Inspiration in Unexpected Places

Lately I've been doing some "online stalking." It started as a fascination. Now, however, it's grown to something...more. Now I "stalk" to be inspired. It's a weird place to find inspiration, given that I don't particularly like such things. However, after getting through the smoke and mirrors and see the real meaning of this person's art, it's become very inspiring.

Given it is dark, twisted, even sick at times. We all have that part inside of us. The way this person exploits that side and explodes with such passion and such intelligence - it is simply mind-blowing.

Silent in a crowd, observing, wheels turning. It's interesting to watch. It's even more interesting when it's put into words. The complex way his mind works; the maze inside his brain - it is all fascinating to me.

Obviously, I've been influenced enough that you can see it in the way I write this post. Weird, isn't it? Yet, it's strangely liberating, refreshing even. To discover and explore that side of myself that has been lying dormant, suppressed by the never-ending battle for utopia... Yes, it's time to break free...even just for a day.

Let's celebrate each other's creativity. Celebrate freedom and passion. Celebrate opinion and differences. Celebrate us.

Wow.

Til next time lovers...

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Small Town vs. Big City

If you're one of my avid followers, you know I've been working in Los Angeles, CA for the past three weeks. In that short amount of time, I've come to appreciate my small town so much more. So, I decided that today, I will list the pros and cons of a small town and a big city.

Small Town

Pros:

• Easy to get around
• People are nice
• Close to everything
• Close to family
• Feel secure/safer
• Cheaper cost of living

Cons:

• Not enough opportunities
• Not enough events happening
• Sometimes there's a feeling of being stuck

Big City

Pros:

• Lots of opportunities
• Lots of people to network with
• Almost never sleep
• The sky is the limit

Cons:

• Potential for corruption
• More rude people
• Far from family
• Less secure/less safe
• Expensive
• Travel a lot to get to the next city
• Traffic jams

So, which do you think I prefer? If you said Small Town, then you're correct. I don't know how I will stay sane if I had to live in a big city away from everyone I know. Alas, I might have to go and do it anyway. Hopefully I will keep my contacts and sanity intact.

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Review: Maze Runner by James Dashner

I finally read this book! It took me a few days. It was a dystopian story like no other.

Title: Maze Runner
Series: Maze Runner, #1
Author: James Dashner
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: August 24, 2010
Pages: 400
Buy Link: Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle)

Blurb:

Everything is going to change...

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every thirty days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.
Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.

Review

I don't know where I stand with this book. It was a great book, that's for sure. However, I don't know whether I enjoyed it as much as the Hunger Games. The beginning of the story felt a little slow for me. Although I did enjoy the short chapters. It made me feel like the story was going faster than it really was.

Thomas was the boy who changed everything. When he arrived, everything changed - for the worse. The writing in this book was somehow very vivid, even though basic words were used. The author did something I can't put my finger on that allowed me to picture every single brutal scene in the Glade. It was as if I could see it clearly in a television monitor. It was weird and awesome at the same time.

References to the second and third book was also great. I appreciated the subtlety of it. Even though this was a dystopian story, the Gladers seemed to have had a good life in two years. Yes, there was the fear of dying, but they lived comfortably with good food and good weather in the Glade. Of course, all of that changed when Thomas arrived.

The whole idea of the maze was sick. The people behind it was sick. To think that adults would do such a thing to children was a scary thought. This book kind of reminded me of the Lord of the Flies in the beginning. Not sure why, especially because the Gladers didn't go and kill each other for survival. I think it was the all boys plot with an exception of the girl that arrived after Thomas.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I'm not in a hurry to get the second book, though. My mind needs a break from the intense world of the maze.

Have you read Maze Runner? What did you think of it?

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Promo: Seal of Destiny by Traci Douglass

Title: Seal of Destiny
Series: Seven Seals, #1
Author: Traci Douglass
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Release Date: January 21, 2013
Pages: 236
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

Love conquers all… but can it stop the Apocalypse?

Mira Herald is having the worst life ever.  Not only is she plagued by horrific nightmares starring the Devil himself, she’s now the target of a power-hungry, rogue minion, freshly sprung from Hell and bent on her destruction.  To complicate matters further, she’s acquired a stalker. One who insists he’s a divine warrior sent for her protection because she houses an ancient relic with the power to unleash Armageddon. Last time Mira checked, she wasn’t insane. Still, all this celestial mayhem is enough to drive a girl crazy.

