BoxyCharm Boxy Oasis June Base Box Review

BoxyCharm Base Box is a monthly beauty box containing 5 full-size beauty items. Ranging from makeup and skincare, to beauty tools and color cosmetics, each box has an average value over $120.

There is an in-depth beauty quiz to fill out, including your shade of foundation and concealer, to help ensure your box suits your taste. Each month you’ll be able to select one product. There are two upgrades available (often you’re put on a waitlist after subscribing to their base box).

Price: $24 a month plus tax (Free US Shipping)

Find out more HERE

Back in 2018, I tried BoxyCharm and cancelled it after receiving my first box. In 2019, they overhauled their box, included an in-depth beauty quiz (that they now seem to follow), and improved their products. I decided to try their new box and I’ve been loving it ever since. It’s very rare that I dislike one of their products.

They offer three choices (base, premium, and luxe) and I get the base box.

Kylie Skin by Kylie Jenner Foaming Face Wash $24.00—I’m always up for trying out a new moisturizing face wash.

TULA Skincare Glow & Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm $28—I love this eye balm. It really does brighten up my under eyes and gives me a more ‘awake’ look. I keep mine in the fridge for an extra bit of cooling.

Lashaholic Lashes - They're Real, I Swear $14.99—these do look realistic but I don’t wear false lashes often, maybe once a year, but when I do this brand is my go-to.

KAB - Lip Duo in Charming $40—this is one of my favorite lip products. The liner glides on and the gloss is creamy rather than sticky and has staying power. The shade is a lovely dusty rose.

Laura Geller - Multitasking Eye, Lip, Cheek Palette Cream to Powder Trio - Shades of Nude $24—this is something I could have done without; I’m not a fan of cream to powder products and I’m not a fan of dual products. If I do use this, I’ll probably use the highlighter (gold dust) and the lipstick (Tuscan coral).

 

Total Value: $130.99

 

Overall, I found this to be a nice mix of makeup and skincare. I’m not a fan of the cream to powder trio but I will get use out of the other products.  

The Getaway by Greer Hendricks, Sarah Pekkanen

A weekend at the Lakewood Retreat is exactly what Chloe Powell needs. Freshly unemployed after her boss loses a reelection campaign, the former press secretary desperately wants a break from the bustle of Washington, DC. A flier posted at her yoga studio leads her to the getaway, which looks amazing: organic meals, celebrity testimonials, and a serene private property within driving distance of the city.

It’s so perfect, in fact, that Chloe’s barely bothered by the intensely personal questions she’s asked in her application, or the unnerving social experiments her enigmatic host, Sebastian, imposes on her once she arrives at his remote cabin. But when a mysterious new guest shows up, Chloe can no longer suppress her rising panic: This place is not at all what it seems.

A pulse-pounding story from the first minute to the last, The Getaway explores the weight of the small choices we make every day, and their staggering, unintended consequences.

Publisher: Audible  | Narrator: Emily Bauer  | Length: 2 hours, 24 minutes |  Genre: Thriller/Mystery/Suspense  | Source: Audible Freebie | Rating: 3.5 Cups

Challenges Read For:  - Audiobook Challenge 

 

If you’re looking for a quick thriller this summer, The Getaway is the book for you.

 

Here’s what’s going on: Deciding she needs a break, Chloe books a stay at the prestigious Lakewood Retreat but she soon discovers Sebastian—her host and owner of the retreat—is not what he seems. Now her getaway is turning into a nightmare.

 

I’ve been hearing a lot of people raving about this writing team, so when The Getaway popped up as a freebie on Audible I decided to give it a go.

 

This was a quick listen (I put it on while I was cooking) and it was an okay thriller. It was entertaining yet predictable from the start. There’s a bit of suspense leading up to the reveal but, once again, it was predictable yet it didn’t pull me away from enjoying the book.      

 

While it was quick, it still had a nice rounded feel. I don’t think anything was rushed or overlooked.

 

This was my first time listening to Emily Bauer and found her narration easy to listen to and likable.

Overall, this was enjoyable and reminiscent of a Lifetime movie. While it’s labeled as a thriller, it’s more of a light suspense. It’s still made for a light listen.

Mid-Year Freak Out Tag

Hello Lovelies!

It’s tag time! I’ve been wanting to do the Mid-Year Freak Out Tag (I can't believe it's mid-year already) for the last few years and I kept forgetting so this year I put it in my planner so I would remember.

This year’s been a bit different on the reading front. I’ve really been getting into reading more thrillers this year and catching up on authors I’ve wanted to try for years.

