2015 – Page 30 – Cindy's Love Of Books

Meme/Waiting on Wednesday #8

Posted on February 23, 2015February 24, 2015 by Cindy

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine and its spotlights upcoming books that we are eagerly waiting for. I plan on including upcoming releases and books that are already released.

This week I am featuring:

After surviving a disastrous battle at prom, Alyssa has embraced her madness and gained perspective. She’s determined to rescue her two worlds and the people and netherlings she loves. Even if it means challenging Queen Red to a final battle of wills and wiles . . . and even if the only way to Wonderland, now that the rabbit hole is closed, is through the looking-glass world—a parallel dimension filled with mutated and violent netherling outcasts.

In the final installment of the wildly popular Splintered trilogy, Alyssa and her dad journey into the heart of magic and mayhem in search of her mom and to set right all that’s gone wrong. Together with Jeb and Morpheus, they must salvage Wonderland from the decay and destruction that has ensnared it. But if they succeed and come out alive, can everyone truly have their happily ever after?

On sale January 6th from Amulet books

Birch Box February Edition #2

Posted on February 22, 2015March 4, 2015 by Cindy

Birch Box will send you the current month’s Birchbox which will always include five personalized beauty samples from across categories (hair, makeup, skincare, body—you get the idea).

You’ll be charged for your subscription the day you sign up—it’s $10 a month (plus $4.95 shipping & handling) or $159.40 a year (that’s two months free!).

Monthly subscribers will be charged on the first of each month, and your box will be shipped out by the 10th. Annual subscriptions are charged in one fell swoop when you sign up.

If you would like to sign up I would invite you to CLICK ON THIS as its my personal referral link. For each referral I get bonus points. Please note that these boxes are purchased by myself and I am in no way being compensated for them.

This is only my second box so I am not quite sure how I feel about them yet.

As you can see from the above photo we did in fact get 5 samples. One of them I am super super thrilled to get to sample and the others I am excited to try. Can you guess which one I am super thrilled about? I will give you a moment to look at the picture to think about it.

The item that I am most thrilled about trying is this Tocca Eau de Parfum in the scent Florence. I first heard about this just around the holiday season when Sephora have a boxed set of the perfumes on sale. I wanted to grab one but in the end I closed the site and walked away so image my surprise when I opened the box to see this.

I love the scent of mine and its right up my alley. Its got hints of bergamot, gardenias and jasmine.

The full size is $82.00 and thats for 1.7oz . I got the standard sample size.

Last month you might recall that I got something from the Whish brand and I really liked the shaver gel so I was excited to see this body butter in the box. Its the Three WishesBody Butter in Pomegrante. I have been using this after getting out of the shower and my skin feels so good and its nice to know a little goes a long way. I love the scent of this.

The full size is $26.75 for a 150ml and I got a sample of 22ml

Something that is new to me is the Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo. Its not suppose to strip your hair of color or moisture so I am excited to try this. Its got a nice scent,

The full size is$32.00 for 8.5oz

Another item I got in my last BirchBox was from Derma E. This one is anti-wrinkle Vitamin a Glycolic scrub. Its an all natural cleanser/exfoliates, Getting the skin rid of dull skin, cleanses pores and supposedly fades dark spots.

The full size is $12.75 for 4 ounces and the sample size is 1oz

Finally the last item in the box is by Cynthia Rowley Beauty and its the creamy lip stain in the shade Heartthrob. Its a long wearing lip stain that is buildable in color. I applied one coat and its was a nice color so I am not sure I would do more since I am not use to wear that color. It went on nicely not stickly and it was very moisturizing. I noticed a slight shine but it was okay. Its labelled as a classic red. So I am willing to try it out.

The full size is 0.17 oz for $23.00

Plus there was a coupon $30 off a $75 order from Rent The Runway.

Overall it was a good box with items I am excited to try and I have to say getting the Tocca sample made my day. Lets see what March will bring.

Freedom to Read Week February 22nd to 28th

Posted on February 20, 2015 by Cindy

Next week in Canada its Freedom to Read Week and it encourages us Canadians to think about what we read and to reaffirm our rights to what we read. We have the right to read whatever we want and we shouldn’t be told what we aren’t allowed to read.

Next week I am making a commitment to read a few banned books.

Here is a LINK to some of the challenged books in Canada. I am surprised at some of the books and magazines that are on this list. Are you?

Hopefully I will make it to the library to grab a few books but if not I plan on reading The Giver by Lois Lowry and To Kill A Mocking bird by Harper Lee.

Since I have Next Issue on my iPad I plan on catching up on reading MacLean’s magazine.

Do you have any plans on taking part in The Freedom To Read week? Reading any banned books?

Just a reminder that Banned Book Week is happening September 27th to October 3rd 2015 in the US.

