Caryl Baker Visage Fall 2012 Uptown Girl Collection

Caryl Baker Visage's newest colour collection out now!

"Uptown Girl"

Fall 2012 Colour Collection

Available in 3 colour stories Midtown Morning 

Powder Lunch

After Hours

Each collection retails for $69.50 which is a huge discount because the regular price is $128.50!

With 3 different colour palettes there is something for everyone in this collection PLUS Caryl Baker Visage is offering free makeovers for this collection! Check out the website for more details.

I Got My Wave On With Conair's New You Wave Ultra! Plus Win A Conair Gift Basket!

Conair has a new styler in town called the You Wave Ultra for girls who like to have a little fun!

The Claim: 
Soft beachy waves are an easy way to create a bit of volume. The Conair® You Wave Ultra™ helps create long-lasting waves quickly and easily.

Features:

•  Unique three-barrel ceramic styler
• Creates long-lasting, soft waves
• Tourmaline Ceramic technology prevents hot spots, reduces frizz and helps eliminate static
• 30-second instant heat
• Professional high heat
• LED indicator 
• Auto off
• 6’ professional swivel cord
• Limited five-year warranty 

Even though I'm not generally a fan of crimpers and wavers I wanted to see if this one lived up to the claims so I went for it. The end result didn't leave me feeling like I had just left the beach however it was really easy and pretty fast. I have long, somewhat thick hair and it took me about 25-30 mins to wave my entire head!

I loved the volume and thickness it left in my hair and can totally see me and my girls using this at the crown of our hair under a layer to add volume there. I also really liked the way it left my hair feeling, soft and well... kinda cool!

Here are my results shown with the Elle Gold Flower headband featured here. (excuse the stunned look in these pics)

I'm all about having styling tools on hand that can change up a look in a second (or 25 mins) so the You Wave Ultra will make a nice addition to my "tools" drawer for the times when I'm feeling a bit funky!

Ive teamed up with the folks at Conair to make sure one of my readers gets a chance to win.....

Prize: A Conair basket filled with an assortment of Scunci & Conair hair accessories some of which I featured a few days ago as well as your very own You Wave Ultra PLUS an amazing Conair Infiniti 1875 Watt Salon-Performance AC Motor Dryer PLUS a EyePop Hard Makeup Case!!!

A Value of $145!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Open to Canadian residents only.

*Contest closes on midnight Aug  30st 2012 at 11:59pm EST

*Only activated email subscriptions will count towards an entry

Deal of the Day: eBeauty's Limited Edition Here Comes The Sun Cosmetic Bag

Deal Of The Day!

Courtesy of eBeauty.ca

Limited Edition Here Comes The Sun Cosmetic Bag

What's Included:

• Boscia Vanilla Blotting Linens  - value of $12 (100 Sheets)
• Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine (Deluxe Sample Size)
• Lippy Girl Cosmetics Organic Mineral Blush - value of $16.50 (3.5g/0.15oz.)
• Mèreadesso Tinted Lip Treats - value of $28 (1.2g/0.42oz.)
• NYX Cosmetics Xtreme Lip Gloss - value of $17.99 (11mL)
• Nail Tek Mini Swarovski Crystal File in Pink (Mini Size) 
• Cargo Lash Activator Mini Mascara (Deluxe Sample Size)
• IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Airbrushed Bronzer - value of $29 (6.8g/0.23oz.)
• Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer - value of $79.00 (59mL/2 fl.oz.)
• Embossed Cosmetics Bag

Over $150 worth of goodies for just $30.00!!

Don't wait too long because this deal is for a limited time only while quantities last!! Stock up for birthdays, christmas or even just to treat yourself because trust me when I say its worth every penny!!

Head on over to eBeauty.ca to purchase your Here Comes The Sun Cosmetic Bag!

Getting My Omega-3 Vitamins During Pregnancy Thanks To #AdultEssentials

During my 2nd trimester I learned how important taking an Omega-3 supplement was during pregnancy.

