It's Winter! It's frosty! It's time for soothing peppermint [Review & Giveaway]

The folks at Good Earth Beauty Exclusives' webstore have developed a lovely line of all natural and vegan products to care for your hands, lips, and aromatherapy candles; and each is steeped in essential oils and ingredients that you can trust and that really do the job for which they are intended.

Enter lovely mints!......

HAND CREAM FROSTY PEPPERMINT LUSH & HYDRATING from GOOD EARTH BEAUTY EXCLUSIVES

As with each and every Good Earth Beauty Exclusives hand cream, this is a totally enjoyable experience on one's hands, arms, neck, shoulders. Totally refreshing and so enriching for my hands and other portions of my skin.

This lavish, modern hand cream repairs dry skin and cuticles, leaving behind the tropical scent of Peppermint. It heals cracked skin, you only need a small drop of this cream, which has aloe, macadamia-seed and olive oils, and shea butter. It's deceptively thin for such a hydrating formula, and it leaves hands soft and supple for the entire day.  4 oz Tube Made in small batches in the USA by Good Earth Beauty Price: $14.00

Free of: parabens, pesticides, petroleum, propylene glycol, phthalates, sulfates, artificial colors.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Organic Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe), Sunflower Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Mango Butter, Organic, Evening Primrose Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Rose Hip Oil, Chamomile, Grapeseed Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Radish Root Ferment (Natural Preservative), Proprietary Blend Of Natural Fragrance Oils.

ALL NATURAL SOY CANDLE FROSTY PEPPERMINT by GOOD EARTH BEAUTY EXCLUSIVES

Yesterday, I totally enjoyed the ambiance of this lovely, delicately scented mint candle. It's soft glow and gentle aroma was quite pleasing and lent a touch of grace to my day.

This all natural, soy based, slow burning candle will help you relax and enjoy the moment.  Soy based with natural fragrance and essential oils. Choose from a variety of scents.  Glass jar - 4 Ounces - Burn Time 20 Hours. Made in small batches in the USA by Good Earth Beauty. Price: $13.00

This one is Frosty Peppermint perfect gift to bring to hostess or for birthdays & events.

Free of:  parabens, pesticides, petroleum, propylene glycol, phthalates, sulfates, artificial colors

Ingredients: Purified Water, Organic Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe), Sunflower Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Tamanu Oil, Organic Borage Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Organic, Evening Primrose Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Rose Hip Oil, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Wildcrafted Arnica Montana, Chamomile, Grapeseed Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Radish Root Ferment (Natural Preservative),  proprietary blend of natural fragrance oils

LIP BALM - FULL COLLECTION - NATURAL VEGAN - CHOOSE A FLAVOR

Featuring the "Cool Mint" Lip Balm from Good Earth Beauty today and it is lovely. If you like mint - anything - you will most likely enjoy this treasure.

Vegan - natural -  soothing and moisturizing - helps heal chapped lips

Choose from 16 fun, original scents - Candy Hearts, Bubble Gum, Coconut, Candy cane mint, chocolate mint, vanilla mint, vanilla marshmallow, jelly beans, candy corn, frosted gingerbread, pink lemonade, strawberry, sugar cookie, vanilla lemon cupcake or pumpkin pie! Made by Good Earth Beauty. Price: $6.25 

Ingredients: Meadowfoam oil, olive oil, avocado butter, candellia wax, vitamin E, natural flavor oil

 Shop using..... 

DISCOUNT CODE: VERA10 

for a 10% discount!

Shipping is FREE for USA orders.

Click Here

GIVEAWAY

1 Each: Cool Mint Lip Balm & Frosty Peppermint Soy Candle

Begins December 29

Ends January 25, 2021 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I was provided products to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and sent by publicist for GoodEarthBeauty.com.

These are "berry" good for your lips: Fizz & Bubble Lip Scrub & Good Earth Beauty's Lip Balm [Review & Giveaway]

We're told to eat our fruits and veggies and that those that are dark blue or red are high in antioxidants. Also, that antioxidants are good for our health and our immune systems. Perhaps we can also assume that essential oils derived from berries are helpful for the care of our lips.

Do berries have antioxidants?

Antioxidants are believed to protect the body from free radicals that may cause chronic diseases. In the diet, antioxidants are especially found in fresh fruits and vegetables, and are most commonly found in berries. Many studies show that purple berries have the highest amount of antioxidants. (found at wisegeek.com)

The good folks at Good Earth Beauty's web store carry a plethora of brands made with natural and vegan ingredients and a veritable host of products that care for our skin. We're looking at a couple of lip products today that feature "berries."

