mamaluv
Member Since: September 8, 2006Reviews
Revlon Perplex (#826)
Ever since I saw Chanel's Paradoxal in an ad somewhere, I started combing the web to find a suitable dupe. Eventually I came across Revlon Perplex and immediately hurried out to buy it. I have not had the pleasure of wearing Paradoxal, but... +
Ever since I saw Chanel's Paradoxal in an ad somewhere, I started combing the web to find a suitable dupe. Eventually I came across Revlon Perplex and immediately hurried out to buy it.
I have not had the pleasure of wearing Paradoxal, but from all accounts this Revlon shade comes darn close. It is a dusky purple colour with just enough sheen to keep it from looking too goth. I absolutely love Perplex and am thrilled with the results. I was worried at first that it would be too pinky-purple, but it wears darker and more opaque than the colour in the bottle would make you believe.
The only negative I have to say is that, like all drugstore nail polishes, it isn't quite as long-lasting as prestige brands. It is also a little more difficult to apply without getting some tiny bubbling here and there. However, I still get a good week out of this polish before it starts to show any wear and tear as long as I use a top coat. For the price, it really is worth it.
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Hush Puppies Maize Wedge Boot
I received the Hush Puppies Maize boots from the brand to try and was thrilled. I had wanted to pick up a pair on my own anyway because I had heard so many great things about the comfort and quality of these shoes. I picked this style in black... +
I received the Hush Puppies Maize boots from the brand to try and was thrilled. I had wanted to pick up a pair on my own anyway because I had heard so many great things about the comfort and quality of these shoes. I picked this style in black leather, though I did like the looks of the taupe suede too. The stitching along the sole is very cute in the lighter shade.
As a busy mom, I'm running around all day every day, and for years had avoided anything with too much of a heel because it was impractical. When I do buy heels, I usually go for wedges for the support, but often find them heavy to wear.
These Hush Puppies are (comparatively) lightweight and have zonal cushioning for optimal comfort. I heard the sales rep mention all of these things, but you really have to try them out to fully understand just how amazing the comfort is. I have been walking around in these babies for days and days - all day long - and was very pleasantly surprised just how well the shoe lived up to its claims.
The price is of course higher than you'd pay at a typical mall store, but in this case it's so very worth while. My only regret is that I missed Hush Puppies' Buy 1 Get 1 sale just before Christmas, because I surely would have picked up a few of the other styles.
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Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa Shea It Isn't So Super Rich Foot Cream
I have always had problems with dry, cracking foot skin. When I need major intervention I reach for Gehwol, but for everyday pampering and maintenance, nothing beats Shea It Isn't So from Bath & Body Works' True Blue Spa line. Unlike other... +
I have always had problems with dry, cracking foot skin. When I need major intervention I reach for Gehwol, but for everyday pampering and maintenance, nothing beats Shea It Isn't So from Bath & Body Works' True Blue Spa line. Unlike other foot creams that are intensely pepperminty, this shea butter is more about smoothing and comforting than invigorating. At the end of a long day, the last thing I want is prickling, overstimulated feet, so this is a perfect fit for me. During the winter especially I make sure to use this product daily.
I recently had a bit of a fright when I couldn't locate the bright blue packaging at my local Bath & Body Works store, but the kind associate took me over like a nervous kindergartner and showed me the new kiwi green bottle. Same great stuff, just a lil makeover :)
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Kashi Organic Promise Cinnamon Harvest Cereal
This cereal tastes like a wholesome version of Cinnamon Toast Crunch! It's so delicious I have had no problems making the switch with my kids. We also love to eat Kellogg's Mini Wheats, so I like that Kashi Cinnamon Harvest skips the icing... +
This cereal tastes like a wholesome version of Cinnamon Toast Crunch! It's so delicious I have had no problems making the switch with my kids. We also love to eat Kellogg's Mini Wheats, so I like that Kashi Cinnamon Harvest skips the icing but still maintains just enough sweet and cinnamon that you don't even notice how healthy they are.
The price hurts, but my local grocery store often puts Kashi products on sale and then I stock up. Totally worth it, I recommend!
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Kashi TLC Dark Chocolate Coconut Granola Bar
Don't compare these bars to Quaker Chewy Dipps or another "regular" granola bar. They do taste different... but I love that difference! Now, it's not a diet food, but with plenty of fiber and protein minus high fructose corn syrup... +
Don't compare these bars to Quaker Chewy Dipps or another "regular" granola bar. They do taste different... but I love that difference!
