Sparkle Sparkle December

Did I ever mention my love for things that sparkle? From diamonds and sequins to sugar crystals on cookies.... give me the sparkle! Makeup and beauty products not exempt, so when I discovered three amazing Canadian companies offering sample and full-sized beauty items monthly for a small subscription fee, I knew I was going to be hooked.


Those who know me, know how much I love makeup, freebies and waiting for the mail to arrive everyday. So upon hearing that three of my favourite things are combined monthly, I quickly jumped on the chance to give it a try.


The three companies are Loose Button - Luxe, Glymm and Top Box. I purchased my subscriptions in November which meant that my first box arrivals would be just in time for Christmas. However Top Box, whose popularity has been so overwhelming, was completely sold out until May 2012! I filled out a personalization questionnaire for each company and stalked my mailbox in anticipation.


The first to arrive was the Luxe box and I immediately opened it to see what goodies awaited. 

Pretty box but unfortunately not re-useable.

I absolutely love that it was made for me! Tiny gestures of personalization go a very long way!

What I was awaiting.....awesomeness!

My Luxe box contained the following: 

• DDF Advanced Firming Cream (14 grams) *48 g retails for $130.
• Prada Candy Perfume Sample (1.5 ml)
• Prada Infusion D'Iris Perfume Sample (1.5 ml)
• Lise Watier Plumpissimo Full-Size lipgloss
• Essie Full-Size Nail Polish
• Chocolate Coin

I was never more excited, as everything in the box I could use, even the firming cream. The perfume samples were perfect and in fact the Infusion D'Iris is one of my all-time favourites. The plumping lipgloss is a staple in my beauty arsenal so receiving a full-size sample was wonderful. The nail polish is so subtle and neutral that I can easily wear it for any occasion. Needless to say, I was very happy!

I continued stalking the mail and waiting for my Glymm box to arrive. Unfortunately due to the holiday season, it ended up being delayed until today. Nonetheless, I tore it open immediately!

PINK and its so sturdy that I will be able to re-use it!

It wasn't personalized, but I do love ribbon.

The goodies!

My Glymm box contained the following: 

• Principessa Beauty Fresh Fiore Body Wash Full Size
• Lise Watier Flash Lift Radiance sample
• Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream 15ml
• Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne perfume sample 1.5ml
• Sula Lip Gloss Full Size
• Glass jar of jelly beans

At first glance, I was a bit disappointed as I didn't recognize some of the items, but I reminded myself that the whole point of these boxes was to try out different things. The body wash and perfume are a bit too floral for my liking, but I may still use them. The hits in this box though are definitely the fruity and smooth Caudalie handcream which smells just like oranges, the sheer Sula lipgloss which gives just a hint of berry colour and taste and the mini glass jar which I can re-use in my office. The Watier eye lift serum... well I will need to give this a try during a busy week at work to see its effects, but I am hopeful.

Overall, I am so very satisfied and can't wait until next month's arrivals! If you received something different, send me a comment as I'd love to hear about what arrived for you!

Merry Christmas

This year's holiday festivities just weren't as upbeat as previous years. I'm blaming it on the lack of snow knowing fully well that I might just regret that statement when the white stuff does decide to make an appearance!

I am however very thankful for the love of my friends and family. I was lucky enough to spend Christmas Eve watching Oliver! and The Sound of Music with my husband. He was off to work early Christmas morning but we managed to enjoy a warm breakfast and open up the gifts Santa left. Last night we reunited with friends for our annual Christmas Dinner and I am feeling more than full today.

Santa was very good to us this year and I am ever so thankful!

My goodies.... fudge, chocolate, coffee, a gorgeous Coach purse, Scrabble, Bobble water
and a hot pink Kobo Vox e-reader!

One item not pictured but will most likely make an appearance on here... my new deep fryer! I can already taste those deep-fried Mars bars and batter-coated balls of buttery goodness.... 


So from our house to yours... hope you had a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Oh, Christmas Tree!

Growing up, an artificial tree graced our living room while hubby's home always set-up a freshly cut real tree. We have been going back and forth this year with the artificial vs real tree argument with each of us wanting what the other had growing up.


Last year, being our first married Christmas, we indulged in a beautiful real tree but this year we put an end to the debate and purchased an artificial one. Now, I will admit it is a gorgeous tree, however I am missing that fresh pine smell that enveloped our home last year. Maybe we can alternate...one year artificial...one year real? 


Well... no matter what the future may bring for Christmas' to come and in the joy of living in the moment and THIS holiday season.... here is our tree!

We had a helper! Finn made sure the instructions were safe!

Our Mountie Santa given to us by our dear friends.

A replica of our 5 tier chocolate wedding cake. Our one year wedding anniversary ornament. 

Its complete!

Someone doesn't want to help clean up!

Merry Christmas!

Next up...Holiday Baking... stay tuned!