On My Bookshelf

A lot of people ask for good reads. Well, I started reading Dead and Alive, but then got interrupted by receiving Wallace for Christmas.  Some good reads if you ask me!

WALLACE by Jim Gorant

What the Blurb says: Saved from a suspicious breeder, Wallace was a dog with so much drive and intensity that he flustered the people and dogs around him to the point that the no-kill shelter where he ended up considered putting him down. But where some saw menace, Roo and Clara Yori saw misunderstanding. After a long fight they were allowed to take Wallace home. 

Determined to give Wallace the focus and support he needed, the Yoris stumbled into the world of canine disc competitions—an unlikely place for a big-headed, lumbering pit bull to make his mark. But through the sheer will of his unbending desire, Wallace exceeded all expectations, and along the way he helped salvage the couple who had saved him and became a symbol of hope and potential in a larger struggle.

What I Loved: I love reading true stories about dogs. Wallace happens to be Hector's fur-brother. Hector is a Vicktory Dog.  And I think we all know I'm obsessed with the Vicktory Dogs. I've been following Wallace on Facebook and wanted to know more about him. Of course I cried throughout almost the whole thing.  You see, Wallace currently has cancer. But he's beating the odds and living longer than his vet thought! And then I smile knowing how his whole life (after being adopted by the Yori's) is all about changing perceptions. And then I start to tear up again because I'm thinking about dogs who have stigma's attached to them just because of what they "are." And then I smile thinking about the ones I know personally who are changing local perceptions... This cycle just keeps on going. 

You'll Love it if... you like a true underdog story.

DEAD AND ALIVE by Dean Koontz

What the Blurb says: As a devastating hurricane approaches, as the benighted creations of Victor Helios begin to spin out of control, as New Orleans descends into chaos and the future of humanity hangs in the balance, the only hope rests with Victor’s first, failed attempt to build the perfect human. Deucalion’s centuries-old history began as the original manifestation of a soulless vision–and it is fated to end in the ultimate confrontation between a damned creature and his mad creator. But first they must face a monstrosity not even Victor’s malignant mind could have conceived–an indestructible entity that steps out of humankind’s collective nightmare with powers, and a purpose, beyond imagining.

What I Loved: I'm a monster book nerd. I can't help it. I like to read about zombies, vampires, monsters.  I especially love Dean Koontz books.  This is book three in the Frankenstein series. I bought the entire series at a garage sale for a total of $2. I paid $5 since all proceeds went to a dog rescue group. Sheesh, how did I start talking about dogs again? Monsters. We're talking about monsters and stuff. Keep on subject.

You'll Love if... you like monster books.  Book one was good. Book two started to get a little strange. Book three is beyond strange. I wonder what book four will bring.

Birchbox November 2011

Birchbox is an awesome company I discovered a few months back.  For $10 a month they send you a box of beauty samples.  I LOVE samples.  Sometimes one of those samples are trial sizes.  For example, there was a trial size of a Too Faced product which normally runs for $20 for that trial size. So you can see, a lot of times your samples far outweigh the measly monthly cost. Plus, I get so excited to see that little hot pink box in my mailbox.  I have loved some of the samples and not-so-much others.  I really like to try before I buy.  If you want to sign up for Birchbox too send me an email and I'll send you the link!  It's no obligation and you can stop or pause your $10 monthly subscription at any time.  

Rambling... Let's get to the good stuff! 

Introducing November 2011 Birchbox!

The cologne smells sooooo good. I have a feeling that will be gone by next week.  I might have to ask Santa for that one.  I'm going to try the face mud tonight. I'll let you know how that goes.  The shimmer creme looks interesting. I bet it will be awesome.  And the nail polish... LOVE. It's hot pink~ how can I not? The coasters are pretty cool too.  I really dig letterpress and they have a cute design. I also got a free gift because I always review the samples on Birchbox's website.  That cute little wood pop black bracelet is from BaubleBar. Totally cute!

Two thumbs up for November's Birchbox!

