Pharmaprix VIP Day Haul and Thoughts

IMG_0041If you shop at Pharmaprix/Shoppers Drug Mart then you know all about the VIP day (it usually happens 2x a year) and what it entails but if your like me you have heard about them but never took part in them right?

Well Saturday November 29th I managed to convince Amanda from My Pretty Distractions to come with me to this since she has never been either. I thought it would be something fun that two stay at home moms could do and honestly it wasn’t hard to convince her either.

You have to sign up in advance and tickets are $10 but you get that back when you shop on that day.

As I mentioned earlier in the post this was our first time and I had no idea what to expect so we arrived just as it was starting and no one else was there yet which worked out really good because we decided to get our make up done. I wish I would have thought to take pictures but I didn’t so this is after wards.

The first place I went to was the Stila counter. I wish I would have gotten the ladies name who did my blush because she did a great job. She listened to what I was saying and offered me her recommendation.

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I love the packaging of this
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This is the convertible color dual lip and cheek cream in the shade camellia

 

 

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I like that the blush is there but its not in your face there. This is perfect for a first time blush wearer
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Stila eyeshadow in the shade espresso

I have been wanting to try out their eye shadows for awhile so I figured this would be the perfect time.

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The purse was a goodie if you bought two items from stila. Its a cute little bag that would look nice for a casual evening out.

I know Pharmaprix was also running a promotion that if you bought two or more items you got a discount off.

My next stop was Benefit. The make up artist was super nice and friendly and also listened to you.

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This is the look in natural light. Eye shadow is Longwear powder Shadow in the shade Nude Swings, Gimme Brow in the shade medium deep, Benefit They’re Real Mascara, and a Benefit liner
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A closer look with the eye closed.
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Samples I received from her: They’re Real remover & Hello Flawless in the shade Cheers to Me Champagne
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The goodies I bought since I got a discount

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She prepped my face with the Benefit Ultra Radiance Facial Re-Hydrating Mist.  I really liked this and I am excited to add this to my daily routine.

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Another item I was eyeing when I was waiting for the make up artist is the Bigger Then BB Big Easy Liquid to Powder multi balancing complexion perfector. Its in the shade 02 Light. The past few months with being busy I have been reaching for my BB creams on a daily bases and I have been going through them quite fast so i figured now would be the time to pick this up.

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I picked up the eye shadow that she used on me and I am a complete sucker for the packaging. Isn’t it cute? its in the shade Nude Swings.

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As she was doing my make up I kept eyeing the Hydra Smooth Lip Color. This is in the shade Wing Woman and its a really nice color as you can see below and its perfect for every day wear and yes I am a sucker for great packaging. Isn’t this cute. It looks like a little light house doesn’t it?

The last item I purchased was the Gimme Brow in the shade medium deep. I have been wanting to try this since it came out and she showed me how to use it and I have to say I like the look of it as you can tell in the outdoor pictures.

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This is taken indoors and its almost 8 hours after the make up was done. Everything is pretty much still in tack apart from the lipstick that I replied for this purpose.

At the cash I got a good bag because I spent over a certain amount. This is what I got:

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All the goodies are tucked into this silver gift bag

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From Lancome: Treson perfume sample (I like this and I love the little spray bottle), Juicy Tube in the shade Raspberry Ice (I have been wanting to try these) and then Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector sample.

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From Thierry Mugler Alien perfume sample (in the spray bottle that I love) and Womanity Anti-perspirant Roll on Deodorant. This smells really nice and curious to try it out.

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From Gucci Guiltya perfumed body lotion. It smells really nice and I like trying high end items.

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Finally the last set of goodies is from Shiseido. A brand I have never tried before. I got a drinking cup (which is a good size for drinks), Bio-Performance Advanced Super restoring cream, a IBUKI Gentle cleanser, IBUKI Refining Moisturizer and Laquer Rouge lipstick.

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I have to say for my first time going I really had alot of fun and I am looking forward to the next VIP day. It was nice to get my make up done by a professional since its been 14 years since I had it done. It felt nice to get pampered and I wish I could do it more often. Perhaps I need to treat myself every few months.

In case you have always wanted to go but never knew quite sure what this was exactly let me tell you that it is paid event but you will get your money back in the form of a gift card. When you go to sign up, think about what brands interest you and make an appointment with that make up artist because its completely free to get a make over done. Trust me you will feel so good about yourself. The next time it happens which is roughly the spring I plan on saving any and all my points for that event because its usually around the time when you can cash them in.

Blogmas 2014 (Day 2)

Good Morning Everyone.

Today’s topic is:

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When your a child, Christmas is all about the presents you will get under the tree and I think that is normal but once you grow up you realize that there is so much more to Christmas.

Since moving away from my parents house I realized that of course presents are nice but spending time with family and friends is so much better. Especially if you have family who live far away.

