Window Shopaholic: 2011

Monday, November 21, 2011

Fekkai Full Volume Shampoo & Conditioner

I am a Bzz Agent, and was provided a sample of Fekkai brand Full Volume shampoo and conditioner to try and review. My hair is very fine in texture, and gets "greasy" VERY easily. Since it is so fine, it is hard to create and/or maintain volume. Also, I struggle with dryness issues, severe static, and flyaways.

I was optimistic to try Fekkai's product. I had heard of the brand but never tried it. Before receiving my sample, I was using Pantene's shampoo and conditioner for fine hair. I was satisfied with it, but I still struggled with lots of static and flyaways.

I noticed first that the bottle design was very sleek and simple. Minimalist, if you will. I love that!

Next, when I opened the bottle, and took a little sniff, I closed my eyes and said, "mmmmmmm...."

Smells good! I love the scent, it makes me feel like I am indulging. It makes washing my hair an enjoyable experience. Using this product makes me feel pampered. Not like I picked up a 99 cent bottle of shampoo from the dollar store.

After using the product for a couple of weeks, I noticed a marked improvement in my hair. I definitely notice more volume in my hair when blowdrying. Also, the product succeeds in giving my hair plenty of moisture, without TOO much so that it makes it look or feel greasy. Also, I have begun to notice the flyaways are more tame (probably due to the moisture), and less of the static problem.

I would absolutely recommend this product to anyone whose hair is similar to mine - that fine texture. Give it a try, you will love it I swear!!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Hill's Science Diet Ideal Balance Dog Food

I am a Bzz Agent, and received a free sample of Hill's Science Diet Ideal Balance Dog food. Well, I should say my 3 year old dog, Coda (a boxer) received a free sample.

I have not started feeding it to him yet, but I wanted to post about my views on the packaging so far, and show you some pictures of my awesome dog.

The box came very quickly, and was just big enough for the bag of food inside of it. That's great in itself, because I hate getting a huge box for tiny contents. Also, it was easy to open, I didn't have to wrestle with it. Frustration free packaging!

Once I got to the actual bag of food inside, I could tell it was a quality product just by looking at the packaging. Very clean, crisp, and clear. The great benefits of the food were listed right on the front. Also, I love that the package is resealable. Very convenient!

There is a helpful guide on how much to feed your dog on the side. The other side has the nutrition guide, in larger font than you will see on other dog food brands. That is because Hill's is proud of their nutrition facts (and should be). The first ingredient: CHICKEN.

I will post again after Coda has eaten the food. I can tell you this, he's pretty excited about the upgrade in quality!

In the meantime, check out http://www.petmd.com/mybowl, a partnership between Hill's and petMD.com that helps pet owners make better food choices for their dogs.

Burt's Bees Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin

I am a bzz agent and was provided samples of Burt's Bees Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin. I was excited to try this, because as far as sensitive skin goes, well...that's me. The first thing I noticed is the cleanser was milky, creamy white. When you wash your face with it, it doesn't lather up, no suds. It stays the creamy texture the whole time. Also, it doesn't have any sort of effect on your skin (no cooling or tingling sensation). It pretty much feels like you are washing your face with moisturizing lotion. But the good part about it is that it did not dry my face out (at all), very moisturizing.

As for the moisturizing lotion, I LOVE the container, so cool! The pump works great, dispenses the perfect amount. The lotion is just perfect, and works great. I used it twice a day and really noticed a difference in my skin, especially since I live in Maine and it is so dry here.

Overall, I do like the skincare line. The moisturizer is AWESOME, I absolutely love it. The cleanser wasn't my favorite, but it did improve my sensitive skin (didn't dry it out so much). Thumbs up, Burts Bees!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

ACTIVE by Old Navy

I am a member of Crowdtap, and I recently participated in a sample share featuring Old Navy's Activewear collection. I received a coupon to redeem in the store for a free Activewear top and a pair of their Compression Pants.

I went to the Augusta, Maine store. As soon as I walked through the doors, they had a mannequin display featuring the Activewear line. Once I got to the women's Activewear department, I circled the racks a few times to survey my options. I wasn't sure if I should go with one of their Go Dry tank tops with built in bra, or a sports bra, or a jacket. The colors in their activewear line offer some really bright and cheery choices, I was impressed. It wasn't the regular bland options you see all the time in activewear.

I grabbed several styles, and headed off to the changing rooms to try everything on. I was SHOCKED at how much the compression pants slimmed my thighs and rear. I grabbed the last pair I saw on the rack that offered the pink stripe at the waistband (bright, unexpected touch that I love!). I also decided to go with the Active Performance Jacket in Black. I love the material and cut of the jacket, and the pockets. But my favorite part is probably the thumb holes!

