Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Yogurt Body Wash

The Claims

According to the back of the bottle, "this unique formula with active naturals oatmeal and nutrient-rich yogurt helps to revitalize your dry skin and leaves it feeling moisturized for an enriching experience....".


My Thoughts

This body wash is amazing! I use body wash on a daily basis so I have used my share of body washes and this one rates as one of my favourites. First off, I love the flip cap that is easy to flip open. Some body washes leave you struggling with wet hands to get it open but not this one.

I love the scent of this body wash. I received this body wash in the Apricot and Honey scent.  It is fruity and sweet scented.  The scent is not overpowering at all but rather light and delicate.

My favourite aspect of this body wash is how well it lathers. The product itself is more of a gel than a cream. It is a great consistency-not too thin or too thick. I found that a little bit goes a long way. The lather was thick and rich. The body wash rinses cleanly from the skin as well with no lingering residue.

After using this body wash, my skin felt soft and moisturized so it definitely lived up to its claims.   Although this product is a bit pricey at $8.99 at my local Zehrs store, and more than I would usually spend for a body wash, with a sale and a coupon, this is a treat that I would indulge in. Overall, I recommend this product 100% to others to try.

I received this product free of charge from ChickAdvisor for review purposes. #gotitfree  

Halloween Cookies

With Halloween just a few days away, I thought I would share a picture of some cookies I've made in the past.  They are super easy to make as they use a cake mix.  The recipe for the cake mix cookies can be found here.  After making the cookies, I just decorated the tops with Halloween themed designs such as spiders, ghosts, pumpkins and the word "Boo". 

Vim Power & Shine Bathroom Spray

This product makes my bathroom sparkle and shine! I used this bathroom spray on my sink, tub and toilet. First off I noticed how powerful the trigger was resulting in a powerful spray to whatever surface I used it on. I would have liked to see the words “Off” and “On” on the trigger as it just makes it easier to identify whether the spray is off or on. After using the product, I noticed in very faint letters the word “stop” and a symbol for spray. They are very hard to see and would be much more effective in bold black print.

For my bathtub, I sprayed and let it sit on the tub for a few minutes before cleaning. It basically just needed a wipe down after that. I have hard water in my house and that really affects the tub and sink. It leaves a yellow stain where the water hits the tub or sink. While this spray lightened up the yellow stains, it didn't remove them completely. I needed to use my usual hard water stain remover product.

After using this bathroom spray, my tub and sink looked so good. They were clean and shined. This is definitely a product I would continue to use even though it couldn't remove hard water stains. I didn't really expect it to but was surprised that it lightened the stains up considerably.


I received this produce free of charge from Chickadvisor for review purposes.

Vim Power & Shine Multi-purpose Wipes

These wipes really work to clean and disinfect just about any surface. These wipes are the perfect moistness, they are not too dry nor are they dripping wet. They have an ocean fresh scent to them which makes them smell less like a cleaning product. The scent is fresh and clean.

I love the packaging with the resealable closure. This will ensure the product stays moist. The closure provides a tight seal unlike some products with this type of closure.

I used this product on multiple surfaces in my home. They were the perfect disinfecting product for cleaning commonly used surfaces like door knobs, light switches, telephones and remotes. At the time a household member had cold/flu symptoms and I cleaned the commonly used surfaces/items to prevent the spread of germs. I also found this product beautifully cleans and shines up faucets.

Overall, this product is perfect for quick cleaning and disinfecting jobs. I would definitely recommend this products to others and continue using it myself.


I received this product free of charge for review purposes from ChickAdvisor.

Butterscotch Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

I love making and eating cookies!  They are a quick way to satisfy a sweet tooth.  I put my creativity to use and modified my favourite chocolate chip cookie recipe to make these butterscotch peanut butter chip cookies.

