Healthy Surprise Food Box Feb 2013 MY TASTY REVIEW!

I just received this box last week after winning an online contest Healthy Surprise had hosted!
Healthy Surprise is a company that specializes in sending a monthly box of healthy gluten free snacks to your doorstep. Right now they ship to the US and Canada only.
Shipping to Canada is an extra $6.99 and the cheapest box starts at $33 and is said to contain 16-20 servings of healthy snacks for one or two people.

My how time flies.....!
I am now updating my post the first week of April. Quite a lot of running around has kept me from updating and posting lately, but has also given me a chance to eat pretty much all the tasty snacks in my Healthy Surprise box!!!

Some of the snacks that stood out for me were the Brother's Apple "crisps".
Those are like apple chips, but somehow they have managed to make them light and fluffy and they melt in your mouth.
I really wish that there was more than one  TINY serving as the bag was gone in ten seconds.

*Kale Joy was another snack that stood out and I would have never thought to pick that up at the health food store myself. The "original recipe" kind is like salt and vinegar chips, but made with kale.
There was also some sweetness from apple juice and a lot of flavour was added with sesame seeds, cashews and walnuts.

Bare Fruit apple chips are another favorite of mine. I used to buy them every week at the grocery store and can no longer find them at the many stores I shop at.
The bare fruit apple chips are just made from US apples and sliced very thinly, then oven baked.
The apple chips are quite filling also- some family members mentioned that if you ate a too large portion your stomach feels much too full. But then the person who did eat these ate a couple bags (not from this box,they bought a large bag on amazon).

If there was one item I was not crazy about it had to be the coconut water.
While I do like coconut water, it is ekind of expensive to ship and always a heavy item and I would have rather received a drink mix or tea or some kind of drink I can take with me and add to my water bottle.
There are so many natural drink mixes sweetened with Stevia that are much more economical and make more sense to ship to Canada.
The O.N.E. Coconut Water is 330ml in size and was probably about a quarter of the weight of the box.

Overall I did enjoy the Healthy Surprise box and plan on making a few separate posts to review the snacks.
I would definitely sign up for this service as the value of the items is much more than if I were to purchase them all locally.
Now, speaking of value the box that seems the best for one person would be the mid sized one as the smallest size did not have enough sn.acks to last me the whole month.

The only other thing I would have liked in the box is more SAVORY snacks. There were mostly sweet items in the box- which is nice, but you do not always feel like having something with sugar or fruit all the time.

If you are interested in signing up for Healthy Surprise their website can be found at:

https://healthysurprise.com/

*Just wanted to add I was not paid for this review. I won a free starter box from a Facebook contest that Healthy Surprise was having. I was actually considering their service before that, but after seeing the box in person, it was much better than expected!

MAKEUP BREAKUP....DEAREST GLOSSYBOX- IT'S NOT ME, IT'S YOU!

Dearest Glossybox (Canada)- it's time for a Makeup Breakup.


It's not me....it's you. Everything started off just rosey- with those lovely pink boxes that had the latest "treasures" of cosmetics every month.
As time went on I was content with how things were going, but it seemed that come summer your eyes were wandering and more adoring towards bloggers who got their boxes sooner and with better items.
That somewhat saddened me, but we (customers) gave you a second chance.
Then came fall and winter and obviously your focus and interests changed-before you used to like to show and send high end premium items and now you just shower me with "bargin bin" discontinued items.
The last straw came over the holidays in December- instead of being fun and festive, you were deceitful and untruthful and that is not something to tolerate in a (business) relationship.
Sending me old and expired harmful items? is that the way to celebrate a holiday....I think not!
You said "I'll make it up to you in the new year...." and I believed you. But then instead of keeping your promises, you went and sent me more old expired items....how sad that you do not care for the safety of your customers!
On top of this, when you found out I was breaking up with you- blocking me from making any comments on Facebook is quite a low blow- if you can call it that.
So fortunately it has finally come to this A MAKEUP BREAKUP. 
Maybe in the future you will learn to appreciate your customers and their safety when it comes to cosmetics.


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It took me quite a while in deciding to write this "letter".
But I figured trying to be somewhat funny is the best I can do with this situation.
If "Glossybox Canada" were a real person, the way they have been treating customers lately would be the equivalent of a abusive relationship.
And no one should have to suffer with lies about expired cosmetics that gave people eye and lip rashes.
What else would you do to someone how was continuously deceitful and harmful towards you??

Glossybox Dec and Jan, Feb 2013 updates and info!