Why?

Research has suggested that increasing intake of dietary omega-3 fatty acids may have a number of health benefits. And babies whose diets include an abundance of essential fats seem to have an edge in terms of early development. Now new research shows that the same is true for infants born to mothers whose diets contain plenty of this essential fatty acid. - via webmd.com

Since I'm not a huge fan of fish and know I don't get enough omega 3 from my normal diet I turned to vitamins to help me and my baby. Already having to take 2 honking big pills daily (prenatals & calcium) I turned to my trusty Adult Essential Gummies!

ADULT ESSENTIALS Omega-3 gummies are the first 100% fish oil gummy
designed specifically for adults. We use only pure source triple-distilled fish oil
to ensure that you get the purest possible grade of fish oil. They are guaranteed
dairy, gluten and nut free, with no artificial sweeteners, flavours or colours. Adult
Essentials Omega-3 Gummies are 100% licensed and approved by Health Canada.
Quality you can trust and flavour you will love!

And love I do! Not only do they taste yummy like all their gummies, they actually give me the peace of mind that me and my baby are getting all the Omega-3 and DHA we need for healthy brain development!

Want to know more about Adult Essentials? You can connect with Adult Essentials on their Facebook page or through Twitter.

Available online at Well.ca or for in store locations see the Adult Essentials website for more info.

Disclosure – I am participating in the Adult Essentials Blogger Outreach program by ShesConnected. I received a supply of vitamins and compensation in exchange for my participation in this campaign. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Bye Bye Messy Bun, Hello Cute Hair Accessories from Elle & Scunci!

Are you sick of hairbands that either give you a headache after 20 mins or that slip off so easily there might as well be no point in wearing them?

Well join the club!

I hate my hair in my face but still like it down but because of the above problems I had petty much given up on all headbands which resulted in me tying up my hair pretty much 24/7. Cute sometimes but  a messy bun all day everyday gets old!

There is a solution ladies I promise!

Check out these Elle and Scunci hair accessories which come to you from the makers of Conair and can be found at Rexall/PharmaPlus stores around the city.

Scunci's no slip grip technology makes sure it stays in place! Each piece has a rubber coating along the area that touches your hair to make sure it doesn't go anywhere.
Check out their chunky claw for instance, you can see the rubber dots that line the inside to keep it in place without damaging or pulling hair.

Pretty genius if you ask me!

I've been testing out these hair accessories and headbands and am happy to report that not only do they hold up on their claim to stay in place but they also don't give me the dreaded headband ache.

The Elle fashion headbands (seen at the bottom of the first photo) are so pretty and really allow you to dress up your look in seconds. I love the gold flower band ($15.99) it has already spiced up a few of my outfits and made this preggo feel more put together even when nothing fits and she cant be bothered to really style her hair!

See?!! It just adds a little something something ;)

I'm so happy I've found these products... So happy in fact I want to share them PLUS more with you all ;) Stay tuned because on Friday you will have a chance to WIN one seriously amazing gift basket from Conair including the above items and a few surprises too ;)

My Article On Morning Sickness Beauty Tips For YummyMummyClub.com

While I'm almost in my third trimester now I wanted to share an article I had written for the wonderful folks at YummyMummyClub.com with you all on how to still look fab while dealing with morning sickness!

5 Easy Steps For Great Morning-Sickness Makeup

(Click above to Read)

Enjoying My Mojito The Pregnant Way...

I was in Walmart today picking up a few things when I spotted this...

Crystal Light Mojito Mocktail Drink Mix!

I was never a big drinker before I got pregnant but would sometimes get sucked in by the yummy tastes of Mojito's, Margarita's & Martini's. Since becoming pregnant I obviously cant have the alcoholic versions and even the virgin versions contain so much sugar I've been avoiding them.

Well my fellow preggos & friends cutting back on sugar here is our solution! The Mojito flavour tastes amazing, still lemony but you can taste the mint which I love. Im addicted!

