Review: Brush Set

**I purchased all the mentioned items with my own money.  I did not get paid to write this review.  All opinions are my own.**


I used my new brush set this morning before I headed off to my Human Lifespan class, so I wanted to jot don my thoughts and share them with you guys.

I did a vlog (video blog) of my first impressions of the brushes earlier.  If you missed it, you can watch it here on the blog.  Just a not about the video:  It says in the begining that "This is part 1 of a 2 part vid".  I was going to make a second half about the review itself but I changed my mind when I saw the lighting in my house at this hour...


The big face brush-

It is not dense enough to pick up much foundation.  After one swipe on my cheeks, I immediatly switched back to using my ELF Complexion Brush ($3).

The medium face brush-

  I tried to use this brush as a blush brush as it would have been the perfect size for my cheek area.  Again, not dense enough to actually pick up any color. After struggling to get any blush on my face, I switched back to my Bella Pierre Blush Brush ($29).

The Blush Brush-

I didn't even attempt to use it.  It was so sloppy and loose in it's hairs that it wouldn't distribute the blush in the correct areas.  I can't use this brush for anything else either.

The Eye Brushe(s)-

The set came with a large round (or fluffy) brush, a round brush (just a tad smaller), a mini round brush (it really is mini!), a "definer" brush and a "applicator" brush.

The large brush I used to blend my harsher lines out with.  It did it's job but I wasn't thrilled with it simply because the amount of times I had to go over my eyes to blend it out.  If the brush was denser, it would have worked more efficently. 

The round brush and mini brush I did not use because they are too fluffy and loose to use for eyeshadows without causing a million bits of fallout.  The color would not have been as fibrant with these brushes to apply with either.

I think the definer and applicator brushes will be best used for either applying eyeliner or smudging out eyeliner.  I did neither today because I did not wear eyeliner, so I cannot say for sure.  However, they are not thick, and I have a wonderful maybeline liner brush that came with a eyeliner pot I bought.  That said, I will not be using these.

The fan brush-

This brush is probably one of the worst in the set.  It is so incredibly thin, it cannot sweep away any fallout (which is it's job)  I sat in front of the mirror for a good 3 minutes trying to brush away a few specks of fine glittery shadow and they were not going to budge with that awful fan brush.

The lip brush-

The good brush.  The one I cannot say is horrible. 

The brow and mascara wand brushes-

I already have a brow brush (which I barely use) so I ignored it and went to the mascara wand.  I used it to make sure my brows were even.  This is my favorite brush!  It is nice and stiff, making sure to catch onto all the little brow hairs and make them listen.


So.. 16 brushes, and only 2 are good.  That's a good buy, huh?  I am wishing I had read my own review before I bought the set, but, of course, I couldn't.  That said, I hope it helps someone else make the decision of what brush set to buy.

I am not going to chance buying some crappy brushes, again.  So, this time, I'm going to order some MAC brushes so I know what I am going to get.  I will probably order them in a couple weeks, then in a couple more weeks I'll get them in the mail, squeal like a kid on Christmas morning, use them, then write up another review.

Overall, 0/10

Brush Set ~ first impressions

Th@t! Ad Agency

The first thing I noticed when I visited the Advertising Agency website for Th@t! Ad Agency, is that the graphics are very eye catching.  They do not over well, nor do they scare me with wild and noisy pictures or designs.  Nope, they are just pleasing to the eye with dark blue hues and a YouTube video about their site placed on the front page to allow a super quick run through of the site.

The video is just 1 minute and 46 seconds long. A nice length, if I do say so myself. I just hate when I try to watch videos, yet they are really long and droning on about something and I just up losing interest. By keeping the video short and sweet, they are allowing the watcher to actually remember what they are watching, which is great.


Th@t! Advertising Agency wants one thing and one thing only, according to their web page. Happy clients. They believe that happy clients equal busy clients, and I do believe that they are, in fact, correct there with their theory.

I cannot say this any better than Th@t! Advertising Agency did, so I must quote them here with I say that “We were born digital” meaning that Th@t! is an agency that knows the computer, they know the internet, how to navigate it, how to rule it and how to own it. They are a new kind of ad agency, the kind that is truly digital. They know the trends, what the people want to see, what will bring traffic and business, and, they know how the right way to sell your company and your company’s beliefs.






**I did not use Th@t! Ad Agency's services.  This is a sponsored post.  I did recieve a small fee for posting this.  All opinions are my own unless otherwise stated.**

Goodies in the Mail

Fall semester starts today for me. (Yay!) So I can't do a review right now, but I will post one soon via YouTube which I will embed on the blog so no worries about missing it.  The review will be on a 16 piece makeup brush set I ordered a few weeks ago and just got in the mail this morning.

