Friday, November 18, 2016

Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Toothpaste



Every parent wants  to provide the best for their families but with the everyday demands from work, family, chores, etc makes it sometimes impossible. However, studies have shown even a small change can make a dramatic impact. Not many people give a second thought to the toothpaste they are using unless they have a medical issue or problem. I can say without a doubt, I am one of those people who just picks up whatever is on sale. I have notoriously picked up a kids flavored bubble gum toothpaste for myself. Granted, I know families with small kids have a tough time finding a toothpaste that is both pleasing and safe for both adults and children.




I was very excited when I was given the opportunity to try some of Himalaya's Complete Care Toothpastes. At first, I was very wary. I have tried other "natural" toothpaste that tasted like glue or provided a poor froth. Putting aside my skepticism, I tried one of the "Simply Mint" flavors. I was blown away by the pleasant minty flavor. It was definitely not overpowering as saying using Listerine but a soft and calming taste such as eating a small dinner mint. The toothpaste provided a generous foam and left my teeth feeling shiny, smooth and vibrant with no crusty buildup. I didn't have to worry about having smelly breath during the day because my breath felt thoroughly clean afterwards.  The toothpaste is also safe for families with young children as it doesn't have fluoride, although, I personally prefer this in the toothpaste I use. 





The best part is each toothpaste has an exotic blend of herbal ingredients. Such as pomegranate, neem, Bishop's weed, false black pepper, Indian gum Arabic Tree's, Triphala, and Five-leaved chaste tree. I can say I have never heard of many of these ingredients but unlike many other drugstore branded toothpaste these ingredients  are natural and can be found in nature. Each toothpaste is  free of carrageenan, SLS, Gluten and Fluoride free. With over 7 flavors, there is definitely something everyone can enjoy. 













Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Skinfix Lip Repair Balm





The lip balm promises to hydrate and restore dry lips. The flavor and fragrance free lip balm is packed with coconut and jojoba oil to keep lips hydrated and supple. It is free of gluten, parabens and phthalates.  The balm went on smoothly but left my skin a bit greasy. However, I found myself constantly reapplying as my skin felt dry throughout the day.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Cargo Cosmetics Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 - Nude





















The oil free SPF 20 moisturizer is infused with botanical complex to protect skin from harmful UV rays. The creamy water resistant moisturizer provides a sheer coverage and leaves skin looking luminous and natural. The lightweight moisturizer left my skin feeling soft and cover up small imperfection. However, I didn't find it provide enough hydration to my skin.

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream for Sensitive Skin









The dermatologist recommended cream is free from most common chemical irritants. The unscented (I wasn’t able to smell much of anything) goes on smoothly and was absorbed quickly. However, I found constantly re-applying lotion throughout the day. Perfect for people with sensitive skin, everyone else there is something better out there.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Book Review - Nourishing Meals: 365 Whole Foods, Allergy-Free Recipes for Healing Your Family One Meal at a Time by Alissa Segersten and Tom Malterre, MS, CN



Photo Credit - Amazon

A family friendly cookbook geared towards raising a healthy family. The recipe book contains 365 whole food, allergy free (such as gluten, dairy, and soy) recipes. The book contains chapters on "why to choose whole foods" and discussing the rise of food allergies. Each recipe chapter is broken out by the type of meal - smoothies, beverages,  snacks and treats, desserts, main meals, soups, and stews. The recipes do not list calories and nutritional information for anyone following a doctor specified diet. There are several whole pages of gorgeous photos and recommendations for specific products. A must have for anyone who has allergies or wishes to eat a "whole food" diet!

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

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Book Review - An Amish Family Christmas: A Charmed Amish Life Christmas Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray

Photo Credit - Amazon

The fourth book in Shelley Shepard Gary's Charmed Amish Life series is about two unlikely people who weren't looking for love but found it anyways. Levi Kinsinger recently returned to Charm, Ohio after trying to find himself when his beloved father perished in a tragic factory fire.  Julia Kemp is a single mother who is on the run from a dangerous past. With both Levi and Julia running from their past, will they be able to learn to let go and trust each other?

A cozy read for anyone who is a fan of Amish love romance. The novel was a very quick and fun read. However, there wasn't much of a story and seemed more like a fluff novel and a bit boring towards the middle of the book. This is the final book in the Charm Amish Life series but each book can be read separately. 

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

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Book Review - Dear Mr. M by Herman Koch and Sam Garrett


Photo Source - Amazon
Mr. M was once an celebrated international bestselling writer but that was a few years ago. His book was about a real life disappearance of a history teacher who was having an affair with his young student.  His timid neighbor seems to stalking his wife and him while keeping track of everything they do. The story is told from alternating points of view from multiple characters with each a secret to hide. The story depicts an writer in decline, a teacher couple in love and a missing teacher  along with how their faiths are all entangled with each other.

