A True Canadian Winter

We haven't had one of these in a while.
I believe that last extremely snowy and cold winter we had was back in 2008.
I remember this because my daughter was born a few months before that and trips to get her immunizations and doctor check-ups during that winter was very challenging to say the least.

You can say we've been pretty "spoiled" the past couple of years with milder winters.
Being Canadian you would think we'd be use to all this snow and freezing temps but according to my twitter stream and facebook timeline it's clearly evident that no matter how Canadian one may be...
we do not like the cold.

Big fluffy scarves, thick mitts and wool hats, double layers of clothing under husky coats and thick-set sorels or solid Uggs has pretty much been the fashion attire the past couple of weeks.

Mother nature teased us this winter with spring-like weather mid-late January and then just like that shook us with snowmageddon shortly thereafter.
Not just a measly 5, 10, 15, or even 20 cm of snow. Come on. It's Canada. She took it to higher levels (literally) with a whopping 40+ cm of snow.
I guess she felt she's been too lenient with us the past few years.
This past snow storm pretty much made up for it.

This was the sight of our backyard in just the beginning stages of the recent snow storm.
I think it looks beautiful and picturesque, don't you?
Snow can be beautiful.

But chaos hit the streets and commuting on the roads was near impossible (and extremely dangerous). So dangerous in fact that many people decided not to go into work that day to risk traveling in these conditions. But not my hubby. No way. He thought he'd brave it and go in anyway to catch up on some very important work.
God bless him for his determination and loyalty to his work (Can we say "Superstar Employee"?), but I on the other hand, would never risk driving in this weather.
I have a serious phobia of driving in bad weather conditions; I mean a serious one.
I hyperventilate if I was in a vehicle (even though not driving) and the weather was bad.
The good news is hubby made it home safe and sound with no major issues on the roads... well, almost.

Had to get stuck right in front of our driveway.

So my children and I spent the time stuck indoors doing lots of arts & crafts, playing games and watching tons of fun movies. We also did some baking.
But if you have children under 5, you will understand when I tell you that no matter how many indoor activities you do, cabin fever will kick in sooner than later. Plus having a little one watch all that snow outside and not be able to get out there is torture.

I would not, however; be complaining one bit had I been sipping a hot baileys coffee near an open fire in a ski chalet hidden somewhere in Aspen.
Perhaps something like this?

Aerin Lauder's Ski Chalet in Aspen (Photo courtesy of chiccoastalliving.blogspot.com)

How did you spend Snow Day this year?

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Beat the Winter Viruses with #Adult Essentials

This season is the perfect opportunity to spend lots of fun quality time with family, especially your little ones.
Ski trips, tobogganing, snowboarding, winter hikes along the beautiful trails, skating followed by a cup of hot cocoa.
Another thing that my family loves to do during this time of year is head out for a brisk walk around the neighborhood after dinner with home-made hot chocolate all cozy and bundled checking out the gorgeous Holiday lights up on the houses.  It's amazing how much effort our wonderful neighbors put into lifting the
holiday spirits with how they decorate their homes for this festive time of year.
Being a mom, what I've come to realize though is that the common cold virus has a knack for visiting intruding my home and all the members in it starting with the kids most often during this time of year.
This makes for miserable moments combating runny noses and sore throats and time wasted in taking in this beautiful season outdoors.

Prior to taking my daily vitamin, I use to get sick quite often.  Let's just say I have a poor immune system.
I would avoid any and all that have come in contact with a virus like a plague but now that I'm a mother, that's very hard to do.
I can't stress enough the importance a daily vitamin is in your lifestyle.  We think we eat healthy enough, work out, etc. but we are always lacking a little something and could use a little boost.

First and foremost, start your day with a decent breakfast and a multivitamin, making sure to have a decent amount of Vitamin C as well, either derived through orange juice or a similar beverage, or an additional vitamin if necessary. Ensuring that your body has the necessary energy and nutrients to fight against the germs that carry the common cold is perhaps the most important step in attempting to have a healthy, cold-free winter. Your immune system must be kept at its peak during these months in order to stave off more debilitating illnesses like the flu.
Stay nice and bundled up as an external defense and they say consuming a cup of black or green tea daily is good for their antioxidants.

