December TopBox Review - The Benefit Package

So. I love Topbox.

For $12 a month I get 4-5 beauty product samples shipped to me on the 15th of each month.

One of the products is usually a full-sized product, so that in itself more than pays for the monthly fee.

December was shipped out on December 13th. And sat in Mississauga....it's still showing there. So, I contacted their support staff after a few weeks to see if they could reship out a new package.

January 4th, they shipped out a second box.

It is still sitting in the York sorting plant....and never arrived.

This week, I contacted my person again, and she sent another box. It arrived the following day!

I think because Topbox is printed on the outside package, they were most likely taken by the postal staff instead of being delivered, as they never showed tracking leaving their original centres or show that they came close to Ottawa.  They ARE pretty awesome kits!

I normally order the regular kit (surprise as to what you get), but they sent me he Benefit Box as my replacement.  This is okay, as \I have received some of their samples before and love-love-loved them!

The December Benefit Box

They're Real! Tinted Primer - dual-purpose tinted lash primer - 8.5g for $31

This is a brown colour primer - a product type I have never used.  I think some people put multiple layers of mascara on, so they would be the target audience for lash primer.

I applied it, and it's not too thick - it would even look good just on its own.  It did create an awesome base for my mascara, and my lashes really DID look like they were't real without all the fuss and muss of fake eyelashes.

They're Real! Mascara - Dramatic length and volume mascara - 8.5g for $31

This is an amazing mascara - my lashes looked nice and full, and as hard as I tried, they didn't clump.
My lashes even curled upwards and really did look like high quality false eyelashes!

It was easy to apply, and the mascara doesn't clump on the brush either.

Roller Lash Mascara - Super curling and lifting mascara - 8.5g for $31


This mascara I have tried out previously and recently ran out of, so I was happy for a replacement.

It's another fabulous non-clumping mascara that adds a really nice natural curl to my eyelashes.

It applies really easily, separating the lashes with each stroke, and one coat is perfect for my lashes.

They're Real! Remover - take it all off - waterproof eye makeup remover - 50g for $23

This is a nice creamy gel formula that is rather gentle yet effective in small quantities.  Just apply a bit to a cotton pad, and it removes your eye makeup and mascara SO easily.

It also doesn't irritate my eyes (which happens with my normal remover).

Gimmie Brow - volumizing fiber gel - 3g for $30

This one I actually gave to an acquaintance at work, as I know she loves Benefit products and had mentioned how excited she was to get the Gimmie Brow in her first Topbox kit.

I just let my brows go au natural, so it would of just sat in my cupboard until I decided to give it away anyhow.

Pay it forward to make someone's day when you can :)

January's review is up next!

My Review on Beachbody's Hip Hop Abs Fitness Program

When I first "met" Shaun T, I didn't like him. 

His Stare through the TV is intimidating. And he doesn't give water breaks.

But After completing T25, Insanity Max 30, and even Cize, I have learned to embrace him.  Shaun T is good for my body.

I've also become quite fond of Hybrid workouts since my Cize/21 Day Fix Fiasco.  It means I become less bored, and stay motivated with a different instructor daily.

I know my only fallback on this Hybrid will be the lack of working out my arms.  I just REALLY want to get my mid section under control this year.  Arms will come later.

So I'm reviewing Hip Hop Abs here, and Brazil Butt Lift in a different blog page.

What Does Hip Hop Abs Promise?

"Dance your way to hot, sexy abs.

If you love to dance and you want to lose weight and tighten your midsection without doing sit-ups or crunches, Shaun T can show you how. Shaun uses a technique called “Tilt, Tuck & Tighten” to help you burn fat as you dance your way to six-pack abs.

In Hip Hop Abs^®, Shaun breaks the dance moves down into steps, so almost anyone can do them. And the workouts are set to hot dance music, so they're high energy and fun.

You’ll get 4 routines (plus bonus routines) to learn Shaun T’s training techniques, burn calories, sculpt your abs, and lose fat all over. And you’ll have fun dancing to the hottest hip hop music.
Hip Hop Abs also includes the Step-by-Step Nutrition Guide to help you lose weight, the Results on the Run Diet Guide that shows you how to eat at your favorite fast food restaurants, the 6-Day SlimDown plan, a 30-Day workout calendar, 24/7 Online Support, and measurement tools to keep track of inches you lose." - Beachbody Site

The Routines

Fat Burning Cardio - 30 minutes

30 minutes of stand-up ab crunching moves!  The dance moves were simple, and set in about 5 minute increments with 3-4 moves incorporated into each set. 

