THE SECRET WORD IS....

SPURS


CONGRATS TO JAYDE ANN SHREW!!
SHE IS THE WINNER.

FLASH GIVEAWAY - P&G INSERTS

WANT TO WIN 3 P&G INSERTS FROM THIS SUNDAY? 

Just enter below in the rafflecopter! Good luck! This ends at MIDNIGHT tonight!!

Reader's Nook Book Review - Riversong

RIVERSONG

BY TESS HARDWICK

It seems like the main character, Lee Tucker, has never had anything come easy. She had a hard childhood and finally thought everything was going great. That was until her husband committed suicide and the loan sharks come to collect the $1 million dollars they loaned him. Of course she has no idea he got money from them so she does the only thing she can, she runs.

Lee runs back home to the house where she so desperately tried to get away from. While there she gets a job in a failing restaurant and brings it back to life. She meets some resistance in the owners son, who doesn't take lightly to someone else coming into his space. She deals with her issues of losing her husband, running for her life, and then she finds out she's pregnant. She finds romance along the way while balancing the thought of being a mother and being found by the loan sharks.

This is a great romance book which isn't too heavy on the adult situations. I love the characters as they are funny and impressionable. Riversong is just an all around great read that you'll just love.

You can purchase it on Amazon.com or you can win it from me! This will be for one paperback copy of "Riversong" by Tess Hardwick. I'll also be adding a special gift to this giveaway - a bookmark from our best gal at Treasured Heirlooms by Tabitha.

This is a chain bookmark and has a really pretty butterfly charm at one end, and a beautiful big blue bead on the other. All of Treasured Heirlooms by Tabitha's bookmarks as well made and stand up to some beatings. I have one myself so I know you'll just love it!

So how do you win these great items!? You enter the rafflecopter below!

Reader's Nook Book Review - Plague Town

PLAGUE TOWN 

BY DANA FREDSTI

So do you like zombies and romance? Well surprisingly you can find both in "Plague Town" by Dana Fredsti.It all started innocently enough with a new strain of flu. Our main character, and heroine, Ashley Parker get's the flu, but comes out of it feeling pretty good. She lives in a small little university town called, Redwood Grove, where that new strain of flu is going around. People end up dying from this new flu and well, they don't stay dead for long. 

Ashley is attacked by a horde of zombies while having a romantic picnic with her boyfriend. Interesting enough Ashley doesn't die but instead she turns into a "Wild Card" A "wild card" is someone that is immune to the virus and if they are bit will not turn into a zombie. They can still be ripped to shreds though, which isn't a nice way to go. You'll read about Ashley and the rest of the "wild cards" as they try to rid the town of zombies, and save the survivors. 

This book is jam packed with zombie killing action from the very beginning. Seriously within the first few pages you're reading about a small family succumbing to the virus, and turning into zombies. Dana Fredsti is very descriptive in her writing making the book very vivid and real. This book really brings all your fears "to life" as this new strain of flu takes over and the whole town is overcome with the walking dead. How many times have we heard over the news about a new and deadly strain of flu? Seriously I'm now convinced that, that's how we all will go. This is a great read and am so glad I was able to review it. I'm more glad to share it with you all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Dana Fredsti is a San Francisco-based novelist and screenplay writer whose past works include Murder for Hire: The Peruvian Pigeon. As an actress she has appeared in various horror films, and worked on Sam Raimi's Army of Darkness as an armourer's assistant, sword-fighting captain, and sword-wielding Deadite. A past president of the Sisters in Crime, Northern California chapter, she is a blogger who has done numerous podcasts and radio appearances, and is available for interviews.

So you can visit the author Dana Fredsti on her website: HERE

If you'd like to buy this book it is available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borderland Books, and Mysterious Galaxy.

Or you can be one of two lucky readers to win your own copy! Just enter through the rafflecopter below and keep your fingers crossed.

Beauty Corner Reviews - NYX Eyeshadow Base

NYX EYESHADOW BASE W/PEARL

 I bought this eyeshadow base for a little under $7. I have never used a base or primer before so this was all completely new to me. I wasn't exactly sure how much to put on or even how to put it on. So with a little googling I found the answer. First off it was a little awkward getting the base out of the bottle. I ended up just using my finger, but I really didn't like doing it that way. It went on pretty smooth and was pretty light. It has just a small shimmer so if you don't want a shimmer to your eyeshadows then don't use this base.

