L.L.Bean Bootmobile is in Canada!!!

How amazing is this!!? 

L.L.Bean is famous for their original classic boot, like the ones I'm wearing in my photo. So famous in fact, they created a massive BOOTMOBILE. This vehicle was transformed in to the classic L.L.Bean boot and it's one of the coolest things I've ever seen. The Bootmobile usually travels all around the United States making appearances at special events. What's so special this time, is the L.L.Bean Bootmobile is here in Canada for the FIRST time!!!

The L.L.Bean Bootmobile will be hanging out at the Holiday Fair in Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto next weekend from December 16th to the 18th. The Bootmbile will also be making appearances all over Toronto this week. To find out where the Bootmobile will be stopping, check out their Twitter account (here) and Instagram (here) or follow using the hashtag #BootmobileTO

Here are some things set up beside the Bootmobile at the Holiday Fair in the Square

I love the L.L.Bean original boots, they are so cabin chic. Yes, I think I just made up "cabin chic" but that's how I would best describe them!! They are so perfect for winter, especially Canadian winters. As the temperature drops in Canada, I can't wait to order the shearling lined boots. Super cozy with Thinsulate for warm toes. Find them (here)

I have the Thinsulate 8" pair which is great for winter, but I do love to wear big bulky socks if it gets extra cold. However, the 8" L.L.Bean boots are extremely popular, so some are out of stock until January. You can find the L.L.Bean footwear (here) 

The Bootmobile looks magical at night.

What I especially love about L.L.Bean is that it's always FREE shipping for Canadians!! However, make sure you get your free shipping by December 19th for Christmas. You can of course still order after December 19th, but you will have to pay express shipping up until noon on December 21st to get it in time for Christmas!!

-Sydney Hoffman

Holiday Moscow Mule Recipe

This is the most simple drink to make, and you can garnish it however you like to make it more festive!! It's truly just an original Moscow Mule recipe, but to make it more appropriate for the holidays I had fun garnishing the cocktails with cranberries and festive straws.

Holiday Moscow Mule Recipe

• 4 oz Ginger Beer
• 1 1/2 oz Vodka
• 1/6 oz Lime Juice

It's legitimately that easy!! I would highly suggest purchasing a mixing pitcher and spoon, because it really makes a difference with how the cocktail will taste. I would put one big ice cube in the mixing pitcher, with all the ingredients and stir for a couple of minutes. This allows the ice and ingredients to melt perfectly. Moscow Mules are usually served with crushed ice, with the ingredients poured over top. I just bought some cranberries and toothpicks and put this together to add a holiday touch.

Cups: Bed Bath&Beyond || Mixing Pitcher: Chapters (Indigo) || Cocktail Mixing Spoon: Chapters (Indigo) || Tray: Vintage ||

-Sydney Hoffman

Casa Di Mama Pizza - CFL Grey Cup Contest

My favourite memories growing up was Football Sunday at my house. My brothers and dad are HUGE football fans, which meant the whole house turned into a football frenzy every Sunday during football season. Obviously I enjoyed watching the games, but realistically my favourite part was all the food. That was the one day my siblings and I knew my parents were coming home with a ton of delicious food and of course pizza. Dr. Oetker Casa Di Mama Pizza has been apart of my families football Sunday tradition for a while now and still is.

Although tail-gating is a lot of fun at football games, "home-gating" is even better. Which is why I've teamed up with Dr. Oetker Casa Di Mama Pizza to give you the ultimate home-gating experience. Dr. Oetker Casa Di Mama Pizza is the official pizza of the CFL and they have created MAMA'S HOUSE - the ultimate place to watch the big game with your friends and fill up on Casa Di Mama pizza. A beautiful house wrapped in Casa Di Mama pizza-awesomeness, and stuffed to the brim with unique content-worthy experiences that will get you into the game. The CFL Grey Cup is this Sunday November 27th and I want you and a friend to experience MAMA'S HOUSE while watching the cup. I will be there and we can eat all the pizza and cheer on our favourite teams!! All you have to do is enter through my Instagram@sydhoff3 Find the photo (here) and follow the CONTEST entry rules. The contest closes Thursday, November 24th so hurry and enter!!!

