Amazon.com Kindle Monthly Book Deals Posts Discontinued

Hey guys,

So, in place of what usually is my first post of the month, I'm just going to be honest- this is my least favorite blog to write. I like "segments" on blogs, but this one is just wearing me out! These posts are also my least viewed every month. So I have decided to just stop doing them, and instead post other blogs (probably book reviews, as these seem to be a Tuesday thing now) in it's place. 
These posts also take a really long time, but with the views not showing payoff, I've decided that if it's not fun to write, and a lot of people aren't reading them, what is the point? But I didn't just want to stop doing them and not tell you guys why... so here's my reason.

Thanks for understanding!

Academy Awards Red Carpet 2014

OMG, it's finally here! The ACADEMY AWARDS! I love the awards show (it's my absolute favorite of all of them), and I love seeing what everyone is wearing. I watch as much of the Red Carpet stuff as I can (usually on E!, but I switch around to ABC every now and then). 

Here are my favorites


Love the dress. Not so much the hair.


Actually I am surprised by how much I like this.


LOVE! The blue suit, that gorgeous dress... they are my current fave Hollywood couple to see on the Red Carpet,


Another two favorites. Especially that green dress!


Wasn't a huge fan of this dress (didn't love or hate it), but THIS MAKEUP. Gorgeous!


I hate when nominees show up in dresses that aren't "winners" *cough* Anne Hathaway *cough*
But this... THIS is a winners dress. (Please keep in mind I post this prior to the awards being given out. But I don't take back that this is a dress you can win in.)


Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are another one of my favorites to see on the Red Carpet. I just love this dress. 


Yes. Just... yes.








And here are my least favorites


SHORTS. Just... no. You're a talented man, but no.


I'm very much in the minority about this, but I am not a fan of this dress.Something about it looks like it doesn't fit properly, it makes things look saggy that shouldn't... 
I really love Julia Roberts. Just not so much in this.


It looks like a piece of fabric held together with a pretty bobbypin on the top.




Now it's time for me to go watch Ellen work her magic!




If you'd like, you can view all my Red Carpet posts here, or check out my Red Carpet Pinterest board here.

Books I'm Excited For: March 2014

I have almost 400 books on my "to-read" list on Goodreads, and March definitely helped add to that list!
Here are the books I'm excited for that are coming out in March 2014.





I received the following books from NetGalley to review: The Divorce Papers, The Opposite of Maybe, The Lost Sisterhood, Don't Even think About It, and Growing Up Duggar. 
There are so many awesome books coming out next month! I'd love to see your reviews if you do one on one of these books, so be sure and link me below! And feel free to add me on Goodreads!

FTC: Some of the books mentioned above have been provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I am not in any way affiliated with any of the authors mentioned.

The J'Adore VoxBox

I qualified for the Influenster Jadore Vox Box!
From Influenster: A little Valentine from us to you, mon cherie! Filled with trinkets, joy, and a certain je ne sais quoi, the J'adore VoxBox will have you head over heels and whispering tweet nothings.



Here is all that came in my box, and I was pretty excited about a couple of things!




Boots Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask  
Treat your skin to deep cleansing with this mineral-rich clay mask. Designed for use on normal skin, this unscented, hypo-allergenic formula absorbs excess oil and deeply cleanses skin. The oceanic clay exhibits a negative electrical charge, which helps to draw out impurities without overdrying, leaving your skin feeling softer and smoother. 
My Thoughts: I've used this once since receiving this box, and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it yet. It's a very runny product (I recommend shaking it to thicken it up a bit), and it has Willow Bark, which my skin always seems to have problems with. BUT, I liked the way it felt when it was drying (it didn't make my skin feel super tight like some other masks), and I really felt like it got all the nastiness out of my pores. So, I'm hoping my skin can tolerate the willow bark and I will keep using it. Otherwise, I'll be passing it off to a coworker that expressed interest.



