Baglicious Year In Review

Comic created using software Comic Life http://plasq.com/comiclife

Boxing Day Shopping

I spent all day in bed on Boxing Day. I woke up and had breakfast and felt that I was coming down with a cold or flu. I decided to go back to bed. I did not plan to spend the whole day in bed. Before you knew it the sun had set.

I was not planning on going Boxing Day shopping. I think the last time I went Boxing Day shopping was back in 2005. The sales are not any better the day after Christmas than they are prior to Christmas. For the last couple of years I have found great deals online. This year on Christmas Eve I finally purchased the KitchenAid mixer that I have wanted for a VERY long time.

Future Shop's Boxing Day sale started online on December 24th at 8:00pm. I have wanted one for many years, but was holding out for a great deal.

KitchenAid Custom Edition 4.26L Stand Mixer (White) on sale for $179.99. It took about 45 minutes to checkout. The item was sold out after I made my purchase. I was not the only one that thought that it was a great deal. I can't wait for it to arrive.  I can start baking again.

Happy Holidays

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season.

Discounted Gift Cards

Have you ever received a gift card that you never used? At this time of year many people will give or receive gift cards as Christmas presents.

The website CardSwap is Canada's #1 site for discounted gift cards at 10-40% off face value. The concept is similar to Ebay a peer to peer online market. Gift card holders can redeem their unwanted gift cards for cash and shoppers can save money.

I love a deal so I was very intrigued when I heard about the website. I have a gift card in my wallet that I have been carrying around for the last two months. I can't find anything in the store to purchase.

To purchase a gift card on the website take the following steps:

• register on the website
• search for the gift card by merchant, price or category
• select the gift card
• confirm shipping address
• make payment using INTERAC online from your financial institution

You can also create a wish list of favourite retailers and are notified when gift cards become available.

All gift cards are validated before they are put on the website. The website does not accept credit cards or PayPal as a form of payment. The form of payment that is accepted is INTERAC. Making a payment is similar to making an online bill payment.

Enter to win an iPod Touch by visiting the website. The contest ends December 31, 2009.

website: www.cardswap.ca

Mor Cosmetics Gift Pack

It is impossible for me to go Christmas shopping and not make purchases for myself. I seem to find the best items during this time of year.

When I was in Holt Renfrew last week I purchased this beautiful gift pack from Mor Cosmetics. I will keep the tin once I have used the items.  Holt Renfrew $48.00

THERE'S NO TURNING  BACK

SNOW GARDENIA Triple-Milled Soap 200g  7oz

ORANGE BLOSSOM Hand Cream 100ml  3.3fl. oz

CASSIS NOIR Lip Delight 10g  .35oz

Marc by Marc Jacobs Zipper Chain-Link Metal Bracelet

I would like to find this bracelet in my Christmas stocking. I don't wear bracelets often, but I would definitely like to have this one.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Zipper chain-link metal bracelet  $78.00
Net-A-Porter.Com 

Paris, France

As I approached the door of the Coach Store on Bloor Street in Yorville Toronto this morning, I noticed that the greeter at the door looked at my bag and was not pleased. This area of Bloor Street is similar to Fifth Avenue in New York. You will find all of the designer stores on that street. This was my first visit to this store location.

I purchased this bag on my first trip to Paris in 2007 from a street vendor for 12 euros. When I carry the bag I have fond memories of that trip. When I go shopping function wins out over style.



Unlike the other customers in the store I was not carrying a Coach bag or wallet or wearing the shoes. I wanted to get out of the house early this morning, so I grabbed the bag I used the day before. When I left the store the greeter did not even say good bye. That was just rude.

Never Plan A Shopping Spree

Never plan to go on a shopping spree...you will be disappointed. It is better when it happens in the spur of the moment.

I decided that I would go to the Toronto Eaton Centre this afternoon to use special offers that I had received and to do some pre-birthday shopping for myself.

