It's a Trap-eze - china glaze

I forget where I first saw this but the first time I tried to buy it it was sold out. Finally I snagged some!

it;s a barely lavender/lilac base with tons of glitter of all shapes and  many colors...I used 3 coats with seche vite in between the coats. I find it works better with thick, heavy and gritty polishes like this. I read one review that said it was hard to apply....I didn't find this at all. i found the glitter distributed very nicely. One thing i really like is the almost pearly glow of this polish!

 

                                                            This was taken in the sun

                                                             This one taken indoors



Sometimes i'm not sure if I like this polish  but there is something about it I really like! I'm not normally a fan of china glaze but I REALLY like this polish....enough to try more of their polishes! Good job China Glaze. This was a fun one to enjoy!

Etsy Review of JDesignsHandmade Graphic Design made with love.

Needed an ad done quick and nice....searched thru etsy,,,,and luckily I came across JDesignsHandmade.
What a great shop! tons of premade etsy banners with basixc packages for 5$ uptp total etsy shop branding packs for 50-55$ A TOTAL STEAL!!!

I only needed a buttion ad and it was easy, just picked the designs I liked and literally typed out what I wanted it to say and told the designer to decide, for what I wanted on it, which one she thought would work best!

It was done fast, and emailed to me the next day. I was thrilled and only paid 6$!!!! and I think it's totally adorable

you tell me?

I would no doubt use this shop again....in fact I am thinking or rebranding a shop with her banner sets now too.

Also she has a special right now that can be found here

https://www.etsy.com/listing/92075248/etsy-banner-set-premade-etsy-banner-etsy?ref=shop_home_feat

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Niagara Falls, ON A good old Favourite

I have likely spent about 25-30 nights in this hotel over the last 3 years with my husband and son. It's Ever so slightly off the beaten path. But about 3 minutes from casino Niagara, Clifton hills and everything our family enjoys!

Included ever morning is a great buffet breakfast...everything is VERY fresh and trays are provided to take it up to your room.

The hotel is clean and quiet....and the front desk staff are great and rarely change so it's nice to see the same faces, and they have a jar of help yourself cookies that helps a ton when checking in with kids!


This is an ACTUAL smoke free hotel and I've never stayed and smelled smoke in the halls.

Having stayed over march break the hotel was very full...noise from above was an issue but after a quick call to front desk and the problem was solved.

This hotel's rates are always amazing even in the summer. If you are a gold points member you can also use your points to stay. For this trip we used 10.000 points each of 2 night bringing our nightly rate down to 57$ for a 2 room family suite. We like the suite as the bedroom has 2 queen beds and a door, so once our son is asleep we can draw the door and enjoy watching tv in the living room. Internet access is free and parking is only 8$ a night.

The pool could be warmer....but it's clean and the hot tub is great. It's clean, quiet, predictable and all we need...oh and you get a fridge and microwave in the room!


Considering my stay earlier in the week at a hotel in Toronto .this was heaven!  The only think I wish this hotel had was a restaurant....but they do have a little market downstairs with snacks and all the essentials you usually forget at home.

If you don't need fancy but want a good place to stay I'd stay nowhere else.... in fact we haven't stayed ANYWHERE else in 3 years when we go to Niagara falls... we just think it's perfect!

can't wait too get back....oh and the new bus route passes right in front of the hotel!

CkmCouture - banner design - Highly Recommended

This designer works her butt off to make sure you not only have what you need but a few options to pick from. She designed me a few versions of a main banner and  let me pick the one I thought would work best. Than provided me a few smaller vacation and sale banners.
1 needed minor text edits but it was a great job by someone with a great sense of what they love and how to use it tastefully. I find her designs unique, often dark but still beautiful. I would use this designer again without a doubt if I needed something really original..... Our indie polish banner was made for us in a few days...and we love it

I put these images here for examples  we all know how copyright works so don't steal!!!!! not only is it tacky it's rude



other examples include

AMAZING STUFF!

her shop is on etsy at CkmCouture

Cassandra will take care of whatever your design needs are !

ENJOY!

Hotel Review - Toronto Don Valley Hotel And Suites

Having had a horrible stay at the Radisson, and a disappointed boy on my hands (swimming is one of his great loves) We got an offer to stay at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel And Suites.  It was an offer to good to pass up so we decided to go.

