Review: Irresistible Me 8-in-1 Curler

"Me review a hair product?!? Are you kidding me?"

Beelieve Hydration Balm

I was approached by Tanya, who's a reader and a fan, about trying her fabulous product.  She knows I'm all about natural and organic here when it comes to cosmetics, and she thought her product - Beelieve Hydration Balm -  would be right up my alley.

She kindly asked me to try it and to send her my thoughts, never asking for a post about it, but I thought I'd share it with you guys because it's kind of awesome.  All the ingredients are natural oils and essentials oils.  It's a balm that's good for your skin, and your face.  The balm has been fabulous for my humidity frizzy hair. It calms and hydrates the frizz and nourishes my strands.

I've also been loving it as a skin treatment for my legs and arms.  After the sun I find my skin gets dry - combination of sun and sunscreen - so I've been slathering it on in the evening after a shower.  Feels so great.  And my skin drinks it up with love. The smell is really lovely too.  Guys honestly, give this a go.

Take A Little Of The Story With You

Tied &Dyed Scarf - c/o Kish and Evie  //  Jeans - Dittos  //  Shirt - Hem&Thread via Ruche //  Shoes - Threadsence  // Jacket & Necklaces - F21  //  Purse - UO

I know I've said this before, and I'll say it again:  I have the best readers in the world.  You guys are so smart, sassy, talented, and in the case of Kish and Evie ridiculously amazing online shop owners! This duo based out of Australia makes some amazing hand crafted scarves.  Their pieces are so intricate and detailed, but there's so much thought put into each piece.

This Tied&Dyed scarf was the perfect piece to take me into the summer.  I wanted something bold, bright, and yet still soft and flowy to take into these warmer months.  Something that spoke of happy and fun filled days.  The soft, luxurious material is sensual and light - exactly what you want out of a great scarf.

Take the case of one of my other favorites, the Dia De Los Muertos, there's thought and storytelling involved in the creation of the scarf.  So it becomes more than a piece of fabric you don, it becomes an entire story and world that you take on as a part of yourself.  I love that.  Seriously, it's on my wishlist of items to curate for my wardrobe - to have and to cherish for years on end.  Each time, discovering a little bit of the story and making it part of my own.

Kish and Evie are offering an international giveaway on their site for three scarves of your choice!  Also, an exclusive coupon to ModaMama readers for 25% off - just enter the code "K+ETHANKYOU" at checkout.

*This is a sponsored post.  

I only write about things I believe in. 

Thanks for checking out the fabulous folks*
*Linking up with Fab Favs, Style Sessions, and Passion For Fashion*

Blueberry Soy to the Rescue

The Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream from Eminence Organics is pure delight in a jar.  When you first open it, it smells so delectable that you might be tempted to eat it.  But trust me, don't.  Save it for your skin.

It's deeply hydrating, soothing, and rejuvenating.  It's like staying in PJs in a soft blanket with a cup of tea....but for your skin. 

I use this every night after applying an oil serum to my skin.  It's a wonderful night cream that is so gentle it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin, or clog any pores.  But it does leave me with soft skin in the morning.  That's awesome in my books.

I decided to showcase these products together since they go so well with each other.  The Blueberry Soy Repair Masque is just the perfect deep hydration.  After a long day on set and wearing tons of make-up, I cleanse and use a deep cleaning masque.  But right after I apply this one.  To restore hydration to skin that's been dried out all day from make up and powder and lights.

It's also what I put on after a day out in the cold wind, or when exposed to the elements.  The soothing and moisturizing ingredients are perfect to help the skin repair and heal. 

Clear Skin Probiotic Masque

For my acne prone skin, one of the very best products has been the Eminence Organics Clear Skin Probiotic Masque.  This gentle masque is non-drying, which is great because too much drying can actually cause breakouts, but is super powerful.  I put on this masque after a good exfoliation and leave it on for a good 20 minutes. 

I've been known to answer the door for the Postman several times while wearing the masque.  He's gotten over seeing this face at the door.  I will say that this masque has not only calmed my breakouts, but has stopped pimples dead in their tracks.  I'll even put it on as a spot treatment overnight on a particularly challenging spot. 

