Design.ME's Bounce.ME Curl Balm Review & Giveaway

June 28, 2019 22 Comments

I'm always on the look out when it comes to finding and trying out new products for my hair. So I was super happy I got to review the new BounceMe Curl Balm! It quickly became my daily “must.” I have been using it for about a week and my hair feels and looks amazing!

Bounce.ME is a light weight curl balm that offers all-day medium hold and conditioning for curly hair.This curl balm protects hair from environmental stressors, controls frizz and flyaways and offers heat protection of up to 400⁰F (204⁰C) all while adding moisture and nutrients back into your curl for a longer lasting style.

Bounce.ME offers hydration to all curl/hair types–from fine to coarse or wavy to coily. Bounce.ME is 100% vegan and sulfate, salt, paraben, gluten and cruelty-free;ensuring that you get only the best ingredients for your curly mane.



I use it after the shower on damp hair and I also applied it after I've used heat on my hair. It worked great for my curls and for straight hair. Being a new mom, I don’t have much time to do my hair, so I found myself using Bounce.Me in the mornings to take away the frizz and its helped so much! This product made me look like I just did my hair.

Bounce.ME has a unique ability to maintain hair’s moisture balance and hydration through molecules that adhere to the hair cuticles and attract moisture from the air. It works great on your hair throughout warm or cold weather, the wind, etc., you name it. Enriched with Argan Oil, Bounce.Me Curl Balm helps softens your hair, conditions curls while protecting your skin, helps heals split ends and conditions curls while protecting your scalp. 

I honestly couldn't love this curl balm more if I tried. I am more than pleased and have been sharing my love for this product to friends and family and I'll definitely be keeping this in my hair routine from now on, I'm that impressed with it. 

Bounce.Me Curl Balm is retailed for $22 and can be found at all Trade Secrets and Chatters locations nationwide and can be found at www.designmehair.com
We're excited to partner with Bounce.Me to offer one of our Canadian readers a chance to win this curl balm! Just comment below sharing with us your favorite hair tip you like to use! 

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the above mentioned product at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

22 comments , ,

Thirsty Thursday: Strongbow Rose Apple Review

June 27, 2019 0 Comments


The warmer days are here and I for one am excited about it. With the end of the school year and beginning of summer here, comes lots of barbecues, picnics and get-togethers spent outside enjoying the warm weather. With that being said, I'm excited to share with you guys a new drink I got the chance to enjoy for this week's Thirsty Thursday. Today'we we're sharing our thoughts on the new Strongbow Rose Apple Cider.



Strongbow Rose Apple is made with real red-fleshed apples with a crisp, semi-dry, light-coral cider. From dry to sweet, Strongbow features a range of gluten-free ciders made with different apple variants to suit a variety of palettes. Both refreshing and fruity, the new Rose Apple Cider falls right in the middle of the cider spectrum as an elegant pink-tinted drink for Canadians to sip on this season.

This drink pours out a pretty light blush colour, giving you all the rosé feels. My first initial thoughts after tasting the drink was that it was crisp, semi-dry, but is balanced by fruity notes of red-fleshed apple with a refreshing sparkling rosé that reminds me a bit of champagne. This drink would be perfect to bring to your next girls night in or better yet, brunch! 



I knew I would love this drink because I am already a fan of hard cider and I've already been a fan of the original Strongbow cider for years now. With a twist of rosé being added gave it a bit more flavor and pop that I quite enjoy and can't wait to bring to my next barbecue this summer and have my girlfriends try it. Strongbow Rose Apple Cider is perfect for those of you who enjoy cider, rosé wine or sparkling wine. You can find this drink at your local LCBO retailing at $3.05 per 500ml can. 

For more information about the new Strongbow Rose Apple Cider and other Strongbow drinks, be sure to head over to www.strongbow.com/en-ca

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the above mentioned product at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
Leave a Comment ,

L'Oreal Paris La Petite Palette Eye Shadow Review

June 26, 2019 0 Comments



I'm a big fan of makeup and these mini palettes are absolutely perfect for everyday wear, they even come with recommended styles on the back of each one! The "La Petite Palettes" from L'Oreal Paris are a collection of mini eye-shadow palettes that can be worn during different events. 


