Home from a very relaxing vacation!

Our family just returned from a twelve day vacation to Houston and a Western Caribbean cruise.  The weather was not good, but it was still better than it was here.  We missed a port stop at Grand Cayman due to the high winds, but had a great time cliff diving at the Blue Hole in Jamaica and shopping in Cozumel.

Our kids love cruising and we love that there is something for everyone on board.  The younger two love the teen club, the eldest loves the food and entertainment.  DH and I love that everyone is happy.

I splurged and bought myself these beautiful Zultanite earrings.  They are amazing in that they change colors depending on the light source.  They can be bright green, rose, peach - it's amazing.  They are mined in Turkey and 'supposedly' are very rare and the mine is almost mined out so the value should start increasing soon.  

Our luggage just arrived (two days late) so I'm up to my eyeballs in laundry.  It's -41 with the wind chill today, so I'm happy to have an excuse to stay indoors.  We did quite a bit of shopping while in Houston, so I'll be adding items to my closet and getting rid of some others.  I'm trying really hard to stick to the one-in, one-out rule.  I got some things for spring that hopefully I'll be able to wear soon!

I arrived home to a couple of Memebox subscription boxes, and surprised to find my February Glossy box.  I'll post those details soon.  It was a great treat to come home to some presents!

Glossy Box January review

I got my January and December Glossy boxes yesterday.  Yes, it's February.  Yes, I hope they get their shipping woes figured out soon.

December's review can be found here.  This is the January box:

1. Vichy Purete Thermale 3-in-1 One Step Cleanser - 1 oz - approx. value $3
full size is 6.7 oz and $19.50
This looks like a great cleanser, toner and make up remover in one.  It will come in handy on an upcoming vacation I just wish it had been larger.  It's nice to see Glossy is including products from Canada.  Shopper's Drug Mart carries this line so I should be able to purchase more if I like it.

2.  Skin&Co Roma - Sicilian Light Serum - 0.17 oz - approx value $8
This is $47 for 1 fl oz!! Expensive stuff.  This is a really small sample so I can't imagine how you'd be able to see much difference after only a few uses.  It's a brightening serum formulated to correct imperfections.  I need that but can't see myself purchasing this again nor seeing a difference in a few uses so this is a miss for me.

3.  Lollipops Eye Pencil in Goodbye Moon - full size $17.70
Unfortunately, the last thing I need is an eyeliner but this does look like good quality.  I think it will end up in my nieces birthday gift.

4.  Teez Trendy Cosmetics Flat stiff brush value $23.50
I did just purchase a new eye shadow brush but this one looks great so I may put the other in my travel bag or I may save this for my daughter who is just starting to wear makeup.

5.  Kueshi Revitalizing Face Toner - full size $13.30
I needed a toner so the timing on this was perfect.  This comes from Spain and is a blend of aloe vera and flower extracts.  I will start using this one immediately.  I doubt I will be able to purchase it locally if I like it.

Extra Item:  $40 Hello Fresh gift card
This company does not ship to Canada so this item has zero value to me.  It frustrates me they would even include it in the box when they are shipping to Canada.


Verdict:

I really like receiving the toner, two of the items were too small, it was nice to get a brush (even though I don't need it right now) and the eyeliner was something I will be giving away.  All-in-all, I wasn't thrilled with this box.  The cost to me after subscription, shipping & exchange was $32.  The value was about $65.  The toner, cleanser and brush were the only items of value to me though so I'm looking at a value pretty similar to what I paid so I didn't lose anything.


I will continue to subscribe and hope they get their shipping fixed.  Receiving January's box on Feb. 10th isn't great.  Receiving December's on Feb. 10th is unacceptable.

Glossy Box Dec 2014 review

Yes, I'm reviewing the December box now.  On February 10th.  I received it yesterday.  The same day I received my January box.  In February.  I purchased my subscription at the beginning of November.

Fortunately, after numerous eMails to customer service and personal messages through Facebook, they sent the box and also refunded the cost of it, so I'm further ahead.  What was further upsetting to me was the different excuses they gave - they had the wrong address on file (it was never wrong), they were waiting on a replacement product, it's shipping tomorrow, it's shipping next week. and lastly, they were out of boxes and I would get a past top box instead.  When I did finally get a tracking number (which never appeared on my account of via email, I got it through a PM on Facebook) I wasn't sure what I was getting.

