Xo Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix Review

I love baking. Probably because i love anything sweet. I can usually bake anything, but for some reason i havent attempted to tackle cookies, i always buy premade cookie dough.

On one of my many grocery pickups, walmart gave me a sample of xo chocolate chip cookie mix. I had never heard of this brand before, but to be fair i am not up to date with gluten free lines. Yes thats right, gluten free. I personally dont have a gluten intolerance, but i can sympathise with those who do. My bestfriend in highschool had to eat gluten free, i even heard about the aftermath when she indulged.

I have tried a few gluten free products, and i was amazed by the taste. You couldn't even tell the difference. I was anxious to see how this baking mix tasted. My boyfriend is the perfect taste tester, because he is picky with his food. It is one thing for me to like it, but if he enjoyed it, i knew it was a hit.

The mix itself was easy. I added eggs, vanilla and butter. The mix came in a clear bag, all i had to do was combine all the ingredients. I did notice that the mix was a lot wetter then traditional cookie dough. It threw me off, but i went with it.

I baked 2 batches of cookies, and made slight differences. The first batch the balls i formed wernt perfect, and i cooked then for the minimum amount of time. The second batch i did perfect balls, and baked them for a little longer.

The results

My boyfriend and i were split on our thoughts. Curtis loved the cookies, he couldn't even tell that they were gluten free, and he preferred the second batch. I did not care for the taste at all, but i think it is because i found it had to much vanilla in it. I also preferred the first batch.

Here is the best part, we gave the cookies to 2 people who didnt know they were gluten free, and they loved them. They said it tasted delicious, and didnt know it was gluten free.

This product is expensive, retailing for $8.97 at my local Walmart. If gluten free products are a must in your lifestyle, then I would highly reccomend this. It tastes exactly like chocolate chip cookies,and no one will be able to tell the difference.

Great Value glass and Surface Cleaner Review

Cleaning is a drag. Im not going to sugar coat it. Especially after having Kayden, i cant seem to ever stop cleaning. Counters need to be wiped down, toys need to be picked up, dishes need to be washed etc. It is never ending!

I go through cleaning supplies quickly, i dont know what it is, but if it has a nozzle, i am heavy handed. I needed a new glass cleaner a few months ago, and i decided to go with a store brand. As you all know, walmart is one if my go to stores, so i decided to try their glass and surface cleaner.

The bottle states that it is biodegradable, fragrance free, and its 99% naturally derived.

I was shocked that i liked that this product was fragrance free. I usually like a mild scent when i clean, i always associate a clean house with it smelling good. I primarily used the cleaner in two places,the bathroom and kitchen.

It does clean up messes and spills, the only downside, it doesn't do the greatest job of cleaning things stuck on the counter. Food splatters, when im mixing and cooking, and i dont wipe down my counters until after im done cooking. I did find i had to really scrub to get it off the counter and stove. I usually use pine sol, and it came off much easier with it.

I also have mixed feelings about it as a window cleaner. Initially when i used it i loved it. There was no streaking and my Windows looked clean. But when the sun was shinning through our window, you could see streaks.

If you remember an earlier post, i wrote about my cleaning schedule. I deep clean every room once a week, but do the kitchen daily. I feel this cleaner would be good for regular day to day cleaning, where you just need to wipe things down. But i think for my regular cleaning i will stick to pine sol.

Canadiana Coat Review. Hit or Miss?

It is that time of year again. Christmas lights are going up, comfort food is cooking in the kitchen, and winter coats are being worn.

As difficult as it is bundling up a toddler, everything is just better during this time of year. For the past year i have been on the hunt for the perfect winter coat. I had my last coat for about 5 years and after I had Kayden it became to small for me. Then last year the zippers on the pockets stopped working. I couldn't stall any longer, it was time for a new coat.

For the past year i have had my eye on a Canadiana coat, that walmart makes. Yes thats right, by Walmart. I dont care what anyone says, walmart is amazing, and their clothing quality has gotten a lot better. It was $99.99 and last year i waited for it to go on sale, but it never did. I spent a year researching it, and I was convinced it was the one for me.

On my birthday my parents gave me some money, and I knew I had to buy my coat then. It usually gets cold in October, but this year the weather has been all over the place. I wanted to make sure i had my coat in time for the cold weather. I thought I was early, but I was wrong. I was lucky to find my size( medium), i took the last one. And the coat was so great, Curtis bought one as well.

My Review

I had a chance to wear the coat for about a month now, daily. I am in love. I bought a medium, which allows me to wear bulky sweaters underneath, which is perfect for when the snow falls. I got a parka coat, so I love the way it covers my bum, and part of my legs, keeping me extra warm. And when i say it keeps me warm, thats an understatement. I am extra warm, sometimes when i am wearing it inside i start sweating! I have never felt cold wearing the coat, and we have already had one cold alert.

I have had expensive, designer coats before, and this coat keeps me as warm, if not better. And my boyfriend said, it looked a lot better. It has way to many pockets, so storage is not an issue. My favorite part of the coat, has to be the hood. I always had hoods falling off my head, but this one is so snug. The only time i had an issue was when it was windy, which is expected. It also has reflective gear on the arms, so vehicles can see you at night. I live in the city, so this was an amazing selling point for me. There are always cars, regardless of what time i go outside, for them to be able to see me a little bit better is better for everyone.

