The AwesPosBlog First Giveaway!

Hello everyone! I want to say thank you to everyone who has followed, checked out, or otherwise stumbled upon this blog. Viewership has doubled every month since I started this blog in January, far beyond what I anticipated. I couldn't do it without you, and just a reminder to PLEASE like the blog on Facebook or follow on Twitter (links on sidebar of page).

That said, I would like to show my appreciation by giving away a box of goodies to one lucky reader! Entry is open to anyone worldwide, and the box'o goodies contains things that I have had the chance to try and other good things:

• Crest 3D White Whitestrips (1 treatment)
• CoverGirl Bombshell Volume by Lashblast mascara
• Dove go sleeveless Antiperspirant in Beauty Finish
• Revlon Colorstay Longwear Nail Enamel in Amethyst
• Just Chocolate Shower Gel and sparkly bath fizzy
• Joe Fresh Rose Gloss in Red
• Paul Frank Smackers Press-On Nails
• Herbal Essences Naked Volume Shampoo & Conditioner (travel size)
• OneCoffee Peruvian Dark K-cups (x3)

Retail value approx. $47

note: some items were received for free through promos (Herbal Essences items, Crest Whitestripes, OneCoffee K-Cups)

Entry-Form

Book Review - Diego's Dragon, Book One: Spirits of the Sun

I was recently given the opportunity to read the first book in the YA fantasy series Diego's Dragon, Spirits of the Sun, by author Kevin Gerard and Crying Cougar Press.

Image credit: www.diegosdragon.com

Spirits of the Sun introduces us to hero Diego Ramirez, an 11 year old boy who has won a mysterious dragon statue in a writing competition. He soon discovers that his statue is no ordinary statue but contains an ancient fierce dragon named Magnifico, with whom Diego shares a deep connection. We follow Diego on his journey to discover his true self, become a hero, and (kind of) get the girl.

I really enjoyed Spirits of the Sun. I am a fan of fantasy and historical fiction and this is right up my alley. It's a book that can be enjoyed by all age groups. The lead character is school-aged, but his turbulent family life and internal struggles are things that older readers can identify with. This is a book that I would feel comfortable reading by myself and with my children. What is also great about Spirits of the Sun is that it takes place in the Latino community, so you also learn some of the language and the culture of the community while reading. The only thing negative thing I can say about the book is that I wish we saw more of Diego's internal struggle. I don't feel we heard enough of his feelings about the changes in his life. Other that that, I am excited to continue reading the series to find out more of Diego and Magnifico's adventures! Book Two: Dragons of the Dark Rift, and Book Three: Battle at Tenochtitlan are available now at Amazon.

Visit www.diegosdragon.com to learn more about the Diego's Dragon series and where to purchase.

ELLE Canada Spring 2014 Beauty Box Review

I was super excited when I received the ELLE Canada Spring Beauty Box in the mail. For those of you who don't know, ELLE Canada's Beauty Box is a fairly new sampling program (I think this is only their second season). Sign ups are available about a month before release at www.ellecanada.com/beauty/beauty-box. I didn't get the Fall 2013 Beauty Box, but I was lucky enough to receive the Spring 2014 one! Let's take a look:

I love the box, it's so pretty :)

I received:

• CoverGirl Bombshell Volume by LashBlast Mascara in Black
• Gillette Satin Care With a Touch of Olay Sensitive Shave Gel
• Pantene Repair & Protect Miracle Protecting Shampoo & Conditioner
• Crest 3D Whitestripes
• $4 off coupon for Venus razor system
• $1 off coupon for Satin Care shave gel
• $5 off coupon for Vidal Sassoon Hair Colour
• $3 off coupon for Olay Regenerist Luminous line

I'm excited to try everything, but they are all brands and I know and like. The CoverGirl mascara looks really cool - it uses a 2-step system for extreme volume. The only thing I'm concerned about is that it might be overkill on me as I have naturally long lashes (sorry). I've used the Gillette Satin Care shave gel, and it's one of my favourites. It leaves my legs feeling smooth and soft, and thank God I got it just before shorts season! :P

I'm a big fan of Pantene products, and after the winter we've had I'm glad for the Repair & Protect Miracle Protecting products. The only thing I won't use are the Crest 3D Whitestrips as I have really sensitive teeth. I will say I am thankful for the high-value coupons. The Venus Razor system is my favourite (again, just in time for shorts season), and I also really like Vidal Sassoon hair colour.

