Moda Mama

Eminence Herbal Recovery Oil

January 4, 2014
/
4 COMMENTS

This is one huge ‘can’t live without’ product for me. The Eminence Herbal Recovery Oil is my saving grace. I was first introduced to it by Renee who gave me my first ever Eminence facial at the Yonge Eglinton Cosmetic Centre. It was her go-to product too, and now it’s mine.

I put this on every single night under my moisturizer. Just a few drops is all I need. With the dry and harsh winter weather, biting wind, and sun on top of that, it saves my sensitive skin from the elements daily. It restores, rejuvenates, nourishes, and heals all night long. And in the summer it will help from the heat and brutal sun, I’m sure. I swear by the softness, and the soothing that this gives me every night as I sleep.

It’s one of those things that when I put on my face after cleansing and toning, I feel a general sense of “ahhhh.”

CoffeeTalk: Tips For Packing Light

January 3, 2014
/
4 COMMENTS

Today I’m sharing some simple tips for packing and traveling light.

Summary:
1. Check the weather – and plan ahead acordingly
2. Plan out all your outfits on your bed, by each day.
3. Have one travel outfit that is easily copied with one simple change.
4. Mix & Match – try to maximize layering pieces to re-wear and re-mix.

I Read A Magazine Today

January 2, 2014
/
2 COMMENTS

Cardigan – Cherico via Shopruche // Top – Velvet via thrift shop // Cords – Le Chateau // Boots – Feet First // Scarf – thrifted // Necklace – Fredrick Prince via Homegrown Boutique

This morning I made myself tea. My delicious and gourmet Davids Tea.
I sat down on the couch with a magazine in one hand and my steaming cup in the other.

I read that magazine.

My kid and my husband fought over what to have for breakfast. He won by the way. Then she threw a tantrum and he told her to sit in the time out corner. She didn’t She ran up the stairs, making a big show of it, and went into her room. Her very own act of defiance. He followed her up in a huff and closed the door to her room. She freaked out because the door was closed. He came down and cooled off. She calmed down after a while. He went up and she apologized. They came downstairs.

Then a fight erupted over the laundry he was folding. Honestly, I stopped paying attention. I was trying really hard not to pay attention. I sat there and read that magazine. I don’t know what it was about, but I read it. From front to end.

*linking up with Penniless Socialite, and Fab Friday*

It’s Been a Ride

January 1, 2014
/
12 COMMENTS

Dress – Mango // Tights – unknown // Socks – UO // Scarf – thrifted // Boots – Feet First // Necklace – F21

Last week, our power went out for four days due to the ice storm that hit Toronto, and Southern Ontario. Then, just as the power came back on, on Christmas Day, my baby girl came down with the stomach flu. So while nursing her and throwing out all the food in our fridge, we wished ourselves a Merry Christmas. Once she finally started getting better, I started vomiting with the same stomach flu, and spent a happy birthday on the couch or…well…doing that vomiting thing. Of course, I had just stopped and was still really weak, when Andrew got it. Which brings us up to now.

Hard to believe it was all just one week.

That’s the reason I’ve been absent here. As reasons go, I think it’s pretty good. I hope you all had a much better holiday than us. And I wish us all a fabulous New Year!

Salut!

Ice Storm 2013 Means No Power For Four Days

December 25, 2013
/
4 COMMENTS

*These are two phone pictures of some downed trees in the area. This is the situation all across the province*

Toronto was hit with a huge ice storm that knocked out the city’s, and our, power for four days. The ice storm brought down trees that in turn ripped trough power lines all across our Province. Warming centres were set up all around the city so that people would not freeze. Neighbors, family, and friends all opened up their houses. It was amazing to see everyone come together.

Unfortunately, it has caused some deaths. Two people passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning from running a generator, and many more carbon monoxide emergency calls were made.

The power finally came back on just in time for us to nurse the stomach flu that hit my baby girl this morning. She’s thrown up everything all day and has just been wanting ‘Mommy cuddles.’

So taking advantage of her nap, I’m taking the time to say Merry Christmas to you and I’ll see you once the food in the fridge has been thrown out and my baby can keep some crackers in her belly.

Duty calls.

CoffeeTalk: Posing With A Baby Bump

December 20, 2013
/
2 COMMENTS

Summary:
1. When posing with a growing belly please remember to be safe first and foremost. Keep feet separated, take it slow, and avoid moving or risky poses.
2. Then shift weight on the back leg, and create twist and interest using your shoulders instead of your waist.
3. And never ever do that one cliche pose.

See the original CoffeeTalk on Posing too.

Ever Malleable

December 19, 2013
/
10 COMMENTS

The Labodorite Pendant from SNS Jewelry Studio has this amazing ability to change color depending on what I wear. Here it’s a crisp, almost grayish, blue, but against my teal shirt at home it has a decided green look to it. It’s as variable as the weather, and as varied as it’s owner in temperament. Yes, we too shall get on just wonderfully, I think.

