sunnydelight
Member Since: February 28, 2007Reviews
Baby Einstein Around The World Discovery Center
WHAT'S ADVERTISED The Baby Einstein™ Around the World Discovery Center will stimulate and entertain your little one as it introduces them to the sounds and real-life images of animals from around the globe. Playful wildlife joining the fun... +
WHAT'S ADVERTISED
The Baby Einstein™ Around the World Discovery Center will stimulate and entertain your little one as it introduces them to the sounds and real-life images of animals from around the globe. Playful wildlife joining the fun include a click-clack giraffe, a panda teether-totter with rainstick rattle, a penguin popper with spiraling beads, a soft lion puppet, and a rocking parrot rattle.
- Choose from 3 modes of play – World Music melodies, animal sounds and introduction to colors in Spanish, English and French
- 4 engaging activity stations
- 360 degree rotating seat
- Flip book with real-life imagery
- Electronic piano with volume control, lights and mirror
- 3 different height adjustments to grow with your baby
- 2 link loops to attach more of baby's favorite toys
- Toy tray in table top
- Machine washable seat pad
THE REAL SCOOP
What a great toy! The "discovery centre" comes with an abundance of colourful and fun toys for my 4.5 month old baby to play with, which helps this newly minted mommy gain a few minutes to take care of stuff around the house.
The centre is solidly made and easy to put together... I put it together in half an hour or so by myself, the instructions are clearcut and illustrated. My son wasn't able to touch the bottom yet when we first put him in the unit, but a small flat cushion helped rectify that quickly, and it is astounding to see how much it is strengthening his legs. He now "stands" in the unit, and sits down when his legs get tired... moving with intense focus from one toy to the next. There is one toy (piano) that requires batteries, but the others keep the little one amused without batteries.
I love interacting with him and having him show me the different toys; there is a lion hand puppet that you can use to play with the baby, and the biggest kick for me is when he presses the keys on the piano and he sees me dancing to the music. The joy in his face is instant, as he tries to sway with the music as well.
BOTTOM LINE
Compared to other "exersaucers", this Baby Einstein might be a bit pricier, but I found that it feels like it is a well-made, solid toy that I would re-purchase. There is a great variety in toys on the unit, which means that babies aren't going to be bored too quickly. Toy tray loops mean that you can put your own towns in there as well. Great for babies who are able to hold their heads up by themselves but not able to stand or walk.
Wish it were slightly less expensive but still highly recommend!
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Vim Cream Cleaner in Lemon Scent
WHAT'S ADVERTISED Vim Cream Lemon Scent is advertised as a hard-working cleaning product that "makes tough cleaning easy" and is a "versatile cleaner that can make things look new again". It is designed to clean a wide variety of surfaces... +
WHAT'S ADVERTISED
Vim Cream Lemon Scent is advertised as a hard-working cleaning product that "makes tough cleaning easy" and is a "versatile cleaner that can make things look new again". It is designed to clean a wide variety of surfaces without being too abrasive. The makers of Vim Cream Lemon Scent claim that it has the cleaning power to remove tough dirt without scratching most hard surfaces.
Vim actively advertises that it can be used safely on these surfaces:
- Barbecues
- Bath tubs
- Ceramic backsplashes, countertops, fixtures, flooring, walls and trim
- Enameled steel appliances
- Painted steel appliances
- Plastic patio furniture
- Porcelain sinks and fixtures
- Stainless steel appliances
- Stainless steel sinks
- White leather running shoes
For more information, the product website can be found here: http://www.vim.ca
THE REAL SCOOP
I've used Vim Cream Lemon Scent to clean a variety of surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom, and was suitably impressed with the product's efficacy. It is a creamy texture that seems quite gentle, and was good for cleaning the built-up grime on the bathtub and the kitchen stove range.
I was pleased with the results and the fact that using this gentle cream did not take too much effort. As a mom-to-be, I was also quite happy with the fact that the scent of the cream was not strong - it was fresh and lemony, instead of being a noxious chemical smell. The fresh scent was perfect for cleaning in teh bathroom and kitchen. A little bit of the product goes a long way, so I have a lot of it left for the days of cleaning ahead!
