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Keep Your Family a Little Safer with Duracell Lithium Coin Batteries with Bitter Coating

 

Now, if you do not know what a lithium coin battery is, then you’ve come to the right place. Because I’m going to share a little bit about it. Plus some safety tips on how you can keep your family safe using the new Duracell Lithium Coin battery with a bitter coating.

With that being said, Duracell now contains a non-toxic, bitter coating designed to help discourage swallowing! This bitter coating is available in battery sizes 2032, 2025, and 2016. These have a diameter of 20mm, which is similar to the size of a child’s esophagus.

In addition, Duracell has a double blister design packaging, making it nearly impossible to open without scissors.

How to Keep Your Family Safe with Duracell Lithium Coin Battery

How Duracell Lithium Coin Works

Now, if you do not know what a lithium coin battery is, then you’ve come to the right place. Because I’m going to share a little bit about it. Plus some safety tips on how you can keep your family safe using the new Duracell Lithium Coin battery with a bitter coating.

With that being said, Duracell now contains a non-toxic, bitter coating designed to help discourage swallowing! This bitter coating is applied to battery sizes 2032, 2025, and 2016. These have a diameter of 20mm, which is similar to the size of a child’s throat.

So, if your child accidentally puts one in their mouth, they will quickly spit it out!

In addition, Duracell has a double blister design packaging, making it nearly impossible to open without scissors.

How to Keep Your Family Safe with Duracell Lithium Coin Battery

How to Keep Your Family Safe with Duracell Lithium Coin Battery

How to keep your children safe using FIRST key steps:

  1. Find out which devices in your home contain lithium coin batteries.  Store those devices away and out of reach of children.
  2. Inspect the devices for any that don’t have screw-on compartments and seal them with tape.
  3. Remove expired batteries and place them away safely and out of reach of children until you can recycle them properly. 
  4. Select lithium coin products with safety features. Such as child secure packaging and a non-toxic bitter coating designed to help prevent accidental ingestions.
  5. Team up with friends and family to spread this information and help keep children safe. 

 

Devices to Look Out For:

Keep Safe this Holiday Season with Duracell

With the holiday season upon us, you may not think twice about objects in your home that may be powered by lithium coin batteries. For example, string lights, holiday ornaments, greeting cards with sound, and of course certain toys, could contain lithium coin batteries.

On top of that, even household items, like a thermometer, kitchen scales, garage openers,  and remotes!

Head to London Drugs to be one of the first to try out the new Duracell Lithium Coin batteries with bitter coating and ensure your household is aligned with the latest safety standards.

Happy Holidays 😀

The Power of Peptides | Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

Who is ready to learn all about the power of peptides? And why OlayMicro-Sculpting Cream is a 5 -star red jar?!

That’s a tongue Twister 😛

Well obviously, you care about your skin, which is why you’ve clicked on this link. Additionally, you want to learn how you can help make your skin feel more hydrated.  Well, I’m so ready and excited to share all about this powerful anti-aging cream that I know you will love.

You may also like: Retinol 101: What is it and how you should use it

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

What are peptides and why are they so important

First, I wanted to share a little bit about peptides and why they are so important to your skincare routine.  I want you to think of your skin as a piece of cloth and over time, that cloth gets really worn down because of constant use. Of course, it’s going to feel different and maybe not work the same way as it did before. Well, your skin is the same way.

The older you get, the less hydrated and bouncy your skin will feel. This is where peptides come into play.

Peptides can help improve overall skin appearance, smoothness, and firmness.

How cool is that!

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

 Why Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

With being said, not all peptides are the same. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting cream contains palmitoyl pentapeptide-4. This is clinically proven to effectively penetrate the skin and significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for smoother, brighter-looking skin.

Olay is rooted in nearly 70 years of skin science. Which is older than me and even my mom.  I’ve also been using the Olay Retinol 24 moisturizing cream for about 10 months and have seen huge improvements in my skin, so I am very excited to incorporate the Olay Micro-Sculpting Cream in my skincare routine.

Plus with winter rolling in, my skin gets super dry, especially here in Alberta. Having this affordable skincare option to help hydrate my skin is going to be such a game-changer! 

To answer your question, yes! you can totally use both at the same time 🙂

DrugStore Skin Care

Powerful Results at an Affordable Price 

If I’m honest, which I usually am. I simply can’t afford to spend tons of money on skincare. Which many of us can’t really splurge on.