1. I went to the Coach store to look for anything to purchase using the preferred customer invitation that I received. I have spent days on the website looking for an item. I had no idea what to buy. I walked around the store several times. There were items that I liked, but not loved. I left the store feeling defeated.

2. I went to Sephora to get my Beauty Insider birthday gift. I had also received a Beauty Insider coupon - $15 store coupon off $35 of merchandise. I purchased this Sephora Pure Cosmetic Bag. I was on my way to the checkout when I saw this. It is 100% natural cotton, machine washable and eco-friendly. I was not aware of Sephora's Pure line. I will have to look into that. I also had to get the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment. I just finished my last tube. I love it.

Price: $18.00 online $24.00 Canadian

Image from Sephora Website

3. I went into H2O+ to purchase facial moisturizer. That was on my list of things to purchase.

4. I went into Bath & Body Works to purchase the True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere Body lotion. I was a good girl. I did not take the blue bag that the staff give you to fill up with items you only realize you put in the bag until you get to the cash register.

I guess my horoscope was right today - Sagittarius are strongly advised today to keep their money in their pocket because once you start spending there will be no stopping you.

I'm Blushing

I went into Sephora to buy a brush for The Multiple all-in-one makeup stick by NARS. It can be applied using your fingertip, but I would prefer to use a brush.

NARS Maui

However, I left the store with a new blush by NARS. I purchased the blush Taj Mahal on the left in the image below.

I usually don't leave the house without a little blush. It adds a pop of colour to my face. My favourite has been MAC Sheertone Blush Hushabye. In the summer I would use MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush Ambering Rose. The blush by Yves Saint Laurent is for days when I want a subtle look.

The blush by Nars has to be the absolute best blush I have ever tried. It does not require the same amount of blush on the brush as the other brands. I figured that out the first time I applied it. It also goes well with my skin tone that has a yellow undertone.

From left to right:

1. NARS Taj Mahal
2. MAC Cosmetics Sheertone Blush Hushabye
3. Yves Saint Laurent Blush Variation #14 Rose Whisper
4. MAC Cosmetics Sheertone Shimmer Blush Ambering Rose

Deals and Sales This Month

The month of December can be a very expensive month. Stores are offering so many sales and deals this month for Christmas that one can go crazy spending a lot of money. It is also my birthday this month. Various stores send me discount deals or free gifts for my birthday.

I still have not decided what I will purchase with my Coach preferred customer invitation.

As a member of the H2O+ Plus Member program I am eligible for 15% off this month.

Deals this month:

Holt Renfrew

LeSportsac

Fruits and Passion

MAC Cosmetics

FREE STANDARD SHIPPING
Receive FREE STANDARD SHIPPING with all purchases from 11/27 - 12/13. No offer code necessary. Offer is valid on orders shipped to Canadian addresses only.

Cake Beauty

Between the 2^nd and 6^th of December 2009, you can get a 40% discount from Cake Beauty Canada using the promo code below!

Promo Code: friends

Discount: 40% off

Expires: 6^th December 2009

So Fresh

When I left the house today to go to the grocery store, I did not think I would be returning with two pairs of boots and a new tote bag.

Joe Fresh Reusable Tote Bag $1.00

Joe Fresh Short Hiker Boots $49.00 - perfect for Canadian winters

Joe Fresh Rubber Boots on sale for $19.94 - I have never owned rain boots before

I also received a $10.00 off coupon for spending $50.00. Great deals!!!

Exclusive Offer From Coach!

As a preferred customer...

I was quite surprised when I got home from work today to find an envelope from Coach. I thought that it was a birthday card. It was an invitation to visit a Coach Store and receive 25% off my total purchase during their holiday event days between December 4 through December 13, 2009.

This is the first time that I have received this invitation. I have no idea what I could possibly buy. I just received my Cole Haan Triangle Tote that I ordered from Neiman Marcus. It is gorgeous.

