Find Your Bliss At The Iconic St. Regis Bal Harbour

When travelling, I take full advantage of being on vacation mode. This means where I stay is as important as where I go. Splurging on accommodations is something to consider when you're travelling to south Florida–especially in Miami–because there are so many fabulous hotels that will make you feel like you're a million miles from home.

Just a short drive from downtown Miami you'll find the exclusive and luxurious village of Bal Harbour, home to the iconic St. Regis hotel—recently named the best hotel in south Florida. There are not many St. Regis hotels in the world (50, to be exact) yet each one offers the same incredible service in a luxurious setting where you can truly unwind and feel a bit like royalty. You'll even receive a glass of champagne upon check-in.

The St. Regis Bal Harbour, recently awarded the coveted Forbes Five-star and AAA Five Diamond award, is an oceanfront haven of elegance, and the place to go for people with impeccable taste for the good life–good food, service, views, and accommodations. Where else can can you find a hotel that has world-class dining, 24-hour butler service, an incredible full-service spa, and two infinity pools overlooking the Atlantic ocean? Even the elevators are luxurious here: instead of pressing a button, simply swipe your key on the computer screen by the elevators and you're told which one to get into.

Although this hotel attracts an affluent crowd from around the world, anyone can stay here. It is the perfect hotel for couples looking for a very romantic getaway, and it's equally perfect for families travelling with children.

Here is why your visit to south Florida should include a stay at St. Regis Bal Harbour:

The Pools: The hotel has two gorgeous infinity pools overlooking the Atlantic ocean; one for families and children, near the beach, and a tranquility pool for adults only–perfect after you've dropped your children off at the St. Regis Children's Club. The service by the pool is amazing. I was offered ice water and sunscreen as soon as I sat down.

You can rent a cabana or an oceanfront day villa, which comes complete with a daybed, bathroom with shower, marble floors, television, a wet bar, fridge, air conditioning, and private loungers and dining table, all with ocean views.

The Remede Spa: The 14, 000 square-foot Remede Spa is stunning (t's so easy to fall in love with the Yabu Pushelberg-designed interior) but the service is what's best.

I recommend indulging in a luxurious one-hour massage. It was one of the best I've ever had and just what I needed to recharge my batteries. You can also enjoy services in the couples treatment room, refresh yourself in the luxury soaking tub for two, and cool off with a private rain shower. There are 11 treatment rooms, a Vichy shower room, saunas, and steam rooms. If you're feeling up to it, check out the St. Regis Athletic Club. (The only exercise I do on vacation is swimming in the ocean and pools).

The rooms: The large oceanfront guest rooms are breathtaking; the entrance, hallway and bathrooms are all marble, and the huge walk-in closet with floor-to-ceiling mirrors will make you want to move in.

My favourite part of these luxurious rooms is the large balcony with ocean views. The couches on the balcony are so comfortable you'll want to fall asleep under the stars, with nothing but the sound of the ocean lulling you to sleep. Pure paradise. Again, it's the service that really stands out; no matter you need, you will receive, whether you forgot a toothbrush or need a crib for your baby.

The dining options: Make sure to spend a few hours in the St. Regis wine vault, enjoying drinks after sunset. It's best to do this after you've enjoyed dinner, though; Atlantikos is the newest restaurant at St. Regis Bal Harbour, and once you step inside you'll instantly feel like you're in Greece, specifically on the island of Santorini. This authentic Greek dining experience with fresh seafood from the Atlantic Ocean and Aegean Sea will take you a delicious culinary journey, thanks to Chef Anastasios Chasekioglou. You can also enjoy the breakfast buffet at Altantikos featuring waffles, crepes, eggs, bacon, yogurt, fresh fruit, baked goods, and much more. We dined outside by the pool area, soaking up the warm Florida sun.

For something more casual but equally delicious, try BH Burger Bar, where you can customize your own burger, gourmet hot dog, or wings. (The Truffle Parmesan Tater Tots are an amazing side dish!).

For desert or an afternoon tea, check out La Gourmandise, an authentic French cuisine experience with delicious pastries you won't regret eating. La Gourmandise offers the largest tea selection in Miami, too.

What to do: With so much to explore in the St. Regis Bal Harbour, you'll never want to leave, but make sure you step outside and cross the street to experience the world-famous open-air Bal Harbour Shops. 

This luxury shopping mall is like no other, with every store you can image: Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Cartier, Rolex, Valentino, Fendi... you get the idea.

Shopping and people watching is not all you can do here, though; you can dine at Carpaccio's, (one of my favourite Italian restaurants) and maybe bump elbows with a celebrity or professional athlete, or try The Grill overlooking the parking lot of Lamborghini's and Ferrari's. Le Zoo will whisk you away to Paris with their tasty menu and great service. We celebrated my son's 12th birthday here. For lunch, head to Makoto, a fine Japanese restaurant and one of the country's highest-grossing eateries. Whether you're ordering the sake or edamame, you won't be disappointed.

Once you're finished shopping and dining, check out Unscripted, Bal Harbour Village's art program. They partnered with renowned Miami literature organization O, Miami, on an exhibition called "Post Haste", comprised of four linked poems along Bal Harbour's beach-walk. The exhibit is on view until October 31, 2017.

Thank you, Bal Harbour, and St. Regis, for once again exceeding my expectations. The memories made here will last a lifetime, and I can't wait to come back to experience it all over again.

Choose Your Own Adventure With Netflix

It’s already mid-July, and summer is flying by. As usual, summer is a busy time for us, with camp, activities, and enjoying the great outdoors every day. My boys spend have spent most of their summer days swimming, which is wonderful. However, we’ve also had quite a few rainy days this month, and that calls for indoor activities. While we do limit our TV watching in the summer months, there is always something on Netflix I know my boys will love, and it’s our go-to for days and nights where we want to just chill and relax.