BOTTOM LINE
I don't go out of my way to refer friends/family to cleaning products, however this is one produt that I will considering buying again. The key feature for me is that it is effective without (seeming to be) harsh.
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Breyers Smooth & Dreamy Frozen Dessert
WHAT'S ADVERTISED Breyers Smooth and Dreamy is advertised as an ice cream dessert with an indulgent taste at 1/2 the fat of regular ice cream, which translates to 120 calories per 1/2 cup (125ml). The proprietary Cream Press System technology... +
WHAT'S ADVERTISED
Breyers Smooth and Dreamy is advertised as an ice cream dessert with an indulgent taste at 1/2 the fat of regular ice cream, which translates to 120 calories per 1/2 cup (125ml). The proprietary Cream Press System technology behind the Breyers Smooth & Dreamy splits up the creaminess of the ice cream into tinier droplets and spreads them out. The result is a deliciously creamy taste and texture, which uses only half teh fat and calories of regular ice cream.
INGREDIENTS
Modified Milk Ingredients, Water, Sugar, Fresh Cream, Glucose, Natural Vanilla Flavour, Mono And Diglycerides, Cellulose Gum, Guar Gum, Polysorbate 80, Carrageenan, Pure Ground Vanilla Beans.
THE REAL SCOOP
I readily admit to being an ice cream fiend, one with hankerings for deliciously full-fat, creamy no-holds barred old-fashioned ice cream. In taste-testing Breyers Smooth and Dreamy, I selected the Natural Vanilla Bean flavour to give as fair a comparison as possible.
It was a pleasant surprise to find that the taste and texture of the Breyers ice cream was much creamier than your typical "low fat" or "diet" ice cream. The taste of the Natural Vanilla Bean flavour is rewarding and decadent due to the creaminess, and there was a slight sophistication to the flavour that you normally would not get from a supermarket vanilla brand, as it were. All in all, it was a pleasant experience and having half the fat is a great bonus!
BOTTOM LINE
For the price point, the Breyers Smooth and Dreamy ice cream competes with the likes of Haagen Daaz or Ben & Jerry's, which means that the value proposition has to be imminently clear. There is quite a bit more product in the tub than its peers at that price point (plus!) but it lacks the sheer number of flavours that the other brands have. This may make it hard to stand up to the competition if you are looking across all the flavours.
Strictly speaking, if you are looking for a vanilla flavour only, then this is definitely a good choice for value, taste quality and less fat. I would re-purchase for the Natural Vanilla Bean flavour.
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The Body Shop Nutriganics Smoothing Serum
WHAT'S ADVERTISED Smooth skin and improve suppleness with a light, moisturizing serum that helps soften and revitalize skin. KEY INGREDIENTS * Organic olive oil from Italy is a natural moisturizer for normal to dry skin. It also helps... +
WHAT'S ADVERTISED
Smooth skin and improve suppleness with a light, moisturizing serum that helps soften and revitalize skin.
KEY INGREDIENTS
* Organic olive oil from Italy is a natural moisturizer for normal to dry skin. It also helps condition hair, and give it a silky shine.
* Jojoba oil is an easily absorbed oil that leaves the skin feeling soft and velvety.
* Carrot oil helps to revive and condition the skin. Contains beta carotene, a natural source of antioxidant vitamin A that helps protect the skin against damaging environmental elements, such as the sun, pollution and cigarette smoke.
* Orange oil is known to uplift, refresh and energize the senses.
THE REAL SCOOP
Nutriganics is a certified organic skin care range with over 95% of its ingredients meeting the certification standard set by ECOCERT, which The Body Shop apparently took two years to develop this range.
In terms of efficacy, I tried it for a while day and night to really give it a fair shake. The texture is very light and easily absorbable, with a light scent. The nice thing about the texture is that it does not leave an oily sheen or sticky film. By soaking into the skin, it feels like my skin is hydrated and fine lines fade away. There also appears to be a slight brightening effect on my complexion, although that is not an advertised effect.
