RedundantReviews

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2008-04-06T00:25:00.001-04:00

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Auto Quotes

2007-11-11T15:36:00.000-05:00

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Books - July to September 2007

2007-10-21T20:19:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I have babbled on about the books I read (and the ones cannot remember reading). Tonight is the perfect night to check that off my list of things I have been putting off.

1) Red River Story - Alfred Silver
This was a thick and hearty read. I found it for a buck at the used book store in my 'hood. It was a great slice of Canadiana that I just ate up. It is about the first settlers to the Red River area in Manitoba, who came here from Scotland. The characters in the book were real, living people once upon a time. The major events happened in true life. The writer breathed life into these simple people and often complex situations. I read it before going back home to Manitoba and it was perfect timing.

2) The Zahir - Paulo Coelho
There is something I adore about South American writers. The language and the words seem much more delicious and intriguing. And this describes the book - delicious, intriguing, and perfect for a hot summer night.

3) Darker Than Love - Kristina Lloyd
When I went back home, my saucy friend Courtenay gave me the gift of an erotica paperback novel. Insert lusty smile here. Well, what can I say! It was kinda hot. It was kinda saucy. It's a historical piece of smut; full of corsets and bondage and dungeons and spanking. Sweet baby Jesus! I've notified Courtenay and suggested that whenever we exchange gifts, it has to be "an erotica paperback gift exchange".
4) Dying Hour - Rick Mofina
I'll be completely honest with you. I cannot remember this book for the life of me. I think it may have been about cops and murders. Regardless, my mom picked it up for me at a garage sale for ten cents and I rated it as simply okay.

5) When the Wind Blows - James Patterson
Once again, a forgettable read. I want to say it's about murders in Cape Cod but that could be another novel that I read months ago and didn't care for very much. I didn't enjoy it, whatever the case.

6) All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten - Robert Fulgham
Shut up. I needed a lighthearted read about the simple things in life. It was summer and I don't have much of an attention span when it's sweltering hot outside. It's a sweet observational book yet a little preachy for my liking.

7) The Commitments - Roddy Doyle
I read this book when I started working again. I wanted something short and sweet for the metro ride, for my breaks at work - something not too heavy but enjoyable. And I have to say, I did enjoy this book. It's fun, amusing, and there are some great musical references in it. It's a little unrealistic but it kept me entertained.

8) 1000 Pin-Up Girls
This was not so much a read rather than looking at amazing pieces of pulp fiction magazine artwork. It's full of cheese for all the right reasons. What I liked most about this coffee table book was all the old-school advertisements for joke books, gags to play on your friends, high heeled glamour shots of pin-ups, and how to be a hit with ladies.

9) You Are a Dog : Life Through the Eyes of Man's Best Friend - Terry Bain
This is by far the best book I read during these past few months. I bought this book for one of my best friends and I was a bad gift-giver by reading the book before I mailed it to her, oops. I'm glad I did and I don't think she minded. Books are meant to be shared! As you all know, I am a first-time dog owner. This book is written in the point of view of the dog; what they are thinking when they jump on the bed, what they feel when you leave the house for a short while, so on and so forth. My words are not doing this book justice. I may sound cliche. This book made me smile a huge smile. This book made me laugh out loud. This book made me look at my own dog a little differently. And this book, this book made me cry...especially when the dog panics at the thought of what if she-who-feeds-me doesn't ever return home (I always want to be there for my Toshio that once had a boo-boo in his heart! This dog of mine has seriously turned me to mush!). Terry Bain also has another book called We Are The Cat. Check his website at You Are A Dog and his photography groups on Flickr for Dogs and Cats.

On a side note, unrelated to books:
I've recently discovered Ane Brun. Look her up on Myspace. She's a great singer, if you are into singer-songwriter stuff. I'm not a huge fan of female singer-songwriters but I can't stop listening to her work!

I'm back...

2007-08-02T20:36:00.001-04:00

So!

I should be writing this fabulous blog. You know, one that catches us up on everything that has happened in the last fews weeks. One that rants and raves about what a fantastic trip, without sparing you the sordid details. Believe me when I say that I want to.

However, I'm sitting before the computer and sweating. Sweating for all the wrong reasons. My twelve days in Manitoba was spent in sweltering hot temperatures. I return to Montreal for much of the same. I swear, this delicate flower is wilting.

I'll say this much - I had a blast. My last two trips back home were write-offs, being sick and all. This time rocked. I wasn't sick once! I saw friends, I spent tons of time with family, I kicked ass at American Idol on the Playstation, I took tons of photos (a lot, I'm afraid, weren't as artistic as I liked them to be), I got new glasses, I got a haircut, I spent waaay too much money on cheap shopping (A sweater for $6.99! Capri pants for $9.99!), and so on and so forth.

The downsides, other than the heat, were the terrible mosquitoes and the water. I don't know what it is but Winnipeg water tastes like dirt, even with a water filtering system. Selkirk water is undescribably bad. Not to mention, Manitoba water makes my hair and skin look like crap. Oh, and it always sucks to say bye and feeling like old friends have drifted away because of distance.

I will write in depth of my trip. Perhaps, I will do a photo-blog about it on my other one. Looks like I exceeded the amount of photos for my Flickr, so I'll either upgrade or find somewhere else to post them. Until then, hang on tight for a real update and more work to be done as far this blog is concerned.

Hiatus

2007-07-16T19:03:00.001-04:00

If you don't hear from me for a while, I'm on hiatus!

I'm going home for 12 days, starting tomorrow! I will be sure to update y'all when I get back!

See you after the 29th of July!

Books - April to June 2007

2007-07-04T16:16:00.000-04:00

It's been a few months and I have, once again, slacked off on telling y'all what I have been reading. Well, one book seemed to temporarily taken the life out of me and then I read a bunch of real crappy selections because it's summer (and I felt like reading crap, so there!). Some of these books I have read months ago so forgive me if my memory is a bit sketchy.

1) Tamarind Mem - Anita Rau Badami
I liked this one. Just liked. It is a story of a female in India growing up and reflecting on growing up, as well as with her relationship to her mother. After awhile, I admit, I became a little tired of her complaining about her mother. The novel took a turnaround and the last half of the book was about her mother reflecting on her own life and being a mother. I found this part to be the most interesting. I think the opinions and feelings of mothers are often overlooked.

2) Book of Longing - Leonard Cohen
Ahhhh, my future husband. This is the latest book of poetry and writing he released. I loved it, for the most part. There are some poems that make you feel hot and sticky. Others that make you laugh. There are a few that I simply did not care for. All in all, a good hot, steamy, bathtub or in-bed read.

3) Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis de Bernieres
This is the book that sucked a bit of life out of me and took me a little too long to finish. I struggled through it for the first 167 pages and contemplated putting it down. I stuck with it and I'm glad. I ended up reading the rest of the book lightning quick. I liked it a lot - the characters, the general story, the dialog. I ended up watching the film afterwards. Wow, talk about butchering the story. Insert foghorn sound here.

**And then I read a bunch of crappy, "light summer reads".**

4) Deadly Decisions - Kathy Reichs
Something about biker wars in Montreal, bones, and DNA. Yawns...

5) Midnight Bayou - Nora Roberts
This book's back cover promised me a thrilling read that will keep me on the edge of my seat. In reality, this book made me sleepy. Something about a ghost in the bayou and some rich guy from Boston who decided to renovate and haunted plantation house. I think. These light summer reads are blending into one another.

6) Bone Deep - Darian North
Something about some more bones and DNA and me napping on the couch.

7) Remember Me - Mary Higgins Clark
This was written by the so-called Queen of Suspense. Insert more napping here.

Anyway, in my defense - my mom picked up these light, summer reads at a garage sale. She went out of her way to send them and I figured that I should read them nonetheless. I feel like I have to justify reading those books. It was disgustingly hot out and I didn't feel like reading anything with hearty substance. I'm reading a good book now. In fact, I am very pleased with it. I'll tell y'all about it in my next installment! Stay tuned...

Tags: Books, Book Reviews, Literature, Novels

Dermatologist

2007-06-27T12:34:00.001-04:00

I waited three months to see a dermatologist.

I have complained and talked about my skin before in this blog. For those of you who do not know, I don't have the greatest skin. It is not as bad as before (it was terrible when I was 14 and around 21 years of age) but I still have slight scarring from hormonal cystic acne break-outs. Around PMS, I will have the occasional cystic acne...but as I mentioned, it is not as bad as before. In fact, my skin doesn't look that bad compared to years ago. With age, it is beginning to look pretty good. However, I'm 30 years old and it feels like my face is still 15 - haha. I'm sick of breaking out and I'm sick of the slight scarring. All I want is nice skin for once.

I waited three months for this appointment with the dermatologist.

I pretty much figured that my options were slim as I don't want to go on birth control pills, Accutane, or anti-biotics as suggested when I was 14 and going to the dermatologist. I thought, however, that there might be some other options to explore as it's been over ten years since I saw a dermatologist.

I waited three months to see this dermatologist and I felt like such a number. I was in and out of his room in a matter of minutes. He never asked me about my skin or what medications I have tried in the past, he did not tell me anything about my skin, or even ask "how are you today?". He asked me what I wanted, he took a look at my skin, and wrote a prescription. I seriously waited longer to get fast food compared to the time I spent in the doctor's room. I felt so rushed that I did not get the chance to ask him about another skin concern or a general question about heat rash (my partner is suffering from this at the moment). And I understand that I do live in Quebec but the guy could barely speak English.

Why is that I have to wait three months to see a specialist when he only gives me three minutes of his time? It doesn't seem fair especially when you think of how much money he makes out of my three minute visit!

He gave me a presciption for tetracycline and two different topical gels. Chances are, I won't use this prescription. He never told me what the side effects of these medications are, he never told me if they can be used with the thyroid medication that I am on, and he seemed defensive when I told him that I was on anti-biotics when I was a teen and it didn't work.

I can say this - when I was a teen, I saw a really wonderful dermatologist. He took the time to talk to you, he cared, and he thoroughly explained medications and skincare to you. You could tell he had children of his own. He was warm and gentle and professional. He did not rush you out in a matter of three minutes after a three month long wait to see him.

