Book Review: Sinful

singulSinful is about Jillian and Leo.  Jillian has had a crush on Leo for YEARS but he is her brother’s best friend and so they have kind of tried to keep away from each other for that reason.  But Jillian decides she has had enough. She is going to tell him that she wants him and if he is not interested she is done and is going to move on.  Leo tries to put up a front that he is not interested, but when she starts playing games by hanging out with one of his friends to get his attention – it works.  At first Leo is nervous because Jillian does not know who he really is, but once she finds out will she leave?  He ends up starting a submissive relationship with her and even takes her to his Nana’s birthday party.  His family already knows who she is and all seem thrilled that Leo has finally come to his senses.  But then he ends up having a freak out and walking away.  Jillian wants him back but had told him if he walks away that was it, she is done.  Will they work things out when everyone seems to think that they are perfect together but Leo? Can Jillian convince him and help him get over the trouble he is having with their relationship?

I really liked this book.  I read it over 3 sittings, but it was hard to put it down. (But I had to. You know, sleep.)  I really liked the characters of Jillian and Leo and how they seemed to bring the best out in each other, even if they didn’t always see it at first.  Though a bit of an emotional roller coaster at times, I really enjoyed reading it and these characters and finding out if they had a happily ever after or not!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

I’ve wanted my brother’s best friend, Leo Santoro, for too many years to count.
No matter what I do, he won’t confront the attraction that burns between us.
It’s time to put him behind me once and for all.
I have no choice but to call his bluff.
And then I will walk away.

The last woman I should want is my best friend’s baby sister, Jillian Banks.
No matter what I do, she won’t ignore the attraction that burns between us.
It’s time she learns the real me.
The only promise I can make is that her fantasies are no match for reality.
And then I’ll watch her walk away.

Book Review: Snowflake Wishes

snowflakeIn Echo Lake, they are prided on their Snowflake Ball – which has matched up 49 successful marriages through their singles tree.  This year, Piper Bellini is dreading the ball, but Mama B forces her to go by guilt tripping her with a nice dress.  Her name keeps being picked off the singles tree, she dances with the single guys just to please everyone but doesn’t think she will become the 50th marriage.

Then she is paired up with Noah Drake. To Noah, Piper is the one that got away.  It had been 7 years since they had broken up and he returned to Echo Lake expecting her to be married with 6 kids – but it turns out she was still single.  They have their dance and go talk and end up heading out and ended up in a blizzard sleeping in a diner.  It seems like there may still be a spark between them.

When they see a car off a cliff on their drive home, Noah springs into action.  It is here that Piper tells him exactly how her parents died, something he had never known before.  It is with this confession that Noah realizes why Piper is the way she is and why she was always so against his career and broke up with him over it.  He says he will be going away for a year and hopes she will wait for him…

But will he have a change of heart?

This was a short book, under 100 pages which was the perfect length.  I loved the story and the characters. It had a lot of content in it even though it was so short.  Would love to read more books like this.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Noah Drake was that guy–the one always on the lookout for his next adrenaline high, so it was no surprise when he took off across the world, seeking adventure as a travel writer. But one thing he could never escape was Piper Bellini, the girl who got away–the girl he let get away, a fact he’s never let himself forget. When he returns to Echo Lake to see if there’s any chance the flame between them can be rekindled, he never expects to spend the night holed up with Piper in a roadside diner while a blizzard rages outside. It’s exactly the kind of situation that sent Piper running years ago. But this time, Noah may have been handed a Christmas miracle, and he intends to make all of his and Piper’s wishes come true…

Book Review: Falling For The Wrong Guy

wrongguyI actually read this book a while back and forgot to write the review. Oops! So I am working off of memory and I’ve rad several books since so forgive me if I miss any major plot points.  This book is about Mia.  (At least I am pretty sure her name is Mia even though the book write up says Ruby.) Her brother has a friend, Drew, who Mia has always had a crush on.  But then there is an accident and Mia’s brother’s ex-girlfriend dies in a fire and Drew gets scarred from the fire.  Mia’s brother, Blake, is no longer talking to Drew because he is upset that Drew was with his (ex) girlfriend.  You see, Blake and his girlfriend were on again off again and even though this may have ended up being the last time they broke up (accident or no accident), Blake isn’t sure he will ever forgive Drew.