Thank you Crystal Light! Thank you for giving us these amazing new flavours and allowing this pregnant lady to still enjoy a Mojito or 3 guilt free :)

Shiny Hair, Not Just Because Im Pregnant!!

I've been getting a lot of comments recently about my hair being so shiny. I know the rumours of amazing hair pregnant woman have but honestly I'm still shocked every time someone comments because I really haven't noticed much of a difference.

The one and pretty much only thing I have noticed is that my hair falls out far less then it did before I had baby on board!

Anyway, since I've been getting a ridiculous amount of comments on the shine I thought Id let you know my hair care secrets (or lack there of!).

First, I change up my shampoo and conditioners often because I like to a) confuse my hair and not let it get used to one brand and b)I like to try new products. I use mostly drugstore brands and at the moment am using L'oreal's EverCreme Sulfate Free Shampoo & Conditioner which I'm enjoying.

When blow drying my hair (which isn't often these days) I apply John Frieda's Sheer Solution Lightweight Frizz Control when my hair is still damp and blow dry using a large barrel round brush.

This helps lock out the frizz and leave my hair super soft & shiny!

That's it folks! Super simple ;)

It could also be the prenatal vitamins I'm taking too though... 

MAC Cosmetic Items for sale! Rare, Discontinued, Limited Edition

I need to make space for baby so Im going to stop hoarding makeup and find it a new home!

ALL items are 100% Authentic, Brand new & Unused!!

Please also note that all items below were purchased by me either for my kit or for personal use but remained unused.

Mac Cosmetics Crushed Metal Pigments in Stacked2- new in box, Spring Forecast Collection- SOLD

Mac Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Fresh Green Mix Limited Edition- New in box, Electroflash Collection, Limited Edition- Sale $20.00

Mac Cosmetics Mineralize Blush in The Soft Meow- New in box, Fabulous Feline Collection- Sale $15.00

Mac Cosmetics Select Sheer/Loose Powder in NW5- New in box- Sale $12.00

Mac Cosmetics Bronzing Powder in Refined Deeper Bronze- New in box- SOLD!


Mac Cosmetics Foundation Sponge- New in package, 2 available- Sale $4.00ea

Mac Cosmetics Hyper Real Pressed in Warm Rose- New no box- Sale $20.00

Mac Cosmetics Lipstick in Eden Rocks- New in box, discontinued- Sale $12.00

Mac Cosmetics Cremestick Liner in Velvetella-New in box, Discontinued, Fabulous Feline Collection- Sale $10.00

Mac Cosmetics Dame Edna Royal Tour Eye Trio- New in box, Rare item-Sale $30.00

Mac Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Dark Angel-New in box- SOLD!

Mac Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Black Enough?-New in box,Discontinued- SOLD!

Mac Cosmetics Impeccable Brow Pencil in Taupe- New in box, Discontinued - SOLD!

*I accept paypal only unless you can pick it up/meet up in the Durham Region, Richmond Hill or Markham area!

*Shipping is at the buyers expense and will be determined after order is placed

*Will ship to Canada & the US only

*Please email me if interested in any of the items at facesbyfarah@gmail.com

Pre-Baby Cut & Style with John Frieda's Master Stylist Alain Larivee

I was recently invited by the wonderful people behind John Frieda to experience a cut and/or style with their Canadian Creative Consultant Alain Larivee at their pop up salon tour in downtown Toronto.

I jumped at the chance to not only get a pre-baby cut but to get it from a master stylist like Alain!

Before the event there was a knock at the door and I got this amazing surprise :)

What was included:

Frizz-Ease Heat Defeat Protective Styling Spray

Frizz-Ease Sheer Solution Lightweight Frizz Control

Frizz-Ease Dream Curls Curl Perfecting Spray

Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray

A cute neon yellow bangle

DKNY Sunglasses 

I mean as if that wasn't awesome enough right?!

