Some of you may have noticed (or not) that I have changed this segment title to 'Erena Reviews'. I decided I wanted to include all the books I read in the month and give them a 'out of 5' rating. I'm sure none of you will mind, because why would you?

I'll also include a TV show in this post, so stay tuned (or keep scrolling after the books).
Enjoy!

BOOKS


1. Lola & The Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins
This is the second book following Anna & The French Kiss (reviewed in last months segment) and once again I really enjoyed this novel. I enjoyed the small parts which included Anna and St. Clair from the first novel even thought the story wasn't about them. This story focuses on Lola and a boy named Cricket Bell who returns from her past. Well written and enjoyable the entire book. 4.5/5






2. Isla & The Happily Ever After - Stephanie Perkins
The third and final in this contemporary series finds Isla & Josh back at the 'School of America in Paris'. Josh was in the first novel (Anna) but never went in to depth of his character. At first I found the story to seem quite cliche and to be honest... kind of stupid (sorry) however, as the story kept building and characters developing I found myself immersed in the book until it was over. I definitely liked it but Anna & St. Clair are my favourite! 4/5





3. The Girl on the Train - Paula Hawkins
I had no idea what this book was about when I got it, I saw little pictures of the front cover forever coming up on websites and in stores that it's a must read. I never read a blurb or review, I simply started reading it and finding that I'm not sure if I would have ever picked it up if it wasn't popular. I would label this drama/crime/thriller kind of book and probably the best one I've ever read (the list isn't that long). It starts off with Rachel - a raging alcoholic who can't let go of her past and constantly finding herself in some sort of trouble. You'll get to read from other point of views but I won't get more into it. Definitely a great read! 5/5




4. Maybe Someday - Colleen Hoover
I went back to read some more Colleen Hoover since they were there and on my TBR. Maybe Someday is written in both main characters point of view - Sydney and Ridge. You'll experience all the emotions with this one but what I really want to say is: this is my favourite Colleen Hoover novel to date! I really enjoy reading from both characters views and watching the development of them unravel. 5/5






5. Losing Hope - Colleen Hoover
Another Hoover novel. Last month I wrote about the first in this series - Hopeless - and how much I loved it. I'm very glad I read this one after reading a few other books in between because it may have affected how I felt about this story. This one is in Holder's point of view with the same timeline as the first book. Yes, Hoover did it again (last month I talked about the Slammed series). I cannot stand the fact that she did the same story but in a different characters head. Holder is a fairly interesting character and there were actually interesting parts of this story that you didn't know in Hopeless so that, I shall semi forgive. I recommend reading this novel a few books or month later than the first, you won't forget anything - they go over it again. 4/5 (but still annoyed)


TV SHOWS


1. The Returned - 2015
From what I've read online (not much), I think this series is a remake help produced by Netflix - which is where I watched it. It looked interesting while I was flicking through new TV shows so I started watching it and decided I really liked it and continued. The Returned is not a zombie series though it may sound like it. People that died start showing up again in their hometown like nothing is wrong and they haven't been gone for years after being buried in a grave. That's all I'll say... I really enjoyed this series and found out soon after that apparently they aren't making a second season :( I'm hoping they'll change their minds. Definitely check it out 4/5


And that's all I have for you this month. I hope you enjoy my mini reviews and ratings. If you read any of these books or watched The Returned let me know what you thought of them in the comments below.
In the mean time, I best get reading some more books for next months segment.
Au revoir!

PS - You may see a new Goodreads widget to the right here. It is my 'currently reading' section.







Email: erenabennett@hotmail.com
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So I'm going to Phuket, Thailand tomorrow!! I was going to do a travel organisation essentials post (think everything your items go in - checked baggage, onboard luggage, travel cases, etc) but then I realised a lot of my items are new and I've never used them before. Perhaps when I come back I will do one, I really want to!

I have been fairly busy and only the other day had I realised I hadn't published anything a while and needed to get something out before I went away. So here is one for the girls: travel makeup.

I know sometimes you just want to take it all so you have options, but to be honest - are you going to use it all? You need all the space you can get when it comes to packing.

Start off with your essentials - what you use everyday you wear makeup.

