All I Want For Christmas #2

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Danya from A Tapestry of Words started this fun little feature on her blog called All I Want For Christmas Is… and basically what you do is share your wishlist of books. I thought that this would be something fun to do perhaps on a weekly bases until Christmas. Can you believe we are a little over a month to go?

I am no where near being started so over the next few weeks I will be shopping, shopping and more shopping for gifts for my family and two Secret Santas I am taking part in. Are you ready?

Here is my 5 books this week:

Unhinged_-_Cover

 

(I love the cover of this book, don’t you?)

madeforyou

thesebrokenstars

theboywiththehiddenname

(This is the 2nd book in the series)

stolen

(This is the 2nd book in the series)

Are any of these books on your wishlist?

Exposed Ezine Release Blitz

Welcome to the Exposed Ezine Release Weekend Blitz! A Quarterly magazine where amazing authors bring you outstanding stories! And yes, there’s a giveaway too!

 

“Exposed,” an
electronic magazine featuring short stories from hot, independent authors, is
Butterfly Publishing’s debut publication. Giving readers a glimpse into each
author’s writing style and stories, Exposed does just what the title suggests,
exposes readers to new titles and new authors. With its low cost and varied
content, every reader is sure to find something he or she enjoys.

 

 

Phoenix Silverstone more commonly known as Nix, is a twenty-one
year old that has finally discovered her freedom. After living under the strict
rules and protection of her mother, Nix moved out with her two best friends in
a quaint little Seattle apartment. For the first time Nix is finally able to
spread her wings and breathe. Together, they get a job working at a bar and for
the first time everything is perfect.
Freedom, friendships, a great job and fantastic man on the verge of becoming
hers. Tristan is the suave, intelligent, not to mention gorgeous law student
that Nix has her eyes and heart set on. For the first time, she has her life
together; that is, until her path crosses with Levi. The charming, tattooed and
downright sexy bad boy that Nix knows she needs to avoid.But when one of her friends moves out she is shocked to find that her new
roommate is none other than Levi. Flirting. Desire. Undeniable
temptations. Nix can’t deny the chemistry surging between them but she can’t
forget her mother’s extreme hate towards bad boys.

Will Nix have the strength to listen to her heart? Or will her mother’s rules
cost her everything?

Jude was
born and raised in a small village named Lacolle. She now lives in Montreal,
Canada. She is the proud mother of a beautiful five year old son, and has spent
the last thirteen years with her partner, Cedric.

 

 

French is
her native language, but she prefers to write in her second language, English.

 

 

Besides
working full time and being a mother, Jude has a passion for books, both
reading and writing them.

 

 

Her first
novella, Under the Sun was published at the end of July 2013.It is part of an
anthology called Heat Wave. Her second novella, Wonderland, was published in
March 2014 and has hit the bestselling rank. Lost Dreams, a military romance,
was published in May 2014, Body, Ink, and Soul in late June 2014 and Ophelia in
October 2014.

At fifteen years old, Nick DiMarco got news
that changed his life – he was going to be a father. Stepping up, he took
custody and raised his little girl, whom everyone calls Harley. Hard work and
determination gave him the lifestyle he wanted for the two of them. Now,
twenty-one years later he’s flying Harley and some of her friends to the
Bahamas for an amazing birthday bash. As a special treat, he invites Victoria,
Harley’s long lost best friend from elementary school to surprise her. When the
flight carrying Harley and her friends is delayed due to weather, Nick finds
himself alone with Victoria who has grown into a beautiful woman. What starts
out as a few hour delay grows as a hurricane develops just off the coast. The
storm brewing outside is nothing compared to the passion brewing between Nick
and Victoria as each tries to fight the attraction of a forbidden love affair.

NJ Cole is the author
of five published books, Midnight Caller, Midnight Eternal, Landslide, Second
Chances and Yes, Mistress. Unlike many of today’s authors, she chooses to write
in first person, allowing the readers to experience life through the eyes of
the unique characters that live in her head. Her love of those characters and
respect for their stories come through loud and clear in her writing. With over
two million reads of her online work in the past year NJ Cole is clearly an up
and coming author.

