Decided to stop by the T&T Market in Ottawa because I've been craving some Japanese snacks.
I tried to find some Japanese snacks online, but shipping charges are pretty expensive, so I chanced my luck with T&T - and they had pretty much everything I was looking for. Pocky, and other treats.
The prices were pretty good there as well, way more cheaper than if I was to buy online + shipping fee's. In total I spent 68$ - there's a few more other things I purchased but I didn't include them in this blog haul because they were little sandwhich's that were already eaten by my daughter and fiance' by the time we made it home lol

I love Pocky, so I was excited to see that they released the almond crush at T&T - These ones are bit more expensive than your regular Pocky though, which was 5.49$ for three packs of 4 = 12 sticks. It's still a great price, for a unique treat.

I've been dying to get my hands on these. There called "Collon" by Glico. There's several other flavors but this one is called "Ice Cream Float Soda" - It's a wafer wrapped in a ice cream soda flavor. These things are loaded with sugar, so I could only have a few - but the taste is pretty unique, and it does taste pretty good, but I wouldn't suggest you eat these everyday lol

I'm a huge fan of Kracie "Poppin Cookin" DIY treat kits so I picked up the "Ice Cream Parlor" kit. I paid 5.99$ for this one. This one is selling for 6.99$-9.99$ online, which is pretty steep, so I'm glad I went to T&T before purchasing online. This kit is relatively easy. Mix some water with the sugar, and your done, you can than decorate the little cones are wafers. Fun stuff!!

Meiji is a pretty popular treat distributor In Japan. These are a "knock-off" from Pocky. - but I must say there yummy - there also much thicker than your regular Pocky, and there more crunchier. I definately enjoy these better than your traditional Pocky.

Caplico is another well known brand in Japan. This treat is called "Sweet Sand" - The center tastes like an aero bubble bar with chocolate and green tea, and on top is a green tea  wafer. Its delicious, and worth those extra calories lol.

Pocky just released a new flavor. Pocky Midi Taro Potatoe. These are sooo cute, and very yummy. The first bite my set your taste buds off a bit, but by the time it settles on your tongue the flavors start to settle. It's a very unique tasting treat.

Rose Petals are amazing for your digestive system. It also helps rid of bacteria's in your body.
These Rose petal drinks have an amazing aromatic scent to them, and they taste amazing. These are small cans, but well worth 2.49$ that I spent on each.

WARNING - Do not buy these unless you like very very hot wasabi. I didn't know that these would be that hot, but these are extremely hot. Not only are they hot but they taste disgusting. Ughhhh - bad idea purchasing these.

I'm a huge fan of Meiji's Melty Kiss and Melty Whips. The texture in these just melt in your mouth and the different flavors are exciting. I purchased Melty Kiss Soya Bean and Melty Kss regular Winter.

The melty kisses are individually wrapped and tiny little packs. My favorite is the Soya bean. I do wish they were a bit bigger but there's at least 16 pieces so that's ok. Each box was 4.99$ kind of steep. - These taste a bit like ZERO melts that you can by in dollar stores.

Strawberry Corn puffs are another one of my favorites that I purchase regularly from T&T. There's 230 Calories per bag, and they taste like strawberries plus the packaging is adorable. I paid 1.99$ for one bag.

Last purchase was these cute Pocky heart shaped strawberry sticks. The biscuit is shaped like a heart. I think these were released just in time for Valentines Day, which is pretty neat. They taste like your regular strawberry pocky sticks.


Overall I spent about 68$ CDN with Taxes (excluding a few other things I purchased that's not in this haul)
It's always fun trying new foreign treats to try out, especially at really good prices.

xoxo

Mrs Chic

Homesense + Micheal's

Haul

Today I decided to stop by Homesense & Micheal's, I'm so glad I did.
There's still a huge clearance sale going on at both stores, which I was surprised by, because its almost the end of January. Everything here I paid in total 25$ DN with taxes.
The retail price if it was not on clearance would have been 80$ CDN so I saved 60$. Yay. Who doesn't love a bargain???

I picked up four (4) packs of feathers, embellished with cute little beads and spray painted in varies colors of gold, silver, rose gold and black. I do some scrap booking here and there, but just recently started getting back into it, so these would make a great addition to my collection of craft materials.
I paid 1.00$ each per pack at Micheal's.

