The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

PUBLISHER:  Riverhead Books

PUBLICATION DATE:  January 13, 2015

PAGES:  336

MY RATING: 4.5/5 

From Goodreads

This book was so good.  I had it on my shelf for quite a while and finally read it!  I know it's been compared to Gone Girl and I can see why.  Though that book was good, I enjoyed this more.  This was a much faster-paced read, more suspenseful and had a creepy-feel to it which I loved!

This book alternates between three women's point-of-views; all who each have their own individual problems and issues.  It took quite awhile for me to like the main character, Rachel.  She is an alcoholic with stalker-ish behavior and I just felt bad for her.  I disliked Anna from the beginning and still do.  Megan, I just plain felt sorry for.  

Rachel travels on the train everyday, admiring the couple she see's from the train that she has "affectionately" named "Jason" and Jess," but things are not always what they seem.  This book is full of secrets, lies and suspense!  It kept me guessing; I highly recommend it. 

I'll be seeing the movie soon and can't wait to see how it compares!

Influenster TLC VoxBox

The TLC VoxBox was sent out to Moms, which is perfect because I am the mother of an almost 2 1/2 year old.  If you aren't sure what Influenster is, go to their website here.

Here's what came in the box...

Neosporin Neo To Go! - This would be perfect for us, if my daughter actually let me put anything on her scrapes.  I will carry this with me just in case.

Breyer's Gelato Indulgences - You actually receive a coupon for a free tub of this gelato.  I haven't used it yet, but I will soon because it expires in a month!

Ivory Bar Soap - I don't usually use bar soap, but this will come in handy.  This soap is so soft and gentle on skin.

Avon Anew Reversalist Express Wrinkle Smoother - I was most excited about getting this since I'm obsessed with beauty products and this is a full-size product which retails for $30! It's a cream to powder skin perfecter that's suppose to blur fine lines.

Puffs To Go - I always keep portable packets of tissues in my purse so this will definitely come in handy.

Shell Fuel Rewards Network Card - It's always good when you can save money on gas.  This will particularly be useful on our long trips down to Georgia where we have to frequently stop for gas.

Overall, these are all very useful products!  Plus, it was all free.  I hope I'm eligible for more boxes in the future!

August 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag: Glamour Academy

I love this month's Ipsy Glam Bag!  The August theme is "Glamour Academy," and there were very few items that I didn't want.  At first, I thought I would be mad if I didn't end up with the mini UD lipstick, but the more I thought about it, I didn't care and would have been happy to receive the lip balm as well, but I ended up getting the lipstick anyway.

Ipsy is only $10/month and is a recurring beauty subscription service.  You will receive full-size and deluxe sample-size products in makeup, skincare and hair care.

 Here is this month's bag...

August 2013 Glam Bag

I think this month's bag is much cuter in person.  I received...

Eye Shadow, Brow Pencil, and Mascara

1.  MicaBeauty Eye shadow in Bronze - This is probably the third or so bronze eye shadow I have received this summer, but that's okay.  I still like the shade and it's not exactly the same as the others.  I have very few loose eye shadows.

Value - $14.95 (full size)

2.  Chella Dazzling Dark Brown Eyebrow Color Pencil - I'm so happy that I got the eyebrow pencil in my bag because I have been looking for a new one.  The color is a little too dark, but if I put it on lightly, it should be fine.  

Value - $18 (full size)

3.  Pixi Beauty Lash Booster Mascara in Blackest Black - I can always use a new mascara.  I have not opened this one yet because they don't last long once opened.  I have heard this isn't the best mascara, though.  Whenever I end up with a mascara that doesn't cover lashes well or doesn't add much volume, I end up using it along with another one.  If this is the case with this one, then I can just use it with something else.  That way, it doesn't go to waste.

Value - $7.14

Lipstick and Facial Scrub

4.  Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Anarchy - This is a nice hot pink shade.  I love how tiny and cute this mini lipstick is!  The texture is so creamy, and when I swatched it, it took forever for it to come off.  I definitely plan to purchase some full-size shades.