Kagan is a member of the Scion, an elite team of immortal warriors selected by Divinity to aid mankind and save the world. After a century alone, Kagan is summoned for a new mission. He’s eager to begin. Eager until he’s informed his mission consists of protecting a woman with no clue to the power she wields. Plus, his briefing fails to prepare him for his new target’s cosmic-sized attitude problem.  As Divinity’s sworn servant, he’s required to fulfill his duty. His oath, however, does not require him to be enthusiastic about his new assignment or warm-and-fuzzy toward his new compatriot. He plans a wham-bam rescue and a quick return to solitude.

The rogue minion attacks—with the backing of a mysterious organization—and all Hades erupts, putting a fast end to any whirlwind escapes. Accustomed to staunch independence, Mira’s survival now requires full cooperation and an unwavering belief in Kagan. The battle-hardened warrior is also forced to chose: between duty and desire. Amidst the turmoil, Kagan and Mira’s undeniable passion draws them closer to each other and down a path neither expected but both yearn for, more than they ever knew.

Will love save the day? The world’s fate depends on the answer.

Excerpt

“Basta!” Kagan grabbed her by the arm and twisted slightly, not enough to hurt, but enough to let her know he meant business as he directed her to a corner booth. He ignored the half-full beverages and coats scattered on the seats and shoved Mira into the confined space. When the booth’s original owners took issue with his hostile takeover, Kagan dispatched them with a lethal glare. He wasn’t sure where the girl had gotten the idea his mind was damaged, but he was damn sure he didn’t like it. He moved in behind her to block her escape. “Oh, hell, no!” After several unsuccessful strikes to his muscled physique, Mira tried to slide out beneath the table. The angle proved too awkward. Defeated, she shoved as far away as she could into the corner and propped those killer boots on the seat in front of her in warning. “You better let me out of here, asshole, before I call the cops! I caught you stalking me, pervert!” Kagan took a deep breath. He never lost his cool in battle, and he wasn’t about to start now. “Pervert? You’re of age, si?” Mira glared. Kagan ticked through their earlier interactions, searching for a reason behind her intense hostility. His preternatural instincts sensed her intention before her hand reached his carotid. He blocked her quickly, locking her small hand within his and forcing it to the table beneath his own. Her pulse raced against his palm. He took another swig of beer then flashed his most endearing grin. “Let’s start over.” He released his bottle and extended his hand. “I’m Kagan.” She refused to acquiesce. Kagan spoke in quiet tones meant to calm, to reassure. “I know I’m a stranger, but we have things to discuss.” He glanced around the crowded club, at the bodies packed tight. “We can’t do it here, though—no privacy. My apartment is close. Why don’t we go there and talk?” Mira kicked him hard in the thigh. “Merda!” Kagan grabbed his throbbing leg. “What’s in those damn boots? Marble?” “Let me out of here, jackass, before I sideline your baby-maker!” Mira struggled within the tight confines of the booth. As she squirmed, the spicy scent of her shampoo wafted, and he was overcome with the strangest urge to plunge his hands into the riotous mass of her hair, to feel it curl around his fingers. She tugged on the hand pinned beneath his, and his thumb traced over her thudding veins. His heart pounding along with hers. The odd tingle sped through his torso, and his mouth turned to cotton. Her gaze blazed up at him, a swirling mix of green and golden brown. He noted the dark smudges below and wondered what kept her from slumber. Dolce Cristo! Kagan looked away, fought for control. This was getting way out of hand. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d bedded a woman, but apparently it had been far too long.

About the Author:

Traci is the author of paranormal/urban fantasy and contemporary romances featuring a sly, urban edge, including her current Seven Seals series. Her stories feature sizzling alpha-male heroes full of dark humor, quick wits and major attitudes; smart, independent heroines who always give as good as they get; and scrumptiously evil villains who are—more often than not—bent on world destruction. She enjoys weaving ancient curses and mythology, modern science and old religion, and great dialogue together to build red-hot, sizzling chemistry between her main characters.

