Check out the Phantom Audio Book & Get the eBook Free!

The Phantom was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses "Phantom" as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card. Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars-Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist. Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn't know who to trust, but she knows she's running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty-first century phantom finally be revealed.

Get your free copy of Phantom on Amazon. Find the audiobook on Amazon or Audible.

Bar & Bar Shampoo Bars

Bar & Bar is a small, eco‑focused haircare company known for their solid shampoo and conditioner bars. Their mission centers around reducing plastic waste, using clean ingredients, and creating salon‑quality formulas without the environmental footprint of traditional bottled products. Their bars come in recyclable, low‑waste packaging and are designed to last far longer than a standard bottle of shampoo, making them a favorite among people looking to switch to greener haircare options.

Unboxing & First Look

In my unboxing video, you’ll see my first reaction to the bars. Let me tell you, the scent hit me as soon as I opened the box. The fragrance I received was Cashmere & Shea Flower, which has this earthy‑fresh blend that feels both cozy and clean at the same time. The bars themselves are a nice size, solid and substantial. The packaging is eco‑friendly, simple, and recyclable. Exactly what you want from a sustainable brand.

The scent alone made me excited to try them, but the texture and weight of the bars also gave me confidence that they’d hold up well in the shower without crumbling or melting too fast. If you want to compare scents or formulas, check out Bar & Bar product options.

Taking the

@authorlauradeluca Take a peek 👀 at the unboxing I did last week for Bar and Bar shampoo bars and check back tonight for my full blog review! #unboxing #BeautyEssentials #HairCare #shampoobars ♬ original sound - Laura Deluca

Hair Quiz

Before choosing my bars, I took the Bar & Bar hair quiz, which helps match you with the right shampoo and conditioner based on your hair type, concerns, and styling habits. Since I dye my hair, the quiz recommended the Bond & Repair set, a formula designed for damaged hair, split ends, and color‑treated strands. The Bond & Repair bars are meant to strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and improve overall texture. They also smell amazing, which is always a bonus.

One‑Week Test & Results

I used the Bond & Repair shampoo and conditioner bars for one full week, and I noticed a difference almost immediately. My hair had more volume, looked shinier, and felt lighter, without that waxy or coated feeling some bar shampoos leave behind. A few things worth noting for anyone new to shampoo bars:

• They lather really well. Some bars barely foam, but Bar & Bar creates a rich, creamy lather that feels like traditional shampoo.
• They rinse clean. No residue, no heaviness, no weird film.
• They’re concentrated. A little goes a long way, so the bar lasts much longer than a bottle.
• They’re travel‑friendly. No spills, no TSA issues, no bulky bottles.
• They smell incredible. The Cashmere & Shea Flower scent stays subtle in your hair without being overpowering.

By the end of the week, my hair looked healthier and felt smoother, especially at the ends which is always the hardest part when you color your hair regularly. If you’re curious about formulas for color‑treated hair, explore Bond & Repair options.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been thinking about switching to bar shampoo, Bar & Bar is a fantastic brand to start with. Their bars are long‑lasting, eco‑friendly, beautifully scented, and genuinely effective, especially if you struggle with damage or dryness from coloring your hair. The Bond & Repair set gave me noticeable results in just a week, and I’m excited to keep using it. For anyone wanting a greener haircare routine without sacrificing performance, these bars are absolutely worth trying.

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Unclaimed Mail — Mystery Box Inside a Mystery Box!

 My mom opened a few more boxes today, and this round of unclaimed mail from Surprise Chest kept us guessing. The first item was some kind of seat covers. We think they’re seat covers, anyway. They’re shaped like seat covers, they feel like seat covers, but we still have no idea what kind of seats they’re supposed to go on.

The next box turned out to be a subscription craft box, and it was packed with tons of craft supplies. It felt like we opened a mystery box inside a mystery box!

Check out the video below to see everything we uncovered. If you want to explore more unclaimed‑mail adventures, check out Maryann’s funniest finds or compare today’s haul to Fernando’s pirate‑themed unboxing.

Making Real Money with Apps — Fetch Rewards

Welcome to the first post in my new series where I test out apps that claim you can earn real money just by using them. Today we’re starting with one of my longtime favorites: Fetch Rewards.