Photo of my choices:

Compression Pants in "Pink Geometric"

Active Performance Jacket in "Black Jack"

I absolutely LOVE both of my choices. I wear the pants around the house as much as I can, and wish I had more than one pair. They are great for lounging, pajamas, workouts, cleaning, chores, etc. I don't think I would ever wear them out in public, because I am self conscious about the size of my thighs and rear. Although these pants do wonders for slimming those areas, they are too tight to wear in public for me to personally feel comfortable with.

The jacket I wore out to a birthday event the day after I got the outfit, and out to the clubs after. I wore it with a cute tank underneath. I got many compliments on the jacket, how it made me look "tiny". Also, everyone loved the thumb holes just as much as I do!

I am very satisfied with the activewear line, or at least these two pieces I have tried. It does make a difference in how you feel working out. When you wear a pear of frumpy, ill-fitting, old sweats while working out, you feel sort of like the sweats! (Old, frumpy, dull, etc.) But when you wear something that feels good, fits great, and looks amazing, you feel so much better! You feel pumped up, energized, ready to take your workout by storm! It gives you the extra lift you need to push even harder.

You can see the entire workout line by Old Navy here.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Old Navy Jeans

I am a part of Crowdtap - it is a website that connects brands and consumers. Consumers are rewarded for their time and insights with free product trials (to report on), and money as well.

I was chosen to participate in a sample and share opportunity, for Old Navy Jeans. I received a coupon for one free pair of Old Navy Womens Jeans, and another coupon to share with a friend. I ended up giving the other coupon to my little sister. I don't think she has made it to the store yet, we don't have one around and it's a bit of a drive to get there.

I was able to make it to the store in Augusta, Maine to find a good pair of jeans

The Augusta store was recently remodeled, and I like the new layout. It's clean and organized, and modern too. The Womens Jeans section was directly through the front doors, to the right.

Again, well organized and clean. As you can see, it's easy to find your style, and size as well.I had never tried Old Navy Jeans before. I LOVE Gap pants and jeans (sister store) which are much more pricey. So I was interested to see what Old Navy had to offer, and if they compare.

I tried about 8 pairs , different styles. I tried the sweetheart, the flirt, the dreamer, and a couple of others. I took sizes 10 and 12, because my sizing varies by brand. I quickly discovered after starting to try different ones on that I was a 12 in ON Jean sizing.

I was sort of dreading this, because I have a hard time finding jeans that I feel good and look good in. I have to say, I was pleasantly suprised. Compared to other brands I have tried, these ones really flattered me and fit well. I didn't have the problem I usually have, where they fit in the thighs but are too big in the waist and then have that gap in the back when you go to sit down. My only "problem" was trying to find which style and wash I liked the most.

One thing I didn't like about this pair was the "whiskers"...the lighter stripes in the jeans. They were put there on purpose, as a style thing, but I didn't like it and it wasn't flattering on me.

I ended up choosing...(drumrolllllllll)...

The Slim Flare Jeans in "Rinse", size 12. I like the darker wash, in my opinion, it is slimming. I love the flare, and the material has the perfect amount of stretch. My only suggestion would be to add petite sizing. If you already do, it wasn't offered in the store I shopped at. I will have to shorten them a bit. But other than that, I absolutely love them! I am very pleasantly surprised.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Old Navy Tanks

I am a part of Crowdtap - it is a website that connects brands and consumers. Consumers are rewarded for their time and insights with free product trials (to report on), and money as well.

Anyway, I was chosen to participate in an Old Navy sample and share, to review their embellished/decorated tanks. I received a coupon to pick one out for free, and three other coupons to give to friends. Of course my friends were so excited to get them too!

I had the day off from work, so I brought my daughter (7 months) to Old Navy to use the coupon. I also had a groupon to use, and a gift card (score!) She was so good, and had fun shopping in her stroller!

When I got there, the tanks were displayed well:

There were only a few styles I was interested in:

And then we were off to the dressing rooms! I admit, I had more than the free tanks to try on. I brought in a couple of jersey dresses, a tee, a sparkly cardigan, and some athletic capris. Anyway, onward!

Although I loved the peach colored shirt, I am too pale to pull it off.

This black tank is the one with the embellishments on the shoulder. I LOVE LOVE LOVED the material on this, super soft, and thick! But it wasn't my absolute favorite out of all the ones I tried.

I ended up with the diagonal tiered tank in black. I like it and thought it was the most flattering. Not only that, it was the one I would actually wear the most. I love it!

Monday, April 18, 2011

StyleFind

FYI...if you register now you could enter to win one of the 11 "It" bags of 2011!

I just registered today, and I must say, I love this website! It is free and I really suggest you look around, you will fall in love, I promise! I love the editor's picks, super cute fashions at AFFORDABLE prices. Click on what you like and it will bring you directly to the retailer's website to order!

Also, StyleFind allows you to favorite as many items as you want, and view them all together. I love this feature! It lets me see all the items I favorited side by side, so that I can compare a bit and decide which ones to purchase.

Check it out...Click HERE to register!