After Cize, this was a breath of fresh air.  I could actually keep up and one doesn't have to be super co-ordinated to keep up.

I think I have to crunch more, as a day after the routine, I expected to feel my abs from all the side crunches...but I don't feel the pain from the routine the following day.  I probably just have to up my game and add some weights in.

Hips, Buns, and Thighs Workout - 25 minutes

Lift and firm those stubborn problem areas.

I did this the first time after completing Brazil Butt Lift's Bum Bum.  My Boom Boom was quite stiff getting off the bus on the way to work after 2 days of extreme booty workouts.

I got a bit of sweat on with Shaun T throughout this workout.  We learn some "dancy" type moves to get our behinds into gear - for REAL! 

The last 5 minutes of the workout were intense - with pulsing and holding the entire time.  I LOVE it! 

I don't get the cardio I normally do with Shaun T, but I am enjoying the variety of moves in this workout.

There is a "modifier," but she doesn't really modify anything.  So I just went full out in my squats and pulses.  The 25 minutes just flew by!

Secret to Flat Abs - 13 minutes

Shaun's exclusive training techniques target your upper abs, lower abs, and obliques while you burn fat.

No, it's not a miracle cure like the Ab-Hancer pictured above...but it's all about the standing up and moving while getting an abs workout.  I felt this one mainly around the sides with some funky oblique twists, which is good, as these love handles have to go!  

If you have done a Shaun T Abs workout before, this one isn't as intense as his other abs workouts, but it does target some different areas that the other don't.  

I recommend this program after one of Shaun T's other routines within the program to get a full body (minus the arms) workout.

c/o pinterest.com

Total Body Burn - 45 minutes

A head-to-toe workout that combines cardio and total body sculpting with even more ab-defining moves. 

This workout includes weights.  And a LOT of squats and oblique twists.  And push ups near the end.  

I am glad for the arm workout, as I was beginning to get a bit weak in the arms without my regular fix.  

Near the end, my hips were getting quite tight with the movements - I found the cure for this is not the flimsy "cool down" exercises, but I did a quick You Tube search for Hip Opening Yoga which has been my saving grace lately.  I think too many squats leads to tight hips for me. 

c/o www.hungrygatorgal.com

Ab Sculpt - 25 minutes

More moves to get you the six-pack you've always wanted without a single sit-up or crunch. 

First off, by this point, I dance and sing along with Shaun T to his corny rap at the beginning of the workout. I can't help it. 

Don't judge me.

With this workout, I feel I could do a million of these abs moves and still go. Obviously that would lead to me not being able to walk the next day.  So, just follow the program.  

I am sweating like anything after the first 10 minutes - moving all those big muscles definitely works.

The majority of the workout is standing up abs, with lots of hip lifts and gyrating your mid-section.  

I do not feel I could do this in a fitness class with others, as I would be giggling too much.  How old am I??

The last 5 minutes before stretching is on the floor - and includes more oblique-type twists and a fun move called the bow & arrow (it's pretty much the movement you think it is - like shooting a bow an arrow from the ground).

c/o www.quickmeme.com

Conclusion

I give Hip Hop Abs a 4.5/5.

It's slowly getting rid of my one pack, and I'm starting to tuck in in all the right places.  I don't feel pain in my abs the following day though, hence not the 5*. 

I need to feel pain for there to be a 5*

You can make the moves harder with light weights - and feel ALL the pain.

This program also taught me that my hips are really quite tight and I need to focus on more stretches and releases for them - hence incorporating Yoga into my programs instead of the flimsy "stretches" the Beachbody programs offer at the end of each workout (that's another Blog Post for another day). 

The dance moves were easy to follow, and I always get my sweat on with Shaun T.  It's not his most intense program by far, but part of exercise is having fun with it and exploring new programs so your body doesn't plateau. 

Again, I just feel pressure with meal planning, so I didn't follow the meal plan.  I try my best to eat well, and that's all I have the energy for. 

I am looking forward to finishing up Hip Hop Abs/Brazil Butt Lift so I can score myself another t-shirt!  

***I am not a Beachbody Coach (nor will I ever be), I just really enjoy Beachbody Workouts for a fuller, healthier lifestyle***

Beauty Box Review: TopBox November 2015

 TopBox is my favourite day of the month - they are shipped out on the 15th of each month, and I usually opt for the surprise samples vs Single Brand samples.  For $12 plus taxes (CAD), you receive 4-5 luxury brand samples, usually with one being a full sized product!

TopBox November 2015 has arrived!

November 2015's kit included: Benefit Cosmetics Air Patrol, Nova Scotia Fisherman' EXtreme Skin Care Lip Balm, Revlon Professional  Style Masters Modular Hair Spray, and The Face Shop Character Mask.

November TopBox revealed!

Benefit Cosmetics Air Patrol

 Air patrol BB Cream eyelid primer contains an EnviroDefend complete known to help guard your eyelids agains sun and pollutants.  It also extends the wear of eyeshadow for long lasting colour that won't crease, fade, or smear.  

4.0ml $38.  Available at Shopper's Drug Mart and Sephora.

I like that it does keep my eye-shadow put (no flaky mess on my face from misdistribution of powder).  Compared to other Benefit eye primers I have used, however, it is more difficult to control how much comes out of the container, as it's a squeeze container vs a padded brush. This means more waste of product.

At this price point, you don't want to waste any of this eyelid primer!

Nova Scotia Fisherman eXtreme Skin Care Lip Balm

Our lip Care is created using 100% natural ingredients and contains 93% organic materials.  Apply as needed.  

9.5ml $6.99. Available at NovaScotiaFisherman.com

I am still not very fond of Fisherman's products.  I was not keen on the smell of this lip balm, and you can actually feel the salt within it.  The container includes a push bottom, so you push the bottom to get more balm up, and I put the lid down to squish it down.

It isn't very long lived on my lips, and I love my lip balm - especially during the fall and winter seasons.

Revlon Professional Style Masters Modular Hairspray

Spray Modular Hairspray on dry hair.  For best results, hold about 30 cm away from the hair.  Medium Hold Hairspray, perfect for everyday use.  

500 ml $19.95. Available at Professional Salons Across Canada

This is an aerosol spray can sample, and should last me quite a bit.  It DOES have that typical hairspray smell (a little bit less than basic store sprays), and leaves my hair quite sticky while holding down my whisps.

It DOES have staying power though - and held my curls in for a party - 7 hours - and my hair was still somewhat intact in the morning.  For my hair, this is a feat, as it's fine consistency generally leads to floppy curls really quickly. I did not even have to cake on too much spray either.

This was a redeeming factor with me.

The Face Shop Character Mask

Wash face. Pull out the mask and carefully place it on the face.  Remove after 10-15 minutes and tap lightly to absorb the remaining essence into the skin.  

3 masks for $9.  Available in stores and online at thefaceshop.ca as of December 2015

When I saw this mask, I was so stoked to put it on my face!  It was SO cute!

The application wasn't perfect (with this type of mask, it normally isn't as people's faces are so different), and once I was able to smooth it on to the best of my ability, I let it soak in for 15-20 minutes.

There was no noticeable scent, and it was cooling to the skin.   It didn't tear and was a good quality mask.

It scared Husband more than it scared Merlin (our African Grey parrot).

Don't wear this mask if you want to get lucky.

I think this would be a great girl's night mask, as it's silly, and would make for a memorable evening.

After I removed the mask, my skin was quite soft and my redness had disappeared.

***********

Until December's kit, happy shopping!

Jazz Age Jeopardy - My Murder Mystery Birthday Party!

Proof that Facebook advertising does work.

It was about a month before my birthday, and Husband asked what I wanted to do with my friends.  We've played pool, bowled, pubs, bars, nicer dinners, etc.

I saw an ad for Murder Mystery Dinners - and checked out the cost of going to a local venue - with the cost of diner, show, and drinks, it would cost each person WAY more than I would expect them to shell out.

So I posted an event to determine how many people would be interested in attending a murder mystery, and started researching DIY murder mysteries.

The free ones looked meh and had a lot of gaps into what I was supposed to do and how the party was supposed to run.

I found one that a woman would write in extra parts for a Doctor Who Mystery party, but the quote was a bit out of my comfort level.  And as much as *I* love Doctor Who, not all our friends know what the show is about, and it would be difficult for them to act out their parts. (this would STILL be SO cool).

I hummed and hawed between two better sites, and the pricing was sort of comparable, but Playing With Murder won out as not only did I find a discount code, but it included the number of players I had (19) with no upgrade cost.

I am SO happy I chose Playing With Murder - Jazz Age Jeopardy, as the 120 pages of paperwork involved with instructions, scavenger hunt clues, certificates, and character development was well laid out, and I was able to set the scene.

I think with DIY Murder Mysteries, you get out of it what you put into it.  Pinterest was awesome assistance with ideas for setting the stage, and I did a pretty kick arse decorating job.  I love creating, had most of the materials to create decorations, and it really did set the mood for the night.

Flapped Sequined Headbands I made

I made a Check In sign for the club, and you can see the handmade bottle labels behind me

If I hadn't had decorations and no one had dressed up as their characters, it would of been sub par and awkward.

I set up two photobooths - one upstairs, where guests who entered the Club had their picture taken with an intake sign;  the other was in the front entrance area.  I set up hand-made props, hats, and other accessories from our Halloween boxes. I found a frame for free, so people could "frame" themselves in the photos - as this looks really cool on Pinterest.  it works well in real life too :) 

Husband was doubtful that anyone would use it, but our guests did - they had a lot of fun with it and used the props, giggled, and asked people to take their pictures.  As usual, he said he doesn't know why he ever doubted my craziness and ideas.

Check In - I made everyone hold this when they put their coats away - as proof they were suspects!

Husband and me - we got goofy

The upper level was the Poker room where there had been some bloody mess from the past along with weaponry. 

Bullet holes were throughout this level and the remainder of the house - it was a Prohibition Age mobster-ridden Jazz Club in the 1920's afterall!


Pictures from the 1920's were also throughout the house - the basement level having old movie pictures - and was also the scene of the murder.


When Gared found out he was being murdered, he was SO stoked!  I loved his reaction :)  I think he was laying on the ground about 10 minutes before I got everyone together for Act II though.  Poor guy!

The main level was the main part of the club, with pom-pom banners creating a buzz and where the food and drinks were being served.

At first it was a bit awkward, as two guests arrived before 6pm, and the rest not until 6:10 and thereafter.  I was a bit nervous that people would bail out.

BUT, I created hype on the Facebook Page by posting the work being done to create the club, 1920's words, and talking about the food.  People put a LOT of effort into their costumes.  Every Single Person was dressed to the 9's and got into character. 

This made this party a great success!

I had no idea what my name was, but we found out that my name was "Narrator" - and I spoke like the main character on Schitz's Creek. And was told to use my indoor voice a few times - ha ha! 

A few people were confused about some of the clues (but 19 people = lots of talking + missing clues), but half guessed the right killer.

I think I chose the right parts for the right guests - it was pretty bang on! 

Friends having fun!

I would do a Murder Mystery every year if I could - but we want it to stay nice and fresh, so probably every 3-4 years unless there is demand for a higher frequency.

I should be a party planner - that would be SO much fun, as I'm SO into these kinds of things!

Pinterest and its ability to allow me to find & organize my thoughts and ideas is a fabulous tool in my life.  Unless I get lost in the Vortex.  Then that's just hours of my life gone away into outer Pinterest Space.  I really DO utilize the ideas I find on it though, so there is reasoning to my insanity.

Maybe we'll do Pirates next. I'd love to talk like a Pirate all night long!  Or in outer Space....or Zombies. SO many ideas!

If you're at all creative and have fun friends, I highly encourage you to check out the murder mysteries on Playing With Murder.  It's so simple, and worth the cost and effort put into creating an awesome party!

The Artsy Side of Crystal

Better late than never - and a little bit refocus not just on awesome products I have been given the opportunity to review, but focus on life in general.



Anyone who really knows me knows that I'm creative.



If people don't know me, they're amazed by my awesome creations.

I may be Clark Kent by day...but my true passion is being artsy!



Here's my whirlwind of September/October creations.



The Stairwell Family Tree

We painted most of the house at the beginning of September.



After painting, Husband requested a tree in the stairwell.  So I painted  a tree covering 3 walls. Then the birds. Later on, the pups.


There are also 2 leaves on the tree, as I couldn't decide if I wanted leaves on it or not - they in turn represent Husband and myself.

This was all Freehand.

The dogs...I couldn't finish these until I knew Fynn would be ok

The dogs, The Tree, The Parrots

Merlin & Rosco - Rosco even has fangs

Stryder doing his dance

Calvin & Hobbes zipping down the stairs (covering up where Fynn broke the wall 3 times)

Halloween

I won the Costume contest FINALLY at work.  I've been the Tardis, a Zombie Pirate, Parrot, and this year - Dragon!  Shazam!

My boss is also awesomesauce and let me decorate the workplace like a crime scene.  It was a lot of fun, and made me thankful Pinterest wasn't around when we got married.  

We forced all team members to wear silly hats and take Prison pictures to post on our wall.  Everyone got a laugh out of it, and people really came out of their shells :)

Handprints and writing were mainly myself and my boss - we're a bit crazy. Weapons and Evidence Tags were hand crafted by moi.

I'm in the Pen!

Merlin and me - our annual Halloween Selfie. Awesome 5 minute mesh makeup for dragon scale effect!

YES! I finally had a reason to make the Dexter Cupcakes!  Handmade Sugar Glass and all :)

My co-worker was Spaghetti and Meatballs - I was heating her up. Such a fun day!

I also created Christmas gifts for family - we're having it a month early with my family as my parents leave for Amurica on December 1st this year.  So weird.  

What's next on the creative list?  

Crystal's Epic Murder Mystery Party at the Cat's Meow Jazz Club - Prohibition Age debauchery will ensue!

Photobooth with props there will be!

Chickadvisors MasterCheeseClass - I Heart Cheese

So I know cheese isn't very good for my daily fat content.  I try not to splurge often.

I, however, was one of the 100 or so lucky ladies to be chosen to be part of Chickadvisor's Master Cheese Class held today in Toronto - I didn't even have to leave my living room/kitchen in Ottawa for it, thanks to the power of You Tube.

I received a snazzy apron, ingredient list, and recipe cards earlier last week, so I could keep organized and clean throughout the afternoon

My goods!

Sporting my newest apron (last one I got 20 years ago from Dairy Queen as Cake Decorator)

In a whirlwind afternoon, I am in a cheese coma!

Some of us were fortunate enough to spend the afternoon (either in class, or like me, via You Tube) with Christine Cushing, chef & cookbook author.

Frankly. I love cheese.  I've cut it out of most of my diet, but decided to give ChickAdvisor's awesome opportunity a go!

I cooked from home in a whirlwind, and whipped up 3 totally new recipes to add to my culinary skills - Fondant, Souffle, and Gnudi.

First time whipping eggs.  That sounds bad.

Soufflé ready for the oven!

Soufflé before it fell (which Christine says is normal - even hers fell afterwards)

The Souffle was created with mainly Canadian Aged Cheddar - I purchased St. Albert, as it was the best price, and locally sourced.  Eggs, flour, fresh herbs, and a few other ingredients one should already have in their house, and voila.

This was the first time I'd ever whipped egg whites, so I wasn't really sure what to expect...until it happened, and the egg while started to resemble whipped cream.  I poured it into the cheese mixture, and baked it for about 25 minutes.  I think it could of stayed in another few minutes, but it still tasted delightful.

I cooked along with Christine as best as I could (I didn't have my ingredients pre-prepared).  Successfully, as everything tasted fabulous!

I did half size recipes, as there are only two of us in the house - I was able to freeze most of the Gnudi for a later date - I inhaled four of them, as Husband fell asleep during this part of the class.

Mixing up the Gnudi

Still don't know what Gnudi is other than Good!

The Ricotta Gnudi is a type of dumpling - and with the fresh herbs, tasted fabulous and was SOOOOO filling. I'd make these again - and will, considering I put 8 of the freshly rolled Gnudi into the freezer already.  The parsley sauce took about 5 minutes to make - and again so simple to create.

Even Merlin, our African Grey, joined in the fun!

Merlin can cook too!

I'd love a different kind of cooking class via ChickAdvisor - I learnt a lot of new cooking skills, and Christine had a lot of useful tips.

The Fondant was the simplest, and I could literally make this in less than 10 minutes if I wanted to, and serve with fresh veggies and breads - I used a melba-type toast bread that we already had, and it was a hit.  Husband and I finished it in less than 5 minutes.  Gideon, the dog, took his broccoli piece, licked off the cheese and left the broccoli - what a goof!

You can follow Christine on Twitter & Instagram @ccfearless 

For now, I'm going to roll away and finish that glass of wine I poured...because wine was necessary in the Fondant recipe ;) That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it!

I think I did this right...

Fondant - SO simple and scrumptious!