Friday, September 26, 2014

Update, Clarisonic Plus

I'm sorry my blog followers.  Clearly blogging hasn't been my priority for the past year or two.  I've been working a lot and getting tired too easily.  But I'd love to keep this blog as a journal, just writing about my day-to-day life's ups and downs experiences.

First, I'm a little excited to talk about my purchase of the Clarisonic Plus system I did during the summer.  So a few months ago, I stopped by one of my local Shoppers Drug Mart - a drug store with a luxury beauty department and while browsing, I realized they started to carry the Clarisonic systems.  My Clarisonic Classic was still working at the time, so it didn't really matter to me that Shoppers sold it.  But coincidentally, my charging base stopped working one day so I called up Clarisonic and they couldn't do anything about it since it was over the warranty period.  So I wanted to get the charging base, and I did consider purchasing it on website.  But honestly, the base costs $50 USD and with shipping and handling on top of that it'll probably come to over $70 CAD equivalent.  So I decided to look into purchasing a brand new Clarisonic Plus which then came to my mind that I could buy it from Shoppers and redeem my points.  Now you might be thinking I'm just saving a few bucks from redeeming my points, but coincidentally, Shoppers have been promoting their Senior's Day 20% off on Thursday.  Depending on the store, the age to be considered a senior varies and it happened to be 60 years of age for my local Shoppers.  Now, here's when my mom - mind you, who is a senior - comes into play.  I had my mom pay for the Clarisonic Plus.  The system originally costs $265 before tax, with 20% off and $85 worth redemption points, my Clarisonic ended costing around $150 CAD after tax.  Awesome right?

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Photo stealers

As I was writing my previous post earlier, the MAC sale haul, I randomly decided to type into Google search 'Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil' and click on Google images.  LOL and guess what I found? My own photo taken from my Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil review in someone else's blog! What a joke! And maybe a year ago, I found another one of my photos being used to sell their own product.

Ok, guys, let's NOT take my kind sharing to a different level?!

MAC Warehouse Sale Haul - June 6 2014

This haul post is a coming in a bit late but that's ok because there isn't much that I bought from this MAC sale.  I got tickets this year from work and was a little excited to be going.  I haven't been to a MAC sale for about 4 years.  I must say, the sale hasn't gotten better.  I attended the sale on the Friday but after work, so there were a few products sold out already.  But I wasn't disappointed about the lack of product supply, there wasn't much I really wanted.

The most enjoyable part of this trip is the fact that they were still selling the Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil but sadly, for a must higher price than I last bought them 4 years ago.  Also, the Darphin Paris skincare that I bought.  I'm a little surprised at how much they cost at regular price.

With all this skincare, I spent just over $240 CAD.

1.  Estee Lauder - Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex - $45 CAD
MRSP of the vamped up version - Synchronized Recovery Complex II: $105 CAD
  
2.  Estee Lauder - Time Zone Night Anti-Line/Wrinkle Creme - $45 CAD
MRSP of the vamped up version - Age Reversing Line / Wrinkle Creme - $78 CAD

3.  Darphin Paris - Intral Toner with Chamomile - $10 CAD
MRSP: $42 USD
4.  Darphin Paris - Intral Cleansing Milk - $15 CAD
MRSP: $54 USD

5.  Bobbi Brown - Soothing Cleansing Oil - $25 CAD
MRSP: $49 CAD

6.  MAC Pro Longwear Eye Shadow in Always Sunny - Free Gift
MRSP: $25 CAD

So this is the end of this post.  Hope you all enjoyed it.  There wasn't much I purchased but I did get what I wanted from the sale - BB Cleansing Oil, which I had a review here from 4 years ago.

Monday, May 26, 2014

Where to shop for business casual clothing in Toronto?

Have you ever run into the problem where you switched jobs or just graduated from post secondary school and you're having trouble finding business casual clothes at a reasonable, affordable price? Honestly, never expect yourself to find everything you need in one shopping trip.  I mean, if you do, well lucky you but generally, it takes a few casual encounters to find pieces to add in your wardrobe.

Lately, I've been shopping around for some business wear and if you live in the Toronto or can commute to the outskirts of GTA, here are a few great places I found.

1.  Orfus Road Outlet Stores - Suzy Shier, Stitches, Ardene, Sirens, Nygard Jay Set (Toronto)
Many people know about Orfus Road, the street behind Yorkdale Mall.  Depending on when you go, sometimes Stitches have really affordable tops like $5 or $10.  Ardene also has affordable clothes.  They have 70% and 80% off tops which generally comes out to be less than $10.  However, bare in mind the price also speaks for its quality.
Your first look at Nygard Jay Set may make you think it's not your style because they seem like an elder's clothing line, however, if you actually take some time to look through the store, you may find some nice, affordable pieces.  For great quality, you could find pieces for $10 - $35.

2.  Joe Fresh (In Loblaws, Superstores and Fortinos all over GTA and standalone stores like Victoria Park Ave and Eglinton Ave E or in Vaughan Mills)
When the season changes, Joe Fresh always have great clearance prices.  I've once found a cashmere V neck top for $19.99, marked down from over $60.  Their style is more upscale casual.

3.  Bridlewood Mall - Ardene and Nygard Jay Set (Scarborough)
Live in Scarborough and don't want to commute far? Well surprisingly, Bridlewood Mall at Warden and Finch Avenue have occasional promotions.  The mall itself isn't that great but this Ardene currently has 80% off everything in their store, well almost everything.  For example, boots are less than $5, flats are less than $3, scarves are less than $2, jewelry are $1 or $2.
As for Nygard Jay Set, they also have pieces between $10 - $35.

