jewelry

4TH and BLEEKER for CARMAR

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:31:00 +0000

You guessed it, Alexandra Spencer is the face of LF STORES' CARMAR campaign. The 4th and Bleeker blogger/model has been on our radar for forever now it seems like. We were long overdue working with the look book veteran. One click of the camera and this chick turns on and really every shot was magical! I can not wait to share the finished product!!!! If you are one of those girls who lives in CARMAR denim you will appreciate the perspective we have for Spring and those of you are not familiar you will immediately be sucked into the world of which is the CARMAR girl! Want to check out more from Alex mozzy on over to her blog:

4th and Bleeker

Images Via: 4th and Bleeker

;img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb351/fashionlane/WS13SFW.jpg" />

BRIGHTER DAZE

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:31:00 +0000

The LF Spring Look Book is finally here. We had such an adventure with this shoot! We brought back our LF original model, Hailey Clauson of NEXT! She roamed the streets of Pismo Beach, one of the first surf towns in Cali! This surf punk inspired look book sets the tone for what will be the best season yet from LF!

PH: Daniel Kincaid

Model: Hailey Clauson

Stylist: Alexandra Sherman

2nd Stylist: Brittney Bowles

MU: Karina Moore

Hair: Danielle Cedillo

MARKDOWN BAND WAGON

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Note to self, Mark Downs are HERE. LF's infamous Only Sale of The Season is still going strong. We have thrown a curve ball at you with a yummy selection of Mark Down Prices. If you are living under a rock and have not shopped sale do not fear we still have some of our favorite styles! Here are random shots from look books through out the season featuring items all on SALE for 60% or MORE.

Get your Shop On my Sale Lovers!!!!

CAR MAR DENIM

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:29:00 +0000

I am stoked to introduce the first ever Car Mar Denim look book. Car Mar Denim is launching its' Spring collection with a Cali influenced grouping of shorts, shorts, and more shorts. The LA based denim brand is known for its' constant young vibe, ahead of the curve fabrications, and plethora of variety. The styles and fits of not only the shorts, but the jeans are truly unlike anything I have worn before. We had the privilege to work in our very own backyard in good old Venice Beach, where we caught some waves, grinded on our boards, and even got our hula hooping on. Alexandra Spencer of 4th and Bleeker was the ideal match for the laid back local girl, Daniel Kincaid's care free shooting style captured the candid attitude, this combination resulted in the KILLER images you will view below! ENJOY my friends!

Thanks to my bad ass team!

PH: Daniel Kincaid

Styling: Alexandra Sherman

Model: Alexandra Spencer/4th and Bleeker

MU: Karina Moore

Hair: Danielle Cedillo

SPOTTED FW STREETSTYLE

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:28:00 +0000

Amidst all the Fashion Week hoopla and don't get me wrong we have been drooling for it all, we have found our near and dear inspiration...ready for it.....STREET STYLE! Those who are lucky enough to attend all of the shows are really the ones who we are watching. Before anyone else these fashion forward clad chicks are rocking trends before they even become such. This leads us to ponder...what will be the next craze. Think back to the last round of shows circa Spring 11 when NEON was all the rage, oh the past! Now we have been presented with a NEW breed of Trends that are sure to get your Fashion jitters brewing.

We begin with a new wave of COLOR. From the looks of things The Easter Bunny and a Raver had a love child, which in turn created the birth of the Pop Pastel. The colors we dig are not washed out pastels that have drenched the market in seasons past, rather they have a sort of ZING to them.

The return of DENIM is a broken record that for some reason we can't stop listening to. Our fascination with all things DENIM will never pass, at least that's the verdict for the time being. Spring has brought us a remarkable outlook on the tear, shred, rip, what ever you want to call it. Acne has so cleverly taken it head to toe. We particularly have our eyes glued on the JACKET.

Alas the mother of all Spring TRENDS, the SNEAKER. When we first laid our eyes on them walking down Marc's, Isabel's, and Chloe's catwalk we knew times were-a-changing. Get ready to pump up your kicks because these sneaky shoes are about to kick us in a new one.

One of my personal obsessions has to be NAIL VARNISH! I love how depending on your mood you can change your nail color and instantly you have a new attitude. Whether you fancy a more classic shade like red or nude, or you prefer a more jazzy approach donning shades such as ombre blue tones or chunky glitter, nail varnish is the bees knees for SPRING. Did I mention we @ LF Stores will be carrying an array of NAIL VARNISH for SPRING....That was a field day of buying for me let me tell ya!

The BASEBALL CAP is a bit of a MICRO TREND. The reasoning for the trend having current relevance is due to the importance of the Sporty Look. When taking into account all elements of the Trend one would be remiss to neglect the most iconic of sporty attire, the BASEBALL CAP. In summation, Fashion Week has reassured our forecasting predictions and rendered them true! Stay tuned for what will be the best SPRING EVER!