Mini size with maxi colour impact. Ultra-soft and creamy formula that easily blends. 5 eyeshadow shades: 4 must-have everyday shades + 1 statement colour. Intense colour payoff, 12 hour wear. Petite palette size, perfect for your makeup bag.



The first palette 'FETISHIST' is a great pallet to use for that night out with the girls or boys. Its dark color's give your eyes that nice dark aura to it, and it's definitely a good palette to have when you're feeling a little edgy. I used this for a nice edgy look when out with my friends and trust me when I say it was a great match with a dark based outfit.



'OPTIMIST' is a nice palette to use when on a nice dinner with the family, the colors are very friendly and bright, but don't give too much of that over going light. The blue and pink give this palette more life to the shades of brown along with them, and make it a nice combination of relaxing colors. This palette goes best with a nice simple dress or dress shirt with pants.


The next palette we received was called 'STYLIST' which is pretty self-explanatory. The colors in this palette are very fancy, and best worn on dinners with a nice date, or maybe an interview at a new job. The dark blue mixed with the white and two browns give this palette a serious vibe, colors that are worn in the fanciest of times. To top it all off, the light silver gives it that nice cherry on top, without being to shimmery or bright. It goes with very nice outfits, such as a solid colored dress or tux.


This last palette we received was called 'MAXIMALIST', and this one is my favorite so far. In this palette you receive a collection of warm colors, including a gold-ish yellow, a brick red, a light red, maroon, and a dark brown. These colors are best used for an everyday look, one that I use myself; it has an open and simple look to it. I recommend using one of the recommended looks on the back as they are very likable in my opinion. These colors are best with any type of outfit of a lighter color or summer wear.

La Petite Palette is a great collection of eye shadow palettes that are perfect for almost every big or simple occasion; I recommend this to anyone and everyone. For more information about the La Petite Palette Eye Shadow collection be sure to head over to www.lorealparis.ca/en

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the above mentioned product at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

Leave a Comment , , ,

Rescue Runts Review & Giveaway

June 26, 2019 26 Comments


My four year old has been asking for her own pet these last couple of months and although the Rescue Runt Husky we were sent isn't exactly what she meant, she was pretty excited to receive a package in the mail that had a little stuffed fur baby in the box waiting for her to take care of.



Rescue Runts are adoptable pets that you rescue, groom and love. Kids can care for their Rescue Runt by taking them from a ragged runt look to the perfect pet. My little one loved that she got to use the included grooming kit to pick out the fleas, clean her husky's paws, wipe the tears away and brush her husky's fur. She loves taking care of him and this Rescue Runt now sleeps with her every night.




Rescue Runts’ messy fur, down-turned ears, dirty paws and bandage can be restored for repeated rescue play, which works out great because then your little one can take care of their pet over and over again. Not only does your Rescue Runt come with a grooming kit, but your Rescue Runt also comes with an official adoption certificate so that your little one can name their pet. As for my four year old, she decided to name her husky, Fluffy Doodlebop, lol. 



It's been a few weeks since Fluffy Doodlebop has been adopted and my little one still loves it as much as she did when Fluffy first arrived. These soft and cuddly plush toys are perfect for plenty of snuggles and come as a Husky, Shepard, Spaniel and Spotty! 

Aimed for kids three and over, you can find Rescue Runts at Toys R Us and coming to all major retailers this Fall at $24.99 each. Adopt all the pets and give them a home to call their own. For more information about Rescue Runts, please be sure to head to www.rescuerunts.com.

We're excited to offer one lucky CANADIAN resident reader a chance to win their very own Husky Rescue Runt! All we need you to do is comment below and share who you'd love to win this for! 

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received a Rescue Runt at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.