Anyway, my friend manages a health store. She suggested a number of things that I will look over when I go back home for a little holiday. Maybe I'll ask my family doctor for another referral to a different dermatologist too.

Or maybe I'll just have to live with less than perfect skin as I have been doing since I was 14 years old. Sigh!

Tags: Acne, Cystic Acne, Dermatologist, Skin, Skincare

Top Five Beauty Picks

2007-04-21T18:56:00.000-04:00

I'm a gal who loves her cosmetics and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I use cosmetics daily. I love to buy and browse at cosmetics counters. I have worked in the beauty industry. Nothing makes me happier than playing around with cosmetics - on myself and on others.

There are many products that I use on a daily basis and there are those that I use every so often. Here are my top five beauty products that I swear by, in no particular order.

1) L'Oreal Lineur Intense
I've been using liquid eyeliner for over half my life. I have used many different kinds and I have always been drawn back, no pun intended, to this particular brand. This product offers great control and a crisp line. It can be applied minimally or for more dramatic looks. It is long lasting, throughout the day and even a rainstorm! It applies and removes easily. It doesn't cost a lot and the product itself lasts a long time.

2) MAC concealer
I used to work at MAC Cosmetics but I discovered this concealer long before my career there. It comes in a handy pot. It can be applied gently with a fingertip or a firm brush. It provides excellent coverage without looking too heavy. There are many different shades for all different skin tone types. It lasts a long time so you won't have to go out a buy a new concealer every month. A little goes a long way with this product.

3) MAC Russian Red Lipstick
My look is dramatic, even on the most plainest of days. I appreciate a true red lipstick - one that screams sexy and sophisticated. If you are looking for a true, vibrant red, this is your best bet. The color is pure and applies perfectly. It doesn't bleed like most dramatic lipsticks. It is long lasting to create that red-hot look your lips deserve.

4) Avon Moisture Effective Eye Makeup Remover Lotion
Why spend all that money you could be spending on red-hot lipsticks and crisp eyeliners on an eye makeup remover? Avon's Moisture Effective Eye Makeup Remover Lotion is an excellent product. It's very cheap. It removes eye makeup perfectly, without stinging your eyes or causing redness. It lasts a long time. As well, Avon often offers this product on special so you'll save a good chunk of money you could be spending elsewhere.

5) MAC Eyepaint
I love MAC's line of eyepaints. I am disappointed that they discontinued many of the more dramatic colors in this line. However, if you want more natural and neutral tones - they have a grand selection. MAC Eyepaints are a cream-based shadow that can be applied directly to your eyelids. I've always been leery of cream shadows as they crease very easily after application. This one, however, does not crease. It is extremely long lasting, even when you apply a regular powder shadow in the crease of your eyelid. The colors are brilliant, with a slight shimmer. I am a fan of Pixel Eyepaint. It's a light white shimmery shadow that brightens your eyes without looking heavy or made-up. It comes in a handy tube (much like watercolor paints!) that lasts a long time. As well, it is also accepted in MAC's recycling program.

Tags: Avon, Beauty, Concealer, Cosmetics, Eyeliner, Eye Makeup Remover, Eyeshadow, Eyepaint, Lipstick, Liquid Eyeliner, L'Oreal, MAC Cosmetics, Makeup, Russian Red Lipstick

Books - March 2007

2007-04-03T16:34:00.001-04:00

It was a modest month as far as reading goes. I find I don't read as much when I am working a lot. I save my reading for the subway ride and work breaks. If I feel decadent, I'll draw a bubble bath and read there.

1) Welcome Home: Travels in Smalltown Canada - Stuart McLean
I liked this book a lot. It is far from a "classic" novel and it isn't the "coolest" book to be seen with, but it appealed to me. I spent a lot of March being homesick and wanting to surround myself with smalltown folk. You know, the kind of people that talk about random smalltown happenings at the local coffee shop. People who say thank you and look you in the eye. I miss that. I read this book and it warmed my spirit. I particularly enjoyed the chapter about smalltown Saskatchewan and British Columbia. What I made me smile was the mention of Chinese food restaurants in the middle of nowhere in the prairies. I remember being a kid and going to one in rural Saskatchewan, as my Gedo always gave us a dollar for ice cream when we visited. As an "adult", I went to one in rural Manitoba. It was probably the highlight of that summer - having a cup of super cheap coffee in a restaurant that looked straight out of the 50's, where you could actually buy a single can of tomato soup for fifty cents.

2) Love Life - Zeruya Shalev
This is a book about a woman's obsession with a much older man, a friend of her father's. It is what it is. It is all about obsession - the obsession in wanting to discover someone's mind and body, the obsession in all the questions being asked and never answered, the obsession in the wonder of why you are obsessed with someone who often disgusts you, the obsession in the distance and closeness of bodies. It is a richly written novel, with beautiful words and intensity. I have to admit, it is a little too intense at times. There were moments when I wanted to shake the character in hopes she would quit obsessing about this man. There were moments I didn't want to read any more, I was tired to listening to her. If I felt her feelings of obsession - that means, it was an effective novel. It made me feel her emotions.

3) Elle - Douglas Glover
This was another interesting read. I picked up this Canadian novel for a dollar at the used store down the street. It is a take on a historic story of a woman who was left alone to survive in Canada before it was settled in the 1500s. I appreciate the fact that the writer is male and not once did I think her character was written by a man. It is intense, sad, funny. There are slight sexual moments. There are spiritual moments that are hazy and desperately lonely. The background is bleak and lonely, but Elle is complex and intriguing. It was a good read, especially in a hot bath.

Until next time...

Tags: Books, Book Reviews, Literature, Reading

L'Oreal Vive Pro Shampoo

2007-03-30T19:10:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I have posted. My apologies!

I used to be a salon snob. In all fairness, I worked in salons. I knew the products on the shelf - I sold them and I used them. I was a big fan of Rusk products, as my own personal stylist was a Rusk regional trainer at the time. That was a good time in the history of my hair.

And then I moved here. No longer working in salons or having the contacts (old co-workers could still order me products at cost because I was well-loved), I was forced back into the tragic world of buying shampoo at the dread drugstore. The first time I bought a drugstore shampoo I almost felt like crying. I could no longer afford to buy salon products. I know, I know - what a sad tale! Haha!

Anyway, I've been using either Pantene Pro-V or L'Oreal's Color Vive shampoos and conditioners ever since. I've been fairly happy, once I got used to drugstore products again. Recently, I noticed that L'Oreal changed their Vive line of shampoos and conditioners and I thought - what the hell, I'll give it a try. I'm worth the five bucks.

Boy, was I wrong. I thought it was just me. I thought, maybe I have been careless at the art of washing my hair. It's long so it gets dirty quicker. I washed it again. I tried it one more time. And yet again. The results have been constant - my hair feels like absolute crap when I wash my hair with their Vive Pro line of shampoos and conditioners. I feel like I wasted five dollars...and when you are on a budget, it kind of sucks.

First of all, I can't stand the scent of the product. It used to smell nice, refreshing. Now, it smells like candy. It's too sweet and I can't stand it.

Secondly, and most importantly, it doesn't make my hair feel clean. It feels dry and yet oily. It makes my hair look stringy and it feels gummy. I leave for work in the morning far from satisfied. My hair looks like crap. I can't believe how awful this new formula is.

Thirdly, and not important at all, I hate the color of the packaging. It's bright orange. Orange can be cool, especially for creating some sort of 70's atmosphere...but for shampoo, it looks terribly outdated. It doesn't look sleek and professional. It's, of course, a minor detail.

Yes, I have discovered that I hate this product a lot. It makes me want to constantly wash my hair...and that's not a good sign. I swallowed my schemes of budgeting and bought myself another bottle of shampoo today. I may sound ultra lame but I hate knowing that I just wasted my hard earned five bucks.

Le sigh!

Tags: Beauty, Hair, L'Oreal Vive Pro, Shampoo

Books - January to February 2007

2007-03-13T21:23:00.000-04:00

Aha, once again....I am compiling a list of books read for the year. I try to accomplish this every year. I hit August and, somehow, I chose a book that drains the life out of me. Last year, it was Rushdie's Satanic Verses. I swear, I took a long break after reading that one. And sadly, I didn't even finish that bloody book.

Since I didn't write about these books after I immediately finished reading them, I probably won't remember many highlights of my read. Bear with me.

January 2007
1) The October Country - Ray Bradbury
I read this. I liked it. I thought I was picking up a full novel when I started to read this one. After the third story, I realized that they were short stories. I was pleasantly surprised. I usually don't care to read short stories, to be honest with you. I like to commit to full length novels that I can willingly fall into. Anyway, I did enjoy this read. Some stories sent shivers across my skin. Good job, Bradbury!

2) Striptease - Rachel Shteir
This is a non-fiction book about the history of burlesque. It was interesting and I learned a bunch of facts that I would never know otherwise. However, after a while all the facts kind of blended together. I lost track of who was who. It seemed a little repetitive and that made me lose a bit of interest. Yes, that is not telling you much about the book. Keep in mind, I read this at the height of health issues. My attention span was more focused on not falling over.

February 2007
3) I, Robot - Isaac Asimov
I tried really, really hard to like this book. I try really, really hard to like sci-fi novels. Truth is, I just don't like 'em. I liked the beginning of this book but it just didn't hold my interest. It was written well and I'm sure my dislike is only because my personal preferance of reading material. I became lost in it for all the wrong reasons. At some point, I didn't know who was a human and who was the robot. I did notice, however, that when I was reading this on the subway and looking good - I attacted a lot of nerdy looking guys. There's nothing wrong with that.

4) Deception Point - Dan Brown
I figured that I should read a Dan Brown novel. I didn't have too much faith in this book. There was so much talk about his book, The DaVinci Code, I thought I should give one of his novels a go. Plus, I got it free because I had a coupon from a box of cereal. It is written for the masses. It looks like a thick, hearty read. In reality, the book was only thick because the type was big enough for the legally blind to read it. That bothered me. The language is simple. The lines are cliche. I think he does have some good ideas but he is really writing for the masses. It bored me. And the ending - boy, I loathed the ending. Cliche! And not only that - I don't even care if I am giving out spoilers on this piece of crap - the main character hooks up with the leading man. He's a biologist or something (I'm trying to block it out). He gives her a gift to show his affection for her, a really sweet gift that is unique. Main character scoffs and tells him to try flowers next time. Jesus, that pissed me off.