If you recall in Dec 2012 there were quite a few "issues" with Glossybox Canada and many people receiving expired and discontinued samples.
Glossybox.ca on their Facebook wall was telling people they partnered with Avon and you could still purchase the products. They asked for photos and would provide sale info....of course most people were mad and threw out the cosmetics. I kept them on hand in case someone wanted them for reference of some kind...
Here is some additional info I was sent:

Revlon Canada commented on their Wall post.
Revlon Canada wrote: "MiXXX, Unfortunately, the shade you received is not currently available in Canada. Although we did not supply the product to GlossyBox, we are happy you followed up with us. If you have any further concerns with the box, please feel free to email their customer service department at contact@glossybox.ca. We apologize for the confusion, and appreciate your support."

I had contacted Glossybox numerous times and finally some replacements came in the mail.

Apparently they did not read my email first as I specified very clearly "NO AVON, NO REVLON....I CAN GET THOSE BRANDS MYSELF".

I posted on a forum before updating my blog a week ago, but here is what I was sent:

Somehow after ignoring me Glossybox sent me 2 replacement items in the mail!
I think they put together what they sent out before contacting me,as there is one item I mentioned I did not want.
Specifically said NO REVLON,NO AVON.
Well, they sent me the Revlon nail polish in Tuscan Sun 478 and a MNY lipgloss.
The lipgloss seems fine.
But as soon as I saw the nail polish I thought "bet it is discontinued" and looked it up and yes it is......
I'm not too surprised though!

Glossybox Jan 2013 replacements update...WHAT'S OLD...IS NEW....AND OLD!

Finally,
I decided to post an update about my Glossybox Canada issues from the past December.
A few posts back I mentioned receiving expired samples that were also discontinued.
After receiving no responses for weeks,I kind of gave up on the whole shenanigans.

GLYMM DECEMBER 2012 review!

My Glymm bag did show up on time in December,but being busy with the holiday season got in the way of posting. Before you know it the end of the month is almost here.
Better late than never and at least I am reviewing the whole contents of the bag .

Now seeing that this is the December edition of the Glymm bag I expected something much more "festive" for the contents.
Here is what I received in my Glymm bag:

* Lashem: Eyelash+ Brow Enhancing Serum.  
   Sample size unknown, but I'm going to guess 1ml, value $15.00. Full size 4.2ml, $70.00
I do not use eyelash serums as my lashes are already very long. This sample will be passed along to someone who uses these things.

* Lashem: False Lashes.
   Full size product, value $5.00
Looks like a lot of the beauty boxes are sending out lashes lately. These ones look very nice and wearable.
A neat feature is you do not need glue for the first use. I do not use false lashes often and was hoping to use these during the holidays,but did not really go anywhere that was very dressed up.
But seeing these lashes in person they look to be much more high quality that the Glossybox ones from their December box. The Glossybox branded lashes look too costumey and some people said they look like "something Nicky Minaj would wear". The Lashem false lashes still look somewhat dramatic, but also very tasteful at the same time.

* Suncoat: Natural nail polish remover. Full size 30ml, value $9.99.
   This product looks quite interesting. It is a nail polish remover that is all natural and made from a corn and soy base! Suncoat is also a Canadian made product.I do my nails quite often, so this is a welcome sample.
I actually had my eye on this item on the Well.ca website- they carry the whole line there.
The nail polish remover worked quite well and I like that there is no strong scent to this. I do not think it works well at all to remove glitter nail polish- you need something much stronger for that.
 Also another plus is it did not burn my fingers to use. Since Suncoat polish remover comes in a 30ml bottle, it would be great for travel.

* Glamorous Cosmetics: eyeshadow palette in 2? Full size product, value $9.50
   The colours in the palette look nice, but I have so many eyeshadows already that I will pass this along to a friend and have her report back.

BONUS: nail polish with 1 year subscription: RGB #103 TOAST. Full size 12ml, value $16.00.
This nail polish was a very nice surprise! I was not expecting to see such an expensive polish in my bag this year. The color Toast that was sent to everyone is a nice, neutral beige/brown shade that has a cream finish.
Seeing as this is in the Dec bag I expected something more festive and glittery like what every other box sent out. But I really do like the color Glymm sent out, it is one I will use year round.
I have never tried a RGB polish before and the finish is quite nice too. I'm going to check out other polish from this line.

GLOSSYBOX CANADA DEC 2012 DISCONTINUEDe AVON?? Someone needs to explain this.....

My Glossybox showed up on New Year's eve....what a fun way to cap off the year!