I know Christmas is quite a while away, but I could not pass up this cute gift tag and card set. I purchased two (2) sets for 2.99$ each, regular 11.99$ per set. You can see why I had to purchase two (2) sets lol . I love the colors, and the materials are all high quality. No need to be running around this year for Christmas cards and tags, and spending gobs of money on cards I will never use. I also purchased these at Micheal's.

I paid 1$ for this chalkboard gift bag ONE DOLLAR - regular 4.99$ - how cute is this. It even comes with a piece of chalk lol - I love collecting cute and unique gift bags, I'm obsessed with gift bags and really nice quality wrapping paper.

Love ribbon, does not matter for what occasion, I love ribbon.
These are about 10 meter's long and about 5 inches thick. Retail price was 12.99 each and I paid 1.50$ each at Micheal's - Two black glittery rolls, and one white roll with silver embellished edges.I will be using these for my next craft/art projects and for wrapping gifts, for birthday's and special occasions. Love them.

At Home Barista Latte Paper cups I purchased at Homesense for 1.99$ for six (6) cups and lids.
These were regular 6.99$ CDN - These are so adorable, there cute for a little friend gathering at you're house, or cute to drink from when blogging at home, or for work. Ditch the Tim Horton's cup, these cuties are my new fav.

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate - I had to toss this in my cart at the last minute before checking out.
I cannot pass up adorable packaging and chocolate. I paid 2$ for this bar, regular 5$ at Homesense.

and last but not least I completed my purchases with this striped pink glitter gift bag for 1$ - regular 4.99$

Overall a pretty good haul - Spending only 25$

xoxo

Mrs Chic

Laudree Paris has launched a brand new collection featuring petits chat's.

Is this not darling?! - I will heading to Laudree in Paris in the coming year and buying up a bunch of stuff to review. The boxes themselves are adorable!
Laudree is by far, every girls dream!

xoxo

Mrs Chic

Have a safe & Happy New Years

2015

Lots of Love

xoxo

Mrs Chic

Mini

Brownies

The holiday's have always been my weak spot for binging on goodies, pasteries, treats and many other things. These Mini brownies by Presidents Choice - Gluten Free are another holiday favorite of mine that I just recently tried. Not only are they gluten free, 4$ a bag, they are delicious, there better than the non gluten free ones which gives me horrible headaches. These ones are flaky with a bit of crunch and can be pretty addicting , but at 100 calories per brownie, make sure you keep count lol.

I'm all about ingredients but at this time of year (Christmas/New Years) I tend to let it slide a bit.

The only ingredient in these that I brown nose is the modified corn starch (MCS) which probably means these are NOT GMO free. I always usually buy my snacks from Bulk Barn because there reliable when it comes to selling NON GMO & GLUTEN free products, so if you don't know where to buy GMO free or Gluten free than check out your local Bulk Barn (Canada)

 Asides from all that there simply delicious and a must try.

These are about 3 inches thick and about 8 inches in diameter, so one of these are pretty filling *wink *wink* You can see how flaky they are which is a perfect compliment to the moistness inside, but not to moist and not dry.

I already had two of these today *CRIES* and now have to head over to my Mother's house for New Years Eve which will be filled with snacks and food *CRIES* lol - Oh well 2015 will be a great year for my figure, and sadly I will have to say "Good-Bye" to the treats.

Have a wonderful New Years & be Safe and Don't drink and drive if your going out.

xoxo

Mrs Chic

GODIVA

Today I went to Bayshore Shopping Mall and hit up GODIVA Chocoliater's  - Stumbling around the store I found this foursome of chocolate truffles for 16$. In the mood for something off the charts I purchased this wee box. Hoping to get something good for the 16$ I had just spent on 4 truffles....

The box and ribbon is pleather, the box itself is amazing quality so I assumed the chocolate truffles would be drop dead amazing.

GODIVA has been making chocolates since 1926 which originated in Belgium. Lady Godiva was the inspiration behind GODIVA Chocolates name.

(Lady Godiva)

"The famous story of Lady Godiva is the inspiration behind the Godiva Chocolatier name.

In the 11th century, Lady Godiva and her husband Lord Leofric lived in Coventry, England. Lord Leofric was a powerful ruler who was unsympathetic to the citizens of his kingdom. Lady Godiva, however, was a woman of great generosity who had dedicated her life to the impoverished and stricken.