Be sure to subscribe to her blog for all her books:NJColeauthor.com

 

What happens when a natural submissive bumps into a polished Dom while
spending a day at the beach? Wild, hot, explicit sex! Explore Steve’s seduction
of Maya in this exhilarating tale. Warning, graphic language, some forced
situations.

Fossbrook, author of Broken Tides, is a UK based writer of erotic fiction. He has been writing for a number of years but it wasn’t until his collaboration with Cole that he believed his stories might just be worth reading.



In his spare time Fossbrook is a huge sports fan and loves the occasional glass of wine.

Reeling after being blindsided by a bitter divorce, club
manager Chase Milligan relocates from his home in Austin to Dallas, to start a
new life. Soon he finds his interest captured again. But who is Baylee Andrews?
What dark secrets is she hiding? Will delving into her mysteries bring heal
Chase’s heart and faith, or will he find himself embroiled in more trouble than
ever before?

 

 

    MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE EXPOSED DESIGN

Bobby Kim is a publicist to several independent authors. He
markets, formats and analyzes current trends to help promote books to their
fullest potential. He co-founded Butterfly Publishing with author NJ Cole.
After meeting various authors in 2013, Butterfly Publishing, an independent
publishing house, was launched in 2014. Bobby Kim has been known to put pen to
paper, so to speak, and fellow collaborators would not be surprised to see some
of his own work appear in his magazine in the next few issues.
BUY LINK TO EXPOSED MAGAZINE: Only $ 2.00 EXPOSED! BUY NOW
GIVEAWAY!
5 lucky people will win the first issue FREE! Just Enter the rafflecopter giveaway and GOOD LUCK! 

a
Rafflecopter giveaway

Bulletproof By Melissa Pearl

Bulletproof

 

NOW AVAILABLE
Bulletproof by Melissa Pearl
99 cents TODAY ONLY!
http://bit.ly/BulletproofAM

Morgan Pritchett doesn't need anyone. Strong-willed and confident, she's 
the master of organizing and looking after everyone around her. In her 
mind, she's bulletproof.

But she has one weakness - men. She can't seem to live without them, yet 
is unable to find her perfect match. After yet another break up, Morgan 
promises her sister and best friend that she'll write off men for the 
rest of the year...but then she meets Sean Jaxon.

Sean Jaxon has worked hard to become a Hollywood actor, scoring minor 
roles and slowly making a name for himself as an action sidekick. After 
a chance encounter with the stunning Morgan Pritchett, he decides to 
take a risk and put his dancing skills to the test by signing on for the 
lead role in Superstar, a TV musical. He never thought he'd reconnect 
with the girl who urged him to ignore his manager and be honest with 
himself, but when Morgan shows up on the set as a production assistant, 
he realizes he's found his ultimate weakness - her.

Their passion for dance and music will bring them together, but will 
their relationship be able to withstand the forces determined to pull 
them apart? As Morgan comes face-to-face with her long-buried demons and 
Sean decides just how much he's willing to risk for love, these two 
songbirds discover something...they're not as bulletproof as they thought.

The DUFF (Official Trailer)

Imagine my surprise this week when I was on facebook and spotted the official trailer for The Duff. Have you seen it yet?

I read the book back in May of 2010 and if you click on THIS it will take you to my review of the book.

Do you think you will go and watch the movie? Its one of the movies of 2015 that I plan on going to watch.

 

Beauty Box 5 September, October & November

beautybox5

Beauty Box 5 is a subscription-based, beauty sampling program that delivers a box filled with 5 cosmetic samples to your door every month. Aimed at introducing women to new cosmetic products and educating them on best practices, Beauty Box 5 scours the market to find the best products for your lifestyle.

There is three subscription options: $12/monthly, $30 quarterly and $99 yearly.

I opted to pay monthly just in case there is any issues.

I believe I have been with Beauty Box 5 for over a year now and I am always on the fence about this one. Its like all beauty boxes there will always be hits and misses with them. Although looking at the last three months its been a lot of misses lately. What do you think?

