Summer Updates

I know...I've been MIA. My apologies for not updating. I have been:

1.)  Catching Up on My Readings

I love Elle Canada. :)

2.) Exploring the City and Nature

* City of Calgary from Crescent Heights

 * Funny story behind this owl statue...but for another time

3.) Cooking, Baking and Experimenting

* Glutinous Rice Ball with coconut and peanuts

* Chapman's frozen yogurt in Cappuccino

 * Chapman's frozen yogurt in Dutch Chocolate

* Homemade Shumai

* Perfect fried egg

* Tomato, ginger, scrambled eggs

* I love vermicelli and fish balls

4.) Planning My Convocation

*Received my Alumni Card!

 

5.) Waiting for my Admittance at the University of Calgary

*U of C emblem and congratulatory papers ^_____^

6.) Shopping: E.L.F. Hauls

7.) Entering Contests and Winning: Cereal-palooza!

8.) Thanking My References: Card Art

9.) Attending Amazing Concerts

*At Engineered Air Theaters

 *Cell phone photos of the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Performance: Music of Billy Joel.

10.) Listening to Travel Stories

Review of Lemon Scented Vim Cream

Photo 1. Front of Vim Cream bottle.

I posted my review on Vim Cream at Chickadvisor.com, but wanted to share my thoughts and pictures with you. Enjoy!

Thank you Chickadvisor.com for sending me a full size bottle of lemon scented Vim Cream to try. My family and I really appreciate the opportunity to review the product.

Unlike other cleaners that overpower one's senses, the light yellow Vim Cream smells natural. The shape of the bottle is well designed. It is easy to hold on and squeeze the powerful formula easily onto surfaces. The cream is phosphate free, has the consistency of lotion, and stays in place. The gentle but gritty texture is quite unique for a cleaner. The formula is somewhat like Crest Pro-Health tooth paste.

Photos 2 & 3. My brother's white shoes. I cleaned the shoes and now they are sparkling!

The product cannot be used on certain surfaces, which include linoleum, textile, leather, and painted wood. And extra caution must be used when applying the cream to painted enamel, aluminium, and other soft surfaces.

I used the product on my bathtub, kitchen sink, and white runners. I'm pretty satisfied with the results. The cream was able to remove soap scum, and everyday grime without scratching my belongings. I'm slightly disappointed the product was not able to remove hard water build up from the shower head. Overall, the cream required less scrubbing and elbow grease, and the cleaner saved me time. Thanks to the makers of Vim Cream; the awesome formula has certainly rejuvenated my place.

I still love my current eco-friendly green cleaners because I'm a tree-hugger. I would only buy the Vim Cream to clean my white runners and would suggest the it to my work out buddies.

Review Breyers Smooth and Dreamy Ice Cream: Strawberry & Cream

I posted my review on Breyers Smooth and Dreamy Ice Cream at Chickadvisor.com, but wanted to share my thoughts and pictures with you. Enjoy!

Thank you Chickadvisor.com (i.e. the review club) and Breyers.ca for sending me a beautiful green ice cream scoop and a free product coupon (FPC) for a 1.89L tub of Breyers Smooth & Dreamy Ice Cream. At the request of my family I picked up Strawberries & Cream from The Real Canadian Superstore. The product sells for ~ $7.89 CAD.

What is unique about this ice cream? Well, the proprietary Cream Press System splits the cream into ultra fine molecules which allows the droplets of cream to expand at its maximal capacity in the freezer. The Smooth & Dreamy ice cream collection still has the same wholesome taste of regular ice cream but half the fat. 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the Smooth and Dreamy ice cream is only 120 calories!

After cracking the lid open I instantly fell in love with the appearance of the marbleized ice cream, and aromatic smell of vanilla and strawberry. The Strawberry & Cream is a vanilla flavored ice cream surrounded by freshly pureed pink strawberry swirls. I am happy to report that the ice cream is thoroughly consistent in taste and texture.

I was further amazed by how fluffy, and scoop-able the ice cream is. I find regular ice creams rock-hard and difficult to scoop, but I wasn't met with the same challenge with the Smooth & Dreamy product.

The Smooth & Dreamy ice cream doesn't taste like bland low-fat or “diet” ice creams. My family and I were extremely pleased with the smoothness and richness of the Strawberry & Cream ice cream. The ice cream is refreshingly flavorful and completely satisfying. Although, I personally found the product is a bit sweeter than other regular ice creams.

Nevertheless, Strawberry & Cream is premium quality ice cream that I have recommended to friends and co-workers. I have already re-purchased the Strawberry & Cream flavor for the hot summer months ahead.

Cheers!

Spring Sunset in Calgary

Product Review on LUSH Cosmetics: Mask of Magnaminty

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Introduction

Hi, my name is Margaret and I'm a mint addict. I have always been a mint addict; I love the tingly feeling it gives, as well as the smell, and taste. Obviously I didn't eat the Mask of Magnaminty but I know of a CSR who did. The CSR told me she had tasted the Mask of Magnaminity; her verdict on the mask was: good to zap pimples with but too chalky to consume.