 So now to put it to the test, I put the base on my right eye and well the colors were more dense and vibrant. Now I understand why people use a primer/base for their eyeshadows. I had one of those aha moments. Honestly when I say I just started doing this, it's really the truth.

So back to my eyeshadows, I used my L.A. Colors palette in Tease. Now this palette was only $1.50 so you can see how it made those colors really pop!

 

The next photo is of the same shadows but without the NYX base on it. As you can see the eyeshadow is pretty translucent and just doesn't have to same vibrancy.  The colors didn't stay on there as long either and was even more faded after 4hrs of wear.  Sorry for the smudged eyeliner I rubbed my eye a bit, hey it happens!

 Overall I think it was an excellent buy as I've seen other bases and primers go for a lot more money. Even though the bottle is a bit small, I barely used any to cover my eye. I know it'll last be a long time, so that makes the price even better.

Beauty Corner Reviews - Nicole by OPI #208

NICOLE BY OPI 

#208 IT GETS DARK EARLY

 

So this is the OPI polish that reminds me of the Essie polish I reviewed before. It is a dark blue with light blue glitter that is brighter than in the photos. The consistency of the polish was a little loose, but wasn't too bad. It took two coats to cover my nail completely, which is pretty normal. I'm pretty happy with Nicole by OPI polishes as they're pretty good quality all across the board.  These go for the same price as OPI and Essie polishes at $8.00 a bottle. 

Seriously what else can I say about nail polishes? lol This goes on smooth, lasted for about 5 days, and took two coats. At $8.00 a bottle I'm not sure I would buy a ton of these, but to splurge it's just fine.

Beauty Corner Reviews - Revlon Polish #271

REVLON POLISH
#271 EXTRAVAGANT

So this is my first Revlon polish and I was really happy with it. It is a really glittery, shimmery pink that went on super smoothly. The color pops so much against my skin, I was happy because normally I'm so not a pink person. It was just the right consistency and actually covered really well that it was good even with one coat. It last for about 4days which isn't too long, but for me that isn't much of an issue. I tend to not wear the same polish for too long so 4 days is good enough for me.

So overall I was really satisfied with it and will definitely be buying more shades and testing them out. Revlon is a very well known brand and can be bought at many different stores. They go about about $3 - $4 per bottle, which is a great price.

Beauty Corner Reviews - Nicole by OPI # 267

NICOLE BY OPI 

#267 BAH PLUM-BUG

 

This is Bah Plum-Bug and like I said before, I love dark polishes. This went on really smoothly and lasted for a few days. It really saddens me that the more expensive polishes don't last as long as some of my more inexpensive polishes. This was one of those, so I put it to the test of washing dishes. After 3 days they were chipping already. For an $8.00 polish I really do expect it to last at least the 7-10days is says it's supposed to last. 

As for the color it's a really dark, shimmery purple. The color is really nice so even if it only lasts a few days I still love it. Would I spend another $8.00 to get another bottle, honestly, probably not.

Beauty Corner Reviews - Essie # 697

ESSIE POLISH 

#697 MIDNIGHT CAMI

I am not a huge fan of Essie polish, bit I do love dark polishes. I found this one and grabbed it up. It was $8.00, as most Essie polishes are. The color was interesting it's a deep dark blue but with some dark purple undertones. You can't really see the purple in the picture, but trust me its there. There is also a little shimmer in it, and well I do love me some shimmer. This color actually looks a lot like one of my OPI polishes.

Now I've kind of always had a problem with paying $8 for one polish, but it is a great color, it lasts long, and I love it. As long as you love it, then don't feel bad about splurging on yourself a little.

GIVEAWAY WINNERS

GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!

MISTY LADY BEADING - TABITHA WOOD

TREASURED HEIRLOOMS BY TABITHA - JC LOH

CONGRATS GUYS!!