Some of the books mentioned will be reviewed in the coming weeks (I’m slightly behind on reviews).

 

Best book you’ve read so far in 2020.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley had all the right elements making it such an entertaining thriller and my favorite read so far this year.

Best sequel you've read so far in 2020.

So, it’s not a sequel (I don’t read a lot of books that have sequels) but Heart of Evil (second in the Krewe of Hunters series) by Heather Graham was a great one I read this year.

New release you haven't read yet, but want to.

There’s so many…but the ones that are up next on my TBR pile are The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner, The Mountains Wild by Sarah Stewart Taylor, Home Before Dark by Riley Sager, Hideaway by Nora Roberts.

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.

The Deadly Hours (anthology) comes out in September and while it’s an anthology, I’m eager to read Susanna Kearsley’s story. It’s been a minute since I’ve read something from Kearsley and she does such an amazing job with the modern gothic/woman in jeopardy tropes.

Biggest disappointment.

Not According to Plan by A.M. Madden was such a letdown. I should have DNF’d it but I stayed until the horrid end.

Biggest surprise.

Wife after Wife by Olivia Hayfield was an interesting modern day take on King Henry VIII. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book considering I’m such a stickler for staying true to Tudor history.

Favourite new author. (Debut or new to you)

Heather Graham. I’ve been meaning to check out her Krewe of Hunters series for yonks and finally picked up the first four books in the series and now I’m addicted.

Newest favourite character.

I’d have to say Hunter from Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge by Debbie Mason. He was an all-around good guy and just fun to read about.

Book that made you cry.

I’m not a crier but Cowboy Strong by Carolyn Brown tugged at my heartstrings.

Book that made you happy.

Always Be My Banshee by Molly Harper. Molly Harper’s paranormal romances always leave me with a smile on my face.

Most beautiful book you've bought so far this year (or received)

 

It’s been a minute since I’ve bought a book but when Thomas Nelson released their laser-cut edition of Jane Eyre a few weeks ago, I had to have it and it’s such a lovely book. Not only is the book gorgeous with its laser-cut cover and book mark, the quality is amazing.

What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

So many books…you should see my TBR pile mountain. It would take me years to name them all.

Want to join in? Feel free to grab the prompts below!

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2020.
2. Best sequel you've read so far in 2020.
3. New release you haven't read yet, but want to.
4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.
5. Biggest disappointment.
6. Biggest surprise.
7. Favourite new author. (Debut or new to you)
8. Newest favourite character.
9. Book that made you cry.
10. Book that made you happy.
11. Most beautiful book you've bought so far this year (or received)
12. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

 

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

The bride ‧ The plus one ‧ The best man ‧ The wedding planner ‧ The bridesmaid ‧ The body

On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The groom: handsome and charming, a rising television star. The bride: smart and ambitious, a magazine publisher. It’s a wedding for a magazine, or for a celebrity: the designer dress, the remote location, the luxe party favors, the boutique whiskey. The cell phone service may be spotty and the waves may be rough, but every detail has been expertly planned and will be expertly executed.

But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human. As the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the reminiscences and well wishes. The groomsmen begin the drinking game from their school days. The bridesmaid not-so-accidentally ruins her dress. The bride’s oldest (male) friend gives an uncomfortably caring toast.

And then someone turns up dead. Who didn’t wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why?

Publisher: William Morrow | Genre: Thriller/Mystery | Source: Publisher | Rating: 4.5 Cups

 

If you’re looking for a quick, atmospheric thriller set on an island with a horrific past, then The Guest List is the book for you.

 

Jules, owner of the online magazine The Download, has planned what is marked to be the wedding of the year to Will, who happens to have his own survival show (think Bear Grylls), on a remote island off the coast of Ireland. With their nearest and dearest gathering for their wedding, Jules expects things to go off without a problem but things change on the wedding night when a body is discovered.

 

When the book opens, we know there’s been a murder. What we don’t know is who was murdered, who the killer is, and why. As the story flips between the present (the wedding night) and the day before, we’re introduced to those closest to the wedding and soon discover each of them is harboring a secret that could be motive for murder. With each guest aware of the island’s dark and ghoulish past, it’s not long before their location starts playing with their emotions.

 

While the book starts off at a slower pace, the middle and ending flew by as each character’s story starts to reveal their connection to the person who was murdered and the victim is slowly revealed.

 

I enjoyed this thriller but had a hard time finding a character that I liked—I don’t believe any of the characters expect for one was created to be likable. They all have flaws and faults that I don’t believe to be redeemable and for characters in their thirties none of them had much maturity.

