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Roxymandy August 18, 2015

Review of Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+

This is my second SPF I’ve picked up specifically for my face this summer, but this one seems to be my favourite compared to the other one I gave a try.

Kiehl’s Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ protection has a very light consistency. It’s bright white in color, but once rubbed into the skin it blends in easily to a matte finish. Sometimes I find that sunscreens make my face look a little grey, but this one didn’t have an effect at all. I didn’t feel like it was greasy at all, and I really forgot I was wearing it.

It has antioxidant Vitamin E to help prevent free-radical damage, and it’s oil-free, fragrance free, parabin free and color free.

It says it’s water resistant for 80 minutes, and I believe that be to be true because I was splashed in the face with water many times and I still didn’t burn!

I really liked that it was gentle enough that I didn’t have a reaction to it or break out at all. It easily slid into my routine.

It has the “sunscreen” smell to it, but other than that no other noticeable fragrance.

Overall I would purchase this product again, although I do wish it was tinted so it would add coverage to my face. I actually liked the formula of the L’Oreal BB SPF and I really loved that it was tinted, but this sunscreen seemed to do a better job of protecting my skin and I really liked the consistency. This one can very easily be worn under make up since is non-greasy as well.

My face didn’t even get a tan when I wore this sunscreen, and even after being in water and sweating it didn’t let me down.

For more information on Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+, visit their website here.

Roxymandy August 15, 2015

Our New Home Entertaining Plans + Join Me at the RBC First Home Twitter Chat

When we bought a new home a couple years ago, we had no idea what we were doing! We knew which house we desperately wanted, and we loved the location it was in, but we didn’t know the in’s-and-out’s of how to work with the builder.

I really loved the idea of having the kitchen the heart of the house. I decided we would make some changes to the kitchen to make the space larger. We wanted to move the L-shaped counter against the wall so we could have a larger space, and so we could have room for a very large table where we could fit all of our family and friends.

After fighting with the sales agent to do this and being turned down, our builder decided to work with us and did everything we asked to create the perfect entertaining space!

We always imagined having people over and settling in the kitchen at our giant table (it’s just over 9 feet!), and it all came to fruition.

In our experience no matter what kind of party you are having, everyone somehow ends up in the kitchen when you are entertaining. This is why making it the focal point was so important to us. We love to entertain, so when purchasing our new home the floor plan was an important part of making our choice in a home.

One of my favourite parties after we moved in was a wine and cheese party with my girlfriends. I paired all of the wines with the cheeses laid out on our table, and everyone ended up just sitting down and socializing at the table having a great time!

How about you? Did you think about entertaining when buying your last home, or will that be something you think about the next time around?

Comment below to let me know!

Join myself at the RBC First Home Twitter Chat and speak to RBC experts who can answer home buying questions!

The Chat is on August 18th at 8:30pm EST, and you can submit your home-buying questions by using the hashtag #RBCFirstHome

RBC has invited a lawyer, realtor, design, home builders, and home mortgage experts to participate as well

Chat participants have a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 gift cards, and you can even win win 1 of 3 $100 Visa Gift cards before the party even takes place by signing up by clicking on the widget link below!

RBC First Home Chat August

Disclosure: I am part of the RBC First Home campaign with Influence Central and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Roxymandy August 14, 2015

Fringed Boots for Fall

Last week I paid a visit to Mapleview Centre for a bit of shopping, and I came across the cutest faux-suede fringed ankle boots at Forever 21! These will be a staple piece in my fall outfits over the next few months. At only $45.50 I was very happy with the price as well!

It seemed like fringe was going to be a strong part of the summer festival trend and that would be it, but it’s now translating into another season of wear with vests, skirts, shoes, and anything else you can add a fringe too.

Boots like these are practical enough that you can do errands in, but they are stylish enough to wear with a dress or skirt.

I scooped up the last pair these boots at the Forever 21 at Mapleview Centre and I couldn’t find them online either, so I’ve added a few more styles by other brands below in case you love this trend as much as I do!

Sam Edelman Louie Back Suede

Steve Madden Realie Boot

Zara Leather Flat Booties with Fringe

Aldo Casalnuoyo Ankle Boots

Kristen Cavallari Charm Fringe Bootie

Roxymandy August 6, 2015

Vichy Idealia Skin Sleep Recovery Night Gel-Balm

I’ve tried quite a few Vichy products over the last year, and all of them have done exactly what they said they would do.

None of these products have felt as soothing, or had such a beautiful fragrance as the Vichy Idealia Skin Sleep Recovery Night Gel-Balm!

The best time to repair and replenish skin has to be at night because you can let your skincare regimen do the work for you, right?

Vichy Idealia Skin Sleep Recovery Night Gel-Balm does not need to be applied every night – instead it’s to be applied 1-3 times per week generously to the face and neck. It’s a pretty cotton candy pink, and smells yummy as well. Bonus!

It is suitable for all skin types, and is paraben-free and hypoallergenic.

It contains Hyaluronic acid to hydrate and re-plump the skin, Vitamin B3 to soothe the skin and act as an anti-inflammatory, and caffeine (amoung other ingredients) to stimulate micro-circulation, drainage and cellular energy.

In the morning my skin felt a moisturized, and looked a bit more radiant. I can use all the help I can get in the morning, so this was a great benefit. My skin seemed a little more, well, plumper! Normally I would hate to wake up looking plumper, but skincare wise it was a good thing! As I get older I have noticed my face has a bit of more of a hollow look to it, so having a plumper look to my skin make my face look more youthful.

I had no breakouts at all from the product, and it was so soothing to apply! It has a rich gel-like texture. It’s extremely lightweight! It almost feels a little sticky when you apply it (this seems common in other balms I have used), but in a few minutes that feeling was gone because it absorbed into the skin and the moisturized feeling set in.

For a girl with a lack of sleep problem, this product worked for me. It gave my skin an extra hydrating boost, and I just looked like a better version of myself in the morning when I looked in the mirror.

Another Vichy product I was really impressed with! If you are looking to do some skincare recovery while you sleep, check out Vichy Idealia Skin Sleep Recovery Night Gel-Balm. I loved it!

For more details on this product, visit the Vichy website here.

Disclosure: This product was sent to me for review, but all opinions are fabulously my own.

Roxymandy August 4, 2015

Pointed Toe Lace Up Flats

Stores are filling up with cozy sweaters and flannel shirts for fall, and I’m already starting to think about what I need for colder weather. I’m still wearing flip flops, but it’s nice to have some versatile shoes for the transition from summer to fall.

One of the trends coming this fall will be pointed toe laced up flats, and I’ve already picked up a pair for myself.

This pair I’m wearing are from Aldo and are super comfortable!

I think they would look great with a dress as well because of the lace-up detail.