Frugal Friday: Discount Round-Up!

Alrighty, it seems that my browser hates me and keeps closing, so this is going to have to be short and sweet so I can type between shut-downs.

Today, Sephora is having Facebook Fan Friday. Like them, follow the link, and get a free Full-Sized Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss from Soap & Glory with any $35 or greater purchase.

E.L.F. is running two promotions (but you have to pick one). 40% off Holiday Limited Editions with any $25 purchase through Nov. 7th with the code GIFTFAVES, or 40% off brushes with any $15 purchase through Nov. 9th with the code BRUSH40. (I highly recommend E.L.F. brushes, by the way. You can't beat the quality for the price.)

Victoria's Secret has started their Secret Rewards program again. A $10 purchase, through Nov. 30th, gets you a mystery card worth at least $10, redeemable in December. I got one for $50 last year, if that's any incentive.

Lastly, Aeropostale has hoodies and sweats 50% off, plus $20 off any online purchase of $100 or more (through Nov. 6th) with the code NOV20.

Happy shopping, and let me know if you end up with a haul. Send pics, and I'll attempt to post them!

Extra, Extra! Read All About It!

Photo Credit: Sephora

BREAKING NEWS! This was totally not what I was planning to post today, but hey, that's life. As of today, Soap & Glory is once again available in the US! 

The adorable Brit skincare line launched online at Sephora.com in the wee hours of the morning, and will be in stores come September. The citrus-scented cult fave left its sparsely stocked Target shelves last Fall, much to the chagrin of its loyal followers. Of course, along with its shop status, prices have increased, and not insignificantly. There seems to be about a five-dollar uptick (give or take) across the board. 

I'm a little sad. This is a brand that's near and dear to my heart. As I said in an earlier post, I gifted some of these items to my bridesmaids when I got married. I trusted only this brand of facial cleansing wipes when I was filming The Night Shift and had to have clear, pretty skin. "Clean on Me" is not only the best body wash I've ever used, but also the smoothest shaving cream never to clog my razor. So, it's not that the line isn't worth the extra cost, it's just that the original point of the brand (which I can no longer find written anywhere...) was to be affordable, and now, that idea seems to have gone out the window. Basically, what I'm saying is that, while I'm thrilled to see this back in the States, I was fine paying Target prices and bringing home a plastic Target bag. I don't have--nor does anyone else I know-- the extra money to shell out, solely, for gift wrapping and a label. Maybe, if I'm really good and eat all my vegetables, Santa will see fit to put some face wipes and body wash in my stocking. 

In other news, my above mentioned movie, The Night Shift, has found a fabulous distributor, and will be available on DVD in the US and Canada (I'm sorry, everyone else) on October 25th! In fact, if you pre-order on Amazon (there's a link on the sidebar, too), there's an option to possibly have it delivered on that day, so you might even have your copy in time for Halloween! Now, I know you're all going to hop right over and order yours immediately, right. Right? 

Lastly, but not least: Hi, Tempest.

Have a great Wednesday!!

Who Knew the Dark Side Was So Cute?

Yeah, I'm late to the party (as per usual), but I couldn't help but talk about little Max Page, the baby Vader in the Volkswagen Super Bowl ad.

 

In case you're even more behind than I am, here's the spot:

Now, I'm sure you'll be shocked to know that Thomas and I skipped watching the Super Bowl (*gasp*), so I actually stumbled across this thanks to a friend's Facebook post. After about two solid minutes of cracking up, I calmed down, caught my breath, and found Thomas to show him. The commercial's cute, but it's this kid's reactions that really sold it for me. Thomas was convinced it was a very small adult, and that a child couldn't possibly have pulled that off. How wrong he was...

 

Max Page is six years old, and just as cute as a bug. It should come as no surprise that he's a veteran actor, with commercial spots for Walgreen's and Clear Channel under his...um, hood, and a recurring role as Reed Hellstrom on The Young and the Restless. His mother told Today that she originally thought this would be his first national commercial spot. It wasn't until halfway through filming that the family was told Max would be in a Super Bowl ad. The popularity of the ad has been a pleasant, albeit overwhelming surprise.  

 

"I can't even keep up with the messages and the calls," says Jennifer, Max's mom. "It's just overwhelming. The first night, [web hits] were at 60,000. I went to bed and the next morning it was at 1 million. My mind couldn't comprehend!"

 

A couple of interesting facts about young Padawan Max are that he has a congenital heart defect, and has used a pacemaker since he was three months old. He also has, believe it or not, NEVER SEEN A STAR WARS MOVIE!!! How can this be? Someone get this child a copy of Episode IV, stat!!

 

Also, who's with me in thinking he looks a bit like a tiny Mark Hamil? Anyone? Bueller?

Photo Credit: Today

 

Okay, so on a totally unrelated note, I think I may have finally found a shaving cream that I like almost as much as the Soap & Glory that is now, unfortunately, no longer available in the states. (You may recall my overly melodramatic lamentations here.) However, I do have an update that S&G may be back in the good ol' U.S. of A. in September 2011. No word on who's distributing, but they promise to keep the shelves fully stocked, unlike Target. Apparently, my local stores weren't the only ones with empty shelves.

 

Anyhoo, until the S&G shows back up, I'm really enjoying eos (Evolution of Smooth) Shave Cream in Pomegranate Raspberry. For this review, I thought I'd go with a Pro/Con list. There's so much good about this, but the bad is, well, really bad.

 

PRO:

Lovely texture. It's silky, like a body lotion, and leaves almost a light glaze on your legs. It shaves away easily, and leaves no residue.

 

Wonderful scent. I love raspberry, so this was a nice treat. However, it's not so overpowering that you can't use your favorite moisturizer or perfume later for fear of mixing. (Vanilla is wonderful, too, but I've not tried any of the other varieties). 

 

Close shave. I am smooth and soft, with nary a nick. Really, I think this is the most important part.

 

Heavy duty plastic container. I love the design of this container. The lid stays on tightly, the pump is large enough for wet fingers to manage, and the shatterproof bottle has grips hewn into the side. Most shaving cream cans tend to be metal, and leave little rust rings on your tub. This won't do that. Plus, it's just darling to look at.

 

So...basically, it's a fantastic shaving cream in a really easy to use pump that won't leave rust on your tub. So far, so good.

 

BAD:

Clogs blades. However, you can rinse it out fairly easily. Bad, but not horrible.

 

Can't tell when you're running low. The container is solid plastic and not see-through, so there's no way to tell, by looking, if you need to add another one to the shopping list. The cream itself is very lightweight, so there's also no real difference in the heft of the bottle as it runs out. I've found myself in a pickle before, from running out with zero notice. I now keep a spare in the cabinet, just in case.

 

Bottle doesn't hold a lot of product. You only need one pump per leg, but one bottle won't get you very far. I'd estimate I replace a bottle every three weeks, give or take. I replaced my S&G about twice a year.

 

Price point. The actual price varies (widely) by store. I've purchased bottles at both Target and Walgreen's brick and mortar shops for somewhere in the $3-$4 range, which I think is a little high. Drugstore.com has it listed at $5.29, which is flat-out ridiculous for such a small amount of shaving cream, especially if you have to buy two at a time to keep from being left in a lurch. The best deal I've found is actually on the eos website. You can buy any of the scents you want for $3.49 each, and they'll throw in a free Bic Soleil razor. Keep in mind, though, shipping is a flat rate of $2.75, so if you only buy one bottle, it'll cost you $6.24. Of course, if you buy more than one at a time (recommended) it's not so bad.

 

All in all, it's the best shaving cream I've been able to find since the whole S&G debacle. I've been able to live with the flaws because the actual product itself is exactly what I wanted: a light, non-foaming, non-greasy, moisturizing lotion that gives a clean, nick-free shave. Final Verdict: 6.5 out of 10, but come September, the real judgement will commence.

The 100th Post!!

That's right, folks!  We have hit the 100th post!  Cake for everyone!!  Well, that is, everyone who happens to already have cake with them, as I, quite unfortunately, do not have any cake at hand, nor any hopes of procuring or distributing said cake.  So, I suppose that should read, "Cake for everyone who already has cake!!"  Well, now I'm thoroughly depressed.  Thanks, 100th post.  Thanks a lot.

In other news, it looks like Google is trying to give us an early Christmas present by revamping the Shopping portion of the search engine.  You'll now be able to search for products in your immediate area (yay!).  Also, in addition to the brand and color options, you'll be able to search by "popular products" and "aisles".  "Popular products" will allow you to search for an item and see similar items that other online shoppers have viewed.  "Aisles" will allow you to search related sub-categories.  For instance, if you search for a television set, the sub-categories could divide the results into LCD or Plasma sets.  All in all, it's a welcome change for this online shopper. 

So, the magic bag o' samples has made a brief comeback.  While emptying out yet another box (I may never get fully unpacked), I ran across a sample of Dior Miss Dior Cherie Eau de Toilette ($62-$82, Sephora) and figured I'd give it a shot.  Here's what Sephora has to say about it:

A dazzling spring floral interpretation of the classic Miss Dior Chérie, this fragrance opens with a lilting fruity note for a fresh and joyful first impression. The heart's floral bouquet evokes the sense of a garden full of flowers. An elegant, signature base note completes the captivating essence. Notes:  Freesia, Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Popcorn, Vanilla, Caramel, Patchouli. 

I spritzed it on this morning, and was immediately hit with an overpowering sense of familiarity.  I had definitely smelled this fragrance before, but where?  It's lovely.  Very soft, with a creamy citrus feel.  Where had I smelled this?  It started to drive me a little batty.  Granted, it's a short drive, but still...

