Ahava DeadSea Water Mineral Body Exfoliator

The 2-in-1 everyday use body exfoliator is enriched with red algae and Dead Sea minerals to cleanse and exfoliate skin. The formula promises to moisturize and stimulate skin renewal to leave skin hydrated, smooth, soft and radiant. My skin felt smooth and soft but I followed up with lotion to make my skin feel hydrated. The exfoliator utilizes microbeads which has recently come under fire for it’s environmental impact. While the scrub is nice, I think I would stick to my sugar scrubs instead.

Vapour Nail Polish - 524 Ether

The 3 free nail polish is non-toxic and free of toluene, DHB, and formaldehyde. The package and bottle is made from recycled materials. The ultra glossy inky midnight blue nail polish goes on smoothly but is a bit streaky. The formula is a bit thin and it takes multiple layers before achieving full coverage. The nail polish promises to be chip-resistant but I sometimes get a chip within an hour or two of doing my nails. Granted, I don't use a top or base coat but within an hour is a very short time frame.

Supersmile On The Go Quikee Instant Whitening Polish

With a jam packed schedule, it's hard to find time to squeeze in all of life's demands. With a life on the go, sometimes it hard to find time or the resources to brush your teeth. When chewing gum doesn't cut it,  I usually use breathe strips.  When I saw this I thought I would give it a try as it promises to whiten teeth and freshen breath without the need to brush or rinse. The tasty gel goes on smoothly and left my breath fresh. Unfortunately, I didn't notice my teeth getting whiter.  Since, it was quite pricey at $18 a tube, I think I would skip on buying it again.

Book Review - "Anne of Green Gables," My Daughter, and Me: What My Favorite Book Taught Me about Grace, Belonging, and the Orphan in Us All by Lorilee Craker

The memoir spins the author's favorite and her life and her adopted daughter's life in a way where they are all interconnected with the common thread all of them being orphans and wanting a place to belong. I should mention I have not read "Anne of Green Gables" and should have because the book didn't make much sense to me or was very entertaining to read at certain points. At times, the book seemed a bit of  a rant other times it seems like a bit of response and feelings towards the book. It does have a heartwarming tale of how being an orphan one deals with abandonment, not having a place to "belong",  and looking for your "real" parents. A good read for any "Anne of Green Gables" fan everyone else, just skip it.

**I was provided a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion**

Book Review - The Catch: A Vanessa Michael Munroe Novel

As a newcomer to the series, this is the latest book in the Vanessa Michael Munroe series.  I wasn't sure what to expect especially with all of the fanfare from the other books. Thankfully, each of the novels are self contained and don't have to be read in a certain order unless you care about character development. With the mind of a goldfish, this didn't bother me.

The novel takes place in Djibouti, Africa where Munroe runs to escapes her past. But since when does running every take someone away from the drama? As expected, as Munroe runs from her past it catches up to her. She boards a freighter (albeit against her will) in the hopes that it would be a regular security detail but things are not always what they appear. They are shortly invaded by pirates and the ship is captured. She narrowly escapes but manages to bring the captain with her and will prove to be an important piece to the puzzle. While death is following Munroe she does her best to figure out all the pieces of the puzzle .

A deeply engrossing novel that had me captivated for the three days it took me to consume it. However, I felt the character and story line was a bit lackluster and predictable. I wanted more and this novel left me craving it. I was also confused on why Munroe risked her life many times over people that didn't seem to care or worry about her. At times, I didn't even think Munroe liked them but I sense that her bloodthirsty nature is probably what makes her seek the violence her body craves but her heart doesn't want. I would read the other Munroe novels hoping this one is the anomaly instead of the norm.

**I received a free copy of this book for my honest opinion. This is no way affect my overall review of the book**

Paine's Balsam Fir Incense

The balsam fir incense comes with balsam sticks and holder. It has the "essence of forest fragrance" in each stick. Each incense is made with real balsam fir from the Maine Woods. I lit one of the balsam sticks and it took awhile before the incense started smoking. I had to relight it almost 3 times to get it to burn. The room filled with "forest fragrance" but it smelled more like my neighbor's weed. Definitely not what I think of when I think of the "forest". With many different types of incense available this one was a sure disappointment.