Pampering yourself at home Head & Shoulders

This post is sponsored by Head & Shoulders; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Pampering yourself at home has never been easier thanks to Head & Shoulders’ new Supreme collection of shampoos, conditioners and scalp treatments! They will help turn your beauty routine into a Supreme Sanctuary experience. My hair was in dire need of some TLC so I decided to spoil myself with the new collection! They have products for every type of hair so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you.

Each product was more of a surprise than the next. My impression of Head & Shoulders definitely changed after discovering this new collection. I had the impression that Head & Shoulders was only a product line for dandruff, but I discovered that they in fact have products that leave my scalp and hair feeling renewed, confident and revitalized! Their new collection includes 3 pre-wash products, 4 shampoo and conditioner collections, one conditioning mask and 2 leave on treatments.

The Supreme Color Protect with Argan Oil and Manuka Honey is the perfect shampoo and conditioner duo for color and chemically treated hair. Free from phosphates, parabens, phthalates and dyes, it will keep your color looking its best while making your hair feel like you just left the salon! The scent is light, fresh and will leave you counting down the seconds until it’s time to wash it again! You can find this collection online at Target.

The Head & Shoulders Supreme Detox & Hydrate shampoo and conditioner are made with Argan Oil and Coconut water. This scalp renewing formula has the most lovely scent and it’s safe for color and chemically-treated hair!

The Nourish & Smooth shampoo and conditioner is one of my favorites. It’s made with Argan Oil and Jojoba Oil and helps to nourish your scalp and smooth away frizz. It’s perfect for this warm spring weather.

The Supreme Soothe & Strengthen shampoo and conditioner is a scalp calming and hydrating formula that’s made with Argan Oil and Rose Essence. The scent is heavenly and leaves my hair and scalp feeling healthier and more hydrated.

Their new Supreme Line also has a few treatments that can be added to your routine as well! I love pampering myself once the kids are asleep and I have some alone-time! The Supreme Exfoliating Scalp Scrub is an amazing addition to your shower routine. You simply massage it before shampooing and it will remove build up and renew the skin’s surface! The Supreme Soothing Leave on Scalp Cream is another winner for me. You can easily apply it and it doesn’t leave a residue. Finally, the Supreme Hydrating Scalp Serum is perfect to use between washes and helps to keep your scalp hydrated and irritation free. It’s made with Vitamin E and Argan Oil and I can’t even begin to explain how good it smells as well!

It’s not a surprise that the Head & Shoulders new Supreme Collection is endorsed by the Skin Health Alliance and it will definitely help you elevate your regular beauty routine! It’s time to elevate your hair washing experience with Head & Shoulders new Supreme Collection! You can find the Supreme Collection online at Target.com. Click here to learn more!

Upswing Health, Helping You Feel Your Best Everyday!

This post was sponsored by Upswing Health as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

I’ve suffered with lower back pain for as long as I can remember and unfortunately, with 2 kids at home and social distancing, I no longer can go for the training sessions that I need to manage my pain. Seeing a physiotherapist and trainer was really the only way that helped alleviate my pain and with that no longer possible, I went on the hunt for another solution. I discovered Upswing Health, a web-based service that helps you treat your musculoskeletal injuries from the comfort of your home.

All Upswing Health services are currently FREE, so it’s an amazing time to try them out and see how they can help you!  They have a library of more than 7,000 exercise videos curated by licensed physical therapists and their services can help the active, regardless of level, age or ability, to prevent and recover from injuries that might slow them down.

When you visit the Upswing Health website, they first do an initial assessment online and can offer you at-home exercises and detailed videos to help you with your injury! They also can connect you to a Certified Athletic Trainer and even arrange a telehealth visit with a primary care sports medicine physician for injuries that are more serious.

Once I discovered this service, I jumped right in and took the assessment online. I was then put in contact with Kelsey, a Certified Athletic Trainer by text. I was SHOCKED at how easy it was and how quickly I got the help that I needed!

My conversation with Kelsey was clear, to the point and she was so quick at getting me a plan to start me on my recovery.

Within 1 hour, I had a detailed program with exercises (I’m sharing a sneak peek below)! I received a personalized link and was able to download her program right on my computer to print out or use offline. I love how easy it was to follow the exercises at home without any help or doubt that I wasn’t doing them properly. Click here to get started today with Upswing Health. Here is an example of a few of the exercises I received from Kelsey:

Any type of musculoskeletal (MSK) issue can really impact your life and many of them can be treated from home without ever having to see a doctor. Lower back pain makes it difficult for me to play with my kids, clean up the house and sleep. Finding exercises that helped and I could do from the comfort of my home has been such a blessing. Because Upswing Health allows you to talk to a sports medicine doctor for free at home right now, there’s never been a better time to try it out! Click here to get started now!

Shellac Nails At Home!

With social-distancing and even lockdowns in full effect all over the world, it will be nearly impossible for the foreseeable future to get that manicure that we all so desperately are missing! I used to do my own shellac nails at home so it looks like I’ll be dusting off my machine and I thought I would share what you need to do it too! I’ll let you know what’s a need and what’s a nice to have. I condensed the list at the bottom with a quick tutorial on doing your nails!

UV/LED Gel Curing Lamp

Click here for one that I found on Amazon.

I don’t think you need the most expensive brand (the professional ones are close to $300). I bought mine for around $60 and have had it for over 6 years. Like anything on Amazon, read the reviews. I wouldn’t buy one that is $20, but I saw a few good models in the $40-$60 range. Click here for one that ships prime.

The Polish

Click here for No Wipe Top Coat + Base Combo

Top Coat + Base Coat + Color Coat: The base coat will prepare your nails for the color coat and make the polish last longer. It’s a non-negotiable (I’ve tried before without the base coat and your nails wont last longer than a day). The top coat is crucial to sealing in the color and giving you that shine! If you’ve had shellac done, then likely you know that once you’ve finished getting your nails done, they usually wipe them down with 99% isopropyl alcohol. This is to remove the sticky film that’s left over by the clear top coat after it’s cured.