I'm not sure whether to be thrilled I finally got it, or PO'ed because it came.  I'm pretty sure it came from the 'bottom of the crate' since the inside packing paper was ripped and the lid of the box of one item was ripped as well.



1.  Toni & Guy leave in conditioner.  100 ml - full size $17
Target carries this in the US for $11.
I have very dry hair so frequently use a leave in conditioner, so was happy to see this.

2.  Bellapierre Cosmetics Mineral Lipstick in Burlesque - full size $20
I love that this is a Mineral lipstick - what I don't love is the BRIGHT color!  I'm not sure I'll ever wear this.

3.  Ciate mini paint pot in All Aglow - full size $10
This is a very pretty color and would have been great during the Christmas season.  I'm sure it will be usable next year.  I love that it's free of all the 'bad' stuff in many nail polishes.  It's available at Sephora here (and possibly elsewhere) for the same price.

4.  Nuxe Masque Creme Fraiche de Beaute - full size $32
This is one of the products I really wanted to try.  I know that Shopper's Drug Mart carries this brand so if I like it I'll be able to get more easily.  I have sensitive, combination skin so always on the look out for something that's hypoallergenic or gentle on skin.  The lid of this box was ripped open, but the product appears okay.

5.  Rituals Cosmetics Miracle Hand scrub in Ginseng and Ginko Biloba - full size 2.5ml is $17
This should be nice to try on my hands and I'm also going to try it on my feet because this time of the year they need a little TLC too.  This doesn't seem to be available anywhere local so will be a nice treat.  It isn't a full size but it's a good size.

Verdict:

At the end of the day, I got the box for free which is good and I just hope this was my one and only bad experience with Glossy.  I wasn't happy with the shipping (obviously) or the communication (and false information) from Glossy.

Glossy hasn't been shipping to Canada for long, so I'm hoping this type of issue will be sorted out and things start running smoothly.  I like the products so am willing to try it again.  If I have another similar experience, I will be canceling though.

Little LIFE box February 2015 Review

My second Little LIFE box arrived this morning - again, 5 days after they were shipped out which I think is great.  If interested in seeing what came last month, the review is here.

The first view, same as last month, looked nice and full.  I think my box was missing the little postcard that is usually included but that's no big deal.

Contents:

1.  Spatone 100% natural liquid iron supplement  - not for sale on their site so I wasn't able to get a price on this there but I found it elsewhere for $15.  14 day supply.

This was the largest item in the box and I can't imagine I'll be using it.  I was once anemic so I know it's an issue for some people but I now have my iron levels okay so don't want to take something I don't need as I know it can cause stomach issues to have too much iron.  I will check to see if any other family members are interested in it and pass it along.

2,   Symbiotics Colostrum chewable plus - 2 tablets

I don't understand sending 2 tablets of a supplement.  How do I know it makes any difference after 1 dose??

3,  Total Soy meal replacement mix. Enough for 1 drink - not available on their site, nor could I find it elsewhere so not sure of value.  I'd guess about $2.50
This is vanilla flavored and I will be sending it with my DH for him to have on his workout days.

4.  Nature Pro Chocolate Whey protein shake mix , enough for 1 shake

Again, this wasn't available to purchase on their site, nor could I find it elsewhere so I'm guessing at $2.50.  The sample is in a plain foil pack, but all the information you need is included on the pamphlet.  I will also send this with my DH to have after workouts.

5.  Leach Free Detox Pills - Body Burden BPA Detoxifier 60 capsules

These aren't available to purchase online so not sure what price to put on them.   There is a good information card that comes with it and their website also has information on why you want to detox.  You can take 2 capsules for a daily detox so this is a month supply.  It definitely looks interesting so I will be reading up more on it before attempting this.  I'd say this is something I didn't know I needed but probably should use it.

6.  Sunny Body Goddess Garden SPF 30 natural sunscreen 1oz/29ml - est. $5 value

We received this product in last month's box as well, but this is a larger size.  This is a product I've been using for at least a year so nothing new to me, but I am still happy with receiving it.  It's a perfect size to throw in my purse or travel bag.  It goes on very white and does take awhile to rub in but I've been happy with it.

7.  Neolia shampoo and conditioner foil packs - 10ml each.  approx value of $0.40

Full size on Neolia's site is $8/400ml 

These should give me two uses each and are handy to throw in a travel bag.  I like the natural ingredients so definitely interested in trying this one out.

