mamaluv
Member Since: September 8, 2006Reviews
Benefit Cosmetics Lip Gloss
I received this gloss for review from Benefit. The first thing that struck me is that the name exactly describes this product - it really looks juicy and fruity, and smells like watermelon too! It's like Lip Smackers for big girls, when... +
I received this gloss for review from Benefit. The first thing that struck me is that the name exactly describes this product - it really looks juicy and fruity, and smells like watermelon too! It's like Lip Smackers for big girls, when applying this gloss immediately makes me think of embroidery thread friendship bracelets and scratch 'n sniff Strawberry Shortcake stickers.
This particular shade has a warmth to it that I appreciate for the otherwise drabness of my winter style. It has a very subtle plumping look lent by the shimmery particles and feels nicely moisturizing on my lips. My only complaint is that it's not very long wearing.
It's a fun addition to my lip gloss stash.
-
Lise Watier Cat Eye Kit
I received this to review from Lise Watier. And a good thing too - while I love the cat eye look, I have had difficulty creating it (I'm more of a paint-by-number gal than artiste). This kit comes with 2 solo shadows - the gorgeous shimmery... +
I received this to review from Lise Watier. And a good thing too - while I love the cat eye look, I have had difficulty creating it (I'm more of a paint-by-number gal than artiste).
This kit comes with 2 solo shadows - the gorgeous shimmery Beige Glace and smoky Noir Velours -, Metamorfix liner liquid, Crayon Kajal Noir pencil liner, shadow brush and angled liner brush. Step-by-step instructions on the back of the box make application a cinch.
As a cat eye kit, it's definitely worth the price in my book. Even more, every piece in this kit is a makeup essential I will use in many combinations, making this a truly excellent buy for me.
Recommended!
-
Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella
I really liked this book! It's a departure from the Shopaholic series, but still classic Kinsella in her funny little ways of conveying character emotion and rationalization. Almost for that reason alone, I would recommend it - I started to... +
I really liked this book! It's a departure from the Shopaholic series, but still classic Kinsella in her funny little ways of conveying character emotion and rationalization. Almost for that reason alone, I would recommend it - I started to feel near the middle the Shopaholic series that it was too much of a good thing.
What I loved about this book was the underlying message about how we think of our elders. For me, this was more than a nice light beach read; it was definitely thought-provoking. When I think of Kinsella's other works, I didn't really get that same feeling - I read for entertainment only. I really enjoyed the window into the '20s and the quirky friendship between Sadie and Lara.
I definitely recommend this book!
-
Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen
It has been a while since I read a book I could not put down. Water for Elephants is a story of remembrance - glory days, secrets, lies, love, and a bygone era, by bestselling Canadian author Sara Gruen. Jacob is on the verge of graduating as a... +
It has been a while since I read a book I could not put down. Water for Elephants is a story of remembrance - glory days, secrets, lies, love, and a bygone era, by bestselling Canadian author Sara Gruen.
Jacob is on the verge of graduating as a vet from the prestigious Cornell University, when personal tragedy intervenes and sets him accidentally in the path of a traveling train circus in the early years of the Great Depression. He relates his story partly in the present day as an old man stashed away forgotten in a nursing home, and partly in the past as he lived it.
Unlike the previous reviewer, I saw little humour in this story. There were funny moments, but for me they were decidedly bittersweet. Jacob wrestles with his past and present (both in the past and the present!), and I realized anew that beneath the wrinkles and white hair, our grandparents and great-grandparents were just like us... and in every way that matters, still are.
This story touched me in a similar way as Sophie Kinsella's Twenties Girl (though for different reasons). For me it was a "thinker", but many of you will simply enjoy it as a vacation read. Either way, I definitely recommend it!
-
Lindt Lindor Chocolate Truffles
I am a chocolate snob, and naturally Lindt has long topped my list. I haven't met a flavour I didn't like, though must admit particular love for the milk and dark chocolate varieties. Between Lindt and Ghirardelli, it's pure chocolate... +
I am a chocolate snob, and naturally Lindt has long topped my list. I haven't met a flavour I didn't like, though must admit particular love for the milk and dark chocolate varieties. Between Lindt and Ghirardelli, it's pure chocolate heaven!
These make great gifts, especially for teachers or hostesses! That is, if I can bear to part with them in the first place...
