BATR Book Club: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

(Read my Judging A Book post about this book here.)

This book was so good, and kept me guessing until the very end!

The main characters are incredibly complex and so different from each other- you have Madeline, who is this slightly crazed mom who is dealing with her ex-husband's new wife and her teenage daughter, Celeste who seems to have the idea life as a rich stay-at-home mom, and Jane, who is a single mom to a little boy who is accused of being a bully. 
There are many other characters, but those three are who the story centers around. The story as a whole centers around characters that have children in Kindergarten. 
Also, this story takes place in Australia, which I didn't know when this first started. Not that it's a huge part of the story, but it is something they mention.

You know almost right away that there is a death in this story, but I could not figure it out the whole story. I know what I was hoping for, but I just didn't know. But I did out loud say "OMG" when it happened. And when another reveal happens- I did NOT see it coming, at all. I was in absolute shock.
(I talk a lot when I read books, and laugh. It's just a thing I do. Like the characters can hear me or something...)

This wasn't a quick read by any means (the book is 480 pages!) but it didn't feel like a long read, either. 
I gave this book a solid four stars on Goodreads. I really liked it and it kept me interested. 


Have any questions or want to talk about the book? Discuss below!



You can get this book for your Kindle here, or a physical copy here. Or you can pick it up from your local library, like I did!


Disclosure: I won this book in a Birchbloggers contest to review in the month of September. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post contains amazon affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Adventures in Cooking: "Yes We Have No Banana Pudding"

I am not a cook. 
I have little experience doing any form of cooking. I wasn't raised to help cook, really. Over the past couple of years, I've started to experiment a little bit, putting together pasta or broccoli salads for potlucks, and receive pretty good feedback (other than one time that I got my pasta a little too al dente), but overall, actual cooking isn't really something I feel passionate about.

Something I have discovered I really like, though, is baking. Or doing desserts. I think I like it because it's more exact, with little wiggle room. I don't have to figure out a dash of this or a pinch of that- it's cups and ounces, and tablespoons and teaspoons. 


My Father-In-Law and Step Mother-In-Law were coming over for a BBQ, and I decided I wanted to make a dessert. My husband is a huge Alton Brown fan, and recently they re-aired his Good Eats episode "Yes We Have No Banana Pudding," in which he makes both a refrigerated and baked banana pudding. I decided to give the refrigerated a try. 

Refrigerated Banana Pudding (adapted from Alton Brown's recipe)

Total Time: 3 hr 10 min 

Prep: 30 min 

Inactive: 2 hr 30 min 

Cook: 10 min 

Yield: 8 to 10 servings 

Level: Easy 

Ingredients 

3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 2 tablespoons 

3 tablespoons cornstarch 

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 

2 large eggs 

1 large egg yolk 

2 cups whole milk 

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces and chilled 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

45 vanilla wafers 

4 ounces banana liqueur 

3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds 

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 

1 cup heavy whipping cream, very cold 

Directions 

Combine 3/4 cup of the sugar, the cornstarch and salt in a 3-quart saucier. Add the eggs and egg yolk and whisk to combine. Add the milk and whisk until well combined, about 30 seconds. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches 172 to 180 degrees F, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. The mixture will begin to thicken and bubble around the edges. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, 1 piece at a time, being sure each piece is fully incorporated before adding the next. Whisk in the vanilla extract. Cover the surface of the pudding with a round piece of parchment and refrigerate until the pudding reaches 45 degrees F, approximately 2 hours. 

Lay the vanilla wafers on a half sheet pan. Slowly and evenly pour the banana liqueur over the cookies. Set aside for 10 minutes. 

Toss the banana slices with the lemon juice in a small bowl and set aside.  

Spread a small amount of pudding in the bottom of a 1 1/2-quart glass mixing bowl. Cover with a layer of vanilla wafers, followed by a layer of banana slices. Spoon 1/3 of the remaining pudding on top of the bananas and repeat, ending with a layer of pudding. 

Put the whipping cream in the bowl of a stand mixer, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and whisk just until stiff peaks form. Spoon the whipped creamover the cooled pudding and spread to cover completely. Top with any remaining soaked cookies. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

I have a couple suggestions, especially if you have an electric range, I would suggest cooking on Medium or one notch above medium in order to get the same cooking time. I found this out when I had to remake mine, because it took over an hour on medium-low to get up to 172 degrees.
If it's not thickening up by the time you add the butter, it won't thicken. At least that was my experience. 

Not to toot my own horn, but everyone really loved this dish. Something about the sweetness of the pudding and the liqueur on the cookies really made it something special. 

However, next time I make this I will definitely be trying out Alton's Vanilla Wafers, because they might be a little drier than store bought, and therefore, won't absorb quite so much of the liqueur. Because a few of the cookies got absolutely soaked and a little soggy. 

