Trend Watch

Trend Watch tag:www.urbanmoms.ca,2009-04-01:/trend_watch/46 2013-05-23T00:22:33Z Jennifer's got her eye on all the latest trends; join her as she navigates the ins and outs of everything trendy. Follow me as @JenTrend on twitter. Follow me as @JenTrend on twitter. Movable Type Pro 4.37 Say "Si" to Sangria tag:www.urbanmoms.ca,2013:/trend_watch//46.13917 2013-05-23T00:07:28Z 2013-05-23T00:22:33Z

I think I might finally feel confident in putting away the toques and parkas. This past weekend was absolutely glorious in this part of the country, and I spent most of each day outside; cleaning up the patio furniture, weeding...

Jennifer

I'd been invited to test out a new recipe for Sangria, and though I was intimidated at first, when presented with all of the ingredients I decided that this was the perfect weekend to try it out.

Ingredients

1 bottle (750 mL) of Solaz Tampranillo Cabernet Sauvignon

2 oz Duff Gordon brandy

2 oz Cinzano sweet red vermouth

1 cup pineapple juice

1 cup passion fruit juice

Slices of oranges, lemons and limes (seeds removed)

Method

Add all ingredients into a pitcher and gently stir. Refrigerate for 4-10 hours. Remove from refrigerator, add ice and stir gently before serving.

I've always loved a pitcher of Sangria on a patio with friends. I had no idea how simple it was to make this delicious drink at home. My guests were suitably impressed, and this recipe's definitely a keeper!

I was provided with the ingredients to create my own Sangria for review, but was not compensated in any way for this review, and all opinions are my own.

]]> Keeping Your Family Safe...Online tag:www.urbanmoms.ca,2013:/trend_watch//46.13879 2013-05-15T12:41:02Z 2013-05-15T17:32:36Z

"Look both ways before you cross the street." "Never accept a ride from a stranger." "If you're home alone, never open the door." These are the lessons that were passed on to us to keep us safe as children, and...

Jennifer

But growing up, we didn't have to worry about online predators, inappropriate web content, or cyber bullying. As a parent, I try really hard to keep myself educated about online dangers, but with new social media tools popping up daily and kids who have a digital footprint even before they're born, I'm finding my own children are often a step a head of me. The internet is so easy for them to navigate, and they have the tools and access long before they have the appropriate judgement and ability to surf safely.

AVG Family Safety is a new tool to help parents to keep their kids safe. It's a simple software downloaded on to your child's laptop, computer, iPod Touch, iPad or Windows mobile device, that allows you to keep a step ahead. You can stay informed about what apps and sites your child is using, set limits to time and access, block certain sites, keep an eye on content and track social media activity.

This is a software that will grow with your family. I think you'd use it in one way for your 6 year old (blocking sites, managing time spent online) and in a completely different way for your 16 year old (using keystroke technology it can monitor your child's online activities and can spot words, phrases or technology that are known to be used to victimize kids online).

Most importantly, it also offers education to both kids and parents, and allows you to create solutions, monitor and enlighten through conversations, all through updates to your own mobile device. A tool like this can encourage and allow for dialogue with your kids, which is the most important way to keep your kids safe online.

The software is only $49.99 for a one-year subscription; a very small price to pay for peace of mind.

Now for the best part! UrbanMoms would like to offer you a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 tablet with AVG AntivirusPro for tablets (one year license) and AVG Family Safety software (one year license).

To enter to win please comment below and tell us what advice you give your children about on-line safety. One lucky UrbanMoms member will be chosen at random to win this fabulous giveaway!

Contest closes May 29th, 2013

Click here for Contest Rules and Regulations.

UrbanMoms.ca members are eligible to win so don't forget to sign-in. Not a member yet?

Click here to join.

]]> Stylish Mother's Day Gift Ideas tag:www.urbanmoms.ca,2013:/trend_watch//46.13829 2013-05-07T01:13:19Z 2013-05-07T02:37:38Z

Jennifer Still looking for the perfect gift for your stylish mom?

