Hiding In Sunshine Book Review

This book isn't really a thriller. Fast paced it is not. It is hard to feel sorry for family that has to go into hiding, while they whine (externally or internally) about losing their first class life for a quiet, internet free middle class life. They spend 11 years in (terror) but do nothing about it but complain for the majority of the book.

I read it hoping that it would pick up, but found that the book is one long rant. A rant against the government. A rant against internet privacy rights. I found it like trudging through tar laden mud. I only kept picking up the book in hopes that something excited would happen, only to put it down again of boredom and disappointment.

The Father Daughter writing team was a great selling point. However it feels as if the book was written with the authors switching off on writing chapters. Every other chapter (almost) was pleasant to read, but then the next would be boring and hard to get through. I suspect the Daughter has the better and less rant worthy writing skills. If this is the case, she needs to write books without her father. Truly boring and unlikable characters with the exception of the oldest Daughter.

DISCLAIMER: I received this book for free from @influenster in a #HolidayVoxBox to review. The opinions herein are my own and are not influenced by anyone else.

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine!

I received the color Nude York City in my Influenster Holiday VoxBox! Why did I not buy these before. I had heard the hype on YouTube. I always stop by the NYC stand at my local Rite Aid. But never did I pick one up. Perhaps I thought I had enough lip glosses!

This lipgloss smells like vanilla and stays on for longer than most non-sticky glosses. (Maybe not as long as a super sticky gloss like Stila's lipglazes.) I keep it in my purse because it's so moisturizing and I love the scent/flavor. It's a joy to put on. The nude color works well over any lipstick I am wearing too.

Totally in love with this lipgloss. I must buy more!

(I received this product free from Influenster. All opinions are my own.)

Influenster Holiday VoxBox 2012

Due to my Palmolive Box challenge, I was selected to receive the Holiday VoxBox for 2012 from Influenster. If you'd like an invite to influenster please e-mail me at sarine531@gmail.com and I will be happy to send you an invite!

Now on with the goodies!

I LOVE Goody. Don't get me wrong but the Goody® QuikStyle™ Brush was a nightmare on my hair. As you can see above, I used a frizz cream, and then used the brush to blowdry my hair. Sure the dry time was faster, but my curly hair did not like the brush at all! I had to apply more de-frizzing products and hated my hair all day. (THUMBS DOWN).

The Montagne Jeunesse face mask was a wonderful experience. I totally loved it and there is a previous blog post just on this mask. (THUMBS UP)

The EBOOST is not very tasty. Gave me minimal energy. And rankly, I think there are healthier ways to get your vitamins and energy - you know those things they call fruits and veggies? (THUMBS DOWN).

The Kiss® Nail Dress are great - much better than the Sally Hansen stickums that I have used before. I would buy these for when I want something fun. They lasted almost 4 days on my terrible nails. Which is good. (THUMBS UP)

The Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal+ was pretty tasty. And I hate Oatmeal. I'm not sure how healthy this is, but it's pretty tasty and the added fruit and nuts add texture to slimey oats. Not really practical cost wise, but it was good. (ONE THUMB UP)

Speaking of Yummy! The NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine is sooo yummy smelling and works so well. A great nude color too. I have to buy more of these. Not sticky, but lasts a long time. Very moisturizing!  LOVE it. (THUMBS UP)

And the Sole Society coupon. I did not use this as the boots that I would have purchased were all sold out and they had minimal selection. I also did a post on this previously. (THUMBS DOWN)

I also got an extra that was shipped separately. A BOOK!

This book is a bit slow to start, but it has all the necessary setup for the story in the beginning. I am slowly reading it and having a tough time getting into the first handful of chapters. I think once the story gets going though I will be gripped and will love it. I will have a full review later on.

THANKS INFLUENSTER! While I don't love everything (that I received for free), I always give my honest opinion and LOVE trying new things. A great box! Thumbs up!

Please leave any questions or comments below!

