Wednesday 29 April 2015

Vita Coco Coconut Oil


Vita Coco Coconut Oil

What they say:

Here at Birchbox HQ we’ve bee longtime fans of the Vita Coco Coconut Water so when we heard the lovely peeps over there had launched a Coconut Oil we knew we’d love it! Formulated using coconuts from the same groves as their coconut water, it’s a multipurpose wonder with an array of a-mazing uses! Plus, it boasts a unique composition of fatty acids meaning it’s a good-for-you fat! Try it when you’re baking or frying (it’s a great alternative to butter!), add it to smoothies for a nutrient boost, use it as a face moisturiser, or as a rich hair treatment – the possibilities are endless!

My Review:

I had head about Coconut Oil and the benefits of using it for some time before this arrived in my Birchbox, I already had purchased some so was glad of the extra I had been sent. I use the coconut oil as a moisturiser for my skin rather than using it for cooking. I have tried it for cooking before and it is O.K but I prefer to use it directly on my skin. 

This product is a little strange, when it gets warm it turns to a liquid, but as soon as the temperature drops it will turn back into a solid. I have used it in both forms and it makes no difference how it is. I have rubbed the oil onto dry skin and it has really helped the area that was dry. It is becoming one of my favourite things to use on my skin. I have not used it on my hair yet, but this is something that I will be trying out. 

Would I buy it again?

Yes, so far I have seen the benefits of this product and I like what I see, it is £9.99 for 500ml which I don't think is expensive, you would pay that for a good face cream or moisturiser. I have also been using this on my husband, he suffers from dry skin and it has really helped him. It is a product that just has so many uses. I am very pleased with the product. 

You can buy it from The Birchbox website here.

Tuesday 28 April 2015

Appleby Farm - Cathy Bramley Cover Reveal!


I have been lucky enough to bring you the brand new cover of Appleby Farm by Cathy Bramley. This has already been published as a short stories series as ebook but from August you can get your hands on t he lovely paperback edition all in one! This is the brand new cover containing all the short stories and isn't it beautiful! 

Here's the blurb...

Appleby Farm is a charming, funny and romantic story for anyone looking for a feel-good, light-hearted read, from the author of bestselling Ivy Lane.

Freya Moorcroft has wild red hair, mischievous green eyes, a warm smile and a heart of gold. She’s been happy working at the cafĂ© round the corner from Ivy Lane allotments and her romance with her new boyfriend is going well, she thinks, but a part of her still misses the beautiful rolling hills of her Cumbrian childhood home: Appleby Farm.

Then a phone call out of the blue and a desperate plea for help change everything…

The farm is in financial trouble, and it’s taking its toll on the aunt and uncle who raised Freya. Heading home to lend a hand, Freya quickly learns that things are worse than she first thought. As she summons up all her creativity and determination to turn things around, Freya is surprised as her own dreams for the future begin to take shape.

Love makes the world go round, according to Freya. Not money. But will saving Appleby Farm and following her heart come at a price?


Publication date is 13 August, there'll be a kindle and paperback version.

Monday 27 April 2015

Lucinda Riley's The Seven Sisters Blog Tour with Hardback edition giveaway!

Today is my stop on The Seven Sisters blog tour, I have an extract from the book for you today along with the chance to win a beautiful hardback edition of the book. So if you love the sound of this please make sure you enter the giveaway, which you will find at the end of this post. 







Extract from The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley

I spent the small hours translating the quotes on the armillary
sphere. Whether each one was relevant to the other girls, I
didn’t feel it was my place to investigate. I left mine until last,
almost too frightened to know what it said. When I’d fi nished
translating it, I took a deep breath and read it.

Never let your fear decide your destiny

I knew that the seven words Pa Salt had left me could not
have described me and who I was any more accurately.
The next morning, after making my requisite cup of tea, I
returned to the bedroom, tentatively pulled the envelope from
under my pillow, and carried it into the sitting room. I studied
it for a while as I sipped my tea.

Then, taking a few deep breaths, I picked it up and tore it
open. Inside was a letter, but also something else; as I reached
inside to grasp it, it felt solid, yet somehow also soft beneath
my fingers. As I drew it out, I saw it was a triangular-shaped
stone tile, creamy in colour but with a green hue to it. I
turned it over and saw there was an illegible faded inscription
on the back of it.

Unable to decipher it, I set it down, and, with trembling
hands, I unfolded Pa’s letter and began to read.
Atlantis
Lake Geneva
Switzerland

My dearest Maia,

I’m sure as you sit and read this that you’ll be
feeling confused and sad. My beloved fi rst-born girl,
I can only tell you what a joy you have been to me.
Even though I can’t claim to be your natural father,
I beg you to believe that I have loved you as though I
was. And I must tell you that it was you who inspired
me to continue to adopt your beautiful younger
sisters, and that all of you have given me more
pleasure than anything else in my life.

