Amazon Winning

In December I won a $25 Amazon gift card in a contest hosted by Tower of Books. I combined it with another $25 gift card I had redeemed from My Points to get the following items:

1. How to (Un)cage a Girl (Joanna Cotler Books)
by Francesca Lia Block






2. Quakeland by Francesca Lia Block

3. Endymion
by Dan Simmons

4. 101 Nights of Grrreat Sex: Secret Sealed Seductions for Fun-Loving Couples
by Laura Corn

Reviews to follow as I read them.

2009 Vampire Reading Challenge

I have signed up for another reading challenge - the 2009 Vampire Reading Challenge. For all the details check out J. Kaye's Book Blog.

The goal is to read 2 or more books with one or more vampires in them. This should be a fairly easy goal for me to reach.

My books are:

1. "The Last Vampire 6: Creatures of Forever" by Christopher Pike 181 pages
2. "Dead to the World" by Charlaine Harris 291 pages
3. "Secret Vampire" by L.J. Smith 242 pages
4. "Daughters of Darkness" by L.J. Smith 238 pages
5. "The Undead Next Door" by Kerrelyn Sparks 369 pages

Eden Fantasys Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Kim, the winner of my Eden Fantasys giveaway. She is commenter number 65:

" Kim G, said... Enter me please!! January 28, 2009 6:10 PM"

chosen by random number generator:

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:65
Timestamp: 2009-02-01 02:42:06

Kim wins $50 to spend at Eden Fantasys which can be used on great items like The Girls Night out Game, the I rub my Duckie and the Bedside Lover's Tool Kit.

Giveaway Reminder

Just a reminder that it's the last day to enter my giveaway for a $50 gift certificate to Eden Fantasys . Use it for this sexy bustier.

Or perhaps like many of the entrants, you would like to get the rabbit.

Best of luck to everyone. The winner will be selected tomorrow via random number generator.

$50 Eden Fantasys Gift Card Giveaway

It's Bloggy Giveaways' Carnival time again.

Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner I thought it would be fun to give a prize that will make Valentine's Day special for one lucky winner. Eden Fantasys has agreed to give one of my readers a $50 gift card to their online shop.

Eden Fantasys is a great place to find Romantic Gifts such as the "A Bed of Roses Deluxe" kit, the the Hugs N Kisses coupon book, massage oils, or the book 101 Nights of Grrreat Romance . 101 Nights of Grrreat Romance is a fun way to spice up your relationship "recipes" for romantic surprises.

Throwing a bachelorette party? Eden Fantasys has a great selection of Party Favors , games , and fun books, such as The Best Bachelorette Party Book .

Eden Fantasys has something for every taste. To win the $50 gift certificate please vistit Eden Fantasys and tell me something you would buy with the gift certificate or tell me what you have planned for Valentine's Day.

For an extra entry follow me on Twitter and Tweet about the contest.

You do not need to have a blog to enter, but please leave a valid email so I have a way to contact you if you win.

Winner will be chosen by random number generator on January 31st.

Eden Fantasys is offering my readers 15% off any purchases from their webstore with the code BLOG7565 and is good til Feb. 27th. I will give an extra entry for any orders made before contest deadline.

2009 Serial Reading Challenge

I've also decided to take part in the Serial Reading Challenge hosted by Just your Average Carpoolqueen.

My first series is the Final Friends Series by Christopher Pike.
1. "Final Friends: The Party" by Christopher Pike 212 pages
2. "Final Friends: The Dance" by Christopher Pike 226 pages
3. "Final Friends: The Graduation" by Christopher Pike 238 pages

I'm now working on the Remember Me series by Christopher Pike.
4. "Remember Me" by Christopher Pike 230 pages
5. "Remember Me 2: The Return" by Christopher Pike 210 pages
6. "Remember Me 3: The Last Story" by Christopher Pike 244 pages

The Night World Series by L.J. Smith
7. "Secret Vampire" by L.J. Smith 242 pages
8. "Daughters of Darkness" by L.J. Smith 238 pages
9. "Spellbinder" by L.J. Smith 238 pages

November & December Book Log

November
76. "Perfume" by Patrick Suskind 255 pages
77. "Faefever" by Karen Marie Moning 314 pages
78. "What the Dickens?" by Gregory McGuire 295 pages
79. "Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code" by Eoin Colfer 446 pages