Reader's Nook - Blood Orchids Book Review

BLOOD ORCHIDS

WRITTEN BY: TOBY NEAL

A little about the Author - Toby Neal:
Toby Neal was raised on Kauai in Hawaii and makes the Islands home after living elsewhere for “stretches of exile” to pursue education. Toby enjoys outdoor activities including bodyboarding, scuba diving, photography and hiking as well as writing. A mental health therapist, she credits that career with adding depth to the characters in the Lei Crime Series.


Hawaii is palm trees, black sand and blue water—but for policewoman Lei Texeira, there’s a dark side to paradise.

Lei has overcome a scarred past to make a life for herself as a cop in the sleepy Big Island town of Hilo. On a routine patrol she finds two murdered teenagers—one of whom she’d recently busted. With its echoes of her own past, the murdered girl’s harsh life and tragic death affect Lei deeply. She becomes obsessed—even as the killer is drawn to Lei's intensity, feeding off her vulnerabilities and toying with her sanity.

Despite her obsession with the case and fear that she's being stalked, Lei finds herself falling in love for the first time. Steaming volcanoes, black sand beaches and shrouded fern forests are the backdrop to Lei's quest for answers—and the stalker is closer than she can imagine, as threads of the past tangle in her future. Lei is determined to find the killer—but he knows where to find her first. 

My Review: 

This is the second book I've read that was written by a Hawaiian author, and I have to say their style of writing is different.  Having a SIL born and raised in Hawaii, I totally get the Island Vibe. The book transitions smoothly and not once was a lost. It is a murder/mystery with a small touch of romance. I couldn't stop reading and when I did it was because my eyes could no longer stay open. The characters are likeable and impressionable, Lei really does seem like she could be a real person. Toby was able to bring to life the islands in a not so glamorous way. 

The main character, Lei Texeira, feels like "damaged goods" and is always pushing the envelope. Never wanting to feel the way she did in her past, she recklessly puts herself in danger...all the time. She has something to prove, but not really to others more to herself. She wants to make detective and will do anything she thinks will help her get ahead. Even if it means almost losing her life. While I think she always rushed into things without thinking, which was kind of frustrating, I really like her character. She stood up to face her demons and was very human, she struggled, but in the end was able to overcome them. 

The romance in the book isn't overwhelming. I mean it's supposed to be a murder/mystery right? Toby Neal weaves it in there so smoothly and at the right times you hardly notice it at all. I think it was a given though, because as much as Lei has to go through she so deserves it. I think the match was made well and would love to read more stories about them both. I think it would be pretty interesting. 

Blood Orchids had me guessing, from beginning to the end. It left me scratching my head and some points when I just knew I have figured everything out. I could sense Toby Neal laughing as she knew I was totally wrong. This was an excellent book that you will surely love. Even if you aren't a huge murder/mystery buff, this book will be sure to please. 

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You can visit Toby Neal and get to see what other great books she has written at her blog: HERE

If you'd love to read this book, which I know you do, go to the links below.

Available on Amazon.com as ebook and print: HERE

Available on Barnes and Noble, print only: HERE

SWEEPSTAKES AND GIVEAWAYS

SWEEPSTAKES AND GIVEAWAYS

ENDS 5/28: P&G LET THE GAMES BEGIN SWEEPSTAKES: HERE
ENDS 5/29: Lowe’s Plant A Tweet Sweepstakes:
ENDS 5/30: OCEAN SPRAY“MAKE THE SWAP” SWEEPSTAKES: HERE 
ENDS 5/31: WINDOWS TIME MACHINE SWEEPSTAKES:  HERE

Purex Giveaways: 
Ends 5/29: 25 Bottles of Purex Crystals a day: HERE
Ends 6/15: Hawaiian Getaway: HERE
Ends 6/18: Win $1000 towards a wardrobbe: HERE

