Friday 24 February 2012

L'Oreal Paris Nail Polish

Bought myself some new nail polish.
Pretty colours...reminds me of Spring.
They were on sale at Walmart (Canada).
Got them for $3 each, Reg $5.97 - Yeah!

#400 - Trust Fund Baby

#320 - Charmed, I'm Sure

Thursday 23 February 2012

February 2012 Glymm Box

My box took forever to get to me - at a snail pace.
I thought it will never get here.
I had a stressful time with their customer service.
Unbelievable right?
Well, I was trying to get a refund from a 3 months gift subscription that they re-charged on my credit card.
It took about three weeks to get my refund - I was worry they wouldn't give my money back.
Anyways, I am glad everything was all settled.

This is what is inside my Glymm box :






Sula: Eye shadow
Full size 0.15 oz @ $8, sample size = Full size
It goes on very lightly.  The colour looks OK on me.

Burt's Bees: Tinted Lip Balm
Full size 4.25g @ $7.99, sample size = Full size
I love lip balms.  When I put this on I don't see any colour on my lips.  I think that is OK.

Glamglow: Mud Mask
Full size 50ml @ $78, sample size 7ml @ $10.92
I have never tried a mud mask before.  I am afraid that I might break out.

Mai Couture: Blotting/Bronzing paper
Full size 100 sheets @ $24, sample size 2 sheets $0.48
Wow, two sheets...kinda disappointing.  I found this product too expensive for blotting paper even if it has a duel function as a bronzing paper.  I dont know about you but when I use blotting paper I use the whole sheet.  I don't know why Glymm said that it is good for 4 uses...

Total value of the box is $27+

Also, Glymm mentioned that they are replacing the Jelly Belly with something more better.  I assumed it was going to be in this box but I didn't see anything.

The Bottom Line
My experience with this month's box - 2/5
Product received - 2/5
The surprise - 2/5
Favourite product received - Burt's Bees Tinted lip balm

The past two boxes I have found their quality of products are declining.  At first they were the best but now I'm worry they are not.

You can read my previous month's Glymm box here:
October, November, December, and January.

Did you get yours yet?
Are you happy with this month's box?

Wednesday 22 February 2012

New - Build-A-Bear

My daughter and I enjoy going into Build-a-Bear store.
I find some of the stuff animals are reasonable priced but not their clothes.
So far we have purchased only three - a brown bear, a white Hello Kitty, and a brown horse.
Now they have announced they are doing a limited time - Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.
I should go this weekend to take a look on Kermy...I would like to see if my daughter will be interested.



Monday 20 February 2012

February 2012 Luxebox by Loosebutton

I am glad they took away the first in line emails...unless I missed it...
This month's box is red for Valentine's Day that happened last week.
They teamed up with Flare magazine for promotional purposes.

This month's Luxe box:


Joico: K-Pak Revitaluxe
Full size 150ml @ $27, sample size 50ml @ $9
It smells OK.  I have used other Joico hair product before so I don't mind trying this one.

DKNY: Pure DKNY Verbena
Full size 50ml @ $80 or 100ml @ $105, sample size 7ml $11.25 or $7.35
I dont like the smell.  It is too blah.  I like the CK more since it came in a rollerball than a little bottle.  I am starting to built a sample collection of perfumes samples...it is getting a bit out of hand.

Mereadesso: Beautiful Body Balm
Full size 200ml @ $54, sample size 30ml @ $8.10
I like the smell.  It almost smells like it has some citrus in it.  It is a great size for my purse but I don't think I will be repurchasing this since it is too expensive.

Lise Watier: 24 Hours Glam Mascara
Full size 8ml @ $22, sample size 5ml @ $13.75
It is a good size sample.  I like the animal print on the container.  I also have a growing collection of mascara.

*Bonus*
Mereadesso: Face & Neck Toning Gel
Full size 50ml @ $120, sample size 7ml @ $16.80 (plus a entry for a giveaway)
I have already received this sample before in my September so it is not a surprise to me.

Plus they gave a gift card for $25 off when you spend $75+ at DEALUXE.  I don't shop there because everything is so expensive.