Initially I thought $99.99 was to expensive, but I think it is a great deal. It is as comfy as a designer coat, and it keeps me warmer. Here in Canada, you cant escape the cold. With curtis working long hours, it is usually me and Kayden at home. As if last year Kayden loves the snow, and he will spend as much time outside as he can get. I noticed last year that a warm coat is a must. I didnt like feeling cold, or rushing kayden during our walk. This coat allows me to do it all. Buddy also loves the cold weather, and it doesn't bother me one bit anymore.

The coat runs for about $50 less then other stores, and is just as stylish.

I would reccomend this coat to everyone, and it deserves a 10/10. Curtis loves designer clothing. He saw a Tommy Hilfiger coat, and he said it does not compare. If you are looking for something affordable, for everyday use, and a coat that will keep you warm, then you should check it out.

Sunshine Blogger Award

Im back with another blogger award nomination. A sunshine blogger award from the amazing Becca. I was nominated back on October, but as usual, life got in the way. Better late then never, right?

Her website is

https://myselfandjake.wordpress.com

And her twitter is @RebeccaWbu_94

1. Name 3 life goals you want to achieve

The first one would be to be successful. I dont mean to make a million dollars. I want to make some sort of impact in the world. That's part of why i started to blog, i want to touch and reach others and hopefully be able to help them.

The second is, i want to live life. A lot of people don't know that pay child support (30% of our income). That is a huge chunk. We have cut back on groceries, celebrations and moving ahead in life. We have sacraficed a lot for an amount that is not based on our current income, but rather double. I cant wait to be able to give our child everything he deserves and be able to celebrate life and actually save.

My last goal is to have a happy and healthy family.

2. One thing or person that makes you laugh

This is easy. Curtis. He is my partner in life and one of the best things about us, is how much he makes me laugh. During our hardest times, curtis always put a smile on my face.

3. If you could go back in time to when and why?

I always say, life was so easy when i was a kid. So i would say when i was about 5 years old. Life was the best. My bestfriend lived on ny street and we would spend hours together. We played outside all day and did everything together, trick or treating, played sports etc. I never worried about anything, and best of all i had no responsibilities.

4. Name one celeb you fancy?

Safarree from love and hip hop.

5. 3 words to describe yourself

Funny. Caring. Smart

6. What's your worst habit?

Over thinking things. Thats all i do. I over think the budget, household, events etc. Regardless of how much i plan for things, i still continue to stress and overthink every aspect. I am constantly making lists and the worst part, i think of every worst possible outcome, which ends up stressing me more.

7. Whats the most emberassing thing that has ever happened to you?

I am going to tell you the first thing that came in my head. When i was working, prior to kayden being born, i use to wake up at 4:30am. I had to leave the house around 6am to catch the bus (we didn't have a car at the time). Since curtis started work around 7ish, he didnt wake up till much later. I was use to getting up/going to bed by myself.  One morning i decided to turn on the bedroom light and ask curtis if my white skirt was see through. Through his grumbles, he said no. I proceded to leave the house, talk to people in the building, walk down the street, get on a bus, walk to work, all to find out that my skirt is see through. Everyone could see my bright florescent pink thong. I was mortified. Looking back i shouldve just taken off my panties, instead i spent the whole day trying to keep my shirt over my butt.

8. If you had a superpower what would it be?

Reading peoples minds.

9. What is your favorite tv show?

This is us. I have never cried watching a show, but this show brings out all my emotions. It pulls on every heartstring, and all the stories are relatable. Regardless of who you are, there is one character on this is us that you can identify with.

10. Morning person or evening person?

Morning. Dont ask why, but i am. I can always get up in the morning, i have never had an issue with it. But when it comes to the evening, im a log. Im always tired, i dont want to do anything but be in bed.

11. What actress/actor would you choose to play you in a film and why?

Hands down Demi Lovato. It has nothing to do with the idea that we look the same. Its her personality. Shes sassy, hardworking and extremely funny. She has gone through a lot in her life (as we all know), and after watching her documentary i fell in love with her more. I really got a chance to learn about her, and see her in her natural element.

The Essential Guide to a Stress free Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is here! Well American thanksgiving is. I live in canada, so technically my thanksgiving is in october. I didnt grow up celebrating it, so when i met curtis, i didnt care that he wanted to celebrate it in November. For those of you who dont know, curtis was born in raised in America.

We have been together for 5 years. So i thought i would give all of you a breakdown of the day along with tips and tricks. And you can definetly apply these to any big dinner party or holiday.

I will start off with football. This is curtis's favorite thing about thanksgiving. He loves football, especially because the Dallas cowboys are playing. He sits in front of the TV with his beer and watches. This year we are having 2 guests over, which is perfect for us, since our table only sits 4.

I had my menu planned in October. I had appetizers, main and deasert planned. I also bought my turkey in october since i knew i would get a good deal on it.