Ingredients:
1 cup margarine (or butter)
1 1/4 cups lightly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 package of instant Butterscotch pudding mix (I used a 113g package)
1 1/3 cups peanut butter chips

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350F.
2.  In a bowl mix together the margarine and brown sugar.
3.  Add egg and vanilla.
4.  Stir in flour, baking soda, salt and butterscotch pudding mix.
5.  Mix in peanut butter chips.
6.  Scoop dough onto cookie sheets.  (I ever so slightly flatten the tops before baking).
7.  Bake for approx. 10 minutes.

Dove Pure Care Dry Oil

I used this product on my freshly washed hair that was still damp. When I squirted the dry oil out onto my hands it felt really greasy and I wondered what it would do to my hair. The dry oil has a pleasant smell that I would describe as a spicy scent.

After applying the dry oil to my hair, I noticed my hair brush just glided through my hair and the product seemed to act like a detangler. As my hair air dried it was not heavy or weighed down. My hair felt silky to the touch and was soft. I also noticed my hair looked a little shinier than usual. My hair did not feel greasy or oily like I anticipated it feeling. The greasy feel of the product on my hands did absorb and left my hands feeling so soft and hydrated. I may be tempted to use this dry oil as a heavy duty moisturizer for my hands!

This is a product I would continue to use and would recommend it to others to try.

I received this product free of charge from Chick Advisor to facilitate this review. 

Wordless Wednesday: Homegrown Hydrangea

I love hydrangeas and this pink one was grown in our flower bed.

Dove Refresh + Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo

I have tried dry shampoo in the past but not the Dove brand. I like to flat iron my hair and not wash my hair for a few days so I can keep my flat ironed style. On the days I don't wash my hair, I use a dry shampoo to prevent my hair from looking oily and greasy.

This dry shampoo sprays easily from the can and is quite powerful. I did find that if I sprayed too close to my hair that I end up with a white residue ( I have dark blonde hair). I guess that happened to me as my sister told me parts of my hair looked white! So spraying a distance from the hair will prevent the white residue.

The dry shampoo kept my hair feeling fresh and clean and helped to prevent any greasy look. I did find that where I sprayed the dry shampoo that my hair felt a little dry and “crunchy” and it was not soft and smooth like the rest of my hair. Despite this fact I would still recommend this dry shampoo for in between washes. I would also purchase it in the future as Dove is an affordable brand and even more so when it comes on sale.

I received this product free of charge from ChickAdvisor to facilitate this review.

Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant Clean & Fresh Toothpaste

I have tried Arm & Hammer toothpastes in the past and have found some of them to be pasty and chalky probably due to the addition of baking soda.  This toothpaste however was nothing like that.  This toothpaste is smooth and very minty.

This toothpaste claims to reveal a radiant smile in just 5 days.  I didn't think it did this for me but after just one use my sister commented on how white my teeth looked so perhaps this toothpaste really made my teeth shiny and sparkly after all!

The paste comes out the tube easily but I would have preferred a flip cap instead of a screw off top.  I just find flip caps much easier to use and they don't roll away.

I love the deep cleaning sensation this toothpaste gave me and how fresh it made my breath.  I really felt that my teeth were clean and my breath stayed fresh much longer compared to using my usual toothpaste.  It was so powerful in fact that it left my lips feeling tingly!

Overall, this is a toothpaste I would continue to use, would purchase in the future and would recommend 100% to others.



I received this toothpaste free of charge from ChickAdvisor to facilitate this review. 

Wordless Wednesday: Birthday Cake

This week we celebrated my mom's birthday.  In keeping with my theme of making rose birthday cakes, I made this lavender rose cake for my mom.  Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy 150th Canada!

Today we celebrate Canada's 150th Birthday!  What a blessing it is to live in Canada.  We are truly a blessed nation!  In honour of our great Country and this special birthday, I did a DIY pedicure with some red and white nail polish and a maple leaf vinyl sticker.  It was fun to create! Happy Canada Day!

