Month: August 2012

25 Things You Don’t Know About Me

Posted on by Cindy

Since its my 4th blogoversary I thought that I would do this fun thing so that you guys can get to know me a little bit more. This is actually inspired from a weekly feature in US Weekly.



  1. So not only do I have a booking problem, I also have a magzine buying problem as you can see from the above picture that I swapped from bookshipper.blogspot.com (I passed them on to her). I love buying those trashy tabloid magazines.  As you can see from the People, In Touch, US weekly and Life & Style stash. As for Women’s World I love reading them.
  2. I read every night for about an hour or so before going to bed. I find its a great way to relax before sleeping and unwind from a busy day.
  3. I constantly check my cell phone to see if I missed a call or a text.
  4. I love buying shower gels even though I have way to many already. If I love the scent I want to buy it just in case they don’t carry it anymore.
  5. I have an obession with owls. Its more the drawing kind then the physical owl.
  6. I love Tim Horton’s Ice Caps and I usually have one every day. (more so in the summer)
  7. I spend way to much time on Youtube checking out videos.
  8. When I use a pen, I can only use that one until it runs out. I hate using different pens.
  9. This one you might already know but I suck at writting reviews. As I sit here and look around I see a bunch of books I need to review soon.
  10. Apart from M&M’s the only chocolate I can eat is Lindt.
  11. I love taking pictures and I think next month I will do a weekly post with what I took that week. 
  12. I love traveling and wish I could do it more. I have been to Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia (Halifax), New Brunswick (Moncton, Sackville, Edmunston, Miramachi and Bathurst), Quebec (Quebec City and Montreal), Mississauga, Toronto and Milton (Ontario), Lake George, Vermont, Chicago, Detroit and New York City.
  13. Whenever I visit some place I have to get a souvenir from that place ie magnets, cups, tshirts etc
    14. These are tshirts I picked up in Lake George for Michael and a Lake George hoodie and tshirt for me.
  14. I love shopping in the US.
    15. Love clothes shopping in the US cause its cheaper there then it is here. This is our Lake George haul.
  15. I love trying new kinds of food and this ties into why I love shopping in the US.
    16. This is what I picked up this time when I went to the US. Its foods we can’t get here in Canada. Michael loves those pasta salads for lunch.
    Goldfish crackers isn’t thing we stock up on since we don’t get all those flavors here. The pretzels are my favorites with the cupcake and smores the next.
    I don’t understand why we can’t get some of these in Canada since we carry their brands. I only wish I would have picked up more of those Quarker cookies cause they were delicious. That Apple Cider is calling my name, this is the perfect fall drink.
    Some canned stuff for Michael’s lunch which we don’t carry here.
  16. I love music and I always have it on. In the house, in the car where ever
  17. I love sending cards or buying little things for friends as a just because.
  18. I always have a ton of notes lying around with things to buy, things to do, plans etc
  19. I hate having my picture taken.
  20. My all time favorite classic books are Wuthering Heights and To Kill a Mockingbird.
  21. There is only a few movies I can watch over and over again and they are Grease (first one), Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, Top Gun and The Breakfast Club. I am sure there is others that I can’t think of right now.
  22. I am not a summer person expecially when its hot and humid.
  23. I am not a winter person. I hate when its freezing cold. Funny since I live in Canada right?
  24. I love going for drives. Especially when its the spring and fall.
  25. Last but not least, unless you know me on facebook and have access to my personal page, I got a new (semi) look. I just got new glasses.

 

So there it is, some things you might not have known about me. Anything else you would like to know? If so please leave it in the comments and I will be sure to answer it.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

(Product Review) Shirley J’s Whisk Bliss

Posted on by Cindy

I was recently asked by MediaGuest if I would be interested in reviewing something that is definitely not book related and I when I saw that it was Shirley J’s Whisk Bliss I quickly jumped at the chance because if you know me, you know that I love trying new products and especially so if it involves food. I am so thankfully that my family is like that too in trying new food and recipes.

I grew up eating the basic stuff with parents who had no desire to experiment with food or recipes. Even though I tried several times so I always vowed that when I left I wouldn’t be like that and honestly I am not I love trying new things so I was thrilled to try this out.