Value - $7.33

5.  Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub - I love this scrub...well pretty much any scrubs!  I've been obsessively hoarding lots of beauty products lately, scrubs included.  I have never tried Michael Todd products before and always wanted to.  I would of been happy with the pumpkin mask too because I've been hoarding lots of those too lately, LOL.

Value - $5.29

Here are the swatches...

Eye Shadow, Eyebrow Pencil, Lipstick (No primer used.)

The total value of my bag is $52.71!!  So happy with my August bag.  For me, it just keeps getting better and better!  Can't wait for September =)

Sign up here for only $10/month

July 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag

June 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag

Too Faced Pretty Rebel Palette

These colors are so pretty and so is the packaging!

 

I'm sure this is the first thing that would catch people's attention: the packaging!  It sure did for me.  The packaging is literally 3D, those are fake leather-looking strips going across.  Pretty packaging makes the worst products even look better, but this is by far from a bad product.  In fact, it is wonderful.  The eyeshadow colors are so beautiful and so pigmented.

Most of these are metallic, which I love, and these shadows are all new colors!  A Glamour Guide is included that shows three eye looks to create using this palette.  This is the perfect palette to use for a night out, and there are colors that are good for daytime wear too!

From Left to Right: Dainty, Charming, Girly, Totally Fetch, Miss Sparkles

 I love "Girly."  I know from the picture it kind of makes me think of a bruise, haha, but I like how it is iridescent using brown and olive green shades.  "Totally Fetch" reminds me of the movie Mean Girls.  Of course most eyeshadow palettes for some reason always have to contain a black shadow.  This one is a little different because it has sparkles, hence the name "Miss Sparkles."  I don't think I own another black shadow like that.

From Left to Right: Ringleader, Gangsta, Instigator, Badass, and Jailbird

 From the second row, the first two that caught my eye was "Badass" and "Jailbird.  I'm not really into the color navy, but this shade is beautiful.  Perfect alternative to the typical smokey eye with black shadow.  "Jailbird" is one of the reasons I got this palette.  I really wanted a nice silver shade and this is perfect!

I didn't use any eyeshadow primer beforehand the shadows went on so amazingly.  Just think what they would look like with primer!  I have had this palette for a little while now and haven't used it yet because I haven't been able to go out at night for more than one reason, but I may just be daring and use it during the day.  I don't see what's wrong with a dramatic eye look and nude lip during the daytime!  As long as it's balanced out.

I purchased this palette from the Too Faced website, but that's because they were having a percentage off, but that expired a while ago.  It is $46 and totally worth the price.  According to the website there are limited quantities.

Birchbox - July 2013

This is my first month of getting Birchbox, and for only $10/month, why not.  I signed up a little late for it so I may have not got the best items, according to those who have been getting Birchbox for a while, but I'm pretty happy with my first box.

This month USA's hit series SUITS was the inspiration for these samples.  I don't watch that show, nor have I ever heard of it.

1.  Caudalie Divine Legs - I've never tried this brand before and it also seems like a one-time use packet. This is a firming, moisturizing, tinted lotion that is suppose to give you a beachy glow.  Most tinted lotions I believe to lack moisture.  I will be saving this to use on a night out.

2.  COOLA Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face - Anther COOLA product.  I just got one in my Ipsy bag, but this one is different thankfully.  I can never have enough face moisturizer!

3.  Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect - This is a leave-in conditioner.  This will probably be my favorite product right here because my hair is a little dry these days from bleaching it.  It's a good travel size too.

SUITS PICK

4.  purminerals CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40 - I love CC Creams, so I'm always looking forward to trying new brands.  This one is anti-aging which helps.

BEAUTY EXTRA

5.  Birchbox Bobby Pins - This is my least favorite item in the box.  I do think they're cute, but they were hard to get into my hair and it hurt trying to take them out.  I will only probably use these when I want my hair out of my face temporarily.