The best part of this novel was when I was reading it in the bathtub and I accidentally dropped in on my soapy chest.

5) Freakonomics - Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
I liked this book for many reasons. First of all, it is a book that I have been anxiously waiting to read but too poor to buy. My mom, the wonderful mom that she is, found it on sale at my small town book store for $9 because the cover was slightly damaged. It was good. Full of interesting facts that I didn't know - the connection between the level of committed crimes and legalized abortions, the connection of what how successful your child will be and the first name that you give them. Full o' facts. I like facts. They're sexy.

So as they say here in Quebec - that's it, that's all. *makes sweeping motion with hands*

Tags: Books, Literature, Novels, Reading

Herbacin Kamille Hand Cream

2007-02-26T20:57:00.001-05:00

Everyone has a list of "must have" products that they rely on and frequently use. One of my "must haves" is Herbacin's Kamille hand cream.

My hands take a beating in the winter. The cold climate dries out my skin easily, be it my hands or my face. I can constantly hydrate myself but if I even spend three minutes outside without gloves or mittens, my hands suffer. They becoming unbearable - rough and dry, eventually cracking and bleeding. I find many hand creams to be a little over-powering, especially if you have very dry skin. Either they don't help at all or they help for a bit while your hands burn like hell because of the ingredients/scent. I find that even the products designed for people with sensitive or extremely dry skin leaves my hands moisturized but red and burning. So do I suffer with dry, itchy hands or soft hands that feel like they are on fire? It's a tough choice.

So I seek the expertise of my mother. Moms are good for knowing tips on what to buy and what not to waste money on - in other words, what works. They are not blinded by what's considered "cool" and trendy. They aren't phased by fancy packaging or celebrity endorsements. They've been around long enough to know what works and to guide you into becoming a smart shopper.

Years ago, my mother introduced me to Herbacin's Kamille hand cream. It remains my favorite hand cream product to date. I've tried many others but they failed to cure my chapped and dry hands, especially in the winter. I find a lot of products out there that are designed to heal (lip balm, hand cream, etc) do more harm than good. They only help you in the meantime, never truly solving the problem you have. I believe this is an evil way to sell more products.

Herbacin's Kamille hand cream is different. It is a very effective German-made hand cream that contains the healing properties of camomile extract, the moisturizing substances of natural glycerine, and the protection of natural silicone. The scent is natural and delicate, smelling of soft camomile and does not irritate my sensitive skin. It applies smoothly and easily, absorbing into your skin immediately without feeling greasy or heavy. A little goes a long way so this product will last you a long time. It is very gentle, not causing your skin to become red and irritated. It's simple and effective, no bull-shit kind of product.

Over the past weekend, I forced my friend to try it out for herself as her knuckles were rough as sandpaper. She blurted out a surprised WOW! and commented how smooth her hands felt - "not greasy like other hand creams".

I highly recommend this product. Your sad, dry hands (or ankles, or feet, or elbows...) will thank you for it!

The company, by the way, also makes a line of bath products called Ombra. I only found this out recently. Ombra ROCKS, no lie. It's my favorite brand of bubble bath, good Lord! Their line of aromatic bubble baths are superb - they smell great (ginger lime, juniper, etc.) and the bubbles actually last through a long, long bath.

Tags: Beauty, Cosmetics, Dry Skin, Hands, Herbacin, Herbacin Kamille Hand Cream, Skin, Skincare

Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer

2007-02-26T17:38:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of this year, I filled out dozens of free online beauty giveaways and samples. Needless to say, I have been waiting patiently for the mail to arrive. The only free goodies I have received were not beauty related and I don't think this is the right blog to talk about my experiments with the fine art of East Indian cooking (I got a free mini cookbook too).

Last week, I received a free sample of Aveeno's Positively Radiant moisturizer. I was a bit doubtful as I have used one of their facial soaps last year and didn't care for it whatsoever. I'm confident that it works - just not for me. It left me super shiny and smelled odd. Like fish. Yuck.

The first thing that impressed me about this free sample was that it came with a packet of wildflower seeds for your flower garden. It was truly a nice touch that made me look forward to spring. Sadly, I have no flower bed as I live in an apartment. I'm sending it off to my sister. I'm sure she will be pleasantly surprised by this little treat in the mail.

I have been using this 0.03 Fl.OZ sample for over a week now and I have to say - I am very pleased and impressed! I have never found a moisturizer that I completely loved and I was always too afraid to go out try a new one. Moisturizers tend to be a bit pricy when you have bills and other such adult things to tend to. Sigh!

The consistency seemed a little thick at first. However, I found that a little goes a long way with this product. Knowing that helps me feel a lot more confident to spend my hard earned money on it. It is rich but not greasy at all. The smell is subtle and natural. It did not smell like the soap, that's for certain! After a day or two, I noticed the difference. I don't know if you can say that my skin looks "positively radiant" but there is a definite improvement. My skin looks much more smooth. It feels much more soft. I'm amazed by it, quite frankly, because my skin has the tendency to look lifeless and feel very dry in winter conditions. As well, I have problem skin. This moisturizer did not irritate my sensitive skin nor did it cause any acne flair-ups.

The product contains "total soy complex" and "natural light diffusers". I have no idea what this means - only assumptions! I think it would have been handy if they contained a small description of the product with the sample. Nothing a quick internet search won't solve! For those concerned with UVA/UVB protection, it does contain an SPF 15 sunscreen. A lot of people don't realize that skin needs protection from the sun in the winter months too.

What I appreciate about this product is that it works well with the other products I use in my beauty regime. I found a lot of moisturizers I have tried left my skin feeling as though it was covered in a fine film, causing my foundation to go out with trouble. This product doesn't. My foundation goes on easily and smoothly. It also works well with the skin perfector I use daily - Biotherm's Source Therapie. They compliment each other greatly, leaving my skin the softest that it has ever been in the winter.

All in all, this is an excellent product. It is lightweight but effective. It's ideal for sensitive and/or acne prone skin. A little goes a long way so you don't have to feel guilty for buying it. It's smell is very subtle. It leaves your skin feeling brand new! I love it and I will certainly purchase this product again in the future.

Tags: Acne, Aveeno, Aveeno Positively Radiant, Dry Skin, Beauty, Cosmetics, Moisturizer, Skin, Skincare

Avon's Sparkle N' Shine Eyeliner

2007-02-14T12:28:00.001-05:00

Recently, it was my birthday and I received a new cosmetics product in my mail from my mom - Avon's Sparkle N' Shine liquid eyeliner in Silver Twinkle. I saw this sparkly eyeliner in the catalog when I went home for Christmas and I instantly wanted it. Weeks before, I was shopping at the MAC counter and spoke with an artist there who was wearing a sparkly liquid liner. I was quite impressed by it, the silver glimmer instantly adds a bright touch to the eyes and can be played up for more of an evening look. I almost bought the MAC liner that day but after Christmas shopping for my family, I honestly couldn't afford MAC prices. Moms are great for paying attention to what their children like, no matter how old they are. I squeeled with delight when I found this Avon product at the bottom on my birthday care package!

I have used this product twice so far - as eyeliner on its own and as a sparkly coating over black liquid liner, for curiosity's sake (see above photo). The product works very well. I don't know if my skin is hypersensitive due to the cold weather this season but my eyes stung a bit when I first applied it. The brush and wand are very easy to use and control. There is a good consistancy of sparkle, though I found that I had to reapply a few times when applying on its own (however, I'm a sucker for dramatic looks). It doesn't apply heavily, even when you are reapplying for more glimmer. It removes very easily too which is always a bonus for your delicate eyes, providing you have yourself a good eye makeup remover (I use Avon's eye makeup remover - it's an wonderful product that not only does the job but it is super cheap).

I think Avon gets a bad rap sometimes. Compared to high-end counters or even the slick displays at the drug store, ordering from a catalog from a representative that comes to your door may seem a little less professional. Hell, I used to think this way about Avon products. It wasn't until I decided to end my snobbery and try some of their products out. Of course, there are some products that I really don't like but I can say that about every makeup/beauty line - even MAC Cosmetics. Beauty snobs may say "you get what you pay for". Sometimes that's true, but you can't always knock something when you haven't even tried it.

I'm happy with Avon's Sparkle N' Shine liquid eyeliner - it's cheap, it's pretty, and it's easy to use. What more can you ask for?!

Tags: Avon, Avon Cosmetics, Beauty, Cosmetics, Eyeliner, Makeup, Sparkle, Sparkly Eyeliner, Sparkle N' Shine Eyeliner

Chia Hippo Update - Jan 24-28th

2007-01-29T14:12:00.000-05:00

So, it's been a few days. Let's see what's happening in the world of my Chia Hippo...

He's starting to look a little more hairier! Thank goodness, I was beginning to worry about him.

He is finally comfortable with his new hairstyle. Note, the subtle smile on his Chia Hippo face.

Unfortunately, he is still suffering from a wee bit of patchiness.

Chia Hippo after his pilates class. He really broke a sweat this time.

Ah, Chia Hippo. I think he is looking smashing!

Tags: Chia Pet

Chia Pet Update - Jan17-23rd

2007-01-23T13:30:00.000-05:00

It is time for another update. I know you all are curious about the health and well-being of my Chia Hippo. Don't worry, he misses you too.

The best place to start, his ass. You see, he is having trouble growing hair(or herb, if you will) on his wee behind. I feel kinda sorry for him.

Look, he is wearing an irritated face after I took that picture of his ass.

The next day, he forgave me.

Here's a nice close up of his growth.

Chia Hippo hates the cold weather and being stuck indoors. This is his view.

I gave him a few days off from posing. Actually, I was just lazy and didn't want to take his pic. Here is his new 'do after a few days.

Don't let it fool you...he is still very patchy. Poor guy.

And this is today! :)

Tags: Chia Pet, News, Update

Chia Pet Update - Part Two

2007-01-17T21:21:00.000-05:00

So it's been a few days and the Chia Hippo has yet to grow his mossy coat. He may be patchy but I still love him.