Size, Price, Self- Life and Application Routine

I bought big pot at 315g for ~$20. The mask has a self-life of four months, which is long compared to the fresh face masks. Personally, I should have purchased the smaller tub because I still have a quarter of the product left and it's expired. :( Maybe I'll use the remaining product as a foot mask.

I have combination skin and I used the mask at least once a week and sometimes every other night to scrub dead skin cells off and shrink enlarged pores. The once-a-week application and the every-other-night regime doesn't dry out my skin. My suggestion is to avoid using the mask everyday; trust me I tried this sort of application and it left my skin feeling dry and raw.

The Tingly and Refreshing Experience

When I want to de-stress from an uber long day...my first instinct is to grab my mint mask from the fridge and my Zune. I first wash my face then slaughter the goop on; I gently apply the product in small circular motions. The texture of the mask is goopey with bits of chunky aduki bean granules in it; perfect for taking off dead skin. I suggest hovering over the sink or bathtub when applying the mask and when the mask begins to dry. The mask flakes off as it dries and the house can get messy... (Sorry mom!)

I like this mask because I can feel it working; the cool tingly sensation lifts dirt and grime out of my skin. Also the mask dries out pimples, reduces redness and oil, erases blackheads, prevents acne from erupting, and balances my skin's equilibrium. The scent is delightful; smells like vanllia and mint-chocolate chip. Yummy!

I leave the mask on for about 15 minutes or until the mask hardens. To take the mask off, I moisten the Magnaminty Mask by splashing cold water on my face then gently rub the mask off. The mask revives my skin; leaving it bright, clean, smooth and soft.

Thanks for reading!

Honey, where are my shoes?

Read more about the symbolic meanings and explanations of sneakers on power lines.

Thank You Maybelline, Matchstick, and My Friends

Photo 1. My Maybelline EyeStudio kit from Maybelline and Matchstick

Photo 2. Alternative angle of Maybelline EyeStudio products

Photo 3. Close-up of the gel eyeliners

♔ Thank You! ♔

Thank you Maybelline, Matchstick, and you (my readers) for your support during the Daretoinspire.ca contest. This is a very exciting time as we wait with great anticipation for the announcement of the winner. :)

Over these past these past few weeks I have thoroughly enjoyed Maybelline New York EyeStudio products; I love writing mini tutorials and reviews, using the make-up as well as giving them away. Even though the contest has ended I have been inspired to continue to spread the word about their wonderful make-up products.  Please visit my blog in the future for more reviews and mini-tutorials.

★ Summary of Reviews ★

I.) Color Plush Eye Shadow collection

I have fallen head over heals for the the Plush collection. There is a variety of colors in the collection; I promise that you won't be disappointed with the vast color selections. The eyeshadows are highly pigmented, and the formula have a soft velvety texture. Maybelline's EyeStudio eyeshadows (i.e the Plush palettes and Color Pearls) are ophthalmologist tested and safe for contact lens wearers, and each palette weighs 2.5g or 0.09OZ.

II.) Color Pearls Marbelized Eye Shadows

The shimmery iridescent hues are perfect to wear for any occasion. These black palettes are sleek, and portable.

III.) Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliners & XXL Pro Mascaras

The eyeliners and mascaras are long-lasting; activity, heat, and humidity resistant. The gel eyeliners glide on my lids, and the brush allows for accurate application of the formulas. The mascaras require a two step application. The first formula coats the lashes with a base. The brush grabs every single lash, yes even the baby lashes. The second formula curls, lengthens, volumizes, and bolds the lashes.

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❤ Sky Blue Reign is a fun night look I created for a night out at the clubs. ❤

Photo 4. The products used; Sapphire Siren (#20) palette, 24HRS Bold mascara, Blackest black gel eyeliner

Photo 5. Close-up of the Sapphire Siren (#20) palette

Photo 6. Swatches of Sapphire Siren

Photo 7. The completed look.

 A.) Eyeshadows: Sapphire Siren (#20)

1.) Highlight and Brighten –  apply the lightest shade on the brow bones, inner corner of eyes, and lower lash line to make the eyes pop. 

2.) Accentuate – glide the second shade across the entire eye lid and lower lashes but do not hide the highlight hue. Then feather this blue color upwards towards the brow bone. 

3.) Intensify– add the third hue around the ball of the eye; emphasizing on the hollow of the eyes and the outer corner. Lastly, blend this dark color with the light blue and sweep outwards.

B.) Gel Eyeliner: In  Blackest  Black (#950)

1.)  Define and contour – line the entire top and bottom waterline.

C.) Mascara: XXL Pro  24HR Bold Mascara

1.) Lengthen  – curl your lashes then apply formula #1 followed by #2 for bold and beautiful lashes.

Your Feedback is Needed 

Photo 8: The Redwood logo

Matchstick, and Maybelline are interested in your feedback and opinions! If you haven't completed this survey, please do so. You can voice your thoughts by completing a short two minute survey: 

http://s-owpcc-294253.sgizmo.com/i/61848e14596632p77242

For every completed survey Matchstick will make a $2.00 donation to The Redwood. The Redwood is a family support shelter that offers assistance to those less fortunate.

Thanks for reading!