I was not planning on buying a new bag again for the year unless I find something at the One of a Kind Show on Sunday. I am not sure how I became a preferred customer. The only items that I remember purchasing this year from Coach were a wallet and a ring. I am open to suggestions.

Neiman Marcus - Cole Haan Genevieve Woven Triangle Tote

Back in June I missed out on a sale for the Cole Haan Genevieve Woven Triangle Tote from a Shop it to Me alert that I received.

Today I received an email from someone who was also looking for the bag and happened to find my blog. She told me about a sale at Neiman Marcus for the bag. Neiman Marcus is having a Last Call Clearance sale on various items. You also save an extra 25% off of the item.

I am happy to say that they do deliver to Canada. I have ordered the bag and can't wait for it to arrive. The original bag I loved was in orange. The only colour left is saddle brown.

Original price: $495. 00 Now: $222.00 Extra 25% off

The offer expires 11/19/09 at 11:59pm CT

Pucker Up

I don't know why I always seem to buy the same colour lip gloss.

MAC Lip Gelée Moistly

NARS Lip Gloss All Night Long (plum berry)

Benefit Her Glossiness Where’s My Stylist?

YSL Golden Gloss #12 Golden Cinnamon (muted golden bronze)

Sephora Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss Sugar & Spice (sheer champagne shimmer)

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect #817 (microfiber brown)

Stila Lip Glaze Brown Sugar (shimmering golden nude)

I purchased these on a whim.

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer

Dior Addict Lip Glow

MAC Hello Kitty Lip Gloss Fast Friends

Balmshell Lip Gloss Ah…The Classic (sheer vibrant pink with glitter)

YSL Rouge Volupté Legendary Mocha (deep reddish brown)

DuWop Iced Teas Translucent Lip Treatment (translucent red)

Two of my favourite lip glosses.

Ardène Lip Gloss Vanilla

YSL Gloss Repulpant Shiny Lip Plumper #12

Winter Skin Care Tips From True MediSpa

Earlier this week I met with the founders of True MediSpa one of Toronto's first medical spas, Dr. Romy Saibil and Dr. Francine Gerstein to discuss winter skin care tips.

Although I have spent my whole life in Canada, I have never taken steps in the winter months to protect my skin. In my discussion with the doctors, I received tips that everyone can use.

Using Sunblock In the Winter

• Our skin still needs protection from UVA and UVB rays in the winter months, so it is recommended that you continue to use sunblock.

Moisturizing

• I am guilty of taking hot showers when it is cold, however it dries out the skin
• You should change your skin care routine in the winter
• Moisturize soon after taking a shower
• Don't forget about your hands and feet. After moisturizing your feed you should put on socks.
• Some suggestions for moisturizing the skin are baby oil, almond oil and petroleum jelly

Note: anti-bacterial hand gels can be drying, so remember to moisturize your hands afterwards

Exfoliation

• Exfoliate the whole body using a loofah before a bath
• Microdermabrasion kits are available that can be done at home or you can visit a spa
• Chemical peels

Laser Hair Removal

• Winter is a good time of the year to get laser hair removal since it cannot be done if you have a tan.
• 8-10 treatments over a 6 to 8 week period

Photo Facials or Intense Pulse Light (IPL)

• Just like laser hair removal, photo facials cannot be done if you have a tan or sun exposure

Treatments offered at True MediSpa:

• Facial (Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion
• Photo Rejuvenation
• Laser Vein Therapy
• Botox Cosmetics
• Restylane, Perlane and Jevederm Fillers
• Laser Hair Removal
• Waxing and Threading

Both doctors are certified Botox injectors.

True MediSpa Inc.