Product Review: Mascara

I LOVE mascara!  I rarely leave home without it.  However, I'm very picky when it comes to mascara. I have tried a few brands this past year and now it's time to review so you too can decide for yourself!

Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara

  

This is the one I keep going back to~ Good Ol' Standby.  It makes my lashes look fuller.  Easy to wash off with eye make-up remover. Stays on 8 hours. Have to reapply if I'm going out at night. Nice brush. I like. $14.

Two Thumbs Up!

Tarte gifted Amazonian Clay Mascara

I bought this when it was on special at Ulta. I got it for $10 (so I bought two!).  Nice brush. My lashes look full. It does not flake.  It stays on 10+ hours.  Easy to wash off with eye make-up remover.  I especially love the concept behind it.  Because of it's ingredients (click HERE to see them) the claim is that you will see healthier lashes in 3 weeks.  I have!! $19.

Two Thumbs Up!

Blinc Mascara

I received a sample of this mascara in my October Birchbox.  It "tubes" your lashes.  The major claim is that it does not clump, wear off, is waterproof without the damaging effects of waterproof mascara.  Click HERE for the exact description of what it is supposed to do. It's weird.  You don't wash off the mascara.  You pull it off in tubes. I like the concept, but when I tried it I do not like it. I even gave it three chances to grow on me.  It does not give you full lashes. Whimpy brush. No like. $25.

Two Thumbs Down.

CoverGirl LashBlast

Back in the day before I was focused on cruelty-free products I liked CoverGirl.  LashBlast was all the rage.  Drew Barrymore wore it so it had to be good. It claims to give you that ultimate big-lash look. HA. Not so. Skimpy brush that I did not like. $7.50.

Two Thumbs Down.

CoverGirl Professional Remarkable Washable Waterproof

This was my absolute go-to for years! LOVED IT.  And I would still love it if CoverGirl was cruetly-free.  It stayed on for 8 hours, made my lashes look big and had a nice brush.  And was inexpensive. $7.50.

Thumbs down because of company philosophy.

Thumbs up due to how well it works.

I've got my eye on testing a few others (namely Sephora house-brand and Victoria's Secret house-brand), but that will have to wait for me to run out of the 3 I have in stock (1 Mary Kay Ultimate, 1 Tarte and the Tarte that I'm using right now)!

Tarte Lipstains - Product Review

I received this yummy Tarte Lipsurgence Lip Stain in Moody as a free gift from Ulta over the weekend.  It looked a little dark but when I put it on... I LOVED IT! 

Lipstain is so different from lipstick and lipgloss.  It's stays on longer than lipgloss and gives a yummy subtle color, unlike lipstick.  Plus this line of Lipsurgence is all sorts of good for your lips. Check out here... Tarte Lipsurgence.  You can color your entire lips to give you a bold boost of color or you can put a little on your finger and rub over your lips to give you a little boost of color. 

I give it a million stars and tell you to run out to your local Sephora or Ulta and pick one up!

Plus...

Back to M*A*C

M*A*C has an awesome recycle program!!

I just learned of this today and couldn't wait to spread the news.  By returning six [6] M·A·C primary packaging containers to a M·A·C counter or M·A·C Cosmetics Online, you receive a free M·A·C Lipstick of your choice as their thanks to you!!  I think I have three pretty much empty containers sitting in my bathroom drawer right now. Half way there!

You will need to download THIS form if you would like to participate!

Even better, M*A*C is animal-cruelty free.  Many of you know of my deep commitment to only support animal cruelty-free companies, but that is another topic for another day. 

Today we are celebrating our {BEAUTIFUL} selves! 

So go ahead, buy that lipstick and feel good about it!

For more program details click here.

Open Letter to the NBA

Dear NBA,

Please reach an agreement soon. I will be so sad if you do not. Pretty please with a cherry on top. Let me remind you of some of the good times we have had.

