Saturday, October 17, 2020

October 2020 Haul Part 2!

 


 

This is one of my bigger hauls this month because October is my birth month! And it's one of the greatest months, if I may say so myself. And there is no better way than buying way more stuff than I can possibly use to celebrate my birthday. I got so many lip products I don't even know where I am going to store it...let alone wear them all. However, this has never stopped me before...

I am excited to try the Ole Henriksen Phat Facial. I used to get facials more often before COVID but, now I rely on more store bought products to keep my skin in line. The mask is supposed to mimic getting a facial with exfoliating acids. I can definitely go for some glowing skin after spending so much time under a mask.

I had good experiences with Elemis products and I am excited to try their moisturizer and jelly mask. I have tried their clay mask from this product line and my skin was noticeable different. I am hoping with the jelly mask and the moisturizer my skin will be revitalized because it has been looking a bit dull lately.

I heard of the brand Byroe but, I haven't tried any of their products yet. I got their tomato serum which looks interesting. Because I am getting older, the weather getting colder, and I have dry skin I been trying to hydrate and moisturize more often. 

And of course I can't wait to try all of the different lip products! I got a few from Stowaway Cosmetics, Fenty Beauty, Stila, Urban Decay, Hank and Henry, and a few others. Have you tried any of the products?


Thursday, October 15, 2020

Book Review - Breathless by Jennifer Niven + Giveaway

 

 


Claudine Henry is about to graduate high school and she is focused on three things: going to college, becoming a famous author like her mother, and losing her virginity. Claude doesn't even need to be in love with the person, she is only looking for sex. However, when her parents tell her that they are splitting up and she needs to keep it a secret, her entire world comes crumbling down all around her. She was supposed to spend her last summer going on a road trip with her best friend. This was their last summer together before they go off to different colleges. Instead, Claude and her mom go to a remote island off the coast of Georgia where they have no phone service and she doesn't know anyone. She feels like she is cut off from the entire world.

When Claude crosses the path with Jeremiah, she is hesitant to open her heart again. When they spend time together, Claude finds that Jeremiah infuriates her but, she finds herself drawn to him. Claude decides that she will sleep with him with no strings attached as they both know that their fling isn't meant to last. They are hoping that the time they spend together will be enough for them.

The book was a beautiful story about finding yourself and choosing your own life path. It was interesting reading about how Claude navigates different situations in her life. I liked that she was vocal about her needs and wants. I felt like the characters were all well written and realistically portrayed. I think this book would be a good read for any older teenagers/young adults.

**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.**

 

About The Book:

Title: BREATHLESS

Author: Jennifer Niven

Pub. Date: September 29, 2020

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 400

Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

 

From Jennifer Niven, the New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places, comes an unforgettable new novel about a sensitive girl ready to live her bravest life--sex, heartbreak, family dramas, and all.

 

Before: With graduation on the horizon, budding writer Claudine Henry is making plans: college in the fall, become a famous author, and maybe--finally--have sex. She doesn't even need to be in love. Then her dad drops a bombshell: he's leaving Claude's mother. Suddenly, Claude's entire world feels like a lie, and her future anything but under control.

 

After: Claude's mom whisks them away to the last place Claude could imagine nursing a broken heart: a remote, mosquito-infested island off the coast of Georgia. But then Jeremiah Crew happens. Miah is a local trail guide with a passion for photography--and a past he doesn't like to talk about. He's brash and enigmatic, and even more infuriatingly, he's the only one who seems to see Claude for who she wants to be. So when Claude decides to sleep with Miah, she tells herself it's just sex, nothing more. There's not enough time to fall in love, especially if it means putting her already broken heart at risk.

 

Compulsively readable and impossible to forget, Jennifer Niven's luminous new novel is an insightful portrait of a young woman ready to write her own story.

 



About Jennifer:

Jennifer Niven is the New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places and Holding Up the Universe, as well as the popular Velva Jean series. She is also the author of several non-fiction books, including Ada Blackjack, The Aqua-Net Diaries, and The Ice Master, which was named a top non-fiction book by Entertainment Weekly. Her New York Times bestseller All the Bright Places is soon to be a major motion picture starring Elle Fanning. Although she grew up in Indiana, she now lives with her fiancé and literary cats in Los Angeles, which remains her favorite place to wander.

Photo: Justin Conway

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a Finished Copy of BREATHLESS, US Only.

 Rafflecopter Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21153/?

 

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

9/21/2020

Two Chicks on Books

Review

9/22/2020

YA Books Central

Excerpt

9/23/2020

@ChristenKrumm

Review

9/24/2020

onemused

Review

9/25/2020

notinjersey

Review

 

Week Two:

 

9/28/2020

Kait Plus Books

Excerpt

9/28/2020

Word Spelunking

Review

9/30/2020

What A Nerd Girl Says

Review

10/1/2020

Eli to the nth

Review

10/2/2020

Becky on Books

Review

 

Week Three:

10/5/2020

Rajiv's Reviews

Review

10/6/2020

Do You Dog-ear?

