Murad Acne Starter Kit ~ #Review & #Giveaway

I think these trial kits for your whole acne routine system is a great idea.  For $30 I could try 4 different products for 30 days.  One would assume that I am too old for acne but I still get them and some days are worse than others.  Lately I would get them all over my chin and neck for some reason.  Just a few days ago I had a breakout and it became very annoying.  I have been using Murad Acne Starter Kit for a few days and loving it.

L'Occitane Light Comforting Cream (5% Shea Butter) ~ #Review

Can you believe that I have never heard of L'Occitane until a few years ago.  It was when they were giving away their mini size hand cream through their Facebook Page.  It was a great marketing stunt on their part because I have totally fallen in love with their infamous Shea 20% hand cream.  I know you might think $30 is pretty steep for a 100ml tube of hand cream.  Mark my words it is one of the best and I love using it all the time.  There have been a few times I was able to get it at a discount here or there over the years so keep your eyes peeled.

I Love...(Cosmetics) for Valentine's Day ~ #Review & #Giveaway

Valentine's Day is here in less than 3 weeks and some of you might wonder what to get for the lady in your life.  I think they would love their own small collection of I Love....(cosmetics).  I really think they might like the coconut scent.  It is so addictive and you might like it on her too!  What about Raspberry & Blackberry?  I love the sweet scent that makes me crave for an ice cream sorbet.

Cost of Living 2015 ~ #Life #Money

Happy 2015?

Like I said last year, each year, the cost of living increases and it is getting harder to live in the City.

Major increases will be affecting me this year:

1. My local monthly public transit system has not finalized their 2015 budget proposal.  They are thinking of another $0.10 increase and a $7.25 increase for my Metropasses per month.  A huge jump from $5 from last year.  The plus side is that kids under 12 will ride for free.  It would somewhat benefit me in a small way but I don't travel on the TTC with my kids often enough to make it worth it.  They say it is to improve the service but I think it is more likely to pay for their yearly salary increase. To start their hourly rate is $24.06/hr then it increases after 12 months probation to $26.53 then $31.40 after 24 months.  7 hrs x 5 days per week x $24.06 = $43,789, clearly I am working in the wrong career.  All I need to get is a bus licence and drive a bus/subway all day.

2. My home insurance went up $12/mo.  Which is still high since I am paying over $160 a month.  Last year increase was $50.

3. A price increase for Canada Post, effective January 12, 2015, stamps for letter mail will cost $0.77 for mailing in Canada and $1.18 for mailing in U.S.  These changes are for postage meters and in a way it is a good thing since I see less junk mail but it is terrible for small businesses.

4. They also said my Property Taxes will increase this year by 2.75% where people with houses valued at $525,000 will pay an average of $83 additional per year.  They also said that the solid waste management will also increase by 2.25%

5. My hot water tank (Direct Energy) rental has increased by another $0.50.  When I first moved into my house over 8 years ago, it was around $10 now it is close to $16.

6. Back in December it was discussed that Ontario Hydro bills could go up 42% within 5 years.  So if you were paying $125 it could go upwards to $178 a month plus HST, this is going to hurt alot of people.

Typical Family’s Monthly Hydro Bill 2013 - $125 2014 - $137 2015 - $145 2016 - $167 2017 - $170 2018 - $178 2019 - $177 2020 - $181 2025 - $194 2030 - $205 (Source: Ontario Long-Term Energy Plan. 2013)

7. Enbridge rates are going up and it has already taken effective beginning of the year.  The increase will be approximately $63 annually.

Other increases will be either affecting me or others.
Rent - maximum of 1.6% increase is allowable in Ontario in 2015 - see guideline here
Condo Fees
Car Insurance
Increase in EI & CPP premiums - less take home pay
Camps, after school programs, Day Cares
Food - the usual fruit, meat, and eggs
And the list could go on and on.

I also have to look into summer camps for my daughter.  Both of the summer camps I take my daughter to increased their fees and one was more than the other.  This summer the kids has one more extra week of summer vacation so more expenses for me this summer.

