Amazing what you can miss in a couple days!

Hi, hello. I've got a consolidated update going here. Excuse any typos that may make it through as I normally post from a laptop but am presently on the desktop. With SAS winding down, there's lots to look forward to.

B&BW sent out a coupon today.

Good thru July 7th. Ran out of surveys, saving them, don't feel like filling them out? They've got ya covered with this dandy little number.

Also going at the moment is Buy 3, Get 3 Free on signature collection items until July 7th.

Still running of course are SAS promotions such as B2G2 TBS, B2G1 Aromatherapy, and the like.

Cia posted a big review of upcoming newness over at her blog several days ago, it's a nice nutshell of the lovely things to come upon the conclusion of SAS and beyond. B&BW website also has a placeholder for Forever Midnight, or rather, a teaser type deal. 

Summer Chill has hit the main page in the last couple days. This isn't everything as there will be a cooling shimmer spray in these scents too. Not a bad deal if you do B3G3 but waiting for it in store might be a better option, especially as you can smell it for yourself before blindly buying unless you have been lucky enough to get a sniff at your local store.

New hand soaps have also hit the website and are available for 4/$15, 6/$20. Apple Mango presently has a matching PocketBac.

B&BW will also be bringing in some candles (plus room sprays/wallflowers) that I've only seen as online exclusive through my time shopping but have gotten wallflowers for some of. These include:

• Coconut Lime Verbena
• Caribbean Salsa
• Seaside Escape
• Tropical Spice
• Passionflower

Brandon @ B&BW News covers that + the soaps linked above before their launch it would appear.

 

Tess at Life Inside The Page has a list on her blog of the nourishing body bars that have been released for TBS, plus new upcoming scents that will have shower smoothies to go with them in addition to updates on the Summer collections releasing July 8th.

• New- blueberry vanilla
• New- pineapple papaya
• New- Strawberry banana
• raspberry
• mango butter
• honeydew kiwi

 New PocketBacs:

• I love cinnamon buns
• I love s'mores
• I love pumpkin
• fresh strawberries

Large Sanitizers are going to include:

• Fresh Strawberries
• Zebra Zippy Punch

 

Also according to Cia and Tess, Forever Sunshine is making a limited time comeback available in lotion, shower gel, TMC and FFM. It's already an online exclusive but if you're like me and want to smell before you buy, here's your chance.

 

Phew. I think that's mostly everything. I would've just copied and pasted all the pumpkin stuff but everyone else already has the info so I just thought I'd link to it. Big thank you to the bloggers who work tirelessly to provide us with this information! We have a lot of newness coming soon and with Fall right around the corner, we are going to have a busy year by the looks of it!

Update

Looks like I've missed some stuff. I've been dealing with some personal issues but I will be back to blogging in a day or two. No worries, haven't abandoned my blogging. I'll be reading up in the meantime on the goodies I missed and maybe I'll have a product review up. 

'Til then!

Product Review

An oldie as I am aware but a goodie nonetheless. Being as new as I am to B&BW, I missed the days when scents like Black Amethyst or Dark Kiss were in stores. Last SAS when I went hunting for leftover Twisted Peppermint items, I saw plenty of From Paris With Love (which I should've bought then!!) but never saw the aforementioned scents. Being too cowardly to order online in the event that I wouldn't like it, I refrained until this SAS. 

When the sneak peek came around, I took a chance and ordered these lovelies and almost ordered BA too but instead opted for Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin. I would've gotten to smell them before the SAS had UPS not decided that suddenly they want to require a signature for my B&BW purchase. So opening day of the SAS rolls around and I find by chance, a travel size Dark Kiss lotion and a travel size shower gel. I picked them up and smelled them and I knew it was going to be love from there! Stores even got them in stock for the SAS after about a week in!

Anyway, enough about that and let's get to the product. This smells absolutely divine. The shower gel is of course, typical B&BW shower gel fodder. I find this scent (along with Malibu Heat) to be among the stronger scents, lingering very faintly even once you step out of the shower. The lotion is another one of those that doesn't leave an oddly sticky feeling on my skin as some scents can - hence my strong preference for the TMC all except those run off your skin when you sweat...ew. The scent the lotion provides was strong enough that I didn't even need a fragrance mist to notice it hours later.

How would I describe the smell? Honestly I thought it was familiar! I had recently smelled something like it but couldn't put my finger on it. It's a sweet and slightly tart berry blend with a hint of Vanilla and musk. When I went into my bedroom, I realised why it smelled familiar - I purchased a Black Currant Vanilla Aromatherapy wallflower bulb some time ago and recently got around to using it. That's exactly what it smelled like to me. I tried the BCV lotion in store but found a different take on the scent so if I had to liken DK to something, it'd def be BCV wallflowers! 

Lovely fragrance! Like Malibu Heat, I get a lot of compliments off this scent. One gal stood next to me at work one day and was like, "Are you wearing Dark Kiss? I love that scent." What a nose!

Sometimes B&BW runs online exclusives for $6 specials which is okay but if you are a fan and can find this in store still (some do have it), you are better off with the 75% off price and passing up the shipping cost altogether. I stocked up.

DOD: $6 Fine Fragrance Mist

Today's deal is $6 signature fin fragrance mists. Online, you won't need a code but in stores, you'll need this:

If you missed out on the buy anything, get a free FFM, then this is for you! Personally, I'm all stocked up right now so I'll be passing.

I just have to say I'm saddened by these DODs needing a coupon. I don't recall this during Christmas but I only really went in a few times and didn't keep up to speed.

DOD: $4 Body Cream

And today's deal of the day, coupon required of course is $4 body cream. 

This is okay if you want to just pop in and grab one or two imo. I may pick up a Pure Paradise for someone's Christmas gift but other than that, I'm not all that excited.

TBS/Aromatherapy

I thought I'd pop by my local B&BW, see how they were doing and get some long awaited buy/get specials. I went by to inspect the 75% off bins to see if anything interesting had cropped up. Nothing from what I've seen. Still a lot of Sweethearts, a little bit of Italy, some Wild Garden, Dark Kiss and a bunch of Black Amethyst shower gels. Pass. 

