in the microwave, and voila, hearty and delicious!

^via

Since I'm doing so well in the breakfast department, I've taken it upon myself to indulge a bit more in the wine department. I am a big fan of red velvet cake and red wine, so I had high hopes for Cupcake Vineyard's Red Velvet wine. E and I enjoyed a bottle last month, and I have to say it's my new fave. In fact, I've tried 3 of their varietals in all, and their Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon were also delicious. Affordable and delectable -- my kind of vino.

^via

I'm always stumped when it comes to buying gifts for E because, well, we just buy what we need, when we need it and I can rarely keep a secret, so even if I buy something in advance, I usually end up giving it to him as soon as I can. This Valentine's Day was no different in the surprise department, but I did manage to get E things he would have never bought for himself.

I use my iPhone's Instagram app daily and love the effects on my photos. I wanted to print some of them, but wasn't sure what format to choose. Instead of regular run-of-the-mill prints, I made two Snapfish *magic mugs* with a handful of my Instagram photos. The photos are revealed when the mugs are filled with a hot liquid. I love how they turned out! They are a sweet addition to our nightly tea ritual.

Another V-day gift [and my absolute favorite item on this list!] I gave this year was a watercolor print by Elisabeth of Poppy and Pinecone. I think I originally saw one of her state/province prints on Pinterest and asked if she could make a *city print* of Brooklyn, the city that brought E and I together. Elizabeth did not let me down and the resulting print is just perfect! I can't wait to find a frame for it. I also bought a smaller print of Maine for a friend's [belated] birthday gift. She loved it too! Definitely check out Elisabeth's Etsy shop.

[this photo doesn't do the colors justice.]

Even though this winter has been wonderfully mild, we've still been battling dry skin and chapped lips, especially Indio, who hates to have lotion smeared on his face. One thing he does love though is smearing lip balm all over his face. Lucky for me, McBride Beauty makes a stick perfect for lips and face, helping us avoid the *shiny-all-over* look. The Multi-Purpose Repair Stick is bigger than a regular Chapstick so it covers more surface area in one swoop and smells way more heavenly! Indio loves to apply his McBride stick on the train in the morning, much to the entertainment of our fellow riders.

^via

I'm perpetually on the search for the best undereye concealer to hide my dark circles. I've tried a bunch and most recently picked up a little pot of Laura Mercier's Secret Concealer in #4. So far, I'm loving it because it goes on smoothly and doesn't cake in my already-forming lines. A little goes a long way with this product!

^via

What have you been loving lately?

Read more...

A new fave

I'm not a big fan of *drugstore chocolate* and prefer really good, really dark chocolate instead. I do, however, make exceptions for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. How excited was I when I saw these at CVS? They are the perfect pick-me-up treat!

Read more...

What I loved in October

The past month was chock-full of product suggestions from friends. Here are a few that have become staples in my life already:

I was lucky enough to lots of face time with Paula over the last two weeks, and of course, that meant sharing our fave items that get us through the day [besides wine!].

1. While at the Dollarama checkout counter, my eyes caught sight of a Reese Bar. Now, being a huge fan of chocolate and peanut butter, it was hard to look away, but I did...until a voice behind me said, "Have you tried these? Mmmm, they're so good!" [I never said she was a good influence!] And yes, it was! I ate the bar over the course of almost a week, savouring each little piece while reading in bed. I'm glad this is a limited edition, though I may just have to make a Dollarama run soon, before they run out!


2. Being moms, Paula and I are always looking for new and exciting snacks for our kids, who seem to get bored of anything we buy in bulk. [You liked it last week, which is why I stocked up this week!] On a short grocery store trip [read: Indio was with us, thus the shortness of the trip], Paula pointed out Voortman's Ginger Kids packed with *whole wheat goodness*. I just had to pick up a pack for Indio. Funny thing is, I think he's had one cookie so far while they've become a complement to my evening cup of tea. Hey, they're good for me! It says so right on the package!


