Freeman Beauty Star Fruit Purifying Facial Paper Mask

I have used Freeman Beauty products before and I always been a fan of paper masks. Paper masks  are the latest "trend" and can be pricy but these are affordable option. This paper mask is infused with star fruit extracts, lavender, tea tree, witch hazel, and niacinamide. The skin soothing mask helps soothe  acne flare ups, balance oil production, minimizes the appearance of pores, and soothe breakouts.

The mask took some working to get on my face. The mask was too thin and kept sticking to itself. I gave up after 3 tries and just the bottom part of my left cheek was left uncovered. Like many other masks, it is best to use after cleansing the skin. However, unlike other masks whose wait time is around 30 minutes or more; this wait time for this mask is only 5 to 10 minutes.  After removing the mask, my face did feel softer but my face did have a bit of at tingly feeling. Granted, this mask is very affordable (can be found in drugstore around $2) so I might try these masks again more often. On a side note, I did notice a difference but not as a big difference as the more expensive masks. Given that, these are more appropriate for a quick pick me up instead of whole relaxing spa day type of masks.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap - Verbena

I always been a fan of L'Occitane and their soaps. I usually get the milk soap but I decided to try Verbena. The soft scented soap is composed of 100% vegetable base and enriched with shea butter and verbena. The soap provides a generous lather and imparts a delicate scent and lasting softness on skin. A bit pricey than say soap you can find at the drugstore but it's worth the occasional splurge.

Book Review - Keeping Christmas by Dan Walsh

Photo Credit - Amazon

**May contain spoilers**

The first holiday Judith and Stan Winters has spent without the company of her children and grandchildren. Unable to cope, Judith resides to keep to herself and not celebrate Christmas because after all who will there to celebrate with her. As each one of her holiday traditions fade away, Judith drops deeper and deeper into depression. Spending most of her adult years taking care of her family and putting their needs in front of hers, Judith is at a lost. She no longer feels needed and has nothing to do with her life -- no purpose. 

Stan is trying hard to make his wife happy. He finds a box of family heirloom ornaments that their children were making since they were toddlers.  Will this box of "ugly" ornaments be the one that ties the families together for the holiday?

The story is interwoven with the journey of three different families who are trying to connect with each other. The story is filled with twists and turns but the ending is a bit predictable. The heartwarming tale shows us the true meaning of the holidays -- family/friends and spending time with each other.  Full disclosure, bring tissues -- I must have cried at least 3 times. It is the perfect tale for the holidays to remind us to take time out of our busy schedule to appreciate the things that matter the most to us -- family and friends. (Yes, I keep saying that -- perhaps I should get off the computer and spend time with my family :P )

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book for an honest review** 

Book Review : Murder at the Courthouse: A Hidden Springs Mystery (The Hidden Springs Mysteries) by A.H. Gabhart

Photo Credit -Amazon

Michael Keane returns home to Hidden Springs, KY after a grueling experience as a cop in Columbus.The small town holds more secrets and surprises than Michael remembers. The quiet life that Michael hopes for is put to rest when a stranger ends up dead on the courthouse steps.  Every small town is prone to it's fair share of gossip but when one of their fellow residents dies, the town is up in arms.

Each resident has their own theory on who is responsible for the murders. Every turn and theory Michael follows seems to lead him to a dead end. Will he be able to solve the mystery before someone else he cares about is next?

The book is very well written and captivating. I kept trying to guess whodunit but by the middle of the book, it becomes a bit more clear -- if one really thinks about it. The ending felt a bit drawn out and tad boring but other than that -- it was a good read.


**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book for an honest review**

Jock Soap Bloody Orange Body Soap

The glycerin soap had a delicate citrus scent. I didn't notice the scent lingering my skin after my shower. It didn't leave skin feeling sticky or waxy.   The soap didn't provide a generous lather and the soap didn't last very long. It also didn't hydrate my skin. A definite mediocre soap.

Greenleaf Silver Spruce Candle Cubes Votive Candles

The wintery scented candle has scents of Siberian Fir, cedarwood and sandalwood. The candle has a 15 hour burn time. It was very heavily scented even when it wasn't lite. It is the perfect scent for the winter and the holidays. While, the candle promised a 15 hour burn time -- I noticed more like a 10 hour burn time. It was a fairly cheap candle under $3 on their website. Might get the bigger version next time.

Book Review - Love Everlasting by Tracie Peterson

Photo Credit - Amazon

The "compelling" love story between the longtime friend and the playboy, Priam Welby. The book's description describes Abrianna unable to choose between the two suitors. However, I don't think that's an accurate description. Without giving away the story, Abrianna is forced into this choice against her will.

The book was an average read. It was rather slow, tedious and had ton of filler. I found myself glazing over the pages and counting down the pages until the end, hoping the story would pick up. The story started off okay but then progressed very slowly and felt stretched. I didn't realize this was a part of a series but it isn't necessary to read the other books. If you are a fan of the author, I would recommend reading it otherwise I would pass on reading this book.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book for my honest opinion**

Book Review - The Healthy Mind Cookbook by Rebecca Katz with Mat Edelson

Photo Credit - Amazon

The Healthy Mind cookbook is chocked full of recipes, color photos, and culinary pharmacy.  The  120 recipes are organized by type of meals such as soup, dollops (almost like sauces/condiments),  seafood,  and snacks. The culinary pharmacy lists ingredients and their health benefit. The recipes are all accompanied by a short introductions and are well written. While, each recipe doesn't have their own photos -- a good portion of the book is illustrated. I haven't made any of the recipes yet but they don't require much prep time or "fancy" (read only use a drop and never again) ingredients.

**Disclosure - I received this book for free my honest feedback**

bareMinerals Pout Loud - Loud and Clear Lip Sheer in Berry Remix

The moisturizing gel lip balm is enriched with shea butter and jojoba seed oil. The sheer lip balm nourish and condition lips. The soft raspberry color is imparted on my lips upon application along with a soft glistening shine. It's a nice mix of a lip tint and a lip balm. I wish the containers though felt a bit more luxurious and not so plastic-y feeling.