Review

10/7/2020

Book-Keeping

Review

10/8/2020

Gimme The Scoop Reviews

Review

10/9/2020

Books Beans and Botany

Review

 

Week Four:

10/12/2020

BookHounds Ya

Review

10/13/2020

biancabuysbooks

Review

10/14/2020

Momfluenster

Review

10/15/2020

A Gingerly Review

Review

10/16/2020

two points of interest

Review

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Book Review - The House Next Door by Darcy Coates

 


Jo lives near a haunted house. She suspected something is wrong with the house since no one stays there long. Recently a family fled during the middle of the night and left all their belongings in the house. Animals including her cats avoid going near the house. Once Jo saw someone pacing through the upstairs room but, no one was living there at the time.

Anna recently bought the house next door. Jo is curious about her new neighbor and decides to reach out to Anna. Jo didn't expect to become friends with Anna but, she is excited to have a friend. However, the Marwick House has become active again with the arrival of its new occupant. Will Anna and Jo be able to get out of the house alive? Will they be able to figure out what is haunting the house?

This was my third book by the author and I enjoyed it. The book isn't really scary but, suspenseful. I found the book to be well written and engaging. As I was reading the book (stupidly late at night and in the dark) I could imagine being inside the dark and creepy house. I felt like the story took a while to build and there wasn't much of a "haunting".  I can't say this was my favorite book but, I am still interested in reading her other novels.

**Disclosure -  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.**

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Book Review - Nine by Rachelle Dekker

 

 


Zoe Johnson prefers to spend her life living in the shadows. She doesn't like to draw attention to herself or being involved with other people. However, when a disheveled teenager walks into a diner where Zoe works, she feels drawn to the teen. Lucy has no memories and is struggling to figure out what to do next. Zoe is reminded of her own painful memories of the past and wants to help Lucy figure out her own past. Lucy only remembers that she needs to find a woman in Corpus Christi, Texas, which is hundreds of miles away. Lucy and Zoe will need to find the woman before government agents find them.

I found the novel to be a fast-paced and an entertaining read. However, I found the novel to be predictable and had the outcome I expected. I did like that the novel teaches readers that our past doesn't limit our future. It does define us but, we can choose who we want to be. The novel has themes of moving on, love,  accepting ourselves, and forgiveness. I enjoyed reading about the characters growing than the "action" and "suspense" parts of the novel.  I would be open to reading more books by the author but, I wouldn't go out of my way to read her books.

**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.**

 

Friday, October 9, 2020

October 2020 Empties!

 


Ah, it's October! The greatest month of the year -- there is candy, scary movies/books, costumes, glitter, pumpkins, cool weather, and did I mention CANDY? Hypothetically I should be clearing out my shelves for the holiday sales but, I been definitely dragging my feet of late. 

I finished a few more masks from Factory and Biobelle. My favorite mask was still the Biobelle. The other masks I didn't really notice much of a difference. My skin is hydrated afterwards but, I still need to follow up with moisturizer to lock in the hydration. I did like the 23 Years Old mask because my felt like it was drowning in hydration. This is mask is perfect for the dry and cold weather. 

This was my first time trying the coffee scrub and my god....that thing created a huge mess in my bathroom! However, it did leave my skin very hydrated but, I could have done without the cleanup. This is my first time using the Ouai treatment masque and I love how great it smells. It is amazing! I am definitely going to keep my eyes out for more of their products.

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think of them?

Wonjin Effect 3 Step Mask
Frudia Natural Hydration Maintains Moisture Blueberry Hydrating Mask
23 Years Old Hyaltox Petit Mask
Soo'ae Panda Eye Brightening Mask
Dove Refresh+Care Volume & Fullness Dry Shampoo
Farsali Liquid Glass Radiance Make Skin Serum
Foxybae Replenihsing Hair Mask
Blow Pro Weather Girl Pure Anti-Frizz Serum
The Coffee Scrub
MediHeal I.P.I LightMax Ampoule Mask
Midflower Rosa Damascena Flower Water Brightening Mask
BioBelle #Rise&Shine Energizes & Illuminates with Pineapple Extact & Glycolic Acid
Sur.Medic Bright Glutathione Mask
Dr. Timepeel A1 Normalizer Mask
CeraVe Healing Ointment
Ouai Treament Masque
Biggs & Featherbelle Body Scrub
Tarte Big Ego Mascara

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Book Review - The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

 

 

Jane just moved to Birmingham, Alabama to work as a dog walker in Thornfield Estates. Jane is broke and she is surrounded by wealthy people. However, Jane starts to notice that her client are careless with their expensive items and they don't notice when they go missing. They don't even bother to ask if Jane is her real name.

When Jane meets Eddie Rochester, she feels like her luck has finally changed. Eddie is recently widowed and mysterious. He doesn't interact with the other residents at Thornfield Estates.  His late wife, Bea drowned in a boating accident with her best friend, Blanche. Their bodies has been presumed to be buried in the deep. Jane sees a chance of starting fresh with Eddie. He is handsome, rich, and provides a comfort that she has yearned her entire life for.

As Jane and Eddie try to begin their new life together, Jane becomes haunted by Bea. She feels that she can never compare to her. She has a feeling that Eddie might still be in love with Bea. Will Jane be able to get her happy ending?