Thankfully, Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is not only affordable, but it can also hydrate your skin better than some prestige creams. Making it a better option for your wallet! 

This drugstore cream is filled with proven skincare ingredients like peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid!  Niacinamide is sorta like the sidekick! It helps improves your skin moisture barrier for long-lasting hydration.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream VS Prestige Cream

Are you ready to try it yet? No? Let me give it one last shot! Below you will find a 15-second video, showcasing the difference between Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream and a high-end brand ($200 cream).

Again, keeping in mind the importance of peptides and hydration and of course the price tag. As you can see from the video, Olay hydrates your skin better than the prestige cream. Bigger beads equal more hydration! Which of course means that the Olay cream is doing what it is designed to do 🙂

I hope you enjoyed learning all about the importance of peptides and hydration!

Next time you go shopping, make sure to add this drugstore skincare to your basket.

Introducing Mario Kart Live Home Circuit | Best Buy Canada

The hype about the new Mario Kart Live Home Circuit is real! Just when I thought the Mario Kart game couldn’t get any better, Nintendo releases the newest must-have game.

First, can we all agree with how crazy games, consoles, and technology have improved over the past couple of decades? The 90’s child inside of me is a tad bit jealous. I remember spending hours racing Princess Peach on SuperMario with our Nintendo 64. This game brought back so many awesome memories for me. So of course, I was excited to show off to the boys. 

MarioKart Live Home Circuit

About Mario Kart Live Home Circuit

I gotta say, that Nintendo did it again. The Mario Kart Live Home Circut has some really awesome features that other games don’t. Which is why it’s already on so many kids wishlist this Christmas.

Kids and adults have the chance to control a real-life Mario Kart through their homes using their Nintendo Switch. Crazy right!  The camera on top of your racer live feeds what’s happening in the game directly to your switch.  Allowing both you and your kids to enjoy your in-home course.

Linking your kart to the Switch was fairly easy, however, I would recommend having the adults setting up the profiles on Nintendos website!

Additional Features

  • Includes 1 kart (Mario) and 4 racing gates
  • When you hit a boost or a Green Shell, your kart will speed up or slow down in real life
  • Race around the house on your custom course with up to 3 friends in Custom Race or Grand Prix (note: each player requires their own Nintendo Switch system, the Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit game, and either the Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Mario Set or Luigi Set)
  • As you play, you’ll unlock more speed settings, costumes, environments, and more that can be used to create your custom course

MarioKart Live Home Circuit

Turn your home into a Mario Kart course of your design

I think the best part about this game is that you can use your own home as the course by using the gates provided. You can make it as big or as small as you want it!  Also, you can use things around your home to customize your course and really transform it into your very own Mario World.

Our family spent a couple of hours taking turns racing around the house! In fact, the kids couldn’t get enough of it, well the adults had some fun with it too 😛

MarioKart Live Home Circuit

Wrap Up

So you’re probably wondering where you can find this awesome new game? Best Buy Canada, sells both the Nintendo Switch and Mario Kart Live Home Circuit.

Best Buy Canada has the latest and greatest tech for most family fun! Whenever we need some new gadgets, we always hit up Best Buy, because we know we will find what we need.

I would highly suggest that you keep checking back on their website for the restock of both items. These will sell out as fast as they came in stock. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Happy racing 😀

Our Trip to Jasper | Fairmont Jasper Lodge Park [Eat, Stay & Play]

Gosh, I can’t believe it’s been just over a month and a half since we visited the Fairmont Jasper Lodge! It’s crazy how time flies. Before I begin, I wanted to note that this blog post is up later than I had anticipated. All the photos will be of our trip in September. As you know, Alberta has had recent snowfalls. So do keep that in mind when reading! 

Now back to our trip to Jasper, Alberta.

We’ve been Calgarians for just over a year! As you know, our family loves to adventure around this beautiful province! There are so many “must-see” locations, that we just can’t help but visit them.  One place in particular that I for sure thought we wouldn’t get to for a while was Jasper, Alberta. I’ve seen and heard so many great things about it, so naturally, I made a mental note and added it to our “to visit” list.

Thankfully we were able to make that dream a reality fairly quickly!

