Sunday, July 26, 2015

Plato's Closet- Where Have You Been All My Life!? (Oakville, Ontario) #Review



If you have an addiction to fashion like I do, you'll want to read this post!

 I have had a clothing addiction from an early age. I can remember coming home from school for lunch when I was about 6 years old and my Mom had gone shopping and bought me some new clothes. I recall it like it was yesterday. Inside I was jumping up and down and squealing, and probably doing so on the outside too! Ever since that day, I went home with a bit of excitement and wonder if my Mom had more new clothes waiting for me when I got home. So, I'm not sure what fueled this obsession with fashion, I can only assume I was just born this way. I love my fashion, but I've always gotten bored with my new items really fast and wanted some more new threads, like now! Before I go on, I'd like to say, the first step is admitting that I have a problem. The second step is going to Plato's closet!

I had heard of Plato's Closet before, but I didn't know that one had opened about 40 minutes away from me. I thought they were only in the USA and some other Provinces in Canada.  I was happy to find out that there was one I could go check out, as I had a pile of clothing left after cleaning out my closet (something I do seasonally, if not more.) I had sold many items at my garage sale before I found out that I had a Plato's Closet within driving distance. But, I also had many items that I didn't want to sell at my garage sale where I get very little for items, even if they are new with tags. In hindsight, there are some items I did sell at my garage sale that I'm pretty sure now I would have received more money if I had taken them to Plato's Closet. 

For years, I had been trying to sell my clothes online and using apps with very little success and a lot of work. It's tough to sell clothing online. You have to factor in that the potential buyer doesn't know if the item will fit, plus there's postage and handling.  If it's not a designer piece that you want to sell, it's most likely not worth selling online, at least here in Canada where shipping prices are sky-high!  I've also tried consignment shops, which are few and far between, plus you only get paid if and when the item(s) sell. At Plato's Closet, they pay you cash, right there on the spot! What can get better than that?  This is just the kind of place for someone like me who gets bored of my clothes quickly and is always itching for something new. Then there are the clothes that I was supposed to fit into someday, but that day hasn't come, again, this is where Plato's Closet comes in.

I didn't want to make a trip in vain, so I called Plato's Closet before I left to get the scoop. They told me that they only accept clothing that is either new or like new condition. Plus, they only want items that are between 1-1.5 years old and within the current fashion trends. This means that for fashion obsessed people like myself, it will not only be a great place to sell but also to shop! ;)  I asked if I needed an appointment and they said no appointment necessary, just come on in. So, I packed up all my clothes and shoes and headed out.


Front Entrance

Once I got there, I saw how well laid out and organized the store was. Overhead signs at the front desk (not shown) direct you where to go. I was greeted by the staff and they placed all my items in a bin and told me I was 3rd in line to have my items looked at. I took a look around the store while I waited and somehow the denim rack found me- stalker! So, I had to try on some jeans, duh! I happened to find a pair that fit like they were made just for me! They seemed like new and were only $14. Sold! *Excited



The store is brimming with the latest fashions and categorized by type and then sizes. Again, since they don't accept outdated items, you know that everything in the store is on-trend. They are really marketing to teens and young adults, but as long as you like fashion and have a youthful spirit, I think this would be a store for you. On the other hand, if you're looking to buy or sell business wear, this wouldn't be the right shop for those types of items. 

They have some great jewelry and accessories too!

Once it was my turn to have the staff go through my items, I went up to the desk and watched as they carefully inspected and selected the items they wanted. Luckily for me, that turned out to be most of my items! The really do have quite high standards regarding what they accept. This doesn't mean it has to be name brand or anything, just that the items are still trending now, and in great or like new condition.

Going into this, I had no idea what to expect as this was a new concept for me. I was really happy with how things went. I did quite well for my first time. I came home with some extra cash in my wallet and a great fitting pair of jeans! Not to mention how great it felt to get rid of some items that didn't work for me and were just taking up space, and turning that into cash.

If you're a clothing recycler like I am, and you have a casual or trendy style, you really need to check this place out. They've really got something that the market desperately needed. It's like having all the latest clothing and shops in one store. If you love cleaning out your closet and revamping your wardrobe over and over again like I do, you will love this shop!

I've been donating my clothes for years and enjoy doing so. But, sometimes I have items that are still new with the tags and I can't return them for various reasons and I also need some extra cash. Plato's Closet is my answer. All I could think after I left was "Where have you been all my life?!"

All the staff were super friendly and helpful, from the fitting room to the cash and selling process. I had such a great experience buying and selling at Plato's Closet, so I will definitely be back for more. The location I went to was in Oakville, Ontario Canada. Soon there will be 2 more locations opening up that are even closer to me; one in Mississauga and another in Brampton (both in Ontario, Canada.)

The staff were kind enough to allow me to take some photos of their store.











I wish I had taken more pictures but it all happened quite last minute. I was so happy with my experience at Plato's Closet that as I was leaving I thought, I just have to share this, it's too good to keep it to myself. So, I got permission and quickly took a few shots of the store.

If you have some new to like new clothes that you don't wear, what are you waiting for? Check out Plato's Closet and turn it into some cash!

For more info, here is a link to Plato's Closet in Oakville.

Disclaimer: Plato's closet has no idea who I am nor do they know that I am writing this article.