The tingling feeling of the tea tree oil gives you that satisfying feeling that you're really zapping things.   It does this all while nourishing and not drying out my skin.  This is my not-so-secret weapon.

Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant from Eminence

Every cosmetician I've ever known has hounded me about exfoliation.  But honestly, I've tried a lot and they left my sensitive skin feeling raw and red,  and that doesn't really make me want to repeat it often.  I thought it was the fact that it was so gritty and harsh that had my skin screaming, but I think now that it was whatever else was added to the exfoliator.

The Strawberry Rhubard Dermafoliant from Eminence is just a pure powder of organic ingredients.  You shake out the powder onto your hand, add a touch of water and scrub your face with it. 

It's gritty and I thought it would be just as rough on my skin, but it isn't.  Like I said, I guess it was all the other additives in previous products that inflamed my skin.  This is simply grit that scrubs away the dead skin cells.  When I say simply, I don't mean it's just grit, the list of ingredients is impressive and completely well thought out.  In saying 'simply' I mean there's nothing unnecessary thrown in there.

Apparently, for me a large part of my problem was clogged pores and dead skin build up.  Kind of gross, but at least exfoliation can help with that.  And I've loved that it helps to add a glow to my skin and reduce the amount of breakouts. 

Beauty: Pure+Simple Wins Award

Pure+Simple's co-founder wrote a book on natural beauty, Beauty: Pure+Simple, and it's been named the 2013 Gold Medal winner of the Living Now Awards in the US for the category of healing arts/Body Work/Energy Techniques.

I was honored to be sent a complimentary copy of the book.  I love the services Pure+Simple offers *read my review of their Deluxe Aquabrasion facial here* and am of course eager to read any book that can educate me further in the area of natural health and beauty.

Kristen Ma's book relies heavily on Ayurvedic studies with some Traditional Chinese Medicine.  It's interesting to read about Ayurvedic medicine, as I know very little about this philosphy on health and beauty. 

But what I most like about this book is how it breaks things down.  It's easily and clearly explains those things that we all should know but never really have a chance to learn along the way.  Like, why we need steps like cleansing, toning and moisturizing.  What's the difference between all those exfoliators. 

It explains how our skin works, and what exactly happens in skin conditions.  It's very informative, and teaches us all those things that we think we know, but don't really.  Like the difference between a night and day cream and why both are good.

Personally, I appreciate this back to basics and skin care defined from the ground up approach.  There's a lot of things that this book has clarified for me.  And it's nice to read it all coming from a natural skincare pro. 

I think it's a great gift idea for some of my girlfriends this season.

Introducing Eminence Organics

I bought a groupon (a place where you can get discounted deals) for a facial at the Yonge Eglinton Laser Eye + Cosmetic Centre.  Once there I men Renee.  The facial was wonderful no doubt, but what's more exciting is the new line that Renee introduced me to.  She, like myself, is very aware of what we put in and on to out bodies.  The chemicals and additives that mess with our internal and external balance. 

As you know, I'm a big proponent of using natural products at all times, and so enter Eminence Organics.  Renee raved about this line. And in part she was preaching to the choir as a line that is so pure in its ingredients and that is dedicated to being green, plus all those awards, has definitely got me interested.

She sent me home with a few samples, plus I asked her what would be the number one product to recommend to me and I got that.  After a week of use, my Mother-In-Law was over and mentioned that my skin was looking very 'bright.'  I was glad that I wasn't the only one who was noticing a difference.  My complexion was calmer, and I had less acne, and everything just seemed better.  I'm not an esthetician and I truly wish I could explain it better than that, but that's the best way to put it.
It was smoother, clearer, and calmer. 

After a week, I bought two more products.  And a week after that I wrote the company.   I wrote them exactly what I am writing you right now.   I wrote of my experience in discovering them.  I also wrote of my skin care struggles over the years.  I told them, and I'm telling you, that they are the best skin care line that I have ever used.  That's not an exaggeration. I've used prescription, drugstore, spa, natural, name it and I've probably tried it.  I have never ever gotten results like these, and the fact that they are organic and committed to a green and sustainable ethic had me so excited my fingers couldn't keep up with the speed of my brain as I typed.