Is your mother looking to squeeze a little more fitness into her life? She'll feel healthier and look stylin' with a pair of Orthaheel shoes. Designed by Australian podiatrist Phillip Vasyli, Orthaheel offers an innovative approach to foot health that is recommended by doctors and other health care professionals. I started wearing mine about two months ago, and they're my go-to shoes now. Find them at Foot Solutions stores across the country, or at a retailer near you by visiting Orthaheel.

The Fleur sandal is available in a variety of colours and is only $90.

Maybe you're looking for a little sparkle for Mom's jewelry box? Who wouldn't want to receive a classic Tiffany's blue box? She'll be thrilled to find this beautiful necklace inside.

The Paloma Picasso "mom" pendant in sterling silver $220 available at Tiffany & Co.

Everyone loves a pretty scarf, and this gorgeous lightweight silk blend scarf from Indigo will update any Spring wardrobe. It's a beautiful marble print, and available for only $45 at Indigo stores or online.

If you're looking for a new sweater for your mother, nothing could be more on-trend than Smart Set's scoop neck pullover in Citrus Zest.

Bonus news, right now these sweaters are priced at $35 each,

and are buy one, get one half-price! That's one for mom, and one for you!

Finally, if your mother's a beauty junkie, you just can't beat a BeautyGram. A beauty experience in a box, you can order one online for delivery to your mom; treat her to a spa experience, a fun new beauty product and an indulgent tea. Every mom deserves to be pampered.

The "Mum's the Word" beauty box picture above is only $70, and delivery anywhere in Canada is only $12 extra.

Perfect gifts for the special woman in your life; whether that's your mom, your grandmother or yourself, these gifts will have any mother feeling properly spoiled and appreciated.

]]> Clorox Smart Tube® Technology...when Smarter Means Better tag:www.urbanmoms.ca,2013:/trend_watch//46.13757 2013-04-29T08:00:00Z 2013-04-26T20:57:03Z

Jennifer

I'm a fan of Clorox products; when I want shower tiles to sparkle, nothing compares to the Tilex Soap Scum Remover & Disinfectant. The product does what it sets out to do; removes the scum without requiring heavy duty scrubbing, and disinfects without bleach. However, as with most cleaning products, I always found myself with a few milliliters in the bottom of the bottle that couldn't be sprayed out because they were out of reach of the tube. These ended up either wasted or poured out once and splashed around.

The new packaging of the Clorox line comes with a more ergonomic handle, wider triggers, easier to read On/Off labeling, and the amazing new Smart Tube® Technology. This technology really is quite ingenious.

The new technology has a special integrated tube that actually does reach every drop. That means you actually save money because you can use every bit that you paid for. It solves the frustrating workaround of pouring the liquid onto a paper towel or tipping the bottle sideways. Finally, it allows you better control because the spray ends up where you intended it to go. It's a little thing...but when you're cleaning the bathroom, the little things add up to make life easier...and can't we all use a little bit of that?

The Clorox Smart Tube® Technology is available in a number of Clorox products, including Tilex Soap Scum Remover, but also Clorox All-Purpose Cleaner, and the Green Works line. Now I'm just trying to figure out how I can adapt this new technology to the rest of my life...anyone want to help me to adapt it to my Mojito glass?

Clorox is offering coupons to UrbanMoms readers so that you can test this technology yourself.

Clorox is also offering one of our own UrbanMoms members a chance to win a Clorox Spring Cleaning prize pack, featuring a selection of the latest product innovations from Clorox including its new SMART TUBE® Technology bottles. For a chance to win just comment below and tell me what your least favourite spring cleaning job is!

Valued at approximately $200, the prize pack has everything you need to give your home a spring makeover! Each prize pack includes:

*A years supply of Clorox cleaning products including Clorox All-Purpose Cleaner,

Tilex Fresh Shower Daily Cleaner, New Clorox concentrated bleach and more!