Images via: TheBlondeSalad & Tumblr

IMM #26

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:36:00 +0000

In My Mailbox

IMM is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren.

You can skip the video if you like. The moronic person that is me was in a hurry yesterday and totally forgot to place the camera the right way! urgh! this things always happen to me u_u, sorry 'bout that!
Here's a link in case you want to see the epic fail x)

In The Mailbox:

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
I ordered this book 3 weeks ago on e-bay... better late than never. it only cost 4 bucks so, no hard feelings x)

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
This book came highly recommended by Jennifer from Some Like It Paranormal and Heather from Nightly Reading, speaking of which, a part of Heather's Review is in the back of the book!! Eek! so exited, go check her review :D!

For Review:

Angelfall by Susan Ee
This book has been a buzz lately and has some really high ratings, so I did not hesitate in sending a review request! Already got it, already read it, already reviewed it! it was AWESOME and the covers is reeeeally pretty also! You can see my review Here ;)

That was all for me this week! I'm start classes on monday, which is a bit sad, I was enjoying having control over my life, but there's some people I've been missing during the holidays, and I can't wait to see them again :)

so, What did YOU got in Your Mailbox :) ?

Angelfall - Susan Ee

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:49:00 +0000

Angelfall by Susan Ee
Date Released: May 21st 2011
Publisher: Feral Dream
Pages: 255 pages
Date Read: January 20, 2012
Format: pdf
Source: Author

Summary:

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

From Gnodreads

My Review:

I've always been a big fan of apocalyptic movies, lots of people turn away from them, but they are my favorites, so when I saw this book was about the apocalypse I didn't hesitate to request it! It's actually the first book I read in the genre and wow! it was soooo good. all of those 5 star reviews were right :3 I'll stop my rambling and begin reviewing:

The book starts and we meet Penryn, a not so normal girl. Aside from the fact that the apocalypse started and Angels -not nice and pretty. More like mean and I-want-them-to-die kind of Angels - are taking over the world, Her mother has mental problems and her little sister is in a wheelchair. To make things worse her sister is kidnapped by Angels, and God knows what they will do to her, so Penryn is on a mission: Save her sister no matter what.

The book jumps right into the action, there are very few 'calm' moments, which was really good. Lots of hear racing moments and lots of: "Oh. My. God. You have got to be kidding" moments, Luckily Penryn wasn't alone to face them [her mom sort of gets lost] but she's being accompanied by a hot Angel that apparently isn't so bad: Raffe.

Raffe is the romantic interest of Penryn, though he doesn't show that much interest in her through the book, but by the ending all of his emotions show, Oh God The Ending! I was crying! not bawling or anything, more like a little tear here and there and some *sniff sniff* it was sooo good and I ♥ Raffe! seriously! everything was in slow motion for me, from the horrible things that happened to [SPOILER Highlihght:] Penryn's sister! I mean what the hell did they do to her? and what is she now? and the scorpion things and Raffe's Wings! and Arg!! I was TORN APART! I'm telling you! TORN!!!

So yeah, I found it a bit hard to get into the book in the begging, even though it was full of action and great stuff, I wasn't really into it. But by the end I was so immersed that, like I said, everything turned into slow motion. Oh and one more thing, I Loved that Susan Ee is Fearless! she was not afraid to describe graphic and grueson things, I love that she went all the way, because usually books tend to be sugarcoated, but this one was not afraid, so I really think that makes it that much more good :)

Maybe my review doesn't make that much sense but, what really does have to make sense is the fact that you have to read it. If you like Bad [and hot] Angels, creatures that come straight out of nightmares and lots of action then this book is for you :D!

and now I'm dying for a sequel... Special Thanks to Susane Ee for letting me review her book!

“I never kid about my warrior demigod status."
"Oh. My. God." I lower my voice, having forgotten to whisper. "You are nothing but a bird with an attitude. Okay, so you have a few muscles, I’ll grant you that. But you know, a bird is nothing but a barely evolved lizard. That’s what you are.”

“It is not the gentle kiss of a couple on a first date, nor is it the kiss of a man driven by simple lust. He kisses me with the desperation of a dying man who believes the magic of eternal life is in this kiss.”

And one More Spoiler Quote [Highlight] and if you haven't read the book DO NOT READ THIS QUOTE, I'm serious. Stop. Really. Especially you Jennifer, you read really fast and something tells me you want to read spoilers :P Like I said, this quote tore my hear in two:

"“How long did you resist?” asks Uriel. “Did you push her away? Did you tell her she meant no more to you than any other animal? Oh, Raffe, did she die thinking you didn’t care about her? How tragic. That must just tear you to pieces.” Raffe looks up with murder in his eyes. “Don’t. Talk. About. Her.”"