When Drew is back at school everyone is treating him different, except Mia, who still has feelings for him. They end up partnered in a group project and Blake is not happy they are spending so much time together.  Of course, they end up secretly dating but no one can know.  But slowly more and more people are finding out. Even Mia’s Mom is ok with it, she had missed Drew being at the house.  But how will Blake react?

I liked this book enough that I actually remembered most of the plot even a month or so after I read it – which hardly ever happens. (Though I am glad it did in this case since I was slacking and forgot to review it!) Although the book was wordy and the relationship between Drew and Mia seemed a bit drawn out at times, for a YA novel I thought it was pretty good.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I have not been otherwise compensated.

About the book

Ruby Davis has a crush on her brother’s best friend. At least, he was his bestie until the big betrayal. Now Drew is off limits to everyone, especially Ruby. She can’t stand the way people treat him, or the way he feels about himself. It isn’t right. And those deep green eyes are calling to her.

Drew is scarred and damaged, and he has no business even looking at Ruby. But he can’t help himself. She’s beautiful, but he does his best to stay away. When they are assigned a school project, they become reluctant friends – even though they want so much more.

She’s torn between her feelings for Drew and loyalty to her brother. There’s no way they can ever be together…but love just might find a way.

Throwback Thursday: SK6ers 2/3/07

Headliner: SK6ers
Opener(s): Mikel Paris
Venue: Club Helsinki Great Barrington, MA
Cost: $12

Setlist:

Satisfied Man
Flower In Rain
Maria
Wagon Wheel
Such A Way
Days
Keep Me In Your Thoughts
Uninspired Gambling
Up on Cripple Creek
Start the Day Early
Now I’m Not So Lost
Thirteen
See You Later See You Soon
Girlfriend as Pretty As You
Piano Man

Recap:

After Jen’s car had the accident the night before, I drove to this venue.  I remember we got lost somewhere in Norfolk, CT and it was very dark.  I have very minimal recollection of the rest of this venue, I can’t even tell you what it looked like. I don’t think I have any photos from it either. It’s very weird how I can remember such vivid details from some shows and nothing from others!

Product Review: SlapKoolers


SlapKoolers are pretty awesome. They are a combination of the Slap Bracelets you knew and loved (or maybe dreaded) if you are an 80s/early 90s kid like me as well as a neoprene beverage insulator.   The SlapKooler has 2 bracelets in side it so that it can grip your bottle or can of soda – or your wrist, if you want. (I had no soda around and couldn’t resist using it as a slap bracelet! These were actually banned from my school in first grade because they made all the kids crazy and a little bit violent! But boy are they fun!)  The neoprene is insulated to keep your drink cool and your hand not! The edges are rounded and you can use it as a marketing product by having SlapKoolers help you come up with a custom design for your business!  The “Hello My Name Is” also works great for parties – write your guests names on them and everyone will know whose beverage belongs to whom!

The SlapKooler is a one-of-a-kind promotional product that will elevate your event or party to a new level! Watch the grins go from ear-to-ear as your guests and fans light up with delight when they first try a SlapKooler!

SlapKooler Product Features:

All SlapKoolers contain dual recoiling steel bands encased in 4mm thick Neoprene (wetsuit material) topped with polyester fabric for easy personalization. No sharp exposed edges so they are extremely kid-friendly and tons of fun!
Safe, durable & fun slap koozies are both fun and functional toys made for everyday use, and the kids will love these! With the slap koozie, you get a perfect beverage insulator, slap bracelet, wrist band, and stress reliever.. the possibilities are endless! Proudly made in the USA!
I received this product for free in exchange for this honest review!

December 12 – TIC All Star Christmas

Saturday night was TIC’s Annual All Star Christmas.  It was a nice change from the past 2 years – 2 years ago I almost missed the show due to a crazy snow storm and last year there were flurries.  This year my car told me it was the mid-60s as I was driving to the show!

