July 2020 Haul!

I noticed that being home almost every day other than to forage for food, I been trying to spend more time taking care of myself. I ended up digging through a few of my hoard and found some new products I am excited to try.  I have to keep telling myself to stop buying new things before finishing out things. But saying and doing are definitely two different things.

I received a sample of the SocialCBD muscle rub and was surprised how well it worked and quickly. I also got a container of their foot renewal cream. Granted, no one is probably going to see my feet for the new few months/years but, at least it will look nice when they make their debut. I am excited to try the Lancer mask and the GlamGlow. Both are highly reviewed products so I am hoping they work well. I also got quite a few lip products but, I have nowhere to go. I definitely have been putting on my lipstick when I am home alone.

Let me know if you have tried any of the products above!

Book Review - Rodin's Lover by Heather Webb

Photo Credit - Amazon

Camille Claudel is a young aspiring sculptor. However, because she is a woman, she has plenty of critics including her own overly traditional mother. When renowned sculptor, Auguste Rodin makes Camille his apprentice and muse, their passion ignites their creativity to create breathtaking pieces of work. Even though, Camille is a talented sculptor her success his overshadowed by Rodin's gaining popularity and her gender. Her obsession with creating art and her relationship with Rodin is slowly driving her down the path of madness.

I thought that the novel was an interesting read. It was heartbreaking to read Camille's struggle with mental illness and being treated as an inferior sculptor because of her gender. I didn't like that Camille and Rodin's love affair was considered to be "passionate" but, there was a lot of childish "he loves but, I don't like him...even if I do" scenes.  At times, I found it hard to understand and feel for Camille as she was very sharp and cruel to many of the people who were close to her. I believe the author did this to show Camille's mental state but, I felt it made it hard to root for her. I did like that author included names of Camille's artwork and I thought many of them were beautiful when I did look them up. It was heartbreaking that she didn't receive the same acclaim as her Rodin however, I am glad that a few of her pieces survived.

**Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Talented Miss Farwell by Emily Gray Tedrowe

Photo Credit - Amazon

In the late 1990s, Miss Rebecca Farwell made a killing at Christie's in New York City, right when the art market finally recovered. Reba is dressed to impressed with couture YSL and drinking only the finest champagne at trendy restaurants. She is a model of a wealthy art collector. Reba has many different personas, to some she is a ruthless businesswoman and to others, she is only interested in art because of how much money she can make.

In the small town of Pierson, Illinois, Miss Farwell is known as someone totally different. She is known as Becky, a single woman who works tirelessly for her town as the town's comptroller.  She still lives at her childhood home and wears sensible clothing and shoes. Becky is the only one in the town who understands all the ins and outs of Pierson's accounts. She is the last one in the office and the first one in the office crunching the numbers. The town is always in awe at her ability to find money when they need it most. However, no one knows that she "borrows" funds from the town's account to fund her art habit. She tries to repay the money when she can but, the art business is very cutthroat and unpredictable.

The premise of the novel sounds interesting but, I am not sure how this book is classified as a thriller. There are only two possible outcomes and there are no surprise twists. I felt like the whole novel was rather pointless and there was no "purpose" to this novel. I had a hard time understanding and liking Becky and her addiction to collecting art. I felt like she was buying and selling art to feel in control and have money but, then she did some weird things. For example, she ruined expensive brand name bags and donated expensive shoes with the tags on. I would think someone who is literally killing themselves with their compulsive behavior of stealing would take better care of their things. I felt like there wasn't enough time explaining Becky's motives and personality.

**Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

July 2020 Empties!

Happy Fourth of July! I hope everyone is having a great and safe day! Be sure to keep hydrated :)

Since I am still in isolation I have been managing to only finish mostly skincare products with the occasional makeup item. But, to be fair, I think that was like that was the case even before the pandemic. The most notable items were the face masks. I like the Skyn Iceland rubber mask but, the pouch goes with enough product for two uses but, unfortunately, can't be re-sealed. I like the other types of modeling mask where you mix with water so, you can use as much as you like. The Amika exfoliating shampoo was nice but, then I realized the sugar crystals don't always fully dissolve and wash away. A few times I have found some on my scalp. 