26 comments , , ,

L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Tanning Towelettes Review

June 25, 2019 0 Comments





I have always been curious on how self-tanning towelettes work and I was pretty excited when I got a chance to try the L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Tanning Towelettes. I first read about these self-tanning towelettes through magazines and I have to agree with the statements that the towelettes are very easy to use, quick to dry and give a nice evenly-colored bronze tan. 

The unique self-tanning formula applies easily and dries quickly. Soft, smooth, natural-looking sunless tan develops in 2–4 hours.



I use one towelette for my face, neck, shoulders and arms, and apply it every four days to keep the color. The towelettes have irritated my skin a little bit but I have oily skin, but not enough to make me dislike this product in any way. 

I'm very much impressed on the outcome and how the tanning towelettes have worked on me. Looks natural and I feel better without the worries of damage to my skin if I were to go to a tanning salon. My only complaint is that, like most self-tanners, they don't smell great, but other then that I am very happy with this product and will continue to use it! 

If you are looking for a new tanning product to use this summer, look no further, L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Tanning Towelettes work great and are affordable. For more information about these towelettes and other L'Oreal Paris products be sure to check them out at: www.lorealparis.ca/en

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the above mentioned product at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
Leave a Comment , , ,

Us Blu-ray Review #UsMovie

June 18, 2019 0 Comments

Set along the North California coastline, Adelaide Wilson (Nyong’o) reluctantly returns to her beachside childhood home with her family and finds that she is haunted by unresolved trauma from her past along with a string of eerie coincidences. As darkness falls after a tense day at the beach, the Wilsons discover four figures standing in their driveway.

US is available now available on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD!


MY REVIEW
Another great movie from Jordan Peele where things aren't what they seem. Us takes place where a family is on their way to the mom's childhood home. Already shook from a trauma from her childhood she is reluctant to go until her husband convinces her. Once there she can't keep shaking the feeling that something bad is about to happen to her family and her. After coming home from an afternoon spent at the beach with some friends the family is settling in for the night when their son lets them know that there is a family outside their driveway just standing there. Much to their surprise this family looks pretty familiar

Filled with twists and turns, Us is a thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. My husband and I enjoyed this film very much and the meaning behind it as well. If you get the chance I really recommend watching this movie.

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Us on blu-ray at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

Leave a Comment ,

Game of Thrones Season 8 (Blu-ray & Digital Review & Giveaway)

June 12, 2019 30 Comments

The epic final run of HBO’s television phenomenon, Game of Thrones: Season 8, is now available to own on Digital Download. In addition to the hit series’ concluding six episodes, the purchase includes the two-hour feature documentary Game of Thrones: The Last Watch, by filmmaker Jeanie Finlay, and two featurettes: “The Long Night” and “The Final Season”.

In its final season of duplicity and treachery, nobility and honor ... and an epic clash between the living and the dead, Game of Thrones: Season 8 answers a myriad of questions surrounding the fate of the series’ protagonists.
Will the revelation that Jon Snow is a Targaryen, and the legitimate heir to the Iron Throne, undermine his relationship with Daenerys? How will Sansa, Arya and Bran – not to mention numerous northern Houses allied with the Starks –react to the appearance of traditional foes at the gates of Winterfell? Will Cersei’s devious strategy of fortifying her defense of King’s La
nding yield dividends? And above all: can the Army of the Dead be defeated?

This season is executive produced by David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Carolyn Strauss, Frank Doelger, Bernadette Caulfield and co-executive produced by Bryan Cogman, Guymon Casady, Vince
Gerardis and George R.R. Martin.


MY REVIEW
The long awaited final season of a series that captured the attention of the world. No matter which house sigil you support, difficult times lie ahead, but perhaps your favorite character will get their happy ending.


The ability to write the closing season of such an epic series would seem to be an insurmountable feat. Yet Game of Thrones is over. This show pulls deeply from our primal drives, it transports you to a life where honor and betrayal go hand in hand with mystique and pain. 

The allegiance fans made with the Houses, we like many others, are House Stark. Each character having such an interesting journey to this final season, and such a long gap between the 7th to the 8th and final season, left ample time for fans to come up with their own ‘perfect’ ending, making the acceptance of conclusion all the more difficult to take in. 



While so many wanted Jon and Dany to rule the iron throne as a couple, it was never in the cards. Their stories are consistent, their goals have been clear; Jon’s honor and loyalty to protecting his family and people has never wavered. He has sacrificed everything for the betterment of the people. His final sacrifice is his greatest, and separates him from the world he loved and protected. 


Where as The Khaleesi has been obsessively driven to reclaim her birthright. It has been her goal, it is not a stretch where the writers ended up with her character. After consistently being under estimated, betrayed and denied. We had hoped the love her and Jon shared would strengthen her resolve and solidify what we wanted, the happily ever after. 


True to the rest of show, what should have come to pass is ripped away as lines of right, wrong, honor and loyalty are blurred. With the clearest view of the corrupt power being destroyed, by the actions of a majestic beast. Humanity survives, our observations of this land end, and an unwritten chapter begins, but the memories of humanity live on. The wheel of oppression has a broken spoke, can the changes that were put in place by the sacrifices of so many great characters change the path to true harmony, or will greed and pursuit of power prevail....


In honor of the final season of Game of Thrones being available for digital download, we are teaming up with HBO to give one lucky winner their own digital download copy of season 8. All you need to do is comment below which House of the Seven Kingdoms is your favorite.

GAME OF THRONES SEASON 8 IS NOW AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Game of Thrones season 8 on digital & blu-ray download at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

30 comments , , ,

The Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner Book Review

June 11, 2019 0 Comments

Title: The Mrs. Everything
By: Jennifer Weiner
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication Date: June 11, 2019
Pages: 416


Do we change or does the world change us?

Jo and Bethie Kaufman were born into a world full of promise.

Growing up in 1950s Detroit, they live in a perfect “Dick and Jane” house, where their roles in the family are clearly defined. Jo is the tomboy, the bookish rebel with a passion to make the world more fair; Bethie is the pretty, feminine good girl, a would-be star who enjoys the power her beauty confers and dreams of a traditional life.

But the truth ends up looking different from what the girls imagined. Jo and Bethie survive traumas and tragedies. As their lives unfold against the background of free love and Vietnam, Woodstock and women’s lib, Bethie becomes an adventure-loving wild child who dives headlong into the counterculture and is up for anything (except settling down). Meanwhile, Jo becomes a proper young mother in Connecticut, a witness to the changing world instead of a participant. Neither woman inhabits the world she dreams of, nor has a life that feels authentic or brings her joy. Is it too late for the women to finally stake a claim on happily ever after?

In her most ambitious novel yet, Jennifer Weiner tells a story of two sisters who, with their different dreams and different paths, offer answers to the question: How should a woman be in the world?


MY REVIEW

I've been a fan of Jennifer Weiner for years now. Her stories and writing style has made her one of my all time favorite authors, so when I got an opportunity to read her latest novel, The Mrs. Everything, I knew I had to read it and I wasn't disappointed. The Mrs. Everything is well written, fast and easy read.

The story is about two sisters and their lives spanning over the course of four generations from them growing up in Detroit in the 1950's to the present day. The story shares them living a somewhat perfect white picket fence kind of childhood with one sister being the tomboy and the other being the girly girl. 

This story follows both Jo and Beth as they struggle to find love and happiness. (The names of both main characters definitely had me thinking of the book, Little Women.) We read about their happy times to their struggles and tragedies they face in life and how the impact from a tragedy shapes the way their future as well as where their life ends up and how it isn't as picture perfect as they thought it would be when they were younger. From childhood, to adulthood, to having children and grandchildren of their own, we get to read about the highs and lows of two different sisters. It amazes me at how detailed this story is, you can just picture and see everything happening in your mind as this story unfolds. 

