A Sweet Surprise Delivery

I think one of the best things you can ever get is an unexpected delivery. That is exactly what happened yesterday afternoon, the door bell rang and I had no clue to who it was and when I opened the door I was handed this:

Its a gift bag from Eos. Oh what can it be? I totally had no idea this was coming so I was beyond thrilled to get this.  Thanks so much Caroline for sending this to me. I am so excited.

Inside the bag was a eos lip balm in the flavor Pomegranate Raspberry which is a new product that is going to be available in stores in March. I am so excited to have a sneak peek of this and check back in March when I will post my review of it.

Another new item I believe, is the duo pack of eos. (I think they are new since I couldn’t find anything on the site about them) They look like cute Easter Eggs in the box. They come in the flavor Strawberry Sorbet (pink) and Passion Fruit (light purple). They both smell so delicious.

Finally the last item in the bag is the Tropical Tree Growing Kit in pomegranate. Its an all natural growing kit that will produce flowers and edible fruit. Its by Eco-Culture Seracon and their link is www.seracon.ca

Once again I would like to thank Caroline for sending me this awesome package, I was totally surprised and happy when I got this.

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.

Bubble Babez Bubble Club Box January Edition

I finally got my January Bubble Babez Bath Company’s monthly subscription box.

What is Bubble Babez Bubble Box? Its a themed box loaded with all the fabulous, luxurious products that Bubble Babez creates that is designed to pamper yourself. You will get to preview new collections, test products, and much much more!!!

Monthly subscription is only $14.95! Sign up for yourself or give a wonderful Bubble Box subscription as a gift and experience the wonder that is Bubble Babez!!!
Lets get into the Janaury box shall we. It came wrapped in brown paper and inside that brown paper was this box. Nothing fancy and I don’t mind.

 Upon unboxing it I was great with fake rose petal which are always nice and you can see that the theme is romance and the box is called Filled With Love.

 Everything was packaged really nicely and I wish I would have taken a picture to show you but I was too excited and wanted to see what I got.

So the top left item is Cherry Bomb Edible scrub. You apply it to the desired area and your partner can lick it off. This actually smells really good.

Inside the red 4EVER container is a Bath Truffle. I actually thought it was something you would eat until I read that its actually something you drop into your bath. This is another item that smells so good that you want to eat it.

Next to that is Midnight Tuberose Bubblin Bath. This is another item that you pour under running water for a luxurious bath.

The bottom row contains Red Velvet Whipped Sugar Scrub. This is something you would use in the shower because you have to apply it to desired areas and then rince it off.

Finally the last item is Choc Cherry Lotion Bar and what you do is rub it on your hands and apply to desired areas so its like a lotion but in bar format.

Everything smelled so good and delicious and I am honestly excited to try everything out very soon.

I have one more box coming and that will be the February. From there I will decided if I will keep the subscription going or not. I had some issues and right now I am kind of on the fence. I would love to give the company the benefit of a doubt but actions speak louder then words so we will see.

What do you think of the box? Is this something you would subscribe to?

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 February Edition/Guest Post

In January I believe Topbox announced that they were going to be doing something a little different with their montly boxes. Its called the Prive Boxes. In January you got to select one of the following three: Benefit, Lippy Girl or the Miracle 10. If none of those appeal to you then you would get the normal regular box.

I think the prive boxes were sent fairly early compared to the regular boxes although I can’t be 100%  sure of that.

I didn’t receive any tracking info until my box (aka tube) was delivered. I had no idea what I would be getting because no one was notified. Do I like the idea of the prive box, I guess it would depend on what they were offering.

This month I am thrilled with the box becauseI was chosen to receive the Benefit tube and I am absolutely thrilled I actually didn’t think I was going to get one. I am so happy with what I got and there is a few new items for me to try that I have always been wanting to try.

The Benefit box has a Chinese New Year theme and I think one of the reasons it was sent early is because various Sephoras and Shopper Drug Marts are doing promos in the store. Oh how I wish there was one closer to me that is taking part.

Its the year of the Snake and now I’m one who generally shows away from reptiles but this one is super cute. I am actually going to display this tube on my dresser because its that cute.

I was thrilled when I opened the tube and saw all these amazing goodies tumble out.

Inside the tube was a product card like in previous boxes, along with a card from Benefit informing us Topboxers where events were taking place, and a envelope with a sample of Fine One One. I have been hearing so many things about this that I actually want to purchase it. Its basically just a very small sample that you can use to brighten your cheeks and your lips giving you an instant lift, shape and pop. I am really curious about this and I think the next time I am in Sephora or Shoppers Drug Mart I am going to ask about this and how does it work. I like multipurpose items. The fill size is 8g for $36.

 
Other items in the box are:
 
~POREfessional in a 7.5ml tube. The full size is 22ml for $34. This is suppose to minimize the appearance of pores. It can be worn under and over make up which I love and looking forward to trying this out.
 
~Total Moisture Facial Cream in a 8.9g jar and the full size is 48.2g for $42. The jar is super cute and it smells really nice. I am excited to try this as I have another Benefit facial sampler from a previous box that I would like use with this.
 