The germs that cause the common cold are actually most easily transmitted through the hands, so it is very important to take the necessary steps to wash and clean your hands several times a day in order to reduce the risk of catching a cold when in public places.  I like to keep antibacterial wipes and/or hand gel in my car and my purse when heading out.

It is still entirely possible you will catch a cold this winter, but if you follow the above tips daily and avoid contact with sick people when possible, then you will have significantly reduced the risk of getting sick yourself.

You can check out Adult Essentials line of Vitamins here.
You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

You will be able to find Adult Essentials Gummies at any of your local pharmacies and grocery stores in the vitamin aisle.  If you're having difficulty, you can check here for a list of retailers that carry them.

They are a Canadian brand the understands our Canadian Winters and the creator is also a Mom, just like you and I. If there's a brand that I can trust, it's definitely Adult Essentials.

How do you battle the ugly winter Viruses?


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Disclosure: I am participating in the Adult Essentials Blogger Outreach program by ShesConnected.  I received a supply of vitamins and compensation in exchange for my participation in this campaign. The opinions on this blog are my very own.

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12 Days of Holiday Giveaways: Day 6 with 7 A.M. ENFANT

Walking along the snow-kissed sidewalk pushing my baby in his stroller, an enthusiastic four year old scurrying along next to me wrapped snug in her layers of winter wear excitedly pointing out at anything and everything she sees - there I am trying to appease the icicles which are my fingers all while attempting to shoot her a quick smile.

Why from all days did I forget that we're out of diapers? Usually I'm on top of these things.

 Another disadvantage to a one-vehicle family (and living in the burbs) - hubby takes it to work; I have no choice but to make the expedition to the nearby convenience store (which by the way feels a whole lot further than it really is during a cold Winter's day).

Okay in the name of fashion, I just received these gorgeous leather gloves that I thought would keep my hands warm... wrong.

Maybe on another day, but not this day.

Who else understands the mother's needs in constant outdoor travel in cold climates than a French Designer living in New York? If you've been to both Paris and New York in the cold weather, which I have, you'll know what I mean.  Outdoor commuting is frequent in both places and their Winters can get very cold!

I'm talking about the creator of 7 A.M. ENFANT, Rebecca Campora.

I fell in love with their versatile, modern and unisex diaper bags (read my review here); I'm truly a big fan of their product line in general.

Winner of many awards, including PTPA's seal, for their stylish and functional gear, 7 A.M. ENFANT is a great brand that offers an array of gift ideas for that lovely mother to wee ones on your list.

Now had I had a pair of their WarMMuffs, I would have saved my fingers the agony.

7AM continue to bring families comfort by providing a smart solution for the winter season, making the cold outdoors a time to enjoy for the person pushing the baby stroller. While securely holding the stroller the caregiver’s hands are kept cozy and warm, with the flexibility of easily using bare hands to tend to the needs of the child.

You can learn more about 7 A.M. ENFANT and all their fabulous products at: www.7amenfant.com.

On Day 6 of Carol's Au Courant's 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways along with 7 A.M. Enfant I'm giving the gift of warmth with a pair of 7 A.M. Enfant HM500 WarMMuffs.

Enter in the rafflecopter below to win! 

*Open to US/CDA. Ends 12/12.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Battle Dry Skin this Winter with George's Cream Review + #Giveaway

As much as I love Winter, the one thing that I completely dread (aside from slippery road conditions and shoveling) is the damage the cold air can do to your skin.

My husband and little girl are especially vulnerable to dry skin and windburn during this time of year and it's been very tough finding a perfect product to use on their skin, especially the knuckles on my husband's hands to combat the dryness and burn.  It's painful to look at it! I can only imagine how my husband feels!

Another issue I've encountered recently that has been intensified during this colder season is my 2 month old son's cradle cap and dry skin on his face.

Being the very resourceful and probing mother that I am, I of course scoured the internet reading up on the different experiences from other moms and those that have suffered similar issues before wasting money on products that will not work.  I know this because I've already fell victim to many different products that I spent ridiculous amount of money on for nothing but a brand name -- did nothing for my family members.

I heard and read a lot about George's Cream but never thought of it because it wasn't a familiar name.  I saw it sitting on the skincare shelf during a typical stop-off at my local drug mart next to all the other more accustomed products but never thought of it.  