On the menu this year is:

Appetizers

Antipasto platter

Bread

Dipping sauce for bread

Mini cheeseburger bites

Cherry tomatoes stuffed with goat cheese

Main

Turkey

Macaroni and cheese

Cornbread stuffing

Cornbread

Gravy

Collard greens

Dessert

Banana pudding

Cookies

Ice cream

Coffee

Over the past few weeks i have slowly gathered the ingredients and extra supplies i needed to make thanksgiving complete.

Since we are inviting curtis's bosses, we will be eating later. One boss took the day off and the other has to work. Since he will be getting off around 6ish dinner will most likely be at 7:30. I want an hour in between courses, because there is nothing that drives me up the wall more then eating food back to back with no gap.

I plan on putting the turkey in around 4pm (with curtis's help). Then during the last 30 minutes i will put the dressing around the bird. A little tip, i bought a cooking bag that you can get from any grocery store. This is fullproof, it cooks fast and keeps the turkey juicy. While the turkey is cooking i am going to make collard greens. When the turkey is done i will put the mac n cheese and cornbread in the oven.

I plan to do prep work before any of our guests come over so i can spend even less time in the kitchen. I want to cut up the vegetables for the cornbread stuffing, cook the pasta noodles and grate the cheese.

I know you all are wondering why? Why is she so crazy about this? Well first of all this is a major holiday in the states, even bigger then christmas dinner. And last year i didnt get to enjoy it. I spent the whole time in the kitchen, our guests ate dinner, then had to leave before dessert. Essentially i didnt get to sit down or interact with them. I felt left out. Who wants to put in all that work and not be able to enjoy themselves?

I bought a black tablecloth, which i think will be a lifesaver. I will use it for all 3 courses (as long as it doesn't get dirty). I am hoping at the end of the night i won't have to clean off the table mulitple times, and i can throw it in the wash. Easy cleanup. I am also going to use the dishes i already own. We have square black plates (i bought an extra one) so its going to be a black theme. I have small pumpkins i am going to use as decorations as well. Even though in canada everyone is in the mood for Christmas, i am going to try to keep it as fall-ish as i can.

My tip: if your dollar stores are anything like mine, you can find amazing buys. I found some serving platters, that are the same quality as any big box store, for a third of the price. I also picked up some napkins for appetizers and a basket for the bread. My greatest find, were the cutest straws. They have cute little sayings.

For appetizers and dessert i am making some if the items. The key is to mix it up. It allows you to relax a little bit, and the guests get a mixture of homemade and premade. I know some people like to do everything, but you need to cut yourself some slack.

Heres a glance at my thanksgiving week:

Sunday

I am going to take out my turkey from the freezer and put it in the fridge. My turkey is 15 pounds, so this gives it plenty of time to thaw out.

Wednesday

I was going to make pies, but our guests request was banana pudding, that is all they wanted. I personally dont mind, since it means less work for me. But if i was baking, i would make all my pies wednesday night.

Christmas tree will also go up today! As i said in canada, after mid october we have no holidays. Since November people have been slowly putting up their decorations. This also gives me a chance to see if i need anything else for my tree.

I will also be picking up any items that i didn't have time to buy, or items that i need fresh. As well as any alcohol.

Thursday

I am going to put the turkey in the oven about 3-4 hours before i want it done.

I will also be doing my prep work 2 hours before my guests come. Cutting up vegetables and boiling my pasta.

1 hour before i will start to get ready and take the dog out.

When they are on their way over i will plate my appetizers.

I hope my tips will be able to help you on this special day, or any future dinner.

4 companies that will send you free stuff/money

I know I am not the only one who loves freebies. There is nothing better then receiving full size products, and reviewing them. There are lots of companies who claim to do this, but I have found a few companies who actually hold up their end of the bargain.

BzzAgent

This company is available to residents in North America and the UK. They are one of the easiest companies to use. You create a login and they give you quizes to do. These quizzes allow them to get to know you. They ask you about your household and your lifestyle. You will frequently have to repeat these surveys, but it allows them to keep up to date with you.

Campaigns are hard to come by, but when you get them, it will make up for the time you didn't. So far, this year I have had 2 campaigns, one for Walmart and another for Febreeze.

Bzz Agent will send you an email (if you qualify) with all the details, and if you are interested, then you accept.

In between campaigns, they have fun twitter, instagram and pinterest activities for you to do as well.

You receive a score out if 10, which is determined based on your activity level. The more up to date with the surveys you are, and the more social media activities you participate in, the higher your score will be. Once you get a campaign, they rate your reviews, which can also increase your score. Your score determines how quickly you will get campaign invites.

E-Rewards

This website allows you to express your opinions through surveys. They claim to be the largest global invitation only, survey company. Every survey is a different length of time, and they pay you according to the time it takes. The longer the survey, the higher the payout is.

The only downside is you don't get a paycheck. You use the "money" to redeem giftcards. There are many categories to choose from, but I have only redeemed it for a food gift card. There are plenty of other options to choose from such as, clothing stores, air miles, movies etc.

I find if you look out for the emails, and out effort into it, it is easy to rack up money to redeem.

SurveyLion

I recently joined this website, and I will start by saying all the reviews online are true.