I told them if they ever want to work with someone, a blogger, I would love to share the brand with anyone I can.  And I have been.  I've been sharing with all my girlfriends, and every place where the topic comes up.  Elisa, from Eminence Organics, wrote me back, and I guess my giddiness leaked through the email because she said they would love to work with me.

After a discussion about my skin type and concerns and some products from their catalog that I was interested in, she sent out a package.  I had no idea what to expect.   I was so humbled by their generosity.    I was also very excited to try these new products.  If they were even close to the three I already have I knew I would not be disappointed.

I'll be sharing Eminence Organics with you over the next little while.  I'll be starting with the products I bought originally, since they are the ones I have used the longest, and go from there.

Guys, I can't wait for this.  Honestly, best cosmetic line I have tried ever.   And I don't say that lightly.

Pure+Simple for Fall and Always

 Now with Fall here and the weather changing, most people are struggling with some sort of skin issue.  Dehydration being the most common.  Being a woman with sensitive, dry and acne prone skin is challenging, but products with organic and natural ingredients, like the ones Pure+Simple offers, have been my absolute saving grace. 

Pure+Simple offers a wide array of services too.  Recently I was invited to try their Deluxe Aquabrasion  Facial.  It definitely seemed right up my alley.  Not only is it great for the lymphatic system, but it's like a softer, gentler version of microdermabrasion.  I've had microdermabrasion, and it's too much for my sensitive skin.  I stay red and sore for days and I find that it's too painful.  So you can see the appeal of a service that promises clarity of complexion, hydration, and a deep clean without the irritation. 

Arriving at the Yorkville spa is like stepping into a peaceful cone of silence off the busy streets of Toronto.  The location is bright and peaceful and the staff is full of smiles and very welcoming.  My appointment was with Samantha, and she came out to greet me and take me into the treatment room.  The rooms themselves are dimly lit and a warm chocolate brown.  Everything to promote relaxation by invoking a cozy and sleep time atmosphere. 

Samantha was excellent.  She asked me questions to ascertain what my skin was like and the difficulties I had, then inspected it herself.  She walked me through every step of the process so that nothing was shocking or unexpected.  But she was also politely quiet, gaging whether I was in a talkative mood or just wanted to relax in silence.  I was in a talkative mood. 

So we talked.  We talked about the facials and the products, all while I became more and more relaxed through the treatment. By the way, her favorite products are the Pure+Simple Hydration Serum and the Naturopathica Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel *side note: Pure+Simple ships to all of North America*  Finally, the aquabrasion part came up. 

It's a cold stream water solution that cleans your skin and blasts away the dead skin cells.  It's so gentle while it's happening that you seriously doubt whether it's actually doing any good.  My sensitive skin loves it and it never screamed at me, which is rare. Once that part was done she applied a restorative mask and left the room to allow me to relax and let it soak in. 

And I fell asleep.  Let me say that again, I fell asleep.  As a woman who has been having trouble sleeping for the last two months, and takes melatonin to help her get to sleep, this is huge.  I fell asleep. It was that relaxing. 

Relaxation and an incredible skin treatment is the initial benefit, but the real benefit came the day, and days, after.  My complexion is smoother, softer, and clearer of blackheads and all that other fun stuff *you know what I'm talking about*

Honestly, treat yourself to the aquabrasion.  It's divine! We could use it at this time of year, or anytime really. Oh, and might I suggest signing up for their newsletters as they have a different facial/service on special every month.

Savvy Sleepers, Oh My!

I get into bed all frazzled and stressed from the day I've had.  Then my hand happens to gently caress the pillowcase beneath my hair, and, "Ahhhhhh."  Immediately I'm taken into a much softer, and gentler world. 

It may sound silly, but that's how I feel every time I touch my Savvy Sleeper pillowcase.  It's not the first time I've heard that sleeping on satin is better for your hair and skin.  I've heard it a lot, but I was always wondering as to it's truth.  And Holy Batman, I think it's true!