ENDS 6/11: Dulcolax But, You Weren’t Expecting This! Instant Win Game: HERE   
ENDS 6/23 Entenmann's Free Donuts for a year: HERE
ENDS 6/30: IDAHO SPUD INSTANT WIN GAME: HERE
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Ends 7/15: Skinny Cow & Dirty Dancing IWG: HERE 
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PESOS 4 QUESOS FROM FARM RICH: HERE
DEIPHER THE CLOUD FROM TREND MICRO: HERE
5D MARK III GIVEAWAY FROM PICTURELINE INC: HERE
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ENDS 8/1: NABISCO SEEK & SUBMERGE INSTANT WIN GAME: HERE
ENDS 8/18: BIC Soleil- 100 Days of Prizes: HERE
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ENDS 9/3: Food Should Taste Good 2012 Let's Summer IWG: (free code: 2F26B13) - HERE
ENDS 9/5: KINECT SPORTS" INSTANT WIN GAME: HERE
ENDS 9/30 NESTLE PERFECTLY POPPABLE SWEEPSTAKES: HERE
ENDS 10/31: REVLON'S PURSE-UIT OF POWER: HERE

Winners - The Vampire Has Risen Giveaway

AND THE WINNERS ARE:

ANGELA WARD HARTNESS

FRANCIS GARCIA

ANGELA SOLIS

Beauty Corner - Maybelline Eyeshadows

MAYBELLINE EYESHADOWS

EXPERT WEAR & SHADOW STYLIST

I used three different colors to make this look and used two different types of Maybelline shadow. The first was Expert Wear - Antique Jade. It is a deep pine green with just a little shimmer. I then used Shadow Stylist - Trendy Blue to offset it. I think it looks pretty nice together and I think its pretty successful. I'm totally new at putting on make-up so its not the cleanest look. 

The shadows blended well, but like I said in my review before, the brush on the Shadow Stylist shadows are just to round and it's hard to get it precise. To darken things up a bit I used Shadow Stylist - Sultry Black in the crease to add some shadow to it. The colors all blended well and didn't pop as much as I had hoped. Either way I was pretty happy about the look What do you think? Does any of you readers have any look that you would like me to try? I'm open to trying new and crazy looks!

Beauty Corner Reviews - LA Colors

L.A.COLORS - TEASE

So was sitting here bored last night and decided to go ahead and play with the L.A. Colors palette I bought from Family Dollar. This was only $1.50 and I didn't expect it to do that well. The colors are really playful and very shimmery. The colors I used were the pink, blue, and green. I'll definitely be using it for the orange and yellow as well. I'm thinking yellow, blue, and green should go nicely together. Anyway I had pretty low expectations and wow, the colors did pop. They were pretty vibrant in the beginning and went on really smoothly. They were super easy to blend and last a few hours before I had to do a touch up. For $1.50 these were surprisingly good and I will be buying another palette soon.

 

A little tip my sis in law told me...in order to get that straight line, put a piece of scotch tape! Ha, who knew!? Aren't the colors so pretty? Only problem I had is that the powder can be kind of loose leaving it everywhere, but it wasn't too much of an issue.

So if you've been on the fence about buying these, don't be scared. They work great especially for a nice evening out.

CHILDREN'S PLAYHOUSE

CRAYOLA KALEIDOSCOPE 3D CHALK

So I was pretty lucky to get one of these in a prize pack I had won. My niece and I immediately went outside to try it out. The glasses were a bit snug on my niece and totally tight on me, but we're more grown than the typical 4yr old. We did our drawings and looked into the glasses and it was fantastic. While the 3D wasn't too 3D, it was enough for the kids to be totally amazed.

I think my biggest gripe was the size of the chalk. For the smaller ones it was hard to hold and even I found it a little heavy when trying to draw. Also one of the chalks broke when my nephew was drawing with it. It was a clean break up the middle so I guess it was okay. 

It washed off easily and whatever was left was cleaned off by the rain we had. Overall the kids loved them and have played with them tons of times. I'm always having to hide the glasses because they're always grabbing them. I think if Crayola sold those by themselves the kids would want them. I won't lie and say I haven't played with them myself...I have.

You can find these at most major stores like Walmart, Target, and Walgreens.

Reader's Nook - Reclaiming the Dead

RECLAIMING THE DEAD

BY JAMES PATRICK BROTHERTON

In the small town in Iowa we find the main character Merton Daniels. He was recently dumped by his girlfriend and fired from his job. Merton's only way of getting money is by donating his plasma, which has left him weak. He is at an all time low and gets drunk and wakes up with a card under his arm. The card reads: "Codename: Ticks and Leeches. We will contact you." So what would you do if you had that happen to you? Well you'd meet up with the guy, but of course you wouldn't go alone. So Merton Daniels takes his best friend "Coaler" along for the ride. Merton is told he fits the profile to kill vampires and will be contacted whenever jobs come up. 