I'm really happy I got the chance to try this box, and can't wait for the Fall 2014 Beauty Box. What did you think of the box?

Herbal Essences Naked Volume Collection Review

I recently had the opportunity from BzzAgent to try out Herbal Essences' new Naked collection. Naked products different from other Herbal Essences products in that they contain no heavy residues, dyes, or parabens. I received products from the Naked Volume collection (also available are the Naked Shine and Moisture collections).

I received Herbal Essences Naked Volume Shampoo, Conditioner, and Volumizing Souffle. I really liked the shampoo and conditioner, I think they are the best Herbal Essences products I've tried. The shampoo and conditioner contain grapefruit and mint extracts, and left my scalp feeling fresh and tingly while my hair felt soft and light. I don't tend to use mousse, but I did try the souffle after the shower and it worked well. It didn't leave my hair clumpy like some mousses do.

Overall, these are good products for the price (under $5 at most retailers), and I would recommend them.

For more info on the Herbal Essences Naked Volume Collection, visit here. 

Loot Crate April 2014 Review

Hurrah! The April Loot Crate is here! This month's theme was Dragons, which I was super excited about. Let's take a look:

I received:

• Loot Crate April 2014 button
• Dragon Slayer dog tag necklace
• Funko Game of Thrones mystery vinyl figure - we got Tyrion! XD
• 20-sided die stress ball
• Elder Scrolls The Nordic figurine
• Dragon Shield screen cleaner
• 20-sided die
• Mikey's Dragon Jerky

This is a box that Mike and I order for the both of us. Last month it was pretty much just interesting for Mike, as the theme was Titan (Titanfall/Attack on Titan). We both love Game of Thrones and dragons, and Mike's starting getting me into Magic the Gathering, so this helped sooth the nerd beasts inside us. Little Tyrion (the figure) is hanging out beside me right now, ready to imp slap at will. 

This is a box I really like, but the theme aspect to every box can be good or bad. This month was great, because I was really into it. February's was bad because I was not into it at all. I would recommend subscribing, but check the theme each month (usually announced during the first week of the month) to make sure you don't get a box that doesn't interest you. 

You can subscribe to Loot Crate at www.lootcrate.com

Good Things in the Mail: Method Cleaning Kit

I had the nice surprise of receiving a box from Method in the mail recently.

I had entered Method's Clean Happy Awards Contest in March (now over), and while I didn't win they sent a box of goodies my way anyways. 

I received:

• Method Dish Soap in Lime + Sea Salt

• Method All Purpose Cleaner in Beach Sage

• Method 8X Laundry Detergent in Sunset Breeze

I love Method's products - they are made from ingredients that are safe for people and pets, have natural scents, and are made using safe and sustainable products. I am very excited to try these products, and I especially like the design for the dish soap - it's a pump instead of a squirt bottle! How cool is that?

For more information on Method products, visit www.methodhome.com

Little Life Box April 2014 Review

The April Little Life Box has arrived! Let's check it out!

Nice springy tissue paper with a namaste postcard. :)

Lots of goodies! Here's what I received:

• Bare English & Co. Lip Balm in Vanilla Coconut (www.bareenglish.com)
• Camino Organic Milk Chocolate Bunny (www.lasiembra.com/camino)
• Lalma Herbal Teas in Sleepy, Javaslim-T, and Detox (www.viragesante.com/en/herbal-teas.html)
• Enerex Raw Phyto Proteins (www.enerex.ca)
• OneCoffee Organic Coffee K-Cups in Peruvian Dark (www.myworldinacup.com)
• North Coast Organic Squeezable Applesauce (www.manzanaproducts.com)
• Crunchmaster Gluten-Free Multi-Seed Crackers (www.crunchmaster.com)
• Zorah Sitala Organic Face Cream (www.zorah.ca)
• Now Organic Rawsome Whole Food Meal (www.rawsomewholefood.ca)
• Nature's Bakery Fig Bar in Apple Cinnamon (www.naturesbakery.com)
• Tonic by the Sea Purifying Cleanser Scrub (www.tonicbythesea.com)
• Land Art Chlorophyll (www.landart.qc.ca)