Andrew, who was on staff at night was amazing to deal with. After thoroughly confirming and re-confirming my stay he let me know early check in was fine. When we pulled up to the hotel it was beautiful. It's located in an area of the city that sits on ravine land. A BIG winding driveway led up to a beautifully enclosed entryway where, once we exited the truck we could hear music playing...My son said "mom this IS a fancy hotel..they play music outside!"

We did have a few hiccups checking in with our breakfast vouchers from the girl at the desk who we were not overly fond of....she explained that the breakfast vouchers were not an option, after Andrew had clearly stated it was part of our package...she kept trying to get us to upgrade our room explaining that the new rooms were recently renovated and a totally different color (like I care what color the room is for my sleeping hours)

Our room was an executive king room and was EXACTLY as pictured.

I will say that on their site they rave about the views.....however my view was of the highway and parking lot...this may be off putting to some but my son ADORES watching the highway at night so this was fine for us. The room was FREEZING but warmed up REALLLLY fast with an old fashioned window unit that was a bit complicated to figure out but worked REALLY well!

Our room was SPOTLESS...baseboards and all! Even the old school TV is our room was wiped clean and dust free (I'm not one to care if the TV is flat screen) Our room did not have a fridge or microwave and if I wanted one they were 20-25$ EACH. Thankfully my son is not a baby anymore and we didn't really need it!

The bathroom was BIG and SO clean. I liked the old style red granite counter tops and a HUGE GIGANTIC bonus was HEATED TILE FLOORS  ahhhhhhhhhhhh.....what a treat in the morning. 

Our Internet was free which in Toronto is saying alot as may hotels charge 8-25$ a day for Internet, and it was high speed wireless! 

We were spending the day at the science center so we left for the day.

Upon our return we had some dinner....I can honestly without a doubt say it's one of the best hamburgers I have ever had EVER! it was great! My son had a cheese pizza that he FINISHED so it MUST have been great! I also had a whiskey sour which was soooo good! The waiter was very pleasant and understanding towards my son (the boy has adhd, autism and odd, so his behavior is sometimes difficult in places new to him) The fire place across from our table and tv's were a great distraction. I was also REALLY surprised about the bill...it was far lower than expected and way better than many hotels. The teal, white and cream decor in the restaurant and thruout the hotel is so lovely and clean!

To top off a great day we went to the pool.....WOW. The pool is amazing! first of all it's a perfect circle and the entire roof is a skylight. But better yet it's WARM!! the first hotel we have stayed at where the pool is so warm it's surprising!. As it got darker, several big ornate coach lamps turned on automatically....and as it got darker the ambiance almost became a romantic candlelight pool....had it not been for my child, and several others that is! But it was so beautiful! The hot tub was REALLY hot, and they even have have a family change room which is so smart. Upon our return in the morning, it was a totally different feeling. Bright and welcoming!

(the lounge chairs are not the same and I saw no drapes but the rest is the same)

Would I stay here again? I'm already trying to find an excuse too! With INCREDIBLE winter rates starting at 99$ or 2-4 night packages from 84-95$ a night why not enjoy a STAYcation! 

Other incredible features

The most comfy bed and pillows ever!!!

room service from 6pm-11pm

a little shop open from 9a-11p

Some rooms have balconies

a seasonally available outdoor pool

it's SO quiet! 

Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites - Toronto, Ontario (ON)

175 Wynford Drive, Toronto, Ontario M3C 1J3

Contact: 416-449-4111 | Fax: 416-385-6700 
Email: reservations@torontopreferredhotel.com
 Website http://www.torontodonvalleyhotel.com/

A handmade christmas part 1

So in an effort to buy every single gift for christmas handmade or making it ourselves (ok I may buy a video game for my son) I decided to share my purchases.

I instantly fell in love with Mountain Scentaments on www.craftcafe.co. Her soaps stood out to me and than I saw MAN FRIENDLY felted soap. Having a dad who treats his body like a 5 yr old on summer vacation at the dump I thought this would be perfect for him. Half soap, Half wash cloth. They smell amazing and they are HUGE!!! Well worth the 8$ paid per bar! they arrived fast, well labeled and I am thrilled!!!