3. Since having Indio, my hair has become more curly/wavy. No really, I'm serious! Of course, the wonderful combo of only knowing how to style my hair straight and not having enough time to do such styling, I've been looking like a hot, frizzy mess most days. Nooreen, my go-to makeup and hair gf [she did my wedding makeup!] continues to put up my with constant badgering of how to get my hair to look like hers. Her new fave curly products have become my new faves too! Pantene's Curly Hair Series are a product-phobe's dream! The Curl Enhancing Spray Gel and Satin Hold Hairspray don't make my hair crunchy and I can apply them over and over again for a few days without my hair looking greasy. If I was organized enough I would even show you a pic of what my hair looks like today, day #3 since washing it.
   

^via
^via

Read more...

What I Loved in August & September

So, along with being perpetually behind on my Project 365 photos, I realized I am also behind on my What I Loved... series. Here are some of the things that have kept me sane during August and September.

1. I *discovered* Coconut M&M's on a recent road trip to NYC. They are they perfect blend of milk chocolate and coconut. [The last M&M discovery--pretzel M&M's--wasn't as yummy as these delicious tropical morsels.] I'm still sad that I only bought one teeny-tiny bag.
   


2. Fall: the leaves seemed to start changing just as autumn began, almost as if on cue. I love fall clothing, the cozy sweaters, puffy vests and boots! [Don't get me wrong, I'm still sad to put away my sandals, but there is something about the crispness of a clear fall day that I love...how's that for cheesy?] I'm excited to subject my boys to many impromptu photo shoots in the park before the snow falls!
   


3. I've been a library fan ever since I've been tall enough to see over the book checkout counter. I currently have 20 items checked out from the Toronto Public Library! These days, Indio comes along on my library jaunts and picks out a few bedtime stories for himself. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy to see my own little bibliophile in the making!
   
   [Reading Which Way. Indio currently loves Marthe Jocelyn's words paired with Tom Slaughter's colourful paper cutout illustrations.]


4. Sahadi's is a great little specialty grocery store in Brooklyn that I used to frequent weekly for their yummy dark chocolate raisins, Swedish fish and naturally dried papaya [I don't even like fresh papaya!] along with their huge variety of cheeses, freshly made tomato and feta phyllo pie, hummus, salads...I could go on forever. Anyway, on our last visit to NYC I got to satisfy my craving and give Indy his first taste of the unsweetened, no sulphur, but totally delicious dried papaya. I wish I had bought more to bring back to Toronto!
   
   ^via


5. Astro BioBest MaxImmunité Peach Mango Lassi has become a staple in our house since Indio has decided he doesn't milk as much, and I don't make mango milkshakes on a whim for him like my dad does! They are a great portable snack, though maybe not the best choice for in the car. [Yes, I speak from experience!] They come in these adorably-small bottles: just enough for a treat without too much worry about a sugar overdose.
   
   ^via

What are you loving these days?

Read more...

What I loved in July...

I know I say this every month, but wow, it's already August! Where is the time going? I'm still trying to finish Indio's *first year* photobook and I haven't even started 2010's. Summer vacation is half-over, which means work starts in a month! How can we slow down the clock of life...or at least find the time to do all the things we want to do? While I try to find the answers, I did find time to list some of my new favourite things. Being home full time this past month has meant that Indio and I are spending lots of time together, hence the plethora of *baby goods* listed below.

1. I first bought Banana Nut Cheerios at Target in NY back in June, but that box didn't last long in our house. E, Indy and I all clamored for the last bowl, thinking we wouldn't be able to get our hands on these delicious little O's until we ventured south of the border again. BUT, as luck would have it, I stumbled across them again at our local grocery store and can breathe easy now that I know there is an unlimited supply in our house!^via
2. As much as I don't love the food in Little Italy, NYC, I was a regular at Ferrara on Grand Street for their gelato and cannolis. How excited was I when I stumbled across a Ferrara kiosk in Central Park while exploring the city with Sophia and Indio??? We devoured 2 mini cannolis between the 3 of us, Indy opting to lick the cream out of his share and leave the soggy shell for the pigeons. [Other than his birthday cake, Indy hasn't had much in the dessert department. Is it all downhill from here?]
   