-
Avatar (2009)
I saw this movie in the theater over the Christmas holiday in 2D. The story centers around a future in which humans come to the planet Pandora to mine a valuable mineral ... but the indigenous alien population is in the way. ***mild spoilerish... +
I saw this movie in the theater over the Christmas holiday in 2D. The story centers around a future in which humans come to the planet Pandora to mine a valuable mineral ... but the indigenous alien population is in the way.
***mild spoilerish content follows***
This movie is as technically grandiose as the hype promised. I would indeed recommend this movie on the techy strength alone, as I was actually disappointed in the plot. I don't want to ruin it for anyone, but shall say that we've seen this exact story before, a certain very popular movie from 1993 or so. I found it so distractingly predictable that I decided to evaluate it on the special effects alone... and that's when I really started to enjoy this movie.
See it in 3D in theaters (as I intend to do)! This will be what makes the movie memorable. Don't wait for the DVD release.
-
Apples to Apples
I have played Apples to Apples many times over the years and have to echo what others have said. It is a wonderful party game! * you can include an almost unlimited number of people in the game (although I'd suggest limiting it at 10-12) *... +
I have played Apples to Apples many times over the years and have to echo what others have said. It is a wonderful party game!
* you can include an almost unlimited number of people in the game (although I'd suggest limiting it at 10-12)
* there is very little explanation or learning time required, nor is there any real strategy involved. A new player picks it up in no time flat!
* it stimulates creative thought, and has been (unofficially?) endorsed by Mensa (the high IQ club)
* no two games are alike, especially with a mix of participants. You could use this game for years and never get sick of it.
* despite the size of the box, it's basically just a card game - take it on the road or fit it in a small closet - there are no pieces/dice or gameboards to stow.
The only downside to this game is that it caters to the social crowd and can be a bit of a "thinker" if you take it in that direction. If you hated (and I don't mean "are now sick of") Pictionary or Cranium, this might not be for you. Strategists might get a little verklempt that it quickly gets very silly and raucous, so go ahead and play your online chess while the rest of us hoot and holler in the den ;)
Lots of fun! I recommend it :)
-
Sex and the City: The Movie
This was a thoroughly enjoyable movie for me, which considering I had dropped the SATC habit around halfway through the series (not because I disliked, but because I had kids in the house and it's not exactly G-rated) says something. I needed... +
This was a thoroughly enjoyable movie for me, which considering I had dropped the SATC habit around halfway through the series (not because I disliked, but because I had kids in the house and it's not exactly G-rated) says something. I needed that mini-synopsis at the beginning, though I can certainly understand how that may have been a little annoying for dedicated fans.
As with many of my favourite episodes, what I loved about this movie is the mix of escapism and reality. Without spoiling plot points, I found many parts of the Mexico trip so real - the image where Carrie looks in the mirror without makeup on stayed in my mind for weeks afterward.
You could critique the plot, but it had to be true to the series - which I think it was. My verdict: must-see for SATC fans, but others might feel a little lost or miss out on some of the delicious subtleties.
-
Confessions of a Shopaholic: the Movie (2009)
This movie follows our favourite Shopaholic's escapades as adapted from books 1 and 2 of the popular Confessions of a Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella. As with many other beloved books, the movie takes a gigantic departure from the original... +
This movie follows our favourite Shopaholic's escapades as adapted from books 1 and 2 of the popular Confessions of a Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella.
As with many other beloved books, the movie takes a gigantic departure from the original story. I know many share this pet peeve and will find that distracting. However, as a standalone movie, the hilarious Isla Fisher does her darndest to keep our attention... and eye candy Hugh Dancy makes it all the yummier.
Solid chick flick material here, so don't force your hubby to watch with you or he'll whip out the Terminator thrillogy next time it's movie night. A light and funny movie that stretches reality a little - but isn't that the point?
I liked it, but would recommend the book over the movie.
-
Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion
I got this lotion in a grab bag during a Burt's Bees sale - a good thing, because at the unit price I almost certainly wouldn't have bought it despite being an ardent BB fan. I really like this light honey scent, a little milder than some... +
I got this lotion in a grab bag during a Burt's Bees sale - a good thing, because at the unit price I almost certainly wouldn't have bought it despite being an ardent BB fan.
I really like this light honey scent, a little milder than some of the other BB products, but still soft and feminine and delicious. The moisturizer works well for mild dryness and is good for my son who is sensitive to other products with fragrance. However, I think for extreme dryness it would not be very effective.
In short, a great mild-weather moisturizer that, if you can get on sale, is a worthwhile beauty staple to have in your stash. I will certainly buy it again.
-
Looking for more?
Check out our other review websites:
