Wow, that was fast.
Another year has gone bye.
What a fun year this has been.
So many new things has happened to me this year.
Here is to another great year.
Hope 2012 is the end of this terrible recession.
Wishing you a fantastic New Year.
Keep on smiling and stay happy.
Lots of hugs!
Every year my hubby and I limit our selves to $50 each for Christmas because we always go out shopping on Boxing Day to get what we wanted and/or needed.
It is cheaper for us to do it this way.
I gave my hubby a wool scarf, long johns (for running), and thick winter hiking socks.
That was $50+taxes
He broke the rules and spent a bit more and got me the Kobo touch.
I have the original Kobo May 2010 and it has been scratch up a bit and the button is worn down.
It is taken me a bit getting us to this new Kobo since I am so use to the old one.
I love the invention of e-ink and e-readers.
I can read without the weight of a book and with the e-ink technology does not hurt my eyes.
With my first Kobo, people had asked me what it was and if I like it.
I love it and I never go to work with out it - it is my travelling buddy.
I wish I could get the Kobo Vox - Shhh...dont tell my hubby that :)
How was your Boxing day?
I am one of those who loves to find bargains/deals and Boxing day is not to be missed.
The Nike Factory store had their 40% everything sale - happens only on Boxing Day.
The line up to check out was huge!
The cashier said that he was in at 6:45am and there was already a line up to get in.
We tagged team where I waited in line first and then we switched when my hubby was done.
I think Sephora had a better boxing day sale this year than last year - they actually have a sale.
I saw the Hello Kitty brush set on sale as well as the palette and the paddle brush.
I wanted to buy one but I could not think of a reason to buy it except that they are Hello Kitty so I had to walk away....
Sale $40 CAN
Sale $35 CAN
However I did purchase Cake's Snow Women and Holiday Handful Limited Edition.
They were half price.
I wanted to buy the Winter Wonder Lips but I have already have too much lip gloss.
Sale $15 CAN
Sale $18 CAN
Sale $12.50 CAN
I also popped over to Marshalls and they were selling holiday motif items 50% off.
I picked up China Glazed Holiday Edition for $6.50.
What a deal!
A good quality nail polish for $3.25 each - cant go wrong there.
Sale $6.50
Boxing Day (Week) Sale is still going on.
The better part of the sale is usually only on Dec 26th, may also include Dec 27th.
I hope I can find some more deals later on this week - the leftovers...
It has been awhile since we saw a movie at the theatre.
The last movie we saw at the theatre was Source Code which I liked.
We saw Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Picture from Cineplex.com
I absolutely love it.
Robert Downey Jr. is the best. After his recovery, he has chosen great movies to act in.
This is a must see movie. I highly recommend it.
I am a person who is winning only watch a action flick on the big screen.
Any chick flicks or drama I rather watch it at home.
Why? It is so expensive to go out and watch a movie at the theatre that I want to make it worth it.
The last time I saw a drama on screen was "Water" by Deepa Mehta
The movie was OK. I rather had watch it at home than spend big $$..
I had to watch it because it was my girlfriend's birthday and that is what she picked.
A few weeks ago she suggested to watch "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett because she read the book.
I had to refused. I had also read the book and I rather watch it at home - Thank You
I have been using labels for my daughter items for a few years now.
When she was younger, I put them on her baby bottles and clothing so they wont get lost or get mixed up with the other kids stuff.
Lately I have put on her water canteen and her lunch box/bag.
I've purchased them from Lovable Labels at www.lovablelabels.ca
To make it even sweeter I will provide you a 10% coupon code for Lovable Labels on everything on the website - CeciliaCLB1* CeciliaLB3
It is better to purchase these labels instead of re-purchasing the item.
*I get reward points when you use my code - towards selected free products*
Yeah!
Received my box full of goodies in the mail.
I couldn't wait to open my Luxe Box's Holiday Edition.
You can also read my September, October and November boxes here.
To see more photos - please watch my video
The package: Yves Rocher: cream - full size 50mL @ $52 (on sale $28.50); sample 15mL @ $15.60 (on sale $8.58)
This cream smells wonderful. I don't usually buy anything from Yves Rocher but this is a nice treat.
It is not too greasy and it is great for the winter when my skin gets really dry.
Moroccan Oil: Hairspray - full size 300mL @ $24; sample 75mL @ $6
This is to replace last month Moroccan Oil hair cream because it expired in March. I don't use hair spray so I will most likely give it away.
Moroccan Oil: Shampoo - full size 240 mL @ $22; sample 70mL @ $6.42
This is an extra treat #1 because of the expired product they have given to us. I can't wait to try it.