Total worth of this box is $55+

The Bottom Line
My experience with this month's box- 3/5
Product received - 3/5
The surprise - 3/5
Favourite product received - Mereadesso Beautiful Body Balm

I am not sure what the Valentine's Day surprise is.  On Facebook, people were guessing chocolates, message oils, red lipstick, red nail polish, and I guessed gift certificates to La Senza or Victoria Secret.  So, I don't think there was a surprise.  I don't think a red box would be considered a surprise...does it?  Very strange.

Once again I missed out on some good items.  I have read some people received the Benefit's Sunbeam (golden bronze highlighter) and Dermalogical's Daily Microfoliant.  Hopefully, I might get something similar in my next month's box.

You can read my previous Luxe boxes here:
September, October, November, December, and January.

Did you receive yours yet?
What did you get?

Saturday 18 February 2012

Harlem Globetrotters

I scored tickets to see The Harlem Globetrotters.
We had some decent seats but we were freezing.
They could have turned up the heat.
It was very goofy and fun to watch.
It was very entertaining - great for the kids.
If I didn't win the tickets I would not have gone to see them.
Would I go to see them again?  No, I don't have that kind of money :)






Tuesday 14 February 2012

February 2012 topbox

I love getting things in the mail besides the bill.
There was a rumour that this month's box theme was make-up because last month was all about hair.
This will be my fourth box, you can read my previous topbox here - November, December, and January.
It is currently still sold out but I heard that it might go back on sale this month for the month of June.
Good Luck! *Update* Sold Out in 15 mins...






This month's box:

Yves Saint Laurent - Mascara
Full size: $36, sample size $9 (I assume 1/4 of the size)
Oh my, I can't wait to try this.  Never tried this brand before.  Good size sample - like from free gift with purchase sample.


Yves Saint Laurent - Touche Eclat (concealer)
Full size: $50, sample size $0 (something you might get from a magazine)
Too bad we only get a tiny magazine size sample.  Enough for maybe one time use.  Not very pleased with this sample.

LillyPilly - Kakadu Plum Hand & Body Creme
Full size: 150ml @ $22, sample size $1 (estimated guess)
Received two little sample packages.  Too bad it is so small, might get two uses out of it.  Maybe it is because we received a deluxe size last month and this is only a smell tester of a different scent for us to try.  Kinda not worth bothering putting in this month's box.

Pari Beauty - Eyeshadow #54
Full size: 2g @ $11, sample size = full size (yeah!)
It is a very pretty eye shadow I can actually use.  It is purple with a little hint of gold in it.

C. Booth Derma Skincare - Hand & Nail cream

Full size: 120g @ $16, sample size = full size (yeah!)
When I put it on it smells like Jergen's or Curel's hand cream.  Made my hands all nice and smooth.  I love hand creams.

The total worth of this box is $28+

I am very happy to receive my two full size sample and a deluxe size but then mini samples are kinda disappointing. *Meh*

The Bottom Line
My experience with this month's Topbox - 3.5/5
Product received - 3.5/5
The surprise - 4/5
Favourite product received - C. Booth Derma Hand cream
Brownie Points - Arrived on time without delays

Did you receive yours yet?
What did you get?

Until next time
Ta ta

Sunday 12 February 2012

New Schick Hydro Silk Razor Review

Just received my 5 blade Schick hydro silk razor for women.
I received mine from Schick's PR company via Beauty Crazed.
Thanks :)

It's available in stores this February - just in time for spring break!
Going somewhere warm this March Break/Spring Break? This will help you wear your bikini embarrassment-free girlies.

The extra blade makes all the difference.
No one wants to shave the same spot twice.
It irritates my skin :(

They say that this costs $13.99 Cdn.
I saw on my local Shoppers Drug Mart flyer that they are selling it for $12.99.



The blade glides smoothly on my skin after a warm shower.
It has a rubber handle so I am not worried that it will slip out of my hand.
My skin didn't irritate afterwards but I put on some lotion anyways, just in case.
No razor burn!  Yeah!
Maybe it is the way I shave but it didn't shave as close as I thought...

Overall, I found this razor did a really good job but I didn't see any difference between my current blade and this one.

*Please note that the product was given to me from the PR company but the opinion is mine.*

Friday 10 February 2012

Who's screaming for ice cream?

