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Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for 2018

Posted on May 7, 2018May 7, 2018 by Joanna

Mother’s Day 2018 is my first year celebrating as a mama myself – with my son J. I have always appreciated my mom, but now I understand her more than ever! I really want to spoil her with some self-care products and maybe a pampering experience. Here are a few products I love!

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Travel in Colour – Cali Love Collection

In light of my recent L.A. trip I cannot think of anything more perfect to wear on the sunny days ahead than the fun colours from this collection! My favourite shade is “Orchid-ing Aside” which was a bright, creamy pink with purple undertones. I wore it my entire trip!  This new series has an impressive selection of pink, blush and nude shades along with a pop of magenta and blue. You first apply the colour – I like to do two coats. Once dry, apply a layer of the Miracle Gel Top Coat for supreme shine that will keep your nails from chipping for a few days. Of course, it also depends what activities you will be doing – but  I really loved the application of both the colour and top coat and found my nails were also very strong with it on. Check out some fun nail art designed with this series in mind!

Some highlights of the collection are:

  • Shiny, strong nails after applying
  • Perfect range of pinks and nudes for an everyday summer look
  • Quick drying

You can the find Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Travel in Colour – Cali Love Collection at mass retailers and drugstores across Canada.

Monica Vinader Engraved Pendant Necklace

This year for my birthday, my friends purchased me a beautiful, minimalist, gold pendant necklace and had it engraved on the back with three words they felt best described me. I wear it constantly, with every outfit and it is so special to me. This would be an excellent gift to give a mom in your life. When I say mom – it doesn’t have to be a biological mother either! There are so many women in my life who have mothered me and been there for me. Monica Vinader pieces are a bit of a splurge but if you are looking for a sentimental keepsake gift, this would fit the bill perfectly!

Phytomillesime Leave-in Beauty Concentrate

Nothing fits my chaotic mom life better than leave in conditioners! I love the Phytomillesime Leave-in Beauty Concentrate because it strengthens the hair fibre, gives it shine and makes styling easy. This past year I have been going blonder every few months so needless to say my hair is always in need of good products to hydrate and nourish it. For all of the bleaching that has been happening, I must say it is still smooth and healthy looking. I definitely recommend this to any mom who has very little time to spend on hair masks and treatments but wants to still have full, lustrous hair that is protected from factors such as weather and heat styling. This product is catered to hair that has been dyed.

What I love About This Product:

  • Quick, easy and no fuss
  • Designed to protect colour treated hair
  • Hydrating
  • Adds shine
  • Makes it easy to style – hello beach waves!

Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Cologne

This particular product is actually men’s. I thought I would chat about it because I cannot say enough about how my husband has contributed equally through these early months of J’s life in different, yet equally as important ways! Yes – that’s what Father’s Day is for, I know! Regardless, it’s nice to appreciate each other every day of the year and I was really excited to introduce my guy to this zesty, fresh scent. After all, I’m the one that gets to smell it too! The scent is meant to capture the spirit of the Mediterranean with hints of the rare chinotto fruit combined with the sparkling crispness of  mandarin, along with Jasmine and Geranium at the heart of it. It is meant to be reminiscent of an early morning stroll along the rocky coastlines of Western Liguria. I have yet to visit, but for now I will have this scent to inspire me!

Some highlights of this cologne:

  • The bottle is beautiful and would look great on display
  • I love how fresh, crisp and clean the scent is

Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo can be purchased exclusively at Bloomingdales for $165/150 ml and $107/75 ml. It will also be available, launching in June 2018 at Neiman Marcus and Saks.

Do any of these fabulous items inspire you to treat yourself or another motherly woman in your life? Hey – I’m talking to you fur mamas too! Let me know in the comments below.

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After my summer break, I’m back for my monthly man After my summer break, I’m back for my monthly mani at @emilyhousenail! 💅🏼This time, I tried their new service add-on: Spa Hands Steam Therapy ✨

15 minutes of gorgeous hydration and relaxation, leaving me with the softest hands I’ve literally ever had. 😍

Try this new service at your next appointment! Bonus points if you book with Donna, best nail tech in the game ❤️ 

#torontobeautyreviews #torontonails #treatyourself #selfcareinspo #toronto
We spent a magical night at @les_loges_ressourceme We spent a magical night at @les_loges_ressourcement in the Eastern Townships this summer, and it was an experience we will never forget. Such an incredible place! ✨🌳

#torontobeautyreviews #easterntownships #vacationinspo #thermalcircuit #romanticvacation
Adventures in the Eastern Townships! Love a @gue Adventures in the Eastern Townships! 