Thus begins the story of Merton, the vampire slayer, and Coaler, the pillager. I really wanted to love this book, but it lost me. It was good, it was great and then it veered off to the right and after that it never really straightened itself up. This is definitely not your regular vampire killing book, by no means. I really read into Merton's character, a lonely guy, who obviously has some mental problems. He was always on the verge of losing it completely, but never did. I like the friendship between Merton and Coaler, they played off each other well and were pretty believable. Then the book lost me, it started off with a coyote and a man. Wait, what? Yes, right in the middle of the book is where he turns right. It goes from Merton killing vampires, to telling how the vampires began. I think it would have been okay to add this part, but maybe at the end or even at the beginning. While it was a bit confusing the imagery that his words make, wow I could see everything in my minds eye. 

What do I love about this book? James P Brotherton writes so realistically good, from the characters to all the gory parts. Yup, this isn't your typical vampire book and while I got lost a bit, it didn't keep me from liking this book. It was a great read and I didn't put this book down for one second. Okay well maybe I did for bathroom breaks and such, but you get the picture.

Infinite Dreams Headbands

So while I am out of work might as well and try and keep myself busy and try and help out with making and selling headbands. Now I know hair accessories are everywhere and its more of a buyers market right now. But I hope that you guys like them enough to overlook all that.

I made these at home at my desk with my own sewing machine. While my mother does smoke and I do have dogs, I have NEVER received any complaints about smells or pet hair. I wash everything before packing to ensure that there isn't any smell. So I figured at $3 with $2 shipping the price is really good. You get a nice headband for $5 dollars and help out a page you love (hopefully). I need to take pictures of all the individual fabric I have so you guys can choose for a more custom look. Thanks for always being there guys and thanks for the fun!

 Here is a sample of my headbands that I do. I try to pick out really fun colors and patterns.If you'd like to buy one you can check out my Facebook page.

The Jewelry Store Reviews and Giveaway

The Jewelry Store Reviews

TREASURED HEIRLOOMS BY TABITHA

This is a business that I'm always buying stuff from. Tabitha has such lovely items for sale it's hard to choose just one thing that sticks out. I had to go with her bookmarks though. They are all lovely and I actually own my own and didn't use it for a while because I didn't want to ruin it. Everything she makes looks professionally made and I'm not sure how she isn't selling in some boutique somewhere. 

So I got two separate bookmarks, one for me to keep and one to share, I immediately grabbed the cross bookmark. It has such lovely stones it all just flows beautifully. It looks like I paid a lot for it and I think it would have made an excellent gift for any religious person. 

So what do you have a chance to win? Well the cute little dragonfly bookmark, that's what! It sits right in between the pages. It doesn't damage your book in any way, although I was scared about laying my book down. I didn't want to break the dragonfly, but really it is good and sturdy. I have used it for a few days just to test it out, as this is the first bookmark in this style that I've had. It looks lovely sitting there in my book on the shelf. 

 

To buy: You can go to Treasured Heirlooms by Tabitha's Facebook page.  

or

You can win it here by entering the Rafflecopter below! 

The Jewelry Store Reviews and Giveaway

MISTY LADY BEADINGS REVIEW

I recently bought a couple pair of earrings from Misty Lady Beading one to give to my niece and the other to give to some lucky person. They were well packaged when I received them and was pretty happy with that. They were very inexpensive but definitely not "cheap".

The first pair of earrings belong to my niece, I got them for her as a birthday gift. They have two purple stones connected by a small hoop. They are super light and not too heavy for her. I think for a pre-teen they are the perfect pair, as they aren't too grown up looking. She wears them everyday and absolutely loves them.

The second pair is a beautiful black with clear stone dangle earrings. They are light, aren't too long, and are professionally made. Misty Lady Beading has tons of great jewelry for very affordable prices. She also has tons of sales and if you buy 4 items you get an extra special gift. How great is that?!