I was looking at my local Walmart Canadian flyer and you would not believe what I saw.
For $3.97 they are selling Ben & Jerry's Red Velvet Cake ice cream.
Who does not like that?
Best of both worlds - there goes my diet...Hahahaha.
Going to pick one up?  What is your favourite flavour?


Thursday 9 February 2012

February 2012 - Glossybox: Canadian Style

Across the Atlantic Ocean came the Glossybox.
They travel all over the world - Northern Ireland, Italy, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and more...
Don't worry our American neighbours, they are also coming to your door steps too!
For $15/month (including taxes) they are the most expensive.

$13.04/month + 15% taxes in NS
$13.27/month + 13% taxes in ON, NB, NFLD
$13.39/month + 12% taxes in BC
$14.29/month + 5% taxes in AB, MB, SK, NWT, PEI

Topbox: $10 + taxes
Luxebox: $12 + taxes (non yearly subscription)
Glymm: $10 + taxes (non yearly subscription)

Toxbox guarantees you 4 samples
Luxebox Glymm guarantees 4-5 samples
Glossybox guarantess you 5 samples and maybe a 6th one



Promo boxes were shipped out last week.
The difference:
Essie full size nail polish ($9.99) instead of our Welda Shampoo ($2.33)
Oscar de la Renta hand cream and instead of our perfume ($8.27)
Ahava hand cream 20ml ($2.24) instead of our 40 ml ($4.48)

Inside the pretty pink box:

Ahava: Deadsea Water *Update* Body Lotion (wrote Hand cream previously)
Full Size 250ml @ $28, sample size 40ml @ $4.48
Received the Ahava Handcream from December Glymm box.  I loved it so much I did purchase the full size via Glymm's website.  I love Ahava: Deadsea Water line of lotions.

Elizabeth Grant: Moisturizing Lip Stick
Full Size 5g @ $12, sample size 3.5g @ $8.40
I love the smell when I opened it to use it.  It really moisturizes my lips.  I love lip balms so this is another plus for me.

Wella: Shampoo
Full Size 300ml @ $13.99, sample size 50 ml @ $2.33
Smells great, can't wait to use it. (*Cough* I rather have the nail polish)

Oscar de la Renta: perfume (Live in Love)
Full Size 30ml @ $62, sample size 4ml @ $8.27
Cute bottle, it smells OK.  (*Cough* I rather have the lotion)

Elizabeth Arden: Prevage's Day anti-aging skin care
Full Size 50ml @ $160, sample size 7ml @ $22.40
Smells good.  I will use this but I don't think I will repurchase this...too expensive.

EXTRA!  Bonus 6th item

Beauty So Clean:
Cosmetic Sanitizer Wipes
Full Size 48 wipes @ $12.50, sample size 4 wipes @ $1.04
Cosmetic Sanitizer Mist
Full Size 125ml @ $ 15.99, sample size 8ml @ $1.02
These are very interesting products.  Of course they send you a pamphlet of germs on your cosmetic to scare you...Hahaha

Total value of the box is $47.94

The Bottom Line
My experience with this month's box - 4/5
Customer service - 4/5
Product received - 4/5
The surprise - 4/5
Favourite product received - Moisturizing lip stick

I understand launching in Canada came with some glitches but not giving us updates if there was a delay or no tracking number provided I was surprised.  However, when I emailed them they responded very quickly.  I don't care if it is late as long as they inform us.  (Just a thought.)

Overall, I like my box.  However, I like the promo boxes a bit more.  (Psst, there was no full size sample...)  I wonder if they will continue to please us with our future glossyboxes...

Do you like your box?  Do you think the promo boxes (free) is better than ours (paying)?

Beauty Crazed contest

Smashbox giveaway.
Visit Beauty Crazed to enter - here!

Wednesday 8 February 2012

Lush - Valentines Day Edition

Lush has released their limited edition products just in time for Valentine's Day.
I think their pre-wrapped gifts are perfect/easy for significant other to purchase.
It has a little bit of everything in one pretty box/wrap.
Which one do you like?
C$ 49.95
C$ 34.95
C$29.95

Sunday 5 February 2012

Window Shopping Again

I was out window shopping again.
I love purses.
I would love shoes but I can't wear high heels :(
So my next best thing is purses.
Last year, I bought so many purses so this year I am trying to hold off until next...but I am having a hard time resisting...