It's supposed to help calm frizz and prevent split ends.   Since Dale sent me a case last week, I can't say as to it's efficacy regarding the split ends  *we'll see at my next haircut*  but I can say that it has made my hair smoother when I wake up.  Silky smooth, dare I say?   Though, I'm lucky enough to not have huge issues with frizz, all I can say to all the foxy ladies with curly hair is, "Get yourself one of these."

And those lovely darling sleep lines that I never show you?  Yeah, they're a lot better too.  Who knew.  Though I will return to the main point mentioned above.  I feel like utter royalty when I slip into bed and feel the soft satin against my cheek.  I've no doubt it helps me get a good night sleep.  And for our health and beauty there's no better thing.

Even Drake, the dog, has upped his game when it comes to trying to sleep on my pillow.  The little black fur ball is frequently chased off after sneaking his way under the covers. 

Thank you Dale for this transformation.   And here's the awesome thing, you can get a Savvy Sleeper of your own!!  Dale is giving away a satin pillowcase of your very own.  You can have this amazingly soft pillow to catch your head every night too!

 Enter with the widget below.  Plus, I'm also giving away a little ad space.  You know, as the cherry on your sweet dreams sundae.....now, I'm hungry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wilderness Dress *A Review*

Dress - c/o  DressStore  //  Necklace - eBay  //  Scarf - Unknown

Just recently I was contacted about doing a few reviews for the DressStore website.  It's a site the specializes in formal, prom, homecoming, and fancy cocktails dresses.  I liked the idea of playing with gowns that I don't normally get a chance to wear.  For my first piece I selected this lovely claret chiffon gown.  

The quality is to die for.  It has boning and so many layers.  It feels like a really durable piece.  Further, I love the color.  I think I may have to wear this color always.  I may even have to get every dress I ever own in this color.  I just love the combo of the red with the flowing nature of the dress.

Obviously, I've styled this down in a breezy, almost casual, way.  It's certainly not a casual dress.  It's something I can imagine wearing on a red carpet.  What I like about it is that it's glamorous and red carpet worthy without being over the top.  Over the top has it's place, but when I saw this dress I imagined a wilderness shoot, so flowy and delicate were on deck.

Girls4Sport Review and Giveaway

A while back I was approached by Girls4Sport regarding test driving one of their products.  Girls4Sport is a company that seeks to promote a non-objectified representation of women.  I had a look at their products and decided that considering my intense workout regimen, I could give one of their products a good and thorough workout.

So I got these fun pants!  They're so comfy, and soft, and they are great for running.  I have run in them a while now *one run is typically 10K* and what I really appreciate is the breathability *not a word, I know* they have. 

Usually, when I run my pants tend to get sweat stains as I'm pushing really hard, and by the time I'm done, it's not a pretty sight!  These didn't do that.  When I was done, the pants still looked great even though I didn't.  This is an important factor if, unlike me, you run in public.

I also think that they would be great for yoga as they have a wide range of movement.  But ultimately, it's the softness of the material that totally wins me over. 

Girls4Sport is offering one lucky ModaMama reader a wonderful prize.  Your choice of either a wonderful women's tank or a child's board short if you'd rather get something for a little one in your life.  It's totally up to you what you get!!

Here's how to enter:

 Leave a comment with your favorite item from the Girls4Sport site.

*please be sure to leave a contact info so I can reach you if you win*

Like Girls4Sport on Facebook.

*leave a separate comment*

Follow Girls4Sport on Twitter

*leave a separate comment*

Be a reader of ModaMama (Any of these -  GFC, Bloglovin or RSS/Email  - are valid entries.)

*leave one comment saying how you follow*

Contest open until Tuesday October 30th, 2012.

Tuesday in Review: Annmarie Gianni Skincare

Being a natural and organic cosmetic nut, when Annmarie Gianni Skincare  asked if I would take a look at their products.  I agreed because I'm always happy to try something out and give feedback and to share my thoughts with you guys.