Moroccan Oil: Conditioner - full size 240 mL @ $21; sample 70mL @ $6.13
Extra treat #2 because of the expired product they have given to us. Conditioners do not last long for me. I have long hair so I hope I can get enough sample to try it for a few washes.
Nina Ricci: L'Air - full size 50 mL @ $72; sample 1.2mL @ $1.73
This smell so nice. I believe this is more for a night on the town. My husband thinks it smells like Christmas. I think it smells like the forest/trees...so I guess that is why my husband thinks it smells like Christmas.
Nina Ricci: L'Elixir - full size 50 mL @ $65; sample 1.2mL @ $1.56
This has a fruitier smeller. I think this is great during the day. My husband like this one more.
NYX: eye pencil - full size 1 g @ $4 = sample - Yeah
Black is great. It goes with everything. I found NYX is very popular and in Canada you can only purchase it in selected drug store - usually in Rexall/Pharma Plus. I am glad to get to try this because this is my first product by NYX.
Don't forget the limited edition chocolate coin with their logo on it. That was gone in seconds.
So the total value of this month's box is $41+ (includes regular price Yves Rocher & last month product replacement.)
The Bottom Line
My experience with Luxe Box- 5/5
Product received - 4/5
The surprise - 5/5
Favourite product received - Moroccan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner
I enjoyed receiving and opening my box this month. I get to try many new items I have never used before. I am super happy to received it before Christmas.
To my surprise - I received my December Glymm Box.
I was so excited I had to open it. I could not wait for Christmas to open it.
To see all my pictures - watch the video
In this box I received:
Caudalie: Peel Mask - Full Size 40mL @ $40; sample size 3mL @ $3
This product line is too pricey for me. I have tried it and it was OK. It hydrated my skin.
Ahava: Hand Cream - Full Size 3.4 oz @ $20; sample size 0.68 @ $4
I was so happy to get to try something from Ahava. I love the hand cream. I love the smell on my hand but after awhile, I have to keep on replying it. My hand is so dry during the winter season. I think I need something a little strong. I think this is great for the summer. It is already in my purse.
Yves Saint Laurent: La Parisienne - Full Size 3oz @ $85; sample size 0.25 @ $7.08
My first perfume sample in a long time. I remember they use give out in the little vile. I like the bottle. It is very cute. Presentation is everything. However, I am so afraid to spill it. They should have added a spray top on it. I love the smell. So does my husband so that is a bonus. I dont purchase perfume so I wont be buying the full size.
Sula Beauty: Lip Gloss - Full Size 0.5 oz @ $8; sample size = full size - YEAH!
It has an interesting smell. Not sure what it is. It almost smell like bubble gum paint. I don't like I like the smell. The colour is pale pink so it emphasizes your natural lip colour.
Glymm gift card - $10 off on their on-line store - double yeah.
I think I will be using this coupon. Not sure what I will buy but I have time to think about it.
Dont forget the jelly beans. This time they gave me cherry and chocolate favour. I love them. Better than last time - coffee favour = gross...
Total value for this box is $22+ but if you add in the gift card it will be $32+
The Bottom Line
My experience with Glymm Box- 5/5
Product received - 3/5
The surprise - 5/5
Favourite product received - Ahava hand cream
I hope you like your box.
Cant wait to see what the new year will bring.
Zeller's - save 10%, but if you have their HBC mastercard or HBC credit card you can save 15%
To get the coupon, click here
Sheridian Nurseries is also having up to 50% sale.
Chapters/Indigo
If you are last minute shopper. Chapters can still deliver to Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal by December 24th - Order by Sunday. Wow, cutting it close?
PhotoLab.ca - 25% off all calendars
However, I don't think they will deliver by December 24th.
Lowe's is selling the Bosch Tassimo Beverage System for $98 until Dec 21st.
Great gift for either your parents or for yourself.
Going to shop at Yorkdale?
Until January 8th, they are offering free valet parking for the first and last two hours of its operating hours and with a $50 purchase (so keep your receipt). Space is limited so hope for the best you get a spot.
They are giving 25% off their gift certificates.
That is the best deal I have seen.
Usually it is 15% or once in a while 20%.
I have used them a few years ago from my husband. Yeah!
This deal ends this Friday December 16th, 2011.
So for $25 gift certificate it will only cost you $18.75 - awesome deal!
Even the printing and shipping is free.
A new company called Ebeauty.
It is another company under Rogers Communication Inc.
During the month of October they were offering free shipping when you purchase more than $25.
Then in November it was free shipping with no minimum, then later with an added bonus they offer an additional 15% discount.
That was when I decided to purchase from the site.
There were some issues before I received everything.
Unfortunately, they ended up charging me additional 2 cents for no reason. Very odd. For 2 cents, I will let it go.