4.  Jacob Outlet (Markham)
I went there a few days ago and they had a few great tops but the only downside is the limited sizes.  I found one peplum top and it was 50% off at $22.49.


5.  Target (GTA)
If you've never checked out the clothing section in Target, then honestly, you've been missing out.  Target carries some cute pieces and decently affordable when they are on clearance.  I used to think Target was a department store just like Zellers, maybe a bit better.  But no, was I wrong.  Sometimes you've just got to visit Target a little more frequently to wait for their clearance products.  For example, I needed a pair of earbud earphones that I could carry around in my purse for occasional using.  I didn't need it to be expensive but I wasn't going to go to the dollar store to purchase them.  I just happen to walk into the Target store near my house and found one for $4.99.
As for their footwear, I've bought a pair of nude heels a few months ago, they weren't on sale but they were only $29.99.  A relatively good price for a fairly comfortable pair of 2.5-inch heels.


About a month ago, I bought this dress for $17.49 on 30% clearance.  A decent price for a dress that I can wear to work.


Today, I stopped by Target after hitting the gym and I found this top.  It's a sheer top so I'll wear a tank top underneath but it's business casual.  And because it's sheer, it's a great top for a breezy spring day - not too hot nor too chilly.

6.  Durham Riocan Centre Outlets - Banana Republic, Le Chateau, Ricki's, Garage / Dynamite, Reitmans, Marshalls and Target
I drove over to Durham Riocan Centre last week located in Ajax and they have an outlet centre.  Honestly, it's a centre where you're bound to find something.  There's also an Old Navy and Mexx Outlet next door.  So really, it's an outlet central there.

7.  Costco (GTA)
Do you have a membership at Costco? Do you visit go to the clothing section? It may be surprising to put Costco on this list but on the rare occasion I visit Costco, I do find random tops or dress pants I end up purchasing.  Costco does offer an affordable price.  Just a month ago, I found a blazer at Costco for $24.99.

8.  JustFab.ca (Online shopping)
A girl I work with has a very nice stylish bag, I asked and she told me she bought it online at JustFab.ca.  They have some nice accessories on there.  Not business casual clothing but for handbags and footwear.

9.  Taobao.com (Online shopping)
Are you a risk taker? Because if you are, you can explore a much greater shopping network than eBay.  Last year, I bought some stuff on Taobao.com, the quality is pretty good and the prices are decent.  Because the site is in Chinese, I had to use Chrome browser to translate everything for me.
Last year, I had to use a purchasing agent to buy my goods because sellers on Taobao didn't ship outside of China.  And because I was using a purchasing agent, I had to pay them 10% service fee.  The agent I used was called TaobaoFocus.com.  It was the cheapest agent I found online.  But now, Taobao.com is offering international shipping for service charge of 3%. *Yay!*  So if you'd like to explore this option, definitely read it up.  However, I don't recommend purchasing skin care and cosmetic products on Taobao.  It's a risk I wouldn't take.

Always check out the clearance sections in every clothing store.  You just might find a piece you like!

Do you know of places to shop for affordable clothes?

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Shiseido Warehouse Sale Haul May 2014

Hi everyone! Yes, I'm alive.  I have been too pre-occupied with work that I haven't had time to write in my blog.  If my blog had feelings, I'm sure it'd be in oceans of tears.  Anyways, just for those who are interested.  Shiseido Warehouse Sale is on this weekend (Saturday May 24 and Sunday May 25), in case anyone wants to make it for the sale tomorrow.  And if you decide to bring a child into the sale with you, don't, because you will have no choice but to leave them outside the building.  No children 12 years old and under allowed into the building.

In the past few years, this sale was held in early May but this year, they changed it up.  I didn't get to the sale early in the morning this time, I had to work and I just needed to grab a few things.  The few things being products I knew would probably still be at the sale by the time I got there.  Here it is:


It doesn't seem like I bought a lot of products but surprisingly my bill came to $161. 59 CAD after tax.  *Yikes*  Things are getting more expensive!


1.  Orlane First Time Fight Care Eye Contour - $25
Not that I'm showing any signs of aging near my eyes, but I feel prevention is my first precaution step.  Since I hear Orlane is an excellent product line, I might as well it give a try.  Pretty pricey but I'm crossing my fingers it'll be worth it.
  

2.  Nars Cosmetics Eyebrow Pencil in Panama - $8


3.  Joico Body Butters in Pomegranate and Pink Vanilla - $4 each
I stocked up on these body butters.  Remembering they were first out for $3 each.  They're still a great price for a great product.  The pomegranate one is new to me but the pink vanilla has always gotten me compliments whenever I hit the gym.  I usually butter up after I shower at the gym and it's a great scent that lingers through the day on your body and it's not an overpowering scent.  So how many did I buy? 10!


4.  Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Protective Emulsion W - $34
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener W - $30
Summer is coming and it's time to do some prep work and maintain that skin sunspot-less.  The Protective Emulsion has SPF 15 but I always apply sunscreen after my moisturizer in the morning before applying makeup.


5.  Evolve Root Whip Protective Volumizing Foam - $2
Evolve Detox Wash Purifying Shampoo - $4

It's my first time purchasing a volumizing foam and I just thought it'd be a great purchase for $2 since I've been applying heat to straighten my hair but I don't want my hair to be flat against my scalp.
Now the purifying shampoo is a repurchase.  I've been using it about once a week just to thoroughly clean out product build up.  Honestly, I like it, hence the act of repurchasing it. ;)

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