COOLA, purminerals, and Number 4

Caudalie, and Birchbox bobby pins

Although I didn't get makeup in this box, I didn't mind because I have been getting enough of it lately, and wanted more skincare/haircare items.  I will keep this subscription box service for now since it is only $10/month

Sign up here!!! 

Starlooks Starbox - July 2013

I'm so happy I decided to sign up for Starlooks Starbox! Starbox is another monthly subscription box service that is only $15/month plus tax.  Not too bad and you get full-size products of their own brand!  This seems to be a very good month...

This box included:

1.  "St. Tropez" Eye Shadow palette - The palette comes with 5 shades and they are just gorgeous colors!  I could of done without another black, but it is still a great palette.  I can see how this would be the perfect summer palette because the colors would look beautiful with tanned skin.  The lightest shade and the gold shade could also be used as a highlighter!

Retail Value - $42

2.  906 "Sculpt and Blush" Brush - I have been looking to purchase more brushes so I am so happy I got one in this box.  This will be good to apply blush or to contour.  It's also very soft and seems like to be of good quality!

Retail Value - $22

3.  The special surprise in this box is a sample of the " Ultimate Body Bronze Set."  It comes with Quince "Relaxing" Body Butter packet and Starlooks "Penny Wise" Pigment Luster (half-size.)  The idea is to mix the two together to get a nice bronzer to put on your body.  I may not do that since I just love the pigment color too much.  I want to use it on my eyes.  I don't own any pigments and I hope to get more from them in the future!

Swatches...

St Tropez Eye Shadow Palette Swatches

Penny Wise Pigment Luster Swatch

I love this box and I can't see what ends up in the August one.  I just don't like having to wait until the end of the month to find out!  September I am definitely looking forward to because it is my Birthday and Starbox sends a special gift to subscribers during their Birthday month!

Oh and I almost forgot, the total Retail Value of this box is $72!!!!!

Ipsy Glam Bag: Beach Beauty - July 2013

This is my second Ipsy Glam Bag and just love everything that I got.  Even though I liked June's, I think this month's is even better! The hot pink see-through bag is so cute and perfect to put in your beach bag.  I think that's why they made it waterproof.  I wasn't too concerned about which items I was going to get this month because I absolutely liked every single choice.

Here is my bag..

I got:

1.  Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof spray - It is a humidity resistant spray.  This is something I can definitely use.  It is a little bit humid here in Michigan, some people think it is more than others, but it is not as bad as it is in Georgia where my family lives.  I plan to be going down there in the next couple of months, and to the beach, so this will be perfect to bring with me.  It is a great travel size!

I haven't tried this product before, but I have tried Big Sexy Hair shampoo and conditioner, which was alright.

Retail Value = $7.80

2.  Benefit Benetint - It is a cheek tint and lip tint.  I will probably use this more on my lips because I am not the best at blending in cheek products other than powdered blushes.

I have most definitely have other products in this brand, but have not tried this specific product before.

Retail Value = $6

3.  COOLA Mineral Sunscreen Rose Essence Tinted moisturizer - Anything that has SPF in it is perfect for the summertime.  The rose scent is very nice and not overpowering, though I wouldn't mind if it was because I love rose-scented products so much.

I have never heard of this brand until recently nor have I tried this product.  This is another item perfect for the beach.

Retail Value = $4.90

4.  Pop Beauty Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush (Full size!) - This is the color that I wanted!  It is the perfect coral color and goes well with my skin color.  I love that it is a retractable crayon and you don't have to sharpen it.

I have probably one item from Pop Beauty and it's an eyeliner...I think. LOL.

Retail Value = $4.17

5.  BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow Sample - There are three eyeshadows in this tiny palette sample from three separate palettes: BH Hollywood, BH San Francisco, and BH Malibu.  I do like these shades and although it seems they may not all go together, I've seen some nice eye looks that people have come up with.