December
80. "Swallowing Darkness" by Laurell K. Hamilton 365 pages
81. "The Looking Glass Wars" by Frank Beddor 358 pages
82. "The Front" by Patricia Cornwell 180 pages
83. "Living Dead in Dallas" by Charlaine Harris 291 pages
84. "The Last Vampire" by Christopher Pike 193 pages
85. "The Last Vampire 2: Black Blood" by Christopher Pike 196 pages
86. "The Last Vampire 3: Red Dice" by Christopher Pike 193 pages
87. "The Last Vampire 4: Phantom" by Christopher Pike 179 pages
88. "The Last Vampire 5: Evil Thirst" by Christopher Pike 179 pages

I thought "Perfume" was a great book. I couldn't put it down. "What the Dickens?" was a cute story about a rogue toothfairy. This is by the author of "Wicked" and "The Other Stepsister." "Swallowing Darkness" is the latest in the Meredith Gentry series. It wasn't as good as past books, and the way it ended it seems like it is the last. "The Looking Glass Wars" is a fun spin on "Alice in Wonderland." I can't wait to read the rest in the series.

I decided at the end of the year that in 2009 I'm going to try to read all the books on my shelves and pass them on. I've decided to start with all my Christopher Pike books. Mostly because they are short and I was hoping to make 100 by the end of the year, but I didn't quite make it at 88. I'm very excited about some of the challenges I'm involved in for 2009.

The Horror Book Challenge

Also found on J Kaye's Book Blog, is the 666 Paranormal Challenge.

To participate you must choose six books from the following categories:

Vampires
1. "The Last Vampire 6: Creatures of Forever" by Christopher Pike 181 pages
2. "Secret Vampire" by L.J. Smith 242 pages
3. "Daughters of Darkness" by L.J. Smith 238 pages
4. "The Undead Next Door" by Kerrelyn Sparks 369 pages

Werewolves
1. "Dead to the World" by Charlaine Harris 291 pages
2. "New Moon" by Stephanie Meyer 608 pages

Witches/Warlocks
1. "Spellbinder" by L.J. Smith 238 pages

Psychics

Humans With Special Powers
1. "Whisper of Death" by Christopher Pike 180 page
2. "Spellbound" by Christopher Pike 211 pages
3. "When the Wind Blows" by James Patterson 402 pages


Creatures from other worlds
1. "The Visitor" by Christopher Pike 162 pages
2. "Scavenger Hunt" by Christopher Pike 215 pages

Horror creatures
1. "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman 162 pages

Monsters

Ghosts/Poltergeists
1. "Remember Me" by Christopher Pike 230 pages
2. "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaimon 305 pages
3. "Remember Me 2: The Return" by Christopher Pike 210 pages
4. "Remember Me 3: The Last Story" by Christopher Pike 244 pages

Paranormal creatures/events
1. "Good Omens" by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman 382 pages
2. "The Lost Mind" by Christopher Pike 213 pages
3. "See You Later" by Christopher Pike 226 pages


I will choose my categories a little later. I must read 6 each from 6 categories. For the rest of the rules please see J. Kaye's blog.

TVAL

I first heard about TVAL on the Lush forums. I checked out the website and though there were a ton of products that looked great, I didn't immediately place an order.

I received a Banana Lavender shea bath treat in a swap. Upon receiving it I thought, "What a weird scent combination." Surprisingly banana and lavender work well together. Not only did this treat smell amazing, but it was moisturizing without being greasy. I am in love and I'm anxious to try some of the other scents.






I am also currently using their cupcake soap in the Nirvana scent. I am a huge lover of cupcakes, and what can be cuter than soap shaped like a cupcake? The Nirvana scent is a lovely blend of mandarin, vanilla, amber and patchouli. It smells great. I am often wary of patchouli scents as they can be overpowering. That is not the case with Nirvana. The soap also lathers nicely and is long lasting.

Cupcake pictured here in Candy Cane

TVal not only has great prices, but unique scent combinations. Take for example this soap cake in coconut mint.






They also make skin care products and mineral makeup and offer generous
samples for just $1.70.

I'm dying to try their solid shampoos (which happen to be SLS free), hair masks, and sugar scrubs.




I'm especially interested in the banana sugar scrub.





Check them out. You won't be disappointed. They offer so much more than I've mentioned. The items are fabulous and you won't regret it.

Support Your Local Library Challenge

I'm also taking part in J Kaye's Book Blog Support Your Local Library Challenge. I'm going with the 50 book challenge.

I will update my books here as I read them.