You have never asked me to tell you about your
true heritage, the story of where I found you and the
circumstances that led up to your adoption. Rest
assured, I would have told you if you had, as one of
your sisters did a few years ago. But as I leave this
earth, I feel it is only right to allow you the freedom
to discover it in the future if you wish.

None of you came to me with a birth certifi cate,
and as you know, all of you are offi cially registered as
my daughters. No one can take that away from you.
However, at the very least, I can point you in the
right direction. After that, only you can choose to
take the journey back into your past if you so wish.
On the armillary sphere, which you have now
seen, are a set of coordinates indicating exactly where
on this planet your story began. And there is also a
small clue inside the envelope to help you further.

Maia, I can’t tell you what you’ll fi nd if you do
decide to return to the country of your birth. But
what I can tell you is that your true family and their
story touched my life.

I’m sad that there is no time left for me to relate
my own story to you, and that perhaps you sometimes
felt that I kept many things to myself. What I
did, I did to protect you all. But of course, no man,
or woman, is an island. And as you grew up, I had to
set you free to fly.

We all hold secrets inside us, but please believe
me when I say that family is everything. And that the
love of a parent for a child is the most powerful force
on earth.

Maia, it’s understandable that I look back on my
life and regret many of the decisions that I’ve made
during it. Of course, it is the human condition to
make mistakes, as that is how we learn and grow. But
my dearest wish is to at least pass on any wisdom
that I’ve gathered to my precious daughters.

I think there is a part of you that, because of your
life experience so far, has led you to lose your faith in
human nature. My dearest Maia, please know that I
too have suffered from the same affl iction and it
blighted my life at times. However, I have learnt over
the many years I’ve spent on this earth that for every
one bad apple, there are thousands more whose
hearts are full of kindness. And you must trust to the
intrinsic goodness inside each of us. Only then will
you be able to live and love fully.

I will leave you now, my dearest Maia; I’m sure I
have given you and your sisters much to think about.
I am watching over you always from the heavens.
Your loving father,

Pa Salt x


All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning a copy of this stunning book is to enter via the rafflecopter below. You do need to be living in the UK or have a UK address to enter. Thanks for stopping by and good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday 26 April 2015

Weekly Wrap Up - 26.4.15


This week it was my birthday and I was very lucky. I got some beautiful jewellery from my family and some money. I didn't do so well on the book front this year, however I think everyone thought it would be better if they gave me the money and then I could choose the books I want, as they are unsure what I have or have read. It has also been really exciting as yesterday Dewey's 24 hour read-a-tho was going on and actually only just finished this morning for some of us. If you have not heard of this before, make sure you check out their website. I really love the read-a-thon and I always try to give 100% when joining in. Check out below to see how I got on. 


This week I have been sent:
Birthday books - Looking for Alaska - John Green
Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher 
Wellies and Westies - Cressida McLaughlin
Girls on Tour - Nicola Doherty


This week I have bought: 
The Lie of you - Jane Lythell 
When we were friends - Tina Seskis 



Books I have read this week:
The Love Shack - Jane Costello
Rachel does Rome - Nicola Doherty
The Girls Take Manhattan - Nicola Doherty
Catch me if you Cannes Part 2 - Lisa Dickenson
Catch me if you Cannes Part 3 - Lisa Dickenson
Catch me if you Cannes Part 4 - Lisa Dickenson 
Currently reading:
The happy ever afterlife of Rosie Potter - Kate Winter


The books I have read all have reviews and they will be on the blog soon so look out for that!


Thanks for stopping by at The Book Corner, I loved  hearing what you have got this week so please leave a comment to let me know

Saturday 25 April 2015

Dewey's 24 hour read-a-thon


Today I will be linking all my challenges and my progress about the read-a-thon here, I hope you enjoy this post and if you are joining in, good luck! Here in the U.K the read-a-thon starts at 1pm, so just over an hour. This has given me time this morning to head out and grab some snacks for the event. If there is one thing I have learnt since participating that is to make sure you stay fed and watered.


I posted my TBR a couple of days ago - you can find the link here.

I am hoping to manage to read a lot this time around. Last time I only managed to read 2 books, I have a few short ones this time to try and break them up. 

Dewey's 24 hour read-a-thon challenges!

Here I will be placing all of my challenges that I take part in. 


Local start time: 13:00
Hours spent reading: 0
Pages read: 0
Books finished: 0

Opening Meme:

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
Hello from the UK, I am in the south of England. 

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
This is a bit of a tricky question as two of these books I already started a few weeks ago so I am really looking forward to finishing them. They are Catch me if you Cannes and Girls on Tour. 