Cherry Blossom and Midnight Pom are still in the 50% off bins. Most of the soap is gone as are the candles. They still have the table with a bunch of wallflowers but they've already reassembled the B3G2 stuff with displays for Malibu Heat and Pure Paradise. It barely looks like SAS and you wouldn't be able to tell if it weren't for all the yellow banners! 

I mostly stopped by for the TBS and AT goodies though. So here's my haul. 

The $6 AT lotions were online only so I missed that one so that's what I was there for. I found a new appreciation for Spearmint as a whole so I am going to love this when I don't feel good I think. The total wasn't quite $30 so I picked up this spare Oakmoss Vetiver candle. My partner in crime liked it a lot. I however think it smells like old man cologne. 

For the TBS, it was mostly a stock up thing. I don't think words can describe how much I love the Malibu Smooth body scrub. Honestly. It works amazing on my upper arms and thighs where I get that annoying bumpy KP and it doesn't dry my skin out either. Helps that it smells absolutely amazing. My freebies are the sunscreen mist which I have been dying to try but never found room in my bag for when online shopping and another tub of the 60 second manicure as I am running low and needing to use it more often than I was due to work.

I suspect I may stock up on a couple more things before B2G2 ends.

1000 pageviews!

How did I not notice I had passed this milestone? Maybe it was when I was at work last night! I know that it's a meager amount of pageviews, but just starting out, I feel accomplished! Thank you to my readers, whomever you all may be. I hope you are enjoying your stay here!

True Blue Spa

Head on over to B&BW's website if you've been waiting for this one: True Blue Spa has gone B2G2! Oh I was just waiting for this one. Shame Aromatherapy hasn't yet but can't be too choosy!The promo is probably available in store but to avoid disappointment, make sure you call ahead.

Today Only Deal

Yesterday, B&BW held a 12pm-4pm window where you could buy Country Apple items for $2 each, no limits. 

Today, they are offering signature collection minis for $1 each. 

 

Call ahead and ask to find out if your store is participating. If they are, happy shopping! 

Sadly, I'll be at work during this but maybe I can convince someone to pick some up for me.  Looking at giving Paris Amour a shot.

The sale continues!

Now's your chance! Yesterday I posted a little tidbit about the Mason Jar soaps and candles being marked down. When I went to the store yesterday, I saw that the entire section was 50% yesterday. The ladies were still moving everything about but I'm thinking it counts pretty much everything for this season. It did include the hand soaps and the jar candles. 

So if you like the current selection of Fresh Picked, get it now before it's gone!

I also would like to note for you wax fans out there that even if your local stores aren't test stores, keep your eyes peeled for 4 oz test candles. I've found Summertime Soda, Eucalyptus Mint & Apple No. 3, Pizzeria and Campfire Cookout in my travels. My guess is the test stuff got dispersed to regular stores to get rid of it all. I can't say whether 3 Wicks in these got the same treatment, but I HAVE seen Lily Pond and Southern Magnolia. I've also seen a 4 oz Oakmoss Vetiver at a couple stores.

This last part is merely speculation on my part, but I'm figuring that Midnight Pomegranate (Or Cherry Blossom) is going to go 75% come Monday. I haven't watched SAS this closely before so I can't say for certain but it looked to me that they are marking down one of the retiring from stores scents at a time and counting the weeks, it makes sense. Sadly, some stores won't have much left by the time the rest of it gets marked down.

Teensy tiny haul.

And I'm done! Though every time I say that, I go into B&BW and ... oh dear.

 

Went to a store I haven't visited since day one, and exchanged White Barn Summer while I was there (the unused one I'd like to note). I figured I could see what their stock looked like in comparison to the others I've been to. The stores in Tampa seem to have a lot of stuff still while the stock is dwindling pretty rapidly at my three closest locations. I found some gems while there though! SBW was hiding with Secret Wonderland, so why not. I also found Campfire Cookout and relieved the store of their last two. Smells like burning charcoal. Mmm. Tis The Season and Paris Amour Triple Silk were to get my total up to use a survey. I haven't seen Tis The Season at any other store in the wallflower packs so why not. 

In other (related) news, it would appear that the Bath & Body Works Facebook Page is hosting another haul show off. Post a picture of your loot and win a $50 gift card. 

Now let's see if I can stay out of the store for a while. Luckily, I've been completely deterred from ordering online. Online orders were only my problem when Twisted Peppermint candles and Aromatherapy Black Chamomile were around. Heh. 

I think I'll start putting gifts together. I've always just done them as the occasion comes up and never for the fun of it so perhaps I'll take some pictures and share them if I remember to! 

$10 0ff $40, $10 3 Wick Candles

Per the new email today, there's a "new" coupon, and a "new" deal. 

 

If anyone shopped B&BW extensively before SAS, you probably have a ton of the flyers already with this coupon on it. 

Also, select 3 Wick Candles are $10. Looking at the website, it looks like it's only the ones they were originally charging $11 for anyway, nothing special. No Lakeside or Destination Collection, no AT ES, nothing of note. 

No newness here! Sadly.

A few finds.

Went to check out my local store to see if any other goodies might be roaming around, but it would seem that my usual store has been quite busy and wiped. That said I did come away with a couple of things still.

Small haul this time.

Most of Venice Dolce Berry left there is lotion, and the TMC pictured above was the last one. I heard that the shower gel works well with Sparkling Blackberry Woods and I DID get some SBW through the sale and wasn't able to get a gel for it. The SBW items pictured above actually were brought back out to the sales floor when I was looking at the Aromatherapy stuff. I saw an SA taking them back out and I went over, asked her if those were up for grabs and she said "yes, someone returned it", so I fished it out of the empty box she put it in. I kicked myself for not getting the last lotion at a different store so I consider that great timing.

I tried Bergamot Coriander and was not fond of it. At all. It just had an unpleasant smell to me and it was very, very strong. So I passed. 