Saturday I headed out to meet Alain and the JF team at the Frizz-Ease Salon Tour which drew in huge crowds of on-lookers!

When I arrived he was working on a stunning girl and was perfecting this funky braided do...

My hair went from Frizzy to Sultry with his magic touch and a few amazing JF products. Heres my before and after... What do you think?

I felt ridiculously spoiled thank you to the kind people at Apex PR, John Frieda, Alain Larivee & Justin! I had a great time and now I don't feel so guilty about not making time for my hair before baby arrives!

4 Easy Summer Hairstyles From Our Friends At John Frieda

(Click to Enlarge)

Im a fan of all these super easy styles but for some reason my "poof" just never looks that good! *Sigh*

Have you or will you rock any of these trends this season?

Baby Talk: 24 Weeks and Feeling Bigger...

Weeks Pregnant: 24 weeks

Weeks to go: 16 weeks

How I'm Feeling: Bigger!
Insomnia has set in! I also find that my hips hurt when I wake up from sleeping on my sides because I was always a side and tummy sleeper... I think it may be time to add another pillow to the mix because the Snoogle just annoys me.

What I'm Feeling: Still feeling the pokes, jabs, kicks, turns... baby is a bit more active these days.

Craving: Fruit

Projects on the go: Still working on the nursery! Hubby has finishes the paint and trim but since we are painting a guest room as well we wont be setting up the nursery until that room is painted as well.

Trying to decide: Nursery accessories, crib mattress, bassinet vs play pen for baby's first month in our bedroom, accent colour for nursery (why is this so hard to decide!!)

Decided on: Crib, Glider, Dresser/Change table, Monitor, Nursery area rug, Stroller, Diaper bag, Baby in car decal :)

Picked this up in Vancouver for the hubs :)

Empties: Vasanti Cosmetics BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

After approx. 1yr of 3x a week usage I have to finally toss out my empty BrightenUp! container..... *sad face*

I LOVE this product as I have dry patches that this really helps eliminate so I was really sad to toss it, however this means Ill be heading out to pick up a new one because its become a staple in my morning shower routine!

Anyone else swear by this product?

This Preggo Is Off To The West Coast!

Today I leave for a tiny vacation with my family to celebrate my grandfathers 92nd birthday in Vancouver and then to visit my cousins and shop for baby in Seattle.

I'm so nervous about the flight mostly because I get air sick as it is and even though the Dr. has given me the ok to take a gravol I'm not convinced it will work because I normally try to sleep when I take it. Ive been told however that being pregnant I must get up and walk every hour to prevent blood clots....

So here's hoping I have a great flight with no issues!!

See you in a week...

Adult Essentials Gummies - Safe For Preggos Hurray Thanks ShesConnected!

I'll admit, I've never been a good vitamin taker.... either I would forget, they were too hard to swallow, they tasted awful or I just got lazy.

Since becoming pregnant though Ive had no choice in the matter as baby needs vitamins! Im currently taking my prenatal, calcium and have just recently added the Adult Essentials Gummies to my routine. When they arrived I made sure to email and ask if these were safe for pregnant women to which I got a very quick reply saying yes these are 100% safe Yay!

I've recently been named an Adult Essentials Brand Ambassador and was sent these vitamins to test out. When they arrived I was blown away with the variety, they have a vitamin for B12 which helps to support a healthy metabolism and enable your body to efficiently metabolize fats and protein. B-Complex which supports a healthy metabolism and help ensure your body generates the energy you need to meet the demands of your fast paced life. A Vitamin D which helps prevent deficiency and supports a healthy metabolism, strong bones and teeth. An Omenga-3 which is the first 100% fish oil gummy designed for adults to name just a few from their line up.

The gummy I take is the Multi-Vitamin with Omega-3. All the Adult Essential gummies are guaranteed dairy, gluten and nut free, with no artificial sweeteners, flavours or colours which is so important to me because I want to know whats going in my body especially with our future daughter inside!