I thought the novel was an interesting read. It was a bit predictable in my opinion. I enjoyed the female relationships and bonds between the characters. I can't say I was fond of any of the characters personally as I thought they were all self-serving people. I liked that the novel was told from alternating point of views of Jane and Bea. I am looking forward to reading other books from the author.

**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.**

 

Monday, October 5, 2020

Book Review - Dragonflies at Night by Anne Marie Bennett + Giveaway

 

 


Savannah is the owner of a party planning business called Life Celebrations. Even though Savannah has lost both of her parents as a teenager, she tries to create and foster a positive life for herself. She surrounds herself with friends and coworkers that she treats like family. While Savannah is happy with her life, she yearns to have a family of her own. However, she is afraid of getting sick and leaving her kids without a mother.

Savannah's mom, Deirdre Rose continues to watch over Savannah. Deirdre leaves "gifts" of dragonflies to let her Savannah know she is being watched over.

Ben is a good looking talented recording artist that is looking for more in life. He is famous but, he constantly feels lonely. He fears trusting people because very few people want to know the real him. He feels that most people just want something from him. 

However, when Savannah and Ben cross paths at a yoga retreat, they feel drawn to each other. They feel a bond that they never felt before. Savannah wants to know the real him and Ben appreciates and understands Savannah's past. But, when their retreat is over, what will become of their relationship?

I thought the novel had an interesting concept of a mother/aunt looking over their child. However, I felt like the novel was moving very slowly. The characters were interesting but, I couldn't stay interested in the novel. If you like cozy romance with elements of magical realism, then this is the book for you.

 

**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.**

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Dragonflies at Night:
More Than a Love Story
By Anne Marie Bennett
Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 365 Pages
September 22, 2020 by KaleidoSoul Media

A dragonfly brings a mother’s love to a grieving daughter.

Meet Savannah, the thirty-something owner of Life Celebrations, a party planning business. Despite losing both parents as a teenager, Savannah is creating a positive life for herself, surrounded by friends and co-workers who are now her family. But she also has a secret—as much as she wants to settle down and have children, she is afraid to, for fear of getting cancer and having to leave them without their mother, as she herself was left behind years ago.

Meet Deirdre Rose, Savannah’s mother. She continues to watch over Savannah, who feels deeply connected to her mother whenever she sees a dragonfly.

Now meet Ben, a thirty-something recording artist who is good-looking, talented, and a household name. Despite his fame, Ben is lonely. He trusts few people because it seems everyone wants something from him instead of getting to know who he really is.

Savannah and Ben cross paths when they meet at a yoga retreat in the Massachusetts Berkshires. They are drawn to each other’s creativity and outlook on life. She sees beyond his celebrity and he admires her strength in what she’s had to overcome.

What happens when the retreat ends and they go their separate ways? Will they be able to make a long distance relationship work? Can Savannah put aside her fears, and will Ben allow himself to be truly vulnerable?

Above all . . . what message do Deirdre Rose and Dragonfly have for both of them?

(Affiliate link included.)

About the Author


Anne Marie Bennett was touched by a dragonfly once and has never forgotten its message. She has published books about her cancer journeys and the process of SoulCollage®. This is her first women’s novel.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive an ebook of All You Need is Love and Lilacs, a dragonfly suncatcher, and a $25 Amazon eGift Card (dragonfly suncatcher to US winner only, international winner will receive ebook and gift card only)

Ends October 14, 2020



Saturday, October 3, 2020

October 2020 Haul!

 

 


Wow! I can't believe that is almost October already.  It feels like the year went by so quickly and I did absolutely nothing. 

I got a few more face masks as that's seem to be the only thing I actually use. I got a new sleep mask from Oh K! that I am excited to try. I bought some more masks from Facetory that I am excited about. I love the I am sorry for my Skin, Dr. Althea, and 23 Years old masks.

I keep buying more lipsticks like a lunatic but, admitting my addiction is the first step. I got a few MAC lipsticks that I am excited to wear - Red Rock and Sweet Sakura is my two favorite. I got two Milk Kush lip balms that I am constantly eyeballing. I heard so many great things about it. One is a regular balm and other has color (Plushberry). I also bought a Charlotte Tillsbury lipstick (Very Victoria), Illamasqua lip polish, and Ciate Watermelon Burst Hydrating Lip Oil that looks so amazing.

I found a new brand - Earth Harbor and I bought a few products from them. I like their minimal packaging and it reminds me of the Herbivore packaging (I also bought their Jasmine body oil to try out). I bought their Mermaid Milk moisturizer, the Glow Juice enzyme mask,  and three of their ampoule (Marina, Aurora, and Helios).

Oh boy, I have so many good goodies this month! I got a few K-beauty items such that I am excited to try. I got natural soap from Pure Foret and a beautiful bottle of body lotion. It's the item that shaped like an abstract work of art. Oh, I got a new container of moisturizer from Glam Glow. I find some of their products to be aggressive and drying but, I read so many good things about this moisturizer. I hope it works for me. 

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think?