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.

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.

The Body Shop - Pink Grapefruit Body Gel

The soap free shower gel provides a rich lather in a sweet and refreshing grapefruit scent. The body wash is packed with pink grapefruit seed oil that energizes and lifts spirits. The sweet scented body wash was a treat to use in mornings when I couldn’t get up. The citrus perked me up almost instantly.  I didn’t notice any hydrating or moisturizing properties in the body gel so be sure to follow up with a moisturizer.

Esthenique Essential Honey Lift Massage Cream

I finally got around to using one of the products from Memebox Honey box. Although, lately I been ordering a lot from Memebox even if it's just one off products. Sad part is, most of it I can’t read and it’s a bit difficult to find instructions online or even ingredients (so bare with me if my reviews seems a bit sparse at times!) The massage cream is composed of 20% honey which can explain its semi-sticky and tacky consistency. The creamy cream goes on smoothly and melts into your skin. It can be a bit sticky and it does have a bit of a gooey/stretchy texture but it’s probably from the honey and collagen. It is recommended for women who are pregnant but I used it over pre-existing stretch marks (it didn’t help). My skin did feel soft and smooth when I used the cream. I am not sure if I would get it again, it didn’t wow me enough to pay  the full retail of $14 for it.

Goldfalden MD Wake Up Call Overnight Regenerative Facial Treatment

Photo Credit - Amazon

The overnight treatment is packed with CoQ10, DMAE, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Retinol, Vitamin E, Avocado, Grapeseed Oils and Organic Red Tea to revitalize dull complexion. The creamy moisturizer goes on smoothly and left my skin feel soft and smooth. When waiting up in the morning, my face felt soft, smooth and radiantly beautiful. I didn’t notice my skin feeling any firmer but it definitely revitalized my skin. I tried a small sample and I am sure the full size product might have enough product for me to notice my skin getting firmer. I would definitely get the full size but it’s a bit pricey ($85) so I might wait for a sale.

Marlowe Extra Moisturizing Body Lotion

The hydrating moisturizer is  enriched with passion flower fruit, green tea, willow bark and deep sea algae. The lotion promised to nourish, smooth, and revitalize skin. The Marlowe had a gender neutral pleasant scent but a fellow coworker told me it smelled faintly like dish soap. The lotion left my hand soft and smooth but unfortunately, it didn’t last after washing my hands.

Book Review - Of Stillness and Storm by Michele Phoenix

Photo Credit - Amazon

Lauren and her husband, Sam took ten years to achieve their dream of visiting remote regions of Nepal to spread the word of their ministry. Sam and Lauren have a unique situation; Sam travels to the Himalayas for three weeks each month for his life calling. While, Lauren and their 13 year old son, Ryan stays behind continuing life without Sam. Both Lauren and Ryan miss the states and find it hard to cope with their current poverty living situation. They feel that their life is unfulfilled and filled with isolation. Their life gets more challenging when someone from Lauren's past reaches out to her. This further fueling the tension between Lauren, Sam and Ryan. How will Lauren, Sam and Ryan be able to cope with their current situation? What happens when one person's loyalty is divided and it becomes life or death?

A heartbreaking novel of a women who is trying to do good by everyone. She is being pulled by her husband to follow what seems like his destiny and make it hers as well. She notices  her once happy go lucky son is now sullen and keeps to himself . While, her good friend now suffers from a disease that can end his life and wants to amend and reconnect. Lauren struggles to make the correct decision and in the end, she realizes that she should have done it the first place but unfortunately, that decision didn't come without many dire consequences. This beautifully written novel leaves the reader fighting for Lauren and her family. 

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

Book Review - Pursuing Gold: A Novel of the Civil War by Cynthia L. Simmons and Rene Holt

Photo Credit - Amazon

Peter Chandler inherits a bank after his father's untimely death and his father's business partner on his death bed. Peter just recently graduated college and has no experience running a bank. He finds guidance in his partner's daughter, Mary Beth Roper but they both struggle to keep the bank afloat during the Civil War.  However, their problems deepen when they find counterfeit bills in circulation.  Will they be able to work together to save the bank? Who is circulating the counterfeit bills?

The novel is an interesting perspective of the Civil War. It doesn't just give the views of the North and the South but also the people who are caught in between and are trying to live their lives. I was entranced by the novel but after a few chapters in, the novel became boring. The story line was interesting but not enough action. A majority of the novel could have been left out and you wouldn't even miss it. The characters seemed to aloof and mild -- I couldn't see myself rooting for any of them. The novel seemed a bit disjointed that writing didn't seem to flow smoothly. A decent read but I don't see myself picking up this book again.

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

Sephora Collection Rouge Creme - #49 Belly Dancing

The hydrating lipstick imparts lips with a vibrant color. The creamy lipstick goes on smooth and leaves a soft sheen. I should note that the color online and the color I received looked completely different. It looks dark red in the tube but a more tomato red color on my lips. It was more moisturizing than other lipsticks but I wouldn't stop using my lip balm. The color also sadly didn't last very long.

Bison Hot Bath Salt Ruby Grapefruit

The carbonated granules are enriched with collagen, hyaluronic acid, placenta extract, spa water mineral, capsicum extract, ginger extract, and rock salt. The Ruby Grapefruit bath salt is good for pore care according to the package. I never had a pore problem other than on my face -- and never realized that anyone might have that issue.The granules acted like pop rocks and popped but generated almost no bubbles. The packet did turn my water into a bright hot pink but that’s about it. An overall disappointment in terms of bubble bath products.

Patchology Exfoliate FlashMasque Facial Sheets

As a mask fiend, I came across good reviews for this mask and couldn’t wait to try it out. It bills itself as an affordable option but I was able to find cheaper masks online and in store due to the growth of their popularity. Granted, this mask ($8/1 or $50 for 8) is a bit more luxe feeling than the traditional $5 and under masks I have used before. The luxe fabric stays put and has a barely there look according to the package. I had a slight movement and the mask look anything but barely there. However, my skin did feel smoother, softer and hydrated thanks though the lactic acid, papin, aloe leaf extract, yeast amino acids, trehalose, taurine, inositol and betanine. The  Asian pear blossoms and citrus notes give the mask a subtle floral scent, which I didn’t really care for. A good mask but a bit pricey and I am in no rush to try it again.

Cargo Cosmetics Blush and Bronzer Duo - Catalina & Medium

A convenient duo of medium tone bronzer and a soft pink blush. The formulas promised to be silky smooth but I found them to be a bit chalky. The good thing is that the formula goes on a bit sheer which allows you to build up the product to your desired shade.

Book Review - Besties by Leah Reena Goren

Photo Credit - Amazon

A sweet and short illustrated book about the celebration of female friendship. The book is an endearing thank you note, gift, and a love letter to female besties. The illustrated book portrays the best parts of friendship and has a heart warming "ending". Whether its spending friday nights together, making up a secret handshake, being a +1 one at a boring party to being there at your lowest. The quirky artwork and endearing message, makes readers smile and appreciate the beauty of friendship.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I received this book but as soon as I got it, I couldn't stop smiling. The drawings were cute and some of the antics of the characters were very specific. Although, I remembering all the funny and unique things I did with my best friend(s) like eating so much candy in one sitting that we had a two hour sugar high or when we went to 4 different fast food restaurant to make the "perfect meal" and them being there through all the low times of my life as well. This is a great gift for any girl bestie in your life! I gave this book as a stocking stuffer to a few friends with a private note of all the fun memories we shared. It is a great book to make you appreciate the great friendships in your life and how easy it is to take people for granted.

**Disclosure - I received this book in exchange for an honest review**