Review: Fitbit Charge HR - Purple

Place purchased:  Primenow Amazon

Price: $79.99

I was in a bit of a hurry to get this item, my cousin was in town visiting from Michigan, and we were doing a lot of walking.  I've been on a low carb diet since October 2016, so I was wanting to up my exercise, as my weight loss lately has been slow.  She had another brand of lifestyle watch, and recommended I get one.  After looking on Primenow (because I wanted one pronto), I went with this one due to the lower price point.  For the beginner, it seemed perfect to me.  There are other options of Fitbits, but they are higher priced due to the functions or style.  This was ordered at 10pm and waiting on my doorstep the next morning.  Have to love Amazon Prime Now!

Pros:  It syncs with my smartphone.  It tracks a few different things, such as my heart rate, steps per day, calories burned, distance, flights of stairs.  It is also supposedly to automatically detect other types of physical exercise.  When you've reached your set goal(s) for the day, it vibrates.  It has really helped to keep me motived to reach my goals.

Cons:  I went bike riding once and it did not auto detect right away. I'm not sure how many miles I actually rode.  I also bought a size larger than I needed, so be sure to read the size description and measure your wrist.  I have a few holes left until I can no longer use it, so I'm hoping it will still fit as I lose weight.

Final Result:  LOVE IT!  It has helped me to be conscious of my daily exercise.  I've walked more and make a bigger effort to get exercise than I used to.  There are also challenges you can set up for yourself, and online communities to bond with other Fitbit users and challenge each other.

Review: Marc Jacobs Daisy Sorbet Women's 1.7-ounce Eau de Toilette Spray

Place purchased:  Overstock.com

Price: $53.99 for the 1.7oz size 

Fragrance is something very personal to me.  I love wearing a nice perfume every day, even if I'm the only one who smells it.  I've had the obsession of designer fragrances since I received my first bottle of "Giorgio" at age 16.  What an extravagance that was!  Up until that time, I had only received Love's Baby Soft and other drugstore type fragrances.

Fast forward 30 years later.  My parents created a monster. I love designer fragrances, and it seems I am always on the lookout for the next best thing.  I have quite a few in my collection, and 3 in the MJ Daisy line,  but I wanted to write about this one first, as it's my favorite.

I received a sample bottle from my Scentbird.com subscription.  I think it's the only time I've used up the whole supply they provide.  In fear of running out, I scoured the internet looking for more.  I found a good price at Overstock, and ordered it.  I literally have to keep myself from wearing it every day.  I have so many others I love (but not as much as this one), and I don't want to think I wasted my money on the others, so I make myself wear them.  But I know in the back of my mind, I wish I had this one on!  Silly, I know 😆  

It's described as: Hints of jasmine, passion fruit, pear and pink grapefruit highlight its fruity and floral scent, creating an intensely sweet fragrance that is guaranteed to turn heads. Let this fresh eau de toilette spray make a statement about your style and character with its femininity and softness.

Floral fragrances are my fave.  So if you love floral too, this one is a must try!

Pros:  Light, feminine, 1 or 2 sprays last all day.

Cons:  N/A

Final Result:  LOVE IT!  This one is my fave, but hey, tomorrow that can all change, I'm fickle like that!

Review: GlobeIn Monthly Subscription Box

Place purchased: Globein.com

Price: $10.00/month ($10.90 with tax)

Advertised as: Artisan made products from around the world, helping to fight poverty.

I joined this club because it's rather inexpensive and I like the mission behind it.  They use artisans from around the world and send us their handmade items.

This month I received a pair of earring from craftswomen/men located in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Eastern China.  The brand is Marquet, which employs over 100 jewelry craftsman, offers both full time and part time opportunities, and provide the opportunity to work at home.  Marquet also supports the Binh Minh collective of 20 families in Vietnam, who weave beautiful scarves from locally-raised silk.  Marquet is dedicated to importing handmade accessories, gifts, and decor from Thailand and Vietnam. 

I wasn't so sure at first that I liked these earrings.  Then I happened to notice I was wearing a shirt that matched the colors perfectly.  They are cute, I thought to myself.  I will give them a try!

This is my second month with this subscription service.  Last month I received a small handmade bowl, artistically decorated.  I am unsure if I will continue with this club or not.  It depends on if I find value and am able to use what I receive.  I won't keep a subscription just to accumulate clutter.

Pros:  Cheap.  Helps support artistians in other countries.  Global impact, and warm fuzzy feeling from knowing I am helping others.

Cons:  You don't know what you will get.  You may or may not like it.  Maybe the items I don't like, I can give as gifts?

Final Result:  Undecided.  I will see how things go in a few months to decide if I want to cancel, or keep receiving this membership. 

Review: MAC Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone Treatment

Place Purchased:  MAC Store, Fashion Valley Mall, San Diego CA.