Labodorite Necklace – c/o SNS Jewelry Studio // Sweater – Miracle City // Jeans – Gap // Boots – c/o Dansko // Bracelets – Gifts from Poland

It’s interesting to hear how others sometimes see you. It’s also interesting to hear the varied accounts of the same. “Sweet, kind, intelligent” have been used, as have “unguarded and open.” But just as rightfully, one could use acerbic and withdrawn, as every bright side of the moon has it’s dark. Sometimes I wish I had the ability to play the political/social game better. But for better or for worse, I seem incapable of the kind of gentle sway and sweet ingratiating that comes so naturally to others.

I often feel like this pendent – changeable and malleable depending on internal and external forces alike. And helpless to conceal it.

*This is a sponsored post. Thanks for supporting those that support me*

*linking up with Passion for Fashion, Favorite Fashion, and Friday Style*

On A High

December 16, 2013
/
8 COMMENTS

Yesterday was my Girl’s ballet recital. Now this is the little girl who wouldn’t go into class at the start of the term. The little girl who just two days before the show during a mini performance for the parents, ran into my lap and not only refused to dance, but cried when the teacher tried to take her back to the group.

FireFly Tee – TeeFury // Cardigan – Gap // Corduroys – Le Chateau // Boots – Locale // Necklace – Monserat de Lucca

I was terrified. I was sure she wouldn’t get up there and dance. I was positive that we had all bought tickets and a costume and spent hours looking forward to what would never happen.

The family, all six of us, made sure to sit where she wouldn’t see us after we dropped her with for the volunteers.

When her class was next I was shaking. I grabbed my camera and snaked closer to grab some shots, but the entire time I wasn’t sure there would be anything to take pictures of.

They started and she ran out third just as she was supposed to. You have no idea how proud I was of her at that moment. My camera was shaking the rest of her dance because I was so happy and excited. It’s ridiculous how happy and proud she made me by going out there and dancing with her class.

We ordered the DVD.

*linking up with WIWW and Funday Monday*

Red Currant Masque and Moisturizer

December 14, 2013
/
LEAVE A COMMENT

The Red Currant Rapid Infusion Masque and Red Currant Protective Moisturizer with SPF 30 from Eminence Organics is part of their Youth Shield line. The line is geared for that special group of people who have both anti-aging concerns and acne concerns. I haven’t had the chance to try all of the products in that line, but I have had the chance to test drive these two.

The moisturizer has tea tree oil in it to combat acne all day long, and while I love that, I find that it’s not heavy enough for my skin. I need something with a bit more moisturizing power. But of course, I don’t let a great product go to waste. So I have a homemade blend of oils that I mix in with this before applying and then it’s absolutely fantastic. By itself, it would probably be wonderful for someone who has skin on the oilier side. It’s moisturizing and not at all heavy.

The masque is actually the perfect thing for every lady who says she doesn’t have enough time to do masques. You put it in and massage and rinse off in two-three minutes! What’s great is that you could totally multitask by washing your face, applying the masque, and brushing your teeth in the duration you have to wait. Then rinse and you’re done. It’s definitely what I reach for when I know I don’t have a good time to relax and treat myself with a masque.

Oh and in case you haven’t already guessed, the masques focus is also anti-aging and anti-acne. Two birds, one stone…in just two minutes.

Now what I’m hoping to get for Xmas or my birthday *’cause you know they’re right beside each other* is the Bearberry Eye Repair Cream.

*Read all of my Eminence Organics posts here*

That Special Something From SNS Jewelry Studio

December 13, 2013
/
12 COMMENTS

Sometimes, like on a night where you’re going on a date, you need something special to make you feel a little more luxurious. Something like this pendant from SNS Jewelry Studio.

Sitar Pendant – c/o SNS Jewelry Studio // Dress – Pink Owl via Ruche // Cardigan – Darling via Emerging Thoughts // Tights – I forget // Boots – Feet First // Bag – unknown

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all up for cheap and trendy jewelry. I love to try something outlandish and know I haven’t spent a lot on it. But there is something truly spectacular about a piece that you choose, that you love, and that you purchase with care.

The Sitar Pendant has just the right mix of elegance and boho for me. It’s deep purple stone speaks to my favorite color and something about the richness feels like you get can lost in it. Putting on something you treasure suddenly makes you stand up taller and straighter. If you’re me, it also puts a little sway into your step. It’s definitely something every woman should have. That special piece of jewelery that makes you feel like Sophia Loren…in milkmaid braids.

*This is a sponsored post. Thanks for

supporting the wonderful folks who support me*
*linking up with Fab Fav, Style Sessions, Trend Spin, and Passion for Fashion*