The story was very interesting with many twists and turns. The writing style took a bit to understand but once you get into the story it is hard to put down in the beginning. However, towards the middle of the 400 page Goliath, the story was a bit boring and seemed redundant.  I couldn't wait to put this book in my "donate" pile. 

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book**

Friday, November 4, 2016

Book Review - Christian's Hope (Return to Northkill #3) by Ervin R. Stutzman

Photo Credit - Amazon
Christian Hochstetler returns home to his Amish family after spending the last seven years in captivity among Native Americans. As being captured as a child, Christian spent most of his life among his captors who taught him their ways and treated him like family. As Christian tried to settle back into his old Amish life of farming, he realizes he misses his adoptive family. He struggles to decide whether he should stay with his Amish or Native American family. Will Christian be able to join the Amish like his father wants? Will he able to give up his old Native American ways?

I have not read the other books in the series but it seems each book can be read as a standalone novel.  The historical novel is based on a true story which made it very interesting to read. However, it seemed to take Christian a very long time to decide what he wanted to do and it made the book very boring in the middle.  A decent read but I am in no rush to read the other novels in the series.

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

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Book Review - A Sister's Wish (The Charmed Amish Life, #3) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Photo Source - Amazon


"A Sister's Wish", is the third book in Shelley Shepard Gray's Charmed Amish Life series. The story starts off with two childhood friends who see each other before one of them runs away from home.  Amelia Kinsinger is from a tight knitted family who values strong family traditions.  Simon Hochstetler is from an abusive home and after following the wrong crowd ends up in prison. Both Simon and Amelia have loved each other for years but they are from different backgrounds. With Simon's past haunting him, will they be able to make a future together?

The book was an fun, quick, and interesting read. The novel offered an glimpse into two young adults lives and if they are able to let go of the past for the one they love. It also showed how to forgive and forget about the past while still learning from it. Although, the novel felt a bit fluffy and no major plot or twist occurring. A very cozy read if you love Amish novels.

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

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer - Kitten Shimmer









Stila's liquid luminizer is touted as a lightweight skin enhancing liquid that adds luster and accentuates the skin.  It contains soft focus pigments which help reduce the appearance of fine lines along with skin imperfections. It is enriched with grape seed oil to nourish and condition the skin with the powerful antioxidant.  The formula is free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, or triclosan. I found the deluxe brush to be quite annoying and ineffective to use. The pale gold shimmer goes on a bit too "whitish" for me and even with a lot of blending looks "fake" on my skin. I tried mixing a bit of it with my daily lotion and it gives me a slight shimmer sheen which looks nice,

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Book Review - The Tea Planter's Wife: A Novel by Dinah Jefferies

Photo Credit - Amazon


The international bestselling historical fiction novel takes place in 1920s Ceylon. Gwen is a young Englishwoman who is smitten by Laurence, an older tea plantation owner and widower. As the two of them settle down in Ceylon, Gwen discovers Laurence is keeping deep secrets about his past including what happened to his first wife. Will Gwen find out the truth before it is is to late?

The novel is an interesting and vividly detailed read. You can't help but root for Gwen and Laurence to find their happy ever after. A great read for a rainy day but can be a bit slow at times.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book**

Monday, October 17, 2016

Book Review - The Fir Tree by Hans Christian Andersen


Photo Credit - Amazon
A tragic tale of greed and unhappiness with updated illustrations from Finnish illustrator, Sanna Annukka. The little fir tree is sad that he is short and rabbits jump over him. Unfortunately, the little fir tree grows bigger until he becomes a Christmas tree and life is not what he hopes for. A short tale of learning to enjoy the moment and appreciating what you are given in life.

The rich forest green cloth bound novel is embellished gold foil. A perfect tale for the holiday season for both children and adults.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book**

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Book Review - The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen


Photo Credit - Amazon

The whimsical tale is about  two best friends who live next door to each other. One day, the boy becomes cursed and is unable to see goodness in the world. He is kidnapped by the Snow Queen who keeps him prisoner in her ice palace. The little girl goes on the journey to free her friend's cold heart. Will the little girl be able to save her friend? Will the two friends be able to reunite?

As a child, my favorite stories were "The Little Mermaid" and "The Ugly Duckling". When I saw they were releasing a beautiful illustrated copy of the book, I knew I had to get my hands on it. The book was a quick hour read but was very fun and engaging. The artwork took the story to new level.  While, some parts might not be suitable for young readers, I can see how it can be a childhood favorite.

**Disclosure -  I received a free copy of this book*