A storyteller since childhood, she began putting her tales down on paper in November 2011 after the idea for the Seven Seals Series occurred to her in a dream. She finished the first draft of what was to become Seal of Destiny in one month and decided to pursue a full-time writing career in January of 2012. Life has now been a rollercoaster, crash course in pursuing your dreams.

Traci is an active member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Indiana Romance Writers of America (IRWA) and Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Writers (FF&P) and is pursing a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Writing Popular Fiction through Seton Hill University. Her stories have made the final rounds in several RWA chapter contests, including the 2012 Duel on the Delta, the 2012 Molly Awards, and the 2012 Catherine Awards. An earlier draft of Seal of Destiny won the paranormal category of the 2012 Marlene Awards sponsored by the Washington Romance Writers.

Other current projects include upcoming books in the Seven Seals series and a new futuristic detective series with hints of the paranormal and plenty of romance.

Website: http://www.tracidouglass.net   

FB Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/TraciDouglassAuthor  

Twitter: @Traci_Douglass     

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8112113-traci-douglass 

Publisher: www.crimsonromance.com

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White Collar S4.5 Premieres Tonight!

Who's excited?!!! I'm so glad White Collar is coming back tonight!!!

I'm excited to see what kind of issues and trouble Neal with have to deal with in this second half of the season!

Are you a White Collar fan? If not, why aren't you?!!!

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Book Blogger Confessions: Quit Blogging?!

This meme was originated by bloggers from Tiger's All Consuming Media and For What It's Worth. This meme occurs every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month to allow bloggers to vent, share an opinion, or offer a solution to a common problem.

Today's topic is:

Blogging and Quitting: We've discussed blogging slumps before but have you ever seriously considered throwing in the towel and quitting blogging? If so, what changed your mind? Did you discuss it with other bloggers?

My Answer:

I have not had a reason to quit blogging...yet. Right now, I'm so busy, I barely have time to blog. At the same time, even if I do post something, I don't see any comments to tell me that people are actually reading the content. Sure, there are page views, but that could just mean they clicked on it and exited out immediately.

No, I do not want to entertain the idea of quitting my blog, but the regularity of it might be different from now on or until I finish the acting projects I'm working on. I update my acting blog daily about my rehearsal experience so technically, I'm still blogging.

You all have to remember, I am managing three blogs and a book tour service when authors actually sign up. I think I'm still doing good given the time I actually have available and the number of things I need to manage outside the world of blogging.

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News Flash: New Publisher!

Hi everyone! I'm excited to announce that W.J. May and Stephanie Amox have new publishers! W.J. May have become self-published for now, while Stephanie Amox have moved to Cena Publishing! They now have updated covers for their books and we want you all to celebrate with us. If you haven't checked out their books, please do because they are awesome!

W.J. May - Chronicles of Kerrigan
Click the links below for my reviews!
Rae of Hope
Dark Nebula (ARC)

  

Stephanie Amox - Lumina Saga

Click the link below for my review of the first book!

Painfully Ordinary

  

I hope you will check out the books! I'll talk to you soon!

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Ice Cream Vs. Frozen Yogurt

There is a reason why I love super stores. Where I live, there is a Super Walmart. They have lots of varieties and I really appreciate that.

When I was on a hunt for ice cream, I was looking for Haagen-Dasz, but we all know how expensive that is. I also looked at sorbets, etc. Out of nowhere, I found TCBY.

TCBY stands for The Country's Best Yogurt. They have frozen yogurt instead of ice cream - half the calories. Score! My favorite is Cookies and Cream, of course. So, if you have a super Walmart near you, look for TCBY. Healthier than ice cream, and quite tasty :) I go through my quart pretty fast. I try to control myself, but I mean, it's frozen yogurt. It's hard to be as guilty as if it were ice cream.

This is really what it looks like. Look at that texture.

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Easy Dinner: Lemony Meat and Potatoes

Hi everyone! I'm not the best cook, nor am I the most diligent. In fact, I'm a lazy cook. So, here's a super easy recipe.

