Pretty up your hands with Habit Natural Nail Polish [Good Earth Beauty] (Review & Giveaway)

During this time fraught with uncertainty when one isn't socializing much if any at all, one still needs to maintain a routine and make certain that they keep up with how they look from day to day.

Get out of bed. Make the bed. Style your hair. Wash your face and of course your hands. Clean the house. Cream your face. Add some color to your lips and your cheeks.

And then ..... there are the hands. The hands that have been lathered and rinsed until your cuticles and nails as well as knuckles are showing a bedraggled look.

Fix it!

Get a bottle of polish. Get a clipper. Get a file. Then trim, shape, and get pretty.

  

Find this lovely Coral & other beautiful colors
CLICK HERE

What color would you choose? Liven up the day with a crimson red or be beguilingly beautiful in a blushing pink. What's your choice?

Now here's a superb thought..... order online! (Don't go in stores where those Covids abound.) The folks at GoodEarthBeauty.com which is a fabulous all natural product beauty shop online is the perfect place to shop natural, vegan, cruelty free, etc. I love it!

Here is the Habit Natural Nail Polish I'm trying out right now. I'm telling you, it went on beautifully. I had a nice base coat applied. Then two coats of this beautiful Habit Nail Polish. Then a top coat. 

Beautiful color with just a touch of shimmer
Love it! And the polish is great!

"I feel pretty, oh so pretty....." (You know the song...)

You can, too. Go ahead and check out what they have. CLICK HERE

NAIL POLISH - CAMP - CORAL PINK SHIMMER NON TOXIC by Habit Cosmetics is a beautiful coral pink with electric pink shimmer.  Non Toxic

Natural strengthening nail polish made with Myrrh Extract.  PETA-certified as vegan and cruelty-free, gluten-free.  Free of Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, TPP, Xylene, Phthalates, Parabens and Fragrances. Creme finish. Made in the USA.  9 ml/.3 oz Price: $18.00

Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Stearalkonium Bentonite, N-Butyl Alcohol, Benzophenone-1, Silica, Alumina, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Polyvinyl, Butryal, Commiphora Abyssinica Extract. May Contain (+/-): Aluminum Powder (CI 77000), Bismuth, Oxychloride (CI 77163), Oxides (CI 77499/ CI 77491), Red 34 Lake (CI 15880), Red 6 Lake (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850) Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Mica (CI 77019), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Yellow 11 (CI 47000), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Violet 2 (CI 60725), Polyethylene Terephthalate, Isobutylphenoxy Epoxy Resin, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Ethylene/VA Copolymer]

Shop GoodEarthBeauty.com
Use 10% Discount Code: VERA10
Free Shipping in USA 

GIVEAWAY

1 Bottle Habit Natural Nail Polish

(no choice of color)

Begins June 23

Ends July 23 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a lovely product to facilitate a review. Any opinions given are my own alone and are freely given. I was not required to render positive thoughts on the products. I only recommend those products which I or a member of my family or close friends and will use. The winner's prize will be provided and shipped directly to the winner by Good Earth Beauty. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or damaged products. 

At Love's Command (Hanger's Horsemen #1) by Karen Witemeyer

My thoughts: This is an entertaining book about the old days in the West as it was being settled. Sometimes men were a law unto themselves and sometimes others came along to help bring lawbreakers into line with what is right.

We got a look at what a free-thinking woman of that era faced as she forged ahead to be a real doctor, with a degree, who establishes a practice. A woman doctor in a man's profession. She was also loquacious in speech and feisty. But she was also a woman with a pure heart, a devotion to God, and a faith that made her strong in weakness.

The adventure begins when Matthew Hanger shows up with one of his men who is wounded and near death. Dr. Jo (Dr. Josephine) with nerves of steel and calmness removes the bullet and nurses him back to health.

 It goes beyond helping when Matthew begins to have feelings for Dr. Jo and she for him but which they both try hard to deny.

Funny at times. Adventurous. Good men. Bad men. Good over evil. And strong faith in God all make for a pleasant read that is somewhat light reading with a nice helping of spiritual growth. And since this is book #1 we can look forward to more adventures with Matt's Horsemen.

About the book: Ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries who defend the innocent, but when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death’s door, they seek out help from Dr. Josephine Burkett. When Josephine's brother is abducted and she is caught in the crossfire, Matthew may have to sacrifice everything—even his team—to save her.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Culture story: Story of the Mongolian Tent House by Jambyn Dashdondog & Anne Pellowski; illustrated by Beatriz Vidal [Review & Giveaway/USA]

ISBN: 9781937786816
Hardcover ~ $16.95
Ages 4-8
Wisdom Tales Press

My thoughts:  Schools and educators are typically the active providers of multi-cultural studies for children. But I personally believe it is the responsibility of parents, in the home, to accept the responsibility to so educate their children. Let them see other peoples and their beliefs, behaviors, customs, and history and legends through story books and non-fiction sources. Let their children see and understand how we are alike and yet we are different and what can we appreciate from each and every culture.