I love BH Cosmetics.  I have the 1st Edition Eyeshadow 120 Palette and I keep wanting to buy more, but then I spend my money on other things!

Retail Value = I have no clue.

Swatches...

Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush, Benefit Benetint, and BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadows

The total Retail Value of this is $22.87 +.  That's pretty good for only paying $10.

I love this month's Glam Bag and will use all items!  I love Ipsy  because you get pretty nice sizes for only $10/month!

June 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag: On the Wild Side

July 2013 Julep Maven Summer Nights Mystery Box

I wasn't planning on getting Julep's mystery box this month until I saw the two glitter polishes included in every box.  Julep Mystery boxes are $24.99 each, or for this month about $10 more you could of bought the Night and Day box combined.

Summer Nights Mystery Box Version 1

I received Version 1 of the Summer Nights Mystery box.  I got four polish colors in the box: Kyla, Monica (the two glitter polishes), Lucy and Ellie.  I also got Lip Vernis in Zinnia and Glycolic Hand Scrub sample. 

Monica, Kyle, Lucy, and Ellie

 Kyla, the orange glittery polish, is probably my favorite out of this box.  Ellie is light iridescent-looking pink, while Lucy is a very dark red, but at first I thought it was a brown shade.  Even though Lucy doesn't make me think of "summertime nights," it would make an excellent color to wear during the fall season.

Glycolic Hand Scrub Sample and Lip Vernis in Zinnia

 I can always use a good hand scrub since I have dry hands quite frequently.  That and some good hand lotion helps a lot.  At first I thought that the lip gloss would be too dark, but this is a perfect color to wear in the fall too.  I think it would match nicely with the Lucy polish.

Here is a swatch of Zinnia...

Overall, I think I got a pretty good box.  Even though I didn't get one of the really big boxes like some lucky people, I'm happy with my box.  The retail value is about $73.  Still a good deal.

You can sign up for the monthly box for $19.99/month.

Invitation Code: 16749656

July 2013 Julep Maven Box

June 2013 Julep Maven Laguna Beach Mystery Box

Julep Maven Intro Box: It Girl

Popsugar Must Have box - July 2013

I absolutely love Popsugar! This is my second box and probably my favorite subscription box service! Popsugar is a monthly lifestyle box and only costs $35/month.

Here is July's box!

Even though June's box is my favorite so far, I still love the contents of this one! This month we have: Must Have Fashion, two Must Have Beauty's, two Must Have Food's, and Must Have Home.

Must Have Food:  Hannahmax Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip All Natural Crunchy Cookie Chips

The name of this food item does seem redundant, but it is so delicious!  I had to hurry up and take a picture so I could eat these.  They are so, so good.  I'm not a real big fan of dark chocolate, but it doesn't even taste much like dark chocolate at all.  I will have to see what stores carry this so I can buy some more!

Retail Value: $5.99

Must Have Fashion: Baublebar Rose Double Curb Chain

I love this necklace!  I don't know why some people were complaining about it, but then again, some people will just gripe about anything.  If you don't like what you get, cancel your subscription!

Anyway, I was actually looking for something similar to this and now I don't have too.  This necklace would look nice with a simple black dress or to dress up a plain white t-shirt and jeans.

This did come with a 20% off coupon code, but I'm not sure if I will use it.  Now, if it was $20 off, I definitely would!

Retail Value: $28

Must Have Beauty:  NCLA As If! Polish and Supergoop! SPF 30 Anti-aging City Sunscreen Serum

The name of this nail polish obviously reminds me of the movie Clueless.  I do really like the color, it is a nice pale-looking purple.  I just looked at their website and they have lots of pretty colors that I would like to try! I need to get some nail polish swatch sticks so I can swatch polish colors in the future.

Retail Value: $16

This Supergoop! is obviously full-size.  And though I have never heard of the brand, until recently, I'm really interested to try it out.  I have been looking for SPF for my face and now I have it!  The fact that it is anti-aging, helps too.  Even though I am 30 years old and look about 20 (Thanks to great genes!), I still like to help slow down the aging process.

Retail Value: $42

Must Have Food: Mighty Leaf Iced Tea and Must Have Home: Tovolo King Cube Ice Tray

I just love tea! Especially iced tea.  Since my family is from Georgia, I grew up drinking a lot of it.  I'm so happy to get the Ginger Peach flavor because peach is my absolute favorite fruit, especially Georgia peaches!  So good.  According to their website, it is a best-selling flavor.

Retail Value: $6.25

I would never think to buy an ice cube tray, but I'm glad I have it.  I can't wait to make some tea with huge ice cubes.  There are other colors available of this tray including: Lime, Pink, Fuchsia, Stratus Blue, Royal Purple, and Orange Peel.

Retail Value: $8.95

I really liked this box.  The total value is $107.19, and I only paid $35 + tax for this!  The August box is sold out, but you can still sign up for September's box.  Sign up here!!

August 2013 Sneak Peek

I received this in my email not too long ago.  I hope this means this is an extra item.  I love Gorjana & Griffin and this necklace.  Very much looking forward to the August box!

June 2013 Popsugar Must Have box

Nyx: Be Fierce Palette

I "won" a discounted Nyx Be Fierce Palette through the IpsyMe event not too long ago.  Here is the palette, and swatches of the eye shadows, blushes and lip glosses.  I paid $13.90 for this (including shipping), and it regularly costs $20 (without shipping.)

This palette is a pretty good size and I love the packaging.  I only have two other Nyx palettes: a Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk and a cream blush I received in June's Ipsy bag.

Here are the swatches of the eye shadows, in order by rows...

1st Row

2nd Row

3rd Row

4th Row

5th Row

The eye shadows are alright, some more pigmented than others.  I didn't use any eye primer beforehand, but eye primer is a must when wearing these because it comes off easily.

Blushes

The blushes are probably the best thing in this palette.  The colors are so pigmented and nice.

Lip glosses

This palette does have a nice variety of shades, but there aren't any names for these colors.  I don't usually wear lip gloss by itself, I just sometimes wear them over lipsticks.

The palette also includes a two brushes and an eye shadow applicator.  I probably won't use these because they don't look to be of very good quality.

Overall, I do like this palette and it has a nice variety of colors to create multiple looks with.  I probably wouldn't have bought this if it wasn't for the IpsyMe Event.  I especially love the blushes!

Julep Maven Box: It Girl - July 2013

I seriously think that Glossybox can learn a thing or two from Julep.  I got Julep Maven's July box at the end of June.  I chose "It Girl again this month.

It Girl

I love these polishes!  I got Angela, Nadia, and Tracy.  Angela is probably not something I would wear in the summer because it is so dark.  It's a very dark, iridescent green and I love that.  Nadia is a nice golden nail polish that would be nice to wear during the summer, and Tracy is very nice sparkly blue.  That color can probably be worn any time of year. 

Extra

The extra this month is Green Tea Facial Blotting Papers.  I'm so happy I got this because I have been needing these.  I will be bringing these with me to Vegas tomorrow, it's around 120 degrees there right now.  This is good size pack too, containing 40 sheets.

Julep Maven is only $19.99/month!!
Invitation code: 16749656

Glossybox: American Beauty - June 2013

After what seemed like forever, here is June's Glossybox.  I thought it would never come.

June 2013 Glossybox

Frome Left to Right: c. Booth Honey Almond Nourishing Dry Oil Mist, Philip B.  Peppermint & Avocado Shampoo, tarte complexion enhancing lipstick, SpaRitual Favorites Nail Polish, and Oscar de la Renta perfume samples.

The only thing I'm not sure if I will use or not, is the Philip B. shampoo.  Since my hair is color-treated, I don't think a clarifying shampoo will be great for my hair.  

The c. Booth dry oil mist seems like the perfect thing to use when skin is dry.  I will probably take this with me to Vegas and when I go to the beach later on this summer.  