~Benetint in a 2.5ml sample and the full size is 12.5ml for $36. I have seen this but never purchase it because honestly the red scares the heck out of me. Its a lip and cheek stain.
 
~Finally the last item is the Dandelion Gloss and Powder pack. First thing I will talk about is the gloss. Its a sample size of 6.5ml and the full size is 15ml for $18. I actually already have this one because I bought the Benefit lip Gloss collection last year and I love it so having this one is really nice and I can throw it in my purse to use during the day.
 
Something I have honestly been eyeing is the Brightening face powder. It looks like a pretty shade and I am so excited to try it out. The sample size is 3.0g and the full size is 7g for $36
 
So what did you think of the February box? Was it worth the $14 fee? I am really pleased and thrilled I got it but I am wondering what will be February’s pick and if I will get what I want again or will it be a regular box.
 
Thanks Cindy for allowing me to be a part of your blog and allowing me to share what I got this month in my Topbox.
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.

Review # 6 Legend

Title: Legend (book 1)
Author: Marie Lu
Pages: 305

Source: I purchased this book through the Scholastic Book Club from my son’s school.

About The Book:
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic”s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic”s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country”s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June”s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family”s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias”s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

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I was beyond thrilled when I saw Legend in the February Scholastic Book Club Catalog that I got from my son’s teacher. I quickly ordered it and was thrilled to see that it was in paperback because looking online at the online retailers I see its not coming out in paperback for a few more months and I have been dying to read it and for some reason this particular order came in super fast which was good for me.

This was one of the hyped books in 2011 at BEA. I didn’t get to attend that year but I had kept this book on my radar and more so when I was able to get Prodigy at BEA in 2012. I knew I really wanted to read it as soon as I could and I am thrilled that I actually can read Prodigy now. Although I am bummed because book 3 hasn’t been announced yet.

I started reading this on Sunday and I really had a hard time putting it down, I finished it up last night. I was trying to pace myself but once I got half way I just couldn’t put it down. There is so much action and suspense that you don’t want to put it down. I love books like this and it seems like its been awhile since I read a book like this.

I love reading dystopian books especially ones that could possibly be what the future would be like. This takes place in Los Angeles in 2130. The world that Marie creates is very believable and I could see that happening.

The book is told in alternating points of view from two of the main characters Day and June who are both 15 years old. The both live different life styles in the Republic. June has the life of luxury and is rich and smart while Daniel (AKA Day) is living his life on the streets and is the most wanted criminal in the Republic. Both June and Day don’t know each other until a tragic event brings them both together. Will the truth come out?

You might think that having the story told in two points of view might be confusing but its not because Day got his story told in a bold print and June’s was in your typical print. Plus at the top of each chapter their names were lightly printed. I love when they make the text or format different when its told in more then one point of view. I found out that in the hard cover that the print was in different colors as well something my copy didn’t have.

Like I said the story takes place in what use to be known as Los Angeles. Its now know as the Republic and a war has broken out dividing the western coast up and the Republic is fighting with the Colonies, their neighbors. The Republic is broken down into sectors rich, poor and poorer and its done based on test results from The Trials. These results determine your life.

Basically what happens in is that when every child turns 10 years old they have to take a test called The Trials and from their its determined where you will be place in the Republic and basically how you life will turn out. How it works out is like this scores under 1000 means you fail and the Republic sends officials take you and do what they want with you. Scores of 1000 to 1249 means you are barred from school and are basically poor. Scores of 1250 to 1449 will allow you to continue your education and attend the college of the Republics choice and scores of 1450 to 1499 gives you the right to finish high school and to attend one of the top four universities in the Republic and then your hired by congress and you live the life of luxury.

So June scores 1500 the best you can get and Day fails so he is taken by the Republic and his family thinks he is dead but he isn’t he has managed to escape and since then has been on the run from the Republic. I have to say that when I read that Day failed badly on the trials I was a little surprised because he seems to be very smart, creative and athletic. Could there possibly be a mistake?

I liked how not alot of characters were introduced in the story. Just characters the play a part in telling it. I loved Day and even though he was wanted by the Republic he did what he could to support his family even if it meant endangering his life. I think he knew once his mother’s house was marked with a star from the plague that things wouldn’t be great.

As for Judy I have to admit that she eventually did grow on me. She was an adventurous person (very smart) and was so set on getting justice for her brother that she was like a horse with blinders on. Will she see what is really going on and what actually happened?

I am curious to see where the story will take the reader in Prodigy. Will be discover more about June and Day? What about what happens with the Republic and the Colonies? Will a few of the other characters be written about in this book? So many questions left unanswered.

This was Marie Lu’s debut novel from 2011 and her follow up novel Prodigy is set to be released very soon. I am actually off to read Prodigy now.

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/ Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme that is hosted by the lovely bloggers over at The Broke and The Bookish .