First issue was that I was suppose to received a gift with purchase of any product by Nuxe.
I had to call and complain.
Then I was missing my free bag. I was suppose to receive a free bag because I spent more than $75+.
Finally when I did receive the free bag, I was a bit disappointed - it is a poor quality bag.
Not worth it.
When other beauty product offers free bags, it is 10X better than what I received.
I will be giving the bag away during Christmas like a gift bag.
I purchased:
Murad - facial cleaner
The infamous Beauty Blender with the cleaner
Nuxe hand cream
The free gift with purchase
The free bag because I spent over $75 (cheepo bag - not worth it)
Murad - face wash: it makes my skin really dry so I will only use it occasionally when I have break outs. Nuxe - hand cream: it is OK. It had a strange smell but not terrible. I will still use it since it cost me $17. With that price tag on a hand lotion I assume it will smell nicer. Beauty Blender: Still have not tried it yet. Will try it this weekend - to get ready for a party. There is alot of youtube demo how to use it.
Overall:
Experience with my first order - 2/5
Customer Service - 4/5
Products received - 4/5
Free gifts - 1/5
Would I purchase again from this site - I doubt it
Would I recommend this? - Unlikely - over charge me by 2 cents, free gift bag was cheap, shipping took forever (approx 2 weeks).
When I called customer service I did get to speak to a right away. I didn't have to wait very long and the reps were somewhat helpful.
Unless they have a crazy clearance/sale I might try them again.
If you are a Sephora beauty insider member don't forget to check your email.
They have sent a coupon for $15 off if you spend $50. Last year it was to spending $40 (boo).
I bought the Glitz and Glam set for $48 and two sharpeners for $1 each.
With the $15 coupon, I bought this for $35...YEAH!
I like to get their sample box so I get a little of everything and I could always put it in my purse or in a travel bag.
I have already tried the lip gloss by Tarina Tarantino - I love it.
Who is Topbox?
They are another company who provides "top" brand beauty samples delivered to your door.
Please click here to read all about them or to join. I know you can't resist.
Last month was my first Topbox experience you can click here to read all about it.
My box was being held hostage at the post office again - for approx 24 hours. I guess with the extra Christmas deliveries there must be a back log.
Here it is! My December Box. My early Christmas present.
In this box I received TWO full size samples:
Cargo Cosmetics: Lip Gloss - Full Size 4.75 g @ $25 (At Sears.ca it is $24 and ebeauty.ca it is $22)
The timestrip technology is a neat idea.
Bella Pella: Glycerine Soap - Full Size 125 g @ $7.95
This smells wonderful. I was already looking at their website to see what else they sell. Too bad they dont have a location in Toronto.
Cover FX: Primer - Full Size 30 mL @ $45, Sample Size 7mL @ $10.50
It comes out clear and it made my skin pretty smooth.
Also, if I purchase it at Shoppers Drug Mart I receive additional points. I like that.
SkinCeuticals: B5 gel - Full Size 30 mL @ $78, Sample Size 5 mL @ $13 (guessing)
I love this gel. Winter months can be harsh to my skin. I find my skin dehydrated. When I put this on, it really hydrates my skin. I am glad to try this product.
The estimate worth of the box is approximately $56. It is a good monthly investment.
The Bottom Line
My experience with Topbox - 5/5
Product received - 5/5
The surprise - 5/5
Favourite product received - Bella Pella
Topbox receives brownie points:
Delivering the box early before Christmas (& other companies *wink*wink*)
Giving us a "hint" - a snap shot of the package before it is shipped off (love guessing)
Providing two full size samples (YEAH!!!)
At first I was not sure if I should sign up with Topbox because there were not much information about them. So I took a risk and I am glad I did because within a week their December, Jan, and Feb boxes were sold out. That is impressive. I hope they can keep up with the demands in the new year. Keep up with the good work.
If you have a facebook account, don't forget to "like" them because I do!!
I would love to see what the new year will bring - more goodies!!
They have a $5 off with a $10+ purchase
ONLY on selected items...not sure which ones, but make sure you ask the store for details before you make the purchase.
Plus if you spend $125 you receive $25 gift card. See website for details.
Today I have treated myself another Sephora purchase.
I bought the Sephora's Bestseller box set.
So far I have tried the Daisy perfume and the hope cream. I like them both.
I have tried the lip stick...it is really red but with a little of lip balm it helps tone down.
I cant wait to try the rest.
I have a coupon from Sephora for $15 off if I spend over $50.
Last year it was $15 off if I spend over $40.
That sucks.
I guess it is to make up for the difference from the Black Friday event.
I heard that Sephora had a major website problem during Black Friday.
It was down for hours and people stayed up to shop on their website.
Sephora rarely give out sales and when they do, it is a major event.