I know some people were complaining about the tarte lipstick, but I actually like it, and is probably my favorite item in the box.  The center is pink, and when applied, gives off a nice pinky-nude color.  I did get the fair-to-light shade, and it goes well with my skin tone.  The container of the lipstick is cardboard, but it doesn't really bother.  It is very sturdy.  I have a perfume stick with similar packaging.  I've brought it with me while traveling, and it has never gotten damaged.

The SpaRitual nail polish is not something I would wear during the summer.  The color is called "Death by Chocolate," and it is literally the color of chocolate.  I only own one brown nail polish, and though I do like the color, it's something I would wear during the fall only.

I do really like the scents of the Oscar de la Renta perfume samples, and they come in a really cute bag with charms at the ends of the ties.  I always like having perfume samples around because they are easier to travel with than a glass perfume bottle.  I will probably take these with me when I go to Vegas this Tuesday.

Overall, I do like the box, but as of now I have cancelled...already.  This is only my second box.  I may wait and see what will be in the July box to decide if I want to reactivate my subscription.  The retail value of this box is around $40.

I am really disappointed that the box didn't include the Bondi nail polish.  I will have to make a purchase from their website real soon, they have so many nice colors!

You can sign up here!!

June 2013 Julep Maven Laguna Beach Mystery Box

I know I'm really late posting about this, but I decided to anyway.  A few weeks ago I received my first Julep Maven Mystery Box, Laguna Beach. 

I received three polishes: Natalie, Simone, and Nikki. Retail value is $14/each.  I also received a Hand and Cuticle Stick ($22), and Strawberry Mint Lip Balm ($6).

I love the colors and the lip balm, which has a very nice scent to it.  Each mystery box ranges in value from $70-$200.  I payed $24.99 and the total value of my box is $70, so I got a box on the low end of the spectrum, but I am very happy with the products I received.

Monthly Julep Maven boxes cost $19.99. Sign up here!
Invitation code: 16749656

Ipsy Glam Bag: On the Wild Side - June 2013

This is my first Ipsy bag and I'm pretty happy with the products that I received.  It's only $10/month and I received 5 full-size makeup products.

I love the bag!

Cailyn Line-Fix Gel Eyeliner in Iron.

Retail: $21

I love this color.  It's like a dark, shimmery grey, and kind of reminds me of graphite.  The quality is very good and goes on pretty smoothly.  I also love that it comes with a brush!

Starlooks lip liner in Tipsy

Retail: $12

I really like this color, it's a nice coral and brighter than I thought it would be.  I definitely have lipsticks I can wear this with.  The quality is excellent and very creamy.

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil

Retail: $18

The color of this pencil looks more of like a concealer than a highlighter.  The color doesn't seem quite light enough.  I'm afraid it will just blend into the rest of my skin.  I will still try it and maybe I can find another use for it.

Nyx cream blush in Boho Chic

Retail: $6

I was hoping to not get the cream blush in my bag because I'm not a big fan.  I have only one cream blush and the reason I don't really like them is because they tend to take off the makeup underneath it when applied.  I will give it a shot and see if it works.  I do like this color though, it's a very nice subtle pink.

J. Cat Beauty Sparkling Cream Palette in Suzie

Retail: $4.49

I have no idea what in the hell I'm going to use this for.  Considering that the website says to "use caution" when applied around the eye area, it makes me apprehensive to even put it on my lids at all.  The colors are pretty, but the glitter seems a bit too hard and it would take a lot to get good coverage.  Also, It seems to flake off easily.  Maybe I will save this for Halloween.

Left to Right: blush, eyeliner, lip liner, highlighter

 

J. Cat Beauty Sparkling Cream Palette in Suzie swatches.  Not too good.

Total Retail Value: Over $60!!

Overall, I was happy with my first bag, but that could be because it was my first bag and have nothing to compare it to.  I am looking forward to what they send in July's bag!

Sign up here!!!