Today’s Topic is:

Top Ten Best Bookish Memories (waiting in line for a new release, meeting an author, or some sort of great experience with a particular book that was unlike others)

Quotes

When I saw this week’s topic I had to sit and try to come up with a list of Ten Bookish Memories, there has been so many amazing book memories throughout my life and since blogging that its hard to pick the best because they are all pretty amazing.

So in not particular order here is my Top Ten List of Best Bookish Memories.

  1. My sister sharing books with me that she read. I remember reading all kinds of those teen romances and she was the one who introduced me to V.C Andrews. She would always send me a small box of books almost monthly and I loved getting that parcel.
  2. Meeting authors and getting my books signed.
  3. When I started my blog I thought I was the only Montreal book blogger out there but within a few weeks I discovered that I wasn’t the only one.
  4. Meeting the Montreal bloggers for the first time, Avis, Donna and Tina. I was so nervous and excited.
  5. Going to BEA for the first time in 2010 with the Montreal Bloggers. We all travelled together there and back on the train it was so much fun.
  6. Going to my first publishing house and meeting with the reps from Sourcebooks. I was so thrilled when I got invited to Sourcebooks to see the offices and having lunch with Paul.
  7. Meeting bloggers who I follow such as Alita,  Sheila , Kathy , Kim , Kate  and so many others.
  8. Going to Lesley Livingston’s book signing and hearing her tell me that she knew my blog. How awesome is that? I fan girled because this was the first time an author has told me that.
  9. My very first publisher party invite. Getting that email just before BEA 2011 was amazing because I have never been to a publisher party. It was so much fun
  10. Hanging out with Kelley Armstrong and Melissa Marr after the Smart Chicks Kick it Tour in Montreal. We were all hanging around and just talking.

So that is some of my best memories, what are yours?

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/ Know Me Better #5

I was just recently introduced to this new blog, I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and I was instantly hooked when I saw her pretty blog design. You should check it out if you haven’t already.

Kathy has created this wonderful meme and each week she will pick 5 questions off her author interview list for us to answer.

Kathy invites you to share your answers to these questions as well. You can either leave your answers in this weeks post which if you click here it will take you to it or you can create a post on your blog and then go back and link to this weeks post by clicking here and it will take you there.

Quotes

Is there anything you would like to say to or ask your favorite author?
Are you a dreamer or a realist?
Theater or Rental?
Share a family tradition.
Favorite late night snack?

Quotes

Is there anything you would like to say to or ask your favorite author?
~ Where do you get your inspiration from and please keep writing.

Are you a dreamer or a realist?
~I think I am a little bit of both.

Theater or Rental?
~For the most part rental just because going to the movies can be so expensive when you factor in admittance and snacks. With that being said we do go to the movies occassionally just because there are some things you need to see on the big screen. Plus its a treat to go with Michael too see a movie that he wants to see.

Share a family tradition.
~New Years Eve we always stay home and make it a jammie day. I always make a special breakfast (as I always do on Easter and Christmas) and then we play a game or watch a movie and during the day we have all kinds of bad snack foods and then for dinner we always have a fondue and a chocolate fondue for dessert. We have done this for several years now.

Favorite late night snack?
~I usually don’t eat a late night snack before bed because after having gall bladder surgery a few years ago I tend to get heart burn but when I do have a snack in the evening it tends to be either cereal or fruit. In my earlier days it would have been chips and pop (soda)

So this is my Know Me Better 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.

Meme/ Sunday’s In Bed With… #35

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.

Good Morning everyone. I am really hoping that by the time this post that I am actually curled up in bed reading or perhaps still sleeping.

Its been one of those weeks and I am so hoping that things will slowly go back to normal again.

The week started out with me making plans to drive to Ottawa for the day on Tuesday to attend my aunts funeral who passed away last week. It was all depending on the weather since it was forecasting freezing rain both here in Montreal and Ottawa so it was going to be one of those decisions of getting up early and checking the weather. It all worked out weather wise so my sister and I hit the road at 6:45am and drove to Ottawa (3 hours later) and we got there in one piece (although I was stressed since this was my first time driving there) and we stayed a couple of hours and left to come back before the freezing rain started thankfully we made it back in less then 3 hours.

Then the rest of the week I suffered a sore back from that drive so things were pretty low key until Friday. It started like any other day, had lunch with Donna (a fellow local blogger) and then I went to the school do my library volunteering. Leaving the school I checked my phone (it needs to be off when you are in the school, which I don’t do, I had the volume off) and I noticed that I missed three calls and three text messages. I proceeded to check them only to find out my father in law was being rushed to the hospital at that point I had no idea why or what happened. Thankfully it was nothing serious and he is home now but it was a long night and day yesterday.

I was hoping for a nice quiet weekend of just taking Michael to hockey practice and his game today and chilling but sadly that didn’t happen. So fingers crossed that I am still in bed and hopefully reading this:

I have been wanting to read this for awhile and especially after getting her second book Prodigy at BEA last May. I was so thrilled to find this in the Scholastic book club order form that I ordered it right away.
So this is what I am reading today, What are you reading today?

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.