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Opening the show was CT’s own American Idol Winner Nick Fradiani! He did several songs that should be on his new album and even had his Dad in his band with him!

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Next up was Charlie Puth. He seems to be blowing up lately. He mentioned he was 24 and then went on to say that one of his songs he was not going to say who it was about and that he was “pulling a Carly Simon” and that the parents in the audience would get what he meant. I’m not a parent and totally knew what he meant… His songs seem to have and older throwback feel to them which I liked… but I’m not sure I like Charlie himself.

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One of the guys from the Bachelorette was on hand to help TIC’s Gina J introduce Nate Ruess to the stage. I didn’t realize how many of his songs I was familiar with.  He had a lot of energy but I just can’t get into his voice.  He also did Rocket Man which he said was as close to a Christmas song as he had but I’m not sure how he made that connection?

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After Nate was Rachel Platten. I had never seen her before so I was surprised to see she was a Mandy Moore type with her belly button showing. I also never would have guessed that she was older than me. She came off a bit young on stage – getting so excited during one of her songs tha the phones lit up looked so pretty like a Christmas tree! I do like her 2 singles though, Fight Song and Stand By You.  She mentioned she’d be coming to CT on her tour in the spring but I am not seeing a CT date. I’d probably check her out again if she did come through.

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The Band Perry was up next.  For some reason their set up was all done squished to the other side of the stage. This was also when the row in front of me decided to show up and dance around all drunk and block most of my view. I enjoyed their set. They did a few new songs – Live Forever – after If I Die Young which was pretty funny. And one that they said they had never done live before at all so we were their guinea pigs.

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I planned on leaving mid-way through Rob Thomas’ set because I didn’t think I’d like him and wanted to not get stuck in the parking lot for 30-45 minutes after the show (what can I say, I’m getting old and wanted to get to sleep at a decent hour)  But a quick check of TIC’s twitter feed implied that Nick might be coming out to sing with Rob, so instead I figured I’d better stick around at least to see that.  I have to say though that I was very impressed with Rob. He has amazing stage presence and I really enjoyed his set.  He did have Nick come out to sing “Bright Lights” with him – although for most of it Rob just kind of sat back and let Nick have the stage which was really cool.  You could tell how excited Nick was to be sharing the stage with him and once it was done Nick said “BUCKET LIST!” and made a check mark.  I think Rob still had a couple more songs to go, but I snuck out after that – and I was not the only one.

Overall TIC put together another great line up for this show and I think it is the first time there had not been an an artist I’ve seen before in the line up!

I didn’t keep track of setlists but did try to piece them together later – so if you were there and know that I got it horribly wrong – please let me know!

Nick Fradiani Setlist
(some new songs)
Beautiful Life

Charlie Puth Setlist
Some Type of Love
One Call Away
I Won’t Tell A Soul
Marvin Gaye
See You Again

Nate Ruess Setlist
Nothing Without Love
Carry On
Great Big Storm
Just Give Me A Reason
Rocket Man
We Are Young
Harsh Lights
Some Nights

The Band Perry Setlist
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
If I Die Young
Live Forever
?New Song
Done
(Might be missing a song)

Rachel Platten Setlist
Beating Me Up
Lone Ranger
Better Place
You Don’t Know My Heart
Stand By You
Fight Song

Rob Thomas Setlist 
Give Me the Meltdown
Lonely No More
Her Diamonds
Let’s Dance
3 A.M.
Hold on Forever
Someday
Streetcorner Symphony
A New York Christmas
Bright Lights w/ Nick Fradiani
Smooth
(I left before his set was over so there may have been another song or two)

 

Book Review: Little Miss Overshare

overshareI thought that Little Miss Overshare my hit a little bit too close to home since I think I could be considered an oversharer on social media – but oh no. Little Miss Overshare has me beat and probably everyone I know and everyone you know too… which is why she has the title of little miss overshare.  If “TMI” was created for anyone – this would be her!  Little Miss Overshare tells everything to anyone and everyone that she can – and very much so crosses the line with each of her stories.

