Year: 2013

A Morning of Shopping, Chatting and Swapping (Part 2)

Posted on by Cindy

It was exactly a month ago (February 16th) I met up with a local facebook friend, Mihaela,  to do our first official swap (if you click HERE you can see my first swap meet up with her) within the group we are in and during that meet up we decided that we should do this more often (perhaps not a monthly bases but every few months) and so brought on this weekend. We finally were able to pin point a date and we decided to stay at the same mall (this mall is awesome).

This time we took advantage of some shopping and I think I did pretty good. I only bought some Lush bath items (Easter ones that I will be talking about in a review shortly) and some spring candles from Bath & Body Works (with an upcoming storm scheduled I am in need of some spring scents). I will probably do a review of them in a few weeks.

After shopping we headed to a coffee shop to sit, talk and do our swapping.

Mihaela told me in advance I would be surprised and teased me with a photo and that the box weighed 10 lbs (which at first I didn’t believe here but upon picking on the box she was not kidding.)

This is the little teaser she sent me. Everything was wrapped so pretty and the box smelled so good. I didn’t know why until I had opened it all completely.

This is eveything unwrapped. I was so over whelmed at first but as I was opening everything I was so happy because these are things I really wanted to try and a few items I almost picked up but didn’t because I knew I would be getting some swaps in.

I know last time I didn’t include alot of pics in my post so this time I am including a ton of pictures and I hope you don’t mind.

The first items I am going to talk about is the eye shadows Mihaela got for me. The last time we met up we talked about MUA’s (Make up Academy) Palettes Undressed (black casing) and Undress Me Too as these are suppose to be dupes for the Urban Decay Naked and Naked Two.

Honestly comparing the colors in the all the palettes they are similar. I have seen swatches online and quite honestly if I didn’t know any better I would say they are exactly alike. The difference is the price and quantity of course. The Mua’s palettes are roughly under 5 pounds and are 9.6g and the Naked Palettes are $60 and you get 15.6g.

 

Mihaela told me it was time to add some color to my eyes so she included a Wet N’ Wild in the shade Petal Pusher. This has been something I have been eyeing for a little while now but never purchase it. I actually get to the point of having it in my basket but returning it before I leave. The eight colors are very pretty, silky and very pigmented. This is a great compact that you can travel with because it can take you from day to night instantly.

The other smaller palette that I got is by NYX (a line of make up I have been wanting to try since hearing about it and didn’t realize that a drug store here was selling some of the line since I thought it was a US line). Its in the shade TS 03 and the colors are nude, taupe and dark brown. These are my colors. This is another perfect traveling compact as well.

Bronzing powders are all very new to me and honestly it sorta of scares me. I have never tried bronzing powders before but I am willing to give it a try. This is in the shade 706 Hamptons Radiance.

Next up is nails. Who doesn’t love nail polishes? I have been looking for a dark blue polish since hockey started because I was hoping to do something neat with my nails for the team but could never find the right shade and I think this OPI Listen to Your Momanger will be perfect. I also got this Essie kit with the shades Ballet Slippers (a sheer pink) and As Gold as it Gets (Glittery Gold) with a nail file. Mihaela also told me I should try the Nail Cavier. She included the colors green, teal, pink, gold, silver and copper.

On to the lips items. I have become some what obsessive with the L’Oreal Paris Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stains since they came out recently ( I have a few of them and just love them) so Mihaela got me one I might not have purchased on my own because I am not much of a colour on my lip kind of person) and its in the shade #186 Berry Persistent (I think I need to do a post on this), Burt’s Bees is something I have seen in stores but just never purchased on my own. This is a duo kit and includes a Nourshing Lip Balm with mango butter (smells so good) and a lemon butter cuticle cream (which I am need of as my cuticles are really dry),  another item I have heard great things about it the baby Lips by Maybelline and this is in #030 Peach Kiss, another one of my obsessions lately has been the Cover Girl Lip perfection jumbo gloss balms and they are in the shades Rose Twist and Plum Twist (very nice sheer kind of colors and something I will be wearing and I think this will be another one I will review) and finally the last lip item is by NYX and its a lip liner pencil in the shade 849 Beige (another nice neutral colour for me)

I have heard of MAC and the only items I have purchased from MAC are the lip sticks (which I absolutely love and would buy more of if I could) so I am excited to try out this Skin Refresher/Finishing Mist. Mihaela told me is one of her most loved items.

When I feel sturdy I use eye liner pencils (sadly not as often as i should) and I recenly got a Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On eye pencil in a beauty box recently and have been using it and I like it so I was thrilled to see a few in my box. One brand that I have been looking to try is Tarte (have been hearing amazing things about this Brand) its a smoldering eye pencil in the shade  gunmetal (silver) and two Urban Decay’s Glide on’s in ransom (purple) and bourbon (brown). They are all very silky and smooth.