Summer Breeze

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:16:00 +0000

Lately I've been listening to Jason Mraz' version of Summer Breeze which was originally sung by Seals & Crofts. Yes, it's a cover but I think it's a great one, a feel good song. I love to listen to this when I'm driving. Jason Mraz is one of my favorite singers. I love most of his songs. :)

See the curtains hanging in the window
In the evening on a Friday night
A little light a-shining through the window
Lets me know everythings alright

Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind
Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind

See the paper laying on the sidewalk
A little music from the house next door
So I walk on up to the door step
Through the screen and across the floor

Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind
Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind

Sweet days of summer, the jasmine's in bloom
July is dressed up and playing her tune
When I come home from a hard days work
And you're waiting there, not a care in the world

See the smile a-waiting in the kitchen
Food cooking and the plates for two
Feel the arms that reach out to hold me
In the evening when the day is through

Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind
Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind

you can listen to it here:

I was lucky enough to be on his concert last October 30, 2011.

me with my sister, her hubby, cousins, braggy and raprap

that's it to my very first blog about music. ohh. this is really getting more and more personal. :)

Graffiti Moon - Cath Crowley

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:51:00 +0000

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Date Released: February 14th 2012 [US edition]
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 272 pages
Date Read: January 07, 2012
Format: ARC
Source: Netgalley

Summary:

Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.

From Goodreads

My Review:

I've always loved to write, and if I were to ever write a book, I would want to be just like this one. No doubt.

The writing style was really good! and the humor! Oh God I was laughing so much! especially at the sarcastic remarks! "This did not comfort me." That was my favorite line! [probably doesn't make sense if you haven't read it. You must]

It had the perfect valance of Lighthearted and Deep Situations! It was full of real art references and just in general, I would not hesitate to call this book a work of art. Delicate and just about perfect.

The support characters where great, Lucy had such a great sense of humor and I loved being inside her and Ed's minds. and Ed is my new boy crush ^^

I you haven't read it then What Are You Waiting For??!?!?!?!?!

It's worth Gold

“Emma Forest?" Jazz asks. "His ex is the girl with the big...?"
"That's the one," Daisy tells her.
Jazz looks at her chest. I pat her shoulder. "Guys care about personality too."
"Girls like me started that rumor.”

“Every time he looked at me I felt like I'd touched my tongue to the tip of a battery. In art class I'd watch him lean back and listen and I was nothing but zing and tingle. After a while, the tingle turned to electricity, and when he asked me out my whole body amped to a level where technically I should have been dead. I had nothing in common with a sheddy like him, but a girl doesn't think straight when she's that close to electrocution.”

Office Re-Do

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:26:00 +0000

Remember when not to long ago I painted this stencil wall in my office? Well, I decided I wanted to paint over it. I'm the queen of doing things more than once. It's very strange.

It's not that I didn't like the stenciled wall paper. It was more the color of the room. It was a lot darker than all of the other rooms in our house. The stencil also had a TON of imperfections since I did the entire thing by hand. You couldn't see them unless you got close up - but I noticed them every time I walked in the room.

First I chose a new paint color. I set out to find a lighter color gray that would flow better with the entire house. Both of the below paint swatches are Martha Stewart. We went for the top one. Bedford Gray. I can't remember the name of the lighter color on bottom.

After the room was painted. It was not easy painting over the stencil. Stung a little bit. Even though I had plans to replace it with something very similar. After searching the internet I ordered a stencil from Royal Studio Designs. I actually ordered one that was too small at first and had to send it back. So, if you are thinking about doing a full wall make sure to order a large stencil. Once I got the right one in the mail (they ship really quickly) I was able to get started. This is when I only thought I had a few hours of stenciling ahead of me....

A day and half later....

And compared to the hand stencil....it was a breeze. But really...it was hard. Like I wanted to quit on several occasions and just paint the wall gray again. The ceiling and edges were most definitely the hardest part. I never got the hang of it and honestly never want to. I have no more stencil plans in my future:)

My main goal was accomplished. It lighted the room up and now it flows much better with the rest of the house.

The professional stencil eliminated a lot of errors...making the finished product look much more seamless.

The change isn't that dramatic. Just a little bit lighter with a different pattern. Another suggestion I would give if you are thinking about venturing in to stenciling would be to choose a base paint color that is not that different from your stencil color. It took a lot of pressing with the paint roller to cover the white paint over the gray. So, what do you guys think about the change? Did you know that after I painted this room...I had painted every single room in our house in 2011 (including bathrooms). And then stenciled the same wall twice. Does that make me crazy?

