2015 in 2015

So, I have struggled over many years with my weight. The last two years have been better than the rest after losing approximated 70 pounds. I found a new passion, running. Last February I had signed up for my first marathon and after not finishing the first one (more on that story later) I did succeed in another marathon, a month later.

Anyway, so this year I wanted to keep up with my running passion yet have a different goal. The marathon(s) about killed my knees and I'm only in my mid-30's. Yikes! However, I am still learning and after researching online and via books, I keep finding new stretches and strength training that I wasn't the greatest at trying before. I heard about this new challenge via a women's running club that I follow on Facebook.

It can be free to sign-up although I did pay some to get a t-shirt and a medal. Hey, it's become sort-of a habit but I think it's a good one, right? I think it's perfect for me and it will keep me motivated all year long. There is also a support group on Facebook and it's very motivational and helpful to see many others going through the same challenge.

I will keep my blog updated on my progress.

Coppertone Clearly Sheer Sunscreen

Another useful product for me to try out via BzzAgent. This time of year when the sun is shining (for the most part) and we are so happy that it isn't snowing in our part of the woods anymore, I received some samples of Coppertone Sunscreen AND coupons to try out only to spread my thoughts on the product. What a great deal!

I received a few different bottles of sunscreen to try out. One was a spray-on sunscreen, which I did like the best overall. It was easy to just spray on my child and there wasn't any mess to wipe off my hands after applying it. This was SPF50 which is a little higher than I'd usually use for my son, he's 10 years old and really doesn't burn too much. I put some on him before we went swimming at an outdoor pool. It was very sunny that day; I believe the UV index was very high, about 9 or so. We were outside for close to two hours and he didn't burn at all. He was in and out of the pool and running around. The product wasn't greasy when being applied, it didn't have an overwhelming smell and it seemed to have stayed in place even though he had gotten wet via pool water and sweating it out.

One of the other products I tried was a lightweight formula that was intended for your face. I have a very sensitive and acne-prone face. I was a little nervous in trying this out but wanted to see if it did indeed not break out my skin. I used it after I had done my skincare routine. The texture of the sunscreen was very nice, not too thick at all. I could tell that it was lightweight and it had a very nice outdoor smell. It's nothing like that smell that I used to smell when slathering on sunscreen in the past. I enjoyed using it on the days that I worked outdoors in the garden or doing yardwork, which always takes at least an hour. Plus, I sweat and our humidity in the summertime doesn't help. However, even with all of that the sunscreen stayed on, I didn't burn anywhere and the best part is that it didn't break out my skin! I am definitely sold on this product.

I probably wouldn't have tried this out had I not received samples to try first. This is the greatest thing about being a BzzAgent. If you haven't tried out for this company, it's a definite must. I have been lucky to receive so many different products and coupons. Check out this link on how to become a BzzAgent and start receiving your own free products.

Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck

Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

If I wasn't a hopeless, sappy romantic I most likely wouldn't keep reading this series. That's what this series is all about. A young girl who constantly contradicts herself on who to be with. The only reason I'm still reading this is because I really do want to know who the author is going to have Kelsey end up with.

I wish I could say the adventures were interesting. They were way over-the-top. Completely insane. I realize this is fiction, but come on. Not everything ends up the way we want them to.

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Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck

Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story starts out horribly childish. Boo, Kelsey runs away but finds magically that she has a huge condo, an expensive sports car, and all of her college courses + books, paid for. Yet, even though her immature decision of running away seems logical to her, She still pines for Ren. (Duh)

Of course, she finds approximately three men who also "fall in love" with her. Good grief. Then Ren decides to follow her back to her hometown and begs for her to "date" him as well as the others so she can make the right choice for her.

This all happens within the first 1/3 of the book. I feel like the author has always wanted to be this "Kelsey" in real life as she puts all her efforts into making this character beautiful and lovable and...perfect. Meh. I think if you want to create a wonderful and memorable character, you must show his/her flaws as well. I just don't see that happening....yet.

Then the book gets interesting after Ren is taken. She starts to get to know Kishan better. I like him. He has a past. He has had to make hard decisions and also is paying for his stupid past decisions. However, does he need to fall in love with Kelsey as well? I get the point now that I've finished the story, it just gets old.

The best part (and saddest) is the ending few chapters. THIS is the reason I gave the book 3 stars. It doesn't end like you totally expect. It wasn't a surprise to me that Ren loses his memories of Kelsey. We'll see where the next book takes us. Hopefully, Kelsey grows up a bit.