Expenses has been increasing but my salary has been the same for the past 5 years.  *Sigh*

Which increases will affect you the most?

Anything I have mentioned above is through research via online newspapers.  Please do your own research to get accruate numbers.

Giveaways ending January 24, 2015 ~ #Giveaway Winner

The winner to Maybelline Baby Lips & Colour Sensational giveaway is

Shelley N.

and

The winner to Vichy giveaway is

Sean M.

Congrats!
Please check your email
Thanks for entering everyone.

My other current giveaways (more coming soon!):
me4kidz, Feb 22, CAN

Kaia Bamboo Tapioca Beads Daily Cleansing Power, Feb 5, CAN

Live Clean Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo, January 30, CAN  <--ENDING

Me4kidz Are Perfect for Kids ~ #Review #Giveaway

One item I like to keep in my refrigerator is the me4kidz Cool it Buddy Reusable Cold Pack. I remember the day, when I used to work at the day care, when I used iced wrapped in paper towels. It is very uncomfortable and in the end the paper towel gets soaking wet. It could get messy since I was using cheap paper towels.

Lovable Labels: Valentine Sweet Notes ~ #PR

I can't believe that Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  When I was doing my Boxing Week shopping, stores were already putting up their Valentine's Day products. I better starting thinking about what I would do with my daughter when she hands out her Valentine's Day cards.  An idea could be that I would purchase some Lovable Labels's Sweet Notes to make the day extra special.

It cost only $5 and it comes with 8 double sided cards.  It comes with 6 designs in a acid free heavy card stock.  Dimensions: 11 cm x 14.6 cm (4 3/8" x 5 ¾")

They are only available until February 14, 2015.

Don't forget, you can save an additional 10% if you use my Love Bug coupon code during check out (after you have entered your mailing information) - CeciliaLB2

*Disclosure - I will be receiving my choice of  multi-purpose label for promoting Lovable Label program.   All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Testing Secret Clear Gel Anti-Perspirant ~ #Review

I had the opportunity to try Secret Clear Gel Anti-Perspirant from BuzzAgent.  I think this clear gel works amazing.  It leaves no powdery chalk like my usual brand.  It does feels cold when I apply it and it depends if you like that feeling or not.  It goes on wet but it dries super fast.  When twisting the dial to use it, try not to twist it too much or you could waste it and apply way more than needed.  I like the lavender scent which is nice and light.  This Secret Clear Gel leaves no greasy film that could get on to my clothes.  In the end it kept me nice and dry and odor free.  It says it would protect me for 48 hours but I am not sure if it will last that long since I do take a shower at least once a day.

This worked great keeping me dry during the middle of the winter months.  However, I don't sweat as much during the summer but I bet it will do just as well.  It is sold at a reasonable price and occasionally I have seen coupons floating around that I could use.  I would most likely be purchasing this again.





*Disclosure - The product in this review was provided to me free of cost from BuzzAgent for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Giveaways ending January 19, 2015 ~ #Giveaway Winner

The winner to the My Little Pony: Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks DVD giveaway is

Brandee H.

and

The winner to Real Techniques giveaway is

Mary

and

The winner to I love (comestics) giveaway is

Zoey J.

Congrats!
Please check your email
Thanks for entering everyone.

My other current giveaways (more coming soon!):
Kaia Bamboo Tapioca Beads Daily Cleansing Power, Feb 5, CAN

Live Clean Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo, January 30, CAN

Vichy, January 24, CAN

Maybelline, Jan 20, CAN  <--ENDING

Me4Kidz Are Great to Have In My Purse ~ #Review

My kids are accident prone. They are usually coming home with cuts and bruises. When we visit my parents on the weekend they think the day care did something to them. It is funny that I never carry band aids with me. But when I do, they just disappear in the black hole in my bag. I have one of those bags that everything just goes into and nothing comes out. Half the time I am digging into my bag just to try to find anything. The best solution is for me to get the Me4kidz Medi Buddy First Aid Kit To Go.

Giveaways ending January 12, 2015 ~ #Giveaway Winner

The winner to the Garnier Dark Spot Mask & Hand Cream giveaway is

Lisa K.

and

The winner to The Body Shop Olive Premium giveaway is

Lucy P.