1. "Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception" by Eoin Colfer 342 pages
2. "The Action Heroine's Handbook" by Jennifer Worick & Joe Borgenicht 185 pages
3. "The Tao of Willie" by Willie Nelson & Turk Pipken 184 pages
4. "Dead to the World" by Charlaine Harris 291 pages
5. "When the Emperor Was Divine" by Julie Otsuka 144 pages
6. "Secret Vampire" by L.J. Smith 242 pages
7. "Daughters of Darkness" by L.J. Smith 238 pages
8. "Spellbinder" by L.J. Smith 238 pages
9. "The Great Failure: A Bartender, a Monk, and My Unlikely Path to Truth" by Natalie Goldberg 192 pages
10. "Life After God" by Douglas Coupland 360 pages
11. "Devil Bones" by Kathy Reichs 320 pages
12. "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaimon 305 pages
13. "Choke" by Chuck Palahniuk 293 pages
14. "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman 162 pages

Young Adult Book Challenge

I can't seem to help myself when it comes to book challenges. I'm taking part in the Young Adult Book Challenge as well. Details can be found at J Kaye's Book Blog.

My books are:

1. "Final Friends: The Party" by Christopher Pike 212 pages
2. "Final Friends: The Dance" by Christopher Pike 226 pages
3. "Final Friends: The Graduation" by Christopher Pike 238 pages
4. "Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception" by Eoin Colfer 342 pages
5. "The Last Vampire 6: Creatures of Forever" by Christopher Pike 181 pages
6. "Remember Me" by Christopher Pike 230 pages
7. "Secret Vampire" by L.J. Smith 242 pages
8. "Daughters of Darkness" by L.J. Smith 238 pages
9 "Spellbinder" by L.J. Smith 238 pages
10. "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaimon 305 pages
11. "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman 162 pages
12. "Remember Me 2: The Return" by Christopher Pike 210 pages
13. "Remember Me 3: The Last Story" by Christopher Pike 244 pages
14. "The Visitor" by Christopher Pike 162 pages
15. "The Eternal Enemy" by Christopher Pike 180 pages
16. "Scavenger Hunt" by Christopher Pike 215 pages
17. "The Lost Mind" by Christopher Pike 213 pages
18. "Whisper of Death" by Christopher Pike 180 pages
19. "Die Softly" by Christopher Pike 248 pages
20. "Spellbound" by Christopher Pike 211 pages
21. "See You Later" by Christopher Pike 226 pages
22. "The Midnight club" by Christopher Pike 211 pages
23. "Fall Into Darkness" by Christopher Pike 213 pages
24. "Last Act" by Christopher Pike 226 pages
25. "Weekend" by Christopher Pike 230 pages
26. "Bury Me Deep" by Christopher Pike 211 pages
27. "Smack" by Melvin Burgess 288 pages
28. "New Moon" by Stephanie Meyer 608 pages
29. "How to (un)Cage a Girl by Francesca Lia Block 119 pages
30. "The Giver" by Lois Lowery 180 pages
31. "The Immortal" by Christopher Pike 213 pages

2nd's Book Challenge

To follow up the 1st in a series challenge I'm also taking part in the 2nd's challenge. For details go to J Kaye's Book Blog. 2nd's can be the 2nd in a series or just the 2nd book you've read by a particular author.

I will update as I read.

1. "Final Friends: The Dance" by Christopher Pike 226 pages
2. "Daughters of Darkness" by L.J. Smith 238 pages
3. "Remember Me 2: The Return" by Christopher Pike 210 pages
4.
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1st in a Series Reading Challenge

I'm also taking part in J Kaye's Book Blog 1st in a series Challenge.

My books are:

1. "Final Friends: The Party" by Christopher Pike 212 pages
2. "Remember Me" by Christopher Pike 230 pages
3. "Secret Vampire" by L.J. Smith 242 pages
4. "One for the Money" by Janet Evanovich 334 pages

2009 100 Book Challenge

I'm also trying to get through 100 books this year. I almost made it last year. Details of the challenge can be found at J Kaye's Book Blog.

I will update this entry as I read.

My books for 2009 are:

1. "Final Friends: The Party" by Christopher Pike 212 pages
2. "Final Friends: The Dance" by Christopher Pike 226 pages
3. "Final Friends: The Graduation" by Christopher Pike 238 pages
4. "A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian" by Marina Lewycka 324 pages
5. "Artemi Fowl: The Opal Deception" by Eoin Colfer 342 pages]
6. "The Last Vampire 6: Creatures of Forever" by Christopher Pike 181 pages
7. "Remember Me" by Christopher Pike 230 pages
8. "Lolly Willowes" by Sylvia Townsend Warner 247 pages
9. "The Action Heroine's Handbook" by Jennifer Worick & Joe Borgenicht 185 pages
10. "The Tao of Willie" by Willie Nelson & Turk Pipken 184 pages
11. "Dead to the World" by Charlaine Harris 291 pages
12. "When the Emporer was Divine" by Julie Otsuka 144 pages
13. "Secret Vampire" by L.J. Smith 242 pages
14. "Daughters of Darkness" by L.J. Smith 238 pages
15. "Spellbinder" by L.J. Smith 238 pages
16. "The Great Failure: A Bartender, a Monk, and My Unlikely Path to Truth" by Natalie Goldberg 192 pages
17. "Life After God" by Douglas Coupland 360 pages
18. "Devil Bones" by Kathy Reichs 320 pages
19. "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaimon 305 pages
20. "Choke" by Chuck Palahniuk 293 pages
21. "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman 162 pages
22. "One for the Money" by Janet Evanovich 334 pages
23. "The Undead Next Door" by Kerrelyn Sparks 369 pages
24. "Your Heart Belongs to Me" by Dean Koontz 337 pages
25. "Remember Me 2: The Return" by Christopher Pike 210 pages
26. "Remember Me 3: The Last Story" by Christopher Pike 244 pages
27. "Good Omens" by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman 382 pages
28. "The Visitor" by Christopher Pike 162 pages
29. "The Eternal Enemy" by Christopher Pike 180 pages
30. "Scavenger Hunt" by Christopher Pike 215 pages
31. "The Lost Mind" by Christopher Pike 213 pages
32. "Whisper of Death" by Christopher Pike 180 pages
33. "Die Softly" by Christopher Pike 248 pages
34. "Spellbound" by Christopher Pike 211 pages
35. "See You Later" by Christopher Pike 226 pages
36. "The Midnight club" by Christopher Pike 211 pages
37. "100 Way to Beat the Blues" by Tanya Tucker and Friends 194 pages
38. "Fall Into Darkness" by Christopher Pike 213 pages
39. "Last Act" by Christopher Pike 226 pages
40. "Weekend" by Christopher Pike 230 pages
41. "Bury Me Deep" by Christopher Pike 211 pages
42. "Gods Behaving Badly" by Marie Phillips 292 pages
43. "Smack" by Melvin Burgess 288 pages
44. "When the Wind Blows" by James Patterson 402 pages
45. "New Moon" by Stephanie Meyer 608 pages
46. "The Dogs of Babel" by Carolyn Parkhurst 261 pages
47. "Hey, Nostradomus" by Douglas Coupland 244 pages
48. "Strangers" by Dean Koontz 681 pages
49. "Magical Thinking" by Augusten Burroughs 268 pages
50. "The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club" by Laurie Notaro 225 pages
51. "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey 432 pages
52. "Two for the Dough" by Janet Evanovich 352 pages
53. "Killer Pancake" Diane Mott Davidson 368 pagesy
54. "Bad Love" by Jonathan Kellerman 483 pages
55. "How to (un)Cage a Girl by Francesca Lia Block 119 pages
56. "The Giver" by Lois Lowery 180 pages
57. "The Immortal" by Christopher Pike 213 pages
58. "The Te of Piglet" by Bejamin Hoff 257 pages
59. "Little Alters Everywhere" by Rebecca Wells 224 pages

2009 Thriller and Suspense Reading Challenge

I am taking part in the 2009 Thriller and Suspense Reading Challenge. Details on the challenge can be found at J. Kaye's Book Blog.

My books are:

1. "Final Friends: The Party" by Christopher Pike 212 pages (Locked Room Thriller)
2. "Devil Bones" by Kathy Reichs 320 pages (Forensic)
3. "One for the Money" by Janet Evanovich 334 pages (Amateur detective)
4. "Your Heart Belongs to Me" by Dean Koontz 337 pages (Conspiracy Thriller)
5. "Die Softly" by Christopher Pike 248 pages (Cozy Mystery)
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Happy New Year

I just wanted to say happy new year to everyone.

It's been a good six weeks since I blogged anything. I promise this year I will be better at it.

This last year was a year of many changes for me. New love, a new state, a new job, a new school, a new apartment, and the list goes on and on. This is huge for me, considering I was in the same stagnant place in my life for about seven years before this. It's been a little scary but at the same time exhilarating. In short, my whole world as I've known it has been turned upside down and topsy turvey. This is a very good thing, but there have been a lot of bumps along the way. I am grateful to have a roof over my head, a job to pay the bills, and above all else, someone who loves me and that I want to share my life with. These things are especially important in a time when so many people are without.

I am hopeful for this new year. I have hopes that the economy will get better. I have hopes that my health will be better. I have hopes that less people will go without.

That is all I wanted to say for now. I wish everyone that reads this all the best for 2009, and I promise to be back later and to write more often.