Book Review: The Venetian's Wife by Nick Bantock

What I thought would be a novel about a Victorian era turned out to be a quest to completing a collection of magnificent sculptures from Ancient India.

What really interested me about the book was the title as I was looking for something to break away from the usual reading that I did about my usual authors. This turned out to be a fusion of artworks and Indian myth, and the quest of a computer-ghost to complete the lost collection in order to be reunited with his beloved after a forced separation of five hundred years.

This is my first time to read Nick Bantock and I find his approach to Indian art and myth quite interesting, not to mention short. The story centers on Sara Wolfe who is a curator for a museum and how she is employed by a mysterious Mr. Conti to locate the remaining four sculptures of his vast collection. 

Highlights of the Book: Themes, Issues and Characterization

(Warning: May Contain Spoilers)

There are three things about The Venetian’s Wife that I find rather interesting to note. First, the book features collages of art works and captivating sculptures that introduce the beliefs of Indian myth. Here again are the customs of their gods and the concept of reincarnation, as well as the journey of life itself.

Second, one gets to meet interesting characters who have their own story to tell, their reverence and attachments to each of the sculptures. This is where the acquisition of ancient treasures and works of art of private individuals and collectors resurface, instead of returning them to their country or place of origin under the care of the people to carefully preserve them. 

The recurring themes are all about passion, love, religion and life. These are seen in Sara’s growth as she takes the first step in her freedom and the way she is able to take a firmer grasp of love. Likewise, Niccolo Conti does everything in his power to fulfil his wife’s wishes as well as his desire to be reunited with her again after a very, very long time. Both employer and employee have a deep reverence for life and the way the Indian deities have exercised their powers.

  

Who Could Enjoy This Book?

Seeing that the book is all about growth, Indian myth and art, Nick Bantock’s book may well be interesting for people who want to learn about the Indian deities, sculptures and about art collecting. It is a light read, sprinkled with beautiful collages, photographs and paintings, and it is only 130 pages. It makes for a good weekend read and gives a sense of what an art collector does whether for self-satisfaction or working for an employer, even for a mysterious one.

About The Author

Nick Bantock is the bestselling author of the illustrated trilogy Griffin and Sabine, Sabine’s Notebook and The Golden Mean and also Averse to Beasts all published under Chronicle Books. He has written and illustrated nine other books and he is currently residing on an island off Vancouver, British Columbia with his wife and children. 

What Other People are Saying About This Book

Curious as to what other people are saying about The Venetian's Wife? 

Visit the following sites to read the reviews:

Good Reads

Amazon 

Review: Human Nature Lucky in Love Mineral Hydrating Lipstick

My lip balm also from Human Nature is already exhausted, so I went to the branch and had to pick up a replacement. The one that I got is a deep red shade, Human Nature calls it Lucky in Love, and it is dark almost like wine.

More about the lipstick, it contains passion fruit oil that come from the farms of Davao, so one can be quite proud to patronize the efforts of the Filipino farmers here. I find that the mineral makeup from Human Nature has improved so much from its first launch, and I will be explaining more later in this post.

In the meantime, you might have noticed that Human Nature is one of the leading brands boasting of the cruelty free stamp which means that the mineral makeup being manufactured are free of animal testing. Now that is a company with a heart for nature! 

If you want to patronize other products with similar principles, you can look for the rabbit logo with the cruelty free stamp and the big ears shaped like a heart. This campaign seeks to take animals out of cosmetic testing and it is not only picking up awareness in the Philippines but also all over the world. 

So what did I think about the product? To be honest I am a one lipstick at a time person. During my college days, I didn't put on lipstick, but I used lip gloss until I emptied the little tube of Mary Kay. It was only after college that I discovered a carmine-free alternative. For those who don't know, carmine is a substance that come from crushed insects to produce that red pigment being used in lipstick. I can only imagine what other brands are still using it. 

Pros

Here are some points on why I like the improved formulation of Human Nature's Mineral Hydrating Lipstick:

• It is highly pigmented and gives off a rich, dark color which is appropriate for evening events
• It also smells like bubblegum ( I know the campaign says it is passion fruit scented)
• The lipstick glides on very well and it does moisturize and produces a subtle shine
• I find it quite affordable at only Php 225.00 so that the average Filipina can afford it 
• Both the box and the tube legibly displays the expiration date 

Here you can see the list of ingredients that are used to produce the lipstick. Rest assured it is free of lake dyes and lead. 

Cons

And of course, there are some things that I did not approve of:

• The color wears off after a few hours so I have to discreetly reapply
• I find that it is not food proof and smudge proof
• I need two coats to achieve the color that I like

The Verdict

Even with the pros and cons already enumerated, the question remains: Is it worth spending on?

The answer is yes, the pros still overweight the cons, and not only do I get a makeup product, but I know that I can also help animals by buying Cruelty Free products and also improve the lives of Filipino farmers. 

How about you? Have you tried any Human Nature makeup or products? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below!

If you are feeling lucky, you can still join my Oasap International Giveaway here. 

