Maureen Wood

First VoxBox

I had a nice surprise in my mail box this past week, a Influencer VoxBox. I have been registered with the site for a few months, wrote a few reviews, but really did not know what to make of or do with it so the novelty kind of died off. Last week they sent me an email saying I was being considered for a VoxBox and to fill out their survey as a first step. I got the impression they would contact me for further information but they never did, the box just showed up.

What is Influenster? Basically, it is a community for people who spend a lot of time online and like to give their opinions about products they use. It’s also a good place for others to learn about new products and how much people like or dislike them. Not everyone gets a VoxBox (a monthly box full of “complimentary” goodies to try). Like I said, I was invited to fill out a survey which took more than a few minutes.

My First VoxBox

From all the other boxes I have seen on Instagram and Twitter over the preceding months I thought the box I received was kind of small. It made a lot of noise too (meaning everything was free floating inside). When I opened it up I realized it was actually the first Canadian VoxBox which they are calling #MapleVoxBox so I was even more surprised that it was so modest.

My first VoxBox with a Canadian slant.

The first thing I found in the box was a postcard introducing the first Canadian VoxBox:

A Canadian post car introducing this as the first box.

The breakdown on the contents:

Skinny Cow Milk Chocolate Flavour Heavenly Crisp and Milk Chocolate Dreamy Clusters: These retail for $1.29 per bar/package or $4.29 for a four pack. Each package has 120 calories, 6 grams of fat and are truly tasty. I was surprised. Especially the dreamy clusters which smelled as good as they tasted. For a name like “skinny cow” I was surprised that they had 6 grams of fat. To give some contrast a Snickers bar is 12 grams of fat and 250 calories (I used Snickers because if I was going to have a chocolate bar this would be the brand and like Snickers they are really satisfying).

My Skinny Cow treats didn't last long.

I know I took them out to take pictures of them but then they were gone. That in itself should tell you how tasty they were.

NYC New York Color Big Bold Curl Mascara and Big Bold Plumping Lip Gloss: they provided full size samples which retail for $4.99 along with $1.00 off coupons for each item.

The NYC cosmetics that came in my VoxBox.

The Mascara: I have used it two times, once yesterday and once today. It gives good lift and coverage although at first I thought the product was a bit dry looking. I found the really large brush a bit awkward to use at first but the next day was a bit easier. I did not find this mascara to be especially long lasting through the day — by the time I went to remove it it looked like I had only applied one thin coat and there were lots of particles under my eyes. I was surprised I didn’t end up with more in my eyes. My sensitive eyes did not experience any irritation from the product. Here is a quick photo showing my eyes without mascara then 1, 2, and 3 coats:

My eyes with the NYC mascara on them in 1, 2, and 3 coats.

The Gloss: This gloss is supposed to make lips look fuller and provide high gloss shine for up to four hours. It has a huge applicator, kind of too big for my thin lips actually, I didn’t feel like I had much control over application but it is nice and soft. It is a pretty color that I have been wearing alone. It has that gooey consistency that lip glosses generally have.

The thick wand on the lip gloss.

Broadway Nails ImPress Press-On Manicure: This cute artificial nail set retails from $9 to $11 and requires no glue to apply. I have not used them yet but they have a nice nail art and they actually included 24 nail tips unlike the 18 I’ve seen in other brands. So there is the potential to get two manicures out of it if the sizes are close enough. These peel off and press nails look like they will be fun. Also comes with a mini file and nail cleaner to make sure proper adhesion occurs. I like how these are in a short length too. Update: Here is my full review of theses press-on nails.

Press on nail art nails in a short length.

Montagne Jeunesse Clay Spa: I have used this brand of masks before and I love their affordability and selection. I think this is my first Glacial Clay masque. This mask is so chilly! With snow already on the ground I found it a bit too chilly for this time of year but I think it would be amazingly refreshing in the hot humid days of summer (perhaps their first mask in this box should have been a warming mask). As you can see from the quick Vine video below (volume control is in upper left corner of video) this is a material mask that is saturated with the clay. This makes for super easy clean up afterwards. I relaxed for ten minutes, gave myself a little massage, then used a warm cloth to remove clay residue. I was left feeling refreshed. I have sensitive fair skin and did NOT experience any irritation.

Ice Breakers Duo: These mints come in an assortment of flavours for $1.99. I was sent raspberry with cooling crystals. One side is raspberry and bumpy and the other side is minty and smooth. The flavor reminds me of those single powdered beverage drinks you make on your own. I find it strong and sweet with a hint of mint. They are quite large, about the size of my ring finger nail. I had to get rid of mine about half way through but my husband didn’t mind them. The container has two flip open sections which are handy. One side is small if you just want one mint and the other side is bigger for sharing.

And that is my first VoxBox. Have you tried any of these products?

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Topic Links
* Visit Influenster’s official website
* What my perfect spa day would include (Pinterest Board)
“I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.”