The biggest disappointment was the Snow Fox serum. The serum was around $75 and did absolutely nothing for my skin. The serum when applied to my skin made it feel tight and dry. A complete and utter waste. The same thing goes for the Tatcha face mask. The mask was $12 for a single one and it didn't perform at all. It was a complete rip-off. I had better luck with masks that were under $5.

Here is a list of everything I finished below. Let me know your thoughts!

Skyn Iceland Artic Hydration Rubberizing Mask

Lassie'el Real Vitamin E Powder Mask

Cuccio Somatology Yogahhh! Detox Bath

Miss Spa Detoxifying Self-Heating Creme Mask

Beauty Chuck I'm Real GIRA Mask- Aqua Beauty Chuck

Keep Cool and Let Shine Intensive Whitening Second Skin Mask

Feel Brilliant Bamboo Charcoal Facial Sheet Mask

Wonjin Effect three-step mask

Davines SU Hair and Body Wash

Snow Fox Skin Care True Luminosity Serum

Tom's of Maine Creamy Coconut with Virgin Coconut Oil Soap

Amika Reset Exfoliating Jelly Shampoo

Starskin VIP Nose Treatment Strips

Vagisil Scentsitive Scents - Peach Blossom

Leaders Labotica Bamboo Skin Soft Mask

Facetory Everyday Olive Squalane

Ariul Juice Cleanse Mask 2x Plus Raspberry and Lentil

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mask

Annie's Way Rose Essence Jelly Mask

Book Review - Always Watching (Elite Guardians, #1) by Lynette Eason

Photo Credit - Amazon

The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency is an elite group of women who are skilled in law enforcement. Wade Savage is a popular psychiatrist and radio personality and starts receiving gifts from a listener. However, it starts becoming clear that the person sending the gifts might be stalking Wade. Wade's father is worried about his son and hires the Elite Guardians to protect him.

When Wade's bodyguard was attacked and nearly killed, Olivia Edwards, the agency owner must step in and protect him. Olivia's abilities are put to the test when Wade's stalker becomes more aggressive and starts threatening people close to him. Olivia has a feeling that she might be next on the list when she and Wade are starting to fall for each other.

I liked the idea about having female bodyguards but, I thought it was annoying how they were always several steps behind their opponent and how Wade kept babying Olivia. Some of the characters seemed over the top and unrealistic. For example, when the daughter was yelled at for eating chocolates that were left by a stalker. She knew that her father's stalker was dangerous but, instead focused on her father's reaction of her wanting to eat chocolate. I liked that there wasn't too much back and forth in the romantic department. Where one character would push the other one way but, secretly want them. The plot was a bit predictable but, I still found the story enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading the other stories in the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

Book Review - The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee

Photo Credit - Amazon

Will Truesdale is an Englishman who just arrives in Hong Kong for work in 1942. He falls into a passionate love affair with Trudy Liang, a beautiful Eurasian heiress. However, their relationship becomes troubled when the Japanese invade making the effects of WWII hitting close to home. Will is sent to an internment camp, where he and other foreigners try to adapt to their new living situation while struggling for survival. Trudy refuses to enter the internment camp and remains on the outside. She forms a dangerous alliance with a military head. The general is desperate to locate a collection of priceless Chinese art and is willing to do anything even if it leads to friends betraying each other.

Claire Pendleton arrives ten years later in Hong Kong and is hired by the wealthy Chen family to give their daughter piano lessons. Claire and her new husband, Martin moved for his work in the water department. Claire is immediately taken with the social life of the expatriate community. During an elegant cocktail party, Claire runs into Will and she feels immediately attracted to him. As they continue their affair, Claire realizes that Will his hiding his past and a dark secret. As she beings to dig into his past, she unearths dangerous secrets and Claire understands the true price of survival.

The novel was interesting at first but, then the story started moving very slowly. I didn't really care for any of the characters. I felt like they weren't developed enough for me think of them as real people. The story felt a bit discombobulated and told in fragments. I felt like that ruined the flow of the novel. I didn't understand the motivation behind some of the characters. For example, Will takes ten years before he reaches out to the Chens about something that happened in the war. Did something happen when he was with Claire that set him off? Why did the Edwina decide to spill the beans on what happened during the war? Was she trying to prove something or did someone wronged her? These were some of the things I wanted more details on and not the Hermes scarf that Claire had.

**Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

June 2020 Haul Part 2!

It feels like it has been forever since I was able to leave home and go about life. However, I am not complaining because the heat lately has been a killer and I can barely step foot outside before running back in to hide under a fan. I am also glad to still have a job which allows me to buy more things...hahah

I would like to say I tried to show restraint in the last few weeks but, that's an absolute lie. I bought ten new nail polishes (not pictured) and I didn't even open them but, the colors just make me so happy. I also got a bunch of lip products even though no one will see them but me. I have been wearing bold lipsticks while reading at night. A different color for each new book. I am excited to try the dark red Coloured Raine lipstick and the red lipstick from Lipstick Queen. I own several LP products but, not this specific shade. I also restocked my oils and creams since I am going through them like crazy. I feel like as soon as a bit of skincare hits my skin, I just sweat the whole thing off. I am looking forward to trying the Kypris (look at that fancy label!) and the Akar facial oil.

Even though I usually reserve taking baths during the winter, I still crave one every so often. I came across these bubble bars at Walgreens. They have a bit of a chemical scent but, they were a lot cheaper than Lush. I am hoping that once the bubble bar hits the water, it starts smelling delicious.

Has anyone tried any of these items? If so, let me know!

Book Review - This Little Light by Lori Lansens

Photo Credit - Amazon

Rory Miller and her best friend, Fee, are on the run after a bomb denotes in their elite Christian private school. Their triple-gated California community is filled with born-again Christians and celebrity worshipping while abortions are made illegal. During their American Chastity Ball, young women are dressed in white and make pledges to their fathers that they will remain virgins until they marry. The bomb denotes during the Ball causing the girls to run away and struggle for survival.  Christian zealots and bounty hunters are all hunting for the girls while Roy blogs about their story in real-time, in hopes of leaving the truth on what happened in case they don't make it.

In the span of 48 hours, readers are taken through Rory's and Fee's journey through events and what leads them to run away. I was a bit torn on the book, I didn't quite like any of the characters and felt like it was an overwhelming read (for me). I did feel for Rory who was having a hard time navigating her new reality. I thought the book moved a bit slowly and I wasn't fond of the narrating style. The book was a bit predictable but, the ending was a surprise and very unexpected. This wasn't my most favorite read of the month but, I am still opened to reading more books by the author. If you like dystopian books, then this might be a good book for you.

**Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Spotlight - The Melody of the Mulberries (Big Creek) by Tonya Jewel Blessing + Giveaway

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Melody of the Mulberries

(Big Creek Series, #2)

By Tonya Jewel Blessing

Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 248 Pages

September 1, 2019 by Capture Books

This sequel to The Whispering of the Willows is set in the late 1920s' Appalachia, where granny witches and spiritualism often show the path for wanderers to take, especially in matters of the heart.

This Big Creek sequel follows the lives and loves of two siblings. Coral determines to visit the family's nemesis, Charlie, now in prison for the rape of her sister, Emerald, and the murder of her inlaw. When Mercy re-enters brother Ernest's life, he has already found a new attraction in his elder brother's widow.

Coral sat in contemplation under a mulberry tree. It was spring, and the fragrant female blossoms promised the mid-summer arrival of first white, then pink, then crimson, and finally deep purple berries. The white berries were hard and tart and enjoyed by the quail, wild turkeys, mocking birds, and blue jays. The blackish purple berries were soft and sweet - perfect for pies and jams.

When the berries turned white, Coral would thank the good Lord for providing food for the birds. When the berries ripened she would thank the good Lord for the sweetness savored in her mouth and curse the birds for wanting more than their share.

Where Emerald Ashby's story leaves us in the last pages of The Whispering of the Willows, sixteen-year-old Coral Ashby's story begins. Like the changing mulberries, Appalachian siblings Coral and Ernest Ashby, navigate life through the late 1920s. Coral is determined to visit the family nemesis, Charlie, who now stews in prison.