Too Much Product

This past weekend I found that I use too much product.
I like to use a heaping blob of shampoo that goes all over my hand.
A little goes a long way.
Products are not cheap so we have to make them last.

Hair
When we are wash our hair, use a small amount to get the dirt and grime out.
To get the the foaming effect...wash the hair twice, but the second time around you only need a dime size amount.

Facial cleaner
We should always cleanse our face regardless if we have make up on or not.  We are washing the grime out from the pollution in the air and the oil from our face.  Use enough to soak the pad and use both sides.

Facial cream
After you wash your face, pat it dry.  It should be slightly damp.  You will be able to use less product when it is damp instead of dry.  Same goes for leave-in hair conditioner - apply on damp hair.

When you are paying $50 or $60 or even $120+ you want it to last for a few months not a few weeks. :)
C $245

C $120
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Saturday 4 February 2012

Thymes: Sweetleaf Baby ~ #Review

Don't you love the smell of a baby?
Not when they have dirty diaper of course. Hahahaha

They smell like baby powder and baby lotion - something you want to sniff all day.
Today I bought Thymes: Sweetleaf Baby at Winners.
It smells wonderful.

Thymes: Sweetleaf Baby

I love going to Winners.
They are having their semi-annual final clearance sale.
This was like a treasure hunt because it in the clearance shelves.
Wished I was there a few minutes earlier because a lady walked out with a bunch of make-up kits from the clearance section...

Friday 3 February 2012

In My Piggy Bank - Part 2

I could look at Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Gucci, and Prada purses all day.

I understand they are nice to have but would I drop $300 or $1,500+ on a purse?
That is rent/mortgage or groceries money!
I rather have the money in my pocket.
I think my most expensive purse was $109.
Even if you re-sell it, how much do you get back?
I doubt you will get more than you bought it for...then again you might get lucky :)

My few tips to reduce wasteful spending:

1. Don't buy/limit your purchase on paper towels
Use cloth towels or rags that you can wash and reuse.  You will be amaze how much  you can save when you are not dropping $5-$7 a week or every other week on paper towels.  Not only this will save you money but also helps the environment.

2. Don't buy/limit your purchase on sandwich bags
Use tupperwares or wash & re-use them again.  I don't think we need more garbage added to our earth.

3. Eating in
So you have heard that you could save money if you bring your own lunch or eat at home.  It's true and it is alot more healthier.  Restaurants uses more fattier meats, lard/butter, and more sodium than you normally would.  No wonder they taste better.  Try this for a month or two and I think your piggy bank and waistline will thank you.  For the days you are not in the mood to cook, use take out instead.  Why?  First, you might have leftovers and second you don't have to pay tip.  :)  If ordering, try the pick-up option.  Some places will give you a discount if you pick it up.

4. Limit your coffee/tea purchase
You will be amazed how much you save if you purchase Starbucks/Tim Horton's once a week instead of every working day.  There is a co-worker who purchase her coffee everyday (5X a week).  $4 per coffee x 261 working days in a year =  $1,044 a year.  Imagine both you and your husband purchase coffee daily.  That is $2,088.  That is worth a vacation trip to Cuba or one person trip to China!  Here is a tip you can limit your coffee/tea purchases.  First, pick your ONE coffee/tea hot spot and get their gift card.  Put in $20 or $30 and that is your limit for the month.  You can not re-load the gift card until the next month.  When it is time to reload, just top it off to the maximum of $20 or $30.

5. Groceries
I think you have heard this before.  Bring a shopping list or don't go shopping when you are hungry.  My tip is avoid the junk food isles if you could.  If you don't purchase $3 bags of chips, $4 boxes of cookies, or $6 for pop every week, you can easily save money and reduce your waistline.  If you could, take multiple trips during the week so you purchase what you need every two or three days so there is no waste.  I could do that if the grocery store was walking distance.  I think you waste alot of gas by driving back and forth every few days.

