Monday, September 21, 2020

Kabob Guys Afghan Grill

If you’ve seen my Instagram feed you know that I feature fabulous restaurants all over the Greater Toronto Area including a wide variety of international cuisine and bakeries.

When I’m in the mood for tasty grilled meat, delicious basmati rice and a crispy side-salad, I usually order take-out from an Afghan restaurant.

Kebab Dinners with Mango Shake and Firnee

Kebab Guys has two locations – 4045 Sheppard Ave East Toronto and 7460 Airport Road in my hometown of Mississauga. They serve fresh, authentic Afghan food in addition to a few Indian-inspired dishes.

These meals are great for busy people who want to substitute fatty fast-food with healthier alternatives. The meals are low-fat, high in protein and never greasy.  

Grilled Chicken Kebab Dinner

Choose from a scrumptious selection of dinners including – tandoori chicken, grilled beef kebabs, chapli kebab, bolani (bread stuffed with potato and spices), wraps and milkshakes.

Each dish comes with rice or fries, freshly baked bread, salad with dressing and spicy dipping sauce. I highly recommend the sweet mango smoothie (similar to mango lassi) and make sure to save room for dessert. The pistachio firnee (milk pudding flavored with cardamom and rose water) is yummy!

Although the menu is simple, the food is good and the portions are adequate.

Grilled Beef Kebab Dinner

Check out their Instagram feed at - @kabob.guys

Friday, September 18, 2020

Enter to WIN the Ultimate Movie Night Snack Platter ($175 Value)

Hi everyone,
I've teamed up with Sugar Mommy Chocolates to give away an amazing Movie Night Platter on Instagram.

One of my favorite things to do on a cool fall evening is invite some friends over for movie night and you can’t have a great get-together without tasty snacks.

This massive platter from Sugar Mommy Chocolates is perfect for any occasion. 


The company has over 30 years of chocolate making experience so their decadent dipped treats are exceptional quality.

They also specialize in decorative arrangements and unique recipes that are perfect for corporate gifts, special occasions, parties and catered events. (Customized themes with nut-free options available). Visit their website at: sugarmommy.ca

Want to WIN this amazing platter loaded with dipped Oreos, premium chocolate, coated clusters, gourmet popcorn, candy and more! (prize value $175)

To Enter: 

*Click the link to my Instagram post below
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFImsidpdKm/?igshid=1c7792fz42ybm

or follow me on IG at @DiaryofaTrendaholic

*Follow the entry instructions under the photo.

Giveaway is open to residents of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA only) from September 14, 2020 to September 28, 2020 11:59 pm EST.


Good luck!

Monday, September 14, 2020

Armani Ecstasy Mirror Lip Lacquer | Review and Swatches

Fall beauty trends have begun and I’ve already found lipstick that I plan to wear all season!

Introducing the NEW Armani Ecstasy Mirror Lip Lacquer ($49) – a high-shine, vivid pigment that delivers intense color in just one stroke.


There are 10 sultry shades that range from neutral, deep and sexy red. The colors I received are rich, creamy, comfortable and flattering. They glide on effortlessly and never feather or bleed.

The glistening wet effect makes lips appear plump, juicy and pouty with a moist, hydrating formula that prevents dryness and chapping.

The finish reminds me of high-fashion runway makeup and the tacky, non-sticky texture allows the the lacquer to last for hours!



These beauties will look great with your fall wardrobe. Armani Beauty is available at Sephora, department store counters and armani-beauty.ca

Thursday, September 10, 2020

9 Products to Help You Survive Your Period

When that time of the month rolls around PMS symptoms can knock you off your feet, cancel your plans and essentially ruin your life. Many of the side-effects were never discussed in 5th grade health class and most people suffer silently, waiting for it to pass.

The curse (as I like to call it) can affect your ability to function and be productive so over the years I’ve tested several supplements, vitamins and tinctures to naturally balance hormones and lessen discomfort.

Today’s article features 9 products that may help alleviate cramps, PMS, hormonal imbalance, menorrhagia (heavy periods), symptoms of endometriosis, fibroids and more.

1. Living Apothecary Well Woman Loose Leaf Tea 
($16 - $48)
This herbal tonic is infused with red raspberry, lemon balm and schisandra chasteberry to nourish the reproductive system. It helps balance hormones before and after your period which may treat PMS symptoms, irregular cycles, cramps, acne, irritability and stress.


I use this blend every month and it definitely helps with hormonal issues during and after my period. The tea is available online at shoplivingapothecary.com

2. EstroSmart ($38 - $46.99)
If you need long lasting results to regulate your body the entire month and improve reproductive health, EstroSmart is incredible. It helps women coping with hormonal imbalance, acne, painful menstruation and PMS symptoms.

This is a natural supplement that balances estrogen and progesterone levels to halt abnormal cell growth including fibroids, cysts and endometriosis. It also helps maintain a healthy cervix and prevents HPV, cervical cancer, irregular periods, breast pain, backaches and more.


You may have to adjust the dosage to suit your needs (the recommended number of daily capsules was way more than I needed). You might also have to hold your nose when swallowing because the pills smell a bit like mothballs.

Estrosmart is sold at health food stores, drugstores and online at smartsolutions.com

3. Traditional Medicinals Organic Raspberry Leaf Tea ($4.49 per box)
Red Raspberry Leaf is a natural treatment that has been used to help women cope with pregnancy and the pain of childbirth for thousands of years. It is commonly referred to as “the women’s herb.”

This powerful uterine tonic eases cramps, lessens heavy bleeding, balances mood, regulates your menstrual cycle, balances hormones, relieves adrenal fatigue, prevents acne, reduces inflammation and tones the uterus.

You can drink red raspberry tea daily to help with hormonal imbalance or start your herbal regiment a few days before your period and drink it throughout to manage pain.

The tea is available at health food stores, amazon and online at traditionalmedicinals.com.


4. Traditional Medicinals Organic Healthy Cycle Tea ($5.79 per box)
To promote a healthy cycle with lighter, shorter periods, Traditional Medicinals also makes a tea specifically formulated to regulate your cycle and alleviate cramps. It contains a blend of raspberry leaf extract, licorice root, stinging nettle leaf, dandelion leaf, spearmint, rose hip, verbena, lemon grass, ginger and chamomile.

For best results I drink a cup in the morning with breakfast and drink the Red Raspberry Leaf Tea at night. 

I have not been able to find Healthy Cycle at local health food stores in the GTA/Southern Ontario but it is currently available at ca.iherb.com.

5. Probiotics
Hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle are influenced by your gut so taking a daily probiotic can diminish abdominal discomfort, gas, diarrhea, cramps and bloating with the added benefit of preventing colds and yeast infections.


I’ve tried several popular brands but my favorite is Koena which contains 30 billion CFU (colony forming units of active microorganism) that support gastrointestinal health and promote healthy gut flora. I also use it while traveling to prevent and treat food poisoning and it helps boost the immune system.

Koena is available at drugstores and health food stores nationwide.

6. Iron Supplement
Those who experience heavy periods are susceptible to iron deficiency due to blood loss. Common symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, weakness and brittle nails. Taking an iron supplement may boost energy and ease cramping.


I recommend My Kind Organics Plant Iron & Organic Herbs ($22.99) - a vegan, gluten-free liquid formula. Along with iron it contains Vitamins C, B6, B12, ashwagandha and over 31 fruits, vegetables, sprouts, seeds and roots.

This product is available at health food stores and gardenoflife.com

 7. Salonpas Pain Relieving Hot Gel-Patch 
($5.98 - $17.06)
These patches work wonders to help cope with the aches and pains of PMS. They are much more convenient than a hot water bottle or electric heating pad because you can wear them under your clothes and go about your day.


The larger patches are great for lower back pain and uterine cramps. Simply peel off the film and stick the pad on dry skin (don’t apply body lotion on the area as it will reduce adhesion). The patches provide a warm, soothing sensation for up to 8 hours! When applied to the base of the skull and neck, the smaller patches help relieve migraines.

My husband uses them to ease his chronic back and joint pain. They may also relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia, sciatica, sore muscles and stiffness.

Salonpas is sold at drugstores nationwide including Walmart.

 8. Advil
Painkillers may be a temporary fix but they can effectively dull your symptoms and reduce bleeding. With Advil (regular, extra strength or liquid gel) I usually only need one pill a day and they are particularly useful at night when I need to rest. I only take painkillers as a last resort - when I don't have the herbal teas mentioned above.

 9. Egyptian Magic ($31 - $48)
If you haven’t heard of Egyptian Magic read my article - How to Get Clear Glowing Skin: 3 Products You Need to Try – which lists the ingredients and describes the wonderful benefits of this healing balm. 

Recently I discovered that it also soothes and treats sore nipples and tender breasts (sometimes withing minutes!). Egyptian Magic is sold at egyptianmagic.ca. Use coupon code NCYH7RDH for $5 off.


Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always speak with a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking any medication or supplements.

Friday, September 4, 2020

Catrice Insat Bae Eye Shadow Palette and NEW Luminizing Bronzer

Summer is not over yet! There is still time to get your glow on and enjoy some fun in the sun.


The next time you pop into Shoppers Drug Mart, check out the new Insta Bae Palette ($16.99). The colors are very wearable and there is a nice mix of shimmer and matte finishes.

This compact has glamorous metallic shades in brilliant gold, dazzling copper and gorgeous garnet (all my favorites). One deep brown would have sufficed (didn’t need 3) and I could do without the snowy silver, basic cream and boring grey (these shades have been overdone in many palettes). That being said, I do like it. The formula is velvety and well pigmented so the colors stand out beautifully on my skin.


A few shades have specks of glitter so I recommend a glitter primer to ensure adhesion and longevity. Other than that, the shadows are vibrant and good quality.

Due to the pandemic, we’ve all spent a lot more time indoors but there are quick ways to fake sunkissed skin. The Catrice Sungasm Luminizing Bronzers are only $9.99 each and when you sweep them onto the face or body, they highlight and contour in all the right places. The color is buildable but if you have medium to deep skin swatch them first. They might appear ashy on darker complexions.


The Catrice Sungasm Face & Body Highlighter ($11.99) is amazing! The formula is soft, creamy and long lasting with incredible color payoff! Wear a little for a natural effect or shine like a diamond with dramatic strobing. As the name suggests, it can also be applied on your shoulders, arms, back and decolletage for a radiant head-to-toe glow.


Catrice is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and online at beauty.shoppersdrugmart.ca
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