Saturday, October 31, 2020

October 2020 Empties Part 2!

 


My last batch of empties for October! I finished a few more things than in my first empties for October but, it is also mostly sheet masks. I am happy that I finished my first bottle of perfume in the longest. I had the Chloe scent for years. I been trying to focus on one perfume at a time instead of using all my perfumes at once. Although, I really need to get a move on because I always go overboard during the holiday season because the sales are just too good to pass up.

I did finish another Lush bath bomb that I bought earlier in the year. I had quite a few shopping sprees there and I notice the scents don't last forever. I wonder if its because of their "open/naked" packaging. I finished a Farmacy honey potion which was okay. It felt like rubbing honey on my face and it burned my skin leaving it feeling sensitive. 

The masks other than my favorite BioBelle were basic and nothing noteworthy. I been adding in retinol to my weekly treatments since I am in my 30s. Being old sucks. Hopefully next month I will have finished more exciting things.

Have you tried any of these products? What are you thoughts?

My Desire Paradise Pack
Cosmetea T5 Nourishing Tea Ampoule Mask
Candy O'Lady Candy Mask Calm
BioBelle Replenishes & Hydrates with Sweet Peach Extract and Hyaluronic Acid #Peachy
Huangjisoo Red Fruits Brightening Mask
BioBelle Hydrate & Rejuvenates Seaweed & Pearl Extract #VitaminSea
Dewytree Cica 100 Mask
Chereskin Solution Wrinkle Mask Peptide Special Care
Facetory Everyday Jasmine Moisturizing Mask
Bling Pop Face Mask Aloe Moisturizing and Brightening
Pure Foret Natural Soap Centella Asiatica
Biore Rose Quartz + Charcoal Daily Purifying Cleanser
Alterna Caviar Smoothing Anti-Frizz Blowout Butter
Sunday Riley Luna Retional
Klorane Anti-Pollution Purifying Mist with Aquatic Mist
Raeka Illuminating Turmeric Polish
Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Book Review - The Sound of Falling Leaves by Lisa Cox Carter

 

Tessa survived a devastating fire that caused her to lose her voice. She retreats to her aunt's apple orchard to heal. She still wants to keep music in her life but, she is struggling after the fire. Tessa decides that she will research and collect folk ballads.  While researching folk ballads she discovers a connection between a murder and a woman who disappeared. Tessa gets a first-hand experience behind the corrupt politicians in the isolated Appalachian community. She has a hard time finding someone to trust.

Tessa finds herself drawn to Zeke. He is the quiet and mysterious caretaker. He tries to show her that mountain justice is neither impartial nor just. Tessa is unsure if she can trust him but, she finds herself drawn to him.

I was very torn reading this novel. There were some moments where I enjoyed reading the characters and then other times, it was like the character snapped. For example, Zeke got annoyed that Tessa was "obsessively" looking for a certain singer when Zeke was doing the same thing. I found the book to be slow during some parts but, it had a few twists. One thing I really didn't like is that on the cover of my copy, Zeke was colored in to appear darker as he is of mixed descent. I am not sure why they just didn't find someone of tan skin instead of coloring in the person's face.

  **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.**

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Book Review - The Plans We Made by Kathryn Cushman + Giveaway

 


Caroline Chapman thought she was going to marry the man of her dreams. However, when her engagement is called off, she is determined to start again. She moves across the country to start her dream job planning events in historical mansions. Carolina feels that she has finally got her life back on track.

 Linda Riley has the perfect life on the outside. She has an adoring husband, two kids, and is actively involved in church and the community.  However, she receives a diagnosis that shatters her life. In order to save her son, she must reveal her deepest darkest secret.

Linda and Caroline are connected to past events. As their secret comes to light, will the pair be able to come to terms with their past?

I thought the novel was an enjoyable read. I was unsure of what Caroline saw in Dillion. He seemed like the type of person that only thought of her when it was convenient for him. I didn't even feel any romantic vibes during their interactions. I enjoyed reading the conversations with Linda's kids and their interaction. It was nice seeing the community rally behind him. Overall, I thought the novel was a good 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.**

 

When past secrets hold the only key to hope for the future…

Caroline Chapman is reeling from a broken engagement. Determined to start again, she moves cross-country for her dream job of planning events in the historical mansions of Newport, Rhode Island. Just as her life is getting back on track, she gets an email that shakes her very foundations.

Linda Riley’s life looks picture perfect - a wonderful husband, two great kids, involved in church and the community. Then comes the diagnosis that shatters the facade. In order to save her son’s life, she must reveal secrets that can rip everything apart.

Connected by more than painful circumstances, these two women discover a sacred bond. In this beautiful story of love, loss, and the fight for life, Caroline and Linda experience the reality that life doesn’t always go according to The Plans We Made.

 


 

Kathryn Cushman graduated with a degree in pharmacy from Samford University. After hanging up her lab coat, she shifted her focus toward writing. Her previous works have received multiple nominations for both the Carol Award and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. The Plans We Made is her tenth published novel.
 
Learn more at kathryncushman.com. Follow Kathryn on Facebook (@authorkathryncushman) and Instagram (katiecushman1)


Lauren Beccue graduated from Holy Cross with a BA in English and now lives with her family in Santa Barbara. She writes about faith and family, with an emphasis on agricultural passages of the Bible. This is her first novel.
 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway


MAKE YOUR PLANS IN PENCIL! 

 

Now, go buy your copy of The Plans We Made online or at a local bookstore, then be sure to head to Lauren’s website to claim your bonus freebie!

 

THREE CUSTOM PENCILS:

  • Make Your Plans in Pencil
  • The Plans We Made
  • Proverbs 19:21

Just contact Lauren with your name, address, and where you purchased the book, and she’ll send you a set. That's it! (US only and get 'em while they last.)