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
To be honest I think I am most looking forward to my mango, it's so refreshing and I don't have it often as it is quite pricey for cut mango, thought I would treat myself. :)

4) Tell us a little something about yourself!
OK, this is my third 24 hour read-a-thon and I love them. I didn't manage to read too much for the last one so I am really hoping that today is different and I can make a big dent in my TBR. I am a primary school teacher so don't often get that much time to read adult books. I make sure I read children's books to them, as I want to spread my love of reading.

5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?
This time I am going to try my hardest not to get distracted. This should be better this year as my house is quite and the hubby has gone to the football. This gives me a few solid hours alone to read as much as I can. I also want to try and complete every challenge this time around. They break up the reading for me and are a lot of fun.

Good luck if you are participating today. 

End of hour 1:

Local start time: 13:00
Hours spent reading: probably around 35 minutes when I have taken out all the distractions!
Pages read: 31
Books finished: 0

So far I have had a few distractions, I am also getting a bit peckish so I think I am going to grab some lunch now. I have begun Girls on Tour  - Rachel does Rome and I am hoping to finish it during this next hour. 

Hour 2 challenge - Classic words of wisdom. 

This challenge is being run by aliteraryodyssey

Here is my classic quote and 'Words of Wisdom': 
“Don't waste your love on somebody, who doesn't value it.” by William Shakespeare. Romeo and Juliet.  

This quote I think is important to everyone. There is no point in loving someone that you either cannot have or doesn't love you back. Life is too short and when you find love that is returned  you should cherish it. I am lucky to have found that with my husband quite early in life, however whenever it comes along you should value it. 

End of hour 2:

Local start time: 13:00
Hours spent reading: probably around 1 hour when I have taken out all the distractions!
Pages read: 63

Books finished: 1 - Rachel does Rome

Hour 3 challenge - 4 seasons, 4 books. 

This challenge is being run by bartsbookshelf

I have decided to choose my four books to represent the seasons. Starting with Spring here they are. 



I chose Ivy Lane for Spring due to the colours and the fact things are planted to grow. Too Hot to Handle for the Summer as it is set in St Lucia. A part of me again down to the cover for Autumn as the trees are becoming bare and finally The Snow Child for Winter again down to the cover.

End of hour 3:
Local start time: 13:00
Hours spent reading: probably around 1 hour 30 mins when I have taken out all the distractions!
Pages read: 97 

Books finished: 1 - Rachel does Rome

I have decided that I won't be participating in challenge 4 as it will take too much of my time up and I am rubbish at coming up with clues for books. I will be back again with another update in an hour. Hopefully this hour I will finish Girls take Manhattan.  

End of hour 4:
Local start time: 13:00
Hours spent reading: probably around 2 hours 15mins when I have taken out all the distractions!
Pages read: 133 

Books finished: 2 - Rachel does Rome, The Girls take Manhattan

Hour 5 challenge: The casting couch 

This challenge is run by littlepocketbooks

Here it is:
1. Book: Girls on Tour - Nicola Doherty
2. Character: Poppy
3. Actor Name: Isla Fisher
4. Why you picked that actor: To be honest I don't know, just through reading the book I could she her playing the part. In my mind this is what Poppy would look like. I also think her personality would suit.


End of hour 5:
Local start time: 13:00
Hours spent reading: probably around 2 hours 45mins when I have taken out all the distractions! This hour I spent some time typing up and scheduling reviews for the books I have read. 
Pages read: 154 

Books finished: 2 - Rachel does Rome, The Girls take Manhattan


End of hour 6:
Local start time: 13:00
Hours spent reading: 2.45 - this hour was my hour I needed to go pick up my husband from the station after he has been to football all day and dinner. I am however back now and ready for the next hour. 
Pages read: 154 

Books finished: 2 - Rachel does Rome, The Girls take Manhattan

Hour 7 challenge: Treasure Hunt

This challenge is run by boghunden

I needed to find a book with a tree, snow and a weapon on the front cover. Here are mine:



End of hour 7:
Local start time: 13:00
Hours spent reading: 3.30
Pages read: 188 

Books finished: 2 - Rachel does Rome, The Girls take Manhattan





End of hour 8:
Local start time: 13:00
Hours spent reading: 4.15
Pages read: 234

Books finished: 3 - Rachel does Rome, The Girls take Manhattan, Catch me if you Cannes Part 2



End of hour 9:
Local start time: 13:00
Hours spent reading: 5
Pages read: 278

Books finished: 3 - Rachel does Rome, The Girls take Manhattan, Catch me if you Cannes Part 2

End of hour 10:
Local start time: 13:00
Hours spent reading: 5.20
Pages read: 298

Books finished: 4 - Rachel does Rome, The Girls take Manhattan, Catch me if you Cannes Part 2, Catch me if you Cannes Part 3

 Mid-Event Survey:
1. What are you reading right now?
In the middle of Catch me if you Cannes part 4

2. How many books have you read so far? 
4
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
I am hoping to get onto the Happy Afterlife of Rosie Potter. 