When Ernest's previous love interest, Mercy, returns to the holler of Big Creek, she discovers that his heart is now singing a melody for Charlotte, the older Ashby brother's widow. But Mercy has brought along her own spiritual tools and a special friend who guides her way.

Accompanied by friends and foes, matters of the heart complicate life for Coral and Ernest. Relationships must be journeyed carefully.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

About the Author

Tonya Jewel Blessing 

National/International Speaker, Published Author, Co-Founder/Director Strong Cross Ministries

Tonya grew up in rural Ohio. She currently lives in South Africa with her husband of 35 years. Tonya decided to trust Jesus for the destination of her young soul at the age of four. As a young adult, she worked for a well known television evangelist, and traveled with a Christian drama group throughout the Midwest. 

Tonya attended Arapahoe Community College and Akron University, and has enjoyed a trusted position in formal and informal ministry settings and training opportunities. Tonya also worked as a children’s pastor, youth pastor, and women’s pastor. She served on staff at Praise Church in Littleton, Colorado for a number of years, and also worked as the Director of Women’s Ministries for Journey Church in Strasburg, Colorado. She has served on a number of ministry boards that support concerns for women. 

Tonya and her husband operated Strong Cross Ranch Colorado for over eleven years, a place of respite for missionaries and ministers. They had the honor of hosting over 2,000 guests during that time frame. The Blessings relocated their ministry to South Africa in June of 2012. The ministry continues to serve and partner with local pastors and missionaries through a variety of creative and responsible means. The Blessings oversee building projects, feeding programs, educational services, interventions, and church planting. 

Tonya is a well-known national and international speaker, often serving women in areas of the world which cannot be publicized. She writes articles and devotionals for missions’ magazines and women’s groups and is also a published author. She is the author of two historical fiction books The Whispering of the Willows and The Melody of the Mulberries. Both novels are set in Big Creek, West Virginia, during the late 1920’s. Tonya has also co-authored a devotional called Soothing Rain – Living Water to Refresh Your Soul. All three of Tonya’s books have received literary awards. 

Tonya enjoys speaking and sharing her life with women at retreats and events. She thinks that women are amazing, and appreciates that the female gender is multifaceted yet fragile creations of God. In her personal life and as a speaker, Tonya believes that God’s Word is powerful, and needs to be read and written on her heart and on the hearts of women everywhere. For additional information, please review her author and ministry webpage: www.TonyaJewelBlessing.com

She was ordained in 2011 and is currently pursuing further pastoral and biblical studies. For additional information regarding Strong Cross Ministries South Africa, please visit the ministry web page – www.strongcrossministries.org.

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $30 Amazon Gift Card

Open internationally (to those who can use one of Amazon's branches)

Ends July 1, 2020

ENTER HERE

June 2020 Empties!

Here are all my empties for the last two weeks! I finished a lot of masks and skincare. That one blush I was on the finishing state for the last 4 months. The product I enjoyed was the Tatcha Water Cream. My skin just drank it up and left my skin feeling so soft. The I Dew Care and the Bubble T masks were among my favorite because my skin was visibly improved. 

I thought the Glow Recipe mask was a bit overrated. It smelled nice but, honestly, I don't think it was worth the $8. I feel like it was more of a mask to provide a cooling relief than any hydration benefit. I wasn't crazy over the Margot Elena cream tin because it was a bit greasy and apparently if you don't use don't it within a 1 month of opening the cream changes color and becomes dense gooey texture.  

Have you tried any of these products? Let me know your thoughts!

Here is the list of stuff I finished!