LIP BALM ALL NATURAL VEGAN STRAWBERRY GOOD EARTH BEAUTY

Buy it - click here

Vegan - natural -  soothing and moisturizing - helps heal chapped lips. Seasonal scents Great for all seasons. Slather over your lips for the cool feeling of eating a fresh strawberry. Sweet flavor. Made by Good Earth Beauty in USA. Price: $6.25 

Ingredients: Meadowfoam oil, olive oil, avocado butter, candellia wax, vitamin E, natural flavor oil

LIP SCRUB ASSORTED FLAVORS FIZZ & BUBBLE

Shop here

A touch of blissful magic in a jar, our best-selling Lip Scrubs are designed to soften and sweeten your smile. You'll quickly enjoy exfoliating benefits, a little a burst of color and a sweet tingly taste. Select from five flavorful scents. Boosted with essential  healing oils, richly formulated and purely fun! 

Sparkly sugar crystals

1 Ounce Jar Price $10.99 by Fizz & Bubble.

Free of animal ingredients and unnecessary chemicals. Made with all-natural and biodegradable ingredients. Eco-friendly. Not tested on animals. Child-safe.

Shop using..... 

DISCOUNT CODE: VERA10 

for a 10% discount!

Free Ground Shipping for Christmas delivery ends 12/14.

Normally shipping is always FREE for USA orders.

Click Here

GIVEAWAY

1 Each: Strawberry Lip Balm & Fizz & Bubble Lip Scrub

Begins December 16

Ends January 10 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I was provided products to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and sent by publicist for GoodEarthBeauty.com.

Last call for seasonal Pacha Pumpkin Bar Soap at Good Earth Beauty

NATURAL PUMPKIN HARVEST by PACHA SOAP - A Staff Favorite!

I tried out the Pumpkin Harvest bar soap from Pacha when bathing. It lathered beautifully and the scent is gentle and pleasant. It feels lovely to wash with and and my skin doesn't have that drawn or dried feel. Lovely! I've enjoyed every Pacha product I've ever used and highly recommend them. When you use them, you're doing something good for your skin, the environment, and people across the globe with ethical initiatives. 

This Harvest Pumpkin Bar is......  

One of Good Earth Beauty's top sellers, this sweet smelling blend is handcrafted for a truly luxurious lather. Use on your hands, face and body!

Picked straight from the patch, our seasonal Pumpkin Harvest bar soap is crafted with exfoliating ginger root powder, moisturizing pumpkin puree and organic maple syrup to keep your skin feelin’ “vine”!

Pacha bar soaps are zero waste and crafted with sustainably sourced palm oil, so they’re good for you and even better for Mama Earth.

Every Pacha Soap Co. purchase supports ethical sourcing, clean water initiatives, hygiene education and small business opportunities worldwide. Purchases help fuel clean water initiatives, small-scale soap shops and other sustainable ventures in developing countries! 

BENEFITS

• Cleansing
• Moisturizing
• Exfoliating
• SCENT

Ingredients: 

• Sustainably Sourced Palm Oil Harvested by small farmers using organic, ethical growing practices
• Olive Oil Packed with nourishing Vitamin E
• Castor Oil Natural humectant that helps skin retain water
• Pumpkin Seed Oil Rich in Vitamin E & fatty acids to help skin retain moisture
• Pumpkin Puree Nutrient-rich to deeply moisturize & restore skin
• Ginger Root Powder Gently exfoliates the skin
• Maple Extract Naturally moisturizes skin

Pumpkin & maple: sweet, warm, spicy 4 oz., $7.00 each

Shop before current supplies are gone with 

DISCOUNT CODE: VERA10 

for a 10% discount!

Free Ground Shipping for Christmas delivery ends 12/14.

Normally shipping is always FREE for USA orders.

Click Here

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a product to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. 

Dreams for Our Daughters by Ruth Doyle & illustrated by Ashling Lindsay [Review & Giveaway]

 

ISBN: 9780802855589
Eerdmans Books for
Young Readers

My thoughts:  A lovely, whimsical book that is an encouragement to girls to dream, believe, achieve because they can do what they dream of doing.

While I don't particularly care for the "guiding star" aspect, I recognize the intent is for the child to imagine greatly and believe they can do things. 

I love the word of caution..... "Be a fearless defender, a honey bee with armor-- guarding against the false-charmers and harmers." Superb advice.

While the poetic story seems to encourage a "save the World" ecology goal, taken as a whole, it is only a part of the totality of this sweet book. A book to encourage one to dream, seek to accomplish, don't settle for less, etc.

A nice addition to libraries.