I suggested I pick one or two products, but had been told there was something they had already chosen. I was a little disappointed when what arrived was a tiny sample pack of their entire selection of products.  It disappoints me because I can't really try them out. I would have preferred to have received one or two  full size product to really test it's effects over a longer period of time.  I have about two uses of the product and that's not enough to really tell you how it works. All I can give you is first impressions.

Several of them I won't even use because they just don't fit my skin type, but I gave their aloe-herb cleanser a chance the very first evening, as well as their anti-aging serum and anti-aging oil.  I have to say I really didn't like it.  Everything had such a potent fragrance to it that I was quite turned-off the whole thing.  I dislike strong fragrances in products, and had to wash it all off with my regular cleanser within minutes.  Plus, the anti-aging oil felt very heavy on my skin, and this is coming from a girl who uses organic rosehip, jojoba, argan, and other oils on a daily bases.  So I'm not stranger to the feeling of oil on my skin.

A few nights later I tried the Deep Sea Facial Scrub.  That I quite enjoyed.  It had rough grit to it, and it felt like a mini microdermabrasion.  Again, I can't tell you how it works because I only got two uses out of it.  Overall, I like what the company stands for, but I can't really tell you whether their products are effective.  First impressions are that the fragrance is way too powerful for my tastes and sensitive skin and that one product - the Deep Sea Facial Scrub - seemed pretty cool from the two times I used it.

If you've tried these products, I'd love to know what you think.

Tuesday In Review: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

I first stumbled across Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment last summer while bumming around Manhattan.  On a whim I bought one package because the sheer color and SPF15 caught my attention.  Since then it has become my absolute favorite lip gloss brand.

It's deeply moisturizing and nourishing, but I especially love that it adds a touch of color to your lips as well.  Most days I don't have the time to apply, much less re-apply, lipstick, but I also don't want to go bare lipped.  I enjoy feeling a little bit special.  That's where this is just so great.  It adds that little touch of color without me having to worry about applying it and dealing with getting everything right in a mirror.

I particularly like that it has SPF, because I'm a sun-phobic.  I slather on sunscreen even in winter, and I use make-up with sunscreen too, so it's only natural that I would have a lip gloss that also had sunscreen in it.  Those lips need protection too!  Plus, it lasts forever!  I bought one tube and I'm just now finishing it - almost a year later.

I'm cheap, I'll admit it, and usually there's no way I'd shell out over $20 for a lip gloss.  But I will for this lip gloss because it's just that luxurious and that long lasting.  I definitely consider this money well spent.  I think I might even go out and grab two - in two different shades.  How decadent!

Tuesday In Review: HANA Titanium Flat Iron 1.5"

This is me using the HANA to curl my hair.

I was recently contacted by Misikko to review one of their products - the HANA Titanium 1.5" Flat Iron.  *Misikko also offers CHI Flat Irons as well, since I know that a lot of people are brand loyalists* I was nervous as I always am because I do offer honest opinions regardless of what the company may want. But Misikko wanted just that - and honest opinion.  And so I went for it!  I'm no beauty professional, but I do use a flat iron on a regular basis and therefore can tell you what a normal woman who needs a good product thinks.


First off, the delivery and packaging is beautiful which is nice.  I like it when companies go the extra effort of making their products attractive to open.  The package came with a pad that you unroll and place on the counter.  It allows for the flat iron to not slip off the counter and for the counter to be protected from any heat.  I had honestly never thought about it, and so I was pleasantly surprised to see how effective this was and how I didn't have to be as careful when placing the flat iron down.  But honestly, I used this little pad for the first few days only.  As a busy Mama, I just don't even have the time or energy to do that little extra step.  So I went back to using just the iron on my counter.

The nice thing is that I really don't think it's a problem.  You see, when I first turned it on and it heated up I was skeptical because it just didn't feel as hot as my other one on the same setting.  There wasn't the same amount of heat emanating from it - at least that's what it felt like.  But once I started running it through my hair that didn't matter.  It did a great job of straightening my hair despite what I thought wasn't the same amount of heat.  In the end, I think that's better because if it's doing just as good a job with less heat *if that really is the case that there's less heat* then it's less damaging to my hair.  So, bonus!

I think it's great for straightening.  The fact that it's a bit wider seemed to also do a better job at straightening things out.  The curls it made *now granted, I'm not very good at this part* were softer than my narrower one, but I kind of liked that soft gentle wave look.

Overall, this is a busy mama's product. It heats up really fast *really fast*, it does a great job just once through without you having to pull it through the hair multiple times, it doesn't pull hair *yes, I've had that problem with my other ones*,  and it's durable *I have dropped it on several occasions already when I'm rushing or looking after my Baby at the same time*. 

Tuesday In Review: The Legend Of Zelda Skyward Sword

I love games.  However, I'm more of a board game, strategy, puzzle kind of gamer.  I love to play Civilization, solve jigsaws, crosswords, and sudokus.  I hate fighting games.  I love to fight and train in martial arts, but the game fighting has no appeal.  Which is why I had been so resistant to Husband bugging me to play Zelda The Legend of Skyward Sword.  I have to say that I'm glad he did.

I love Zelda!  The adventure, the puzzles the exploring...especially the exploring.  I love that.  Husband says I'm anal about it because I explore every possible thing and do every possible side mission etc.  I figure that's what it's all about - getting the greatest and fullest experience from the game possible.  So that's what I'm doing.

I still don't like the fighting, not in the least, but at least there's not too much of it.  And the intuitive controls of the Nintendo Wii make it a lot easier and user friendly for a non-gamer like myself rather then the button mashing and arrow pointing of other controllers.  Plus, it's not so pervasive that it turns a non-gamer off, and it's not so rare that it turns someone who likes it off too.

I like that the game has a nice balance of all these different elements,  It's really a fun adventure game, and that has a huge appeal.  I must say though,  all the silly talking the other characters do gets on my nerves, but I'm not very patient when it comes to that sort of thing.

True Story:

Baby launched herself off the couch.  

Spread eagle style. 

Right into her toys. 

Cue: baby screaming.

Ahem, Ahem, Introducing...

Cardi - Nick&Mo from Trixie; Fifties Swing Dress - c/o eShakti; Tights - Hue; Shoes - Payless.

I'd love to introduce you guys to eShakti.  This site is so reasonably priced, and the selection is just superb!  What's wonderful about this site is that it's like having a personal tailor right at your fingertips.  For just a nominal fee you can customize everything: sleeve style and length, front and back style, hem length, and also send them your exact measurements to have the piece tailored to your individual body.  I particularly appreciate this feature since so many of my friends are so unique that standard cuts/proportions just don't fit them.  I myself find that, though my size is pretty standard in proportion, I often face the problem of things being too short.  That's why I found this site so delightful.  When offered the chance to select a piece and test drive the whole shopping experience I was excited.

Since I was looking for a simple blue dress that would give me a wide variety of styling options, I selected this beautiful piece you see in the pictures.  I customized it just a little by selecting a longer length, and eagerly awaited it's arrival.  I was also a little nervous.  Why?  Because I'm committed to being completely honest with you guys, so I'm always worried that I won't like the service or the product. I want to love it, so that I can say only the best things possible.   And I wasn't disappointed!

When my dress arrived I was so amazed at the quality of workmanship and the material!  It's so well made, stitched, and tailored, and the material *though polyester* is so rich that I could barely believe this dress is so reasonable on the site.  I threw it on right away and it immediately went on my 'favorite dresses' list.   I could not be more pleased with this piece.  I know it's going to make many appearances on this blog! In the meantime, I have my eye on this piece and this piece as well.  Don't you think they'd just be so darling?

And you want to know the cherry on top of this wonderful cake? Throughout the whole process, the customer service representative I was in contact with was so great.  She was efficient, helpful, and really quick to respond to all my emails.  I never waited more than 12 hours for a response.  So good product and great customer service?  Yes please!

Quote of Today:

"You look so wholesome. Very Pleasantville."