Love a @guesswheretrips moment. We did the “Backroads Bliss” trip to kick off our Quebec Adventure. 🚗🗺️

Hiked “Le sentier des cîmes” at Parc national du Mont-Mégantic! 12km to an elevation of 840m!! So tired. So sweaty. So proud. 🥾⛰️

Forest bathing 🌳

A moment of appreciation for the view from the “Pic de l’Aurore” viewpoint in Mont-Mégantic 🥹⛰️

Immediately after the hike. 😮‍💨 but 🥰

Best nachos & mocktails in the Townships!! 🍽️@labuvetteducentro

Literally never without a @winky_lux lip product. Lip Libations in Dirty Soda is *chef’s kiss* 💋

Brought a few snacks home 🙃

 🍄‍🟫Vegan “sans foie ni gras” pâté from @les.goulues 
🦆Duck Rillettes from @ducsdemontrichard 
🍷Rosé from @chateausteagnes 
🥜Maple coffee pecans from @lanoixderable 
🌶️Red pepper jelly from #petitchaperonrouge in Coaticook
☕️Dany St Pierre Liscio Coffee from @bruleriesfaro 
🍻Beer (Allez Pou-Pou and Histoire d’Amour with cassis) from @microdescantons 
🍊Seabuckthorn powder from @jardinszoneorange 
💜Dried haskap berries from #indigosuperfruit
🧀Zacharie Clouthier cheese from @fromagerienouvellefrance 
🥒Pickle cheese curds from @laiteriedecoaticook 
🧀Comtomme cheese from @fromagerie_la_station 
🫐Dark chocolate covered wild blueberries from @chocodesperes 
🧀Frère Jacques cheese (lol) from @stbenoitdulac 
💥Kimchi from @lesjardinsbolton 
🍁Maple chili crunch from @erabliere_du_village 
🍯Summer honey from @ibeem_happycultureinc 
🍫Milk chocolate covered almonds & dark chocolate covered pretzels from #chocolatsvandeneynden 
🍪Salted cheese sablés from #lilyetléon

Tuscany vibes in Sutton 🍇 @chateausteagnes

Staying a private sauna lodge in the forest next to the Dark Sky Reserve? Yes please! ✨ @les_loges_ressourcement

Obligatory stop at @laiteriedecoaticook for ice cream. Double blueberry and brownie. Obvs. 🫐

Walking one of the longest suspended footbridges in North America. (And yes, it wobbled. I’m very brave.) 🌉

An opera house and library built in 1904 directly on the Quebec-Vermont border, financed by a badass woman named Margaret Stewart Haskell. Still in use by citizens of both countries today!

Everything in this room is or
July joy ❤️ Art by @thebloggess #torontobeautyre July joy ❤️ 
Art by @thebloggess

#torontobeautyreviews #summervibes #findjoy

Ice cream = Friendship

Nature walks around the neighborhood

Celebrating the best boy with a custom @jujulet cake

@honeys.icecream for the win

The best type of co-working arrangement

Flora is an *enthusiastic* greeter

One of my fave places in the world. The Rideau Chapel at the National Gallery of Canada

Gorgeous piece by groundbreaking female impressionist painter Helen McNicoll. « Garden », 1913

Happy place

Girlhood is pool days with great snacks and even better conversation

The most bonkers lilies I’ve ever seen

@pizzeriabadiali IYKYK

Workout werkout

@guster_dog loves Bad Attitude Bread

Stay hydrated, bbs

No makeup makeup feat @winky_lux Dirty Soda Lip Libations gloss
Celebrating our best boy’s birthday with a custom Celebrating our best boy’s birthday with a custom sensitive-tummy-approved cake from @jujulet! Cause life’s too short not to mark special occasions 🐶❤️🎂 

I can’t believe @guster_dog is already 6! 😭❤️❤️

The cake is made of pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, and carrot. The “frosting” is potato cream mixed with natural colorings. Gluten-free and lactose-free with lots of healthy veggies means Guster can enjoy his special treat and we don’t have to worry about his health. 🥳

The cake is truly a work of art, and - as you can see - Guster definitely approves of the taste! He ate the sculpture of himself so fast that we didn’t even catch it on camera! 🙈

Would you get a cake for your pet? 

