I have sad hair.

It’s always been very fine, limp and it’s that hair that looks great in the salon and five minutes later, is a sad, flat version of it’s former self.

Hence, why my hair lives in a ponytail. All the time.

I have tried every product, shampoo, creme, gel, mousse, magic trick, overpriced smelly liquid in a bottle I could find to try to make hair look like this:

No such luck.
However, recently I discovered the BEST shampoo I have ever used, and I have used many. It smells AMAZING – and makes my sad hair, less so. Did I mention it smells AH-MAZING???

Best Shampoo for fine hair that I’ve ever used - BIOLAGE FULL-LIFT VOLUMIZING SHAMPOO – a.k.a. heaven in a bottle.

It’s pricey (around $18), so do as I do and HIDE THE BOTTLE from your husband and kids and friends and neighbours.

(Oh, and FYI, this isn’t sponsored – just wanted to share!)

I’m participating in the February Photo A Day Challenge, thanks to Fat Mum Slim!

(I missed Day 10 and Day 12 – oops?)

DAY EIGHT – SUN

DAY NINE – FRONT DOOR

DAY ELEVEN – MAKES YOU HAPPY

DAY THIRTEEN – BLUE

DAY FOURTEEN – HEART

DAY FIFTEEN – PHONE

DAY SIXTEEN – SOMETHING NEW

DAY SEVENTEEN – TIME

DAY EIGHTEEN – DRINK

DAY NINETEEN – SOMETHING YOU HATE TO DO

Let’s just put this out there – I love John Hughes, and I LOVE John Hughes movies.

The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Some Kind of Wonderful, Pretty in Pink……and of course, Ferris Bueller.

John Hughes spoke to my generation, and his movies continue to do so today

So, when I was flipping through Netflix a couple of days ago and discovered a documentary made about John Hughes, by four Canadian filmmakers called Don’t You Forget About Me, I had to watch it.

Basically, these four Canadians who also loved John Hughes, decided that they would make a film about their 2008 road trip to find John Hughes, who basically disappeared from the movie business and the limelight in 1991.

So how was it?

Sigh. I wish I could say it was great. It was not.

There are good things about the movie. I enjoyed seeing many of the characters from his beloved films, being interviewed and talking about the movies and their love of John Hughes.

Sadly, it was when the filmmakers were on screen that the movie wasn’t great, and boring actually. And then to see these filmmakers finally make it to John Hughes’ home, and have ZERO plan on what to do or say next was really brutal. You would think that since this was the actual point of the movie, they would have had something planned beforehand.

Of course, there is another major flaw to the doc, but I won’t put that out there so you can see for yourself.

Like I said, it is worth the watch if only for some fun flashbacks and memories of our youth.

Then again, you might just want to skip it and watch the real deal instead – so much more satisfying. Ducky anyone?

In 2009, when John Hughes died of a heart attack, I remember hearing about it and feeling heartbroken actually.

He got us in a way that no one else ever could or ever will.

RIP John Hughes.

*

Have you seen this doc? What did you think? Which of John Hughes’ movies are your favs??

Chef, I am not.

I’m that person who is trying to figure out what to make for dinner at 5 p.m.

I’m also not against taking shortcuts to get the meal on the table, as long as it still tastes good, and the family will eat it without gagging – clearly, my standards are way high. Just kidding, Martha.

So, I thought it would make sense to check out The Great Microwave Recipe Challenge that is being sponsored by Panasonic right now.

They are featuring their chef Michael P. Clive, who believes that he can make pretty much anything in the microwave, and he wants to prove it. You can go to their Facebook page and challenge him to make one of the recipes listed, and in turn you will be entered to win one of their new Panasonic Genius Inverter Microwave ovens!

  Isn’t she pretty?

The Panasonic Genius Inverter promises better cooking results every time – so you can actually cook something edible in a microwave, other than popcorn? WIN!

Inverter® can maintain the best colour, shape, texture and flavours of the food by using the most appropriate power levels for each menu. Various types of foods can cook using a combination of high and medium to low power levels. Because the Inverter^® delivers a continuous wave of energy, delicate food items can simmer without overcooking on the edges and surfaces. Due to a consistent delivery of microwave energy, foods will no longer undercook in the centre and have hard, overcooked edges. We can now enjoy better colour, shape, and texture in the foods we cook, along with delicious flavours. Want!

There are tons of recipes (starters, mains, sides and desserts) on the Panasonic Facebook page that you can challenge Chef Clive to make. Personally, I would want to try the Ratatouille recipe:

Genius Spicy Ratatouille

INGREDIENTS

1 large eggplant, peeled and cut into small cubes

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 Red pepper, cut into strips

2 zucchini, thinly sliced

3 tomatoes, peeled and diced

1 tsp Salt & pepper

10 Fresh Basil leaves, sliced

1 tsp Chili Flakes

3–4 tablespoons tomato sauce

PREPARATION

1. In a large microwavable casserole dish, combine eggplant, onion, garlic, and oil. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Stir and return to microwave for 3 more minutes.
2. Place a layer of green pepper strips on top, followed by a layer of zucchini and then a layer of tomatoes. Add the salt & pepper, chili flakes and tomato sauce.
3. Cover and microwave on high for about 10 minutes until vegetables are tender. Let stand covered for 5 minutes. Garnish the top with the sliced fresh basil leaves and serve.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored, but my thoughts and inability to cook are my own. Cheers!