Houndstooth Coat

I was tempted to share another red coat with you when I saw Jessica London’s wool-blend pea coat but then I saw they had it in six other colors including one of my favorite patterns — houndstooth. If you are not fond of the print then there is dark navy, charcoal, black, dark green (which reminds me of a coat I had in highschool), honey mustard and ruby red. I would totally wear a red scarf and mitts with this just to get in my winter red.

This houndstooth print coat is from Jessica London.

They currently offer this style in sizes 12 to 32 and it is on sale for $99 to $120 depending on your size. This one is a few inches shorter than the one I mentioned the other day. I love the large notched collar, it looks like it would be good for tucking in when it gets blustery.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size houndstooth coat from Jessica London

The Red Wool Coat

I tend to be more attracted to red coats in the winter. I am not sure why since in general blue is my favorite color. Probably because I have animals and everything shows up on blue wool. If you love red as much as I do, Ulla Popken has this straight line red wool coat in sizes 12 to 38. It is 80% wool and 20% nylon, lined so the itchy stuff is on the outside. I like that this coat is a little longer to cover the backside and while it is dressy it is not too dressy that it can’t be thrown on with a pair of jeans.

This lovely red plus size coat is from Ulla Popken

I the think the balance between casual and dressy with these types of coats is determined by the winter accessories — the scarf and mittens. A thick woolly scarf and mittens is more casual while a thinner lacy one with leather gloves would be dressier.

Ulla Popken has a few different styles of wool coats of varying lengths and they are reasonably priced, all under $180.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size red wool coat from Ulla Popken

Cranberry Hooded Jacket

Penningtons has a coat sale on at the moment (25% off) and I am quite attracted to this cranberry hooded jacket with the faux fur trim. I love the color but if you are not fond of red there are a few left in black.

Red winter coat with faux fur lining hood.

Unlike many winter coats I have seen this season it does have inner cuffs so the wind doesn’t blow up the arms. It also has a cinch at the waist to keep it from blowing up the backside. They currently have sizes available from x to 5x which is an amazing size range — so nice to see coats being made in the larger sizes.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size hooded jacket from Penningtons

Purple Polish and Golden Wisps

This week’s manicure was inspired by Jen at PolishAholic although it really looks nothing like hers at this point. Jen created a left to right ombre effect with her purple polishes and while I love purple, apparently I do not like it enough to buy them all in coordiating tones (at least not yet). So I decided to use the new Julep eggplant purple nail polish accented with a gold by L’oreal (#580). Here is my final inspiration:

I started with purple on four nails and gold on ring finger.

While it doesn’t look as elegant as Jen’s I quite like it. I would like to try it again with a thinner brush and without the gold accent nail; although I do like the combination without the wisps (above).

Showing off my eggplant and gold colored nails.

Dark eggplant is a wonderful nail color for this fall and gold dresses it up. Do you have any favorite purples in your nail stash you could dress up with some gold accents?

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Topic Links
* Check out Jen’s original nail art design that inspired me
* Pick up the eggplant nail polish from Julep

New Lingerie Line

Addition-Elle be having a Twitter launch party to celebrate their new line by “iconic plus size supermodel Ashley Graham”. I have been stalking her for a few years now (as many of you painfully know) so it is nice to see her getting so much attention from famous brands, also not surprising because the woman is gorgeous.

The twitter party will be on November 5th from 7 to 8 p.m. EST where Addition-Elle will premiere Ashley’s new collection via Youtube. Fans and bra wearers everywhere will be able to join in the “live-tweet session with Ashley”. They will also be giveaways during the hour long premiere.

Here are a few images from the collection, featuring the lady herself:

Nothing pretty than Ashley Graham in basic black.

Here she is in a black assemble.

Ashley Graham shows off a pair of plus size bra and panties for Addition-Elle while reclining on a chaise longue.

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Topic Links
* Follow the Twitter Hashtag #AshleyGraham
* Get your plus size Ashley Graham bras from Addition-Elle
* Join their facebook event page

Down Filled Warmth

Tired of polyester fill coats? Want a little down filled splendor to keep you warm this winter? Check out Navabi’s Zizzi down filled coat with a furry removable hood. I especially love the bright yellow “curcuma” but it also comes in black or purple. Unlike other puff coats we have seen in the past this one actually looks good on.

This gorgeous bright yellow down filled coat is from Navabi.

If you are unfamiliar with Navabi, their clothing (sizes 12 to 28) is shipped from Germany worldwide, in this case the shipping would be free. Consider yourself warned about the price though, as this coat is not cheap, at $400 it would definitely be an investment for keeping warm (80% down and 20% feathers).

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size down filled coat from Navabi

Houndstooth Jacket

One of my favorite fall patterns is houndstooth especially if it is in classic black and white. I love this cute little houndstooth jacket from Ulla Popken which comes in a great size range from 12 to 34 for $69.