John Frieda Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight Flat Iron Spray
Revolutionary heat-activated formula wraps each strand in long-lasting straightness for up to 3 days (or until your next shampoo if less than 3 days) without weighing hair down. Formula, infused with Keratin, protects against heat damage and blocks frizz making hair glossy, smooth, and swinging with body.
My Thoughts: I received this product once before in my November 2013 New Beauty Test Tube, and I'm going to be doing the same with this one that I did with the other one- passing it off to a friend. I already have straight hair, so it would be useless for me to try this and give it an accurate review.



KISS Looks So Natural Lashes
KISS Looks So Natural Lashes are made with Tapered End Technology so lash strips blend seamlessly with your own lashes, inconspicuously highlighting your eyes- they're so luxuriously light and comfortable, you're forget you're wearing them! Available at Walgreens and CVS Stores Nationwide.
My Thoughts: I'm not a huge wearer of false eyelashes, but these look like they are nice quality and will be good ones. I might give them a try soon, and if I do, I will do a follow up blog post.



Red Rose Simply Indulgent Teas
Red Rose Simply Indulgent Teas deliver rich decadent flavors in a premium black tea blend. Enjoy this indulgence in a cup, with none of the calories and none of the guilt.
My Thoughts: As I've said before, I love tea. I look forward to trying these, though I haven't yet, but they smell amazing. I got mostly the Creme Caramel favor, but was also given the Lemon Chiffon to try. (They also have Cinnamon Streusel, and Peach Cobbler.)



Hershey's Kisses Milk Chocolates
The right words don't always come easily. And sometimes it's impossible to say what you really mean. But give someone Hershey's Kisses Chocolates and you'll instantly say it all.
My Thoughts: This is a FAMILY SIZE BAG of Hershey's Kisses! I love Hershey's Kisses- they're probably up there with my favorite type of candy. So I was really happy to receive this!



Vaseline Men Spray Lotion
New Vaseline Men Spray Lotion is a continuous spray lotion that moisturizes deeply and absorbs in seconds to tackle dryness fast and leave skin feeling great. After application, skin feels instantly moisturized - not sticky or greasy. Vaseline Men Spray Lotion is available in two formulas: Fast Absorbing and Fast Cooling. 
My Thoughts: I had my husband try this, and he is not at all a fan. He doesn't use lotion, and he didn't like the smell when I asked him to try it. I passed this off to my step father-in-law, and he says he is enjoying it, so it's not a total waste.


If you're interested in joining and being active on Influenster to try your hand at receiving boxes, please leave your email here and I will invite you! My score will go up the more you review, but that's the only form of "compensation" I would receive.



FTC: I received all products from Influenster for review purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post contains amazon affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Book Review: Cress (Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer (and meeting the author!)

(This is the third book of four in a series. If you would like to read more about Cinder, the first book, please check it out at Good Reads. And if you would like to know more about Scarlet, the second book, you can read my review here.)

Description from Goodreads
Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair—or her guard.

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army. 

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice. 

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.


Meeting the Author!
Before I get into the review, I wanted to talk about experience going to see Marissa Meyer. I have family in San Diego and was fortunate enough to be able to attend her morning reading/signing on February 6th. (For reference, I live about 5ish hours from there.)

The reading took place at the absolutely beautiful library in Downtown San Diego. It is 9 stories! If you have the chance to visit it, I highly recommend it, because if you love books, you will be in book heaven.
The morning reading was mostly kids, because there is a charter school in the library (lucky kids!), but there were also a few people closer to my age, so I didn't feel too super awkward (or old). 

Marissa is really lovely, and funny. She did a presentation on herself, and how she got started writing. She also talked about her love of Sailor Moon, which I also grew up watching and loving, so that was fun!  And her love of fairytales. 
She also did a reading of the original Rapunzel, which was wonderful. So many people are not familiar with the actual story of Rapunzel, so it was cool to hear it outloud and for her to share it with others. Especially for the kids- I could tell they were surprised!

She did a quick Q&A, and the library raffled off some prizes. I didn't win anything.
I brought my book to sign, and waited in line!

(I also noticed her husband walking around in his Seahawks shirt, and wanted to say Go Hawks, but got too shy to do so. So if you're reading this- GO HAWKS!)



Marissa was wonderful and I highly recommend if you get a chance to go see her, or any author that is doing a reading in your area, really. She was so gracious, and really took the time with everyone to make them feel special. I will definitely be seeking out more author readings and signings in my area!


