Birchbox Review: February 2014

     I have been  really looking forward to receiving my Birchbox in the mail. I have heard about it so many times, I was too curious to resist trying it out. I have watched and read several reviews for Birchbox, so I couldn't wait to get a box and try it out for myself! I have also ordered an Ipsy box, but I have not received it yet, comparison to come!

     I was really excited to find my Birchbox in the mailbox, and I had to persevere throughout my family's dinner before I opened it. For anyone unfamiliar with Birchbox, it is a beauty subscription company. You can pay $10 per month, and they will send you high quality samples of beauty products that match a beauty profile you fill out online.

I loved the packaging, it was so cute and definitely caught my eye!

     




   Once I opened my box, I noticed something was awry. It seemed that a small bottle of hair oil had broken open. I was really sad, but still excited to see the rest of the box.

The box also contained a truffle face serum, two lovely tea bags, a cute perfume sample, and a OPI nail polish sample.

(Let's ignore the carpet, aye?)

The truffle face serum:
So, I am definitely not a anti-aging serum sort of person, but this smell SO good. Like a baby angel. Since it says it is also to renew skin, I have just been dabbing a little bit on my neck as perfume.

The "Hello" fragrance:
I think it is the cutest bottle ever. Not that perfumes need to be cute, but it does increase my likelihood of putting it on in the morning. It smells OK. Not the worst, but I am not sure how often I'll be wearing it.

The Teas:
I haven't had the teas yet, but I have never disliked a tea, so I am not too worried.

The OPI Nail polish:
You can't see it very well in the picture, but the polish is a clear purple. I am in LOVE with it. I am going to have to purchase the full size. I love how subtle the color is. On the information card, the instructions said to either paint alone or over another color. I haven't tried the latter, but the former is my new favorite.

The Hair Oil:
As I said before, it was broken when I received it. I definitely wasn't mad at Birchbox, they didn't hand deliver it to me, but I thought I would email them anyways, just to let them know. I was very impressed when they emailed me back within 10 hours, and they even offered to send me a replacement box. Their customer service is top of the line.



Overall:
I loved the information card and nail polish, the customer service was great, and the only thing that Birchbox could improve on would be making more personalized boxes (i.e. not giving anti-aging serum to a 19 year old. Ha.)

I would recommend Birchbox if you want to find new beauty products, not as much makeup as hair, skin, etc.






This review was not written for compensation, I paid to have the product sent to me, and all opinions are my own. I did include my referral links in case anyone signs up.

Fiction Friday: A Clearing in the Wild by Jane Kirkpatrick

     Emma Wagner is trapped. Feeling constricted by the restrictions of Bethel, Missouri, she defies the communities leader and chooses to marry whomever she pleases. In this small community of those who want to live a simple life, her rebellion is not well tolerated. When her new husband is sent off on a mission to gather more believers, she feels as if the colony’s leader is not keeping the community’s best interest at heart. When she begs the leader to let her travel with her husband on his pioneering journey west, she discovers her independence, and she begins to once again desire the small community.

     I found this book to be very well written, and I enjoyed the first-person narration. I found that although it is not extremely suspenseful, I did want to keep turning the pages. Once I had read a bit past the middle, it did start to drag. Mainly, I just like the characters to do what I tell them, and when they do not, I get a little irritated with them. I do believe this book was worth reading, but it was not a fast-paced read. It did have a good plot, it just wasn’t one where there was a cliffhanger. Also, I REALLY liked the cover. A lot. It was stunning.

     Overall, I believe this book is an interesting read for ages 13+. It shares a lot of fascinating information about the Pioneers, as well as information about America in the 1850s. This would be a good read for anyone who like stories based on a real person.

The Author's Website: http://www.jkbooks.com/

This book is only $6 on Amazon if you like paperback!

This book was given to me free of charge from the fantastic company, Waterbrook Multnomah, in exchange for this review. I would LOVE it if you would rank my review!

