blogging – Page 151 – Cindy's Love Of Books

20 Things You Might Not Know About Me Tag

Posted on November 3, 2014September 20, 2014 by Cindy

This is a pretty new to me tag that I spotted over at Christian Novels and I thought it sounded like a fun little tag to do.

So I am not going to tag anyone specifically because this has been making the rounds but if you do take part please leave me a comment so that I can go and check out your replies.

1. How tall are you?

If you met me in real life you know I am short but if you haven’t I am just under 5 feet.

2. Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what?

I don’t think I have any hidden talents.

3. What’s your biggest blog-related pet peeve?

I have to say that for me its all the spam comments which make no sense what so ever to the blog post they are hitting. Thankfully its all blocked so your not all bombarded with it but yea its a little annoying at times.

4. What’s your biggest non-blog related pet peeve?

People who don’t fully understand what I do and thinking I do nothing all day but read and thinking that I get paid to blog or read when that isn’t the case although I wish it was.

5. What’s your favorite song?

I have quite a few such as Rude by Magic, All About The Bass by Megan Trainor, All of Me by John Legend, Happy, Problem by Ariana Grande, Am I wrong by Niko & Vinz, Stay with Me by Sam Smith, and so many more.

6. What’s your favourite Etsy shop that isn’t yours?

I have to admit that I am not on Etsy’s. I haven’t fallen into that…yet

7. What’s your favorite way to spend your free time when you’re alone?

When I am alone I like to listen to music, bake, clean and squeeze in some reading if I can. If its the day I have to car because I have library I have to say that I love to shop.

8. What’s your favorite junk food?

I have would say its chips, pretzels and chocolate.

9. Do you have a pet or pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?

No we don’t have any pets at all.

10. What are your number one favorite non-fiction and fiction books?

I don’t read alot of non fiction books so could I add cookbooks? I love looking through cookbooks. As for fiction, there is so many but if you read my blog you will see in my reviews if I love a book.

11. What’s your favorite beauty product?

I have so many favorites but to pick a few I have to say bb or cc creams. They are a life saver if you don’t have time for foundation and I tend to use it daily. I also love lip balms especially the eos ones. I think I practically own them all. Finally nail polish, because you can add a pop of color so quickly to a look.

12. When were you last embarrassed? What happened?

Its been awhile so I am not quite sure. I will edit this if I can think of something.

13. If you could only drink one beverage (besides water) for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It would have to be salted carmel mokas from Starbucks or apple cider. Those are two of my favorite drinks.

14. What’s your favorite movie?

I have a few it would be TopGun, Grease, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, and The Breakfast Club are ones I can watch all the time.

15. What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?

Hmm this one is hard I never was in any of those categories. I mean I was just a kid who went to school and hung out with friends.

16. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Its a toss up between NYC which I love and London. I have never been sight seeing in London just at the airport but I have always wanted to go.

17. PC or Mac?

PC as I don’t have a mac computer

18. Last romantic gesture from a crush, date, boy/girlfriend, spouse?

I was surprised with flowers. It doesn’t happen very often but when I am stressed and down something appears

19. Favorite celebrity?

Shemar Moore hands down LOL

20. What blogger do you secretly want be best friends with?

This is a hard question because I feel like I am friends with everyone so far LOL and besides I don’t think I could list anyone for fear they wouldn’t like me and want to be friends with me LOL

I hope you enjoyed this.

2014 Holiday Gift Guide

Posted on November 2, 2014November 3, 2014 by Cindy

Christmas is quickly approaching and its hard to believe there is only 7 1/2 weeks left until the big day. Are you ready?

This year I thought I would try something different and I hope you guys will like it. I am currently taking submissions for the Christmas Season.

I always find it hard to find just the right gifts and I know I am not the only one.

If you would like to be included in my first every Holiday Gift Guide please click on the Holiday Gift Guide Button in my navigation bar or email me at

cindy@ifc.ojo.mybluehost.me

I am accepting items for children, women, men, and stocking stuffers.

Reviews will include a blog post with photos, a vlog, Facebook shares, Twitter shares, a spot on pinterest in my Holiday Gift Guide pin, instagram photos, and so much more.

Give away and featured posts without a review will be subjected to a fee or need to meet a min requirement.

Please note shipping of give away items is your responsibility.

Thanks in advance. Happy Holidays.

