Merry Christmas, or Joyeux Noël

“Noël” is derived from the Latin word natalis, which means “birth,” and is associated with the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Noël is linked to "The First Noel," the classic carol that recounts the Nativity story and emphasizes the joy of Christ’s arrival.

It also embodies the spirit of giving, family gatherings, and the happiness that comes from remembering the birth of Christ, our Saviour.

So, Joyeux Noël, or Merry Christmas! Let’s share in the joy and sense of community as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Happy Birthday, Jesus ❤️

McDonald’s Who-Hash Bites – Short Review

McDonald’s Who-Hash Bites 

These Who-Hash Bites are a limited-time offering for McDonald’s Christmas Grinch meal, and naturally, I had to order them — and I’m so glad I did!

They taste exactly like McDonald’s breakfast hash browns, but in bite-sized form, making them super crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

McDonald’s Who-Hash Bites 

Impressions:

• super crispy on the outside
• super creamy on the inside
• tastes exactly like their breakfast hash browns
• The only downside is that they’re only available for a limited time

McDonald’s Who-Hash Bites 

I was surprised by the portion size — they were a lot bigger than I expected. I didn’t count, but I think there were at least 12 inside!

The Grinchiest Meal box

They’re available for an extra $0.70 with a combo, or you can get them à la carte for $4.99.

The Grinchiest Meal box

Final thoughts:
If you love McDonald’s hash browns, these are a no-brainer. Fun, nostalgic, and dangerously easy to finish — I really hope they bring these back again.

Score: 10/10
Website: https://www.mcdonalds.com/ca/en-ca/product/who-hash-bites-potato-bites.html

Pond's Fresh Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin E & B3 review

Costco's bulk deal

I’ve seen Pond’s products everywhere for as long as I can remember. I still have this vivid memory of being seven years old at Honest Ed’s in Toronto, pointing at a jar of Pond’s Cold Cream and asking my mom what it was. But despite seeing the brand all around me — on shelves, in ads, in random stores — I’ve never actually used any Pond’s products in my life. No one in my family or friend circles uses them either, so it’s always been one of those brands I recognize… but have zero personal experience with.

packaging

That changed when I spotted the Pond’s Fresh Hydration Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E & B3 gel moisturizer at Costco. On Amazon, one 3.4 oz (96.4 g) jar costs $19.25 — but Costco had three jars for $17.99. A deal like that? I couldn’t resist. 😅

After doing some quick Googling, I discovered people calling it a “dupe” for Clinique’s Moisture Surge Gel — which is about four times the price. If you’ve been here long enough, you already know how I feel about dupes… so yes, I was skeptical.

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You can see the big hollow hole before I even opened the product

🧴 First Impressions

• flimsy plastic container

• strong scent (reminds me of hair conditioner)

• skin absorbed it immediately

• moisturizes, but causes random bumps

• The jar wasn’t filled completely (and the plastic bends easily)

There's not a lot of product in the jar

When I opened the jar, the product looked a bit… sad. Not fully filled, and the cheap, bendable plastic didn’t add confidence. The gel itself was firm, almost “bouncy,” which made the hollow indent inside even more noticeable.

The scent is very strong — not bad, but definitely bold. To me, it had a base note that reminded me slightly of sunscreen mixed with shampoo or hair conditioner. Some people might enjoy it, but for me, it felt overwhelming.

Texture-wise, it reminded me of Neutrogena Hydro Boost, but firmer and with a more silicone-like slip. The intensity of the scent is on par with Hydro Boost as well — not the same smell, but equally pungent.

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Pond's Fresh Hydration

💧 Hydration Performance

It does moisturize — but only on already healthy skin. On dry, dehydrated, or slightly irritated skin, it didn’t do very much. It claims 24-hour hydration, but realistically… I had to reapply every 5–6 hours.

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The Science behind hydration

⚠️ The Dealbreaker: Random Bumps

This is where things went downhill.

After a few uses, I started noticing random bumps on my nose and forehead — areas where I never get bumps. The more consistently I used it, the more bumps appeared. I’m not sure if I’m reacting to an ingredient or the formula as a whole, but my skin definitely did not like something in here.

