Winter Stripes 20-40-60

r - We are almost a the end of February! I always think to myself if I can just make it through until March then spring will be just around the corner. Well the exceptionally frigid temperatures we have been having lately are starting to make it feel like spring might take a little while longer to get here. That's okay! We have some super cute winter stripe outfits to tide you over. This outfit is sweet and simple with an unexpected colour mix. Red skinnies and a 3/4 length striped shirt go perfectly for a nice casual option. I really liked the turquoise statement necklace with my red jeans. The perfect pop of colour I have been looking for.
m- Still loving stripes, not loving the wind chill of -37 degrees. This sweater is the perfect weight for maintaining warmth when moving from car to shop/house, without being too bulky. This skirt is made out of stretchy lace, so it is comfortable and does not lose its shape or crease. I have reintroduced my nude pump in an effort to embrace spring. Unfortunately, they travel with me in shoe bag and are put on after I reach my destination. My toes are very important to me and I will not risk frostbite for fashion!
k- I am wearing one of my favourite winter sweaters. The cashmere is very warm and cozy which is essential considering the climate outside.  I am partial to the boat neck line and three quarter length sleeves that reminds me of the 50”s style.  The black and white stripes add the pop to the basic black outfit that I’m wearing.  Alternatively, I have worn coloured or leather pants or skirt depending on the occasion.

20 something

40 something

60 something

To shop r, m and k's looks..click on the images below:

To shop m's look, click on the image below:

Friday Five Ideas to Lighten Up the Winter Blahs

Mid- February...Time to put the fitness push into motion. We have been working out together for seven weeks, 6 days on, 1 day off. This is the time that will make or break our lifestyle changes. One of the advantages of working out consistently, is our sense of well being. As an added bonus, r has lost 15 lbs in two months, cutting out pop, eating a mostly plant based diet and moving. Wow! That is determination! We do have a couple of ideas to continue building enthusiasm and encouraging us on our fitness journey:
1) Download some new playlists.
2) Buy some workout brights:

3) Add in some heavier weights and explore some new training DVD's (m's training is homebased, as she has not budgeted or allotted time for a  gym membership, r attends pay as you go fitness classes from time to time).

4) Add a few Spring Items into your wardrobe. We recommend YELLOW.

5) Get together with your pals!

Pops of Colour

r & m - This can be a dull time of year. We are longing for warmer days and bright colours, but are confined by the chill in the air, slush and snow. Our retailers often provide items that would be suitable for temperatures above 0 degrees and are not practical for our conditions. We have created some outfits to provide with some pops of colour to lift your spirits and stay warm.


Green

Pops of Green Inspiration

Where to find it in Canada? Click on the images below and the colours and sites are at your fingertips:

Yellow Inspiration

Click on the images below for products available in Canada:

Pink

Pops of Pink Inspiration

Where to find it in Canada? Click on the image below:

r's skin experiment and conclusions

r- It has been a really neat to see the results in my skin from start to finish. I am really impressed with the results. It cleared up my blemishes very quickly. After the third-fourth week I noticed that I had way less breakouts and my skin was soft and smooth. I will tell you that you need to be diligent with this product in order for it to work. I have always washed my face before going to sleep and when I wake up in the morning so this product fit into my routine easily. That being said I wasn't feeling well and missed a morning/night and I woke up with a blemish! There is no cure for acne..you can only manage it. In order to manage it..you need to use the product! I want to tell everyone I know about this skin care line. I'm in love with it!

before

after 

r's Skin Care Routine - pics and feedback coming soon!

The Brand: Rodan + Fields

1) Acne Treatment Sulfur Wash:Medicated cleanser with an OTC level of 3% sulfur penetrates pores to control acne blemishes and reduce redness. Pores stay clear, allowing the treatments that follow to penetrate into pores. 

2) Clarifying Toner: Alcohol-free toner gently clears pores with mild alphahydroxy acids.
Antioxidants calm the complexion and prepare skin for the steps that follow.

3) Dual Intensive Acne Treatment: Unique dual-chamber delivery system ensures maximum efficacy of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide into pores, helping prevent the development of new acne

blemishes.

4 )SOOTHE Mineral Sunscreen: Broad spectrum SPF 30 contains only mineral-based sunscreen 

ingredients that can keep the skin’s surface cool and minimize the appearance of facial redness. Lightweight formula calms and soothes.

Top Black and White Styles

r & m- Black and white are always a winning combination. In the coming season, you will see black and white everywhere. It is pretty simple to do and instantly creates a clean and sophisticated look. A little advice from m: the older you are,the longer the crop top or use as a layer.

Outfit #1

Outfit #2

Outfit #3

Outift #4

m's Skin Care Reveal!

m's 40 something Skin Care Regime - I have truly enjoyed this process and experiment. I am the typical , busy working mom and spend a lot time driving places, organising and well...working. Over the years, I have purchased numerous skin care lines: Lancome, Estee Lauder, Clinque, Burt's Bees, Aveeno and Origins (that one smelled great), to name a few. I used them to completion and inevitably moved on and found myself back in the beauty aisle, rolling the dice to see what product would work wonders on my skin. When I was first approached to try this product, I had some trepidation because I honestly felt like all skin care products are a money grab. I had not seen any improvements with any of the products that I used. I eat mostly vegetables and limited processed foods, work out daily, drink a ton of water, wear sunscreen and I don't smoke. I assumed that some people just have great skin and that mine was...mine. So I decided to research this product on  my own and make my decision about whether or not this skincare regime was worth my time and money based on MY experiment. I was especially pleased that it came with a 60 day money back guarantee.
Here are my conclusions:  Following the morning and evening routine provided me with amazing results and a sense of luxury. I actually enjoyed the process and tracking the results. I can see a difference - a huge difference!  I am now officially hooked and love the product so much, that I decided to become a consultant!  I am going to spread the word about Rodan + Fields (hey, they created ProActive).  If you have any questions or would like to try the product, message me or contact via facebook!

start of experiment

14 weeks

start of experiment

14 weeks later

The Brand: Rodan + Fields

The Regimen: REDEFINE

What's in it? 

1. Daily Cleaning Mask: This mask draws impurities from pores and gently exfoliates, without disrupting skin’s delicate moisture barrier.
2. Pore Minimizer: Alcohol-free toner minimizes the appearance of pores.
3. Triple Defense Treatment Broad Spectrum SPF 30: Reduces appearance of lines and wrinkles and visibly firms skin, with exclusive SHIELDrf sunscreen technology for effective broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 protection.
4. Overnight Restoration Cream: Ultra-hydrating cream replenishes skin’s natural moisturizing factors while you sleep for visibly firmer skin in the morning.

Who should use REDEFINE?

Anyone that has experienced the appearance of lines, enlarged pores and loss of firmness (wow, ageing is great...)

• Decreased cell turnover
• Diminished collagen and elastin production produce a weakening of skin’s inherent structure
• Loss of moisture
• Cumulative effects of sun, environmental damage and behavioural and lifestyle choices.

r's Skin Care Routine - pics and feedback coming soon!

The Brand: Rodan + Fields

1) Acne Treatment Sulfur Wash:Medicated cleanser with an OTC level of 3% sulfur penetrates pores to control acne blemishes and reduce redness. Pores stay clear, allowing the treatments that follow to penetrate into pores. 

2) Clarifying Toner: Alcohol-free toner gently clears pores with mild alphahydroxy acids.
Antioxidants calm the complexion and prepare skin for the steps that follow.

3) Dual Intensive Acne Treatment: Unique dual-chamber delivery system ensures maximum efficacy of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide into pores, helping prevent the development of new acne
blemishes.

4 )SOOTHE Mineral Sunscreen: Broad spectrum SPF 30 contains only mineral-based sunscreen 

ingredients that can keep the skin’s surface cool and minimize the appearance of facial redness. Lightweight formula calms and soothes.