Given what’s happening in the world right now, it’s really hard to find99% isopropyl-alcohol in stock, so I recommend this brand: CLICK HERE, which is a top coat that does not require any wiping down afterwards and it comes with the base coat as well! 99% of the brands I’ve come across require the alcohol wipe down, so definitely stick to this brand. Make sure it says on the bottle: “No Clean Topcoat” (all the bottles look so similar). I’ve had this brand used on me a few times in nail salons and love the color selection too. I definitely recommend them!

Color coat: Now’s the fun part! Colors! Make sure when you’re shopping, you read the descriptions because not all colors apply the same. Some are translucent, so no matter how many coats you apply, they’ll still be see-through! Others are opaque and there are even matte finishes. Click here to see colors that I love. Read the reviews - not all brands are the same. I’ve used the brand that I’ve linked and love it. I’ve stuck to Amazon links because it ships quickly, but if you wanted the professional grade colors, you can shop OPI and CND as well (I prefer OPI).
I LOVE this color set from the same brand as the top and base coat. CLICK HERE to shop

If you choose a top coat that is not a “no wipe”, then you absolutely need isopropyl alcohol!

100% Acetone + Cuticle Pusher

Click here to shop Acetone

Click here to shop Cuticle Pusher

This is used to removed the shellac when it’s time to redo your nails. It’s SUPER important that it’s 100% acetone. Nail polish remover is not strong enough to remove the shellac and you’ll be sitting for hours waiting for it to work. CND is more pricey of a brand (they’re usually sold only to professionals) but it’s worth it. Their products are such good quality. Click here to shop.

When it comes time to remove the shellac polish, you can simply dip half of a cotton ball in the acetone solution, apply the cotton ball on the top of your nail and wrap with aluminium foil and wait 5-10 minutes! When you remove the foil, you’ll see the polish peeling off and you can then scrape it off with a cuticle pusher. Alternatively, you can buy these reusable plastic finger clips to hold the cotton ball in place, click to shop, but they are nice to haves - not necessary.

Cuticle Remover

Click here to shop

For a more professional look after your manicure, I recommend the CND Cuticle remover solution. You put on your cuticles, wait a few seconds and it makes all the difference when trying to push back or trim your cuticles! Click here to shop.

To Sum It Up

UV Machine
No Wipe Top Coat + Base Coat
Color Coat
100% Acetone or Gel Remover Solution (NOT nail polish remover)
Cotton Balls
Cuticle Pusher (to scrape off polish when removing after it has soaked in acetone)
Plastic Finger Clips (nice to have, not necessary)
Cuticle Remover Solution (nice to have, not necessary)
Nail file, nail clippers etc. to cut and shape your nails

Doing Your Own Nails

1. Start with clean nails. Wash your hands without soap. Do all the filing, shaping, cuticle cutting etc first.

2. Apply a thin layer of the base coat to nails, turn on machine by pressing button on top and put in machine for 10 seconds. I start and finish one hand before moving on to the next so that I don’t make any mistakes and so that if I get some on my skin, I can wipe it off without ruining my nails. If you mess up a nail by hitting it somewhere, you’ll likely have a to start again from step 1 (which is so annoying).

3. Apply color coat on top of base coat and put in machine for 60 seconds. Don’t put too thick of a coat or the color will bubble. It’s better to do multiple coats to get the coverage you want than to do 1 super thick one.

4. Apply additional coats (if necessary) and after each coat, put hand in machine for 60 seconds. I generally do 3 coats if it’s a light color, like a white, and 2 coats if it’s a darker color.

5. Apply a thin layer of the clear top coat (don’t forget the edges of your nails) and put in machine for 1 minute! If you chose a top coat that is not a non-wipe, this is where you will use your 99% isopropyl alcohol and wipe down each nail to remove the sticky film. If you used the one I recommended, then you’re done! Time to do the next hand :)

My Tips for Getting to Sleep!

These past couple weeks have thrown us all for a loop and getting the rest and sleep we need can be hard! Getting enough sleep is so important for not only our mental health, but also our immune system, so I’m sharing a few must have products for getting that beauty sleep we all so desperately need!

RELAXING SELF CARE 

Take 30 mins to unwind before bed by taking a relaxing Pure Epsom Salt Bath. Dr. Teal’s Soothe & Sleep with Lavender is a mix of Epson Salt to sooth your muscles and Lavender Essential Oils that helps to calm you down and help with relaxation. The lavender scent will help you completely unwind and destress… putting you in the perfect state to fall asleep (and stay asleep)! CLICK HERE TO SHOP

HOMEOPATHIC SLEEP AID

Hyland’s Calms Forté has been such a good sleep aid for me! It relieves symptoms of stress to help you sleep and is homeopathic. All I do is take 2 tablets an hour before bed and it completely helps clear my mind! The best part is that you wake up feeling refreshed without any drowsiness that some other sleep aids cause. For daily nervousness, you can also take it 3 times a day! CLICK HERE TO SHOP

SONOREST SLEEP TONES

This is basically a white noise machine for adults! It was created for Tinnitus Sufferers and its super helpful in silencing that constant ringing in your ears. It has 3 distinct sound spectrums: white, pink and brown, specifically designed to help you find the tone that is the most soothing and relaxing for you. You can plug it in or use batteries so it’s perfect for travelling as well. CLICK HERE TO SHOP

FIND A GOOD EYE MASK

Amazon has great eye masks that ship prime that completely shut out light. Especially with the summer approaching, it can be tough to fall asleep and stay asleep while it’s still light out! So if you don’t have black out blinds, these are an amazing solution! CLICK HERE TO SHOP

Your Wellness Essentials This Season!

I’ve partnered with Procter & Gamble and Source Naturals as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The New Year always brings about my urge to clean, purge and organize! I love taking an inventory of what I have on hand and making sure we’re well equipped for the season and stocked up with all the essentials! As a busy mom with 2 children, I don’t have time to be running to the store every day so I make sure to always have a few key products on hand. I'm sharing my must-have products to keep you ready to tackle whatever the new year throws your way, and you can buy all these products at your local Walmart or visit www.WalmartHealthSupport.com!

Metamucil Fiber Thins

 Eating enough fiber isn’t always easy and because I’m always on the go, I have a tendency to grab and eat whatever is most convenient - which isn’t always what’s best for my digestive system. Thanks to Metamucil Fiber Thins, I feel lighter, less sluggish and more energized* as I tackle everything that my day throws at me! I always have some on hand because if I’m not feeling my best, it affects my whole family. Metamucil Fiber Thins ( I love the chocolate flavor) are crunchy, keep me full, provide 5 grams of fiber and only have 100 calories per serving! They come in individual packs that make them easy to grab on the go and because Metamucil is the #1 doctor-recommended fiber brand*, I feel good about my snack choice every day!