Back in 1996, I had a cyst removed from my left breast.

I noticed it one day in the shower. I was too young to know that I should have been terrified.

I made an appointment to have it looked at, when it had grown so much that it had created a visible bump on my breast.

I had a mammogram but because I have dense breasts, I also had an ultrasound. It was clear, but I still wanted it removed.

It was a outpatient procedure – so at 23, I went to the hospital alone to have the cyst removed.

It turned out that this cyst that everyone thought was quite small, ended up being larger than a golf ball.

It left a terrible scar, and if I push on my breast where the cyst was, even today, I still feel the emptiness that cyst filled at one point.

However, the scar means nothing to me when it comes to my life, so I’m absolutely glad I did it.

Fast forward, 12 years, and two beautiful kids later, and I’m scared.

I’m scared every day, and every time I read about another woman finding a lump, getting sick or dying, my heart breaks for them, and for everyone they love.

That’s why I’m writing this post today – to feel less scared, and to support women taking control of their lives by being proactive and getting screened.

My friend Dee, who proves everyday that she is one strong, ballsy woman, is featured in a new video that features ABUS ultrasound screening. In the video, she gets a breast ultrasound at VIP Breast Imaging because she has dense breasts, as do I.

ABUS is specifically designed for breast ultrasound screening and diagnosis.  In one sweep of the machine, ABUS is able to take 600 images of the breast tissue and captures images approximately every two millimetres.  Unlike hand-held ultrasounds which can only capture specific areas of the breast, ABUS captures the entire breast in 3 dimensions, providing a much more detailed scan.

The ABUS ultrasound is not covered and costs $300, however your insurance policy may cover some of the procedure. It is also tax deductible. For more information, please contact VIP Breast Imaging at 525 University Avenue in Toronto  - toronto@vipbreastimaging.com, 647-350-2229.

Please watch Dee’s video:

Disclaimer: I was offered a free ABUS screening in exchange for this post.

I have to be honest with you right now.

I’m not sure who or what I love more – Martha Stewart or office supplies.

I’m not kidding – I LOVE office supplies and the cuter, nicer, more attractive – the BETTER.

So when I read on Twitter that Martha was coming out with her own line of office supplies,  I was immediately excited.

Martha, Martha, MARTHA!

Oh, Avery, whoever thought this up deserves a HUGE raise. I know, it was probably Martha.

I called and found out that my Staples stores was carrying the line! Right after school, I drove to Staples and walked quickly (RAN) to Martha’s section. Sadly, this is not an exaggeration – ask the children.

I bought a ton and if I could have, I would have bought one of everything. Their stuff is pure fabulous.

You need to check it out – if my Staples is any indication, it’s selling like crazy!

I’ve been twice already, just for this line.

Just go, you will LOVE it.

FYI: This puppy isn’t sponsored by anyone other than myself. Martha is worth it. 

We had a fantastic weekend away in Toronto this past weekend, with the kids.

We went to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

I got to go to a great dinner at Volos Restaurant with some fab ladies celebrating Winterlicious and #DineWithAmex

We shopped, ate and Starbucked at the Eaton Centre.

We explored the Distillery District, and took an insane amount of pics.

We had the BEST lunch at Mezes on the Danforth – can’t wait to go back.

We stopped at our new favorite kids’ toy store, Silly Goose Kids!

And of course, IKEA is always our last stop on the way out of town.

It was a great time and a much needed break from our day to day.

What are your must sees when you’re in Toronto with the kids?

I’m participating in the February Photo A Day Challenge, thanks to Fat Mum Slim!

DAY THREE – HANDS

DAY FOUR – STRANGER

DAY FIVE – 10AM

Distillery District – Toronto

DAY SIX – DINNER

Forgot to shoot it before I ate it!

DAY SEVEN – BUTTON(s)

Are you playing along?

We just got back from a long weekend away in Toronto with the kids and we had a great time. My eight year old son has become obsessed with hockey since playing floor hockey at school as an “Edmonton Oiler”. Unfortunately for his dad who is a Leafs fan all the way, his son is now an Oiler through and through.

My son’s only request for our trip was that he desperately wanted to go to the Hockey Hall of Fame, so we happily obliged him, and we are so glad we did.

He was SO happy. I took so many pictures, and every single one is just pure joy and awe.

He loved every moment, and if you have little (or big) hockey fans, I absolutely suggest visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. They have so many great exhibits of all the hockey greats, you can watch films in their theatres, try your hand as a goalie and even call the plays during a real game clip. Of course, getting a pic with the Stanley Cup is an absolute highlight for any fan. Make sure to stop by their gift shop and pick up an official jersey – yes my 8yo was SO happy, that I forked over the $80+ dollars for an Edmonton Oilers jersey.

He has yet to take it off.

We will be back in the spring for sure – the eight year old said so.

(FYI: This post is NOT sponsored by anyone other than my own wallet).

I’m participating in the February Photo A Day Challenge, thanks to Fat Mum Slim!

DAY 2 – WORDS

If you don’t know any Yeats, let me school you.

If a boy ever says this to you, marry him immediately.