I get invites to surveys weekly, but there have been many that I didn't qualify for. It is hard to get chosen, but when you do the payoff is amazing. I have gitten paid about $4 per survey on average and they pay you via cheque. They available to canadian residents 16+

Samplesource

This company is my favorite. They send out sample boxes quarterly, and you get a variety of items. They send you an email a few weeks before samples go live. They ask you questions based on the samples they have to offer. Then they give you a list of samples for you to choose from based on your answers. You can pick the ones you want to try. They send you another email when your box ships. They say you should receive it within 4-6 weeks, but i always get it within the week.

The reason samplesource is my favorite, is based on a few reasons. They usually send you full size items along with a lot of coupons. Regardless of what your interests are, they have something for you. Every once in awhile i get a surprise in my mailbix from them. They send some samples complimentary.

All samplesource asks from you, is to fill out a survey about the samples they have sent you. You will get an email 4-6 weeks after you have received your box.

Samplesource is available to Canadian and American reaidents.

I hope you all check out some of thess sites. I will say, once i started putting in more effort towards my survey invites, i really started to see a payoff. The great thing about all of these companies, is they want YOUR opinion. To be able to help shape products for free is amazing. 

Kayden's first activity - Hit or Miss?

Hey guys,

In september we enrolled Kayden into his first activity. I know what you are thinking.... But he is 3 years old? Yes i know. Timing is everything.

Kayden has always been shy but over the past 6 months he has really started to come out of his shell and was interacting with other children more. I always see parents complaining about spending money and their kid didnt participate. I didnt want that to happen. I wanted kayden to figure out what he enjoyed before enrolling him.

The activity we enrolled Kayden in, is for 2-4 year olds. Every class they get free play and circle time. Circle time is done twice, at the beginning and at the end. They sing a hello song, a goodbye song and always do an activity as a group.

We have been to 5 classes so far, and I have mixed thoughts on it. Kayden loves the activity, and looks forward to it every week. I thought there would be more kids thst he could bounce off of. Kids that could learn from him and vice versa. Most of the kids dont interact, which makes it hard for kids to work on their social skills. The gym is big so it isn't often that there is more then one kid at an activity. When it does happen, it is only for a minute or two. Social interraction isn't promoted.

Kayden has learned a lot about sharing, since he cant just take a toy he likes, and has followed tasks through the first time.  It is nice to get some insight as to how he would do in school. He follows instructions great and follows the crowd. He has even warmed up to singing the songs, and his favorite thing is the 'sleeping bunnies' song and the parachute games.

Curtis and i thought about pulling him out if the class. It is a 1 hour class and atleast 45 minutes is free play, not much structure. We decided not to because i believed this was a good introductory class for him. It got him use to playing with a big group of kids, and having to listen/follow directions from another adult.

The best part.... It tires him out. It is such a great morning activity that he almost falls asleep in the car on the way home. With fall here, we do not spend a lot of time outside, so burning off Kayden's extra energy has been a challenge.

Going forward we going to put Kayden in more structured activites.

Liebster Award Nomination

Hey Guys!

I am slowly going through all my nominations, and this is my last one. I was nominated by @Courtvansbooks aka Courtney Van Saders. Her blog is paperbackbeaches.com make sure you check her blog out!

What was the worst book you ever read or stopped reading?

Any book from my american literature class from university. I was an english major, and i loved it. But this one class drove me up the wall. The books were the worst, they were boring and i didnt understand what was going on. My marks definetly reflected that since i passed with 50%.

What kids movie were you scared of as a child but like now?

Cant think of any. But the one show that stands out for me is 'Are you afraid of the dark?'. We had one tv in the house at the time (very common) and my brother wanted to watch it. I would always pretend i wasn't scared but i always had nightmares.

What quote inspires you?

God doesnt put anything in front of you that you cant handle.

Im not going to lie, Curtis and I have been through some tough times. This is one thing i constantly say to myself during hard times and it always puts things back into perspective. It makes me optimistic that we will get through this (and we always do).

What is your least and favorite blogging post and why?

I dont know about least blogging post. My favorite to post has to be a review. I love trying new products, makeup, hair products, food etc.  Whenever i can write a review and give my honest opinion i love it. I even miss it when i havent done it for awhile. I always try to include pros and cons to give the reader a good overall idea about the product.

How do you promote your blog?

Twitter, instagram and pinterest are the main platforms. If i am not tweeting out about my posts i am finding ways to get my links out there. Follow trains are amazing because you get introduced to new blogs and people.

Instagram has been a challenge because of the algorithm, which makes hashtagging more important. I love following other bloggers and commenting on pictures. It is a great way to get noticed and build friendships.

Where is your favorite place to read?

I love reading in the living room, on the couch near my big Windows. My couch is super comfy and i always find a blanket to wrap myself in. Daytime is the best because the building is quiet and kayden is sleeping. It is like i am all alone and i get to escape for awhile.

What are some of the things you havent seen or read but know everything about because of pop culture?

No idea.

How would someone describe your blogging style?

Laid back. Its not formal but there is a level professionalism. I want to people to feel as though they are sitting with me and having a conversation.

What do you find the most challenging about blogging about your topic?

There is a fine line between revealing to much and not enough. I find the most succesful mom bloggers reveal everything and document every aspect of their life. I like a certain level of privacy. It is also hard to put in hours of hard work into a post to get no recognition. By recognition i mean more followers, free products or money. There are so many mom bloggers out there, who are starting out like me, and it is hard to compete. It is easy to beat yourself up, if you don't have what seems to be as glamorous of a life.