Tuesday In Review: Balea Facial Cleansing Cloths

I recently bought this little package at the drugstore.  Why did I get these you might ask since I have facial cleanser at home?  Well really convenience was the main motivation.  Sometimes when I get home late at night from hosting the show I'm so tired that I really don't want to wash my face.  But I have to.  I wear a lot of make-up for tv and if I don't wash it off and sleep on it that's just plain gross.  Having these nearby is great.  More than that, I also wanted to have them for when I'm on set for films and such.  I often don't stop and take off my make-up when I'm leaving a set, but once I'm gone I realize that I have all this stuff on my face and I just want to get rid of it.  So that's where these lovely things come in:  when I need to clean my face but either can't, or don't want, to go wash it all off.

Now, I haven't tried a lot of these facial cleansing cloths, so I really have no point of reference, but I've found this one to be pretty good with a bit of a give and take in terms of what you get.  I really appreciate how gentle it is and how it doesn't aggravate my skin.  I don't, however, find it to be thoroughly and deeply cleaning, but it does leave my skin soft and not irritated.  So I guess it might be a bit of a trade off in that respect.  It's not super deep cleaning, but it also leaves my skin such that I don't need to apply moisturizer right away. 

An Open Email

Remember my review of this?

You better, it's only been one day!  Well, I received a great email from the creator of these little gems. She didn't mind when I asked to share her words with all of you.  Here's what she had to say:

Dear Joanna,
 
I hope this finds you well.
Thank you for supporting mimiTENS with words and your hard-earned bucks.
I am happy that you like them and that your daughter tried with all  
her might to get them off...
This is the third year that mimiTENS are in stores and I do not tire  
of hearing stories from happy parents.
 
You mention that the price point is high.  I agree and it is my  
product!   mimiTENS are more expensive than most mittens but the  
reason is that they are manufactured in Canada.  Mine are the only  
mittens for kids that I know of that are.  There are lots of mittens  
for kids out there and some even claim to be "Designed in Canada, Made  
in China".  Mine are made in Scarborough.  Start to finish and it is  
super important to me to try and create work locally.  More than 80%  
of my costs are related to manufacturing.  My margins are slim but I  
am fine with that.
 
Also, I chose to use Recycled Thinsulate and and Oeko Tex certified  
bamboo fleece to line the mittens.  Again, the only one in kids-mitten- 
land that does.  I confirmed this with the makers of Thinsulate.
 
I hope to introduce some mittens that are at a lower price point  
without compromising my principles.  I have also asked that retailers  
lower the MSRP but many independent retailers want to make as much as  
possible.  They always make the biggest cut but small independents are  
the ones most likely to support a vanguard brand.  It is a delicate  
balance.
 
 
Thanks again for supporting mimiTENS.  I am a mom trying to make it in  
the big city too.  I really appreciate your time and energy.
 
Best,
Anna-Maria

I really appreciated hearing all the eco-conscious decisions made in their manufacturing, and the fact that they are made locally here in Toronto.  Thanks Anna-Maria for sharing the secrets behind mimiTENS!

Tuesday In Review: Mini-Tens Baby Mitts

Mimi-Tens

I have this little problem.  My precious baby hates to wear mittens.  We put them on her and she flaps her arms like a little bird desperate to take flight until she has flapped them completely off.  I thought that the freezing cold would propel her to keep them on, but no.  I often end up chasing her around with a mitten in my hand - case in point.   But help has arrived! Recently on my way from the doctor's office I walked past a shop that had these delightful things in the window.  I popped in and nabbed them ASAP. The stretchy cuff goes over her arm.  In fact we put it on over her long sleeve shirt and it reaches almost up to her armpit.  The jacket then goes over everything and voila!  Gloves stay on!

No amount of arm flapping gets these puppies off.
Trust me, she's tried.
It's really funny to see her flap for five minutes straight.
Plus, they're lined with thinsulate so they're nice and cozy for the winter.

They are a little pricey for me - about $40 after taxes - but I bought them a size larger so theoretically she can use them for three winters.  And if we do that, they're just over $10 per winter.  I think that's a good deal.