I sprayed the SoP onto one of those papers and wandered around with it. It smelled quite nice so I got one. But I still can't find a lotion or shower gel. Sadness. Guess I'll have to hit eBay for it. Or figure out what works well with it. Maybe Pink Chiffon?

My store's also really low on candles and they're not sure if more's coming in. The Destinations candles seem to be dwindling down as well. There's like, 4 of them left at my store plus the small 4 oz. ones. It looks like it might be going away, quietly at that. I didn't ask though. 

SAS is getting quieter and quieter. I may visit one of my further out locations once more to see how their stock looks but it's looking like this is a wrap for me.

Miscellaneous Specials

Looking at the website and in stores I've noticed that there are a few specials on things that aren't advertised very loudly as being on sale so here's a (small) list for the record, and your benefit!

Online:

Mason Jar Handsoaps: $6

Mason Jar Candles: $9

Ocean Men's Shave Cream: $5.50 (this may be offered in stores as well, haven't looked)

Signature Collection Hair Care: $4

In store:

Malibu Beach Pedicure Foot Cream: $5

Select Travel Size Aromatherapy: 50% off (don't expect to find matching items except in shampoo/conditioner)

Select Lip Gloss/Wands: 50% off

These are all I've found for now, if I see more I'll add them as I find them. 

I noticed again that some prices have gone up whilst looking online, such as the retiring Aromatherapy and returning for SAS ones are $6.50 when they WERE $6 and probably ARE still $6 in stores. 

Still ongoing specials:

B3G2 Signature Collection 

B2G1 Free True Blue Spa

B2G1 Free Aromatherapy (doesn't include clearanced items)

B2G1 Free C.O. Bigelow

25% off select gift sets

DOD: $5 Fresh Picked Body Care

Today we have yet another deal of the day, also requiring use of a coupon. $5 Fresh Picked Body Care (lotion or shower gel by the looks of it.). 

Present coupon in store for special, no code online. 

Kinda stinks that coupons are needed for these deals but I suppose with the SAS going on, that's the motivation behind it. I'll be passing again as I don't much care for the fresh picked body care line but if that's your thing, happy shopping!

A week in review.

Theresa over at Life Inside The Page reminded me with her latest post about how I took a pic of all my goodies up until Monday or Tuesday and then never posted them. OOPS! Without further ado, my collection and my adventures to get them! 

I see that lots of people have bought lots of stuff. Lots of people have been disappointed and lots of people are looking for stuff! I went out day one and got to my closest store 30 minutes before the usual opening time to find as I was walking up, they were opening! I looked at the first table marked 75% off and found only America's Sweethearts stuff, so I wandered to the back to the other table where several other folks were looking at the bin with Shimmer and Shea and Eiffel mists. I raided the mystery bin and suddenly forgot to separate my stuff. I ended up with a very full bag that  I required help carrying. And hauled off at two other stores besides the one I live a fraction of a mile from.

As this is my first informed and actively participating SAS, I bought stuff. A lot of stuff. And didn't spend much at all. I saved money specifically for this and set aside for the sale so no breaking the bank for me. Admittedly I did buy a bit more than I pictured but I found a lot more than I thought I would too. I can't believe how many of these great items I missed out on in past years because it took me this long to discover the joy of B&BW.

 Pictured above is ALMOST everything I bought as of Tuesday. Not pictured are: 2 mini candles; Fireside and Winter, 2 TBS Blackberry Peels, 1 wallflower unit; lemon branch, 1 wallflower bulb; Limoncello (there were two, I plugged one in.), 1 Malibu Heat Leg Shine (Free item with coupon), 1 Pure Paradise 2-in-1 Scrub (Free item with coupon)

After I put everything away, I found the items not pictured sitting aside where I'd put them, muttering to myself how I meant to take them with me and forgot. Oops. Was NOT about to be dragging everything out again for it. Thinking on it, taking a picture on the stairs would have made everything more visible, shoot, what a good idea!

A lot of the stuff pictured is basic SAS fare found in most stores, either clearanced items everyone had, stuff they seemed to put out at most (Dark Kiss) but there were a few golden little treasures in the bunch such as Love Love Love, Paris Nights, Paris In Bloom and a couple of test candles; Summertime Soda and Eucalyptus Mint & Apple No. 3.

I'll do a second week in review early on next week I think. I'm not expecting it to be nearly as large since I did so many transactions day one. My local store is rapidly depleting their stock (I may or may not have contributed to this.). I wish I could have found and tried Sweet On Paris but I'm picky about wanting the matching items to go with it so even though there's an overload of the green Eiffel Mists at every store I've gone to, I haven't bothered picking one up due to this.

This helps me out for Christmas too and such other occasions. I love taking B&BW items and lumping similar things for gifts for people, they always get so excited when they see it. More to come soon...

DOD: $2.50 Handsoap

Today's deal of the day is $2.50 handsoaps, present this coupon in your store to redeem or use STOCKUP. Good today only. 

Again, I don't really see the deal unless you are planning on getting less than 4 or 6 and not using a survey. 

To boot, if you were previously shopping online for this year's SAS, you'll notice that some prices have gone up today. Online exclusive items like Dark Kiss, Black Raspberry Vanilla, et al have all gone up a dollar for each item.Coconut Vanilla has too.

I thought the sale got better the longer it went on. I must say this is pretty disappointing for folks who don't live near a B&BW and rely on online orders to get their stock of goodies. Bottom line: If you live near a store, GO.

A trip to the mall, Tampa style.

Today, I had a meeting at work (wha? a meeting at McDonald's you say?) and afterward, we decided to drive out to Tampa which is a good 20 miles from home. Matt has been promising to show me the International Mall there for a long time and on a whim we finally went! 

First stop was a mall that was pretty close by where I found some gems such as a French Baguette mini candle and a Coconut Vanilla body wash lumped in with Secret Wonderland. Dark Kiss was also present at this location. This had me wondering???

Next stop! We walked around the mall, looked at the Disney store where I saw an absolutely CUTE medium sized plush of Sorcerer Mickey. It was so damn cute. .__. 