The Mrs. Everything has something for every woman from all backgrounds trying to find their voice, path and place on this earth. At a time in our lives where the #MeToo movement has made such an powerful impact and has brought so many women from all over the world together, The Mrs. Everything is definitely a book that has come at a perfect time where sisterhood is so important more now than ever. This is definitely a story that should be read by all. 

Available now where books are sold, you can find out more about The Mrs. Everything at Simon and Schuster Canada. 

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received The Mrs. Everything at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

Leave a Comment ,

Yoga For Everyone By By Dianne Bondy Book Review

June 11, 2019 0 Comments

Title: Yoga For Everyone
By: Dianne Bondy
Publisher: Alpha
Publication Date: April 2, 2019
ISBN: 9781465480774
Pages: 256


50 poses for every type of body

For years, yoga books have asked readers to bend over backward (literally!) to conform to their physical demands. It's time for the opposite--for readers to demand that yoga conforms to their individual needs. It's time for a yoga book to reflect the broader population who would benefit from a yoga practice geared toward them.

This book offers yoga for everyone: big, small, elderly, pregnant, disabled--everyone. No matter who you are, you can do all 50 poses in this book. And then you can perform all 16 sequences, which combine different poses into one singular experience that focuses on specific physical and mental benefits.

No matter who you are or what you look or feel like, yes, you can do yoga--and Yoga for Everyone will show you how!



MY REVIEW

I first found out about Dianne Bondy when I saw her viral commercial ad for Pennington's I Won't Compromise campaign. It was refreshing to see a plus size woman of color moving her body around in different poses that I had only wish I could do as I myself am a plus size woman of color.  Soon after I started following her on Instagram and realized that she is also someone from the same county that I reside in. 

When I had the opportunity to review her book I jumped to it as Yoga is something I've tried before and failed at, so I wanted to see what I was doing wrong and how the 50 poses in the book could work for me and my body type. Filled with tons of great pictures and instructions, Yoga for Everyone is an amazing book that literally has poses for everyone to try. 

The book shows you everything from creating your own space for yoga to making time and finding what practice works best for you. The book is filled with positive vibes and again I can not say enough how colorful and vibrant the book is showing you different poses on both male and female, young and old and different body types so that there's a bit of something in this book for everyone. 

If you are looking to get into yoga and not sure where to begin I strongly recommend reading Yoga For Everyone, you'll definitely find something in this book that will help you find and practice a yoga that is just right for you. 

For more information about Yoga for Everyone, be sure to check out the book over at DK Canada.

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Yoga For Everyone at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. 



Leave a Comment , ,

Wonder Park Blu-ray Review & Giveaway

June 04, 2019 70 Comments

Wonder Park is the story of a young girl named June with a big imagination who makes an incredible discovery - the amusement park of her dreams has come to life. Filled with the world's wildest rides operated by fun-loving, animals, the excitement never ends. But when trouble hits, June and her misfit team of furry friends begin an unforgettable journey to save the park. Action-packed and brimming with laughs, Wonder Park is a ride the whole family will love. 




MY REVIEW
We were very excited to receive the viewing pack for the movie Wonder Park as it got us even more excited to watch the movie, especially our four year old. Filled with lots of beautifully and colorful animated scenes, Wonder Park definitely reminded me of the movie Inside Out as the amusement park that comes to life for our main character, June, is a reflection of how she feels and the struggles she has been going through inside her mind lately. From creating Wonder Park with the help of her mom when she was younger, time past and the many emotions that June has been going through as a young girl start to hit her hard, which effects the park. Through the good times and bad, June fights her way to help save Wonder Park from the darkness that is trying to spread throughout the park to destroy it.



My family absolutely enjoyed this film. It was awesome to see June finally muster up the imagination she thought she lost and become strong enough to help Wonder Park survive. It was a great movie to see our main character dealing with so many emotions and how to get through them. Wonder Park is definitely a great watch for the entire family and is now out for digital download today. It will be out on blu-ray and DVD June 18th and comes with lots of awesome bonus features like sing-along songs and learning how to draw a few of the characters from the movie.