Yours truly,
SandyPants

P.S. Look... I'll even admit that at one time I loved Boozer and Williams. How am I going to get goofy new pictures next to cardboard cutouts if we don't have a season?  *sniff * sniff *

To Create

This speaks to me.  It might as well have come straight from the mouth of my little creative monster that is usually cooped up.

Hapa Taqueria- Taco Review

The girls and I wanted to try a new taco place~ Hapa Taqueria (275 S. 200 W., SLC).  We had read great reviews on Yelp including a few that excited us around $1 tacos. 

They boasted yummy street-style tacos.  Yes, they were yummy and small (street-style).  But they were not $1.  They are $2.50 each.  I can eat one of those in like three bites.  We also heard they had a tasty brussel sprout dish.  And tasty it was.

However, service was super slow. Our waiter was nice, but S.L.O.W. and they were not busy.

Overall, good food, but slow service and overpriced for what we received. I probably will not go back unless someone else pays.

Mocha had a great idea.  Let's go to the authentic taco street cart on 9th, get delicious street-style taco's for an actual dollar, bring our own big gulp full of margarita and sit on the corner enjoying our tasty meal.  Sounds like a plan to me!

*first photo courtesy os Hapa Taqueria facebook page, second picture courtesy of T.Doan.

Bikram Yoga Survival Guide

I made it through alive.  I made it through alive and didn't pass out once.  I'm talking about surviving a month of Bikram Yoga or known to some as Sweaty-Hot-Mess Yoga. 

When I first moved to South Salt Lake 1 1/2 years ago I had to see what all this hot yoga fuss was about.  Bikram Yoga Salt Lake offers a 2 week unlimited pass for super cheap, so I tried it out and fell in love with it.  Problem though, it's terribly expensive.  Think $15 per class normally.  Even if you buy a pass it's like $120 for a ten class pass. UGH.  So when CityDeals offered one month unlimited for $40 I snagged it up without hesitation.  I started my one month journey on May 14.  And now my one month is over.  And I'm sad.  I tried to go as often as I could and usually ended up going three to four times a week.  90 minutes of pure dedication in a room that is 105 degrees and 40% humidity.  I started craving my yoga sessions.  I started dropping weight.  At first I thought it was water weight, but after four weeks I am down 7 pounds.  That is huge for me!  My weight normally only changes by a decimal point.  Maybe this is just the detox my body needed. And this funny little scoliosis back I have started feeling better.  It's amazing. So after 4 weeks of Bikram Yoga here is my survival guide for all of you who might be considering it.

Bikram Survival Guide 101

Weekend Movie Review

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I sure did!  Boyfriend and I had a very productive two days of getting our garden ready for planting next weekend. I took all sorts of pictures and was looking forward to editing and blogging about it Sunday night.  But alas, Boyfriend got a little happy with the tiller and cut through our internet line.  It wasn't buried very deep. WHOOPS.  So in the meantime...

Monday Movie Review!

I saw two FABULOUS movies over the weekend.

{Water for Elephants}

I LIKED it.  It was definetly a drama.  And yes, I cried.  Not because Robert Pattinson was portraying a human, but because I liked Rosy the elephant and there's a sad part that made me want to smack the ringmaster. OHHHHH Evil, Evil man. Reese Witherspoon has some absolutely gorgeous outfits. I'm currently reading the book, so I'll let you know how it compares after I have finished. I give this one 4 stars.

{African Cats}

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. It is rated G.  So with it being rated G and being from Disney I thought for sure this movie can't be sad in any shape or form.  Nope.  I cried.  But then again I cry at anything that has to do with animals.  And the handicap. I can't help it.  I give it 5 stars.
Go visit Disney and watch the trailer HERE.



I will shoot you with my laser...

Please say the title of this post in Dr. Evil's voice (from Austin Powers). It will sound much funnier.

I've got laser hair removal on the brain.  So I thought I would do a "Product Review" on it. Now remember, these are just my views on the whole thing from what I have experienced.  Make your own educated decision and don't just take my word for it. This is going to be long so if you want to know details keep reading, otherwise know that I {LOVE} laser hair removal and would recommend it at as long as you do your research beforehand. 5 STARS.