Price: $23.00

Advertised as: "An oil-free emulsion that helps conceal visible pores while controlling oil and shine."

I have been battling with my oily skin for years.  This has lead me to try a plethora of products.  I've tried an Avon version of oil control - total waste of money.  It did not have what it takes to battle my oily skin!  I've also tried Clinique, and a few from Sephora (can't remember the brands off hand).  The point is, I've tried a lot!  The MAC tech recommended this for my oily areas.  For me, it's my T zone, plus my chin and cheeks.  I guess pretty much all over if I think about it now!  Since purchasing this product, I've used it a few times and have been very happy with the results.

Pros:  Controls even my oily skin for most, if not all, of the time my make up is on.  So let's say at least 8 hrs, give or take.  Just a dab will do ya.

Cons: It's a small bottle, so use sparingly.  As oily as my skin is, I am lucky I don't wear make up everyday, or I would have to order this by the case!

Final Result:  LOVE IT!  Keeping this one on my must have list.  I won't try any others unless this no longer works for me.

Review: MAC 170 SYNTHETIC ROUNDED SLANT BRUSH

Place Purchased:  Bloomingdales at Fashion Valley Mall, San Diego CA.

Price: $35.00

I have around 4-5 MAC brushes now, but I felt I had to add this one to my collection because it gives your foundation an air brushed look.  I have 2 other foundation brushes by MAC, and this one is my favorite.  It's advertised as: "A brush that applies, buffs out and blends thick creams and liquids." It does a splendid job.  It's thick, with short slanted bristles.

Pros:  Gives your face foundation an air brushed look.  Good coverage.

Cons:  $35.00 is a bit steep for a brush, so it's not something everyone will spring for.  However, if you just get to choose 1 brush for foundation, I would choose this one.  I wish I had bought this one first, I would not have purchased the other 2 I have.

Final Result:  LOVE IT!  It's my favorite foundation brush.

Review: Scentbird Monthly Fragrance Subscription

Place Purchased: Scentbird.com

Price: $14.95/month

Oh my, it seems like the list of things I love is never ending.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE fragrances!  And like most things in my life, I want the expensive kind, that start out at around $60.00 a bottle.

I came across and ad for Scentbird - my pulse started racing as I visited the site.  Literally hundreds of fragrances - what?!!?!?  For $14.95 a month for a 30 days supply - double what?!!!?!!?

I rushed to sign up and early waited for my first shipment.  There we so many fragrances to choose from!  You browse through their site and put the scents you'd like to receive in your que.  You can switch your que around, skip a month (or several) and they even have fragrances for men.  They offer a variety of options including gift sets.  You can also purchase full size from them if you find one you can't live without.

The site advertises: “Date” perfumes before “marrying” them.

This is great for people like me, as I'm picky about my fragrances.  I've received a few I don't care that much for, so I plan on giving them away to someone who likes the scent more than I do.

You receive 1 reusable case with your first order.  They must have messed up, because somehow I've received 4!  I also bought the stand you see to hold them from wish.com.

Pros:  Buy a perfume for an inexpensive price, better than the free samples given out at dept. stores, it's at least 30 days if you wear it every day.  Price includes shipping.

Cons:  You might get stuck with a fragrance you don't like, but it's worth the risk.  You can always give it away.

Final Result:  LOVE IT!  As you can see from my collection, I've been a member for awhile now, and will continue to be as new fragrances are continuously released.

Review: Too Faced "Better Than Sex" Mascara & Waterproof Mascara

Place Purchased: Full size - eBay.com / Small size through beauty subscription box

Price: $21.50 for full size

I struggle with my puny lashes.  I've tried all types of different mascaras, all claiming to be the best thing ever.  I've tried the cheap kind by Maybelline, all the way up to Chanel, and everything in between.

I received the sample size of Too Faced "Better Than Sex" mascara in one of my beauty boxes.  I don't know how long it sat in my arsenal of products before I gave it a try.  Probably close to a year!

I immediately fell in love with it, and ordered the full size from eBay (it was the best price I could find).  I didn't want to risk running out!  To be honest, I don't wear make up very often, so the sample size probably would have been sufficient for quite awhile. I didn't get the water proof kind because typically the non waterproof version provides better lashes with more volume.  I compared the two descriptions, and found this to be true for this brand as well.    

Upon using both the waterproof and the non waterproof, I have to say I prefer the waterproof. For my lashes, it seems to give me better results.  Either version is amazing though!  My lashes are long and full.  This is one mascara no one should be without.

Pros: Long, beautiful lashes.  Available in waterproof and non waterproof.

Cons:  If you can't find a deal and have to buy from a beauty store, full price is $23.00

Final Result:  LOVE IT!  This will remain on my must have list.  I just read another review stating that Rimmel "Scandalous Eyes" is a similar mascara, and priced at only $7.00.  I will have to pick it up next time I'm at the store, and give it a try.