 

Although I liked watching the twists, turns, and reveals this thriller offered, I spotted them coming from a few chapter in. I even spotted the connection between the characters and the one who was murdered. While I knew the direction it was heading, I still find this one to be an entertaining thriller.

 

The only problem I had with this one was the ending felt a bit abrupt and I was left wondering what happened after the fallout and where these characters landed after going through the turmoil caused over two days. I do think this one could have benefited with a more in-depth epilogue.

 

This was my first time reading a book by Lucy Foley and I was impressed with her style. I’ve heard that The Hunting Party is a bit stronger than this one and I’m eager to check it out.

 

Overall, this was a very atmospheric thriller with a slight gothic feel. Slightly reminiscent of Agatha Christie but with a nod to Lord of the Flies and Big Little Lies, The Guest List grips you in its mystery and doesn’t let you go until the end.  

Happy Independence Day!

Wishing you and your family a safe, happy, and healthy Independence Day!

Standing Stone Cookies (Inspired by Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge by Debbie Mason)

Hello Lovelies,

 

Today I’m bringing you a fun-inspired book cookie recipe.

 

In the book, Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge by Debbie Mason, the heroine, Abby, is a baker. She also sets up this fun Outlander-themed tour, which includes standing stones right in her backyard in Highland Falls, NC. Drawing inspiration from Abby, I decided to make Standing Stone Cookies to go along with the book.

 

I know it may seem a little time-consuming but I promise this is actually a lot quicker—and easier—than it sounds. The recipe is also customizable. You can swap the oranges out for lemons or add in any flavor of your choice. You can also control the amount that you make. Cut out your desired amount of standing stone cookies, then freeze the leftover over dough. You can also store any remaining chocolate in fridge and re-melt it when you want to use it.

 

Now onto the Standing Stone Cookies….

Here’s what you need:

• Sugar cookie mix
• Grated zest and juice of one Orange
• 1/2-1 cup flour
• Cupcake Liners
• 2 Tubs of Baker’s Dipping Chocolate
• 1 ½ Cups Coconut Flakes (sweetened or unsweetened)
• Green food coloring
• Chocolate rocks (optional)
• Ziploc bag

 

 

For the cookies

Preheat oven to 350°

 

-Sugar cookie mix

-grated zest and juice of one Orange

-1/2-1 cup of flour

 

Method

1. In a mixing bowl, add the sugar cookie mix and it’s called for ingredients
2. Add in zest and juice of one orange
3. Hand mix until all ingredients are incorporated
4. Knead in flour, up to 1 cup, until the dough isn’t sticky
5. Roll dough out on a floured surface to ¼ inch thickness
6. With a thin-bladed kitchen knife, cut out standing stone shapes (make sure they are at least 1 inch wide at the bottom and about 3-4 inches tall)
7. Bake on a parchment-lined cookie sheet at 350° for 7-10 minutes or until edges are golden brown
8. Cool completely on a cooling rack

 

How to Assemble the Standing Stones

-Cupcake Liners

-Baker’s Dipping Chocolate

-Coconut Flakes (sweetened or unsweetened)

-Green food coloring

-chocolate rocks (optional)

-Ziploc bag

 

Method

1. While the cookies are baking, place coconut flakes in a Ziploc bag, add in 10-15 drops of food coloring. Zip the bag close, and shake until all the coconut flakes have been dyed green. If needed, add more food coloring to reach the desired green color. Open the bag and allow to sit for 10 minutes so the food color can set. This will be your ‘grass’.
2. Set out cupcake liners
3. Melt the Baker’s Dipping Chocolate according to the listed instructions
4. Place 1 Standing Stone Cookie in the middle of the cupcake liner, add in three tablespoons of melted chocolate until the entire bottom of the liner is coated with ¼ to ½ inch of chocolate. Fill the remainder of the cupcake liner with the coconut flakes (this will hold your cookie up) and place on a tray.
5. Once all the cookies are assembled, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set
6. When ready to serve, place a few chocolate rocks around each Standing Stone Cookie

 

While the cookies can be served in the cupcake holder, they make a lovely edible centerpiece.

 

To assemble the centerpiece

1. Remove the cupcake holder and save the extra coconut flakes
2. Assemble in a circle on a cake stand; you can also place a Standing Stone in the center of the circle.
3. Take the extra ‘grass’, the green coconut flakes, and fill in empty areas.
4. To finish off your centerpiece, sprinkle in the chocolate rocks.