*All-purpose cleaning cloths and sponges

*Tile brush

*Latex cleaning gloves

*Bathroom squeegee

*Window chamease

*Dish wand

*A basket to hold all your cleaning supplies

*$100 LIfe Experiences gift card

Contest closes May 6th, 2013

Click here for Contest Rules and Regulations.UrbanMoms.ca members are eligible to win so don't forget to sign-in.

Not a member yet?

Click here to join.

]]> Let Me Hand It To You tag:www.urbanmoms.ca,2013:/trend_watch//46.13754 2013-04-22T17:48:05Z 2013-04-22T18:00:52Z

Jennifer Oh shoulder season, you are seriously killing me. Sunny and 18 degrees one day; strip down to bare legs and skip through daisies. Blustery, snowy and minus 1 the next day; dig out your parka, bundle up and endure another day of Mother Nature's wrath.

What's a girl to do with the state of her skin? My hands are parched and cracking from the bitter cold, exposed and tough from digging in the garden.

Here's the sweetest treat I've come across all week...Live Clean Exotic Nectar Argan Oil Hand Cream. It's perfect for this in-between weather. The argan oil is extra rich and nourishing (even soothing my son's hands which were red and chapped from wet, stinky goalie gloves!). The product is infused with rice bran oil to offset the greasy feeling, so you can apply and get right to work.

As with all Live Clean products, it's free of silicone, petroleum, mineral oil and dyes, so it's great for sensitive skin. The scent is fresh and as appealing to my 11 year old son as it is to me; it's more cocoa scented than floral.

Find it for under $10 in your drugstore aisles.

I was provided with product samples for review, but was not compensated in any way for this review, and all opinions are my own.

]]> Sabra Introduces Salsa and Guacamole for your Dipping Pleasure tag:www.urbanmoms.ca,2013:/trend_watch//46.13661 2013-04-12T19:03:22Z 2013-04-15T22:12:31Z

I am a big fan of Sabra's delicious hummus. It's a go-to purchase for summer entertaining; I love it as a dip, as a spread on sandwiches, and as a condiment for burgers. That's why I'm so excited to write...

Jennifer

Sabra Salsas are made at their plant in Mexico with fresh Roma tomatoes. They're cold-packed and cold-shipped to ensure you'll enjoy a fresh and delicious taste. Sabra is not just dipping their toes into the salsa market; they're jumping right in with a variety of flavours including: Homestyle Medium, Chunky Pico De Gallo, Southwestern Style (yummy and spicy) and my favourite, Mango Peach.

Sabra's also introducing a Classic Guacamole made from an authentic recipe with Mexican-grown Hass avocados. My own guacamole recipe is one of the reasons that my husband keeps me around, and I joked after tasting Sabra's version that if he discovers this, I may be declared redundant.

Visit the Sabra website for all sorts of serving and recipe ideas, including this delicious flatbread with guacamole appetizer.

Sabra Salsas retail for $4.99 and Classic Guacamole is $4.69, and they can be found in major grocery stores and mass retailers across the country.

I was provided with product samples for review, but was not compensated in any way for this review, and all opinions are my own.

]]> Spring Hair Trends from Goody tag:www.urbanmoms.ca,2013:/trend_watch//46.13660 2013-04-06T16:39:32Z 2013-04-06T18:51:11Z

Spring is coming...it really is. We're finally going to be able to ditch the toques; but that doesn't mean we need to cover up with a ball cap or fedora. Spring is a time to let loose and show off...

Jennifer

I recently attended an event to get a sneak preview of the upcoming season's newest styling tools and accessories from Goody. A few of these will help you to keep up with all of the season's hair trends.

New Products to Make Life Easier

Goody's got a number of new products designed to save you time and effort. First up the new Tanglefix brush. My daughter's got baby fine hair, but likes to wear it long. That means knots aplenty and many, many tears when it's time to brush them out. The Tangleflex brush from Goody really does get through tangles easier; it promises it's 70% easier, and I can report 100% less tears.

I love the shape of this brush; it's designed to be smaller on one end so that kids can hold it easily, and larger on the other end for an adult's hand.

