Showing posts with label clay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clay. Show all posts

Monday, April 9, 2018

Book Review - Clod Makes a Friend by David J. Pedersen + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon
Clod is a magnet for bullies because he is different than his classmates. He is bigger, clumsy and ugly along with having no magic. In a world where magic makes everything possible, Clod has no friends and has trouble getting along with other people.

Clod lives with his mother, Eidy in a small cottage where they barely have enough to survive.  One day after a visit from his teacher, Learned Yugen about an incident at school, Clod is more discouraged than ever. He takes to building a friend out of clay that his mother brings for him every day. One day, the clay girl, Ada comes to life and becomes friends with Clod but her confidence and courage get them both in trouble. Is Ada the friend Clod desperately needs?

The novel was a quick and fun read especially with the dynamics between Ada and Clod. There were portions of the book where I thought the sassy Ada would become another bully for Clod but I was happy when it turns out that they both needed each other. While I did enjoy the book, I wish the author went into a bit more details especially about the dark war and Clod's family. Overall, it was a fun treat to read and I look forward to reading other books by the author.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**


Book Details:

Book Title:  Clod Makes a Friend by David J. Pedersen
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction, 174 pages
Genre:  Fantasy
Publisher:  Odysia Press
Release date:  March 2018
Content Rating: PG (There is no bad language, but there is one "boss fight" scene.)

Book Description:

Best Friend Ever?

Bullies love to hate Clod. Not just because he’s bigger, clumsier, and uglier than his classmates - he’s also the only student in his school without magic. In a world where all magic is possible and everyone else is born with great gifts to do amazing things, Clod is alone.

Living with his mum in a broken-down cottage on barely enough, the only thing Clod has to play with is the clay she occasionally brings him. Bleak is an understatement. More than anything, Clod wants a friend. The only way that’s going to happen, is to make one himself.

After an angry visit from the worst of the bullies, his teacher Learned Yugen, Clod’s clay sculpture of a little girl comes to life and introduces herself as Ada. For a clay girl barely the size of his hand, she has more confidence and courage than he knows what to do with. Every adventure she leads him on gets Clod into trouble. She may be the friend he wants, but is she the friend he needs?

After many years, and too many pranks, Yugen becomes convinced that Clod is tainted by the evil slowly infiltrating the Kingdom of Pag. Especially when Ada isn’t the only one Clod can bring to life.

Clod Makes A Friend is a bittersweet fairy tale for all ages from David J. Pedersen, author of the Angst series of fantasy novels.

David J. Pedersen Meet the Author:

David J. Pedersen is a native of Racine, WI who resides in his home town Kansas City, MO. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He has worked in sales, management, retail, video and film production, and IT. David has run 2 marathons, climbed several 14,000 foot mountains and marched in Thee University of Wisconsin Marching Band and written 4 fantasy novels. He is a geek and a fanboy that enjoys carousing, picking on his wife and kids, playing video games, and slowly muddling through his next novel.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, June 11, 2017

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush - Fanciful





I recently found this limited edition blush in my collection and thought I would add it in rotation. Granted, I haven't even a dent in any of my currently 30 open blushes -- but one has to treat themselves, right???

Like the other Tarte blushes, this one is also infused with Amazonian clay that was naturally baked by the sun. It promises a 12 hour fade free finish and with a wide range of finishes such as satin, shimmer, and matte. The dermatologist tested blush is formulated without parabens, triclosan, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, and gluten.

Unlike a few other blushes I have tried, this blush has a more powdery/chalky texture. It didn't last a full 12 hours on me and while it has a nice  matte pinkish mauve color, I had to really blend it in to avoid a chalky look. 

Monday, March 6, 2017

Ettang Modeling Co Take - Out Cup - Chlorella













While on search for a new mask to try, I came across this brand. It seemed interesting enough and got good reviews. The single use pack comes with powder and all you need to do is add water and stir. The cup has enough for  2- 3 uses and I learned the hard way, to separate out some powder in another container so you can use the rest for another time. If you use too much water, the mask will be too watery and if you use too little water, the mask will be very dry. Each cup has a special “star” ingredient and Chlorella is known for skin soothing properties. After removing the mask, most of the mask came out in one clean pull; my face was soft, smooth and looked radiant. I am definitely hooked and can’t wait to try the others.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Scinic All Day Fine Pore Clay Mask









The airy Amazon clay mask has a slight spongy consistency due being infused with carbonic acid. It supposedly helps the mask be applied evenly however when I applied it, it was clumpy. When I first opened the jar, it was a bit dry the edges and the entire clay mask was giant ball in the middle not touching the side of the jar. The mask was spread unevenly no matter how I tried but in the thin areas it hardens when it dries. And God oh Almighty, it takes forever to clean off my face! Even with a wash clothing but it was worth the effort. My face did feel a bit tight even with lotion on but it my skin was smooth and soft afterwards.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush - Enthused







The solar baked natural clay blush promises 12 hours of coverage. The Amazonian clay reduces oil around pores to keep the product lasting longer. The clay's nourishing and hydrating properties help restore skin's moisture. The color reminds me a bit of Stila's Kitten but without the summer. It has a bit of a sand color. I also don't notice the blush lasting 12 hours. The color kind of washes me out and I will probably use this as a highlighter or as an eyeshadow.


Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush - Thankful









I got this limited edition blush when I purchased the Tarte Thoughtful Treasures Set Holiday set.  The blush is a bright golden apricot pink. It has a satiny finish and doesn't have much glitter or gloss.  This blush is high pigmented and a little goes a long way. While, this is particularly favorite color (I tend to like really bright reds), it does give my cheeks a nice healthy glow.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Tarte 12 Hour Amazonian Clay Lipstick - Inspired















The neutral lipstick is a soft beige color and is packed with clay and natural butters like mango, avocado and shea. The lipstick promises to provide rich, vivid and long lasting color. The lipstick went on smooth and felt creamy. Personally, the color was not my favorite.  I was looking for a neutral color but this matched my natural lip color to well. And it didn't last very long. I had to reapply quite often.