Glossybox is supposed to be one of the more "premium" beauty subscription services in Canada- with a cost of $21 per month (plus tax.....).

This month was slightly different as the usual pink box was replaced by a nice glossy silver box!!
The December 2012 box was also a LOULOU magazine branded edition. I will evaluate my whole Glossybox in another post- as one or two major issues have stuck with my and are the focus of this blog post.
Overall I did like the December box, but found one product was very confusing, strange and not labeled in French or English- also a silver colour....so is it for eyes or lips???

AVON COLOR TREND PRODUCT FROM GLOSSYBOX CANADA

PRODUCT NAME AND CODES

UNDER THE LABEL STUCK ON THE BOX.....

Here are some photos (above) that show what was received and what was under the stuck on label of my item. From what is written here on the product it was hard to decipher if this was a eye or lip item.
Thesedays you can get silver colored items for eyes and lip area and just the name "London" does not tell me anything yet.

So off I go to do some research online- I do not like just using a product without knowing anything about it.

The Glossybox card does not have any specific info about this product and states: "Avon's extensive makeup collection pairs beauty and scientific innovation! FULL SIZE!......assorted see www.avon.ca".

My product is not on the Avon Canada site and has no labeling for the Canadian market.
I know in Canada products must have at least English and French labeling when sold here. This info was told to me by a company that imports European products to sell in Canada (a company I speak on the phone with often).

After my Google sleuthing I come up with this link on ebay's UK site:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AVON-COLORTREND-MINI-LIP-GLOSS-LONDON-DISCONTINUED-/221055928543

Looking at the Avon Canada site,I do not see any product listing for Color Trend.
This is somewhat concerning as it seems this product is not sold here and is from a discontinued line apparently?
To me it seems like a bad marketing idea to send a discontinued product- it makes the manufacturer of that item look bad. And why send an item that was not even available on Avon.ca or in Canada?
This also makes the beauty box company look cheap or like it was a big oversight as I read on Facebook that the same item has gone to quite a few other Glossybox Canada customers.

I am going to email Glossybox Canada, Avon and not too sure who else.
I would really like an explanation for this.
Also from reading comments on the Facebook Glossybox.ca webpage some people have written that the Revlon nail polish that was sent is also discontinued and has recently shown up in some dollar-type stores for $2?
I generally do not buy Revlon nail products (usually use Mavala,OPI,Essie and Dior) and will have to look into this also.

This will be updated once I get more info.
But is this the kind of thing you would expect from a company that charges $21 for a monthly beauty box?
I have several beauty box subscriptions and have not had this happen yet.

*if anyone has info on the discontinued polish or Avon I will add that to my post if you message me. Did anyone else receive discontinued items for Dec 2012???

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Update: Jan 3, 2013

No "real" additional info to add.
Glossybox did post this little note on a Facebook post. This does not address anything yet...

"GlossyBox.ca Hi ladies, we just wanted to let you know that we are currently looking into this issue. We appreciate your patience through this and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused."

*So far I did send a link to my blog and posted om LOU LOU magazine's English Facebook page.
LOU LOU  magazine replied right away that they will look into this matter.
That's it for now.......

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Update: Jan 4, 2013

Looking at the Glossybox Canada Facebook page they just put down that they are sorry some people do not like the colors and that it is a full size item.

aaaaargh!&&&**^%, Glossybox Canada must have "selective hearing".
I also feel I should add a FACEPALM!!! to this...can't find the pic though.....


Here is what Glossybox Canada posted on their Facebook page:

"GLOSSIES, we are sorry that some of you were disappointed with your full-size Revlon nail polish. We were careful to send you colours that would be universally acceptable and all-in-all great additions to any nail polish collection. We hope that you can enjoy your nail polish and if you have any further questions, we are happy to have you email our customer service department. We are currently waiting on information about the Avon product as it came from Europe, but we will let you know as soon as we have more details. Thank you for your patience!"

If I do not get an answer from Glossybox I am going to have to contact my credit card provider to get my money back!

*I think Glossybox missed the point that people were writing about- it is not the colour of the makeup,but that it is discontinued a few years ago.

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Update: Jan 10, 2012

Glossybox Canada sent the same message to all their Facebook readers and the same response to my email.

Pretty much that they are "glossing" over this issue and dodging all my questions and comments.
And apparently the items everyone received are not old and discontinued and if I send them my pictures they will to us where to buy them??

I'm grabbing my popcorn and waiting for their next entertaining response.....