Starting to grow a little mohawk!

He has a stunning side profile, if I do say so myself.

The plastic bag suffocation trick works! He's starting to grow!

Don't laugh at his patchiness...

I think my Chia Hippo was up to no good in this photo I took yesterday. Notice his curious way, as he looks out the window with wonder.

Looks like he took a little vacation while I was sleeping. Lucky Hippo! Must be nice to lounge around on the beaches of Greece.

Chia Hippo meets friends wherever he goes!

Tags: Chia Pet

Customer Complaints

2007-01-16T20:34:00.000-05:00

Recently, I made a comment about complaining to companies when you are not satisfied with the quality of their products that you spent your hard-earned money on.

I have spent many years working in retail. Sadly, too many years! In these challenging years being a department store associate/makeup counter artist/beauty salon coordinator, I have learned the vast difference between good customer service and bad. As well, I have learned that the customer is not always right as your bosses will often tell you. There are one too many people out there looking for a deal or to make your life sheer hell by their silly demands. Hell, once I had a customer return an old bath mat that had a decade old sanitary napkin rolled up inside it. But hey, according to my manager - the customer is always right and we gave her money back despite purchasing the damned bath mat ten years ago. Not to mention, the old sanitary napkin. Eww.

The other day, I received my vouchers in the mail from Colgate-Palmolive. You see, I complained about one of their products not being up to my standards. To put it bluntly, their anti-perspirant promised 24 hour protection but in a matter of two hours at work I was stinking up like a dirty hippy. At first, I thought I had acquired suddenly pungent pits overnight somehow. Then I spoke to my mother who just so happened to purchase the same product. The results were the same. She was stinking it up like a dirty hippy too!

I love to complain, don't get me wrong. I simply do not like complaining when it's about something that I purchased on my own. I don't want to seem like I am just another annoying customer looking for a bargain or a discount. I dealt with enough of those people in my days of retail and salon coordinating. I guess you can never honestly tell who is being honest when they write a letter or complain through e-mail, let alone to your face. That's why I feel tremendously guilty this week, even though I am being honest.

This week, I wrote a letter to L'Oreal Canada to complain about the packaging of their liquid eyeliner (Lineur Intense). I have been using this particular products for at least a decade and never had one single problem. One morning, I opened up the bottle of liner and it broke. I was crushed. Yes, there are bigger problems in the world but all hell breaks loose when you mess with my L'Oreal liquid liner and me!

I'm attached to this product. I could be spending my money on cheaper liquid liners(or even more expensive ones) but I choose L'Oreal because I am faithful. I cannot cheat on Lineur Intense with a knockoff, a cheap imitator. And then it breaks! Liquid liner is all over my hands. There is a gaping hole in the bottle. It is impossible to use precisely. It blobs up. It's a bloody mess, to say the least. I have to wrap the bottle up in plastic wrap and prop it up in the corner of my bathroom counter so it won't fall over and spill. I can no longer throw it in my purse with confidence and convenience. And this makes me sad, as a typically satisfied and long time user of L'Oreal Cosmetics.

Should I feel guilty about complaining to the company? I've spent a lot of money on them over the past decade or more. I didn't force the bottle open. I'm a weak vegetarian with weak vegetarian arms, for crying out loud.

I'm curious...
Has anyone else out there have any customer complaint stories with cosmetics companies? Any weird customer returns at your work? If so, do post a comment and share them with me!

Tags: Beauty, Cosmetics, Customer Complaints, Eyeliner, Liquid Eyeliner, L'Oreal, L'Oreal Cosmetics, Makeup

Chia Pet Update

2007-01-10T21:10:00.000-05:00

I know...y'all have been on the edge of your seats, waiting for the hot Chia action...

When starting your Chia Pet, be prepared for a mess. I don't think I would ever want a child doing this in my house unsupervised. It's messy and it's not as easy as it looks to apply the seeds. You don't need two teaspoons of seeds either. You soak the seeds which turn into this strange seedy gel. You carefully rub the gel on your hippo (yes, it sounds pretty hot, huh?) and wait for the seedy action to begin. I'm still waiting.

As you can see, the Chia Hippo is not as bathed in seeds as I wanted him to be. It's rather difficult and I'm sure his coat will be a patchy one.

It's been about a week and the only growth has been on two or three seeds. Maybe I need to sing the Chia theme song to it?

Despite my tiredless efforts (okay, only filling his planter to the top everyday), Chia Hippo has yet to grow a mossy pelt. Torturous methods were needed - I am now forced to mist him with water and keep a plastic bag on him. I'm cruel that way. Note: Weedy the Bonsai Weed is in the lower right hand corner. :) Send him special growth vibes.

Stay tuned...

Tags: Chia Pet

Chia Pet

2007-01-09T22:17:00.000-05:00

Yep...I got myself my very own Chia Pet this Christmas from one of my best friends. Little did she know, I have always wanted a Chia Pet. Call me lame, but I like silly little things like this. Anyway, it's been days since I started this project (if you can call it that). My Chia Hippo has yet to grow a find coat of chia herb. Sigh. I think Chia Hippo is in cahoots with my supposed bonsai "tree" which looks like a small weed. Also, I bought myself a digital camera over the holidays so I can take photographs of my exciting, fast-paced life here in Montreal.

Day One~
You are supposed to soak the Chia Hippo planter. I did that. And boy, was I excited to start planting. I soaked him for the suggested 24 hours and then realized that I was supposed to soak the seeds as well. Oops. Chia Hippo soaked for 48 hours instead. I think he enjoyed his bath.

Awww... isn't he cute?

Tags: Chia Pet

MAC Liquid Eye Liner

2006-10-28T23:58:00.000-04:00

Just because it says MAC, it doesn’t make it good.

That’s exactly how I feel about MAC’s liquid eye liner. A while back and just for old time’s sake, I took out my MAC liquid eye liner to prove myself wrong. I didn’t like it when I worked there and my opinion did not change too much after either. I sincerely wanted to prove myself wrong. Honest!

I don’t expect cosmetics to last forever but the first thing that strikes me about this product is how little there actually is. If I used this exact product as much as I do with my beloved brand, I would be running back to the store every other month and I’d have a serious hole in my wallet. It’s a great amount if you are a casual user of liquid liner but that’s about it.

Maybe I’m using it incorrectly. If someone out there has a tip to using MAC’s liquid eye liner, please fill me in. I’m pretty particular about my makeup, especially where liquid liner is concerned. I’m a fan of the small flexible brush versus the firm felt tip. I find there is less control with a felt tip but at the end of the day – it’s simply just a matter of opinion. I’ve used all kinds of liquid liners with all kinds of different application brushes. I know what I like. And it’s not MAC’s liquid eye liner.

I find the felt tip incredibly hard to control. I feel, with this product, I do not have the freedom to create a delicate thin line if I desire that. I cannot create a sleek, thick vampish eye either. The end result is an awkward line that isn’t crisp – and that defeats the purpose, in my opinion, of liquid eye liner. When I use liquid liner, I extend the line past my eyelashes for that cat’s eye or 50’s siren look. I can’t do this effectively with this product. Simply put, it looks like shit.

Another thing that bothers me about this MAC product is the consistency of the color. The whole point of liquid liner is to create a defined crisp line, as I mentioned earlier, that is also very bold and dramatic in color. When I use a black liquid liner, I expect this liner to be black, pure black. I don’t want to see through this color! I don’t want to reapply or add another coat of liner just for the dramatic look I am after. Applying and using makeup should be easier than that and I find that I struggle with MAC’s liquid eye liner. The color is thin and see-through. I tend to reapply the line, which is never a good idea since the felt tip is so difficult to control. My eyes look like crap at the end of it all which makes me an unhappy female.

MAC’s liquid eye liner comes in three colors – “Boot” (black), “Leatherette” (brown), and “Stiletto” (dark purple, that isn’t a trashy purple). I own all three and I’m equally dissatisfied. Contrary to their website’s blurb, it is not very long lasting (I love their eye paints because of that reason though!) and it is certainly not smudge resistant. The last time I wore it, it smudged. It looked like crap at the end of the day. And I just so happened to be pre-menstrual that day and had a good cry. Let’s just say, I looked like a bloated raccoon. I must be spoiled with my favorite brand because I could literally walk through a blizzard and my liquid eye lined eyes are still going to look pretty damn good! Well, at least it is easy to remove.

So, I’m particular about my liquid liners. The thing is, I’ve seen my lovely friends wear MAC liquid eye liner. I love my friends dearly. But for the love of God, I feel like shaking them by their shoulders and pleading with them to stop using this product. It looks awful and for all the reasons I listed above – thin, see-through color, an uneven line, and smudgy at the end of the night.

Just because it says MAC, it doesn’t make it good.

Tags:
Cosmetics,Eyeliner, Liquid Eyeliner, Liquid liner, MAC, MAC Cosmetics, Makeup

L'Oreal Lineur Intense Defining Liquid Liner

2006-07-31T13:21:00.000-04:00

I've been using liquid eyeliner ever since I was 13 years old and an aspiring headbanger. You see, my sister was this crazy rocker with big bleached hair and eyes lined in electric blue liquid liner. Being the little bratty sister I was (and probably still am), I bought myself a bottle and began to practise. Needless to say, I'm glad I grew out of that phase of teased out hair and electric blue eyeliner.

I didn't grow out of liquid eyeliner though. In fact, it was just the beginning of a love affair! For many years, I practised and perfected the precise liquid line. I tried many product lines, in search of the ideal liner tip. I became a little disgruntled at the lack of good products, even though I realize it was all about your own personal preferences. I hated the marker type felt tip. Too many products ran out so quickly when you use them on a daily basis. The lines weren't intense and crisp enough. Even with the steadiest hand, you could not get a very fine line. Even with the pricier, department store counter brands didn't satisfy me.

And then I found L'Oreal's Lineur Intense Defining Liquid Liner. My beauty saviour!

You know, every so often you find that product. That amazing product that you hope will never go off the market by being discontinued. That product you mention when somebody asks you if you had to take any makeup product on a desert island, what would it be? I would say L'Oreal's Lineur Intense Defining Liquid Liner. This is one on my most relied on product and it has never let me down.