P.S. I have just subscribed for my first ever beauty box but it won't be shipped until July because the June subscriptions are already sold out. You will find out which box it is until it finally arrives! In the meantime, I have other products to review and another giveaway is due!=D 

Raisie Speaks X Oasap May Giveaway

May is such a merry month, and it is a transition month for me. It took me some time to adjust but here I am, back on my feet. One thing I am thankful for is that I got to learn more about myself, and that I am truly blessed to have family and friends with me.

In the meantime, Oasap has offered a giveaway to be hosted on my blog. This giveaway will run for ten days only, so you can be sure to participate in it and comply with the requirements. It is exciting because the prizes include Oasap Spring-Summer 2013 items that could be yours!

I know you want to win so all you have to do is follow the mechanics very well. I wish you good luck and take note that this giveaway is open internationally! Also, if you happen to be the lucky winner, you have to provide your correct shipping information that is serviceable. So are you game? 

You could win any of the following prizes:

• Candy Colored Skater Skirt
• Elegant Mini Skirt with Chiffon Overlay
• Shining Galaxy Print Leggings
• Sweet Floppy Hat with Floral Embellishments
• Eiffel Tower Print Short Sleeve T Shirt
• Cute Pink Panther Print Short Sleeve T Shirt
• Sleeveless Round Neck Crochet Lace Vest 
• Fashion Sleeveless Chiffon Dress with Asymmetric Hem 

Here is what you have to do, take note that you have to follow the instructions very carefully so that your entries will be counted.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Outfit Post: Black and White Floral Dress

It's been a while since the last outfit post. and quite frankly I bet nobody reads my outfit posts because I look like a kid who just escaped from school. Must be because of my height. But here I am still doing crazy outfit posts especially if there are occasions when I could dress up.

So last night was our thanksgiving dinner with people at work, and people related to work, and people who we got to know through work. This is what I wore, a black floral dress from Adah Belle with black lace flats. I just brought a black blazer along just in case it was too cold, and of course, my grandmother's ever trusty leather bag which is so much older than me.

A closer look on the dress's print

Filigree Lace Earrings were to complement the lace design of my flats

Well it's really no secret that I am uber comfortable walking around in flats especially in a big venue like Astoria Plaza where our gathering was held. But do you make it a point to wear sexier heels even if it hurts throughout the night? I know a lot of women who have spent half of their lives walking effortlessly in heels- I am somewhere stuck in the middle of it...

Black Floral Print Dress: Adah Belle

Lacey Daisy Black Flats: Ziggy and Zooey 

Filigree Lace Earrings Thrifted

Photo Credits: Damon Steine 

Hype my look please? =D 

Beauty Review: Kleenex New Generation Oil Blotter

I would just like to share something really cool with you all. This is really helpful especially if you have oily skin like me or are prone to shine all day long, as a plus you even get a really kikay cutie oil absorbing paper. I am talking about the Kleenex New Generation Oil Blotter. Yes, that's right, it is Kleenex!

It's been a constant in my bag since I bought it from the supermarket last week, and it's done a good job of freshening up my oily face during break times especially when there is time to spare at lunch hour.

About the Company

Who does not use the name Kleenex when referring to tissue paper? Kleenex is a global brand known for sanitary tissues and it is recognized the world over. For 89 years and counting, it has become a staple among homes and even offices in over 150 countries while still maintaining the need for comfort, softness, cleanliness and gentle products. 

At first the company started manufacturing the cold cream towel and it has been innovated to offer softness that is uniquely exceptional. Over the years, many benefits and features have been added as it tries its best to provide quality products to its consumers. 

I just can't help myself. Here are just some funny quotes related to the brand:

"Girl please, I can remove 90% of your beauty with a Kleenex"-Anonymous

Blair Waldorf: A hot lifeguard is like Kleenex! Use once and throw away. You could ask for better rebound. -Gossip Girl Quotes

"Men should be like Kleenex, soft, strong and disposable" -Cher 

More Kleenex Quotes here

Packaging

Now back to the Oil Blotter, it comes in a small, handy box that looks like a compact mirror, and it can easily be mistaken as a mini makeup palette. The girly combination of violet, white and hints of pink is just too cute... It is uber dainty and feminine, and the print at the back of the blotting paper is super attractive and  it feels soft to the touch.

Pros

• I like that it is affordable, it is readily available in leading supermarkets and beauty shops and it sells for only SRP Php 94.75 so if you need to, you can always stock up just in case you run out
• It removes oil effectively, keeping shine free face
• You can use it anytime, anywhere, and it eliminates the need to wash your face regularly in order just to keep looking fresh
• It is compact and lightweight, does not add weight to bags or purses
• It is safe to use for all skin types

Cons

• It has only 50 sheets, and it is not enough for me. I can pull up to three or more in a day because I am usually exposed to pollution and other harmful elements
• It is too small, and again, I pull more than just two in a single use 

Front and back of the blotting paper 

This is what it looks like when it is already blotted -for disposal! 

And that is what I look like after I have used the blotting paper... 

My apologies that is overtime night when I decided to test the blotting paper so please excuse the eyebags! =p 

Verdict

Even with the pros and cons already enumerated, the question still stands if I will buy or restock. The answer is yes, because the pros overweight the cons. The New Generation Oil Blotter can be a good, compact freshener for my face in a long day's work. 

I find it very convenient and it might serve me well this season, knowing that there are still a remainder of summer days ahead.