I take 2 of these gummies daily and its kinda like a treat for me :) They taste look good, smell good and most importantly they taste good!

This mama-to-be is very happy!

These amazing gummies are available online at Well.ca or for in store locations see the Adult Essentials website for more info.


You can connect with Adult Essentials on their Facebook page or through Twitter.

Disclosure – I am participating in the Adult Essentials Blogger Outreach program by ShesConnected. I received a supply of vitamins and compensation in exchange for my participation in this campaign. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Baby Talk: 22 Weeks and Feeling Baby Wiggle!

Today marks 22 weeks pregnant!

I'm still getting the "you haven't even popped yet" remark a lot even though I think the belly is growing, perhaps its more noticeable to me because I can feel her. I feel her moving or turning, punching and kicking me, although its soft it is there and I couldn't be happier! I am however waiting for my big round "I'm obviously preggo" belly.

You always wonder what having a baby inside you feels like and everyone describes it different. Some say you feel little flutters or butterflies but to me it feels like bubbles popping in my belly. Does that make sense? Its so cool and it really does make me feel so much more connected to baby. Hubby felt her move for the first time last night and it kinda weirded him out which I'm sure is natural when the baby isn't growing inside of you lol.

(Taken at 21 weeks)

Weeks Pregnant: 22 weeks

Weeks to go: 18 weeks (over half way there yay!)

How I'm Feeling: Pretty good although I can tell I'm getting tired quicker and am slowing down faster these days. Slight pain in my lower abdomen from time to time. Allergies still bothering me but not as bad as before.

What I'm Feeling: Pokes, jabs, kicks, turns... baby isn't always active but does let me know she's there which I love!

Craving: Nothing really.. perhaps 3rd trimester?

Projects on the go: Nursery! So far we have chosen the paint colour and painted the 1st coat. Working on the second coat and trim this week then we can move a few items in.

Trying to decide: Which stroller we want to go with (its harder than I thought to decide), which accent colour we want to compliment the light grey & white nursery. Don't want it to be over the top girly so no hot pink but deciding between a really pale pink, pale aqua or pale blue.

Decided on: Crib, Glider, Dresser/Change table, Monitor, Nursery area rug

Enter To Win A Year’s Supply Of Elizabeth Grant Skin Care Products! Open Internationally

My good friends are Elizabeth Grant are celebrating an anniversary! To celebrate they are hosting a huge giveaway!!

ENTER TO WIN A YEAR’S SUPPLY OF

ELIZABETH GRANT SKIN CARE PRODUCTS!

ELIZABETH GRANT SKIN CARE GRAND PRIZE:
The grand prize is 6 packages delivered to the winner over the year, each package containing one of each: (Biocollasis Complex Day Crème ($99 each), Biocollasis Complex Night Crème($120), Biocollasis Complex Eye Crème ($55), Biocollasis Complex Day Serum ($65 each), Biocollasis Complex Night Serum ($75), Biocollasis Complex Eye Serum ($63 each), Biocollasis Complex Gentle Cleanser($30), Biocollasis Complex Pore Refining Lotion($28)

PLUS ONE TIME ADDITIONAL BONUSES:

X 2 Collagen Miracle Concentrate ($75 each), X 2 Biocollasis Complex Wrinkle Concentrate($80 each), X 2 Elizabeth EDP($69 each), X 1 Essence of Torricelumn 4 pack ($150), and X 3 Ultimate Cellular Concentrate ($99 each)

GRAND TOTAL of each Grand Prize: $4125

TEN (10) RUNNER UP PRIZES OF BIOCOLLASIS COMPLEX DAY CREAM WILL BE AWARDED ($99 value per cream)

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

CONTEST RULES

Contest Period: Starting on 12:00 a.m., Eastern Time, July 1, 2012 to 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, July 31, 2012.

Eligibility: contest is not open to Elizabeth Grant International employees, suppliers, or their immediate family members. Must be 18 or older to enter. Open Internationally.