I am combining the last three months of Beauty Box 5 in one post.

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This months theme was Balancing Act and its suppose to be their fall favorites. I have to say that there really isn’t anything that wows me about this months box. Here is what I got:

Sally Hansen Toe Spacers (SRV $1.99). This is something I would never buy for myself so this is nice to have. They will be used.

Natural Style by FUBU Deep Conditioner & Co-Wash (SRV $9.99 for 12oz/ sample size is 2x .5fl. oz so roughly $1.00) I like trying hair care items so this will be used and tried.

Chrislie Formulations 3-in-1 Eye Bright (SRV $40.00 for 0.5 fl oz/ sample size of 0.17 oz about $13.60) this is used around your eyes to smooth, brighten and firm your eyes.

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My Beauty Spot nailpolish (SRV $24.99 for a set of 6 $4.16/bottle) I have never heard of this brand before and looking at the polish its looks like a really nice color with glitter. I applied it and it went on really nice but once it dried it had a rough texture. Something I am not a fan of personally. I have no idea what color it is and honestly I don’t think I would spend $4.16 on a bottle of nail polish from a brand I didn’t know.

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This is the Nicka K New York Eyelight Crayon. (SRV $4.49) This is another full size item and its in the shade Violet. I really liked the color although looking at the picture it comes off a different shade like a dusty rose. This is something I would use.

Total SRV of the box is about $25.25 The box did pay for itself but I guess I was thinking it would have been more fall item related.

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This months theme was Effortless Allure. I always get a little confused with a theme and the products of some of these boxes and October’s box fell right into that slot.

Chapstick Hydrating Lock 24 hour care. (SRV $2.99 for 0.154oz)I have actually been waiting to try this and haven’t seen it yet in Canada. Its a duo. One end is a day time with sunscreen of SPF 12 and the other end is a night one. I love that idea and this is something that I will be using. There is a bit of a scent but nothing bad. I have been using it and its just like your regular chapstick.

Extend Your Beauty is a cosmetic tool that you can use to scrap up product you can reach or get to. (SRV $5.49) this will be used and I can finally stop using a coffee stir stick to get product out. I love that the tip is made of rubber so it will last awhile.

Lashem Picture Perfect. (SRV$3.95 for 0.5fl oz/ sample size is 0.17oz  $13.60). It seems like Lash Em is the biggest thing since we seem to be getting alot of things from them lately. It claims to be a nourishing serum that will reduce the fine lines for a goregous glow. Curious to see if it will live up that.

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Nanacoco Nail Polish. (SRV $3.95 0.4fl oz in the shade Romantic Cruise.  For me this isn’t a fall color and more of a spring color. I am way to pale to wear this now and its a shame that they couldn’t have thought more about a fall/winter shade when sending out the polishes. I have to say that I really don’t like the formula of it. You really have to apply light coats to avoid streaking.

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Bellapierre  Cosmetics Cheek and Lip Stain in Pink (SRV 19.99 0.31oz / sample size 0.176oz $11.35) it  does seem like a really nice pink shade. Not sure if I will use it as a cheek stain or a lip stain but I do know it won’t be both.

Total SRV of the box this month is $37.38 There were a few things that I was excited about and will be using and thats the Chapstick and the tool.

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The theme for the November box is Gracefully Grounded. I feel as though the items this month really have no connection with the theme with the exception of this is the box that might make be cancel Beauty Box 5.

Afterfeather Refillable Travel Bottles (SRV $8.95 for a set of 2  2fl oz bottles /1 bottle $4.48) When I opened the box I had to say I was like really you send one bottle to us. They aren’t that expensive and I think they could have sent us the full thing. Honestly when it comes to travelling I tend to go out and buy the samples we need so that I don’t have to lug anything back home with us or take what samples I have. The bottle is cute.

DenTek Floss Picks + case (SRV $2.49 for 4 and mine had a case with 6 pics in it SRV $0.62) I really wasn’t impressed with this and this is why I think at times these beauty boxes are just throwing what ever they have gotten in a box with no real thinking behind it.  Although to their deffence they did show a video showing how you could use this for dotting and stripping with nail polish.