I'm first got to mention that most of the food items were devoured by Mike and the kids before I got a chance to try them. The kids were all over that chocolate bunny and the applesauce and Mike homed in on the fig bar. I managed to grab the multi-seed crackers, which were delicious. I need to track those down and find more. Mike and the kids loved their items. The teas were very good, definitely ones I would try again. I'm saving the the phyto-proteins and whole food meal for some smoothies, but I'm very excited to try them. I would also love to try the OneCoffee K-cups, but I have a Tassimo. Little Life Box was kind enough to send out an email to warn of this, they were actually a bonus item in the box. I'm going to pass them on to someone with a Keurig.

I LOVE the Tonic by the Sea  purifying cleanser scrub. It's a heavy-duty scrub, and I like that. The Zorah face cream is lovely, it smells herbally (is that a word?) and my skin felt tighter after use. I had actually been eyeing the Bare English & Co. lip balms at my work (Shoppers Drug Mart), so I was glad to receive one in the box to try. I really like it, the only think is I'm not a fan of the tube Iit's oval instead of round so it's kind of weird to put on (like a tiny deodorant).

Image source: 

http://betti2bootbeauty.blogspot.ca/2013/10/lets-get-naked-bare-english-co-lip-balms.html

Overall, another great box from Little Life Box! I've hinted to Mike that I would like the Mother's Day box, so hopefully I find that in my mailbox next month! :)

April 2014 Topbox Review - Murale Edition!

When I received this month's Topbox, I was in for a pleasant surprise - I received the Murale Topbox! I know some people were underwhelmed by the regular Topbox this month, but I was quite pleased with the Murale Topbox. Let's take a look:

I received:

• Natura Bisse Diamond Extreme Eye Cream (www.naturabisse.es)
• Yves Saint Laurent Forever Youth Liberator Serum (www.yslbeautyus.com)
• Juicy Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive (www.juicebeauty.com)
• Ojon Revitatizing Mist (www.ojon.com)

Everything I received I will use, so that def makes it a good Topbox. The Yves Saint Laurent serum is great, I like it better than the Lancome one I received in the last Topbox, and it even comes with a dropper which is handy. The eye cream also seems good, though I've only used it one day so it's hard to say. The Ojon Revitalizing Mist left my hair feeling super soft and smooth. The only one I was a little unsure about was the Juicy Beauty product. It's touted as having exfoliating action in the enclosed literature, but there wasn't any noticeable exfoliation when applied. Afterward though, my skin felt great, firmer and good and clean. Maybe it's super fine!

Well, this was my first "not-regular" Topbox and I thought it was great. What kind of Topbox did you get?

Spring 2014 Sample Source Review

It's that time of year again - spring! And that means it's time for the Spring Sample Source! In case you don't know, Sample Source is a program that sends out a box of free samples twice a year (Fall and Spring). You just register on their website (samplesource.com), fill out a short questionnaire, and they send out an email when the sample boxes go live!

This spring's box had the most samples ever! Let's take a look:

I received:

• Jergens 3 Days to Glow Moisturizer + coupon (www.jergens.ca)
• Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream + coupon (www.jergens.ca)
• Armor All Ultrashine Wash & Wax (www.armorall.ca)
• Tabasco Chipotle Sauce + coupon (www.tabasco.com)
• Sunlight Dishwasher OxiAction Power Pacs 
• Colgate Total 12 Hour Mouthwash in Peppermint (www.colgate.ca)
• Aquafresh Extreme Clean Toothpaste in Peppermint Blast (www.aquafresh.ca)
• Tropicana Farmstand Juice FPC (www.tropicana.ca)
• Quaker Harvest Warm & Crunchy Granola in Cranberry Almond (www.quakeroats.ca)
• John Frieda Frizz Ease Thermal Protection Serum (www.johnfrieda.ca)
• John Frieda Frizz Ease Dreame Curls Shampoo/Conditioner/Calming Cream (www.johnfrieda.ca)
• Hershey's Whole Almonds Chocolate Bar (www.hersheycanada.com)
• Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream (www.burtsbees.ca)
• Quaker Harvest Crunch Quinoa Granola Bar in Chocolate Nut Medley (www.quakeroats.ca)
• Twistos Baked Snack Bites in Asiago (www.twistos.ca)
• Snuggle Scent Boosters in Blue Iris Bliss (www.snuggle.ca)