CONTEST CLOSED

Pepperoni, 3 Meat, Hawaiian, are just a couple of my favourites, but Casa Di Mama Pizza has seven delicious gourmet pizzas including Pulled Pork, Deluxe, Bacon and Inferno.

Casa Di Mama hosted an amazing giveaway for the Grey Cup - Click here to check it out!

Don't forget to enter the #CasaDiMamaPizza contest (here) and if you aren't apart of the MAMA'S HOUSE festivities, I hope you are watching the #GreyCup and home-gating with delicious gourmet Casa Di Mama Pizza. #Ad

Make sure to follow Dr. Oetker Canada for more delicious food on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

-Sydney Hoffman

This blogpost was sponsored by Dr. Oetker, but the opinions are all my own.

Ford #BucketList Challenge

I was thrilled when Ford reached out to me and asked if I wanted to try the 2017 Ford Escape. I'm always up for trying new things, especially a new vehicle!! In the email, they had also mentioned taking part in a bucket list challenge. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I knew I had to learn more. A couple influencers and myself were invited to an exclusive dinner to escape to another world aka eating Moroccan food and getting an amazing belly dancing show at The Sultan's Tent in Toronto. We also got to meet Robin Esrock author of The Great Canadian Bucket List and he gave us some amazing bucket list options around Toronto.

I personally have a bucket list saved in my notes on my phone, but I never thought about achieving a bucket list challenge around where I live. I absolutely loved the idea of checking something off my list so close to home. Not only is it challenging, but its a great way to explore the amazing areas around where you live. I decided to pick Zipline to the Falls. The last time I ever ziplined was at camp in Grade 7, and lets just say it was no where near zipling Niagara Falls.

I set out on a gorgeous day and drove out to Niagara Falls in the 2017 Ford Escape. Some things I noticed right away, was the fact that the engine turns off when you stop and turns back on right away when you accelerate, to save you gas. Another very cool thing I experienced in the Ford Escape was the cruise control options. Like a regular cruise control when you set your speed it will maintain that speed for you. Usually when a vehicle gets in front of however, you usually have to stop and slow down yourself and start your cruise control over again. With the Ford Escape it will sense when a vehicle is in your lane and if its too close, the Ford Escape will slow down for you. Once the vehicle is out of your way or lane, the Ford Escape will automatically speed back up to your cruise control speed. I don't know if anyone else would think that is cool, but for longer trips, I thought it was brilliant!!

I decided to stay the night in Niagara Falls to explore the beautiful town and of course take part in the zipline across Niagara Falls. I will admit I normally don't get scared of things like this, but right before getting harnessed in, I was freaking out a little. Regardless, I survived and did something I would have probably never accomplished before. At the same time I also got to explore a beautiful town near me, that I rarely visit. Overall, it was such a fun experience and something I would highly suggest to everyone!! 

-Sydney Hoffman

EASY Chili Recipe

One of my favourite things to make lately is chili. I don't know if its the cooler weather, but I find myself craving warm, spicy chili all the time!! Although I don't cook often, I thought I would try a really easy chili recipe and seriously...its so simple!! I now make this almost every week because it will last you for a couple of days and it costs me under $20! What's nice about cooking for yourself is you see everything you add, which means you can make it as healthy or unhealthy as you want. Anything I pick up I just make sure its unsalted or has zero sugar, and this recipe is fairly healthy.

Chili Recipe

• 1 pound of lean ground beef
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes (zero sugar added)
• 1 can of kidney beans (unsalted)
• 1 can (or bag) of corn
• 1 cup of water
• 1 package of chili spice mix (or add chili or garlic powder if you don't want to buy a spice mix)

I like to use a large saucepan for the entire process. I throw my lean ground beef and chopped onions in the saucepan. I make sure my onions are sautéed and ground beef is officially brown before adding anything else. 

Once that is complete, throw in a can of crushed tomatoes, can of rinsed out kidney beans, a cup or two of corn, and a little bit of water. Make sure to mix everything together as you go. Mix your chili spices in with everything and let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes. It's honestly that easy and tastes delicious. Feel free to melt some cheese on top once you place in your bowl or dip with some bread!!

Happy cooking!!!

-Sydney Hoffman

Fall Fashion

It's no surprise I'm obsessed with all things fall, Halloween and of course fall fashion!! I've been posting a ton over on my Instagram-@sydhoff3 so I thought I should share some of my favourite fall fashion outfits this year on my blog!!!

-Sydney Hoffman

Pumpkin Spice Muffins Recipe

Today is a gloomy, rainy day and I instantly had a craving to get some fall baking done. I did have to battle the wind and the rain to get these ingredients, but it was so worth it. I was posting as I was baking through my Instagram-Story @sydhoff3 and a lot of you were asking for the recipe. 

I will say this is definitely a more healthier version of Pumpkin Spice Muffins, so feel free to add more sugar or change it, if you don't care for the calories and just want a good treat.

I'll be completely honest I had no idea I made a more healthier version, but I'm really happy about it because I'm home alone with a dozen muffins and it's making me feel a bit better about eating so many.

Pumpkin Spice Muffins Recipe

• 2 cups of whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon (I would suggest adding more)
• 2 teaspoons of nutmeg (I only used cinnamon, but if you have nutmeg I would definitely suggest adding some)
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (I added a little more)
• 1/4 brown sugar (I added more, and if you want them to taste more sweet, definitely add more)
• 2 cups unsweetened apple sauce (I would suggest adding a little less)
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (175 degrees C)

In a medium bowl mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg.

In a large bowl combine eggs, pumpkin, sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Slowly add everything in the medium bowl into the large bowl.

Mix together until everything looks like this...

If you want an even more sweeter treat, I think this would be great with semi-sweet chocolate chips!!

Add batter into nonstick muffin cups. Bake for about 28-30 minutes and voila!!! These are so moist, delicious and have a subtle sweetness! I added some butter with mine, but honey or any jams would pair perfectly with these as well.

-Sydney Hoffman

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Matrix - Biolage R.A.W.

I'm always excited to try out new products as a blogger, and I get even more excited when I find more R.A.W. natural products to try. I'm slowly, but surely trying to change my life and products I use everyday to more natural ingredients. I was thrilled to receive the Biolage Matrix R.A.W. shampoo and conditioner which is a R.A.W. and more natural based. 

R.A.W. stands for Real, Authentic, and Wholesome...

• 95 % Natural Origin
• No Artificial Colorants
• No Parabens
•  No Silicones
• No Sulfates
• 99% Biodegradable 
• 100% Recycled Plastic

My favourite thing is how Biolage R.A.W. compares itself to regular shampoos and conditioners.

Traditional shampoos are made of...

• Sulfates (for cleansing)
• Cationic Polymers (for thickening and Care)
• Silicons (for conditioning)

R.A.W. shampoo is made of...

• Plant-based surfactants (for cleansing)
• Natural origin thickens (for thickening and care)
• Natural origin emolients (for conditioning)

Traditional conditioners are made of...

• Cationic polymers (for thickening and care)
• Silicones (for smoothness and shine)
• Fatty alcohols (for thickening and stabilizing) 

R.A.W. conditioner is made of...

• Fatty amines (for thickening and care)
• Natural oils (for smoothness and shine)
• Clays and waxes (for conditioning and thickening and stabilizing)

This was the perfect thing I needed to see, to truly understand how different the R.A.W. shampoo and conditioners are compared to traditional ones. Aside from these products being more natural, they lather and feel almost identical to other shampoos and conditioners. I loved how light-weight and shiny my hair looked. My ends having been looking real dull lately and these made them look more alive than ever. I tried out the Nourish line, but now I'm excited to try out the Recover and Uplift lines too.

-Sydney Hoffman

Apple Picking with Union Jack Boots

There are many things that remind me of fall, and apple picking is most definitely one of them. Setting out with some friends or family on a crisp day and picking apples together makes me so excited. What's even better is the apples you have after at home. I've been literally binge eating apples with organic peanut butter this past week and so happy about it. I will eventually make a homemade apple pie (thats on my fall list) but I may need to go apple picking again, because somehow I've almost finished a 20 pound bag!!

I was so excited to rock these VANS from Union Jack Boots. I mean how perfect is this colour for fall!? I have always adored the classic VANS look with the white bottom, but I was so obsessed when I saw these were slip-ons. My extreme lazy side was very happy about this and I think it gives the whole look a more relaxed feel.

Sweater: LOFT || Jeans: GUESS (Similar) || Shoes: Union Jack Boots (VANS) || Bag: (Value Village) || Sunglasses: LOFT ||

Obviously as soon as it turned slightly cold I whipped out my turtleneck sweaters. I have about 30 cozy, fall sweaters in my closet and I wish I was kidding. It was our first chilly day when I went apple picking, so obviously I was ecstatic for the crisp air!!

Whats on your fall wish list!?

-Sydney Hoffman

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Rexall Inspired Beauty

I had so much fun the other night at the Rexall Inspired Beauty event where I got to shop the revamped beauty department. Rexall has redesigned a new area for customers to shop easily for their beauty essentials. The new beauty department is gorgeous and not to mention they have the best brands!! Rexall has brands that you can't find anywhere in Canada. I was so excited to see Milani, NYX, Bioderma, Cargo Cosmetics, Real Techniques Brushes, theBalm and e.l.f just to name a few.

Rexall has always been the go to place for NYX products and the new beauty department at 901 Eglington Ave West has the biggest selection!! This photo only shows the one side of this huge display.

Rexall has a very extensive assortment of both skincare and haircare products to serve consumers across all ages, skin and hair types, as well as has an extensive assortment of dermatological skincare brands and products available only in a pharmacy.

Rexall is pleased to offer an environment that is designed to serve both men and women, and they are piloting a new fragrance department with a wide selection of popular designer brands.

Rexall cosmeticians are trained to help consumers choose the right products that help them look and feel healthy and beautiful. 

I was so excited to see Cargo Cosmetics. They have amazing eyeshadows and blushes!!

theBalm is yet another brand I was super excited to try out. I picked up a highlighter and some eyeshadows. Their funny, vintage packaging is just the best.

It's safe to say I picked up lots of goodies. Everything from skincare, to haircare, to beauty!! Find out where a Rexall is located near you (here) or check out this location at 901 Eglington Ave West. 

All photos taken by Elaine Fancy you can find her on Instagram-@e_fancy

-Sydney Hoffman

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Hairfinity

I'm so excited to be trying out Hairfinity healthy hair vitamins for the next couple of months. Hairfinity hair vitamins are formulated to fill in the gaps left by your regular diet and provide your body with nutrients to promote healthy hair. The exclusive capilsana complex provides hair by strengthening amino acids in hydrolyzed collagen, MSM for vitality and hair booting horsetail and silica. I've heard amazing things about this product like shiny, healthier hair and hair growth. Personally, if I'm going to take anything I always want to make sure I know what is in anything I'm taking. I'm that annoying person always reading the back of boxes making sure I know exactly whats going in my body. Other ingredients that I'm personally a happy camper to see in these capsules are..

• Vitamins A and D - Antioxidant protection that helps promote healthy hair and scalp.
• Niacin - Helps promote blood circulation to the scalp.
• Pantothenic Acid - Strengthens and nourishes the hair follicle.
• Vitamin B12 - Helps promote transportation of oxygen to the scalp and follicles.
• Biotin - Promotes growth of existing hair, produces keratin, and works to increase hair's elasticy.
• Additional Ingredients - Vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, Folic Acid, and Calcium.

I'm going to be updating you guys with my Hairfinity journey monthly over on my Instagram-@sydhoff3 and of course at the end of the next couple of months I will give you guys a detailed description of my experience on my blog. Everyone wants healthy, happy hair and I'm so excited to try out Hairfinity!

-Sydney Hoffman