My youngest is a pro at navigating through Netflix—and oftentimes he’s the one selecting what we’ll be watching, whether it’s a TV series, movie, or documentary. (And we're never disappointed!).

Something cool and new Netflix has come out with is Interactive Storytelling. Remember the Choose Your Own Adventure books we read when we were kids? Well, Netflix has come up with a similar concept, allowing children to be in complete creative control of what their characters end up doing—and saying—by giving them the ability to choose from multiple paths for their characters to play out on screen. Isn’t that so neat?

Because of the many different endings and “choice” points, kids are able to watch the same title over and over again without hearing or seeing the same exact story. The kids get to choose their own adventure. They can do this for Puss In Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale, and Buddy Thunderstruck: The Maybe Pile. (And coming up next year, they can look forward to doing this with Stretch Armstrong: The Breakout).

Netflix really did their research here, and the feedback  has been so positive—both from a kids’ perspective, and from parents, too.

Hey—we all need some downtime, even in the summertime. And there is no better way to relax than catching up with your favourite characters on Netflix.

Disclaimer: As part of the Netflix Stream Team, I receive special perks. All views and opinions are my own.

Travel Essentials

Now that summer is here, many of us are getting ready to go on vacation. I can't wait to hit the beach again in Miami, and just relax, because it's been such a busy few months and I need some time to unwind... and enjoy the sound of the waves with sand between my toes.

I've put together a list of my must-have travel essentials, and showcased them on CTV Ottawa. I think these are the perfect items to pack along with you for your vacation.

Here's what you shouldn't leave home without:

La Roche-Posay sunscreen: La Roche-Posay is a trusted name in skincare worldwide, and their Anthelios sunscreen, both for children and adults, provides incredible protection against the sun's harmful rays. The company has also come out with the My UV Patch, to make it easier for everyone to understand and track the amount of UVA and UVB rays they're being exposed to. Just download the My UV Patch app, apply the ultra-thin sticker to your skin, scan it, and let technology do the rest. Once you create your online profile, your patch will track how much sun you're being exposed to, and will let you know when you should re-apply sunscreen. I love that it lasts on your skin for five days, and it's even safe for those with the most sensitive skin.

COVERGIRL: The new Vitalist Elixir Foundation from COVERGIRL is a dreamy foundation that goes on smooth and gives you great coverage with a built-in SPF 20. I love that this foundation comes in many different shades, for every skin type. And it's totally affordable, too.

COVERGIRL truNAKED Jewels Palette: This is a fabulous eye shadow palette with gorgeous colours to make your eyes pop for summer. With this palette, there is no other eye make-up you need to pack on your trip, because it gives a natural look or a smoky look, depending on what you're looking for.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream with SPF 30: When packing is limited, save a step and use this two-in-one moisturizer and sunscreen.

Olay Daily Facial Wipes: These are the perfect wipes to bring on vacation with you, and they're super effective at taking off make-up at the end of the day.

Carry Clean Sonic Toothbrush: This is a great and easy to pack toothbrush perfect for vacation, with 32,000 sonic vibrations per minute.

Conair Mini Pro Straightener: This is a must-have travel essential, and even though it's small and easy to carry, it delivers excellent results. It heats up to 356F, or 180C, and the half inch ceramic duel voltage plates are perfect for on-the-go fixes.

ALDO: I love shopping at Aldo for shoes, bags, and accessories, and this is my go-to store for all my summer needs. Aldo has some adorable beach bags for your summer vacation, and jewellery to go with every outfit you're planning to pack.

Sears Canada: If you're short on time but need to shop for your upcoming vacation, check out Sears. This department store has it all, from swimwear to luggage, to make-up and clothes. The best part? The prices can't be beat.

Gaiam: If you're into yoga and working out every day, then you'll want to pack the Gaiam foldable travel yoga mat in your suitcase, because it takes up less space than the typical yoga mat. Gaiam also sells a great travel bag for your yoga mat, and all your work-out essentials can be bought online to make it easier for you.

Tuck Shop Trading Co.: Looking for a cute and unique bathing suit to pack on vacation? TuckShopCo.com has some adorable pieces made in Canada.

SkinCeuticals: SkinCeuticals is an amazing skin-care company that's sold across Canada in medi-spas, or online. I love these products because they help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, moisturize the skin while protecting it, and give lasting results.

Two must-have-for-summer SkinCeuticals products I recommend is the Photo Corrective Masque, because it provides relief to the skin after being exposed to the sun all day, and it's gentle enough to use daily, and the Physical Matte UV Defence SPF 50, an amazing sunscreen with a little tint, so you can skip the foundation, and use this as a primer when you're applying light make-up for your days on the beach.

Jitter Spinners: So, fidget spinners and jitter spinners are all the rage with kids these days, and my house if full of these toys. But they're also great for adults, too, and totally addictive. They're the perfect toy to play with to pass the time in airports and on long flights, and they're actually a great stress relief, too, especially for people who are nervous to fly.

Clarins: This great skincare company is loved around the world and has products for all skin types. A great beauty essential to pack in your carry-on is the UV 50 Multi-Protection Tint. It's like a foundation with added protection against the harmful effects of UV rays, with a little tint for excellent coverage.  Clarins Lip Oils come in a variety of colours, and give your lips added moisture and shine. I love the hint of colour, too. Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser is a perfect cleanser to use every day.