 To buy: You can visit Misty Lady Beading's Page on Facebook.

Or you can win the black dangle earrings above by entering the Rafflecopter below.

The Vampire has Risen Giveaway

THE STONE MASTER'S SERIES

BY VMK FEWINGS

So I had the pleasure of reading all three books in this series and loved them all. They have to be some of the best vampire books I've ever read. The way that VMK Fewings writes is just awe inspiring, she brings the whole story to life. The characters are loveable and impressionable, even though they are vampire's and they'd suck you dry in a second.

So it's my pleasure to give three of you a chance to win the whole series for your Kindle. If you don't have a Kindle, that's okay as you can download software on Amazon.com and read it on your pc! 

Here are links to my reviews so feel free to read up on those before you enter.
A VAMPIRE'S RISE
A VAMPIRE'S RECKONING
A VAMPIRE'S DOMINION

Enter via Rafflecopter below, once it is done you have 24hrs to respond. If you don't respond I will pick another winner. I hate picking new winners so please respond!

Reader's Nook - A Vampire's Dominion

A VAMPIRE'S DOMINION

BY VMK FEWINGS

This is the third installment in the Stone Masters Vampire Series by VMK Fewings and sadly I wish there were more. This book starts off with most of the same characters as the second book, "A Vampire's Reckoning". You meet up this time with William who literally has a war going on inside himself. I won't give away who William really is because that would totally ruin the story. 

So in this book there is a new threat among the vampire community that is killing vampires left and right. Apparently the easiest way to kill a vampires is to get them to kill themselves. So when vampires start randomly walking into the sunlight for no reason, William and "his team", try to get to the bottom of things. It's kind of hard to tell you more about the story without giving away the huge twist from the second book.

Just know that this book is just as great as the first two in the series. It had me reading till early in the a.m. not wanting to put it down. All of the books will leave you wanting more and seriously, I still want more. I'm hoping to see more about how Dominion deals with Orpheus. I wish all of you had read these books so I can really say what I feel about the book, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. 

Just go out and buy the books already! If you are strapped for cash you can buy the .99 Kindle version. Don't have a Kindle...no problem! Amazon.com has a Kindle for the PC software that you can download for free.

So here are the links to all the books:

A VAMPIRE'S RISE

A VAMPIRE'S RECKONING

A VAMPIRE'S DOMINION

BEAUTY CORNER REVIEW - SALLY HANSEN

SALLY HANSEN XTREME POLISH

#31 VIRTUAL VIOLET

I recently bought this Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear polish in Virtual Violet. I was really excited to try it out because I really liked the other Xtreme Wear polish I had gotten. Well sadly it wasn't a hit for me. While I liked the color it was gloopy, sticky, and just a mess. I don't know if it was the color, or if it had been on the shelf to long. I don't think I'll ever know why it was like that, just that it was a mess. 

I painted my nails with it anyway and still did like the color. It is a really pretty opalescent purple with undertones of light blue. Because it was sticky it was pretty hard to make it go on smoothly which is why in the picture it looks really bad. I'm hoping it was just a bad batch as I really love the color. I'll be headed out to the store to get me some more polish later on.  It was really inexpensive and there was also a coupon making it about $1.99 for the bottle. I haven't given up on it yet though, I'm still trying to get it to work so I can still use it.  

FLASH GIVEAWAY WINNER

CONGRATS DEBBIE CAMPBELL!

You won the $5 Target GC.

FLASH GIVEAWAY!

FLASH GIVEAWAY ENDS AT 9PM CT

GIVEAWAY IS FOR A $5 TARGET GC

WINNERS FROM 500 FAN GIVEAWAY

The winners were chosen through Rafflecopter which uses random.org. No one won more than one gift so yay for sharing is caring! I will ship out my parts of the giveaway later this week as I have a Dr's Appt today. ARE WE READY?!

COUPON ENVIES (FROM ME)

• ASHLEY BARKER
• JUDITH MORENO

$10 GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR TREASURED HEIRLOOMS BY TABITHA --Who is having a sale... *hint* *hint*

• ANGELA HARTNESS
• KEISA ROGERS

HEADBAND (BY ME)

• TIFFANY FAUBLE
• JULIA POTVIN (You finally got one!)

