Cindy

Topbox February Edition/Guest Post

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Cindy

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

Posted on February 6, 2013April 14, 2014 by Cindy

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.

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.

Meme/ Top Ten Tuesday

Posted on February 5, 2013April 14, 2014 by Cindy

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)

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.

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.
Meeting authors and getting my books signed.
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.
Meeting the Montreal bloggers for the first time, Avis, Donna and Tina. I was so nervous and excited.
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.
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.
Meeting bloggers who I follow such as Alita, Sheila , Kathy , Kim , Kate and so many others.
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.
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
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?

Meme/ Know Me Better #5

Posted on February 4, 2013April 14, 2014 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.

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?

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.

Meme/ Sunday’s In Bed With… #35

Posted on February 3, 2013April 14, 2014 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!!

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?

February’s Sampling This Month

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Cindy

Welcome to February’s Sampling This Month’s monthly feature. Its a sneak peek of the items I will be sampling this month.

As you can see its not a overly filled box this month for some reason. I apologize for the Christmas box that is featured in this post. For some reason I didn’t really notice that I was using it since it sits on the side of my computer until I took the picture.

This month I have a few lip products, bath items, lotion and a few other little goodies.

I am actually really enjoying this because it forces me to use up products that I get the previous month instead of putting them away and not using them.

I have a few items in that box that I am super excited to try out and hoping that I will love them. I do know that I probably won’t open that Nivea lip balm right now since I have quite a few open.

Empties January Edition

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Cindy

In order to keep track of the items I used up this month I have made it a point to keep this bin near by so instead of throwing things in the recycling bin I put them here first.

I have noticed that since starting this that I tend to use up products alot more then before. Before I had the bad habit of using something a few times and then abandoning it. Does anyone else do that?

The photo above is bath related to some extend. I have included bath products and shampoos/conditioners.

~I used up three of the Lush bath bombs I recently purchased. Big Blue, Sakura and one from the holiday collection which I can’t recall but I love it and wish it would become a regular item. I love Lush bath bombs and so happy that I rediscovered them again.

~Another bath bomb I used was from Fortune Cookie Soap I believe it was the coal. This was really interesting and at first I thought it would stain the tub but it didn’t. This was okay nothing special for me.

~I managed to use up three kinds of soaps this month.

Dove Go Fresh revive soap bar. I liked it but it wasn’t a favorite and probably wouldn’t repurchase it again.
I believe the next soap came from TNBB and its Temptations Bath & Body Vanilla Twist. It was a cute little cup cake shaped soap that smelled delicious. I thought it had more of a chocolate smell to it. It lathered nicely.
Another soap from TNBB was that cute Wicked Little Gingerbread Soap and I LOVED this. It smelled so good and had a nice lather. I ended up using this every other day just so I could prolong the soap and I loved how it made my bathroom smell.

~Another item from a beauty box was the Venus razor I recently got. I liked this and like that you didn’t need to use a shaving cream or soap to shave. It was easy to use and handle. I think I would like it if it came with a cover especially considering its left in the shower and it would easily fall and break. Since I currently have a few razors still laying around I probably won’t purchase the refills right away.

~This was the month of using up Shampoo and Conditioner samples. The ones I got in sample boxes were:

NuMe Hydro punch hydrating and I liked it. I managed to get a few days of it and it had a nice smell and felt good in my hair. Although I’m not sure this would be something I would purchase.
Nexxus Therappe Hydrating Shampoo & Humectress Hydrating Conditioner. I was able to get a full week out of these samples and I really enjoyed it. The scent was nice and my hair felt great after using it. I would probably purchase this when I run out of what I am currently using.
The following are shampoo/conditioner samples that I have had for quite some time that I either got in the mail or from hotels. They are: Conditioning Shampoo (Marietta Canada), Inner Science (extra moisture care) Cleanse Shampoo and Nourish Conditioner, Pantene brunette expressions shampoo & conditioner [this use to be a favorite of mine a few years ago], Herbal Essences Body Envy Shampoo and Conditioner [loved the smell but its was for volume which I don’t need with fizzy hair] 2x TRESemme Split Remedy Shampoo & Conditioner [I don’t have split ends but I really loved the smell and what it did to my hair. I think this would be perfect for people who do have split ends], Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo and Conditioner [this also was a favorite of mine a few years ago. Loved the smell and what it did to my hair before the frizz], Sunsilk Straighten-Up [this was something I used in the past and really liked it as well.] and finally Free Your Mane [this really wasn’t a favorite of mine and wouldn’t purchase this. I just didn’t like it and what it did to my hair. Sadly I was only able to get one use out of it.]

~The last of the bath items are the washes.