As the name "George's Cream" began repeating itself from the mouths of other mothers and dry skin sufferers, I jumped at the opportunity to review 2 of their popular products: George's Special Dry Skin Cream and George's Light Special Moisturizing Lotion.

What I love about George's Skin Care products is that they do not contain Urea, Lanolin or Parabens and have been specifically made to be hypoallergenic and fragrance free. NO additives, irritants, fragrance or colouring which could irritate damaged skin.  This means this is even great for kids and babies!

George's Special Moisturizing Lotion is a lighter version of George’s Special Dry Skin Cream, and has been carefully researched and formulated to soothe and protect problem skin.  It is gentle enough for use every day and can be used by those with sensitive skin.  

Maintains the integrity of the cream with a minimum of ingredients and has no additives that could cause allergies.  Great for daily use to moisturize, soothe and protect dry skin.

This is a great lotion to use all year-round for those with sensitive skin and prefer un-scented products that do the job!

George’s Light Special Moisturizing Lotion is available in a 30ml tube and 360ml bottle and has a suggested retail price of $2.99 and $10.99

George’s Special Dry Skin Cream was created for lasting dry skin relief.
Provides relief from different types of skin symptoms and conditions.
This product I found truly did work for very dry skin!  It's no wonder it is recommended by dermatologists, pharmacists and physicians.
Provides immense relief for those suffering from any of the following conditions:  Eczema, Psoriasis, Sunburn, Windburn, Cradle cap, Winter itch, Flaky skin, Tough elbow skin, Radiation therapy, Sport chafing (runners, cyclists), Swimmer’s itch, Dry hands and cracked cuticles, Foot problems including those associated with diabetes.

I used this product on my son's face for his dry skin and he didn't get red and break out afterwards like he did with other products and the great thing is that it actually reduced the dryness.  I now use it on the driest areas of his face after his bath.  It's working!
My husband now keeps it with him at his office for his day-to-day as he found that it is helping with his winter-dry and painful knuckles.

Example of the thickness yet creamy consistency of Special Dry Skin Cream. No icky, sticky feeling!

George’s Special Dry Skin Cream is available in a 450g jar, 30ml & 90ml tube and has a suggested retail price of $14.99, $2.99 and $6.49.

Another awesome thing about George's Cream that I love -- they're Canadian! So they fully understand our harsh winters!

George's Skincare Products are available at grocery, mass merchandise and drug stores nationwide including Shoppers Drug Mart & Loblaws.

You can learn more about George's Cream at: www.georgescream.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

George's Cream would make a great stocking stuffer for those you know that need to find some dry skin relief this Winter and what makes it a great gift is that you don't have to worry if the product will irritate their skin -- works for everyone!

One of my readers will win a George's Cream Package including Full-sized and Trial-sized Products.

Enter below via rafflecopter to be entered. Don't forget to leave a comment to be eligible!

*Open to Canadian Residents only. Ends 12/14.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


*Disclaimer: I received full products in exchange for my review; however the opinions expressed are my very own.*

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Trendy Fall/Winter 2012 Kids Fashion from Top Designers

It's the most wonderful time of the year! 

I'm talking about Fall/Winter Fashion, folks! And Back-to-School for many other parents too!
Not only is Fall my favourite season, it also happens to be my favourite Fashion season as well.

I thought I'd share the most absolutely chic and adorable Children's Fashion Trends for this cool and crisp upcoming season.  I love them! 

Gucci Fall Winter 2012-13 kidswear campaign inspired by “Wonderland”.

I noticed that for both adults and children, RED is going to be a hit this season! 

 *Photo courtesy of Gucci

Zara Fall Winter 2012 Kidswear collection campaign.

 *Photo courtesy Zara

H&M “Back To School” Fall 2012 Collection Lookbook

As temperatures cool down and we ease into fall. You’ll probably need to revamp your kids’ closets to prepare for the new school year. 

 

*Photo courtesy H&M

Luxury brand Roberto Cavalli Fall Winter 2012-13 Collection.

Oh my goodness, these are too cute for words!


Dolce & Gabbana Bambino Campaign. 

Bianca Balti and Enrique Palacios, along with stunning children, front the Dolce & Gabbana Bambino campaign.
What a beautiful family & the clothes aren't so bad either. ;)

I can't get over how delightful and dazzling these outfits are! And even more excited to don my Fall & Winter Wardrobe!

Which designer styles is your fave?

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