mamaluv
Member Since: September 8, 2006Reviews
Ten Thousand Villages
I love Ten Thousand Villages! Their fair trade policies and top notch international reputation (as affiliated with MCC) make this store a must try... and then you see their gorgeous merchandise and you're a real goner. I have shopped at many... +
I love Ten Thousand Villages! Their fair trade policies and top notch international reputation (as affiliated with MCC) make this store a must try... and then you see their gorgeous merchandise and you're a real goner.
I have shopped at many Ten Thousand Villages in Canada and the US and always find unique and beautiful handcrafted gifts, goodies, and housewares. I highly recommend this store!
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Temptu AIRbrush Makeup System
I have been wanting to try this airbrush system since first hearing about it and finally got the chance recently courtesy of the brand. Good thing too, because this was one expensive beauty investment I was very reluctant to make. After all, how... +
I have been wanting to try this airbrush system since first hearing about it and finally got the chance recently courtesy of the brand.
Good thing too, because this was one expensive beauty investment I was very reluctant to make. After all, how big of a difference could it really make?
Truth is, I was astonished at the difference. This looks natural. I've tried everything from liquid and powder foundations to tinted moisturizers and have always been reasonably happy with them all. Most of the time it was a clear choice between either a natural-looking finish or blemish coverage/even skin tone. When I went for the latter, the final result usually looked overly "done".
Disclaimer: I'm no makeup artist. Truthfully, I'm quite bad at it.
So when I tried Temptu, bumbling attempt and all, it was shocking to see how natural it looked while giving me full coverage and even skin tone.
The bad news is that this is a very expensive system: the machine and the refill pods too. If you need a polished look every day (eg. you have lots of public appearances, are an on-camera personality or even just a very active vlogger), this will be a solid investment for you.
If however you're satisfied with your current foundation product and are only needing something like this for special occasions, I'd pop this baby on your Christmas list.
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CARGO TexasLash Mascara
I have to echo what others have said - there's a reason this mascara is named after Texas and that's because it gives you seriously big, badass lashes. I received this product free from the brand, and as a result of trying it I know... +
I have to echo what others have said - there's a reason this mascara is named after Texas and that's because it gives you seriously big, badass lashes.
I received this product free from the brand, and as a result of trying it I know I'll be buying it again. It's a little pricey, but I'm noticing that my favourite drugstore brand is also creeping up in price anyway.
My lashes are soft, insanely long, and have great volume. This mascara is definitely in my top 3 favourites (I have quite a few mascara favourites!), and I definitely recommend it.
The only caution I might give is that this product has a bit of fragrance to it, so if you're sensitive to that you might want to try a friend's product or a tester in the store before paying full price.
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Michael Kors - 131 Bloor St W
I visited the new flagship Michael Kors store as part of a media event just before it opened its doors to the public. The clean, brightly lit space made the handbags, shoes, accessories, and women's ready-to-wear selections a smorgasbord for... +
I visited the new flagship Michael Kors store as part of a media event just before it opened its doors to the public. The clean, brightly lit space made the handbags, shoes, accessories, and women's ready-to-wear selections a smorgasbord for the eyes (I'm rather a big fan of Michael Kors to begin with).
One bit of news I was particularly interested to hear was that this store will be carrying the new Michael Kors jewelry line. The prices range from a very reasonable $50 to $500ish, and I'm snipping the Silvertone Multi-Chain Necklace picture (shown in this image gallery) out of my press pack to display prominently on my fridge door to give the mister a not-so-subtle nudge (our anniversary is coming up, after all).
Beautiful store! I will be back.
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OPI Russian Navy
I got a pedicure over the weekend and tried Russian Navy by OPI for the first time. I'm mad I didn't grab a bottle for at home right then and there, because this is a gorgeous colour. At first glance it's such a deep dark navy it... +
I got a pedicure over the weekend and tried Russian Navy by OPI for the first time. I'm mad I didn't grab a bottle for at home right then and there, because this is a gorgeous colour.
At first glance it's such a deep dark navy it almost looks black, but up close the navy tones light up with a hint of royal purple. It makes for a very regal, rich colour - very sophisticated.
Love this colour, will be buying it at my next opportunity!
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Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella
Yes, this is another cute tale from Shopaholic scribe Sophie Kinsella. While it lacks the hilarity of the Shopaholic series or the (relative) depth of an Emily Giffin book, it's a fun light beach read. Like another reviewer commented, I found... +
Yes, this is another cute tale from Shopaholic scribe Sophie Kinsella. While it lacks the hilarity of the Shopaholic series or the (relative) depth of an Emily Giffin book, it's a fun light beach read.