My Review
Cress picks up almost immediately where Scarlet leaves off. It begins with Cress in her satellite, monitoring Earth for the Lunars, and also trying to help out Cinder and her crew. Eventually, they get connected, but only for their plan to help Cress escape to be foiled by Cress' mistress, Sybil. There is a bit of a battle, and the ships are disconnected. Cress and Captain Thorne are then stuck in the satellite plummeting towards Earth; Cinder and Wolf are disconnected and on their way to Africa- Wolf was severely injured, and the only doctor that Cinder knows that will help Wolf without problems is located there, with Jacin, a bodyguard to Sybil (who seems to have allegiance to Cinder); and Scarlet has been taken by Sybil. And she becomes the prisoner of Princess Winter, who is a little more on the crazy side of the scale than not.

Cress is essentially Rapunzel with a twist, right down to Captain Thorne becoming blinded. (In the original story, the prince is thrown out of the tower and blinded by rose bushes.) This is the common thread of the Lunar Chronicles- fairy tales with a twist. And all the stories interweave to create one solid, amazing story. You would think with the amount of characters involved it would be confusing, or you would need an evidence board with strings tied to pins to keep everything straight, but you don't. Meyer tells the story in such a way that it keeps you involved enough with every character that you shouldn't be wondering about specifics.
(Though I have to say, I wish I remembered more of Cinder than I do, and might do a complete re-read of the series before Winter comes out next year. I've read quite a few reviews stating that people have seen foreshadows of things mentioned in Cinder starting to tie in to the story, and I LOVE when authors tie up loose ends. Or write things that you don't really think of as important, but then OMG become the most important thing that you totally missed!)

Another important piece of the story is Prince Kai's impending nuptials to Queen Levana of Luna. Prince Kai knows that once they are married, it's basically off with his head. And Cinder desperately wants to stop the wedding, part because she is in love with Kai, and part because, well, she believes she is the lost princess and should be queen of Luna. And Queen Levana is a horrible, awful person- but I love to read her. She is evil in the best way. 


I don't want to ruin the story and say whether the characters eventually meet up. But there is resolution of sorts, however, there is still one part of the story remaining to be told, and I'm starting to see how this could all come together, but there is still so much I want to know! I was actually a little frustrated when I hit the end, because I didn't realize it was coming- there were a lot of pages left in my book because I purchased a special edition from Target with a short story. Which was also really great.
(Side note: I cried a couple times, especially the scene with Cress and Dr. Erland. That's all I'm saying about that.)

I rated this book 4 stars on Goodreads, but I really feel like it was 4.5 stars. Obviously I didn't LOVE IT enough to give it a 5 star rating, but it was a really well-written continuation to the series, and left me desperately wishing I didn't have to wait a year for Winter.




You can purchase Cress here for Kindle, or here for a hardcover copy. You can also check out the first 5 chapters on Kindle for free! I usually download the samples to read before I get a book from the library or buy it, so I think this is a great way to get to know a book before you commit!



FTC: This book was purchased with my own money. All thoughts and opinions are my own.This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

Birchbox February 2014

I pulled the trigger. I decided to sign up for Birchbox. And I picked a pretty good month, because February was the Birchbox collaboration with US Weekly!
I couldn't help myself and peaked at the contents of my box prior to actually receiving the box, but I was still really excited when I saw what was coming, and once I received it.

Side Note: I was given a light studio for my birthday from my super awesome Sister-in-Law and Brother-in-Law! I'm still playing with my set up a bit and trying to make sure there are no shadows and all that good stuff, so please be patient with me in the mean time!

(As usual, since this is my first box, I am showing the complete unboxing.)







Each box comes with a card that, on one side, details the "theme" of the box, and on the backside, lists all the products that are included.