What is the most ridiculous fact you know?

Cotton candy was invented by a dentist

In 40 years what do you think people will be nostalgic for?

Meaningful relationships. We live in a time where divorces are common, friendships fall out and we are plugged into devices. Social media is how we get famous and people dont have a lot of ambition because of that. We often forget what its like to put our phone down and hear what the other person is saying, and know basic life and communication skills. The phone and technology has become an escape from reality, something we turn to when we dont want to deal with a situation or life.

The Mummy Tag

Hey Guys,

Becca tagged me in 'The Mummy Tag'. Of course I couldn't resist any post to talk about my son and my journey as a mother!

Make sure you check out her blog

https://myselfandjake.wordpress.com

And her twitter @RebeccaWbu_94

1. Are you a stay at home mom or a working mom?
Stay at home mom. And contrary to what people believe, it is tough work!

2. Do you co sleep?
Nope. I never have. I was always scared of crushing kayden. He does pop into our bed from time to time then always makes his way back to his room.

3. Would you have it any other way?
Nope

4. What is your one must have item for your child?
It has changed over the years, but right now its anything to do with cars. He loves them and always tries to bring them when we leave the house. They keep him occupied and its way better then me playing something on the phone for him.

5. How many kids do you plan on having?
One. More to come on another post that will be very personal and revealing.

6. Date night? How many nights/ days do you go out?
Kayden is 3 and we have been out by ourself once. It is crazy to think that, and i will admit i do get a little jealous when i see others able to have date night.

7. Your child's favorite show?
Super why

8. Name one thing you bought before you had your child and never used it

It would have to be his Johnson&Johnson baby lotion. We discovered early on that Kayden has sensitive skin. For awhile we (and a nurse) thought he had eczema, we had to switch over his lotions to a more sensitive one. Thabk goodness had some mamas to be at his previous job and i gave away about 3-4 bottles of baby lotion.

9. Your child's favorite food?
He loves burgers! Kayden's versions of a burger isnt that great though. To be honest i should say burger patties.

10. How many cars does your family have?
1

11. Dream holiday with your child?
LA. Not only is the weather amazing but we have family there.

12. How has your life changed since your child was born?

To be honest it really humbled me. It wasnt about materialistic things anymore. Since hes been born i dont go out and spend $100 on useless things. He has really taught me what is important in life. I have also become more of a homebody. I am no longer out late with friends, and sleeping in till 10am. Kayden has helped make me more calm, helped me slow down my life and made me more creative. Holidays have a new meaning, and family traditions have become more important.

I nominate Maya Dupre to answer the same questions.

Her twitter handle is @allthingspinkuk

Her website is allthingspinkuk.com

Her blog is amazing and is all things mummy related. It is a good read and you all should add her to your reading list.

Liebster Award

Hey Guys,

I know I say this everytime, but I have been nominated for a Liebster Award.

Being a blogger is tough. Lets admit it, there are millions of bloggers out there, and it is tough to make it. The fact that I (as well as many others) have been noticed for our hard-work means the world to me. You never who who is reading your blogs, or where you have made a difference so this award is a good reminder that we are on the right track.

I was nominated by Zenobia and couldn't feel more honored.

Her twitter handle is @this_is_zenobia

And hed website is thepurpleorchidblog.wordpress.com

1. What is your favorite go to comfort food?

I love pasta. I cant get enough of it and I can eat it everyday. To be honest i just ate it for 3 days straight! I recently discovered lemon pasta and it is my favorite thing.

2. If you had one day to do anything, other then what you are doing right now, what would it be?

This probably sounds lame, but i would want to go to LA. I have never met my boyfriends family in person and i would love to finally meet them. Curtis always talks about the 'hot spots' and places he loves, so i would love to see it.

3. What food have you never eaten but would love to try?

I am not the biggest seafood person, so i would want to try mussels. I always see people going crazy for them and want to know what the big deal is ,without having to waste my money.

4. What is the best fashion trend that you will hope remains in trend forever?

Dark jeans. I was never a jean person until after I had kayden. I always thought jeans were way to casual. I love dark jeans and i cant get enough of them. You can dress them up or down, which is an added bonus!

5. If you were to travel anywhere in the world but only carry one bag what would you pack?

This is so hard. I would carry some maxi dresses, since you can dress them up but also have them be casual. Jeans. And some flowy tops. I would also pack my nude  heels, flats and flip flops. Now for makeup i would keep and simple and pack my foundation, concealed, maybelline eyeshadow pallet, and 1 lipstick.

6.  What was the last song you listened to?

The weekend- i can't feel my face

(Is that even the title?)

7. Are you bilingual? What languages do you wish you spoke?

I know Hindi. I wish i knew french, and that i took it more seriously in school. There are so many bilingual jobs that are available that will pay 10k more. Living in canada speaking french will always come in handy.

8. What was your favorite subject in school?

English! I wish i could say gym( does that even count as a subject?) English class always came easy to me, since i was obsessed with reading. I loved English so much, that ended up being my major in university.

9. What's the most recent show youve been watched?

Gilmore girls! I recently started watching it and im obsessed.