MiB Awards 2014….Please Vote For Me

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Cindy

Hi my blogger friends. I have a huge request please, I have been nonimated for two awards for my blog and I would really appreciate it if you could click on both banners and vote for my blog.

It would mean the world to me. Thanks in advance.

For the Lifestyle category:

For the Beauty category:

Being MIA for a bit

Posted on October 9, 2014November 22, 2014 by Cindy

This week has been really rough for me and my family. As you can probably see from the blog I haven’t posted much this week and I am behind in two reviews I was suppose to have up for a blog tour. I will hopefully have those up very soon.

Sunday night my mother was rushed to the hospital by ambulance because she had fallen again. We are always at a lost for words when she falls because she says she blacks out and doesn’t remember what happened before that. Thankfully nothing was broken just a bad bump on her head.

The dr decided to admit her so that he could run a whole series of test on her because over the past few months she has started to rock back and forth and it has gotten worse. I have been up to see her and it was really heart breaking because the whole time I was there she cried. She had no idea where she was and why she was there and wanted to go home. We as a family told her that she would remain there until the drs found out what was going on.

Continue reading “Being MIA for a bit” →

Christmas Recipe Exchange

Posted on September 28, 2014September 29, 2014 by Cindy

A twist on the traditional Christmas Card Exchange! This time we’ll be sending recipes (in the mail) instead of just cards. Recipes that are old favorites, or special to your family. Maybe one you’ve seen and thought looked amazing but haven’t had a chance to try yet. Snacks, main dishes, side dishes or desserts…

They can be on recipe cards, in handwriting or typed out, decorated or left plain and simple. Include notes on why you love it or just go for the straight recipe. It’s really up to yall however you’d like to make it special for your recipient. You can include a Christmas card as well or just send the recipe.

**Feel free to invite your friends or blog followers! If you’d like to post about it or add the button to your side boards please do!**

I know this is being posted super early and I’m sure not everyone is thinking about Christmas but if you are like me you like to plan things in advance and I love baking for Christmas so from now until December 1st I am always picking up baking supplies and looking for new recipes.

So if your like me why not sign up to join the Christmas Cookie Recipe Exchange its being hosted by Anna Herding Cats & Burning Soup. You can click on her blog name and it will take you to the introduction post.

CLICK ON THIS and it will take you to the sign up page. You have until November 10th to join.

Do you like to bake? Will you be signing up?

Read PINK in October

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Cindy

Read Pink® in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Support the Next Chapter in Innovative Research

Penguin Random House Marks Five-Year Partnership Milestone and $125,000

in Donations to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®

What’s black and white and pink all over? The initiative by Penguin Random House called Read Pink® in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October)!

Today the scientific community has left behind the “one-size-fits-all” breast cancer treatment to emerge with targeted, more effective therapies. As a result, after remaining stagnant for more than 50 years, the death rate from breast cancer has decreased by 30 percent. The Read Pink^® initiative by Penguin Random House is proud to be part of this exciting new chapter in the fight against breast cancer, supporting the bold research of The Breast Cancer Foundation^® (BCRF), while leveraging its passionate readers to help increase awareness and education about the disease. This literary embrace of a life-saving cause has resulted in nearly 1.5 million best-selling novels shipped with Read Pink seals and information about BCRF across all five years of the promotion.

Penguin Random House is thrilled to partner once again this year with BCRF, as 91 cents of every dollar spent by BCRF is directed towards breast cancer research and awareness programs.

The $25,000 donation that Penguin Random House contributes, regardless of sales, provides vital funds to support the mission of BCRF.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Penguin Random House’s Read Pink® editions, we are featuring a few participating authors and what Read Pink® means to them…

Beatriz Williams (2014 Read Pink® Spokesperson), A Hundred Summers

“Every life lost to breast cancer leaves behind a hole that can never be filled again: a wife, a mother, a sister, a friend, an aunt, a grandmother. I’m so grateful for organizations like The Breast Cancer Research Foundation for their efforts to find a cure for this devastating disease, and honored to support breast cancer awareness, detection, and research through Penguin’s READ PINK program in 2014. With your help, we can move closer to the day when breast cancer leaves behind only survivors.”