I picked this fishing one in irish tweed

And this one in Winter pear 

Now I havn't used them but if the quality and care shown in the item and packaging reflects the soap i know the receivers are in for a treat (i may give one to hubby)

This is one of those shops that I want to go back and shop in....i'd be curious to see what's new. The shop owner is a delight and conversations were replied to promptly.

I strongly urge you to try this shop. 

CLICK HERE FOR MOUNTAIN SCENTAMENTS

Product Review - Performance Colors

Years ago when I became a mom I kinda gave up on make up. Five years later I looked in the mirror and hardly recognized the tired, blah face looking at me. I ran across this etsy shop called Performance colors.

She offered a great range of items all handmade, and available in samples too. Her one deal of 3 lipsticks for 10$ was too good to pass up... I went thru all of them about 25 times and settled on

 

  Rocket 

                           
                                                                  cheekie monkey

                                                                                  Ruby




I love them all and they feel great and last a VERY long time. If, like me, you can't wear read you MUST try ruby...it is the quintessential red for non red wearers. Cheekie monkey is more sheer than it appears and is equally lovely for a more plain look. Rocket was not for me but it is super pretty if you don't have the skin tone that I do.




I also ordered some concealer samples in fair and light. I'd given up on this stuff years ago. it was cakey or looked like I was wearing concealer....however this formula is silky, smooth and spreads and blends like nothing I have felt before. SERIOUSLY impressed. A serious must have and I will buy some soon.

I also received some eyeshadow samples and lipstick samples. One of the eye shadows worked beautifully for me.....the eye shadow wore beautifully thru bus and subway trips all day, a 3 hr tattoo session and all the way home....it creased the TINIEST bit (I have hooded eyelids and this is typical) but a quick wipe with my finger and it was seamlessly blended perfectly again.


Despite the amazing product, Tiffany is so amazing and ever SHARED Where she gets her tiny sample pots and I picked some up.... Most handmade artists feel this huge competition among each other and value their suppliers and rarely share info...So when a seller so easily shares info, tricks of the trade and so on it says alot.


I would easily score this a 10/10  no complaints....and I know for a fact that I would gladly go back and buy full sizes of the concealer, and eye shadow...along with my new fave lipstick....

Thank you Tiffany....I was losing hope on finding affordable quality make up! Me, my husband, my non frumpy friends....we all thank you!



You can find Performance colors at  http://www.etsy.com/shop/PerformanceColors   I honestly think you'll be amazed!

The design Gods sent me an angel - Beepart

Part of having an ADHD 5 yr old is the constant change. It's like our entire life should be made of repositionable vinyl.

We talked about his love of fishing and the Octonauts and decided to do an under the sea theme. He went away with dad for the weekend and I got started!

I am a sucker for shopping handmade, and local, ran a search, and came up with Beepart on etsy. The designs seemed to be perfect. The owner Neil is very convo friendly, patient and worked with me as I had a budget. We changed the sizes from what was listed which was nice. I didn't have to lose any of the elements, just adjust the size.

In the time it took to get here (within days) I painted the remainder of the wall (his room was half blue and half green) blue. With out taupe rug it was already looking like a sandy ocean theme. Forgive me as it was not until after I painted that I thought I should have taken a before picture of his room. Mom has ADHD too. There were so many colors to pick from but I finally settled on lime green,bright orange. and dark grey.

 

Now before anyone says "how hard can it be to apply a decal to a wall....let me tell you it can be really hard. BUT if you follow Neil's rules that he includes it's FAR ore pleasant (i found this out after trying to apply one decal sans directions)

While I waited for the paint to dry I happened to find this set at sears. I didn't by the fancy cushion....just the bedding....it was on sale for 70$ plus I had a 10$ gift card and a 10% coupon NICE

His old set was street signs and those babyish construction vehicles in light colors and rounded corners.

Neil's shop Beepart is available here ----> BEEPART SHOP

SO after a few hours and only a tiny credit card (my fault) The end result was the happiest boy under the sea! 

please not the sports theme bed set was bought by daddy 6 months before our son was born......and of course, he has NO interest in sports.

 

                                         

Beepart on ETSY

Ps I forgot to mention. All the green bubbles and shells were included free as part of the sheet. I would without a doubt shop here again, and you should too.

