mamaluv
Member Since: September 8, 2006Reviews
Clarisonic Mia 2
I really like my Clarisonic Mia 2. That being said, I don't generally use it daily because it dries out my skin (as do most exfoliating products). I absolutely love the difference it has made in my skin! Far fewer breakouts, overall better... +
I really like my Clarisonic Mia 2. That being said, I don't generally use it daily because it dries out my skin (as do most exfoliating products).
I absolutely love the difference it has made in my skin! Far fewer breakouts, overall better absorption of my skincare products, and - whether due to the Clarisonic alone or because my skincare products are better absorbed as a result - overall better balance of my combination skin (oily patches are less oily, dry patches less dry).
So again, a little much for daily use for me personally, but 3x weekly has made ALL the difference. I would definitely recommend it and it makes a very thoughtful birthday/Mother's Day gift too!
-
Frozen, the Disney Movie
This is a really nice movie when you remember who is the target audience. I have adult friends who saw it in theatre and thought it was too musical, not funny enough, and certainly not original enough. This is a fairytale written for young kids and... +
This is a really nice movie when you remember who is the target audience. I have adult friends who saw it in theatre and thought it was too musical, not funny enough, and certainly not original enough.
This is a fairytale written for young kids and families, not so much a date night rom-com. To make a sweeping stereotypical comment (please don't hate!) most boys will probably not like this movie as much as the little girls. My sons liked "Tangled" much better than "Frozen" or "Enchanted" for example, because the focus was more on the male character's hijinks and the goofy approach to the plot rather than a more romantic or feel-good approach.
This movie is a return to Disney's powerhouse fairy tale collection that included Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. If you grew up loving those movies, then Frozen will be a home run for you!
-
Eat Smart Sweet Kale Bagged Salad
This is my favourite bagged salad. I do prefer making salads myself so that I can choose the freshest greens etc, but for quick sides this is perfect. It's kale, so it's normal to occasionally find some tougher pieces in there but this does not... +
This is my favourite bagged salad. I do prefer making salads myself so that I can choose the freshest greens etc, but for quick sides this is perfect.
It's kale, so it's normal to occasionally find some tougher pieces in there but this does not bother me at all. If I want it a little lighter, I'll chop up some romaine lettuce and toss it into this mix. Like many bagged salads, the toppings are individually wrapped so you can customize your salad how you like it.
I also really like that this is both available at regular grocery stores in a smaller package but also at Costco in a large size for when I have dinner guests. I recommend it!
-
OtterBox Cases
I bought my daughter an OtterBox case for her Samsung Galaxy 3 amid her great protestations. She felt it wasn't cool enough, and that's true - the deal we got upon signing a new cell contract was for the basic black Defender box. Not very cool at... +
I bought my daughter an OtterBox case for her Samsung Galaxy 3 amid her great protestations. She felt it wasn't cool enough, and that's true - the deal we got upon signing a new cell contract was for the basic black Defender box. Not very cool at all.
HOWEVER, the number of times she has dropped her phone on every possible surface has convinced her that the OtterBox is a fantastic choice. While all of her friends have purchased brand name or glittery generic cases, hers is the only phone without a cracked screen or loss of function due to dropping. She received a new case this Christmas in a more interesting colour and is very happy about that.
Her experience convinced me to purchase an OtterBox for my iPhone and I am also very happy with it. I had a Blackberry before this which was darn near indestructible, and now with the OtterBox my iPhone is in even better hands.
The only negative is that OtterBox is more expensive than the vanity cases, but it more than makes up for it in quality. It's also a little clunkier due to the stronger construction, but this is not a deterrent for me at all. Big fan!
-
eos Organic Smooth Spheres Lip Balm
I'm inexcusably late to the eos organic lip balm party, but I recently picked it up and am in love! I still really enjoy my regular balm especially for healing chapped lips in the winter, but for an everyday balm I would definitely consider... +
I'm inexcusably late to the eos organic lip balm party, but I recently picked it up and am in love!
I still really enjoy my regular balm especially for healing chapped lips in the winter, but for an everyday balm I would definitely consider switching to eos. I thought I would not like the round shape of the product, but surprisingly it's very easy to use. I don't get the precision that I have with the more conventional tube shape, but as long as eos products do not contain any colour, it's okay to be a little less precise.