Whew! I'm tired just from typing that! Overall, a lot of brands I know and love. I've previously tried and really liked the Aquafresh toothpaste, Hershey's chocolate bar (Mike quickly stole that!), Burt's Bees night cream, Quaker Harvest Crunch bar, and Twistos. The new item I am most excited to try is the Tropicana Farmstand. Tropicana makes some of the freshest tasting juice that you can buy in a grocery store, so I'm def excited to check out their new line. My favourite new thing that I tried from this box is the Frizz Ease Thermal Protection Serum. My hair is SO soft after using it, like ridiculously soft. I will definitely be going out to buy this. Other good things - the Snuggle Scent Boosters smell really nice, and left our laundry smelling lovely. The Quaker Harvest Warm & Crunchy Granola was yummy, but sadly did not come with enough :( The Jergens 3 Days to Glow moisturizer is a self-tanner. It's actually quite dark (considering I have naturally pale skin), and after using only 2 of the 3 days I have lots of people asking if I've been on vacation. Pro tip - it says not to put any on your hands, but you're going to want to put some on your hands anyways, lest you want to look like Mickey Mouse.

This was an awesome Sample Source! I can't wait for the Fall 2014 box! Did you get a Sample Source box? What was your favourite item?

What Do Daffodils Do?

April is Daffodil Month in Canada. It is a month for people to show their support to the Canadian Cancer Society by making donations, purchasing daffodils and pins, volunteering and raising cancer awareness. Daffodil Month is an event close to my heart. I have seen family members fight cancer and my grandmother died of cancer when I was 16. I also live in one of the highest cancer mortality areas in Ontario.

One of the ways you can support the Canadian Cancer Society is by purchasing a bunch of fresh-cut daffodils from your local Real-Canadian Superstore, Zehrs, Valu-Mart, Independent Grocer, or Loblaws.

The bunches are $4 each and $2 goes to the Canadian Cancer Society. I bought four bunches - one for each of us.

Each bunch comes with a pin so you can proudly show your support.

Who are you fighting for? Visit cancer.ca to find out how to get involved in Daffodil Month. 

Lastly, this is a PSA from 1992 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Even at 8 years old (when it came out), it was powerful to me.

Honest Company March 2014 Bundle Review

First off, I'd like to apologize for the lack of posts lately. I'm right in the middle of exams so there's won't be much activity for the next week or so. Now to the review!

The Honest Company is an eco-friendly subscription service that specializing and baby and household products that was founded by Jessica Alba. They offer 3 bundles - Diapers & Wipes, Essentials, and Health & Wellness. The bundles start at $35.95/mth, depending on the bundle.  My first experience with the Honest Company was last November when I ordered two of their free trial bundles from their website www.honest.com. I received the Diapers & Wipes trial for my sister-in-law who was visiting with my baby niece and the Essentials trial for home. I really enjoyed the products I received, but with Christmas shortly after, money was tight and I kept pushing the shipment back (a really great option the Honest Company offers). I finally had March's Essentials bundle shipped out (and I am now finally writing about it!).

How the Essentials bundle works is that you can choose 5 household items for $35.95 + shipping, and add up to 3 additional items for a discount. The other bundles work a little differently - The Diapers & Wipes bundle is a month's-supply of diapers and wipes for $79.95. The Health & Wellness bundle is 2 vitamin products of your choice for $39.95 + shipping, plus your choice of up to 3 additional items for a discount.