The Goody Quikstyle looks sort of bizarre. It's a round brush that has a towel fabric embedded to allow your hair to dry quicker by absorbing the moisture.

I was skeptical, but it easily shaved minutes off my blow-dry...and we all know how critical minutes are in a mother's morning! The finished product wasn't too shabby...

I haven't got a picture of the Goody Bun Foundation, but picture a donut made out of a brillo-pad material. Yum, huh? It's much more appealing when it allows you to create the perfect high fashion bun in minutes...and holds it all night.

The Goody website has easy instructions on how to create this masterpiece, and believe me...if I can do it, you can do it!

Double Duty Accessories

I discovered the Goody Doublewear hair elastics last Fall, and rarely leave the house without a few of them around my wrist (they fit into an arm party quite easily, and work really well in your hair!)

Goody has expanded the Double Duty line with Double Duty Headwrap necklaces (so perfect for those days when my bangs just are not cooperating)

and a whole collection for girls.

These Ouchless Ribbon Elastics are the hottest accessory on the playground according to my 7 year old junior stylist.

Gone are the days of digging in the bottom of your purse for a lint-covered elastic; with such pretty Doublewear accessories, you'll always have one on your person!

Goody hair tools and accessories are available across the country in grocery stores, department stores and drugstores, and most products are priced under $10.

I was provided with product samples for review, but was not compensated in any way for this review, and all opinions are my own.

]]> Target's Here tag:www.urbanmoms.ca,2013:/trend_watch//46.13638 2013-03-31T15:01:32Z 2013-04-04T10:41:20Z

Well our new neighbours have moved in, and they hosted quite a "getting to know you" party.The first Target stores in Canada opened their doors last month, but all of Toronto has been waiting with bated breath for the local...

Jennifer

The first Target stores in Canada opened their doors last month, but all of Toronto has been waiting with bated breath for the local ones to open up. Last Wednesday evening, a number of media, celebrities and Target partners were invited to see the Target at Shoppers World before it opened to customers the following day.

The party was a blast, as all good house parties are...champagne was flowing (from bottles stored on ice in a bathtub in the Bath section of the store), sliders were being served from the grills in the Outdoor Furniture section, and in the Housewares section, gourmet grilled cheese was being made with irons.

There was a red carpet with photo opportunities with Bullseye the mascot, and many celebrities took full advantage...I spotted Elisha Cuthbert, Dan Levy, Ben Mulroney, Kardinal Offishal, and at the end of one aisle, who should I see shopping for craft supplies for her girls, but Sarah Jessica Parker?!! (I'm assuming that when she mentioned her girls these days she's talking about her twin daughters and not her Sex in the City girls!)

As for me, I loved the home accessories section of the store. I anticipate adding many Umbra and Nate Burkus pieces into my home decor.

The shoe department was fabulous, too. Where else could you wander the aisles and find trendy and fashion-forward footwear for under $40?

I think fashion accessories will always be a draw at Target. I picked up a dozen colourful neon earrings for my daughter for $5, and I saw a couple of cheap and cheerful purses I'll head back to buy for myself.

The store is bright and well-laid out, with wide aisles and lots of friendly service. I'll go back to check out the food department (all food served at the party was Target's own line, and it was delicious) and the electronics (if you get a Target card, you get 5% off all purchases and that would go a long way on some of the Apple products they carry).

I was disappointed in the clothing (it was a smaller department than I've seen in American stores) and the Sonia Kashuk makeup (sadly it won't make its way into the Canadian stores until May). But like any good neighbour, I'll give Target a little while to unpack and get to know the place before making final judgement! For now, I'll just say, they throw a great party!

]]> Hershey's Chocolate...for the Canadian Palate tag:www.urbanmoms.ca,2013:/trend_watch//46.13553 2013-03-19T20:27:13Z 2013-03-19T20:44:51Z

Canadians and Americans may be some of the most famous next-door neighbours in the world, but we do share some very specific taste differences. When Canadians refer to Smarties, we know we're talking about delicious little multicoloured treats and not...