Like another reviewer commented, I found the believability to be a bit of a stretch. It's not my favourite Kinsella book, but I still recommend it!
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Cheaper By The Dozen (by Frank Gilbreth & Ernestine Gilbreth Carey)
I was first introduced to this book by my English teacher in junior high school long before the movie starring Steve Martin was released. He read it aloud to us in class chapter by chapter and we were in stitches. Years later I came upon this book... +
I was first introduced to this book by my English teacher in junior high school long before the movie starring Steve Martin was released. He read it aloud to us in class chapter by chapter and we were in stitches.
Years later I came upon this book in the library and took it out. I read the book through in a few hours and immediately bought it online.
The movie is based on this book, a (perhaps embellished?) biography of Frank Gilbreth Sr. (1868-1924) and his family of 12 children. The book was written by 2 of his kids - Frank Jr and Ernestine.
Needless to say it bears virtually no resemblance to the movie, but since the book takes place in the early part of the 20th century I suppose a modernization was called for.
Though this book reads like a diary in that some chapters skip and jump, the vignettes are absolutely hilarious and will have you guffawing out loud. That Mr. Gilbreth was clearly QUITE a character.
Check it out!
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Dove® Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner
I am in love with this conditioner! A recent giddy overreaction to my new BaByliss flatiron took its toll on my hair (which is also coloured, so double-whammy), and I had been using the tubes of conditioner from the home hair colour boxes almost... +
I am in love with this conditioner! A recent giddy overreaction to my new BaByliss flatiron took its toll on my hair (which is also coloured, so double-whammy), and I had been using the tubes of conditioner from the home hair colour boxes almost exclusively. However, I found that this made my hair lose some volume.
After I tried this conditioner from Dove, I saw a difference right away. My hair feels soft and manageable but still light enough to keep its natural volume.
At the moment, it's the only conditioner I'll touch. Highly recommended!
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Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30
This video is sick! As in, sick results, sick motivation, and feeling kinda sick after each workout (but in a very good way). I have been exercising without a trainer for the past 6 months, and while I dropped 30 points on my cholesterol, improved... +
This video is sick! As in, sick results, sick motivation, and feeling kinda sick after each workout (but in a very good way).
I have been exercising without a trainer for the past 6 months, and while I dropped 30 points on my cholesterol, improved my stamina, feel healthier than I've been in a long time, I just wasn't looking ripped.
I finally caved and picked up this DVD a few weeks ago, being a long time fan of JM. This video is along the same lines as her earlier one "30 Day Shred" - it features 3 circuits of each 3 mins strength, 2 mins cardio, and 1 min of abs. However, most of the exercises do incorporate strength, sweat and core elements even with the emphasis on one area. It differs from "30 Day Shred" in that it has 4 workouts rather than 3, so the idea is that you switch workouts every week.
It says on the box that each workout is 24 minutes and JM keeps talking about these 20 min workouts, but they are longer than that plus warmup and cooldown stretching. I'd say each workout is closer to 30-35 minutes by the time it's all said and done and you're huddling on the floor in the fetal position (but again, in a very very good way).
JM has this way of making it seem like she's talking right to you so it feels like a personal trainer. If you pick up this DVD, do not skip straight to Week 3 or 4 if you think you're so badass you can handle it. She has a hard core version and a modified version so you can tailor each week's workout to your fitness level.
You will need hand weights ideally in different masses (I currently only have one set of 5 lbs but plan to pick up some 8s or 10s eventually). You could easily do these workouts for months by varying the weights because the movements are different enough that you rarely get bored.
Best best best of all is that after 30-35 minutes you are done, you've burned a lot of calories in the process, and you've done your strength training.
I couldn't recommend this DVD more! I'm only on Week 2 but loving every sweaty minute of it. Ripped? Not quite yet but I can see the difference already.
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Marcelle Essentials Purity 3 in 1 Cleanser
I'm always looking for multi-purpose products, and with my combination skin this can be hard to find. I recently tried Marcelle Essentials Purity cleanser, a 3-in-1 product that is a cleansing milk, toner, and eye makeup remover together. My... +
I'm always looking for multi-purpose products, and with my combination skin this can be hard to find.
I recently tried Marcelle Essentials Purity cleanser, a 3-in-1 product that is a cleansing milk, toner, and eye makeup remover together. My skin feels so soft and clean, I didn't need a lotion afterward (but I did anyway, for the SPF).
This product is oil-free, hypo-allergenic and suitable for all skintypes. I received this free from the brand to test out, and while the price tag is a little higher than what I'd normally use, I think this is a case where the extra expense is worth it.
Great product!
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