BookOutlet Boxing Sale HAUL

Man, Oh man, Oh man. I am so excited. I can't believe I finally have these books. Took a month for processing and shipping. But it was totally worth it.

BookOutlet is known for their amazing bargain books. Since I no longer live near any thrift stores; BookOutlet is now my go-to place for books.

I got 14 books for $33.50 (After shipping). Making it $2.39 a book. You can't beat that.
I won't put a description beneath each book. Even I would be like TL;DR. I'll put the links, if you're interested.

Here are all the books I bought:

On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

Amazon // Goodreads

An old co-worker of mine recommended this to me year and years ago. She was the one to show me The Premonition Series by Amy A Bartol. Which I am addicted to; And you should go and read right now. Not even kidding. Back to my point. I trust me old co-workers' opinion and I am excited to dive into this. 

Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama

Amazon // Goodreads

A book about mermaids. So excite. I've been wanting to read one forever. I hope this is as good as I am expecting it to be. 

Torn (Torn #1) 

Amazon // Goodreads

And

Twisted (Torn #2) by K.A Robinson

Amazon // Goodreads

I have heard so many great things from this author. I've actually been really wanting to her read other book, Breaking Alexandra, but these were in stock; so I'll start with them. Also, I had no idea that they are a 5+ book series. Little intimidating. 

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
Amazon // Goodreads

This was a complete impulse buy. The premise sounds different and thrilling. I'm bummed they didn't give me the cover of the book I ordered online. I'm not a fan of this cover. It's kinda creepy... theres no reason for me to be this close to her face. and does she not know how many germs are on keys? Does she want a disease? Lol. 

Immortal by Gillian Shields

Amazon // Goodreads

I actually bought book 2 of this series, Betrayal, at a thrift store last year. Thinking it was the first one. Smooth Lily. Now I finally own the first one and can read this series. I honestly have no idea what the series is about. I only grabbed it because one of my favorite authors, Melissa Marr, did a blurb on both of these books. And I love her Wicked Lovely Series. I read Wicked Lovely at least once a year. #SethIsMyMan

Faery Tales and Nightmares by Melissa Marr

Amazon // Goodreads

Speak of the devil! I love Melissa Marr. She has this deep and magical way of immersing you into her books. This book is to be little stories about her other books and glimpses into the characters lives after the book ends. So exicte. Now I hope she will finish the Carnival of Souls series. I need more. Now. 

The Redhead Revealed (Redhead #2)

Amazon // Goodreads 

And

The Redhead Plays Her Hand (Redhead #3) by Alice Clayton

Amazon // Goodreads

I bought the first book to this series, The Unidentified Redhead, in my Birthday BookOutlet Haul and loved it. This book is light, fun, and quirky. Of course I had to buy the rest of the series. I cannot wait to meet the wonderful Alice Clayton in August. Soon these lovelies will become signed rarities. 

Lockdown (Escape from Furnace #1)

Amazon // Goodreads

and

Solitary (Escape from Furnace #2)

Amazon // Goodreads

Death Sentence (Escape from Furnace #3)

Amazon // Goodreads

and

Fugitives (Escape from Furnace #4)

Amazon // Goodreads

Execution (Escape from Furnace #5) by Alexander Gordon Smith

Amazon // Goodreads

Can we spend some time and appreciate these covers? They are amazing. They give me the chills. I can't help but stare at them all day. I heard these books are dark, scary, and deep. Screams and tears will happen. I can feel it. 

Here are the books all together. So pretty. 

Did you get anything from the BookOutlet Boxing Sale? Do you want to read any of these books? Or have a recommendation similar to one of these books? Let me know in the comments!

IPSY -- Fresh Start -- January Glam Bag

My fifth IPSY beauty bag. It was really small and light this month. Let's cross our fingers for no lotion! 

If you're not familiar with IPSY. They are a $10 monthly beauty subscription company. I believe when you buy 6 months or 1 year subscription you get a discount. Its a fun little treat in the mail. You get 4-5 beauty products every month delivered to your door, for just $10. Check it out here: http://www.ipsy.com/r/1dhhh?sid=ipsypoints&cid=email

(MALIN+GOETZ) - Mojito Lip Balm - $8?