We spent a total of 3 nights and 4 days exploring and having fun in Jasper. And, I’m so excited to tell you all about it 😀

Where to Stay [Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge]

We had the pleasure of staying at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, in one of their Junior Suite Lake View Rooms!  A gorgeous Luxury Signature Cabin! We had a perfect view of the emerald green lake, Lac Beauvert. Let me tell you, the scenery in Jasper, did not disappoint.

As a family of 5, we often find it hard to create space and boundaries for all of us when we are in a small one-bedroom hotel room.

Thankfully, with the Junior Suite Lake View, we were able to comfortably accommodate our big family for more than one day 🙂

The room has a sliding door option to create more of a day/night feeling!  We used the pull-out couch to create a dark room for our two littles to fall asleep. So that us adults could wind down without having to worry about waking up the kids.  Having this option is so convenient when you are travelling with littles.

Fairmont Jasper Junior Suite

Where to Eat [Fairmont Jasper]

We had a few options to eat on the property, but our favourite was definitely the Great Hall Gastropub. It is located in the main building of the Fairmont Jasper. The Great Hall offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner à la carte. The best part? Kids five and under eat FREE.

With that being said, we also enjoyed the in-room dining option as well! For those, who don’t feel comfortable sitting and eating inside a restaurant but still want to enjoy hotel dining.  This is made for you!

On that note,  what I really wanted to highlight was the incredible picnic basket prepared by Fitzhugh’s Fine Foods.  The picnic baskets are perfect for a little fun under the sun and can be enjoyed on their great lawns! I would suggest that you call and order your picnic ahead of time so they have time prepare your basket for you 🙂

Fairmont Jasper

Where to Play [The Boathouse ]

Now time for the fun stuff, well all of it was fun, but these activities were enjoyed by all of us. YEP, even the kiddos.  Where do I start?

Well, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, has an incredible view of Lac Beauvert.  If you ever make your way to Jasper and have a chance to stop into the Fairmont. I highly recommend renting a canoe from the Boathouse and drifting through the crystal water. I promise you won’t regret it.

In addition to the Canoe rentals, the Boathouse also offers bike rentals. Now, I would be lying if I wasn’t a bit terrified about how that would go. We did have a few tears because the colour of the bike wasn’t the right one. BUT, once they got over it, the kids were zooming around us in no time.

Picnic baskets are perfect for a little fun under the sun and can be enjoyed on our great lawns,Jasper SkyTram [ Where to play]

I wanted to insert a little blurp about the Jasper Skytram because our experience was so much fun. The Jasper skytram takes you up 2,263 metres onto Whistlers Mountain. From there you can hike the Summit Trail to the peak for an amazing 360° views of six mountain range. – including Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies

Things to consider while staying at the Fairmont Jasper Lodge Park.

It was an absolute pleasure to venture to the Fairmont Jasper Lodge Park. We were able to enjoy the last couple of weeks of sun in such a picturesque location. We had mountain views for days and it’s was exactly what we needed gearing up to the crazy fall/winter season.

In addition, I wanted to note that upon arrival to the Fairmont Jasper, they take your temperature at the gate and provide you with your PPE. On top of that, they had social distancing measures in place when eating in the restaurant or using the pool. We wore masks around the property and inside the building.

Our family felt extremely safe visiting and with little children, it can get tough. But with so much nature around us, we utilize as much of the property as we could to keep all of us happy!

We are so thankful that our family had this amazing opportunity to work with the Fairmont Jasper and cover some of the amazing amenities, dining and activities they had to offer 🙂

48-hours of fun in the Fraser Valley

Summer 2020 will always remind me of the amazing travels our family had. Like the 48hrs of fun, we had in the Fraser Valley.

Believe it or not, but  I think we probably had the best summer as a family yet. Let me explain, this summer we spent a lot, and when I say a lot, I mean A LOT of time together. I’m sure you did too! Which meant, creating all the memories and enjoying every single moment.

Our family even managed to sneak in a trip to Vancouver this past August for my birthday. I’m so glad we did because we finally got to play tourist in Vancouver. More specifically, in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, which are considered the Fraser Valley.

Similiar: Visiting Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina   

Day 1 – Abbotsford [Fraser Valley]

We got in really late the Wednesday before, so our adventures didn’t start until Thursday after some much-needed rest! After all, a 13-hour drive will do that to you 😛

The next morning we headed to Taves Family Farm.  However, we did make a quick pit stop to Highstreet. [Which we used to visit often back when we lived in Vancouver.]. Anyways, back to our adventures.