Ingredients:
Your choice of meat (chicken, pork chops, beef)
1 Russett Potato
1-2 lemons (squeezed)
5 bottle cap Kikkoman Soy Sauce
Onions (optional)

Instructions:
1. Fry the meat until brown.
2. Chop potato in squares and add into the frying pan when it's time to turn over the meat to cook the other side. This is so that the potato will cook at the same time as the meat. (If you are using onions, add it in this step as well).
3. Squeeze the lemons into a bowl. Then, add the soy sauce. Eye ball it, the soy sauce should be about twice as much as the lemon squeeze. Taste it to make sure it's to your liking, and it's not too sour.
4. Get another frying pan and transfer the pork chops and potatoes when they're cooked. You can also leave it in the same frying pan if you didn't use too much cooking oil.
5. Pour the lemon-soy sauce mix and let it simmer. When the sauce is almost dry, it's finished!
6. Eat with rice, dinner roll, veggies, or by itself. Enjoy!

This is my go-to recipe. I just change up the meat. You can also use fish if you like, but I prefer to bake my fish. I eat one piece of meat per meal, so the picture above was good for 4 meals. That's a lot of savings there, compared to one meal at Jack in the Box or whatever your favorite fast food restaurant is :)

Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe!

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Money Tips in College

Hi everyone!

One of my friends on Facebook suggested that I talk about some tips on how to be wise with money while in college. Since I've graduated last month, I thought it would be a good idea. My friend is planning to transfer from a community college to a university soon, so it was also appropriate.

Money tips in college

1. Forget about eating out, COOK.
Think about it. You spend $7-$10 for ingredients for one recipe. You will eat that recipe for two days at most. Compare that to one meal at a fast food that costs the same. 1 meal vs. 2-4 meals. I'm sure you can do the math from there. Come back here tomorrow for my go-to recipe.

  

2. Budget
I know, this is hard, but if you're diligent enough, you'd succeed. Set up a budget. Write down exactly how much you plan to spend on groceries, how much you want to save each month (or each paycheck), how much you want to save for future shopping trips with your girlfriends, and how much you want to save for booze if you like parties and you have to bring your own or you're the host.

3. Carpool
You have friends, probably that go to the same classes as you do. Agree to carpool alternately and save money that way. Either that or take public transportation. I personally only took the bus when I had no car. Other than that, I prefer the security of a car.

That's all the tips I have for now. If you have additional tips, leave them in the comments, and I'll see you back here tomorrow for a dinner recipe!

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Short Story: The Devil Conversation

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't been posting. I have a story for all of you. It made me laugh so much when I was writing it. This is based on a real conversation. I hope you enjoy it!

Erin: Did I tell you about the person that inspired me to write those two poems?

Nadine: No. You never mentioned it.

Erin: Oh okay. Well, I thought he was hot at first. But the more closely I look at him, the more I think he’s not. But there’s something about him that’s drawing me to him. I think I’m drawn to the strange types, or silent types. Maybe I like the mystery. So, he likes to wear black. Today, I saw his arms for the first time. It was vampire pale. He also barely smiles, so when he does, his face stretches. He prefers to smirk, I think. And then, he’s a very quiet guy. When he talks, you can barely hear him. He likes to talk under his breath.

Nadine: Oh God, he doesn’t sound all that attractive! He sounds sort of creepy in a way, like not too approachable.

Erin: Well, I tried to ignore him today. Didn’t work so well. It must be the gloves. Those gloves seem kind of hot to me. And he has a tattoo on his left arm. Totally hot. He needs to get out of my head. And by the way, he’s not creepy. He was sweet and nice to me.

Nadine: It’s okay to be attracted to guys. At least he’s inspiring you.

Erin: I feel pathetic.

Nadine: Sort of pathetic but not that much. You should approach him; maybe you guys can hang out.

FLASHBACK

Erin sitting at the end of a bench next to a door. Luc approaches and tries to open the door.

Erin: Good morning.

Luc sits next to Erin.

Luc: How are you?

Erin: Good. How are you?

Luc: Good.

Luc looks around, gets up, and walks away. Erin brushes her hair.

PRESENT TIME

Nadine: Well, next time, be prepared to start a conversation. Just put yourself out there, you can’t really lose anything.

FLASHBACK

Erin walks to the bathrooms. Both doors are locked. She knocks on one of them. No response. She leans on the wall and waits. The bathroom she knocks on opens, and Luc emerges.

Luc: (inaudible) How’s it going?