The Story of the Mongolian Tent House probably falls into the category of story-legend that peoples of the Mongolian lands told of their resourcefulness and need for a structure to protect  themselves from the elements of heat and cold, rain and snow. And to protect themselves from animals.

It tells how they structured it round as the world and sun, used the natural resources they had, and cooperated with one another.

And then discord settled in amongst them (they were brothers) and in anger they went their separate ways but each took part of their Tent House with them.

This is a "tale" or legend but it teaches many things. It shows how working together with what one has can fulfill one's needs. It shows an affinity with nature or the world about us. And it shows how we humans have the failing of selfishness and anger.

But it shows how we can work together and work through our differences.

A nice book on this piece of humankind and a good source for libraries and schools.

About the book: Based on an original tale by award-winning Mongolian author, Dashdondog Jamba, and retold by distinguished international author, Anne Pellowski, find out how the traditional Mongolian tent house (called a ger in Mongolian and a yurt in Turkish), was created in the ancient past by drawing on the example of nature, and how it later became a beloved symbol of friendship and harmony. With stunning illustrations of Mongolian culture by renowned artist, Beatriz Vidal, young readers can experience first-hand the wide-open steppes of this vast and wild land bordering on Russia to the north and China to  the south.

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 22

Ends July 18 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by the publisher.

The Farm and the Risky Ride Judith Grimme

My thoughts:   This is a sweet book about children in the 1960s and their activities during the summer. A visit to a grandparent's farm and the free and open acres to play and romp in, the animals they get to see and care for, the time with beloved grandparents, the food, the experiences of seeing what happens on a farm are an experience not to be missed.

There is a touch of French in the book since a friend is along for the adventure and her language is French. Quite exciting is the adventures with the horse and the new colt.

This is a wordy, chapter book that has strong moral overtones. No particular Christian group is extolled nor spoken of derogatorily. Activities at the back are for those who wish to strengthen their vocabulary skills.

This is a good series and one I can recommend for readers through possibly 8th grade.

About the book: Volume 3 of The Front Porch Diaries, a light, charming 4-book series about friendship, siblings, and growing up in the 1960s. Lucy was so excited about taking Simone to her grandparents' farm for a summer holiday, with no teasing brothers tagging along. But life in the country proved to be more wild and frightening than the girls thought! Eddie and Philippe found their share of adventure in the woods at home, too. It was the summer of 1967. What new things would these friends from different worlds discover about each other, and themselves? Were they prepared for the days ahead?

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from BookCrash Reviewer's Program to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Nature's Paradise Organics Baby products now online at Good Earth Beauty [Giveaway & 10% Discount Code]

Your baby is tiny, near perfect with beauty and tenderness on a grand scale. Now protect their skin with natural organic products from Nature's Paradise

ORGANIC BABY CARE GIFT BOX (Custom Box Value $50)

Enjoy a Baby Organic Collection or give it as a wonderful gift. It includes...

• 8oz. Baby Organic Shampoo & Body Wash,
• 9oz. Baby Organic Moisturizing Lotion, 
• 3oz. Baby Organic Relief Cream, 
• 4oz. Baby Organic Baby Oil, 
• 5.5oz. Baby Organic Baby Powder

A great start for all moms and dads. BABY ORGANIC Gift Set is a must if your baby needs something for RASHES, ECZEMA, ROSACEA, CRADLE CAP, SEVERE DRY SKIN, SENSITIVE SKIN, IRRITATED SKIN, & GENTLE-SOFT SKIN. and or GLUTEN FREE, SOY FREE, VEGAN, NUT FREE, CHEMICAL FREE, DAIRY FREE. 

Created special for baby right at a young precious developing age. This Baby Organic collection will will reduce the exposure of chemicals and toxins for the little ones.

Find these safe baby products at GoodEarthBeauty.com 

Remember: Use discount code VERA10 for 10% off 

My thoughts: I know when my babies were tiny we used the best products that we could find in the stores that were gentle on their delicate skin. That was a long time ago. There are many products on the market today produced carefully from natural ingredients that provide a wonderful level of care of these wee ones. 

The Nature's Paradise Organic Baby line is fascinating and just chock full of simple organic ingredients derived from nature itself. I am quite impressed with these.

Want to go ahead and get some of these fabulous products for your baby or for gifting? Individual items or special gift box.

Shop GoodEarthBeauty.com
Use 10% Discount Code: VERA10

~|~|~ GIVEAWAY ~|~|~

Nature's Paradise Organics Baby Care Set $50  Value

Begins June 15

Ends July 13 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a lovely product to facilitate a review. Any opinions given are my own alone and are freely given. I was not required to render positive thoughts on the products. I only recommend those products which I or a member of my family or close friends and will use. The winner's prize will be provided and shipped directly to the winner by Good Earth Beauty. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or damaged products.