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brightening & Smoothing Moisturizer

I use moisturizer on a daily basis so have used many brands over the years. I must say this Garnier moisturizer is one of my favourites thus far! I like that this product has a pump as it makes application easy. The consistency of the moisturizer is perfect. It is a lotion but it's not too runny. It absorbs quickly and easily into the skin and is non-greasy. It is nicely fragranced with what I would call a green tea scent.

This moisturizer does have an SPF 15 in it which is great if you're like me and wouldn't bother to apply a separate SPF on top of your moisturizer.

Within a few uses of this moisturizer I noticed how soft and smooth my skin was becoming. It made for an excellent base on which to put my foundation. I have noticed just a slight increase in the radiance and brightness in my skin. Hopefully with continued use I will see more of this benefit.

I do have oily and very acne prone skin and this moisturizer did not make my skin any oilier than usual nor did it cause any increase in breakouts. This is a moisturizer I would happily switch to and recommend to others. I do find the price high for a drug store moisturizer and thus would only purchase it if it were on sale.

I received this product free of charge from ChickAdvisor to facilitate this review.

Dove Style + Care Hairspray

I use hairspray on a daily basis on my bangs to keep them plumped up and out of my eyes. I first noticed how powerful the trigger on this hairspray is. Just one little touch sprayed out a powerful fine mist. Some hairsprays take a lot of pressure on the trigger to get anything to come out. I was pleasantly surprised at how little effort it took to release the product.

This hairspray gives a firm hold. It held my style perfectly in place without having to touch up during the day. My hair didn't feel sticky or tacky using this hairspray. This is definitely a product I will continue to use and wouldn't hesitate to purchase it in the future.

I received this product free of charge from ChickAdvisor to facilitate this review.

Orange Poppy Seed Muffins

I love lemon poppy seed muffins and decided to make these muffins with orange zest and juice instead.  The result is a tender, moist, orange flavoured muffin.  Perfect for an afternoon snack!

Ingredients:

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 tsp. vanilla

zest of one orange

juice of half an orange

1 tbsp. poppy seeds

2 cups flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 cup sour cream

Directions:

1.  In a bowl combine the eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla, orange zest and juice and poppy seeds.

2.  In another bowl combine the flour, salt and baking soda.

3.   Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream.

4.  Scoop mixture into prepared muffin cups.

5.  Bake for approx. 20 minutes at 400F.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water

I have never tried a micellar water so I didn't really know what to expect from this product. As the label suggests, it removes make up and cleanses the skin. I used this water on a cotton pad to remove my make up and it did a really good job. It took about 3 pads to get most of the foundation off my face and about one pad to remove my mascara.

This micellar water did not leave a sticky residue like sometimes happens when I use a pre-moistened cleansing cloth. However, I have a skin care regimen in the evening after removing my make up that involves exfoliating my skin and then cleansing with a foam cleanser. I felt like I needed to continue this routine to get my skin completely clean. I do have very acne prone skin and I just felt like the micellar water, even though it claims to cleanse as well, was not enough for my skin.

I could see skipping my additional cleansing routine if I had a late night and only wanted to remove my make up. This would be the perfect product for that purpose. I do like using this in the morning after I wake up as I have no make up to remove. It serves as the perfect cleanser and toner for me.

Overall, I do see value in the product and like that it comes in a large 400ml format which will last a long time. I would recommend this product to others and would consider purchasing it in the future at a sale price.

I received this product free of charge from ChickAdvisor to facilitate this review.

Wordless Wednesday: Rosette Cake

I've seen cakes decorated in roses and decided to try this technique myself.  It was very simple to do and really elevates a basic cake.  I'm loving the results!

Wordless Wednesday: Rag Quilt Series

This is the final post in my Rag Quilt Series.  This is the most recent rag quilt that I made.  It didn't turn out as I anticipated because I wanted to do a "around the world" pattern but it didn't work out.  Nonetheless, I like this quilt as it is neutral and matches with everything.