Fetch is a free app that lets you scan your receipts to earn points, which you can then exchange for gift cards. It doesn’t matter where you shop — grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, dollar stores, restaurants — if you get a receipt, you can scan it. Every receipt earns a minimum of 25 points, but the real fun comes from the bonus points you can get when you buy certain name‑brand products. And Fetch makes those bonus moments entertaining. When you hit a bonus, their little mascots pop up and act out tiny animated shows that kids will love.

My Experience Using Fetch

I’ve been using Fetch for about two years, and in that time I’ve cashed out $150, all from receipts I would’ve thrown away anyway. I always choose Amazon gift cards, but Fetch offers tons of options: restaurants, retail stores, travel, entertainment, and even Visa/Mastercard prepaid cards. You can also link your Amazon and Walmart accounts so Fetch can automatically scan your digital receipts.

Fetch also has:

• Sweepstakes entries you can redeem with points

• Referral bonuses when you invite friends

• Special brand challenges for extra points

• Seasonal promotions that boost your earnings

If you want to explore more apps like this, check out real‑money earning apps or jump ahead to the next app review.

@authorlauradeluca

Want to make real money just for scanning your receipts? Download Fetch today! I already paid $150! Link: https://fetch.com/?af_reengagement_window=7d&is_retargeting=true&af_dp=fetch%3A%2F%2Fdiscover&shortlink=referralqr&source_caller=ui&code=H65F69&pid=Referral%20-%20QR%20Cod #appsthatpayyou #makemoneyfromyourphone #moneytips #freegiftcards #fyp

♬ original sound - Laura Deluca

Why Fetch Works

Fetch is one of the easiest earning apps because:

• You don’t have to activate offers

• You don’t have to clip coupons

• You don’t have to shop at specific stores

• You don’t have to track anything

You just scan receipts. That’s it. It’s simple, consistent, and fun, especially when those mascots start dancing. If you’re looking for a legit, low‑effort way to earn gift cards, Fetch Rewards is a great place to start. It’s beginner‑friendly, kid‑approved, and rewarding. Whether you’re saving up for holiday shopping or just want a little extra spending money, Fetch makes it easy. Stay tuned for the next post in this series, where I’ll test another app and see how it stacks up. If you decide to sign up, please use my link or invite code: H65F69.

Amazon Mystery Box #4 — Part 2

 We’re back with part two of my fourth Amazon mystery box from ResellablesMA.com. Regular price is $55 each, but they are having a Christmas in July sale this weekend and all their boxes are $5 off.

This half of the box was just as random and entertaining as the first. There were a few dish drainers made from porous stone. Then came a bundle of artificial tulips from a company called Viking Panda.

The most random item I received was book from 1994 titled “How to Make Love to Your Wife.” I’m not sure what algorithm decided that belonged in my box,. Vintage relationship advice from the 90s? Sure. Why not. Check out the video below to see everything else I pulled from this half!

Another Amazon Mystery Box from Resellables Part 1

 I think this is my fourth Amazon mystery box from ResellablesMA.com, but who’s counting at this point? As usual, the box was way too packed to fit into one video, so this post covers just the first half of the unboxing and it already delivered a great mix of surprises.

Right out of the gate, this batch included nails, earrings, and pillowcases, just to name a few things. It was one of those boxes where every item felt totally different from the last — beauty supplies, accessories, home goods — the full Amazon roulette experience. Check out the video below to see everything I pulled from the first half.

This week they had an amazing deal: 3 boxes for $120, plus $28 shipping per box (they’re heavy, so it makes sense). Regular price is $55 each, so the sale was too good to pass up. I'll have another box to open soon. My friend Heather from I'm in a Zen Garden State of Mind will have one as well!

Between the great pricing, the variety, and the sheer amount of stuff packed into each box, ResellablesMA continues to be my favorite mystery‑box seller. Even when I think I’ve seen it all, they still manage to surprise me.

Scrooged is FREE for Christmas in July

Stan Hope never cared much for his son-in-law Justyn Patko.

His black clothes and body piercings were bad enough, but the ridiculous notion of dragging Rebecca off to Broadway with a new baby on the way pushes Stan over the edge. How much can a father take?

After losing his cool at a holiday party, Stan gets a visit from three unexpected spirits. Can they help to change his close-minded ways?

Available exclusively on Amazon. 


***Spoiler Alert! Don't read this before reading the first three books in the series. It will give away all the endings!**