Karen White, The Time Between

“Since 1989, death rates from breast cancer have been decreasing due to earlier detection and improved treatment because of the efforts of organizations like The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Books have always been an important part of my life, and I am honored that my book will be part of Penguin’s Read Pink program that supports breast cancer awareness and research through reading. It is my greatest hope that through efforts like this we might find a cure within my lifetime.”

Nora Roberts, Sea Swept and The Witness

“To all the moms and daughters, wives and sisters, lovers and friends, Read Pink is here for you and yours. Help support breast cancer awareness and the strong, brave women who fight or will fight this disease and Read Pink in October.”

Catherine Anderson, Perfect Timing

“I am so delighted to be included in the Read Pink campaign again this year with Perfect Timing being featured, along with so many other great books, to raise funds for breast cancer research. I can remember when a diagnosis of breast cancer was often equivalent to a death sentence. Nowadays, the survival rates have increased greatly, and I personally know women who have prevailed over this terrible disease. Sadly, I’ve also known a few women who lost the battle. So I call upon all of you to join ranks with me and countless other women in a war to defeat breast cancer. ‘Read Pink! Buy books bearing the Read Pink logo as gifts for the women you love.’ By standing together as sisters, we have it within our power to make a huge difference!”

Jayne Ann Krentz, Dream Eyes

“This is the time of year when we celebrate the progress that has been made in the battle against breast cancer and acknowledge the work that lies ahead. No, we aren’t there yet. There’s a long way to go. The greatest weapon we have to fight this disease is research and research costs money. That is why this breast cancer awareness campaign is so important and why I am proud to participate.”

Marie Force, I Want to Hold Your Hand

“I’m so thrilled to be part of the Read Pink effort to help raise awareness and funding for breast cancer research. I hear frequently from romance readers who tell me my books and those of other romance authors have helped them get through breast cancer treatment. I want to hear from fewer of them in the future. I want to hear they took our books on fabulous vacations rather than treatments. Please Read Pink in October to support all the courageous women fighting this disease and to fund critical research. Thank you for Reading Pink!”

Full List of 2014 Participating Authors:

Mark your calendars and remember to join in the conversation with @BerkleyRomance and @PenguinGroupUSA on Twitter in October. Make sure to use the hashtag #ReadPink!

For more information about the Read Pink initiative and to view a complete list of the participating retail outlets, please visit penguin.com/readpink.

Read Pink® Blog Tour Schedule

Please support the blogs taking part in this special, Read Pink® Spotlight Tour!

October 1 – Exclusive guest post with spokesperson Beatriz Williams on LizandLisa.com

***

September 22 Cheryl’s Book Nook; The Readers Den; Gone with the Words;

Pretty Sassy Cool

September 23 Reading Reality; You Gotta Read; Adria’s Romance Reviews

September 24 Kimberly Faye Reads; Nicely Phrased; I Smell Sheep

September 25 Romance Junkies; To Read or Not To Read;

A Southern Girl’s Bookshelf

September 26 Cindy’s Love of Books; Chick Lit Plus; The Book Reading Gals

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September 29 LitChat; Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf; Chris Book Blog Emporium

September 30 Reality Bites! Let’s Get Lost!; Grave Tells; Britt’s Book and Life Blog;

Sincerely Stacie

October 1 Cocktails and Books; The Reading Nook Reviews; 2Bookaholics;

Wit & Sin; Raw Books

October 2 SOS Aloha; Bookish Things & More; Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads

October 3 Dew on the Kudzu; Peace Love Books;

Grown Up Book Reviews

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October 6 My Book Addiction and More; Book-alicious Mama;

Chick Lit Central

October 7 A Dream Within A Dream; Thoughts in Progress; Mundie Moms

October 8 Flirty and Dirty Book Blog; Readers Live A Thousand Lives;

That’s What I’m Talking About

October 9 Book Lovin’ Mamas; Lori’s Reading Corner; The Book Reading Gals

October 10 Supernatural Snark; Once Upon a Twilight;

Expressions of a Hopeful Romantic

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October 13 Fallen Angel Reviews; Parajunkee’s View; As I Turn the Pages

October 14 Reading in Black & White; Keepin It Real Book Blog

October 15 ABCD Diaries; Fictional Candy; Paranormal Book Club

October 16 Sexy Bibliophiles; Book Sniffers Anonymous;

Sexy Book Reviews By Shelly & April

October 17 Wicked Lil Pixie; The Book Swarm; Addicted 2 Novels;