Beauty Protector Protect and Oil
Exclusive Launch! This just-for-you hair oil defends against UV rays, heat, and breakage.
How To Use: Smooth one to three drops into damp hair, working from the roots to ends. Or, you can apply a small amount to the ends of dry hair to tame frizz and provide light conditioning.
How It Works: This nourishing formula uses star ingredient argan oil to protect, strengthen, and add a pretty gloss to strands—all without heaviness. Armed with UV and heat protection, it stands up to two of our favorite past times: heat styling and spending hours in the sun. The paraben-free formula is also cruelty-free.
Will I Use It?: Well, I do love a good hair oil, so I imagine I will be making use of this soon! It's getting pretty great reviews on the Birchbox website (It's about at a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars). I will definitely update you guys when I use it and get an idea of whether I like it or not! 




Harvey Prince Hello
Best-selling spritz that mingles cheerful citrus with floral notes. Well, hello there!
How To Use: Spritz on first thing in the morning and whenever you need a fragrance mood boost.
How It Works: Made with eco-friendly ingredients, this scent has all-day staying power. A top note of Meyer lemon captures the scent of fresh-squeezed lemonade, while Satsuma mandarin adds a double fruity note. Next up, summer forsythia and pink plumeria—traditionally found in Hawaiian leis—give the scent its heady floral layer.
Will I Use It?: I have tried it, and it is a really nice scent. It's definitely not something I would have purchased for myself, but after wearing it most of the day today after receiving my box, I like the way it mixes with my body chemistry, and it really lasts! I'll definitely keep using the sample!




OPI Sheer Tints in Don't Violet Me Down
This tinted top coat gives nails a wash of high-shine, translucent color.
How To Use: Wear the tinted top coat over bare nails for a sheer wash of color or customize your shade by layering to achieve your desired outcome.
How It Works: The translucent colors take your polish to the next level: Make solid nail lacquers pop by brightening or darkening, accent glittery or dark polishes, transform crème and shimmery shades, reveal imbedded colors in your favorite hues, and layer to create the ultimate ombré look.
Will I Use It?:  I tried this on one of my bare nails, and to be honest? It's not my thing. I think if I had received the pinker color, it might be a little better for me, but overall I'm not really into this. I might try it over a couple polishes to see what kind of look comes out, but I haven't decided yet.




Harney & Sons Fine Teas (Black Tea in Paris (Caramel and Citrus), and White Vanilla Grapefruit (White Tea infused with Vanilla and Grapefruit))
Rich and flavorful tea blends from the family-owned craft brand.
How to Use: Steep sachet in boiling water according to directions.
How It Works: Harney & Sons has a robust range of teas. Try one of their black teas: Organic English Breakfast is a classic black, Early Grey Supreme adds citrus for a twist on the original, Hot Cinnamon Spice blends orange, cinnamon, and cloves, and Paris is fruity with vanilla and caramel flavors. Then there are the green teas: Japanese Sencha has light accents of citrus, Organic Green with Citrus and Ginkgo brings added health benefits, and Organic Bangkok blends green tea with ginger, lemongrass, coconut, and vanilla. And the herbal teas: Chamomile is mellow with very subtle apple flavors, Rooibos Chai brings spicy, earthy flavors with a hint of nuttiness, and Mint Verbena is a refreshing mix of mint and citrus. Finally, the flavored teas: Pomegranate Oolong is a tangy fruity brew, Caribe blends black and green tea with tropical flavors, Tilleul with Mint mixes peppermint and woodsy tilleul, and White Vanilla Grapefruit is a sweet brew with a white tea base.
Will I Use It?: I love tea, so I will absolutely be trying these. I'm not at all familiar with this brand, but depending on how I like these two samples, I will definitely be checking out their Earl Grey (my fave tea type) and the Caribe. And the Pomegranate Oolong. Okay... so I may just buy all of them!


If any of you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, please click there and use my affiliate link! I receive points which I will exchange for products that I can review on this blog.



FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the Birchbox card included in the box.
This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links and a birchbox affiliate link. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
The individual product links to the birchbox product page are not affiliate links.

Book Review: Astonish Me by Maggie Shipstead

(This book was provided to me by NetGalley and Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group for review purposes).

Description from Goodreads
From the author of the widely acclaimed debut novel Seating Arrangements, winner of the Dylan Thomas Prize: a gorgeously written, fiercely compelling glimpse into the passionate, political world of professional ballet and its magnetic hold over two generations.

