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Monday, 31 December 2012
Friday, 28 December 2012
Pop Basic Beta Mini Collection
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
November Golden Tote Review!
So after a very busy weekend I finally have a chance to review my first Golden Tote! If you haven't heard of this Sub, I strongly suggest that you check it out, only you now will have to wait until February :(
Just to recap Golden Tote is a clothing Subscription Service that offers two tiers of service, your first Option is $49 plus shipping (up to $250 value) with this option you get to choose 1 of 2 items and they surprise you with 1 or 2 more. Option 2 is a bit more pricey but in my opinion is more bang for your buck, for $149 (up to $600 value!! ) plus shipping you get to pick 2 of 4 choices (not the same ones as the other version) and they surprise you with 3 to 5 other items.
Now I strongly dislike going to the mall,and when I do what I buy is usually black or grey, my wardrobe really consists of pieces that can go together without much thought, but it is not very exciting or trendy, and many times when we have somewhere to go, I panic cause I have nothing to wear!!, so when I heard of this service I thought this could be a great opportunity to add to my lacking wardrobe, not break my bank and try something fun! Sorry about the Photo's they really do not do the clothing justice, but I am home alone with no one to help hehe will edit post later with better photo'sMy first Item was the Aztec Sweater which was what started this whole adventure, I got my tote in between the Annual Realtors Luncheon and my work Christmas party so I was able to wear it to dinner!! I love this item and wore it again to a friendly get together the next night. I can see this becoming a staple in my wardrobe. This piece is very versatile, it could be paired with jeans, skirts, dress pants and I wore it with my lu's for a more casual look too! Also the fit was amazing and it drapes beautifully.
My second item was a hooded twill jacket. This item most likely will not get alot of wear until spring as its a bit cold for this piece but definitely will go into spring rotation. Fit was great, and I think its a quality piece.
My third item was a blue ombre infinity scarf. I can not say enough about this scarf aside from the fact that I have practically lived in it since Friday :) It is so soft and makes me feel quite cozy. I will definitely be checking this designer out so I can order another......or 2.......or 3 :)
4th Item - Puella Striped Babydoll (what I am calling it anyways)
The fit on this is great though I am not 100% sold on the chevron type stripes on the top part as I think they make my chest look strange lol- but I think on someone with less ample attributes ;) this would look great with leggings and boots. I was really hoping to get one of the Saint Grace Maxi's but maybe in the future.
5th Item - Color Block Sweater. I love this sweater! jeans,work pants and leggings! this will go with everything. Once again Fit was spot on.
6th Item - hmm what to call this sweater?
I really like this piece and I think you could really mix up what you wear under it to set different tones to your outfit, Fit was pretty good as I think its meant to be on the loose side.
I got a tad concerned when I made my December Sale Tote and Accessory Tote prior to receiving my first tote, but after receiving my tote my only concern is that the next sale is not until February 28th
I personally love this service, what do you think? would you try it?Monday, 17 December 2012
Burt's Bee's Intense Hydration Review
Please Note: I received these products to review at no cost to myself, as part of the BZZAgent Program, if you haven't checked it out you should!
Friday, 14 December 2012
December Beauty Boxes
IPSY - This is my first bag from Ipsy and the reviews of last months bag AND the information on this months bag was amazing so I am really sad that it has not arrived yet, even though I got my shipping notification on Monday the bag has not yet been received by Canada Post for delivery :(
TOPBOX - I received my shipping notification yesterday with an expected delivery date of December 19th, I usually always receive my Topbox a day earlier than expected, but being the Christmas Season I do not have high hopes!, this one was shipped out late due to a sample not being received on time, the 1 posted spoiler on FB does not really give me high hopes for this one as everyone says that these are all items that have been previously received but since there are at least 56 variations of Topbox this month I am crossing my fingers mine will be decent
GLYMM - No Shipping notification yet, but I usually receive notification around the 14- 17th each month so crossing my fingers!! Normally Glymm does a hint thing on their FB for one of the products in the bag, but so far this has not happened this month, this one should be a complete surprise (If I manage not to look at spoilers on FB once the packages get shipped, which we know will never happen)
GLOSSYBOX - This one doesn't even get shipped until the end of the month so not too concerned though it would be nice if they had gotten their act together so we could have it pre-Christmas.
LUXBOX - I signed up for this one by the deadline for the Winter Box and was charged and then the payment was mysteriously reversed and when I logged in I was told I had no active subscription, but word on the Beauty Box FB pages is that the guy who runs it is a bit shady. Though the spoilers I have seen seem to indicate the winter box being an "O.K" box I am not too sad that I won't be receiving this.
BEAUTY BOX 5 - I signed up for this one solely based on a brush..........yep, you heard me.......a brush, I figure if its crap or the rest of the box isn't worth it I can always cancel in the new year LOL - no idea when I should be receiving it because I only ordered it yesterday.
and last but definitely not least
GOLDEN TOTE - I have been waiting very patiently for this one, I assume because its shipped from California and has to go through customs is what is causing the delay, but I tell ya hoping it has arrived makes my walk home from work go much faster! I was super hoping that my November Tote (Very late order, my bad) would have arrived by today as I have been dreaming of some of the items in the tote and would have been great to wear today for the Realtor's Luncheon, I am very excited about my December totes as well (ya two of them ! one large tote and the accessory tote as well LOL) these ones where posted this week so I m crossing my fingers that they arrive prior to Christmas or at least New Years as the dress I chose as one of my pieces would be great for holiday parties, though I note that they change the other option which was a cardigan that I didn't much care for to another lace dress (This one with long sleeves and absolutely to die for) which made me run to their page and try and order another one :) Thankfully for my credit card they are sold out
So to Canada Post please bring me pretty things in the mail soon!
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Burts Bee's Bzz Agent Campaign kit
I got my Bzz Agent kit today (yay for sick days). Included in my free review kit are
-Full Size (170g) Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser with Clary Sage
-Full Size (50g) Intense Hydration Night Cream with Clary Sage
-14 sample size (4.2g) of the Night Cream to share with my friends
I have gotten several different samples of facial creams, anti wrinkle, anti aging products, either in samplers or beauty boxes, but I have always thought "I don't need these" but recently I have been taking a hard look at my skin and I finally have to admit that maybe its time to start being proactive, I am no spring chicken anymore and though I am lucky and do not normally have dry skin winter may be the best time to start. I am excited to try these products!
These products are reportedly 99% natural with one ingredients being Clary Sage, I have never heard of this plant before, the information provided in my kit states that it is a adaptable plant that lives in harsh conditions and retains moisture....interesting.
I love most Burt's Bees products so I will be testing out the product for the first time tonight so look for future updates!
Monday, 3 December 2012
Golden Tote
http://www.goldentote.com/index.php
My Referral Link is http://bit.ly/VgStqX
though in my case I checked last night before bed and it was already up and running so I snagged both a $149 (worth up to $600) AND the $49 (worth up to $100) Accessorize Gift Tote, I have not yet received my November Tote (being sent out today) but it looks like December is going to a month of presents LOL, I m kind of glad that the next Tote doesn't go on sale till the end of February as it gives me to time to appreciate and enjoy my current totes. This is a service that I can't help but think is genius.Can't wait to review them for you guys!
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Baking Adventures
Pintrest.... I love it, I can't even explain to you how much. Since Captain Amazing has been working late pretty much every night, I have had to pick up the ball as far as dinner goes, Pintrest has made this much easier by providing me with awesome recipes with words like "easy " or "best" in the title followed by pictures that make even me think I can handle this lol. I stumbled across a recipe for mini cheesecakes and since we had a pot luck to go to last night I thought I would give it a shot, Happy to report that my first time EVER was a successful, I had a few moments of panic as I had no previous experince with cheesecake. Everyone couldn't believe that a) I made them and b) I had never made it before.