Tave Family Farm is located in Abbotsford, BC, and offers tons of year-round activities. We went in the summer (August), so we had the pleasure of seeing the new Sunflower patch (trust me you want to make sure you visit), and some Goji Berry picking. But they also offer family fun activities like Apple Picking, a Pumpkin Patch, Hayrides, Pony Rides, Corn Maze, etc.

It’s such a fun spot to bring the family, I wish we had visited more often when we were locals. I was able to snap these beautiful sunflower pictures for my birthday on their property.

48-hours of fun in the Fraser Valley, Things to do in the Fraser Valley

48-hours of fun in the Fraser Valley, Things to do in the Fraser Valley

48-hours of fun in the Fraser Valley, Things to do in the Fraser Valley

Where to Stay in Abbotsford

For the night, we called the Quality Inn Hotel home. If you’ve ever driven on the Trans-Canada Highway, you’ve probably noticed it because it is located right next to Castle Fun Park! It’s the prime location for those looking for much-needed rest after days or hours on the road. The hotel also offers event space, a conference center, and an indoor pool.

Our family enjoyed our stay in the Executive One Bedroom Suite, which is almost as big as our basement in Alberta, so it really did feel like home 😛

The hotel room was perfect for our family of 5 because the suite came with a pull-out couch, a king bed, living room space, mini-fridge, and more!

Day 2 – Chilliwack [ Fraser Valley]

The next morning we woke up and you guessed it!! It was my birthday and we had B I G plans. In true Vancouver style, the rain showed up just in time for my birthday plans. However, we weren’t about to let a little rain stop us from having all the fun.

Naturally, I woke up with a pep in my step, because today was all about ME. It’s my last year in my twenties and I really wanted to start it with some great memories to look back on.

The first stop of the day was Cultus Lake Marina.  If you haven’t checked out this spot yet, you need to! Cultus Lake Marina offers a variety of modern watercraft rentals. Such as Jet-Skis, Boat Rentals, Pontoon Rentals, plus all the water accessories. They also provide you life jackets and a temporary boat license for the day.

Our family had a blast cruising around Cultus Lake. Because of the rain, the lake was empty! So we had the lake to ourselves 🙂 Which was pretty awesome.! We even braved the water and jumped in, which was surprisingly warm.

Next time you are visiting Cultus Lake, make sure you check out Cultus Lake Marina, I promise you will be the best mom ever 😛

Day 2 – Chilliwack Continued

To end our adventure in the Fraser Valley, we headed to another amazing farm in Abbotsford called  Maan Farms. By this time, it was pouring rain outside.  So, when we arrived at Maan Farms, we were so thankful to be greeted with a smile and a warm meal. This was our first time visiting Maan farms, and we didn’t know what to expect.  I had no idea that they served food and even offered take-out. Wish I would have known earlier!

This family-focused farm has so many great activities for you to enjoy, yes even when it rains. Depending on the season, they offer Goat Yoga, Wedding Venue, Wine Tasting, Berry Picking, Sunflower Patch, Pumpkin Patch,  and more. They are currently offering their Scary Corn Maze! Head to their sites to book your tickets now before they sell out.

48-hours of fun in the Fraser Valley, Things to do in the Fraser Valley

Wrap Up

48 hours in the Fraser Valley goes by so quickly when you enjoying all the things it has to offer. With that being said, there are still so many other places we would like to visit when we’re back again. We had such an incredible time playing tourist and we can’t wait to do it again. I will cherish the memories we made, yes including the rain.

 

Traveling to Banff with Kids | Family Friendly Activities

Traveling to Banff with kids is no easy feat. Traveling to Banff with kids during a pandemic? Well, we did it and can confidently say that we had an incredible time!

Since we self-quarantined for months at home and then our trip to Hawaii was canceled, we decided that a staycation would be the best option. My husband and I figured that we would head over to Banff just 90 minutes away from our home town, Calgary, Alberta.

This time, however, instead of making it a day trip and then scurrying home for dinner. We decided to stay on Banff Avenue for two nights! It totally changed how we viewed Banff.

Traveling with kids to Banff, Banff Avenue, Banff National Park

Where to Stay | Elk + Avenue Hotel

Of course, with our family of 5, staying in town for two nights doesn’t happen often. But, we figured that a couple of nights wouldn’t hurt.