When Lord Leofric imposed a heavy burden of taxation upon his subjects, Lady Godiva protested. In response, Lord Leofric set forth this challenge: If his wife rode naked through the streets, the taxation would be lifted. Lady Godiva was a modest woman, but she immediately agreed to this challenge to help her fellow townspeople."

"On the morning of the event, dawn rose, the bells chimed, and Lady Godiva began her ride wrapped in nothing but her lustrous long hair. The generosity of Lady Godiva led to more generosity on the part of the townspeople. The people agreed to all close their shutters to preserve Lady Godiva's modesty. Throughout the streets, the sounds of hooves echoed, but not a single glance fell upon Lady Godiva.

Upon her finish, thunderous cheers erupted throughout the town. Lady Godiva’s bravery and risk had won over the hearts of all who knew her. As promised, Lord Leofric eased his taxation of the poor and Lady Godiva's place in history was immortalized."

 "Centuries later in 1926, Godiva founder and master chocolatier Joseph Draps created a new line of Belgian chocolates with extraordinary richness, premium quality, and iconic style. He sought a name for his company that embodied timeless values balanced with modern boldness – much like our lady of legend. The choice became clear to Draps: He named his company GODIVA."

Now that my lovelies is something to keep in mind when looking at GODIVA'S price tags. What an inspiration- Who say's you can't have your cake and eat it too?! - Wait.. Marie Antionette... but that's a different story.

After opening I was presented with a mixture of intoxicating aroma's ranging from caramel to dark fondant, to nut's and vanilla, the smells were amazing, and I couldn't wait much longer.....First bite tasted like a symphony of euphoria flying down from the heaven's (No joke) - The truffles were thick and creamy, nothing like Lindt, or any of those other chocolates.... these my friends are chocolates. Every nibble filled me up, its so thick it  literally fills you up! The best thing about these is that the sugar rush does not crash you, it makes you feel good!! There is NO sugar crash.... 

Wow is all I can say.. Next time your feeling in the dumps, pick up a box for yourself and enjoy life, remember the finer and simple things in life, one good deed can change the world.

xoxo

Mrs Chic

Laviolette Chocolatier

Finishing up my Christmas shopping downtown Ottawa, I came across Sugarland. Sugarland is literally eye candy! They have everything in that store ranging from chocolates, to Cindy Lauper bubble gum. I spotted these delicious chocolate bars crafted by Laviolette Chocolatier that I've never seen before. These are just a few of the varieties that they had for sale and at 4.95$ CDN each, I couldn't pass these up. I looked around for a bit, but eventually chose orea cookies, spicy dorito's and real bacon. I did crack open the spicy dorito's one and loved it, however my daughter and fiance' didn't agree. I'm gifting the other two (real bacon & oreo cookies) to a relative, so I have not tasted those (YET). If your ever in the Ottawa area make sure to stop by Sugarland on Elgin st, because these are just too good to pass up!!

Orea Cookie 35% Cacao Milk -Lait

What a perfect combination, Oreo cookies and chocolate.. enough said!

"Real Bacon" 35% Cacao Milk -Lait

I've heard of bacon and chocolate before but myself have never tried that combo, and again unfortunately for me I won't be trying this either due to it being a gift, but will definately be picking up another one very soon!

Spicy Doritos 35% Cacao Milk Lait
  
There's just something about chocolate and doritos being combined into a bar, it gets me all excited!!! I mean, how could you NOT try this?! or like it for that matter, pass the grape soda and pretzels please!


Happy Holiday's Chickies!!!

xoxo

Mrs Chic

Oh Kate!!

The writers over at GLAMOUR FASHION are in "awe" over Kate Middleton's appearance in public wearing a SCOUT ONE hoodie. - I say, good for her! Not only does she look good 24/7 and her personality woo's the public, but her laid back look draws the "common" people closer to her. It's really nice seeing her in something comfy, and laid back such as this hoodie she's wearing after a Beaver Scout meeting at a school event that she attended. I know in a lot of her college pictures before she wedded Prince William she wore baggy shirts and just everyday regular clothes that you and I would wear, and I think after her and William taking a "break" from each other earlier last month, she's more comfortable and beginning to find her true self again, which is nice to see. GO KATE!!!