This year I’m not sure how it will be but I do know that my sister in law, brother in law and their son will be here for Christmas which will be nice because I don’t think we ever spent a Christmas together. We will be going to my in laws on Christmas day and I am hoping that my brother in law will be able to make it home this year although I’m not quite sure.

What does Christmas mean to you?

Fortune Cookie Soap The Soap Box Winter 2014 Edition

 

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All subscription boxes will include 8 exclusive FCS products in adorable mini-sizes. You will also receive a $10 FCS gift code with each Soap Box, that can be redeemed online or in our retail store. Price includes shipping. 

Cost for the Soap Box is:

  • United States $19.99 and its billed every 3 months
  • Canada $28.00 and its billed every 3 months
  • International $34.00 and its billed every 3 months

This is a quarterly subscription service. You will get a new box each season. One of the great things about this is that you get a sneak peek at the upcoming scents and products before they are released online and in store.

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The theme for the Winter box is Old Fashioned Family Christmas. I love how the box was packaged this month don’t you?

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The white container is “Christmas Bonus” Deep Conditioner. This is their third annual mystery fragrance. Isn’t it fun to try and guess the scents of products? I love trying these kinds of products for my hair. Its nice to break up your regular routine with new things.  As for the scent I am getting a mint smell. I will let you know what it is when I do my monthly empties.

“Our new deep conditioning treatment leaves hair deeply nourished, improves elasticity and shine, and rejuvenates, rebuilds, and repairs dry, damaged hair. Infused with argan oil, for long lasting conditioning.”

The black container is “Moose Mug Cuticle butter” you gently massage this into your hands focusing on the cuticle area. With the colder season now on us I am in dire need of this. I knew right away when I opened this that it was eggnog scented. I am a huge eggnog lover.

“”Can I refill your eggnog…?”

Rich cream, egg, and a touch of nutmeg.””

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“Squirrel Whipped Cream” One thing I love about FCS is the names they come up with for their products. I had no idea what I was about to smell when I opened this. It didn’t look like squirrel because it was pink in color and it sure doesn’t smell like squirrel. It has a really nice smell that I just can’t place my finger on.

“Handmade with a special low cholesterol recipe.

A festive blend of apples, sun ripened strawberries and plums dancing with zests of orange and a splash of lime.”

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“Fried Pussycat Whipped Soap” see what I mean with another funny title? I have no idea what whipped soap is so this will be fun to try out. If anyone knows how to use this please let me know as I tried to find out on my own with no luck.

“Because who doesn’t want to smell like fried pussycat?!

Juicy plum and whipped caramel wrapped in artisan bourbon vanilla and jasmine blossoms.”

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“mele Kelekimaka OCD Hand Sanitizer” Isn’t this the color of a tropical beach somewhere? When I think of that this is the color that comes to mind. Oh how I wish I was on one right now…This is a little strong in scent at first but once you rub it into your hands its perfectly fine. This smells like a tropical island sunscreen to me. This will be used quite a bit this winter with the icky cold weather when I feel like I need to get away.

“With visions of swimming pools dancing in your head.

Tropical spiced rum, Tahitian vanilla, sprinkled with Jasmine petals and woods”

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“”I Pledge Allegiance Amen Shower Steamer”. I have gotten these in the past and love them. What you do is place this in the tub at the back so that when you shower it will slowly disolves. Its an aromatherapy shower. It worked perfect last winter when I had that cold. It worked so well. I will be saving this for that kind of day. It has that herb smell that you know will do wonders for you.

“They want you to say the damn grace…!”

A brisk and outdoorsy blend of blue spruce and balsam fir, fresh mint and garden herbs.”

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“Sparkly Hydrate Me” OMG  I love the smell of this its pumpkin scented another one of my favorite fall scents. Does anyone else love the smell of pumpkin baking? I was so new to the hydrate me bars a while ago and since discovering them I love them. So after you shower you run this under water and basically your massage this into your skin and air dry a bit as the butters work in leaving your skin hydrated and soft. You will notice right away how soft your skin feels.

“We dedicate this to the FCS family Christmas. Drumroll Please!

Scrumptious vanilla pumpkin waffles topped with brown sugar, pecans and sheets of fresh whipped cream.”

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Finally the last item (which really should have been the first one) is the “Tis the Season to me Mary fortune cookie soap” A beautiful red soap that smells so good. Its a scent that I can’t describe in words, all i can say is that it smells so good. Its a nice unique scent.

My fortune said: “Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out in the middle of nowhere, leave your for dead?” Hmm okay that is a bit weird isn’t it LOL

“Buy this for your wife…God rest her soul.

Warm swirls of tobacco with a hint of almond.”

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This was another amazing box from FCS that I just love. I will be using everything this month in my box and let you know how it went at the end of the month.

Happy Holidays Everyone/

CD Review/ Holiday Wishes by Idina Menzel

  • Band/Artist: Idina Menzel
  • Title: Holiday Wishes
  • Date: October 2014
  • Label: Warner Brothers

Holiday Wishes, a Christmas album recorded by Tony Award-winning singer/actor Idina Menzel, is out now on Warner Bros. Records.

