Candy Coated Cozys from NetGalley

Sweet Taffy and the Marshmallow Murder by Dana Moss

 

Taffy Belair is not your run of the mill gal. Nope, she is high class all the way, this "Wilhemina Wonka" dresses to the 9's and has a heart of gold. When she is not running her candy business/factory she is spending time with her forest ranger boyfriend Ethan. Not that Taffy is an outdoors sort of a girl unlike Ethan's new assistant Melanie who is naturally good at everything. To make matters worse, while bird watching (the things she does for her guy) she not only spots a jay but also a vulture and a body in a boat. Now most people would leave well enough alone but not Taffy. she is determined to help the lead detective on the job, her best friend Maria, much to Ethan's chagrin. Not sure how far she will get talking with the teens but that won't deter her. She is more likely to have issues with trying to keep up with and/or sabotaging Mel than with getting info out of 17 year-olds. It's almost comically how someone as sophisticated and sweet and drop dead gorgeous can feel insecure. It makes Taffy a more relatable character which makes this book that more enjoyable. A great read full of surly characters, seductive secrets, and the great outdoors (what is a girl to do).

Mother's Day, Muffins and Murder plus PTA tips

I truly enjoy a good mystery and who couldn't use helpful hints along the way?  This could very well be a "how to" manual for working with a school PTA and keeping events organized especially where volunteers are concerned.  It was also a great story that kept me guessing all the way to the end as to "who done it." 

 

Our heroine, Ellie Avery, is an Army mom who also doubles as a professional organizer as in clutter and a little bit of a reluctant sleuth.  She is extremely efficient and friendly to boot, unlike the other pro in town, Gabrielle Matheson.  Unfortunately for Gabrielle, while being the organized person she is, she finds a dead body in a closet.  Or does she?  After a false fire drill the body has disappeared and Gabrielle is looking foolish until the body shows up on the woods on Field Day.  Gabrielle decides that it is up to Ellie to get this matter organized and solved as quick as possible. 

 

You would think that an elementary school would be a safe place but apparently this one is full of secrets and hazards.  It's no secret that this is a nice little cozy mystery that would be perfect for any day and not just Mother's Day.  The other perfect piece to this cozy puzzle are the tips and easy to follow directions for PTA volunteering found between chapters.

My July Ipsy Bag

My July Ipsy Bag 

I've seen a few people post about the Ipsy bags on Facebook so I thought "why not" it might be fun trying some makeup and skin care items.  A truly girlie thing to do in a house full of men, right?  So here is my July bag offerings.  Since I am such a newbie when it comes to make up I actually had to look up what 2 of the items are and how to properly apply them.  I wasn't allowed to wear makeup growing up so while my friends developed a morning make up routine, I slept in.  So now that I have re-entered the workforce in a grown up job with adults I figured I should maybe try to look nice.  So for $10 I received everything yo use in the picture.  Absolutely love the small sizes, as a FlyLady FlyBaby I have to say that I have tossed many a tube of lipstick and so forth out because I don't use it often enough and believe it or not, make up can go bad in that it will become a breeding ground for icky things.  

For skincare, there was a small bottle of Avenue Cleanance MAT toner. This is an astringent and works really well without drying my skin out.  Keep in mind that I don't have dry skin to begin with.

You can find this product here http://www.aveneusa.com/collections/cleanance/cleanance-mat-mattifying-toner

Next is the Tarte Bronzer.  I am very happy to say that this can found at ULTA and if anyone would like a 20% off coupon let me know, I have a spare one.  So bronzer is definitely an item I needed to look up to see how it is properly used.    The Tarte website even has a video tutorial to make it easy.  This is a great product and again was not too heavy and my skin was not irritated but rather had a nice soft glow. Side note it is vegan friendly and more info can be found at  http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-park-ave-princess-matte-waterproof-bronzer 

Then there is the illuminating highlight powder made by Nomad, a "silky soft highlighter infused with moisturizing ingredients in a champagne shade inspired by the illuminating glow of the ever-present sun above the horizon even during the long summer nights."  Nights in the Nordic, not night in North Carolina.  I'm not sure I would know what to do with all that sunshine going into the night.  Most likely I'd be more productive. Here is the only place I could find it on the web so be sure to leave a comment if you know of a better place. https://nomadcosmetics.com/pages/Stockholm

My favorite product in this bag was the Wonderwand.  Eyeliner has always mystified me.  It can give such depth or the ability to make one's eyes bold and beautiful.  This was a kohl colored liner with a built in brush for blending.  I checked out the website https://www.ciatelondon.com/collections/makeup/products/wonderwand-liner?variant=29102559303 and was amazed to see the tutorial video showing a variety of colors and just how great it looked when multiple colors were layered and blended and since they used a model with "hooded" eyelids I could actually see that this would work for me.  Eyeshadow tends to be lost on me in that you can't see it on me unless I put it up by my brow line.  There are 10 colors to choose from and all come with the blending brush on the end.

The last item was my least favorite, and this is most likely due to the color.  It was a pink that looked too pink, too pale pink with a matte finish.  It looked like I had put pink chalk on my lips and was a little difficult to remove.  It goes on wet like a lip gloss and the product website has a tutorial (love all these tutorials) to show you how to put it on.  I know you're thinking, it's like lip gloss, I can figure it out.  I didn't realize that the top lip should start at the middle of Cupid's bow and go out hugging the lip line. Here is the web link https://www.winkylux.com/collections/double-matte-whip-liquid-lipstick and there are 5 colors to choose from or save money and get all 5 at one time.

Flying Tips

A couple of quick tips when flying

Ask for a free upgrade, if you never ask the answer is always no.

Bring a blanket or dress in layers.

Ask for a whole can of your drink of choice or you will only get one glass per flight.

If you have a carry on bag that is a little weighty and you are vertically challenged do not pay the $25 to check your bag unless your flight is severally under booked.

 Bring a pair of ear buds, although they can be purchased for only $2 with Delta.

Check in as soon as the 24 hour check in window opens and don't forget to double check your seat assignment, things change and you may be able to find a better seat.

The Little Free Library

The Little Free Library


What a great concept and a fun way to get a few books out of the house.  This one is located downtown Raleigh on the corner of Hargett St. and Salisbury St.  Actually that little corner has had a bit of a facelift and is one of the more artistic corners that I have seen so far.  The Little Free Library is a non-profit group who create little libraries to encourage reading, foster community and take the worry out of  due dates and late fees.  I have often donated books to the local library and will now have another venue when the next fit of feng shui over takes me. I walk by the library at least 3 times a week if you ever have a book you'd like to donate I'd be happy to drop it off and find you something in exchange.
Happy Reading!