Photo credit @ Glamour Fashion.

xoxo

Mrs Chic

Sands Alive! is 100% organic that never dries out. It is non toxic bacteria free, water soluble that is soft to the touch when you mold it, squish it, and can be played with again and again!

Suitable for ages 3 years old and up.

 Features:

• Easy clean up
• Molds easily into any shape
• Unique non-toxic formula
• Prevents bacterial growth
• All natural ingredients
• Non-toxic
• Non-sticky
• Won't stain anything
• Stimulates creativity
• Use again and again!
• Parent Tested Parent Approved Award Winner

Made In South Korea

Recently I purchased SANDS ALIVE!  from our local store because I love, love, love playing Play Doh and making neat and interesting things with my 3 year old daughter, so I knew this would be a huge hit with her! - It's amazing! it is pricy - 12.95$ for 1 LB but its worth it because its so much cleaner and non messy to use and play with. I think I've been through at least 50 cans of Play Doh in the past month! which adds up! - I saw this as a fun investment and WAS suppose to be a stocking stuffer for my daughter, but caved in and gave this to her anyways :)

The single packs come in this packaging of 1 LB for 12.95$ CDN. There is also a bigger set which includes 4 play tool accessories, a small/medium sized creation arena and 1LB of sand for 24.99$ and up. I didn't purchase the set because I was not going to pay 12$ extra dollars for 4 plastic play tools , which I can buy some where's else for 1$ each...so the better value is buying the 1LB bag individually.

This product is very fun and unique! This can be purchased by anyone, even adults, which I think is great, because a product that's for everyone, usually stay's around for a long time, unlike that edible Play doh you can buy and make, which gives me the jibbies lol.

This is a hot right now for Christmas! I definately recommend it!

xoxo

Mrs Chic

Barbie

Mega Bloks: Underwater Castle

I originally purchased this as a Christmas present for my 3 year old daughter but the little sneak she is, found it in my goodie closet, stashed with several other Christmas presents lol. I gave in to her constant "pleading" to open it. It was a great price @ Target for 23.99$ regular 35.99$ CDN, so I'm glad I picked this up when I did. It comes with 2 Barbie mermaids, two seahorses and a whack load of accessories and Mega Bloks, which took me about 3 hours to build. - I find when buying these types of sets there's always a few pieces missing, but this one delivered and not one piece was missing, in fact there was at least 5-9 extra pieces :) - I do secretly love buying toys, same with my daughter, she's already a little retail princess, I think she's worse than me when it comes to shopping though, she has no restraints because she's so young.

This was the first piece we started, its quite easy to put together, the instructions comes in a nice booklet with color and easy to read instructions.

This was the 8th step and completed. Its a cute little seahorse with an underwater jumping ring to play with.

 This is the base of the castle. It was pretty repetitive putting it together, but was fun as well seeing the toy becoming completed.

and the finished product, which my daughter can't keep her hands off. She absolutely adores this little Mega Bloks set. Its a great purchase if you have kids or young relatives in you're family, it's also fun for adults :) I definately recommend this for Christmas.

xoxo

Mrs Chic

KALE

101

Kale has recently become a staple in my diet, packed with rich vitamins, calcium, antioxidants and so much more, its super powers should be a part of you're daily life.

It's as easy as adding Kale to you're daily super food smoothies every morning, or in place of lunch.

You can add banana's , strawberries, advocado, mango, cantaloupe, you name it you can add it to you're kale smoothie.

My daily Kale smoothie consists of

• Camino Cocoa Power (All Natural/Fair Trade) - 2Tps
• Silk Almond Vanilla  - 1Cup
•  Flax Seed (Grounded) - 1Tps
• Fresh Organic Kale - 1Cup

I usually put in some banana's and strawberries, but if I forgot to pick some up, this would be my backup. If the kale gives my blender a hard time I usually put in some water, or more almond milk, and I usually just eye ball how much kale I put in, but usually around 1Cup.

My energy goes up 100% after I get this into me. I'm very busy all day, and all night, so this baby helps. I lack iron like most woman, so this is a better and healthier alternative than taking iron pills.

 HAIL KALE

Not only is kale used in food that you eat, its also used you beauty products!