Now, it's not a diet food, but with plenty of fiber and protein minus high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavours and preservatives, this is a really smart choice in snack food. The Dark Chocolate Coconut is my personal favourite of the Kashi bar family, but I've also tried and enjoyed several other flavours.
The lower layer is basically your standard oat bar with barley, rye, rice, buckwheat, sesame, corn, and more. The upper layer is a thick gooey dark chocolate and date blend topped with a sprinkling of walnuts and coconut shavings. In other words, you can feel good about this little indulgence!
Because these bars cost a little more than their conventional cousins, check Kashi's website and Facebook page where they occasionally offer giveaways and valuable coupons that makes the taste-testing phase painless - that's how I found out about them and was hooked.
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Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Shocking
I recently had the chance to try Shocking by YSL and fell head over heels. I have been very pleased with less expensive mascaras in the past, but once in a while you come across a high end product that really lives up to its luxe price point... +
I recently had the chance to try Shocking by YSL and fell head over heels. I have been very pleased with less expensive mascaras in the past, but once in a while you come across a high end product that really lives up to its luxe price point. Shocking was certainly a very pleasant surprise! I would consider buying it again, especially when I can find it during one of the department store Gift With Purchase promos. Free lipsticks have a way of easing the sting that comes with a higher price tag :) -
Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984) by George Orwell
Nineteen Eighty-Four is one of those books you simply must read at least once in your life. Written in 1949 by British author George Orwell (also wrote Animal Farm), the story takes place in the year 1984 and describes a totalitarian society in... +
Nineteen Eighty-Four is one of those books you simply must read at least once in your life.
Written in 1949 by British author George Orwell (also wrote Animal Farm), the story takes place in the year 1984 and describes a totalitarian society in which the government has absolute control over every aspect of society.
You will recognize countless references, among them Big Brother, doublethink, and thoughtcrime. You might be surprised to see how much of Orwell's imagined world is in effect today (remember this was written over 60 years ago!).
The story itself is about a man who wants to break free of this control and seeks out like-minded people to rebel with. Of course, things never go quite according to plan....
Buy it, borrow it from the library or steal it from your dad's bookshelf - this is a book that everyone should read. Fun, freaky, and thought-provoking - it's got it all.
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Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub
I recently picked this up because I had a coupon - I had not heard much about the Naturals line from Neutrogena, but was curious to try it. This facial exfoliator is effective while being extremely gentle. The particles are quite small and not too... +
I recently picked this up because I had a coupon - I had not heard much about the Naturals line from Neutrogena, but was curious to try it.
This facial exfoliator is effective while being extremely gentle. The particles are quite small and not too abrasive. My skin felt immediately smoother and better hydrated compared to other exfoliants I've tried that strip too much away. The creamy base is quite moisturizing - I'm guessing that's why.
I have used this product 3 or 4 times, and so far no irritation or breakouts from it (this is usually a problem for me). I will continue to use it and would probably buy it again as well as more from the Neutrogena Naturals line based on how well it works for me.
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Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon
This is my favourite red wine under $10 (US) at the moment. I recently discovered it when my local store had it on sale for $5, and while I usually am a little suspicious about wines that are so inexpensive, the regular price of nearly $10 plus the... +
This is my favourite red wine under $10 (US) at the moment. I recently discovered it when my local store had it on sale for $5, and while I usually am a little suspicious about wines that are so inexpensive, the regular price of nearly $10 plus the 94 point rating from the 2008 California state fair and the Gold Medal from San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (2011) convinced me to try it.
I'm no connoisseur, so those accolades seem pretty impressive to me. Maybe they're meaningless: I don't know. What I do know is that this wine is rich and full-bodied and has a giant rooster plastered on the label. And really - can you beat that? CAN YOU?
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Pillar Box Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (2008)
I'm not a wine snob. My standards are embarrassingly low, so when I buy a bottle to present to a hostess at a friend's party, I'm all about appearances. What's most expensive (within reason) What score the vintage got from Wine... +
I'm not a wine snob. My standards are embarrassingly low, so when I buy a bottle to present to a hostess at a friend's party, I'm all about appearances.
What's most expensive (within reason)
What score the vintage got from Wine Advocate
What looks classy, not flashy or juvenile
I found Pillar Box at the LCBO (Ontario's liquor commission store) in the Vintages section. It has a 91 score from Wine Advocate, and with its black label has an understated classiness. Perfect, I thought.
I brought it to the party and everyone raved about it. It is honestly one of the best wines I've ever tried. I went home to my Gallo wine and immediately knew the difference. Sadly, it's not available where I live, but the next chance I get, I'm going to stock up.
If you love a good Cabernet, I suggest you give Pillar Box a try!
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