Product Review ~ Even Glow Serum with 20% Vitamin C by Valentia Skin Care


When I first opened this product, I was skeptical. It has a vague orange tint and is pretty thick. It even smells fairly citrus-y. I was a little worried about how well it would soak into my skin and if I would have a reaction to the vitamin C. I dotted it lightly on the bags under my eyes and in a few places that might harbor a wrinkle or two, then I waited for it to dry. THE RESULTS WERE AMAZING. It was like nothing I’d ever seen. The skin under my eyes looked at least ten years younger. Places where normally there are hints of developing wrinkles were smooth and absolutely wrinkle free. I would never have believed that such a transformation could take place had I not seen it myself. My roommate would not believe my results until she tried for herself. She is ten years younger than I am and, of course, looks much younger; but, she also had amazing results with the Even Glow Serum!

A few things to know before using this product:

It is thick. Very thick. I may have overused it in my adoration of the stuff that first week, but it did cause a waxy build-up of some kind that easily scrubbed off.

In the places where I experienced waxy build-up, I broke out within days. I eased up on my usage, going down to once every few days, and had no further issue with it.

It may not mix well with other products. I used a facial scrub that I have used many times before with no problem, but had a severe reaction to it. The only new variable was that I had been using the Even Glow Serum for about a week. This could have been a complete coincidence, though.

I thought this was a great product. When I first saw the full list price, I felt it was a bit pricey; but, after seeing the results I can completely understand why one would pay it! This is a fantastic product that definitely delivers!

I received a promotional sample of this product in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Book Review ~ The Best Advice A Tubby Turtle Can Get

Book Review Time!
The Best Advice A Tubby Turtle Can Get
by Ayala Raz

This story is adorable and very relevant to those of us who struggle with getting our kids to eat healthier. (Read that as all of us!) Toby the turtle gets a little too large for his shell; it becomes tight and uncomfortable. He gets a lot of advice from well-meaning friends and family but in the end it is a wise old turtle that has the answer Toby needs: eating sensible portions and staying more active will help Toby be comfortable in his shell.

I loved this concept. Something like this is much needed, I think, in our classrooms and on our library shelves. Stories like this will help our children make healthier choices for themselves. This story is cute and the book has delicious snack ideas in the back. I did have a large hang-up with it, however. Every second line rhymes (or is intended to rhyme) with the previous line. A very good bit of the time, these lines do not rhyme, though it is clear the author intends them to. It is a distraction for adults and confusing for children, in my opinion. I read this book to a group of children, ages 5 through ten and had to explain several times that “no, those words don’t really rhyme, they just almost rhyme”. If my group here picked up on it and was distracted enough by it to bring it up more than once, I think the target audience is going to have the same issue.

All in all, a fantastic concept that might need some minor editorial work. Still a great read for any child with eating or exercising habits that are concerning. Just be prepared to explain the jump back and forth from rhyming to not rhyming.

I received a promotional copy of this e-book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Storm Dancer ~ Book Review

Book Review

Storm Dancer
By Rayne Hall

In Storm Dancer, Rayne Hall has created a rich and vibrant world that rings with intensity. Set in a place that feels vaguely like the Middle East, there are elements of barbarism as well as civilization peppered throughout the different cultures we are presented with. Detailed societal structure and belief systems make each of these cultures come alive. Layered atop this intriguing environment are characters that take hold of your imagination and stay with you long after you have stopped reading.

The two main characters, Dahoud and Merida, are both at a crossroads in their lives as our story opens. They each feel they have things to prove to themselves, and to the world. While from vastly different backgrounds, the two are more alike than either would care to admit. Passionate and willing to go to great lengths to achieve their goals, these two clash with an almost Machiavellian style. Watching the two equals come to terms was wonderful. A moment that especially spoke to me was when Merida attempts to “escape” Dahoud, only to see a wildfire coming toward the town and return to give warning. With this and other acts that night, she saves his town; then, he saves her life.

Dahoud and Merida are not the only captivating personalities found in these pages. Tarkin and Teruma are two of my other favorites. Both show resourcefulness and a devious subtlety that is quite impressive. There are characters that I loved to hate, as well. Merida’s mother was not particularly endearing. Kirral was fascinatingly disgusting. Mansour was a powder keg of suspense for me.

I thought this was an amazing read; a great story, well told and set in a fascinating environment. While it got a bit dark in places and touched on very dark themes that could disturb some, all in all I’d say that this is a book that avid fantasy readers will want to dive right into.