Foreplay

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:11:00 +0000

Nowdays, it seems to me that foreplay is something that is not often talked about. When my friends and I are discussing our sex lives, we talk about the sex, nothing before hand. (Ok, apart from the occasional nosh that was so good it needs to be mentioned!)

Obviously, there are the partners that you are with that you feel foreplay is not needed. You know, the partner you have amazing sex with so you think the before hand play is not needed. Or maybe you are not fully interested in the person so you skip the foreplay and rush for the fuck, knowing you need the thrill of the orgasm, not caring who it is with.

A short period of flirting and a slow build up on anticipation surely leads to more exciting sex? Of course it does. There is nothing like some good old fashioned seduction to get your partner really turned on.
Let's not forget, it is harder for a woman to get aroused and turned on before sex. Give a guy a wink and a flash of nip, he instantly has a boner. Do that to a woman, she will laugh and stay as dry as a nun. Female bodies need help conjuring the lust and lubrication required for intercourse.

So, I have some tips to keep the before hand play interesting, leaving you wanting more and having both you and your partner lusting after the intercourse..

1) Talk Dirty:
Dirty talk is the opportunity to really push back all the boundaries and stops. Through dirty talk you can stimulate your partner’s major senses: sound, sight and touch. Lovers use dirty talk as a way of expressing their wants and needs in the heat of the moment. If done right and at the right time, dirty talk is one of the hottest things you can do for your partner. Obviously there is the soft dirty talk where you compliment each other and what they are doing and then there is the hard-core dirty talk, where you say what you want and when you want it (and where!)
Girls, guys love it when you compliment the size of their penis so try and do this while noshing him off. Lick him like a lollipop and tell him you love it when he is hard (in a sexy tone) and he will be wanting to put it elsewhere, not just your mouth.
Guys, don't get too vulgar. Women like the dirty talk, sometimes just as much as you do but if you get too vulgar and gross, it can be a bit off putting.

Whatever you do, do not say words that make you feel uncomfortable. Try to be yourself and say the words that come out naturally. Just say what comes to mind. So, in order to sound spontaneous and really sexy, you have to wait for the right moment because if dirty talk isn’t done right and at the right time; then prepare to deal with laughter and giggles.

2) Play Rough:
There is nothing wrong with a bit of rough play. When it comes to foreplay, most women crave a slow seduction, but guys often like the more forceful approach. Men get turned on when women get a little animalistic and make maximum pleasure the goal. They take it as a sign of lust and an indication that she’s as into it as he is. To him, playing rough isn’t about bondage necessarily. Guys just want a woman who can take the reins.
Whatever you do, do not go overboard. You do not want to end up with a black eye, or in A&E! (This happened to a friend of mine!!)

3) Watch Porn If Needed:
Porn can be a great way to get you both in the mood. (Guys, do not put it on without asking your girl first, some women are not into adult entertainment!)
Put on something that both of you can enjoy (preferably other couples having sex and something tailored to women), and lie naked with each other while you watch it. Remember that a caress here and there is perfectly acceptable, even preferable. If you see something kinky that you'd like to try, make a comment about it to see your partners response, which will give you an indication of whether or not they are game. The idea here is to get your imaginations going.

4) Tantalize With Touch
When in the bedroom, any kind of touch is bound to get you both turned on. Don't go straight for the obvious. Girls, instead of heading straight to his penis, suck on his earlobes or lick his inner thigh, exciting him and making him want more. Head to sensitive parts of the body that will make him wriggle and moan. Guys, don't think we all like it when you put your head down there and stick your tongue in like a washing machine, or tweak our nipples like you are tuning a radio. We are the same as you, we want to be turned on. A girl will love it if you can make her wet without even putting your hand near her vagina. Best place to get a girl going is her neck. Soft, seductive licks and kisses are the one.

5) Use Props:
There are so many items that you can use to excite eachother. Household or bought. For example, head to your fridge and see what you find. Something like whipped cream can work wonders. Girls, spray this on your intimate parts and get your man to lick it off.
Feathers or flowers (for those of you who have seen 40 days and 40 nights you will know what I mean with the following..) A soft touch up and down her body can make a woman cum. Knowing you are watching her get excited by this will make her enjoy it even more.
Sex toys. Vibrators, bullets, anal beads, edible underwear - all can bring you dangerously close to climax.
Ice. Girls, put an ice cube on your mans chest, letting it drip everywhere. Put it in your mouth too, then give him a blow job. It feels good because his nerves and sexual pleasure can be turned on and become very sensitive to extreme cold.

And there it is. Five easy ways to drive your partner insane with foreplay. Of course, you don't have to do them all in one day. Keep things lively, fun and erotic. One last time: every partner is different and if you're attentive, you should be a success.