The Nutriganics Smoothing Serum is meant to be used in conjunction with the rest of your skincare products (see my tips below), and I found that as a base prior to applying moisturizer it was very effective. I have used serums from other lines (from drugsstore to department store), and this product was gentle enough that it didn't break me out. Richer serums from competitors have a tendency of adding unwanted shine or sit on top of the skin too thickly. The light texture spreads easily, so you don't need much each time and is particularly appropriate for warmer spring/summer weather. In terms of application, the product is distributed via a pump, which is hygenic and easy to use. The only downside is that the container is opaque so you cannot tell how much product is left, but that is a small thing.
USAGE TIPS:
Cleanse skin to remove make-up, use toner to refresh skin and refine pores. Apply a thin layer of Smoothing Serum to the skin to hydrate. Follow with moisturizer (day and evening), use an eye cream around the eyes to reduce fine lines/wrinkles.
BOTTOM LINE:
This is a high-quality product that appears to work, both in hydrating skin and fading the initial signs of fine lines. Bonus marks for being organic! Price point is reasonable - although there is not too much product in each package, a little does go a long way. Bottom line, I would re-purchase this product.
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Marcelle New-Age Anti-Wrinkle Make-Up
WHAT'S ADVERTISED A smart addition to an already popular product line, New•Age Anti-Wrinkle Make-Up fights the signs of ageing and gives your skin a more youthful appearance. Specially designed foundation to reduce the appearance of... +
WHAT'S ADVERTISED
A smart addition to an already popular product line, New•Age Anti-Wrinkle Make-Up fights the signs of ageing and gives your skin a more youthful appearance.
Specially designed foundation to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and crow's feet. Plus, its medium coverage helps conceal imperfections and reduce signs of fatigue, giving your complexion a perfect, even luminous finish. Concealed beneath its super silky, fluid texture are skin technology's latest discoveries replete with active ingredients to provide your skin with exceptional results.
Hypo-allergenic and perfume-free. Format: 0.75 FL OZ / 20 mL. Suggested retail price: $22.95
SMART CHICK TIP:
You can save $2 off the purchase price by visiting the Marcelle website and printing out this coupon:
http://marcelle.com/marcelle/files/be/bea8dd76-da4a-4877-b00d-658755ac7e2a.jpg
THE REAL SCOOP
This is yet another great product from the Marcelle line-up! The quality of this pump foundation is up-market from it's drugstore peers and leaves skin feeling silky. There are only 6 shades to select from, but the Natural Beige (with yellow undertones) matches my skin tone well; for reference, I am usually an NC30 in the MAC cosmetics line. The foundation is advertised as being a medium coverage product, but I find that it goes on fairly sheer with buildable coverage. This is ideal for complexions that just want some evening out but not heavy-duty coverage.
I really like the Marcelle New•Age Anti-Wrinkle Make-Up foundation because there is a fair bit of product for the price, and due to the fluid texture of the product a little goes a long way. The pump is excellent because it allows you to control the amount of product you use without exposing the remaining amount to pollutants and germs. The finish of the foundation leaves my skin silky and (dare I say) luminous, without feeling mask-like. I haven't been using the foundation long enough to attribute any anti-aging properties to it, but I do like that the liquid goes on smoothly (which is suitable for maturing skin). I personally prefer this over the Marcelle sheer tint moisturizing fluid, which is their tinted moisturizer offering, because the shade matches my skin tone more closely.
BOTTOM LINE
The consistency and finish is similar to the (now discontinued) Diorskin Pure Light foundation line, for a fraction of the price, and the results are last throughout the day (when set with a loose translucent setting powder). Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, it's a bit more expensive than the other offerings at the drug store, so if you can find a shade that matches your skin tone well then it is worth a try.