Stephanie’s Book Reports

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October 20 News & Sentinel, “Book Nook”; The Reading Café

October 21 The Book Bellas; The Book Cellar

October 22 The Novel Life; My Book Muse;

Confessions of a Y.A. & N.A. Book Addict

October 23 Rock Stars of Romance; Silver’s Reviews; Journey of a Bookseller

October 24 Sunshine & Mountains

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October 27 Bewitched Bookworms; Ramblings From This Chick

October 28 Reading in Pajamas; Turn the Page

October 29 Michelle & Leslie’s Book Picks; Stuck In YA Books;

Reviews by Tammy & Kim

October 30 Fang-tastic Books; No BS Book Reviews; Marie’s Cozy Corner

Smut Book Junkie Book Reviews

October 31 In Shadows; Love Romances & More

Top 5 Fall Books I Want to Read

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Cindy

Good Morning everyone.

As a blogger its always hard to find things to post on a daily bases so today I thought I would share my Top 5 Fall books I am looking forward to reading.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Scott Westerfeld comes a smart, thought-provoking novel-within-a-novel that you won’t be able to put down.

Darcy Patel has put college on hold to publish her teen novel, Afterworlds. With a contract in hand, she arrives in New York City with no apartment, no friends, and all the wrong clothes. But lucky for Darcy, she’s taken under the wings of other seasoned and fledgling writers who help her navigate the city and the world of writing and publishing. Over the course of a year, Darcy finishes her book, faces critique, and falls in love.

Woven into Darcy’s personal story is her novel,Afterworlds, a suspenseful thriller about a teen who slips into the “Afterworld” to survive a terrorist attack. The Afterworld is a place between the living and the dead, and where many unsolved-and terrifying-stories need to be reconciled. Like Darcy, Lizzie too falls in love…until a new threat resurfaces, and her special gifts may not be enough to protect those she cares about most.

If life were fair, Jam Gallahue would still be at home in New Jersey with her sweet British boyfriend, Reeve Maxfield. She’d be watching old comedy sketches with him. She’d be kissing him in the library stacks. She certainly wouldn’t be at The Wooden Barn, a therapeutic boarding school in rural Vermont, living with a weird roommate, and signed up for an exclusive, mysterious class called Special Topics in English.

But life isn’t fair, and Reeve Maxfield is dead.

Until a journal-writing assignment leads Jam to Belzhar, where the untainted past is restored, and Jam can feel Reeve’s arms around her once again. But there are hidden truths on Jam’s path to reclaim her loss.

From New York Times bestselling author Meg Wolitzer comes a breathtaking and surprising story about first love, deep sorrow, and the power of acceptance.

Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are incredibly close. At thirteen, isolated Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude cliff-dives and wears red-red lipstick and does the talking for both of them. But three years later, Jude and Noah are barely speaking. Something has happened to wreck the twins in different and dramatic ways . . . until Jude meets a cocky, broken, beautiful boy, as well as someone elsean even more unpredictable new force in her life. The early years are Noah”s story to tell. The later years are Jude”s. What the twins don”t realize is that they each have only half the story, and if they could just find their way back to one another, they’d have a chance to remake their world.

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scarsthey are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society.This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.
Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

With the heart of Judy Blume and wit of Alison Bechdel, Sara Farizan brings the authenticity and humor that distinguished her debut novel, If You Could Be Mine, to her second work of fiction for teens.

Leila has made it most of the way through high school without having a crush on anyone, which comes as something of a relief. Her Persian heritage makes her different enough; if word got out that Leila liked girls, life would be twice as hard. And what would her parents think? It’s bad enough she’s not even going to become a doctor. But when a sophisticated, beautiful new girl, Saskia, shows up, Leila starts to take risks she never dreamed of, especially when it looks as if the attraction between them is mutual. Struggling to sort out her growing feelings and Saskia’s confusing signals, Leila confides in her old friend, Lisa, and grows closer to Tomas, whose comments about his own sexuality are frank, funny, wise, and sometimes painful. Gradually, Leila begins to see that almost all of her classmates are more complicated than they first appear to be, and many are keeping fascinating secrets of their own.

I currently have Afterworlds sitting here waiting to be read and I will probably start that very soon. I am hoping that my local library will get the other books in their collection so that I can borrow them.

What are you looking forward to reading this fall?