I would love to hear what you all like to do in foreplay, if you enjoy foreplay and any tips you can share.
Please post in the comment box below or..
Tweet me: @LittleMissVak
FB: http://www.facebook.com/LMissV
Email: blogdoll21@gmail.com

Little Miss V..x

Colorful Rings

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:06:00 +0000

Welcoming 2012 with colorful rings. hahaha. nah, just kidding. My sister and I were just playing with the rings. We were so sleepy and tired when we did this, imagine this was around 3am, but we thought that we should maximize the days left while my sister was still here in Manila. She's still in college at our province in Iligan City that's why she was only here for a vacation together with my other siblings. I am hoping I could upload a blog post about my wonderful vacation with them. My siblings are really like my barkada. I feel so blessed and thankful to have them. :)

p.s.

We don't know exactly how to pose with our rings showing off so I guess that's the reason why the photos look awkward.

Happy 2012! :)

CENSORED

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:15:00 +0000

Summary:

~~blah blah~~

From ~~Goodreads~~

Teaser:

~~blah blah~~

Quote

~~blah blah~~

Tweet Review
~~@blah blah #blah blah. something something.~~

You know, I'd really appreciate it if my reviews didn't look that way. This will affect us all, even if you're not from the US.

Other Book Bloggers Supporting

21 Days.

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:46:00 +0000

No Facebook.

No Carbonated Beverages.

No Fried Food.

Our church does 21 days of prayer and fasting every January. This year..I did the death fast. No facebook, no carbonated beverages and no fried food! We are about 11 days in and it hasn't been so bad. Even though I must admit...facebook has been pretty tough (especially since I work on the computer all day). I actually love doing this each year. It allows you to take your focus off so many un-important things and in turn focus on your prayer life. Only 10 more days to go! Can't wait for a french fry:)

Blogger Lift #37

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:41:00 +0000

Blogger Lift:

Blogger Lift Is Hosted Here. and in Goodreads on YABC. Blogger Lift is a feature in which I'll promote blogs I follow and that I recommenced you.

Blogger Lift is Filled until next year! Thank you to all the Blogger who have participated and those who Signed Up!

More Info on Blogger Lift:
Requirements Of Blogger Lift

Featured this week

Reading Romances

The Interview

1. In Between Writing and Reading what do you like to do?

I love watching tv shows, miniseries, movies and going to art expositions, galleries, etc

2. Convince me to join your blog twitter style. 140 Characters or less. GO!

I fell in love with romance fiction books, and now I blog about it! Come visit me at Reading-romances.com

3. A Color. A Candy. A Store.

White. Chocolate. Amazon

4. If you had the power to recommend ONE book to the whole world and they would read it, what book would you choose?

Lord of the fading lands by C.L.Wilson. It's a jewel a lot of people don't know about. It's the first book of the fantasy romance series Tairen Soul.

5. Upcoming release you are most exited about?

I can't wait for Kresley Cole's first book of her new spin off series, Shadow's Claim.

6. V-day is coming soon. Biggest Book Crush?

LOTHAIRE!

7. A detailed description of your blog :)

Reading Romances is a blog where I talk about romance fiction books. I review them, give them away, have author's guest posts and interviews, and always have a cool event going on! I recently have a romance reading challenge going on till the end of the year, you can join it anytime!

http://about.me/readingromances

January Begins!

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:34:00 +0000

Our year has made a banging start. Two of our very best friends got engaged a week from Saturday! Kari and Matt will tie the knot in June and we are so happy to be a apart of their big day!! We got to meet them for dinner on Friday night to celebrate and check out the new bling...it was SO much fun. Tal and I wish SO badly that they lived a little closer so we could do dinner dates more often. I got to spend some of the day Saturday beginning wedding festivities with Kari. I know these next few months will be full of good times. Cannot wait for these two to see what a blessing marriage is!

This Saturday was also a super special day for our most precious niece....

That's China on the left. She turned 14 on Saturday! So hard to believe she is getting so big. She lives in Texas so we couldn't actually celebrate with her but we did send her a little something to commemorate the day. Here's an iPhone pic she sent us of her wearing her new unicorn ring (p.s. she picked it out). Happy Birthday China! Talon and I love you so so so very much!!

Monday was a work holiday for me. Talon's an accountant so no holidays until April for him. I got to spend the day finishing up projects and hanging with this angel....

I hope every one's weekend was just as wonderful as ours!

Picture This #4

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Picture This

This meme was originally called Daily Dose and it was hosted by Good Golly Miss Holly, but she stopped doing it :( and I just Love it SO MUCH! So I'll keep doing it but with a name of my own :) Picture This is a meme where I feature Lovely Pictures I find Between here and there and it's featured on Mondays :)

& One More ♥

IMM #25

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:10:00 +0000

In My Mailbox

IMM is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren.