Anyways, off to get ready for class and whatever.

Have a good day and I'll talk to you guys later : )

WINNER!

Fantasy Jewelry Box Giveaway is now over and random.org has chosen the winner. 

Congrats!  I will be emailing you momentarily and you will have 48 hours to get back to me or another winner will be chosen in your place.  Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway and to Fantasy Jewelry Box for letting K & K's host the giveaway.  For any questions, please visit the FAQ page.

Getting your tickets for events

TicketAmerica.com is a website you can use to purchase your tickets for many different types of entertainment.  Concerts, theater and baseball games are some of the events you can purchase your tickets for.

They have so many different arenas you can purchase your tickets for.  Like Arco Arena or the Staples Center, which are both relatively close to my area.  However, you can also buy tickets for arenas in different areas such as the Toyota ! Center in Texas or for Madison Square Garden, which is in New York.

This is a great way to make sure you have your tickets for all the events you want to go to.  I always feel more secure buying tickets online because then I know that I have my ticket and will get in/get a seat instead of wondering if I will get in when I get there.



**This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own unless otherwise stated. I did receive a small fee for posting this.**

Calling All Makeup Junkies!!

I love makeup way to much.  I'm serious, I have too much and I don't care.  And, I think I just died and went to hog heaven.

I kid you not when I say this:  As I was browsing this site (looking at the prices) I'm talking to myself (in my head, mind you!) saying 'Oh my god I just died and went to hog heaven.  Oh my god I just died and went to hog heaven.  Oh my god I just died and went to hog heaven.'  And, somewhere in between all the talking to myself I did a happy dance and grinned like a sociopath.

Cutting to the chase, http://www.cosmeticshotsale.com/ is what I;m so happy about!  They sale MAC makeup, brushes, EVERYTHING at super low and affordable prices.  Better yet, THEY WORK WITH PAYPAL!!! And, you guys know how important that is to me, because I hate using my bank card to buy with unless PayPal is securing it all.

The only downside is they have a flat shipping rate of $20 but that is ok, just buy more so its worth it!! 

Ok, girlies, I have to go now so I can go buy an unbelievable amount of makeup that I shall worship like the sun once it gets here.  Hehe : )

So, I hope you guys check out this site.  I mean, seriously, these prices are like, 'Hells Bells, let me clean my ears so you can say that again' cheap for MAC.

: )

Review: CSN Stores & Hamilton Beach Juicer

I enjoy shopping with CSN stores because it is so easy and they have a nice selection of products with good prices to choose from.  With over 200 stores, you can find almost everything you could ever need or want for around your home on CSNStores.com.

Juicer's box

When I heard that CSN was letting me so a second review for them, I was excited and went straight onto their website to pick out an item to review.   I ended up choosing the Hamilton Beach Juice Extractor with Cutter / Strainer for only $34.99.  Originally $41.99, this juicer is now on sale, saving you a nice $7.00.

The juicer came already put together in one piece.  However, you are supposed to take it apart when you get it in order to clean the parts before you juice anything.  The box it came in is reusable and great for storing the juicer.  It was packaged good with egg cartons on both the top and bottom of the actually juicer to keep it steady inside it's box.  The juicer's box was also packaged nicely inside a bigger brown box, which it was shipped in.  Nothing was broken or anything during shipment.

Picture from manual showing how the juicer is put together and taken apart.

I blew the picture up (above picture) to show you guys how easy the Hamilton Beach juicer is put together and taken apart.  When I first took it apart, I was nervous that I was going to end up breaking something.  The manual says to pull separate (with the cutter/strainer in it) up.  I tugged, but it didn't release right away and I was nervous that I would tug too hard and break something.  Now I know, however, that a little force is needed to to pull the pieces apart, because at the bottom of the cutter/strainer is a magnet that holds everything together.  The magnet is pretty strong so a little extra force is needed, and not to worry, because nothing will break.

back of juicer

Front of Juicer

You can see from the picture labeled "back of juicer" a large clear plastic container attached to the back of the juicer.  This is where all of the pulp, seeds, peel, etc. collect after being strained.  The the picture labeled "Front of juicer" you can see the spout where the strained juice will flow out of and into a cup.

The pulp bin does have a slight gap between the back of the juicer and where the bin pushes up against it.  That said, some juice will get through that gap and leak onto the counter the juicer is sitting on.  It doesn't make that much of a mess through where I can say that it actually hinders working with the juicer. 