We also looked at the Godiva store and I got so hungry looking at all the chocolate there. It was crazy. I was like a kid in a--well you know, where I was!

Lastly, I stopped by to the B&BW here and I saw TWO bins of Dark Kiss. Unsurprised, I started digging at the Secret Wonderland stuff, and found a travel size spray. It read Dark Kiss. Say what?! Let me just say I was EXCITED and a half! I picked up as many as I could to go with the gigantic stash of lotion and shower gel. Now I don't need to worry about trying for B3G3 for the FFM. I like the travel mists better anyway!

I circled the candles once but didn't look close enough. When I went by a second time looking for something to make me eligible for my coupon, I saw Summertime Soda looking at me, and Pizzeria. When I asked the SA closest to me if they had anymore Pizzeria in the back (Matt fell head over heels for it), she said no but she told me new Italian candles would be out after the sale. 

??? 

Preeetty sure Pizzeria was one to not make the cut.

Shopping trip successful? 

I went by closest local store just to see the candles and sure enough, they got a shipment of Dark Kiss in too. I'm betting a lot of stores got it! At $2.75 each, no shipping and able to use surveys, now's your chance to grab it! I didn't buy anything but I did get chatted up by the associates some. Nothing new unfortunately. I did ask one about the information I got in Tampa and she looked at me very strangely.

Tuesday is ... face mask day!

Since being a shift worker, it's hard to develop a regular routine for anything, sleep included! Now, I have issues with my face, specifically acne and I try products, and I try products and sometimes I get results and sometimes I don't. Or sometimes, my schedule just throws me for a loop. 

Tuesdays, I generally have off work, or if I DO work, it's usually later in the day so I can take the morning to do this. 

This pair is my miracle worker. My face isn't flawless, and I do still get zits but I assure you it's worlds better since I started these. 

Why the heck are you using a Mentha bar on your face right?! I told a couple of the SAs that I'm close to about using it and they thought I was nuts. But seriously, it works quite well. What I do is shower, wait until I'm completely done washing up, conditioning my hair and all that fun stuff, and take the mentha bar directly to my face. I don't use a lot of pressure otherwise it might hurt. Avoiding eyes and mouth, I just scrub away, rinse hot, then pat my face dry. Then I apply the Blackberry peel mask. The directions on the back say to leave on for 20 minutes, but I find it's almost never completely dry by that point and if I leave it 10 or 20 more minutes it works better than if I simply just pick it off once dry. I peel this sucker away (reminiscent of peeling glue off yourself in primary school ...) and tada, soft skin! I'll use a hot cloth to remove anything that didn't come off and luckily because this mask goes on black, you can see exactly what you missed. Even if you do look a little ridiculous!

I used to use the mask after washing with regular soap and it did alright, but I tried the Mentha bar more out of morbid curiosity, or let's see how bad my face breaks out after this and it turned out to be heavensent. If my face starts feeling particularly greasy towards the end of the week, I'll add another dose of mask. To be fair, I work in food service so I wouldn't recommend super frequent use for everyone unless your skin's really oily or you work around oil all day.

Sadly, I don't have a before/after picture set because I didn't think to take a photo when my face was still all bluh disgusting.

PS - I'd like to add that I did try the TBS Apricot Face scrub. It broke me out horribly. 

DOD: $9 3-wick

This is the coupon required in store to redeem your $9 3 wick candles. Not a good deal at all. $8 without a coupon required would have been much better. To boot it only applies to certain candles. Online, you don't need a code to redeem it but it would appear that things like 20% off won't reduce your total. Might as well have required a code then.

• Market Peach
• Mahogany Teakwood
• Ice Cream Shop
• Homemade Cookies
• Lemon Mint Leaf
• First Bloom
• Kitchen Spice
• Garden Bouquet 

Others included Bahama Fizz and Fresh Bamboo which are sold out. Not one of their better sales ideas in my opinion. If you buy 3 candles at $11 and use a survey they come out to a little under $8 each. If you want just ONE candle (which you'd have to do per transaction anyway in store with no addition coupon), this might be the deal for you. This isn't my idea of "stocking up" however.

Anyway, enjoy the coupon!

Last minute

This evening, we had some chicken drumsticks that I roasted, with some veggies and pasta on the side. What do you want to do tonight? Oh, I don't know. Any ideas? I was thinking maybe the mall? Oh yeah, we were gonna go this week. So we went. This other mall is a lot further out than our usual and our not as usual. 

I went to my playground of course, B&BW and I started digging the 75% off bins. Immediately an SA walked up to me and started asking me if she could help me. I kindly replied, "No thanks, I'm just looking." I picked up a SBW lotion and FFM and walked to a different able. SA #1 picked up the TS SBW and tried to get me to buy them. I have plenty but thank you. Another SA wheeled out this cart with boxes and opened some, emptying their contents into the bins for all to grab. I looked up to see a box that read Dark Kiss on the side. All at once I went over to the table and SA #2 just smiled and I asked if she had the shower gels too. She said yes. Oh now I was in heaven! 

I've only just discovered Dark Kiss recently and thought I was doing well to have found my TS lotion and shower gel, meanwhile I looked at stuff that other folks were hauling from their stores and saw full sizes. Why couldn't I get that lucky? I went online, tried to order another full size set and the shower gel was sold out. To my great joy in this store, I grabbed as many as I could with one survey and sauntered away so that the crowd that closed in once they saw could take their pickings.

Savings were 109.00, paid $25.

I know it isn't really so much a rarity as it is a pain in the backside because of shipping and one of the items constantly being sold out. Now I'll just wait for B3G3 since $6 online exclusive will not be happening until  SAS is over and get 6 of the FFM and be done with it.

Stopped by McDonald's on the way home to get a Dulce de Leche shake. Holy mother of sweetness batman. Good but so sickingly sweet! Hmm. Movie time I suppose.