Erin goes into the bathroom and locks the door.

PRESENT TIME

Erin: His mouth barely moved! I think I heard him say something but who knows!

Nadine: That sounds creepy.

Erin: Why is it creepy?

Nadine: His mouth barely moved. That is creepy.

Erin: I seriously feel dumbfounded more than amused.

Nadine: Just say whatever comes to mind.

Erin: That’s dangerous. When I’m driving, I imagine of doing things to him. Very inappropriate things that probably would not happen in this lifetime. And it’s hard to sleep at night because I can’t stop thinking about him!

Nadine: Maybe write down things you could talk about next time. You guys probably have plenty in common. Smile, seem approachable.

Erin: Oh God, that sounds terrifying. He scares the crap out of me, like I might say something stupid.

Nadine: I told you, the way you describe him is a bit creepy.

Erin: I wish you could come with me so you can see him!!!

Nadine: I wish I could, too. I want to see his vampire white skin.

Erin: He’s really not that handsome when I think about it. His cheeks are sunken, like he’s a starved vampire!

Nadine: Oh God!!! Starved vampire! That sounds SO not sexy. I mean Edward vampire is hot but sunken cheeks and starved….

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Lack of Posts

Hi everyone!

Sorry about the lack of posts. I've been exhausted driving back and forth to LA. I can barely read the book I'm supposed to currently be reading.

I'm updating my acting blog every day so check that out if you'd like to stay in touch. Otherwise, I'll be back soon with some new posts. Just give me time to adjust :)

*Hugs*

-Arianne

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Acting Update: First Rehearsal

If you're following my acting blog or Twitter, or we are personal friends on Facebook, you already know the good news. However, for those of you who don't, I've been cast in a play!

The play is called Dark Side of the Moon, and today I will officially start rehearsal. Did I mention I'm excited?! I originally auditioned for End of the World (as we know it), but the director probably didn't think I was a good fit for that show. Luckily, he thought I would fit better in another show! I'm so happy. This is just  the opportunity I'm waiting for.

The rehearsal process goes for about 3 weeks or so, and then we open. I'll definitely let you all know for those you live in Los Angeles area.

If you'd like to keep updated, make sure to follow my Acting Blog. I'm hoping that I'd have enough money to move close to LA by the summer time. How I'm going to earn income with this crazy schedule, now that is the challenge :) Wish me luck and pray for me!

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Promo: Cityglitter by Carla Caruso

Title: Cityglitter
Author: Carla Caruso
Publisher: e-penguin
Release Date: September 15, 2012
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

Christelle is like any other 20-something living in Sydney, Australia – except for one huge secret. She enjoys cocktails with girlfriends, luxury brand launches, gossip and shopping. For an added touch of spice, there’s also the sizzling connection with her new boss, the gorgeous Jasper.

Then Christelle’s younger sister, the hapless and naïve Trixie Fifi Panache, arrives unannounced, and things begin to fall apart. Not only does Christelle have to deal with her sister’s exploits and embarrassing mistakes, but she also has to live with the fear that her escapades will reveal the truth: Christelle and Trixie are half fairy, half human, and hidden beneath their clothes are a pair of gorgeous wings. To make matters worse, Christelle has fallen for Jasper, but knows that taking the relationship any further threatens exposure. And no love could survive that, could it?

Cityglitter is a charming, magical romance that leaves in its wake a glitter of fairy dust. With inner-city fabulousness and sophistication, this fun celebration of love will add more than a touch of sparkle to your life.  

Excerpt:

I look back at Mr Butterscotch Eyes, who looks a little bemused. Perhaps it’s my seven-second delay to his greeting. I think fast.

‘Hello again!’ I gush, like we’re long-lost friends, not virtual strangers.

Without thinking, I stand up on tippy-toe, leaning forward, intending to air kiss his cheek. Somehow, like a paperclip drawn to a magnet, I’m pulled askew, my lips brushing his.

The effect on my body is like switching on an electrical grid, as every pore starts to buzz. His lips, so soft, moist, kissable; his musky scent, spinning a web around me; my body, pinging like a microwave with his strong physique mere centimetres away.