About the book: What hopes do you have for the future? Who do you long to become? This empowering book encourages young girls to become leaders unafraid to stand up for themselves and others. The world’s been waiting for them, and there’s so much to discover! Warm, loving rhymes and tenderly detailed illustrations help readers imagine the thousands of adventures up ahead. Each new day is a chance to become a keeper of kindness and a champion of change, an imaginative explorer who listens well and speaks the truth. Dreams for Our Daughters is a book girls will treasure throughout their lives.

GIVEAWAY

Begins December 12

Ends January 2 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

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 sent directly to the winner by Eerdmans' Publishing or its representative.

Last call for popular pumpkin products from Good Earth Beauty online shop [Review & Giveaway]

Surely you knew that "pumpkin spice" is an aroma to be enjoyed at Christmas and during the Winter as well as the Fall of the year!

One of the delights of spicy and pumpkin inspired products is sitting around enjoying the emotionally relaxing scent as it wafts around you. Good Earth Beauty has several of the Good Earth Beauty Exclusives brand "pumpkin" items and  this delightful little candle and it is all natural and vegan.

Pumpkin Spice Soy Candle - All Natural

I am currently using this candle in my living room with decorations in the background. Small but with a hint of spice that gives that warmth to a room.

This little soy candle will surely bring a delight to you in your home with its sensory experience of a visually warm glow and the wafting fragrance inspired by spicy foods being prepared. Good Earth Beauty Exclusive's fantastic Pumpkin Spice Natural Soy Candle is a lovely touch for your home.

This makes a delightful gift for someone to whom you wish to bring a bit of joy. Or what better person to gift it to than yourself.

This is something you simply don't want to miss out on. You can look over the other candles, too, and find other delights. Buy it - click here

Product information: Our all natural, soy based, slow burning candle will help you relax and enjoy the moment.  Soy based with natural fragrance and essential oils. Choose from a variety of scents.  

This Pumpkin Spice Soy Candle is a  perfect Autumn gift to bring to hostess or for Fall birthdays & events. Be sure your get yours before they disappear.

Free of:  parabens, pesticides, petroleum, propylene glycol, phthalates, sulfates, artificial colors.  Glass jar - 4 Ounces - Burn Time 20 Hours. Made in small batches in the USA by Good Earth Beauty Price $13.00

Ingredients: Purified Water, Organic Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe), Sunflower Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Tamanu Oil, Organic Borage Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Organic, Evening Primrose Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Rose Hip Oil, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Wildcrafted Arnica Montana, Chamomile, Grapeseed Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Radish Root Ferment (Natural Preservative),  proprietary blend of natural fragrance oils

Pumpkin Pie Lip Balm 

As I write this, I have slathered some Good Earth Beauty Exclusives' Pumpkin Pie Lip Balm over my lips. This stuff is so fantastically good. I simply love using it because it feels good, nourishes my lips, and simply gives me a "feel good" moment. I love sharing these with my grand daughters, daughters, and a friend in a nursing home. These are tremendously popular as stocking stuffers and party favors.

When your lips need a bit of help for softening them there is the option of this refreshing and moisturizing lip application. Ingredients: Meadowfoam oil, olive oil, avocado butter, candellia wax, vitamin E, natural flavor oil.

While you wait to see if your entry will win, 

you can shop with 

DISCOUNT CODE: VERA10 

for a 10% discount!

Free Ground Shipping for Christmas delivery ends 12/14.

Normally shipping is always FREE for USA orders.

Click Here

GIVEAWAY

1 Each: Pumpkin Lip Balm & Pumpkin Candle

Begins December 11

Ends January 5 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I was provided products to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and sent by publicist for GoodEarthBeauty.com.

Ottoman Dominion (#3 in Empires of Armageddon) by Terry Brennan from Kregel Publications [Giveaway USA Nov. 17-Dec.8]

My thoughts:  Ottoman Dominion, book #3 in the Empires of Armageddon, is by far the most enjoyable and exciting read of the three books in this series. The first two books were difficult to follow and comprehend because of the extremely convoluted political, religious, and overt intrigue involving several nations and the belief systems of each. 

Being more familiar with the main characters, I was able to follow this fast paced thriller as the series is brought to a conclusion. The spiritual realm that is heavily involved in this series, and particularly in book #3, is daunting, frightening, and gives one a feeling of awe for the spiritual warfare being waged.

I highly recommend this series, but caution that it might be a convoluted read, might take you to spiritual thought of which you are not familiar, and will definitely give you a drive to consider the news in an entirely different perspective.

About the book: Diplomatic Security Service agent Brian Mullaney wants out. He's been drawn against his will into a dangerous international mission with world-ending implications--and his final assignment is going to pit him directly against the terrifying, evil entity known only as the Turk.