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Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This story was okay. Mostly, a disappointment though on how it was written. It just has such a childish feel to the whole story. It's almost too cheezy. I think that's why it took me a whole month to get through it.

It starts off on an interesting note; Kelsey finds a part-time job at a circus. She meets a mysterious tiger and forms a bond with him. A couple chapters later, an even more mysterious man shows up to buy the tiger and offers to take her to India (all expenses paid of course) to help take care of the tiger since she has such a connection with him. Naturally, she is drawn to this idea. What, no suspicions whatsoever? But you see, there is a curse on this tiger (as she finds out soon after that.)He then is able to change into a man for 24 minutes a day and he one day is able to do this for her. She falls for him. He falls for her. Blah, blah, blah. They have some "scary" adventure trying to break a curse that only she (apparently) can help with.

I could definitely tell that she was immature. I've met real 18 year olds that were more mature than this one. Another annoying factor is that the tiger is also a prince, naturally. He has all the money in the world, he's good looking, he's sweet and charming. He's just perfect. Sigh.

The book doesn't get decent until there is about 20 pages left. Now I have to read the next one to see what happens.


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Tone Body Wash Review

Have you heard of BzzAgent?

If not, let me introduce you. I was introduced to this company over a year ago. Basically, you apply for "campaigns" and if you're chosen, you receive samples to try out, review, and share your experience with others. The more you're involved, the more opportunities you have to review products. It's definitely something to look into because not only do you receive at least one full-size item for free (or a coupon for a FREE item,) but you also receive coupons for future purchases and to give away some to your friends and family. If you would like to more about BzzAgent, feel free to check it out.

  Tone(R) Body Wash and Bath  

 This campaign was about Tone's new Body Wash in Peony & Rose Oil scent. I received a full-size bottle plus three coupons @ $1.00 off. This is a thick, creamy body wash, so you don't have to use a large amount while washing. It suds up nicely, smells wonderful (although not overpowering) and doesn't leave any greasy feel that I have had in the past with certain body washes. My skin was so soft afterward. I am a definite fan.

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'd give this story 5 stars, but the ending was almost a disappointment compared to leading up to the ending.

Interesting way to write a story though. Starting the second chapter, there were new characters, new scenarios, new issues. I was confused at first. Starting the third chapter, I had the same thing. However, there is a reason for this madness and it all makes sense. Though it's another reason I didn't care for. It was hard to switch from one story to the next and then the next.

What I did like was how the story made me think that I never know what someone else is going through. They may have a smile on their face but be holding a deep dark secret or is absolutely terrified. It's interesting to see other character's perspectives and how they read each other.

I also confirm that women think way, way too much into things. Period.

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Captive in the Dark (The Dark Duet#1) by C.J. Roberts

Captive in the Dark by C.J. Roberts
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I'm not sure if it was just me or maybe the state of mind I was in while reading this book, but I didn't see what all the hype was about.

So, this beautiful young girl (18. Why do they always have to be so freaking young? Aren't there beautiful women who are in their 20's or 30's?) Anyway, she is kidnapped by a handsome, erotic stranger. Gasp! She is tortured (in more ways than one) that I felt was degrading and as steamy as some situations were, which I usually absolutely love, I could not get over how much he abused this girl, emotionally and sexually. Mostly emotionally. It just wasn't a turn-on for me.

Then again, 50 Shades wasn't my thing either. *Oh no! The characters annoyed me to death. The sex was great but stupid, stupid characters.

While the girl didn't annoy me. I felt sorry for her. I thought of how scared I'd be if I were in her situation and how devastated it would be to my ego, never seeing the sun, treated like a sex slave against my will. I would have kicked my captor in the nuts too being in the same boat. I was just sort-of *Meh* through the entire thing.

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Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant by Veronica Roth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I would give this five stars if I didn't have such a hard time staying focused and concentrated on the first 1/3 of the book. I think the beginning wasn't interesting enough for me to want to keep reading. However, it gets better, much better; and I think that maybe if I had just finished the second novel in the series, it wouldn't have been as boring to me.

This is the third and final story in the Divergent series. The way this book is written is very different from the previous two. It is written from two points of views, switching back and forth. I'm not much of someone for change when the first two weren't written in the same way, but it grew on me. In the end, it all makes sense as to why it was written that way.

There is a lot going on: There is a whole new colony/government outside the walls that we never knew existed, I got to know Evelyn a tiny bit more, and most of all, I finally get to feel what Tobias is thinking and feeling. I didn't have a problem connecting with his character at all and I think that's why it wasn't too difficult to switch back and forth between Tris and Tobias.