Elk + Avenue Hotel is located near the entrance of Banff Avenue and steps away from all the great boutiques and souvenir shops.

We stayed in the Loft Suite which includes a large sitting room,  upper loft sleeping area with two queen beds. It also had a pull-out couch for extra sleeping space. Plus, free Wifi, free parking, a workspace, etc. It’s a great option for families looking to stay overnight in Banff but doesn’t want to pay an arm and a leg.

I was also extremely impressed with all the precautions they had in place for us to enjoy our visit. They had plexiglass at check-in, optional daily housekeeping, markers on the ground for social distancing purposes, hand sanitizers, and more!

Elk + Avenue Hotel, Hotel on Banff Avenue, Traveling to Banff with Kids

Where to Eat | Farm and Fire

At the main lobby of  Elk + Avenue Hotel,  is Banff’s newest eatery, Farm and Fire! A wood-fired Kitchen with great menu options for both adults and kids! You have the option to eat in or order out.

Having such a delicious eatery downstairs from our hotel room was so nice and easy. After a busy day of sightseeing, Farm and Fire was such an incredible way to wind down with the kids before bedtime.

Again, we appreciated the extra precautions taking to accommodate social distancing measures and sanitation protocols.

Check out their tasty menu here Farm and Fire.

Travelling to Banff with Kids, Farm and Fire

Travelling to Banff with Kids, Farm and Fire, Banff eatery

Farm and Fire, Travelling with KidsFamily Friendly Activities

Our children are three, five, and thirteen years old. This means, that when we travel, we want to make sure that we are finding activities that all of them can enjoy.

Banff Gondola

First, we checked out the Banff Gondola, which gives you incredible views of six mountain ranges.  The eight-minute gondola ride brings you up 7,486 feet onto Summit Mountain.  It offers incredible views and plenty of opportunities for photos! Also, if you visit before 11:00 a.m. kids can ride free with every paying adult. Note, each gondola car holds up to 4 maybe 5 people at most.

Banff Gondola is also wheelchair and stroller accessible. However, the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk is not.

Book your tickets now!

Banff Gondola, Banff with kids

Picnic at Two Jack Lake

One of my favourite things to do during the summer in Alberta is to drive to all the beautiful lakes that Alberta has to offer. One of our personal favourites is Two Jack Lake.

It is perfect for a family looking to hang out and burn some energy. Bring your portable BBQ, beach mat, swimming gear, paddleboard, or Kayak! Two Jack Lake is only a 15-minute drive from Elk + Avenue and a great family-friendly spot.

PRO TIP: Get there early as parking is limited.

SightSeeing

Notably, Banff is a well-known tourist spot. So why not be a tourist in your own back yard? We spent a full day visiting all the beautiful places that Banff has to offer. For example, Banff Avenue, Bow Falls, Fairmont Banff Springs, Tunnel Moutain, and more.

We even woke up at five in the morning to watch the beautiful sunrise and see the town completely empty from cars and people!

Lake Minnewanka Cruise

We ended our family adventure in Banff with a very fun boat tour of Lake Minnewanka. The Lake Minnewanka experience is like no other. Clear blue waters surrounded by beautiful mountains make for a beautiful landscape.

We learned all about the rich history of the lake and how it came to be! If you choose to visit on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday at 12:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. kids under fifteen go free with each paying adult.

Don’t forget to show up 15 minutes before departure to check-in. I highly recommend that you book your tickets in advance.

Click here to book!

Lake Minnewanka

Traveling to Banff with kids

Overall, our trip to Banff was incredible! Being able to rest in between sightseeing in a comfortable hotel in the middle of the day was a huge turning point for us. Out of our three children, two of them still need naps or need to rest. It was actually quite nice having that option to avoid full meltdown mode.

Also, being able to stay in Banff for two nights and three days allowed us to take in the whole experience. One day trips are great and we will still probably do them, but this was a great change and the boys had an amazing time.

Currently, Banff Avenue is closed to vehicles and has opened a “pedestrian walk” to accommodate social distancing measures. In my opinion, this is an improvement and hope they keep it that way.

Also, as of August 1, 2020, Banff announced that visitors will be required to wear masks on Banff Avenue as well as indoor places until further notice.

With all that being said, we can’t wait to do it again!