I really wanted to love this — it looked promising, affordable, and had great ingredients on paper — but unfortunately, it didn’t work out for me at all.

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product and packaging

⭐ Final Thoughts + Score

Pond’s Fresh Hydration has a nice texture and provides light moisture, but the strong scent, flimsy packaging, and unexpected breakouts make it a no for me. If your skin is extremely tolerant and you want something inexpensive, it might work… but I personally won’t be repurchasing.

Score: 3/10 (Moisturizes, but gave me random bumps 👎🏻)
Website: https://ponds.us/en-ca/products/hyaluronic-acid-vitamin-e-b3-gel-moisturizer

Abib's HeartLeaf Spot Pad Review

Abib Heartleaf Spot Pads

(I accidentally pressed the "add Google links" and couldn't undo it... so now I'm left with a whole post full of Google links 😭 apologies for the messy-looking post! 🙇)

The Korean brand Abib isn’t new to me — I’ve used their sheet masks before and liked them. They didn’t exactly wow me… but this product definitely did.

I found these Heartleaf Spot Pads at Costco and picked them up without much expectation. I’ve heard of them, I’ve used heartleaf products before, and I just wanted something moisturizing. But these pads didn’t just meet expectations — they completely surpassed them.

Within one to two uses, they healed my broken skin and calmed irritation. Within three to four days, my skin barrier was fully restored. I wasn’t expecting that level of recovery at all.

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🍃 Why Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) Is So Popular in Korean Skincare

details

• Soothes irritation + redness: Heartleaf is known for calming sensitive, inflamed skin — perfect for breakouts or reaction-prone skin.

• Strengthens the skin barrier: It reduces excess oil, balances the skin, and helps repair weakened areas.

No wonder this product works so well on compromised skin.

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🧖‍♀️Benefits of Spot Pads in Skincare

drenched in serum :)

• Boost absorption: They cleanse remaining residue so the rest of your skincare sinks in better.

• Targeted care: You can leave them on areas that need extra hydration, calming, or barrier repair.

These pads do both extremely well.

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First Impressions

It quickly became one of my favourite products!

• The cotton pads are thicker and smaller than expected

• The scent is interesting — not good, not bad… a mix of acidic + leafy

• They said use "tweezers" but no tweezers were provided

• There is a harsh and a fine side, the harsh side is too harsh for me, but the fine side is perfect for mild exfoliating (no issues on sensitive skin)

• My skin drank the essence instantly

• Slight sting on broken or compromised skin

• Heals broken skin and barrier issues surprisingly fast

• Thoroughly cleanses without irritation

• Removes stubborn oil + debris my cleanser can’t get

• Skin felt soft, smooth, and refreshed the next morning

On day one, the pads stung slightly on damaged skin, but they also healed it almost instantly. That’s when I knew this was something special.

Before going further: This product healed my skin barrier. And very few products can make me say that with confidence.

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My Experience

gunk: grease, oil, dirt and debris from my face 😱 

This product didn't just hydrate — it changed my skin.
Even after cleansing, these pads always manage to remove leftover oil, dirt, or debris. My skin ends up perfectly prepped to absorb whatever comes next. After two months of consistent use, my skin feels noticeably stronger, smoother, and healthier. That soft, silky feeling didn’t exist two months ago.
My skin had been irritated and sensitive (I’m pretty sure environmental buildup wasn’t helping), but now? It feels resilient. Balanced. Calm. Hydrated from within.
Honestly… this has become a product I can’t imagine not having anymore.