This black and white houndstooth knit jacket is from Ulla Popken.

This would be a great piece to dress up your little black dress or over a cami and trousers. Or dress it down with a pair of black denim jeans or your favorite leggings. Having a jacket style gives the option for completely different looks; it can be left open as shown and layered over lighter pieces or it can be buttoned up to the neck and belted to give it contour.

How are you incorporating houndstooth into your fall and winter wardrobe?

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Topic Links
* Get this plus size Houndstooth Jacket from Ulla Popken

Roaman’s Wide Calf Boots

If you are tired of the same old black boots then you might want to look over the border to Roaman’s which has an interesting collection of wide calf boots. The styles include such options as wide, mid-calf, scrunch, leather, tall, buckle, lace (they even have over the knee boots); and they also have a line of regular shoes. It is a really nice selection and the price range is not bad either. I seem to be going through a suede phase as most of favorites are suede or textured — but my absolute favorites are both of the tall lace up boots.

An assortment of styles of wide calf boots available from Roaman's online.

From left to right:

  • Heather wide calf scrunch boot in Teal (comes in 4 other colors), $65
  • Nessie tall wide-calf lace up flat boot (3 colors), $75
  • Sophie wide-calf lace-up boots in grey (2 other colors), $65
  • Plush Boot by Easy Street in black (comes in 5 other colors including winter white and black leopard), $80
  • Sherry wide-calf boot in grey (3 other colors), $75
  • Roxy wide-calf stretch scrunch boot in red (2 other colors), $65
  • Kyla Boot in mocha (3 other colors), $75
  • Mila Boot in cognac (2 other colors), $85
  • Melia Boot in red, (3 other colors), $55
  • Jali Tall Buckle Wide Calf Boots in cognac (2 other colors), $75

All but the black ones are by Comfortview and all of these boots are currently on sale. Roaman’s ships through i-parcel so they collect duties and taxes if necessary.

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Topic Links
* Get your wide calf boots from Roaman’s

Cabiria Print Dresses

Cabiria is a plus size line by Eden Miller, a US costume designer and wardrobe specialist. The line features whimsical designs like these adorable Flaminia available in sizes 12 to 24 from Madison Plus Select:

Plus size tropical print dress from Madison Plus Select.

It is on sale for $175. You can find this and many other brands at Madison Plus Select, they ship internationally.

Out of curiosity, how do you like your flower prints? Bigger the better, minute, or somewhere in between?

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size Flaminia dress from Madison Plus Select

New Headquarters for Fit Zone Plus

If you are ever in the Toronto area and are feeling in the mood for some yoga or zumba in a size acceptance atmosphere then visit Fit Zone Plus at their new location at 475 Danforth Avenue (a 4 minute walk from Chester Station or 5 mins by subway from Yonge/Bloor).

Fit Zone Plus new workout location with lovely floor space.

Their brand new space is 1200 square feet, three time bigger than the size of old one, and there is lots of free parking to be found in the area. You can sign up now for classes in the new space beginning October 15th.

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Topic Links
* Visit Fit Zone Plus for workout schedule and sign up

Lara Bazant Ventures Online

Lara Bazant, a Toronto based jewelry artist, whose focus is both “eco and ethical” has ventured into the world of online merchandising after a three years in the Distillery District (DD). Moving to a online focus only will allow her to spend more time designing beautiful adornments for her customers and being a mom. If you are in Toronto you can still find some of her pieces at the DD showroom but now the rest of us will have access thanks to the handiness of the Internet. Her new site currently offers four pages of options for earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings. Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

My favorite pieces from Lara Bazant's online eco jewelry collection.

From left to right:

  • Brass Wing Earrings, $49
  • Chainmaille Cuff Bracelet, $179
  • Pressed Glass Ring, $29
  • Kazuri Bracelet, $49
  • Cluster Leaf Earrings, $49

Lara Bazant ships throughout Canada and almost anywhere internationally.

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Topic Links
* Get your eco friendly jewelry from Lara Bazant

Better Shipping for Shoes

Shoes.com is now offering better shipping rates for their shoes, whether you order flats, pumps, or boots you can enjoy two flat fee shipping rates to Canada. For orders under $125 shipping it is $10 and for orders over $125 shipping it is $20. Like many of the large retailers in the U.S. they are working with FiftyOne to handle customs and taxes.

I was checking out their new arrivals and fell in love with a few things — looking at them now apparently I have a buckle fetish.

Fall shoes and boots from Shoes.com.

From left to right:

  • Lauren Ralph Lauren Adena, $99
  • Naturalizer Deangela, $79
  • Rocket Dog Jelissa, $44
  • Jellypop Smudge, $60
  • Steve Madden Haggle, $130
  • Pink and Pepper Reggie Wide Calf, $69

Are you ready to put away your summer shoes yet?

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Topic Links
* Get your footwear from Shoes.com