The Camping Trip & Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures [Review & Giveaway - USA/CANADA]

The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann

ISBN: 9781536207361
Ages 3-7 ~ Hardcover
Candlewick Press

My thoughts: This is a precious book about two young girls on a camping trip. One is hostess (with her mother) and the other has never camped out before.

The reactions to everything encountered are adorable and so appropriate to city kids going camping for the first time. There is much to be learned in this enjoyable book and much realization of the adaptable nature of kids and the fun to be had in experiencing activities outside our normal scope.

I recommend this gem of a book.

About the book: Ernestine is beyond excited to go camping. She follows the packing list carefully (new sleeping bag! new flashlight! special trail mix made with Dad!) so she knows she is ready when the weekend arrives. But she quickly realizes that nothing could have prepared her for how hard it is to set up a tent, never mind fall asleep in it, or that swimming in a lake means that there will be fish — eep! Will Ernestine be able to enjoy the wilderness, or will it prove to be a bit too far out of her comfort zone? In an energetic illustrated story about a first sleepover under the stars, acclaimed author-illustrator Jennifer K. Mann reminds us that opening your mind to new experiences, no matter how challenging, can lead to great memories (and a newfound taste for s’mores).

Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures by Tricia Springstubb and illustrated by Elaheh Taherian

ISBN: 9781536203066
Ages 5-8 ~ Hardcover
Candlewick Press

My thoughts: This is a sweet generational story of a young child and an older person. They live in the same building and share a backyard. Mr. Hagerty gardens. Khalil plays and digs for treasure. Mr. Hagerty is disappointed his garden produces such insignificant vegetables and Khalil is disappointed that he finds no treasure.

They develop a friendship and soon find a way to ease each other's disappointment. Also, while not verbally indicated as such, young Kahlil eases Mr. Hagerty through his forgetfulness of vocabulary. Perhaps, early dementia. Sweet.

A subtle yet sweet message of caring.  

About the book: Khalil lives in the upstairs apartment with his family, which is big and busy and noisy. Downstairs lives Mr. Hagerty, who is quiet. Khalil and Mr. Hagerty don’t appear to have a lot in common, but hot summer days have a way of bringing people together. As Khalil looks for buried treasure in the yard, Mr. Hagerty tends to his garden. Both help each other navigate language — whether it be learning new words or remembering those seemingly forgotten. Before long, an unlikely friendship is born, full of treasure, thoughtfulness, and chocolate cake. Through well-cultivated details and vibrant cut-paper collage, author Tricia Springstubb and illustrator Elaheh Taherian nurture a heart-tugging tribute to the love of good neighbors and to the strength of intergenerational and intercultural bonds.

GIVEAWAY ~ 2 WINNERS

Begins June 13

Ends July 10 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA and CANADA addresses

(No P.O. Boxes & NO business addresses)

Canadian winners must provide phone number

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copies are provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publicist.

Parable of the Sower (Free downloadables)

The Parable Of The Sower Bible Story Summary For Christian Parents, Teachers & Children

What a lovely, gentle video of a retelling of the Biblical Parable of the Sower. I love the speaker's delivery and his drawings are really nice.

Included are beautiful coloring pages provided for free (see samples below but download from link provided).

Download it from here - https://fruitsofspirit.com/the-parable-of-the-sower/

Be sure to check out. These are 100% FREE bible story coloring pages and study activities for kids/teachers/ Christian family, Sunday school resources.

DISCLOSURE: I will be compensated to share this information with my readers. Opinions are mine, alone and represent my true feelings.

Biographical picture books from Candlewick Press: Ben Franklin & Alfred Russel Wallace [Review/Spotlight & Giveaway US/CANADA]

A Ben of All Trades: The Most Inventive Boyhood of Benjamin Franklin by Michael J. Rosen and illustrated by Matt Tavares

ISBN: 9781536201215
Hardcover | $16.99
Candlewick Press
Ages 5-9

My thoughts:  Another superb early reader's biography that will promote interest in reading non-fiction books. A Ben of All Trades recounts in prose the young reader will find easy enough to read, well constructed, and informative enough that it will capture their attention providing entertaining education.

This is a retelling of information gleaned from Ben Franklin's own memoirs. While history aptly records the famous and varied life of Mr. Franklin, A Ben of All Trades provides a look at the activities and likes and dislikes that shaped the young Ben. It also, subtly, provides a look at life in general for a young boy of that time in history.

The artistry of Matt Tavares is beautifully done capturing the period and joy and disappointments of young Ben. I love the entire layout of the book and the pleasant, classic sense of illustration.

I highly recommend this book.