Hopefully you all enjoyed this extra post this week! I'm definitely going to be trying out some new recipes and things and let you guys know how they go!

ipsy September 2014

Ahhh I love everything in this bag!



- The Bag: I can't actually tell if I'll like this or not. I like the colors, but I'll reserve judgement until I hold it in my hands.
- Alterna Haircare CAVIAR CC Cream 10-in-1 Complete Correction: I have wanted to try this for awhile, so I'm really happy to see it in my bag. I just hope that it's a decent enough sample to at least get 3 or 4 uses.
- Crown Brush Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush: I'm always excited for new brushes, and I've heard good things about Crown Brushes.
- NYX Hot Singles Eye Shadow: I wonder if I'll be receiving this purple shade, because according to the ipsy website, there are 10 different shades I might receive. I'm already a fan of NYX, so unless they send me a color I don't like, I know that I'll like it.
- Pacifica Natural Water-Proof Eye Pencil: I never really get excited about standard pencil liners- I'm more of a fan of the kind that twist up. So this is one product that I'm just meh about, and I kind of wish I had received the nail polish instead. There are two color choices (Gunmetal or Fringe), and I don't really care which one I get.
- CAILYN Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss: The two choices are Basic Instinct (which is the one shown above), and Love Affair, which is a deeper red color. I kind of am hoping I get Basic Instinct. According to the spoilers, this will be a full sized item. (And the lipgloss is worth $19.00, so this will basically pay for the whole bag.)



I really like the bag this time- it's kind of got an 80s vibe, and I like that it's just a little bigger than the last couple of months' bags have been. 



Alterna Haircare CAVIAR CC Cream 10-in-1 Complete Correction
A miracle leave-in product that delivers 10 benefits in 1 easy step, leaving hair perfectly polished. Can be used alone or as a foundation for the layering of other styling products.
How To Use: Apply evenly to clean, towel-dried hair & style as desired. Can also be used as a finisher on dry hair for added perfection.
How It Works: Caviar CC Cream perfects hair in 10 different ways for complete: Moisture, Shine, Smoothness, Softness, Anti-Breakage, Heat Protection, Light Hold, UV Protection, Manageability and Strength
Will I Use It?: I've already tried it once, but results weren't that exciting. I'll keep using it and do a more complete review. 




Crown Brush Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush
This dual-ended brush offers the best of both worlds.
How To Use: The shadow brush is perfect for applying eye shadow or contouring the eye, while the crease brush is designed to be used dry for defining the eye, or wet for precision concealing.  
Will I Use It?: I've used this brush a handful of times since receiving it, and I understand why Crown Brushes are so hyped. This is one of the best quality brushes I own, and can definitely see investing in some others in the near future.






NYX Hot Singles Eye Shadow in Bling
Whether your look is edgy or natural, NYX’s unique formulation is easy to blend and build on. 88 amazing shades inspired by the latest fashion runway trends.
How It Works: Hot Singles are intense! Powerfully loaded with pigments, this versatile formula lets you make a statement for any occasion
Will I Use It?: I added it to my makeup bag, but haven't used it yet. I will, though!






Pacifica Natural Water-Proof Eye Pencil in Fringe
These rich water-proof, buttery smooth eye pencils glide on smooth and deliver big color pay off with every stroke. 
How It Works: Long-lasting natural formula, provides hours of wear and contains beneficial ingredients great for the sensitive eye area.
Will I Use It?: I used it on a day when I knew I'd need a waterproof mascara, and this definitely came through- it didn't budge at all. It's a nice, dark brown color, and I really like it!






CAILYN Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss in Basic Instinct
CAILYN Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss delivers the stunning color impact of a lip stain and high shine of a lip gloss. 
How It Works: This silky smooth gloss glides on your lips like butter, leaving you with a lacquer like finish.
Will I Use It?: I really like the color, but I haven't used it yet. 


I really enjoyed everything in this bag, but I have decided to switch up my profile a bit- I've unmarked lip products completely. Hopefully I won't receive any for awhile, because I'm not even a big lip product junkie, so none of them are really getting used. 
This isn't reflected at all of the color or quality of the lip products received, I just won't use them and would rather see what else I get if that option isn't available for now.


If any of you are interested in signing up for ipsy, please click there and use my affiliate link! I receive points which I will exchange for products that I can review on this blog.


FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from ipsy, amazon.com, or the product page on the brand's website.
This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links and an ipsyaffiliate link. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
The individual product links to the ipsy product page are not affiliate links.

Birchbox September 2014

It's Birchbox's 4th anniversary! Happy Anniversary, Birchbox!

This month, I received an email asking to choose a sample, much like last month and the month before. I hope that means this is becoming a regular thing, because I really like it!



I chose to get the 2nd sample on the top from the left, which is the Davines sample package. The reason I chose this is largely because it's a complete Shampoo/Conditioner/Oil set, and there's also three products, so I knew I would get to review them all, which will give me more Birchbox points.

I received my shipping notification on the 6th this month! According to "Everything You Need To Know About The Birchbox Cycle," all boxes now ship by the 10th, which is awesome, because it used to be you didn't really know when it would ship. I'm really happy mine shipped so early.
However, I did have to wait until the 10th to see all of my spoilers!



- Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensee Cologne Absolue: The description says this has jasmine, vanilla, and lime. I'm not sure about those combos together, but it could surprise me.
- Davines OI/Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion: This is a serum, actually, and you all know how much I love hair stuff.
- Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit: This is probably the most hyped up item I will receive in a Birchbox (at least up to this point), so I have very high expectations!
- Davines OI/Shampoo: This shampoo claims to boost volume and improve hair texture. We'll see!
- Davines OI/Conditioner: This is supposed to soften and protect hair, and improve drying time. Again, we'll see!
- Acure Organics Day Cream Gotu Kola Stem Cell +1% CGF: Hmmm another anti-aging day cream. But this also claims to help fight free radical damage, and who doesn't want that?! (Okay, that was slightly sarcastic, even though I do know that it's a good thing.)
- Pixi by Petra Breath of Fresh Air Exclusive Lip Balm Set: I'm assuming since the sample says set, I will receive them all? I guess we'll see!




I LOVE the packing this month! It's so cute!



Acure Organics Day Cream
Made with gotu kola stem cells, this antiaging moisturizer firms and protects skin.
How To Use: Smooth onto clean, dry face, neck, and chest
How It Works: Chlorella growth factor protects collagen and elastin fibers for stronger, more elastic skin. Gotu kola stem cells stimulate cell turnover, help fight free radical damage, and firm skin tone, restoring and evening complexion. The easily absorbed formula locks in moisture for all day nourishment of normal to dry skin.
Will I Use It?:I definitely will give it a try. I've heard it's a thicker moisturizer, so I might wait to use it when it's not 100 degrees plus outside every day. I will definitely post a review once I am able to use it.




Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensee Fragrance
A fresh, lively blend of soft vanilla, romantic jasmine, and bright lime notes.
How To Use: Spritz onto pulse points- a little goes a long way.
How It Works: Romantic and sumptuous, this scent is a worthy addition to any fragrance collection. Top notes of bright lime and coriander mingle with middle notes of jasmine and oak moss. Madagascar vanilla and amber notes anchor the scent.
Will I Use It?: I haven't been in the mood for perfumes too much lately, but when I am, I'll give this a try. I also really like the postcard the sample came with- it's super cute! I've been using it as a bookmark.




Davines Oi Conditioner (the shampoo and oil are bonuses)
Loaded with apricot butter and roucou oil, this detangler protects and softens hair.
How To Use: Apply small amount to hair after shampooing, focusing on ends. Rinse after 2-3 minutes.
How It Works: Natural active ingredients like antioxidant-fueled roucou oil guard hair from harsh UV radiation and heat styling, while apricot butter softens, conditions, and soothes.
Will I Use It: I love hair products, and trying them, so of course I'll try it! And I'm thrilled that Birchbox gave me the whole system to try. I will definitely post a review once I get a chance to use it.




Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit
UK favorite that uses a two-step ritual to purify and exfoliate. A Birchbox exclusive!
How To Use: Massage into skin. With muslin cloth, wipe off gently in small circles, from the center out. 
How It Works: This creamy cleanser contains moisturizing cocoa butter, and two of nature’s best astringents: eucalyptus essential oil and rosemary. These plant oils lift dirt off the skin’s surface without disrupting the natural barrier function. The 100 percent cotton muslin cloth gently exfoliates without irritation, even for the most sensitive complexions.
Will I Use It?: I absolutely will use it! I've heard such good things about this product, so I wonder if it will live up to the hype? I will definitely provide a full review and let you all know!





Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Ripe Raspberry
Dual-purpose balm that hydrates with shea butter and give lips bright, buildable color.
How To Use: Swipe onto lips for instant moisture. Layer on for a more intense hue.
How It Works: This exclusive set features four tinted lip balms: Honey Nectar, Ripe Raspberry, Natural Rose, and Comfort Clear. Formulated with shea butter and vitamin E, each infuses lips with moisture with every application. No flaking or dryness here!
Will I Use It: I have used it, and I really like the color! It has better pigmentation than I thought it would, it's very smooth, and lasts quite a while. I definitely recommend it!



If any of you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, please click there and use my affiliate link! I receive points which I will exchange for products that I can review on this blog.

FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the Birchbox card included in the box.

This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links and a birchbox affiliate link. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

The individual product links to the birchbox product page are not affiliate links.

Fall Nail Pinspiration

Happy Fall! I definitely am ready for it this year- it has been so hot and muggy here!

To continue my seasonal nail pinspiration (I previously have done Spring and Summer), it's time now for Fall!
(As always, clicking on the picture will take you directly to the pin, so you can pin them to your own boards.)

This is really cute, and the pin has 18 other really cute ideas!



You can't go wrong with some cute pumpkins in the fall!



The only design that wasn't really Fall Holiday-centric, and I just love that deep olive color.

And here's a collection of some more!

Judging A Book By It's Cover: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Description from Goodreads: Check out the #1 New York Times bestseller Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, called “a surefire hit” by Entertainment Weekly.
 
"The secrets burrowed in this seemingly placid small town...are so suburban noir they would make David Lynch clap with glee...[Moriarty] is a fantastically nimble writer, so sure-footed that the book leaps between dark and light seamlessly; even the big reveal in the final pages feels earned and genuinely shocking.” —Entertainment Weekly

"Reading one [of Liane Moriarty's novels] is a bit like drinking a pink cosmo laced with arsenic... [BIG LITTLE LIES] is a fun, engaging and sometimes disturbing read” –USA Today

Sometimes it’s the little lies that turn out to be the most lethal. . . .
  A murder… . . . a tragic accident… . . . or just parents behaving badly?  
What’s indisputable is that someone is dead.   But who did what?
  Big Little Lies follows three women, each at a crossroads:   Madeline is a force to be reckoned with. She’s funny and biting, passionate, she remembers everything and forgives no one. Her ex-husband and his yogi new wife have moved into her beloved beachside community, and their daughter is in the same kindergarten class as Madeline’s youngest (howis this possible?). And to top it all off, Madeline’s teenage daughter seems to be choosing Madeline’s ex-husband over her. (How. Is. This. Possible?). 
Celeste is the kind of beautiful woman who makes the world stop and stare. While she may seem a bit flustered at times, who wouldn’t be, with those rambunctious twin boys? Now that the boys are starting school, Celeste and her husband look set to become the king and queen of the school parent body. But royalty often comes at a price, and Celeste is grappling with how much more she is willing to pay.   New to town, single mom Jane is so young that another mother mistakes her for the nanny. Jane is sad beyond her years and harbors secret doubts about her son. But why? While Madeline and Celeste soon take Jane under their wing, none of them realizes how the arrival of Jane and her inscrutable little boy will affect them all.
  Big Little Lies is a brilliant take on ex-husbands and second wives, mothers and daughters, schoolyard scandal, and the dangerous little lies we tell ourselves just to survive.


I won this book in a Birchbloggers contest (I've been very lucky when it comes to those!)

This book has so much hype! I first heard about it by reading TheSkimm, and since then, it's been everywhere! It sounds so interesting, and like it will have some very well-written female characters, which I am always drawn to.
A reviewer on Goodreads says it's Heavy Chick Lit, so it sounds like it will be a very interesting read.

Superficially, I am actually in love with the cover of this book. The silver is so shiny, and the letters are raised, which is just one of those little details I really love.


I'm going to try to finish this book quickly, by the end of September, so be on the lookout!

Lush Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb Review

How To Use: Fill your bathtub with warm water, drop in the Bath Bomb and lay back to enjoy its lovely color and gorgeous fragrance. Some LUSH Bath Bombs contain flower petals and others have secret surprises (if you prefer not to have these pieces floating in your tub, wrap the Bath Bomb in a recycled nylon before use). To make your experience even more memorable, combine your fragrant Bath Bomb with a Luxury Bath Melt

How It Works: Unleash fire and bathe in a whirlpool of magnificently vibrant, sizzling color and a spectacular explosion of sights, sounds, and scents. Inhale the refreshing sherbet-y citrus scent of lemon and bergamot; you'll feel like you're up and away on the back of your own dragon. This mystical Bath Bomb fizzles, crackles, curls, and ends with a glitter explosion. Citrus oils are known for their invigorating effect on the mind, and Dragon's Egg is no exception! Drop one of these into the bath for a serious wake-up call on groggy mornings, or before an evening out.

My Review: I absolutely love this bath bomb. I dropped into into my bath as I was climbing in, and let the fizz surround me with the most wonderful citrus and bergamot smells. I also really like the glittery ball in the middle- it makes the water shimmer so beautifully, but doesn't transfer to much on the skin. It has a really refreshing scent, and if I took baths in the morning, it probably would wake me up, but I usually take a bath after a long day.

The only thing is that this will make it look like you peed in your bathtub. And it does leave a little bit of film along the bottom, but if you rinse out the tub after use, it won't stain. At least, I didn't notice any staining.

I've purchased this before, and I will purchase this again and again. I absolutely love it!

You can purchase this product here, or at your local Lush store.

FTC: This product was purchased by me with my own money. No affiliate links have been used in this post.