Book Review: The Corruptible by Mark Mynheir

Ray Quinn has a dilemma. He is a Private Investigator, yet he is still missing his old job as a homicide detective. He had to have a medical retirement, and his hip causes him pain every waking hour. He is hired for a job that could put him out of his current financial dilemma, but it may cost him more than time. As he digs deeper, he starts to question who the victim was and who the suspect should be. Meanwhile, he is falling deeper and deeper into his alcohol addiction. Can anyone rescue Ray?

I loved:

• The witty remarks. There were plenty of laughable remarks made in this book. All books need a few jokes.
• The scam artist. I won't spoil anything, but I thought Ray's interaction with the email hacker was quite hilarious.
• The easy-to-understand layout. When I requested this book, I didn't realize that it was the sequel to another book. Fortunately, it is written in a way that you cannot tell it is the second.

I didn't love:

• The swear words. Sadly, even as a Christian book, there were a couple of swear words. Given, they weren't horrible, but that doesn't mean that they were necessary.
• The predictability. Usually, suspenseful books have a huge plot twist at the end, so sadly, this one just didn't quite have that factor. I think the author just might have dropped a few too many hints!
• The lack of redemption. I kept thinking the end would redeem itself, but tragically, it really didn't have much hope.

Overall, I probably wouldn't recommend this book to too many people.  Although it has benefits, it also has quite a few drawbacks. I think, if the third book has  more redeeming quality, I just might recommend it.
Waterbrook Publishers gave me this book for free to review honestly

Book Review: Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan

Jennifer is trapped. Her days are filled with people making fun of her, and her nights with tormenting voices taunting her. It seems that she is the only one who hears them.

Sam Hopkins is an average Pastor’s kid, but he has fallen in with the wrong crowd, and now he is about to pay for it.

In an interesting twist of fate, Sam befriends Jennifer, and oddly, starts to believe her. He thinks that she may be the only one who knows what is going to happen to their small town. It might just be a horrible deed worse than anything they have yet seen.

I loved:

• ·         Sam’s wit. I laughed out loud when he responded to the bullies. It was hysterical.
• ·         The first person writing style. It suited this book perfectly, and made reading it really enjoyable.
• ·         The character description. Although not done in the typical way, you could see how the characters looked, as well as their tone of voice. Although it may seem odd, I loved how Andrew described the characters.
• ·         The mystery. It is not often that you can find a book that is hilarious, easy-to-read, and suspenseful.
• ·         The twist at the end. I won’t let out any secrets, but it is pretty awesome.

I didn’t love:

• ·         A little bit of theology. Barely any, but you know how it goes; “Eat the meat, spit out the bones.”
• ·         It was a tad gruesome. I would not recommend it to anyone who is under 15. It wasn’t necessarily bloody and gory, but there is still a lot of death.

Overall, I think it was a very intriguing book.  Very different from anything I have read before. This book is, although 324 pages, a very quick read. I sat down and just kept reading. I would definitely buy  this book as a gift for anyone who likes a good, funny read.

This book was given to me for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers for this review.

Book Review: Psalm 91 Military Edition

Fear. Fear is wracking the world. Fear of terrorism, sickness, and death are among the millions of fears out there. In the military, you can never feel safe… as an unbeliever. God has promise our protection in the Bible numerous places, but His divine protection is found significantly in Psalm 91. In this fantastic book, Psalm 91: Military Edition, Peggy Joyce Ruth shows how easily Christians can walk in God’s all encompassing protection. This book includes many stories of men and women who prayed Psalm 91, and were rescued from perilous circumstances.

I ♥

·         The (true) stories.  I could not believe how incredible they were. It was amazing. I would share them here, but I don’t want to spoil them for you!

·         The verse-by-verse approach. Peggy took each verse in Psalm 91 and dissected it, so that you could really understand how vast God’s protection is.

·         The size. This book was the *perfect* size to give as a gift. In fact, I gave it to someone who was leaving for Basic training.

·         The personalized Psalm 91. In the back of the book, Psalm 91 is printed out with blanks where you fill in your name.

I didn’t ♥

·         Zilch. I loved this book.