The reason the box smelled so good was because of the candle from Clair de Lune (a store here in Quebec)  and the scent is Lilac in Bloom (lilacs are my favorite spring flower and smell as I am writing this post I am burning the candle. The house smells like lilacs.
 
Nspa is something I have seen at the pharmacy but never bought  and honestly not sure why because this stuff is amazing. Its a Shower scrub with real fruit bits. This is amazing in the shower and it smells so good. Its a great way to wake up in the morning. This is in the scent Fresh Sweet Raspberry. I am actually going to the pharmacy this week to check out the other scents they have.
 
Finally who doesn’t need a razor especially if its one you love? I was so thrilled when I saw this in my swap box because I literally had just run out of refills for mine and cringed when I thought of repurchasing the blades because you know this razor is expensive as are the refills.
 

Now the best part honestly is the chocolates. Mihaela included a bunch of solid chocolate eggs which got eaten pretty quickly when I got home and this cute Ferro Rocher chocolate bunny. I have been eyeing this bunny since they came out because I have never tried it and was thinking of picking it up for Easter while I am so happy I wanted but if this is anything like the ferro rochers then I am in trouble. 🙂

Thanks Mihaela for this awesome swap and you know I loved everything. We are so alike in taste and items that is scary but in a good way. Looking forward to future swaps with you and meet ups.

 
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 # 11

Posted on by Cindy

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

This Week’s Questions:
•What was the last thing that made you cry?

The last thing that made me cry was watching the Amazing Race and seeing that father and son team having to leave the race because of the fathers injury. They are truly amazing people and survivors.

•What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

The chore that I absolutely hate doing is vaccuuming. I feel as though no sooner is it done and then you go back and see things there especially this time of the year because the snow is melting and since we use sand when its icy out tons of sand is coming into the house.

•What is your favorite form of exercise?

I love getting on the trendmill and walking. Lately Michael is loving the Just dance games for the Wii so we have been having fun doing that.

•What is your current desktop picture?

My current desktop picture is a black and white photo of NYC. Starting to get excited from my trip there in May.

•You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go?

If I could I would love to go to England. I have always wanted to go ever since I had my first pen pal and she was from England.

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.

Ipsy Bag March Edition

Posted on by Cindy

I think I am coming to the realization that I might have to cut my ties with Ipsy and cancel my subscription.

This was another month that I wasn’t wowed by the contents in my bag. Even though this is one of the cheaper subscriptions out there, I think I could use the money else where.

This month the theme was The Great Escape. I like the make up bag and it will come in handy during the summer in our pool bag for sun screen, change, keys etc

The contents in the bag are:

-Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist. Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist tones, hydrates, and refreshes your face and hair while on the go, anytime of the day. Hydrate with the refreshing blends of organic juices for a fresh, radiant complexion. I got a sample of  1 floz and the full size is 6.75 for $22

-LA Fresh travel lite Make Up Remover Wipes. La Fresh® Travel Lite® portable towlette wipes are perfect for jetsetters, go-getters, outdoor enthusiasts and multi-taskers everywhere. Towlette packets are small in size, designed for practicality and are easy to apply discreetly. Each item is carry-on friendly and slim enough to slip into a pocket, purse or wallet. Perfectly portable, La Fresh® makes beauty a breeze when you’re on-the-go. For a refreshing getaway, grab any Travel Lite® and Live. Life. La Fresh.™

Travel Liteâ„¢ personal amenities are made in sunny Southern California with clean renewable solar energy! These makeup remover wipes feature biodegradable and compostable materials. This will actually be perfect when I go to NYC in May. The pack contains 8 wipes and the full size is actually this 8 pack for $1.99.

-The GlamRX Mini Freestyle Palette was made exclusively for ipsy Glam Bag subscribers. The magnetic base is the perfect spot to store pan-only eyeshadows (2 of which are included in this Glam Bag!), blushes & bronzers, or whatever you need for perfect for quick touch ups on the go! Whether you are headed off to spring break or just need a cute & clever way to store products in your bag, you can create the perfect makeup look and take it with you with your exclusive GlamRX Mini Freestyle Palette.

Dimensions: About the same size as a credit card, except thicker. 3.5″ x 2.5″ x 0.75″
I wasn’t sure about this at first but honestly I think this will be something I will be using. I mean if you are going out for an evening you can pop a couple of eye shadows,  blushes etc in there to do touch ups.