Glossybox November 2012
So Friday I arrived home to find my Glossy Box jammed into my mailbox (I really should look into getting a larger one lol) I pretty much already knew what would be in it from FB Beauty Box Spoilers, so I wasn't really too excited as its a pretty boring box. I will most likely use everything in the box but almost everything I could run out and pick up at my local walmart or SDM, so they not "luxury" samples nor do I feel like I am being exposed to Brands I normally wouldn't purchase or know about.
Curel -Cuticle and Hand repair formula 100mg $5-7 for full size 3.5 oz
I used this yesterday after removing the sparkly polish I recieved in my Glymm bag, as that can be tough on my hands. Inital thoughts: it moisturized, didn't feel greasy and absorbed fast, so overall I enjoyed this sample, its a generous size as well. With the colder weather approaching I can see this getting alot of use. Plus I didn't currently have a hand creme.
Nexxus Therappee shampoo and Humectrus conditioner. $15 each for full size which is over a liter so these samples are the most low value ones in this box. Inital thoughts: smells amazing, hair seemed full of body (though this might be due to the new styling regime I found on Pintrest) I have recieved shampoo and conditioner samples in the last like 4 beauty boxes so I m pretty played out but at least I m stockpiling travel sizes.
Vitabath - Citrus Twist Bath and Shower Gelee, 6.5 oz -- $18 for 10.5 oz (they also sell it in 32 oz for $40) I m actually really happy with this product as I didn't currently have a bubble bath and it being winter I do like to indulge in baths, so I have been using Dishwashing Soap. Inital Thoughts: smells delish, good bubble production, to soon to say if it makes a difference to my skin.
Kryolan for Glossy Box - Blush
No price as its exclusive to GB, this obviously is a full size sample. Inital thoughts: pretty color, good coverage. Meh whats to say its blush?? will swatch later if I get a chance.
Maybelline -NYM Lip Gloss
I can't seem to find a price for this as I can't seem to find these glosses. Inital Thoughts: Smells good, color.ans shine are fine. Formula is way to thick I do not like the feel of it on my lips at all
Nicole -Kardashian Kolor
$7-14 obviously this is full size
Inital Thoughts: pretty color have tried it yet
There you have it November 2012 Glossy Box, this was the first box for me at the higher price and aside from the fact we got a mini magazine (that the US has been getting in their boxes) I don't really think that the quality of the box improved with the price jump. I did get $21 worth of product and I will still stick it out at least until GB's Anniversary Box in February, hoping to see an increase in box quality, if not I ll just stick
to the gazillion other subs
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Subscription Boxes
Have you heard of or tried Subscription Boxes? I recently over the summer fell in love with both the IDEA and the actual service of curated items being delivered to my door. In Canada we have access to several strictly Canadian sub services along with a few from other countries (Shipping can kill the savings though)
Liz over a subscription addiction has a great list of American ones that you can check out here (Some offer shipping to Canada)
http://www.mysubscriptionaddiction.com
I also found out about a few from
http://www.subscriptionboxes.com , this site also offers user reviews to help you make your choice a little easier
My first sub choice was Topbox because of all the rave reviews, but this was back in January and I had to go on the 8 month long waiting list. (my opinion is down below as I am now off the waitlist)
http://topbox.ca/
My First Sub was Glossybox, (was $15 now its $21 a month)
http://www.glossybox.ca/referal?CI=MTMxMzQ=
I ordered GB in June and received my first box in July, now my opinion of Glossybox has been sort of hit and miss, some boxes have been amazing and others less so. Glossybox's website promises "5 deluxe beauty samples delivered each month." but some months we have received drugstore items such as Venus Razors (don't get me wrong I love them :) ) or other items that have come in P&G sample packs, basically stuff I could pick up at SDM for cheap. There has been a general uproar on Facebook in the last few months due to the fact GB raised there price (which was already the highest at $15.00 a month) to $21.00 and their reasoning for doing so being the "Making a North American Standard Pricing (GB USA has always been $21) and so they can continue to improve and provide us with great products" So I am sticking it out for a few months to see if there is an improvement or at least less of a variance with the types of products and samples, I have not been taking pictures of the boxes or doing reviews, but I will starting November.