Overall, I feel this book is a great addition to anyone’s library, but especially that of someone in the military. I plan on buying Peggy’s original book as well.

I received this book for free for this review from Charisma House.

Movie Review: October Baby

 {The trailer}

Hannah's world has turned upside down. at 19 years old, she has just found out that not only is she adopted, but she was a survivor of a failed abortion. Going on a road trip to discover who she really is, she must learn to choose forgiveness, and learn to forgive herself.

I ♥

• The immensely pro-life story line. I cannot even believe how wonderful it is. Really. It presented abortion in a way that did not condemn those who have had one, yet it showed the injustice. That is a difficult balance to keep.
• The plot. Even if said from a secular viewpoint, this movie had a fantastic plot, with plenty of twists that you don't see coming.
• The tear-jerking scenes. It may seem funny, but some movies you just need to have a good cry. This movie was one of them. 
• The true story that inspired this movie. There is actually a woman named Gianna Jessen who is actually an abortion survivor.
• The music. Even though most of the music was more in the background, I LOVED it. Actually, one of the songs {Ocean Floor}is one that Gianna Jessen is singing. 

I didn't ♥

•  One scene. There was a scene where, due to unforeseen circumstances, Hannah and  Jason are forced to share a hotel room. Nothing super inappropriate happens, and they end up not even staying in the room. But still, a bit inappropriate.

Overall:
This is a fantastic movie. I urge you to go see it. I believe it is in theaters for another week or two, and I would definitely take anyone 13+ to this movie. I would love to support this movie as much as possible. Truly.

Book Review: By Faith, Not by Sight by Scott Macintyre

This book was given to me for free by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for this review.

“Is it possible to be high on a mountain and deep in a valley at the same time?"

Scott Macintyre had been asking this question since he was diagnosed with kidney failure at the young age of 19.  Being a prodigious child, Scott’s musical abilities far excel the talents of those the same age. Not only could the kidney failure be fatal to Scott’s career, it could also be fatal to Scott.  His story is an interesting one. One of a scholar, a songwriter, a student, an American Idol contestant, and most importantly, a child of God. With prayer, perseverance, and praise, Scott’s roller coaster-like biography proves the goodness of God even in the most trying circumstances.

I ♥

·         His writing style. I felt as if I was having coffee with him, or at least hearing him speak at an event. You can see his personality through his writing, and it is one of the best parts of this book.

·         His detail. While some readers would complain that too many details are a bad thing, I think it is rarely true. Scott added the perfect amount of detail: Enough to describe accurately the setting/person/thing, yet not enough to cause readers to become uninterested.

·         His story. It is very uplifting, and fascinating. Usually in biographies/memoirs, there is at least one portion of the book that is somewhat dull. Not this one!

·         His attitude. He remained with a great attitude towards his problems, never giving in to moping or discontent, despite his blindness.

·         His humility. I think in autobiographies, a lot of times, the author can come across as prideful, even if they are not doing so intentionally. Fortunately, Scott is extremely humble.

I didn't ♥

·         I cannot honestly think of something that I disliked about the book. While it is not for the light of heart, it is easily rated a G. It is fantastic.

Overall, I think if you are into American Idol, Biographies, or books in general, this one is a great one to add to your library!

Book Review: The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

The Thickening Plot

Life is good for Charlotte. She is the owner of a chic, modern bridal salon in Birmingham, Alabama she is engaged to an awesome man, and she is certain she will find the perfect dress for her wedding. It is smooth sailing until she purchases a hundred year old trunk, with the lock on front welded shut. Her curiosity piqued, she goes to great lengths to find out the mysterious history behind the lovely wedding dress the trunk contains. Through her journey, she begins to discover more about herself, and doubt her upcoming wedding. In the end, she must find out the truth of her beautiful heritage.

I ♥

·        The multiple stories woven into the book. Each one was so unique, yet so very similar.

·        The characters. I love it when the character seems like a friend.

·        The detail. Just the way the author described the dress, and the way she described the characters. It is a true art.

I Didn’t ♥

·        A couple romantic paragraphs. Not awful, but something for parents to be wary of.