Jennifer

For years, we've had to purchase the same variety of Hershey's chocolate that they've been making in Hershey, Pennsylvania for years and years and years, But recently, the folks at Hershey's have researched and determined that we Canadians like a different taste and feel to our chocolate indulgences.

Surveys have shown that the majority of Canadians prefer food with simple whole ingredients. In fact, 83% of Canadians agree that they prefer to eat foods that contain ingredents they can pronounce.

So how do you feel about sugar, milk ingredients, cocoa butter, unsweetened chocolate, soy lecithin and vanilla. Can you pronounce all of those ingredients? Good ,because that's all that's in the new Hershey's Creamy Milk Chocolate Bar.

During a professional taste testing, what I noticed most about the new Hershey chocolate recipe was its texture. Where the traditional Hershey's chocolate tends to be waxy (think Hershey's Kisses), these bars are much creamier. Our palate seems a little more sophisticated (I credit our exposure to such multicultural treats), and this chocolate treats the Canadian palate respectfully.

The new Hershey Canada products are on store shelves now. Try their Creamy Milk Chocolate Bar, Whole Almond Bar and Milk Chocolate and Roasted Almonds.

]]> Start Your Shopping...Zara Online Launches Today tag:www.urbanmoms.ca,2013:/trend_watch//46.13503 2013-03-06T01:00:00Z 2013-03-06T00:11:40Z

Ladies, start your shopping. There's a new retail giant available online, and it's a fashion blogger's favourite. Zara, the global fashion retailer, is launching online shopping in Canada today, March 6, with delivery to the entire country. Zara's online shop...

Jennifer Zara, the global fashion retailer, is launching online shopping in Canada today, March 6, with delivery to the entire country. Zara's online shop will sell the same full range of women's, men's and children's clothing found in Zara's stores.

I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to test out Zara's online shopping experience last week, and I'm happy to report that it couldn't be easier.

First, the site is user-friendly and easily searchable by a number of filter options (by garment characteristic, colours, sizes, prices, etc). Shoppers can also find items by reference number, so if you've seen an item in-store that wasn't available in your size, simply head over to www.zara.com and you'll be able to track it down in no time.

Delivery couldn't be easier. Purchasers can opt for free shipping to the store of their choice, within a period of 3-6 days. If you prefer home delivery, there is no charge for orders over $50, and express delivery available for a flat-rate of $9.95. Regardless of delivery option, the package arrives with lovely eco-friendly sleek packaging that ensures it's crinkle-free and ready to wear.

Finally, the exchange and return policy is identical to that offered in-store; during a 30-day period and free or charge, unwanted items can be returned to Zara stores or scheduled to be picked up at home.

I placed my order on a Thursday afternoon, and was notified later that day that my pieces were sent out for delivery. My package (easily trackable) arrived on Monday morning, and everything was correct. I've been wearing these gorgeous flats around the house ever since

When is Spring arriving, again?

So with its wonderful European flair and trendy pieces, Zara online offers us another way to wile away our online hours...and look like a million bucks!

]]> Kellogg's All Bran Tweet Shop tag:www.urbanmoms.ca,2013:/trend_watch//46.13492 2013-03-04T10:28:48Z 2013-03-04T15:34:02Z

Jennifer

Kellogg's is waking up your taste buds with new All-Bran Cranberries & Clusters cereal. It features toasted bran flakes with a lightly sweet vanilla flavour, tangy red cranberries and crunchy multi-grain clusters. High in fibre, it's also delicious and slightly addictive. We've gone through two boxes in just over a week, and in the words of my 11 year old son, "It actually tastes good, so I'm not sure it could be good for me." (Ha! Ha! What he doesn't know not only won't hurt him, but will actually help him!)

The cereal's official launch will be this week at The Kellogg's All-Bran Tweet Shop - the first of its kind in Canada! - located in Trinity Way of the Toronto Eaton Centre from Thursday March 7 to Saturday March 9. Simply Tweet or post a Facebook message about the product using the hashtag, #AllBranTweetShop to receive a full-size box for free. Kind of a "tweet" deal, huh?

