Ava Grace's Closet: February 2013
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Thursday, February 28, 2013

Anti-Aging at any Age

I truly believe that the fight against aging skin should start as early as possible. 
So, when I was asked to put together an anti-aging product "top 10" of sorts, I was more than happy to oblige. 
Although I haven't used all of these yet, each of them has garnered fantastic reviews.
I've personally tried #4, #6, #9 and #10 which I use daily. My very favourite. 

Anti-Aging
1. Avon Anew Clinical Restructuring Peel : this product, endorsed by Dr. Oz, promises to resurface your skin through daily use. Available at www.ca.avon.com

2. Origins Eye Doctor: used to effectively moisturize the sensitive skin around your eyes. Good for all ages and skin types. Available at www.origins.com

3. Kinerase C8 Peptide Deep Wrinkle Treatment: endorsed by celebrity spokesperson, Courtney Cox, this line specializes in the treatment of aging skin. Available at www.ebeauty.ca

4. Philosophy Hope in a Jar: this long-time “Oprah favorite” has garnered a cult-like following among beauty gurus. Originally created for the medical market, this moisturizer provides soft and glowing skin. Available at www.sephora.com

5. Avon Anew Luminosity Pro Brightening Hand Cream: don’t forget those hands! Avon’s pro brightening hand cream moisturizes and reduces age spots at the same time. Available at www.ca.avon.com

6. Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Relaxing Complex: this product has made every top beauty "must have" list since it’s release. Widely available at most drugstores, the line targets lines and wrinkles at a price that makes it worth checking out. Available at ww.shoppersdrugmart.ca

7. Strivectin TL Tightening Neck Cream: another part of the body that often gets neglected. Here is a product made especially for the delicate neck area that often shows signs of aging first. Available at www.ebeauty.ca and at most major drugstores across Canada.

8. Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip: this product, made specifically for aged lips, smooths out fine lines and wrinkles and provides a great base for lipstick application. Available at www.skinstore.com

9. Algenist Concentrated Reconstructing Serum: this oil-free serum promises to rebuild skin firmness, tighten wrinkles and boost radiance within the first 10 days of using it! Excellent reviews including my own here. Available at www.sephora.com or via the Algenist website.

10. Elta MD UV Shield SPF45: regardless of your age, skin protection from the sun should be first and foremost. Elta MD specializes in high SPF products for the face and body. All are fragrance free and non-comedogenic. Seriously amazing. Available at www.eltamd.com

So, have you tried any of these goodies? Favourites?
Any I missed that you recommend?
Talk to me. 

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

What I Wore : Looking Back

Recently, someone asked me where I go wearing some of the outfits I wear in my what.i.wore posts. 
And the answer is, nowhere special.
Know that there are days that I do actually wear what you see me in on Wednesday's. Especially in the early days of posting this feature. 
In fact, some days, I didn't post until lunchtime because I was too busy taking photos of what I was wearing, well, on Wednesday.

Today, some weeks, I may take a group of outfit photos in one day. 
What?
Or, I might actually be having a real honest grown up day and put something fabulous together and think, hmmm. I really should snap a few photos. 
But really, every day, I do my best to look somewhat presentable.
That part is for me and me alone.  
I think it's important and not doing so can really put a damper a girl's self-esteem.

This little what.i.wore post has allowed me to meet so many amazing women each week. 
And, it's also allowed me to ensure that at least once a week, I take a photo of myself that I can look back on one day. 
So, why not today?
So there's what.i.wore 27 weeks out of the last year or so. 
Kinda fun.
And I plan on keeping it up.
Even if this never-ending snow is the death of me. 

Enter the eShakti $50 giveaway here

Linking up here and here

Friday, February 22, 2013

Friday Fancies : Red Carpet Ready

A close friend of mine used to make it an annual tradition to come to our place each year to watch the Oscars. 
And every year, we kid about getting all dolled up for the show. 
We never did end up doing so.
Maybe this year.
After all, I already have an outfit picked out. 


Red Carpet Ready

What will you be wearing on Oscar night?
Know that I would ask what film you are rooting for but I, sadly, have not seen a single one that was nominated. A first for me.
I really need to get out more. 

enter the $50 eShakti giveaway here!
Linking this post up here.