Align Dualbiotic Gummies

As the one who runs our household, I need to be feeling my best, and they say that your health starts in your gut! We all know that probiotics are great for gut health, but did you know that there are different types? Align Dualbiotic Gummies help promote good bacteria in your digestive tract* so I always make sure to have some on hand. They’re packed with natural fruit flavors and contain less than 1g of sugar per gummy so you get a sweet treat all while supporting gut health! It’s a win-win.   

Source Naturals® Wellness Formula®

Stress in life, especially a mom’s life, is totally unpredictable. You can’t control when it decides to appear and it can affect every part of your health and life! I make sure to prepare myself and my immune system for the stress of the cold, the stress of back to school season and the daily stress of motherhood by incorporating Source Naturals® Wellness Formula® into my daily routine! It’s the first supplement to deliver high-potency vitamin C plus 25 other key nutrients. It supports immune health, your respiratory system and promotes a healthy response to stress.

Vicks VapoCOOL SEVERE Drops

Lastly, I always have Vicks VapoCOOL Severe Drops on hand. They provide maximum strength relief in a single drop, now with 33% more medicine*. They have maximum strength menthol, a powerful numbing agent that will help to soothe your throat pain fast so that you can get back to your normal. Whether it’s my husband or myself, we can’t let a sore throat slow us down, so I always make sure we have a full bag at home.

Don’t let yourself be unprepared when unexpected stress hits your home! Make sure to always have these essentials on hand. They can all be found at your local Walmart.

Stocking Stuffers and Gift Box Essentials for Under $25! (Copy)

We all have those last minute purchases for stocking stuffers or a gift exchange at work that we forgot about! Don’t fret! I’ve got you covered. I’ve picked out the best small gifts under $20 for Him and for Her. Give a few, give them all, either way, the person receiving them will be thrilled! Some of these items have a much higher price tag than $25 but are currently on sale, so don’t wait! Grab them while you can :)

For Her

• ME! Bath Unicorn Magic or Mystic Mermaid Bath Bombs: Formulated with a six oil blend, these bath bombs will are as fun as they smell! They turn the bath pink and blue and have a fresh fruity smell!

• Freeman Sheet Masks: These are a blast for anyone on your list. From Charcoal + Probiotics to Pomegranate + Peptides, these masks are the perfect treat for any skin type.

• Eco Tools on-the-go style kit: This small and compact kit lets you take any look on the go! From the working woman to the studying student, this kit will fit anywhere! It’s the perfect stocking stuffer for a makeup lover on your list!

• Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Kit: This kit comes with everything you need to apply the perfect blush, foundation, shadow, highlighter and concealer

• Start Where You Are Self Exploration Journal: This journal encourages reflection, self exploration, creativity, mindfulness and self-motivation. It’s the perfect gift for anyone on your list!

• J R Watkins Hand Creams: With up to 98% natural ingredients, these hand creams with heavenly smells (Pomegranate & Açai and Green Tea & Aloe) will leave everyone with baby soft hands.

• The Original Makeup Eraser: This magical cloth, that erases makeup with nothing else but water is a staple in any woman’s bathroom! It’s reusable (so it’s great for the environment) and it saves money on makeup remover and pads!

For Him

• JR Watkins Body wash: Available in 3 signature fragrances: Bergamot & Oak, Wintergreen & Spruce and Sandalwood, this body wash will turn shower time into a relaxing escape. The natural ingredients and wonderful scents will make any man on your list smile from ear to ear!

• JR Watkins Body & Face Soaps: These are perfect for shaving or showering! The smell is crisp fresh and delicious, they’re super affordable and the ultimate stocking stuffer!

• Dr. Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Activated Charcoal And Hawaiian Black Lava Salt: This soak will help to cleanse and detoxify your skin leaving it soft and revitalized! The benefits of activated charcoal include: absorbing dirt and oil from the skin, removing impurities and toxins and soothing skin irritations!

• J R Watkins Hand Creams: With up to 98% natural ingredients, these hand creams with heavenly smells (Pomegranate & Açai and Green Tea & Aloe) will leave everyone with baby soft hands.

• Memory Foam Slippers: Who doesn’t love a pair of cozy and comfy slippers? It’s a gift everyone will use and they’ll fill up the stocking or gift box to make it look much more full!

• Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action: Motivational and empowering, this book will get anyone’s New Year off to a powerful start. This is the perfect book for the entrepreneur or business minded person on your list!

All these fun items can be purchased online or in store! If you have any other recommendations, let me know and I’ll add them to the list!

Botox: Your Questions Answered!

I’m answering your top questions about Botox and hope I can help you make an informed decision about how to find a doctor and whether Botox is right for you! I worked in an anti-aging clinic alongside a doctor for almost 3 years that specialized in Botox, Fillers, Laser for resurfacing & veins, Microneedling, PRP, Radio-Frequency skin tightening and the list goes on. I was witness to hundreds if not thousands of patients receiving treatments and saw results first hand. So this post is not only about my experience with Botox this past time, but I have had it done before, have seen it done many times on other patients and have tried many other treatments!

Where I Went

I went to see Dr. Mandeville at the Lafond-Mandeville Clinic. She was referred to me by a friend, was calm, patient, has an array of treatment options, is experienced and believes in using treatments to enhance your appearance to give you a natural and refreshed look. She specializes in everything aesthetic: Botox, Fillers, Treatments for veins, stretch marks (this is next on my list) and more. She takes a cautious approach and as I mention down below, my Botox used to cost me $600, but because of the technique she used, she was able to use less product and it was under $200! I was really shocked and pleasantly surprised when I got such a beautiful result by only using 1/3 of the amount of Botox. Regardless of the look you’re hoping to achieve, it starts with a good and experienced doctor. You can book an appointment with her by calling 514-693-0009 or visit her website to see everything else she offers.

This goes without saying, but I’ll mention it just in case, everything is confidential at a doctor’s office. I will never know if you visited her and any treatments you do will be kept private! I also do not make a commission off of you seeing her. I am sharing my honest opinion and results. I highly recommend her clinic and will be going back in a few weeks for another treatment that I can’t wait to share! Click here to visit her site.