Suddenly, though, the sensual warmth, the heavenly breath, has been pried away and my lips are cold, bare. I flutter my eyelids open, honing in on his gaze, detecting a flicker of something in those liquid gold-like orbs before it dies.

He clears his throat, playing with a tortoiseshell cufflink. ‘That’s certainly not the kind of greeting I’m used to – especially from someone I barely know.’

About the Author:

Carla Caruso grew up amid a boisterous extended Italian family in Australia – yet somehow managed to become a bookworm...

Carla always wanted to be a novelist, annoying the kindergarten teachers by dictating long, detailed stories to them.  It just took her a while to realize her childhood dream - journalism seemed a more practical course. Her media career has included stints as a newspaper and magazine journalist, government PR and fashion stylist. These days, she works as a freelance journalist and copywriter. She began seriously writing fiction three years ago when she went freelance full-time.

The romance genre appeals as she is a sucker for rom-coms (especially if Channing Tatum is in the mix) and likes to think her Italian ancestry means she lives with passion. Hobbies include watching trashy TV shows, fashion, astrology and running.

Website / Twitter / Buy Link

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Guess Where I Am Today?!

Depending on what time you are reading this, I would either be on my way or already in Los Angeles! I was notified last Thursday that I have an audition for a theater role, and I was notified yesterday that I have another audition for a student film! The theater character is Carol, she's quirky with a million dollar smile. I'm so excited! The film character is Susan who is Jack's girlfriend and they plot to steal money from Jane. Pray that I do well!

Also, since the audition is later in the afternoon, I decided to get a room at a motel so I don't have to drive too far. I doubt I'd be able to drive an hour and 45 minutes without falling asleep on the wheel anyway. It is safer this way, even if I have to pay for a room. Surprise! My mom decided to come with me and asked for a day off when I told her about this trip last Thursday! :)

Anyway, tweet me, wish me luck, give me encouragement (I need it!), or just say hi. I'll try and take pictures and let you all know how it went! @ariannecruz07

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2013 Mount TBR Reading Challenge

I can't help myself, I wanted to participate in another challenge. I think this would be a good motivation for me to actually read the books on my shelves! This one is hosted by My Reader's Block (click the link for the challenge sign up). I've looked at my shelves and picked out which books I'd like to tackle for this challenge. Three of them are crossovers from the Finish the Series Challenge I posted yesterday.

First, let's look at the level choices and the rules, directly quoted from My Reader's Block.

Challenge Levels (I've adjusted the levels just slightly this year):

Pike's Peak: Read 12 books from your TBR pile/s
Mount Blanc: Read 24 books from your TBR pile/s
Mt. Vancouver: Read 36 books from your TBR pile/s
Mt. Ararat: Read 48 books from your TBR piles/s
Mt. Kilimanjaro: Read 60 books from your TBR pile/s
El Toro: Read 75 books from your TBR pile/s
Mt. Everest: Read 100 books from your TBR pile/s
Mount Olympus (Mars): Read 150+ books from your TBR pile/s

And the rules:

*Once you choose your challenge level, you are locked in for at least that many books. If you find that you're on a mountain-climbing roll and want to tackle a taller mountain, then you are certainly welcome to upgrade.

*Challenge runs from January 1 to December 31, 2013.

*You may sign up anytime from now until November 30th, 2013.

*Books must be owned by you prior to January 1, 2013. No ARCs (none), no library books. No rereads. [To clarify--based on a question raised last year--the intention is to reduce the stack of books that you have bought for yourself or received as presents {birthday, Christmas, "just because," etc.}. Audiobooks and E-books may count if they are yours and they are one of your primary sources of backlogged books.]

*You may count any "currently reading" book that you begin prior to January 1--provided that you had 50% or more of the book left to finish in 2013.  I will trust you all on that.

*Books may be used to count for other challenges as well.

*Feel free to submit your list in advance (as incentive to really get those books taken care of) or to tally them as you climb.

*A blog and reviews are not necessary to participate. If you have a blog, then please post a challenge sign up and link THAT post (not your home page) into the linky below. Non-bloggers, please leave a comment declaring your challenge level--OR, if you are a member of Goodreads, I will once again put together a group for the challenge there. Feel free to sign up HERE.  And, finally, I am contemplating a review tracker for this year.  I will post a link if that works out.