10. What's the funniest thing you've seen a kid do?

I am going to be biased and say everything my son does! Kayden is so animated and is always making funny faces. I love seeing him imitate people and all his reactions to situations.

11. Do you like things to be carefully planned or do you go with the flow?

I need things to be planned. I cant stand people who don't get back to me with plans, and people that are late! I need things planned so i can plan my day. Plus its become more important after having kayden.

Kayden's 3 year old update

Hey Guys,

On September 16th Kayden turned 3. I honestly believe the past year flew by, (which is what every parent says). I decided to give all of you an update on him.

I am still a stay at home mom, but i am a big believer in Kayden learning while at home. I looked up a preschool curriculum, and researched what they need to learn and know by the time he enters kindergarten. In Canada preschool costs $372-$1100 a month which is pricey. Because we are on one income that would eat a big portion of it up.

Everyday Kayden and I do one activity which promotes vocabulary/letter recognition/number recognition etc. And on top of that we also do the weather everyday. I picked up two activity books which focuses on reading and writing. I know to some this may not seem like a lot but I do a good job of keeping him busy throughout the day. Kayden continues to go outside for 2 hours a day (since we still have summer weather), and an organized activity once a week as well as free play. Kayden's attention lasts 20 minutes ( average is 10 minutes).

In the past few months Kayden has done a lot better with his shyness. He has really opened himself up with playing with other children and interacting a lot more with adults. I was extremely shy as a child so i can sympathize with him. Because he has opened up more, we have officially enrolled Kayden into his first activity. Plus, with the colder weather coming, it will be a great way to exert his extra energy. The activity is an introduction to sports while building his gross and fine motor skills.

Kayden loves sports and playing outside. He is always asking to go "bye bye", and this summer we took advantage of that. He used the kiddie pool almost everyday and he rode his bike for at least 2 hours a day! Kayden enjoys painting, reading and anything that has to do with cars/trucks.

As any parent we are struggling with some things, sleeping (at night) and his speech. Kayden does talk, but it is not clear. He understands everything that

is said to him, but lately i have been getting concerned. I don't want kayden to go to school and feel lost or out of place. He is excited to join so I don't want him to feel discouraged. Curtis and I have decided to visit a doctor and see what a professional thinks.

As far as Kayden sleep goes, i don't even know what to say. It started off with nightmares. He would wake up around midnight crying, so he would crawl into bed with us. We didn't mind at first, but now its getting earlier and earlier. Just the other day it took 4 hours to put him down. I asked kayden what was wrong and he said he doesn't like when i say goodnight and leave. Im guessing its a separation issue. We are slowly wanting to wean kayden off his daytime nap, in hopes that it helps with his sleep at night. Kayden id awake for 5.5 hours at a time (currently) and lately that has exhausted him. That extra 30 minutes has really made a difference.

I have always heard that boys are a bottomless pit, but i didn't understand till this past year. Kayden is constantly eating, especially in the morning and after dinner. I have noticed his portion sizes growing, as well as our grocery bill. Our costco membership has come in handy. I do find that we buy in bulk more often, and we don't even come close to the expiry date.

Kayden is potty trained in the daytime. Nighttime is back and forth. If kayden is awake he does ask to use the bathroom, but once he is asleep he does wet himself.

I am so excited for the year ahead and cant wait to see kayden grow! Everyday he is becoming more independent and his interests are expanding!

Nyx Lingerie Lipstick Review

Hey Guys,

It seems like forever since I did a beauty post. A few weeks ago I purchased Nyx lingerie lipstick. I have been eyeing this line for awhile and decided to purchase it. I went to my local drugstore and I fell in love.

The line are nude shades for every skin color. Nyx claims it is a lush liquid lipstick which dries matte. It is also enriched with Vitamin E.

I ended up swatching a few shades and fell in love. I ended up purchasing Bedtime Flirt, which was the exact same shade as my lips. I was impressed by how many shades they have, and there plenty of options for every skin color.

The applicator took me awhile to get use to, since it was flat instead of plump. When you first apply it, it has a mousse like texture and dries within seconds to a matte finish (as Nyx claims). When I say this lipstick does not budge I mean it. I ate with it, kissed, drank etc. And it stayed on. It lasted for about 8 hrs till I felt the need to reapply it.

This lipstick is what I have been looking for. I never had an issue with lipstick staying on my lips, but I hated the way i constantly had to remove my lipstick prior to eating.  For $8.99 ($10.99 regular price), you can not go wrong. I will definitely be stocking up on these.

Kayden's Fall clothing Haul

Hey Guys,

I dont know about you, but the cold weather is sneaking up on me. Since I love fall/winter weather i couldnt help but get together my wishlist for kayden. I usually do two big hauls every year for kayden, then pick up small things along the way. But this year I did it earlier, and I am glad I did. I saw so many cute things and everyday more and more was getting sold out, so I had to act fast.

Once again I ordered a lot from The Children's Place. I found more cute items there then anywhere else. For boys there were a lot if sports themed sweaters and long sleeved tees which is perfect for Kayden. He is obsessed with football and basketball so he loved every item. I only bought tops because his torso grows to fast. I ordered his clothes in size 5/6. I know that sounds crazy but in March I bought size 3 (Kayden is 2) and for the past month so many of his t-shirts got small. This time I decided to buy 2 sizes up and I hope they last the whole season.