This is the second in the parody series that I have read, and was also good for a few laughs! Be sure to check it out if you have the chance!

I received a free book from blogging for books in exchange for this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Little Miss Overshare is so very generous, she sometimes gives too much. Too much information! In this heartwarming tell-all tale, she informs a senior citizen about her sex life, discusses her digestive system with her roommate, and chit-chats about her lady problems at the office water cooler. Do you know a silly someone who shares more than her fair share? Then you’ll want to share Little Miss Overshare!

Meet her friends Mr. Selfie , Mr. Humblebrag and Little Miss Basic!

Music Monday: One Direction Made In The AM

1d

Hey Angel
Drag Me Down
Perfect
Infinity
End of the Day
If I Could Fly
Long Way Down
Never Enough
Olivia
What a Feeling
Love You Goodbye
I Want To Write You A Song
History
Temporary Fix
Walking in the Wind
Wolves
A.M.

Made in the A.M. is the 5th studio album from One Direction.  I’m pretty much “over them” but I’m always looking for new albums to review for Music Monday and well, I’m ultimately a sucker for boybands, but I’ve given up trying to get tickets to see them in concert or even meet them.  Maybe after their “break” (assuming they really do come back) things will be a bit easier.  9 of the tracks include a writing credit to at least 1 of the band members which I think is worth noting. Why? I don’t know, I just felt like counting.

Some thoughts on select tracks… because I tried to do a track by track breakdown but got too distracted…

Hey Angel doesn’t really grip you and drag you into the album like I had hoped. It does seem to have a bit of a Coldplay feel to it mixed with another band that I just can’t put my finger on.

Perfect I don’t want to like, but something about all the scenarios in it just make me want to write a novel. Maybe someday I will.

End of the Day – this one grabbed me from the beginning and I really like it.

Never Enough gives me a bit of a Rockapella vibe and I think I like it.

Olivia – this song reminds me of an old Beatles song or a song that would be sung on a children’s TV show (based on the melody not really the lyrics lol) it’s catchy!

Wolves – this is another catchy throwback-y sounding tune. That may be stuck in my head for all eternity.

Overall a good CD although I just can’t see myself screaming along to most of these in an arena.  Small theater, sure. Ah, maybe someday 😉

Product Review: ORICO Power Bank

The 10400mAH Power Bank from ORICO is a great stocking stuffer for that tech-addict in your life.  It comes with Qualcomm Quick Charge TM 2.0 Technology which will charge compatible devices up to 75% faster than a standard charger.  I found that this charger will charge my phone 3-4 times before it needs to be recharged itself, which is great if I will be out an out about and don’t want to be against a wall with an outlet!  It is small enough to fit in my purse and carry with me – the only down side is that it is a bit on the heavy side.  It’s probably not something I’d keep in my back for a “just in case” but rather only grab it when I know I am going to a concert or a  game and will be gone the majority of the day with no other options.

The charger has 4 lights on it which shows when it is at 25/50/75/100% capacity.  I found that each time I fully charge my phone I lose just over 1 dot from the display. I was also able to charge up 20% of the phone in less than 30 minutes while still using the phone. Of course, it’s even faster if I don’t use the phone while charging.  The charger does get a bit warm when in use.  Not to the point that I wouldn’t put it in my pocket, but it is something to keep in mind when using it.

I received a free product in exchange for this review.

 

Traveling Liquid Free

With another trip that requires flying coming up, it brings up the topic of – how do you travel with only a carry on when it comes to liquids? I managed to do a weekend trip to Colorado completely liquid free. I don’t wear any make up or have any sort of skin care routine that requires liquids, which made it easier.  But using some of these products that are solid will clear up a lot of space in your quart sized baggy if you do need to bring make up or other items that don’t have solid options.

(If you’re looking for tips on how to pack your carry on – Holly over at Traveling Fan has a great post on Packing Cubes – which I have started using since reading some of her posts about them.)