I have never heard of this brand... and I LOVE IT. I have dry and sensitive lips and this was absolutely amazing. No over powering smell, or crazy coloring. Basic and to the point. It does what it needs to do. I love the slight taste/smell of mojito. I can't rave about this enough. I need more!
15% off any purchase at malinandgoetz.com. Enter code: IPSY15 at checkout. Expires 2/28/15. Valid in US only. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers. Cannot be applied to a previous purchase.

Hikari Cosmetics - Mechanical Eyeliner in Storm - $13

I always love getting an eyeliner. I use them like crazy. Though, I prefer liquid eyeliners, they last much much much longer. This mechanical eyeliner isn't too bad. The twist function on mine is loose, and I am afraid it will break soon. Let's hope that doesn't happen. The color is nice. Looks like a sleek sliver, but applied it is a dark gray. The metallic color fades pretty quickly. I feel like If I wore this all day, I would look like a hot mess real quick. Ill use this for a smokey eye look, or for my waterline/under eye area.
30% off a purchase at hikaricosmetics.com. Enter code: HIKARI30 at checkout. Expires 2/28/15. Offer valid in US only. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Cannot be applied to previous purchases. Code is case sensitive.

Manna Kadar Cosmetics - Sheer Glo - $7?

This will be great for when I go out on the town or a date. Its a perfect amount of glow. It is really illuminating. Really bringing life in my cheeks and eyes. It is very subtle! You will not end up looking like a fairy. I haven't tried something like this before... making this new and exciting to me. I noticed on their website they they have this in inexpensive kits with some of their other products. Perfect time to try if for yourself! I do have a complaint about their website, it is so weird to use, a bit difficult to find this product and its image was completely pixelated. C'mon step your game up.
20% off any purchase at mannakadarcosmetics.com. Enter code: ipsy20 at checkout. Expires 2/28/15. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers. Valid for one time use only. Cannot be applied to a previous purchase.

La Fresh Eco-Beauty - Be Good. Day Moisturizer - $12

I loved this! Its perfect. You know me and my crazy dry and sensitive skin. Well this makes my skin feel soooo soft. Its amazing. It has even cleared up my skin. It does have a earthy, cucumber, and aloe scent. The smell disappears after it dries. just hold your breath when applying. Totally worth it. Haha. I think if they made this with Eucalyptus, it would have a nice tingly and cooling feeling. Yes please!
30% off any purchase at lafreshgroup.com. Enter code: IPSYJAN15 at checkout. Expires 2/28/15. Valid in US only. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers. Cannot be applied to a previous purchase.  

Pacifica - Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow in Treasure - $5.50?

You cannot buy this shade individually. To get it you have to buy a kit or full pallet. It is a nice bronze color. Could be a nice base coat or to blend creases with. It's a basic color. I think I have this shade in all my Urban Decay pallets. It's  a fine color. Good for a natural look. 
20% off any purchase at pacificabeauty.com. Enter code: NewBeauty at checkout. Expires 2/28/15. Offer valid in US only. Cannot be combined with any other offers. One time use only. Cannot be applied to a previous purchase.

Total- $45.50 for $10 a month!  

Overall

Beauty Talk Time:
This bag was great. I felt that IPSY finally listened to what I wanted. I've been needing a good face moisturizer and lip balm, and BAM, IPSY gives me the best ones. The eyeliner is nice to soften a look up. The Pacifica eyeshadow and Manna glo is good for a quick natural look. Perfect with school coming up next week. The bag was alright. Not one of my favs, but everything in it was pretty good. Getting this bag ever month has been so much fun. Like Christmas every month.  

What I Read During Bout-of-Books #12

Bout-of-Books Read-a-Thon is over! #BOBRAT

My goal was to read 5 books; but I couldn't do it. Oh well. :) I'm not too worried about it. I never do any good during read-a-thons. I always tend read at my own pace. Also, I was busy starting my new job and doing many other things. Here are the books I was able to finish:  

 

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Stolen: A Letter to my Captor by Lucy Christopher

I am so happy to have read these slowly, rather than rushing for the read-a-thon. These were deep, dark, and amazing. I was completely emerged. I have never felt so many emotions from a book before. I literally thought I was in the book. PERFECTION. I will be re-reading these again soon.

What did you read?

Bout-of-Books #12 Read-a-Thon

Woo-Hoo! Janurary 5th - Janurary 11th, A week dedicated to reading as much as I can! Of course, every week should be like that. haha.

Well, I am really going to try and participate in this Read-a-Thon. Usually after Day 2, I give up and do other things. Like Animal crossing! this time I will try to stay with it.

My goal will be to read... 5 books. I want to read as many books as I can before the Spring Semester starts. Once school is in session, I know I will barely be able to read, let alone get some sleep. Here are the books I am hoping to finish during this "Bout-of-Books Read-a-thon week." They need a condensed title of this. BOBRAT! Yes, #bobrat. 

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Split Second by Kasie West

The Pact by Karina Halle

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

These choices are subject to change. I always end up reading something I feel like, rather than what I "should" read. Also, I should be getting my BookOutlet giant christmas day sale haul soon. If that package comes in this week, I am reading those first. No questions about it. What will you be reading?

Always sign up for giveaways!

I just wanted to tell you guys that you should always sign up for giveaways! 

Doesn't matter if 5 people or 1,000,000 people signed up. DO IT. Someone has to win. We all have the same odds. So why not try? I know you're probably thinking, "It takes up too much time." It takes 30 seconds or less. Instead of watching a cat video, you could sign up for several giveaways. And don't lose hope when you don't win immediately. I didn't win right away. It took sooo long before I actually won something. In the end, It was all worth it!

Where I find giveaways:

Goodreads- Book Giveaways. I love these. Simple 2-click process and you're entered to win. Lots of authors use this place to do their giveaways. Very popular. I have actually won 2 books on there. Sever (CG #3) by Lauren DeStefano and Doctor Who: Plague of the Cybermen by Justin Richards. Romance novels are not the only books being given away. Just take some time and scroll.

P.S. What I like to do is search my favorite authors and go on their page. On their page it will show if they are having a giveaway or not. 

Boolikes- This is a fairly new site. It is very similar to Goodreads, but it's more like a social media book blogging site. They usually have a small amount of Giveaways. It's very easy to sign up. I actually won, an eBook, Incarnate by Jodi Medows yesterday! Perfect timing, I need new books to read for my huge Goodreads goal this year. 

Facebook- This is the almighty glorious place for giveaways. I suggest you make a fake account, so your real Facebook won't be bombarded with all sots of promotional posts and ads. Every company you know has a Facebook and on their accounts they have promotions and giveaways. My mom and I have been so lucky to win things on there. We got nail polish my Milani, lotion/body sprays by Bath and Body Works, Things from Victoria Secret, Coupons to try food for free. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. One time she won a Mucinex blanket, its it is neon-kill-your-eyes-green. We call it the
"Snot blanket". Haha. One time I won a Dolche Gusto NesCafe coffeemaker. (Similar to a Keurig). We have been so lucky to win many things via Facebook. (Also, signup for free samples. It's always nice to have some surprises and fun in your mail.)

Author's website- Sometimes, very rarely though, authors will post secret giveaways on their website/blog. They want to reach out to their faithful fans, instead of shouting from the rooftops that they are having a giveaway. It's very sweet. 

Bloggers- Many fellow bloggers do giveaways or Blog Hops. To keep their page views up on their webpages. There are times when Authors or companies give things to the blogger to make an amazing giveaway. 

On receipts- You know those receipts that you throw away after you leave the store? Keep them! At the bottom or the backs there are codes for giveaways. You have to think, If everyone else throws them away like you do, then how many people are actually signing up? I struggle with this one. I keep forgetting about these giveaways. 

Basically, keep your eyes peeled, and don't give up if you don't win right away. It's well worth it. And your mail becomes fun!

Here's the mail, it never fails. It makes me want to wag my tail. 

When it comes I wanna wail... 

MAAAIIILLLLL!!

FREE Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar Sample

EEP! Click HERE, to get a Free sample of Philosophy Renewed Hope in a Jar! 

IPSY -- Thinking of You -- December Glam Bag

My fourth IPSY beauty bag. C:  It was a pretty good bag this month for me. An no, the bag didn't come with that cute dog. Haha. 

If you're not familiar with IPSY. They are a $10 monthly beauty subscription company. I believe when you buy 6 months or 1 year subscription you get a discount. Its a fun little treat in the mail. You get 4-5 beauty products every month delivered to your door, for just $10. Check it out here: http://www.ipsy.com/r/1dhhh?sid=ipsypoints&cid=email

Coolway - Boost Repair Treatment - $3.80?