4. Have you had many interruptions? 
Sleep! I have slept for about 6 hours!

How did you deal with those?
I just gave in...


5. What surprises you most aboutthe Read-a-thon, so far?
That I have done so well! 

Hour 19 challenge- Shelfie 



As you can see they aren't actually on a bookshelf!!! They are full! 



End of hour 20:
Local start time: 13:00
Hours spent reading: 6
Pages read: 356

Books finished: 5 - Rachel does Rome, The Girls take Manhattan, Catch me if you Cannes Part 2, Catch me if you Cannes Part 3, Catch me if you Cannes Part 4



End of hour 21:
Local start time: 13:00
Hours spent reading: 6.40
Pages read: 396

Books finished: 5 - Rachel does Rome, The Girls take Manhattan, Catch me if you Cannes Part 2, Catch me if you Cannes Part 3, Catch me if you Cannes Part 4


End of the Read-a-thon Meme

  1. Which hour was most daunting for you?
Probably when I hit hour 12 and realised I was falling asleep! 

  1. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
Books that are a short series, by reading many novellas it really got me motivated and I was proud of myself when I finished them as I felt like I had really got somewhere with them. 

  1. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
No...

  1. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
So many people were joining in across many different social network platforms, this allowed me to connect with lots of new people. 

  1. How many books did you read?
I managed 5 novellas and currently reading a novel for my sixth, even though I didn't manage to finish it for the read-a-thon, I am hoping I do finish it today.

  1. What were the names of the books you read?
1. Rachel does Rome, 
2. The Girls Take Manhattan
3. Catch me if you Cannes Part 2
4. Catch me if you Cannes Part 3
5. Catch me if you Cannes Part 4
6. The Happy ever Afterlife of Rosie Potter 

  1. Which book did you enjoy most?
This is tricky as they were all chick lit so unfortunately I cannot choose!

  1. Which did you enjoy least?
Again I can't choose one. 

  1. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?
I wasn't I'm afraid. 

  1. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
Yes! I absolutely love them and if I could have more than twice a year I would!!! I will be a reader again next time. This time I put myself forward to host a challenge, unfortunately I was unsuccessful so I am hoping next time I get the opportunity to host one. 

Final stats:
End of hour 24:
Local start time: 13:00
Hours spent reading: 7
Pages read: 411

Books finished: 5 - Rachel does Rome, The Girls take Manhattan, Catch me if you Cannes Part 2, Catch me if you Cannes Part 3, Catch me if you Cannes Part 4

Friday 24 April 2015

TanOrganic Self Tanning Oil


TanOrganic Self Tanning Oil

They Say:

We admit it, when we heard that TanOrganic had created a moisturising dry oil that also added a subtle tan to the skin we were skeptical. After all, we’re used to steering clear of body oils after getting our tan on for fear of the dreaded streaks! But, after just one use, we were sold! The world’s first self-tanning oil contains 8 different plant oils (including luxurious Argan oil) and boasts a subtle citrus fragrance, working to smooth and moisturise your skin while adding a sun-kissed glow within 6 to 8 hours. Perfect.

My Review:

I had been on holiday in March and managed to get a wonderful tan, the unfortunate thing about going on holiday at Easter is that when you return home, normally the weather is not great and it takes a while to become as warm as it was when you were away. 

On my return I remembered I had a sample of this to try, which arrived in my Birchbox. I decided to give it a go. After a shower one night I popped this product onto my skin. On application it is like an oil and it is transparent, this does make it a little tricky to identify where you have already put it. It also seems to go a long way, my sample size to be honest I wasn't that impressed with but you only need about a pea sized amount to coat 1 arm. Once I put it on my body I went and washed my hands as I was instructed to do so. 

When I woke up in the morning I was able to see the results and I was impressed. It was not streaky and I didn't look like I was orange. I really like the effect I got from using this product and since then I have recommended it to others, after seeing the results on me, they are also just as impressed and asked me where I got it from. 

There is only one negative I have with this product and that is that it smells like a tanning lotion. I wish it had smelt a bit nicer, I could actually smell the product the next day and was a little paranoid that other people could smell it too. In future, when I apply it I am going to go over with a moisturiser to try and mask the smell. 

Would I buy this again?

Most self tans I have bought in the past have been under the £10 mark, this particular product is £24.99 which I do think is quite expensive, however it does leave such a natural look and one that brings you compliments! I think this is going to be a product I would buy for in between times, such as going on holiday in Easter and waiting for the weather to get warm enough for you to develop your own tan. So I think I would purchase it maybe once a year for these occasions. 

You can buy this from The Birchbox website here.