White Barn Summer

White Barn Summer ... little, lighter cousin of Eucalyptus Mint. Already on clearance. I can't say I'm all that surprised though. While this candle has a nice scent, it'd be great if you could smell it better, or you know, if it'd burn better.

I was excited to get this one home to burn it but it was problem from first burn. The flames usually sit sort of low. If I move the candle slightly, the flames heighten but then they'll go back down after a few minutes. I had to keep dumping wax out of this over and over. It takes absolutely forever to pool completely and sometimes won't at all. And it's got virtually no throw unless you're right next to it.

Admittedly I've seen much worse as far as bad burning candles go, just look at Facebook and you'll see plenty of it! But it might as well be unscented

Sadly, this isn't a repurchase. I don't have very good luck out of White Barn candles thus far with the exception of Eucalyptus Mint.

A look at Lemon Zest

As a devotee to Orange Ginger, I never bothered to try Lemon Zest. As the old saying goes, if it's not broken, don't fix (or in this case, replace) it. I considered it off and on though. Since it's being retired this SAS, I thought well if I don't try it now, I'll never know and if I do then I can cry about it later. Or hoard it?

Here they are, excusing the dusty table.  

I've never used the Aromatherapy Sugar scrubs before, but at half off, it's at least worth a try right? So I started with the scrub which has A LOT of oil floating around. Even stirring it with the plastic popsicle stick I got from an associate barely mixed it up. Perhaps it's supposed to be like that? I only ever make my own sugar scrubs with the exception of trying the Mentha Body Buffer (which I was disappointed in) so I have no frame of reference. What I can say is that this scrub did very nicely for the bumps on the backs of my arms and my thighs and left my skin super soft, if a little greasy. I followed up by washing it off with the body wash, and then using the lotion.

I'd like to say that I decided to give this a go today mostly because it's only midday and I feel like just going to sleep. Of course I'm off work, but I already slept and my body's still trying to figure out what I'm doing to it's internal clock (oh shift work, I love thee.) so perfect opportunity for me! I came away feeling extremely refreshed and no longer groggy. I have to say I love B&BW's Aromatherapy a lot a lot. I'm rarely disappointed by it (Lavender Vanilla I'm looking at you.). One distinct difference in the lotion I found was that Orange Ginger has a slightly sticky feel to it where Lemon Zest does not! I approve highly. Luckily, the scent doesn't leave me feeling like something you should be mopping the floor with. I would liken it to more of an ... earthy take on lemon I think. Perhaps lent to the ginseng.

I'm pretty pleased with this and I'll have to get some more before the sale's over. I'll just go back to Orange Ginger when it's all gone but I will be slightly sad!

75% off smells better!

Ever have those fragrances you wouldn't touch beyond a whiff at full price but when they go on sale you buy them? Yeah I have a couple of those lately. I've been twice more to my local store since the SAS started. The 75% mystery bin doesn't seem to have anything else. There's still a bin with Eiffel mists, a bin with shimmer and shea, a bin with Wild Garden collection, and a couple bins dedicated to the Sweethearts collection.

Yesterday's haul.

Here we have Berry Flirt which I deemed the best out of the collection and took several whiffs to convince me into buying it. I don't know why but it just didn't excite me at all when it first came out. White Citrus is giftage, and I found one lonely Summertime Soda 4oz. sitting in the 50% candle selection. Mint Chocolate tipped my total to survey usage and thus concluding the day's buys.

Today's buys were the real deal. Secret Wonderland has gotten the 75% off sticker slapped to it and so has Bella Italy as of today. Venice Dolce Berry smelled great when I first bought the trial version of it but it left this weird, I don't know, film on me? I considered buying it yesterday but I put it back. Good thing too as I got it at a much better deal today! The SAs were commenting on how they saw me thinking about it yesterday and laughed a little about how I know how to get a good deal. Personally, I feel it's luck! Secret Wonderland is a fragrance I like but haven't bought more than a couple things of. I considered some day one of SAS but glad I waited. Featured here are a steal of a $3 body butter, a $7.37 EDT. Got a couple of glosses to push my total over again. Saved a whopping $90.01 and paid only $23 for today's goodies.

The EDT was the last one out (there's probably more in the back) and I've never gotten an EDT from B&BW before, so this is my first. I couldn't really pass it up. It still looked to me like Cherry Blossom and Midnight Pomegranate have not gone 75% off today (I wonder if they are doing it one scent per week based on how well they sold before SAS) unless I missed something. I came in when the doors opened and helped the manager take apart some of the 50% stuff they had missed on the boxes under the 75% flags.

A lot of the rarities seem to be gone at some stores now. I don't know if anymore stuff comes barreling from the back honestly. They implied that while they have stuff in the back, it's only to replenish what's already sitting out on the tables but who knows! Being as Summertime Soda and Eucalyptus Mint & Apple were NOT out day one at any of the three stores I visited! I'm not as familiar with how the stock for SAS goes as I'd like to be so I'll defer to the judgment of the more experienced folks.

Aromatherapy has gone back up to $6 for the ones on SAS special, and the regular ones being B2G1 still. As Father's day is over, the 2-in-1 body washes are no longer on special.

Third time's a charm!

I am back with yet another haul. 2 stores, 3 transactions total. Money saved some $140ish. 

As I use my phone's camera, I am aware that these aren't the greatest quality photos. Could be worse though!

Upon digging through the Eiffel Tower bin AGAIN, I found my Paris In Bloom companion, the shower gel! Only one of it's kind in the two stores I went to. Just as well I guess since I only managed one lotion for it. Obligatory Aromatherapy. I decided why not try Sandalwood Rose? Gifts in the photo are White Citrus, the Irish handsoap and the Lemon Zest AT. 

The fun stuff comes next. Marshmallow Fireside was looking lonely so I brought it home to mingle with my other packs of wallflowers. The other ones here were available in larger numbers sans Twisted Peppermint. I only have one more bulb so I picked one of the last boxes up. Next, I wandered over to the candles, where to my surprise, I saw Summertime Soda staring me right in the face in the 50% off section. I stood there, slackjawed at first, and then shoveled them into my bag. One of the lovely SAs at my usual store said that she put them out Thursday night, which meant I was kicking myself for not going over to the candle wall yesterday. She also directed me to Eucalyptus Mint & Apple No. 3 which I also grabbed. They only got one box of each. These are the 4 oz-ers. I was surprised considering I thought I'd never see these! Florida doesn't even have a test store as far as I know.