I picked my chocolate rocks up at a local candy store but you can find them online at the following places (these are not affiliate links)

Hobby Lobby | Amazon | Bulk Candy Store | Nuts.Com | Natural Candy Store

Welcome to Highland Falls, a small town where love is always in the air.

In just a few months Abby Everhart has gone from being a top LA media influencer to an unemployed divorcée living out of her car. So inheriting her great-aunt's homestead comes at the perfect time. Abby heads to Highland Falls, North Carolina, to spruce up Honeysuckle Farm before putting it on the market for some much-needed cash. But instead of finding a charming getaway, she discovers a serious fixer-upper, complete with a leaky roof, overgrown yard, and a reclusive -- albeit sexy -- man living on the property.

Ex-Delta Force soldier Hunter MacKenzie has faced war and loss, but nothing has quite prepared him for an outgoing redhead who's determined to turn his life upside down. Hunter doesn't want to get involved with anyone, especially a city girl who plans to sell the only place he's ever felt at home. But the sparks between them are undeniable. Spending time with Abby is easy. Convincing her to stay for good is another matter entirely.

 

Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge (Highland Falls #1) by Debbie Mason

Welcome to Highland Falls, a small town where love is always in the air.

In just a few months Abby Everhart has gone from being a top LA media influencer to an unemployed divorcée living out of her car. So inheriting her great-aunt's homestead comes at the perfect time. Abby heads to Highland Falls, North Carolina, to spruce up Honeysuckle Farm before putting it on the market for some much-needed cash. But instead of finding a charming getaway, she discovers a serious fixer-upper, complete with a leaky roof, overgrown yard, and a reclusive -- albeit sexy -- man living on the property.

Ex-Delta Force soldier Hunter MacKenzie has faced war and loss, but nothing has quite prepared him for an outgoing redhead who's determined to turn his life upside down. Hunter doesn't want to get involved with anyone, especially a city girl who plans to sell the only place he's ever felt at home. But the sparks between them are undeniable. Spending time with Abby is easy. Convincing her to stay for good is another matter entirely.

Series: Highland Falls #1 | Publisher: Forever |  Genre: Contemporary Romance | Source: Publisher  | Rating: 4.5 Cups

Challenges Read For:  -  Literary Pickers  Dessert

What happens when a chatty city girl invades a reclusive Ex-Delta Force soldier’s space? 

Here’s what’s going on. With her world flipped upside down, Abby’s counting on the inheritance she received from her great-aunt to set things to rights. What she didn’t count on was the homestead being in shambles or the sexy yet surly man who lives in the converted barn. Since returning from the war, Hunter MacKenzie has made it his priority to avoid Highland Falls and it’s residents but now that Abby’s invaded his space his life has turned upside down. When they both set out to annoy the other until they leave, neither expected to fall head over heels but, now that they have, will their past hurts allow them to move forward.

 

When I pick up a book by Debbie Mason, I know I’m going to be transported to a charming small town where the characters steal your heart and Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge was no exception.

 

Abby and Hunter are both a bit broken. She had a traumatic thing happen to her when she was younger then had her life to implode but she’s has this wonderful fighting spirit that had me rooting for her. He’s been through hell and back and he’s carrying a lot of guilt to the point he’s cut himself off from the world. I couldn’t help to feel for him.

 

I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between them. Abby is friendly, chatty, and bit of klutz. Hunter’s broody, a bit gruff, and wants to be left alone. Abby brought Hunter back to the living and I enjoyed watching how he warmed up to her and started forgiving himself. I also liked the way Hunter looked out for Abby from the start. This was a slow-burn relationship and truly what was needed for Abby and Hunter.

 

Another fun thing about this book was Bella and Wolf, Abby and Hunter’s dogs who mimicked their owner’s personalities. It was fun watching the dogs play and figure out how to co-habitat.

 

One of the things I love about Debbie Mason’s books is the fact that she creates these wonderful secondary characters that truly brings the books alive and that’s just what you find with the residents of Highland Falls. They’re unique, lively, and so much fun. Oh, and I cannot forget to mention that they’re also kilted! Who can resist a kilted man?

 

Overall, while this one had plenty of hilarious moments, it also had a lot of heart, soul, and healing. I highly recommend you pick up Summer on Honeysuckle Ridge and meet Abby, Hunter, Bella, Wolf, and the residents of Highland Falls. You’ll laugh with them, cry with them, and root for them!

 

I simply cannot wait to read Christmas on Reindeer Road (coming Fall 2020), the second book in the Highland Falls series.

Don’t forget to come back tomorrow and check out the Standing Stone Cookies I made inspired by Abby’s love of baking.