My Second Sub was Glymm ($12 a month)
http://www.glymm.com/share/mmayer2009
Glymm has been pretty consistent with their type of samples, I have pretty much had a use for everything I have been sent (even the baby butter hair creme, its perfect for my daughter's hair), I have no complaints except the high number of Shampoo and Conditioner samples as I m don't really feel that you can get a good sense of a product in three or four uses, I don't foresee cancelling this in the near future. Once again will start reviewing and posting pictures with the December bag.
Third Sub...TOPBOX (was $10 now its $12 a month)
Finally off the Topbox wait list, and was a bit disappointed with my first few boxes from them, as prior to this all I heard was RAVE reviews everywhere but I guess you can't win all the time and they are trying to accommodate lots of subscribers at this point, but I m looking forward to future boxes and I haven't received anything terrible or drugstore quality, so again I do not foresee cancelling this one.
Fourth Sub - Indie Giftbox -- Not a Beauty Box ($20 plus $10 shipping)
http://indiegiftbox.com/
I was put on a waiting list for this one for several months, Indie Giftbox describes itself as "We curate great items from independent artists and small businesses every month and organize them into themed boxes that you can purchase. Our goal is to help you discover new artists and companies, and to help those artists and companies grow their businesses! "
I was very happy to be able to get in on the Winter themed box for November, as Indie has a limited amount of boxes available and you have to be on the ball to order one when they become available.
I paid a little more for shipping as this is an american box, but once I received the box I was extremely happy with the contents I received:
1. a wonderful travel size candle in a great reusable tin from (Will update with the scent when i get home)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/plainjbodyandhome
2. a really cute Christmas Ornament from
http://www.etsy.com/shop/shopofworldlydelight
3. a Loveley Snowman Gift Tag (plus one to make yourself, my daughter loved this)
as seen here (Also a link to her Etsy Shop) http://www.etsy.com/transaction/102825503
5. Lovely Christmas Card, thats almost to cute to use ( I love note cards and it was extremely good quality)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/112429864/peace-mistletoe-holiday-card-qty-1
6. Snowflake necklace (Not exactly the same as the chain is different, but still wonderful for winter)
http://eef.storenvy.com/products/684750-proper-snow-at-last-silver-tone-snowflake-necklace
I also received coupons and gift cards from the following:
issa.ino:handmade, Wired Essentials, Megandowntherabbithole, My So Called Chaos, and Sebastian Design.
All of which would make finding a gift for that hard to shop for person easier, plus your supporting small business!
6th Subscription Box - GOLDEN TOTE ($49.00 for 2 to 3 items, or $149.00 for 5-7 items, plus $20 shipping)
http://www.goldentote.com
I have been considering this one on and off since I discovered it Via Liz's website (link to Liz's website above)
This is a little more pricey then a beauty box but its CLOTHES!! amazing clothes !!
One of the reasons's I was hesitant to try this was not only because of the higher cost, but the lack of reviews out there from actual subscribers, that of course was until Liz posted her review and I immediately went a bought the $149 dollar tote
These are the choices for I made for the 1st Item and the 2nd, the remaining items in your tote are a complete surprise, One of the main reasons I ended up ordering is the Aztec swear is absolutely gorgeous.
The Girls behind this sub are the clothing designers behind Puella, so you know the stuff is going to be quality, I ordered my November Tote today and the December one goes on sale on Monday (hehe I maybe reviewing these both at the same time)
Monday, 18 June 2012
Product Review: Samsung Galaxy Note
This phone (If you can call this just a phone) was an early birthday gift from Captain Amazing, and I honestly can say this is the best gift I have received EVER (including the 1st year cabbage patch dolls came out and I got SIX and my 3 year old self though I was in heaven). I use my phone for EVERYTHING, its not just a way to communicate with friends and family, but Work, Reading, Music, Entertainment, Blogging, Shopping, Photography, Scheduling, Banking, Budgeting .....the list is endless and finally I have a device that will do it all!
