Come Read with Me! THE STONE BEARERS

Let's talk about what I'm currently reading! I recently received a free e-book of The Stone Bearers from Future House Publishing through Tomoson. (You can take a look at their launch post right here)
Look at this cover!

The main character is a young woman of color!!! Personally that's a huge drawing point for me. Different kinds of representation is extremely important, especially in YA literature! But if that's not enough of a selling point for you, this fantasy story also includes but is not limited to: magicians, prophecies, and djinnis, I'm halfway through this novel, and so far, I have just really connected with the world that Stevens has built up! While this is a fantasy novel, the world it takes place in is still recognizable, and the characters are lovable/intriguing, despite some of their flaws.
Here's a summary of the novel from Goodreads:
"Fifteen-year-old Ashira just received the worst coming-of-age prophecy imaginable. After years dreaming of oceans, princes, and fairies, she expected to hear the words that would finally whisk her away from her ordinary desert village. Instead she hears, “you will live a life of no renown."
 Ready to choose her own fate, she discovers a djinni’s bottle and starts making wishes. When the djinni proves uncooperative and annoying, Ashira sets out to the great city of magicians to learn magic and free herself from an uneventful life as a potter's daughter. 
But there is another prophecy being whispered in the shadows. It is said that among the great magicians, there is a demon on the rise with the power to destroy the world. The djinni might be Ashira’s only chance to become someone important, or he just might be the very demon that triggered the dark prophecy. With the world on the brink of destruction, can Ashira fight her fate and stop the forces that threaten to upset the balance of the universe?" 
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Doesn't that sound awesome? (Spoiler Alert: IT IS!) So come read with me and support an author!  
You can enter to win a copy of The Stone Bearers here through Goodreads or purchase the ebook here on Amazon for $2.99!

TOMOSON TIMES: Valentia Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum

Valentia has so kindly sent me two more products to try out from their skincare line! Today we'll be going over the Clear Lift Revitalizing Serum!

Valentia describes this serum as a potent and luxurious product that will help improve your skin's natural circulation and breathe back life into it.
Here's a rundown of some of the ingredients and some of the benefits (found on the outside of the box).
Wakame Bioferment (Seaweed): This ingredient increases skin oxygen consumption to detoxify and boost its antioxidant defense.
Lactic Acid: This is a natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that increases your skin cell turnover for healthier renewed skin.
Gotu Kola: helps to lessen the appearance of scars and increase your skin's firmness.
Licorice: helps to lighten unwanted pigmentation and correct skin discoloration.
Argan Oil: This oil is naturally rich in Vitamin E, and helps reduce water loss and protects your skin's resiliency and elasticity.
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These are all really appealing claims! As you may know, I have moderate bordering on severe acne prone skin, and I am still looking for my "perfect" skincare routine. With this product, I was really excited by the prospect that it would help fade scarring and detoxify my skin!

That nail color is Sally Hansen in Lacey Lilac in case you were curious ;)

This product has a distinct orangey-citrus scent. I find it particularly invigorating, especially for morning application. You really only need one pump (maybe a pump and a half) for an even application all over the face. The serum isn't too liquidy. It's not quite a lotion consistency, but it is not runny in the slightest. When this serum absorbs into the skin, I feel as though it kind of smooths out the surface of my face, almost like a primer. This serum, like all all of Valentia's skincare, is cruelty free, paraben free and also 98% organic. The serum retails for $35 on Amazon, which is pricey, but excellent and natural skincare usually runs midrange or higher. (Be sure to check out the promotions that Valentia always has running on the product page, and you can check out some of my other Valentia Skincare reviews, here, here and here, in case you were curious!)
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I cannot yet comment on how effective this product has been, other than the fact that it has not contributed to any other breakouts on my face, which is a huge relief. I actually have passed this product on along to my mother, who I feel will get even better use out of it. I've actually been trying out Valentia's Royal Rose Hydrating Serum for sensitive skin. I will have a review on that product in a week or so!
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*I received these products for free in exchange for an honest review. I am not being paid for this review nor will I receive any monetary compensation if anyone should purchase the product through the link used in this review.*