This is the easiest kitchen appliance I have ever cleaned.  Everything is plastic so you just have to rinse everything down with a bit of soap and water, dry it off and your good to go.  Being that you are working with juice, fruits and maybe some veggies, nothing is tough to stick on.  Nothing is there that you need to scrub off afterward.  It is just something to rise off with a bit of soap to insure that ants don't go looking for that sticky and sweet after-substance.

Two days after  I got my email confirmation for the juicer order, I recieved my juicer via UPS.  As an impaitnet person, fast shipping is always wonderful. : )  The juicer is great and I will defintly be using it for many years to come.  CSN was very helpful and nice about the order and, as mentioned above, the shipping was very fast.

**All opinions are 100% my own unless otherwise stated.  I received a free Hamilton Beach Juicer from CSN Stores in order to writre a real and honest review.  I did not get paid for this review.**

Christmas Shopping & Gift Ideas

Yes, I know we are only in August (even if it is the end of August) but I already have most of my Christmas shopping done this year.  I can just hear those confused and maybe disgusted whys coming my way from all of you who probably even haven't started to think about the upcoming holiday.  Well, the reason for my early shopping (most years I just like to be done before Thanksgiving).  

I wanted to be done early this year because my family and I are planning on going to Disneyland the week before Christmas.  I figure if I get my shopping done with right now, the rest of the 3 months I'll save for my pending vacation instead of waiting and 'oh, no I forgot I need to go spend my vacation planned money on gifts!' kind of thing happening to me.

Ok, so now that I'm done rambling (because this is quite early in the morning for me.  It's not even 5 am California time) let me tell you the reason for this post...

I got an email a few days ago, and then again this morning from LORAC Cosmetics and they have what they call a "VIP Discount" in their online store.  (It you haven't heard of LORAC then know that they are a great brand [this are not your drugstore makeup products] and that you can also find them at Sephora or Sephora.com)  The VIP Discount is where they put special products that are on sale and yes, anyone can buy them you don't have to be a "VIP" ; )

The picture above is a snap shot of "Rock the Red Carpet Collection" that can be found in the VIP section.  As you can see it is valued at $100.  It is only $25!!

The picture cut off what is included so I've copy and pasted what you get below:

Bronzed Bombshell Eye Shadow Trio (Sand/Serenity/Bronze)


Mini TANtalizer Baked Bronzer for face and body

Mini Couture Shine Liquid Lipsticks in Haute, Couture, Sheer Luxe, Glam, and Lavish

Purple Croc Makeup bag

They also have for again only $25 SHINING STAR SUMMER SAMPLER SET and with this set you get:Starry Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Shining Star






On Screen Duo Powder Highlighter & Cream Eye Shadow/Liner in Rich and Famous (Bronze)

Publicity Stunt Lashes 3 Day Long-Wearing Mascara in Black

mini TANtalizer Baked Bronzer

Lip Polish in Kiss


-----------------------------------------------------------------
YOU GET FREE SHIPPING WITH ORDERS $50 + SO IF YOU ORDERED BOTH SETS YOU GET FREE SHIPPING!!!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Ok, now let me speak from experience (and my personal opinion) about LORAC products.  I have a Sephora near me and I have bought a few of their products and tried a few others in the Sephora store. 

I have one of their Starry Eyed baked eyeshadow trios in Evening Star (which is $25) and the colors are excellent!  They have high pigmentation, the go on great and with a base they stay on all day long.  Plus, when you use a baked eyeshadow you can use them wet (dampen your brush) to get a more dramatic look or more intense coloration.

I also have 4 of their Couture Shine lip glosses (each are $22)  I have the colors in Couture (which is a Deep Dusty Rose), Lavish (which is my absolute favorite!!  It is a splash of sheer pink with some shine and sparkle), Haute (which is a Bright Pale Pink that reminds me kind of like the Japanese baby doll look going on right now.  very cute and innocent color) and Sheer Luxe (which is a deep Burgandy Wine.  I like the bright red lips but I don't it looks good on my because my lips are too big, so this is a nice alternative color to use.)


Anyways, just wanted to let you guys know about this awesome deal going on and that there are other great products also in the VIP Discount area right now as well, but that (I think) those are the best deals going on right now.  So, I know the products, I know they are great, and I would definitely recommend them as I think I will purchasing them myself!  Also, I just wanted to add that both sets have light colors which would be great for teens and preteens maybe just getting into makeup or just like maybe period.  The colors (as you can see) are all neutrals and can be worn on an everyday basis.

I hope this got you guys in the Christmas-y mood and that it gave you some ideas for your shopping this year!