I never said saving was easy.  It is about sacrifices for the future so you are not dipping into debt.  You might never know, you might shed a few pounds from my saving tips that you might need a whole new wardrobe...LOL


Pastels = Spring

Pastel is hot for this Spring.
Lancome has a pastel line for their Spring collection
Are they not pretty?
Look at Dior Spring collection
Even Lise Watier
Will you be picking up any of the pastels colours for this Spring?

Purse Hooks ~ #Review

Purse hooks are these little gadgets that holds your purse when you are at a restaurant or at a bar.
I received mine as a gift to be redeemed at Stylish Hooks.
I ordered them early December and I received them at the end of January.
That is insane.
It took two months and it is not the right hook that I wanted it.
I ordered the Pink Flower but I received a zebra print as you can see in the pictures.
It was not one of the options listed.
Furthermore, the company is in Alberta but the item came from Singapore...
I emailed them to complain and they wrote back saying they will send me the correct one and I could keep this one.
I will wait and see if they do.

Purse Hooks
The snack size Smarties was to demonstrate the size of the hook

My review on Stylish Hooks:

Prices - $35!  That is insane.  However, I have seen them selling through WagJag and other group discounts for $15.  I still wont purchase them.  I have seen these for $10 or less at HomeSense/Winners.
Shipping - I think it is free.  I purchased mine with a voucher so my shipping was free.
Website - It needs improvement.  It was pretty easy to use.
Delivery - Took two months :(  and no tracking service.
Customer Service - They replied to my complaint very quickly but I don't know if they will send me the correct hook that I ordered.

Overall, I will not use this site again or recommend it.   The only good thing is - it holds my purse :)

Thursday 2 February 2012

Almond Fresh

Are you getting enough calcium?
I was just reading my March issue of Chatelaine Magazine and saw an ad for Almond Fresh.
The ad states that the unsweetened is only 35 calories per 250ml serving (but the website says it is 30 calories).



Few interesting facts I found:

  • It is a great substitution of milk (dairy-free) especially for people with lactose intolerance.
  • The original and the vanilla favour has half the calories of 2% milk
  • It is certified kosher
  • It is wheat and gluten free
I have not seen these in stores yet.  I love to give it a try.  I would make my smoothies with it.  Has anyone see this or try this?

Wednesday 1 February 2012

Piggie Bank

If saving was one of your resolution, how is that coming along?
Need some help, tips, or ideas?
I grew up in a poor household and that taught me the value of money.
I remember getting one present for Christmas.
My mom couldn't afford any more.
I remember at the age of 10, I was assisting my mom writing cheques to pay for the property tax bill and the water bill.
That showed me where her money is going.

For starters:

1. Live within your means...
What does that mean?  If your income is $1,000 after-taxes then don't spend $1,500.  Try to budget yourself within your income.

2. Budget?
What is that?  It is not a foreign word.  How do you do that?  Well, first thing is to track all your expenses.  You can use an Excel program or one of those apps for you ipod touch/ipad or on your cell phone.  Don't forget to enter those $1 Tim Horton's latte...it's still money out of your pocket.  Then after a month, categories them as food, rent/utilities, entertainment, household supplies, etc...  Then see where you can cut and where you can limit yourself.  Once you figure out what is a reasonable budget, then stick to it.  Try it for two or three months.  Anything leftover is your savings or to use that to pay off those credit card bills/debts.

3. Credit Cards (aka. a straw that sucks up all your money)
Keep your credit card limit low.  Not $15K, not $10K.  Say, $1,000 or even $500.  They say, limit your access to cash/credit = lower your spending habits.  I didn't say get 20 credit cards with $500 limit.  That is insane and defeats the purpose.  One tip (I am taking) is to get two credit cards.  Yes, only two.  (Deux, zwei, dwa, dois, 二, I think you get the point.) One with a $500 limit that you can keep in your wallet and the larger one you keep at home.  I do have a $500 limit on my card.  So when I need to purchase a bigger item like a school course or pay for my kid's summer camp I will pay the visa first.  Not raising the credit limit.  I treat my visa like a pre-paid card.

Well, this is a start.  I will try to write another one this week.  I have so many ideas.  This is not a step by step program but a general idea.  If you want more an in-depth help, seek a financial advisor.  These are what I have picked up over the years.  This may or may not be useful but you never know...