Julep Nail Polish - Sara

A beautiful Scandinavian blue creme nail polish which was perfect for the Spring weather. The nail polish provided full coverage and last two days before chipping.

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. 

Ettang Modeling Co Take - Out Cup - Charcoal

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 Charcoal is known for controlling sebum. 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.                                                       

Book Review - Sweetbriar Cottage by Denise Hunter

Photo Credit - Amazon

When Noah receives a message from the IRS claiming that he and his ex-wife, Josephine was still married he thought it was a mistake. However, after further investigation he realizes the divorce was never finalized and they would need to work together if they getting the paperwork in order. After their divorce, Noah had given up his dream job and moved to a remote horse ranch to avoid communication with Josephine.  Both Noah and Josephine thought it would be as easy as signing their names, however a storm hits and leaves them stranded. Will the coldness outside melt Josephine's and Noah's icy heart?

The novel had an interesting premise but it felt a bit flat. Some of the sentences were a bit choppy and hard to understand while in chapter the dog, Shadow was referred to both a "he" and "she". I also didn't find myself rooting or invested in any of the characters. I found them very annoying and made stupid choices...like stupid obvious choices. A decent read but I have read better.

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

Book Review - Driver Confessional by David Winters

Photo Credit - Amazon

Antonio is a law student who is trying to provide for his young family. He becomes a part time driver for a ride share program in DC. Antonio is known for good lucks and his gentle and warming manners. When a mysterious woman enters his world, he is thrown into the world of secrets and violence. Antonio will have to rely on his police officer brother, Rocco and his friends to help solve a murder. Who is this mysterious woman? What does she have that is so important? 

The novel was a quick read with an interesting premise. However, it failed to deliver. The characters fell flat and the dialogue felt fake. I felt at times that the author was being a bit preachy  and the novel had racial undertones.  The beginning the book was interesting but towards the end but the book just fizzles out. 

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

BBW Cool Amazon Rain Shea and Vitamin Showergel

The sweet scented body wash is packed with aloe vera, vitamin E and shea butter to leave skin soft and smooth. The creamy body wash gives ample lather. It has a soft sweet scent that lingers on the skin for an hour.

Key West Aloe Mango Body Wash

The sweet scented body wash is enriched with 30% aloe, vitamin E, and mango extracts. It promises to nourish, moisturize, and clean skin while gently scenting the skin with a “tropical scent”. I found the body wash to produce a sufficient lather but I wasn’t really wowed by the performance. My skin wasn’t any softer or moisturized and the scent was very weak.

Book Review - Long Black Veil by Jennifer Finney Boylan

Photo Credit - Amazon

Six college students sneak into abandoned jail on a warm August night in 1980. Being young, the students think they are invincible until an accident occurs causing each of the survivor to face the consequences. As they try to move on, it becomes clear that the dark night has left a stain on their lives. The incident is bought to life when chef Jon Casey is accused of murder.  Judith Carrigan can prove he is innocence but that would cause her own dark secrets to surface. What secrets are Judith hiding?  What occurred the night of the accident? Will Judith be able to tell the truth even if it means destroying her own life?

The novels narrates the story from 1980 and present day. It was a quick and interesting read. However, I felt the story about the murder took a backseat to one of the characters dealing with their past and sexuality. An interesting book that humanizes the struggle people face when changing genders but I wish there was a bit more focus on the murder aspect of the story.  A good book and I look forward to more books from the author!

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

Jarritos Fruit Punch Tutifrui Candle

When grocery shopping, I passed by this candle and HAD to get it. I love Jarritos and thought no better way to show my love for Jarritos. The candle was under $3 and had a decent scent prior to lighting. However, it had no noticeable scent when lit -- sadly. It was a very cheap candle, so I probably shouldn't have gotten my hopes up :(