Primer: At the moment I switch between two primers - Benefit's Stay Flawless and Benefit's Porefessional. They are both tiny sizes so I have room for both.

Foundation: Rimmel's Lasting Finish in True Ivory.

Concealer: Benefit's Fakeup - I don't always use concealer, usually just a small amount of foundation and I'm okay, but since this is also a miniature, I'm bringing it along. I also sometimes use my Mac concealer but wasn't worried about it.

Powder: Maybelline's Matte Maker. My staple powder of the moment.

Blush: Model Prefer's Mineral Blush in Autumn Calling. A very nice, subtle pink.

Eyeshadow: NYX's Dream Catcher Dusk Til Dawn Palette - a nice natural selection that includes a mirror and is quite compact.

Highlight: Benefit's Watts Up - I don't always wear highlighter but once again, it's tiny!

Brows: Australis Oh Hai Brow kit - I haven't actually used this yet (I usually use one by Model's Prefer) as I needed a compact one that's suitable for travel, hopefully it works out with my brows.

Mascara: Maybelline's Great Lash - oldie but a goodie.

Lip: Rimmel's Kate Moss in 103 - a nice pinky matte.

This is my basic essentials and honestly don't need anymore however, I ended up adding two more lip products for some range (Rimmel's Moisture Renew in Diva Red and NYX's butter gloss in Angel Food Cake).

I don't always use a bronzer and didn't feel the need to bring it along with me, hence it is missing.

Almost all the products here are affordable; Benefit is much more expensive and if you don't want to spend the money there are plenty of great alternatives at a price your bank account will appreciate. Australia's Priceline constantly has items on offer and often do store wide sales.

I hope you enjoyed this little post. I'm not sure if it will be of any help to anyone but sometimes it's nice just reading - so thank you.

Until then, take care.

xx

Email: erenabennett@hotmail.com

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JANUARY BOX

1. Raw C: Coconut Water

Once again they have added in a coconut water (they previously had one in the November box). I'm not a fan of coconut water, but without wanting things to go to waste I added it to smoothies instead. While I don't have much to say on this, it tasted better than the Nakula coconut water.

RRP 330ml $2.95

2. Simply Raw Superfood Bar: Coconut Rough

I'm definitely a fan of coconut rough and this did not disappoint. It's made up of medjool dates, cacao, lucuma, coconut flakes, coconut oil, vanilla bean and salt. I would purchase this but it is a bit expensive - I'll try make my own!

RRP 50g bar $4.90

3. Food For Health: Muesli Pod - Coconut, Cacao & Chia

Because this has milk powder in it, all you need to do is add water. Great for people on the go. It was also low in sugar - which was a good sign. Unfortunately for me, I didn't like the taste one bit. That's just me though, I'll stick to my overnight oats that literally take me a minute to make the night before. Without throwing this product out the window, I can definitely see that some people will love this item.

RRP 50g $3.00

4. Goodness Superfoods: Roasted Cracked Wholegrain Freekeh

"Freekeh is made from wheat grain harvested while young and green" (Goodness Me box card). I've heard of Freekeh before but have never tried it. I still haven't but I'm looking forward to it. If it tastes similar to rice, I'll be happy.

RRP 350g $3.99

5. Luv Sum: Almond , Seed & Spirulina Naked Superfood Shot

They had the Chocolate, Chia & Nut flavour in the November box which was so delicious! This one wasn't as good, but I would have it again if given it. At the moment, I think you can only get them online (not sure). If you're looking for something similar try 'Bounce' Natural Energy Balls, I've seen them in Flannery's and also one flavour in Coles.

RRP 42g $3.50

6. 12Health: Vanilla Protein Pancake Mix

Sounds yum and comes in nice packaging. These pancakes have a massive 30g of protein per serve and a small 6g of carbohydrates. However, I did not like these one bit. If you're going to have pancakes you should enjoy them, not force yourself to try and eat them and then end up throwing the rest out (hmm, sounds like me). Sorry 12Health, I'd try out one of your other products though and hopefully they'll be better.

RRP 200g $9.99 - Pricey!!