There are many benefits to this great liner. First of all, the liner brush tip is not a marker type felt tip. It is a small brush. With a little practise, you can achieve both a very fine line or a dramatic thicker line - depending on how sassy you feel. You have complete control when you use this brush.

The eyeliner itself is very intense. The line is crisp and perfect. The color will not become see through by the end of the day, nor will it leave it's mark on your eyelid. It's long lasting and you can't say that about many pencil liners or powder liners. This liner is perfect for achieving that fun and retro 50's makeup look or that darker gothic eye or even that professional, classic lined eye. It's very versatile.

As well, I live in snowy Canada. I've been caught in the rain and blustery snowy days. Yet, the eyeliner has completely stayed on! I've had PMS monster outbursts and I didn't have raccoon eyes! Yet, at the end of the night it comes off very easily with a great eye makeup remover. It is apparently great for sensitive eyes and safe for contact lens wearers.

I can't emphasize this enough - this is an amazing, must-have product. If you are new to liquid liners, give it a little time. Practise makes perfect!

Tags: Beauty, Cosmetics, Eyeliner, L'Oreal, Makeup

Revlon Age Defying Foundation

2006-07-19T00:49:00.000-04:00

I've always had a bitch of a time trying to find the right foundation.

Once upon a time, I used to work at a MAC counter. I was, what one would call, a makeup snob. I never treated "regular" folks like crap however. I treated each and every person like the deserving client they were, regardless of what kind of style or how they dressed. Lord knows, the other girls at that counter were pretty judgemental at that. So, I stuck to my snobbish beauty regime. I only used what I thought were good products. I scoffed at the dreaded drugstore brands - ewww. That was until I became rather unemployed, haha.

Actually, I never liked MAC's foundation. I cringed at having to use it. On some people, it looks fantastic. I enjoyed Studio Fix on those days were I was completely in a rush to get ready. The coverage is amazing but I still wasn't personally satisfied. I have combination skin. It is the skin type most often overlooked, I think. You have your foundation for normal skin. You have it for dry and oily. But what about those tragic gals like myself who are burdened with the state of dry/normal/oily skin? Top it off with some ridiculous adult acne and you have a pretty sight.

For a while, I used Max Factor's Lasting Performance. And yes, you can purchase it at Wal-Mart. The makeup snob in me shuddered at the very thought. I liked the coverage and it became my brand of choice. It still didn't do the trick. I found that it ended up making my face look rather heavy, picking up those dry flakes, but it could be my own damn fault for trying to hide my own blemishes. But you know, after the powder was applied - it truly brought out my dry skin. I think it would work amazing with oilier skin.

Then one day, my small town no longer carried Lasting Performance. Isn't that the worst thing? Sigh, it is always a sad day for your face when your favorite brand of cosmetics is discontinued or no longer available in your local shops! I had to enter that dread drugstore again!

I came home with Revlon's Age Defying Foundation for combination skin (normal to combination, actually). Of course, the title Age Defying scared the crap out of me. I'm not even thirty and I need some thing the defies my age? Okay, breathe deeply...I am not getting old...I am not getting old...

Here are the stats:
- It's apparently supposed to make you look younger in 14 days. I think I still look 29
- It contains Botafirm, which is a patented blend of hexapeptides and botanicals - reducing lines by nearly 50% in 2 weeks
- Specially formulated for normal/combination skin, it is an oil-free formula that contains a clean pore complex and plant extracts to help tighten and tone pores.
- Medium coverage
- SPF 20

First of all, I was just happy to find one product out there that was for combination skin. When the sales associate helped me, that was the only thing she could recommend. It is a very light textured foundation and does not appear heavy. It smells really fresh and I look forward to applying it. Yes, it is medium coverage so if you do have blemishes - it helps if you use a good concealer for those spots and under eye rings. It applies smoothly and easily, whether you choose to apply with a makeup sponge or your fingertips. It comes in a wide range of skin tone "colors" unless you are black or simply have a darker complexion. It feels very healthy on my skin and has never irritated my very sensitive skin type. I was really impressed, to say the least!

I always thought Revlon products were a joke. I never liked their mascara nor their nail polishes. I was very surprised to see the quality of this product. It has been a complete pleasure to use and it is now a part of my daily beauty routine.

If you have that unpredictable skin type titled "combination", I suggest you give it a go!

Food Facts

2006-07-01T15:06:00.000-04:00

- Mastitus, a common problem with cows, is treated with penicillin injected directly into the udder. The resulting small amounts of penicillin in milk would not be harmful for most people - only to those allergic to the drug.

- Laetrile from apricot (and several other fruits) pits can liberate cyanide.

- Bananas can be kept longer when stored in a paper or plastic bag with an apple.

- Mountain Dew contains more caffiene than Coke. Except in Quebec - caffiene in soft drinks can only be brown colored pop.

- Carrots are native to Afghanistan.

- Eat cooked carrots with a pat of butter or margarine to ensure that the body fully utilizes the vitamin A.

- Ready to eat cold cereals were developed as health foods by an institution founded by Seven Day Adventists in 1866.

- One of Dr. Kellogg's patients at the sanitarium, C.W. Post, invented Grape Nuts.

- According to a study, women who drink more than 3 cups of coffee a day reduced their chances of conception by 25%.

- Certain foods trigger eczema - eggs, dairy products, seafood, walnuts, and pecans. Environmental concerns - nickel, latex, acrylic adhesives, and lanolin.

- Botanically speaking, berries are defined as fruits that develop from a single ovary - therefore a banana would be considered a berry.

- It is fat that gives ice cream it's smooth texture.

- Adults who can digest milk are the minority in the world's population. 70% of people of African descent are partly or entirely lactose intolerant after 3-4 years of age. By contrast, 90% of people of North European descent continue to produce lactose.

- To make the most out of juice, place a lemon in warm water before squeezing.

- Putting milk in the microwave for 60-90 seconds before refrigerating extends shelf life for 4-5 days. Place milk at the very back of the fridge rather than the door, as it is colder back there.

- By weight, both pumpkin and sesame seeds have more iron than liver does.

- Ounce for ounce, peppers are a better source of vitamin C than citrus fruits.

- 32 cups of unbuttered popcorn equals the calories in a single cup of roasted peanuts.

- Tea in tea bags were inadvertantly invented with a New York merchant sent out tea samples enclosed in silk.

- Soybeans, ounce per ounce, contain more protein than beef, more calcium than milk, more lecithin than eggs, and more iron than beef.

- Chronic underconsumption of water increases the risk of developing kidney and bladder stones.

*From Foods That Harm - Foods That Heal

Books - May & June 2006

2006-07-01T14:34:00.000-04:00

I suppose you can say that spring took a hold of me and I became a little distracted. I haven't read as much as I would have liked to!

May 2006

1) Watership Down - Richard Adams
I took my sweet, sweet time with this novel. It was beautiful, tragic at certain times, and a delightful pleasure to read. I never thought a simple story about the life of rabbits could be so marvelous! He takes you on a journey through the eyes of a strong and lively team of rabbits and creates a completely believable story. I was impressed, to say the least. I cried, I smiled, and I cheered on those fiesty little rabbits. It's a must read, I believe. I did not want the story to end as I felt as though I befriended each and every rabbit. I like to believe now that rabbits have their own little personalities and worlds in which they live.

2) Farewell My Concubine - Lillian Lee
Perhaps, this was another case of lost in translation. Overall, this proved to be a beautiful and rich tale of unrequited love. I'm all about sad and tragic. I love stories like that, especially when they are set in Asia. I could almost feel the texture of the costumes and painted makeup. However, I know what it feels like to love so deep and not have it returned. I did not feel as though the characters truly felt this pain. I only believe that this was a case of lost in translation.

June 2006

1) Tough Guys Don't Dance - Norman Mailer
I have always heard about Norman Mailer and I was expecting great things when I picked up this novel for one whole dollar at the used book store down my street. Maybe spring distracted me, I don't know. I just couldn't get into this book. It wasn't a bad read. It simply didn't do it for me. There were a few lines in it that were pretty crass and made me chuckle. I couldn't get into it.

2) Runaway - Evelyn Lau
I love reading published journals of any kind. I thought I would give this a whirl since it's sitting in a box in my apartment, ready to be given away for free. This was a widely acclaimed novel about a young runaway from Canada, living on the streets and making her way through drugs and prostitution and thensome. I have to take into consideration that I cannot relate whatsoever to the life that she lead, when she was only fourteen years of age. I wasn't like that, at that age, and I am certainly not like that now. It was good for a while but soon, I became annoyed. I realize she was only a young women when she wrote this so I shouldn't judge so harshly. I found that she became very repetitive in her use of sentences/phrases. I found her to be kind of self-centered and spoiled - when she clearly had many opportunities to be something big. Her diary became quite annoying and I was glad when I finished reading it. I suppose if someone published my own private diary, they would call me spoiled and self-centered too.

3) The Unconsoled - Kazuo Ishiguro
Man, was I ever glad when I finished this book! This was 535 pages of well-written nonsense. As you can tell, I didn't enjoy this read. I'm confident that Ishiguro is a fine writer. This was the first novel of his that I read. It simply went nowhere. It went in circles and didn't successfully wrap up - maybe that is why it is called The Unconsoled? Whatever the case may be, the story just irked me. The main character is a famous pianist who is visiting a city. He has no complete memory of this city, it's inhabitants, or why he is there. Yet, he wanders around without admitting he is clued out. He runs into people who know him and they rant and rave to him, telling him on and on about old timey stories. If I want some of that, I would go back to my old town and listen to the folks babble on and on about something I am not really interested in! The main character often gets sidetracked, becomes arrogant here and there, and ditches people. He walks around in circles and ends up right where he started, at the hotel. He runs into more people he cannot remember and they tell him more stories that make no sense. 535 pages of unnecessary dialogue! Good grief, at some point during reading this (while having PMS), I actually threw the book at the wall.