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Biotherm Celluli Laser D.Code
WHAT'S ADVERTISED The folks at Biotherm claim that Celluli Laser D.Code targets the specific genes contained in the fatty tissues around the body that cause cellulite. Once targeted, its wonder ingredient, phytosveltyl, stimulates protein in... +
WHAT'S ADVERTISED
The folks at Biotherm claim that Celluli Laser D.Code targets the specific genes contained in the fatty tissues around the body that cause cellulite. Once targeted, its wonder ingredient, phytosveltyl, stimulates protein in your body to reduce fatty deposits building up and prevent new fat cells forming. Any existing cellulite you do have is broken down, and "voila - no more dimples!"
THE REAL SCOOP
Biotherm Celluli Laser D.Code takes skincare and makes science fiction come to life... to a certain extent. While there is still no miracle cream out there, in the 3-4 weeks that I have been using this cream there has been an improvement over the past month in the look/texture of those oh-so-lovable "problem" areas (ie bum & thighs for me). Admittedly, the cellulite wasn't a prevalent issue that made me lose sleep at night but who wouldnt want to have a tighter body?
The fact of the matter is that cellulite is something that affects a majority of Canadian women and there are 2 contributing factors which cause this: genetics and lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle (not getting enough exercise, poor circulation) and a diet that is increasingly comprised of processed foods can be changed to a certain degree by eating better and exercising, but genetics are unfortunately impossible to deal with.... until the introduction of Celluli Laser D.Code.
I have tried a similar offering from Shiseido ("Body Creator Aromatic Body Sculptor") in the past with mediocre results at best, so full credit given to the Laser D.Code for showing some signs of improvement and smoother skin. Results should be taken with a grain of salt because of our varying individual activity levels and pre-wired genetics. For myself, I am extremely active (gym 4-5x/week) and tend to eat well (more or less, with the occasional indulgence in sweets). In addition to the twice daily regimen of rubbing as directed, I suspect strongly that the active lifestyle is a huge contributing factor. I have made a conscious effort since the new year to increase water intake, which also helps to flush away toxins. The truth is, it is not the miracle cream that it promises to be but with visible results, it seems to be who eat well and exercise but still have dimpled skin.
Bottom line, at the price point that it is currently being offered at, would I re-purchase? The answer is a qualified yes. I do believe that these results warrant a longer-term usage, but my first recommendation would be for girlfriends to look into diet/exercise as the first line of defense. For the price (which is steep enough to deter first-time users), you do get a fair bit of product but you could also get some great workouts/exercise classes for that same price. This product shines with dedicated use and in conjunction with lifestyle changes.
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Biotherm Age Fitness Power 2 Active Smoothing Care
WHAT'S ADVERTISED Active smoothing care for the 1st signs of aging - Normal and Combination Skin. Innovation: double action power to combat the first signs of ageing. The anti-oxidizing and repairing properties of pure olive leaf concentrate... +
WHAT'S ADVERTISED
Active smoothing care for the 1st signs of aging - Normal and Combination Skin. Innovation: double action power to combat the first signs of ageing. The anti-oxidizing and repairing properties of pure olive leaf concentrate and pure olive extract are boosted by the biological protective power of pure extract of thermal plankton: the skin is instantly moisturized, smooth and radiant, and after just 8 days, appears visibly renewed, "replumped", toned with fewer visible fine lines.
THE REAL SCOOP
Biotherm's Age Fitness 2 offering is actually designed specifically for 20-somethings in mind and is aimed at those with normal-to-combination and dry skins. Packed full of the brand’s thermal water complex as well as nourishing pure olive leaf concentrate and pure olive extracts, it’s going to hydrate and care for young complexions.
I use it primarily in the winter and find that moisturizer does an adequate job of protecting my skin and providing a barrier of moisture during these brutal cold, dry days without being "too rich" or too thick. The consistency is nice in that it absorbs quickly into the skin but still feels like there is protection on top (without a greasy feeling).
SAVINGS TIP:
Biotherm often comes out with holiday gift sets with this line, which includes other bonus items as well. If you are going to purchase, I suggest going with one of these for the best value for your dollar!