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⭐ Final Thoughts

The Abib Heartleaf Spot Pads have officially earned a permanent spot in my routine. What started as an impulse Costco buy turned into one of the most effective skin-repairing products I’ve tried in years. If your skin barrier is struggling, your skin is easily irritated, or you just want a product that cleanses and heals at the same time — this is absolutely worth trying.
I didn’t expect to love it this much, but here we are. This is a keeper. 💚

Score: 9.9/10 (that's high!)
Website: https://en.abib.com/products/calming-touch

Listerine PocketPaks Fresh Burst short review

I  can’t believe they reintroduced these! I actually liked them back in the day and was so upset when I couldn’t find them anymore. But I found these at Costco and immediately bought a pack! These should last me a long, long time! 😄

When they were first introduced about 20 years ago, most people knew them simply as Listerine Breath Strips. I don’t remember the exact name, but I’m pretty sure they weren’t called PocketPaks or Freshburst back then.

When they discontinued them a few years later, I was quite upset, because these were such a great alternative to gum and breath mints! And most importantly, they actually worked!

Fast forward to this new version and I have to say, I’m glad they took the time to reformulate. The new ones don’t sting the mouth as much as the old version did, and the freshness feels cleaner and longer-lasting.

I bought them half because of nostalgia and half for their function. Most breath mints these days have a hard time truly freshening breath, and I sometimes find myself panicking in social settings because the mints just aren’t strong enough. Gum works, but it takes time and isn’t ideal when you want something instant.

These new strips immediately stick to the top of my mouth and get to work right away. They don’t sting like before, and the freshness lasts impressively long.

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First Impressions:

• Nostalgia factor: Loved them in the past, happy they’re back!
• Reformulated: Less sting than the older version, cleaner and longer-lasting freshness.
• Convenient: Strips stick to the top of your mouth and act instantly — no waiting like gum.
• Effective: Strong enough to freshen breath immediately, perfect for social settings.
• Portable: Small pack fits easily in a bag or pocket for on-the-go use.
• Fun to use: Quick dissolve, refreshing minty blast, smooth without harshness.

The moment I tried one, I was instantly taken back in time — that quick dissolve and rush of cool minty air! 🫧 The best part? No harsh sting this time, just a crisp, clean freshness that hits right when you need it. It’s strong enough to make you feel instantly refreshed but smooth enough that it doesn’t make your eyes water. The little pack is also very handy; it is easy to slip into my bag or pocket for an instant confidence boost before meetings or coffee runs.

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Conclusion:
I’m genuinely happy these are back! The improved formula makes them even better than I remembered — effective, fast-acting, and surprisingly gentle. They strike the perfect balance between nostalgia and practicality. If you ever loved these back in the day (or even if you’ve never tried them), they’re absolutely worth picking up again.

score: 9.5/10
website: https://www.listerine.com/on-the-go-oral-health/listerine-pocketpaks-freshburst

Cheez It Wendy's Baconator Flavour short review

I’ve never been a huge fan of Cheez-Its. I like cheese and crackers, but the cheese for Cheez-Its is usually isn’t sharp or flavourful enough for me. That said, I decided to give the special edition Wendy’s Baconator Cheez-Its a try. They’re pricier than your average Cheez-It, but after tasting them, I understood why. The bacon flavour adds a delicious, savoury punch, and I was able to finish a whole box in no time!

Why is it that limited-edition foods almost always taste amazing? Why can’t they just become a permanent part of the lineup? I’m really hoping these come back soon so I can stock up! It just goes to show that products can have fun, tasty variations, and this one was such a delightful surprise. :)

All in all, these Wendy’s Baconator Cheez-Its were a total win: cheesy, bacon-y, and way too easy to finish in one sitting. Limited edition or not, they prove that a little twist on a classic snack can make it feel like a whole new treat. Fingers crossed they come back soon, because I’ll be first in line for another box!

Score: 9/10
Website: https://www.cheezit.com/en-us/products/cheez-it-baconator.html

Rootalive Chicory Mushroom Coffee review

Mushroom blend Coffee alternative

🌿 Trying Mushroom Coffee for the First Time

Mushroom coffee has piqued my attention, especially as someone who likes to try new things — and mushrooms 🍄 and coffee ☕️ are both big parts of my palette.

I first saw ads for mushroom coffee on TV and then stumbled upon this blend by Rootalive while shopping at Marshall’s. Naturally, curiosity won.

ingredients and other information

☕️ Description by Rootalive

“Our chicory mushroom blend is a perfect alternative to coffee. It is powered by chicory root, which contains high amounts of inulin, a prebiotic soluble fibre that feeds your digestive flora. It also contains high-quality organic mushrooms known for their restorative properties. Indulge in a delicious, well-rounded cup of this calorie-free blend to satisfy your coffee cravings.”

The ingredients are very straightforward:

Instant Chicory Powder, Organic Mushroom Powder Blend (Organic Cordyceps, Organic Reishi, Organic Lion's Mane, Organic Shiitake, Organic Turkey Tail, Organic King Trumpet).

It looks earthy

🍄 Ingredient Benefits

Chicory – Known for its prebiotic properties that support gut health, improve digestion, and promote healthy gut flora. It may also help regulate blood sugar levels and support liver health.

Organic Cordyceps – Enhances energy and stamina, supports oxygen utilization, and may improve endurance and athletic performance. It’s also believed to help combat fatigue and support respiratory health.

Organic Reishi – Often called the “mushroom of immortality,” it helps boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and improve sleep and stress management.

Organic Lion’s Mane – Known as the brain mushroom, it supports cognitive function, focus, and memory. It may also help with nerve regeneration and mood regulation.

Organic Shiitake – Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune and heart health. It can also help lower cholesterol and promote glowing, healthy skin.

Organic Turkey Tail – Packed with powerful antioxidants and immune-boosting polysaccharides (PSK and PSP) that strengthen the body’s natural defences and support gut microbiome health.

Organic King Trumpet (King Oyster) – Supports cholesterol management, bone strength, and antioxidant protection. It’s also high in ergothioneine, an amino acid that helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

☕️ Directions

Add 2 teaspoons to 8–10 oz of hot or cold water, blend thoroughly, and enjoy! You can also enhance it with milk, creamer, or a natural sweetener.

(Note: Natural ingredients may cause some sediment to form — that’s totally normal.)

✨ First Impressions

Naturally, I was curious to see how it would taste, especially since mushroom coffee has such a reputation for being either surprisingly good or… an acquired taste. So, I made my first cup and here’s what I noticed:

• It tastes very strongly of mushrooms — earthy, deep, and slightly bitter.

• It reminded me a bit of Chinese herbal medicine, probably because of the Reishi mushroom.

• Milk makes a huge difference! Adding milk completely transformed the flavour, making it smooth, comforting, and easy to drink.

• It feels nourishing — my body genuinely felt calm and refreshed afterward.

🌸 Overall Thoughts

To my surprise, I actually enjoyed it, especially once I learned how to balance the flavour with milk. The experience feels grounding, and I like how it gives a gentle sense of focus without the usual coffee jitters.

Overall, my first impression was mixed but interesting; it’s definitely an acquired taste. The earthy flavour was much stronger than I expected, and the Reishi gave it that slightly bitter, medicinal note often found in traditional Chinese herbal tonics. However, once I added milk, the entire experience transformed: the taste mellowed, became smoother, and more balanced. With milk, it became something I actually enjoyed sipping slowly, especially in the afternoon when I needed a gentle pick-me-up without the caffeine jitters.

Chicory Mushroom Coffee with milk

☕️ Conclusion

After finishing my first cup, I can say that while mushroom coffee might not completely replace my usual morning brew, it has earned a spot in my rotation for calmer days. The health benefits are undeniable: from boosting focus to supporting gut and immune health, and I genuinely feel good knowing what’s in it. I find myself wanting to drink it again, especially with a bit of oat or almond milk. It’s definitely one of those drinks that grows on you over time: earthy, grounding, and surprisingly comforting once you get past the first sip.

It’s funny how trying something new can remind you that comfort and wellness can come in the most unexpected forms, even in a cup of mushroom coffee. 🍄☕️

I was able to finish it after adding milk!

Score: 9.0/10
Website: https://www.rootalive.com/products/chicory-mushroom-blend?srsltid=AfmBOop-BGGAF34o_Cwd3R6HVdocCRm1MJmbb7375I_hIQombjTw6ttQ