Photobucket

Thursday, February 21, 2013

What Ava Wore : Sittin' Pretty

It's been a while since I last shared outfit photos of Ava. 
Likely caused by the fact that it is tough to slow her down these days let alone have her sit long enough to take a photograph. 
on Ava:
boucle cardigan - Zara Kids
bow top - Joe Fresh
leggings - Zara Kids
Mind you, this kid? No stranger to having her picture taken. 
Guess it comes with the territory when you're the only baby in the family. 
Oh, and you have a crazy mom with a blog.

Happy Thursday!
enter the $50 eShakti giveaway here

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

What I Wore : Striped & An eShakti Giveaway

I have been eyeing this skirt forever
So of course, when eShakti asked me to review one of the pieces from their resort/pre-spring line, I knew immediately that this would be the one.   




Turtleneck - Femme de Carriere | Pearls - local boutique | Skirt - c/o eShakti | Shoes - Calvin Klein

Since I last reviewed this amazing site, they have made some significant {and amazing!} changes including the addition of their new Bridesmaid's line and the availability of extended sizing from 0 - 32W. As always, you also have the opportunity to customize your garments to fit how YOU want them to. 
Love. 

I'm so excited to offer one of you the opportunity to win a $50 credit to the site!
Open to Canada and the U.S.
Can't wait? Use code VGRCECLSE to get 20% off your order from 02.26.13 through 03.20.13

Linking up here and here
On Monday, here and here. 

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

On Authenticity

If you look around you, at your family, your friends, neighbours...
tell me, how many truly authentic people do you know?
And by authentic, I mean, people who are true to who they really are. Aren't trying to "keep up". Aren't trying to outdo you. 
Aren't trying to outdo themselves.
Aren't trying to be something they're not. 

This topic of conversation came up recently between me and a dear friend of mine. 
We were talking about a family we knew and how much they had changed over the course of the last few years since becoming "more successful". It's interesting. When most people define success, they define it based on monetary achievement. 
I am guilty of it myself.
But really, what is truly important? 
These particular individuals seemingly forgot everything that used to be. 
It's sad really. 

If a person is so caught up in keeping up, do they lose who they authentically are? Are they so caught up with "things" and BIGGER and BETTER that they forget what is most important?
Would those same people be there for you if you were in need?
Don't get me wrong. 
I like nice things. Maybe more than the next girl.
But I would never.ever put those things in front of my relationships. Or choose friendships based on this. 
I love that I can sit in a room of my friends and that some of them have more shoes than any one girl really should. And that others could care less.
This is what makes each of them special. Different. Amazing.
I truly think that as I get older, I look at those who I want to be surrounded by differently.
Let's be honest here. We are all "fake" to some degree and by that I mean, we have to be cordial with certain people in our lives. Maybe fake is a strong word. 
Teachers at our children's school. Neighbours. 
Family members or extended family members who may not be your favorites. 
You know what I mean.
These are not the individuals who know your soul.

My true friends do. 
They know who I am inherently. 
They know that I may have a tough exterior but that inside, I am a marshmallow. 
And I in return know them. 
I am blessed. 
I am one of those girls who has friendships that have gone the long haul. 
Girlfriends who are more sisters than friends.
Authentic. 
'cuz Lord, if that crazy ain't authentic I don't know what is!!
 
This post was burning a hole in my mind. 
It kept coming to me and I knew I had to write it down so I wouldn't forget how I felt right now. 
And why in the last little while I have bowed out of not one, but two social engagements that would have had me sitting at tables with groups of women who I know are not what they appear to be. 
And honestly? I'm too old for it.

Happy Tuesday friends.
all images and quotes sourced via pinterest. 

Monday, February 18, 2013

Make the next 10 days More Beautiful Challenge Results

Remember this post
Well, it's been 10 days. Kinda crazy how quickly that went.
Crazier still? The results that this product delivered in such a short amount of time.

I used circles above to highlight areas that I see the most difference in.
The fine lines on the outside of my eyes have greatly diminished. I can only imagine that with prolonged use, these would get even better. 
My "smile lines" are definitely less pronounced, particularly on the right side, and I would say these are the deepest lines I have. {and that's because I smile a lot.} 
I can't say that my pore size or the visibility of these has changed but I definitely see that something has started to happen to the sun damage on my forehead. It's been a little red, particularly in the mornings and has lightened a tad.

Overall, I am extremely impressed with this product. I was most concerned about my skin's reaction to it as typically, it's not very forgiving. In fact, it gets quite angry if I change even the smallest thing about my routine.
I applied the serum first thing in the morning and last thing before bed. 
One particular morning, I had a surprise visit from a friend before I had time to shower or apply make up and she told me my skin looked great. 
Now, mind you, she didn't get the super.close.up look that the camera lens above provides but nonetheless I will take it!

