The Offspring (The Children of Cain Series Book 2) Review!

If you've been reading any of my reviews, you'll know that I recently read the first book in the Children of Cain series. This series features two very special characters, Gwen and Raven. If you're interested in what happened to them in book one...without spoilers, check out my review here. This installment of the series gets much darker (if possible) and takes a turn for the STRESSFUL! We left Gwen last, running away for her horrible past of a sexually abusive foster father and a town where she felt out of place. Unfortunately for her, she's discovered in the snow by the wrong type of person...and I mean "person". She finds herself held hostage in a castle where everything seems perfect at first...but quickly...and unfortunately...she finds out that she's merely a pawn in a centuries-old struggle between two different...factions. Her struggle to escape, the horrors she endures, and her shocking alliances formed all make for an edge-of-your seat emotional roller coaster. I don't want to spoil what happens in the end...but I'll say...it left me very much anticipating the next installment in the series which is slated to be released this year!

As always, Craddock describes everything in beautiful detail and her ideas are complete and make sense. The whole story line is easy to follow and the progression of events flow nicely. The action isn't over-the-top and it plays with real emotions. It's easy to get attached to the characters and their mindset becomes your own. You want the good to prevail and the bad to be snuffed out. However, it's a little more complicated than that.

If you're looking for a fantastic read, I'd highly suggest the Children of Cain series! You won't be disappointed!

Strand Maximizer Strand Thickening Fibers Review!

I hate, hate, hate my thin hair! For the longest time I did things to it that were very damaging, but temporarily (and I mean like two hours, tops) fixed the problem. My hair is very thin because of all of this damage, so I pretty much gave up. However, when the opportunity to review Strand Maximizer Strand Thickening Fibers arose, I jumped on it!

At first, I expected the fibers to look goofy...after all...they're colored. And as much as I'd like to think I have standard hair color...I don't. I have crazy dark burgundy, so I selected the "Auburn" color. When they arrived, I was hesitant to open the package because I just KNEW it would be a mess. However, I took it slow and used a little at a time, slowly building up to my satisfaction. I must say...I'm VERY happy! This does virtually no damage to my hair, isn't noticeable (color-wise) and gives me that volume that I've been looking for!! I'm so excited to know that I can just throw this into my routine and have thicker hair all day!

The only downside is I like playing with my hair now that it's getting longer. You definately don't want to do that! Just put it in and leave it along. It withstands normal movement...but not sliding your hands over your hair a hundred times in a row!

Don't damage your hair any further and don't pay hundreds of dollars for expensive products that might not work! This is your answer!!

Eco Defense Bed Bug Killer Review!

I do not have bed bugs. However, when offered the opportunity to review a bottle of Eco Defense's Bed Bug Killer, I was excited. Seriously...think about it. There are SO many times that you can encounter these little nasties. And all it takes is to have ONE tag along, come in from outdoors, or hitch a ride on a pet to turn your dreams into nightmares.

In fact, as someone who used to travel a lot (for college coursework), I've heard horror stories of classmates accidentally taking them back to their homes from suites (NICE, VERY expensive hotels, mind you). So...this spray is the PERFECT preventative. I've used it on the bed, pillows, blankets, you name it! I've been using it once a week or every other week if I forget. It doesn't smell chemical-y as you may expect. The pump operates smoothly and the spray is even.

To test this out, I found a tick outside (it's Arkansas...we have them in the woods) and sprayed him. My logic is that they're both hard-bodied, bloodsucking insects. I'm happy to say that it worked...and it was one less tick that I had to worry about getting on my dogs!

NOTE: DO NOT USE THIS AS A TREATMENT FOR PETS!

If you're looking for a way to prevent a bed bug infestation, are traveling, or have guests...I would highly suggest using this spray before and after!

Innogie® ELite Series 3200mAh Aluminum Portable Charger Review!

I'm on the go CONSTANTLY! It just so happens that I'm also constantly on my devices! Mostly, I read in my downtime from my Kindle...but I also check emails and listen to music. Both of those things require a lot of battery (through using data or WiFi!). When I was offered the opportunity to test a portable battery charger, I was very excited! I received the Innogie ELite Series 3200mAh Aluminum Portable Charger and...it's awesome!

Now...I've tested chargers in the past...and they've got one of two problems: they charge super fast and they don't last...or they take 8+ hours to charger and by the time they're done...you could have just charged your phone on the wall and have done it faster! My favorite aspect of this battery charger is that it doesn't take long to charge and it can recharge my phone completely two and part of a time!

It's not big and bulky...at all. In fact...it's smaller than my phone. Most portable chargers are big and bulky and definitely bigger than my phone. This makes it easy to store in my phone wallet and easy to carry around with me.

I love the fact that I can drop it, sit on it, and otherwise unintentionally hurt it and it takes the damage.

It's a fantastic charger that's easily the most convenient one I've used! It's awesome for situations where you don't know where your next charge is coming from! It's also a great alternative to a car charger (two of my first cars didn't allow me to charge!).

Grab yours here!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for review from Giveaway Service website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Reference ID: pm47fa1e27cc0c050aaf8f02272045eca0

Guest Post: Gage Davidson Reviews Super Beard Booster!

   Sometimes I run into the opportunity to review products that aren't quite applicable to me. When that happens, I find someone who can, or who I will enjoy the product and give it a fair review. This time around, it was my awesome husband!

As a man who has gone his entire life without much facial to speak of, I was eager to try Super Beard Booster.  After taking the supplement regularly for about a month, my patchy scruff had evolved into a solid foundation on which a beautiful, healthy beard will one day flourish. Another aspect that I'd like to point out is that where my beard grew in wasn't as dry or itchy! Unfortunately, my job's uniform policies require that I stay clean shaven, so I cannot let my facial hair grow to it's full potential, but thanks to Super Beard Booster, if I wanted to grow a beard, I could. I received this product in exchange for an honest review! I'm happy to say that I endorse this product, regardless of this fact!

PratiPad Silicone Pot Holder - Multiple Uses!

I hate cooking with the stove and oven (haha!) because the temperatures worry me. Don't get me wrong...I still do these things but I'm not secure in it at all! Up until lately, I've been using traditional cotton-based pot holders and oven mats. The heat always comes through to my hands and it freaks me out!

As I've mentioned before, I love testing new things when it comes to our kitchen tool collection! I was very excited to try Pratipad Multipurpose Silicone Pot Holders! I did NOT think that something so thin (comparatively) and holey (it's made with a honeycomb design) would protect my hands! But it DOES, and it does it very well! In fact, it protects up to 446* F! Holy cow! This makes it really convenient to use on my crafts!

Pratipad Pot Holders are also dishwasher safe and withstand twisting and bending! That's awesome because it means that they'll last longer!

An added bonus that I figured out was that they can be used to help grip tight jar lids. I have issues with opening most jars and this helps me pop 'em off!

The fact that the holders have a hole for hanging them on hooks is convenient as well! You'll always know where they are and you'll always have a place for them!

I'm really excited about these because I can cook and craft knowing that I don't have to worry as much about the heat! They're comfortable to hold and efficient!

I'd highly suggest adding them to your kitchen collection!

BarBrat Ice Ball Maker is SO COOL!

Parrrrtay time!!

Haha! Seriously though...my most recent product review makes me think that way!

In fact, my BFF and I have been talking about using our BarBrat Ice Ball makers for a get together! We both are product reviewers and both got one for free in exchange for our opinions! It's a pretty sweet deal, especially when the product is so awesome!

The concept with the BarBrat Ice Ball makers is that it's a cooler looking, more efficient way to make ice!

Basically, there are two parts: the top and the bottom. Both are made of silicone, and the top piece has a little hole. I put the two pieces together and fill the now-formed sphere with water until it overflows. I add a little to each of the four holes. Then, I freeze it for 24 hours and wah-lah! Ice spheres! It's very easy, but it looks complicated!

The result is an awesome, futuristic-looking drink! :) Now, obviously it's cool looking...but how is it more efficient? Well...I've fit more ice in my cup this way and because they are more dense, they don't melt as quickly!

The only downside that I could find to this product is that it's not bigger! I would love to be able to make more ice balls at once but I think that the product would be VERY hard to handle that way (as the tray is made of silicone and would sway and bend and spill everywhere).

If you're looking to entertain, definitely pick up one of these guys and plan in advance! They're really cool and I know you'd get compliments on it! Pick up the BarBrat Ice Ball tray here!