Hot and Not at the VMAs

HOT

NOT

Lady Crushes

Alexis Bledel  

Lena Dunham  

Ruby Rose

Gillian Jacobs

Want Want Want!

I really want this beautiful silk chiffon kimono from Anthropologie!

Parents jusqu'au bout

I see Melanie from time to time at Baby's rehab centre, swimming with her daughter Leonie whose stiff body looks almost peaceful in the water. Melanie and I have never spoken but I know her story intimately. Leonie is handicapped, a 3 year old currently functioning like a 3 month old, she will never walk, never speak, never eat orally, and will always be dependent on her family. It's this dependence that prompted Melanie, along with 2 other moms of severely handicapped children, to start an organization called Parent jusqu'au bout. Their aim is to get the government to recognize that they are the best caregivers for their children and to get some recognition (in the form of financial assistance) for it! Being forced to quit their jobs to meet the demands of their children (sleepless nights, countless days in hospital, medications, specialist, therapies, doctors), adapting a house and car to be wheelchair friendly, paying for ambulance rides, medications, hospital parking... it all takes a huge financial toll on a family. What other options do these moms have? Institutionalize their child which would cost the government $100 000+/year? What about single moms? What about the best interest of the child? Doesn't make any sense...

What can you do?
You can support Melanie by buying one of her super cute organic cotton bandanas online from La Meraki.

Get your friends, family and coworkers to sign this petition and mail it before Sept 10 to

Actions familles
Att. Pétition Parents jusqu'au bout
164 b St-Joseph
Sainte-Martine, Qc
J0S1V0

I'm Back!!

After taking a long break from Blogging, I'm back!! So much has happened: I went to Hawaii then moved in with M, laboured, delivered, and life changed in so many ways. It's daunting to even think about describing the day Baby was born, a diagnosis of Down Syndrome, the emotions, the pain, the anxiety, a most incredible love. After almost 2 years, I'm still fragile and not ready... But I think if I start light, start writing again, it'll come out slowly.

In the spirit of starting light, let's talk beauty! Though I've changed a lot after becoming a mom, I'm still pretty fancy when it comes to skin care. My current beauty regimen, inspired by the 10 step Korean skin care routine, goes something like this:

Step 1: Cleanse
I'm not really picky when it comes to washing my face, just as long as the product I'm using is not soap. I'm currently alternating between Yves Rocher's Serum Vegetal (with anti-wrinkle action from the Ice Plant!) and Kiel's* Ultra Facial Cleanser.

Step 2: Toner
Essential step for restoring skin's PH balance after washing with water. I use Physiodermie's Stabilizing Lotion. Alcohol free, soothing, and skin is ready to absorb!

Step 3: Essence 
This is where things get exciting! Considered the most important step in Korean beauty, the essence applies a like a serum but feels as light as a toner. Thanks to its Betula-Alba juice, Forever Bright Birch from HolikaHolika makes my skin smooth and clear like promised.

Step 4: Antioxidant Protection
Skin Medica's Vitamin C+E Complex isn't part of the Korean regimen but something I've recently discovered. A bit pricey but it's supposed to fight free radicals, promote cell renewal and increase collagen!

Step 5: Moisturizer
Prime Youth Snail Emulsion is another HolikaHolika Korean product that I love!! It contains ginseng, Canadian Willowherb and 45% snail slime (what snails produce to selfheal and is supposed to help with dullness, scars, and wrinkles). It's light, hydrating and no, it's not slimy.

Step 6: Eye Cream
I use Creme Prodigieuse by Nuxe. With Blue Everlasting Flower Extract is supposed to have anti-aging and anti-puffiness properties... It smells great too!

Step 7: Night Cream
Cremorlab's Smooth Pudding is the best night cream I have ever tried! It's full of vitamins and special Korean ingredients to help fight the signs of aging and the puddingy texture does not disappoint!

With my daily spritz of Caudalie's Beauty Elixir, and the occasional exfoliation, I'm pretty darn close to 10 steps!! It seems like a lot of work but it's mostly a lot of money... It's worth it though! My skin is bright and dewy and yes, I am that superficial. 

*Not buying any new Kiel's products after finding out that they test on animals.