Tatcha The Water Cream

Margot Elena Library of Flowers True Vanilla Perfumed Creme

Samples

Facetory Everyday Rice Bran

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush - Fanciful

BioRepublic Skin Care Cucumber Breeze Soothing Fiber Sheet Mask

I Dew Care Jump Start Energizing Pomegranate Mask

100% Pure Bright Eyes Eye Mask

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Jelly Sheet Mask

Klorane Soothing and Relaxing Patches

The Preserve Company Bath Tea

Leaders Insolution Pore Scaling Black Aqua

BubbleT Lemongrass & Green Tea Sheet Mask

Book Review - Driftwood Bay (Hope Harbor, #5) by Irene Hannon

Photo Credit - Amazon

Jeanette Mason moves to a small seaside town named Hope Harbor in hopes to live an isolated life. Jeanette is afraid of letting people in after a tragedy causes her to lose people she loved. She decides to avoid emotional attachments and focus on her lavender farm and tea room. However, Jeanette's life gets upends again when her new neighbor moves in. Dr. Logan West becomes an unexpected guardian of his niece after his mother's death. Logan gets a dog in hopes to help bond with Molly but, the dog is intent on damaging Jeanette's lavender beds. Jeanette and Logan find themselves gravitating towards each other when a refugee family from Syria moves to their town. Will Logan and Jeanette be able to open their heart to each other?

I thought the novel was an enjoyable read but, I had a hard time connecting with Jeanette. She closes herself off and didn't want to make the effort of connecting but, was annoyed that other people didn't make the effort. She felt that her neighbor should have connected with her first and made the effort. She wanted and made Logan make the first move and didn't respond well to his suggestive behaviors but, she would get sad when he didn't invite her to the beach. I found this incredibly annoying. At times, I felt like the Molly character talked to Jeanette as if she was an adult and not a five-year-old. Her conversations with Jeanette towards the end of the book didn't feel like something a child would say to an adult. Perhaps, this is how a child speaks once they go through grief but, it felt weird to me. I enjoyed reading about the Shabos' family, Logan trying to bond with Molly, Jeanette trying to find her way, and Molly and Elisa's budding friendship. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Olive the Lionheart: Lost Love, Imperial Spies, and One Woman's Journey into the Heart of Africa by Brad Ricca

Photo Credit - Amazon

Olive MacLeod is a thirty-year-old Scottish aristocrat. In 1910, she received word that her fiancé, the famous explorer Boyd Alexander, went missing in Africa. Olive decides to Africa determined to find out what happened. Olive and her two travel companions, the Talbots, traverse across the diverse landscape of Africa to find the truth. They cross paths with dangerous animals, native chiefs, politicians, a haunted forest, and a murderous leopard cult. As Olive and the Talbots travel across Africa, they uncover secrets that might hold the key to her fiancé's whereabouts.

The book is based on true events and gleams highlights from Olive's own diaries and letters. The author wrote the book in the same writing style and language if Olive was writing the book. I thought it was a great idea until I found myself rereading things over and over to understand it. I was excited to read about a female explorer taking the world by the horns. However, I felt quite disconnected from Olive. I had a hard time understanding some of her motives and her reactions. For example, Mr. Talbot was showing her how to de-feather a bird. She volunteered for the job but, purposely wasn't following his instructions. I felt like she took the job to provide that she was an asset to the journey and her not following the instructions was counter-intuitive. Unfortunately, I found the novel boring and moved slowly that halfway through the novel I just abandoned the book.

**Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

June 2020 Haul

I realize I have a habit of mass buying things when I like it. I go through phases where I would buy all the niche nail polish, different lipsticks, tons of Lush products, and my latest addiction - sheet mask. I definitely have a tendency of stocking piling things before I can even finish using them. Thankfully now that majority of us are home all day, I made a promise to myself that I can still shop but, I have to use up my stuff more. I have been trying to use at least 25 sheet masks a month. I am giving myself some leeway for days where all I want to do is sleep or don't want to move. So far, last month I managed to finish around 37 sheet masks! I am definitely proud of myself. 

I decided to replenish my stock from Facetory since I am "running low". Facetory is becoming my new "Memebox". Memebox has its own private labels such as I Dew Care, Nooni, and Kaja.  I have tried a few masks from both Memebox's  I Dew Care and Facetory and found them both to be affordable and work well. I am also excited to try the seaweed mask (the last line on the bottom) and the 3 steps masks from Wonjin Effect. Thankfully, since I been remaining indoors and doing a lot of self-care my skin hasn't been acting up too much but, usually during the season changes my skin likes to revolt. 