Wanted to make a video this week but Oh God I'm so tired, just came back from the movies 4DX, FOUR-DX soooo cool, the seats moves, there's wind and I just had an awesome time :D! if you haven't gone to movies in 4-DX. GO.

Onto the books,
Got:

Won:

Netgalley

and what did YOU got in your Mailbox :)?

Wandering Stars - Marlon Pierre-Antoine +Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:49:00 +0000

Wandering Stars by Marlon Pierre-Antoine

Date Released: October 1st 2011
Publisher: World Castle Publishing
Pages: 230 pages
Date Read: January 12th 2012
Format: PDF
Source: Experience Tours

Summary:

Alice Valdez is a normal seventeen year old girl living a mundane post high school life that consists of work, sleep, hanging out, and more work - but it all changes when a chance encounter on the beach one night leads to a series of haunting dreams that bring her face to face with the most ancient evil the Universe has ever known.

What do you do when the man you care for is none other than the Devil himself? Wandering Stars follows one girl's journey into the arms of darkness and into Hell itself - all in the name of love.

From Goodreads

My Review:

I was really interested in this book because the main role - Alice, falls in love with the Devil himself, and I don't remember reading a book in which the Devil was actually involved, much less him being the swoon-worthy guy. Seemed like a risky subject and I was all game.

The beginning was a bit weird... Alice sees Lucas [the Devil] once and then she starts dreaming of him and then she's madly in love. even though she has only seem him a couple of times. Weird and rushed. But once past that initial bump the Love story runs more smoothly. And even though he is the Devil and by default 'bad' you just want her to be with him No Matter What.

And do not let the Label fool you, remember that Lucifer was once God's favorite Angel, and he was beautiful. Now Alice is willing to go through the deeps of Hell just to save the one she most loves. I mean this Literally.

I really enjoyed this book, especially considering I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic.... *sigh* I'm just a sucker for romance x)

There was this quote I really Loved about Love, but it is long so I'll leave a link
to it on Goodreads :) Here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Versatile Blogger Award

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:28:00 +0000

Jennifer from Some Like It Paranormal gave me this award! She's one of my favorite Bloggers and she's so nice! so Go Follow! Like, NOW. Thanks Jennifer ♥

Rules for this award:
*Thank and link the blogger who bestowed the award.
*Share seven random facts about yourself.
*Spread the love by passing the award to five other bloggers, and be sure to let them know.

Seven Facts:
1- I have a new car!!! She's an Acura and her name is Lady because she used to be the family car but my dad sold it to me for a reeeeeally great price. sorry, felt like bragging x)
2- I'm a Tumblr Addict. I can stay all day long there.
3- I Looooove the new CK Perfume SHOCK, I use it everyday and it's also the first perfume that lasts on me all day long. seriously. Yum.
4- I'm currently obsessed with red lipstick. I have a big mouth and because of this I ususally never wear bright colors in them but I'm a revel now and all I do is wear red. I have 10 lipsticks and 6 lip-gloss's All in different shades of Red.
5- I'm saving for a tattoo! I Love tattoos, I find the fascinating and I'm finally eighteen so no one can stop me :P
6- This past month I have been watching scary movies everyday. just about anything, apocalypse, zombies, aliens, vampires, serial killers, ghost. So far, not scared. and the Scary Movies are the dumbest things I've ever seen.
7- I practically shower in sunblock everyday. lol, I have no idea why I'm saying this, but I have pale and sensitive skin so, yeah. and I hate the sun, gets me all red, not tan. RED.

Passing the Award:
Mickey @I Am a Bookshark.
One of the most sweet bloggers I know. She laughs at my jokes and she also has the creepiest pets in the world :P
Janina @Synchronized Reading
I love her blog, I've been a followers since she started it and it's just grown so much!
Roro @Roro is reading
I really like his reviewing style and he is also a Guy Blogger, which is rare so go check him out
Remy @Just Remy
I really like her blog and she's a writer! she also has a 100 followers giveaway going on so you might want to check that out!
Jessie @Remarkable Read
I just Love this blog! we worked together for Blogger Lift and then she hosted the 2011 Wrapping Up Readathon, she's amazing, Go Follow

There are so, so so so SO many great blogs, they all deserve awards and we're all part of the same community. again, Thanks Jennifer!

Dreaming of Book Giveaway Hop

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:56:00 +0000

For This Giveaway I Have:

A Copy of The Lying Game by Sara Shepard & Crush Control by Jennifer Jabaley

Both Paperbacks.

a 15$ Amazon Giftcard.

and I have 2 PDF's also

So there will be 2 Winners

and I have other Giveaways going on!

To Win a Copy of The Long Weekend go HERE

To Win a Copy of Wandering Stars go HERE.