I recently saw these at Costco in a multipack and grabbed one. They made fabulous stocking stuffers at Christmas! Definitely recommended.
-
Spoon Me Frozen Yogurt
My family and I absolutely love Spoon Me! We have gone at least 5-6 times this past summer and certainly intend to keep going. This is a frozen yogurt bar. You start with choosing from probably 10-12 frozen yogurt flavours in a cup (or mix &... +
My family and I absolutely love Spoon Me! We have gone at least 5-6 times this past summer and certainly intend to keep going.
This is a frozen yogurt bar. You start with choosing from probably 10-12 frozen yogurt flavours in a cup (or mix & match, as my kids love to do). Then you head to the toppings buffet and load up with everything from fresh fruits and healthy nuts to gummy bears, oreo crumbles, and hot fudge sauce. You pay by weight, and they have a stamp card program which earns you a free sundae after x # of cups bought.
Comparing the serving sizes to a traditional ice cream place, I would say it's only slightly more expensive than what you'd pay elsewhere but the experience and customization makes all the difference. I'm very happy to pay a little more for fro-yo (arguably healthier than regular ice cream) with tons of fresh fruit (compared to mainly unhealthy toppings at other places). I also really like that they post the nutritional information for each yogurt flavour right by the dispensers so you can make an informed decision.
Definitely recommend Spoon Me!
-
Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
I use these on a pretty regular basis and they really work. The main consideration is that they are only effective on larger pores. When I use these where I have teeny tiny pores, I'm wasting a strip. But for my nose and chin areas, I always get a... +
I use these on a pretty regular basis and they really work. The main consideration is that they are only effective on larger pores. When I use these where I have teeny tiny pores, I'm wasting a strip. But for my nose and chin areas, I always get a lot of material out (ick, sorry).
I am careful not to use these more than 1x per month or so, as I'm not too sure if they are maybe a little harsh to use more frequently. They should not replace a good skincare regimen (which includes drinking lots of water!) anyway.
-
Foreo LUNA Mini Facial Brush
The Foreo Luna is another sonic cleansing brush meant to compete with Clarisonic and others like it. It features soft silicone bristles in a one-piece product so you do not replace the bristle head. This is also not necessary since you can very... +
The Foreo Luna is another sonic cleansing brush meant to compete with Clarisonic and others like it. It features soft silicone bristles in a one-piece product so you do not replace the bristle head. This is also not necessary since you can very easily clean the bristles with your soap or an antibacterial product and it dries quickly. I do like this over the more traditional brushes from other products.
It has two settings - one for cleaning and one for a gentle massage which is meant to combat early signs of aging. It's fully waterproof and the charge lasts for a really long time. It also can stand on its own, so no special rack or holding device is necessary.
I have yet to try Clarisonic so I cannot say if this is better or worse, but I will say I have very much enjoyed using it and am seeing a difference in my skin. It is a little less expensive than the Clarisonic, and a really nice gift idea or special splurge opportunity.
-
Kirkland Bathroom Tissue
I buy this toilet paper most of the time. It is hands down the best value (watch for # of sheets per roll and then you'll know it's a good price compared to the bargain brands!) and a very comfortable tissue to have in the bathroom. There are brands... +
I buy this toilet paper most of the time. It is hands down the best value (watch for # of sheets per roll and then you'll know it's a good price compared to the bargain brands!) and a very comfortable tissue to have in the bathroom. There are brands that are even higher end, but for every day this really is a fantastic buy. -
Rubbermaid Hip Hugging Laundry Basket
For real, this is the best laundry basket I have owned. This is a case where paying a little extra makes all the difference. I have some cheaper versions but they always bend and kink in the side when I'm carrying a heavy load (especially fresh from... +
For real, this is the best laundry basket I have owned. This is a case where paying a little extra makes all the difference. I have some cheaper versions but they always bend and kink in the side when I'm carrying a heavy load (especially fresh from the washer) and the laundry inevitably falls on the dirty floor.
This basket is a lot more stable and comfortable to carry. I will be swapping out a few of my laundry baskets soon and better believe I will be buying this basket for all of my replacements.
-
Looking for more?
Check out our other review websites:
