The Postage Stamp Vegetable Garden- By Karen Newcomb

     I grew up on a farm, so gardening and planting are in my blood somewhere deep down. I watched my grandparents sun up to sun down slaving in the gardens to make sure we had enough to eat. I had no idea the value they were instilling in us, teaching us to grow food. I found this book recently, The Postage Stamp Vegetable Garden by Karen Newcomb, And it was a delight to read.
      Not everyone sits on a 10 acre farm with ample land to plant whatever they wish. Fact is, most of us don't even live in the country anymore. We're surrounded by "progress" and buildings as far as the eye can see-with nowhere to plant anything. That's where this book comes in handy.
     

This nifty little book goes on to explain how to grow 200 pounds worth of veggies in a 5ft by 5ft garden, respectively. There are multiple photos for reference as to where to put which seed/plant for maximum outcome. It explains how to make a 4ft by 4 ft garden as well, and tells each type of veggie and fruit and when they should be planted to yield the most fruitful crop. (No pun intended.) 

    This book takes you from planning your garden and what you want it to look like, to actually planting, growing, and harvesting all of it. Probably the best part of the book is that chapter that explains how to keep away pests from your new-found growth, and in ways that are healthy to the consumer and the plants. 

  All in all, this book is pretty amazing if you're wanting to grow a little food for your family. My husband and I have talked about growing one ourselves, and donating the food grown to the local charities in our town. 

For more info on this book, go here! Want to know more about the author? Go here!

**I received this book in exchange for review from bloggingforbooks.org/

YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils (False Lash Effect) review

Thanks to Influenster I was one of so many chosen to try the new YSL False Lash Effect Mascara! I was so excited to receive and review it. 

It comes in a beautiful gold tube. I received the black color, although I would have been happy with any of them. The wand itself is pretty flexible, which is new to me. 

I tried it on one eye, to see if I could tell a difference and was blown away. I've used fiber mascaras (and love them), but this one did a lot of lengthening in just one coat. 

  The side with the heart is the side I used the YSL on. I used nothing on the other side. Even with my hooded eyes I could tell a huge difference. It even has a pleasant smell! 
  All in all, I would definitely buy this mascara again. I adore the length I got, and hope I don't run out soon. Ha! 
  You can grab your own at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, and a few other places.
 I received this mascara free from Influenster. 

Punch Bowls and Pitcher Drinks book review!

    I recently read Punch Bowls & Pitcher Drinks recipes for BIG-BATCH COCKTAILS by: Jeanne Kelley and Sarah Tenaglia. I want to start off by saying that I assumed this book was about summertime punches for picnics and outings, but found out the old saying is true, you can't judge a book by its cover!

     Beautiful isn't it? I was pleasantly surprised that around 90% of the recipes were of the adult kind. I myself like to pretend I'm a bartender when entertaining guests, so the ideas of some of these drinks resonated with me. These ladies took their time with this book, and it shows. It's well written and easy to follow, leaving nothing to the imagination. You can find out more about the authors here. 

     There are 112 pages that cover everything from (diy) simple syrups, to mixology mastery. I would have never thought up some of the combos that are present here, but I loved reading of things I would not have tried in a million years. There are beautiful photos distributed throughout the book, and many side notes and tips. This book can have you whipping up concoctions that would have the neighborhood parties envious of your drink making skills. Each one is beautiful in its own right. 

     I for one am a big fan of the Tropicolada drink. It's a mix of bananas, ice, mango, rum, pineapple juice, sweetened cream of coconut, and a few other twists. It is to die for! 

   To find out more about this book, go here!

And remember, alcohol is for those 21 and up! PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY! 

** I received this book for review from bloggingforbooks in exchange for my honest opinions.**

Kicking Cancer's Ass!---with photos *Graphic Photo at the end of this post*

   I was 29 years old, and scared shitless! How else are you supposed to feel when you're diagnosed with breast cancer? Before diagnosis I was a lively 29 year old, long hair-good complexion. I loved life and I worked all the time because I loved my job as a CNA more than any job I'd ever had. I took this selfie at said job, not knowing I would not look this way for long.