 

Olay Retinol24 Night Cream | My 5 week Skin Transformation

 Can I let you in on a little secret? I have completely fallen in love with the Olay Retinol24 night cream and let me tell you why!

6 months ago, I had no idea what retinoids could do for me and my skin. For the most part, I’ve always thought that I’ve had great skin and that it couldn’t get any better.

In fact, I rarely get pimples or acne. I wash and moisturize my face daily.  So, what more could I do?

Well, I’m happy to report that after using the Olay Retinol24 Night Cream for the last 6 months, I can confidently say that my skin is smoother, brighter and so much plumper.

I even started seeing results within the first 5 weeks!

Similar: Retinol 101 – What is it and how you should use it

Why Choose Olay Retinol24 Night Cream?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering how Olay Retinol24 Night Cream compares to others, well, keep reading!

At the beginning of my retinoid journey, I will admit, I was hesitant about trying it out. I wondered: how it could possibly help someone in their twenties? Isn’t it only for “older” skin? How could it possibly help me?

Well, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that anyone can use it! You can actually start using retinoids in your mid-twenties to help prevent aging.

Prevention is Key!

It should be noted, that I have combination skin, so naturally, I was excited at how much more even my skin is now than when I started 6 months ago.

One of the biggest improvements that I’ve noticed is how much more easily my makeup applies to my skin. Admittedly, I would previously have to use two different kinds of primer to even out my skin, prior to my makeup application.

Most importantly, I should also mention that when I do decide to go bare face, I feel super confident to show off my skin to my husband and friends! ?

I’m so happy with the results, that I’ve recommended it to all my female friends who ask me what I use.

PRO TIP:

Use the Olay Retinol24 Night Cream at night. Retinoids as skincare ingredients are sensitive to UV rays and can break down when exposed. Make sure to use SPF in the morning!

How quickly did I start seeing results with Olay Retino24?

As mentioned above, I’ve been using retinoids for 6 months. However, I started seeing results within the first 5 weeks of use.

Check out my skin before and after below!

PRO TIP:

A little goes a long way; you don’t have to use a lot all at once ?

In fact, when chatting with my family or my audience, I suggest that they introduce any new product slowly into their skincare routine.

To clarify, when you start using a new product in your skincare routine, try to first take a pea size amount and see how your skin reacts to retinoids. Then slowly build from there.

As of now, I am using about two pea size amounts every night. One bottle of the Olay Retinol24 Night Cream lasts me around 5 months.

Olay Retinol24, Olay Retinol24 Night Cream, Olay Retinol24 Review

Extra Skin Care Tips

If you haven’t already figured it out by now… I think it goes without saying that I am obsessed with skincare. Clearly, I find so much joy in taking care of my skin.

Incorporating the Olay Retinol24 Night Cream into my nightly routine was quite easy. After testing it out to make sure that my skin wouldn’t react to retinoids, I switched my cream and voila!

Here are some extra tips to help you with your skincare journey! 

  • Moisturize day and night
  • Exfoliate (at least once per week)
  • Use the correct cleanser for your skin type
  • Drink lots of water
  • Get as much sleep (I’m a mom of three, so this is a hard one for me)
  • Clean your makeup brushes
  • Try to eat some greens (Yum)

Again, it’s all about your own personal preference. Good skin doesn’t happen overnight and it is definitely worth investing your time in!

Final Thoughts

Olay Retinol24 is available as a Night Serum, Night Cream (which is what I use every night), or Night Eye Cream. In addition, you can use them all, or just one, the formula is the same but it depends on what you like better.

So let me ask you! Are you excited yet?! 6 months ago I decided to try it out and I can confidently say that the Olay Retinol24 Night Cream has officially been added to my re-buy list for many years to come.

To learn more about Olay Retinol24, go to Olay.ca/retinol.

Olay Retinol24 Night Cream
Click to read my full review of Olay Retinol24 Night Cream. I saw smoother and brighter skin in 28 days!

Retinol 101: What is it and How you should use it

Before Olay Retinol24, I hadn’t tried a retinol product. I’ve heard about it before but hadn’t taken the time to learn about it until now!

When I was researching the ingredients, I saw some scary stuff.  However, I was able to learn some really cool things and why the retinol ingredient is so incredible.

So before you shy away from using it, make sure to read the answers to some frequently asked questions below.