3. As Indy gets older and more independent I have been on the search for the *perfect sippy cup.* I was about to give up, thinking my boy was destined to a life of drinking milk from a bottle when I tried the Rubbermaid litterless drinking box & Playtex Insulator Twist & Click. Both cups are rigid enough that Indy can't squeeze its contents out and they are also spill proof. No really, they are!
4. Crayola washable crayons are an ingenious invention! They clean up with just a wipe of a wet cloth and thankfully, they are non-toxic since Indio likes to munch on them as much as he enjoys channeling his inner Picasso.
   
5. Red wine. Only in the past few years have I really begun to enjoy wine, specifically red wine. [though I do love a chilled glass of white on a hot day.] It's a great end to a long day, a fantastic accompaniment to a delicious meal...and it's good for me, right? Do you have any vino recommendations for me?^via
   

What are some of your favourite products these days?

Read more...

What I loved in June...

I can't believe we're already into JULY! June was a complete blur with E out of town for most of the month, school winding down, and then E and I gearing up for our mini-retreat. It's a short list this month, but these are the things I couldn't live without:

1. Audiobooks. I am indebted to the Toronto Public Library for keeping me well-stocked with the latest *books on tape* for my ridiculous rush hour commute. I can put any book on hold and the new releases have a much shorter wait time than the print versions. A completely unexpected plus: Indio seems to be easily lulled to sleep in the car by the voices of the readers. And I finally feel like I'm *reading* almost as much as I used to! This is definitely a great alternative to attempting to read before bed and falling asleep with my book on my face!
   
2. With our end-of-the-month trip to Punta Cana, a new sunscreen was in order. I picked up a tube of Lancaster Face & Body Ultra Soothing Lotion SPF 30+ suncare, which is very light and absorbed quickly into my skin so I wasn't covered in sand when I walked on the beach. It's a great everyday lotion too because it has a mild scent, which isn't overpowering like most sunscreens.
3. Fresh veggies from the garden. Yes, our garden! Ok, so we've only tasted the leaf lettuce so far, but it's great! Can't wait for the tomatoes and peppers to be ready. Unfortunately, we left the broccoli too long that it went to seed.^via
4. And finally, the best thing about June: No more pencils! No more books! No more teachers' dirty looks! After a year that seemed to go on forever, school is finally out for summer vacation. Two months of hanging out with my boys!
   

Read more...

The Good Stuff: Uniball Jetstream

I'm in love! With a pen! Yes, you read correctly, I'm in love with a pen. But not just any pen, a Uniball Jetstream. Now, I've been a Uniball devotee for sometime, usually opting for their Vision line. However, since coming across this beauty, I've officially been converted to the Jetstream family.

The ease of writing with this instrument is unmatched by any pen I've tried, and trust me, I've tried a few. I was so excited to use it that I kicked my letter writing into high gear this weekend.

I only have one of its kind right now, but I keep it under close watch so it doesn't *go missing* into the abyss of office supplies we have at home.

They come in 2 point sizes and 3 colours! What could be more exciting on a Monday evening? Next time you're in your favourite office store, pick one up, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Read more...

What I loved in May

1. Nutiva Extra Virgin Coconut Oil in my hair, as a moisturizer on my face and body, all over Indio before a bath -- it makes my skin so smooth and smells divine! [If you don't buy *extra virgin* you won't get the delicious smell, but some people prefer that.]
   
2. Marc Jacobs Daisy rollerball perfume -- it's a great scent to tuck into your purse, car or suitcase when a full-size bottle is just too cumbersome. And for $20US, it's a steal!
3. My Nikon dSLR, though large and not as purse-friendly as the rollerball, is making me a better photographer. Sure, I only take photos for fun, but I can spend hours playing around with this *toy*, especially when the subjects are as cute as my boys.
4. As much as my husband would like you to believe that I don't like vegetables I actually really enjoy eating them [just not preparing them] especially during the few months of the year that everything is in season. One thing I have down pat though is a tasty spinach salad with homemade dressing...a staple in our house.
   
