Burt's Bee's Intense Hydration Review

I have now been using the products for almost two weeks, and I have to say I can notice a difference in my skin. My Review below When I received my Intense Hydration I was very happy with the product sizes and the amount of samples received that I can pass on to my friends and family so that they can try the product as well. Packaging 4 out of 5. I really liked the packaging for the night cream as I can reuse the pot which I think is both environmental conscious and responsible, I of course could not reuse the cleanser packaging but I still thought it was pretty. I have a very sensitive nose so some products can be overpowering, but I found the fragrance of the cleanser and the night cream to be very light and pleasant. Cleanser 5 out of 5: I really enjoy using the cleanser and I can feel a difference in my skin after I use it, I have dry patches on my skin and after use it all felt moisturized. It gives my skin that clean tingly feeling that I associate with a deep clean, this is definitely going to be a product that I purchase in the future and would recommend you try as well if you have combination skin like me. Night Cream 4 out of 5, I only give this product a 4 because it feels very heavy going on my face, I am not sure if that is just because this is my first real time at applying night cream everyday or if it is the actual product, it did absorb very quickly, and I did notice a difference in my skin in the morning, I usually have very "Blotchy" skin as I have a very light skin tone and I get areas of red where my skin is dry, the reduction of those red areas is very noticeable for me. I am on the fence about repurchasing this product. All in all I give these products a 4.5 out of 5.

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!

December Beauty Boxes

So its the middle of the month and I am expecting many pretty things in the mail but have yet to receive anything and the wait is killing me!!! I am expecting:

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!

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!

Golden Tote

Golden Toes December sale starts today! Run, do not walk and go check it out
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!

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

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)

 I don't know if this is something that I will indulge in every month at $170.00 including shipping or $70.00 for the other version, unless I can wiggle the room in my budget else where, but then again that's whats great about this sub, if you don't like the choices for 1st and 2nd you can skip the tote all together. I love the idea of adding to my closet( Which is sorely lacking) without hitting the mall and with pieces that are curated and seem to be high quality. 

(Below are the two choices that I passed on)










That's all for now folks I will be revealing and reviewing my boxes and posting pictures starting with Glossybox November Edition, followed hopefully by Golden Tote and then Topbox and Glymm then Golden Tote and Glossy HAHA what a great month for mail!!