I know it's been awhile. But i'll make it worth it

So summer is winding down.....am I the only mom counting th  days until the school bell rings? It seems my mom is right. She told me that this time of year the parents get as sick of the kids somedays as do the kids of the parents.

so lots to go on today!!!

NEWS
Sarah, the great girl that helps me when my shops get busy has opened her own store. I have never met someone so obsessed with paper in my life. Tissue paper, cardstock, wrapping paper  ANYTHING
http://www.pushinpaper.etsy.com/ is her shop. It's adorable and her work is amazing!

Mailbag

So I am starting to put things away for birthdays and christmas (7 birthdays from sept-jan plus christmas)

Jodiscraftemporium is truly one of my best shopping times ever. Anytime I ever shop here it's simple, and everything from transaction to product is perfect! I purchased this set for my mom

4 simple crocheted clothes for her kitchen. She has a romantic dreamy kitchen, and I know these will go beautifully. My mom is stating the value of shopping handmade. I have vowed to have a totally 100% handmade only holidays!   check out jodi's shop. you'll find so much stuff. And she's been known to do some custom work too.  I had a carpet made and thru various washes and being in the kitchen it still looks brand new. It honestly delights me everytime I see it. Click here for jodi's shop

Tulips treasures is a canadian seller. I found tulip thru bnr's and also heartsy. I found her shop FULL of great stuff. A mix of accessories, skin care and more I was delighted to find this Shea Lavender butter.

It is so simple in it's make up but glorious in it's smooth creamy perfection. It literally melts into your skin but the scent lingers forever it's amazing. I've been using it as after care for my new tattoos also and it's PERFECT! I aalso picked up some great hair clips and a cute pewter nest ring at this store too. How great to have such a mix of stuff in one place. Click here for tulips treasure

Piixwixcandleco is a shop I ran into thru BNR's on Etsy. I am a sucker for solid perfume...so when I found out I could buy 3 and get one free I was ready!!!! I picked wild cherry vanilla, lavender lemon, and nag champra  patchoulli. As my free one she did a custom nag champra. they arrived fast....really fast. In adorable metal slide tins they are the perfect size. They are highly fragrant but when applied they are not over powering at all.

This one was my fave....it's not a smell I would normally pick....it reminds me of cherry lifesavers  mmmmmm.  Find this great store here by clicking here

I will be adding more to this list this evening....but.... I have the whole house to myself....no son, hubby or dog....so i'm off to draw a long bath and make some food nobody else in the house likes|! 

Another week another mail bag call!

ahhhhh it's been such a great week!

hot, sticky but full of mail

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm   where to start 

first of all before I forget we have added to out bath line and candles line

I have come up with the best detox bath ever  only 3 ingerdients  essential oil 100% pure and blended (orange,grapefruit,lavender,black pepper but not in that order) Dead sea salt and french green clay....mmmmmmmmm it's so nice. and after you feel all sleepy, not just because of the lavender but the green clay draws so much out of your body in the way of impurities.

than I used the same relaxing sensual essential oils and started a pretty gray candle line of votives and melts, even some in flower shapes

 

So onto mail week!

I got my great as always package from http://www.etsy.com/shop/DragonflyExpression . She makes THE most beautiful paper flowers, the same ones I have used in my jewelry.... I got these

Than I got a package from http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkdottedowl full of yummy goodness  butterfly scrub soaps, twist up soaps, and lemmongrass fluff soap....great stuff and super shipping. her page is full of stuff!

I caved and bought a heartsy deal for a stitch of mine. http://www.etsy.com/shop/astitchofmine I love beautiful mats and runners for tables and I so quickly fell in love with  this beautiful neat blue and yellow table runner that is perfect in our house I just love it and it is sooooo well made

It's always a joyfull day when my orders arrive from PKSTUFF http://www.etsy.com/shop/PKStuff

She's awesome funny and way talented.. Everything is always made perfectly and she's even done some custom pieces for me

so I got

LOVE!!! and it fits in my organizer

well it seems I was self spoiled this week but it's still STILL because of the postal strike!   although it's been fun the last few weeks getting all my backlogged orders.

SO I guess it will soon be onto school shopping and starting to put xmas stuff away!

Well we'll catch up next week......hopefully sooner and it won't be so hot!!!!!  

feel free to share your thoughts, or if you've purchased from any of the shops in my blog ad your own opinions.....I love to hear from readers!