Grocery Escapades

Guest post of the week by Jeffry Warren




Unlike most mothers I love to go shopping for groceries! I can honestly say that it is the highlight of my week, well, besides my husband's days off from work.
Some people say I get too involved with shopping for groceries. To save money and stay within my budget I clip coupons. I have found that http://www.couponsuzy.com/ is a wonderful website for coupons. Another way I make sure i stay within our monthly grocery budget is by making a list of the things I need in the aisle they are located in the order in which my two children and I will walk.
I do my grocery shopping once a week, usually on a Thursday. I pack my two young children up, set my Security Choice home security alarm, grab my itemized list and head out the door. Although Walmart will typically have good deals on their roll back prices, I tend to find that I can get the best deals at Market Basket. While at Market Basket I get all of my groceries. Later on in the evening, my husband and I will grab a babysitter and go to Walmart for our personal needs such as toothpaste and deodorant. We will also go to Sam's Club for gas (the obvious) and for toilet paper, diapers and wipes. I can honestly say the membership fee is worth it for the discount on diapers we get!
So I know most moms these days dread having to pack up their children and hit the grocery store, but I can't help but to think of grocery shopping as a relief and a break from all of the housework!




**This was a sponsored post.  I received a small fee for the posting of this.  As this is a guest post, as mentioned above, nothing mentioned or said is of my opinion or knowledge.**

Review and Giveaway: Seduced by a Highlander by Paula Quinn

 His kiss is her undoing...

SINS THAT CAN’T BE FORGIVEN

Tristan MacGregor is famed throughout the Highlands as a silver-tongued seducer and an unrepentant rogue. Bold and charming, he’s dallied with many women, yet none as beguiling and mysterious as the lass he steals a kiss from at the king’s court. Little does he know this beauty is one of his clan’s greatest enemies.

PASSION THAT CAN’T BE DENIED

Isobel Fergusson has despised the bloodthirsty MacGregors ever since they murdered her father. When she learns the handsome stranger who melted her resistance is a MacGregor, she vows to forget him. But Tristan means to possess her at any cost and Isobel’s body turns traitor at his touch. Can a man she’s sworn to hate be the only one she can ever love?  description taken from the back of the book.



Hachette sent me Seduced by a Highlander by Paula Quinn to review.  I have her other book, the first in The Children Of The Mist series, Ravished By A Highlander.  Seduced is the second book in the series, so if you have yet to read Ravished, then you haven't missed too many and can check up quickly!

This book reminds me of a classic Romeo and Juliet story.  Tristian's family and Isobel's family are in a fued (like most Scots seem to be way back when) because of a childhood misunderstanding.  Meeting, and not knowing who the other is, they fall for each other.  Yet, when learning Isobel's name, Tristian knows he needs to back off. 

Quinn wrote a wonderful second book to her Children Of The Mist series.  Seduced was so funny and just a great love story!  I really enjoed it and cannot wait to see what Quinn comes up with next.

Giveaway Time!

Hachette has allowed K & K's to give away 5 copies of Seduced by a Highlander!!  That means 5 of you lucky blog followers can win a copy.

Rules:

-NO P.O. Boxes

-US & Canada residents only (sorry!)

-LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS

-BE A GOOGLE CONNECT FOLLOWER

How To Enter:

Tell me something you love about Scottish Historical Romances.

Extra Entries:

+3 grab our button- leave a link

+3 follow my other blog Sexy Women Read

+3 follow my friend's blog Never Too Shy Reviews

+3 grab Sexy Women Read's button- leave a link

+3 grab Never Too Shy's button- leave a link

+2 follow K & K's on Twitter

+2 leave Paula a comment on her Guestbook

+3 per each other contest of mine you enter- tell me which ones!

+10 blog about this giveaway include some links- tell me where post is

LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY!

(example: if it says +2 put two separate entries)

Giveaway ends on September 6, 2010

Winners shall be chosen via Random.org

For any other questions, please visit the FAQ page.

**I received a complementary copy of this book in order to write a real and honest review. I did not get paid for this post. All opinions are my own, unless otherwise stated.**

Was this stupid of me?

I turned 18 back in April and I still live with my family.  Safe to say, I am not moving out anytime soon with the economy how it is and the fact that I know how expensive living on your own is.

That said, I was out shopping with my mom and little sister the other day and we ended up in Ross because the store we were in didn't have a bathroom and my sister had to go.  So, point is, we started browsing and I ended up in the homegood isle... where I think I might have went a little crazy...

I bought a 24 piece drinking glass set [which is super nice by the way!  I was excited : ) ] and a 3 different sized glass baking pans. 

I was really excited to get this stuff and I really have no clue why, but oh well, it made me happy so I got it.  When I got home, I showed my family.  They looked at me like I was crazy and asked me if I was planning to move out anytime soon.  I told them that no, I wasn't planning on it, but that I know I would these things eventually, and that they were a good price and quality so I bought them to put away.  They still looked at me like I was crazy.