7. Your Tea: Skin Magic Tea

The prime ingredient in this tea is aloe vera - known to be great for your skin. I had this last week and found it easy to drink and I enjoyed the taste however, I won't be purchasing this due to it's price and I also have plenty of tea in my cupboard to drink.

RRP 60 pack $35.00

8. Bite Smart: Primal Performance Bar

This bar is made up of Australian grass fed whey protein, almonds, coconut, coffee and cocoa - sounds alright to me. I haven't yet tried this product, I feel like I have to have it before going to the gym but I keep forgetting about it. Perhaps, I'll remember now that I've written about it.

RRP 25g $2.95

9. Nature's Way: Super Chia Fusion

They have three different flavoured 'Super Chia Fusions': Greens, Berry and Cacao. I haven't tried the Cacao one yet, but the other two were actually really tasty. You only have to add water (cacao add water or milk) and the sachet to a glass, give it a stir and you're ready to enjoy. These sachets are packed with chia seeds, which seems to be the main aim of the product.

RRP 7 x 15g sachets $19.99

FEBRUARY BOX

1. Simply Raw: Paleo Vanilla Energy Bar

From the same brand that brought the coconut rough bar into the January box, is the Paleo Vanilla Energy Bar. If you don't like paleo bars (like me), don't eat it - I didn't like at all. If you like/don't mind paleo bars (like my boyfriend) then you probably will like it.

RRP 50g $4.90

2. Nature's Way: Magnesium Powder

I have put a reminder on my phone to have this tonight. Magnesium helps support stress, muscular cramps & spasms and relaxation & sleep - it's like they were living in my shoes for a week and decided to put this in just because of me. Just kidding, I'm sure many people will relate to this too. This was one of the products that not everyone received - I have seen that others have received a Vitamin C powder and I'm very happy that I received this one.

RRP 120g $29.99

3. Leda Nutrition: Gojo's

As I was typing the product name I was trying to remember what it was, so I looked at the picture and literally just got it out of the cupboard so I could eat it. It's pretty much an oreo (yum, yum, yum). It's also gluten and dairy free.

RRP 120g pack $4.95

4. Stolen Recipe: Ice Tea - Wild Berry Pomegranate

So apparently this is Australia's only ice tea made from freshly brewed loose leaf tea and not tea extract. It sounds pretty delicious (haven't yet tried) however, the sugar (from fruit juice) I just can't handle. I definitely won't be drinking this all at once and will add it to smoothies most likely.

RRP 300ml $3.80

5. Orgamix: Cacao Crackle

This product is made up of pure raw cacao nibs with coconut nectar. It recommends adding it to smoothies, desserts or eating it on it's on, though I've been adding it to my cereal - yum! I will definitely consider purchasing this product in the future.

RRP 75g $6.95

6. Chai: Organic Rooibos Chai

Not much to say here - I'll drink this and more than likely enjoy it.

RRP 20 pack $7.50

7. Protein Supplies Australia: PeaPro Chocolate

I've never tried vegan protein before but I can't imagine it'll be that different. This one is low in fat and carbohydrates - always a must for me! They come in one serving sachets, which I guess could be handy for some (?). Hopefully will get round to trying this soon.

RRP 30g $3.49

8. Isowhey: Brown Rice Protein Balls

I almost ate these today then realised I should be eating lunch and not just a snack, so these will have to wait a few more days. Vegan friendly. I'm looking forward to them!

RRP 40g $3.95

9. Rosehip Plus: Night Cream (Bonus Product)

Obviously not food. I will need a new night cream soon, so this definitely came at the right time. I like using oils/oil moisturisers at night time as my skin can get dry patches and it's easy to lather it up just before bed!

RRP 50ml $29.95

So there you have the items in my January and February Goodness Me boxes. Like I said earlier, these are my last two as I have cancelled my subscription. I've definitely enjoyed this subscription box and am really happy overall with the products that I received. If anyone is interested in this box click here.

If anyone has requests on what they'd like to see here on my blog, feel free to comment below or contact me on Facebook or email.

Take care! :)

Email: erenabennett@hotmail.com

Instagram: erena_b

Twitter: erena_bee

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