1942 Avenue Rd
Toronto, Ontario
M5M 4A1
Canada

Tel: 416-780-1100
Fax: 416-780-1104

View Larger Map

Coach Wallet Finder

Coach Wallets by baglicious featuring Coach accessories

Items in this set:
Coach accessories, $98
Coach Wallet Coach :: Wallets, $248
Coach :: Wallets, $248
Coach Wallet Coach :: Wallets, $218
Coach Wallet Coach :: Wallets, $198

Wallet Finder
On the Coach website you can search for a wallet by size, style, fabrication and colour.
Size - What size are you looking for?
Style - Do you have a favourite wallet style?
Fabrication - Do you have a preference of fabrication?
Colour - Choose a favourite colour
Wallet Finder Link: http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/genWCM-10551-10051-en-/Coach_US/StaticPage/wacc

Green Works Starter Kit

Product Review and Survey

I received the Clorox Green Works Starter Kit through the Matchstick program. The Green Works Starter Kit included:

• 1 x Green Works natural laundry detergent
• 1 x Green Works natural all-purpose cleaner
• 1 x Green Works reusable tote
• 1 x Green Works delicates bag
• 30 x Green Works natural laundry detergent samples 
• 30 x Full Value Coupons for Green Works

I have been faithful to one brand of laundry detergent for many years. However, this has changed since I received the Green Works starter kit. I was familiar with the Green Works natural all-purpose cleaner, but I had never purchased it before. It was not aware that the company made a laundry detergent.

My first thought when I placed a capful of the laundry detergent into the washing machine was "wow".  The smell was incredible. I started throwing clothing into the machine. I may have mixed colours that should not have been washed together. I wasn't sure if I even needed fabric softener. I was able to smell the laundry detergent throughout the house. I can't wait to do another load of laundry.

Secondly, I used the all-purpose cleaner in the bathroom. What I love about the cleaner is that I was not overwhelmed by fumes. Usually I want to burn my clothes after doing housework.

I will definitely purchase these products again. I have given some samples away. I want to keep them for myself, but I will share them with family, friends and co-workers.

Please complete this short survey from Matchstick:
http://www.feedback.matchstick.ca/se.ashx?s=439B5E1D0F98116D

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The Good:

Yesterday I purchased these boots at Winners. They are Warmbat Australia Kangaroo Classic Boots. They cost $49.99. Great price. I have not worn them yet, but they feel very comfortable.

I purchased this case today at Sephora from the Harajuku Lovers Snow Bunnies Bag collection - $26.00 (Canadian)

Front

Back

The Bad:

I have been waiting one month for this day. Today was supposed to be the day that I purchased an iPhone. I went to the Telus store after work. I was told that because I was in the middle of my 3 year contract that I could not get the phone under my current contract, but would have to purchase it at full price.

iPhone 3GS 32GB - $299.00 3 year contract        $799.00 no contract

I was told that I would have to contact customer service to see if I qualified for a credit. Unfortunately, I am only eligiblie for a $150 credit at this time. I was told to call back in a couple of months to see if I was eligible for a further credit.

The Ugly:

Me...after finding out that I was not getting the iPhone today.

Oprah's Shoe, Handbag and Accessory Intervention

I haven't watched Oprah in a long time, but I found today's episode interesting. It was a shoe, handbag and accessory intervention.

I don't need a handbag or accessory intervention. Shoes on the other hand are a problem for me. While watching the show I thought about the pair of shoes I wear several times a week. I am too embarrassed to take a picture. My look is perfect until you look at my feet.

They put several of the women in heels. That is not happening in my world. A kitten heel is as high as I will go. Too much pain and not able to fit my orthotics.

What shoe every woman needs:

• kitten heel 
• flat shoe
• evening shoe
• every shoe (sleek sneaker)
• tall boot
• all-weather boot for winter

I guess I need to do some shopping. Luckily I already have a tall boot that I purchased in September. I forgot that I still need to get a all-weather winter boot before it starts to snow.

The boot of the season: Over the knee boot. Not for me. They don't make boots with that much fabric.