For my trip to Back to the Island I will be using the Flight 001 X-Ray Quart Bag from ebags. I have not used it yet but it is supposed to be TSA approved and the way it is shaped is supposed to allow for more items in it than the typical quart sized bag. While I am not 100% sure what I will be packing yet, I did toss in some bug spray,  shampoo, shower gel, 2 containers of sun screen, aloe, tooth paste, deodorant and a toothbrush and it all seemed to zip in just fine. There have been mixed reports on whether or not TSA will let it through so I may have to bring a back up baggie just in case.

Shampoo
I have several solid shampoo bars from LUSH.  The tin that they sell to put the round ones is great, but it closes so tight I often have trouble opening it again. But one bar can last several trips or you can even use it at home regularly. If you let it dry out correctly it is supposed to last up to 90 washes.
My Review of Lush Shampoo Bars

Toothpaste
LUSH also offers a variety of solid tooth paste tabs.  There are several different “flavors” and I found these left my teeth feeling clean, but without the minty-fresh feeling you are used to with most “liquid” toothpaste. That took some getting used to, but these are a great alternative!
My Review of LUSH Toothy Tabs

Soap / Shaving Cream
Skip the shower gel and grab a bar soap. Tada! You can also use bar soap in place of shaving cream in a pinch. I’ve yet to find a “travel sized” shaving cream container that does not take up way too much space in my quart sized bag.

Travel Containers
If you need to condense larger containers into travel size, I really like the Dot&Dot Travel containers I used earlier this year.  They come in a pouch of 4 and even have suction cups to attach them to the shower wall.
Dot&Dot Travel Containers

Sun Screen
For my Colorado trip I used 2 different solid sun screens.   These are both small and you can throw it in your bag and not have to worry about it leaking.  There are also a couple of brands who have 1.8 oz spray sunscreen available.  A liquid, but tiny enough to throw a couple in your bag without taking up too much room.  I suck at applying lotion sun screen so the spray helps me get a more even covering.
SPF 70 Sunscreen Stick Banana Boat SPF 50 Sport

Deodorant
Usually I am not sure if this counts as a “liquid” or a gel or whatever so I throw it in the bag anyway, better to be safe than sorry. But a deodorant that is 100% solid is the Crystal Body Deodorant Travel Stick.  Just wet it, apply it to your under arms and you’re good to go. I don’t think I ever did a proper review on this but while you’ll be wanting to smell your armpits constantly, even on a really sweaty day I never noticed any sort of smell and can’t recommend this enough even though it’s sort of a hard idea to wrap your head around.

Bug Repellent
There are a lot of bracelets out there to help prevent mosquitos from feasting on you. I will be bringing these All Natural bracelets that I reviewed earlier this year.

Alternately a liquid option is “pen sized mosquito repellent”.  It takes up a lot less room in your quart sized baggie and works quite well. I got one that smelled like eucalyptus instead of the usual chemical smell for Jamaica year 2 and had no mosquito problems.

One tip is not to bring the larger (though still within the limitations of ounces for 3-1-1 rules) OFF spray can.  Year 1 of Back to the Island it made it TO Jamaica but didn’t make it home. I switched to the pen sized for year 2 but my friend ended up buying the one I had the previous year and once again Jamaica airport security would not let her take it. Fortunately it was on our way home it was taken so we did get to use it, but we hardly used any of it so it ended up being a waste to have to surrender it.

There is also a website called AllTravelSizes which offers travel sized products. (Keep an eye out though, some did seem to be larger than the limit when I was browsing)  They offer free shipping for orders of $40 or more, but my order coming in just under $20 they wanted $11.35 to ship so I decided not to bother.  If you need $40 worth of travel items you’re probably going on a longer trip and might as well just check a bag since you’ll probably need more clothes too.  I may decide to order with friends in the future to try and hit the $40 limit – I did like that it had single use toothpaste and shampoo available so I have a little bit more room on the way home!  I may try to see if the local drug stores offer larger packages of these for future trips!

Just FYI none of these are affiliate links, I just figured it is easiest to link to what I used so you could see for yourself, I won’t be getting any kick-backs if you decide to purchase through these links.

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