I have never heard of this brand. Though, I haven't been to ULTA or Sephora in a long time. Basically, it provides a powerful boost of ionized amino acids and botanical extracts to eliminate damage caused by harsh chemicals and high heat tools. Infuses moisture. Unique blend of Silk Protein and Botanical extracts for smooth frizz-free hair. Which I ALWAYS need. My hair can get pretty cray. I will use this next time I was my hair.
20% off any purchase at coolwayhair.com. Enter code: IPSY12 at checkout. Expires 1/31/15. Valid in US only. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers. Cannot be applied to a previous purchase.

Crown Brush - Infinity Shadow/ Crease Duet - $6.99

Honestly, I am not a fan of dual ended brushes. One end always gets damaged. Either one end gets smooshed when you put it in a make up bag when you travel. And you can't put this in your typical make up brush jar. So I don't know where to put this, while remembering that I have it. But it is very very nice. The bristles are smooth and glorious. So far no stray stands land on my face. I think you buy these as one ended, they would be very worth it.
30% off a purchase of $25 at crownbrush.us. Enter code: IPSY30 at checkout. Expires 1/31/15. 

Pixi by Petra - Fairy Dust in Brightening Bare - $10

I was really excited to finally get an eyeshadow in an IPSy bag. But, I was very disappointed. The color makes a fine base coat, but I had to layer/pat it on to make it visible. You could barely tell I had anything on my eyes. And then then applicator. I can't even. How does one use it? (The picture is above) The eyeshadow was clumpy on the applicator. I used the applicator straight on my eyes and eyeshadow landed all over my cheeks, clothes, and sink; and it didn't blend out on my whole eye. It was like a stripe on my eye lid. So I tried a brush to the applicator, and it was just as bad. Eyeshadow everywhere! Its the terrible packaging that makes it get everywhere. I think I will, somehow, transfer the eyeshadow to an empty small pot and see how everything goes then. But for now, I'm still too frustrated and don't want to see it ever again.
20% off any purchase at pixibeauty.com. Enter code: PIXIDUST at checkout. Expires 1/31/15. Valid in US and Canada only. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers. Cannot be applied to a previous purchase.

NYX Butter Lip Balm - Parfait - $4

I loved this! Its perfect. I am always whine about having chapped lips, and how I always forget to put color on them. Now, no more whining. I love this. My lips are very sensitive, and this is perfect. Doesn't dry my lips and keeps them hydrated. The color is also pretty pigmented and fits my skin-tone perfectly. I will be using this all day, everyday.
25% off NYX Glam Collection. Enter code: NYXGLITZ at checkout. Expires 1/31/15. Valid in US only. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers. Cannot be applied to a previous purchase.  

Tarte - Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes, 4-in-1 Mascara - $8?

Bravo IPSY. NYX and Tarte, You spoil me so. We all know Tarte is magical. Perfect for my sensitive skin. This mascara is wonderful. Full, long lashes. My friends have asked me if I use fake lashes, and I can't help but giggle. This is should be called "Magical Mascara". If you haven't tried it out, then you should. Right now. GO. Now!
20% off Tarte.com. Enter code: IPSYDEC at checkout. Expires 1/8/1f. Only valid on Tarte.com. Restrictions apply. Cannot be combined with any other offers/promotions/discounts. See tarte.com/page/promos for complete details. Valid in USA, Puerto Rico, and Canada only.

Total- $32.79 for $10 a month!  

Overall

Beauty Talk Time:
This bag had it's ups and downs. Sometimes I wish IPSY would let you choose the samples you want. I think there is a beauty box subscription out there that lets you do that... I'll have to look into that. Anyway, This bag was good. IPSY is getting better at giving me things that I will actually use and want. I think the only con about this bag was the frustrating Pixi eyeshadow. I loved everything else in the bag.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf

I don't know about you guys, but Animal Crossing rocked my childhood. Along with Mario 64. I remember playing hours of it, all day, every day. Of course back then it was on the Gamecube. Good times. 

Now, I own Animal Crossing: New Leaf! So excite! I got it a year ago and played it like crazy. Then with life, college, and moving; I had to put it down for a loooooong time. So I decided to restart it.

Not going to lie, that was a stupid idea. But I was too afraid to go back to my old town, thinking it was going to look like Silent Hill. I was so sure my neighbors would have grabbed their tiny pitchforks and ran me out of town and make a bonfire out of my home. Hey, You never know. 

If you play this AC:NL, please add me!