SAMPLE PACK FROM KILLER DEALS AND THRILLS

• TERESA PESHCKE

SAMPLE PACK FROM NAUGHTY TREATS AND EATS

• LISA TATE SMALLEY

HAIRBOW FROM SO BAZAAR

• ERICA GARCIA

FUN PACK (FROM ME -- YOUR CHOICE OF BOY OR GIRL)

• STEPHANIE BELMAREZ

HEADBAND AND FLOWER 

• DEBBIE RHOADES

Reader's Nook - A Vampire's Reckoning

A VAMPIRE'S RECKONING

BY VMK FEWINGS

This is the second book in the Stone Masters Vampire Series and while it is a stand alone book, it does include some characters from the first installment. I was so happy to receive this book to read and review as I had loved the first book, A Vampire's Rise. VMK Fewings brought back the quintessential vampire book. You won't find the sappy teenage vampire that sparkles in the sunlight. These vampires burst into flames and disintegrate into nothing but ashes. These are my kind of vampires! 

The story begins in Cornwall at St Michael's Mount with the story focusing on Lord Artemis and his two sons, Jadeon and Alex. While the first book focused more on Orpheus and other vampires, this one focuses on the Stone Masters. The Stone Masters are tasked with ridding the world of the evil vampires. Jadeon Artemis being the oldest is thrusted into the world of The Stone Masters, although he isn't too keen on the idea. Orpehus, aka Daumia Velde, is a character from "A Vampire's Rise" and he has come back to seek revenge on the Stone Masters for killing Sunaria, the one who turned him. 

Once Orpheus catches up to Jadeon and Alex he turns their world upside down forcing Jadeon to go through some serious stuff. Jadeon, who gets turned by Orpheus, now has to deal with becoming the very monster he is supposed to be ridding the world of. For Orpheus, Jadeon's life and everyone in it is all a game. He has really changed from his character in the first installment, in this book he is very cruel. Jadeon is innocent but has to pay for the crimes of his father and all the other Stone Masters that killed Sunaria. He totally got the end of the short stick. 

The end of the book is so surprising and leaves you totally wanting more. I know this because I couldn't wait to read the third book in the series, "A Vampire's Dominion". If you love vampire stories that are more true to Vampire folklore then this series is for you. 

You can buy this installment for only .99 cents on Amazon.com, the two other books are only .99 cents as well. A Vampire's Rise and A Vampire's Dominion. Of course if you like having the books, like me, then you can purchase those as well. They go for $12.99 and up on Amazon.com.

**Disclosure: I received this book to read and review. There was no further compensation and all opinions are mine.

Beauty Corner Review - Rimmel Polish

Rimmel Nail Polish

#286 Rags To Riches

I have become a quick fan of Rimmel polishes. They have a great variety in colors and are super affordable. They are less than $4 at most stores and there is normally a $1 off coupon in the paper. How convenient, right? So after my base coat on went "Rags to Riches", it is a nice shimmery olive green color. It has a olive base with hints of yellow and specks of dark green. It's a really lovely color that went on smoothly and stayed put, with no chips.

 

The way I test polishes is by hand-washing the dishes and seeing how tough the polish really is.  So far Rimmel has not disappointed and has withstood the constant beating of scrubbing, rubbing, and soaking of pots and pans. If a polish comes out unscathed it gets a thumbs up from me, Rimmel gets a huge thumbs up! 

Go out and find some Rimmel polish and try it out for yourself. You can find them online or in your neighborhood stores like: Target, Walgreens, and Walmart.

Beauty Corner Review- Sally Hansen Polish

 SALLY HANSEN - XTREME WEAR

#130 BLUE ME AWAY!

I was able to get my hands on some Sally Hansen polish. This is actually a first try for me from the Xtreme Wear Collection. I got #130 Blue Me Away! and I'm so in love! It is a beautiful bright blue and it looks great with my skin color. This was only one coat as it covered smoothly and quickly. It dried fast, as most Sally Hansen polishes tend to do.

It was a great value at $2.99 and with a $1 coupon I just couldn't pass it up. Even at the original price this is definately a polish that you can't pass up. Great color, great price, and a great all around polish. This is perfect for spring and for the new trend - color block. 