What is retinol?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that can help improve the look of your skin in so many ways!

What does it do?

If it’s formulated properly, there should be no issue using it every night! I found the Olay Retinol24 Night Moisturizer to be very gentle and I was able to use it daily without any irritation.

What age should you start using it?

There are no rules or restrictions! If you can find a product like the Olay Retinol24 Night Moisturizer, then you will get the hydration you’re looking for while getting a potent dose of this miracle ingredient. If you’d prefer a different moisturizer, then you can pair that with a retinol serum.  It’s all about fitting retinol into your existing nighttime routine to ensure you’re still using products you love.

Is it only for older people?

It’s not! This is a common misconception. While retinol does help to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, it does so much more. So if wrinkles are not your top skincare concern, not to worry! It helps to brighten your skin, even out your skin tone, smooth out your skin texture and help diminish the look of dark spots and acne scars.

You can start using retinol as early as your mid-twenties – it’s much better to prevent the signs the aging instead of trying to fix them later on!

Should I use Retinol Every night?

Most retinol treatments don’t recommend daily use. However, the Olay Retinol24 line is designed to be effective and gentle enough for daily use. Unlike other competitive brands, Olay Retinol24 remains intact and active providing you with the results you want.

What is the best moisturizer to use with retinol?

If you can find one that has hydrating properties that’s ideal – try to find retinol that will fit into your existing nighttime routine to ensure you’re still using products you love.

5 -week before and after shot

So what can retinol do for you?

It can give you bright, smooth skin and it is definitely worth trying! If you’ve used it in the past and it’s given you a hard time, don’t give up on your retinol dreams – just make sure you do your research.

I hope my blog post has demystified the ingredient and helped shine a light on the wonders it can do. Since using the Olay Retinol24 Night Moisturizer, I have noticed a serious skin transformation with smoother, brighter skin and even minimize pores with no irritation! I can’t wait to see what my skin looks like in a couple of months.

Let me know if you’re already using retinol or if you are planning to start using it in 2020!

1000 days with our Endy Mattress | Make the Switch from Spring to Foam

First of all, wow, I can’t believe that it has already been over 1000 days since we first slept on our Endy mattress in 2017!

It’s been THREE years since we made the official switch from a spring mattress to an Endy. We’ve truly seen such improvements in our ability to not only fall asleep but stay asleep.

In fact, ever since I’ve introduced Endy to my family, friends, and readers, I always get asked the same question “Is it really worth it?”.

After three years, I can confidentially say yes, yes it is!

Similiar: Shared Room Ideas for Small Bedrooms with Endy 

Making the switch from Spring to Foam

Making the switch from a spring to a foam mattress has helped us in so many ways! Not only has our sleep improved tremendously over the last three years but so has our back pain.

Turns out that the spring mattress we owned was causing unevenness during sleep. This improper body support led us to aches and pains. No wonder why we never felt well-rested the next morning!

A well-made foam mattress should form to your body to help relieve pressure points on your body where it needs it the most. Your foam mattress should also create airflow while you sleep so you don’t get too hot or too cold.

The Endy mattress is notorious for providing both of these at an affordable price!

Similar: The Endy Mattress Review, 100 days

1000 days with our Endy Mattress | Make the Switch from Spring to Foam

1000 days with our Endy Mattress

In the last 1000 days, my entire family has fallen in love with Endy and their mattress for various reasons.

  • Endy is a Canadian Company (right out of Calgary actually!)
  • The mattress is designed and made right here in Canada
  • All Endy foams are CertiPUR-US® certified. This means they are free of harmful chemicals, so you (and I) can sleep easy!
  • Ships right to your door for free with FSC Certified cardboard boxes
  • Endy provides a 100-night trial. So if you don’t love your mattress for any reason within 100 days, they will donate it to a charity. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to see the people directly impacted by this.

You might also like: Give your mom the gift of sleep with Endy

The Endy Collection

In addition to the mattress, Endy has a stellar selection of bedroom essentials to help make your sleep that much better! My personal favourites are the weighted blanket, duvet, and pillows! All of these items are designed with sleep in mind so that you can get to sleep quicker and enjoy those zzz’s.

They have also introduced their new bedframe which has transformed my children’s bedroom into a sleep haven (quite literally).

The Endy bed frame works great with other headboards so you can personalize your bedroom however you want it! Plus, it takes only 10 minutes to assemble!