4) Foods That Harm - Foods That Heal - Various Writers (Reader's Digest publication)
This was a treat to read. I read it over several months, tasting a few entries per day. I'm often dumbfounded by domesticity and I figure that I must have fallen asleep during home-ec when I was in junior high. There were a lot of quirky facts about food and a lot of probably widely known facts I didn't know whatsoever. It wasn't a suspenseful read nor challenging, but it was informative and pretty to look at. Lots of great food photographs. The section about worms in food, however, frightened me a bit.

Favourite Books of May and June?
Watership Down by Richard Adams and Foods That Harm-Foods That Heal!

The Mini Bonsai Kit

2006-06-10T09:40:00.000-04:00

About a year or so ago, I received the Mini Bonsai Kit as a little gift from a friend. I expressed an interest in the art of bonsai and I didn't know where to begin. She gave this to me as a token of our friendship.

Needless to say, I was very excited about entering the world of bonsai with my two not-so-green thumbs to guide me. I have never been much of a gardener, to say the least. Usually, I left that role up to my mother who has a variety of plants and garden projects.

I think the majority of the people who receive this kit are clued out about bonsai and that included myself. This can be both good and bad. It was good because it inspired an interest within me to learn more about this fine living art. It propelled me to discover the history and do my own research. The negative side to this kit seems to outweigh it as it fills you with some sort of false hope that you too will grow a seed that will eventually turn into a smashing bonsai tree.

Truth be told, you will NOT have a smashing bonsai tree until about 40 years down the road!

The kit itself is very cute and ideal for a stocking stuffer. It contains 4 to 6 seeds (typically Jack Pine seeds), a small and shallow ceramic pot, wee scissors for trimming, and a mini bonsai book. It's a nice introduction to bonsai but not the ideal or wisest path to educating yourself. After looking at several bonsai message forums online, it seems these kits get into the hands of all the wrong people. The kits are not highly recommended from these experts.

I think this kit is a waste of money, actually, even though it is a quirky and fun gift. It almost leads you to believe that you will have a bonsai tree within a year which is far from the truth. My kit came with only four seeds. Chances are, most of the seeds that come in this kit are not fresh seeds. There is a very good chance that after you stratify them (by placing the seeds in a wet paper towel in a plastic bag to be placed in your refrigerator) for about a week, your seeds will NOT grow. Out of the four seeds provided, only two grew. The instructions tell you to place one or two seeds to a peat pellet but really there should only be one seed per pellet. They tell you to remove the weaker plant - but I can't see why you cannot plant that one as well. The small, shallow pot provided is not correct. When the seed grows, it has to be in a regular sized plant pot until it is ready for creating a bonsai. If your seed is growing into a healthy seedling, it will root outside the peat pellet within months and that will happen within month. There is no way you should wait a year to replant, as the instructions suggest.

Basically, this kit is ideal for frustrating those interested in bonsai and it will most likely lead you to kill your wee seedlings through the unclear instructions that is provided. It may also kill your enthusiasm to further pursue the art of bonsai.

As I mentioned previously, only two out of four seeds grew. The first seedling unfortunately died due to an unforeseen windy day. The second one is a year old and still only about two inches tall. The kit fails to mention that Jack Pine seedlings are best kept outdoors at ALL times. As well, it fails to mention that the first few years of Jack Pine growth are quite slow unless you use a growth fertilizer which is probably not recommended in the first place. This kit lacks proper information about the seedling variety that you are growing. It's best that you do your own research on the internet. This is a good website that tells you a lot about Jack Pines.

I almost killed my second Jack Pine seedling. Like most people who seem to grow via the Mini Bonsai Kit, I kept my seedling indoors most of the time as though it was some sort of ornament. I was misinformed about many things - soil types for the variety of seedling, containers, the proper amount of water to feed it, and insect infestation (he had a problem last year with very tiny, jumping white bugs - it was cured by cigarette ashes mixed in water). I was also under the impression that this would be a fast project and I will have something to work with in a year or two. If you are growing any kind of seedling, it takes many years before you can get into creating a bonsai tree out of it.

I don't recommend this kit, even though it is very quirky and a fun stocking stuffer. You can do this yourself for a lot cheaper. All you have to do is go foraging for your own seeds (or, I suppose, you can buy them online) and do a bit of research. Eventually, you can forgo the cheap mini scissors and buy yourself proper tools as the scissors provided in the kit can't even cut paper! Recently, I found one of those twirly maple seeds (that look like little helicopters!) and planted it for kicks. It's growing better and faster as it was simply a fresh seed from the wild. This cost me nothing but a little time to plant and take care of it. This might seem like a good gift idea but you could build your own kit for a lot less. As well, if you are interested in getting into bonsai without the length of time it takes to grow from seeds - you can always rescue plants/trees from a garden center and start some real, hands-on learning.

My opinion:
It's a funky little stocking stuffer but not worth the coin in the long run. Find your own seeds and above all - do your research before starting a plant project with no clue! Not recommended!

Montreal Roast Wheat

2006-05-28T22:43:00.000-04:00

Montreal thrives on tourism. There is major tourist traffic here, especially in the summer due to all the fun festivals and local attractions. One thing people rave about here is the food. There is a vast variety of food to choose from - whether you like expensive places or affordable fast food. One of the major attractions here is the famous smoked meat sandwiches. People literally line up outside of Schwartz's for a simple smoked meat sandwich. The kind of line up you expect from a popular night club!

At Christmas, I tried Montreal Veggie Gourmet's Roast Wheat. I finally found this product, as well as the Smoked Wheat, at our local grocery store.

I'm not a fan of fake meat. Sure, I have tried and somewhat enjoy Yve's Veggie Slices and their hotdogs. But when it comes down to it, I can really take it or leave it. I don't care for their patties and the Ground Round is only fine in very spicy chili. I don't like the texture and the flavour. They try to hard at making it look and taste like meat - and it's far from it. It simply tastes synthetic and not very natural.

I was pleasantly surprised with this new product!

It doesn't look very appetizing in it's packaging and it seems odd to cook it by boiling it in it's plastic package. However, once cooked and ready to eat, it was utterly delightful! It is probably the closest thing to eating roast beef while being a vegetarian! It is tender and juicy. It is delicately spiced, but not to mask the flavour. It tastes natural. The texture is very close to lean meat. Usually fake meat has this rubbery, flesh-like texture that gives me the no-feeling. Roast Wheat tasted and felt like the real thing, without the fat of meat. It is great in warm fake roast beef sandwiches with non meat gravy or as a side dish with the rest of your meal. It's fantastic as a cold leftovers sandwich as well. I'm very pleased with this product!

Go to the website of more information and recipes!

As far as the Smoked Wheat goes, I have nothing to compare it to. I have been a vegetarian longer than I have lived in Montreal, so I haven't had the pleasure to experience their famous smoked meat sandwiches. I forced my partner to eat a slice of it though. He's a tried and true eater of meat. He loves his meat. He tried it and even he was impressed. He claims it is very close to the real thing. Take his word! I, myself, didn't care for it too much. It wasn't the meal itself. It was just the spices I didn't care for.

Now, go out to the store and make yourself a big ol' Roast Wheat sammich for me!

The Boston Strangler Film (2006)

2006-05-22T15:38:00.000-04:00

Ah, the Boston Strangler.

This won't be much of a review, I warn you. However, my slight commentary is worth the read in case you are curious about this recent remake.

I'm a big fan of makeup artistry. I dream of being in the field myself, so I pay special attention to details.

The movie itself was simply okay. Nothing great, actually. The best and funniest thing about this flick was the poor use of wigs. Whoever was in charge of makeup and wiggery completely failed! It's worth seeing. Not only were there a few flaws in the movie itself (the lying killer did not have an accent and there's a small referance to an Andy Warhol quote that did not exist in that time period), but the wigs and aging process were so off.

There was one girl in the movie with a bad blonde 60's flip hairdo which was clearly a bad, cheap wig. I forgave that detail, because I'm sure many girls back then made poor choices with wigs and hairpieces. My mother was a stylist in the 60's and many a time has she filled me in about that.

The old lady witness had a terrible brown wig too. It looked like one of those wigs lady wear when they are a bit mentally off. You just know there are bits of food and dust stuck in their fake hair. This character in the movie didn't seem that senile though.

The best was the main detective. Oh good lord.

He had bad hair in the first place. As my partner put it, "a cake of hair". It was way too shaggy and long to be in that era, and in his work position as a cop. Throughout the movie, the years passed but his hair remained to look amazingly bad. Ten years later, he still had his cake of hair but it was streaked grey. It looked so fake plus he acquired flappy sideburns and a cardigan to show his age.

The best part of the movie came at the end. It was now the late 90's and the cop was now an old man. Still, with very bad and completely unrealistic hair/makeup. It was so bad it was great. His hair didn't even look like hair! That's how bad it was! It looked like white cotton candy or that fake cobweb you hang up during Halloween. It was draped over the side of his head and plastered to his forehead. It looked far from natural. His face was covered in way too much make up. He did not looked aged - he looked like he was wearing a mask that covered his entire head. And then, he turned his head and it only got worse. He had a bald spot...on the side of his head, above his ear. I've never seen an old man with a bald spot there. Good god, it was truly special. I could not believe the bad choices regarding makeup and wigs in this movie.

So bad, you have to see it.

Flat Cat

2006-05-20T00:40:00.000-04:00

This is Flat Cat. He has been my not-so-furry companion since Christmas.

No, you cannot cuddle Flat Cat with comfort. He, sadly, does not purr nor meow. He cannot attack your feet in the middle of the night or sleep in the dabble of sunlight on the floor. He is not a real cat.

He has many qualities, however. He does not claw furniture, he does not cause small apartments to smell of cat urine, and he does not knock over your fine collectables (although, I'm sure he has a dislike for Precious Moments miniatures). He is a fine cat who stands boldly and will protect your living space with his steely gaze. Oh, and he does not shed!

Yes, I have a Flat Cat. I happen to be love with this jerk who is severely allergic to cats therefore ruining my life long dream of being a creepy cat lady when I grow up. So yeah, unless I have $4000 to plunk down on one of those fancy new hypoallergenic cats - this is the best I can do.

It was given to me by a very dear friend over the holidays. And I have to say, it was the best gift ever. It brought an instant smile to my face and a laugh rolled out of my mouth.

Flat Cat. Get yours today, or get rid of your boyfriend with allergies.

Biotherm Nachprüfung auf Deutsch

2006-05-16T14:53:00.000-04:00

**I translated this, using an online translator. I apologize if it sounds terrible! I do not speak German! Ich habe dies übersetzt, der einen Online-Übersetzer benutzt. Ich entschuldige mich, wenn es schrecklich ertönt! Ich spreche Deutsch nicht! **

Ich habe immer nicht so nette Haut gehabt. Ich habe viele verschiedene Reinigungsmittel, Produkte, und Hautarzt haben empfohlen Medikationen versucht. In meinen späten Jugendjahren habe ich die Linie an Einsetzen gezeichnet, auf Geburtsteuerung und Accutane zu sein. Ich habe ich lieber würde leiden mit schlechter Haut gerechnet als fummelt etwas auf innerhalb mich auf einem größeren Maßstab herum. Das ist zu nicht sagen, dass ich zufrieden mit meiner Haut, durch irgendein Mittel bin. Eigentlich ist es das ein physisches Kennzeichen um mich, dass ich das meiste Selbst bin, das bewusst ist von. Ich bin nah zu dreißig Jahren alt und still leidet an entstellene Akne – ich bin nicht stolz, das zu erklären. Während der Rest von mir ziemlich erwachsen ist, wählt meine Haut, im Staat von Selbstachtung zu bleiben, entleerend junior Sekundärschule Tage.

Ich habe entschieden, die Kugel und den Laden hinter dem Gegen dieses eine Mal zu beißen. Statt Einkaufen für Gesichtseife bin ich auf der Suche nach Gesichtsprodukte gegangen. Es ist ungefähr Zeit messen ich habe versucht etwas neu, nachdem zu viele unzufriedene Erfahrungen mit skincare Produkten, die meine empfindliche Haut anstatt verletzen, heilt.

Ich bin ziemlich skeptisch, wenn es zu meiner Haut kommt. Nicht nur ist es veranlagt zu Akne, aber es ist empfindlich und normal, zu trocknen. Es scheint, dass die meisten skincare Firmen große Produkte für veranlagt zu Akne Haut haben, aber nur, wenn Sie ölige Haut erfahren. Die Produkte sind hart und beschädigend zu enthäuten, wie und zu den meisten Leuten mit empfindlicher Haut abbaut. Sie sind stark und mächtig, ziehend alle Ihre Öle von Ihrer Haut und Drehung Ihr Gesicht in einen riesigen Fleck von Wunde ab und abbröckelt trocken verbrennend. Diese Firmen machen Sie glauben dass der einzige Weg, Ihre schlechte Haut zu lösen, soll schwer harte Reinigungsmittel und Toner benutzen. O! Die Freuden, problematische Haut zu haben!
Ich habe beendet passen auf zu Biotherm Produkten. Ich habe, dass der Name und nichts Negativ gehört, das zu ihm befestigt wird. Um vollständig ehrlich zu sein, war der Biotherm skincare Vertreter die erste Person, um mir im Geschäft zu nähern, und vollständig, um ungefähr was ich verwirrt zu werden, soll ich bin gepasst zu ihr das beste Urteil kaufen.

Biotherm hat eine Linie von skincare Produkten für veranlagt zu Akne Haut hat gerufen Acnopur. Sie haben eine Pore, die die Verstopfung läuternen Schaums beseitigt, entblätternd ein Erklären Hautwasser, Feuchtigkeitsspender, und eine Fehlerfleckbehandlung. Ich bin zum Reinigungsmittel und dem Toner von jener Linie gepasst sowie ein wenig etwas zusätzlich, mit meinem geringen Entstellen zu helfen.

Acnopur war Pore, die die Verstopfung Beseitigt, der Schaum Läutert, wie ein Seufzer der Erleichterung für meine Haut! Es war eine willkommene Änderung von allen mächtigen Produkten, die ich in der Vergangenheit benutzt habe. Es schäumt in einen reichen Schaum ein, den ich schätze. Der Wohlgeruch ist sauber, fein, und angenehm. Es riecht nicht, wie es voll von Chemikalien ist, wie einige Reinigungsmittel für veranlagt zu Akne Haut. Vom Moment habe ich begonnen, in zwischen meinen Händen einzuschäumen, und es auf meinem Gesicht zu massieren, habe ich gewusst, dass es einen riesigen Unterschied in diesem Produkt gab, das zu regelmäßig über der Gegengesichtseife verglichen worden ist. Ich war sehr froh ich habe ausgegeben das Geld auf diesem Produkt. Es nimmt Zusammensetzung sanft und links meine Haut heraus, die erfrischt und glättet fühlt. Ich habe sehr vertraulich gefühlt stellend um dieses Produkt auf mein Gesicht und sogar mehr, so als ich entdeckt habe, dass es mein Gesicht nicht gemacht hat, dicht und trocken nachher fühlt.

Acnopur Erklärend, dass das Entblättern von Hautwasser ist, offensichtlich macht eine doppelte Handlungsformel, die Hilfen die Haut entblättern, frei Poren, und beseitigt Verunreinigungen. Als mit dem Schaum, enthält es ein “tri-tätiger Komplex” von salicylic Säure, einem Anti bakteriellen Agenten, und weißem Ton. Es enthält auch einen reinen Extrakt des Thermalplanktons. Was, das Mittel, ich keine Idee haben. Meine Erfahrung mit Tonerhautwässern war in der Vergangenheit viel das gleiche als mit Reinigungsmitteln. Ich habe keinen Glauben in ihnen gehabt und wurde das einzige Ding, dass es machen wird, mein Gesicht rot, Brandwunde, und sogar trockener überzeugt ist macht. Noch einmal wurde ich angenehm überrascht! Es ist sanft weitergegangen und meine Haut hat nachher nicht protestiert. Es gab keine verbrennende Empfindung, es hat nicht gereizt es, und es hat meiner Haut eine Beruhigungskühle verlassen. Wie das Reinigungsmittel, es fein und sauber riecht.

Der Quelle Therapie von Biotherm ist eine reine Bad Konzentrat Haut perfector. Ich muss zugeben, war ich sehr skeptisch von diesem Produkt. Ich falle für Linien wie nicht typisch, “Sie werden fühlen den Unterschied in 5 Sekunden!” und “sieht den Unterschied in 5 Tagen!”

Das Produkt, das sich ein sehr konzentriertes und cremiges blaues Gel ist, mit einem äußerst seidigen Gewebe. Es ist ziemlich kostspielig, aber da Sie nur es in sehr kleinen Dosen benutzen, ist es gut Wert es. Es enthält erneuernd oligo-Mineralkomplex, der kombiniert, “sehr anregend Bicarbonateionen mit sieben Mineralien und wesentlicher Spurenelemente – gemäß der Produktinfo. Es gibt mehr Thermalplankton und Befeuchtenagenten ebenso. Zuerst von allen, riecht es groß. Es riecht viel mag dieses tiefe Prüfhaarproduktangebot durch Rusk - Deepshine. Es ist ein frischer, natürlicher, und leise reicher Wohlgeruch, der ehrlich so hart ist, zu beschreiben. Zweitens von allen, geht ein wenig ein langer Weg. Sie müssen schuldig für Lassen fallen $50 auf einer kleinen Flasche nicht fühlen. Dritt arbeitet es so wunderbar! Wie ich gesagt habe, war ich skeptisch. Ich habe nicht wirklich dem Vertreter, als sie hat gesagt, dass ich den Unterschied in 5 Sekunden fühlen werde, geglaubt oder habe eine Verbesserung in 5 Tagen gesehen. Nur ein anderer Umsatzwurf, ich haben gedacht. Ich war schrecklich falsch. Innerhalb den Sekunden hat meine Haut so unglaublich glättet gefühlt. Ich habene Schwerigkeitenhaut für eine lange Zeit und es ist Jahre gewesen, da ich solche Glätte von meiner Haut gefühlt habe. Und das war innerhalb den 5 Sekunden. Nach 5 Tagen wurde meine Haut im Idealfall befeuchtet – als versprochen hat. Ich habe immer Probleme mit trockenen Flecken auf Grund schlechter Produkte und Witterungsverhältnisse gehabt. Dieses Produkt hat sich gewundert. Meine Haut ist jetzt stabil – es ist nicht trocken mehr, noch ist es ölig von zu viel Befeuchten. Es fühlt perfekt, Dank zu diesem Produkt. Es ist ein wunderbares skincare Muss für Leute mit trockener Haut bzw. Unvollkommenheiten.

Da ich mit meiner Haut lebe, weiß ich nicht wirklich, wenn ich den Unterschied sehen kann. Es ist auch nur eine Woche die diese neuen Produkte vom Gebrauch auf meinem Gesicht gewesen. Ich kann vertraulich gestehen, dass meine Haut nicht gebrochen hat benutzend aus seit diese Produkte, der Staat von meiner Haut viel mehr Stall fühlt, und mein Problem mit Trockenheit gegen veranlagt zu Aknen Häuteprobleme ist gelöst worden!

Ich liebe diese Produkte und war gut Wert das Geld. Sehr empfohlen.

Biotherm Acnopur Update

2006-05-16T12:53:00.000-04:00

It's been roughly a month or so since I have started using Biotherm's Acnopur line. I am still completely satisfied with the results.

Here's the proof. At the moment, I am over-the-top hormonal and anticipating the sweet arrival of Aunt Flow. I've cried the unnecessary tears. I've ate one too many pieces of chocolate cake. I've driven my boyfriend crazy with the amount of bitchy I have within me. But one thing didn't happen. My face barely broke out! With the exception of a very minor horn growing out of my temple, my skin has remained in the same condition when I am not suffering from PMS. I am very pleased to say the least!

The only thing I have altered with my new skin care regiment is that I use Source Therapie only once a day instead of twice. I find that with my active skin at this time of the month, it's simply causing my face to look a bit oilier than normal.

I'm very satisfied. It's been a long time since I haven't broken out during PMS! I feel like all grown up now! Yippee!

Subversive Cross Stitch - 33 Designs for Your Surly Side by Julie Jackson

2006-05-14T02:11:00.000-04:00

I love Subversive Cross Stitch. I cannot express this enough!

