Category / review

my experience and thoughts on stuff

by Victoria. H

Getting Glossy

So maybe by now you’ve heard about Glossybox or one of the other beauty boxes out there. If not the basic idea is you subscribe to the service and each month for a nominal fee, this particular one is $15 a month, you receive a package in the mail containing full size and sample size cosmetics. This allows you to get a feel for brands and products you might not normally try and see new items from brands you already know and love. Ideally.

I must admit I was a bit skeptical when first introduced to the concept. Would I really receive what I perceived as $15 worth? and would I even enjoy the cosmetics Glossybox sent?

The answer to both questions is YES! Granted this is only my first box, as this is their Canadian debut, but based on first impressions I am very pleased.

The packaging is very pretty and obviously has had a lot of thought put into it, which goes a long way in the enjoyment of this service.

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Here is the dusty rose Glossybox, straight out of the box it was mailed in. It measures approximately 8”x 6.5” with a 3” depth.

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Love the ribbon! but then again I am a sucker for ribbons.

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The envelope held a card that on one side has a short note about the February box and on the other side has a list of all the products in the box. It gives the name, a brief explanation, and what the price would be if you were to purchase a full size. Also included are 3 labels for the box which I think is a cute, thoughtful touch.

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The cosmetics I received are:

1. Elizabeth Arden Prevage Night Cream 7ml                                             

2. Essie Nail Polish in Neo Whimsical 13.8ml

3. Oscar de la Renta Live in Love body lotion 50ml

4. Ahava mineral hand cream 20ml

5. Elizabeth Grant moisturizing stick 3.5g

and as a bonus, usually you only get 5 products:

6. Beauty So Clean sanitizing wipes(4) and mist 8ml

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So far I’ve tried both lotions, I like the scents, the nail polish, the color was perfect for a V-day manicure, and the moisturizing stick, which is my fave of the bunch. It smells like melon and it moisturizes just the way I like, not sticky and doesn’t sink in too fast. Also I feel a little more classy pulling out this stick instead of my usual Lip Smacker or Blistex.

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Overall I think this is a great service. It’s well put together and made me smile when I opened it. The $15 includes taxes and shipping and you can cancel your subscription at any time! I’m happy this service came to Canada and am looking forward to next months Glossybox!

Check them out on facebook, twitter, youtube, or their website www.glossybox.ca.

 

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Conclusion: Everyone loves getting a package now and then, and if it has beauty items in it all the better!

by Victoria. H

nothing beats a good Blo

Last Friday I had the extreme pleasure of attending Blo’s V.I.P(ink) carpet rollout. This is Blo – Blow Dry Bar’s first Calgary location and 16th in the world!

Scheduling my appointment right after work was a good choice. I was able to sit down, unwind with a glass of champagne, and emerge half an hour later with a fab hairstyle and reenergized for a fun Friday night! Blo even opens at 7am which is awesome if you want that picture perfect hair to start your day with.

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Blo is located on 1317 1st Street SW in Calgary. Easy to get to and close to downtown, the salon is chic and cozy. Upon arriving you get to look at the Blo hair menu and choose from 7 different styles. I choose the  classic red carpet Blo. Being a total blo out virgin I thought I’d start with the original, but i loved the experience so much I will definitely be back to try out the different looks!

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After getting shampooed my bloer (aka session stylist) Karina, went to work. Karina is a blo u(niversity) educator from Toronto and if the Calgary bloers learned from her then I will be back because she was excellent!

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Karina used the most amazing smelling Moroccanoil hair spray on me.  I need to track some of it down! I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about Moroccan oil lately but wasn’t sure if it would be good for my fine hair. She assured me it was great for fine hair and after trying it I have to agree.  Blo carries Moroccanoil as well as the Unite range of products.

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And Ta-Da! The finished product! My hair was shinnier, swingier, and smelled yummy. Thanks to the Blo crew for a lovely first Blo experience!

Book your appointment soon, you won’t regret it!

BLO FIRST STREET STREET UPDATE: Blo is now closed

1317 1st Street SW                                                                                                              

Calgary, Alberta T2R 0W3                                                                                                                                     

403.264.2569

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Conclusion: A perfect addition to Calgary and when i saw the Moroccanoil sample in my gift bag I was over the moon!

by Victoria. H

A bag just for me

 

I’ve made bags for myself before, mostly totes, but I’ve never had a bag with ME on it. Until now! I really like this picture of my legs. It was taken at a potluck party which had lots of food, drinks, and Rock Band. A winning trio for sure.

I ordered this canvas/vinyl shopper tote from Bags of Love, a UK company. They use your pictures to let you personalize a large number of items such as bags, bedding, canvas, books, floor cushions, rugs, deckchairs, the list goes on and on! It really got me thinking of fun ways I could use all the pics I take that just sit in my computer.

 

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This tote is the perfect city bag! It’s a perfect size, the leather shoulder straps are just long enough, and it’s narrow enough to fit under my arm.

 

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For it’s first day out I took my tote  grocery shopping, not my favourite type of shopping, but shopping none the less. Every time I go to the grocery store I seem to get amnesia. It’s like I can’t remember what I like or how to put a healthy meal together. Picture a tall girl standing with her basket staring at the wall of food, looking bemused and wondering how she got there. I’ve been unsuccessful in making a list beforehand as I just stare in the same way at the empty cupboards. I can’t be the only person with this problem, can I?

 

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I’m extremely pleased that the canvas looks exactly like the photo i sent!  I was even able to pick a font and add text.

 

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As you can see it fits everything I need for work, and there’s two large pockets. Also since it’s vinyl I can just wipe off any slops or smudges. Perfect for me!

 

Conclusion: ………

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by Victoria. H

COLOURlovers: a love story

blush

For most creative types colour is a very important element in the creative process. Finding just the perfect shade or tone that makes your vision come to life can be crucial, and if it’s even just a teensy bit off it can gnaw at you till you make it perfect. or maybe that’s just me?

Making a mash up of unexpected colours, that one would think wouldn’t be aesthetically pleasing, can also be very rewarding.

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by Victoria. H

Books, books, books

Yesterday I made my way over to Chinook Mall to check out the new Anthropologie store and catch Country Strong, which came out Friday and stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw. I enjoyed the movie and ended up purchasing the soundtrack on iTunes, which I am listening to as I write this.

Anyway, more importantly, while I was waiting for the theater to open I killed time in Chapters, dangerous I know, and saw they had %50 off all the books on clearance!! Woo hoo! I was as happy as a pig in mud. I got 2 books from the clearance which ended up being just $4.oo each!

elle 80s

 

Elle Style the 1980’s was still in plastic! It’s full of big pictures, big clothes and bright colors. It’s divided by year and designer. This book reminds me of some of the trends from the 80’s that we love to hate, but it presents them in more of a fashion context. Great inspiration for $4!

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