Lastly, I swiped a lonely Paris Amour candle, a Sandalwood Vanilla which reminds me of something I haven't figured out just yet, and a White Palm because why not? The mini candle is a little hard to see. This one was by the register in the tubs of the $1.50 and $2 mini candles, it's Fireside and the only one I could find of it. Pity. 

I was really hoping to be able to try Sweet On Paris but none of my stores seem to have it. I haven't seen any Paris Nights either since the ones I grabbed on day one from my regular store. And the only sprays I could find are the towers. Ah well, first world problems! I am lucky I found the items I found thus far. Treasure hunts are fun. I can't wait to go out again!

One last fun note. I acquired the Summer Chill bounceback every time I went but I never glanced past $10 purchase so I was figuring up to $12, it's actually a free sig item up to $12.50 with $10 instead of the usual $10. Awesome, TMCs here I come! At the not usual mall store I got a second flyer with my coupon that has a one time use free shipping with purchase of $25 from July 8th-December 31st.

I know the bounceback's been seen before but here's the pic for the free shipping one. Seems only certain stores are handing this one out!

Second SAS Trip

Today was my second day visiting my local store in search of treasures. Today's haul is quite small. 

Found one lonely Paris In Bloom lotion mixed into the abyss of a box of Sparkling Blackberry Woods FFM. Only one in the 75% table. I had to dig through the Eiffel Tower box to find a matching spray and picked up a second Paris Nights since I realised I only got one when I have two gels and lotions. Typically Paris In Bloom wouldn't be my thing as I'm not largely a floral fan however this smelled like my grandma's small front garden and I couldn't help but take it with me. 

I tried to no avail to find a summer vanilla body wash of any kind so I just settled for a lotion. I think it'll make a good lazy day lotion! The mini candle pictured here is a little hard to see, but it's Winter. Only one in the store. I needed another $1 roughly to use my survey and this was the perfect addition to boost my total. 

The rest is typical fodder offered but at a steal of course. Looking forward to seeing what other treasures I can find tomorrow.

SAS Sneak Peek Haul

Last night, my UPS man finally dropped off my box of goodies just as I was about to go to bed. I decided to be less annoyed and more grateful that I didn't miss it again. 

Last year's winter SAS I got a SCP spray for $.95 scents (it was a classic bottle) but I didn't get the matching ritual pieces to the set I would've gone for a TMC instead but I ordered before TMCs were added (like the day before) but that's okay! I like this scent a lot, very autumn like which I am assured is the point. I can't really see wearing it before September though. 

Coconut Vanilla smells to me like Vanillatini minus the splash of citrus which is all fine and dandy! I can see why people ask and beg for the signature vanillas ... these are great! So simple and not overwhelming with a million different fruits and/or flowers that just make you go HUH? This one feels like I could wear it any time. I never really knew it until this year, but I am a seasonal person with scents. I didn't really think I was until I put myself off Twisted Peppermint in April somehow or another.

Lastly, Dark Kiss reminds me of something I've smelled before. I wanna say it lends a little bit of Secret Wonderland to my nose but not as sweet? I don't know, whatever it is, I like it a lot. I didn't get the mist for this one since it wasn't and still isn't included in the sale. I'll live though! I have plenty of stuff to tide me over until a $6 online exclusive sale. 

As I've mentioned, I don't typically luck out on liking something I've bought without smelling. When the sneak peek went up, I was extremely tempted into ordering and almost got Black Amethyst instead of SCP because I wanted to try both Dark Kiss and Black Amethyst. In my head, I thought they might smell similar, but they don't. My store had a whole bin of BA lotions and I took that opportunity to smell them. AWFUL! So glad I didn't. I stuck to my guns on Dark Kiss though, and when I found the travel size ones in the bin right next to the BA hoard, I first smelled them, liked them, but put them back down (WHY?!) and then went digging them back out and tossing them into my bag.

Coconut Vanilla was a given. I generally like coconut type scents. Exotic Coconut didn't do a thing for me though. And I think Aruba Coconut smells absolutely horrid and nothing like coconut, but Coconut Lime Breeze (I wish I would've been able to try Verbena but I hopped on the B&BW bandwagon a little too late for it!), Vanillatini and Vanilla Coconut are winners! 

I really have to say that I don't think buying the products is what makes me feel good about shopping B&BW. Discovering things, that gets my happy on. I am going to look at my store's stock either this evening, or tomorrow after work to see if anything else was tucked into the mystery bin. The things I've found so far smell amazing - I haven't found much I don't like out of there so far.

Let's play wait for UPS

I don't really like complaining about service, nor do I dare curse my local delivery man (or men? I think I've seen a few different ones) but I'm honestly quite annoyed. I ordered from the sneak peek for SAS, some Vanilla Coconut, Dark Kiss and a couple other items. My total wasn't even $30. Small fare for me. 

Yesterday came and went. I woke up last night around 10 pm and thought, hey, my goodies must be sitting out by the door! I opened the door and to my dismay, I didn't find a package to the right, nor did I find a package to the left. To the door, was that dreaded UPS InfoNotice sticker telling me they tried to deliver and the sender required a signature upon delivery. This is news to me??? Since when does B&BW require signature? 

I emailed CS this am because you see, I work at 3 am so my bedtime is obnoxiously early to accommodate this lest I be a walking zombie. What I had basically said was I don't ever recall needing to sign and I wondered if this was something new. I haven't ordered from B&BW in a few months and I don't think I've seen anyone mention anything about a signature. They responded to me just before I got out of work saying that UPS makes the call on whether or not a signature is required. That's cool. Really. Not.

My updated delivery time was today between 2-5pm, now it DOES say estimate, I'll give it that.

