Book Review - The Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart

Photo Source - Amazon.com

**May contain spoilers**

What happens, if you wake up one morning and you decide you are not where you want to be in your life? What happens, if you actually have the power to change that?

Everything in Brock Matthew's life is starting to unravel -- his marriage, his enterprising coffee company, his faith, and his relationships with his family.  Brook has also lately starts having ominous nightmares about his dead father. His relationship with his father was strained at best -- complete opposites who yearned for each other's love but unknown to them how to ask for it. Not knowing what to do, he turns to his best friend, Morgan for help. Morgan offers him a book on lucid dreams and how to help control his dreams, while understanding their purpose.

At first, Brock thought it would be a novel experiment.  He would try and understand what his father is trying to tell him and hopefully, he can find a way to fix his coffee business and repair his marriage. Unfortunately, not everything is what it is seems. Instead of just dreaming about the day he proposes to his girlfriend, he unintentionally travels back into time and changes his past and inconsequentially his future. As the saying goes, "With great power comes great responsibility", Brock travels back into time to talk to his younger self in hopes to change the present. The only question is, would he succeed?

The book is a quick and fun read. It offers many twists and turns with the reader rooting for Brock. It also teaches us to focus on the more important things in life because once they are gone --- they are gone.  It also teaches forgiveness, love, understanding, acceptance and putting others before yourself. We all have done things in the past in which we feel guilty of, but it's up to us to make it right. A great piece of fiction that will make you analyze yourself and make you want to be a better person. There is no point in sitting around and saying "if I can go back and change this and that" --- when you can always try to be a better person in the present.


**Disclosure - I received a copy of an uncorrected ebook for my honest opinion --- this had no impact on my review and feedback**

Clarisea Sea Salt Solution Face Rapid Detox Charcoal Exfoliant

The all natural exfoliant is packed with naturally detoxifying ingredients like activated bamboo charcoal powder, almond flour, Pacific ocean & Himalayan pink sea salt. The dry exfoliant can used by itself with water made into a paste or can be used with any other cleanser. I have tried both methods and before using the exfoliant with another cleanser.  Although, without fail I always end up with a bit of charcoal in my mouth. When using with water, I always add too much and the end product becomes too watery. I love using it with the DHC cleansing oil because when I add a little to it; it foams!! (As you can tell, it doesn’t take much to make me ecstatic). After washing out the exfoliant my skin feels smooth, softer and brighter. I would definitely purchase this again if  I can just figure out a way not to get it into my mouth.

Book Review - The Magician of Auschwitz by Kathy Kacer

Photo Source - Amazon

A heartwarming tale of a little boy who was all alone in a terrifying situation and wanting a friend. Werner Reich was sent to Auschwitz and separated from his mother and older sister. Without a friend in the concentration camp, he felt alone.  One day, he ends up meeting a gentleman named Herr Levin or The Great Nivelli. Levin treats Werner like friend in the lonely world and was also a father figure. He teaches Werner magic tricks and gives him guidance, support, and to help keep his mind off their dire circumstances. The book is a short read and includes a biography of both Werner and Levin. A true masterpiece and help shine light on the brighter side of humanity during the darker times.

**Disclosure - I received a copy of an uncorrected ebook for my honest opinion --- this had no impact on my review and feedback**

Medicell Labs Advance Moisture Eye Mask Duo

A fiend for masks and I always do love a good mask, I thought I would try these. Sometimes, with working late hours, going to be late and having a poor night’s rest -- my eyes start showing its wear. The seaweed derived masks promises to refresh and revitalize skin around the eyes.  While the hyaluronic acid imparts moisture to the skin. The eye mask is made without any fragrance and parabens. After application, my dark circles and under-eye bags looked less apparent but the fine lines and wrinkles were still there. I assume, those would require more long term usage before I see any benefits. These were fun and easy to use but quite pricey. I think I might stick to these as a once in awhile treat.

KocoStar 5 Finger Nail Pack Nail Therapy Multivitamin Nail Treatment

I tend to do my nails at home and I try to take the best care of them as possible. However, somehow or the other my nails end up raggedly. I have used Julep’s nail treatment  before so I was excited to give these a try. The nail treatments are enriched with botanicals and vitamins to protect and prevent against splitting and peeling. Each pack has ten little nail mask to slip over each finger. The recommended wait time is 30 minutes to one hour. The mask was easy to apply but I had trouble with keeping them on though. After, removing each mask there was leftover treatment on my nails. After massaging them in, my skin was soft and my nails were slightly shiny. However, the benefits didn’t keep and next week I found myself having to redo the treatment. This treatment is perfect for maintenance instead of the solve all solution.

Beautannia Balfour Scented Candle

The beautiful scented candle caught my eyes and then my nose was in for a treat. The candle was inspired by the Scottish Highlands.  With notes of English fern, birch leaf, labdanum, oakmoss, vetiver, and copaiba balsam.  It has a refreshing scent and lasts even after ousting the flame. 

Book Review - Detective Strongoak and the Case of the Dead Elf by Terry Newman

Photo Source - Amazon.com

Private detective Nicely Strongoak goes about his day until he is asked to investigate the case of a missing surfer. The case seeming easy enough turns into a whirlwind of mystery and murder.  The book which is a mishmash between LOTR, mystery noir, humor and thriller takes readers to a fantasy world filled with colorful characters. 

While, investigating the missing surfer, Perry Goodfellow, is thrown into a chaotic world filled with murder, death, fire, drugs, magic and goblins. He awakens after one of his investigations next to a murdered elf with Nicely's weapon engraved into his skull. With death knocking on every door, Nicely must navigate the sticky world of politics while making sure he's not next.

The mysterious thriller is tinged with jokes and wildly creative characters that takes the reader for a wild ride.  It is a quick read but can be a bit wordy at times. A great read for anyone who likes fantasy books or who has a soft spot for private eye dwarfs!

Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen - No.2 BlackBlue

The creamy eyeliner goes on smoothly but smudges very easily. After a while, the satin finished eyeliner just melts away and disappears away. The pencil sharpens nicely but the cream eyeliner sometimes melts and gets stuck in the sharpener or just breaks off. The eyeliner is enriched with vitamin E and natural mineral pigments and is paraben, mineral oil,  and preservative free. The eyeliner is a beautiful blue black color with a hint of glimmer.