To get a good night’s sleep at an awesome price, use my code Heydy50 for $50 off any size mattress at endy.com. ?

Disclaimer:  We received the Endy Mattress from Endy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own. Head to my disclaimer page for more information.

Our 2019 Holiday Toy Gift Guide with LeapFrog & VTech Canada

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by LeapFrog Canada & VTech  Canada. All opinions are my own.

It’s time to spread some holiday cheer and a little bit of education with our 2019 Holiday Toy Gift Guide.

We all know that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and buying gifts for the kids in your life shouldn’t stress you out!

We are BIG fans of LeapFrog & VTech. Not only are they fun to play with, but most of the toys are educational and help children learn through touch and play.

I’ve compiled a list of the latest educational toys from LeapFrog and Vtech that will make both you and your children happy.

Here’s our 2019 Holiday Toy Gift Guide:

LeapFrog RockIt Twist

First,  the new Rockit Twist from LeapFrog Canada is the latest addition to the LeapFrog family. The cool rotatable gaming system doesn’t need WIFI so kids can play anywhere! We recently used it on the airplane and it helped keep Abel entertained for the entire flight.

Your kids can twist, turn, play and learn with the RockIt Twist rotatable, single-player game system. It also gives you the option to create three separate profiles, just in case! They can play 12 games in a cool, new way using four sides of colorful, light-up controls (buttons, spinners, dials, switches, and a D-pad).

The LeapFrog Rockit Twist comes in two different colours ( Green & Purple). It is currently on sale at Walmart Canada for $ 49.99.

LeapFrog LeapBuilders ABC Smart House

Second, another great toy by LeapFrog is the LeapFrog LeapBuilders ABC Smart House.  It helps your child build, create and learn with its interactive 61-piece house-themed block set. Kids can build using the easy-to-hold building blocks and double-sided learning blocks that feature letters. My kids love using this toy to build and create!

It also works with other LeapBuilders sets (sold separately) and is currently on sale for $29.97.

Read my full review below:

Introducing LeapBuilders ABC Smart House

LeapBuilders, LeapBuilders ABC Smart House

LeapFrog LeapPad Academy

If you’re looking to jumpstart your child’s learning, then the LeapFrog LeapPad Academy is the perfect gift.

This learning tablet is preloaded with more than 20 educator-approved apps. In addition, it helps teach math, reading, writing, coding, problem-solving and creativity skills!

The best part? The tablet has a tough bumper with a built-in kickstand and a 7″ shatter-safe screen.

It is currently on sale at Walmart Canada for $107.96.

I have linked my entire review below.
Note, we have the older version but it still works just as great!

Why LeapFrog Academy is the Best Alternative

VTech Explore & Write Activity Desk

One of my personal favs is this Vtech Explore and Write Activity desk.

I love how it transforms from a desk into an easel and chalkboard with extra storage for art supplies. We used it to help Abel practice spelling his name before he started kindergarten.  As a result, his teacher was impressed by his writing abilities at such a young age!

It also features an interactive desktop and five pages to explore that are filled with engaging content including letters, numbers, music, colors and more.

You’re in luck because it is currently on sale for $59.97.

VTech Stroll & Discover Activity Walker

Looking for a toy that grows with your little one? Then the VTech Stroll & Discover Activity Walker is calling your name! From floor play to first steps, the Stroll & Discover Activity Walker has an easy-to-remove activity panel is great for floor play.

This toy is a great one to start your VTech collection with 😀 Currently $39.88 at Walmart Canada!

To learn more about it, I’ve linked my review for you below

VTech Stroll & Discover Activity Walker

eapFrog LeapStart® 3D Learning System & VTech® Stroll & Discover Activity Walker

VTech Mix & Match-a-Saurus

Last and certainly not least, this new addition to the VTech family is the Mix& Match-a-Saurus. This interactive dino has my boys roaring, laughing and dancing up a storm!

With three emotion tiles (happy, angry, sleepy), three music tiles (hip hop, ballet, marching) and three character tiles (monster, dino, robot) there are over 27 combinations to be made.⁣⁣ Experimenting with emotion tiles helps kids build social and emotional skills!

Grab it now for only $34.97

Watch how it works below!

 

With this list in hand, I hope this Christmas shopping is a little easier for you this year! Comment below which one of these your children would love 😀