Censorship in Canada

Freedom to read can never be taken for granted. Even in Canada, a free country by world standards, books and magazines are banned at the border. Books are removed from the shelves in Canadian libraries, schools and bookstores every day. Free speech on the Internet is under attack. Few of these stories make headlines, but they affect the right of Canadians to decide for themselves what they choose to read.

Meme/Waiting on Wednesday #7

Posted on February 18, 2015January 26, 2015 by Cindy

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine and its spotlights upcoming books that we are eagerly waiting for. I plan on including upcoming releases and books that are already released.

This week I am featuring:

Seventeen-year-old Twylla lives in the castle. But although she’s engaged to the prince, Twylla isn’t exactly a member of the court.

She’s the executioner.

As the Goddess embodied, Twylla instantly kills anyone she touches. Each month, she’s taken to the prison and forced to lay her hands on those accused of treason. No one will ever love a girl with murder in her veins. Even the prince, whose royal blood supposedly makes him immune to Twylla’s fatal touch, avoids her company.

But then a new guard arrives, a boy whose easy smile belies his deadly swordsmanship. And unlike the others, he’s able to look past Twylla’s executioner robes and see the girl, not the Goddess. Yet Twylla’s been promised to the prince, and knows what happens to people who cross the queen.

However, a treasonous secret is the least of Twylla’s problems. The queen has a plan to destroy her enemies, a plan that requires a stomach-churning, unthinkable sacrifice. Will Twylla do what it takes to protect her kingdom? Or will she abandon her duty in favor of a doomed love?

On sale February 24th from Scholastic

Fortune Cookie Soap The Soap Box Spring 2015 Edition

Posted on February 17, 2015February 23, 2015 by Cindy

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
Summer box is now open CLICK ON THIS

I probably begin each and every Fortune Cookie Soap unboxing post by saying that this is my favorite quarterly subscription box and honestly it is my absolute favorite subscription box out there. Please note that I am not sponsored by them and these boxes are purchased by me so this is my honest and sincere opinion.

The theme this month is Wonderland. This box smelled so good when I opened it. If this is what Spring is suppose to smell like then bring it on.

“Almost Alice” Fortune Cookie Soap. The soap is a baby blue colored soap and it smells heavenly. Smelling this makes me think of spring and what spring should smell like. Its a fresh green snap peas and juicy pears brighten this bouquest of sweet pea flowers and freesia, sprinkled with ripe berries. Each fortune cookie soap comes with a fortune and mine said “Which luckily I am.”

“Twisted Tea Party” bath tea is a whole new concept to me. I never knew what they were until I started to get beauty box subscriptions. All you have to do is get a bath running and drop it in. This is another scent that when I smell I instantly think of spring. This is a light refreshing green tea with notes of sweet herbs, vanilla bean, cucumber, golden amber and hits of neroli and geranium stirred with a bright sprig of spearmint.

“Who Are You?” Incense Cones. I was curious when I saw the little bag in the box because I had no idea what it was. I instantly thought of my aunt because she use to always burn incense cones. This is a mysterious mixture of crisp, ripe, pear twisted with tart limes, vanilla orchid, and a dash of raw can sugar. I got seven in the bag.

“It’s Only a Dream” Whipped Cream. I love that they give you a generous sample size of their items espeically there whipped creams because you get alot of uses out of them. This is a calming verbena. lemongrass, calla lily and citrus blended with leafy greens, ylang-ylang, rosewood and ozone with hints of soft musk and roses.

It smells spring like and the whipped cream isn’t greasy and it absorbs into the skin quickly leaving a fresh spring like smell on your hands.

“Off With Their Heads” bath bomb. I love bath bombs so I am excited to use this up. Its lemon and orange scented mixed with wild roses, violets and star jasmine perfumed with tones of bergamont and Egyptian musk. I was expecting something else when I smelled this such as a spring scent and its not really that but still smells really nice.

“Futterwacken” body wash. When I saw this I instantly thought I was getting alcohol because its in that kind of packaging but then I realize that hey FCS wouldn’t do that or would they? Its bright orange and I when I smelled it I instantly thought of the orange crush pop (soda). This is a sun warmed lilies brightened with a splash of grapefruit and a breath of fresh air. I have a feeling that this will be used up in one shower oh no!

“Eat Me” Perfume Oil. This is another item that I am getting use to using. A little goes a long way when you wear it. I think this was one that I took forever to try and figure out that scents and I was wrong. Its yellow cake with fresh slathering of rich creamy vanilla frosting topped with fresh white pineapple slices with sprigs of cilantro. Even after I read the card I was still trying to figure it out.

Finally the last item in the box is the “We’re All Mad Here” OCD Hand Sanitizer. Just an FYI don’t use if you have a cut on your hand because it will hurt like he**. I love that we always get these because I love throwing them in a purse to have on hand when we are out and in a pinch. The scent was really nice and not strong. The scent is playful mint waters and natural leafy green notes along with a musky rich cedarwood.