Finally the last item which you can see is two mini eye shadows from Yaby. One thing I love about them is they are vegan. I have been wanting to incorporate more of this into my routine. The eye shadows can be used wet or dry. I got the shades azalea petal (this is a satin color and it ranges from a matte to a light sheen) and I really like the color. The other shade is seashell (high shine : reflective finish great for accents and highlights) this is another great color. These two colors will work really nice together and I am sure they can mixed with other shades. The pots are super tiny as you can see.

I know there are items I will be using but just not sure. I am hoping that they next bag will wow me.

What do you think?

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/ Six Sister’s Stuff

Posted on by Cindy


Title: Six Sister Stuff
Author: Six Sister Stuff
Pages: 200
Pub Date: March 2013
Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Source: I received this book from the publisher to review.

About the book:
Cook, craft, and create with recipes, projects, and ideas from the enormously popular blog SixSisters’Stuff.com. Every recipe and project included in this book is quick, easy, and fun. More than 80 family-favorite recipes (including an entire section of slow-cooker recipes), use ingredients commonly found in your pantry. The crafts and home decor projects have easy-to-follow instructions with photographs and can be made with little or no money. “We don’t profess to be amazing chefs,” they claim. “We just know the importance of feeding our families a home-cooked meal and sitting down to eat it together. Our mom and dad taught us so many great values, and we are thankful that they instilled the importance of family time in our lives. Even the busies of people can make the food and project ideas we share, which will give you even more time to spend with your family and loved ones.”

SixSistersStuff.com is an online phenomenon:
-More than 6 million page views per month
-More than 50,000 Facebook followers
-Nearly 10,000 followers on Twitter
-More than 80,000 followers on Pinterest

Photobucket

I was so happy when I was approached to review this book and sadly I wasn’t able to be a part of the tour because I got the book so late but thrilled when the book finally came in about a week ago.

When I got it,  I ripped open the package and spent a few hours going through the book and drooling over the pictures. When that finally stopped happening I instantly grabbed a piece of paper and a pen to start making a list of items I would need to make a few of the dishes inside the book.

Yes this is a cook book filled with great recipes but its also filled with assorted craft ideas, some time saving tips (we all need some of those don’t we?), a spring cleaning check list (which I found very helpful and has inspired me to start spring cleaning) and so much more.

I haven’t done any of the crafts yet but there is a $6 Wire Hanger Christmas Ornament Wreath that I want to make for next Christmas since I have a ton of Christmas balls laying around. Yes I bought Christmas balls every year and who can pass up a deals at the end of the holiday season?

One of the things I would have loved to have done was the 14 days of Valentines which would have been perfect to countdown Valentines day with.

I loved the ideas in the 101 Fun, Easy, and Cheap Indoor Activities for kids. Since Michael was on spring break last year we actually did a few of the ideas such as an indoor picnic, building a fort out of blankets, we had a dance party, we looked through photo albums ( a few laughs were had), we played games, watched a movie and had popcorn.

We are looking forward to using the 40 Road Trip Ideas for kids this summer when we go on vacation. If you are like me you are always trying to make road trips fun for the kids and I am looking forward to using these ideas.

Now to the recipes I made quite a few things in the book and they were The Best Hamburger Recipe (this was good but sadly i coldn’t find just Monterey Jack cheese so I had to improvise), Baked Zita (this was delicious and I would make this again. Michael loved this.), 20 minute Skillet Lasagna ( I think the next time I would make this I would leave out the sour cream as we weren’t big fans of the taste with it), Grilled Chicken Bow Tie Pasta Salad (this will be perfect in the summer and this was another one of Michael’s favorites) and finally the last thing I made was Melt in Your Mouth Slow Cooker Pot Roast (this was the best out of all the recipes and we are already planning to make this again this upcoming week. It was melt in your mouth).

The recipes were all quick and easy and with a few exceptions of trying to find a few of the items that aren’t available to Canada but I have made a list and will look for them when I go to the US this summer.

I loved how each recipe included a photo so you could see the end product and honestly this is what I base my opinions on and what I will be making.

I am looking to make more recipes from this fantastic cookbook and I am sure it will be my go to cookbook from now on. I have already shared a few recipes with family and telling them they had to try 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.

Review/ D’Lish Deviled Eggs

Posted on by Cindy

Title: D’ Lish Deviled Eggs (a collection of recipes from creative classics)Author: Kathy Casey
Pub Date: February 2013
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC
Pages: 160

Source: I received this cook book for review from the awesome people at Andrews McMeel Publishing.