BOTTOM LINE:
The product does make my skin feel nourished without my skin breaking out or having weird dry patches, so I have re-purchased. I only use it in the evening, as this moisturizer does not come with built-in SPF protection. Pricey and no jaw-dropping anti-aging results that I can perceive, but a good "go-to" product with reliable moisturizing attributes.
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AWAY Spa at W Montreal
WHAT'S ADVERTISED Where can you unwind? Designed with you in mind, the treatment rooms at Away® Spa at W Montreal allow flexibility to fit your schedule. Let us show you that true relaxation is more than skin deep. THE REAL SCOOP The AWAY... +
WHAT'S ADVERTISED
Where can you unwind? Designed with you in mind, the treatment rooms at Away® Spa at W Montreal allow flexibility to fit your schedule. Let us show you that true relaxation is more than skin deep.
THE REAL SCOOP
The AWAY Spa at the W Hotel in Montreal is fabulous. It's a chic operation below the main level of the hotel, and from the moment you walk in, you feel relaxed. The spa has a zen appeal (everything from the music to the decor to the zen garden in the waiting area), and is truly boutique in the sense that there are only 5 treatment rooms but the service is top-notch.
The staff are impecabbly polite and seem generally pleased to be there, which makes the experience quite pleasant. During my time in town, I had booked a full complement of services:
Vitality Facial: Which is advertised as effectively correcting imbalances in skin with natural collagen, Skin Resonance - equalizer, Active Pureness - Algae mask, Absolute Pearl - oxygenating treatment. My skin felt beautiful and glowing after the treatment. No makeup required!
Hot Stone Massage: Which is a deep tissue massage that involves the application of heated basalt stones to key points on the body, to give a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth. I am highly active in sports and train regularly, and I was so impressed that the therapist (Yolanta) was able to spot exactly where my trouble spots were (left lower back and right rotator cuff) within seconds of me being on the table. I would absolutely go back to see her in a heartbeat if I lived in Montreal. The strain from these pulls and injuries were something that I was resigned to live with but she really worked on them and advised me on additional stretch/exercise/pressure points to use after the massage.
French manicure/pedicure: The process was relaxing and both the mani and pedi have stayed shiny chip-free after two weeks. Two thumbs up.
BOTTOM LINE
I would go to the AWAY spa again the next time I'm in Montreal and in need of a spa escape. The staff were great, and since I was there for a long while, they ordered a beautiful exotic fruit plate smoothie for me.
TIPS/SUGGESTIONS
If you are staying at the W Hotel and feel like cocooning, you can actually "bring the spa to your room" without an additional fee. The therapists will go to your room to perform everything from facials to massages, thus saving you the trip up and down the elevator.
Likewise, if you're a hotel guest you can charge the services to the room , so that you don't end up messing up your shiny new nails.
Finally, the AWAY Spa participates in the Wayspa.com program so you can actually procure the services at a discount off of the "rack rate". Specials vary from time to time, so check it out!
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Dove Ultimate Supreme VisiblySmooth Antiperspirant
WHAT'S ADVERTISED Dove Ultimate Supreme VisiblySmooth Anti-Perspirant is marketed as an anti-perspirant/deodorant (available in 2 fragrances: Wild Rose & Natural Fresh) that offers 24-hour odor and wetness protection while minimizing the visual... +
WHAT'S ADVERTISED
Dove Ultimate Supreme VisiblySmooth Anti-Perspirant is marketed as an anti-perspirant/deodorant (available in 2 fragrances: Wild Rose & Natural Fresh) that offers 24-hour odor and wetness protection while minimizing the visual appearance of underarm hair over time - given women beautifully softer, smoother underarms.
THE REAL SCOOP
The Ultimate Supreme VisiblySmooth Anti-Perspirant (what a name!) is a mass market product that does a good job of neutralizing odors and keeping sweaty underarms at bay. The product is a stick deodorant that appears pink in the tube but goes on clear. I have used other Dove deodorant products, and found this to go on quite smoothly without the white residue that their other sticks sometimes leave behind. This is a huge plus for those occasions when you are wearing dark clothing and/or want to exercise your "right to bare arms" (har har).