Before Botox!

13 Days After Botox

Truth Bomb

I hear a lot of my friends say: “I don’t think my husband will let me”. First off, it’s your face, not your husband’s, so unless the reason is financial and you discuss purchases with each other, the decision should be solely up to you. Do you ask your husband to go colour your hair or to get a bikini wax? Second, likely if your husband has an issue with cosmetic procedures, it’s because he’s seen horrible results on other people who have been over injected. This won’t be the case if you choose your doctor carefully.

TRUE STORY: Jason once told me early on in our relationship while I was working at the anti-aging clinic: “I don’t like Botox. I never want you to get it done.”

To which I replied: I already get Botox. Every 3 months.

TRUTH: When cosmetic procedures are done properly, no one should be able to tell that you’ve had something done. Their reaction should be: Omg you look great! So rested!

Botox vs Fillers - What's The Difference?

Botox and fillers are not the same things at all and people often confuse the two. Fillers do what the name suggests, they fill. They fill your lips, they can fill the hollowness under your eyes to conceal dark circles, they can fill your cheeks to restore fat loss, they can fill your chin to give a more defined jaw line and the list goes on (I’ll cover fillers in another post). The result is immediate - the area injected looks filled. Botox, on the other hand, is a neurotoxin that works on your muscles and can take anywhere from 2-10 days (sometimes longer) to take full effect! It works on fine lines and wrinkles that are caused by your muscles contracting. So when you lift your eyebrows and have all those lines on your forehead or if you have frown lines between your eyebrows or crows feet on the side of your eyes, those are treated with Botox! Neutrotoxins can also treat a variety of other cosmetic issues that most people don’t know about! It can be used to fix a “gummy” smile - you know how some people smile and you see their gums? A bit of Botox can fix that! It can also work to fix “orange peel” skin (the look of indents and holes on the skin caused by contracting muscles).

Is Botox the Only Product?

No! Botox is actually a brand of neurotoxin -just like Kleenex is a brand of tissue. It’s main competitors are Dysport and Xeomin. Botox has been around the longest which is why it’s habit to refer to neurotoxins as Botox. I have tried all 3, and my preference is Botox (but it could very well be psychological because studies have shown they are the same). The price point is very similar between the 3 and will likely vary slightly, if at all in the same clinic.

How Long Does It Last?

This varies per person. I, for example, have extremely active forehead muscles (unfortunately) and move them A LOT because I’m expressive when I talk, so my treatments usually last 3 months. I’ve seen people, however, who are able to only come back every 5-6 months!

What Age to Start Getting Treatments?

I don’t think there is a “right age” per se. I think that as soon as the lines on your forehead, around your eyes etc. start bothering you, you should get it done (within reason - I am not recommending that you start at 18 years old)! I believe that getting Botox is no different than colouring your hair to hide greys. Some people love their grey hair, others don’t. I believe it’s a personal choice and I don’t believe that any woman should look in the mirror and have to live with not liking the way they’re aging.

The picture below is how my forehead was relaxed. I was not raising my eyebrows, just smiling. When I put on makeup, it’s all I would see and they became more pronounced when I was tired. The picture next to it is my forehead now when it’s relaxed, wrinkle free!.

What's the Cost

Unfortunately, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer. The amount of Botox you need will depend on the areas that need treating, how you use your muscles and the result you want. It is sold by the unit and usually is between $8-$12/unit. I have seen people need anywhere from $120-$800 for the result they want. The best way to find out is to book a consultation because the doctor will be able to tell you when they see you! I will say one thing that I learned after getting my most recent treatment with Dr. Mandeville: The doctor you see and the way they inject will have an impact on the amount of product you need. I’ve done Botox many times and have always needed 30-50 units injected to get the result I wanted. When I went to see Dr. Mandeville, her technique was obviously different, because I needed under 20 units to get the result I wanted!

Is There Any Downtime?

With Botox and neurotoxins, no! It’s a procedure you can literally do during your lunch break. The picture below was me immediately after my treatment when I was back in my car and I had no makeup on. You can see, if you look SUPER closely, the tiny red dots where I was injected, but if I needed to go back to work I could have easily covered them up.

Is It Painful?

No, not at all (and I’m such a wimp for pain). I would say that the discomfort is similar to getting your eyebrows waxed. But MUCH less than getting a bikini wax. It feels like a little pinch and normally is done in under a minute.

My Advice

1. Anti-aging procedures are not something you should find a bargain for. You should NEVER go to the “cheapest” place, let a sale determine who you choose or buy on Groupon. This is your face, the first thing you’ll see every day in the mirror and some some treatments can have horrible long term results if not done by a professional and the truth is, not all doctor’s are the same. Anti-aging procedures are not as simple as they seem and they require technique, an aesthetic eye and experience to get a natural result.

2. Don’t rely on Google or a fancy website to find your doctor. A nice website or showing up at the top of Google likely means that the clinic has invested in marketing and doesn’t necessarily mean you are falling on the most experienced or best doctor for you. Go to someone who was referred to you. Even if it means driving a little farther or waiting to get an appointment because the doctor is busy - don’t compromise on a great result. I can’t tell you how many people used to come into the clinic I worked at in tears, begging us to fix the work that “reputable” doctor or plastic surgeon had done. Just because a doctor can do a beautiful nose job doesn’t mean they have the technique to make your lips look subtly plump or to inject Botox for a natural look.

3. Find a doctor who is a minimalist. There is nothing worse than being over injected and being unhappy with your result. I would rather go back 2 times to see a doctor and take it “slow” than get it done in one shot and wish I hadn’t done it at all.

If I missed any questions, let me know down below! I’ll happily add them to my post ASAP! Feel free too reach out to me too with any questions if you prefer!

Why We Chose A Snuggle-Pedic Mattress Over the Others

The time came for my oldest son, Zane, to say bye to his crib and hello to a big boy bed. This change came with a mix of emotions: sad, excited, happy, depressed (these were my emotions because this meant my son was officially growing up). He was just excited. Really really excited. The first thing on our list was to find a mattress. Whether it’s for yourself, your child or a parent, there is no other item that you will spend more time using every day so you shouldn’t take the task of finding a mattress lightly! I did research and more research and more research and it all kept leading to SnugglePedic.com.

With over 12,000 5-star reviews, Snuggle-Pedic definitely caught my eye and the more I read, the more I felt like this was the right mattress for us! Unlike their competitors, Snuggle-Pedic products are designed and tested by Dr. Rick Swartzburg D.C. who has spent over 20 years developing pain and sleep relief products so you can feel reassured that the mattress and pillow you’re getting were designed to deliver an optimal balance of comfort and support, and to ensure proper alignment in any sleeping position.

Unlike many of its competitors that are made overseas, Snuggle-Pedic uses all USA made components and only chooses the best quality materials for their products. Their adjustable pillows and their patented mattress that breathes 100 times better to keep you cooler all night will leave you rested and super happy that you chose them!

We chose a full sized mattress for our son so that it could grow with him as he gets older and we chose one of their Ultra Luxury Adjustable Bamboo Pillows because they’re adjustable! You simply unzip the side and remove some of the stuffing to make the pillow as flat or as full as you need to have the best and most comfortable sleep. Because Zane is only 3 years old, we removed about half of the stuffing to keep the pillow on the flatter side but kept the extra stuffing for later on as he grows and needs more support. Their pillows, because they’re adjustable, are perfect for side, back or stomach sleepers as well!

Click here to shop the pillow that we chose!

The mattress is easy to set up and comes delivered in a box right to your door! You unroll it and watch it take shape. You’ll notice right away that it says Kool-Flow all over the mattress and pillows which is because they have a Kool-Flow micro-vented bamboo covering and patented AIRFLOW TRANSFER SYSTEM® that creates 100 times the breathability in the mattress for a cooler sleep. It also provides Weightless Pressure Relief with it’s Snuggle-Flex™ Comfort Layers that help to evenly distribute the weight of your body resulting in muscle and joint pressure relief.

A mattress that’s affordable, breathable, made with your comfort in mind and designed by an expert. It’s super obvious why Snuggle-Pedic should be your mattress of choice and why it was ours!

Click here to shop Snuggle-Pedic mattresses.

Quick and Easy Valentine's Day Gift

Need a last minute Valentine’s Day gift idea that’s perfect for anyone? Look for further! I gathered up 3 of my fave products and you can find them all online and have them shipped right to your house! We’ll be gifting these goodies to Zane’s daycare teachers as a Thank You for taking such good care of him!!

I’m all about gifts that can double as gift wrap! So I’m going to gift each teacher a reusable 100% silicone mug from GoSili. I love these cups because they’re dishwasher and microwave safe (which also makes them a great gift for you!) and by gifting one, you’re helping to reduce the 100 billion disposable cups that go to land fills each year! I’m going to fill them with the goodies below!

Who doesn’t love to pamper themselves? Next on my list of goodies are some products from NeoStrata! They have products for every skin type and concern, so no matter who you’re shopping for, you’ll find the perfect item. At my age, we would all use some anti-aging products, so I turned to the best product on the market: NeoStrat! I chose the Firming Anti-Wrinkle Cream, the Cellular Restoration Cream, the Tri-Therapy Lifting Serum and the Dual Acid Antiaging Peel. These products will tackle dark spots, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles and will moisturize the heck out of your dry winter skin!

I topped off each mug with some essentials from EOS. Their lip balms and hand lotions will have everyone’s dry winter skin and lips thanking you and begging for more! They are so affordable, I totally recommend you pick up a few for yourself! They fit perfectly in any purse (and the hand lotions even fit in my wallet)!

I would love to hear what you give your kid’s teachers for Valentine’s Day! Am I the only one that makes a big deal about it?

Who Is Going to #makeNOIZE This Winter With Cruelty Free Coats?

Use promo code: newmommtl to save 15% off your order at www.noizeoriginal.ca !

Canadian winters are something we can't avoid (unfortunately) and with a toddler, a puppy and a winter-loving husband, I spend way more time outside than I should. I was first introduced to NOIZE’s winter jackets last winter and I quickly realized that I had no need for any other jacket… ever (except for a new model of it this year… you can never have too many NOIZE jackets :))

NOIZE creates beautifully crafted jackets and coats for men and women with high-quality faux fur and vegan leather accents. They are cruelty free, vegan, and PETA-approved so you no longer have to choose between being ethical and looking stylish... with NOIZE you can have both! I chose the Gigi Long Jacket With Colored Fur.

I have a beautiful jacket from NOIZE that I bought last year, so I’m no stranger to how warm it is! I was able to wear my jacket all winter without ever feeling like I needed to layer on extra clothing or run back inside. I was honestly blown away by the quality and regret not having discovered this brand sooner. The fabric is so thick and luxurious, and it has super soft high-quality faux-fur around the hood... I never want to take it off. No detail was overlooked! It is, hands down, the warmest and most comfortable coat I own (it is also the only one I will be wearing this winter too). I was so happy to get my hands on a second one this year and decided to also order one of their hats! Their line of accessories are as gorgeous as their coats!

As an animal lover and owner, I think it's amazing that NOIZE makes fashion forward jackets that are cruelty free and I love supporting a company with such an important value at its core.

Use promo code: newmommtl to save 15% off your order at www.noizeoriginal.ca and let's #makeNOIZE this winter in our cruelty free outerwear! I promise you won't be disappointed. 

Drugstore vs. High End Makeup - Is There Really A Difference?

I've always wondered whether the big priced tag attached to some of my favourite brands of makeup really was justified. I'm by no means a product junkie, so I decided to go to someone who is and put some makeup to the test! I spent the morning with Amanda from Lashes Lips N Liner (follow her on Instagram for your daily dose of makeup heaven and product recommendations) and we did a quick makeover using drugstore brands on one side of my face and high end makeup on the other. Surprisingly, when I asked you all on Instagram which was which, the majority of you spotted the difference! I'm going to cover which products we used, which Amanda thinks are comparable and which she absolutely thinks are worth the extra investment! We went for a super quick and easy every day look and will be covering some tips and tricks next week!

Click here to follow Amanda on Instagram!

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BEFORE - NO MAKEUP

AFTER! MAkeup by Amanda
left side: Drugstore brands ($43)
right side: High end brands ($158)

These are the products we used: 

Correcter/concealer: Pixi by Petra ($17) vs Benefit Boi Ing ($30)
Blush: Annabelle ($8) vs. Burberry ($50)
Mascara: L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara ($6) vs. Urban Decay Perversion ($32)
Brow Gel: Essence Make Me Brow ($4) vs. The Brow Gal ($22)
Lipstick: Rimmel by Kate ($8) vs. MAC ($24)

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Drugstore Total: $43
High End Total: $158

Over all, the only 2 products that Amanda really recommends spending a bit more on are the Concealer and the Lipstick. You can see in the picture that my dark circles aren't as well concealed by the cheaper brand (and we know that as moms we need all the help we can get covering those bad boys)!

The lipstick is also worth the investment for a few reasons: 
#1. The feel. I could IMMEDIATELY feel the difference. The more expensive lipstick felt nicer on my lips
#2. The smell. The cheaper brand had a more plastic and synthetic smell.
#3. The wear. The cheaper lipstick will run and will not last as long. 

Stay tuned next week for our 5 product - 5 minute makeover! 

Click here to follow Amanda on Instagram - she offers tons of product recommendations, unboxings and product hauls and TONS of makeup advice!

Neutrogena To The Rescue This Summer!

I got my hands on Neutrogena's MUST HAVE products this summer and am thrilled to say they don't disappoint.

Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment : Ok so this is the coolest product I've seen all year. It uses red and blue light to treat acne without any discomfort! It's portable (it is literally the size of a pen), it's quick (the treatment takes 2 minutes) and it's affordable. This is totally my must have product this summer for those hot days and the blemishes that often accompany them! Click here to get more info.

Deep Clean Micellar Water and Makeup Remover: BEST feature of this product, hands down: It removes waterproof makeup! This had me jumping for joy. I am obsessed with micellar water but I haven't been able to find one that removes waterproof mascara and waterproof sunscreen which leaves me struggling in the summer for something that works. I am so happy to have discovered this just in time. It smells divine, is gentle on my sensitive skin and doesn't leave a residue behind. OBSESSED. Click here to learn more.

Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion: The first thing I noticed was the smell - it smells heavenly and not like a sunscreen at all. It goes on so smoothly, doesn't leave a white residue behind, is SPF 50 (no sun spots for me!!) and a little goes a long way! I also love that it's a gel cream - it has the most incredible texture. Click here to learn more!

Deep Clean Purifying Micellar Cleansing Wipes: These 3 in 1 wipes are perfect to throw in your purse, gym bag or work bag for a quick midday cleanse and makeup touch up during the hot sticky summer. I love that it targets impurities and removes makeup and cleanses without needing water! Click here to learn more.

Hydro Boost Multivitamin Booster with Hyaluronic Acid: This serum can be used on it's own or added to a moisturizer you already have for added moisture and radiance. It helps to energize and brighten the look of your skin with Hyaluronic Acid and a Multivitamin Complex!  I will definitely be adding it to my tinted moisturizer because my skin needs all the hydration it can get after being out in the sun. Click here to learn more.

If you're looking for a few new additions to your skincare routine, I totally recommend one of the above products! Let me know what you think of them in the comments below!

xox Tovah

Collagen Peptides - What's the Deal?

If you've been on social media following any of the health nuts - I'm sure you've seen at some point or another talk about collagen peptide supplements. The supplements are supposed to help you feel and look your best by benefiting your hair, skin, nails, joints and bones. It's as simple and adding a bit of the supplement to a beverage of your choice (it is totally flavourless), such as tea, smoothies or even a glass of water, and sticking with it for a few months!

Some of you may be wondering - what is collagen and why do I want it... or want more of it? Collagen is a protein that is found in EVERYONE's body and is associated with younger and healthier looking skin. It is part of hair, skin, nails, gut and connective tissue. Collagen helps maintain your skin's elasticity - thereby reducing wrinkles and fine lines and it also contributes to firmer skin and has even been shown to help with skin tone. It can help your joints, skin tissues and digestive health as well. So now that you understand WHY there's such a big hype around collagen, you now understand why people are bending over backwards to get there hands on collagen peptide supplements.

I went to the king of the industry: Vital Proteins - Collagen-Based Nutirition, and tried their unflavored Collagen Peptides. I was sent the 1.25 lb jar and a box of individual portion packets (amazing to bring to work or when you're on the go!). I've been using them for a week already and can't wait to see my results next month! Like any supplement, the results won't be immediate (so don't expect them to be) but will take a bit of time and sticking with it is key! Just as you can't eat one bowl of spinach and fix an iron deficiency, you're not going to take collagen peptides and look 25 years younger immediately. You need to keep using it! I'll update this post in a few months with my results! Click here to visit Vital Proteins and check out their entire collection.

I'm having a giveaway on Instagram for a limited time, so head over to my Instagram for your chance to win your own Collagen Peptides from Vital Proteins!

Check Out My Results After Using White With Style! + Promo Code for up to 90% off!

I got my hands on White With Style - the teeth whitening system that I keep seeing celebrities use and have been dying to try out! It's a super simple whitening system and gives you whiter teeth in 30 mins! Use code: MRSNEWMOMMTL for almost 90% off your order!

The Sparkle White Professional Teeth Whitening Kit comes with everything you need - whitening trays, whitening gel and the cool blue light to activate the gel. Have a look at my before and after pictures below. My pics show my teeth after 2 treatments (and when you buy the kit, it comes with enough whitening gel for 10 treatments!). 

Use code: MRSNEWMOMMTL to get this teeth whitening system for only $28 (that's almost 90% off!) Click here to visit White With Style and don't forget to add some teeth whitening pens to your order so that you can whiten on the go - click here to see the 3 pack of whitening pens. 

Before

After 1 treatment

After 2 treatments

As if the results weren't enough of a reason to want to try White With Style, their products are Vegan, Cruelty Free, BPA Free, Gluten Free, Sensitivity Free, are available in peroxide or peroxide free and come in 10 fun flavours (I tried the mint!).

To answer some of your most frequent questions from my Insta Stories: 

1 - No, my teeth were not sensitive after! I usually have super sensitive teeth and can't usually use whitening strips, but I had NO issue with this system. 

2 - No, my gums did not hurt after . My kit came with vitamin E swabs to wipe off any of the whitening gel that got on my gums - but you can also use regular cotton swabs!

3 - Yes these are my real results! 

4 - I spaced out my 2 treatments by 4 days. I did drink coffee during those 4 days, but I made sure to first have my morning coffee, then I whitened my teeth and then didn't have another coffee or wine until the next day :)

Use code: MRSNEWMOMMTL for up to 90% off your order! You can get the Sparkle White Teeth Whitening Kit for only $28! Click here to visit White With Style and order yours now!

Function of mrsnewmommtl - Personalized Hair Care with over 12 Billion Formulations!

Everyone's hair is unique in it's own way... so why should we all have the same shampoo and conditioner? WE SHOULDN'T! Function of Beauty allows you to create customized shampoo and conditioner based on your preferences and have it delivered right to your door (in a gorgeous package I might add). Visit their website by clicking here and you will also save $5 off your first order! As if the concept wasn't amazing enough... it is also cruelty-free (yay for no animal testing!) and free of parabens, sulfates, and GMOs!

The process is so fun and simple. You visit their website, fill out a hair profile questionnaire (your hair type, concerns, things you would like to improve about your hair etc.), you choose the color of your shampoo and conditioner (they can be the same color, different colors, and even dye free), and then choose your scent! Did I mention you even get to personalize your label? Ya.... how cool is that? Mine say Function of Mrs New Mom MTL

You get this gorgeous box in the mail with your personalized products and an information pamphlet inside summarizing everything you chose! This is actually one of the coolest products I've had the chance to review.

My Hair Profile is: WAVY, FINE, DRY
My Hair Goals were: LENGTHEN, VOLUMIZE, SHINE, ANTI-FRIZZ, FIX SPLIT ENDS
And I chose the fragrance: All (you)calyptus (which smells heavenly by the way)

Whether it's for yourself or for a gift... you will not be disappointed! 

Click here to start the Hair Quiz and get $5 off your first order!

Lounging in Style with PinkBlush!

The cold wintery Canadian weather has arrived - which means it's hibernating season for some of us (me!!). What better way to stay fashionable and comfy all day long than with PinkBlush? I'm wearing their Navy Blue Striped Cuffed Pajama Pants, and like all their clothes, they can be transitioned from maternity wear to regular wear! Have a look at their website to see the rest of their adorable cozy lounge pants and spend your winter months looking and feeling amazing! :). Click here to visit PinkBlush.

Him and Her Gift Guide for the Holidays

1. Noize Cruelty Free Winter Coats: NOIZE winter coats are so well made and no detail is overlooked. Their styles for men and women are gorgeous and the quality is phenomenal. They use vegan leather and all their products are PETA approved. What's not to love? Use the promo code tovah for 15% off your order! Visit noizeoriginal.ca to find your perfect coat!

2. Archipelago Scented Candles: Sold at Nicole's Gallery & Boutique, these candles burn for hours and leave the most delicious scent behind. They come in a beautiful wooden box, making it more than just a candle, but a decorative piece for your home. Click here to visit Nicole's Gallery and Boutique. 

3. HearBand and TV Streamer: Save a marriage - give this gift to a couple you love. No more yelling at your significant other to turn down the TV or having to listen to UFC, Soccer or Hockey in the background while trying to write a blog post (not that I'm speaking from experience lol). The TV Streamer transmits what you hear on TV to a set of wireless headphones! How cool is that? Click here to visit Lucid Audio.

4. NEST Liquidless Diffuser: It comes with this gorgeous silver holder and scented sticks that are dry! The scent is strong enough to fill an entire floor, but delicate enough to not overpower a room. Click here to shop NEST Fragrances.

5. ACK! the Book: Holidays and parenting can leave a lot of us feeling overwhelmed, tired and discouraged. Give the gift that will help anyone in your life get that motivation back and find ways to cope with stress with ACK! the Book. Made for adults, but with entertaining colorful illustrations, help your loved ones learn how to turn the bad days into good days! They're sure to laugh and totally relate to every page. Click here for your FREE book (while quantities last)!

6. Luhvee Books: Find the perfect Love Book for any occasion with a simple fill-in-the blank concept that allows you to finish your creation in under an hour! Click here to read my full review on Luhvee Books or click here to visit their site an start creating your own! Use code TOVAH20 for 20% off your purchase! (code expires 12/31/17)

Stay tuned next week for my New Mama Faves! :)

xox

Glacial Illusion - The Coolest Tones of the Season

I was lucky enough to get a manicure recently with CND's newest launches, their Trilogy Top Coat Collection and their new Shellac and Vinylux Collection - Glacial Illusion. The cool icy tones are PERFECT for the winter months and with the shades available in Shellac and Vinylux, there's no reason to ever have chipped nails again :). 

I usually use Shellac on my nails because keeping up with my son means that I'm very rough with them and I have no time to worry about them chipping. I was SO EXCITED to see the Trilogy Top Coat Collection, which includes a Matte, Glitter and Pearl Top Coat that can be used with any of their Shellac colours! I tried Mystic Slate (from the new Glacial Illusion Collection) with the Glitter Top Coat (how pretty is it!?).

I'm wearing Vinylux Cashmere Wrap

Most women have heard about Shellac, but I was really surprised to find out that many of you have never heard of Vinylux! I've been using Vinylux for years and rely on it for those times when I can't make it to my manicurist. I love that it allows me to get a nail salon look at home, without the nail salon price :). Vinylux, by CND, is a long wear weekly polish that you can do at home with the same shine as Shellac, but with no UV or LED lights needed! All you need is the Vinylux colour and the Vinylux top coat... you'll have gorgeous long lasting polish for up to 7 days!  As a new mom, regular polish rarely lasts longer than 24 hours on my fingers... and that's assuming I even have time to let it dry. If you watched my Instagram stories then you saw my daily updates when I used Vinylux and saw that it didn't chip! I changed nothing in my routine and this polish withstood my daily #momlife (which includes LOTS of dish washing without gloves and lots of messy cleanups). That's a win in my book!

CND is always coming out with new colours in Shellac and Vinylux, but the Glacial Illusion Collection may be one of my favourites yet. The colours, from left to right, are: Ice Bar (Obsessed with this colour), Cashmere Wrap, Radian Chill, Alpine Plum, Mystic Slate (LOVE THIS ONE) and Winter Nights. 

Visit cnd.com to find a salon near you or for more information on these amazing new launches!

Glycolic Acid for Sensitive Skin

Glycolic Acid is a product that I believe everyone should have in their skincare routine. Whether you choose a serum, cream or lotion, this magic ingredient will forever change your skin. Having said that, it's also an ingredient that if not used properly, can deter you from ever wanting to use it again, so if you have sensitive skin like I do, it's important to find the right product for you, and to integrate it slowly into your routine.

Glyclic Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that is derived from sugar cane that exfoliates the skin. When it's in a serum, cream or lotion, not only does it exfoliate, but it also will hydrate so you'll have none of that flaking or peeling skin that we often associate with using an acid. Glycolic Acid is found in many different concentrations in skincare products so it's important to chose a lower concentration if it's your first time using it or if you've taken a break from it. You'll also want to start off slow - use it once a week, then twice a week, then three times a week until you're using it daily. It's important to give your skin a chance to build up a tolerance - otherwise you could be left with red and irritated skin. I know that when I get new products, I'm eager to jump in full force and integrate it into my routine - but Glycolic Acid products really need to be integrated slowly. 

I have very sensitive skin so I started using Glycolic Renewal 5% Smoothing Cream by NeoStrata (and eventually moved up to the 10% formulation) every other day and I now use it twice a day (it took me about 2 months to tolerate it well). It eliminated my black heads, smoothed my skin, and left it glowing every day. I even had my husband ask if I was doing something different with my skin! When my husband notices a change - I know it's for real :) 

Glycolic Acid is a great complement to anti-aging routines as well as acne routines because it will help eliminate dead skin cells and allow the active ingredients in your other products to better penetrate the skin! It will also help (in the case of acne) to dry out your pimples or blemishes. Unfortunately, it's not safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding so I had to stop using it for the past year but I am so excited to be starting again now! 

If you have sensitive skin, I recommend going to your local pharmacy or Sephora and getting a sample of a Glycolic Acid product before investing in an entire bottle. It will take about 2 - 3 weeks to see the difference in your skin, but once you do you will never go back!

These are some of my other favourite brands that have Glycolc Acid other than the NeoStrata one that I use!

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5 Mommy Hair Hacks That I Swear By!

There's a reason why the "mom bun" is a thing - getting ready with a newborn or toddler already means you're probably late for everything, and managing to get out the door without spit up or poop on your clothes means you're winning. There are days when I have it together and look like I did before Zane arrived - but there are others (most of the time actually) where I look like I have lost my marbles. Since having a baby, I understand now why many moms cut their hair short... who has time to manage, maintain and tame long beautiful locks? In my first 3 months of having a baby, I've discovered a few life savers that I hope will help you get through the day with kick ass looking hair. 

1. Dry Shampoo

Lets be honest... greasy looking hair is gross and none of us leave the house on purpose with our hair stuck to our head... but motherhood happens and sometimes it's unavoidable right? WRONG. Dry shampoo will save your life. It literally takes 10 seconds to put in your hair and you can even do it in the car. I have always had a hard time finding one that works for me because my roots are so dark and it usually ends up looking like I have dandruff instead - but I recently discovered Ouai from Sephora. Ouai has a traditional dry shampoo spray, but also has a foam which is perfect for my hair. I put a bit in my hand, put it on my roots, and voila! Clean looking hair! It also doesn't hurt that it smells amazing so is as though my hair was freshly washed :)

2. Keratine Treatment

If you have naturally curly hair, frizzy hair, or unmanageable hair (as I do), then a Keratine treatment may be for you! Keratine treatments essentially put keratin back into your hair (which is a protein that is found there naturally). Hair that lacks keratin is often frizzy, dull, easily tangles, so it's no surprise that a Keratine treatment makes your hair shiny, smooth and maneageable. Keratine treatments used to have formaldehyde in them, which for me is a big no no. It's extremely toxic and I never wanted that anywhere near me. Now, however, most Keratine treatments are formaldehyde free (yay!) and are therefore really gaining in popularity. Many of them are safe to get while pregnant, breastfeeding and they are done in almost every salon by trained stylists. I definitely think that just like hair colour, the result has a lot to do with who does it (so do your research ladies!), but over all, this treatment has been a life saver for me. It used to take me 45 mins to blow-dry my hair and another 10 mins to go over it with a flat iron. I now can let my hair air dry if I want it wavy, and it takes me 10 minutes flat to blow dry it. 

3. Ballayage

Ballayage is a technique being used more and more for hair colour. It's less dramatic than highlights that go to your root and more natural looking than Ombre. It's a technique that gives your hair highlights that don't go all the way to the root and what that means, is that your hair can grow out without looking like you need to immediately get it done again! This is genius for new moms because scheduling a hair appointment can often be a nightmare when you need to try to find someone to look after the little ones. If you've never heard of ballayage, I'm sure you've seen it and just haven't realized it. It's not only practical, but gorgeous!

4. Hair Masks 

Our hair is exposed to so many chemicals and so pollution outside every day - not to mention spit up and other fun things from our little ones, so pampering your hair once a week is a must. I have fallen in love with hair masks and think that if you try one, you will too. It's quick, easy, and if a temper tantrum or baby emergency happens while you have it in - no biggy! The longer it's in, the better (for the more part - read your labels :)). I'm obsessed right now with Oro Fluido Hair Mask. I put it in after the shower before I put baby to bed and leave it in for about an hour. As soon as he's asleep, I hop back into the shower and wash it out. There are definitely masks out there that are even more mommy friendly I'm sure. I know there are some that don't need to be washed out at all, but my skin is so sensitive, I am always worried about going to bed with a hair mask on incase I get a reaction. 

5. Style your hair when it's wet

It sounds pretty simple right? Well it is and you'll be amazing how awesome your hair looks in the morning! I've discovered that if I style my hair in a high top bun before bed and spritz it with a bit of water, I wake up in the morning to big, beautiful, beachy looking waves without needing to use a curler! Similarily, if I braid my hair before bed and wet it a bit, I wake up to tight, trendy waves. It's so simple and so manageable because you can do it once the littles go to bed :) 

If you have any other tips or tricks, please let me know! Sharing is caring :)

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