HASK Macadamia Revitalizing Shine Oil (SRV 2.99 for 5/8fl oz) here is another beef I have with subscription boxes. I will probably use this since I love trying out different hair care items.

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash (SRV$ 6.49 for 22oz/ sample size 1.8 flo oz for roughly $0.48) I don’t mind body washes because they are perfect to have for traveling but I wish it would be something new and not something that I can readily buy at the Dollarstore, target or walmart.

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Laura Ashley Body Butter (SRV $20.00 for a set of 6/1.75oz/ sample is 1 $3.33) Sadly my container was cracked and had to transfer to another bottle and when I opened it it looked like someone or someones tried it. I got Sweet Peony. I did like the scent of it and it would be a perfect spring scent. Not something I would wear now with the colder weather upon us. I tend to go towards lotions/body butters for drier skin.

Total SRV of this months box is $11.90. I have to say I was diappointed in the box and I seriously think that if Decembers is bad that this will be it. I have no choice but to cancel. There was really nothing that impressed me.

What do you think?

Fortune Cookie Soap The Soap Box Fall 2014 Edition

 

fortune-cookie-soap

All subscription boxes will include 8 exclusive FCS products in adorable mini-sizes. You will also receive a $10 FCS gift code with each Soap Box, that can be redeemed online or in our retail store. Price includes shipping. 

Cost for the Soap Box is:

  • United States $19.99 and its billed every 3 months
  • Canada $28.00 and its billed every 3 months
  • International $34.00 and its billed every 3 months

This is a quarterly subscription service. You will get a new box each season. One of the great things about this is that you get a sneak peek at the upcoming scents and products before they are released online and in store.

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The theme for the fall box is Witch Please.

 

 

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Whenever my box arrives I have to admit the first thing I always reach for is the cute little fortune cookie soap. This one is “There’s No Place Like Home” Its a beautiful ruby red color. Instantly upon opening the package you can smell apple and cinnamon which are the perfect fall items to have.

This is described as “Curled Macintosh apple peels lovingly kissed with a hint of cinnamon, allspice and clove, make this fragrance warm and cozy, just like home…”

Inside every fortune cookie soap you get a fortune and mine said “Whoever said nothing was impossible never tried slamming a revolving door.”

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“Miss Popular Bubble Bath Powder”. I think this is enough for one bath but I was able to split it into two because I loved the scent of this. I was trying to figure out what it was (I always try to figure out what the scents are before looking at the card) and I just couldn’t place it.  I have smelled this before and I actually love the scent.

This is described as ” As bubbly and sticky sweet as they come, but maybe not quite what you’d expect, such as a depth of scent that is both unexpected and enchanting. The most  delectable, sweet, honey nectar shamelessly flirting with touches of star anise, star jasmine, sweet orange and blushing violet.”

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The little brown bottle is “The Shiz Perfume Oil” I first have to comment on how cute this little bottle is and its nice because its completely filled with perfume oil. I basically use the perfume oil like a perfume. For me this is the perfect fall scent you can smell a bit of musk with the smell of tree. At first I thought it was a little strong (remember alot goes a long way) but as I was wearing I started to enjoy it and I think this would also be perfect to wear in the winter as well.

Its described as “Normally you wouldn’t want to smell like shiz, but get ready to eat those words! What? It wouldn’t be FCS without an inappropriate remark or two! A woodland hike through damp balsam woods, with top notes of maple leaves blowing through new dawn blossom, laurel and sweet clove.

Handcrafted pure perfume oil, not cut or diluted.”

The White bottle is “Hair Flip Hair oil”. When I smelled this I instantly thought of yummy baked goodies. This is delicious. You can smell the hazelnut in this. I use roughly 4-5 drops after drying my hair and I have been using it almost every other day. I should let you know that this is a new item being introduced into the collection.

Its described as “The beauty of what we do here at FCS, is that if we decide we want something new, we just go ahead and make it! *flip flip!*

Please give a round of applause for our new custom blend of oils, formulated to nourish and repair dry, damaged hair.
1-2 drops is all you need for ultimate shine without greasy residue. Strands of sweet hazelnut woven throughout rich, buttery vanilla cream.”