The first place I went to was Old Navy. I went to pick up some t-shirts to get him through the end of summer and found some long sleeved tees. Kayden has worn these and one of them is a bit long, but we layered it so it worked out great.

 I love this long sleeved tee. I usually do not purchase a light grey but I am glad I did. The touch of dark grey on top is amazing.

The next top is dirty but I couldn't find the link on the website (most likely sold out) so excuse the stains.

This top is another great basic. I love the dark grey!

Walmart was another place I went to, and bought a zipper hoodie. These are so convenient and easy to throw on when the nights are cooler. Kayden has worn this a few times and fits perfectly. I got it in a size 4T.

The Children's place is where I got the bulk of Kayden's clothes. And they were in size 5/6. They are a bit big on him now, but I know they will fit perfect in a month when it really gets cold.

I think this top is perfect for football season. It has a grey hood as well and it is a full sleeved tee. Kayden loves football and basketball so he loved this. He had a football long sleeved tee last year, but he grew out of it, so this is a perfect replacement.

This long sleeved tee is completely different from what I have bought him before. I do not put kayden in neon colors, so this is a first. I guess it is better to start off in small doses ....right? I think this is a perfect balance.  This also comes with a built in grey hood.

This is a simple long sleeved tee. This is perfect to wear by itself or you can layer it. Curtis has one like this, so they can match!

Camo is a staple in any boy wardrobe. Every fall and winter I always see camo. Last year Kayden had a camo hoodie and he looked so cute. Camo definetly suits him. I knew i could not let another year go vy without it. Camo is a neutral which is perfect, because it goes with everything. Curtis is also obsessed with Kayden wearing camo, so it is perfect.

This is another top that I thought was so cute. Kayden is obsesses with his dad so I thought this was perfect.

This last long sleeved tee says crunch time. I thought this would be perfect for football Sundays! It is grey with a football and lightweight.

Now I am going to move onto sweaters.

Sticking with the football theme, I got this zipup hoody. I love this color, it is a blue grey. This is perfect for throwing over a top and running out the door.

This zipup hoody is a little different then what I normally get. I love the navy blue, but the red lettering is a little different. I am trying to branch out and try new colors on Kayden.

I am back with the camo! As soon as I saw this I had to get it. I love that it is a zipup hoody. It has different shades of blue, which I haven't seen before.

I fell in love with this light blue sweater. Kayden has a grey one, that is similar in material and I love how it fits on him. This sweater is perfect for those days when I do not want him to be to casual.

Curtis called this an old man cardigan (which I do not agree with!) Kayden has had cardigans in past that were bulkier, but I wanted to try something lighter. Kayden gets extremely hot with a winter coat on, so I am trying lighter options this year.

Kayden had a similar top like this last year, except it was blue and had a 1/4 zipper. I really like how stripes look on him.

Another football themed sweater. This top has 3 colors. Ita brown with grey sleeves and a blue color. I thought this would go with many options.

How we stay connected with a toddler

Hey guys,

I will admit, ever since kayden was born it has been hard to get that special one on one time with Curtis. For the first few months ( who am I kidding, it was more like a year) i was sleep deprived. By the time Kayden was through all of his sleep regressions and was sleeping through the night ( he still wakes up occasionally) i felt free. Ohh and lets not forget how he freaks out if i touch Curtis!

Keeping the romance and spark alive can be difficult. Curtis works till 8pm and doesn't get home till 9pm. By that time, i am exhausted from my day with Kayden and I am ready to shower and hit the bed. Throw in keeping a toddler occupied all day and running errands on the weekend, quality time/romance seems like the furthest thing on my mind. We both have made a conscious effort to make time for each other, even if it is not easy.

A lot of people ask me, how do we stay connected, especially when curtis is gone for 11 hours a day. I will admit, it is hard. But the past few years, I have realized that it is the small things that go a long way and help your partner feel connected to you.

Whenever we have gone through tough times, or dealt with crazy work schedules we always have made an effort to remind each other how much the other person means to us. I don't mean it in a cheesy 5 page letter kind of way. Sometimes it is a simple text saying ' I know work isn't always easy, and this week has been tough. Kayden and I appreciate everything you do, we love you and are proud of you' it is easy to take for granted what we do (our roles) that we forget to remind the other person how much we appreciate them.

As much time as we spend apart, and i know this will sound crazy, but we give each other their special time. Curtis loves football, so I make sure he is able to watch his team (Dallas Cowboys) in peace. I try to keep kayden occupied and even give him a bath and put him to bed ( if its a night game). I am completely different, i just want to shower in peace, that is the only thing I need daily. Curtis also senses when I need a break, and will give Kayden a bath/take him to the park. We all need to our 'own time', to keep sane. I believe there needs to be balance with home, work and individual time. I want us to do separate things that we enjoy, so we do not loose ourselves and our passions. It also gives us a chance to recharge.

