Topbox November Edition

Posted on by Cindy
Just a heads up that this will probably end up being a rant post and I really hope that this won’t be the trend for the rest of the beauty boxes this month.
 
I am really not happy with this months box. I was kind of expecting a box with a little more to it since Christmas is coming and I am hoping that December’s will be filled with all kinds of goodies. Otherwise I am probably going to cancel it.
This month I stuck with the standard box that is printed cause I personally like them more and it looks so nice sitting on a shelf.
 
This month we once again got samples from B. Karmins. They are a Canadian company. They sent  Nia-Stem Moistirizer Kx. Its an anti-aging moisturizer. The full size is 50ml for $125
 
Also included was Nia-Stem Serum Kx and its an anti-aging serum. The full size is 30ml for $135.

The samples are rather small and not sure how many uses you can actually get out of this and I honestly probably won’t try them because I am worried about trying brands I am unfamiliar with on my face since I had that allergic reaction to another skin care product.

 
An item I was happy to try was the Cuccuo Naturale butter Blend.  Its a moisturizing lotion and I liked this. It left my skin silky and smooth. It wasn’t greasy. It was a nice smell. The full size is 240 g for $18.95. I got it in the scent of pomefranate & Fig
Now here is where my rant will begin. Topbox had mentioned that we were going to get holiday shades and can someone honestly tell me that this is a holiday shade? Its describe on the site as:

CITRUS PLAYFUL NAIL LACQUER IS A GORGEOUS CORAL RED, THIS TWO COAT COVERAGE POLISH IS 3 FREE, SHINY AND LONG WEARING.

 
 I find this to be more of a summer shade is it not? Anyways I went on their facebook page to voice my opinion and bascially they weren’t reading what I was saying and would reply back with try it you will love it and I said I would love it had it been sent to me in the spring, this isn’t a holiday shade in my opinion.

I wore it for a day to get some opinions and basically I was told the same thing that they would wear this in the summer and not winter. Its far to bright for my white hands in the winter.

The set is called Pandora’s Polish and Perfume and its a new product. As for the perfume as you can see it looks like nail polish in the very first picture. I put some on and hated the scent right away and as time went on the scent become aweful. This would be something I would never wear again.
 
Its described as:
 
THE FRAGRANCE IS FRESH AND LIGHT AND EASILY APPLID WITH A BRUSH OR YOUR FINGER. GREAT FOR TRAVEL. THE NOTES OF THE PERFUME INCLUDE: ALDENYDES-JASMINE-ROSE-ORANGE BLOSSOM-CEDAR-AMBER-OAKMOSS-GALBANUM-JASMINE

For me this box wasn’t worth the money I paid for it since they did a price increase Iit was $10 and they increased it to $12). Sadly if the December box isn’t any better this will be one box I will end up canceling. I am a little turned off by not only the box but the response I got on facebook from them in regards to my concern.

What did you guys think of 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.

ipsy November Edition

Posted on by Cindy
 
You might have remember in October I mentioned that ipsy was coming to Canada and I managed to jump on and get my very first bag this month. Through out the month before gettng the bag we got to see sneak peeks and I was so thrilled.

I was a little bummed because one of the products (which was a lip balm) wasn’t being shipped to Canada because its not available here so they replaced it with another product which I will talk about below.

Just in case you are wondering what ipsy is, here is the info:

 
-You can expect to receive 4 to 5 (full size or deluxe size) beauty samples in a collectable make up bag.

-The subscription is $10 a month and as Canadians we will be paying an extra $4.95 for shipping ($14.95/month).
-This is a recurring monthly charge
-You can cancel at anytime.

I love the outside packaging, its this hot pink envelope. Its a nice pop of color to a plain ole mail box.

Each month your products come in make up bags. Now you know how I feel about make up bags but I think if the bag is one that will stand out I will keep it other wise I will be sharing the make up bags with friends and putting my own little goodies in them.

This is a new item for be as I have never heard of this company before.

Here is what I found online about it:

Matt Batali is just one of the nine shadows found in theBalm’s Meet Matte(e) compact palette (named after their favorite Matthews next door) which can be combined to create a multitude of soft and wearable looks. Matt Batali leaves a dark, matte finish, perfect for creating a smokey eye. Meet Matt(e) is formulated without: Parabens Sulfates Phthalates

As you can see its a darker brown, I haven’t used it yet.