   ^via

Read more...

What I loved in April

1. April is my birthday month and who doesn't love their birthday???
   


2. Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers: I honestly thought it would be a long way off before we offered Indio the fake-cheese, salty snacks, but we've quickly realized what a saviour these little fish can be!


3. Lug bags: I love my new Puddle Jumper. I can use it as a diaper bag, work bag, or just a *running around town* bag! I also have the Moped and the Dash Wristlet!


4. Spoiling myself: Nooreen and AA gave me a generous gift certificate to Pure+Simple spa in Toronto. I used it on the very last day in April for a Super Hydrating Facial...divine!
   
   
5. Blistex DCT [Daily Conditioning Treatment]: I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it before, but I'm a lip gloss/balm junkie. I recently re-introduced Blistex DCT to my repertoire. Currently, it resides in the console of my car for those moments when my lips are in need of some rush hour traffic TLC. Added bonus: it contains SPF 20.
   ^
   


6. CoverGirl Lashblast Volume Blasting Mascara. I don't usually wear a lot of makeup and I have fairly long eyelashes. My hairdresser recently told me that if I just put on a bit of mascara it would really make my eyes pop. Not sure about the popping eyes, but this stuff definitely gives me mile-long, extra lush lashes!
   

Read more...

What I loved in March...

With all the traveling, birthdays and chaos last month, March has come and gone so quickly that I almost forgot my *What I loved...* list! A little late, but here it is:

1. NYC. Amidst all the craziness, our week-long stay in March was full of reunions with loved ones, the most precious possession we had to leave behind.
2. My one and only, E. He's part of the list every month, but this month is special because it was his birthday and he relaunched his shiny new website, Fit4LifeNYC.

[Sharing a birthday moment with Indy.]

3. Dark chocolate covered raisins. A sweet treat with healthy benefits of antioxidants and iron. Mmm...

^via

4. Contigo Autoseal water bottle...I bought a 3-pack on a recent visit to Costco with P and was hooked the instant I filled it for the first time! No leaks, no mess! Just pure hydration goodness!

^via Contigo website


5. Cadbury Mini Eggs. 'Nuff said.
^via


6. Australian Wool Duvet. Another Costco find. I can't begin to tell you how cozy this is! And even on the warmer days we've been having, it's been super-comfortable.

Read more...

What I loved in February...

1. Valentine's candy, especially the chewy, gummy kind. One of the classes I work in still has some tucked away in a *teacher cupboard* so I've been able to carry my love into March!
   ^via
   
   
   
2. Unearthing a huge stationery stash at my parents' house. Obviously, this isn't a new love.


3. Polar fleece- or jersey-lined pants for Indio. I am that mother who engulfs her child in layer upon layer to ensure he is always toasty. These pants are awesome for those chilly days because one layer is enough to convince me he'll be warm and they look as comfy as your favorite pair of sweat pants. My faves are the ones from the Gap or Old Navy.
   
   ^via
   
   
   
4. Kiddopotamus Tiny Diner. It's no secret that we eat out a lot. As Indio is getting older and more independent, he insists on feeding himself, which usualy means food ends up all over the table, floor, and himself. I tried using restaurant placemats, napkins, even plates to keep the food off the table, but Indio was able to outsmart them all. Then I came across this little placemat, which is made of flexible FDA-approved rubber that is free of lead, PVC, BPA, phthalates and latex. It has a handy little *scoop* at the end so any food that doesn't make it to his mouth, has a chance of not falling on the floor and enough suction cups to keep it firmly attached to the table. Now Indio is free to put his food all over the table without mama worrying about the cleaning chemicals or gross germs getting into his food.

^via

Read more...