Astonish Me is the irresistible story of Joan, a ballerina whose life has been shaped by her relationship with the world-famous dancer Arslan Ruskov, whom she helps defect from the Soviet Union to the United States. While Arslan's career takes off in New York, Joan's slowly declines, ending when she becomes pregnant and decides to marry her longtime admirer, a PhD student named Jacob. As the years pass, Joan settles into her new life in California, teaching dance and watching her son, Harry, become a ballet prodigy himself. But when Harry's success brings him into close contact with Arslan, explosive secrets are revealed that shatter the delicate balance Joan has struck between her past and present.

In graceful, inimitable prose, Shipstead draws us into an extraordinary world, and the lives of her vivid and tempestuous characters. Filled with intrigue, brilliant satire, and emotional nuance, Astonish Me is a superlative follow-up to Shipstead's superb debut.


My Review
This book started off a little confusing to me- I got about 4% in and realized I didn't know Joan from another woman in the novel, so I started over. (This was not the author's fault; upon re-reading, I realized I had applied to Joan what should have been applied to the other woman. Lesson learned to pay better attention to details!)

This book is broken up into 5 parts, and each part is broken up further into time frame. Each part also skips back to a time period either slightly before or slightly farther along than what the first part started as. So each part introduces you to more detail than you were previously given, which makes the first part of the book a little frustrating (Why did Arslan choose to defect with Joan? What happened between Elaine and Joan?), but ultimately, everything seems to be tied up just as tight as a ballet shoe.

Joan is a ballerina who's good enough to be in the corps, but not good enough to solo. She meets Arslan while he is becoming super famous in Russia but he wants to come to America. So, after much letter writing and secrecy, Joan helps Arslan defect. They have a sexual relationship, but not a real one. At least not the kind Joan wants.
Elaine is Joan's roommate on and off. She is an interesting character- she is a soloist, she does coke, she has a relationship with Mr. K, who is gay. I think of everyone, she ended up being my favorite character.

Then there is Jake, Joan's husband. He loved her in high school, they sleep together once, and ultimately Joan ends up pregnant and they get married. Jake starts off as this kind of pathetic guy, but as the story progresses, you come to respect his quiet strength for his family.
Jake and Joan's son's name is Harry. Joan quit ballet shortly after becoming pregnant with Harry. She still studies ballet (in her private time), and ultimately begins to teach ballet. Late in his childhood (but before becoming a teenager, Harry also becomes a ballet dancer. A very, very good one.

Jake and Joan move next door to Sandy and her husband, who have a daughter who is Harry's age, named Chloe. Harry develops a crush on Chloe, and although it isn't really stated specifically, I believe she is the reason he also decides to dance ballet. Chloe does not return Harry's feelings, though Harry is always there for her, especially in an extremely upsetting time.
To me, Harry's crush on Chloe almost mirrored the crush that Jake had on Joan throughout their teenage years. I thought that was an interesting way for the author to continue to show more about the relationships between the characters, in general.
Sandy is jealous of Joan- that much is obvious. They are friends but eventually are just parents who have kids that are friends.

I'm not sure if I was supposed to be surprised by the "revelation" of the book, but I wasn't. I figured it out pretty much right away. That doesn't take away from the book- I still enjoyed watching it all unfold.


If you're not a fan of books that skip around in time, or skip perspective, you will not like this book. I don't find it to be confusing- it's clearly stated when time is moved. It's just a matter of paying attention (kind of like I didn't when I started this book), and making sure you understand where you are in time when things start to get revealed.
To me, this was an interesting book with interesting characters, and I really enjoyed it. I have been interested in ballerina's since seeing Center Stage, and pretty much will read or watch anything with one. (Though I have never been to an actual ballet- strange!)

I debated with myself on which rating to give this book, and I decided to give it 3 stars. I want to rate it 3.5, but I didn't like it enough to bump up to four stars. Because, ultimately, I liked it, but I don't see myself re-reading it, and it will be a very specific kind of person I would recommend it to. So, 3 stars.


This book will be available to purchase on April 8, 2014. You can preorder a copy of this book in hardcover here, and for Kindle here.


FTC: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post contains amazon.com affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.