About the book: Young Benjamin Franklin wants to be a sailor, but his father won’t hear of it. The other trades he tries — candle maker, joiner, boot closer, turner — bore him through and through. Curious and inventive, Ben prefers to read, swim, fly his kite, and fly his kite while swimming. But each time he fails to find a profession, he takes some important bit of knowledge with him. That tendency is exactly what leads him to become the astonishingly versatile genius we remember today. Inspired by The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Michael J. Rosen’s wry tale captures Ben’s spirit in evocative yet playful language, while illustrations by Matt Tavares follow Ben from the workbench to the water in vivid detail. A love story to the value of variety, A Ben of All Trades sheds light on an unconventional path to greatness and humanizes a towering figure in American history.

Darwin's Rival: Alfred Russel Wallace and the Search for Evolution by Christiane Dorion and illustrated by Harry Tennant

ISBN: 9781536209327
Hardcover | $24.99
Ages 10 & Up
Candlewick Press

My thoughts:  Fully recognizing that this picture book biography is about a man's search and endorsement of Darwin's evolution, I still believe that I, who does not embrace the evolutionary concept, can benefit from reading about early scientists and their discoveries. I also think that in non-evolution households that children should be able to learn from books such as this.

The travels and experiences of Alfred Russel Wallace were daunting when he pursued his search for beetles and they are daunting to read about today causing one to marvel and, yes, appreciate the obstacles  encountered and his tenacious spirit to forge ahead through various wildernesses throughout the world and make discoveries and comparisons of his findings.

Not only were his travels fraught with discomfort, hardship, and dangers he did not have a wealth of scientific tools with which to work or much scientific basis and discoveries on which to build. It was new. It was hard. It was astounding. He marveled at his findings. 

The illustrations are nicely done and representative of Wallace's discoveries.

About the book: Everyone knows Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist who proposed a theory of evolution. But not everyone knows the story of Alfred Russel Wallace, Darwin’s friend and rival who simultaneously discovered the process of natural selection. This sumptuously illustrated book tells Wallace’s story, from his humble beginnings to his adventures in the Amazon rain forest and Malay Archipelago, and demonstrates the great contribution he made to one of the most important scientific discoveries of all time.

GIVEAWAY ~ 2 WINNERS

Begins June 2

Ends July 1 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA and CANADA addresses

(No P.O. Boxes & NO business addresses)

Canadian winners must provide phone number
a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copies are provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publicist.

Cross Shadow (Shepherd Suspense Novel #2) by Andrew Huff [Giveaway]

My thoughts: From the very first scene in this second book of the Shepherd Suspense series, CROSS SHADOW, the action captures the reader's attention and doesn't let up until the very last of the book.

If you like contemporary fiction that is loaded with suspense, fast paced action, and an adrenaline charged story, then you certainly won't want to miss this book. I encourage reading book one first, but it isn't a must do for reader's enjoyment.

John Cross is "retired" from the CIA and he is now a Baptist pastor in a small church located in a small town. That is the setting for a sedate life after the action charged life he led in the CIA. But things happen. Cross is there. And the action accelerates.

Christine is a news journalist from a major station and somehow she, too, seems to get tangled up in situations that will leave a story reader saying, "Wow!".

I totally enjoyed this book and am looking forward to Author Andrew Huff's next installment. Wonder what John Cross will get into then?  

About the book: All journalist Christine Lewis wants is the truth. All pastor John Cross wants is to avoid it.

Former CIA agent turned evangelical pastor John Cross is busy caring for the small community of believers he ministers to in Virginia. Journalist Christine Lewis is busy with the demand for her talents from top news agencies in New York City. Neither has any time left for their relationship, which began eight months before when they paired up to prevent the detonation of a chemical bomb in the nation's capital.

But when Christine hears that her stepbrother has been arrested for murder in Texas, they team up again to discover the truth about the crime. Untangling a web of conspiracy, the couple finds themselves in the center of another dangerous situation-and in trouble far deeper than they expected.

With an assassin on the loose, a trusted colleague acting as a double agent, and unreliable artificial intelligence connected to mercenaries who have Cross on their hit list, these two may not get out of the Lone Star State alive.

About the Author

Huff spent ten years in local church ministry as a youth pastor and creative arts pastor before pursuing God’s calling into creative storytelling and media production as the product director at Igniter Media, a church media company (ignitermedia.com).

He is a two-time finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Genesis Contest for unpublished authors (2014, 2017) and also won the best screenplay award at the 2015 48 Hour Film Festival in Richmond, VA. A Cross to Kill and Cross Shadow in the Shepherd Suspense series are his first releases.

Huff holds a bachelor of science in religion degree from Liberty University and a master of arts in Christian education from Dallas Theological Seminary.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Giveaway is hosted by Read With Audra (a blog tour giveaway) who will provide with the publisher winner's prize and send it directly to the winner.