8.  GoGo Quinoa cookies x2 - estimated value of $0.50

Wheat free, gluten free, vegan, dairy and egg free.  I will be throwing these in my DD's lunch kit for a healthy treat.

9.  Theobroma dark chocolate raspberry mini chocolate bar - 10 ml .  On their site you can get a box of 75 for $58.50 so I estimate this one is worth $0.75.  I LOVE dark chocolate with fruit so this is for me!

10.  Fourmi Bionique Aphrodisiac Gourmet Granola - full size 300g priced at $5.30 on their site.

Not sure why this is considered an aphrodisiac??  Maybe because it has dark chocolate, almonds, currants and ginseng.    This will be good with yogurt and fruit and will definitely get put to use.

Verdict:

I wasn't as happy with this month's as last.  I assume the value is there but some items were hard to put a price on.  I wouldn't have purchased most of the items though, so the value to me seems low, but that's just me.  I think I would prefer to get more food, and body products and less health/supplements since I think those are very specific to a person's needs and interests. 

I purchased a 3 month subscription and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes in March.  

Meme Lucky box #13 Review

I was so happy to see this arrive in the mail today............my first MEME box!!!

It was going to be a complete surprise since I have yet to see any reviews or unboxing videos posted.  I ordered the box on Jan. 22 and arrived Feb. 5.  I DID NOT pay extra for expedited shipping so I'm very happy with this shipping time.

I just discovered Meme box and now find out they will no longer be shipping to Canada.  Once I heard, I immediately ordered two more boxes (Global #17 and #18).  Based on what I received in this box, I'm looking forward to those too and hope they reevaluate this decision.  I also ordered the men's grooming box when I ordered this one so hopefully that will arrive soon.

On to the box.  Looked nice and full when I first opened it.

Great info cards, which are critical since some of the products do not have English on the labels.

1,  Shara Shara Tempting Avocado Chocolate Massage Cream (100g) full size - $15

Replenish and rejuvenate skin with richly nutritious blend of avocado oil, cacao extracts, and banana extracts.  Said to deeply nourish, firm up, and smooth out rough, sagging skin, bringing back a healthy glow to your complexion.

Spread evenly over clean face and gently massage for about 5 min.  Rinse off with warm water.

Looks interesting.  Unfortunately, I'm allergic to bananas (yes, the weirdest allergy ever) so this will likely get handed to my daughter who loves chocolate and bananas so this will be a great valentine's gift to her!!  Not that she has sagging skin at age 12, but I'm sure she'll love the experience.

2. Yadah Anti-T Spot Cream (15g) full size $15

This Anti-T spot cream boosts a fast absorbing, creamy formula enriched with cactus, green tea, rosemary, aloe vera, and sage extracts and completely free of paraben, benzophenon, mineral oil, sulfate, artificial coloring and animal ingredients.  It's gentle, naturally derived ingredients are non-stimulating on even the most sensitive skin types and they effectively treat red spots and blemishes for a cleaner and clearer complexion.

Take a small amount and apply it over blemish spots twice a day, morning and night.

This is one of my favorite things in the box as it's exactly what I needed.  I actually ordered the Global #17 box mostly for the bee venom anti-spot cream.  I love all of the natural ingredients and it has little smell to it which I really like.

3.  LASSIE'EL Night Miracle Sleeping Pack (4g x 2) full size $6

These work to deeply hydrate and rejuvenate dry, exhausted skin overnight to reveal healtheir and brighter complexion in the morning.  

Use the provided spatula to mix the formula inside together and evenly spread the mixture all over the face and neck.  Go straight to bed without rinsing it off.

As a newbie to Meme, I've never used a night mask so I'm really looking forward to trying these.  I received Egg and Mango.

4.  MISE EN SCENE Perfect Serum (70ml) full size ($9)
This highly-concentrated perfect serum is to be used before and/or after blow drying to give your hair the silky, well-nourished finish.  It's enriched with 7 different natural oils - argan, camelia, olive, jojoba, coconut, apricot and manula - and its oil-like formula quickly absorb into the hair without leaving it sticky or greasy.
I've been using argan oil recently and it definitely makes a difference on my hair, which is SO SO dry.  I'm almost out of my bottle, so this is perfect timing.  Looking forward to trying this one.