Later I asked my mom why everyone was looking at my funny and she said, "Most people your age don't buy things like that and they don't get excited over them".   Hmm.. oh well, I can't help it if I'm not the "average" 18 year old.

So, what do you guys think:  Was my family looking at me like I was a nut job because I bought these things period OR because I bought these things at 18?  And, did any of you start buying things for your future home when you knew it would be a couple years before you moved?

CCNA Training

Have you heard of CCNA?  It stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate.  There is CCNA training (also called CCNA boot camp) available should you be interested.

Intense School, the name of the program, works with Cisco to give you a good training and education on the subjects needed to become a CCNA or a CCENT (which stands for Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician).

Intense School offers hands-on experience in the class room and, unlike some other types of schooling, gives the students materials to study upon before class so that they may be fully engaged in disscusion and learn at a faster pace.

If you are wanting to know what past students thought of the experience, you can find student's quotes on their website, where you can also find pricing and training dates/locations.




**This is a sponsored post.  I recieved a small fee in exchange for posting this.  All opinions are my own unless otherwise stated.**

Juicer

Morning everyone!

I just wanted to write a quick post to tell you all that I recieved my CSN stores review product this morning, yay!  That was super fast, I only recieved my email saying it shipped the day before yesterday.  Anyways, I just wanted to let you guys know to keep your eyes open for the review of the Hamilton Beach Juicer.  It should be posted within a week, and I'm super excited to try it out, so it should be posted soon.

Have a great day and TGIF!

Egg Recall

If you have yet to hear, there has been an egg recall because of samonella.  

Symptoms:

The most common symptoms of salmonella are diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within eight hours to 72 hours of eating a contaminated product. It can be life-threatening, especially to those with weakened immune systems.

Recalled egg brands are:

Lucerne
Albertson
Mountain Dairy
Ralph's

Boomsma's
Sunshine
Hillandale
Trafficanda
Farm Fresh
Shoreland
Lund
Dutch Farms
Kemps


That is 13 different brands that have been recalled so far.

States effected so far:

California
Colorado
Arizona
Nevada
Illinois
Texas
Wisconsin.


My information is coming straight from the ABC news website.  You can read up more on Yahoo News.


Check your eggs and hopefully no one gets sick!!

Shopping and All its Glory

I'm pretty sure that just about every woman on the planet (and most men too) love to shop.  I know I do.  However, shopping gets better when you equal one thing into the equation.  Your vacation.  Now it's not just shopping for something great, it's shopping for things you can use and wear on your vacation, that only points you to more fun and amazing times.  Of course, when going vacationing, you will need some luggage as well.

My family and I are planning on going to Disneyland in December, and I am really looking forward to it!  But, I know that before I can pack and get ready to go, I need to be prepared for my vacation.  That means getting all the necessary items like clothing, comfortable shoes, luggage, etc.  We are going to be there for 4 days, which means I need to pack quite a bit of stuff!  Which means that I need to get a  good sized suitcase.  So, I naturally want to head to CSN stores to get one. 

I love that they have (matching, of course) sets that you can buy!  For a shorter trip like this, my whole family could grab one of the bags and pack away, or, I could use a smaller case for all my makeup and a bigger one for all my clothing. 

CSN's products are high quality, so I know I wouldn't have to worry about my luggage breaking halfway through the trip, or a handle busting as I'm trying to pick up an especially heavy bag.  I can feel relaxed (and excited!) the whole 7 hours there that my personal belongings are safe and know that when I get to my destination, that nothing was left behind or damaged.

I cannot wait for my vacation, and until I pack up the car and be along my merry way, CSN stores will be there for me, helping me pick out all the things I need to make my vacation even more magical. : )

Shopping for Back to School Supplies and Clothes

Thanks for the post, Kathy Shelton


Oh yeah it is that time again! Seems like yesterday it was the end of the school year and time to break for the summer. This year my son and I have decided to do it all in one day. We have it all planned out. Go to the mall early to get the clothing and shoes and then go to Wal-mart for all of the supplies. But prior to leaving the house and being gone all day I always set the home security alarm from www.securitychoice.com. Because I have learned from experience that no matter how you plan the day, it can turn into a 14 hour day.

This year we will be shopping for book bags, note book paper, pencils, calculator, and binders. Also Office Max is another good store to check out for school supplies. Check the Sunday newspaper for sale paper coupons too. I let the children involve in cutting out the coupons. I am trying to save all that I can with a 7 year old and a 10 year old, both boys. We will be shopping for shorts and short sleeved shirts to start off the school year, because the weather is still quite warm. We always go out for dinner when the shopping is done or almost done.