My FC: 2165-6494-0191

Let me know you added me, so I can add you back. In AC:N:, my name is Ellie, and my Town is called Everglow. Also, If you know of any good outfit or pathway QR codes that would be great. When I have time I'm going to re-make my Pocahontas outfit. I miss it dearly. 

Aces Up by Lauren Barnholdt

This is a short, quick, and relaxing read. No huge drama or turmoil. Prefect for the summer or to let your mind cool down after a long day. also, good for if you need to read a lot of books for your Goodreads goal and you're falling behind. I just felt blah about this book. I used to work at a Casino for a long time; it was irritating to see these events happen, when I know they couldn't have happened.

Book Time Talk:

Eh. That's all I thought about this book. I was hoping for so much more because I loved Two-Way Street. (Review of that: Here). Because I loved Two Way Street soooo much, I bought this one. Luckily, fate didn't have me read them the other way around. The book started out fine. Like any normal YA contemporary book. Got you interested with her being underage at a casino. Which would have never happened. I had to go through numerous background checks, drug checks, fingerprinting, various legal paperwork to prove I am who I say I am, multiple interview, my references got packets to fill out (to make sure I am who I am), and various crazy things, to get a job there. It was insane.

Back to the point, underage cocktail waitress, gets invited to an underground poker group. Kind of like the book 21; Except without all the action and drama. They do poker, they win money. Then there is the typical love triangle. You know who she is going to end up with, but with the lack of communication (as always) they don't get together until the very end. The whole book felt 'luke-warm'. Nothing big really happened ever. The love "drama" was almost non-existant. The family drama wasn't realistic, and lasted a second. I did love Mackenzie, cocktail waitress friend, she was fierce and spunky. I wish this book was around her life. Now I would read that!

Then at the end of the book you wait for the poker tournament... and! Nothing happens. The book was way too predictable in my opinion. Yet, you read to hope that something crazy may happen. I mean, it's a casino! I know crazy things happen there! Oh the stories I could tell. Those stories would be more eventful than this book.

Anyway, Contemporary novels are very hit-or-miss with me. And I always preferred books with more drama than less drama. I rarely read these types of books, so I don't have many other contemporary books to compare this to. I still think everyone should give it a try. What I may not like, doesn't mean you won't. I think if I had not worked at a casino, and didn't have the experience and knowledge, this would be a fun read.

Amazon // Goodreads

Happy New Year! 2015!

I hope everyone had a fun and safe New Years!

Time to start new resolutions and goals all over again.

 

1.  Read more books! Last year I didn't have enough time to read. I was too busy applying to colleges. Then finding a place, enrolling for classes, moving, and then adjusting to the heavier work load. But now, I think I am ready to get back on that reading horse! This year I plan to read 100 books! AGH. Sounds intimidating, but I think it will force me to have some "me time" a few times a week.
2. Lose weight! Not gonna lie, college life has made me a bit pudgy. Time to shed the late-night-snacks-and-booze weight. I don't want my goal to be a certain weight or pants size. I will lose to where I feel the best about myself. While keeping my pin-up girl curves. Win-win.
   
3.  BFA or bust! I want to be accepted into my schools BFA Program. I only have two tries to get in; which makes is very nerve-wracking. It is the whole reason why I moved down here. I will stop at nothing to get into this exclusive and high demanding program.

Let's make 2015 kickass!

Book Boyfriends of 2014

I chose my book boyfriends based upon books that I read in 2014. This will be so difficult. :C 

Lets get started!

5. Sage (The Devil's Metal by Karina Halle)
A Rockstar who has a troubled past and is mysterious, dark, and sexy. Who could ask for more?

4. Creed (Her Vampire Husband by Michele Hauf)
Stubborn and a badass. I fell in love instantly.

3. Twitch (RAW by Belle Aurora)
Troubled man, twisted, powerful, aggressive, yet has a caring side. Too many tears were shed in this book. He intimidates me, but I want him-- no, need him.

2. Javier (Dirty Angels by Karina Halle)
Yes, he is in the drug cartel; and may have tortured and killed a few people. But SRSY he's just a giant stubborn teddy bear... who is also very very scary. 

1. Nox (Willing Captive by Belle Aurora)
Strong, aggressive, secret militaristic man. If I ever get kidnapped, I hope it's by him.

I choose the strangest book boyfriends. They seem to be in the category in "dark stubborn bad boys who eventually crack and become the most loving and sacrificial lovers."

Question: What is one of your Book-Boyfriends that you wish you could have?