When we got the package in the mail we sat down to figure out what to make with it. On the back of the package it gives three recipes you can make with it and they are Pasta Alfredo, Old-Fashioned Gravy and Broccoli and Cheddar soup. All three sounded really good but we finally were able to decide on the Broccoli and Cheddar soup.

Please note that this isn’t my pic, for some reason my computer ate the pic because I can’t find it in my album and its been deleted off my camera. I found this online.

I think I might have swayed the decision only because I had just bought some fresh broccoli a few days before getting this in the mail so what perfect way to use up the broccoli and this. Plus we always have a ton of cheese in the house because this is one of our favorite snacks in the afternoon.

All the recipes were easy to make and there was nothing complicated about them because its one package of the Whisk Bliss with two cups of water then depending on what you are making will depend on what you add.

For the Broccoli and Cheddar soup I ended up adding more broccoli then the recipe called for and I used mild cheddar cheese (marble) in the soup and sprinkled on top and it tasted delicious. I made this for supper and there was enough to feed three people. It was super easy and fast to make which was perfect because we had plans that evening and were in a rush to get out.

Seeing how quick and easy this was I quickly had to check out http://www.shirleyj.com/en/ and was pleasantly surprised at the site and how much they had to offer. I did find out that they are currently only in the US but if you are in Canada you can still order from them but shipping would be a little more then in the US but if you happen to visit the US you can always check the store locator to find out where the closest one is. I am seriously thinking of perhaps placing and order because there seems to be alot of neat productst that I would love to try.

Disclosure: Thanks to Shirley J and MediaGuest for sending me this product for review. I was not compensated in any other way, this is my honest and sincere review.

Read more…

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Its that time of the year again…

Posted on by Cindy

Can you believe its already that time of the year? Its back to school time. It literally just feels like yesterday he finished school. We are anxious and excited for school to begin. It will be so nice to get back into the routine of things again and having consistency.

This year the senior school (grades 3-6) did something different, the night before school started they sent out emails to the student body letting them know who their teacher was going to be so that they could avoid the mass confusion of the first day of school. Just imagine 400+ (kids and parents) in the school yard trying to find there name on a class list.

I think this was fantastic because we knew who we had and where we had to be. Wishing all the kiddies a great school year.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Its Officially my 4th Blogoversary (Give Away)

Posted on by Cindy

Its officially here, my 4th year Blogoversary.

I find it hard to believe that I have lasted this long but I am so happy that I have. I have met so many amazing people both online and offline because of blogging. I have worked/met with so many amazing reps and publishing houses. Received so many amazing books. Spoken/worked with some amazing authors.

I have been fortunate to attend two BEA’s (Book Expo America) during my blogging and had so much fun meeting new people, meeting with reps and attending some amazing events. Hoping that in 2013, I will be able to make it number 3.

During my four years of blogging I have written 1,423 blog posts in that time. I am still amazed at that.

I was just checking the stats and to my surprise here is a top 5 list of my most popular posts:
http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.ca/2011/08/on-vacation.html
http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.ca/2011/10/happy-thanksgiving.html
http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.ca/2012/05/loose-buttonluxe-box-may-edition.html
http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.ca/2011/10/happy-halloween.html
http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.ca/2009/06/kindergarten-graduation-today.html

I seems like its all the other things I post that have people interested in my blog because not many of my reviews get hits like those. Hmm should I take that personally? Perhaps I am doing something wrong? What do you think?

So no blog would be complete without readers (even if you don’t comment hehe) I am always amazed at my readers and where you guys come from. So I thought I share my top 10 list:
United States
Canada
Russia
France
United Kingdom
Germany
Singapore
Netherlands
Slovenia
Ukraine

Thank you guys for taking the time out of your busy day to stop by and read my blog I appreciate it and you.

So to show you guys how much I appreciate you I have a give away for you. You have a chance to win (1) $10 Book Depository Giftcard. This is going to be the first of many prizes I am offering this week.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

(Meme) Sundays In Bed With….#12

Posted on by Cindy
I will shortly be heading to bed but before I do, I realized that I need a new book for my  Sundays In Bed With…. post.

The awesome blogger behind this is Kate from Midnight Book Girl   not only is she an awesome blogger but she is was one of my roommates for BEA. YAY!!

Midnight Book Girl

Sundays In Bed With….is a meme I’ve started to share the book we’re spending the morning in bed with, or the one we’d like to stay curled up in bed with all Sunday if only our busy lives would allow! For fun, take a picture of the book in your bed, or simply write up a post or comment below sharing your Sundays in Bed With book. Quoted from Kate’s blog

This week I am happy to say that I was able to stay in bed to read:

On Thursday I had some dental work done for a crown. I thought it was just to do that but I found out that no its not, its only a temporary crown so I have to go back in two weeks for the permanent one so the last few days its been painful so I have been taking it easy and resting and reading.

I was super excited to get this book at BEA in June and to meet the author. I will be on her blog tour for this in early September.

Hope your having a good weekend and that you manage to find some time read this week.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Topbox August Edition

Posted on by Cindy

I am super excited for the August Topbox because I have been stalking looking at their facebook page and I was seeing alot of comments of people loving their box this month so I was excited to find out what I got.

Sadly this was another month where Canada Post messed up and I ended up getting my box much later then expected. You are probably noticing that I am posting this later then normal as well but that was because Topbox was a few days late in sending them out (which I believe is a first for them) because they were waiting for a sample.

As you can see I went with the traditional box just because I like it much more then the recycled one and it looks much prettier sitting on my shelf. These make great containers to put little things in on your dresser or shelf.

I noticed right away when I picked up this tube that it was heavier then normal. I have to say that as soon as I brought it in I tore into this box because I was so curious to see what I got.

This is what greeted me right away. Isn’t this great? I have heard of Nexxus before but never used it so I was curious to see what they sent.

The bonus item was this shampoo and conditioner from Nexxus (I love when companies send both because this way you truly get a feel for what the product will do to your hair.) The shampoo is Therappe luxurious hydrating (89ml) and the conditioner is Humectress ultimate hydrating (89ml). I really like the smell of these and can’t wait to try them out.

Cost of Sample: Shampoo $2.22 (full size is 400ml for $9.99)  Conditioner is $3.34 (full size is 400ml for $14.99) = $5.56

I recently had the chance to try a Chloe perfume and I really liked it and I think this is a great alternative to perfume. I really like this light scent and I can see me wearing on days I don’t want to wear a perfume. When I put some on I instantly thought this is a great summer scent and I am sure it will come in handy when its -40 and you need that list boost of summer feeling.

Cost of Sample: $9 for 30ml (full size is 200ml for $60)

I am slowly building up my brush collection and its nice to get another one. This one is from Expression and its a round crease brush. I like the feel of it, it was soft and it seems well made and will be quite useful. I know this will be used alot and can’t wait to start using this.

Cost of Sample: $16 This is actually a full size product.

This is a new to me product its called Pink Wipes and its biodegradable, paraben free and hypoallergenic pH balanced feminine wipe. Hmm not sure how I feel about this but I will try it out just the same.

Cost of Sample: $0.80 (full size is $12 for 15 wipes)

Another new to me product is this Kellett Skincare and its an clarifying acne treatment. I have a tendency to break out (around the chin area) so this is perfect and I actually have a little bit starting so I have started to use it. I will keep you posted on this and let you know how it works. I like the packaging of this.

Cost of Sample: $15 (full size is $75 for 50ml)

I have to say at first I was like oh no another perfume sample but once I opened the box I was like this is too cute. I love the bottle. Isn’t that butterfly bottle topper to cute? I love the smell of this and I know I will be wearing this all the time. Its made with jasmine and juicy red berries.

This is actually the full size bottle on the left isn’t it too cute? I have actually put it on my wishlist for Christmas. I love the scent. This could possibly be my next favorite perfume.

Cost of Sample: $2.53 (full size is $79 for 50ml or $105 for 100ml)

Total Sample Value: $48.89  and I paid $10 + tax for this box so as you can see value wise,  the box paid for itself and these are actually products I will be using and are using and I do consider these deluxe samples.

I am always impressed with Topbox and enjoy this box. What did you get this month?

I also wanted to mention that starting September I will be making vlogs of my beauty box unboxings. So these posts will include the vlog, pictures and the basic above post. Let me know what you think about that.

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.