In terms of fragrances, the Ultimate Supreme VisiblySmooth is available in two fragrances which are pleasant enough. The Wild Rose tends to be a bit stronger, but it isn't cloying or offensive in the least. Unfortunately at this time there are no unscented versions of this product.
Dove's schtick is that all their products contain 1/4 moisturizers, and this is no exception. Whether or not you need to be moisturizing your underarms is up for debate in my mind, but they do promise to keep that skin soft and supple.
The key differentiator for this product is their "Pro-Epil" complex, which is supposed to reduce the appearance of underarm hairs over time. In the week or so that I have been using this product, there does not seem to be a visible difference, although I should preface this by saying that I am not too hairy and this may be suitable for coarser hair. According to the product website, the efficacy of the smoothing feature of this deodorant can only be seen "over time". When asked to elaborate, they state that "over time" varies for different people and can range from weeks to several months before noticing a difference.
Bottom line: This is a product that is effective for it's odor protection and anti-perspirant properties. I like that it doesn't chalk or flake up like some white stick deodorant products (including within the Dove line) can sometimes do, and I like that the application is very smooth and virtually invisible once on. I wouldn't hold my breath about th epilating properties but otherwise it is a strong product that I would re-purchase.
For more information about the VisiblySmooth product line, check out the company's website:
http://www.dove.us/visiblysmooth#/visiblysmooth/faq.aspx/
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The Body Shop Shea Body Butter
WHAT'S ADVERTISED Treat your skin to non-stop moisturization with a rich, intensive cream featuring the clean scent of shea. Recommended for moisturizing very dry skin types. Drench and rejuvenate your very dry skin with a rich, intensive... +
WHAT'S ADVERTISED
Treat your skin to non-stop moisturization with a rich, intensive cream featuring the clean scent of shea.
Recommended for moisturizing very dry skin types. Drench and rejuvenate your very dry skin with a rich, intensive cream.
* Community Trade shea butter has antioxidant vitamins A and E to help protect and nourish skin.
* Community Trade cocoa butter is an excellent moisturizer that melts at body temperature, leaving skin soft and silky smooth.
For more body butter offerings from Body Shop check out:
http://www.thebodyshop.ca/body-subcat-bodybutter-.html
THE REAL SCOOP
Body Shop body butters have long been one of my indulgences to combat dry winter air. With a thick creamy consistency that blends well and so many lovely scents to choose from it is no wonder there are celebrities like JLo and Victoria Beckham that swear by it.
That said, the price point is a bit steep for the product and I can see it being a deterrence. The product lasts a long time though, and if the full sized tub is simply too much, you can try out a bunch of mini body butters for only $8 apiece. Those are great for throwing in the handbag and moisturizing on the go.
I find the consistency doesn't really sink in quickly, it more or less stays on the surface (although it shouldn't be mistaken for greasy like Glysomed). For that reason, i tend to use the body butter mainly before going to bed or if I'm having a comfy day mucking about the house so that it doesn't stick to my "going out clothes". It is luxurious and lovely when applied after a bath!
The ingredients for this particular "flavour" are great for dry, dehydrated skin: shea butter helps moisturize and soften the skin, cocoa butter melts at body temperature and leaves skin feeling very silky. With both of these keynote ingredients being purchased via a fair trade agreement, it provides a rural community of women with regular work and income, enables the development of community projects (e.g. schools and village wells) and provides small-scale farmers with income to support their families.
I always keep a tub by my computer, so that I can lavish my hands with moisture. The subtle scent for shea body butter is not overwhelming or cloyingly sweet, which is a major plus. If you are in the market for different scents, have a look at the offerings that Body Shop has - there is bounid to be a scent that is right for you (from citrusy to musky to a shimmery holiday edition cranberry).
Bottom line, it is pricey but the tub lasts! I love how Body Shop is helping to improve living conditions of those who are less fortunate and will willingly pay a slight premium to support that corporate philosophy. I have and will continue to re-purchase this product.
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