Caudalie: Caudalie, another skin care company loved worldwide, has plenty of great products to keep your skin feeling and looking amazing, even on vacation. The Vinoperfect Essence provides a healthy glow, post-sun, and gives you a flawless looking complexion; it's also hydrating and soothing. The Vinoperfect Radiance Serum is Caudalie's number one cult favourite and a best-seller around the world; this serum works well at boosting radiance and helps even out your skin tone while moisturizing.

Elizabeth Arden FourEver Bronze Bronzing Powder: A perfect bronzer for summer that also has a highlighter and blush built in. Elizabeth Arden's Dare to Bare shimmering body oil is also perfect for enhancing your summer tan.

If you'd like more information on any of these fabulous products, send me an email. Otherwise, happy travels!

Celebrating Canada 150: Where To Stay And What To Do This Summer

With Canada Day just a day away, this country is buzzing with excitement with Canada 150 events, and there has never been a better time to take a vacation–or staycation–in Canada. I was recently on Breakfast Television in Montreal talking about the great things to see and do, and where to stay, in Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto.

Ottawa is obviously the place to be to celebrate Canada Day, but if you want to avoid the crowds, not to worry; there is a lot going on after July 1st, too.

Here's what you can enjoy:

Sky Lounge: Taking place between July 7th and 22nd, this is an exclusive culinary experience that will take the brave 150 feet in the air to discover Ottawa like never before; you'll get to experience a dining experience presented by chef Stephen La Salle, from Andaz Hotel's Feast and Revel delicious restaurant. You can choose between a a cocktail option with appetizers and Canadian wine, or a gourmet three-course dinner. You'll be strapped in Formula-1 style seating, with a six point harness for ultimate safety, so don't worry; just be sure to go to the bathroom before you take to the sky!

Inspiration Village: Made up of sea containers in the Byword Market, you can check out this awesome display from now until September 4th. You'll also be able to snap a selfie by the big OTTAWA sign. Inspiration Village will be the place to be this summer, and you can enjoy special exhibits and performances showcasing Canada’s province and territories.

Ottawa Welcomes the World: Embassies and high commissions in Ottawa are showcasing their country’s heritage at the Aberdeen Pavillion and Horticulture Building at Lansdowne Park over the next several months. Everyone is invited to dive into a unique multicultural journey of food tasting, musical celebrations, performances, and more. It kicked off with Greece in March and continues right through to December.

Where to Stay: There is no better place to be this summer than Andaz Hotel. This stunning new luxury-boutique hotel right in the heart of Ottawa’s downtown core is the place to stay in Ottawa. With an amazing gourmet restaurant, Feast and Revel, featuring locally inspired cuisine, you'll feel like you're on a vacation far from home. After dinner, head to the gorgeous rooftop lounge, Copper Spirits and Sights, on the 16th floor, where you’ll see the most stunning views and sunsets in Ottawa. 

If you're heading to Toronto with the family, here's something you can all enjoy:

The Redpath Waterfront Festival: This festival is taking place from June 30-July 2. Presented by Ports Toronto, this is the place to celebrate Canada Day and Canada’s 150th in Toronto. It's a jam-packed weekend festival with water front activities as well as live music and delicious food from local chefs. 

Where to stay: The Hazleton Hotel, right in the heart of Yorkville, is a luxury boutique hotel and the perfect place to stay whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, or with the entire family. Of course, being right in the heart of Yorkville, you're surrounded by luxury boutiques and great restaurants  including the restaurant ONE; the perfect place to people watch, especially during the summer months. I love the personalized service, the in-room dining, and the fabulous spa at this hotel. You can also enjoy the TD Jazz Festival taking place until July 2nd, too. 

Not only in Montreal celebrating Canada 150; the city is also celebrating Montreal 375. Needless to say, there is a lot going on in this charming, historic city, including: 

Montreal International Jazz Festival: This world-famous jazz festival is going on until July 8th, and it's 10 incredible days of musical celebrations in the heart of Montreal's downtown core. For details, check out montrealjazzfest.com. 

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Montreal is my favourite hotel in Montreal, and one of my favourite hotels in the world. It's actually the first Ritz-Carlton in the world, (the original Ritz was in France) and it's been around since 1912. Although the hotel has gone through incredible renovations, this famous hotel (also called the "Great Dame of Sherbrooke") hasn't lost any of its charm. The lobby area, also called the Palm Court, is a great place to enjoy high tea and people watch. The beautiful spa and rooftop pool with views of the city makes a stay here even more enjoyable. My children always feel welcome here, and the attention to detail make our stays even more memorable; the personalized cookies waiting in our room upon arrival, the swimming pool, and the friendly service is what makes the Ritz-Carlton so special. 

However you're celebrating Canada 150, I hope it's a good one. We have so much to be thankful for! Happy Birthday, Canada.

Eat Together With President's Choice

Today was the last day of school, and I was equally emotional and excited. After all, my oldest son is moving on to a different school in September, as he and his classmates start their new journey to middle school. When I started this blog, he wasn't even in kindergarten! Time sure goes by quickly, and that's why it's important for me to make sure I'm spending quality time with  my boys as often as I can–including eating dinner together. It's important to carve out time with family and friends and slow down the pace a little, especially now that summer is here. Whether you're BBQing in the backyard by the pool, or taking a vacation overseas, dinner time is the best time to re-connect with your loved ones.

Earlier this year, President's Choice (PC) embarked on a journey to get Canadians to eat together when they released their Eat Together film, seen here:

I don't know about you, but watching the video brought a tear to my eye. (And the video's been watched more than 62 million times already!). While the idea of slowing down and eating together may seem simple, with our hectic lifestyles, it's not always the case, and not something we do enough of nowadays.

Did you know that 67% of Canadians eat alone most of the time? That's why the PC team teamed up to create Eat Together Day on June 29th. Canadians from coast to coast have started showing how the video inspired their own Eat Together moments, which is a beautiful thing. But PC wanted to do more, and that's why they came up with Eat Together Day taking place tomorrow–and everyone is invited to celebrate!

What will you do on #EatTogether Day? Who are you looking forward to sitting down with and chatting over a long dinner and some wine? Make sure you share an image or video from your celebrations and tag @PCEatTogether on Facebook. It'll be great seeing people from around the country come together this way.

Disclaimer: I have been compensated by President's Choice for this post. All views and options are my own.

Simple Ways To Live An Eco Friendly Life

I was never very environmentally conscious before becoming a mother. Once I had children, though, my perspective on most things changed, including my views on the environment, the world I was raising my children in, and what I needed to do to make sure my children were growing up aware of the things they needed to do to keep our planet green and contribute to their environment in positive ways. Thankfully, I've raised some really good people–boys who are smart and know more than I did when I was their age about science, the environment, and how even small things can make a big impact. Taking on a new job in Communications at Environment and Climate Change Canada has opened my eyes even further to how much work is being done around us to keep our air clean, and our communities safe and healthy.

Here are some ways you can be more environmentally conscious in simple ways:

Be Aware: Becoming more environmentally conscious isn't difficult; in fact, living in Canada–a country that does so much already to help our environment–makes it almost easy. Read more, be aware, and find out how you can get involved in your community in ways that give back in small or big ways.

Get the kids involved: The more you lead by example, the more your children will learn. Have your children help with composting, recycling, and donating items they no longer need or use. Teach your kids the importance of conserving energy, why it's important to use less water, why they should turn off lights when they leave a room, and try spending more time in the great outdoors appreciating the environment and the clean air we're so fortunate to breathe.

Reduce what you use: This can be tricky, especially if you like holding on to things like I do. A few times a year, go through all your household items, including your closet (this one can be difficult!) and get rid of what you don't need, what you don't wear, and what you could do without. Donate items in good condition.

Buy less: Think twice before making that next purchase; go through your closet one more time and see what new outfits you can put together so you don't have to keep shopping for the same things over and over again.

Pay attention: Pay attention to how much you're using in your house, including water and electricity. Turn off lights, install energy efficient lightbulbs and, if you can, energy efficient windows, and reduce your daily consumption. Unplug electronics, and use less water.

Plant trees: Even if you don't have a large back or front yard, you can always find room to plant more greenery. The City of Ottawa will give (and plant) a new tree to home owners. All you have to do is request a tree. We did this last year and are enjoying watching our tree grow.

Drive less: I drive to work, because it's the easiest and more efficient option for me, but if you're able, drive less, or carpool. I wish I worked close enough to walk or bike to work.  

Buy energy efficient products: We've switched to energy efficient lightbulbs throughout our home. Energy efficient light bulbs consume 40% less energy than regular bulbs, and last ten times longer, too. Going green saves money, which is a total bonus.

Share: I have a thing for buying new books and I'm an avid reader.  I'm also not a fan of e-readers, because nothing can replace an actual book in my hands. What I do to make myself feel better is lend book to all my friends who are looking for new things to read. At least I'm re-using what I already have! I also donate books to hospitals. Every few months, my girlfriends and I get together for a clothes swap, too, which is another great way to recycle items you're no longer interested in keeping.

My children also love grocery shopping with me and we choose local produce as much as possible. We also enjoy planting our own vegetables and thanks to a mother-in-law who is an expert gardener, my boys have enjoyed learning about plants and how they grow.

Keeping things green and helping our planet doesn't have to be complicated. It's the simple things we do daily that will have impacts for years to come.

How are some ways you're helping the environment?

Disclaimer: This post is part of The Whole Family Happiness Project in partnership with Social Currents and the Low Carbon Economy Narrative Initiative. The Whole Family Happiness Project poses the question, "What is the connection between our individual purpose, our family happiness, and the happiness of the world around us? 

To learn more or to get involved, visit Whole Family Happiness on Facebook. #wholefamilyhappiness

Help Yourself To Faster Airport Security This Summer

It's summer, and if you're like me, you've been planning your vacation for a while. Although the weather here is absolutely perfect right now, there's something exciting about getting ready for a vacation. My favourite summer vacation destination in Greece, because of the beauty and the culture. There is nothing more breathtaking than the Mediterranean Sea! I also love going to Miami in the summer (and winter!) with my family because it's a short plane ride, the resorts are gorgeous, and the beach life is perfect.

I'm a last minute packer, and despite how often I travel, I always pack more shoes than I should–but if you don't plan accordingly, over-packing will be the least of your worries. Since we tend to be so focused on our destination, it's easy to forget about the journey, particularly security screening at the airport. The good news is that being prepared can help you breeze through the screening checkpoint, leaving you more time to shop, eat, or relax before your flight.

The first step is doing your homework so you know what goes in your carry-on (take it from me: pack your beauty essentials that aren't 100 ml or less in your checked luggage–I learned this the hard way!) and what goes in your checked baggage. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has some useful tools on its website, including a searchable "What can I bring" list that lets you know where to pack your items and what can and can't fly. It also has a travel-checklist generator and tips for all sorts of challenges, from what to do with large sports equipment and medical supplies to travelling with pets.

According to CATSA, one of the biggest hold-ups at security is having too many liquids, aerosols, and gels. I always have my water bottle taken away from me–maybe this time I'll finally remember not to bring it through security with me. Containers over 100 ml and 1 litre bags that are overstuffed with smaller containers (no seal, no deal) will need to be checked. As for that cup of coffee or water bottle I mentioned: if it's over 100 ml be prepared to chug!

There are some exceptions, like liquids for kids under two years old, and medication. You can check out more here. In all cases, the containers should be taken out of your carry-on and be ready to present to the screening officer for inspection.

Once you hit the front of the line, it helps to have your boarding pass ready to show the screening officer. You can also speed things up if you put loose change, keys, and small electronics (including your phone and tablets) in your carry-on so you can just drop them in the bin. If you're travelling with a laptop or other large electronic devices like gaming consoles or DVD players, you'll need to put them in a separate bin. For more information on what you can put in the bins at the checkpoint, you can find the information here.

If you're still wondering what to do with an item or want more information about security screening, send questions to CATSA on Twitter or Facebook.

Lastly, travel is all about being mobile, so you should definitely download CATSA's free mobile app. It's available on Android, iOS and Blackberry, and can help you with all this and more, including wait times for security at most major airports.

Here's a great little video with packing tips to make your travel time–and getting through airports–a breeze this summer.

Happy travels!

Disclaimer: I have been compensated by CATSA for this post. All views and opinions are my own. 

Getting Healthier From The Inside Out With Align

Finally, warmer days are here! Summer makes me happy, and the warmer temperature and sunshine always motivate me to stay on track with eating well, taking care of my body, and staying on top of my fitness routine. Of course, some days are harder than others, but I find it's easier to stay on track when the weather is cooperating nicely.

Although working out several times a week is important in helping you look and feel great, I believe it's what you put inside your body that has a bigger impact. If you feel good from the inside, you'll no doubt look and feel incredible on the outside, too. The best part about getting healthier from the inside out is that it's not complicated. We all know what foods are good for us, and we know that being physically active is important, too. I like doing activities I love, like cycle and barre classes, and spending as much time in the great outdoors as I can, now that it's nice outside. 

Whether it's swimming, playing soccer or basketball with my boys, or just going for a long walk after dinner, staying active is key.
In addition to eating healthy and working out, taking a daily probiotic like Align helps your body, too. These capsules provide ongoing relief of IBS symptoms like abdominal discomfort, gas, and bloating, and Align contains a probiotic that provides live bacteria that form part of the natural, healthy intestinal flora. 

Now that summer is here many of us will be travelling and keeping busy; and sometimes, changes in our routine, like when we're travelling, can disrupt our natural healthy intestinal flora. Taking Align once a day, every day, provides probiotic bacteria that contribute to making you healthier, and feeling better. The capsules contain Bifidobacterium 35624 TM, a patented probiotic strain.

Align is the number one Gastroenterologist recommended Probiotic supplement, and the number one Doctor recommended probiotic supplement, so you know what you're taking is good for you.

So why not kick up your health care routine this spring and summer, and make Align a part of your daily routine?

Disclaimer: I created this post as a paid ambassador for Align Probiotic. All opinions and advice are my own and I only work with companies I genuinely love and have used prior to being contacted.

*Among gastroenterologists and doctors who recommended a brand of probiotic in an AlphaImpactRx 2016 survey 

Kick Off The Long Weekend In Style With Tide

Finally, the long weekend is here! The weather has been amazing lately, despite a little rain. The Victoria Day long weekend is perfect for spending time with family and friends, and getting away from it all, in the great outdoors. It's time to pack up the bathing suits and sunscreen and get the BBQ fired up at the cottage.

If you're heading out of town this long weekend, you'll be spending time packing and washing your favourite travel outfits to take with you– little t-shirts, shorts, comfy dresses and leggings, bathing suits, and sweaters, for around the campfire. 

One of my favourite getaways was last summer when my family and I and a group of our friends went to Mont Tremblant for a few days of relaxation and fun in a beautiful house right near the village, complete with an indoor pool, 12 bedrooms, and a nice outdoor fire-pit where we roasted marshmallows late into the night. 

The only thing I didn't love about the experience was the fire-pit smell left behind on our clothes long after the last marshmallows had been consumed. So, what's the best way to take care of your clothes when you're enjoying your getaway? The products that I love to use–and that work amazingly well–are Tide PODS Plus Febreze, an ultra-convenient 4-in-1 laundry product that cleans, brightens, and freshens each load, Tide Odor Rescue with Febreze Odor Defence, to help eliminate odours at the fibre level, and Downy Fresh Protect, which removes odours from clothes and provides an amazing fresh scent that lasts 24-hours or up to 12 weeks in storage. 

Here are some long weekend tips to help you have a great time without the laundry headache: 

1. Stock up on Tide PODS Plus Febreze Odor Defence, because they're super convenient to travel with, and they get the job done! They clean, brighten fabrics, fight stains, and freshen each load, even when you're enjoying your time outside.

2. Pack light! I'm a total over-packer, and I always regret it afterwards. For a long weekend getaway, just bring the essentials: flip flops, sunscreen, swim wear, towels, little dresses, leggings, and a sweater, in case it gets cool in the evenings when you're relaxing outside. 

3. If you're noticing your clothes have a lingering campfire smell, use Tide Odor Rescue with Febreze Odor Defence Laundry Booster to help eliminate this smell. 

4. I love using Downy Fresh Protect to remove odours from clothes, like the smell of chlorine from the pool. Downy Fresh Protect is easy to use, because you just throw the beads in the laundry with your clothes and towels. They work great on getting out the musty smell from wet towels that have been sitting outside all day. (Here's a handy tip: allow your towels to air dry until you're ready to wash them). 

However you're spending your long weekend, I hope it's with family and friends. Keep things simple and fun with Tide and Downy, and take the time to relax in the great outdoors. Happy long weekend!

Disclaimer: This post has been sponsored by Tide and I have received compensation and product for review.  All views and opinions are my own. 

Affordable Gifts She'll Love For Mother's Day

Mother's Day is coming up this weekend, and even though we should celebrate moms every day for all the work they do, (truly, it's a 24 hours a day job... forever!) it's nice to give something special to the moms in your life—or to treat yourself to a little something sweet, too. I will say there is no gift greater than being a mom, and I feel blessed every day to have two little wonderful people in my life who love me very much.  The greatest gift of all is being a mom to my amazing boys.

I love giving practical (and affordable) gifts for most occasions, products I know will be used and loved. Here are some great suggestions on how you can spoil mom this Mother's Day, without breaking the bank:

Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner: Why not put together a hair and beauty package with some great products you can pick up from the drug store or grocery store for an easy gift every mom will love? The new Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner are a great set to include in your package, because this new shampoo and conditioner makes hair healthy from the inside out. This formula goes beyond surface cleaning to repair and strengthen hair, leaving hair smoother, with less breakage. The shampoo not only work incredibly well, it's also very affordable, too. You don't have to spend a lot of money on great hair care. Who doesn't want healthier, shinier hair just in time for summer?

Herbal Essences Bio-Renew Dry Shampoo: A little dry shampoo goes a long way, especially when it helps revive dull and lifeless hair—which this product does really well! It contains 0% parabans, and it purifies and protects hair from the inside out, for smoother, softer hair. The Cucumber and Green Tea Dry Shampoo revitalizes second-day hair with an instant hair refresh, while it absorbs oil, and lifts for extra volume. It smells so refreshing, too.

Olay Micro-Sculpting Cream: This iconic moisturizer has been reformulated to include new ingredients that boost hydration in your skin. The results? Fast-acting, long-lasting hydration, smoother skin, and less visible lines and wrinkles. This a great beauty product to buy to pamper mom (or yourself) for a fraction of the cost of other more expensive brands. The best part? It works incredibly well.

Alex and Ani: Jewellery is always a great idea, especially when it's affordable! Alex and Ani sell beautifully designed bracelets and you can buy some gorgeous sets for Mother's Day. With so many different styles to choose from, you'll find just the perfect piece for your mom. You can shop Alex and Ani at Nordstrom or at Alex and Ani boutiques.

Elizabeth Arden make-up: I love Elizabeth Arden products, espeically their amazing ceramide capsules. Elizabeth Arden has just come out with their new Tropical Escape collection. The Sheer Kiss Lip Oils come in six different shades, and give your lips a nice vibrant colour and a lot of shine. The FourEver Bronzing Powder is a combination of a blush, highlighter, and bronzer, giving your face that sun-kissed glow. The Dare To Bare Body Bronzing Oil is an amazing product that gives your skin an instant tan, with just the right amount of shimmer.

La Marca Prosecco: Why not elevate every day with a touch of luxury? La Marca Prosecco is premium Prosecco from Italy, and it's now available at an LCBO near you for under $20. It tastes delicious on its own, and it's the perfect Prosecco to use to make mimosas and other summertime beverages for those warm days around the patio when you're home. If you're hosting a Mother's Day party, make sure to include La Marca Prosecco to mix your drinks! It's such a beautiful bottle to gift, too.

Nike Athletic Gear: For the fitness loving moms, how about some new Nike running shoes and workout gear? There's nothing more I love than a great new workout outfit. It motivates me even more to make fitness a part of my daily routine. I put a few pieces to the test, and the new Nike Metcon DSX Flyknit Training Shoe are a perfect gift to give for the athletic mom.

Ann Taylor: AnnTaylor.com has some incredible timeless pieces you can shop for online, including summer shoes and wedges, and gorgeous dresses for every occasion. Ann Taylor also just launched a Mother's Day anthem video to show their support to mother's everywhere... a beautiful tribute to the mothers in our lives. (See below!). If you can't shop Ann Taylor in-store, order online; the process is simple and there is so much to choose from.

            

Cake Beauty: I love that Cake Beauty is Canadian, but did you know they're also vegan and cruelty-free, with no added harsh chemicals in any of their products? Here are two products I'm loving: The Do-Gooder Volumizing Dry Shampoo, because it's oil-absorbing, and gives hair an amazing boost of volume. The super light-weight formula lifts roots, and won't leave your hair feeling weighed down. It also smells so good you're going to want to use it all day long! The Locks Smith Dry Conditioner, because it instantly polishes your hair, making it feel and look soft and shiny. It's got argan and coconut oil in it, to nourish, hydrate, and protect dry ends, and it smells better than cake. (You can buy the dry shampoo and dry conditioner for $19 each, or as a set for $32 at Shoppers Drug Mart).

DermaBlend Professional: Have you tried DermaBlend yet? For flawless skin that leaves your skin glowing, Dermablend foundation, concealer, and powders give your skin incredible coverage, so you feel confident in your skin. You can read more about DermaBlend here.

Caudalie: Caudalie skin care products are part of my daily beauty routine. I love the new Vine Active Collection, and think these products would make the perfect Mother's Day gift. These products are anti-wrinkle, anti-dark circles, and fragrance-free. The Glow Activating Anti-Wrinkle Serum helps protect the skin from everyday aggressors like pollution and stress, on a daily basis, and you can see results almost right away, leaving your skin looking healthy and glowing. It's a light formula that easily blends into the skin with no residue.  The Vine Active Energizing and Smoothing Eye Cream helps get rid of dark circles and smoothes the eye area for a refreshed, energized look. Bonus: it also works great around the lips, as well, and smoothes lip contours. I also love the 3-in-1 Vine Active Moisturizer; it's a daily essential that's perfect for protecting your skin, leaving it hydrated and glowing. It's perfect for all skin types, too.

No matter how you're celebrating Mother's Day, I hope it's a day full of love for you!

Disclaimer: I have received the products listed in this post for review and/or compensation. All views and opinions are my own, and I only work with companies I love.

Show Your Heart For Maternal Health

On Mother's Day, I always like to reflect back to the happy days when I was pregnant with my two boys. Both experiences were wonderful and life-changing for me. I had easy pregnancies, where I was able to enjoy the many benefits of pregnancy bliss—guilt-free eating, relaxing, and just embracing my natural glow while watching my belly grow. I had relatively easy deliveries with my children, and I was surrounded by family, and supportive doctors and nurses.

Mother's Day is a perfect time to remind ourselves that safe, easy pregnancies and childbirth are not always the case. Every day, more than 800 women around the world die from pregnancy or childbirth related complications. When I heard this high number, it astounded me. How can this still be the case?  I'm so honoured to be supporting ADRA Canada and standing up for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) this month.

MNCH is one of the most common acronyms used in discussions about global health, but many of us here in Canada haven't heard of it because in this great country of ours, access to health care and nutrition ensures MNCH deficiencies are the exception—and not the norm. However, in other parts of the world, MNCH is a major concern as maternal and child mortality rates are unacceptably high.

This Mother's Day, ADRA Canada—part of the world-wide ADRA network—is working hard to end extreme poverty in some of the poorest communities in the world, and calling on Canadians to show their heart for maternal health by helping raise much-needed awareness through social media.

The Show your Heart for Maternal Health campaign encourages Canadians to raise awareness for MNCH by sharing a picture or video of your hands places over your belly button in the shape of a heart, and using the hashtag #Heart4MaternalHealth.

"Pregnancy is a time for full hearts and joy, but because of poor maternal health in developing countries and remote communities, it often ends in heartbreak," says James Astleford, Executive Director of ADRA Canada.

The most significant causes of maternal and child mortality in developing countries are high rates of acute and chronic malnutrition of mothers and children. By increasing awareness of MNCH among Canadians, we are sending a message of hope and support—encouraging more Canadians to take action.

Show Your Heart For Maternal Health is part of ADRA Canada's EMBRACE project—a four-year initiative primarily funded by the Government of Canada.

Show your Heart for Maternal Health is designed to develop a deeper understanding of global MNCH in Canada and to drive involvement of Canadians. Nearly all maternal and child deaths are preventable and by helping to improve MNCH, we can help save lives. You can participate in this worthwhile campaign until the end of May.




Disclaimer: I am working in partnership with this organization and have received compensation to raise awareness for this worthwhile cause. All views and opinions are my own.

Spring Cleaning With Pine-Sol

Now that spring is in the air, it's time to spring clean the house. I love everything about spring–yes, even cleaning. It's so refreshing to finally be able to keep the windows open all day long, and I love spring because we're one step closer to my favourite season of all–summer!

Spring cleaning for me means doing some major de-cluttering of every room in the house, and making room in my closet for all the spring clothes I'm going to buy. It also means deep cleaning my house–the kitchen, the bathrooms, the bedrooms, and the living room and dining room. I love using Pine-Sol because it works so well on so many different surfaces. It's basically one powerful cleaner that can tackle even the toughest of jobs.

Pine-Sol sent me their brand new multi-surface cleaner in the new Spring Blossom scent, and I love it. This new Pine-Sol smells so delicious... and so very spring-like. The bottle is pink and the smell? A mix of Jasmine, Magnolia, and Orange Blossom. The house feels and looks fresh and clean, and well... perfectly ready for spring.

The next time you're shopping for your cleaning supplies, make sure you pick up the new Pine-Sol Spring Blossom. It's the perfect solution to cleaning most rooms in your house, and it'll leave your home smelling deliciously fresh and clean, too. 

Thanks, Pine-Sol!

Disclaimer: I received compensation and product for my Pine-Sol Spring Blossom review. All views and opinions are my own. 

Getting Healthy From The Inside Out With Align

Now that spring is here it's time to start thinking seriously about getting back in shape and healthy again, if you happened to have not stuck to a regular program during the long winter months. Hey, I get it–sometimes, it can be hard when it's so cold outside all you want to do is snuggle up on the couch with some not-so-healthy snacks. Although I try to keep working out daily and eating healthy part of my lifestyle routine throughout the year, I take it easy when it's not so nice outside; I still ski, and spend some times outside, but going to the gym tends to not happen every day. However, now that warmer days are coming, it's much more motivating to get my sweat on at the gym on a daily basis, and eat well.

Along with eating well and working out, I take a daily multivitamin and a probiotic supplement, Align. If you're not too familiar with Align, let me help you out: it's the number one gastroenterologist recommended probiotic, and it helps relieve and manage symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Even if you don't have IBS, it's such a great product to include in your daily health care routine because it helps with abdominal discomfort, gas, and bloating. The capsules contain Bifidobacterium 35624 TM, a patented probiotic strain.

Since April was IBS Awareness Month, I thought it would be a fitting time to talk about all the things we can do to stay on top of our health, from the inside out—1 in 7 Canadians suffer with IBS and it's more common than people think. I love that you can take Align every day along with your vitamins to provide ongoing relief of IBS symptoms, and it really helps your body adjust and makes you feel better.

We all lead busy lives, with work, children, extra-curricular activities, our social life, travel, and more–when we're busy and stressed, we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves as well as we should. Stress can disrupt your natural healthy intestinal flora, and a probiotic can helps take care of that in a simple way.


Here are some ways you can kick-start your summer health care routine:


1. Get your rest. Believe it or not, sleep does a body well. I don't sleep as well as I should, because I go to bed past midnight every day, and wake up at 6 a.m., but I know the more sleep-eye I get, the better it'll be for my health.