#dogsoftoronto #petbirthday #adoptdontshop
If traditional strip lashes stress you out, check If traditional strip lashes stress you out, check out @prettyinthecity.beauty’s Ready to Wear Pre-Glued Lashes! No waiting for glue to dry, no mess, no fuss 😍 - just fabulous lashes that can last up to a week. 🙌🏼

Like anything, there’s a bit of a learning curve for application, but Veronica and her team have tons of videos and tips to help you feel confident in no time. ✅

If you’re looking for lashes that last more than one night but aren’t as big of a commitment as lash extensions, these are definitely worth trying out! 

*gifted product 

#torontobeautyreviews #canadianbrand #prettyinthecity #torontomakeup #lashclusters
Happy Pride, everyone! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️❤️ To my fellow Happy Pride, everyone! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️❤️ 

To my fellow queer folks:
Take up space, keep fighting, lift each other up. 
Create community, live to the fullest, be audacious in your joy. 
You are loved. You are nature. You are worthy. 

To those who try to erase us, legislate away our freedoms, and ban our stories:
You won’t change us. 
We will win. 
And the world will be better for it. ✨

👚shirt is from @outonthestreettoronto 

🎨Wearing:
@annabellecosmetics Perfect FX cream in White 
@shoppersdrugmart Quo Beauty Love is Love palette 
@patmcgrathreal Celestial Nirvana palette 
Assorted @colourpopcosmetics shadows
@kjh.brand Soft Smudge Lip & Cheek in Soft Cherry
@kulfi.beauty Lassi Lips Staining Lip Liner in La La La
@winky_lux Very There Lip Oil in Pink Opal & So Extra Mascara
@milkmakeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint in 2 & Hydro Grip Concealer in 0.5 

#torontobeautyreviews #pridemakeup #queerjoy #drugstoremakeup #pridetoronto
If you’re looking for a luxurious retreat in the c If you’re looking for a luxurious retreat in the city, @mirajhammamspa in the Shangri-La Hotel should absolutely be on your list! ✅

I was invited to try the Turkish Bath Ritual and was truly blown away. The space is beautiful and calming, the service was impeccable, and the treatment itself was divine. 🧖‍♀️💆‍♀️ 

It’s an indulgence to be sure, but one I would 10/10 recommend for special occasions. 

Have you tried this type of treatment? 

*hosted

#torontobeautyreviews #turkishbath #mirajhammamspa #torontowellness #torontospa
Grateful to have had the chance to meet this wonde Grateful to have had the chance to meet this wonderful human. Truly, @mattzhaig‘s writing has changed my life on more than one occasion. 

If you haven’t yet read a Matt Haig book, I highly recommend you find yourself a copy and a comfy chair, and get ready to sink into his extraordinary world. 

#tifa #gratitude #matthaig
You asked, so I tried it! 😲 Face Pilates at @amans You asked, so I tried it! 😲 Face Pilates at @amanspatoronto 

SO many different tools and techniques to target each of the facial muscles and leave you feeling sculpted, relaxed, and refreshed! ✨

Would you try this? 

#Torontobeautyreviews #facepilates #torontoblogger #torontowellness #amanspa
Keeping things pretty natural these days, makeup-w Keeping things pretty natural these days, makeup-wise. 😊

Some products I’ve been loving:
@kulfi.beauty Lassi Staining Lip Liner in Lassi 
@winky_lux Espresso ‘Tini Lip Balm* + So Extra mascara
@milkmakeup HydroGrip Concealer in 0.5 + Cooling Water Jelly Tint in PhReeze 
@marcellecosmetics CC Cream SPF 35 in Fair*

*gifted items 

What are your current faves? 

#torontobeautyreviews #springmakeup #affordablebeauty #easymakeup #tbrcontributors
Cheeky cherry ft. @annabellecosmetics ! 🙃🍒 Wearin Cheeky cherry ft. @annabellecosmetics ! 🙃🍒

Wearing:
Lip liners in Fuchsia and Red Flame
Fruity lip oil in Black Cherry 
Perfect Blush in Orchid 

Such a fresh and fun look for Spring! 

*all gifted products 

#torontobeautyreviews #annabellecosmetics #drugstoremakeup #makeupinspo #canadianbrand
My recent @kjh.brand purchases 🤩 💜 Hyper Shine Li My recent @kjh.brand purchases 🤩

💜 Hyper Shine Lite Pigment in Lite Purple
🍒 Soft Smudge Lip & Cheek in Soft Cherry
🖌️ No. 2 & No. 3 Brushes 

Have you tried anything from KJH.Brand yet?
Feeling refreshed and fabulous after this beautifu Feeling refreshed and fabulous after this beautiful manicure by Donna (my queen!) at @emilyhousenail! 💙💅🏼

(The color is @moding.gel 033, Cat Eye Blue Forest, in case anyone wants to twin with me!)