I was thrilled to get this Benefits they’re Real mascara. I got this in a previous beauty box and loved it. There is no clumping and my lashes looked fuller. Which was nice. This is one of my favorites.
In the bag this month we were suppose to get a Bare Minerals lipgloss but for some reason they were unable to ship it so in its place we got this Eclos Anti-Aging Regenerative Cream. I have never heard of this before but will try it out. The only downside is I’m sure you can see it, its not a full sample. The container is not even half filled.
I love getting nail polish in the beauty boxes especially ones I have never heard of before and ones that are suited for a holiday and honestly I think that these would be perfect for the holiday. This is called Nailtini. I love the packaging and what was written on it “Apply responsibly” Its in the shade Millionaire.

Not sure if I would wear it alone as you can see its  hard to see it but I am sure it would look fantastic on top of a darker color. The above picture is taken in normal lighting and the box is next to the window.

Introducing Millionaire nail lacquer from the new Nailtini “Speakeasy” Collection chosen specifically for the ipsy community. Millionaire spikes a base of rose gold micro-glitter with iridescent gold and teal tinsels for statement-making nails, whether worn alone or as a dazzling special-effect topcoat. The only line of lacquer developed to maximize the creativity of the user by “cocktailing” different shades, Nailtini serves up endless color possibilities with amazing performance, hip sensibility and tongue-in-cheek attitude. Always 3-free, made in the USA and never tested on animals.

Another new brand is Starlet. I got the shade Chocolate. It went on really easy and was surprised because most eye pencils are hard but this was really smooth.
I love the look of the pencil and the pink design at the end really makes this pencil pop. “All I want is peace, love and chocolate”
This was the bonus item for us Canadians who subscribed to the first bag. Its this pink brush bag with my glam embossed on it and a brush. I can see me using this bag to put a few brush in when I travel. This way the brushes will stay in tact.
 
Also in the bag was so cards, one was just a little welcome card, one was a you’re invited card that had promos on the back for discounts when you order from ipsy and the last one was a coupon for Justfab.com for $20 off.

I have to say that I really like the bag this month. I am going to try and avoid spoilers for next month if I can. I would like to be totally surprised. I am excited to try the new items and add them to my collection.

Did you subscribe? What did 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| Sweetest Taboo

Posted on by Cindy

Title: Sweetest Taboo
Author: Eva Marquez
Pub Date: October 2012
Pages: 296
Publisher: Createspace

Source: A received a signed copy of the book from the author for my participation in her virtual book tour. Thanks so much Eva for sending that to me. I enjoyed all the little goodies you sent. Photobucket
When I first heard about the book from Pump Up Your Book I was interested and wanted to read it. I love the cover because looking at it you wonder what it could be about and I think the cover is very fitting for what the book is about. Don’t you hate covers that don’t match the story?

Isabel is 15 years old. She is on the swim team. This is her story (fictional) about her and her affair with her swim coach, Tom Stevens. The story is told in Isabel’s view which is nice because its coming from her view point and not that of her coach.

I have to start off first by saying I wasn’t sure how this book was going to turn out for me because this is a very hot topic in today’s society and we all know its not right for this be happening. I’m sorry but this is my opinion. I really don’t see what people (ie 15 year olds) see in much older people. There is really nothing they can have in common.

With that being said, I was totally surprised. This sucked me in right from the first word and I couldn’t put the book down. I was literally reading it non stop with a few breaks here and there to get something or to do something. I can’t wait for book 2, Tainted Love to come out. Hopefully it will be out soon. I am dying with anticipation.

Back to the review…….

Isabel is a popular girl in school and she could have any guy she wanted but its not until her first day of  swimming that she spots the coach, Tom. That’s when her secret crush begins. Honestly how many of us didn’t have a crush on one of our teachers etc? I am guilty of that and that’s all it was, was a crush. Nothing developed from it.

Isabel begins to daydream and wonders what it would be like to have Tom ( is 30ish, married and has kids) notice her. When finally it happens and its actually quite innocent, he hands her her favorite towel after practice. Isabel is thrilled and surprised.

This is where you know that Tom has been watching her because he knows where she puts her bag and what her favorite towel is. It might come off as innocent to Isabel but was it on Tom’s part?

The affair just doesn’t happen right away its a slow build. I was impressed with Isabel because even though she was crushing on Tom, she just didn’t jump in head first she gave it some serious thought.