To Enter

To keep it really simple:
Just Follow this blog in any way and Leave a Comment with your best smiley face :)

The Long Wekkend - Author Interview & Giveaway.

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:01:00 +0000

The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan

Sam knows that he and his friend Lloyd made a colossal mistake when they accepted the ride home. They have ended up in a dark mansion in the middle of nowhere with man who means to harm them. But Sam doesn't know how to get them out. They were trapped, then separated. Now they are alone. Will either of them get out alive? This gripping and hypnotic thriller will have you reading late into the night.

From Goodreads

The Trailer

Interview with Savita Kalhan

1. In between writing and reading, what do you like to do?
Both writing and reading involve a lot of sitting down, so I try to get to the gym most days. I also have an allotment and grow my own vegetables, and there’s always a ton of digging and weeding that needs doing! I love tennis and play as much as my creaky knees allow me to!

2. Describe your novel Twitter style. 140 Characters or less. GO!
The Long Weekend - a tense thriller about two boys who are abducted by a psychopath. This book will get inside your head and under your skin

3. In the Long Weekend, Sam and Lloyd make a wrong decision and are abducted after school and find themselves fighting to survive. Many people in the real world can go through a situation like this, and I think we usually tiptoe around these subjects. Nobody wants to imagine what could happen. What made you go into this subject and make it a novel?
A frightening warning went round the local schools about a man trying to get kids into his car. Something about it struck a chord with me. It’s actually scarily easy for a kid to make a mistake and get in the wrong car given the right circumstances. As I began to think about it, the main two characters of the book appeared, and I knew I had to write their story. I did keep in mind the fact that younger teenagers might pick up the pick to read, so much of the tension and the scary stuff is not explicitly described. I’ve heard readers say that imagining it actually makes it even more scary...

4. Would you say it was hard to write this book? And if so what was the toughest part?
Much of the book was very easy to write because I had Sam, the main character, inside my head. His voice propelled the story forwards. Yes, there were some hard bits to write. In The Long Weekend there are some difficult scenes, heart-breaking scenes, that were hard to write. The toughest scene was when Sam is hiding under the bed. I won’t say any more about it...

5. What have you seen that readers take from your book? What do they learn or what impression do they end up with?
That all depends on the age of the reader. Younger teenagers read the book like a thriller: some of them don’t even realise the full significance of what has happened to Lloyd. That’s fine because they still take so much away from the book – about loyalty and survival, and about thinking before they are invited inside a car that isn’t driven by one of their parents. The book is actually far scarier for older teenagers, young adults and adults. They know what has really happened and they find it devastating. But whatever the age of the reader, they all devour the book – usually in one sitting, and that makes me really happy!

6. What makes The Long Weekend different to other thrillers?
There are very few thrillers published for teens and young adults, fewer still with serious themes of abuse at their core, and even fewer where the book is a thriller that can read by a very diverse group of people, from the very reluctant secondary school reader, to young adults, to older adults, and parents. It crosses all boundaries and age groups and 99% of its readers have said that they would highly recommend it! I’m not going to argue with that.

7. Since Valentines Day is coming: Name a YA book you have a crush on (or character)
Ooh, that’s a really hard one! There are two characters that I’ve had a crush on – Conal and Seth MacGregor from Gillian Philip’s Firebrand and Bloodstone. I highly recommend you check them out!

8. Between You and Me, what’s in store for the future?
Lots more books, I hope! I’ve got a couple of things in the publishing pipeline, but I can’t say anymore about them just yet. You’ll have to watch this space...
Or follow me on Twitter @savitakalhan and check out my Facebook page for news http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Long-Weekend-Savita-Kalhan/117223691628538?sk=wall
I’ve got a website too – http://www.savitakalhan.com

This is the first time I use Rafflecopter, so lets see how it goes :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan
Published by Andersen Press
www.savitakalhan.com

The Long Weekend book trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14TfYyHgD6Y

The Poet, a short story by Savita Kalhan

Published in Even Birds are Chained to the Sky, by Fine Line Publishing

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Even-Birds-Chained-Other-Tales/dp/0956761054/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_t_1

Between Updates

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:20:00 +0000

I'm in the middle of a Book Collapse. I've been trying to read 5 Books at the same time and I am mixing all the plot-lines and driving myself nuts.