Check out the top 4 must have beauty products infused with kale.

1: Dr. Alkaitis - Organic Universal Mask 1.25oz

Retail - 55$

Directions:

 
It is important to keep all Dr. Alkaitis' masks moist on the skin.

All masks are biologically active and made from pre-digested ingredients increasing their therapeutic potential. By adding moisture to the mask, these unique ingredients are brought to life and in turn allow the skin to absorb fully their nutrients.

Mix one full teaspoon of powdered mask with approximately one teaspoon of water in a small bowl and mix into thin paste. Apply evenly with fingertips to face, neck and décolletage and keep mask moist by spritzing with water. After 10-20 minutes, gently use a soft damp cloth or hands to rinse face with lukewarm water. Do not use mixture more than once. For additional rejuvenation and hydration benefits mix with goats milk yogurt and/or a teaspoon of raw organic honey. Use Weekly.

 

Ingredients:

 
Organic Grass Juice Complex (Kamut Grass*. Alfalfa*, Oat Grass* and Wheat Grass*), Oat Buds*, Sea Vegetable Complex (Chlorellaº, Dulseº, Spirulinaº, Sea Palmº and Sea Willowº), Hemp Protein*. Vegetable Complex (Carrots*, Cabbage, Sweet Potato*, Kale*, Broccoli*, Asparagus, Brussels Sprouts, Cucumber, Ginger*, Onions, Cauliflower, Beets*, Tomatoes* and Parsley*). Organic Seed Complex (Pumpkin*, Sesame*, Amaranth*, Flax*, Soy*, Oats*, Rye*, Buckwheat*, Millet*, Barley*, Brown Rice*, and Sunflower*).

* – Signifies certified organically grown.
º – Signifies ethically wild-crafted.

2:  Kale Chia Berry Body Serum

Retail 35$

Key ingredients:

Kale – Rich in Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agent, super loaded with Vitamin K, A, C, also one of the richest sources of lutein, beta-carotene and a great source of calcium.

Chia – Super rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, highly loaded with phyto-nutrients and anti-oxidants. Chia is a powerful source of Alpha Lipoic Acid which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to minimize enlarged pores, wrinkles and fine lines

Blueberry –High level of Vitamin C, magnesium, antioxidants and an exceptionally high level ofomega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as vitamin A and Vitamin E.

Ingredients:

 

Handcrafted with love, Prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Rosa damascena (Rose) Petal extract,  Carica Papaya fruit extract, Kale leaves extract, Vacciniu mmyrtillus (Blueberry) Fruit extract, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Extract,Vanilla Planifolia, Cymbopogon martini (Palmarosa) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

BENEFIT:

• Natural alternative to body creams and provideshealthy, supple glow to the skin
• Hydrates and deeply moisturizes dry, parched skin, with no greasy residue
• Increases moisture retention
• Uplift, softens, rejuvenate& firms skin
• Stimulates the production of new cells
• Rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powerhouse that protects from free radicals and environmental stress
• Handcrafted with love and using pure, natural ingredients
• Free of fragrance, petrochemicals, parabens, chemical preservatives or harsh chemicals
• 100% Healthy

DIRECTION:

For bath, just add a few drops under running water and enjoy a luxurious, romantic, skin softening bath. For body, apply a small amount and warm it up in your hands, massage into damp or dry skin.

3: Citrus + Kale Potent C+E Serum 

By Eminence 

Retail 110$

 Skin Conditions:

 Age Spots, Anti Aging, Fine Lines & Wrinkles, Hyperpigmentation, Rosacea, Tired, Fatigued Skin

 Ingredients:

Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Vitamin E, Botanical Ferulic Acid, Leafy greens (Kale, Spinach, Broccoli Sprouts), Lemon, Grapefruit, Avocado, Botanical Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid.

1: "SPORT" Daily Kale Shampoo 

8 oz

Retail: 24.44$

 

 Plant-based botanicals of Acacia Senegal Extract, kale, white tea, citrus, lemongrass and hops. The result is a nourishing formula that provides purifying, natural antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits, with a hydrating boost for parched hair and scalp.

 Features a fresh, citrus scent.

Next time while shopping, look for great beauty products infused and made with kale!!! If it's good for you're you know it will be good for you're daily beauty routine!

xoxo

Mrs Chic