I think for me the reason I couldn’t put the book down was because you know at some point they are going to get caught. No matter how secretive you keep things some way some how you make a little mistake. Does this happen in the book? Well you will just have to pick it up to find out.

Thanks again to Pump Up Your Book for allowing me to be on this tour and for introducing me to this book and author. I can’t wait for book two to come out.

Thanks again Eva for sending me the book and I am dying for book two.

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.

Guest Post with author Eva Marquez

Posted on by Cindy
Thank You Pump Up Your Book for allowing me to spotlight this book and allowing me to be on the virtual blog tour.
 

Today I am on the book tour for Sweetest Taboo by author Eva Marquez that was put together by Pump Up Your Book.

I got to spotlight this book a few weeks ago and it sounded so good that I couldn’t wait to show case it.

I am so thrilled and happy that I also got the chance to read and review the book. My review will be posted shortly. So check back a little later for that.

But now I am so honored to have Tom Stevens, a character in Eva Marquez’s Sweetest Taboo do a guest post for me. I want to thank Eva for taking the time out of her busy tour schedule to do this for me and I truly appreciate it.

Without further hesitation please help me welcome Eva to the blog.

Dear Readers,

I suppose many of you might have comments or even unanswered questions that you would like to ask me, given the opportunity to do so. With that said, I would like to take this brief moment in time to at least try to partly explain “my side of the story”, and what my thoughts were as to the decisions I made so many years ago.

I would like to start by saying, you don’t always have a choice with whom you truly fall in love with. For those of you who would like to argue the point, well, all I can say is…have you really ever been in LOVE? I am not talking infatuation, dependency, or that you have been with someone for such a long time you are “used” to them and you wouldn’t know how to live without them in your life. I am talking about the type of love that you KNOW, that you FEEL in every fiber of your soul, a feeling of comfort, of being “at home” in the arms of that person, knowing if you never saw them again, you would continue to love them unconditionally with all of your heart for the rest of your life? This is how I felt about Isabel, don’t ask me why…because I can not explain, it is just how it was, how it is, and how I feel.

The first time I saw Isabel from afar, I felt a connection. I don’t know why I should have felt anything at all, as she was just one of thousands of students I have seen on campus over the years. But there was something there, I know, you may be saying “but she was only 15”. I didn’t look at Isabel as an “age” or anything else, I just felt a connection of some sort…it was that simple. I didn’t see her until the following year on the swim team, where as you have read, I got to know her quite well. I NEVER set out to seduce her; it was quite the opposite as she flirted and made relentless advances by being near me every chance she could. Eventually things happened (against my better judgment I might add) as we got to know each other, as we fell in love with each other, and as we dreamed of a life together.

I will always say that Isabel was never a “school girl”, she was never an “age”, and she was never anyone I pursued. She just appeared in my life at that particular moment in time, and while the relationship that developed between us was strong, it only became stronger as time went on. To you, the reader, know that I love Isabel with all of my heart, with all of my soul, and with every fiber of my being. It can and will never be any other way for me. This I know.

~ Tom Stevens

About the Author:
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, daughter of European immigrants, Eva Márquez has spent most of her life outside of her home country. At the age of five, Eva accompanied her parents to the United States, where the family settled permanently. After graduating from university, she went on to complete graduate studies in International Relations in Spain. Eva received her Master of International Studies degree from the University of Sydney and went on to work in the global health field in Sub Saharan Africa and South East Asia. Eva currently resides in Southern Africa.

Her latest book is the YA/Adult Fiction, Sweetest Taboo. You can visit Eva’s website at www.SweetestTabooBook.com

About the Book:

Isabel Cruz was fifteen years old when she met Tom Stevens. She was 15 when they started dating, and 16 when she lost her virginity to him. By the time she turned 18 and went to college, everything had fallen apart. This hadn’t been an ordinary love, though. Not a love between two dear friends, or even high school sweethearts. This had been the most taboo sort of love there was: a relationship between a student and her teacher. Isabel started her high school career as a normal student, but set her sights on Tom Stevens as soon as she met him, and pursued him with an intense – and sometimes reckless – fascination. When he finally approached her after swim practice and told her that he shared her feelings, it was the start of a forbidden and dangerous relationship. Join Isabel as she makes her way through this dark love story, hiding from teachers, lying to her parents, and defying the authorities to make a life with the man she loves. Watch as she discovers the wonders of love and romance, and the terrible betrayal of jealous friends. And cry with her when she learns the hard truth about life and the people in her world. Sweetest Taboo is inspired by the true and tragic stories of students who fall in love with their teachers, and live with the hard truths of forbidden romances. In a world full of after-school specials on sexual predators, this touching book seeks a different path, casting both student and teacher in a gentle light, and showing that true love may lie at the base of even the most illicit romance.