When Tris dies, it doesn't seem real to me. I kept thinking that there was going to be some sort of magic spell that they find or that it was all a bad dream and Tobias wakes up finding her next to him. It didn't happen that way. I liked that actually. I liked that she died because it made this fictionally story more real. Things don't always end up easy or happy or good.

This entire series was a favorite of mine and I am definitely interested in reading more of Veronica Roth.



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Ipsy Bag, November 2013

Ipsy Bag, November 2013

If you don't know about Ipsy, let me tell you about it. It is a beauty-based company that was created by Michelle Phan. She created a company for those that were interested in trying out different beauty products of all kinds, for a small fee. This fee is $10 for a monthly subscription. There is a basic quiz which allows you to answer questions based on your interests and coloring, etc. If you don't know about Michelle Phan and how she got started, check her channel out on YouTube.

The variety and sizes of the products that you receive each month, vary. I have been a monthly subscriber for a couple of months and I have never received less than 4 products. I have also never received only just samples. I have always had at least one full-size product in my Ipsy bag. I have tried many different kinds of products such as: Mascara, lipstick, lip gloss, bronzer, blush, eyebrow pencil, eye shadow, nail polish, skin-care mask, lotion, perfume, eyeliner, hair spray and other hair-care items. The brands have varied also. Also, each brand that is featured for the month always has great discounts, just in case there was an item that wasn't received and you were just itching to try it out.  If you happen to receive an item that you don't want, there is a trade forum where ladies trade items with other ladies. I have not personally done this but it is an option.

Here is what I received this month:

• 1 full-size EM lengthening mascara in black. Em Cosmetics, is Michelle Phan's newest cosmetics line. She just launched this not too long ago and all Ipsy members received a full-size product from her line. This mascara retails for $20. I love the way the little hairs on the wand separate my lashes. I put two coats on and I could definitely see the "lengthening" effect. It also dries pretty quickly.

• 1 full-size bronzer from Pixi in Subtly Suntouched. This retails at Target for $18 but comes with a small kabuki brush that did not come with my bronzer. However, still a great deal. It's a beautiful pressed powder. 

• 1 full-size (2.4 g) eyeliner Gem Pencil from Starlooks in Amethyst. This is a metallic gorgeous lavender color and is very creamy. It lasted on my eyes for about 6 hours, but I did have eye shadow primer on.

• 1 full-size lip crayon in Hot Damn from Be-A-Bombshell. This is described as a bright red. I tried it out this afternoon and it is definitely, RED. It has great staying power though. It's almost like a stain because the staying power is fabulous. I drank too 8 oz glasses of water and nothing came off on my glass. It doesn't dry out my lips and I like the twisty at the bottom so I don't have to use a sharpener. This is another great deal because it retails for $14. 

• 1 full-size nail (.5 fl oz) polish from Nailtini in Caviar. This particular polish retails for $13. It is a dark gray with a little bit of shimmer. It's a beautiful color.

• My last product was a sample of GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment. I found a small size at Sephora for $21, which is probably why there is only a sample. However, I've heard fabulous things about this mask and I am very excited to try it out. 

This month was hands-down the best bag that I have received so far. This month's retail total, excluding the sample, was about $79. That is amazing to me! Granted every month isn't going to be as fabulous, but it's awesome that I get to try out new brands and new products. Here is a link to Ipsy if you are interested in trying it out.

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

One of the things that I love to do is read. I love how my mind is able to escape into a small fictional world and I am able to be stress-free. Maybe you like to read? Maybe you don't. If you do like to read, check out Goodreads. It's a free website to rate books and to find possible new stories and/or authors to check out. My latest review from Goodreads is below.
The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

My thoughts on this book were that; the story was interesting enough to keep reading to find out what happens, but there were definite parts that I could have done without specific details.

I did like how we saw many different characters and their individual stories. I liked how it all tied together. There were characters that I felt connected to. I liked some and I disliked some. I do like that this book felt real and dealt with situations that really do happen.

I didn't care for the specifics on certain situations; the rape for instance. My personal opinion is that I don't really like to read about it. It makes me feel uncomfortable. I think there was a lot of political bullshit that went on, which isn't my thing. It is what is happening in real life, but it was a little too much for me. I found myself skimming through certain pages because I was bored.

I don't feel that anyone under the age of 17 should read this book. There are too many adult-type situations, which I'm sure that teenagers now-a-days know about but don't need to read about.

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