Check back in a few weeks and let's see what I finished! Also, please let me know your thoughts on the new format. I  must say I really do miss writing reviews at times but, other times it was really a big-time suck.....and now I get more time to just play with all the things I bought. (Also, I think if you are new to Facetory, existing users can send you a discount for your first purchase. Hit me up if you need that! I have tons of points from my recent haul to spare)

Book Review - The Half Sister by Sandie Jones

Photo Credit - Amazon

Kate and Lauren are sisters who were never really close. They meet for lunch every Sunday at their parents' home. Since, their father passing, their family gathering never really felt the same. However, their lives get turned upside down one day when there is a knock at their door. A young woman named, Jess tells Kate and Lauren that she is their half-sister. She even has the DNA test to prove it. As Kate starts digging into Jess's story, she realizes that they are all hiding secrets.

I have all of the author's novels and have enjoyed them. However, I am stuck between liking this novel and it being "meh". Towards the end of the novel, it seems like one of the characters just breaks and spirals out of control when she seems to have planned things out. The novel was a quick and thrilling read but, I didn't find myself really connecting to any of the characters. The majority of the book was predictable but, it was an entertaining read.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Third Mushroom by Jennifer L. Holm

Photo Credit - Amazon

Ellie's grandpa Melvin is a world-renowned scientist with two PhDs who is stuck in the body of a fourteen-year-old boy. Ellie is happy to have her grandfather around even if he eats all the food in the fridge. Melvin doesn't exactly fit in middle school but, Ellie is excited for them to team up together in the county science fair. No one could expect how groundbreaking their experiment turns out to be when they may have discovered the formula for eternal youth. However, when Ellie's cat, Jonas Salk, becomes sick, the stakes become higher. Is the key to happiness eternal life?

This is the second novel in the series, but, I only read this book. It seems that each book can be read as a standalone. However, I would recommend reading the books in order because I felt like I was missing something. I can't say that I liked any of the main characters. I thought Melvin was quite abrasive at times.  I didn't really feel connected to any of the characters and didn't really care for them. I did think the novel teaches some good lessons about life and I appreciate the science infused portion of the book.

**Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

May 2020 Empties!

I definitely have met my goal of finishing 37 mask sheets this month. This includes a few lip masks too! I definitely amassed more than 10,000 face masks because they are such a fun and affordable treat. I have been trying to avoid the siren call of sales lately and trying to use up my ever-growing stash. I noticed that I buy more makeup but, I end up going through the skincare more quickly. Hmmm...maybe I should alter my buying habits and then I go off and buy 40 lipsticks that I can't even wear. I am one of those people that if I am going to make the effort and put on makeup, I want someone to see it other than my useless self.

I added a list of everything I finished but, some noteworthy products I used this month were some of the Facetory masks. On sale, these masks are around $2 a pop and deliver results. I like that the instructions are in English so, I don't make any mistakes. I used a brand that's popular on Birchbox called "StarSkin" I wasn't crazy over their masks. I don't think they are worth the price tag. The hand glove felt nice with frequent hand washing though. I think I need to be more hands-on with putting on lotion more frequently. Dr. Jart was also a mainstay. I have used a few of their products and enjoy them but, because of the price tag they are more "Special Occasion" or my skin needs some extra care. I was surprised how fragranced the Vagasil bath bombs were. To be honest, I am not sure if I would buy it again because the name is off-putting.

A few disappointments were the Stila liquid eyeshadow. The eyeshadow was so pretty but, it just dried up soo quickly! I barely got to use it. The Sesha Skin mask said "hydro" I would assume it was a blast of hydration for my skin but, the mask itself felt so dry. The Aveeno crack skin relief balm was nice but, it felt too greasy. Like it took a while to absorb into the skin.  The Lush body conditioner smelled like heaven aka cotton candy but, it was such as a small container for the price. And they don't accept these containers for return. Booo.

Let me know if you tried any of the items I finished!