**This was a sponsored guest post.  I did recieve a small fee for posting this guest post.  All opinions are at the hands of the writer and sponsor, and in no way reflect K & K's blog's opinions located on the World Wide Web at http://kandksblog.blogspot.com**

Review: CSN stores

CSN stores has over  200 online stores to keep you and your lifestyle happy.  They offer clothes, furniture, cookware, toys, electronics, home decor, house ware, outdoor living, and so much more it makes my head spin with the possibilities.

This is my first time working with CSN stores.  I had not previously purchased anything through them, but I know for a fact that in the future, I am going to.  A big thing for me when buying online is PayPal.  I use it for almost everything, and if an online store doesn't take PayPal, I usually don't buy from them.  It's a connivance thing.  It's a safety thing.  And, CSN stores works with PayPal!  This is part of the reason I know I will be buying from them again.

I was lucky enough to be able to pick out an item of my choice to help me review CSN stores and their products.   I chose the Ginsu Bakelite 8 Piece Cutlery Set.  It is originally $44.99 but is on sale for $24.95.  With shipping and handling, this product was only $32.90. 

32 dollars and 90 cents,can you believe that?!  I was amazed at how much you can get at such a low price.  In the Cutlery Set you get one each of the following:

•Chef's Knife


•Bread Knife

•Santoku Knife

•Boning Knife

•Utility Knife

•Paring Knife

•Kitchen Shears

•Black Hardwood Storage Block
 
 
What I really like about the product, besides the ease of quality of using these knifes, is how it is packaged.  The storage box is bubble wrapped to make sure it doesn't get chipped or damaged during shipping.  All the knifes, plus the kitchen shears, are in a small separate cardboard box away from the storage block.  In the separate box, all the knifes and the shears have individual coverings to protect not only the other items, but also itself in the move.  It really is packaged nicely, and is perfect for gift giving if someone just got a new house or got married. It is a present that says 'This is a high quality gift to make you feel loved/cared for by me' without spending the big bucks.

The knife set is really nice!  My mom always says 'you can never have too many good paring knifes' and she's right.  The paring knife is one of my favorite and most used knifes in the set.  (It's my favorite because I use it so much and for just about everything!)  The blades are all high-carbon, Japanese stainless steel.  And, according to the CSN website, the knife set comes with a lifetime warranty!

CSN was fast about shipping their products out, which is always a plus whether you are buying for yourself and just want your new toys now, or if you are buying for another person and need your gift by a certain date. 

Another thing I like about CSN stores is that they offer gift certificates.  So, if you want to get your friend/family member a gift but don't know what to buy him or her, then you can always grab a gift card for them!  I think this is perfect for parents or grandparents who have a grandchild/child moving out of their parents house into their very own first place.  If they want to surprise them with a home welcoming gift but don't know what they already have bought.  Obviously, you don't want to ask if you want it to be a nice surprise, so you can just get a gift card (which is still a nice surprise) and they can get whatever it is they might now need for their new home.   This is also a great idea for all those kids going off to college now.  Maybe they need a spatula, or a mini fridge or microwave.  You can either get them a great gift or the gift of a gift certificate.




**I did not get paid for this post.  I recieved a complentary knife set in order to write a real and honest review.  All opinions are 100% my own unless otherwise stated.**

New Konad Pictures

I hope everyone got to read my Konad review a while back.  I really love how fun and simple it is to design your nails.  I just did mine again yesterday and I love how they came out!

I hope you can see the pictures clearly!  I used "Bundle Monster" plates instead of Konad brand plates because I got a really awesome deal on amazon for the BM plates.  I got 21 plates for $18!!!  In Konad plates, I would have only gotten maybe 4 plates for that price.  Anyways.. here is the link in case you are interested in the Bundle Monster plates.  And, yes, they are the same as Konad so you don't have to worry.  The only difference is that they don't have a paper coated back (which I like better because the poilsh that gets on the back is easier to clean off).

And, in case you have/or get these plates are recreate the look, here is what I used:

- plate BM03

- plate BM11

- L'Oreal Paris BIJOU Gems color #125

- Konad special polish in white

- clear coat     DON'T USE WET N WILD!  IT MAKES MY KONAD POLISH RUN HORRIBLY!

and of course I used a Konad stamper and scraper : )

So, I hope you guys think my nails are as cute as I find them and that you check Konad out because I love doing my nails that I use Konad!

You can buy Konad products from eBay, amazon, wowsocool.com and a few other online places..

Worst hair cut ever!