It's no wonder brands are realizing the power of social media to spread the word about new products. In the past week alone, I've used Twitter to find a travel agent for an upcoming family vacation, and Facebook to get help with my son's grade eight math homework. I'm discovering new lip colour addictions on Instagram's #lippyaday, and some of my favourite shoes and dresses were first spotted on Pinterest.

To celebrate this fun launch, our friends at Kelloggs are giving away a Kellogg's All-Bran Cranberries & Clusters Cereal Gift Basket for one lucky UrbanMoms member. It's got a starter supply of the cereal and other All-Bran snacks, and everything you need to Tweet or Post like a pro - an Android tablet and case, a stylus and a pair of Smart Touch gloves to keep your hands toasty warm while Tweeting. The prize pack is valued at $250.

For your chance to win, just tell me, what's the "tweetest" thing that's happened to you on social media?

Contest closes March 11, 2013.

Click here for Contest Rules and Regulations

UrbanMoms.ca members are eligible to win so don't forget to sign-in. Not a member yet?

Click here to join.

]]> Grab a Bite tag:www.urbanmoms.ca,2013:/trend_watch//46.13483 2013-02-28T14:59:08Z 2013-02-28T15:19:59Z

Life is busy. Schedules are nuts. Sometimes at the end of the day, I'll reflect back and realize I forgot to eat lunch or that my dinner consisted of that handful of french fries that I ate over my daughter's...

Jennifer

I try my hardest to provide healthy meal and snacks for my kids, and do a good job most of the time, but as well all know, not one of us is perfect. So I search for snacks that can do double duty; get my kids through the gaps between their regular meals, and provide some nutritional benefits. Now that my older two are often home alone, they're making their own snacking decisions, so it's critical to me to have food on hand that they'll want to choose that will do this.

I've kind of fallen in love with Clif Bars for this reason.

From their own website (which is pretty fabulous and consumer-friendly, by the way),

"Athletes and active people have high energy demands. With a mix of carbohydrates, protein and fiber, CLIF BARs supply working muscles with the energy they need for extended periods of activity. Wholesome and nutrient-dense, CLIF BARs steadily increase blood sugar levels without creating a precipitous "sugar crash."

I did my due diligence; I looked at the food labels and compared them to some of the other granola and energy bars that I've had in my cupboards. I love how easy I can compare thanks to the information on the website, and found that Clif The Coconut Chocolate Chip Clif Bar has 20% of recommended daily fibre and no trans fat. The new Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars offer protein and a full serving of organic grains.

But the real test is the taste test...and Clif Bars pass with flying colours. My notoriously picky middle son says they test delicious. My older son has been packing them for before his after-school basketball practice (instead of the cookies he used to buy in the school cafeteria). They've asked me to buy more!!!

I purchased my Clif Bars at Costco, but I've seen them in grocery stores and drugstores, too. They're not as cheap as the generic chocolate chip granola bars, but they offer much better nutritional value (and seem to fill my kids up a little more too).

Two caveats; Clif Bars aren't aimed at young kids. They suggest on the website that they're really only appropriate for kids whose appetites are about the same as an adult's, so not until they're between 9-13 years old. Second, most of the flavours do have nuts, so don't be throwing these in your child's lunchbox if your school has a nut-free policy.

]]> Lash Out tag:www.urbanmoms.ca,2013:/trend_watch//46.13457 2013-02-24T14:28:06Z 2013-02-24T14:55:22Z

Sometimes you find a product that changes your life (in some little way), delivers everything that it promises, and the heavens open up a little.Such is the way with Benefit's They're Real mascara. I got a mini-size of this as...

Jennifer

Such is the way with Benefit's They're Real mascara. I got a mini-size of this as a bonus with a Sephora purchase months ago, and finally got around to trying it recently. This mascara's sort of magical.