Montagne Jeunesse Mask in Chocolate : Influenster Holiday Vox Box

Thanks again to Influenster for the Holiday voxbox I received!
I got a wonderful chocolate mask from Montagne Jeunesse!

I had tried the Freeman's version - the chocolate mud mask and found it to be just as drying and thick as any mud mask that I've tried.

This mask from Montagne Jeunesse however was like applying pudding! it went on smooth, covered extremely well, and smelled like you could eat it. It is a moisturizing mask and it does a wonderful job! I still have another application in the packet! I would love a larger size!

I believe this is my first experience with the brand and I would be delighted to try other masks from them. My skin felt smooth and wonderful and I wanted to do it again the next day, just for the nice experience, but I thought that might be a bit much! lol

So do I recommend this? Totally. It dried more evenly than previous masks I have tried and came off easily with water and a washcloth. Did I mention how yummy it smelled? Totally worth they hype!

Please leave me any questions below.

I did receive this for free from Influenster. All opinions however are my very own. I did not like all the products in the box, but this one's a winner.

BuzzAgent: Neutorgena Norwegian Formula® Hand Cream

So, the Neutrogena hand cream has been great at keeping my dry winter hands feeling soft and moisturized. The formula is concentrated and a tiny bit goes a long way.  Anything larger than a pea sized amount on your hands is way too much.

I have cleaned and filed my nails and then applied a bit of product to them and really rubbed it into my cuticles. It last through a couple of washings. I have to admit, there are better products out there for nail care. However, for healing cracked knuckles, this stuff is a wonder!

It does leave a tacky residue after you first apply it. It does go away after about 20 minutes. I like to use a hand sanitizer before I apply hand lotion when I am at work. This lotion does not work well with hand sanitizer. The alcohol and the glycerin just don't mix.

Overall I think this is a great winter hand cream. I would purchase it when I run out.

I did receive this free from BuzzAgent for testing purposes.

Sole Society Shoes

Sole Society Shoes

I received a $25 off card for Sole Society in my Influenster Holiday Vox Box. That's about half off the cheapest pair of shoes on their site. I see these card in Ipsy bags, along with other subscription services. I feel like this company is being shoved down our throats.

Oh, I looked at the website. They didn't have a lot of shoes. And the only cool ones they did have were out of stock in all sizes but one or two. A $25 off coupon is great, if you plan to spend the money and use it. I'd rather pay full price for shoes I can try on in person. I find that it's better to try shoes on before buying them and I hate online returns... I also like to see the quality of what I am buying in person. Cheaply made shoes don't last long at all.

I like shoes. Boots especially. But I was not impressed with this site nor their smattering of advertising.

That is my thoughts on that.

COVERGIRL Blastflipstick Buzz Campaign!

I am really enjoying being a Buzz Agent. One of my latest campaigns is for the Covergirl Blastflipstick lipsticks!



I can't say that I am in love with them. They are a terrific idea. My problem: The taste. I can't hardly wear it with the horrible waxy cheap crayon taste that tickles the back of my throat.
The colors don't look bad, and they mix together ok. They are a bit drying - not the most moisturizing lipstick for sure. Some of them feel gritty due to the glitter in them. Some colors also stain pretty badly.

I really want to like Covergirl, but most of their products haven't changed since I was a teenager and their new products have yet to impress me. I really hope that BuzzAgent winds up with more widespread makeup brands for their kits. But, I am glad that I can share my honest opinions with you! And honestly, I'd give these a D. The actual lipstick design makes applying to the lips a bit difficult. The only reason I wouldn't give it an F? It's a really good concept. They just didn't pull it off in my honest opinion.


Here is a video of my first impression:


Here is a video of some live swatches


And here are swatches of the colors that came in the kit.

Stunner, Vixen, and Minx

These products were sent to me free for review by Buzz Agent.
Check out Buzz Agent here: https://www.bzzagent.com