The album was produced by Grammy Award-winner Walter Afanasieff (Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey) and features such classic favorites as “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” as well as Joni Mitchell’s Christmas-themed “River,” one of Menzel’s favorites.

Another highlight is a duet with international superstar Michael Bublé on “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” An exclusive Target edition of Holiday Wishes features two bonus tracks, including “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”.

Idina’s career has traversed stage, film, television, and music. She was most recently heard as Elsa in Disney’s global box-office smash Frozen, in which she sings the film’s Oscar-winning song “Let It Go.” After her performance of the multi-platinum song at the 86th annual Academy Awards, she made history as the first person with both a Billboard Top 10 hit and a Tony Award for acting.

You might recognize her from Glee. This is where I was first introduce to her and I love the way she sings. She has a beautiful voice.

Idina currently stars as Elizabeth in the original Broadway production of If/Then.

I have been listening to this cd for about two weeks now and I have to say that I feel like I am  officially in the Christmas spirit and this will be one holiday cd that I will be buying this year. I absolutely love it and I think if you like the classic holiday songs then you will love this. I think this would be a perfect cd to have playing this year in your home.

As I was listening to this I was trying to figure out which song or songs I loved the best and I love the whole cd although I do have to say that I really love Baby, Its Cold Outside and how could I not because she sings with Michael Buble?

I loved how Idina made each and everyone of those songs hers. The songs that were selected were my all time favorites and its nice to hear a new spin on the classic holiday songs we love and cherish.

Holiday Wishes Track Listing

  1. Do You Hear What I Hear
  2. The Christmas Song
  3. Baby It’s Cold Outside (Duet with Michael Buble)
  4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
  5. All I Want For Christmas
  6. What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?
  7. December Prayer
  8. When You Wish Upon A Star
  9. Silent Night
  10. River
  11. Holly Jolly Christmas
  12. White Christmas

Bonus Tracks on Target Exclusive

  • Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
  • Mothers Spiritual

 

 

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Official Idina Menzel website: www.idinamenzel.com
* Twitter – @idinamenzel
* Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IdinaMenzel
* YouTube – http://bit.ly/IMHWVID

I participated in the Idina Menzel Holiday Wishes album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.

Blogmas 2014 (Day1)

Good Morning everyone and welcome to day 1 of Blogmas 2014.

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As you can see the topic today is Your favorite Christmas Traditions.

Growing up we always had a real tree and my parents would put it up on December 1st. We were also given our advent calendars at this time so that we could count down the days until Christmas.

One thing that my parents always did in regards to tradition was that each of us got a huge orange and apple in our stockings.

When I moved out and got married I told my husband that I wanted to start new traditions for us and our upcoming family and he was on board. I think all families need to have traditons or start them.

One of the big things for me was not putting up  our tree until after December 5th and that is because that’s my birthday. Growing up my birthday never truly felt special for me because all around me was Christmas decorations and money was usually tight for the family with Christmas so close so that meant if I wanted something really special I ended up getting it only at Christmas.

Anyways back to my story (hehe) so every year we have a real tree and the last few years we made it a point to go and cut our tree down at a tree farm with one of our closest friends.

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Getting ready to cut the tree down.

We usually let the tree sit over night and then we decorate it.

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Which leads me to our next traditon and that is each year we buy special ornaments for ourselves. So by the time my 11 year old moves out he will have his own starter set of ornaments and he then can continue the tradition with his family.

As you can see from last years tree we have many of them on the tree.

What are your favorite traditions?

All I Want For Christmas Is… #3

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Danya from A Tapestry of Words started this fun little feature on her blog called All I Want For Christmas Is… and basically what you do is share your wishlist of books. I thought that this would be something fun to do perhaps on a weekly bases until Christmas. Can you believe we are a little over a month to go?

I am no where near being started so over the next few weeks I will be shopping, shopping and more shopping for gifts for my family and two Secret Santas I am taking part in. Are you ready?

Here is my 5 books this week:

 

Blogmas 2014 – The 25 Days of Christmas

As I am slowly wrapping up my posts for the 30 Days, 30+ Pre-Scheduled Blog Posts I was thinking about taking part in Blogmas this year.

If you are on YouTube you know that a good majority of the vloggers are doing a vlogmas next month, which is very popular and you commit to post a vlog daily in the whole month of December. I was thinking of doing a YouTube one but I think that will have to wait until next year because there is just so much on my plate right now that I don’t think I could fit that into my daily life. Although I could do basically one take and not editing, we will see.

So in its place for right now I am going to be doing Blogmas instead and basically I am committing to posting every day this month. I hope you will stop in daily to see the posts.

I was looking online to see what bloggers were going to do this blogmas and I found Sandra from Diary of a Stay at Home Mom and she posted this prompt list to make it easier to do the Blogmas.

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Will you be doing Blogmas 2014?