Suddenly, it dawned on me.  It's almost the exact same scent as my all-time favorite body wash!  Soap & Glory Clean On Me.  $9.99, Target.  Sadly--nay, tragically--this brand is no longer available at Target, which means that it's no longer available in the States at all.  Period.  You can't get it.  The company is planning to offer the products again in a more beauty-oriented shop, but that hasn't happened yet, and no store has been named. 

I'm distraught.  I mostly used mine as a shaving lotion, and it's the best I've ever used.  Zero nicks, tons of moisture, huge container, and it never clogged up the blade.  Plus, this amazing scent.  I even bought the body butter and body spray to go with it.  Heck, I gave the stuff away as bridesmaid's gifts when I got married!  (Travel sizes in cute frosted pink chinese take out boxes filled with pink shredded paper made for precious bachelorette party gifts.  I added in a Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush lipgloss, too.  Cute as pie.) 

Anyway, I have totally gotten off the subject.  Sorry about that.  The mind wanders on me occasionally (read:  constantly).  Basically, what I'm saying is that this Dior scent is gorgeous.  It's perfect for everyday, in that it's light and breezy, with tons of citrus.  It's also great for evening and special occasions because of the warm vanilla notes and the patchouli.  I'm also saying that a less expensive clone exists, and it comes in many forms.  If you can find Soap & Glory, or hear of where it might be re-released, grab what you can and please share with the rest of the class.  In the meantime, I guess I'll just have to settle for the Dior.  There are worse things, I suppose. 

It's Like a Heatwave, Burning In My...Oh, Everything...

So, it's a million and twelve degrees down here in the Deep South, with about 5000% humidity. Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating...slightly. All I know is that it's hot. I mean, ice-water-chugging, egg-frying-on-the-sidewalk, Fall-can't-get-here-fast-enough miserable. My apartment can't seem to get any cooler than 80 degrees, and that's with the AC cranked up, ceiling fans, and one of those Hawaiian Breeze ocillating fans. The birds love it. Of course, they're tropical and I am not.

I know it's not just here, too. The whole country seems to be in a continuous heatwave this Summer, and for that, I'm sorry. I went through three or four cans of hairspray on The Night Shift, so I take full blame for any extra holes in the ozone. Please accept my sincerest apologies.

As atonement, I have compiled a survival guide to help you cope with these Dog Days of Summer. To keep things simple (and inexpensive), all products can be found at Target.

Personally, I'd like to forget about clothing altogether, at this point, but I think the people I work with would appreciate if I stayed as covered up as humanly possible. This little white dress is a fair alternative to going full-out Lady Godiva.

I like that it's 100% cotton, so it breathes, and the design is airy, but covered up and dressy enough that you could wear it to work in a casual office setting. A word of caution, though: reviewers have mentioned that it is a bit on the sheer side (so be careful of your undergarments, ladies), and that you might want to skip putting it in the dryer. They've also mentioned quality construction, comparable to Forever 21. Mossimo, $15.38, Target.com.

There have been days when it was too hot to even wear flip-flops, but shoes are pretty much a necessity in civilized society. Might I suggest a pair like these? First off, they're dressy/casual, so they're versatile. Secondly, the cork is absorbant, which...well, let's face it: feet sweat. I'd rather not slosh around in my shoes, thank you very much. Cork is also very soft and tends to mold to your foot for comfort. Mossimo, $12.99, Target.com.

I'm actually carrying this purse right now. I've had it for about three months, and love it. It's roomy enough to carry what you need, but small enough that you can't fill it with the entire contents of Mary Poppins Carpet Bag. The cotton construction allows the purse (and what's inside it) to breathe, keeping your stuff from getting too hot. It's also washable, durable, and cute as pie. Available in several colors and patterns. Merona, $7.00 (really!!), Target.com.

Please remember sunscreen!! Around here, burn times run about ten minutes. Really, I don't care what brand you use--if it's sports, kids, spray, lotion, or purple--just use something! Sunburns suck, but skin cancer is so much worse. Neutrogena, $9.94, Target.com.

I don't know about you, but lotion melts off my legs, these days. I still need something to keep them moisturized (sweat doesn't count), and this light body mist is just the thing. Put out by Soap & Glory, Girligo is a non-greasy spray moisturizer that leaves your skin silky smooth and freshly scented. I'm also in love with the retro packaging. Soap & Glory, $11.99, Target.com.

Last, but not least, let's put on a little color without worrying about it melting in the car. CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain is, well, just what it says it is. It's a long-wearing lipstain. What's cool about it is that it comes in a marker form--sort of like a Sharpie for your face. Also, unlike many lipstains, it's moisturizing, so you don't end up with flaky lips, or need to carry around a separate lip balm or gloss to put over it. CoverGirl, $7.89, Target.com.

There. We can all "glow" instead of "puddle". Now, maybe Al Gore will get off my back. Again, sorry.

*Photos by Target