So here's my reading schedule and I'll compromise to it. really compromise.
*Clockwork Angel & Clockwork Prince
*Cut [only 30 more pages]
*Wandering Stars
*Where She Went
*Perfect

Problem Solved.

onto something actually interesting:
There are some GIVEAWAYS coming soon!!! More like Tomorrow! [Wandering Stars is on Friday]

So make sure to stop by :D! and speaking of Giveaways, I'm planning by Blogoversary Giveaway and I'm also planning a giveaway for when I reach 1000 *Squeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!* They will be awesome and you'll want to enter because of reasons.

and speaking of awesome, I'm sure you guys know I'm a music freak so this is my most recent playlist. Most of the music there is super weird but I Love it, you should give it a try :)

Sky Ferreira - One & Obsession
Take That - Love Love [this one is soooo addictive.]
Ellie Goulding - Lighs
Jessie J - Domino
Ron Pope - A Drop in the Ocean, Never Let You Go & Wherever You Go
Jason Walker - Echo
Daughtry - His new album. ALL of it. It's pure genius. especially Who's They.
The Script - Break even.

Yum-O

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:58:00 +0000

Along with all the other fun and not so fun things on our list of things we wanted to get done over our week long Christmas vacation we added try new recipes to it at the last minute {the reason it's not on the "official" list}.....

This actually got pushed till the last few days we were home. Mostly because we were exhausted and our kitchen was covered in dust up until the end of the week. What we did manage to try was definitely worth the wait! First up, French Toast. Alton Brown style. Here is the recipe. I do not have a picture of ours... probably because I was to busy scarfing it down. If you haven't gotten it by now we are obsessed with Alton. Talon watches EVERY episode of Good Eats. So far, all of his recipes that we've tried have turned out really good...so he is our current go to for new recipes. We also tried his Sour Cream Cheese Cake.

The picture does not do it justice. So good. Did you guys cook up any new treats over the holidays? That was one of my favorite parts about this past holiday season...trying new recipes...cooking for family and baking sweet treats for friends. Now I miss Christmas. Only 11 more months!

Blogger Lift #36

noreply@blogger.com (susis) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:08:00 +0000

Featured this week

The Book Bunny

Hello, my name is Sarah. But online I am known as Bunny or Book Bunny.
I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember. I didn’t start off reading book after book, it was a gradual thing. And my reading habit started with the Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld back around the time that they were released. I loved those books (and still do) and I have been reading everyday ever since. My list of books to read has grown, as well as my love of books. So stick around, check out some of my posts, to find out what I’m all about.

The Interview

1. In Between Writing and Reading what do you like to do?
I love my family so I love to do family oriented things, (For example Boat Rides, Swimming, Movies exc.) but in between Writing and Reading by myself, I very much enjoy photography. There is just something about taking a picture and being able to keep the memory. (corny, I know.) I love Sign Language, it is a passion of mine and I plan to continue with it and hope to someday be fluent. I love anime, and tv in general, although my book obsession has taken the lead over the past few years.

2. Convince me to join your blog twitter style. 140 Characters or less. GO!
Books of all kinds, all the time. So seriously, You, Me Let's Tweet! #Nerd

3. A Pastry. A Cookie. A Chocolate.
Croissant. Coconut Macaroon. Anything White Chocolate

4. If [Hypothetically] you where abducted by Aliens to do some research and they'd ask for a good book recommendation, what would you recommend :)?
Hmmm...kind of a hard question. So many good books, naturally I would say the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld, but I would also probably say the Hunger Games series because I have been recommending it a lot lately. (not that there are many people left who have not read the Hunger Games) Both good series, if anyone hasn't read either of them yet, and is a fan of dystopian, I recommend them. If not...I recommend them anyway. =]

5. Upcoming release you are most exited about?
I am most definitely excited about the Uglies Graphic Novel! As I said in the previous question, when I mentioned the Uglies series. I am super excited for this due to the fact that is in a different characters perspective. (and I just found out that my best friend pre-ordered it for me for Christmas so I am even more excited) Another book would be Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale, or Glimmer by Phoebe Kitanidis and more. There are quite a few interesting novels coming out this year. At least by the synopsis' that I have read.

6. Reading Goals for this 2012?
My goals for my blog this year is to post 50 posts, read 25 books (I am starting college & I am a slow reader) and to read 10,000 pages. I'm pretty sure that I can do it. I'm determined.

7. and now a detailed description of your blog :)
An Adult & YA book blog, I read & then review the book, I participate in (monthly) weekly meme's, and write and talk about all things bookish. I plan to do giveaway's in the future but after I get more established as a blogger. I started my blog the end of this past year when I accidentally came across a book blog. Wow! Was I missing out, I wish I had started a blog years ago, and so here I am! Now blogging and sharing my love of books with people all over the place. As I said, I'm new and I plan to keep on reading and keep on reviewing so be sure to check out my links. Don't be shy just say hi! ;] I don't bite.

I can be found here-
Blog: http://thebookbunny.wordpress.com/
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/BookBunnyRev...
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/thebookbunny
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/The_BookBunny

Thanks for being part of Blogger Lift :D!