111Skin Harley St. London Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask

Starskin VIP The Gold Mask Revitalizing Luxury Bio-Cellulouse Face Mask

Bonvivant Botanical Mask Pack Collagen + Olive

Sesha Skin Therapy Botanical Hydro Mask

Facetory Everday Olive Squalane Skin Balancing Mask

Dr. Nobori Firming Repair Eye Mask

Patchology Flashpatch Rejuvenating Eye Patch

Healing Bird Botanical Face Mask Ultra Moisture Coconut Sheet Mask

Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches

Bonvivant Botanical Mask Pack Sodium Hyaluronate + Lotus

Starskin VIP The Gold Mask Revitalizing Luxury Bio-Cellulouse Face Mask

Nature Republic Acai Berry Mask Sheet

Spa Life Red Jasmine Rice Handmade Soap

Spa Life Face Wraps Cucumber & Aloe

Aprilskin Mummy Mud Mask

Dr. Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Deep Hydration Sheet Mask

Facetory Ace that Face Collagen Mask

Leaders Insolution Balancing Recovery Mask

Betterskin Premium Volcanic Ash & Botanical Fermentation Detoxing Sheet Mask

23 Years Premium Home Care Cocoon Gold Silky Mask Self Homespa

Facetory Perfectly You Steaming Hair Mask

Grace and Stella Collagen Facial Sheet Masks

Feel Brilliant Bamboo Charcoal Facial Sheet Mask

Facetory Everyday Lemon Brightening Mask

Facetory Moon Velvet Moisturizing Cream Mask

Facetory Everyday Jasmine Moisturizing Mask

Bonvivant Botanical Mask Pack Mint + Tea Tree

Ariul Juice Cleanse Mask Wheat and Celery

Ariul 7 Days Mask Lemon

Lapcos Hyaluronic Moisturizing Mask

Vagisil Scentsitive Scents White Jasmine Bath Bomb

GlamGlow Superserum 6-Acid Refining Treatment

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Smoothing Anti-Frizz Dry Oil Mist

This Works Deep Sleep Bath Soak

NSpa Exotically Creamy Coconut Rich Body Butter

Biggs & Featherbelle Little Bigg Bar Buttermilk & Lavender Soap

The cottage Greenhouse Rosemary Mint Rescue Foot Cream

Aveeno Cracked Skin Relief CICA Balm

Primera Alpine Berry Water Cream

Huxley Secret of Sahara Scrub Mask: Sweet Therapy

Glo Therapeutics Gentle Cream Cleanser

Lush Body Conditioner - Snow Fairy

MS Skincare Kapha Body Oil

Nick Chavez Plump N' Thick Thickening Shampoo

Origins Originial Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay

Elemis Peptide 4 Adaptive Day Cream

Korres Wild Rose Facial Oil

Mamonde Red Energy Recovery Serum

Dr. Brandt Pore No More Vacuum Cleaner Pore Purifying Mask

Stila Glitter and Glow Liquid Eye Shadow - Kitten Karma

Book Review - The Return (Amish Beginnings #3) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Photo Credit - Amazon

Besty Zook never questioned her family's strict rules or the affections of her beau, Hans. She never had a reason to question her life until she is taken captive during an Indian raid.  During her captivity, Besty endures brutality and hardship but, she also experiences unexpected kindness and kinship. She befriends a native named Caleb, who encourages her to find God during her time of need.  Betsy finds herself torn between her loyalty to her family and Caleb.

Hans is distraught that the love of his life, Besty has been captured. He turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort and friendship. Tessa has been in love with Hans for many years and eagerly accepts his companionship as a sign of love. Tessa is over the moon with her feelings for Hans that she ignores the warning signs that Hans's might be out for revenge. 

The novel is inspired by true events and it was an emotional read. It gave readers a glimpse of the hardships faced during the early years. At first, I was torn between Tessa as a character. I felt like she was a very complex character and different from other characters I normally read in Amish novels. She seemed naive but, also had a streak of maliciousness that isn't normally shown in Amish literature (at least the ones I have read). I felt like the author did a good job of showing things are not always black and white. I have not read the other books in the series but, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. I was, however, a bit dismayed by the ending. I felt like it was left off on a cliffhanger and this was the final book in the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Thoughts?

So, I decided still to keep my blog going but, taking a step back on the makeup reviews. I will still try to post the occasional makeup review and try to keep the file size down in hopes to keep the financial constraints down. However, I will still try to post at least 2 - 3 a week book reviews (these have a very very small photo file size) along with semi-monthly overviews of my empties and hauls. Hopefully, since this would be only be one or two photos per each post, I will be able to keep an archive for everything. As always, I welcome your thoughts!