Congrats!
Please check your email
Thanks for entering everyone.

My other current giveaways (more coming soon!):
Kaia Bamboo Tapioca Beads Daily Cleansing Power, Feb 5, CAN

Live Clean Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo, January 30, CAN

Vichy, January 24, CAN

Maybelline, Jan 20, CAN

MLP: Equestria Girls: Rainbow Dash, Jan 13, CAN/US <--ENDING

I Love..., Jan 19, CAN

Real Techniques, Jan 15, CAN

Testing NIVEA's New Products ~ #Review

NIVEA is a brand my mom used to use back in the day. I can’t remember which product it was but it was thick and creamy, so I bet it was most likely the hand cream. My mom used to show me how to remove makeup using a strong and thick hand cream. I was very excited to try NIVEA’s new face care line products (Sensitive Day Care, Sensitive Night Care and Sensitive 3in1 Micellar Cleansing Water) as well as NIVEA Cocoa Butter Body Lotion and Creme Care Body Wash.

Did you know 52% of Canadians claim to have sensitive skin? I would not have known that. Between my two daughters, my youngest has sensitive skin and has developed eczema so I have to be careful what I put on her skin.

Kaia Bamboo Tapioca Beads Daily Cleansing Powder ~ #Review #Giveaway

New Year is always the time to make goals and sometimes even changes.  My goals are pretty much the same - spend more time with family, eat more healthy, lose weight, read more, and even save more - same old, same old.  One of my goals this year is something very simple like exfoliate more often.  I have been told I should exfoliate my skin at least 3X a week.  I tend to forget or procrastinate and I end up forgetting and might exfoliate once every two/three weeks. This month I want to exfoliate my skin with the use of Kaia Bamboo Tapioca Beads Daily Cleansing Powder.

Two Amazing Giveaways Have Ended ~ #Giveaway Winner

Drum Roll Please!

The winners to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory giveaway are

Erin M.
Lisa S.

and

The winner to the Hush Puppies giveaway is

Nicolas C.

Congrats!
Please check your email
Thanks for entering everyone.

My other current giveaways (more coming soon!):
Kaia Bamboo Tapioca Beads Daily Cleansing Powder, February 5, CAN

Live Clean Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo, January 30, CAN

Vichy, January 24, CAN

Maybelline, Jan 20, CAN

MLP: Equestria Girls: Rainbow Dash, Jan 13, CAN/US

I Love..., Jan 19, CAN

Real Techniques, Jan 15, CAN

The Body Shop Olive Premium, Jan 12, CAN

Garnier Dark Spot Mask & Hand Cream, Jan 11, CAN  <--ENDING

Winners for giveaways Ending January 2, 2015 ~ #Giveaway Winners

The winner to the Slugterra: Ghoul From Beyond DVD giveaway is

Kristy D.

and

The winner to the Montagne Jeunesse giveaway is

Juliee F.

Congrats!
Please check your email
Thanks for entering everyone.

My other current giveaways (more coming soon!):
Live Clean Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo, January 30, CAN

Vichy, January 24, CAN

Maybelline, Jan 20, CAN

MLP: Equestria Girls: Rainbow Dash, Jan 13, CAN/US

I Love..., Jan 19, CAN

Real Techniques, Jan 15, CAN

The Body Shop Olive Premium, Jan 12, CAN

Garnier Dark Spot Mask & Hand Cream, Jan 11, CAN

Hush Puppies, Jan 6, CAN

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Jan 3, CAN  <--ENDING

Live Clean Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Shampoo ~ #Review #Giveaway

Happy New Year!!  Bye, Bye to 2014 and hello to 2015 and fantastic hair.  I love to put on leave-in hair conditioner products in my hair every day but I occasionally put on anti frizz and mousse whenever I use the curling iron. Sometimes I even use hairspray and even heat protection to maintain my hair. If I am applying this every day, imagine the hair build up that my regular shampoo miss whenever I wash my hair. I use Live Clean Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Shampoo to bring back my hair natural condition.