It lengthens my lashes (so much that they were hitting my glasses' lenses a couple of times...cough! humbelbrag! cough!)
It doesn't transfer to my top lids or under eyes
It removes easily with my trusty Kirkland wipes (critical because the feeling of leftover mascara in the morning is a crazy pet peeve of mine)

One coat's fantastic for every day, a couple of coats make for dramatic evening eyes. I love this mascara, and visited the Sephora site right away to order more. Then I saw it...the price. $23 for one of those beauty products that I always insisted didn't need a splurge. Boo.

But sometimes, miraculously, you find a product that changes your life (in some little way), delivers everything that it promises, and the heavens open up a little. And then you see the price tag and the angels start singing.

That's the case with CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher.

This product delivers everything that the more expensive Benefit mascara does, but at a price tag of $6.99 and available at WalMart and drugstores. Hallelujah. That's the sound of me batting my lashes in time to the angels' voices.

]]> Get the Red Out! tag:www.urbanmoms.ca,2013:/trend_watch//46.13405 2013-02-15T07:00:00Z 2013-02-15T12:17:57Z

I've written before about the challenges with my daughter's eczema. My own skin can also be quite problematic at the best of times. I've got mild rosacea which means a flare up of redness around my nose that is caused...

Jennifer

Come the middle of February, I'm also dealing with a lot of work stress, plane travel (is the air drier anywhere on earth than in a plane or a hotel?) and a fantastic long weekend in New Orleans (I'm assuming those cocktails I had all day and each night had some alcohol, right?) Right now m skin is feeling these effects.

For the past month I've been testing out SkinCeutical's Redness Neutralizer and I'm very impressed. This white lotion moisturizes skin and has a unique formulation that combats the redness and sensitivity.

Applied after my morning shower, it soothes the skin that's been irritated by the warm water and makes my skin look clearer and less red.

This product is not inexpensive, and I hesitate to recommend it to all with a $78 price tag for 50mL, but if you suffer from rosacea you'll appreciate anything that soothes your skin and eliminates the redness. This stuff works and you only need to apply a small amount. Clinicals tests have reduced flushing and redness by 30%.

As with all SkinCeuticals products, safe for sensitive skin, paraben-free, alcohol-free, and dye- and fragrance-free. Find the product in the offices of dispensing doctors, medical spas and high-end spas. See SkinCeutial's store locator for more information.

]]> Last Minute Valentine's Day Dash Through the Mall tag:www.urbanmoms.ca,2013:/trend_watch//46.13406 2013-02-13T00:10:42Z 2013-02-13T00:29:52Z

This is it, T minus 48 hours until Cupid's day. It's a little anti-climatic celebrating this day of love so soon after celebrating the day of pancakes (Mardi Gras for the win!), but it seems inappropriate to ignore it completely.If...

Jennifer

If you're still looking for some gift ideas to tell that certain someone that you care, you've got time for quick run to the mall to check out

Old Navy

Whether you're shopping for a little love bug or a tween, you'll find pyjamas for everyone at Old Navy. Priced at under $20 for a pair and made of 100% cotton, these are favourites in my family.

The Body Shop

Do you have a chocoholic who is still sticking to their New Year's diet? No need to sabotage your lover's will power; check out this amazing line of products from their ChocoMania line. The Body Butter is absolutely divine, and the lip balm will have you licking your lips.

Chocolate indulgence without the calories...what's not to love about that?

The Lingerie Store

Is there a woman in your life who doesn't yet know about the magic of Hanky Panky thongs? What could be sweeter than sharing the gift of banishment of visible panty lines? Hanky Panky does fun packaging for holiday gift items, and this Valentine's Day 3-pack (around $50) is no exception.

Banana Republic

Don't let the men in your life feel left out. I've saved the best until last....these adorable cupid-print boxers will be a hit with your Valentine, and they're on sale for $20 right now (regularly $25).

Save the overpriced bouquet of roses for another day, and skip the card store entirely (a hand written poem will earn you more points and save you at least a half hour in line), but one quick dash through the mall should have you feeling like the world's greatest Valentine.

]]>