For those of you who received a sample of their own, I would love to hear how the trial goes for you. 
Unfortunately, due to enormous demand, samples for the challenge are no longer available and the sweepstakes are now closed for new entrants. Please sign-up to receive Algenist's newsletter HERE and be the first to hear exclusive news on upcoming offers and future challenges. 

Want your own algenist reconstructing serum? Visit the site here and use code MOREBEAUTIFUL to receive a free deluxe size of their Firming & Lifting Cream (valued at $25) with every purchase of $75 or more. 
I'm super curious about that product as well as the under eye cream which many visitors to their site are raving about!

Thanks to Algenist for sponsoring today's discussion. 
All opinions are strictly my own. 

Friday, February 15, 2013

Friday Fancies : Pink & Red

Pink & Red. 
Who would have thought?

PInk & Red
for full product details visit me on polyvore here
I've been a fan ever since seeing this look on Emma Stone.
I don't think you can help but feel happy while wearing.

Love it or hate it?

Linking this post up here.
Photobucket

Thursday, February 14, 2013

On Love

It's funny how love changes.
It grows in such a different direction from where it once began.
The pensive love. The dizzy love. The just can't get enough love. The O.M.G. we're getting married love!
And then come children.
They change who you are.
They change how you love. 

I remember when I had my first, my beautiful Isabella.
I sat in an upstairs bedroom having just finished nursing.
The sun was coming through the window on an October day, just so.
I laid her down beside me and could not, just could not, get the stupid grin off my face.
My husband walked in at that moment.
I looked up and said "I am so happy". And I still remember feeling like I might burst with the love that I had for that tiny human being. 

From that day on, I can truly say that I knew what love was. 
The purest kind. 
I loved my husband, yes. But this? This was different. 
It changed me.
It changed how I loved. 

On Valentine's Day and every day...
these 3 have my heart. 
izzy and julian, valentine's day 2003
Ava, fall 2012 
Happy Valentine's Day.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

What I Wore : Studded Bows

Confession time. 
Do you ever pick up something that you love on sight, bring it home, stare at it a little, try it on, stare at it again, put it away and then...forget to wear it?
Yeah, that happened with this here belt. 
Which I happen to l.o.v.e. 





Top - Zara | Belt -  Zara | Skirt - Zara | Shoes - Nine West | Bracelets - J Crew, Stella Dot | Watch - Michael Kors
This did not happen with the stunning skull clutch sent to me by my beautiful and dear blog friend Veronika.
I reach for it all the time. Evening. Daytime cross-body. Surprising versatile and you wouldn't believe how much this little wonder holds!

So, truth. Have you? Do you? 
How many goodies in your closet still have tags on them?
I promise I won't tell. 

Linking up here and here

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Home Tour : Where the Magic Happens

I have always wanted to say that.
So there.
Le master bedroom. 
Basically, the space is a large rectangle with a hallway at the back (to the left of the large chair) that leads to the walk-in closet on one side and the ensuite bathroom on the other.
 It is definitely the weakest room in the house as it relates to both layout and closet space. That said, we did our best to maximize the space and where it lacked, we compromised, read: we created a secondary closet {or rather my father did} in the basement and use it to store our off-season wardrobes. 
Not ideal but definitely manageable. 

You can't see them in these photos but there are 2 chandeliers in the space. The lighting against the blue.gray paint creates a super warm atmosphere.
I will say, if you are looking to re-paint your own or a guest bedroom, I would highly recommend this tone.You can't help but feel relaxed when you enter.
Might be why I so enjoy an afternoon nap. 

See the rest of my home tour here {one, two, three}

Monday, February 11, 2013

Make The Next 10 Days More Beautiful Challenge

Today, I am sharing something on the blog that I never in a million years dreamed that I would.
A make up free face. 
My make up free face.
Complete with my own critiques on what I see when I look at these photos.
please note, I am ignoring the unruly eyebrows. and you should as well.  

Following the birth of my first two children, I never knew that my skin would completely change. 
It became ridiculously sensitive, particularly to sunlight. 
I developed terrible melasma/sun damage on my forehead following a trip to Florida (this far before the days that I started using 70 spf on my face). Even though I did have it treated with microdermabrasion and tried many different "lightening" products, it is better but still visible.
The side profile shot above had me noticing some slight discoloration on my cheeks as well. 
There are fine lines on the corner of my eyes that are even more defined when my eyes are closed. Fun. 
And, to top it off, I had a crazy allergic reaction to what I've finally narrowed down to a new laundry detergent. Tiny bumps, redness and itchiness :: wasn't fun or beautiful.

