Laser Spa Treatments || A Q&A on my recent experience. #AD

I’ll be the first one to admit, taking care of myself has fallen a bit to the wayside in the past 4 years. Since having kids I’ve struggled to find time for myself. This season  I made a goal to start the transition into a healthy balance of self care. It is so important, in hopes it’ll help me be an even better mommy. If I’m healthy, mentally rested and cared for… I will be able to give more of myself to these precious little guys. My best self is what my goal is all about.

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This week I got a sitter for two hours and headed off to Lipstick Empire for some me time. I shared my experience on my IG stories, I was overwhelmed by the response. So many of you feel the same way; it’s hard to get away for to the spa, a hair appointment, even a coffee alone! So thankful for the positive support of this me time movement. I know it was only two hours away but I needed it. So many of you had questions about the treatments, so I thought I’d try to answer them all in one place, welcome to my Laser Spa Q&A:

05CEDE35-F9F1-41D9-8690-FB227021212CWhy Lipstick Empire?

Lipstick Empire LaserSpa is a full service med-spa that offers everything from facials, makeup applications to advanced laser treatments as well as Botox and Filler treatments.

All of their Medical Aestheticians and Laser Technicians are highly trained in the field of Medical Cosmetics with experience ranging between 5-10 plus years in the industry.

The devices and the technology used at Lipstick Empire have been handpicked to deliver unparalleled results with little to no downtime required.
Not all machines are created equally so please ensure that you do your research: not only on the machines being used in your service but your technicians skill level to ensure your safety and to ensure you receive the most effective/efficient treatment possible. I have had very bad Groupon experiences years ago, one was a laser hair removal nightmare, burns from a laser facial and a lash extension horror story. I really wanted to speak to this point, it is important to have treatments done by people who actually know what they are doing! Learn from my painful mistakes and find a reputable spa using machines that work and techs that know what they are doing. These machines can have amazing results but they are powerful, so in the wrong hands you can do damage to your skin. If you aren’t local, read through reviews from multiply source sites. Call and ask questions. Go in for a consult to check the place out yourself.

What did I have done?

I had GentleMax Pro Laser Hair Removal with a laser by Syneroncandela Canada.
The GentleMax Pro delivers fast and efficient results for laser hair removal. It has a dual wavelength which is great for ALL skin types. It does not work on blonde or grey hair but they have a treatment called Dermablading that takes care of that.

How many treatments do I need and does it hurt?


Typically most people need 6-8 treatments per area to removal the hair. Treatments are done at 4-6 week intervals to target the hair when it is in the growing stage. It did hurt in some spots more compared to others. But it is over in seconds. I wasn’t red or swollen by the evening. I would say waxing hurts just as much for me, but this will solve my problem while regular waxing appointments will not.

How much is it?  Continue reading

Fall Dining with @TheBrick #AD || How to create the perfect fall tablescape

So excited to share with you one of my favourite dining sets from The Brick styled for fall! I love the Colby table’s natural wood grain detail and modern design. To create a fall tablescape can be a daunting task, there are so many colour palettes and place setting options. I found that adding florals is an easy way to add instant elegance to any table. I went with dark glass and flatware to transition from light summer colours to darker autumn hues. I love the pumpkin name plates, they are the perfect and easiest fall touch. Add wreaths throughout to room to carry on the fall theme, and you are set!

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Dining Set: The Brick || Mirror: The Brick || Cabinet: The Brick

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Gather Mirror Decal: Justine Ma || Florals: Cory Christopher

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See how I style this space for winter in a few weeks! Until then…

Happy Dining! Continue reading

Beauty || 3 fast & effective beauty secrets || Drug Store Edition #GotItFree

With fall in full swing I love to find fast beauty helpers to speed up my morning routine. I need to get out of the house fast to get Alastair off to school on time. I’m all about 3-5 minute looks, so I thought I’d share with you are few helpers I’ve been loving this season:

dry shampoo best of 2017 beauty products

HERBAL ESSENCES BIO RENEW GRAPEFRUIT AND WHITE MOSA MINT DRY SHAMPOO: This dry shampoo is amazing! I love the smell: grapefruit and mint. It revives dull, lifeless hair in seconds with ZERO residue. I’ve struggled with my dark hair colour to find a dry shampoo that didn’t leave white steaks throughout. This one is defiantly one to pick up for brunettes.

dry shampoo best of 2017 beauty products

OLAY AGE DEFYING ADVANCED HYDRATING GEL MOISTURIZER: This lightweight and oil-free formula absorbs quickly leaving skin intensely hydrated without clogging pores. I’m in love! 

SECRET FRESH INVISIBLE SPRAY – OOH LA LA LAVENDER: This invisible spray Deodorant will last the day and smells great. 

dry shampoo best of 2017 beauty products Continue reading

Home Decor || Fall Master Bedroom Updates with @TheBrick #ad

We’ve completely our master bedroom update, adding some seasonal decor to the style mix it’s easily my favourite room at the moment. I love to add pumpkins and candles to a room to easily convert to fall. Since we added this new bed frame from The Brick, many of you have asked sourcing questions about it. The Berlin has that lux linen style without breaking the bank, for under $750 for a king size that’s a steal for this type of popular frame. I love that it has button tutfing on both the head and footboard, adding intricate detail throughout. It’s truly a focal point to our room. We went with the light airy grey but there are several similar styles available in a cream. Welcome to our new master bedroom!

Fall decor home tour 2017 ideas white pumpkins modern autumn style Canadian bloggers Fall decor home tour 2017 ideas white pumpkins modern autumn style Canadian bloggers

Mirror: The Brick (Sold Out: New Style HERE) || Quilt: Target || Shams: Anthropologie 

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End Tables: The Brick || Lamp: The Brick || Rug: HERE || Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree: HERE 

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Accent Table: The Brick || Coffee Table: The Brick || Leather Like Chair: The Brick 

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Vase: The Brick || Candle Holders: The Brick (In Store Find)

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Fall Cocktail Recipe || The simplest apple cider you’ll ever make and tasty too!

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Happy Friday! With thanksgiving just around the corner, I teamed up with my blogging bestie Diana of 204 Park to share a simple and easy apple cider recipe. Make it as a mocktail for everyone to enjoy and add a splash of alcohol for the adults. This mulled cider is a crowd pleaser and so easy to make. I love how it fills the house with those amazing fall smells, it’s the perfect addition to any gathering you may be hosting this season.

apple cider simple easy recipe william sonoma fresh apples thanksgiving cocktail DIY

What you'll need...

4 litres of apple cider

3-4 tbsp Mulling Spices

1-2 apples

Optional – dark rum or brandy

What you'll need to do...

The simplest low maintenance way to make this cider is with a crock pot (although if you don’t have one, stove top will work if you’re at home to supervise a full day of low and slow heating).

Pour the cider, mulling spices and a few chopped apples (optional) into your crockpot and leave on low for about 4 hours. I found my mulling spices at Williams Sonoma but there are plenty of great options out there. I like to have a mason jar on hand to collection my mulling spices after, as they can be used several times if stored properly.

apple cider simple easy recipe william sonoma fresh apples thanksgiving cocktail DIYapple cider simple easy recipe william sonoma fresh apples thanksgiving cocktail DIYapple cider simple easy recipe william sonoma fresh apples thanksgiving cocktail DIY

Once your cider has heated and mulled away serve it up just as is or add a bit of dark rum for those grown ups at the party.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends! I’m so grateful to have friends like Diana that support my blog, cheer on my life and are there for me no matter what. I’m grateful for my online community, my readers and my followers… without you I couldn’t do blogging as my career and be at home with my little ones. Thank you for that! Continue reading