·        The beginning was a bit slow, not unbearably, but it takes a minute to get into the book.

Overall

This book is worth your time. The perfect book for an airplane ride, or a road trip. This book would also be fun to give at a bridal shower, or as a party favor at a bridal shower. I would say this book is worth your money.

This book was given to me for free by Booksneeze, in exchange for this honest review

Book Review: Made to Crave for Young Women by Lysa TerKeurst and Shaunti Feldhahn

{This book was given to me for free from Zstreet team}

     Every single person, man, woman, boy or girl, has a longing on the inside of us. The longing for something more. We have longings to be loved, to feel happy, even if for a moment. Those longings, while natural, will destroy our lives if not handled correctly. We were made to fill those longings with God. Not chocolate chip cookies, or a handsome boyfriend, or those adorable shoes at the store. In this fantastically written book, Shaunti Feldhahn and Lysa TerKeurst show that it is God's plan for us to run to Him instead of to food, material possessions, or even other people. If we run to God, we can experience eternal happiness rather than short-lived enjoyment.
     This book was exceedingly better than I could have hoped. This book was perfect for me at this time in my life. I have always seemed to have a problem with self control. This past week, however, I have been trying to walk in more self-control. This book could not have come at a more perfect time. This book has helped me so much, I can't even begin to tell you. Though hard to pick, I think one of my favorite quotes is this one,

"The key, friends, is not to simply follow a rule- it's to be wise about our choices so we rely on God rather than something we crave."

Talk about a perfect quote! Using scripture throughout, this book easily makes the best non-fiction book I have read this year. Overall, I would one-hundred percent recommend this book. It is one of the few books that is COMPLETELY worth your money. I guarantee it.

Sincerely,
Libbi H.

Book Review: This Thing of Ours by Cammy Franzese

    For better or for worse. The phrase that is recited daily by couples, yet is rarely followed through. With divorce becoming the easy way out, it is rare for a family with multiple problems to not split up. This book is the story of Camille Franzese's marriage to a member of a massive mafia {just had to alliterate that :) } Shortly into her marriage, her husband was impounded, for four years. Finally, he is released from prison. And then re-impounded. For another four years. Although being imprisoned is difficult, raising a family without a husband is just as, if not harder to manage. Through it all, Cammy never once had an affair, or pondered divorcing her mob boss husband.
     This book dissapointed me. I actually loved it until the last chapter. In fact, it was the last chapter that ruined it for me. I loved the message of really sticking by your husband "for better or worse," no matter what. I genuinely liked the story. But the last chapter killed the rest of the book. I'll spare you the details, but it really made me pretty miserable. I was planning on giving this book to my grandma for Christmas, but the end pretty much ruined that. So, I will say to you, the book is 5 stars until page 174. Skip the rest, and it is a good book!
Sincerely,
Libbi H.
This book was given to me by Thomas Nelson Publishers for this review

Book Review: His Steadfast Love by Golden Jeyes Parsons

    

     The Civil War, America's biggest scar. Brother against brother, father against son, and countrymen killing their other countrymen. Families and lives torn apart in a second. So is the world that Amanda Belle finds herself hating, as both her brother, and potential husband have left to fight. On different sides, that is. Through the long, miserable war, Amanda finds herself hating the cruel soldiers, Yankee and Confederate, and wishing that her sweetheart and her brother could simply return.  Through the war, she remains fearful for her Brother’s life, as well as the life of her beloved. Will her world ever be the same?
      I dearly enjoyed this story, and the detail woven within.  Until I read this book, I understood what happened during the Civil War, and that it was a terrible time in America. I never had understood the depth of the tragedy until now, and I am amazed and thankful that America even got through that devastation. This book was detailed enough, but not overly so, it was lengthy enough, but again, not overly. The one side note  {Not a criticism} I had was this: If you choose to read this book  {which I hope you will} pay attention to the dates listed! If you ignore the dates, you will be lost. I overly enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to whosoever enjoys historical/fun books!

Sincerely,

Libbi H,

I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers for this review.