If a selected entrant cannot be reached within five (5) days following the draw, declines the prize, or fails to authorize use of their name for publication on our website and other media another entrant will be selected.

Moms I need your Help With A "Must Have" List for A First Time Mom!

Here is a list Ive taken from an online birth group Im in but Im wondering whats missing and what on here isnt or is a must?? Especially for a fall/winter baby...

(Image Via infantbabytoddlerandpregnancyadvicecenter.com)

Clothing

• 8 undershirts or onesies (mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve)
• 5 nightgowns (for use until the cord falls off)
• 8 one-piece stretchy sleepers (go for ones with zippers; new moms swear by them!)
• 5 pairs of pants
• 2 newborn hats
• 8 pairs of socks or booties, to wear with nightgowns and outfits
• 2 pairs of scratch mittens, to keep baby from scratching his face
• 2 cardigans or jackets, more in winter
• Bunting bag or snowsuit for winter baby
• Laundry detergent for infants
• 4 outfits for dressing up (optional)

Blankets

• 3 large cotton blankets
• 8 receiving blankets (they also make handy burp cloths) or more if using for swaddling and major puking

Feeding

 If you’re breastfeeding, you don’t really need any equipment.

• Hooter hider

Some nursing mothers like to have these items:

• Lots of bibs
• Burp cloths (see also receiving blankets)
• Breast pump (I wouldnt reccomend buying this until you need it)
• Milk storage containers
• Nursing pillow
• Nursing bras (if buying before baby is born, buy one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size)
• Breast pads (disposable or washable)
• Lotion for sore nipples

If you are formula feeding:

• Lots of bibs
• Burp cloths
• 8 four-ounce bottles with nipples
• 6 eight-ounce bottles with nipples
• Bottle and nipple brush
• Formula (be sure to check expiry date and note the lot number in case of recalls)
• Thermal bottle carrier

Diapering

If you are using re-usable cloth diapers:

• Several dozen (4 or 5) cloth or re-usable diapers
• 8 waterproof covers
• 1 diaper pail
• Changing pad
• Baby ointment or other barrier cream to prevent rash
• Snaps, Velcro or safety pins to secure re-usable diapers
• Disposable wipes or a couple dozen washcloths for cleaning baby’s bottom

If you are using disposable diapers:

• Two boxes of newborn-size diapers (it’s better not to buy too many in advance in case your baby is large or grows quickly)
• 1 diaper pail
• Changing pad
• Baby ointment or barrier cream to prevent rash
• Disposable wipes or a couple dozen washcloths for cleaning baby’s bottom

Bathtime

• 1 plastic infant tub (or use a large dishpan in the sink, or take baby in the bath with you)
• 12 washcloths, not used on baby’s bottom
• Baby soap or cleanser
• Baby shampoo
• Baby soft-bristled hair brush
• 3 soft-hooded towels

Bedtime

If you are using a crib:

• Approved crib and crib mattress
• waterproof mattress covers
• 2 fitted cribsheets
• 4 light blankets that fit in the crib
• Sleep sack

If you are co-sleeping:

• Firm mattress (not a waterbed)
• 3 waterproof pads to place under baby
• Light comforter (keep away from baby's head)
• Sleep sack

Other necessities

• Approved infant safety seat for car
• Stroller that reclines so newborn can lie flat
• Nail clippers or scissors (or just bite off baby’s nails as needed)
• Bulb syringe for suctioning mucous
• Baby thermometer
• Eye dropper or medicine spoon
• Medication in case of fever

Nice-to-have items

• Change table (or just use change pad on top of dresser or bed)
• Rocking chair for feeding and swaddling
• Playpen
• Sling or baby carrier
• Diaper bag
• 1 or 2 change pads
• Plastic hangers for closet
• Sun shade for car windows
• 2 or 4 pacifiers (if you choose to use these)
• Rattles and other baby toys
• Mobiles
• Night light
• Fish Price Aquarium
• Swing
• Bouncy chair
• Bumbo Seat