#torontobeautyreviews #nailsinspo #catseyenails #torontoblogger #emilyhouse
This @winky_lux Matcha Lip Balm came at just the r This @winky_lux Matcha Lip Balm came at just the right time! 🍵 Loaded with avocado and coconut oils, Vitamin E, green tea extract, and caffeine, it’ll heal those crusty winter lips in no time. 💚 🥑☕️

Plus the green tea and vanilla scent and flavor are SO delish 😍 It’s my new morning essential!

*gifted 
#torontobeautyreviews #winkylux #beautyblogger #lipbalm
Hi! 👋🏼 I’m still here! I’m sorry I haven’t posted Hi! 👋🏼 I’m still here! I’m sorry I haven’t posted much. I’m finding it a bit hard, tbh. 🫤

I’m figuring out what the next phase of #TorontoBeautyReviews looks like and healing from an injury, while my 9-5 has lately been more like 7-7, so I’m filling my off hours with family, dance, food, and books. Finding joy and peace where I can in an intense world. ❤️

I still try out lots of products and I do occasionally paint my face 🙃. I’m just not as interested in the grind of daily posts just for the sake of staying relevant anymore. Which has meant that I’m not on as many PR lists as I used to be. Which means that I don’t have as much new stuff to review. It’s a cycle. 

Things are shifting, which is tough sometimes. But it’s ok - so am I. 😊

#torontoblogger #milleniallife
December ❄️🎄❤️ Seeing @arianaandtherose and her a December ❄️🎄❤️

Seeing @arianaandtherose and her amazing new show
Wearing @winky_lux Very There Lip Oil on repeat
Getting festive 
Listening to jazz
Watching sunsets 
The best @honeys.icecream 
Baking tiny meringue Christmas trees 
@guster_dog finally able to go back to his happy place @houndsofyork 
My toothbrush roasting me for my insomnia 
Snoopy vibes 
Assorted Christmas magic featuring piano, cookie decorating, and happy dogs in the wood 
Managing to conquer the @pimenterie challenge box with @adam__malek 
Dog cuddles 

#monthinreview #torontobeautyreviews #torontolife #decembervibes
Presenting (get it? 🙃) TBR’s much-anticipated 2025 Presenting (get it? 🙃) TBR’s much-anticipated 2025 Holidays Gift Guide! 🎁🎄

Featuring our picks for the best Canadian, cruelty-free, and eco-conscious gifts in skincare, beauty, and home goods (plus a splurge suggestion or two!), we’ll help you find something for everyone on your list. Including you! 

@cosmetteskincare 
@stoicbeautyskincare
@bkind.products @bkind.skincare 
@provinceapothecary 
@madkind.official 
@madeupbeauty_ 
@bonjoubeauty 
@annabellecosmetics 
@sharkbeautyca 
@crestoralbpro_ca 
@plasticflux 
@sonnihaus 
@cheeksahoyhandmade 
@claxton_grove 

🇨🇦🌿🐰
Thank you to @lucid.pr @lexprcanada @natapr_ @msl_canada @ooak_toronto @shoppersbeauty for introducing me to these incredible brands! 

#torontobeautyreviews #holidaygiftideas #shopcanadian  #giftguide #crueltyfree
#ad Looking for something *other* than a red lip f #ad Looking for something *other* than a red lip for your holiday look? @annabellecosmetics has you covered with their ICONIC Kohl Eyeliner! 🎄❤️

✨40 colours to choose from 🎨
✨ Satin, matte, and metallic finishes 🪩
✨ UNDER SEVEN DOLLARS! 😲
✨ smooth, blendable, and long-lasting 🏆
✨ vegan and cruelty free 🐰
✨ Canadian 🇨🇦

I am not exaggerating when I say that I wear at least one shade of Annabelle Kohl Eyeliner almost every single day. They’re perfect for your holiday look - and every day thereafter. ☺️

@shoppersbeauty @pjcjeancoutu 

#annabellecosmetics #annabellebec #torontobeautyreviews #easyholidaymakeup
Little slice of life over the past month. Hanging Little slice of life over the past month. Hanging with friends, Halloween makeup, beautiful clouds, everyday makeup, The Beaches, cookies, Paul McCartney, sunsets, media previews, fresh nails, Guster. ☺️❤️
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