Amy




Friday, July 24, 2015

Nielsen Homescan: The Facts/ My Experience- Is it All They Say!? #Review





I wanted to share my experience with Nielsen Homescan. I heard about this company for at least a year. I would constantly see people raving about them online. People raved about how they reaped such wonderful rewards so easily, getting gift cards sent to them from this company every month. So, of course, I wanted in, who wouldn't!? But, there was always a wait list since it was in such "high demand." I got on the wait list, then, in November 2014 I got in! I was so excited. I got sent the scanner to scan and upload all of my purchases and I was on my way to easily, earning such wonderful rewards. At least that's what I thought.


All the comments I read online talked about how easy the program was and how it took no time at all and suddenly you would be sent all these gift cards for very little effort. I started scanning my purchases and let me tell you, it is not so easy. In fact, it is VERY time consuming. They want to know about ALL of your shopping habits. I found myself scanning things daily. Whether it was a coffee purchase, grocery, hair care, drugstore, clothing, beauty, gas, online purchase, whatever, you have to scan everything that you purchase! And, they expect everyone in the household to participate and scan their purchases as well. You need all of your receipts handy as most of the time you have to manually enter prices for each purchase that you make. Then, at the end of each week you upload your scanner to send them your information about all your purchases for that week.

I did this for over 7 months without fail, scanning daily and uploading weekly, from November 2014 to June 2015. And, what did I have to show for it in over 7 months? NOTHING! Nothing but 3000 points in my account with them and the lowest gift card of $10 requires 8000 points to redeem it. So, by my calculations it would take over 1 year of scanning all of your purchases and weekly uploading just to earn a $10 movie gift card (at this time it's a movie gift card, but that could change.) 

Let me break it down:
You get 150 points each week IF you upload your scanner.
Multiply 150 X 52 weeks (1 year)
=7800 (just short of the 8000 minimum to redeem for the lowest gift card of $10!)

There are supposed to be surveys to earn extra points, but in 7 months, I got one survey that earned me a whopping 200 points!

I was so tired of scanning everything that me and my family purchased and having nothing to show for it, so I contacted the company and told them about my displeasure. They didn't even respond to me regarding this. So, I packed up the scanner and all the materials and bar codes for scanning and shipped it back. Good riddance!

I was so relieved to no longer have to scan everything me and my family purchased. But, I was also angry for being mislead and for wasting over 7 months of my life doing this for absolutely nothing! They got all of my hard work, all of my information for their research purposes and rewarded me with nothing! Nothing but lost time that I cannot get back.

So, why am I writing this? Because I want to save YOU 7 months or however many months of your life and time! This was my experience and I have a voice and I want to share this with you and save you some grief so all of my lost time, work and grief was not all in vain.

I'm not sure why so many coupon and savings bloggers rave about this service, maybe they are getting a kick back or maybe, somehow, they got their $10 gift card in less than 53 months!

This is just my experience and the facts and I hope that it helps someone out there!

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Tools for an at Home Sunday Spa Day! #DIY


Sometimes we all need a little pampering and what's better than a little R&R. Sometimes, I find that an at home spa day at the end of a week can give me just what I need after a stressful week or event. We don't all have the time or money to go to an actual spa, it would be nice, but it can be just as nice (if not better) to give yourself a little pampering at home.  Here, I'll share the tools I am using right now for my mini at home spa day (which I happen to be doing today!)



To start, get your favourite scented candle going or a diffuser with your favourite essential oils. Somehow, it always creates a more relaxing atmosphere.



Next, grab your favourite tea or some lemon and water. I like to choose a detox tea or a relaxing one. Some of my favourite teas for relaxation are Celestial Seasonings Tension Tamer or Lemon Balm (which I'm currently out of.) If you feel you need a detox, try some lemon in water, it's a good idea to drink this daily anyways- your liver and skin will thank you. Or, choose a detox tea, there are  a lot of good ones. The one pictured is Organic Lemon EveryDay Detox by Traditional Medicinals.




An at home spa day wouldn't be complete without a nice bath. Grab some Epsom Salts for relaxation, your favourite essential oil (I like lavender) and your favourite bubble bath. To make it more detoxifying you can add a few drops of tea tree oil or a box of baking soda (which would also make your skin super soft!)




Our hair can usually use some pampering too, I know mine does. Get out your favourite deep conditioning mask and leave it on for at least 20 minutes. Another favourite of mine is to put organic coconut oil on my dry hair before shampooing and leave it on for 10 minutes or so.




Next, you'll want to pamper your skin. Choose an exfoliator to start with and depending on your skins needs, follow up with a detoxifying or hydrating mask. These are my 2 favourites to pamper my skin; Pure and Simple's Sensitive Skin Exfoliant + Face mask followed by Pure and Simple's Rejuvenating Rosehip Mask.




Don't forget your hands and feet! I like to use the Amope electronic foot file on dry feet before I bathe. I was lucky enough to get this for free from ChickAdivor for trial purposes and it really does a great job- because it's rotating it does all the elbow work for you! I also like to use a crystal nail file for my nails as these files seem to last a life time!  Next, choose whatever nail polish colours make you feel joy on this day.




Finally, grab your favourite magazine or book or anything you enjoy to kick-back and relax. Whether it's an audible book, a movie or maybe your favourite TV show. Take this time for yourself and escape for a little while.

What are your favourite things to do to relax and unwind?

ps. Please come join the fun at Fabulous and Fun Life! Lot's of great blogs to check out or join in!

Amy
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