Here is what I received as a response:

JAN 7 GLOSSYBOX RESPONSE:

Thank you for being so patient and understanding while waiting for an answer regarding the Avon products included in

December’s GLOSSYBOX. Because we’re an international company, we strive to bring you products from around the globe,

which is actually why it has taken longer than usual to update you on this issue. We’ve communicated with our

supplier in Europe, who has been a reliable GLOSSYBOX provider in the past, and they have reassured us that the

product is in date, new and unopened, but we are devastated if our GLOSSIES are upset. Our investigation is not over

and we have learned a lot from this situation. We will be reevaluating how we approach quality assurances going

forward, since our number one priority will always be making (and keeping) you, our subscribers, surprised and 

delighted with your GLOSSYBOX. If you have any questions at all about the Avon product you received, or about your

GLOSSYBOX in general, please feel free to email our customer service department at contact@glossybox.ca.

They will 
be getting up to date information on this issue and will be best equipped to answer any questions or concerns that 
you may have. Once again, thank you for your patience and understanding through this. We cannot even begin to 
express how extremely appreciative we are to have your perspective, loyalty and support!

The Revlon nail polish I received. Also the bottle seems to be 1/3 empty.....maybe it evaporated??

Have not tried the polish yet...

Revlon nail polish from Glossybox.

Revlon 115 PEACH PETAL

BOTTOM OF NAIL POLISH/UPC

GLOSSYBOX November 2012 review.

As usual, my Glossybox arrived at the end of November.
Here are the products that I received for the Canadian edition of November 2012.
Do you think this box is worth the $21.00.......or should I unsubscribe???

Welcome letter!

Nov 2012 Canadian Glossybox!

Items in my Glossybox:

*Nicole by OPI Kardashian Kolor holiday shades. (All is Glam, All is Bright, full size 15ml, value $10.99).

OPI is a very good brand. I like that Glossybox also sent shades from the recent season. This is the perfect festive glitter polish! There is very fine red, silver and diamond like glitter. You only ne ed one coat to look nice with this one!

*Kryolan for Glossybox Blusher (shade Glossy Rosewood, size 2.5g, value $16.73/ full size............).
The blush I received is a very natural looking pink colour that is matte and has a very natural look.
It seems just as good as my MUFE blush. I will be using this product often!

Nexxus Salon Haircare: Hydration Kit. (Therappe Shampoo 89ml bottle, value $2.50/full size 400ml, $9.99//Humectress Conditioner 89ml bottle, value $3.75, full size 400ml, $14.99)
I've received this kit before in another beauty box (Topbox, summertime). Nexxus is a pretty good brand- but is now a drugstore/salon line. A few years ago you could only find Nexxus in expensive salons.
Now the basic items are in most drugstores. I think it might have to do with the company being bought by Alberto?? maybe....I'll have to look into this more.

*Vitabath Spa Skin Therapy: moisturizing bath and shower gelee. (sample size 6oz or 170g, value $6.00/full size 360ml, $9.99).
I have not tried Vitabath products in a couple years. The new design on my bottle is so pretty!
I'll have to report back on how the new shower gel works.
But I did notice Glossybox wrote the products are SULFATE FREE....and when I went to read the ingredients on my bottle it was written "SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE"..... I did not see any Parabens listed,so that is good.

*Maybeline MNY My Gloss. in colour 585. (full size product, 9ml, value $7.49).
This is not one of the Maybeline lip glosses from North America, but a European version that is made in France! The gloss is a nice sheer opal pink with very fine shimmer-I think this gloss would suit everyone.
There is also a nice kind of fruity scent to the gloss, it is a very light scent and not distracting at all.
I find it neat that Glossybox does send products that you can not always find locally,hopefully they will keep on doing that!

*Curel Hand &Cuticle Therapy Cream. (full size product, 100ml tube, value $3.99).
I am familiar with the Curel line, but have not seen this product in stores near me.
So far I have only seen the Curel foot cream and this hand cream sold on American websites online.
My hands are extremely dry during the winter- so any new hand products to try out are always welcome.
I will report back in a few days with how my hands are doing.
The Curel hand cream contains Ceramides, so I think it will be a very helpful product!

If you are in Canada, where did you find the Curel hand and feet products?

Product Info for Glossybox Nov 2012!

*There was also a Uber Beauty discount card with 50% all products. I've heard of the brand, but do not know anyone who stocks or sells it at their salon around here.

I'm not so sure I'll be placing an order, as I would like more ingredient info before purchasing.

Do you know anyone who has tried this line? I'd love to get people's thoughts on this.