This was another amazing box and I have to say it came at the perfect time. I am in dire need of some spring because I am getting tired of the bitter cold winter we are having. Getting this box makes it feel like spring is just around the corner and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I will always say that this subscription is worth it. This will always be a box that I will keep subscribed to.

The spring box will be launching later this week (February 27th at 6:30pm CST) and you will be able to purchase the above products then.

They have also opened up the signups for the Summer box. I have include the link above.

Review & Blog Tour/ New Uses For Old Boyfriends

Posted on February 16, 2015February 17, 2015 by Cindy

New Uses For Old Boyfriends Series: Black Dog bay #2

by Beth Kendrick
Format: Paperback
Published by Penguin on February 3rd 2015
Pages: 336
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads

Genres: Contemporary Women, Fiction

After growing up in privilege and marrying into money, Lila Alders has gotten used to the good life. But when her happily-ever-after implodes, Lila must return to Black Dog Bay, the tiny seaside town where she grew up. She’s desperate for a safe haven, but everything has changed over the past ten years. Her family’s fortune is gone—and her mother is in total denial. It’s up to Lila to take care of everything...but she can barely take care of herself.The former golden girl of Black Dog Bay struggles to reinvent herself by opening a vintage clothing boutique. But even as Lila finds new purpose for outdated dresses and tries to reunite with her ex, she realizes that sometimes it’s too late for old dreams. She’s lost everything she thought she needed but found something—someone—she desperately wants. A boy she hardly noticed has grown up into a man she can’t forget...and a second chance has never felt so much like first love.READERS GUIDE INCLUDED

I received this book for free from publisher/pr firm in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This is the second book in the Black Dog Bay series and I have to admit at first I didn’t realize it until I was reading it and a few characters names popped up that I am like I have seen their names before so I quickly had to check it out and yes this is the second book but let me tell you that you don’t really need to read the first one, Cure For The Common breakup to follow along with this book.

Like I mentioned in my review for Cure For The Common Breakup, I have never read anything by Beth Kendrick before this and I am really interested in reading more because I really enjoy her writing. So I will be checking out her other books very soon.

Lila is the main character in New Uses For Old Boyfriends and she is living the dream life. She is married and is one of the host of a shopping channel. She thinks things are good until her husband divorces her and leaves her with barely anything. She decides to move back home and help her mother out since she recently lost her father.

Lila things that things are good for her mother and that there is enough money to take care of herself and possibly Lila but she quickly realizes thats not the case. Not only is Lila in financial trouble but so is her mother. Lila always thought that her father had everything in control but realizes things weren’t as they seemed and it seems like her mother, Daphne who was once a model in her younger days has a shopping problem and it leaves them no choice but to have to sell the house in order to get out of the red.

Daphne wants nothing to do with that and fights every step of the way and its only when Lila discovers that the situation is more serious then expected. When Lila discovers all the vintage gowns and clothes hidden away she encourages her mother to sell them and once they realize there is a demand they thing that this could be the answer to their financial problems.

Now no book would be complete without a little romance and Lila has her share of it. Her mother has her sights set on Ben an old high school boyfriend that would be the perfect man for Lila. Lila at first thinks she could rekindle that romance but so discovers that Ben has his sights on someone else that he is hoping will work out and will it?

The second man, Malcolm, who she discovers by accident and who I have to say that I actually liked from the moment he was introduced. Back in high school Lila had snubbed him and he remembered it like it was yesterday he slowly chips away at her but will be win her heart?

I really enjoyed reading this book and it was a fun and quick read. The third book is called Put A Ring On It and its out November 2015 and you know I will be reading this when it comes out.

Meme/Waiting on Wednesday #6

Posted on February 11, 2015January 26, 2015 by Cindy

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine and its spotlights upcoming books that we are eagerly waiting for. I plan on including upcoming releases and books that are already released.

This week I am featuring:

From the Back Cover

A spinning wheel.
A prick of a finger.
A Terrible curse.

One hundred years after falling asleep, Princess Aurora wakes up to the kiss of a handsome prince and a broken kingdom that has been dreaming of her return. All the books say that she should be living happily ever after. But as Aurora understands all too well, the truth is nothing like the fairy tale.

Her family is long dead. Her “true love” is a kind stranger. And her whole life has been planned out by political foes while she slept. Everyone expects Aurora to marry her betrothed and restore magic and peace to the kingdom before revolution tears it apart. But after a lifetime spent locked in a tower for her own safety, Aurora longs for the freedom to make her own choices. When she meets a handsome rebel, she is tempted to abandon everything for a different kind of life.

As Aurora struggles to make sense of her new world, she begins to fear that the curse has left its mark on her, a fiery and dangerous thing that might be as wicked as the witch who once ensnared her. With her wedding day drawing near, Aurora must make the ultimate decision on how to save her kingdom: marry the prince or run.

A Wicked Thing is a surprising, spellbinding reimagining of what happens after happily ever after.

On sale February 24th from HarperTeen.