Wordless Wednesday: Rag Quilt Series

My second rag quilt I made this winter.  This one is probably my favourite as I love the colour combination of the grey and burgundy.

Wordless Wednesday: Rag Quilt Series

I have been enjoying making rag quilts this winter so I decided to do a rag quilt series for the next three weeks of Wordless Wednesday.

This is my first attempt at a rag quilt.  It just needs to be washed and dried so it will "rag" up.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Collection

Shampoo

The Claims

• Instantly restores hair and prevents the appearance of future damage
• Formulated with anti-damage technology, this shampoo gently cleanses and restores hair while fortifying the fibres with the support distressed hair needs to resist future damage
• After just 1 use, hair is visibly healthy, strengthened and nourished

My Thoughts
   This shampoo has a nice consistency. It lathers well in the hair and rinses off completely.  It has a light fragrance maybe a bit like a floral perfume.  After just one use of the shampoo I found that it didn't live up to its claims.  My hair actually felt drier than usual and thus frizzier.  My hair was also dull and lacking shine.

After having used the shampoo for a week, I have a better opinion of this product.  My hair was less dry compared to the first use and softer.  I also experienced less breakage of my hair.

Conditioner

The Claims

• Instantly restores and prevents the appearance of future damage
• Formulated with targeted anti-damage technology, this conditioner provides superior conditioning and instantly restores while fortifying the hair to prevent the appearance of future damage
• Hair is visibly healthy and strengthened after just 1 use

My Thoughts
   This conditioner has a really nice consistency.  It has a stronger fragrance than the shampoo but is not overpowering.  It is somewhat thicker than the previous brand I was using.  It spreads easily on the hair and my hair felt soft while it was on.  It rinses well from the hair.  

After one use I did not find I had visibly healthy and strengthened hair.  My hair actually felt and looked worse compared to the brand I stopped using to test this John Frieda collection.  My hair was dry, frizzy and lacking luster.   

After using the conditioner for one week, my hair is in better shape than it was after day one.  My hair is not as dry and is soft to the touch.  The frizz is also better controlled.  So, I guess the key is consistent use.

Deep Conditioner

The Claims

• Returns seriously distressed hair to a healthy state
• Intensely repairs and fortifies and resists future damage for 80% less breakage
• This weekly treatment rescues hair leaving it touchable smooth and nourished in just 1 use

My Thoughts
   This deep conditioner is thick and creamy and spreads easily on the hair.  It has the same fragrance as the conditioner.  When I put the conditioner on my wet hair, I was able to run my fingers through my below shoulder length hair.  My hair was soft and less tangled than usual.  

After towel drying my hair, I used my usual pick comb to comb through my hair.  My hair was much less tangled than usual and the comb went through my hair relatively easily.  After combing my wet hair, I usually have a number of loose hairs on my comb. This time I only had about one hair!  Amazing!

I must say this conditioner lives up to its claim of leaving hair touchably smooth and nourished after one use.  I would also say I had less breakage using this deep conditioner too.  Although this is a weekly treatment, I would be tempted to use it every day.

Overall, I loved this deep conditioner.  The product comes in a tub with a screw off top.  I would find this product easier to use in the shower if it came in a tube format like the shampoo and conditioner. Nonetheless, it is the product inside that counts and it works regardless of the packaging.


Final Thoughts
 While I didn't love the shampoo and conditioner, I did end up liking it better after one week of use.  I probably wouldn't purchase these products as I feel there are better products for my hair that are half the price.

As for the deep conditioner, I loved it!  I loved how soft and silky my hair felt.  This is a product I would continue to use for sure.

I received these products free of charge for testing purposes courtesy of Glam Sense.

Wordless Wednesday: Winter Woes

This is the view outside my kitchen window today.  We are having a good old-fashioned winter storm today.  I think I'll move to a warmer climate!!