My grandma and I went with my little sister today to get her hair cut.  She has some curly/kinky hair that doesn't like to behave.  Anyways, she wanted to get her bangs cut at her eyebrows (straight across) and her hair touching her shoulder. OH MY GOD!!! 

She went to SuperCuts becuase there is some girl there named Stephenie that she likes to cut her hair.  The last 3 times she has went there, she comes out with a not-so-great hair cut, so my grandma and I warned her against going there.  She insisted anyways and got her hair cut there.

IT IS HORRIBLE!!!!  It is 3 inches off her shoulder, the length is up and down (soooo not straight) and her bangs are too long and puffy.  As soon as she got in the car (she's only 10 years old) she started balling over how ugly her hair is.  It's really aweful.  So, I called her when we got home.  I told her it's aweful, that she did a super shitty job and she cut it way too short. And, what does she say?  Well, if you could bring her back in, I could fix it?  Fix it, I said, You can't put her hair back, you can only cut it shorter and you cut it too short already!  She was a super unhelpful snob and I'm super pissed at her right now.  Thankfully, my sister is homeschooled so she won't have to put up with the ridicule of kids right now with her ugly hair do.

I  would have posted a picture, but I'm too afraid to ask her for one in case she starts balling again.  : (  Poor kid.  Anyways.. I just wanted to vent.  So, have any of you guys or girls had a really really bad haircut before?  If so, please share, maybe it will make her feel better. : (

WINNER!

Wow, I am really behind in ending this giveaway! I am so sorry about this, college is about to start soon and I have been busy trying to get all my ducks in a straight line for the new upcoming semester.  Anyways, here are THE MAZE OF GRACE winners:

#28 Benita

#9 Busy Working Mama

#2 Linda Kish

You have all been emailed.  I need to hear back within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen in your place.  Thanks to everyone who entered and a big thanks to Hachette for sponsoring the giveaway!

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**This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own unless otherwise stated.  I did recieve a small fee for posting this.**

Blog Copy

Have you heard of Blog Copy?  "BlogCopy is a tool designed to monitor which texts and images readers copy from your blog. BlogCopy does not, however, copy entire posts or blogs,"  states their website.  I just signed up myself for Blog Copy and am excited to see how well it works and if it helps to improve any of my posts, writing, etc.





**This is a sponsored post.   I did recieve a small fee for posting this.  All opinions are my own unless otherwise stated.**

Review and Giveaway: Fantasy Jewelry Box

My dream come true? Fantasy Jewelry Box.  I'm serious.  I am one of those girls who has expensive tastes and not a big enough wallet to indulge in the things (and quality) of quite a few things that I wish I could.  This is why I love Fantasy Jewelry Box, they allow me to get 'WOW' items are even 'WOW-er' prices that I can easily afford!

I was super excited when Joyce, from Fantasy Jewelry Box, told me to pick out an 1 or 2 items that added up to 50 bucks or less.  Can you even begin to say I had a field day??  In the end, after searching the whole entire site and trying to figure out what I loved more (which is a difficult feat, let me tell you!) this is what I chose:

 

Astrid's Silver Slithering Snake Bracelet
$33.95


  And,

Cayla's Brown CZ Princess Cut Earrings

$13.95 

Gorgeous, right?  The earrings are nice and simple, which makes them perfect for just about any outfit.  They are very light-weight, so your ears won't hurt after a day (or night) out wearing these beauties.  The warm tones of the brown will assentuate nicely with any hair color, as will the lovely gold trim, as you can see from the picture above.

Astrid's braclet, on the other hand, is edgy and fun, perfect for pairing with a pair of ripped jeans and a stylish black top, or an equally edgy and fun dress!  The bracelet is constructed of 4 pieces, which are banded together.  The 4 pieces make up the stretchy band that allows you to slink it onto your wrist.  It is quite stretchy too, which is nice for people with bigger wrists.  Personally, I have very small wrists, so I had to put it a bit higher on my wrist so it didn't keep sliding, though it looked just as nice.  Gorgeous clear CZs catch the light when your hand turns in certain ways.

The detailing to both are wonderful and they do not look like they are cheap or cheaply made.  This is another reason why I love Fantasy Jewelry Box, you get what you want.  Other places you might be able to afford, but they might not look real.  Fantasy Jewelry Box does, and that is why they will always have me for a customer.

Giveaway Time!

Fantasy Jewelry Box is going to give one (1) of my lucky blog followers any 1 or 2 items of their choice that adds up to $35.00 or less!

Rules:

-US only (sorry!)

-LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS

-MUST BE A GOOGLE CONNECT FOLLOWER

Mandatory Entry: Go to FantasyJewelryBox.com and leave a comment telling me your favorite item!