5.  Dr, MJ Moisture Bounce Collagen Capsule cream (50g) full size $54

A rejuvenating facial cream formulated into bouncy, jelly like texture packed with collagen capsules, hyaluronic acid, and adenosine to intensively hydrate and gently firm up sensitive and tired skin.  It works to alleviate and nourish stimualted skin for a quick skin renewal as well.

Apply evenly to clean face.  Pat it in for full absorbance.

This is exactly the type of product I was hoping would come in the box since my sensitive skin is in bad shape right now.  I will be using this one immediately.  I love the fresh smell!

6.  LA BELLONA Camellia Oleifera Oil Clinic (50 g) full size $11
Restore dry, damaged, and brittle hair with this super restorative hair miracle.  Camellia flower, and hydrolyzed collagen in the formula add a protective layer on dry or damaged hair to reduce hair's porosity to minimize brittleness and increase hair's resistance to breakage.  Use it as a daily hair conditioner for hair that is silky soft to the touch, or used it as a weekly hair treatment to bring back life into dull locks.
To use as a hair conditioner, shampoo and rinse hair.  Squeeze out excessive water and apply a layer of product into the hair, starting from the ends.  Massage for 2 to 3 minutes.  Rinse thoroughly.
It does say can be used as a treatment, but doesn't explain how but the box also included a plastic 'shower cap' type thing so I'm assuming it's to be used with this when using as a treatment.
Some may be disappointed to get two hair oil treatments, but since my hair is always dry I'm fine with it.  They will not expire before I can use them both up.

Verdict:
I'm very happy with my first Meme box, and very disappointed I won't be able to order more after Feb. 10.  I really hope this is a temporary thing.
I paid $29 US, including shipping, and got $106 worth of product, all of which I'm happy with and will use.  All are full size,

Now to wait for my global boxes and try to refrain from ordering any more prior to Feb. 10...........not sure I'll be able to.

Wantable Accessories January 2015

WOW!!! I can not believe I received this in the mail today.  I placed the order on Jan. 22 - that's only 7 business days ago.  I don't think I have ever ordered something from the US and have it arrive so soon.

I had tried the Wantable Intimates subscription box (review here), and didn't have that much luck with fit and style, but I was so impressed with the company I wanted to try another version of the box.  I thought the fit of accessories should be okay and I was willing to take the risk with style.  Not to mention I found a great deal getting the box 30% off (deal now over).

Here are my likes and dislikes.  I have necklaces and classic as my loves as I was really on the hunt for a classic statement necklace.  I was happy to get 4 items including a statement necklace.

Blair Necklace Gold - retail $42
This necklace is definitely a statement necklace!  I'm not sure if I like it though.  It may be a little 'out there' for me, but I'm willing to try it and step out of my traditional box.  It has lots of sparkle and light pink and yellow jewels.  What I'm not that fond of are the plastic blue circles.  I think it cheapens the look.  The retail value seems high, but I've never bought such a thing so it could be right on.  It does seem to be made well.  I'll have to find something in my closet to complement it.

Corinne Bracelet Silver - retail $12
I LOVE this bracelet.  It's nice and  simple and it fits my tiny wrists since it can be molded to any size.  I was worried I'd get bangles that would be far too big for me.  Very happy with this and would definitely pay the retail listed on this.

Corbin Earrings - retail $10
This are very simple small (1/4") gold studs with small stones inset.  I think these complement the statement necklace well.  I have quite a few gold studs, but these are a little more unique.  I'm sure I'll wear them.

Sasha Earrings Gold - retail value $18
These are definitely statement earrings!  They are very colorful with an orange main stone, surrounded by pink, white and a pale blue stone.  Definitely unique for me, but something I can see myself wearing on our upcoming vacation to dress up a plain outfit.  These are 1.25" so fairly large but don't hang down too far which I like.

Verdict
I was very happy with this box for the discounted price I paid.  I will try it again even at the higher price point.  I hope our exchange rate was better as it will likely cost about $55 after all taxes, duties, exchange, etc.   The retail value is $82.  Although that's a great value, I always like to look more at the value that it has to me and I'd say it's about half of that - meaning I could likely spend about $40 and get similar items.  I do like that it's going to get me out of my comfort zone.  I'm not sure I would have bought these same items if I'd seen them in the store, but willing to try them out.