Sweetest Taboo Tour Page: http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2012/10/28/pump-up-your-book-presents-sweetest-taboo-virtual-book-publicity-tour/

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.

Glymm November Edition

Posted on by Cindy
I know I am a little late in getting this posted but here it is just the same.

I am a little disappointed in the bag this month and honestly since the made the switch to the make up bags its just isn’t the same. I feel that they probably could do so much with this but they seem to be keeping it safe.

This month we got a black printed bag with Glymm sewn onto the bag as you can see. Not a favorite of mine.
This is a new brand for me as I have never heard of them but on the upside its a Canadian company. Its called LYS Parisien Professionnel/ They sent samples of their shampoo and conditioner made with argan oil. They are suppose to counter the damaging affects of age and climate on your hair and scalp.

I started to use it and honestly I liked the smell but I thought it was making my hair dry while it was wet but once my hair dried it was soft and silky. Its only been a few days but I like it. Perha[s this would be something I would repurchase when I run out of my current stash.

The sample size is 60 ml for both of them and its $2.88 and the full size  for both is 500ml for $24.00

Dirt is something we have gotten before in a previous box and I still haven’t used it yet. This is an all natural sugar scrub that is sweet and spicy. It smells really nice and I am going to make an effort to use this.
 
The sample is 0.05 oz and the full size is 12oz for $45.00
This is an exclusive item and its another one I haven’t heard of before its The Beehive Scents. It comes in three scents Alice Blue, Honey Blossom and the one I got LuLu Lemondrop. I didn’t think I was going to like this but I did and its a perfect scent that reminds me of summer. One that I will be smelling when its -40 and dreaming of summer. The only downside is that I hate these kinds of bottles.You have to be careful when opening it.

The sample is 0.7ml for 0.25cents and the full size is 100ml for $35.00

 I have seen this around online and its The New Black nailpolish. I got the shade Gold Grenade. Hmm the name doesn’t really suit it since its not a gold color. As you can see its green. The above picture is taken in normal lighting.
This was taken near the window. So the full size is a package of 3 for $15.00 and a package of 5 for $24.00. Not sure what size those bottles are but my sample was 4ml.
 
So my impressions this month that is was just an okay bag. Nothing special or stand out about it but these are things I am curious about and will try them out.

What did you think of your bag?

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…..#24

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.

 

Sorry for the delay in getting this posted but for some reason this didn’t go up on Sunday when I had it scheduled to post. Does anyone noticing this happening occassionaly with Blogger? I have noticed it happens every so often.

But anyways I wasn’t able to stay in bed and read because Michael had a hockey game in the morning. Sadly we lost again 5-1.

I wish I could stay in bed to read this but it will have to wait until we get home from hockey. I am on a book tour for this on Tuesday. So be sure to come back and check my review of this.

I hope you managed to get some reading down 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.

Q & A With The Cast of The Phantoms

Posted on by Cindy

Just a reminder that tonight on CBC at 8pm (8:30pm NFLD) the movie The Phantoms premiers. I hope you will watch it.

Today I am so very honored to have a few of the cast stop by to do a Q & A with me. I want to thank Renee from  PR for arranging all this. Renee I truly appreciate all that you have done. I also want to quickly thank the cast for taking time out of their busy schedules to do this for me.

Tyler Johnston plays the BHS Phantoms basketball player Corey Boucher. Corey was one of the survivors.

Did you get to spend any time with the real person your character was based on before filming?

I did, a little later into production. We were able to chat a bit on the last few days which was nice. Must’ve all been very surreal to him. His parents on the other hand I saw all the time! Great people.

I am from Bathurst (and BHS was my high school) what is the one thing someone should see when visiting Bathurst?

I love being by the water. For me, I enjoyed walking the bridge into town and taking in the beauty of the coast. So I suppose I dont have one thing in particular, I would say get outside and explore a little!

Tyler when I read this I laughed because I don’t know how many times I walked the bridge into town. Its a beautiful site. What surprised you about playing this role?

