Friday, January 13, 2017

Ciaté London Liquid Velvet - Moisturizing Matte Liquid Lipstick - Head Over Heels










The creamy long wearing bright fuchsia berry liquid lipstick went on smoothly. The ultra vibrant lipstick has a matte finish that promises to be non drying. It is enriched with hyaluronic acid to enrich  and condition lips. The color was long lasting, bold and beautiful but sadly the formula felt very drying. I would recommend moisturizing lips prior as it showed every flake on my lips.


Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Book Review - Another Day, Another Dali (Serena Jones Mysteries Book #2) by Sandra Orchard

Photo Credit - Amazon

A valuable Salvador Dali painting goes missing and FBI Special Agent Serena Jones is asked to investigate the disappearance by her grandmother.  Unfortunately, her grandmother's friend wants to keep the forgery a secret. Serena hopes that since her grandmother is asking her for help, that she can finally earn her grandmother's affection. As Serena digs deeper into the case, it becomes clear that one of owner's family members might be behind the crime. Who is behind the forgery? Is the forger behind the murder of Serena's grandfather?

The novel is the second book in the Serena Jones Mysteries series. While each book can be read individually, I found it helpful and entertaining to read each book in the series. I like how this book focused less on how desirable Serena is and how men throw themselves at her which was very prominent in the first book. Along, with the character developments but once again, she has the two "main" men who both vie for her attention and she brushes them off without a reason why. The novel is fast paced and interesting but it left me craving more story line than just fluff.  If you a fan of the first novel or Sandra Orchard,  you would enjoy this book.

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

Monday, January 9, 2017

Book Review - Eden: The Animals Parable by Keith Korman

http://amzn.to/2i7BWJt
Photo Credit - Amazon
Readers will be immersed in a intricate retelling of the Gospels in a new way.  We learn of Jesus and his disciples and his journey through the Holy Land through eyes of the animals that follow him; most notably his loyal dog and companion named Eden. Jesus's flock is joined by a donkey, small lambs, field mice, and a fox who follows but unsure what to do. The animals witness the divine events and don't follow understand what they see. 

When I first received this book, I thought it was something completely different. I don't understand how the first part of the book is a part of the Gospel and felt it could have been left out. The retelling was an interesting but difficult to read and understand during some parts. While, the cover looks kid-friendly, I am not sure if I would share this book with young readers.

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

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Book Review - I Found You by Lisa Jewell

Photo Credit - Amazon
Alice Lake finds a man sitting on the beach in the rain with no coat and doesn't remember how he got there or his name. The single mom sympathizes with him and invites him to stay with her.  Lily Monrose is a recently married 21 year old immigrant in a new country. However, her husband disappears one day and she can't get in contact with him. She knows no one and when she  reaches out to the police for help, they tell her her husband's identity isn't real. Twenty three years earlier, a family with two young teenagers are vacationing in their annual seaside home. However, a young suitor is attracted to Kirsty and something makes her brother, Gray uncomfortable around him. How are the three characters related? What is it about Kirsty's suitor that makes Gray uncomfortable? Who is the man on the beach? 

The characters were richly written and beautifully developed. You can't help to root for them and yell "What were you thinking?!" while reading. The story keeps readers on the edge of their chairs while wondering how are the characters related. It's a beautiful tale of three imperfect characters searching for their version of love. 

**Disclosure - I receieved a free copy of an uncorrected PDF in exchange for an honest review**


Thursday, January 5, 2017

Book Review - The Cherished Quilt (An Amish Heirloom Novel) by Amy Clipston

http://amzn.to/2iFlDqG
Photo Credit - Amazon
Christopher Hochstetler leaves Ohio after a family tragedy. He is heartbroken and overwhelmed with grief and guilt. When he arrives in Bird-in-Hand, he puts up a cold exterior and tries to keep to himself as he tries to work in his uncle's leather shop. However, that doesn't stop Emily Fisher from trying to befriend him. Their budding friendship slowly turns to love when Emily and Chris share their secrets with each other.  Emily decides to make a quilt as a token of their friendship, however Chris leaves for Ohio after a family emergency without telling Emily.  When Emily sends Chris the complete quilt, would Chris be able to accept the token of her love? Will Chris join the church so  they can be together?

The third novel in the series was beautifully written and fun to read.  I like that the author included a family tree and a dictionary for Amish translation. My only qualm with the novel is that I felt like the quilt was an afterthought and not much of the story revolved around it. A good read  for anyone who likes happy light reading Amish novels.

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

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Book Review - Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

http://amzn.to/2j1sHKY
Photo Source - Amazon
Jason Dessen was abducted by a masked man who asks if Jason is happy with his life. When Jason awakes, he is strapped down to a gurney surrounded by strangers who greet him as a friend. He wakes up in a world that isn't his own. His wife is not his wife and  their child has never been born.  He is no longer an mediocre physics professor who lives in a brownstone with his family but a celebrated genius who lives alone. This Jason has achieved scientific breakthroughs that are borderline impossible. What is this new world that Jason is in? Who is really the masked abductor? Can Jason trust anyone? Is it all a dream?

The novel had an interesting plot that left me on the edge of my chair until I hit the middle of the book and got tired of it. It failed to keep me interested nor did I crave to read the book. Usually, when I find a good book, I can't wait to read it and I keep thinking about how it would end. Sadly, it wasn't the case for this book.  And when I finally did finish the book, boy was the ending a disappointment.

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


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Sunday, January 1, 2017

MEG 21 with Supplamine Cell Therapy Anti-oxidant Boost











The airless tube houses the powerful serum that is formulated with supplamine, Indian gooseberry and grape seed to correct free radicals and skin stress. The lightweight treatment promises to reduce the of fine lines and wrinkles while reducing irritation and promoting a healthy glowing complexion. The silky cream is formulated to protect skin from the environmental stress, smoke, sun damage and even excessive sugar in food (perhaps, they should create a diet pill too?)  The hydrating moisturizer kept my skin feeling smooth, soft and hydrated. It is recommended to be used twice a day but I saw good results with just using before bed. It was a good product but I don’t think it merit $95 price tag.

Friday, December 30, 2016

Lucy B. Tinted Lip Balm - Ruby Red Gloss Balm



















The gloss balm promises to hydrate, smooth and protect lips. The lip balm is enriched with natural shea butter, Australian flower essence and vitamin E. The lip balm has a delicate scent and goes on smoothly. It had a slight tacky feeling but it left my lips feeling soft and smooth. The creamy lip balm also left a soft tint on my lips.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Philosophy Green Jelly Bean Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath






Another gem found while cleaning my stash. This exclusive scent was apart of holiday Gingerbread theme gift set I believe I bought last year from Sephora. Like most of Philosophy’s products the scent was exactly as described in the name. The sweet scent body wash wasn’t very overpowering and left skin very delicately scented while providing a generous lather. It was a fun treat and definitely a no calorie way to enjoy a sweet treat.

Monday, December 26, 2016

BBW Aromatherapy Stress Relief Eucalyptus Tea Body Wash and Foam Bath







The soothing eucalyptus scented body wash is packed skin conditioners to soothe and nourish skin. The eucalyptus and tea essential oils help relieve stress and uncertainty while promoting calmness.  I have tried the other stress relief body wash and they both smell almost the same. The soothing body wash provided a generous lather and a soothing scent. Unfortunately, the body wash didn’t  moisturize my skin.