HAIR FREE... How awesome does that sound? Never having to shave again... Music to my ears.  But alas, laser hair removal has always been out of reach because of how expensive it can be.  $1000 for six treatments on your underarms? Ouch.  And then something wonderful happened...

GROUPON... $99 for six laser treatments.

HELLO! But of course, being the smart consumer I am I did my research.  I called the specific medical spa that was offering this deal and asked them all sorts of questions including the most important- what kind of laser do you use?  I researched that laser.  Looked okay.  Said it didn't hurt.  I understood how the laser was going to work.  So I bought the deal and scheduled my first appointment.  I have now had two appointments and my underarms have never been better or hair free. I barely shave.  I'm one of the few who took really well to laser hair removal.  Normally you don't start to see a reduction in hair until your fourth treatment. Well, rock on body of mine!  And it was completely pain free. SERIOUSLY. And fast~ 15 minutes.  And NO side effects. This laser rocked, as did my laser technician.  I'm glad I did my research.  So this is me giving 5 STAR to Vincent Surgical Center and the awesome laser they use. I wish I would have taken a "Before" picture. Oh well. Thank you Vincent!  Four more appointments to go...

And then I thought to myself, this is working so well I hope another $99 laser deal comes up.  And to my wishes Groupon, CityDeals, KSLDeals all started in on the bandwagon.  I had lots of $99 laser deals to choose from.  And once again I did my research.  If I called the specific spa and they didn't know what kind of laser they used that was a red flag. Yep. Don't go there.  My second $99 I choose was for The Forum.  I once again asked what laser they were using and about the laser tech (ie. how long they had been doing it, training, etc). Very friendly, very imformative and knew their stuff.  So I bought the deal.  When I got to Sanctuary Day Spa for The Forum treatments they asked if I wanted to upgrade. YES!  I spent 10 minutes talking to the laser tech having her explain in detail everything. She was awesome!  This laser wasn't as pain free, but was still 90% pain free. I think I only flinched about 5 times and it only felt like a pin prick, plus it was in a more sensitive area. After my appointment I talked to the owner of The Forum for another 15, 20 minutes. He just happened to be hanging out in the lobby when I went to check out.  He gave me even more info and explained why he would be able to get rid of my blonde leg hair if I ever decided I wanted to do that. WHAT? You can get rid of my blonde leg hair! YAY!  It's because their laser isn't just a "laser". There's also radio waves.  For blonde, gray, red hair and those with tanned skin they turn the laser level down and the radio waves up.  The laser isn't searching for the pigments.  The radio waves are taking care of business instead.  My laser tech has blonde leg hair and told me she'll try it and let me know if it works for sure.  So maybe one day I'll never have to shave my legs either... SWEEET.  I have actually bought another laser deal for Boyfriend to get his neck lasered and four of my girlfriends have also bought the deal with The Forum after I have told them about my experience.  Thank you CityDeals for offering it again! Due to the area in which I'm getting treatment with this laser I'm opting out of taking a "before" picture. Might be too graphic. With my one treatment experience so far I'm giving The Forum 5 STARS.

Overall, if you are interested in laser hair removal do you research.  I say it's awesome and I'm glad I did it.  My new moto... Hair Free by 2012!

FYI...Okay, and when I say "NEVER" I'm not necessarily being literal.  No company can guarantee 100% permanent hair removal.  That's because your hormones might change. It happens when you get prego or go through menopause or for various other reasons.  When your hormones change sometimes your hair growth patterns change to and you might experience a resurge in the hair department. Who knows.  But that's why no company can truly claim 100% permanent.  But "pretty much never" works for me...

*Disclaimer~ I am not affiliated with Groupon, CityDeals, KSLDeals, Vincent Surgical, Sanctuary Day Spa or The Forum.  I'm not getting paid or any free offers for expressing my views.  I'm just telling you what I think.