But when the Turk's minions breach the US embassy in Israel and the American ambassador disappears, Mullaney has no choice. He must accept his role as the final guardian of a mysterious box, his only weapon against the powers of darkness bent on preventing the second coming of the Messiah, no matter who or what they annihilate to accomplish their goal. Can this man who's already lost so much find the strength and faith to save the world--and fulfill the prophecy of peace?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The final volume of the Empires of Armageddon trilogy will have fans of Joel Rosenberg, Ronie Kendig, and Frank Peretti on the edge of their seats up to the final page.

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

Remembering Christmas past. . . (revisiting a previous year's post from "Chat With Vera")

Things I remember about Christmas past......

• The tinkling of a child's music box as the tiny ballerina twirls in pink splendor.
• The joy of seeing my children in new pajamas I had made for them.
• The thrill on their face as they sing at the top of their voice during the church Christmas program.
• The bedraggled child-shepherd walking down the aisle toward the babe in the manger as only a little one can do when robbed in a too big, plaid bathrobe with a towel wrapped around his head.
• The high school student performing in "Who Stole Baby Jesus" and being so proud.
• The cold of caroling at the grandparents after a three hour drive to get to their house.
• The joy of small children opening mysterious packages wrapped with love and tenderness.
• The weariness of  being a parent and still wrapping, in the middle of the night, those secretive treasures for her beloved children to receive on Christmas morning.
• The twinkle in a grandfather's eyes as he watches his grandchildren unwrap a gift.
• The small gift from a Sunday School teacher.
• Singing in the choir as a high schooler and being so thrilled with the music.
• Opening hymnals to the few pages of Christmas carols each year and singing the beloved favorites.
• Hearing silly songs on the radio.
• Hearing beautiful renditions of beloved, traditional Christmas carols.
• Receiving a bike for Christmas as a child.
• Looking at photographs, black and white of course, of Christmas as a child.
• Stumbling into the train at the base of my parent's Christmas tree when I crept into the living room  under cover of darkness on Christmas Eve to try to peek.
• Maturing and realizing that all the wrapping and all the glitz and all the sparkle is nothing compared to the joy that was brought to the World by the birth of this wee babe in a manage who is Christ the Lord and who came to Save us from our sins.

Dear friends, yes, I wrote this a year ago. But I wanted to share these memories with you once again and perhaps provoke you to dive deep into the recesses of your own memories to recall, recollect, and reminisce a bit. If you wish, share those memories in the comments...... 

Mary Seacole: Bound for the Battlefield by Susan Goldman Rubin, illustrated by Richie Pope

My thoughts:  Children's picture book biographies are most always a favorite of mine because I simply love to introduce children to real people doing important things with their lives and contributing to mankind's journey.

Mary Seacole: Bound for the Battlefield was quite an interesting and eye-opening story. I had never heard of this lady-of-color who was so determined to do her part in caring for the sick and wounded.

At a time when women were not normally on the battlegrounds and in hospitals or rather treated respectfully in those arenas, this lady-of-color in her native Jamica began her journey at the feet of her mother who also was a healer. Mary Seacole learned to minister to, give tender care, use the available remedies of the time, bandage and sooth those ill, injured, and hurting. 

Into her adult life she began to journey seeking areas where she might nurse or bring care to those needing it. Repeatedly she was rebuffed. Not just because she was a woman but primarily because she was a lady-of-color.

Mary was mixed-race. This biographic picture book lets children see the caring personality of this woman who was so often rebuffed because of her color. It is a story of endurance. A story of perseverance. And a story of a time we should make certain is never repeated - being rebuffed because of the color of one's skin.

About the book: The life of pioneering Jamaican nurse Mary Seacole gets its dramatic due in a sweeping and stunning biography.

Mary Seacole spent much of her life on the front lines of the Crimean War, ministering to the wounded, caring for soldiers, and making her mark on the world of medicine. This fascinating biography honors Mary Seacole's life, from her childhood in Kingston, Jamaica, and her encounters with racist Americans to her treatment of cholera patients in Panama and her bitter run-in with Florence Nightingale, who declined to work with her in Crimea because she wasn't white. But Mary Seacole knew that the sick and wounded needed her compassion and care, and despite all obstacles, she answered the call to help them. Author Susan Goldman Rubin gives voice to this fearless nurse and healer through captivating details drawn from Mary Seacole's own writings, while debut illustrator Richie Pope vividly captures her service at the bedside and on the battlefield. Inspiring and engaging, this biography introduces a compelling heroine who rose above barriers to earn a place in history. 

GIVEAWAY

Begins December 3

Ends December 29 at 12:01 a.m EST

Open to USA/CANADA.

NO P.O. Boxes. Canadian winners must provide phone number.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Prize is provided and sent directly to the winner by the publisher or publicist.