2. Exercise. Just do it. Whether you're thinking of starting a new gym or running outside, there is no time like the present to start making working out every day a part of your life. No excuses–there is always time in the day to get your sweat on. I love doing cycle classes and a barre class several times a week Mixed in swimming, weights, and walks when the weather is nice, and it's easy to stay fit, and feel and look great.


3. Take a Probiotic. Adding a probiotic supplement like Align to your daily routine, even if you don't have IBS, can help contribute to a natural healthy intestinal flora. We all suffer from gas and bloating from time to time, and Align helps you body feel great by providing ongoing relief of these symptoms.


4. Eat well. It's easier than you think! Always stock up on fruits and vegetables when you're at the grocery store, include plenty of protein in your diet every day, and make sure to eat your greens. Once you start eating well, your'll feel so good you won't even be tempted by cupcakes anymore. (Of course, everything in moderation is also another good rule I stick by).


5. Enjoy the little things. Make sure you're surrounding yourself with people who lift you up, who are positive influences, and who make you laugh. Staying positive and happy will make you glow from within, and it also helps improve your health.

These are some ways you can feel and look better, from the inside out, in time for summer.







Disclosure: I created this post as a paid ambassador for Align Probiotic. All opinions and advice are my own and I only work with companies I genuinely love and have used prior to be being contacted. 

Putting Dermablend Professional To The Test

I always love trying new make-up, and when I was asked to review the Dermablend Professional  line, I quickly said yes. I have been looking for a new foundation for a while, and thought it was the perfect opportunity to try this make-up because of all the great things I kept hearing from other beauty product lovers like myself.

Dermablend Professional lets you decide how much you want to cover up when you're applying your make-up, and with their easy to use online 'shade selector', you can make sure you're choosing the colours that are right for your skin tone. Dermablend Professional is powerful make-up anyone can use, created by a dermatologist. These products provider excellent coverage and they are dermatologist and allergy-tested. They're also fragrance-free—perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Here are the products I put to the test and loved:

Dermablend Professional Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation: This medium cover liquid foundation helps even out your skin tone and provides seamless camouflage, while easily blending into the skin for a natural look, leaving your skin with an ultra-smooth finish. (This product retails for $42 at select drug stores).

Dermablend Professional Concealer: This is a medium coverage liquid foundation that's perfect for covering up spots that need covering up, and helping reduce the appearance of dark under eye circles. It's a seamless concealer that provides an ultra-smooth finish. (This product retails for $27 at select drug stores).

Dermablend Professional Intense Powder Camo: I love a great powder that helps reduce shine and lasts all day long. This product delivered the results I wanted, giving my skin a smooth, natural finish. The best part is you can select the exact shade that is perfect for your skin, so it looks flawless once it's applied. I love that it eliminates shine all day long.  (This product retails for $38 at select drug stores).

Dermablend Professional Loose Setting Powder: This loose powder is perfect for setting your make-up. It reinforces wearability for up to 16 hours of consistent colour wear that is smudge-proof and transfer resistant. (This product retails for $34 at select drug stores).

No matter what your skin tone is, Dermablend Professional really has you covered. There's nothing greater than feeling good in your own skin.

Stay At The Hazelton Hotel And Fall In Love With Yorkville

One of my favourite places to stay at is The Hazelton Hotel. I have written about this property before, because I've had the pleasure of being hosted at this gorgeous luxury boutique hotel several times, and with each visit, I fall in love even more–though all my visits have been perfection. I love the location, right in the heart of Yorkville. Surrounded by great restaurants, galleries, and shops, you'll always have something to do... and plenty to shop. I love the Anthropologie and Free People store down the street. There's also many fine luxury boutiques as well as Pottery Barn Kids, Holt Renfrew, and more. 

The hotel itself is beautiful, modern, and incredibly luxurious. The rooms and suites are spacious, and the balconies overlooking Yorkville are lovely, especially in the spring and summer. The bathrooms are what I love most; especially the heated floors, the in-mirror television, and the oversized bathtub. 

The best thing about The Hazelton Hotel is the service. The attention to detail and the personalized care are what makes this hotel unique. Whatever you need, the hotel will provide you: car service, dinner reservations, 24-hour in-room dining, personal chef, child care, airport transfers, flower arrangements, and more. 

The Spa at The Hazelton is also highlight for me. From pedicures to full-body scrubs and massages, you'll leave feeling amazingly relaxed and looking your best... and hopefully hungry, because you're going to want to check out ONE restaurant, especially if you're a foodie.  The menu options are delicious, from appetizers to dessert.  

Of course, The Hazelton Hotel is the place to be seen during TIFF–you'll always see a celebrity or two coming in and out of the front doors, and there is always something going on in Yorkville that makes a stay there memorable. 

Here are just a few upcoming events in Yorkville:

• Hot Docs, North America's largest documentary festival, is taking place between April 27th to May 7th, and over 200 films from across the world will be featured. The Bloor-Yorkville BIA is a Silver Sponsor and a Community Partner of this great film festival and Yorkville will be the hottest place to be during the festival. Book your dinner reservations at ONE now. 
• The 7th Annual Yorkville Exotic Car Show is taking place on Sunday, June 18th–the perfect way to celebrate Father's Day! You'll be able to get up close and personal with over 120 classic exotic cars, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and so much more.
• The Yorkville Village Summer Market, taking place in the outdoor courtyard of Yorkville Lanes will run every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from June 7th to August 30th–the perfect opportunity to pick up some of the best food Toronto has to offer including local produce and freshly baked goods as well as cheeses and wine. 

And there is more to come, too–stay turned to find out more about what exciting events are coming up in Yorkville this summer and fall!