I received in my Essentials bundle:

• Stain remover
• Dish soap in White Grapefruit
• Laundry detergent
• Dryer clothes
• Kids toothpaste

I was impressed by the quality of the products. All of them worked very effectively. The kids loved the toothpaste, and normally they don't care for any natural type toothpastes. Everything smelled so nice, especially the stain remover which is French Lavender scented, so relaxing.

What I really liked about the products is on the ingredients list on each bottle, each ingredient is explained beside the scientific term (e.g. Caprylyl/Myristyl Glucoside [Sugar-Based Cleanser]). It's nice knowing what is in each bottle and makes me feel more confident about the products.

Finally, a great feature of the Honest Company is their referral program. For every friend you refer that makes a purchase, you receive a $20 credit! That's half a month's shipment paid for! So to get started, here is my referral link and use coupon code INVITED10 to save $10 on your first order.

Sephora Nail Polish + Goodies Review

I finally placed an order with Sephora a few weeks. I've been meaning to order from Sephora FOREVER, since my birthday (last November) when I received the Beauty Insider birthday offer*. I really like going into their stores, but I now live an hour away from the closest store so it's not very convenient. But they recently had an offer to receive 6 samples instead of the 3 they offer with every order, so I decided to take them up on it. What I really only needed at the moment was a gold sparkle nail polish, and look!:

A really pretty one from the Sephora + Pantone Universe collection! And it's on sale! XD

Here is my package from Sephora:

And here are my goodies:

I received (clockwise from left):

• Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask (sample)
• 2013 Benefit Real Birthday Turn-Ons Set (birthday gift)
• Sephora+Pantone Universe Elemental Energy Nail Lacquer in Gold Glitter
• Algenist Genius Cream (sample)
• Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation (sample)
• Dior Hydra Life Pro-Youth Protective Creme (sample)
• Marc Jacobs Beauty Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation (sample)

I loved everything! First, let's look at the nail polish:

There's a good concentration of sparkles and I love the variation of sizes. 

The 2013 Benefit Real Birthday Turn-Ons Set had obviously been sitting in my cart for awhile. I am glad I was finally able to get it. The set consists of small tubes of Benefit's They're Real! mascara and Watt's Up! Soft Focus Highlighter for Face. I really like both products. The mascara has a really good brush to it and applies well. The highlighter is like a champagne-coloured cream eyeshadow. I used it as a highlighter with my eyeshadow and I really liked the look.

I really enjoyed all of the samples I received. The mask was the first thing I used, because I love masks, and if worked great and smelled lovely. I would definitely buy that. I would say my favourite face cream was the Dior. It felt really luxe going on and I noticed a difference in my skin the most with that one. My favourite foundation sample was the Hourglass one. It had the best texture and matched my skin the best (the sample I received on the Marc Jacobs was too yellow).

I definitely plan on ordering again and you should definitely check out Sephora. They have a wide variety of brands and *if you join their Beauty Insider club, you can receive a gift for your birthday like the Benefit kit I received. Visit www.sephora.com to start shopping!

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Good Things in the Mail - April 3, 2014

Here are some of the freebies that appeared in my mail box this week:

From left:

• Pampers Kandoo Super Power kit (cape, Boogie Wipes, tattoos, stickers, coupon) - won on the Kandoo site (www.kandookids.com/take-the-oath)
• Garnier Clean+ Balancing Gel Exfoliator sample and coupon - from Garnier's website (www.garnier.ca) - finished
• Package of Mrs. Dash Taco Seasoning Mix and coupon - from Mrs. Dash Canada's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mrsdashcanada) - finished

Hudson is going to be SO happy when he gets home and sees the cape! And I'm sure both the kids are going to stick the tattoos all over themselves :/. I was VERY excited to see the Garnier sample. As anyone who reads this blog knows, I love Garnier and am always excited to try their new products. As for the Mrs. Dash - it's funny, because a couple of days ago I was thinking, "I should really make stuffed peppers soon." BAM! Taco seasoning mix in the mail! Now I just need ground beef, peppers and cheese and I'm good to go (I don't really want to find those in the mailbox). 

UPDATE:

Ready to be Super! :)