So, here is my list:

 Crossovers
-Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
-Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts
-Destined by PC and Kristin Cast

Other TBR books
-Maze Runner by James Dashner
-Family Secrets by Stephanie Amox
-The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton
-Maid to Match by DeeAnne Gist
-Swoon by Nina Malkin
-Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
-Divergent by Veronica Roth
-Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
-Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

My list is mostly YA since that's what's mostly on my big bookshelf. I added a couple romance to keep me sane, but they are clean enough to be reviewed on this blog (except maybe for The Perfect Play). I may or may not increase my level later depending on my progress. This is going to be fun!

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Finish the Series Challenge!

Hi everyone!

If you follow my adult blog, you know that I just recently signed up for my first ever challenge: The Erotica Literature Challenge.

Anyway, I was browsing my dashboard yesterday and found another challenge that I wanted to participate in. I thought it would be perfect for this blog since erotica is obviously not appropriate here. So, without further ado, I present to you:

Finish the Series Challenge hosted by Liza from Reading with ABC!

The series I'd like to finish would be:

• Wolves of Mercy Falls - book #3: Forever
• The Bride Quartet - book #4: Happy Ever After
• House of Night Series - book #9: Destined (this one is technically not finishing the series, but I don't have Hidden yet so I'm not counting that one)

So, that is all the series I plan to complete. They're only three books but if you know me, I sign up for review books all the time whether blog tours or from publishers. I think it is just more realistic to set those goals above. Besides, I also need to make sure I can make headway on my adult challenge ;)

If you'd like to participate in this challenge, simply click Liza's blog link above! I hope you enjoy 2013!

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How I Spent My New Year

Who wants to know how I spent my new year?

...

Well I suppose it would be you since you're here.. I'll tell you. I drove to see my mom because it was her day off today. She just woke up when I arrived so I had to wait. My aunt asked me to go to the store to buy some creamer so I did. While there, I went and bought a couple bouquets of flowers as a new year tribute to my mom and aunt.

When my mom was finally ready, we went and cleaned our cars at the hand wash station. Then, we ended up at the mall. I stopped by Sephora and found out how much NARS lipsticks were (they were $25). We were on our way to Macy's when I decided I wanted to check out the MAC counter. Long story short, I did an impulse buy for my first ever MAC lipstick. In reality, it is my very first MAC anything :)

I got it in the shade LUSTRE - See Sheer. It took a lot of swatches on the associate's forehand to find the color I really wanted. I was looking for something a little less pigmented and neutral-looking. I think I scored gold on this one. I'll let you know if it is otherwise once I use more of it.

Does anyone else have this color? How do you like it? I love it even in that picture :) One thing I would say though is the fluorescent lights at the MAC counter was really harsh and it was really hard for me to see which color I liked. I could tell the associate was getting a little impatient with me, partly because I'm so confused and don't know exactly what I want!

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Happy New Year + 2012 Recap

Happy New Year!!! I hope your 2013 will be even better than your 2012!

Here's my 2012 Recap:

• This year, I turned 23. I'm getting older and wiser :)
• This year, I celebrated my first blogoversary back in March.
• I learned that Las Vegas and I will probably never get along.
• I learned that life is always a stage. Every interaction is an opportunity to act and be a character.
• Graduating still hasn't hit me.
• I learned that I need to overcome my shyness and just introduce myself to everyone I encounter in movie sets.
• I did my first background role in a YouTube film called Yellow Face where I got to be in the same vicinity as Christopher Gorham from Covert Affairs.
  
  
• I had the best holidays this year.
• I've understood more things this year than all the others. Now I understand the sacrifices and the amount of love my mom has for me and my brother. Thank God for her.
• I started my own book tour services: Romantic Maidens Book Tours - we service many different genres like Paranormal, Fantasy, Contemporary, Young Adult, Historical, and Erotica.

As I welcome the new year, I look forward to being more outgoing when I'm on a set whether it is TV or Film. I also look forward to having a rewarding business position in a fun company. Ultimately, I hope to be doing what I love which is acting and creating new characters come to life.

From me to you, Happy New Year. May you all be prosperous! Let me know your plans for 2013 or 2012 highlights!

P.S. Do you like my new template? New Year, New Design.

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