But seriously guys? It's after 5 now granted not much past, but approaching my lower limit for bedtime and no one is due to be home until after 7pm so no one to get the door if they DO turn up. Which I doubt as it's all a gamble. I've gotten packages at 10 am, I've gotten them at 5pm, I've gotten them at 8pm, I've gotten them at 10.30pm.

I called UPS and inquired about the response that B&BW CS gave me and they did tell me that the sender could opt for it but so could the driver too if they feel that the area is high risk for theft or something? That concluded, I called B&BW CS this time since they were open and told them what UPS said to me. B&BW does not require a signature. But UPS can choose to require one. Why the heck does it say the sender needs one then? I'm confused and slightly angry over this. I don't have the time or energy to wait up another day. Picking it up isn't possible until Monday because of my schedule so this is fabulous. The CS Rep told me I COULD try to leave a note on the door saying it was ok to leave it but UPS CS told me that wouldn't work.

All this over a $27 package. Suddenly I am reminded of the phone order I placed a while back where FedEx didn't even BOTHER to stop by my flat, they just dumped it off at the office and I know it's not what they normally do as they'll normally bring it right to me.

I suppose this is more of a UPS rant than anything but I wish I would've known that a signature would've been needed in the first place. I would've opted to have it dropped at my flat office instead.

SAS haul + tidbits

Well, I was hoping my package that is roaming the city would be delivered by the time that I got in but that's alright! Spanned three stores (all regulars, no outlets or tests) and got some loot to show for it. I say some, but really it means I just kind threw stuff in the bag and ended up paying for it and walking out. 

Some of these scents I'd never smelled before. I took a chance with Dark Kiss via online ordering and when I happened upon the 75% off bin, I found the two travel sized ones adorning my Apple Crumble candles in the photo above. Also quickly shoved Paris Nights and Love Love Love into my bag. I smelled them after putting them into the safety of my shopping bag. My closest local store was extremely busy and there were a few people snapping up what they could of the aforementioned scents so my preferred method was grab first, smell later. I am pleasantly surprised with Dark Kiss and will be keeping the ones I ordered too. Originally I thought, okay, $3 for this, can't pass it up and I'm sure SOMEONE will like it if I don't but alas, I do! They had an extreme, disgusting abundance of Black Amethyst which almost made it to my bag when they did the sneak peek but I'm glad it didn't. PASS!

The Lemon Vanilla was from another store. Quite the basic scent. I wasn't sure on lemon body care but it's nice and I'm sure I'll enjoy it! I also took a whiff of Coconut Vanilla whilst there since I also have a ritual of it on it's way to me today too. Reminds me of Vanillatini. Either way, I'll enjoy it.

Some of the wallflower fragrance units are going for $3 right now too so I got a lemon one. Be careful with the wallflower 2-packs. Some people are too rough with them/some have leaks. I got home with Caribbean Escape to find oil all over the bottom of the bag and the container. That's a swap for sure. And while I'm thinking about wallflowers, mine had Marshmallow Fireside ... dammit I kick myself for not grabbing one.

The Aromatherapy Classics did nothing for me sadly. Bergamot Coriander was okay but I prefer Orange Ginger so I passed. Sandalwood Rose was just okay but not great either.

Worth noting: I was informed that the TBS face masks are going bye bye after this so if you're a fan of the Green Tea Fizzy, Pumpkin, or Blackberry Peel, get them now. I hope I heard wrong but if not, 50% isn't so bad of a deal anyway right? The blackberry mask is the only thing that'll work for my problematic face!

Most of this was done via survey. Free items were: MH Leg Shine, PP 2-in-1 scrub (that's giftage for someone who likes it.).

 Keep checking your stores though ... mine told me that they had NEVER had so much stuff in the back for SAS before.

It has begun! Preparations underway.

SAS has now started online. No link provided, just visit the page and you can't miss it.

Also of note, TBS is still B2G1, which I think is the constant? Aromatherapy happened to ALSO go B2G1 and speaking of, the classics are now in body wash form too so both are $6 now. The buy/get special only applies to full price AT items. Better than nothing if you want Aromatherapy but the classics aren't your thing!

There's codes on RetailMeNot if you're considering an online order and they are advertising the $5.99 shipping once again, no code needed. 

Call your store to find out if they are going to be opening early and check on/hold stuff if necessary. Also find out if they'll honour the 3 day grace period on coupons. Do your surveys. Get your coupons in a row and get there early!

Also worth noting is a few coupons that went out in emails once again. They expire today, but it's easy enough to find out if your store will take them.

 $5 3 Wick Candle with $20 Purchase

 

Free sig collection item ($16.50) with $10 Purchase

Free 3 Wick Candle with $30 Purchase

IMO the candle coupons aren't really worth noting. Nowhere near as good as the previous free with $20 purch. Especially considering a lot of the candles people will gun for are already half off (or $11). But the free signature item is a gem. I use it for TMCs or Body Butters usually.

Check your Pure Paradise bouncebacks which also expire today. If your store won't accept printed coupons with the grace period but they accept bouncebacks, then you can still get some free stuff with smaller purchases! 

As this is going to be my first well informed SAS, I am excited to say the least. Have fun! I know I'm gonna!

Two days.

The week has all been a blur, thank you work. We are now down to two days until the SAS in stores. The preview ends tonight, and the real deal starts tomorrow online. I made a small order with a $1 shipping promo online since I don't know what of the stuff in the preview will be coming to stores (Coconut Vanilla for example) and figure if worse comes to worse and I don't like some of it, it can be gifted. How could I say no to $3 a piece? Should be here by Wednesday I'll guess. Photo coming when the box gets here.

I am going to a pair of friends' housewarming party as they'll be taking a flatshare soon and they love B&BW. Perfect timing I'd say!

Let's go June 12th. Mint Chocolate is calling my name!

Coupon

There's another coupon floating around like last weekend's. 

Get a free signature collection item (up to $16.50) with $10 purchase

(thru June 11th)

Thanks go to Life Inside The Page who also has info on the Summer items coming out soon. 