I'm teaming up with Paramount Pictures and hosting a giveaway for a copy of the movie Wonder Park! The giveaway is open to both US and CANADA readers! Just leave a comment below sharing your favorite amusement park!

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received a Wonder Park viewing kit at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

70 comments , ,

Us Blu-ray Giveaway #UsMovie

June 03, 2019 53 Comments



Happy Monday guys! Today we're hosting a giveaway for a copy of the thriller movie US from the writer and director of the movie Get Out, Jordan Peele. The giveaway is open to both our US and Canada resident readers. All you need to do is comment below sharing with us what your favorite thriller movie is.


 

Set along the North California coastline, Adelaide Wilson (Nyong’o) reluctantly returns to her beachside childhood home with her family and finds that she is haunted by unresolved trauma from her past along with a string of eerie coincidences. As darkness falls after a tense day at the beach, the Wilsons discover four figures standing in their driveway.

US is available on Digital June 4th and Blu-ray and DVD June 18th! Be sure to check back on the blog later to read our review and thoughts of the movie.
53 comments , ,

Silence Videogame on Nintendo Switch Review

June 03, 2019 0 Comments

War rages on. During an air raid, 16 year old Noah and his little sister Renie seek shelter in a bunker. There, not only are they protected from the deadly bombardment, but are also at the crossroads of a world between life and death: Silence. When Noah’s sister gets lost in Silence, he is forced to venture into this idyllic yet threatening world to find her.

Silence, however, bears its own scars of war and suffering. Dark creatures haunt towns and cities and ravage this once serene place between worlds. Only a small band of rebels stands against the looming menace. Now it is up to the siblings to save Silence and its fantastic inhabitants from impending doom and thus also save their own lives.

Join Noah and Renie on their exciting journey through Silence where an emotionally gripping story of contrasts between serenity and danger unfolds. Meet fascinating and likeable characters like Spot, the magical caterpillar who helps Noah and Renie on their way through Silence. And witness when the siblings discover that the only thing that can save them is their love for each other.

FEATURES
  • Solve mysterious and fascinating puzzles
  • Meet many wondrous characters in an intriguing world.
  • Exclusive audio comment featuring 'Poki' and Marco Hüllen, the game's writers
  • An unforgettable story
  • Elaborately designed 3D characters and opulent 2D backgrounds
  • Three playable characters
  • There will be exciting new characters, but also a reunion with old friends




MY REVIEW
Intrigued by the trailer, Silence was a fun game to play. The story line was clear and exciting in the short film; however, it is not as clear while playing the game. The introduction is very long and took a while for me to start playing with no way of speeding it up. Hopefully, as the game updates this is an option that can be added in the future.


It is a very “click” based game (it requires you to select items very often) however, there is a glitch that does not always allow you to click it or it makes it very difficult to do so.  Again, I received this game before it came out and was available for purchase, so I'm hoping with an update that can be worked out so that it's easier for you to click  for an easier and smoother game play. 



It started out a bit slow and I was curious to where it was going, but the more I played the more fun I had, it was a very interesting game and enjoyable once you get past the first little bit.  It is filled with lots of quests and challenges and is very unique. I did enjoy it and would love to play it again, especially once the updates roll in for the small glitches in the game. 



The game tells an emotionally gripping story, imaginative puzzles, beautiful visuals blending 2D and
 3D art design, compelling characters and hours of fully voiced dialogue, Silence is part sequel, part spin-off of the classic adventure The Whispered World, which was also developed and published by Daedalic Entertainment.

Silence is available for purchase now on Nintendo Switch retailing at $39.99  in the Nintendo Store. It's also available on Playstatin 4, Xbox One and Steam. To find out more about Silence, please visit Daedalic’s official website.

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Silence on Nintendo Switch at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
Leave a Comment , ,

© Just Us Girls. Design by Albemarle PR