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“Swankified Walnut Facial Scrub” This is a new item that is being introduced into the skin care line. Smelling this you can tell this is a walnut item. One of the things I like about this is its a dual item that can be used on the face to exfoliate or a body scrub. I did try this on my face and since I have sensitive skin I found it a little rough but as a body scrub its fantastic. It leaves your skin feeling smooth and soft.

Its described as “As we continue to expand our skincare line, we’d like to introduce you to our new, daily scrub! We had your face in mind, but feel free to “swankify”?all your parts! Bunches of ripe bananas mashed into sweet, sugary cake batter, then topped with walnuts and baked to a golden brown.

Our Walnut Body Scrub is a luxuriously thick and creamy textured body scrub that is designed to help detox and exfoliate the face, revealing a new layer of smooth, shiny, healthy skin.”

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“Green is the New Black whipped cream”  I love their whipped creams. I think I have gotten to the point that I can no longer smell what the scents are in this box but I am able to tell you that this smells like something baking. Its  thick but not heavy or oily on the skin. Its a perfect cream.

“Because orange would have been too obvious! Top notes of orange, apple, pear, pineapple and cherries lured into autumn by pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, all rounded out with warm vanilla-infused sugar.”

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Finally the last two items of the box.

“Roy C. Biv OCD Hand Sanitizer. I am always carrying around a hand sanitizer in my purse especially getting into the fall season. I have tried other brands but I have to say that the FCS ones are the best. I love the smell of them and over the years they have perfected the bottle which is nice. Michael has said in that other brands either smell strong or they burn when he uses them. Since trying the FCS ones he tells me that isn’t a issue. He loves that its not thick and gooey and that they smell good. Which I have to agree they aren’t strong and they smell so good. I love the smell of this, it smells like a fresh clean citrus smell.

“A full spectrum of bright citrus notes and florals against a cool fall background. Dusky breezes and bonfires, wind-blown leaves and charred woods brightened by notes of lemon, mandarin, cotton blossom and soft vanilla.”

“Flying Monkey’s Personal Space Spray” This is another item I love in the FCS collection. They always have the best air freshener sprays. They last quite a long time too. I have this one in my down stairs bathroom and I always find myself spraying it. This isn’t really a fall scent but I love it just the same.  I noticed that I have been using this alot lately because its getting cold and icky out.

“Mischief’s in the air! A fruity, breezy blend of peach, watermelon, neroli and jasmine with air and aquatic notes. But the real star of this fragrance? Fresh, ripe bananas!”

As you can see you do get 8 items in the box that are all deluxe sample sized. You are probably thinking that this box is expensive for what you get but let me just say that yes its deluxe sized samples but they are completely full no half empty bottles or containers. They are all hand made and I think that says alot about this company and they have the best customer service. Plus don’t forget you do get a $10 off future order coupon in each and every box. Plus you know you will get many uses out of the items and that its not all one use only.

For me I love this kind of subscription so I will always continue to subscribe. Its nice to get to try out the new scents of the season.

Have you tried this yet?

All I Want For Christmas #1

alliwantforchristmas (1)

I admit I am a little behind in my blog reading this past little while but I decided today since we had our hockey game early enough in the day that I would spend the afternoon getting caught up on my blog reading since we had not other plans for the day.

Danya from A Tapestry of Words started this fun little feature on her blog called All I Want For Christmas Is… and basically what you do is share your wishlist of books. I thought that this would be something fun to do perhaps on a weekly bases until Christmas. Can you believe we are a little over a month to go?

I am no where near being started so over the next few weeks I will be shopping, shopping and more shopping for gifts for my family and two Secret Santas I am taking part in. Are you ready?

I am thinking of doing a list of 5 books each week. Please let me know if you have ready any of these titles.

winnerscurse

shopaholictothestars

islaandthehappy

theyoungelites

stonecoldtouch

 

Are any of these books on your wishlists?