Now I loved the smell and lather but I hated the packaging. They are from Sephora body wash caps. They were a hot mess to open and I ended up having to use one cap in one use. I thought it was just a little too much for one use but the packaging made it impossible to save. I tried the chocolate (which I really liked, who doesn’t like chocolate?) and Monoi (this wasn’t my favorite scent and wouldn’t repurchase it)
From a previous sample box I used up the Vanilla Grapefruit hand & body wash. I really liked this and was able to get two uses out of it and it lathered really nicely and smelled so good. I love the scent of some vanillas.
I was going to hold off using the Fortune Cookie Body Wash in Cheer Monger that I got but it smelled like hot chocolate and with January being so cold I couldn’t resist. This was delicious and I would purchase this in a hand beat and probably will buy it again very soon if its available.
Finally my least favorite of the month was from TNBB Wine Delights Pina Colada. I liked the smell and it did smell like a pina colada but I found it to be too watery for my liking. When I think of a bath wash etc I envision a thicker liquid. I probably ended up using more then I should have and it didn’t last a week because of that. I would purchase this.

~This was another month were we used up alot of hand soaps. Favorites were Iced Gingerbread and warm apple cider (love the smell of them) and some new scents were Fresh Sparkling Snow and Sparkling Pink Champagne. I would probably repurchase them again if needed.

~Something I got from my dentist was:

Crest Pro-Health mouth wash. I really liked this and have since purchased a full size item.
Oral Pro Health floss pick. This would be perfect to shove in a make up bag and use when you are out. I liked the concept and the flavor. Not sure I would buy this but if they have a small container I would pick it up.
3D White Strips. I have never used them before and I have to say it felt awkward and probably wouldn’t go out to buy them.

~Quite a few packs of wipes were used:

From Chapters I bought s small pack of the Hand & Face Winter Berries mini wipes. This is perfect to put in your purse and it doesn’t take up alot of room. They are a little pricey at 10 wipes for $2. but honestly this time of the season I don’t mine spending the money on wipes to be sure hands are clean when we are out.
Yes to Cucumbers sooth facial towelettes was something new I recently saw at Pharmaprix that I wanted to try out to see if they would be perfect to travel with and they were. It cleansed and nourished my skin and taking off make up was a breeze. I would repurchase this.
Something I’m really not sure about is the Neutrogena all in one make up removing cleansing wipes. I thought it was a little harsh on my skin. I thought this would be the perfect thing to try and see if I liked it but I probably won’t repurchase again.
LA Fresh Travel Wipes was something I just got in one of my boxes and I decided to use it up to see what it was like and honestly its just another wipe. Nothing special about this for me. This was actually one wipe from LA Fresh that smelled great. I hated the other wipes I have gotten from them in the past.

~For quite a while it seems like Downy was sending out the Un Stopables samples to everyone and finally I decided enough was enough time to start using them up (2x). I really like the blues ones because they had a fresh smell. I discovered that I had to use my unscented laundry soap with them because other wise it was too much. Its been nice to try them out but I don’t think I would purchase these.

~Another sample that seems to be making the rounds is Clorox cleaning wipes for Electronics. This is a neat idea and it worked really well on my computer monitor and tv but it won’t be something I would purchase just because there is cheaper ways to do that same job.

~Another item from Spa resource that I recently got was the moisturizing Foot cream. I really liked this and it was a nice break in between what I normally use. The scent was really nice and it worked great on my feet. I was able to get two uses out of it.

~I think I have had the Amedaya Sweet Orange & Vanilla body butter for a while now and during my purge and clean I found this so I decided to try it out. It was a nice smell and made my hands soft. I was able to get a two uses out of it. It was okay nothing special for me about it.

~Finally onto some make up items I was able to use up.

The first one is a mineral eye shimmer in Expresso (dark brown) that I got in a beauty box. I have been using it on and off since getting it and it was a really nice color to use for creating a smokey eye effect. It was too dark to use alone so what better way to use it up. It was nice to change up the look.
Smashbox Photo finish hydrating foundation primer was something I feel in love with and yes I went out and purchased it. This was perfect to use before applying foundation. My face felt very soft and smooth.
Before trying the Smashbox one I had tried MUFE (make up for ever) High Definition Primer. It was okay and honestly for me nothing special about this. I prefer the Smashbox.

Finally two items left and one I really really didn’t like and the second I am throwing away because I think its too old.

If you remember I got Desirable from I believe TNBB and the reason I am throwing this away is because it smells gross. I tried it out and with perfume you have to let it set with your skin to get the true scent and well putting it on I didn’t like because its like a balm and the smell was awful and as the time progressed the smell did too. I ended up washing my arm to get rid of it.
I think my Revlon multi care top & base coat was old because whenever I used it my nails would crack and peel. I think I have had it for a few years. Not sure if that is normal or not but I am not taking chances.

So that is what I used up in January. Was this useful to you? What do you think of the products?