And with this, my 10 day "more beautiful" challenge began. 
I received the Algenist serum on Thursday and began treatment on Friday morning. 
So far, I'm finding it quick and easy to use (a must for me), applying it just once in the morning and once at night. The smell of it (another biggie for me) is not offensive in the least AND it feels great on my skin; moisturizing but not oily.
Dare I say I even feel as though the tiny lines on the outside of my eyes seem a little less pronounced?  I won't. Not yet.

Visit Algenist here to get your own. Use code MOREBEAUTIFUL to receive a FREE deluxe sample of their firming and lifting cream {a $25 value!} with every $75 purchase. 

And while you're at it, tell me, what makes you feel more beautiful?
For this girl, being rosy cheeked, be it because of a hot yoga class, a brisk walk or even a (lord, I need one so bad)  great facial gets me every time.

Thanks to Algenist for sponsoring today's discussion. 
 

Friday, February 8, 2013

Friday Fancies : Layer It On

I consider myself a bit of an {ahem} expert in the art of layering.
Since, you know, I live in Toronto. Canada. 
Where it is cold.
Almost all the time.
You really can't help but learn the in's and out's of wearing as much clothing as possible while trying not to look like the Michelin man in the process.

Layer It On
love a piece? visit me on polyvore for full details

Also, the heart sweater and red hunter boots would make a ridiculously cute Valentine's gift non? 
Say if maybe, my husband were reading this right.now. 

Linking this post up here.
Photobucket

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Dear Ava...Almost 3

Dear Ava,
Next month you will be 3. 
Three.
I can honestly say this time around, I have enjoyed every moment. Well, not evvvery moment but I have been here for them all.
All these years later and I can still remember your big brother crying as I peek through the class window after leaving him at daycare. They swore he stopped a few moments after I left. I always waited. 
And then I cried in the car all the way to work.
I am so happy that I never have to leave you anywhere. 
Although some days, this mama needs a break! That is when you go to nana and papa's. Thank God for them.
Sweet Ava, you know your birthday is coming. 
I ask you "what do you want for your birthday?" almost daily. 
And you reply "cake!". A girl after my own heart.
Try as I might, I know I will forget all of the little things you said and did. I am so happy to have this space where one day, I hope you will read and learn more about yourself and your mama. 
Right now? Right now you are in 2 phases. One, is the "mine" phase. See it in action here.
The second is the "i want to scream all the time for no reason whatsoever phase". This phase is giving your poor mama a headache. please.stop.now.
Sometimes you say "I'm not going to make any noises". And then you clasp your hands together and scream "NOISE!" Also fun. 
You recently started going to a preschool playgroup with me and you LOVE it. Just today you said to me "let's go to school and make a cwaft". I often lose you in that room. Truth. 
And then I find you a moment later furiously gluing whatever you can to the paper.the table.yourself 
Good times.
Sleeping is good these days even though you hate to nap and will fight it with everything in your little being.
So most days, I don't push it and we just go shopping instead. You like shopping. You get that from me. 
As you do your love for all things sweet. 
Just this evening, I gave you a bowl of frozen yogurt after dinner. Strawberry. 
I asked you "what flavor is it?". 
You happily replied "PINK!". 
Pink it is my love.
Pink it is. 
i love you my little girl.
you and your brother and sister. 
xo
mama 

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Home Tour : The Original Baby's Girls Space

I'll start by telling you that Izzy is desperately trying to talk us into changing the paint color in her room. Also know that we spent what I think is a small fortune to have it painted this way and that it's not happening anytime soon. 
Before we made the change to this "older girl's" room, her room was even "pinker" than this. Full of princess this and that.
It was time for it to go and since then, we have begun to slowly incorporate more chocolate brown into the mix and add touches of different things she likes to truly make it her own.
I'm having the window seat pillow re-upholstered {all by nana} as we speak and am hoping to find a complimentary fabric for the curtains this week. 
I'm thinking tie-backs on either side of the bay window vs just a valance which is what was there before but we'll see. 
Can I just say I wish there were a Pottery Barn Teen nearby? 
and can I also say a huge thank you to my MIL who brought home all of my online shopping at said store from Florida for me? 

to see the rest of my little home tour:
one and two