Funny how life changes so fast. Just months after taking this I started chemo. Actually the day I was diagnosed (Stage 2a Highly Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the left breast, with some lymph node involvement), I cut my hair short. And the week after my 2nd treatment I shaved it bald. 

  I knew it would be hard, or at least I assumed as much from what I've seen in the movies. First up was the "Red Devil", also known as Adriamicin. It was literally red, like cherry kool-aid. I also had to start take the chemo drug Cytoxin at the same time. The ice cold chairs were so uninviting, but they gave me enough benedryl, I went right to sleep. I did 4 rounds of it, and was scared the whole time because Adriamicin is bad stuff. You can only get so much in a lifetime because it weakens your heart over time. It can also cause Leukemia in the future. So that's comforting right? 

   After that, I did 12 rounds of Taxol. It wasn't so bad. My hair even started coming back in with that one. 

I finished that awful mess in September of 2014. I was so stoked to be done with that part of it. My oncologist recommended radiation, and I recommended a new oncologist. There was no way I was adding radiation to my heart on top of the chemicals I already weakened it with. I'm too young to be dead. Fast forward to January 16, 2015. Only a month before I turned 31, I opted for a double mastectomy, because radiation was not an option for me. I was being proactive for my own health, and I never had huge boobs to begin with so what would having them cut off hurt? I came home the day after surgery, felt like I was on top of the world. I was so thankful and felt so alive. It's crazy how invigorating it is, to take victories away from this disease. I came home with tubes hanging from my body, those were gross and semi painful, but aside from that I was never really in any discomfort.  Now, eventually I will do reconstruction, I also have to have a hysterectomy because of the hormones that drive the cancer's growth in the future, but for now I'm grateful to be alive. I got the all clear a year to date after being diagnosed. January 23, 2015 I am cancer free! I'm going to post a photo of my incisions and drains below, to show that I am not ashamed of my body. It brought 4 babies into this world and was strong enough to defeat this demon. **WARNING PHOTO BELOW OF MASTECTOMY SCARS/DRAINS!** 

I thank you for taking the time to read my story. 

DO YOUR SELF CHECKS LADIES!

Cancer does not discriminate against any age or sex. 

If you feel something when doing your self check and something doesn't feel right, go to the Dr and get a second opinion! You can never be too safe. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. 

Spooky Eyes Contact Lenses

                    Spooky Eyes Contact Lens Review
    **Affiliate links included (clickable).**
    Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, 'Boy, I wish my eyes were blue instead of brown.' I have, so many times. And recently I found out that we have options, and many of them-that do not require surgery or gobs of money. Contact lenses are a great way to change your eye color, or your look in general, and most of the time they are affordable and available in non-prescription strength. I recently stumbled upon spooky eyes contact lenses website. It's a UK based company, but don't let that sway you. They have wonderful customer service and even better shipping speed. They have over 500 different types of contacts to choose from. Everything from normal lenses, to Halloween and all  out crazy lenses. These Barbie pink lenses are adorable.
   I received the Funky Manson White Out lenses around a week or so ago. I was hesitant at first to try them, because I had never tried contacts before, but after a few tutorials I put them in quite easily.

Here's me with the first one in. It was surprisingly comfortable, and the obvious color difference was amazing. As with any contact, always clean them before inserting them. Wash your hands thoroughly, and practice clean contact hygiene! Don't forget to store them away after removing them. 

Spooky Eyes Contacts   are a must have for Halloween. It would definitely boost your costume a few hundred levels, and the more normal contacts are good for subtle changes. 

I think they add to the moodiness of a good black and white photo if I do say so myself. If you want to change your look, for an affordable price to something that isn't permanent these contacts are the way to go!  I can't wait to order more. 

Happy Shopping!

**Disclaimer: I received these contacts in exchange for an honest review from EtailPRBlogger network and http://www.spookyeyes.com/ . All opinions are my own and are 100% honest. If you have any further questions, leave a comment! I will reply. :)