About the book:

Deviled eggs are not just for summer picnics, now you can enjoy America”s beloved appetizer year round with Kathy Casey’s 50 fabulous recipes.
Deviled eggs are always a party favorite, and the first thing to fly off the table. D’Lish Deviled Eggs both pays homage to the classic deviled egg and dishes up creative, modern takes on tradition. And this isn’t just a recipe book; its pages are packed full with everything from how to make superb hard-cooked eggs every time, to filling and garnishing picture-perfect stuffed eggs.

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Deviled Eggs are sure to bring back fond memories of family gatherings, while inspired offerings like “California Roll” Deviled Eggs andTwo-Bite “Carbonara” Deviled Duck Eggs add a delicious start to any dinner party. Kicky Devilish Green Eggs & Ham or Dirty Martini Deviled Eggs make perfect cocktail cohorts.

With recipe suggestions for tasty parties and seasonal and holiday pairings, D’Lish Deviled Eggs is the ultimate kitchen companion for dishing up America’s favorite appetizer. Chock-full of fab tips, from the history of deviled eggs to collecting vintage plateware, this book will definitely “egg you on” to head to the kitchen and get crackin’!

A classy little guide to a classy little dish, D’Lish Deviled Eggs will open up a whole new world of ways to jazz up these one-bite wonders!

I have to be up front and honest with this review. I got this cook book for review earlier this year and I was hoping that I would have found someone who could have reviewed this for me to be give an honest review.

I have never eaten a deviled egg before and sadly I can’t because of an allergy I have with eggs.

So there won’t be a what I made with the cookbook but rather my thoughts about the book.

There is 50 recipes included in this book. The recipes are all easy to follow and they are accompanied by a beautiful photograph. I love seeing photos what go with the recipes because you get an idea of what the product looks like.

In the beginning of the book they give you hints on what kind of deviled egg you can make for specific holidays. Which is nice if you like making deviled eggs and you can make them anytime of the year and not just at parties.

I thought the section called The hard Facts was really interesting because it talks about everything you need to know about eggs. Such as :

  • to make eggs easy for peeling of hard cooked eggs you should let them refrigerate for seven to ten days because this will allow the eggs to take in some air which will seperate the membrane from the shell
  • if you store your eggs with the small end up or on their sides over night you will get a yolk that is centered

Through out the book you will discover little tips that will aid with the recipe.

So if you love deviled eggs this would make a great cook book to add to your collection.

Do you like deviled eggs?

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.

Star Looks February Edition

Posted on by Cindy

 This month Star Looks is a little different because it was curated by a professional make up artist named Lauren Clark. The box is very pretty as its pink and purple. Two of my favorite colors. They go so well with this months theme.

 I think the product card is so pretty as they usually are each month. I tend to keep the cards and use them as bookmarks.

 The first item I took out of the box  is this Barbie Fluid Blush. Its a very pretty pink shade. A little goes a long way like I found out. This is a full size item (like every item in every box is) and it sells for $15

 Isn’t this pretty? Its Princess Diaries Eye Liner. Its water proof and smudge proof.  What I love about this is that you can use it as an eye liner (top or bottom) and also as an eye shadow. Its described as a pearlescent baby pink. This sales for $15 (above pic is in light)

this is in a darker light

I believe the next item is a bonus item as I don’t seem to find it on the product card.

 Its a lip liner in the shade Tipsy.  Its a very creamy and smooth lip liner. You can actually use this as lip liner as well as an all over lip cover. Which I have been doing since I got the same shade in my birthday box. I am thrilled to have a back up now. This sells for $8

 Finally the last item is the Pink Oasis Lip Gloss. I kind of chuckle at the name since its not pink but a lavendar color. It goes on sheer with some sparkle (as you can kind of see in the picture). I love the versatitly of this because you can use it alone or on top of a lipstick to add some shine and sparkle to it. I love the smell and feel of this on my lips. This sells for $11

 
So that is my February Star Looks box and the brochure in the back talks about Lauren Clark and tips on how to use the make up she selected. As you probably can tell I am very happy with my box this month.

The total value is $50. and it always pays for itself. I love that each and every item is full size and that its colors that I wouldn’t pick for myself which makes it a great way to step out of your comfort zone.

What do you think? Would you use anything from this box?

 
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…..#39

Posted on by Cindy

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.

I am extremely late in posting this (actually back posting this). As you can see the blog was a little neglected this past week or so (there will be alot of back posting happening this week). Its spring break here for the kids so Michael and I have been chilling and taking it easy.

I didn’t get to spend the morning in bed reading because we went to church. Trying to get caught up again since we missed so much due to hockey.

If I was able to stay home to read this is what I would be reading:

I am really enjoying the book. Hopefully I will finish it and have a review up  this week.

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.