Extra Entries:

+3 sign up for Fantasy Jewelry Box's newsletter

+3 follow Sexy Women Read

+3 follow my friend's blog, Never Too Shy Reviews

+3 follow me on Twitter here

+4 put my button on your sidebar and leave the link

+1 per each other contest of mine you enter- tell me which ones!

+2 tweet my giveaway (can do daily)

#win your choice of jewelry from Fantasy Jewley Box! Ends June 15th! http://bit.ly/d7uBmq @bookluver09 #giveaway #contest #jewelry

+10 blog about this giveaway include some links- tell me where post is

Giveaway ends August 29th!

**I received a complementary sample of this product in order to write a real and honest review. I did not get paid for this post. All opinions are my own, unless otherwise stated.**

Review: Into The Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea

  Nineteen-year-old Nayeli works at a taco shop in her Mexican village and dreams about her father, who journeyed to the US when she was young. Recently, it has dawned on her that he isn't the only man who has left town. In fact, there are almost no men in the village--they've all gone north. While watching The Magnificent Seven, Nayeli decides to go north herself and recruit seven men--her own "Siete Magníficos"--to repopulate her hometown and protect it from the bandidos who plan on taking it over.

Filled with unforgettable characters and prose as radiant as the Sinaloan sun, Into the Beautiful North is the story of an irresistible young woman's quest to find herself on both sides of the fence.
description taken from here.







Into the Beautiful North is about Nayeli, the main character in the book, going North (to America) to find men that are willing to go back to Mexico to protect the women and repopulate the dwindling village she lives in.  The author, Urrea, is very descriptive in his writing and really makes you feel what it is like to live in Nayeli's little Mexican village.  However, the characters seemed dull and lifeless and the plot itself was widely predictable.




**I did not get paid for this post.  All opinions are 100% my own unless otherwise stated.  I received a complementary book in order to write a real and honest review.**

Review: A Maze of Grace by Trish Ryan

 In her first book, Trish Ryan chronicled the ways in which finding faith lead her to the happily-ever-after ending that had eluded her for so long. Only it wasn't an ending. It was a beginning.

In A MAZE OF GRACE, Ryan picks up where she left off, sharing the early years of her marriage, and the challenges that both shaped and startled her: temptations regarding fidelity, the anxiety of shifting body image, the awkward nature of following Jesus in a decidedly secular family and city, and struggles (depression, trying to conceive) that made her wonder if God had lost her file.

With appealing candor, Ryan sweeps the reader into her life and ponders questions and issues that we all face, dropping nuggets of wisdom along the way that are sure to inspire, encourage and help readers from all walks of life.  description taken from here.


I enjoyed Ryan's writing style.  The book itself was a collection of short stories about Ryan's life.  She knows how to engage her audience, which is a nice change from a few books I have read lately.  Her book is very honest, which is refreshing.  I think a lot of people will enjoy this book.



**I did not get paid for this post.  All opinions are 100% mine unless otherwise stated.  I received a complementary book in order to write a real and honest review.**

Review: The Bourne Objective

  Facing down mercenaries in Africa, Jason Bourne witnesses the death of an art dealer named Tracy Atherton. Her killing dredges up snatches of Bourne's impaired memory, in particular the murder of a young woman on Bali who entrusted him with a strangely engraved ring­­ - an artifact of such powerful significance that people have killed to obtain it. Now he's determined to find the ring's owner and purpose. But Bourne never knows what terrible acts he'll discover he committed when he digs into the past.

The trail will lead him through layers of conspiracy to a vicious Russian mercenary, Leonid Arkadin, who was also a graduate of the Central Intelligence training program Treadstone. A covert course designed to create ruthless assassins for C.I., it was shuttered by Congress for corruption. Yet before it was dismantled, it produced Bourne and Arkadin, giving them equal skills, equal force, and equal cunning.

As Bourne's destiny circles closer to Arkadin's, it becomes clear that the eventual collision of these men is not of their own making. Someone else has been watching and manipulating them. Someone who wants to know, Who is the more deadly agent? descripition taken from here.


This was an o.k. book.  Nothing special, and I would have preferred to read it rather than listen to it as I received an audio book from Hachette to review.  Why is that?  Well, in book formation, I could have skimmed when thoroughly bored.  Ludlums writing style is inconsistent and leaves me bored.  While some of his other Bourne books are good, this one I did not find so.  The plot itself was very predictable as well, which made the audio book even more dreary.



**I did not get paid for this post. I recieve a complematary audio book in order to write a real and honest review.  All opinions are 100% my own unless otherwise stated.**