It kind of surprised me how close to home it began to hit. Some of my greatest friendships were formed by playing recreational sports. Growing up playing hockey and lacrosse, I know how much my teammates mean to me and to lose them would be devastating. The strength the community showed by coming together was inspirational.

How hard was it to play this role?

The production flew us out two weeks early for basketball camp, in the gym where The Phantoms still play today, which started a very natural process. Us boys bonded, while getting to play the game! Sudz and I were on the same page from the start. He’s the man. The emotional scenes sometimes can be quite exhausting but other then the occasional long emotional day, it could not have been any more enjoyable.

What was your experience being in the community and the community reaction to having you there?

We were welcomed with open arms. Whether it was our invite to a party the first weekend or Thanksgiving dinner at Coach Alan’s place, we felt at ease. The recent accident of course was a very sensitive subject but we wanted to honour the Boys in Red to the best of our ability and I think the community felt that. I know if ever I find myself out east I now have friends in Bathurst! 🙂

Tyler you will always have friends from Bathurst. I am not surprised at how welcoming the community is. Thanks so much for taking the time out to do this for me.

Kyle Mac plays the BHS Phantoms basketball team player Luke Thibodeau.

Was there anything that surprised you during the filming this movie?

Honestly every experience in the filming of The Phantoms was a very happy surprise. From working with one of Canada’s top directing talents; Sudz Sutherland, to the unique experience of filming in the real locations as the team we were portraying is so very rare. Feeling the support of the town of Bathurst participating so closely in the film. The amazing surprise of getting to hang out and get to know the real boys whom our characters were based on was completely surreal. Even beyond that, being trained and coached by the “Phantoms” real coaches through the entire experience was unreal, we truly built a bond with them, and all left affectionately calling them “coach”. And probably the most surprising experience would be the completely real bond us actors built through the filming. We became a real team, and all friends for life.

Kyle, you truly have made friends for life. I am so proud of my little communtiy. What was the one thing that you took away from acting in this movie and being in the community of Bathurst?

With the fear of sounding repetitive, the most honest answer is; best friends, with four young men so very different from one another, but with a real bond and respect for one another. Emmanuelle & Jacob live in Toronto as I do, and we all hang out every week, and each one of us keep close contact with Wes & Tyler whom live in Vancouver but have visited us in Toronto multiple times, since filming. A true respect and close bond between actors on a film that you know will carry on beyond the production and through your life is a rare and wonderful thing.

Thanks Kyle for taking the time out to do this for me.

Wally McKinnon plays The Phantoms coach, Marc Babineau.

What was your experience in spending time with Coach Alan of the BHS Phantoms?

Spending time with Alan the Coach of The Phantoms was an incredible experience. He was so open, and willing to talk about anything. The team, his heart attack, his recovery, whatever I wanted to know. Although I have played basketball, I had never Coached, and he was such a book of knowledge about the game. I had so many questions. And he answered them all. It helped me so much in playing the role of the Coach.

When I heard about his heart attack, I literally felt like how much more can this team suffer. They have been through so much. Being a graduate from BHS I was so happy and honored at how this community held it together and was there for each other, did this surpise you?

Growing up in Bathurst and knowing the community, NO, it didn’t not surprise me that the town came together to support this team. During the shooting of the film, you could almost feel how proud Bathurst felt about the team. And it made me proud to be from Bathurst. I know that the cast and crew felt so welcomed by the community. Again, makes a home town boy proud.

I agree, I was never more proud to be a home town girl and graduate of BHS. I am so extremely proud of Bathurst. I understand you are also a graduate of BHS. How did it feel to be back there?

Being back in Bathurst working on this film was surreal. We lived across the street from BHS. I showed all the cast and crew the house. We had a good laugh saying how tough it was to play hookie from school when you live just across the street. And then the day we shot in the hospital, and they took me up to set, it turned out we were shooting on the 3rd floor east. It stopped me in my tracks because that was the floor my mother worked and supervised on for most of her nursing career. I have to say it was very emotional for me. And then to be home and see so many people and close friends that I hadn’t seen in so long was just so exciting.

I always wondered how kids who literally lived across the street from the school could play hookie and not get caught. I was from down shore so I really never had to worry about that. Thanks so much Wally for taking the time out to share you thoughts with us. I am truly honored and touch that you were able to take time out to do this for me.

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.