In the last 3 years I have tried several "Smart" Phones, I had started with the iphone of course, which I found to be a bit counter-productive as it didn't interface with my PC well and I was limited to apple software and apps, I then upgraded to the Sony Xperia X-10 now I admit this was my own bad choice as I was taken in by its prettiness and didn't do ANY product research this phone I am sure would be fine if you were using it for simple communication and the occasional web search but for me, it was the pits, it just wasn't big enough, fast enough or AWESOME enough. When I heard about the Note I was intrigued, here is a phone/tablet that does everything I want and more! But even I was a bit concerned from the start about the size of the phone, its huge here are some specs from the Sony Website
SIZE : 146.85 x 82.95 x 9.65 mm, 178g
I thought to myself, this will be great as an ereader, but will it feel weird and clunky making a phone call, will it fit in my PURSE????
Answer: This phone is AMAZING, Not only are my ebooks clear and easy to read but I actually like the size of the phone for making phone calls, better than the smaller phones, it fits comfortably in my hand AND my purse.
This phone offers a variety of other great apps and benefits:
Camera : Rear is 8 mps with an LED flash and it has a front camera for Video Calling that is 2mp
Video capture and play back : Full 1080p HD, amazing for watching Netflix and recording my daughters baseball games!
All the apps that come standard are awesome sauce and unlike my previous android phone, I am able to use Adobe Flash and Instagram.
All in all an amazing product, Kudos to you Sony I don't foresee having to upgrade my phone for a very long time (unless something bigger comes out of course lol)
Product Review : Hair Flair Color Rub
So in my wandering around the internets, I stumbled upon this hair"flare" product that looked very interesting :) so of course I tracked some down, I picked up two colors (unfortunately the store I picked it up at was limited on color choices)
I tried out the Fushia Flare on my Honey Blond Hair yesterday and the Electric Blue today (forgot to take pictures of the Fushia but am adding the pics of the Blue)
To start: Product instructions state that you should wear gloves to avoid staining, but I found that I was able to wash my hands clean, after the quick application, though I did find that some product got on my white countertops and required a good scrub to clean. The color was amazingly easy to add and showed up vibrantly, I can envision all the different styles and color combinations that I could create using a few of these colors. I enjoyed the temporary change in style as I can be a bit gunshy about making drastic changes to my hair. Though I found that the color might take two washes to completely come out of my hair.
Now other reviews and the packing mentioned that there could be some color transfer to your clothing but I didn't find that to be a problem and my boyfriends even touched my hair several hours after application with no transfer issues, though I did add some super strong hair spray to seal in the color as per directions., I was a bit unhappy as the day progressed with how my hair felt (heavy and thick and coarse) but I am not sure if that was the product or the hair Spray I put in to seal it, I will be running further testing and updating this review as required.
Now for the nitty gritty:
Pros: Color Choices, Easy of application, its Temporary, Creativity
Con: Possible Transfer issues, Texture of hair after application.
All in all though for a fun night out or a change or even Halloween this is a product I would recommend.
Link to the Hair Flair website
http://www.hairflairs.com/content/buy-color-rub
(This review was not paid for nor was I compensated in any way, product was purchased on my own)
Sales Sales Sales!
We took a trip to the mall this weekend and managed to snag some amazing deals (well I did anyways lol) Sterlings at Richmond Centre was closing their store so I snagged a pair of boots for next fall and winter for 60% 0ff regular $149.00 marked down to $99.00 and then further discounted 60% wooo hoo! I also snaged a cute pair of Roxy Slip on flats regular $44.00 on sale 40% off, again SCORE!
In the spring and summer if a jacket is required I usually just slip on a hoody or if its raining my waterproof jacket, but lately i have been eyeing the Bench Jackets, lite weight, cool patterns a hood etc but I just couldn't bring myself to spend $159 -$200 on a lite weight jacket, well i found on regulary $159.90 on sale for $58.00 I still agonized of the purchase at the till, but a sale like that wont come up often and it is a quality item.
Did you find any good sales this weekend?