I am not gone, promise!

So sorry I've been MIA lately. Things have gotten hectic on the home front and I didn't want to just post for the sake of posting. No I don't want to flood my blog with coupons that you don't need or want. I want substance, something that you'll enjoy reading. Apparently you guys enjoy beauty reviews so you're in luck! I just got some new polishes and will be doing some reviews. Also got some make-up and will be doing something on those as well. I've got books to review and I'll also be getting some things in the mail to add, so I'll be a busy, busy bee!

So no I am not gone, I haven't disappeared and yes I'll have some more giveaways soon. I'll be sponsoring in some giveaways so keep an eye open!

Thanks for sticking around and putting up with my absence. Love you guys!

FOR YOUR BABY GIVEAWAY WINNER!!

THE WINNER OF THE "FOR YOUR BABY" GIVEAWAY IS...

TERESA PESCHKE! CONGRATS!!  

BEAUTY CORNER REVIEW

JULEP MAVEN POLISH BOX

So I finally bit the bullet and bought into all the hype, the Julep Maven Box. I bought it because it was 1 cent and figured...well other people have said it was good. Let's try it out! It came super fast, like within 3days which was great time. It was packaged nicely and securely, with no breakage. 

The first thing I grabbed was the hand scrub. The size was good and when I opened it up it smelled good. Although I would recommend shaking it before squeezing as there was some liquid that came out. You know like when you have mustard or ketchup and don't shake it before squeezing. It exfoliated, it softened, and it did its job. I have to say this was the first time I've ever used a hand scrub, but it was nice. 

Of course the hand scrub wasn't the real reason why I got the Julep Maven...oh no. It was for the polish that so many have raved about. That so many have said so many great things about, you know that polish. Well here it goes, my review on the Julep Polishes that I received. 

First up was "Blake" which is a very mellow yellow that I don't really think goes well with my skin color. This was included in the "Boho Glam" which isn't really my style. I didn't have a yellow polish so figured might as well keep it. The polish itself was runny...very runny and pretty messy as well. It took three coats to cover and I can actually still see some areas on my nails where the nail is showing. They sell them for $14 if you'd like to buy it, but personally I don't think it should be that much.

Next was Meryl which is a very light gray color. It too was runny, but it covered much easier due to its darker color. I really like this and have already thought of other ways to use this. I would totally buy Meryl again if a. it wasn't $14 and b. it was a bigger bottle. I think although it's nice and I like it, I can't justify paying $14. Maybe if it was somewhere closer to $5 I think it would be a great buy. 

Overall the polishes were "OK" and the hand scrub was great, but that too is overpriced in my opinion. It was a great value for $.01 though and if you got in on that deal, great job! I don't think I'll keep my account with Julep Maven though, I don't think these items are really worth $19.95 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT REVIEW

COBRA CORN: MUMBAI MASALA

MADE BY DISHOOUM FOODS

According to the back this Mumbai Masala recipe was made by a mother of 4 in her own kitchen. I would have loved to be in that kitchen when she was making this because it is delish! I got the bag and when I opened it the fantastic smell wafted up. I could definitely smell spices that I use all the time like cayenne, paprika and garlic. This honestly reminded me of homemade chili and found the tastes similar. I liked that while it was spicy, it wasn't hot. I loved that I could enjoy it without feeling like my mouth was on fire. I shared it with the kids and they asked where I had gotten it because they wanted more. 

I think even if you're a newbie to Indian flavors you'll love this popcorn. It isn't overly spiced, the flavor is good and it doesn't burn your mouth to bits. The popcorn could have been a bit crunchier, but it doesn't take away from the enjoyment. 

So if you're looking for an all natural, gluten free, 0g trans fat snack then look no further. You can buy Cobra Corn ONLINE prices ranging from 1.74 a bag to 1.99, the more you buy the more you save! You can also find them at Abe's Market Natural Goods. 

BOOK GIVEAWAY WINNER!

Sorry I was so late in picking the winner for the VMK Fewings book giveaway. I've been super busy these past few days, but I've finally picked a winner and its...

DON VOSBURGH!