I love taking Kayden and Buddy on walks. I always feel like I am killing two birds with one stone. It is not often that Curtis gets to do it with us. He was on vacation for the past 2 weeks and we did it almost everyday after dinner. It is a nice way to feel connected as a family. We discover new trails, parks and get in some exercise. It allows us to be off our devices , and connect with each other. Kayden is so into the scenery that we usually don't get interrupted. This is one of the activities we did when we didn't have a lot of money. It allowed us to get out of the house and made us feel like we were doing something ( if that makes sense). We loved it so much, that we have kept it up. Since we don't get a lot of time together as a family (by the time Curtis gets home, Kayden is in bed) this is a great activity. Find something you can do with you and your partner/family. It is so important to find something in common.

Curtis and I also love our special one on one time together. We open a bottle of wine, light a candle and put on a good show. Sometimes we even sit back and just chat about life and our future. It is nice to reconnect when Kayden is in bed and everything is quiet. We love being at home, so this is our ideal evening. We usually get this luxury on a weekend if Kayden goes to bed on time. Find what works for you and your partner, and how you can spend that special one on one time together with minimal disruptions.

I know you are wondering, don't you guys go out one on one? The answer is no. And it is not because we are afraid to leave Kayden. We just don't have anyone to leave Kayden with. That is one thing I do envy about other couples, is the amount of help and support they get from their parents/families. So if you have it, use it!

Sunshine Blogger award

Hey Guys,

I cant believe i am saying this, but i have been nominated for a Sunshine Blogger Award. This award is given to bloggers by other bloggers, who are inspiring and bring sunshine into the lives of their readers. Thank you @Courtvansbooks (twitter handle) and her website is paperbackbeaches.com

Getting recognized from other bloggers is so rewarding. I have been doing this for over a year, and my goal was to share my story and life experiences, and hopefully help people out. During the first 6 months of my pregnancy family wasn't in the picture, and i didn't have a lot if friends. I felt alone. I remember discovering a vlogger who was a few months ahead of me in her pregnancy, and i felt a connection. Suddenly i didn't feel alone, and it made everything easier. I hope someone feels the same way about my blog.

Questions

1. What do you like the most about blogging?

There are no rules. You write what you want, when you want and how you want. Your blog is what you make it. Regardless of what you decide to publish, there is someone out there you can relate to.

2. One song you will never stop listening to?

My heart will go on from Celine Dion. That song has so many emotions. After her husband passed away, it took it to another level.

3. What things are you most grateful in life?

My family. As much as they may drive me up the wall, they are my family. Regardless of what i have been through, they have always been there for me. As i have gotten older i have made my own family ( curtis, kayden and buddy). They have have taught me what is important in life. Regardless of what has gone on, they have always stood beside me.

4. What the story behind your blogs name?

After i became a mom, everyone had their opinions about how i should do things. My parents questioned my choices. I wasn't married, i was young, and my mon was critical about how I was mothering. What it means to be a mom today is different then what it was 20 years ago. I didn't fit in with my friends who weren't moms, and the ones who were i wasn't on their level. Even though i was a mom i loved makeup, dressing up and interior decorating. I felt as though i was in a whole new category, the modern day mother. I care about my family and always put them first, but I also need my own time. My boyfriend works long hours and is gone for most of the day (unlike some dad's, who are home by dinner), so I am the one who is literally with Kayden all the time. By the time he comes hone I am ready to go to bed and he is staying up till 1am! I couldn't relate to any other mom that I knew, and there wernt a lot of other blogs that touched on this. I felt like i wasnt the 'typical mom'.

5. What is the weirdest thing

you have eaten?

Oxtail. I know it isn't that odd, but that is as adventurous as it gets for me.

6. Worst travel experience ever?

I cant say that i have had any. I traveled a lot with my family when i was younger for family vacations. As i got older they stopped. Nothing odd has happened to me.

7. Where are you from? And what is the common misconceptions about your hometown/state/country?

I live on the border of Toronto and Mississauga in Canada. A lot of people think we are way to nice. My boyfriend is American and he always says Canadians say thank you to much, and there's a stereotype that we would get punched in the face and we would apologize. A lot of people think we are pushovers and people can just walk all over us. We are far from that! We know how to stand our ground about issues that are close to our heart.  Canada is not an aggressive country and we stay out of conflicts. The people here reflect that.

8. What is one important lesson that you have learned from your travels?

Even though most of my traveling was done, when i was younger, looking back it is really about learning about other cultures and people. It is so important to realize that people live differently then we do, and we can always learn from other cultures.

9. Most unique travel destination you've ever visited?

India. I went all the time when i was younger. Growing up in my community, indian food and culture wasn't common. What i mean by that, i grew up with all white people. It wasn't until high school that i was surrounded by more south asians. I cant help but be proud when more and more people tell me they love my food and culture. India is one of those places where you can live in luxury, step outside your doors and see poverty. The culture is completely different, from the way they dress, act and ideologies.

10. What are your travel goals for 2017?

Being honest with you all, there will be no traveling. There are a lot if personal things that Curtis and I are going through which makes it difficult. In a few years i will be doing a very open and honest post about what i have been going through. In the future i hope to do staycations! For the first time curtis was able to take off 2 weeks at a time, which i feel may turn into a tradition.

11. How do you like your coffee?

I am not picky. I like 2 creams and 2 sugars. I don't need a flavored, but i need it HOT.