One day while searching for fun things to do that leviate the boredom of domesticity, I did a search for kinky, offensive-to-the-masses crafts. I came across an impressive site for dirty latch hook rugs called Made With Sweet Love. I advise you to go there - you will be amused! In the section for links, I came across Subversive Cross Stitch. It's a completely fun site that sells kits, a newly released book, and note cards all with the naughty and surly sayings. Not only did coming across Julie Jackson's Subversive Cross Stitch website inspire me to learn how to cross stitch, she showed me that cross stitching craftwork is not just for grandmothers. All this time, I thought cross stitching was all about cutesy teddy bears and positively quirky sayings. It honestly never crossed my mind that you can do something wickedly cool and humourously offensive with this form of needlework. I ran across her website and even wrote her a quick email, thanking her for showing me that there is more to cross stitch than teddy bears and home-sweet-home type of sayings. If I didn't run into her site, I would not have found such a relaxing hobby that appeals to my comical side! Learning how to cross stitch has successfully helped me stop biting my fingernails, I might add!

I ordered a pattern off her website, in support of what she does. As well, I acquired her new book called Subversive Cross Stitch - 33 Designs for Your Surly Side. The book is great - inspiring, amusing, humourous, and simply perfect for a beginner at sassy cross stitch. It has many sayings like "Babies Suck", "Happy Fucking Holidays", and "Homo Sweet Homo". And I have to say, I think the coolest thing about her book is that she honestly encourages you to go out and try something new on your own instead of following her patterns. I just love Subversive Cross Stitch!

Therefore, highly recommended! Not only is this an amazing book that is guarenteed to inspire your inner surliness to succulently bloom, the author and creator seems like such a great gal to deal with. Get yours today!

Palmolive Naturals - Papaya Extracts & Cream White Radiance

2006-05-12T21:54:00.000-04:00

My friend came back from the Phillipines recently and all he brought back to me was a bar of skin whitening soap. Sigh, the year before he brought back a "Rolux" for me.

Skin whitening is apparently all the rage out in that neck of the woods. The ladies of the Phillipines desire lightened skin, so my friend tells me. I never gave it much thought, to be quite honest. All I know is that I loathe the look of over tanned North American white women. I used to work at a few day spas/salons with tanning beds - I think I am allowed to pass judgement on women who don that healthy shade of orangey-brown. Anyway, my friend was making a nice and honest gesture when presenting me with this bar of soap. He figured, since I avoid the sun/tanning to the point where people mislabel me as "goth" and wear a lighter share of makeup, that I really want to be whiter than white.

I'm pretty white. If I got any whiter, I'd look like Powder. I want to look healthy, not dead. Like I said before, he did his best at making a sweet and honest gesture.

I was a little afraid of using this product. I realise that it's directly from Asia so I'm assuming the standards of packaging products (especially health and beauty related) may not be as important as it is in North America or Europe. The major cause of concern was the lack of listed ingredients. For someone with sensitive skin and acne, I was a little curious about what I would be applying on my face. Other than papaya and "cream" (cream of what, I don't know), I am clueless about what exactly is in this bar of beauty soap. I searched around online and could not find anything about this product - which led me to feel even more suspicious about test trying this out on myself. I went on the Palmolive UK site and there was no listing for this particular kind of soap (does it mean it contains bad ingredients or that the British just don't need skin whitening soap as they look pasty already?).

So I gave in and tried it. How white could I get from using it one or two times anyway? I have to admit, it has a very pretty smell of fresh papaya and cream - just like it says on the box. It lathers up fantastically (I'm very keen on lather!). Applies nice and smooth. At this point, the only issue I had with this is the feeling of my skin when I was in the process of washing it off. It felt as though I was running wet hands over a balloon, if that makes any sense whatsoever. Once that part was over and innerly complained about, my skin actually took to the soap. My face felt very smooth and soft. I was impressed with that, even though I knew there had to be something bad within this bar o'soap.

With a little more patience, I successfully found more information about whitening bars and creams. I have NOT used that bar of soap since, even though it smells lovely!

To have white skin is heavily marketed in Asia, apparently. According to this article half the women in the Phillipines are currently using such a product. A while back I came across another website which said that many product ingredients manufactured in Asia are banned in North America and Europe. I'm only assuming that this product would never be sold here.

What I found out is that many whitening soaps and creams contain hydroquinone. I do not know if this Palmolive product contains this or not, I'm only being cautious. Hydroquinone is a chemical used in photograph processing materials. It has shown to cause leukemia in mice and other animals. Europe has put a ban on beauty products containing hydroquinone, as well as many African countries have banned the use of skin whitenings with harmful chemicals. Though I do not know if this Palmolive Naturals soap contains hydroquinone or not, I would rather not take my chances.

I realise that there are a million products, especially for beauty, that most likely contain very harmful and damaging products. I know I am guilty of using them - the hair dye, certain eye shadows, hair spray, anti-perspirant, etc. One day when some brilliant beauty expert/scientist invents a healthy way to dye my hair black, I will switch over to that.

As far as this particular product goes, there is no list of ingredients on the package therefore I do not feel very confident using this product. I don't feel positive about the concept of people with darker skin wishing to be white and "radiant" either, by means of harmful chemicals with permanent results. Be comfortable in your skin! Be sassy!

Obviously, I do not recommend this product. Unless someone can find me a list of ingredients in this brand of soap, I rest my case.

Biotherm - Acnopur and Source Therapie

2006-05-12T20:22:00.000-04:00

I’ve always had not so nice skin. I’ve tried many different cleansers, products, and dermatologist recommended medications. In my late teens, I drew the line at committing to be on birth control and Accutane. I figured I would rather suffer with bad skin than mess something up within me on a larger scale. That’s not to say I am content with my skin, by any means. In fact, it is the one physical feature about me that I am most self conscious of. I’m close to thirty years old and still suffer from scarring acne – I’m not proud to state that. While the rest of me is quite adult, my skin chooses to stay in the state of self esteem deflating junior high school days.

I decided to bite the bullet and shop behind the counter for once. Instead of shopping for face soap, I went in search of facial products. It’s about time I tried something new, after too many unsatisfied experiences with skincare products that hurt my sensitive skin rather than heal.

I’m pretty skeptical when it comes to my skin. Not only is it acne prone, but it is sensitive and normal to dry. It seems that most skincare companies have great products for acne prone skin but only if you experience oily skin. Those products are harsh and damaging to skin like mine and to most people with sensitive skin. They are strong and powerful, stripping all your oils from your skin and turning your face into one giant patch of sore and burning dry flakes. These companies make you believe that the only way to solve your bad skin is to use severely harsh cleansers and toners. O! The joys of having problematic skin!

I ended up going with Biotherm products. I heard the name and nothing negative attached to it. To be completely honest, the Biotherm skincare rep was the first person to approach me in the store and being completely confused about what I should purchase I went with her best judgment.

Biotherm has a line of skincare products for acne prone skin called Acnopur. They have a pore unclogging purifying foam, a clarifying exfoliating lotion, moisturizer, and a blemish spot treatment. I went with the cleanser and toner from that line as well as a little something extra to help with my slight scarring.

Acnopur Pore Unclogging Purifying Foam was like a sigh of relief for my skin! It was a welcome change from all the powerful products that I have used in the past. It lathers into a rich foam, which I appreciate. The scent is clean, subtle, and pleasant. It does not smell like it’s full of chemicals, like some cleansers for acne prone skin. From the moment I began to lather in between my hands and massage it on my face, I knew there was a huge difference in this product compared to regular over the counter face soap. I was very glad I spent the money on this product. It removes makeup gently and left my skin feeling refreshed and smooth. I felt very confident about putting this product on my face and even more so when I discovered it did not make my face feel tight and dry afterwards.

Acnopur Clarifying Exfoliating Lotion is, apparently, a dual action formula that helps exfoliate the skin, unblock pores, and eliminates impurities. As with the foam, it contains a “tri-active complex” of salicylic acid, an anti-bacterial agent, and white clay. It also contains a pure extract of thermal plankton. What that means, I have no idea. My experience with toner lotions in the past were much the same as with cleansers. I had no faith in them and was convinced the only thing it will do is make my face red, burn, and even more dry. Once again, I was pleasantly surprised! It went on gentle and my skin did not protest afterwards. There was no burning sensation, it did not irritate it, and it left a soothing coolness to my skin. Like the cleanser, it smells subtle and clean.

Biotherm’s Source Therapie is a pure spa concentrate skin perfector. I must admit, I was highly skeptical of this product. I don’t typically fall for lines like, “you’ll feel the difference in 5 seconds!” and “see the difference in 5 days!”

The product itself is a very concentrated and creamy blue gel, with an extremely silky texture. It is pretty pricy but since you are only using it in very small doses, it’s well worth it. It contains regenerating oligo-mineral complex which combines “highly stimulating bicarbonate ions with seven minerals and essential trace elements” – according to the product info. There is more thermal plankton and moisturizing agents as well. First of all, it smells great. It smells a lot like this deep conditioning hair product line by Rusk - Deepshine. It is a fresh, natural, and softly rich scent that is honestly so hard to describe. Second of all, a little goes a long way. You don’t have to feel guilty for dropping $50 on a small bottle. Thirdly, it works so wonderfully! Like I said, I was skeptical. I didn’t really believe the rep when she said I’ll feel the difference in 5 seconds or see an improvement in 5 days. Just another sales pitch, I thought. I was terribly wrong. Within those seconds, my skin felt so incredibly smooth. I’ve had troubled skin for a long time and it’s been years since I felt such smoothness from my skin. And that was within those 5 seconds. After 5 days, my skin was ideally moisturized – as promised. I’ve always had problems with dry patches due to bad products and weather conditions. This product did wonders. My skin is now stable – it’s not dry anymore, nor is it oily from too much moisturizing. It feels perfect, thanks to this product. It’s a marvelous skincare must for people with dry skin and/or imperfections.

Since I live with my skin, I don’t really know if I can see the difference. It’s also only been a week of using these new products on my face. I can confidently confess that my skin has not broken out since using these products, the state of my skin feels much more stable, and my problem with dryness vs. acne prone skin problems have been solved!

I love these products and was well worth the money. Highly recommended.