These are the handbag violations they found on everyday women on the street:

• multiple bags 
• patterns for everyday use
• novelty bags 
• utilitarian backpacks

On most days I carry two bags to work. One is my purse and the other holds my gym clothes. They cannot fit into one bag.  I travel on the bus and subway.  The alternative they had for the backpack was a messenger bag. I am still searching for a great backpack and messenger bag. I should think about getting rid of my Tokidoki LeSportsac bags.

Oprah's Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/OPRAH

Nylon Tote Bags

I love both bags, but I can only afford one of them.

Chanel Coco Cocoon Large Tote

Website: http://www.chanelcocococoon.com

Joe Fresh Nylon Tote - $29

Website: http://www.joe.ca/

Canvas and Leather Cha Cha Wristlet

I had to run some errands today, so I decided to use the new wristlet I purchased early this month. This canvas and leather wristlet is from Cha Cha. There is currently a sample sale at the Cha Cha Etsy site. The wristlet was $25.00 (U.S.).

I was pleasantly surprised at the size when it arrived. It is bigger than any wristlet that I own. It was able to hold my wallet, keys, cellphone, bus pass (with holder), lip balm and a notebook and pen.  It can also be used as a clutch.

Dimensions: 13 x 8 (LxH)

One Of A Kind Show And Sale 2009

Yesterday I entered a contest on the Cha Cha blog. I was lucky enough to win two tickets to the One of A Kind Show and Sale 2009 in Toronto. I can't wait to check out the new items that Cha Cha has, as well as the other artisans. Hopefully I find a cool new bag. I better start saving money now.

Date: Thursday November 26 to Sunday December 6, 2009
Location: Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place

Website:  http://www.oneofakindshow.com/

Chanel Coco Cocoon

Ugg Vs. Emu

I would really like to know what the difference is between Ugg and Emu boots.

I do not own a pair of either boots. Both styles of boots look very comfortable. I thought the fad would eventually go away, but every fall and winter they are on the feet of every girl in the city. I have also wondered if you could be too old to wear Uggs or Emu boots. I am not giving away my exact age, but I can say I am not in my 20's.

Someone told me recently that they had them in many colours. I looked at her like she was crazy. She compared it to my bag collection.

I own a pair of pink Warmbat slippers. They look like Ugg/Emu slippers. I wear them all year long even in the summer.

I have considered buying a pair of the boots, but I don't know which one to buy. The look the same to me. However, there is a difference in price. There are also many other companies that sell similar boots.

Emu Australia Official Website: http://www.emuaustralia.com

Ugg Australia Official Site: http://www.uggaustralia.com

Marc Jacobs Is Calling

Marc Jacobs by baglicious featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs accessories

My phone was ringing and the call display showed that it was Marc Jacobs. Someone from his office said that they were going to send me a handbag. I was beyond ecstatic. The phone rang again because they did not get my mailing address.


I woke up...it was all a dream.

Featured Blog - Be In Style

As a shopaholic, I am always looking for smart shopping tips. I believe you can be stylish and save money.


The blog Be In Style gives advice on fashion and beauty from such topics as fashionable jeans for fall to finding the right pair of shoes. My favourite part is the Tip Center. They one that I am most interested in are the useful handbag tips. I can use some of the advice, specifically "How Much Should Your Handbag Weigh?"
I appreciate that some posts are done by guest bloggers, therefore you are getting an honest opinion about a product.

Be In Style: http://pocketchange.become.com/category/fashion-and-beauty

Handbags Tip Center: http://tips.become.com/handbags/handbag-styles.html

iPhone Envy

I have wanted the iPhone since the first time I heard about it. I have not purchased one yet as I am stuck in a 3 year plan that ends in 2011. This week it was finally announced that the other telecom companies in Canada, Bell Canada and Telus Mobility will start selling the iPhone in November 2009.  My current plan is with Telus and I did not want to break my contract.

The other reason I did not go out and buy the iPhone was the cost of the plans. I currently pay $28.25 a month including taxes for my cellphone.

Instead of a new bag for my birthday, I may get the iPhone.