Four more days until SAS. Start filling out your surveys if you haven't already! Far better deal than the $10 off $40 that the stores have been handing out. And remember, your three day grace period. :)

Small Candle, a study briefly continued.

This evening I decided to light the Strawberry Picnic 4 oz. I featured as part of a first timer with this size in candle. I chose this one because it gave me more trouble and I burned it less. It gave a nice, even wax pool tonight, no maintenance necessary but the throw wasn't that good this time! Shame. Perhaps a smaller room is in order for the scent. 

Two hours in. I realised after taking the photo AND putting it out that I should've gotten a normal side shot of it but oh well. It's burning nicely in this photo and didn't take the initial four hours that the start up did. Nice! I'll pick it back up tomorrow I think.

In not small candle news, my 3 wick White Barn Summer candle is disappointing me and has since first burn. It'll give me an even wax pool but the flames are tiny and the wax is turning slightly funky. I have to keep draining out some of the wax to keep it going. I have another one but I'm thinking of exchanging the both of them honestly. The throw isn't that great either. Oh well. First world wax addict problems, I tell ya.

SAS Sneak Peek

Looks like some emails went out with a sneak peek to the SAS where you can snag signature collection and handsoaps for $3 and Wallflower 2 pack refills for $6. It also links to the current handsoap sale and the current 50% off section too. 

Graciously nicked from Sincerely Kelley XOXO

Thanks go to her and Lisaa Fong for sharing in the first place! Thanks ladies!

SAS Sneak Peek

I must confess, at prices like those, I'm tempted even if I haven't smelled most of this stuff before! Curiously the Coconut Vanilla is there now. I wonder if that was the one that was leftover from before? I'm still newish to B&BW so I'm just going to zip it and enjoy. Hurry up, payday!

A few finds!

A short day at work lends me some browsing time and I find a few things that are interesting, that I don't recall seeing before!

Coconut Vanilla: Lotion | Shower Gel | Fragrance Mist

I see this and a few others asked about frequently so that's why I'm suddenly reminded. Besides, of course I'd notice this being the big coconut fan that I am! I hope to see some of it sitting out at the SAS because I can't say I'd like to buy it without smelling first. I definitely don't like everything with coconut in it. Aruba Coconut smells absolutely awful to me!

Coconut Vanilla isn't on clearance for whatever reason, but it is part of B3G2

Also saw:

Velvet Tuberose: Lotion | Fragrance Mist

This is another one I'm not familiar with. I've seen the mist forever but I found the lotion today not in the 50% section despite being 50% off!

Pink Sugarplum Gift Set

I don't recall seeing this one until yesterday. I know it was there at the start of winter SAS but it seems to have popped back up!

I may be late to the party but there they are! If I missed anything, I'm not surprised... I don't really ever look at the online exclusives. Oh. And apologies for only being links and no pictures. Ain't nobody got time for that!

In which there is a 3 day grace period.

I really love the 3 day grace period that B&BW honours. I had the free fragrance mist coupon with any purchase and took it to the mall to load up on some goodies. I can't deny that I have quite a collection of sprays as is but I figure it can't hurt to have a few lot of some of the stuff that's limited time only *cough*malibuheat*cough* The rest are gifts. What can I say? I HATE Sweet Pea. :)

Spent around $12 and came away with over $140 in goodies! Oh I love it. ♥ 

Made some of the purchase some pocket bacs since they finally have the new ones like Paws For Raspberry, which to me smells a bit like TBS Raspberry. I found a scent mate! I try not to use conflicting pocket bacs with my scents for the day. I'm weird like that I guess but to me, slathering on a Twisted Peppermint pocket bac whilst wearing Malibu Heat ... yeech. I did it earlier today because I'm ODing on hand sanitizer right now as something nasty is going around. Not the best result I'll say.

 Next stop, SAS.

Keep calm, and do your surveys, ladies (and gentlemen!).

PS - Coupon can still be used tomorrow if your store will honour the 3 day grace period on it! (Some stores only do bouncebacks. Call ahead before you go!)

In case you missed it, the mates to this one are in this post. Happy shopping, loves!

New sales, SAS anticipation, info

We're counting down the days to the SAS, 9 to go. Luckily the current sales aren't at all tempting so I will be able to spare any extra funds from torment at B&BW! Haven't had the time to pick back up my study on the 4 oz. candles honestly, but I'm sure I'll get to doing it when I have more spare time.

Wasn't feeling too hot today so I gave the Eucalyptus Spearmint shower gel a try. Not a bad one if I say so myself. I think I've gotten over my aversion to spearmint. Well. Maybe not the taste but at least the smell! It helps though, so I will keep the other bottle I got instead of throwing it into my bag o' gifts.

I have to say I am looking forward to the candles and wallflowers that will be returning for the SAS, the names sound way too good to pass up. Anyone who knows me personally knows my affinity for peppermint and mint chocolate in general. The classic scents I know nothing about and will have to examine when I walk through the door on June 12th. My track record for liking stuff that I haven't smelled before buying isn't good. I'll be inspecting the Aromatherapy as well. I'm hoping there'll be some sort of B2G2 on TBS and/or Aromatherapy but I haven't heard anything yet about that.

Looks like things are going to be fairly uneventful until the sale starts. This is going to be my second SAS. I was such a noob at the first one, but now I know what to do! 

One other thing I'm excited for before I sign off. Life Inside The Page has pictures of the Summer Chill bounceback coupon. At first I wasn't really sold and thought I might be ok to pass on this but after seeing the photos, perhaps not! Peppermint may be my winter go to but Coconut is my summer go to. This will be launching July 8th. Also in July (the 29th), there's going to be a Pumpkin fall collection (Pumpkin Caramel Latte, Pumpkin Cupcake) - info courtesy of Sincerely Kelley XOXO and LittleBalladeer. 

Looking forward to my first full Autumn/Winter with B&BW! Favourite time of the year. Bring it on.

PS - Thank you to the ladies whom I have linked to in this post.